Springtime of Empires 1600 - 1705

1702 – 1705
North America
Further colonial expansion occurs.

The war (see below) has little effect on the Spanish colonies. The population continues to grow and more universities are established, especially in the Mexican region.


South America
Further colonial expansion occurs here too.

The war hasn’t any effect on the Spanish colonies here either. Population growth increases in the Peruvian region. A second university is established in Lima.




Europe
Scandinavia
Recovery from the recent war continues. But more of note is the establishment of a University of Natural History in Stockholm.

Spain
War is declared against the Ottomans in 1703. Tensions were increased deliberately. The official casus belli is privateer actions in the Adriatic.

Spanish-Ottoman War
It would be considered that war between Span and the Ottomans was inevitable. The Spanish had been planning for such a war for a while. Tensions increased and in late 1703 a Spanish ship fired upon an Ottoman ship off the Ionian Islands. Once news of the battle reached Constantinople, the Sultan declared war on Spain without much delay. There had been increasing reports of privateers attacking Ottoman shipping in the eastern Mediterranean over the past decade.
The Spanish would capture several of the Ionian islands in mid 1704 and land a force on the Greek mainland later that year. The Ottomans are unable to dislodge this beachhead. Another landing, on Crete, is more successful.

Austria
The Austrians are still recovering from previous war. As such, they turn down the Spanish diplomatic overtures to join into the war.

Russia
The Tsar considers taking advantage of the situation between the Spanish and Ottomans. He makes his decision in early 1705.

Russian choice
The Russian ambassador to Spain delivers the Tsar’s choice regarding joining the War in late June 1705 (according to the Gregorian Calendar).


Africa
Spanish-Ottoman War
Upon the outbreak of war, Spain is able to capture part of Egypt, but the campaign would stalemate before they reach Alexandria.

Sub Saharan Africa
Existing European settlements expand.

Some Ethiopian expansion occurs.


Asia
Spanish-Ottoman War
Navel battles around Cyprus and off the shore of the Holy Land.

India
The Portugese-Dravidian League War continues.




Oceania
Subdivisions are established in the Spanish Australian colony. Further expansion occurs up the east coast.