v1.01 THE BRITISH CROWN

THE BRITISH CROWN A dominion upon which the sun never sets. The Pax Britannica. The Crown Inviolate. Such statements once shook palaces and humbled kings. Those days are now slowly slipping away like the memories of a half-remembered dream. The Crown is no longer the pre-eminent industrial power, and its armies and navies no longer unchallenged in their dominions. Yet, there shall always be strength in the men and women of Albion, and the Crown has many loyal servants still. Rebels, traitors, foreign despots, tyrants and petty kings; The Crown has faced many before and shall do so again before the light fades. This world belongs rightfully to the Crown and let those who arrogantly say otherwise incur the wrath of the righteous, God Save the Queen! THE BRITISH CROWN v1.01

General-Feldmarschall, royal bureaucracy that was the envy of European monarchs in its rigidity and Please find below as requested the intelligence its organisational skill. Justice, wealth briefing compiled by Cadet Steiner at the Staff and power flowed from the monarch Academy in Berlin. What his writing lacks in directly through royal servants without strict discipline he makes up for with an eye the normal intermediaries of overmighty for detail and a clear grasp of political realities. feudal subjects vying for power and I have taken the liberty of leaving the status. [Examiner’s Note: True, but where comments of the examiner in place to and are you going with this?] This habit of welcome your own assessment of the piece. centralising royal power soon extended It would be a great honour to have one of into centralising geographical power my students accepted for further intelligence on the British Isles. It was the Kingdom training. of England that waged war or settled the outer kingdoms of Wales, Scotland Do not hesitate to contact me if you need any and Ireland to form a United Kingdom further details on the Cadet. of Great Britain and Ireland, and this Sincerely, centralising mission has underpinned all Oberst Jungl of the Crown’s policies since. [Examiner’s Note: A fair point well argued.] A STRATEGIC AND POLITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE DOMINIONS OF BLOODSTAINED PAGES THE BRITISH CROWN OF MISERY Submitted for the Intelligence Exam at the That mission, to impose order upon a Prussian Army Staff Academy disordered world, has not been without setbacks and challenges even as it delivered By Cadet A. Steiner great successes. The Crown’s efforts to involve itself seriously in European affairs THE SCEPTRED ISLE have, throughout history, chiefly been Much like our French neighbours, the poorly managed affairs, although it can be British Crown and the Dominions it rules said that the Crown always learns its lesson. has a long and storied history stretching For example, the Royal domains claimed back nearly into antiquity. At first by the English in France since the time of conquered by the Romans, then invaded by William the Conqueror were never loyal Vikings and Normans in the Early Middle enough to be incorporated into the realm Ages, the British Isles were a crucible of permanently. Whilst monarchs made small war and struggle that necessitated strong attempts to recover them at various points centralised leadership. [Examiner’s Note: in history, it is clear that this became a Fanciful and stylistic. Hardly in keeping with matter of prestige and policy rather than a military essay.] a genuine national objective. The Crown Since those Dark Ages onwards, the learned from the experience that lands Kingdom of England developed a not easily conformed to Anglo-Saxon norms were clearly not worth the effort of v1.01 THE BRITISH CROWN keeping, and it allowed the lands in France forces proved well able to hold their ground to be stripped away by resurgent French against the Royalists. Much of England was sentiments during the Middle Ages. ravaged again as the tide of war rumbled back and forth across the kingdoms, and at The greatest historical mistake made by the sea the two sides fell upon one another in a Crown occurred during the reign of King furious contest. Charles I. Whilst attempting to continue the process of centralising his own rule, In the end, Cromwell’s death in 1658 whilst Charles I made the mistake of placing his in the field against Scottish Royalists at the personal ambitions above the corporate Second Battle of Dunbar was the turning ambitions of the crown that he was born point of the war. Indeed, as mentioned to bear. In foisting his own personal rule it is likely his Protectorate would have on his subjects, Charles precipitated the crumbled without him, even if he had died greatest crisis in the Crown’s history by during peacetime [Examiner’s Note: An encouraging bloody rebellion against the interesting hypothesis – not the place to expand very idea of the British monarchy. it of course]. In the end, a further three years of bloody campaigning would finally The ensuing Civil Wars (and there were place Prince Charles on the throne. several) tore the kingdom apart and threatened to permanently end the Crown’s THE RESTORATION reign. A republican regime led first by Parliament, then by radicals in the Army Before his ascension to the throne, Charles and finally under the personal control of one II was known for his fondness for drink, for Oliver Cromwell, replaced the monarchy women and for the finer things in life. Upon in Great Britain and executed King Charles his ascension as King Charles the Restored, I for treason against his own people. The however, the terrible cost of reclaiming royal family fled into exile, and the new his inheritance and the shattered state of Protectorate placed the country under an the kingdoms itself blackened his mood. unpopular tyranny (although the extent of He has since been dubbed the “Morose that tyranny has since been exaggerated by Monarch” in popular opinion, but his sober historians.) [Examiner’s Note: Keep your governmental choices and the policies he historical asides to yourself in future!] established have set a pattern for Crown history ever since. That the exiled monarchy did not simply wait for the Protectorate to collapse is Charles II acknowledged the mistakes made something of a mystery, but instead of by his father and vowed never to repeat them biding his time, Prince Charles duly raised again. Insisting upon a contract or agreement an army of his own whilst in exile and between the Crown and its favoured subjects re-invaded his own realm to reclaim the that would ensure popular support for the throne. The subsequent War of Reconquest monarchy. Only when the Crown and the was worse than any of the preceding Civil national interests were seen to be one and the Wars. Under the superb command of an same could the Crown hope to survive in an ailing Oliver Cromwell the republican uncertain world. THE BRITISH CROWN v1.01

Under his direction, the Crown massively to replace the medieval plan fought over expanded its reach in day-to-day affairs in during the Civil Wars. its domains, with royal officials becoming Worse still, and still argued by historians, it vital instruments in even the most benign of is presumed but not proved that Charles II transactions and dealings. Nonetheless, a played a hand in the mysterious death of his restricted but powerful legislative structure brother James in 1685. James would have was put in place to ensure that royal power succeeded to the throne upon his brother’s was always tempered by the consent of the death but was considered dangerous for his people – at least in a controlled way. religious beliefs (a Catholic in a Protestant Indeed, some of Charles II’s darker acts country – religion played a major part in are those most meaningful for modern the Civil Wars) and political views coloured observers of the Crown. Under his direction by exile in France and Spain during the a powerful Royal Navy was built up with the Wars of Restoration. James’ reign would sole purpose of defending the home islands have been a disaster – or at least so Charles but also to extent British power abroad. II and his government came to believe – Colonies established in North America by and he was quietly removed. exiles fleeing the Civil Wars and religious Charles II clung on to life and died in 1689 persecution swiftly found themselves aged 58 – his last few years likely extended brought back under British control. At by his strict abstinence compared to the sea, Charles’ Royal Navy waged a brutal heady days of his youth. He was succeeded, campaign against European powers in the as agreed, by King William III, Prince of Caribbean, often under the cover of piracy, Orange and grandson of King Charles I, to guarantee British wealth. [Examiner’s nephew to the “Morose Monarch.” Note: This does not seem like a particular dark action – perhaps you have omitted reference RULE BRITANNIA to the slave trade for fear of your audience’s sensibilities? Do not do so again - to provide From the experiences of the Middle accurate intelligence to the Imperium we Ages, the Civil Wars and the Restoration, must supply all possible facts, no exceptions.] the British Crown learned three important lessons: At home, Charles became increasingly concerned about the defensibility of the 1. The realm needed to be culturally towns and cities of his own realm. In 1666 homogenous – if not entirely universal, at a ruthless campaign of clearances and least at the administrative level the methods deliberate demolition was unleashed on and assumptions of governance had to be London in order to restore the city to glory the same. – to make it a fitting capital for a restored 2. The realm needed to identify its interests monarchy. With the support of the major with the needs of the Crown – or else the aristocrats and merchant houses of the Crown would fall. land, Charles II rebuilt London into the brooding city it is today for the sole purpose 3. The realm needed to be well-defended – of creating a modernised defensive capital or outside threats would dismantle it swiftly and without mercy. v1.01 THE BRITISH CROWN

These three principles governed British intelligence, the British construction of an Crown policy from then on, although no overseas empire followed a set pattern which political entity has ever publicly named confronted or suppressed local cultures and them as such. A simple analysis of the imported British norms backed by military efforts of the British since the coronation power. It is curious that the greatest failure of William III will prove, however, that for the British came not from a truly foreign these unspoken rules have governed its agency but from the most familiar of sources. actions up to and including the present day. [Examiner’s Note: Well argued. This section [Examiner’s Note: A bold statement. Now is perhaps the best. Would it have been better to provide evidence!] start with this analysis?] Firstly, in Ireland, America, India and THE AMERICAN REVOLT Africa the British established colonies with Anglicized names and under the Whilst historians still debate exactly what governorship of colonial officials from the occurred, by my analysis the British failed British Isles. Where the natives spoke a to fully follow their policy completely in different language, they were encouraged the Thirteen Colonies of North America – to speak English, where native cultures or a failure which led directly to the collapse beliefs clashed with the established norms of the American empire and a humiliation those were eradicated or outlawed. In all which has overshadowed Crown policy cases, colonial officials were trained or ever since. At first this was a simple hired from within established channels – miscalculation – French interests in North from prestigious families or universities, America grew far faster than expected and individuals who can be trusted to place the when continental wars spilled into North good of the nation, and the Crown, first. America the cost of beating them back was considerable. That cost was past onto Secondly, wherever possible, the Crown the American colonists before the colonies appointed (in all the places outlined themselves felt represented in the Crown’s above) sufficient numbers of local leaders administrative and government circles. and chieftains to positions of power and influence. Local affairs were subordinated Perhaps it was because of the superficial to international ones where possible, or similarities between the American colonists local leaders were given a stake in achieving and their British subjects that convinced the the Crown’s goals sufficient to sway their Crown it could act more freely in dealings loyalties away from their own people. with America – perhaps it was an error on the part of colonial administrators not to Thirdly, throughout the history of these realise the danger they were in – whatever three colonial regions the colonising efforts the cause the American Revolt erupted in of the Crown have been backed up by the 1776 and the war was to rage until 1783. military might of the Royal Navy and the Royal Army – and more recently by the Referred to in the Union of Federated Royal Flying Corps. American States as the American Revolution, and celebrated every 4th As you can see, whilst outwardly appearing July, amongst the domains of the Crown’s haphazard and without a guiding THE BRITISH CROWN v1.01

Dominions the events of 1776 are referred This concern soon gave way to fears of to as the Great Rebellion. Much blood and Prussian dominance. With the entire treasure were spent attempting to crush continent of Europe transformed into the American rebels, and even today the a single armed camp, the British Isles’ suspicion and mistrust bred by the conflict safety could no longer be guaranteed, and remains strong. the very heartland of the Crown would be under permanent threat. Whilst I have The experience of the Great Rebellion also been unable to confirm whether British hardened British attitudes to the rest of the fears of a Prussian invasion were well- world. The intervention of France during founded the threat was sufficiently real the war on the side of the rebels soured the enough to provoke the Crown into action. Crown’s relations with foreign powers of [Examiner’s Note: All files from the period all kinds. The fear that other power’s might remain sealed by Teutonic instruction.] intervene in its affairs at the cost of wealth, lives and influence led to a fourth principle: The British declaration of war in 1813 certainly took the early Imperium by 4. The realm shall not tolerate an equal surprise, concentrating as it was on the – no power beyond the Dominions of the final defeat of the French Republic and the British Crown may lay claim to power or strategic disaster unfolding in the east. The wealth sufficient to challenge the might of flank march undertaken by the Duke of the Crown. Wellington, who remains a national hero, THE PRUSSIAN WARS that led to the Battle of Waterloo is rightly studied still at their Sandhurst Academy The fourth principle has governed all and at our own War College in Berlin. of Crown’s actions since the loss of their Nonetheless, it is a perfect illustration American territories. British naval power of the British mindset: a short, limited was extended across the globe to strangle campaign to achieve maximum strategic foreign trade and force subservience on impact, destabilising the foe and preventing other mercantile powers. All claims of them from achieving victory. creating a “Pax Britannica” on behalf of all nations was nothing but propaganda to PERFIDIOUS ALBION cover blatant imperialist aggression. A sweeping overview of British policy Under the influence of their newfound since the Prussian Wars will reveal the determination to brook no challenge, the same pattern repeating itself over again. British government paid far more attention A potential threat to Crown dominance than usual to the affairs of the European is identified, and the opportune moment powers in the 19th Century. The rise of taken to strike and destabilise the threat Napoleon was of great concern to the before it becomes too powerful to resist. Crown, especially given the close links Over the last fifty years or so British military between Revolutionary France and the power has been brought to bear against former American colonies. almost every major power and many smaller ones to preserve its military pre-eminence. v1.01 THE BRITISH CROWN

In India rebellious provinces have been AN ISOLATED POWER suppressed with the help of local allies, and That brings us neatly to the present then against those same local allies with the situation. British power has been without support of the pacified Indian provinces. In serious challenge for over sixty years, and Africa, war has been waged against various the Crown’s willingness to stand alone tribes, destabilising some and absorbing has given its people a golden century others before then attacking their former of dominance and superiority. But that allies. Local powers unable to secure the superiority is beginning to slip, and even friendship of another European power subjects in the home islands are beginning frequently find themselves at the mercy of to see that the world has changed within Crown “gunboat diplomacy.” their lifetimes. British power is no longer In America, British military forces staged exercised so aggressively, nor can it dictate periodic spoiling attacks from Canadian terms to foreign potentates with the same soil early in the century, which then bravura attitude of before. The Dominions expanded into a naval blockade of both have also become more independent, sides during the ensuing Civil War. There with their own governing structures and is good evidence to suggest that the Crown strategic concerns that are no longer openly was instrumental in easing the passage subservient to the whims of Whitehall. of weapons of war and supplies to both [Examiner’s Note: Could you expand on sides during that conflict thanks to their this point? Perhaps there is the possibility dominance of worldwide trade. of splitting the Dominions off from the Crown completely?] In Asia, the sheer strength of the Celestian Empire has prevented the Crown from With supremacy came complacency, indulging in excessive displays of military and British military technology has force, with the exception of, aggressively lagged behind other powers’ even as the patrolling its own trade routes. The recent technological revolution brought on by the failed intervention in Korea, working in Covenant of the Enlightened has unfurled. partnership with the Russians, was clearly Whilst domestic technology is as developed modelled on similar military adventures as anywhere else, much of the extensive around the globe although the results have military might of the Crown is based on only hardened British attitudes towards older technologies. British naval vessels, that distant and mysterious power. All the whilst still sturdy and powerful, are labour more interesting is that only a decade ago intensive affairs both in construction and both Britain and Russia were at war with operation. Tactics and military thinking each other in the Crimea – with the tacit have remained largely unchanged, support of the French. Truly, the British are especially in the upper echelons where not ones for making lasting friendships with aristocratic connections are sometimes anyone. [Examiner’s Note: Divide and Rule. valued more than military experience. The age-old adage of Crown imperialism. [Examiner’s Note: Not a problem unique to Thank goodness for our more liberal approach – the British unfortunately.] centralise, consolidate and command.] THE BRITISH CROWN v1.01

British leaders are unwilling to truly Unfortunately, the Knights have several concede that maintaining the Pax “secret weapons” that make them dangerous Britannica in this new world has become enemies. Firstly, the vast majority of British next to impossible. At the current rate of public support the Knights and have done industrial and military growth, the Union for many years. That blind assumption of of Federated American States will outstrip superiority, now innate to the subject of the the British economy by the 1890s. (Our Crown ensures that the Knights’ policies own industrial output is already at 87% that play well in the occasional elections of the British.) Within a scant decade, even throughout the Dominions. It also means the Latin Alliance will be able to claim that that the Knights can mobilise mass support its navy is at a ratio of 1:3 with the Royal when needed, potentially overcoming the Navy the Crown cares so much about. manpower intensive problems inherent to [Examiner’s Note: These statistics are out of the Crown’s military. date and require citation. Please revise before Secondly, the Knights’ own assumptions final submission.] of superiority means they are more willing LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY to provoke an early confrontation with a foreign enemy; assured of their own The reality is that after decades of playing preparedness to defeat an enemy, the one enemy against the other, the Crown Knights may well end up impetuously cannot afford to provoke the general charging into a war they have little hope of war that would be required to maintain winning. And yet, in doing so they may also its position. Nonetheless, the British prove themselves right – by confronting Dominions remain a formidable foe – one its enemies now the Crown may yet buy backed into a corner and prepared to fight itself some time to achieve victory, before to the last to preserve its gains. its foes have become too technologically, industrially or militarily advanced. This explains the present political situation in the British Dominions. The current [Examiner’s Note: Interesting point – prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli, is leader encouraging the Knights too much may lead to of a faction in the House of Commons a confrontation with the Crown that we are known colloquially as the “Knights”. The not yet ready for. Even now there are officers Knights are believers in the power and in the Imperial Prussian Navy who consider glory of the Crown’s Dominions and are open confrontation with the Royal Navy a willing to risk much in defending it. They poor strategy for much the same reason.] are fundamentally opposed, in principle, In short, the Knights may end up creating to most major reforms of the Dominions the circumstances for the very reforms and are (especially amongst reactionaries) they love to despise. By uniting the British unwilling to consider that it has any flaws. public behind their “Britannic Glory” For our purposes, the maintenance of rhetoric they will tap into the greatest the Knight government would be most resource the Crown has – its people. beneficial in terms of policy. Stubborn and yet ingenious under pressure, those same people will be galvanised by the v1.01 THE BRITISH CROWN

Knights’ patriotism to innovate, improve Flying Corps and Army into three “fleets”. and develop. In the end, the Knights own The rank structure was made uniform across conservative instincts may actually unleash the three services, and clear lines of seniority forces they cannot truly control. established. The practice of buying and selling commissions was abolished above FORTRESS BRITANNIA a certain grade, and military recruitment was opened to individuals throughout the The Knights’ pre-eminence at the moment Crown’s territories. The Dominion Reform rests on their mass support, but if they suffer was even more alarming – the colonial another misadventure like Korea, Disraeli’s administrations of Canada, South Africa and government is unlikely to survive for much India were all recognised as legitimate semi- longer. Much like their masters, the British autonomous authorities, with their own voter is a stubborn and mercurial beast, independent administrations and militaries, quick to change his or her opinions and albeit under a certain element of central often likely to vote against a motion merely direction. Only a foolish attempt to expand because they felt their support had been the reforms to fractious Ireland brought taken for granted. Gladstone’s project to a screeching halt. Enter William Gladstone, leader of the Luckily, the British public at the moment Rooks. Unlike their opponents, the Rooks considers Gladstone and his colleagues believe that the Crown would be best served as naysayers and doom-mongers; more by a period of withdrawal and consolidation interested in “talking the Crown and her rather than ineffectual defiance and bluster. Dominions down” than in truly attempting Only by harnessing the forces of new to fix its problems. As previously stated, technology, and the varied cultures and however, this could change if the peoples of the Crown’s Dominions, can it Knights are unable to deliver on the hope to survive in this new and modern age. fiction of Crown superiority indefinitely. This philosophy makes the Rooks [Examiner’s Note: An excellent summary dangerous in the long term, as given free of the dangers the Rooks pose in the long term. reign over British government would see However, even in Opposition they could root-and-branch reform that would cut prove damaging. The British government out a lot of the dead wood throughout has in the past shown a willingness to adjust both the administration and the military course on the fly, poaching popular policies of the Crown – and lead to a dangerous from other quarters if necessary. How revitalisation of its capability in the flexible are the Knights in their patriotic long term. Of course, such things can be insistence that nothing should change?] overstated, but the danger presented by Gladstone’s reformist zeal is all too clear. TEMPLARS OF THE CROWN As a case in point, the last Rook The Rooks will need to be watched administration reformed wholesale the carefully, especially if they achieve power Crown’s military according to the “Three in the near future. Another aberration, Armadas” Review – which centralised and however, deserves our total attention. An then standardised the Royal Navy, Royal institution dedicated solely to the service of THE BRITISH CROWN v1.01 the Crown, the Templars are something of greater autonomy for these former colonies. an oddity worldwide. Exactly how encouraging such radical ideas defends the Crown is unclear, yet there is Officially, they are the “Royal Templars one theory advanced by Professor Herford of the Round Table”, established or re- in Vienna. [Examiner’s Note: A crank. None established by King George III after the of his papers achieved sufficient peer-reviewed loss of the American colonies. They claim, scores to be published. Surely you do not truly truthfully or not it is impossible to tell, agree with him?] Herausford posits that the to be the modern incarnation of a much Templars take a far longer-term view of the older institution, whether that is indeed strategic situation than most. Their ultimate the Round Table of Arthurian romance goal is to safeguard the Crown, not preserve or something else is unclear. Certainly, the British Dominions in its current form. In its members are officially knighted by the truth, their strategy may involve killing the reigning monarch and its symbolism is Crown in order to save it. replete with esoteric meaning. It is unclear what, if any, relation they have with the Nonetheless, the Templars remain a silent Knights Templar of Medieval Europe, but committed presence in British daily although the similarities are there. life. Many charities working with the poor and invalid within the Crown’s cities Unlike the Teutonic Knights, however, rely on donations sourced from Templar the Templars make no effort to directly funds (if indirectly channelled via other rule their people and instead seem religious institutions or secular concerns). to be dedicated quite selflessly to the It should be noted that the Templars also preservation and reform of the Crown to commit military forces to battle as well. make it stronger. [Examiner’s Note: Are These units were once more likely to be you suggesting that the Teutonic Knights are support based than frontline combatants, not selflessly dedicated to the preservation and often medical support units or rear-echelon reform of the Imperium?] The Templars troops working to serve the rank-and-file sponsor political groups affiliated with of the British Land Fleet. Recently, more both the Knights and the Rooks, fund dedicated combat troops have appeared technological research councils and bearing the blazon of the “Order of St. academic committees. So-called “think- John”, believed to come from the Templar tanks” associated with the Templars have fortress on Malta. Such units are often been behind many of the greatest reforms fast and deadly, using speed and shield and innovations in British life in the past technology to defend themselves and shelter century – yet the Templars themselves take other Crown forces. It is believed that some little of the credit, and merely move on to amongst the Templars are forecasting a the next problem. violent confrontation in the near future, The Templars have established chapters one which will require their own knights throughout the Crown and have recently to participate in. [Examiner’s Note: Your been identified as sponsoring movements survey of the Templars is interesting, but I throughout the Dominions – including fail to see exactly how important this is to our some organisations that campaign for overall understanding of the Crown’s strategic v1.01 THE BRITISH CROWN identity. The Templars are a minor concern, it the time to heal and return stronger than and in the event of war, Malta will surely fall ever? [Examiner’s Note: Far too heavy on to the Teutonic Knights as planned.] the metaphors. Nonetheless, a good way of summarising your appraisal – even if it is too IN CONCLUSION florid for my tastes.] The British Crown and her Dominions are a Final Examiners Remarks: A strong essay study in contradictions: all at once it is both that summarises and identifies the main strong and weak, advancing and retreating, themes in Crown history well. You draw globally powerful and yet also unable to some excellent strategic and political dictate terms. This tension at the heart commentary out of the historical details of the Crown becomes more pronounced and provide a good overview of the modern with every passing year as its foes grow political realities as well. Dwelling on stronger and more emboldened and as its the Templars is unnecessary, they are leaders become more aware that their old a romanticised curio, not a genuine certainties and prejudices no longer apply. institution whatever the similarities to the Teutonic Knights. Your description of Yet at the same time, that tension provides “secret weapons” of the Knights and your a great reserve of strength, like galvanic final summary (metaphors aside) are stand- energy stored in a battery or a tank of out pieces of analysis – the Crown is both RJ-1027. Whilst a careful pinprick might ready to fall and yet also still a terrifying cause the contents to leak out in a dull fizz foe we cannot be certain of beating yet. or with a limp gurgle, it may also trigger an explosive reaction that would consume Moderated Score – 77 those foolish enough to get close. My dear Oberst, This leaves us with difficult choices to make. Thank you for directing this young man to The British Crown and her Dominions are my attention. Regrettably he will no longer like a wounded lion, pitiable in its agony be attending your classes in the future. Rest and yet still possessed of great and terrible assured, however, that his brilliant mind will strength. Do we provoke it? Walking into be of service to the Imperium in a different the proverbial lion’s den as Daniel did of capacity. Nil Obstet. old? Will it lie down and accept the end or savage us with all the ferocity of a master General-Feldmarschall Storck predator? Or do we stay at a distance and Knight Commander of the Luminary Rite let its strength ebb away and risk allowing