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The Pyrenean Gambit

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Aarshia Kaushik

Director of Crisis Committee

Medha Shrivastava

Director of Crisis Committee

Additional Directors: Krish Aggarwal, Manasvi Bhambani, Shiven Uppal
Committee Type: Continuous Crisis Committee
Committee Structure: The committee will consist of delegates representing the French Council and the Spanish Council. The directors will represent King Louis XIV of France and King Philip IV of Spain.
Committee size: 25–30 delegates
Procedure: The standard procedure for continuous crisis committee shall be followed throughout the proceedings.
Freeze Date: 20th May, 1643

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Background

The Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659) was set against the backdrop of the European conflict of the Thirty Years' War that had put the Kingdom of France against the Spanish Empire. During the 17th century, the House of Bourbon in France, the Habsburg Empire in Spain and the Holy Roman Empire struggled to dominate the geopolitical landscape of Europe. Territorial claims, long standing conflicts and the drive to dominate Europe fuelled hostilities amongst these empires.   Cardinal Richelieu, the most trusted advisor of King Louis XIII, tried to establish France as the European superpower, while King Philip IV tried to preserve its slowly declining but formidable Spanish empire. During the Thirty Years’ War, France, led by a Catholic King, funded and supported the Protestants against the Habsburg Empire. A resurgence of Huguenot discontent within French borders forced French troops to focus on internal concerns. By 1630, France signed treaties with both Bavaria and Sweden.In 1635, after signing the Peace Treaty of Prague, France still chose to declare war on Spain,. The war was fought on multiple fronts such as the Spanish Netherlands, Pyrenees and Italy. While Spain was weakened by revolts in Catalonia and Portugal and struggled economically, France faced unrest internally, leading to disruption in war efforts due to civil war. Despite this, both empires were all set to write the destiny of one of the most powerful continents of the world. 

 

Current Situation:

On the 14th of May, King Louis XIII passed away in his sleep in Paris. His abrupt demise has led to the crowning of his unready son, Louis XIV. This shall topple the scale of the Peace of Europe making it a critical point for what must the future hold. Currently, the date is 20th May, 1643. France has just won the pivotal Battle of Rocroi. During this time, Spain faced political instability and significant military struggles. After the loss in the Battle of Rocroi, the Spanish morale was at an all time low. It is up to the delegates to handle the faith of Europe as the Two great powers have reached an Impasse.

Les vents soufflent vers l'est, entendez-vous les pas qui piétinent ?

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