It can be a formidable foe, and a difficult one for an enemy to attack. Russia has boundless resources to draw upon, and the steadfast courage of its people to bolster its armies. Under the right guidance, they could unite the German-speaking peoples into a single entity, dominate the Baltic and, perhaps, extend their reach far beyond the confines of Central Europe. These could form the basis of a truly world-beating army. They have the potential to become a great continental power thanks to their martial traditions, many of which can be traced back to the Teutonic Knights. Prussians have always had to fight, but that has made them competent, not bloodthirsty. A Polish leader who picked his alliances carefully, and his wars equally so, could do much to make his country great. The various German states need allies, the same as other nations, and cannot expect to take anything they want without a struggle. The Russians have no divine right to dominate the steppes, or the Swedes to control the Baltic. And yet, these rivalries could be turned to advantage. PolandвЂ™s problems, and enmities, are those of any state surrounded by ambitious rivals, all of whom are looking to become stronger at someone elseвЂ™s expense. And to the east, the route to India offers the chance of riches. Control of the Mediterranean would allow a Sultan to do as he pleases with the smaller European powers. Strategically, the Empire is in a potentially strong position: the Balkans are a natural bastion to defend Istanbul, and a possible springboard for conquest into central Europe.

The Ottomans also have power over the whole of the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. Ottoman power is unmatched in its extent and grandeur, straddling the traditional trade route between Europe and Asia. Unless a strong hand guides India, it is possible that the rule of Mughal outsiders will be replaced by the lordship of European outsiders. For now, the Europeans want only money and trade, but soon they will be after concessions, a little piece of land here, another piece there, until all is ruled by foreigners from across the sea. Perhaps now, though, it is time to think of expansion. The Maratha Empire or Confederacy was born in violence, as the result of the successful overthrow of Mughal rule less than a generation ago. The untrustworthy British may have to be swept aside or crushed, but what is wrong with that? France is surrounded by possibilities, and beyond Europe there are other continents to conquer and colonise: New France in North America, and the riches of India. Few nations pose any real threat to its well-equipped armies and heavily fortified borders. In 1700, France is the pre-eminent power in Western Europe, with an unrivalled army, vast colonies and a King who is respected and feared by all, both at home and abroad. This, then, is the fundamental aim of Britain: to side with the weak in Europe against the strong вЂ“ and steal as many overseas possessions as possible while doing it! A nation that can unite the resources of Europe will surely crush the dream of Albion. They are partly right, but only as long as there is no centralised Continental power. The English and Scots like to think that they can sleep safe, that no foreign invader or tyranny need worry them. This latter scheme requires the Turks to be persuaded вЂ“ at sword point вЂ“ that their destiny lies outside Europe.Д«ritainвЂ™s strength lies at sea, but in trade and colonisation as much as naval power. This gives the Austrians the potential to become a truly great power, either within the borders of the old Empire, to the south in Italy, or to the east.

Leopold I, the ruling Hapsburg, has brought peace and prosperity, and maintained a first-class military machine. The history of Austria is one of warfare against invaders from the east, and the infidel Turks in particular.

Empire total war poland