• An Iron Will: A 1923 Alternate History RP
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[b]The Invasion of Manchuria[/b] [t]https://lyndenpacifictheater.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/ija_forces_in_manchuria.jpg[/t] [quote]Pictured: Japanese forces in Changchun, Manchuria. October 1927[/quote] [quote] [b]March, 1927[/b] In the early hours of the first of March, 1927, Japanese artillery batteries open up on semi-fortified positions of Fengtian troops. Within hours, Japanese soldiers swarm over the border, facing minimal resistance. In the small port regions held by the Fengtian Clique, Japanese cruisers fire upon military installations, setting them on fire. With most of their armies advancing into China, the Fengtian troops were unable to withstand the tide of Japanese soldiers sweeping up from the south. For weeks, most resistance that Japan faces comes in the form of upset farmers and disorganized militiamen, who are crushed underfoot. After the Japanese finish crossing through Mukden and begin surrounding Harbin, Fengtian armies enter open revolt against their commanders. The Fengtian Clique is fighting a losing war, and many of these troops simply desire to return home. Some choose to carry Japanese banners, and seize territory in name of Japan. This is a contentious point for Japanese high command, as this could easily lead to a war with other Chinese powers. Meanwhile, Japanese marines land and seize the Republican city of Shanghai. These marines evacuate the legations to rear positions, and set up a series of fortifications around the city. Though the Republic is offended by the act, they can do little, as the Japanese seek to ensure the safety of foreign dignitaries within China. Nonetheless, Japan has now shown itself to be a power that can reach out and grab those that challenge them. Observers comment on Japanese troops and not only their civility, but sheer brutality in combat. Such tenacity hasn’t been seen by European armies since the days of the Crusades, and it shocks some that such a modern age could have such “ferocious combatants”. Asia will never be the same.[/quote]
We're ahead of schedule! Who knows, maybe we'll get into the second world war before the decade is over
[quote] [img]https://i.imgur.com/b2VZOpO.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/NPO9eCT.png[/img] [b]January-December, 1927[/b][/quote] [quote] [img]https://i.imgur.com/KtwceGd.png[/img] [/quote] [quote] [b]World Tension is LOW[/b] [b]World Economy is DESTABILIZING[/b] -- [b]World Events[/b] - [highlight]Japanese troops enter Manchuria[/highlight] in what is declared a “police action”. The war against the Fengtian clique is swift and brutal, with many Manchurian soldiers simply surrendering and returning home. Zhang Zuolin and his associates flee Manchuria, leaving only a cadre of generals behind - Shanghai sees the arrival of Japanese marines who immediately prepare a defensive perimeter around the city. Japanese troops pledge to protect the legations of foreign powers. Chiang Kai Shek is occupied with fighting off the warlords, and can do little to object - The war in China deteriorates for many warlord factions as they are gobbled up one by one by superior opponents, who then clash with the beleaguered Republic. Tens of thousands are already dead and the number is feared to grow higher over the coming years if nothing else is done - The Asociația Fermierilor din România continues to protest in Romania, their marches growing larger and larger by the day. In Bucharest, hundreds are arrested as a Pro-Communist rally is turned into a riot after Police decide to break up the rally. The AFR vows revenge, and plans hundreds of rallies come the start of 1928 - In Romania, as the AFR grows, so do the Garda de Fier, or Iron Guard. The Iron Guard is formed as a direct resistance to the growth of the AFR, and begins to counter their rallies, sometimes violently. Romanian police are forced to call upon military units to assist in keeping the peace, which is a slowly deteriorating situation - The Národní Obec Fašistická (National Fascist Community) marches in Prague with nearly three thousand members. Demanding a “Unity amongst Slavs against communism”, the NOF rally shocks the general public, not only with its formality, but its sheer size. Communist groups in Czechoslovakia are forced to go underground - Oil prices continue to drop as Turkey and Britain begin exporting oil by the boatload, and companies like Shell continue to pump out the black gold in Texas. Futures regarding oil are hazy, and profits churn like a stormy sea[/quote] -- [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/hIfBtz9.png[/img] - After intense deliberation in Paris, the United Kingdom, Germany and France come to an agreement on the Rhineland. In what is known simply as the Rhineland Accord, France will seek to meet the accord’s seven parameters, and allow Germany to return to some form of normalcy - French and Japanese delegates meet in Paris, and both sides reach an agreement. Japan gives samples of penicillin as well as a handful of radios to the French, who in exchange give copies of the MAT-23, the Two Ton Truck and their improved machining tools. Though publicly it seems one sided, the fact that the French now have their hands on one of the most important drugs in human history makes up for the trade with gusto - Turkey and France reach a deal in which, for payment in oil and bullion, the Turkish purchase one cruiser, three destroyers and five submarines from French naval yards. These ships will take more than a year to finish construction, but are used as a way to mobilize hundreds of unemployed engineers in France - Taking a significant step forward in calming tensions throughout Europe, France officially recognizes the Soviet Union, and opens an embassy in Moscow. The deal is celebrated by socialists in France, and a Pro-Soviet rally is held in Paris. Meanwhile, Franco-Soviet relations warm quickly as trade is normalized between the two countries - The American ambassador to France is brought into Gaston Doumergue’s office. After awkward silence, Doumergue leans forward at his desk and gives the ambassador an incredibly simple message. “Europe’s affairs are not America’s affairs.” The ambassador resigns the next day and is hastily replaced - France cuts its ties with Spain and revokes all major diplomatic deals. France places serious sanctions on the Rivera government, and slowly begins to steer trade away from Spain, while simultaneously calling for international isolation of Spain and its government. Some criticize France for it’s “hypocritical stance” on Spain as opposed to Italy - The French government pledges explicit non-military support for Austria. Despite the small alpine nation being one of the defeated in the Great War, the rise of nationalists and communists in Austria threatens the peace of the already fractured nation. France has alleviated the small nation’s debt by reducing indemnities owed to France and Britain somewhat - Domestic oil refining begins as two gigantic refineries are constructed in Normandy and Provence. These two refineries are exclusively owned by the French government, and cannot be purchased by any company, thus giving the French government total monopoly over oil refining. Privately held distributors, however, can purchase refined oil from the government for sale to commoners and other businesses - Basic labor rights are introduced to Indochina. Foremen are no longer allowed to dole out physical punishment to workers, and workers are to be rewarded for their quality as opposed to quantity of goods. The formation of unions begins in Indochina, though local law enforcement makes sure to put a stop to that in an instant - France begins constructing dozens of Char 2C heavy tanks. These new versions of the 2C, simply known as the 3C, have incredibly thick front and side armor that is sloped at a slight angle as to absorb anti-tank fire. This causes the 3C to be much slower, allowing it to crawl at a sluggish speed of 8km/h, but instead turns it into a mobile fortress - Exercises begin in and around Algiers’ coastline as the French navy begins testing its L.1 landing craft. With war now having multiple theaters, the synchronicity of marine and sailor must be organized. Most of these exercises involve mock naval landings and naval maneuvers - Engineers at Potez unveil a single-engine monoplane fighter with a unique purpose. Rather than be used to fight from an airfield, the Potez 6A is instead purpose-built to be launched from a carrier. The 6A uses two nose-mounted machine guns as its armament, and in tests could indeed engage enemy aircraft that threaten friendly ships. What the 6A lacks in range and firepower it makes up for in speed and mobility - Seeing the ever changing world of warfare, and the importance of complex codes, French mechanical engineers unveil the “Bavard” (Chatterbox). Using a complex series of cogs, screws and gears, the Bavard can turn a simple message into an almost unnecessarily difficult to crack code. This new “cipher machine” is a great leap forward for the secret side of war [/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/y01uWxA.png[/img] - After intense deliberation in Paris, the United Kingdom, Germany and France come to an agreement on the Rhineland. In what is known simply as the Rhineland Accord, France will seek to meet the accord’s seven parameters, and allow Germany to return to some form of normalcy - Japan and Germany open formal relations for the first time since before the Great War. A short meeting between both delegations leads to an interesting deal. Germany will give a handful of working models of both their own copy of the new model engine, as well as German compact radios. In return, Germany will be given the all-too-popular penicillin, plus the new antennae created by Japan - Germany begins a program to offload surplus and outdated weaponry by selling them at a low price to the Republic of China. Some new designs, such as the LMM-24 and LKW-24s are sent alongside things like the Gewehr-98 and MG-08/15. Some of these weapons end up in the hands of warlords as caches meant for Republican troops are raided by warlord fighters - As per the Rhineland accord, Germany sends units of armed police to keep the peace in areas where French troops have returned home. As the French leave, the German populace feels at ease, even with the presence of thousands of armed policemen. Nonetheless, the Rhineland is no longer a place of contention for the German people - Said contention leads to a full-scale crackdown on the VFD and KVF from the ISG. With so many acronyms flying about, it is clear that the German government means business. Hundreds of VFD guerillas are arrested and imprisoned, their sympathisers hunted down and harassed by Government troops. The violent individuals of the KVF are arrested as well, but otherwise they have managed to descend into the mist - The [i]Arbeitsgruppen[/i] have achieved what five years ago would have been deemed impossible. The massive railway projects that criss-cross Germany have nearly been completed, and the Autobahn is halfway done. With many of the [i]Arbeitsgruppen[/i] still hungry for work, the German government commissions the repair and construction of dozens of airports across Germany. Most of the new airports are explicitly made to be larger than others, and this project will take two years minimum to be finished - Now that Germany can grow the size of their military to over 200,000 standing troops, the Reichswehr chooses to double the number of infantry and cavalry divisions. Despite the initial bans on military expansion, the German government builds thousands of firearms, SKF-25s and artillery pieces in order to supply these new divisions - As most of these soldiers are volunteers, they are put through rigorous training, similar to the multi-year exercises for the entire army. These troops are instructed on infiltration and small-unit tactics, again similar to the exercises. However, these soldiers exit training somewhat more green their constituents, which has its positives and negatives - In order to not appear to be hiding their progress, the German military redesignates their “cavalry” divisions to be “[i]Mechanisierte Infanterie[/i]”, or Mechanized Infantry, due to the use of the SKF-25. Horses are nearly phased out in favor of tractors and trucks, and are relegated to supply transport and reconnaissance units - At Mauser, the German government commissions the creation of a “squad automatic weapon” similar to the American Browning Automatic Rifle. A bizarre design is decided upon. Using a full-length G-25, weapons designers create a “long-slide” for the bolt, allowing it to travel much farther than the regular semi-automatic format. An 18 round box magazine replaces the internal one, and the newly created AG-25-A can fire at a cyclic rate of 500RPM. Though not as fast firing as its contemporaries, the AG-25-A adds a small tactical advantage for German infantry squads - Mimicking British designs, German engineers at Junkers begin creating their own giant plane. Though still a biplane, the Junkers F.15 is a hulking beast that uses two enormous engines to lift itself off the ground. Capable of carrying nearly two dozen passengers, the F.15 is a fantastic step forward in commercial aviation. If the design is worked upon over the next year or so, it may be slimmed to a monoplane, making it an even greater achievement[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/7n8hNst.png[/img] - Italian colonial divisions from Somaliland and Libya enter Hedjaz and accompany the advancing British army. Though not much more than token assistance, these colonial divisions see combat for the first time, and prove their mettle in the final battle of Riyadh in which they assist the British in capturing the Saudi capital. Their assistance is appreciated, and they are rewarded in Italy with essentially a small triumph - Mussolini and delegates from the Mediterranean Pact meet in Rome to discuss the creation of a customs union. Much of these nations are smaller than Italy and lack economic power of their own, and Italy is happy to oblige them. Thus, as part of the Mediterranean Pact, all nations must enter the customs union. Italy’s economy slowly becomes the economy of San Marino, Fiume and Albania - The title of Consul, the ancient Roman title for a head of state, is reformed by Mussolini. Though Consul has less power than Il Duce or Imperator, Consul has the ability to veto bills passed through the senate, break ties and oversee the daily affairs of government. This decentralizes the top, somewhat, but allows the senate to elect their own leader to oversee their own affairs - All centrist and conservative parties that do not directly oppose the fascists are absorbed by the ruling party. Referred to as“[i]Il Partito[/i]” or simply The Party, politicians from absorbed parties that have issues with the current government are strongly advised to retire. This is a major step in the total centralization of party and state for Italy - The Italian senate is officially abolished as Mussolini makes changes to the Italian constitution. The [i]Gran Senato del Fascismo[/i] (Grand Senate of Fascism) takes its place, a much larger and less exclusive form of the preexisting Senate, made up entirely of party members and only party members. The Chamber of Deputies is replaced with the [i]Camera dei Fasci e Corporazioni[/i] (Chamber of Fasci and Corporations), which oversees day to day management of the economy - Italy undergoes a massive infrastructure reform, which rapidly eats up parts of the budget. Railroads are ripped up and replaced, and asphalt roads begin to snake out of cities like Rome and Genoa. A major focus of this reform is the creation of the [i]Sistema Ferroviario Africano[/i] (African Rail System), which is set to create a series of railroads in Libya, Eritrea and Somaliland, and may indeed pass through British and French territory should the nations allow it. By the end of this multi-year project, the trains will run on time - The senate introduces a new bill that protects the rights of workers across the country and its colonies. An eight hour work day is made official, and any workers made to go beyond it must be paid “time and a half” as compensation, with the government heavily fining companies that fail to meet this standard. The [i]Unione Nazionale Del Lavoro[/i] (National Labor Union) is created in the bill, which allows the government to represent the rights of the workers, and guarantees council in the event of a suit - The size of the Italian army begins to grow slowly but surely. With more conscripts being brought into the fold, the rank and file members of the military are moved into more specialized positions, such as marines, mountaineers or the newly formed motorized divisions. Mussolini hopes to add another half to the size of the army by the end of 1929, while simultaneously bringing the army up to newer, more professional standards - Italian engineers and workers begin to build the Mellaha Air Base in Tripoli. With essentially limitless space to work with, the Mellaha Air Base will be an enormous series of strips, hangars, refueling bays and other accoutrements. Mellaha will rival some European airports, and will give Italy the ability to project its power over the Mediterranean and Africa - The [i]Imperiale Aeronautica Italiana[/i] is formed to oversee the Italian air force’s production, training, operations and management. Italo Balbo is given the position [i]Maresciallo dell'aria[/i], or Marshall of the Air Force, and is responsible for ensuring that the air force works in tandem with the army and navy, rather than as a separate entity - The [i]Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale[/i], also known as the “Blackshirts”, are reorganized into what is essentially a massive national militia, acting as The Party’s military wing. Membership is encouraged for party members that don’t wish to be pulled from their day to day lives, and all members of the MVSN are exempt from conscription - Weapons designers begin formulating a German-styled “light mortar” that can be carried by two men and used for short-range infantry support. Thus, the “Mortaio 60” is born. A meter long tube with 60mm shells, the Mortaio 60 is not as light as the German designs, but instead trades easy mobility for a serious punch - Italo Balbo, eager to begin work on aircraft of his own design, meets with Giovanni Caproni. Both present Mussolini with a unique design. The B.C.27A is a single engine monoplane, that trades its landing gear for two large floats. Much smaller than other float planes, the B.C.27A comes with two M-251 machine guns, much like the CA.77, but also has another M-251 in the tail. The B.C.27A is less of a fighter and more of a reconnaissance aircraft, and Balbo himself is seen taking flights across North Africa[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/PklMJvT.png[/img] - French and Japanese delegates meet in Paris, and both sides reach an agreement. Japan gives samples of penicillin as well as a handful of radios to the French, who in exchange give copies of the MAT-23, the Two Ton Truck and their improved machining tools. Japan’s rapidly growing industry benefits majorly from these new tools as well as trucks, and Japan continues to modernise at a frightening rate - A deal is struck between Japan and Britain as both delegations meet in London. In return for Japanese portable radios, the Japanese will receive a shipment of improved irrigation, as well as a massive increase to Japan’s oil imports from British territories. Japan is reaping the benefits of an outward looking focus, rather than the previous isolationist policies - Japan and Germany open formal relations for the first time since before the Great War. A short meeting between both delegations leads to an interesting deal. Germany will give a handful of working models of both their own copy of the new model engine, as well as German compact radios. In return, Germany will be given the all-too-popular penicillin, plus the new antennae created by Japan - Japan declares the initiation of a “Police Action” in Asia, and moves half of the divisions present in Korea over into territories owned by the Fengtian Clique. Japan also promises to protect the Legation cities, and two divisions of Japanese marines land in Shanghai, setting up a defensive perimeter around the city. The Republic has little to say, and is more focused on continuing its fight against the warlords - In Manchuria, the Japanese army makes quick work of resistance. Much of the Fengtian armies are focused in northern China, and are thus caught completely off guard. However, troops that surrender to the Japanese are treated kindly, and allowed to return home after short interrogations - A number of Fengtian militia divisions, unwilling to continue fighting for their warlord, pledge their allegiance to Japan. These militiamen are used to guard the rear lines of the Japanese advance, and are promised a return home come the end of the conflict - Japanese troops surround Mukden and Harbin, putting the cities to siege. Meanwhile, in order to secure their flank, the Japanese sweep west and stop only a few hundred kilometers north of Beijing. Most of the Fengtian armies have either scattered, surrendered, or encircled and destroyed by the Japanese military. Observers are shocked by the swift, brutal destruction of the Chinese armies at the hands of the Japanese - Japan forbids the use of violence against prisoners and civilians. Those found guilty of crimes against humanity are given swift justice, their families notified of the fact that their bodies will not be returned to the homeland. With the threat of dishonor, Japanese soldiers follow the rules to a T - With the new two ton trucks, dubbed the Type 9 Heavy Truck, the Japanese military hastily raises four new motorised divisions. These troops do not see combat, unlike their previously raised compatriots, as these divisions are fully modernised and mechanised, trained to use their vehicles and equipment from the ground up - French tools and tungsten filament welding is put to use in huge numbers in zaibatsus, air factories and shipyards. These tools do the work of half a dozen men with only one pair of hands, and the speed of which Japan is able to produce its weapons of war is shocking to many onlookers - Zaibatsus are encouraged to continue the creation of computers, though the process is slow. The Speaker appears to have been a fluke, as most factories are running into serious difficulty in recreating its success. Despite the previous advancements in computing, the Japanese appear to have hit a roadblock - Seeing the importance of armored vehicles during the Great War, and fearing their deployment from the Chinese, the Japanese government commissions the creation of a domestic armored vehicle. Dubbed the Type 5, this new tank is similar to the FT-23 in terms of its layered, angled armor, and a front-sponson mounted 47mm field gun. A top turret holds two Type 3 heavy machine guns, and a sponson in the rear holds two more. What makes the Type 5 unique from other tanks is its use of a radial engine, which puts more torque into the tracks, allowing the tank to move faster, reaching speeds of 24km/h[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/BM3UZ7n.png[/img] - Turkey and France reach a deal in which, for payment in oil and bullion, the Turkish purchase one cruiser, three destroyers and five submarines from French naval yards. These ships will take more than a year to finish construction, but will nonetheless be a major boon to the recovering Turkish navy - Despite tensions in previous years, Turkey and Greece officially recognize one another’s governments and put past grievances behind them. Turkey continues to guarantee Greece’s independence, and forms a non-aggression pact with their former enemy. The two nations begin normalizing trade relations, and the hostilities between the two governments begin to fade away with time - Huge numbers of trucks, artillery pieces, guns, planes and ammunition is sent to Iran as the Iranians fear continued British expansionism. Turkey pledges to guarantee the independence of Iran, who in turn finds themselves roped into the Balkan Pact. Though Iran sees no threats from Italy any time soon, they recognize that it would be foolish to not seek friends as the British wrap up their war in Arabia - The Tuzla shipyards undergo massive expansions as the Turkish government pushes for a self-sustaining shipping industry. Using mobilized labor, Turkey also begins the construction of dozens of oil tankers. With oil flowing freely from Kirkuk into Turkish refineries, Turkey desires to cut out the middleman and sell directly to the European market. The glut grows, and oil prices continue to drop - Public schooling and education programs begin finishing construction in major cities throughout Turkey, and most children are able to attend school in these areas. The Turkish government now begins building these schools in more rural areas, and hopes to phase out the old style of at-home schooling, and fully replace the closed Madrasas throughout the nation - In accordance to the new latin script, mosques are ordered to conduct sermons in Turkish rather than Arabic. As to not fully offend the majority Muslim population of Turkey, the government allows the Quran to remain in Arabic script, but demands that the language still be Turkish. This upsets many hardlining Imams, who are quickly disappeared by Turkish secret police when they speak up too loudly - Laïcité, or government secularism, is officially codified in the Turkish constitution. All references to religious figures or phrases are removed, and workers begin chiseling out symbols of religion from the frescoes of government buildings. Mosques are quietly shuttered in large cities as Imams fear reprisals from the government, and Istanbul begins to lose its recently formalized Muslim identity - Asphalt and concrete roads begin construction in cities like Ankara and Istanbul. Though railways are efficient at moving huge amounts of goods from place to place, they are rigid and can only fit a small number of locomotives at a time. Turkey seeks to remedy this, and create roads for public transportation, allowing for cars and trucks to move from place to place freely. This project will take a few years to complete, as the Turkish government hopes to see a total linkage of roadways “from Istanbul to Kirkuk” - Industrial expansion continues in Turkey as export quotas rise. With Turkey no longer reeling from the effects of the Great War and the War of Independence, economists state that Turkey cannot fall behind in this “increasingly interconnected world”. Iran and other members of the Balkan Pact are the main receivers of Turkish exports - The Turkish military raises three new divisions known as Dağcı (Mountaineers). These divisions are trained in the difficult ways of fighting through hills and mountains, and are drilled in intense exercises that move them across the country. The Dağcı are more than specialized troops, they are trained to be elites, the best of the best, and commanders of the Dağcı hope to rival the Italian Alpini - As the Gölcük shipyard continues to expand, the Turkish battlecruiser [i]Yavus[/i] is brought back into port to undergo repairs and rearmament. The [i]Yavus[/i] is slated to be the crown of the Turkish navy, and may someday once again patrol the mediterranean under the Turkish flag - Turkish aircraft engineers unveil the G-10 “Şahin” (Falcon). The Şahin, similar to the Soviet MU-5, is a twin-engined heavy biplane capable of carrying two large torpedoes or a few thousand kilograms of bombs. What makes the Şahin stand apart from its compatriots is not two, but four Maxim machine guns, two in the front and two in the rear, allowing for defense against oncoming enemy aircraft - Firearms engineers tinker and fiddle with the idea of a domestic light machine gun, and create a breakthrough design for the Turkish army. Using a 40 round top-loading magazine, the MT-27 is born. Chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, the MT-27 has a cyclic rate of 600 RPM, and though heavy, can easily be carried by a single man. What makes the MT-27 stand out is its ease of use and ability to lay down controlled fire on enemy positions[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/Io9tEJW.png[/img] - After intense deliberation in Paris, the United Kingdom, Germany and France come to an agreement on the Rhineland. In what is known simply as the Rhineland Accord, France will seek to meet the accord’s seven parameters, and allow Germany to return to some form of normalcy - A deal is struck between Japan and Britain as both delegations meet in London. In return for Japanese portable radios, the Japanese will receive a shipment of improved irrigation, as well as a massive increase to Japan’s oil imports from British territories. These new radios make it far easier for British troops to move through the harsh terrain of Arabia, as well as lead formations of soldiers around the massive colonies - Italian colonial divisions from Somaliland and Libya enter Hedjaz and accompany the advancing British army. Though not much more than token assistance, these colonial divisions see combat for the first time, and prove their mettle in the final battle of Riyadh in which they assist the British in capturing the Saudi capital. Britain recognizes that there are other nations that have begun to pull men from their own colonies - Taking a significant step forward in calming tensions throughout Europe, Britain officially recognizes the Soviet Union, and opens an embassy in Moscow. Both countries begin to trade goods openly through Afghanistan and the Baltic, hoping to seek warmer relations in the future. Otherwise, the status remains quo - Britain denounces the Rivera government of Spain, following in the footsteps of France. British businesses are barred from trading with Spain, and many dominions follow suit and choose to isolate Spain. Rivera and his government stubbornly dig in, while his people begin clamoring for reform - Britain approaches Portugal and Belgium in order to begin the South African Railway Programme. As South Africa begins to industrialize its northern provinces, Britain proposes the idea of linking rail lines through Rhodesia, Congo, Angola and Mozambique to not only help industrialize Africa, but make trade between these nations much easier. Both countries approve, and work begins on slashing through the dense rainforest - Saudi troops finally surrender Riyadh after a grueling, five month siege. The Hedjazi flag is raised over the city, and the war is over. The Saudi family flees to Dutch Indonesia, and the Hashemites declare victory. As promised by Britain at the beginning of the conflict, the entirety of Saudi territory is given to the Hashemites, who name the territory the “Kingdom of Arabia”. A handful of British troops remain to ensure order - In Iraq and Palestine, the Khana system is introduced. It has had minimal success in Egypt, but any step forward is appreciated by the general public. Palestine and Iraq are incredibly diverse socially, politically and religiously, and the British are unwilling to let things slip into religious conflict - With the world seeming to stabilise for Britain, the tourism industry explodes. Wages are up, people have money burning holes in their pockets, and Britain holds some of the most beautiful natural and manmade wonders. Subsidies are given to local areas to encourage tourism, but the government ensures that these areas are untouched by outside hands, such as the pyramids and the valley of the kings - Discussions regarding federalization continue, but abroad rather than within Britain itself. In the Raj especially, many Indian scholars feel that their homes lack the representation of regular Britons, and some of these scholars begin talks in Egypt, where many others feel the same way. However, in parliament, the discussion remains dead in the water - The British military begins to mix infiltration and mobility into their tactics. Much like the Germans, Britain doesn’t seek to risk massed deaths in a meatgrinder of trenches and massed infantry charges. Instead, the mechanization/motorization of infantry slowly begins, focusing mainly on British national troops, whereas colonial troops remain on foot - A gigantic airport project begins throughout Britain and her colonies. Seven airfields are slated for construction in Britain, and multiple others in the various dominions. By the end of the decade, Britain will once again be one of the few powers to project its military nearly everywhere on the globe without challenge - Engineers at Vickers begin work on the newest design for tanks. Known as the Vickers Mk.II, this boxy vehicle comes with a whopping six machine guns and a QF 3-Pounder gun. The Mk.II is sluggish and almost comically tall, but it is much more streamlined than previous British tanks - In order to continue the growth of foodstuffs for the many colonies and dominions, chemical engineers at Oxford unveil what is simply known as the “Oxford Process”. Using a complex series of phosphorous rock and nitrates, a clump of highly nutritious fertilizer can be made, and scattered on even some of the most barren fields. This fertilizer is also incredibly volatile, and could easily explode under the right circumstances[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/llxZRHk.png[/img] - The American ambassador to France is brought into Gaston Doumergue’s office. After awkward silence, Doumergue leans forward at his desk and gives the ambassador an incredibly simple message. “Europe’s affairs are not America’s affairs.” The ambassador resigns the next day and is hastily replaced - President Coolidge manages to pass a handful of legislative changes before next year’s presidential elections. The first comes in the form of the Radio Act of 1927, which officially regulates not only the frequencies used by radio stations, but limits the number of stations to each frequency in states. Otherwise, little government regulation affects radio, and most stations don’t notice much of a change - Coolidge’s second major achievement is the total ban on child labor, raising the minimum age of hiring to 15. Though this puts thousands of children out of a “job”, this also frees said children to go to school or work on family farms. Companies that are found to use child labor are slapped with massive fines, and three fines means a seizure of that company’s assets. The passing of this law is considered a victory for the socialist-minded members of the Progressive Party - The FBI continues its investigations into corruption of the Chicago and New York City police departments. With prohibition in the rear view, many of these corrupt officers and officials are forced to move to other means of income, such as prostitution, racketeering and gun smuggling. However, the FBI catches wind of these deals, and regularly arrests corrupt officers. Members of the police forces themselves are now willing to speak out against corrupt colleagues - The FBI sweeps through its own ranks in an attempt to find out exactly how the identities of undercover agents were revealed. A shocking discovery is made, and dozens of FBI agents and officials are in fact part of the Ku Klux Klan, and have been using the relative calm of the last two years to infiltrate high offices of the US government - Despite the news, the FBI and various elements of state police forces “declare war” on the Klan. In Alabama, an office building is taken hostage by Klansmen, and the FBI is forced to put the building to siege. After three days, the FBI ends the siege and storms the building, losing five agents and killing twenty Klansmen in the process - Raids on Klan hideouts in the midwest turn out to be fruitless, as many of the hideouts are in fact empty. Meanwhile, Klan propaganda is found on the streets of Chicago and Indianapolis, demanding the “cleansing of impure neighborhoods”. The US government has a fight on its hand, and a dangerous one at that - With massive successes in office, and failures in the war on crime, Coolidge’s approval rating sits at a steady 63%. The economy continues to grow, and the government has stayed relatively hands-off on day-to-day life. With the elections around the corner in 1928, Coolidge prepares to run against a strengthened Progressive Party, now under the leadership of Allan L. Benson, former member of the Socialist Party, and a resurgent National Party headed by radical speaker William D. Pelley - The US army reveals that it has, indeed, been conducting secret tests in the Nevada desert. With the help of theorist Robert Goddard, the army has been experimenting with liquid fuel rockets. So far, the tests have been somewhat fruitful, but due to their secrecy, lacked funding and public support. Now, Goddard has received more funding from the government, and is pulling in graduates from MIT and other colleges - Engineers in the US army experiment with a self-loading rifle, similar in design to prototypes created by Canadian arms designer John Garand. The first design is a .30-06, semi-automatic rifle that uses a 5 round internal magazine. It suffers mainly from weight, and that most soldiers are unused to the rapid fire capabilities, which throws off their aim if unprepared. Dubbed the Experimental Self Loading Rifle Model 1 Garand, or simply EM1 for short, the army hopes to see this rifle put to use by 1930 - Medical researchers at the University of Texas unveil a new design to combat the problems of polio. A large, vacuum sealed chamber allows crippled children to breath, which in turn halts the destruction of their upper respiratory system. Nicknamed the “Iron Lung”, this hulking beast is a prison sentence for children, but also saves their lives - With the popularity of automobiles rising in the United States, some entrepreneurs begin selling cheeseburgers, soft drinks and a pack of cigarettes through a window facing the road. For 50 cents, a quick meal can be taken “on the go” through these newly designed “Drive Thru” restaurants[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/MsrQBAj.png[/img] - Taking a significant step forward in calming tensions throughout Europe, France officially recognizes the Soviet Union, and opens an embassy in Moscow. The deal is celebrated by socialists in France, and a Pro-Soviet rally is held in Paris. Meanwhile, Franco-Soviet relations warm quickly as trade is normalized between the two countries - The Soviet Union organizes the 5th International Congress, and this time invites all members of communist parties from around the world to visit. In Moscow, a grand meeting hall is packed with European, Asian, Indian and Central American communists from nearly two dozen countries. Here, Trotsky himself addresses the congress in regards to the “future of communism” - Trotsky’s main points push for internationalism and “exporting the revolution”, but also seeking more peaceful ways to achieve victory in countries, as out-and-out violence leads to civil wars, which are destructive, and allows madmen like Stalin to achieve power. Meanwhile, Trotsky pushes for a “unified communist identity”. For weeks, these ideals are debated, and some delegations walk out in anger. No formal agreement can be made at this congress, but many parties head home with fresh, reformed ideas in their head, and hopefully the next meeting will be better for Trotsky - After the 5th International is finished, Trotsky meets with the communist leaders of Tannu Tuva and Mongolia. As the former takes steps to integrate itself into the Soviet Union, the latter understands its position is tantamount to nothing more than a buffer without Soviet assistance. Thus, the Communist International Treaty, or Comintern for short, is formed. The Comintern seeks to protect communist governments around the world, and is headed by one of the largest militaries on the planet - The Russo-Persian Treaty of Friendship is renewed. With further anger towards Britain, the Soviets use this to their advantage to begin linking Iranian and Soviet railways together. Despite the more conservative, anti-Communist government, the warm relations between Iran, Turkey and the USSR keep the region in check, and the Soviets are happy to guarantee Iran’s independence - With Stalin dead, martial law is cancelled and curfews ignored. However, to ensure that such corruption does not take place again, the Soviet government undergoes extreme reformations. Offices are shuffled, added or removed, and ministers are promoted, demoted, fired or hired. To secure the stability of the country, the government must essentially “shut down” for a month in order to get it all in the proverbial sock - With oil prices beginning to drop, the Soviets feel that now is the best time to continue fueling the glut. Baku’s oil fields see a huge expansion over the course of a few months, as thousands of workers are mobilized and sent to work new oil rigs and refineries in the Azerbaijani SSR - The Urals prove to be rich in deposits of rubies, sapphires and other gemstones. As the Soviet government looks down on indulgences such as these, many of these gems are sold in bulk to European buyers. “The vanity of capitalists fuels the revolution” Trotsky is quoted as saying. Of course, every time precious gems are dug out of the mines, a few mysteriously vanish before being exported - At the Ryabushinsky Plant, 1.5 ton trucks, similar to the Turkish design, are ordered to be produced in much higher numbers. This coincides with the mobilization of 2,000 workers to begin laying an asphalt roadway linking Leningrad to Moscow to Kiev, known colloquially as the Народное Шоссе (Narodnoye Shosse) [People’s Highway], and is strikingly similar to the Autobahn project in Germany - With Japan exerting force in Asia, the Soviets decide that now is the best time to begin fortifying the relatively unprotected east. Vladivostok sees a massive fortification project in and around the port area as well as the southwest side of the city. On the northern banks of the Amur river, the Soviet army installs two bases there to house thousands of troops for “rapid reaction” - The Soviet army begins experimenting with the use of “designated marksmen”. At military academies, soldiers that prove to be proficient in the use of rifles are offered to undergo marksman training. They are armed with a scoped rifle, and tasked with hitting targets up to and beyond 400 meters away, as well as moving from position to position without being spotted. This training is slow and only produces a handful of troops for the thousands that are currently standing, but is nonetheless a boon to reconnaissance - The Soviet general staff is reorganized, now headed by the newly titled Grand Marshal of the Soviet Union Mikhail Frunze. These generals are ordered to meet in Moscow once every three months to oversee troop movements, readiness and supplies, as well as get to know one another personally. These meetings are jokingly referred to as “чаепитие” (chayepitiye) [tea parties], but are nonetheless somewhat fruitful - Seeing as the world of aviation is continuing to change, the Soviet air force begins testing designs similar to Italian and French torpedo bombers. At the Grigorovich design bureau, the MU-5 is born. The MU-5 is a massive twin engined biplane capable of carrying either three full-size torpedoes or a cluster of bombs. What the MU-5 lacks in speed and grace it makes up for in sheer firepower, and is easily one of the more intimidating aircraft in use - Mimicking Turkish designs yet again, the designers at AMO pull the fast-firing AMO-75 into the design room, and deploy the AMO-50. Unlike the AMO-75, the AMO-50 is a purpose-built “anti-tank gun” with a 50mm shell. Slower firing than the 75, the AMO-50 is incredibly accurate and uses a high pressure shell in order to pierce through armored vehicles[/quote]
[quote]- Taking a significant step forward in calming tensions throughout Europe, France officially recognizes the Soviet Union, and opens an embassy in Moscow. The deal is celebrated by socialists in France, and a Pro-Soviet rally is held in Paris. Meanwhile, Franco-Soviet relations warm quickly as trade is normalized between the two countries[/quote] [quote]- Taking a significant step forward in calming tensions throughout Europe, Britain officially recognizes the Soviet Union, and opens an embassy in Moscow. Both countries begin to trade goods openly through Afghanistan and the Baltic, hoping to seek warmer relations in the future. Otherwise, the status remains quo[/quote] [IMG]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/211958101706932224/411898249063170048/trots_blonde.png[/IMG]
A couple quick announcements: 1) Espionage should probs be out this afternoon 2) There will [B][I]NOT [/I][/B]be a turn this week. I’ll be out of town over the weekend. HOWEVER, I would still like your turns in by Saturday the 17th so I can work over the next week. You are welcome to send them in before that, just please don’t send a million edits.
RP cancelled due to lack of genocides. [editline]13th February 2018[/editline] Just kidding. But seriously folks: - Espionage is out - Turns are due the 17th, regardless of me being there or not - I will not be accepting late turns and most importantly have a good Valentine's day and weekend.
[highlight]THE TURN IS WRITTEN[/highlight] All I have to do is maps and flags now
[quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/PmOpCqs.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/lbHSxRU.png[/img][/quote] [b]The Romanian Civil War[/b] [quote] In early February of 1928, the Asociația Fermierilor din România finally give up on the peaceful route for change. Having been stockpiling arms for the past couple years, and taking on larger numbers of members, the AFR storm the offices of numerous cities in Bessarabia. Seizing control of these cities, the AFR notify its brethren in the countryside, who tear down the tricolor and raised one of their own. On the morning of February 6, 1928, the People’s Republic of Romania is born. Immediately, the forces of the Kingdom of Romania rush to combat the AFR and their new holding, denouncing them as nothing more than a “hostile entity from within”. However, a concerningly number of Romanian soldiers and officers either go AWOL, or defect wholesale to the People’s Republic. The fighting is brutal as both sides slam headlong into one another, the communists gaining the upper hand due to the element of surprise. Entente forces move in to defend Romania, and troops from Czechoslovakia and Poland begin fortifying their own borders and sending token numbers to assist in the combat. French troops present in the region fight honorably, and hold off attack after attack in the east while inflicting significant casualties on the communists. In cities throughout Romania proper, the Iron Guard take it upon themselves to root out communists and socialists within the country. On Tuesday, June 5, Iron Guard militants storm the houses of nearly three hundred suspected communists throughout Romania. These individuals are dragged from their homes and shot in the streets, their corpses presented as grisly warnings to would-be opponents. The Romanian police are powerless to stop what is known as the “Bloody Tuesday Massacre”. In the southeast, Bulgarian troops hastily advance over the border into Dobruja and occupy the towns and port regions there. This causes outrage amongst the Romanian populace, and some in the government consider it an act of war. With the threat of communists and whole-scale fascist uprisings at their doorstep, the Romanians decide to let the Bulgarians take Dobruja with little resistance. In central Transylvania, Hungarian groups rise up in armed revolt against their Romanian “oppressors”, and remove Romanian officials from government buildings. These nationalists demand the independence of Transylvania, and also demand the territory’s return to its “rightful ruler” of Hungary. Horthy has yet to make any comment, but observers report some Hungarian troops quietly moving towards the border. A large number of communist sympathisers from Europe travel to the People’s Republic of Romania and take up arms as foreign partisans on behalf of the communists, thus forming the communist "Foreign Legion". This almost leads to international incidents as three American and two French nationals are executed by Romanian soldiers after being captured in battle. The situation in Romania is quickly falling apart rapidly, and could soon spill over into a full scale regional conflict. Militaries begin to bristle in response to the fighting, and many predict that the Balkans may once again burst into flames. The world is changing, and fast, and it will never be the same again.[/quote]
[quote] [img]https://i.imgur.com/mYcfuzh.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/yRXHAoJ.png[/img] [b]January-December, 1928[/b][/quote] [quote] [img]https://i.imgur.com/V0GLmne.png[/img] [/quote] [quote] [b]World Tension is LOW (RISING)[/b] [b]World Economy is DESTABILIZING[/b] -- [b]World Events[/b] - [highlight]The revolution begins in Romania[/highlight] as militant members of the AFR spring into action and seize Bessarabian cities and territories, declaring the independence of the East Romanian Socialist Republic. Almost overnight, the Kingdom of Romania declares war on the ERSR and move troops to attack the communists - The fighting in Romania is brutal and bloody as government forces are evenly matched against the heavily armed communist foes. Members of the Iron Guard begin conducting horrific house to house raids in cities like Bucharest in an attempt to find communist sympathisers. Hundreds are killed in what is named the “Bloody Tuesday Massacre” at the hands of the Iron Guard - Hungarian nationalists take their chance to rise up in open revolt, demanding independence from Romania and a return to Hungarian occupation of Transylvania. The situation in Romania quickly becomes untenable, and the nation is falling apart at the seams - Bulgarian troops take the opportunity to move into Dobruja and secure the area for themselves. The act is considered blatant aggression by some in the Romanian government, but Romania is far more concerned with the presence of communists and radical fascists - Fascist groups in Slovakia run headfirst into the French SSIGN police, and are forced to scatter. This is a double edged sword, as it forces the Fascists to redouble their efforts, while also giving some wiggle room to counter-fascist groups such as communists or even pure Slovak nationalists - China begins to enter a new phase of war as the Republic lashes out against the cliques, securing its coastline and turning its sights against those in the west. Nearly three million military and civilian deaths are estimated, and some predict hundreds of thousands more before the conflict is over - Japan finalizes its invasion of Manchuria, officially ending the rule of the Fengtian in the region and installing a temporary military government to oversee the “introduction of order to the region”. Many wonder what Japan will do next now that the empire now has a massive boot to the neck of Asia - Chinese warlord Guo Songling seizes power in Xinjiang. Unlike other warlords, Guo is somewhat socially and economically left, leaving much of his state’s affairs to his underlings. Renaming the state the Xinjiang Republic, Guo Songling nuzzles up to the underbelly of the Soviet Union, and pledges to seek friendship with the massive neighbor in the future - Oil prices continue to floor themselves even as Britain introduces regulations to stop the excessive drilling. American, Turkish and now Dutch companies pump out the black gold like nobody’s business. Industries dependent upon oil grow seemingly out of control with the overabundance of the resource[/quote] -- [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/LVHdAEW.png[/img] - The French military, now having exited the Rhineland in its entirety and undergoing reorganization, forms the Spécial d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale, or SSIGN, to oversee internal and external stability. The SSIGN is tasked with counterinsurgency, counterespionage, riot control and hostage situations. The SSIGN is made up of the most elite troops, and is a force to be reckoned with - Elements of the SSIGN are sent to assist in anti-Communist raids in Romania, and unlike the Iron Guard, take prisoners and seek further information. The SSIGN is also tasked with protecting government and church officials, as communist partisans threaten even the most basic aspects of everyday life in Romania - SSIGN operatives in Czechoslovakia are used to counteract the marches of fascist groups in Bratislava and Prague, sweeping in and kidnapping members for questioning. So far, no valuable information is found, but there is fears of further organization amongst fascist and nationalist groups within the country - France openly endorses the Balkan Pact’s moves against Italian expansionism, and offers some minor support to its member nations. Of course, most members of the Balkan Pact are already in the Entente, but the guaranteed further independence of said nations brings relief - At home, the French government continues its process of bolstering domestic industry by officially nationalizing the railways. Some companies are appalled at the move, but are quickly silenced by the gigantic government payouts to purchase the rails. The Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) is formed to both further develop the railway industry, as well as protect the rights of French workers - The 1928 presidential elections take place and standing president Doumergue is reelected in a sweeping victory. Thanks to his progressive reforms and strong public image, Doumergue overcomes many concerns regarding the stability of the country, and will continue to serve france for four more years - Artists in France petition the government to expand the funding for public art projects by including film and cinematography a s parts of the French artistic lexicon. The government jumps at the chance to continue the exporting of French culture. At the Louvre, a wing is dedicated to the weekly showing of new films from French cinematography, and many consider film to be [i]Arté[/i] - A series of defensive fortifications begin construction in French colonies. In Indochina, a tight set of forts and bunkers are created to force any would-be incursion from China into deadly chokepoints. As the situation in China destabilizes rapidly, the French cannot risk losing a valuable overseas holding - In North Africa, France creates the “Mareth Line” in Tunisia. Similar to the defensive lines in Europe, this one extends from the coastline to the Sahara desert, and is faced towards Italian holdings. This line has small gaps that are easily plugged by the use of Char 3Cs and colonial infantry battalions, making crossing into Tunisia incredibly dangerous - France officially begins the creation of a Paris-Dakar Rally. Contestants are able to bring vehicles of their own design and specifications (to a limit) and can be sponsored by companies or even countries. The Paris-Dakar rally is expected to be ready by 1929, but it already sees hundreds of soon-to-be contestants that are chomping at the bit to prove their mettle through the harsh terrain of French Africa - Mimicking German designs and understanding their importance, Renault engineers create their own half-track. Using the front axles and chassis of France’s heavy trucks, the F-100 is a fast-moving half-track vehicle. Though not as large as the German designs, and only able to carry a smaller number of men and supplies, the F-100 is a speed demon. Able to rocket to speeds of 30km/h, the F-100 can hastily bring troops to and from areas where they are needed - Unic, a semi-popular designer of automobiles, is tasked with the creation of a “cavalry” tank. In order to support infantry movements, and act as the hammer to the anvil, the U-1 is born. The U-1 is a three man, quick moving light tank. Its main armament is a 37mm quick firing gun, with a side-mounted Hotchkiss M1914. The U-1 has somewhat thin armor, but makes up for that in maneuverability, able to climb to 25km/h and sustain that speed for quite a distance[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/onElyga.png[/img] - The German government unveils the newest diplomatic and economic player on the European continent. In order to compete with the Inter European Trade Zone, Germany and Italy form the Northern European Trade Pact (NETP). The NETP is quite similar to the IETZ, save for the fact that civilian goods such as food, clothing, farming equipment and other items are sold at low tariffs and controlled prices - With the NETP allowing Germany’s economy to “float” for a short period of time, German diplomats spread out over Europe to try and find new partners. Despite Germany’s reputation from the last war, ten years is a long time. Sweden, Lithuania and Austria sign deals to join the NETP, which quickly adds to the cash flow for Germany - German biplanes and monoplanes begin being exported to the foreign market. The Junkers F.15 is a hot market item, as the large biplane is incredibly popular with passenger aircraft companies. Most money is skimmed up by the German government, but the income to various companies is greatly appreciated - The Autobahn continues its construction, now nearly completed. This, paired with the many airports that Germany has either added or expanded, has made Germany an incredibly easy country to travel through. This has the added benefit of improving internal trade, and the German economy finally begins to mellow out somewhat - Former pilots from the Great War and passenger pilots are recruited en masse to arrive at the newly formed [i]Berliner Luftfahrtindustrie und Flugschule[/i] (Berlin Aeronautics and Flight School) to teach fresh, young pilots the ways of aircraft handling and maneuvering - Most German factories have implemented the assembly line production idea from the United States and abroad. German legislation demanding that said factories achieve their goals is slowly but surely coming to an end, as the only factories unable to meet the requirements are arms factories, fearing reprisals from the Entente - Germany’s military begins taking pages from the Soviets, and introduces the [i]Münchener Scharfschützenschule[/i] (Munich Sharpshooter School). For every 50 men in a division, the German army hopes to have at least one man armed with a scoped rifle to act as reconnaissance and long range combat. The school is rigorous and intense, but the graduates are some of the best in their class - The military is now required to have, at the minimum, six weeks of exercises and two weeks of mock operations every year for each division. This rapidly inflates wages for officers and generals, who are the ones that bear the brunt of having to deal with the movement of troops. Despite this, it keeps Germany’s relatively small military in peak condition - At Rheinmetall, weapons engineers begin tests with the newest anti-tank weapon in Germany’s arsenal. Known as the [i]Panzerabwehrkanone[/i] 28, this 3.5cm field gun can be moved and operated by just two men. Firing either an armor piercing or high explosive shell, the “PaK 28” is an incredibly capable light infantry weapon, and manages to skirt the ire of observers - Rheinmetall also unveils a competitor to the Aston Martin Badger. Nicknamed the [i]Ferkel[/i] (Piglet), this large, caterpillar-tracked tractor can carry a wide variety of attachments, including harvesters, as well as tow heavy equipment. The Ferkel is an incredibly popular product amongst the more industrial farmers of Germany[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/LpMOkPQ.png[/img] - Italian officers and advisors arrive in Albania to begin training the tiny nation’s military, bringing them up to Italian, and thus modern European, standards. Most of the training focuses on defensive tactics and infantry mobility, as Albania’s army is miniscule compared to their neighbors - A colonization drive begins again for the coastal areas of Eritrea and Libya. A large number of Italian nationals move into urbanized regions of these colonies, hoping to get jobs in the rapidly growing colonial industries for automobiles and machine parts. Some educated Libyans propose a “reverse migration”, allowing for Libyan nationals to migrate to Italy, but the move is shot down by the senate - Libya is united into a single colonial administration headed out of Sirte. All but the Cyrenacian coastline is folded into this administration, which not only centralizes and organizes things, but proves to the world that Italy has more than token influence over its colonies - A census of the Empire takes place. The results are somewhat surprising, as the population growth is climbing much faster than previously expected, and a large number of Italian babies are being born in Tripoli and Benghazi. Income disparity is slowly shrinking, and the middle class of Italy is ballooning in size - The Italian military begins mimicking the French, and undergoes a large scale naval landing exercise in Libya. Pairing assaulting infantry with naval support, the Italian military quickly learns the importance of dedicated landing craft, and begins to take pages from French designs - Italian arms engineers introduce a 45cm version of the Carcano to the armed forces. Dubbed the Carcano Modello 1928, this shorter version slowly begins to replace the 76cm version presently in the hands of troops. With warfare becoming increasingly mobile, a full length rifle simply gets in the way - Italian scientist Enrico Fermi assists in the construction of uranium mines in eastern Somalia. At his laboratory in Rome, Fermi begins tracking the rate of “Beta Decay” in uranium ore, as well as testing its effects on glass, water and living creatures. Fermi discovers very quickly that uranium is much more powerful than initially believed[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/trVNtVH.png[/img] - Japan purchases British bonds equalling £200m in order to expand the country’s reserves of foreign currencies. Of course, the bonds are there for trading and financial reserves as opposed to a total currency change. Nonetheless, British banks are happy to see purchase go through - The Japanese military finishes its combat operations with a stunning blow to the leftover Fengtian forces in the south. The Fengtian clique is no more, and Manchuria is essentially controlled entirely by Japan, who now has a significant foothold in mainland Asia - Japanese forces announce the occupation of Manchuria “until order can be restored”. Many are curious as to what order Japan desires, as the everyday routine of Manchuria has returned to normalcy. Despite this, Japan sets up a temporary administration in Harbin to oversee the occupation - Combat engineers begin the expansion of railways from Korea into Manchuria, linking major cities together over time. These engineers also begin designating areas for rice and wheat farming where applicable, and local labor is mobilized to assist in the construction. Manchuria will soon see the benefits of Japanese administration - Many leftover troops of the Fengtian army that pledge their allegiance to Japan now have no home to return to. The Japanese lend them a hand by forming the 国内軍 (Kokunai-gun) [Domestic Force], which is essentially a gendarmerie trained and organized to focus entirely on the affairs of Manchuria. These troops are brought to Japanese training camps and given rigorous exercises, and are rewarded with new equipment and uniforms, and the signature blue armband of the KG - Drip irrigation is introduced to Japanese farms throughout the mainland, and introduced in some small respect to plantations in Korea. Though much of Japan’s agriculture is based around the growing of rice, a crop that remains submerged in water during the harvest, it also allows for a more varied diet, such as further implementation of beans, rye and wheat - Mitsubishi begins making working variants of the Aston Martin Badger for domestic use. Renamed the 狸 (Tanuki), Mitsubishi begins selling Tanuki systems to farmers in Japan at a low price. In Korea and Manchuria, Non-Japanese farmers are given the opportunity to rent Tanukis at a semi-inflated cost for a limited period of time, but the gesture is nonetheless appreciated - More and more ‘Speaker’ computers are constructed at Japanese companies, with nearly seven being finished by the end of December. They are shuffled away to Japanese government holdings, and the security around such computers is almost as tight as that for the Emperor himself - Japan begins analyzing the performance of its military in Manchuria, and takes notes on areas that could use improvement. Japan crushed the Fengtian with minimal losses, essentially routing most unprepared armies after only a day of combat. However, the command structure of the army is so incredibly rigid that it made taking advantage of these movements difficult, and the lack of communication between officers lead to disarray when marching from place to place - Japan begins reforming its motorized divisions. Using the German radio designs paired with a modified Uda antenna system, the number of radios is cut down to size, allowing for faster and more precise communications. Troops within the motorized divisions are refitted with new equipment, with six out of the twelve men in a squad being armed with the modified MAT-23, now designated as the Type 88. The Type 88 SMG is chambered in 9x19 parabellum, and performs almost identically to the MAT-23. These reforms turn the motorized infantry from fast moving ground forces into rapid response shock troops - Four armored divisions are created for the IJA. Using the Type 5 tank, paired with battalions of the newly reformed motorized infantry, the Japanese army begins drilling these divisions on spearhead assaults with tanks. Rather than use them as the bulk of a fighting force, the Japanese know that tanks are expensive to create and maintain, but pack a powerful, concentrated punch - The Japanese navy recalls a number of its capital ships for a variety of modifications. Battleships and heavy cruisers are given thicker belts, improved fire control systems, and in some cases a total replacement of their engines. Meanwhile, the carriers [i]Kaga[/i] and [i]Akagi[/i] have their flight decks torn up and replaced with a full-length deck, which allows for both more planes to be transported, and a longer runway. The refitting of these ships will take only a year, and will be much appreciated by the IJN - As Japan’s usage of carrier ships is made apparent, the IJN demands the creation of dedicated carrier aircraft. At Mitsubishi, engineers design a “dive-bomber”. The final design is a monoplane, welded-body aircraft with a powerful radial engine and enclosed canopy. Somewhat sausage-shaped, the Mitsubishi A3A is capable of dropping a 250kg bomb directly onto the deck of a target ship - Following in the footsteps of Mitsubishi, designers at Aichi create a similar monoplane with a radial engine and enclosed canopy. The Aichi D1B is quite similar to the British Yellowjacket, but is much more heavily armed. Each wing has two 7.7 machine guns, with the nose carrying a fifth. The D1B exchanges speed for immense firepower, and could easily swat enemy craft out of the sky[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/24qwaIT.png[/img] - Mikhail Frunze, Grand Marshal of the Soviet Union, takes a short trip to Turkey to visit Mustafa Kemal Pasha and address the concerns of Turkey in Turkey’s parliament. This trip is a way for the Soviet Union to further extend friendship to Turkey, and both sides hope to put the history of Russo-Turkish rivalry far behind them - In an attempt to curb Italy’s growing influence, Turkey approaches Albania, pressuring them to adopt Iranian styled reforms and distance themselves from Italy. Much to Turkey’s chagrin, the Turkish offer is declined, and the delegation escorted out. In the eyes of Turkey, Albania has been lost - Muslims living in Bulgaria are encouraged to migrate to Turkey. This comes as Turkey now opens itself to allowing “non-hostile” expats from Bulgaria to seek asylum in the country. This causes a conundrum for Bulgaria, as the increasingly self-centered government is happy to see the Muslims go, but furious to see a neighbor harboring critics and opponents of the Tsar and his regime - Roads and railways continue construction throughout Turkey. Mustafa Kemal Pasha is affectionately given the nickname “Eski Mühendisi” (Old Engineer) as the projects approach their end near major cities. Turkey’s economy has benefited greatly from the infrastructure programs introduced by Kemal, and many appreciate its continued expansion - Higher education is given a kick in the pants as Turkey expands its funding significantly. The İzmir Havacılık ve Denizcilik Okulu (Izmir School for Aeronautics and Shipping) and Ankara Demiryolu Mühendislik Okulu (Ankara Railway Engineering School) are formed to continue the growth of knowledge regarding engineering, infrastructure and heavy industry - Factories are constructed by the Turkish government in Ankara and Eskisehir. The former is tasked with the production of railway cars and locomotives, obviously paired with students at the Ankara school. The latter is ordered to begin the production of armored cars and heavy trucks, both of which will be soon implemented in Turkeys massive military reforms - Five Junker F.13 craft are purchased by Turkey. These passenger planes are quickly taken to the Izmir college to be poked and prodded and eventually copied, while two are given to the Turkish military as officer transport planes, allowing generals to quickly move from place to place - Aston Martin Badgers are purchased en-masse in order to facilitate the mechanization of farming in Cilicia and Marmara. With a rapidly expanding economy, the birth rate is expected to grow alongside it, and Turkey cannot risk becoming dependent on foreign imports for food - Turkey’s air force sees a significant increase in its size as generals demand a minimum of 400 aircraft. Now, the air force will no longer accept lower-quality, outdated machines, and is instead focusing on more recent designs. Heavy biplanes and torpedo bomber biplanes are a priority for the air force, as an anti-naval doctrine is set in stone - Pilots for the Turkish air force are rigorously drilled on night raids, and most importantly, air-to-sea combat. With Italy’s navy rapidly outpacing the Balkan Pact, Turkey understands that it cannot risk losing the entirety of the mediterranean to an enemy, and instead focuses on making the shoreline and surrounding areas deathtraps for Italian ships - At Gölcük, a number of coastal patrol vessels and mine layers begin construction. These ships are built to hug the coast and not stray too far from the Turkish shore, but are nonetheless forces to be reckoned with in regards to combat. The Sea of Marmara will soon be heavily militarized, and the straits defended by a multitude of Turkish craft come the end of the next year - Four [i]Surcouf[i]-styled submarines begin construction at Gölcük. These new designs, dubbed the [i]Yılanbalığı[/i] class (Eel) draw the 8 inch guns down to five inches, and up the number of torpedoes. Nonetheless, these submarines could easily wreak havoc on an unprepared foe - Turkey expands its military to more than twenty divisions, with two new Dağcı divisions and a newly formed motorized division to join their ranks. This expansion draws some ire from observers, and some are nervous that Turkey is preparing to lash out at any moment - These fears are quelled as Turkey draws back its readiness, and instead focuses on reorganizing the military into a more centralized--and European--structure. A host of Great War and post-war weapons are purchased and copied, such as the MG-08, LMM-24, as well as the introduction of all-metal helmets and less flashy uniforms. Turkey is rapidly approaching the status of European player yet again after but a short time - Engineering students at the Izmir School create a breakthrough design. Using tiny mechanical devices, these engineers create flight systems that use a gyroscope to allow a pilot to see how their plane is angled and if it is levelled. Though in the public eye it seems like nothing special, for a pilot in combat it could be a lifesaver - Turkey uses a number of Soviet-styled pentodes to begin the creation of a domestic radio. These radios are similar to German designs in that they are smaller and use less power, but are also semi-fashionable, and less-powerful designs are slated for civilian consumption. Using a hand-carved wooden exterior, these radios are popular amongst the rich due to their unique appearance and aesthetics[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/qtGQatd.png[/img] - Japan purchases British bonds equalling £200m in order to expand the country’s reserves of foreign currencies. Of course, the bonds are there for trading and financial reserves as opposed to a total currency change. Nonetheless, British banks are happy to see purchase go through - Taking a page from the French, the British approach Thailand with open arms, ensuring the nation’s continued independence. After some talks, the Thai delegation in London agrees on a cultural exchange, and a large number of Thai artifacts are delivered to the London Museum, and in return, Thailand is presented with numerous royal gifts - As tensions cool, Britain presents Ireland with a huge number of British bonds, and a £60m payment of “restitution and friendship” to the Irish. In order to prevent further flare-ups of the IRA in northern Ireland, the British also allow for the docking of Irish shipping vessels in British ports free of charge - The British government officially introduces legislation limiting the amount of oil that can be extracted and exported by companies each year. As prices continue to floor, British economists are in fear of a “house of cards collapsing inward” if oil prices spike up even in minute amounts. Instead, excess oil is to be delivered to the Royal Oil Reserve, a newly formed set of tanks in Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Gujarat and Scotland, in which the British Empire can sit happily on backup in the case of financial upset or war - The Royal Highway Program is put into effect. Mimicking the German Autobahn, this massive undertaking is meant to create a complex system of roadways linking almost every major city in Britain together though what will soon be designated as the King’s Roadway, stretching from London to Glasgow. It will be expensive and time consuming, but the return on investment will be enormous - Parliament approves the formation of the Royal Parks Administration. Similar to the American National Parks program, the RPA oversees the designation and protection of natural and manmade wonders throughout the empire. Everything from the Taj Mahal, Great Pyramids, Scottish Highlands and Burmese Jungles are protected from outside influence, and subsidised to continue the protection of local flora and fauna - Local majority languages are introduced to public schools in colonies as secondary classes to English. This will allow for improved literacy rates amongst populations throughout colonial school districts, as even though some students become fluent in English, they are unable to comprehend the written words of their local dialects - Federalization talks continue in London as lobbyists from the newly formed Indian Federal Association and Anglo-Egyptian Federal Association are given the floor in parliament. Conservative PMs nearly laugh them out of the room, and many in Labour stay silent, but the idea is slowly drifting into the public mindset - British national troops begin exercising throughout the country to ensure that the troops are in fighting shape and prepared for any conflict. With the enormous number of colonial backups, the British military decides to bring its own troops up to even higher standards, slowly but surely making the British army one of the most elite forces in Europe, if not the world - Radios begin integration in large numbers into the British military. With the world of warfare growing more and more mobile, it would be asinine to expect troops to continue running to and from rear echelons to gather orders, and instead the British army begins pushing for the adoption of radios en masse - A “vegetarian” option for rations is introduced to India. Using a large number of beans and squashes ground into a paste, these rations are given out of respect to the local troops that are religiously unable to consume pork or beef. It is a major token of goodwill to local troops, but infuriates logisticians in the military to no end - Hoping to continue the mechanization of farming in Britain and its colonies, Aston Martin introduces the Aston Martin Model 5. Similar in design to the French heavy trucks, the Model 5 is a large tractor capable of holding huge amounts of goods in its bed, as well as towing heavy equipment to and from farms - Engineers within the British army unveil a significant breakthrough. Using a triangulated array of radios and a massive tower, British operators are able to pick up minute “pings” of aircraft in the distance that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. This ‘Radar’ system is incredibly crude and expensive, and can mistake a flock of seagulls for a swarm of enemy aircraft, but is nonetheless a major advantage for the empire come the next, inevitable conflict[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/d0YEXmS.png[/img] - Despite the war against the Klan heating up into incredibly dangerous levels, Calvin Coolidge manages to secure reelection. His reforms regarding the economy and politics of the US gives him a massive advantage over the Progressive candidate. Coolidge trounces the elections with a whopping 364 electoral votes, while Davis, the Democratic candidate, is in second place with but 80 - The war with the Klan continues, and reaches a new height. As FBI and state police hunt down Klansmen, a gunfight takes place in the city of Peoria, Illinois. Known as the “Day of Fire”, eleven FBI agents, 19 Illinois state and local police are killed, while 22 Klansmen are killed, 11 arrested. Most of the Klansmen involved in the fight manage to escape, setting fire to dozens of buildings and lynching a number of black civilians on their way out. This marks the beginning of what is essentially a guerilla war within the United States, as the Klan declares the Day of Fire a victory - Klan militias begin cropping up in rural areas of the United States. The Klan’s message has evolved from a purely neo-Confederate identity to a much more vicious one. The Klan is anti-Black, anti-Irish, anti-Asian and anti-Government. The Klan views the US government as a corrupt institution that “must be purged of its degeneracy”. The FBI readies itself for a hell of a fight - A gigantic investigation continues in the US government to root out corruption and ties with the Klan. The investigation branches out of the FBI and into congress and the senate, and four National congressmen are arrested for their ties with the Klan. Meanwhile, the government continues to pour money into state police forces to assist them in tracking down and defeating the dug-in KKK - The Office of Financial Exchanges and Security is given the authority to begin regulating the stock market and implementing rules. Purchases of more than $200 are to be made in cash rather than credit, and all existing credit purchases are to be backed with cash at some point by 1930. This is a surefire way to prevent financial collapse, or at the very least cushion the blow if it takes place - Congress approves the Capper-Ketchum act to introduce younger students to the wonders of agriculture. With the population of the US growing rapidly, and America still one of the biggest exporters of grain, the US government hopes to get future college students working on continued mechanization of agriculture - Washington D.C. is aplum with the sound of marching feet as the US military puts on a massive parade, celebrating “Peace at home and abroad”. Though the message is somewhat sullied by the news of the war with the Klan, observers are nonetheless happy to see the men defending the nation march to the sound of the Star Spangled Banner - Goddard and his rocket tests continue. One test proves to be incredibly successful, with a liquid fuel rocket managing to travel 6 kilometers horizontally with little to no change in its course. These tests are hoped to lead to further development in regards to munitions or aircraft in the future - American engineers at the University of Indiana unveil a unique design. Using high pressure chambers and liquid nitrogen, these engineers are able to “freeze-dry” foods such as beef, pork and even hamburger patties. These foods are not appetizing by any means, but are given an extended shelf life, and are a must-have for rations in the American military - A bored trader in Wall Street creates a breakthrough design. Using a piece of paper with a dry adhesive, this tradesmen manages to create a roll of tape that can hold ripped objects together, or post notes on doors. Nicknamed “Scott’s Tape”, this new invention is incredibly useful for office workers around the country[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/zbIbP9M.png[/img] - Mikhail Frunze, Grand Marshal of the Soviet Union, takes a short trip to Turkey to visit Mustafa Kemal Pasha and address the concerns of Turkey in Turkey’s parliament. This trip is a way for the Soviet Union to further extend friendship to Turkey, and both sides hope to put the history of Russo-Turkish rivalry far behind them - In Moscow, the Soviet government forms the Комиссар для Pазвития Коминтерна (Komissar dlva Razvitiva Komintenra) (Commissary for Comintern Development). The KRK will oversee the funding of communist government’s various projects, and has already begun assisting Mongolia with the exploitation of its natural resources. The KRK also acts somewhat as a bank for communist parties to draw money from for funding or campaigns - After short deliberation in Moscow, the Tuvan Socialist Republic agrees to be absorbed as a semi-autonomous SSR within the Soviet Union. Many in the Soviet Union forget that such a region existed, and are neither shocked nor intrigued, or even experience any real reaction to the news - The Soviet economy is experiencing a glut of natural and refined resources as its enormous labor pool is put to good use. Trotsky recognizes the rapid growth, and has begun pushing for a “self-sufficient Soviet Union”. Rather than have some parts of the economy be dependent on foreign purchases, the USSR slowly but surely moves to only tiny amounts of imports - Trotsky sees that the economies of capitalist nations are beginning to teeter thanks to the flooded oil market, as well as tensions skyrocketing in the Balkans, and quietly begins to reduce the amount of Soviet exports. These goods such as grain, refined metals and munitions are to be “returned to the people of the Soviet Union”. Some see this as an isolationist policy, while others view it as a defensive one - SSRs such as Russia, Ukraine and Belarus enjoy the large railway systems implemented over the past few years, but the Soviet government grows concerned over the east. The Trans-Siberian Railway, despite having some work done on it in the past, has fallen into the background. Trotsky immediately mobilizes a large number of workers to not only repair the railway, but bring it up to European standard. Five new rail lines are slated to run parallel to the existing railway to ensure redundancies and a more efficient set of lines. This project will take at least three years to be completed, but will be a huge victory for the Soviet economy - Trotsky shocks the nation after declaring the Soviet’s policy of “state atheism” to be “oppressive and anti-proletariat”. Trotsky and his associates introduce legislation allowing the practice of religion and the reopening of churches and mosques. Citizens are still barred from practicing publicly, and religious leaders are regularly watched by government agents, but conservative elements in the USSR sleep quietly knowing that their faith is no longer under attack - The Soviet military continues to put research and thought into “deep battle”. As the exercises are over, the Soviets recognize that the biggest hole is the lack of a strong backbone of communication. Following in the footsteps of other nations, the Soviets begin the mass implementation of radios and communications centers at a divisional level, hoping to keep the huge Soviet army organized - Pilots and fighters in the fledgling Soviet air force suffer greatly from a lack of cooperation. In the event of a war in Europe, Soviet command predicts not the half dozen or so bombers, but instead hundreds blotting out the skies, attacking Soviet cities and emplacements. Pilots are now drilled to cooperate in groups rather than as individuals, and are tasked with striking targets in unison - The Soviet army introduces seven motorized divisions, using the huge number of trucks already in the Soviet arsenal. These troops are trained to be moved as a rapid reaction force rather than as a standard infantry division. Smaller in size, these divisions are able to get from place to place at a blinding speed, and could easily be used to plug gaps in Soviet lines - Soviet naval engineers in Leningrad begin constructing a new design. The new [i]Irkutsk[/i] class destroyer is, by Soviet standards, a top of the line screen ship. Armed with 4 5 inch guns, 5 20mm anti-aircraft guns, and seven torpedo tubes, the [i]Irkutsk[/i] class is a fast moving, heavy hitting screen that is comparable to even British design. Up to fifteen ships of this class are expected to be seaworthy by 1930 - Engineers at Grigorovich design bureau produce a new tool for the Soviet air force. The Mu-9 is an all-metal frame, closed canopy monoplane fighter armed with 4 DP-24 machine guns ramped up to a 1000RPM cyclic rate. The Mu-9 is fast, maneuverable and quite small, earning it the nickname “Xорек” (Khorek) [Ferret]. Nonetheless, the Ferret is a difficult target to hit, and if given the numbers, could easily destroy any bomber formation[/quote] [editline]20th February 2018[/editline] [highlight]TURNS ARE DUE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24[/highlight]
[b][u]Do you want to join [highlight]An Iron Will?[/highlight][/u][/b] Well, now you can! I will be opening [b][u]ONE[/u][/b] slot to be filled by a new player. If you desire to participate, please go to my visitor messages and write the following: [quote]ChiggyWiggy[/quote] By this Saturday, I will use a random spinner to pick said new player essentially “out of a hat”, and will allow you to send in a turn for Turn 8.
[QUOTE]- The revolution begins in Romania as militant members of the AFR spring into action and seize Bessarabian cities and territories, declaring the independence of the East Romanian Socialist Republic. Almost overnight, the Kingdom of Romania declares war on the ERSR and move troops to attack the communists[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]- Fascist groups in Slovakia run headfirst into the French SSIGN police, and are forced to scatter. This is a double edged sword, as it forces the Fascists to redouble their efforts, while also giving some wiggle room to counter-fascist groups such as communists or even pure Slovak nationalists[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]- Hungarian nationalists take their chance to rise up in open revolt, demanding independence from Romania and a return to Hungarian occupation of Transylvania. The situation in Romania quickly becomes untenable, and the nation is falling apart at the seams[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]- The fighting in Romania is brutal and bloody as government forces are evenly matched against the heavily armed communist foes. Members of the Iron Guard begin conducting horrific house to house raids in cities like Bucharest in an attempt to find communist sympathisers. Hundreds are killed in what is named the “Bloody Tuesday Massacre” at the hands of the Iron Guard[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]- Elements of the SSIGN are sent to assist in anti-Communist raids in Romania, and unlike the Iron Guard, take prisoners and seek further information. The SSIGN is also tasked with protecting government and church officials, as communist partisans threaten even the most basic aspects of everyday life in Romania[/QUOTE] [IMG]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/245012551153221642/415541911848222720/WWII-Britain3.jpg[/IMG] [B]I'm comin lads[/B]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/pgPYkjt.png[/img] [b]The "Alliances of the World" as they stand in 1928[/b] [quote] [b]Italy in the Entente[/b] - Though ideologically Italy is near polar opposites of other Entente members, their ideals come together. In order to contain the Soviet Union, Italy has promised to guarantee the independence of Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and Poland. In essence, this makes Italy an observer of the Entente. [b]Iran in the Balkan Pact[/b] - Iran is not "in" the alliance, per-se, but is instead in an awkward position of observation. Should one attack the Republic of Iran, Turkey would leap to its defense due to their guarantee. However, Iran has promised to provide material aid in the event of a war involving the Balkan Pact, even though Iran itself may not be actively engaged in the war. [b]The Commonwealth[/b] - Should the United Kingdom enter a full on state of war on the side of the Entente, it would not be surprising to see Britain once again call upon her colonies and dominions to fight alongside her.[/quote]
[quote]German Foreign Policy, post-1923[/quote] [media]https://youtu.be/4sZuN0xXWLc[/media]
[B]It is [highlight]FRIDAY[/highlight], my dudes[/B] [B]TURNS IN[/B] - France - Japan - USA - USSR [B]TURNS NEEDED[/B] - Germany - Italy - Turkey - UK
Submit thy turns
[QUOTE=Amfleet;53157574]Submit thy turns[/QUOTE] my turn is in you fucking cheese eating frog legged spineless white flagged piece of shit i will END YOU LET'S GO ROUND TWO ASSHOLE
[quote] [img]https://i.imgur.com/boYkpYh.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/MqnnHM9.png[/img] [b]January-December, 1929[/b][/quote] [quote] [img]https://i.imgur.com/bA71fZg.png[/img] [/quote] [quote] [b]World Tension is LOW (RISING)[/b] [b]World Economy is DESTABILIZING[/b] -- [b]World Events[/b] - The wars in China come to a bitter and bloody close. The Republic of China signs an official ceasefire with the other cliques, who either gobble up their neighbors or sign peaces of their own. Three main polities remain: The Republic of China, the Ma Clique and the Yunnan Clique. A fourth entity exists, the Southern Chinese Front, but is nothing greater than two former enemies having joined forces against their larger foes - Romania’s civil war continues as the communists are pushed back into their own borders, and a combined Franco-British naval invasion seizes the southeast. However, Entente forces are dealing with the organization of the communists, which mysteriously seems to be getting better with their use of motorized divisions and rapid firing artillery - The Hungarian nationalists in the center of Romania begin digging in. They are unwilling to leave their territory, and simply desire to see Transylvania returned to the ownership of Hungary. Unfortunately for them, Romanian troops decide to surround the Hungarians and put them to a bitter siege - The Iron Guard is growing rapidly in popularity within Romania as the government’s fight against the communists is made to be ineffectual in Iron Guard propaganda. Very quickly, battalions of Iron Guard thugs begin attacking Romanian police who “refuse to clamp down on the communist menace” - Bulgaria refuses to back down from their occupation of Dobruja, and faces the combined might of the Entente and the Balkan Pact. Bulgaria quickly crumples as their tiny army was not expecting the full fledged assault on their territory, and is now reduced to small bands of patriotic soldiers and partisans - As the war in Bulgaria is already rapidly approaching a close, the Entente’s goals are made public. Bulgaria will surrender its government, disband the Tsar, and have their territory joined to the rest of Yugoslavia to create a “Pan-Slavic union in southern Europe”. This disgusts cartographers everywhere[/quote] -- [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/O9jhvna.png[/img] - France allows the presence of Japanese attaches in Romania to gather information on the conflict, and observe how a mainland war is fought. These attaches quietly give advice of their own on how to fight against an insurgent force. These attaches remain far away from the combat and are primarily observers - France and other members of the Entente send a simple ultimatum to Bulgaria: Return to borders of as made by the treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine, and submit to foreign occupation. The Tsar refuses, and begins rapidly calling upon locals to take up arms against “foreign imperialists” - A whopping 50,000 French troops of both foot and motor infantry are sent to Yugoslavia, and march eastward towards Sofia. With approval from the French, the Balkan Pact enters the fray and moves their troops into Bulgaria. The fighting is swift and leads to defeat after defeat for the Bulgarians - Much of Bulgaria is taken by Entente-Pact forces, and the remaining areas are held by incredibly dedicated defenders or nationalist partisans. Otherwise, completely surrounded and isolated, Bulgaria will fall by the end of the year. Their foolish desire to remain independent has cost them exactly that - French troops in Romania hold the line against the communists, much like other members of the Entente. Unwilling to actually enter their territory, the French reserve themselves to air strikes and artillery bombardments on rebel positions. A vicious stalemate takes place on the mainland line - A troop surge nonetheless takes place in Romania, with many soldiers bolstering the defensive lines facing eastward, as well as the formation of troops on the border with Hungary. A tense standoff begins as Hungarian troops move themselves to the border in larger number as a response to “French agitation” - Two Béarn-class aircraft carriers, paired with dozens of assault craft, land in the southeast in order to cut off the communists from oceanic supply. Unsurprisingly, this attack goes through without a hitch, and a combination of British and French troops hold the line in the southeast - SSIGN begins cracking down on the Romanian Iron Guard in an attempt to return stability to Romania. This backfires horribly, and three SSIGN operatives are killed in an ambush in Bucharest, the Iron Guard claiming responsibility. It is becoming more and more apparent that the Iron Guard is a radical force that seeks a total change to Romania - The French government begins a large propaganda campaign dismissing fascism and communism as “nothing more than threats to the stability of humanity”, using footage and photographs of the fighting to back up their message. President Doumergue himself states that “Extremism has no place in our nation” - On the 20th of March, the great general Ferdinand Foch passes away. An enormous state funeral takes place in Paris, with thousands of Great War veterans marching in their old uniforms in honor of one of France’s greatest heroes. Doumergue reads a great speech commemorating the man’s service and attitude. Foch is laid to rest in a beautiful mausoleum next to n Henri Gatien Bertrand, General of Napoleon - French military engineers, looking to the creation of a fast firing, high-caliber weapon, create an incredibly simple design. Using a reciprocating barrel, the French 20mm F1 “autocannon” can fire up to 750 rounds per minute of a variety of cartridges. The F1 sees most of its use on armored trains or in defensive positions - A group of bored armaments designers stumble upon a massive breakthrough. Using a series of tubes to counteract the pressures within the weapon, the French 75mm T1 is a reintroduction of recoilless rifle designs. This version is much lighter, and can be carried by a single man. The round fired could easily rip through even some of the heaviest armored vehicles[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/ardna5Q.png[/img] - With the international economy growing more and more unstable, alongside political extremes rising by the day in Europe, Germany feels that its the best time as any to start interlocking its economy with others. The NETP grows in response to Norway’s membership in the IETP, with Latvia and Estonia joining the ranks of their neighbor Lithuania. With near total trade authority in the Baltic, German economists can’t help but feel smug - The Autobahn has finished construction. German President Wells cuts the red ribbon in Berlin, officially opening the entirety of the Autobahn to the public. Almost immediately, cars start flooding the massive roadway, and the German economy feels the benefits of a mobile population - Wells approves a bill in the Reichstag to begin the founding of dozens of public colleges and secondary schools around the country. Here, the German populace can seek higher education at a subsidized price. This project will take less time then the Autobahn, but also be far more expensive, and is expected to be completed by 1933 - Two enormous oil refineries are built in Germany. One in East Prussia, the other in Bavaria. Here, the German government purchases a large amount of foreign oil thanks to the floored prices on the international market. Instead of immediately turning the refined oil over to the general public, the German government skims 20% of all refined imports to be set off for a reserve - The Interne Sicherheitsgruppe (ISG) undergoes a significant expansion. Seeing the situation in Europe further destabilizing, the ISG is raised to over 100,000 agents, all of whom undergo incredibly rigorous training. These agents are armed and given equipment that may be deemed necessary, but are not outright members of the military - A number of merchant marine vessels are commissioned as the NETP grows rapidly. German shipping is lagging behind significantly, and with so many trading partners to keep track of, Germany cannot risk being left in the dust for long - The German government forms the [i]Umweltverordnunggeschäftsstelle[/i] (UVG) [Environment Regulation Agency] to oversee the “protection of natural beauty and fauna”. The UVG takes note from the American national parks system, and bars the opening of mines or factories in areas slated for government protection - With its increased size, the Reichswehr undergoes a series of reforms not expected to be implemented until 1931. Rather than large, rigid units, the German military begins cutting squads down into 10 men, as well as pushing for a reliance on radios and mobility and more. By the time these reforms are done, Germany’s military, though small, will once again become a force to be reckoned with - Automobile designer Audi shows off their newest vehicle. The Audi Titan is a 3.5 tonne truck capable of carrying a wide variety of goods in a large flat bed. Similar to other designs, the Titan is explicitly built for the consumption by the German people. Plans to export the Titan are on the books, but the truck is “made for the nation it was born in” - Pushed hard by the German government, engineers at Junkers unveil the F.15A. Unlike the original F.15, the F.15A is a monoplane design with a slimmer body and bigger engine. Able to carry the weight of its biplane ancestor but at much higher speeds, the F.15A is a massive leap forward in passenger aircraft[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/zlCpMbg.png[/img] - Italian prince Umberto takes a trip through a number of American countries, observing the Italian diaspora as well as attempting to open or expand embassies in these nations. However, the most important meeting is between Umberto and American president Coolidge, both of whom appear to have a fondness for one another. The two remain friends and begin sending letters to one another, as Coolidge approves the expansion of the Italian-American embassies - Three brigades of Italian infantry arrive in Romania to provide assistance to the Romanian government, as well as begin supplying Romanian forces there. Some criticise the Italian presence, stating that it is a blatant attempt to begin the further arming of fascist groups, but Mussolini outright denounces the antisemitic acts of the Iron Guard - A large list of candidates for Consul, or head of the Italian senate, is disseminated throughout Italy in preparations for elections. A variety of candidates are present, including Italo Balbo, Rodolfo Graziani, Pietro Badoglio, Alceste De Ambris and Filippo Tomasso Marinetti - Colonial natives are given permission to migrate to and from the Italian mainland as they so wish. A large number of educated Libyan and Somali natives begin settling in cities like Milan and Rome. The sight is new for some Italians, but due to their knowledge in a variety of skills and fluency in Italian, they are largely treated as equals - At Beretta, military engineers begin improving on the design for a rifle fired grenade. Using the cup design, similar to the British, Italian soldiers can use a blank cartridge to launch a 40mm projectile up to 200m away. These projectiles come in quite a variety, such as high explosive, shrapnel, smoke or even flare payloads - Mimicking the Germans, the Italian military begins testing the Modello 29-40. The 29-40 is a 40mm anti-tank weapon, using a high pressure round meant to rip through the armor of oncoming tanks. The 29-40 is easily pushed by two men, towed by horses or trucks, and is dirt cheap to produce[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/R7L81E2.png[/img] - France allows the presence of Japanese attaches in Romania to gather information on the conflict, and observe how a mainland war is fought. These attaches quietly give advice of their own on how to fight against an insurgent force. These attaches remain far away from the combat and are primarily observers - Japanese businessmen take it upon themselves to purchase copies of American jukeboxes and cameras, as well as gather recipes of frozen foods and cheeseburgers. These foreign designs are taken back to the mainland and reproduced as blatant copies of American goods. However, with Japan’s rigid and organized industry, the copies are just as good and just as cheap as the originals - A census of Japan’s home and external territories takes place, gathering information on various aspects of the population. Unsurprisingly, much of the homeland’s population is highly educated and rests within the middle class. However, much of the population in the newly acquired territories is uneducated and poor, and there is a lot of room to improve - A detailed survey of the home islands is approved by the Diet in order to seek out areas of improvement. Unsurprisingly, the more northern areas of Honshu and most of Hokkaido are underdeveloped, and have large swathes of largely agrarian populations. These populations are in need of further mechanization, but if replaced could lead to food shortages on the mainland - The Imperial Japanese Navy commissions the development of hundreds of Mitsubishi A3A dive bombers and Aichi D1B carrier fighters. With the large number of aircraft carriers in the Japanese fleets compared to their competitors, there must be something to fill their decks. These planes are expected to finish construction in their entirety by the end of the year - In order to keep pace with the number of planes constructed for the IJN, the Japanese government forms five incredibly robust pilot schools across the home islands. Here, recruits for the IJN or IJA are drilled on the importance of self preservation, target acquisition and high speed flying. Japanese pilots are quickly becoming some of the most skilled in the world - As Japan’s naval orders begin leaving port to join the rest of the fleet, the IJN makes an incredibly tall order. 40 more [i]Fubuki[/i] class destroyers and 40 more [i]Unagi[/i] class escorts are ordered, as well as ten more oilers. This order essentially clogs the production of other ships for the IJN, and the massive amount of ships are expected to finish being built by no later than 1933 - The Japanese army “frees up” the chain of command by putting more responsibility on junior officers, encouraging them to jump into action rather than wait for orders from up above. This is paired with the introduction of a new, more sane doctrine for Japanese soldiers, in which living to fight another battle is more preferable than self sacrifice - A series of schools for the creation of liaison officers are formed. With the [i]Kokunai-gun[/i] acting as a major police force within Manchuria, the Japanese are unwilling to let the problems of language barriers linger, and begin training thousands of these officers to be inserted into regiments across the board in Manchuria - Japanese naval engineers unveil their newest design. Known as the Type KD1 submarine, this massive tubular submersible craft is capable of incredible distances from its home port, reaching out to hundreds of kilometers below the surface, and thousands if surfaced. Its eight torpedo tubes pack an incredible punch, giving Japan the ability to destroy enemy shipping without being seen or heard[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/eUjYQoB.png[/img] - Turkey, with approval from the Entente, moves troops from Thrace over the border into Bulgaria. These troops are soon joined by Yugoslav and Greek soldiers, in an awkward union as the three nations thrust up from the south into Bulgarian territory. The Turks, unlike the Greeks or Yugoslavs, thrust deep into the underbelly of Bulgaria with ease and grace - Turkish soldiers prove their mettle against Bulgarian defenders as tremendous fighting takes place near Sofia. The use of modern weaponry and equipment gives the Turks a major edge over their enemy, and it is only a matter of time before the rotten supports of the Bulgarian state give out from below - With the war in Bulgaria wrapping up, and the cooperation between Turkish and Greek forces, diplomats from both parties meet in Istanbul to discuss the creation of a Greco-Turkish Friendship Treaty. Despite the wounds of occupation still fresh in the minds of those from eastern Greece, enough time has passed since the war of independence for both nations to begin taking the steps of moving on, together - The Turkish government continues to expand the industrial sector as railway and road projects begin bearing fruit. Seeing the possibility of an unstable world economy, Turkey takes note from the Soviets and begins seeking self reliance in regards to trade. Turkey clamps down on the amount of oil shipped overseas, and begins setting up a large reserve, as well as stockpiling food rather than exporting excess - More public schools are created across the country, with Turkish education officials pushing for further attendance from women. This comes as a shock to the more conservative population in rural areas, who protest the opening of these schools, citing religious reasons. These protests are quickly cleared by rapidly responding Turkish police - In a stunning move by Mustafa Kemal Pasha, women are granted full political and legal freedoms, allowing them to vote, hold local and public office, and be treated as equals in Turkish courts. Of course, there is still a massive societal bias towards women, but in time these changes will be cemented. Mustafa Kemal is quickly taking the high road to immortality in the history books - Cultural centers of various kinds are opened within major cities across the country. Here, citizens (and foreigners) can present art, hold public meetings, charities, and various other events that generally benefit the common man. Some political rallies are approved to be held, but only within reason from the Turkish government. Communists, Islamists, fascists and monarchists are explicitly barred from any form of public gathering - At these cultural centers, the Turkish government invites speakers and organizations to hold commemorations in honor of the many victims of Ottoman genocides. Church leaders and minority representatives are encouraged to talk and discuss ways to heal past wounds. Mustafa Kemal does not attend these meetings, but has quietly given support to further reconciliation - The Gölcük shipyards are expanded once more to handle the loads of more and more cruiser submarines. Three massive drydocks are slated for construction, capable of fitting cruiser-sized vessels for construction and repair. Turkey, it seems, is trying to rebuild its naval presence in the Mediterranean, something they have lacked for more than a century and a half - French fashion designer Coco Chanel is invited to Turkey to design a more “eye pleasing and ergonomic” uniform for the Turkish military. Using a herringbone pattern, Chanel unveils the “Yeni Model Üniforma” (New Mode Uniform). With two breast and a flared waist, this new uniform covers the beltline of the pants, giving a slightly informal look. However, the YMU is incredibly comfortable, and soldiers in the field praise its design - Seeing the growth of air forces around the world, Turkey feels the pressure to modernize. With help from engineers at the Izmir school, the Orta Bombacı 1 (OB-1 for short) is born. A monoplane bomber, the OB-1 has a slight advantage over the heavier biplane designs as it is faster and more nimble. Capable of carrying 800kg of bombs, the OB-1 trades payload for speed, and can return to its target in quick succession - Recognizing that mobility is key, Turkish electronics engineers begin conducting experiments with a “portable” radio. Using two soldiers carrying rectangular backpacks, the soldiers can remove their weight and put the two pieces together. Though awkward, this radio and its power supply can be hauled into combat zones and used to communicate with rear echelons or other units[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/FENNV7z.png[/img] - With cover of French aircraft, and using French naval assault vessels, British and French troops secure a beach head in southeast Romania. Here, thousands of British troops begin spilling into the territory held by the communists, with more than 50,000 British troops on the way from the homeland - 20,000 British colonial troops, mainly Arabic and Indian divisions, move through Turkey into Bulgaria to assist Entente forces there. The implementation of modern training techniques begins to shine through as these troops make quick work of Bulgarian defenders. The sheer diversity of soldiers going up against the Bulgarians throws them for a loop, and severely hampers their morale - To continue the fight in the Balkans, as well as secure a foothold for the Entente in the Mediterranean, British advisors meet with Yugoslav engineers, commissioning the construction of a large naval base in Dubrovnik. Here, ships can be refit or repaired if need be. Most of the funding comes from British coffers, and the labor is largely local workers - With the world economy being further interconnected, whether the British like it or not, diplomats meet in Oslo to discuss bringing Norway into the IETP. Eagerly, Norway accepts, and very quickly, British merchant vessels dock in Norway, almost mocking the German ships headed for Sweden - Britain and most of South America enter an agreement for free trade. Though this ruffles the feathers of American businessmen, who feel that the United States has hegemony over the two continents, the British are incredibly happy to begin receiving spices, fruits and wood at incredibly low prices - At home, Britain begins preparations for “emergency measures” in the event of an economic collapse. Much of the budget is drawn up to be spent on “reserves”, and a multitude of consumer goods are stockpiled. Exports of food and oil to other countries are severely clamped down upon to prevent “the rug being pulled out from beneath the British people” - Abroad, engineers and agricultural experts begin trying to implement new devices such as the Aston Martin Badger and drip irrigation to farms across Africa and India. These measures are expensive and difficult to implement thanks to language and education barriers, but are nonetheless appreciated by the locals. By the end of 1935, Britain hopes to see a large adoption of mechanized agriculture in their colonies - Federalization talks reach an interesting head, as a unified set of colonial and dominion representatives have formed the Union of Federalists. These representatives address parliament numerous times, pushing for the implementation of an “Equally represented government of the people of Britain and her colonies”. These talks don’t lead to anywhere significant in regards to the government, but papers are definitely interested - The British military begins investing in the implementation of trucks, half tracks and tanks to the ground forces. These moves for mechanization are slow, as the army of Britain is massive and full of red tape. However, if the British pull it off, it will soon make them the dominant military yet again - A project to begin fortifying Hong Kong begins. A string of bunkers and forts, as well as multiple coastal batteries, are constructed to defend the “pearl of the orient”. Two brigades of British infantry are stationed in the city to hold the line in the event of attack. This move upsets Japanese observers and confuses Chinese onlookers - APOC and a group of engineers with radical ideas implement a design that makes the public scratch their head. By sinking hundreds of meters of concrete and steel into the ocean, Anglo-Persian manages to create a somewhat functional “Offshore Rig” for the collection of oil. It works, to an extent, and quietly oil companies around the world try to gather information on the design - Combat engineers in Romania stumble across a design that may indeed save British lives in future conflicts. Similar to the American Armadillo Vest, these engineers create a multi-layered composite of fibers and soft iron plates to create the “Model 1 Anti-Fragmentation Vest”. To the average soldier, it’s called a “Tin”, thanks to the metallic noise of shrapnel being absorbed by the iron plates. Tins are heavy and awkward to wear, but allow a soldier to withstand the impact of shrapnel with not so much as a broken rib[/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/JMdalM2.png[/img] - Italian prince Umberto takes a trip through a number of American countries, observing the Italian diaspora as well as attempting to open or expand embassies in these nations. However, the most important meeting is between Umberto and American president Coolidge, both of whom appear to have a fondness for one another. The two remain friends and begin sending letters to one another, as Coolidge approves the expansion of the Italian-American embassies - The “Klan War” begins. As the FBI and National Guard sweep into Klan hideouts across the United States, the response is swift and vicious. Klansmen duck out of their hidey holes and flee into the American wilderness, dragging government agents on a violent and wild goose chase. After weeks in the woods, the Klansmen return to the cities to repeat the process - In response, Congress approves the American Emergency Responsiveness Act. The AERA allows federal agents to, within their respective budgets and with approval from their superiors, to purchase “any and all armaments necessary to combat threats to American security”. Soon, small monoplane scouts bearing the words “Federal Bureau of Investigation” are seen overhead - Another major aspect to the AERA is the quiet rider that declares the Klan to be an anti-American organization. Individuals arrested on ties to the KKK can be charged with treason against the United States, and sentenced to death. Said sentence is usually used to force captured Klansmen to squeal on their compatriots before being tossed into a local prison for a greatly reduced sentence - The Klan War is long, bloody and difficult. The KKK is far stronger than the government anticipated, and the recent acts against them have garnered much support in the more radical areas of the south. However, as the campaigns continue, the US government is essentially guaranteed to win this. Perhaps this could be the final nail in the backwards attitude of the United States - In more peaceful news, the US government lowers taxes on automobile manufacturers by 4%. This reduction in taxes is put in place to hopefully draw in more Americans to purchase cars. With the floored prices of oil, many middle class Americans are able to purchase automobiles, and the streets of major cities are abustle with cars and trucks of all shapes and sizes - Congress passes the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, which hopes to prevent the extinction of flocking birds, a fate of which the Passenger Pigeon was not spared. Meanwhile, many hunters are annoyed with the decision, and are forced to turn to deer once again to get food on their plates - America’s economy is slowly beginning to stumble as panic buying of stocks ensues on Wall Street. With the immense chaos in the southern United States, many begin fearing for the future of the country as a whole. If a crash takes place, America could reach out and drag other nations down with it - Engineers at Illinois State University unveil an incredibly important invention. Using a combination of tightly woven fibers and layered steel and soft iron plates, the “Armadillo Vest” is born. Capable of withstanding a .45 caliber bullet at short range, the Armadillo Vest is a heavy and incredibly thick vest that allows the user to survive handgun rounds. This is a massive step forward for law enforcement, and Armadillo Vests are purchased by the hundreds by the FBI - Goddard continues his rocket experiments. A significant breakthrough takes place with a certain model of rocket, which is able to travel 12km at high speed, and reliably reach a target area. The US army immediately takes the designs, and adjusts the amount of fuel to carry an explosive warhead. The M1 Rocket, nicknamed the “Harpy”, is born. Each M1 rocket carries a 5kg explosive and can hit a target up to 10km away. The M1 Rocket Artillery System is designed soon afterwards, able to fire 20 rockets in quick succession [/quote] [quote][img]https://i.imgur.com/kzJawtX.png[/img] - The Soviet Union extends its hand of friendship to Sinkiang by allowing the KRK to begin the implementation of mechanized agriculture into the region. Largely, Sinkiang’s food comes from subsistence farming, hunting or trade. Such a lifestyle cannot do for an ally of the Soviet Union - With development continuing in Sinkiang, Trotsky orders that two lines be added to the Trans-Siberian Railway project to lead into Sinkiang and Mongolia. These two lines will only see construction once the massive project is nearing its end, but will nonetheless help the Soviet Union’s allies, as well as give them a significant advantage in regards to power projection - Thanks to an expanded budget, as well as the basic groundwork having been laid over the previous years, Trotsky and his associates move for the implementation of a publicly funded healthcare system. Over the next two years, the Soviet Union will begin drafting regulations and founding hospitals to begin the process. With the nation’s size and population, such a reform will take time - The rural areas of the Soviet Union are in disrepair, or simply out and out backwards. A massive project begins to survey and attempt to modernize these areas. Each part of the country is special, and must be treated differently. Primarily, the Soviet government seeks to modernize the agricultural aspects of these regions - At the many factory cities throughout the USSR, workers begin complaining of the dreary and spartan conditions. In order to combat this, the Soviet government approves the liberalisation of the arts, and gives grants to art students to begin making statues, houses, gardens and parks within these artificial cities. Within months, the slate gray and brown is splashed with color, and city centers are adorned with statues dedicated to the worker - With war once again rearing its ugly head in Europe, the Soviet Union cannot risk falling behind. Frunze orders the construction of hundreds of Mu-9 fighters to bolster the Soviet air force. With the massive amount of aluminum and oil within the USSR, the construction is underway, and soon the USSR will have one of the largest air forces in the world - The Soviet military begins organizing Логистические Зоны (Logisticheskiye Zony) [Logistics Zones], or designated areas for simplified supply routes. These zones are carefully drawn up in large numbers, and are set to be an important aspect for the Soviet ground forces. They are inflexible, yet incredibly well organized, and assist in the movement of troops and supplies across the world’s biggest country - Fearing the arrival of Italian or Entente ships in the Black Sea, the Soviet navy moves most of its ships into the region. Sevastopol undergoes a large series of fortification efforts, as well as being slated for the construction of several [i]Irkutsk[/i] class destroyers, which will hopefully deter enemy attacks on Soviet shipping - The Soviet Navy continues its modernization after working out the last kinks in the [i]Volk[/i] (Wolf) class cruiser. These new ships bristle with guns, its main armament being eight six-inch guns, complemented by dozens of smaller weapons. The [i]Volk[/i] class sacrifices speed in exchange for a massive amount of firepower and armor, blurring the line between cruiser and battlecruiser - Noticing the development of heavy aircraft, engineers at Tupolev begin testing their newest design. Known simply as the Tupolev TB-1, this angular, sluggish monoplane is capable of carrying 1,000kg of bombs towards a target. The TB-1 is not pretty, not fast, not agile, but it is indeed effective and incredibly cheap to produce[/quote] [highlight]TURNS ARE DUE SATURDAY, MARCH 3[/highlight] **Please note the flags for the Entente and Balkan Pact are purely symbolic and are not official
Also Rockmanyoshi is now playing as Peru. I asked him nicely to post in the thread and he never did. Please sanction him.
I call the extremely relevant nation of peru [editline]26th February 2018[/editline] Hey wait a moment im sorry i responded late [editline]26th February 2018[/editline] :cry:
[b]The Winds of Change[/b] [b]1930[/b] [quote][b][u]EUROPE[/u][/b] [quote][quote][b]Western Europe[/b][/quote] Western Europe has seen the least change since the beginning of the Great War, and has instead enacted the changes themselves. Britain, though having lost much of Ireland, still sits as the dominant military and naval power in Western Europe, and perhaps the entire continent. France, meanwhile, has both diplomatic and military reach over its neighbors, and continues to keep a watchful eye on Germany. In the Low Countries, all three nations enjoy a tranquil stance of relative neutrality. With their greatest concern, Germany, still shackled by the demands of the Entente, and the flames of extremism reduced to embers, nations like Belgium and Luxembourg enter a calm not seen since the end of the Napoleonic era, where trade and culture flourish. Spain, meanwhile, is entering a state of disarray. Furious with the ineffectual and nearly dictatorial nature of the Rivera regime, many have taken to the streets demanding that the Prime Minister step down and elections be held once again. Portugal has barely survived the failed coup attempt in 1926, foiled with the assistance of French agents. Iberia is at a dangerous crossroads, and will prove to be an interesting arena for political change in the coming years. The scars of the Great War have finally begun to close in the two masters of European politics, Britain and France. As both nations are united again under the banner of the Entente, a new outlook has formed in the public’s eyes. Instead of competition between the two, as it has been historically for hundreds of years, many are warming to the idea of further cooperation, and further friendship.[/quote] [quote][quote][b]Central Europe[/b][/quote] Much of the political and cultural landscape has changed in the recent years, as the empires of Germany and Austria-Hungary lay in pieces. Successor states of the Hapsburgs are still at odds with one another, and the tiny nation of Austria is still reeling from the effects of the Great War. Hungary, under the iron rule of Horthy and his dictatorship, eyes its neighbors with envy and hatred. Millions of ethnic Hungarians remain isolated in areas like southern Slovakia, Vojvodina and Transylvania, while the Hungarian state is put beneath the boot of the Entente. Such an outlook is a breeding ground for extremism, and as the situation in Romania continues to deteriorate, Hungarians cannot help but feel smug as the tapestry of the Entente starts to tear. Switzerland still enjoys its almost comical tradition of neutrality, and has largely skirted the economic strife of Europe, riding out the waves of post-war fallout on its massive gold reserves. Meanwhile, to the east, Czechoslovakia has begun to feel the pressures of unchecked extremism. Fascists of both Czech and Slovak origin are rapidly growing in popularity, and are becoming a significant political force within the country. Even with help from Entente agents, the Czechoslovak government is worried that a push too hard could lead to a situation similar to Romania. Mighty Germany, once the empire that straddled the continent, the titan that crushed the French in 1870 and brought about the end of the Russian Empire in 1917, is a shell of its former self. Despite economic growth and a stabilization of politics, Germany remains humiliated by the oppressive treaties laid by the Entente. Germany’s army, air force and navy are tiny compared to its neighbors, and its economy cannot grow beyond the enormous debts it owes to its former enemies. Perhaps this is for the best, as it may teach Germany a valuable lesson in regards to diplomacy and empire.[/quote] [quote][quote][b]Northern Europe[/b][/quote] Northern Europe remains somewhat the same. Scandinavia’s borders are unchanged, save for the expansion of Denmark’s southern border, and the arrival of an independent Finland. Politically, however, these nations are indeed changing. Social Democracy and Liberalism, the keystones of Scandinavian society and politics, are slowly drifting back towards the center. With fears of extremism boiling out of their neighbors to the east or south, these nations turn increasingly inwards, and seek neutral positions. Tiny Denmark understands that interfering with European politics is a death sentence, and pushes for a respect of its neutrality. Norway follows suit, knowing that despite its rough terrain and harsh climate, that its army could not possibly withstand an attack from outside, and would be forced to go on a difficult defensive. Sweden, still the martial nation in Scandinavia, recognizes its delicate position in European politics, and eyes the Soviets warily. Finland, of course, is a wildcard. Despite the centrist government remaining in power, Finland sees its neighbors as threats to its politics, identity and sovereignty. Karelia remains Finnish, but Finland’s military wonders for how long. The Swedish minority is loud in Finland, and the Aland Islands are ever at risk of being occupied by Sweden once again.[/quote] [quote][quote][b]Eastern Europe[/b][/quote] The stressed relations of Eastern European polities is being pulled ever tighter. With the Soviet Union now having recovered from the Civil War, and rapidly approaching the status of great power once again, many states are militarizing rapidly in response, and perhaps to their detriment. The Baltics, easy targets for the Soviets, are left friendless and alone. Fascist groups in Lithuania and Latvia are exploiting this to no end, and small Estonia has begun to feel the pressures of nationalist movements as well. Despite their access to the Baltic sea, and their warming relations with western Europe, the Baltic states fear the revanchist attitude of Trotsky, and are preparing for the worst. Poland, the largest nation in Eastern Europe next to the Soviet Union, is entering a bizarre new era. Now independent for the first time in nearly two centuries, Poland sits nestled between a battered Germany and a resurrected Russia. Far right extremists and militarists are rapidly growing in popularity as the situation in Romania deteriorates. Despite their membership in the Entente, Poland feels isolated yet again. However, the Polish state refuses to back down, and will be a tough nut to crack should it come to war. The Soviet Union holds the fate of Eastern Europe in its hands. Led by the charismatic and cutthroat Leon Trotsky, the Soviet Union has undergone rapid change. No longer a backwater successor of the Russian empire, the Soviet Union is a multi-ethnic, single-party state that boasts one of, if not the, largest army in Europe yet again. Stretching across two continents, the USSR can easily influence political and diplomatic changes in Europe and Asia, and is not to be treated with anything less than respect.[/quote] [quote][quote][b]Southern Europe[/b][/quote] Southern Europe, home to the oldest civilizations on the continent, is once again experiencing a period of rapid and violent change. The Balkans are alight once more, and an expansionist Italy seeks to reclaim the glory of its once lost empire, running headlong as competitor to recently defeated Turkey. Greece, liberalizing and trying to see itself become stable, sits directly between two competing empires. To their north, Yugoslavia and Albania seek to quash Greek expansion in any way, and the small Macedonian and Bulgarian minorities are enraged at Greece’s entry into the war against Bulgaria. Yugoslavia, also known as the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, sits on a knife’s edge. The war in Bulgaria is going incredibly well, and Alexander I’s reign is seemingly secured. However, tensions continue to rise between the Serb and Croat populations of the country, who find themselves increasingly self segregating and hostile towards one another. Though out-and-out violence is yet to be seen, there is a definite lack of cooperation between the two groups in the war with Bulgaria, and further tensions may send a fissure through the country. Romania is falling apart rapidly. Their east is occupied by rebels attempting to either break away, or outright take over the country and turn it into a communist dictatorship. In their center, Hungarian majority territories have risen up in open revolt and are pushing for more territory to be removed from the recently expanded borders of Romania. In the south, the exhausted Romanian military is forced to go after an expansionist Bulgaria, and they seek nothing more than an end to the conflict. Internally, doubt is placed heavily on the monarchy and the Romanian constitution, and far right groups grow more and more popular by the day. Bulgaria is a failed state. Its tiny army was crushed after desperately trying to resist the oncoming forces of the Entente and Balkan Pact. Its populace is weary of war, and incredible distrust is cast upon the Bulgarian government. By the entrance into 1930, the nation will surely fall, and once again be at the mercy of victorious forces that put a boot to their people’s neck. Turkey, seemingly one of the few sane nations in the region, is by default an outlier. Their religion, language and culture is far out of the scope of what many in the region would consider “European”. Despite Turkey’s olive branches to the Balkans, the animosity runs deep. Some see the Balkan Pact as a farce, while others see it as Turkey’s first push into becoming a modernized European state. Regardless, Turkey’s economy and society are rapidly advancing and expanding, and Turkey will soon become a power player in the Balkans and Mediterranean once again. Italy, with its capital smack dab in the center of what all European nations trace their ancestry, is the most powerful force in southern Europe at the moment. Italy's army is expanding at a fast rate, and its navy is increasingly more skilled and advanced. Combined with a focus on aircraft and new technologies, Italy can easily secure its position as an Empire yet again. With a subdued populace chomping at the bit for further glory, Italy will clearly seek to make its voice heard in European affairs.[/quote][/quote] [quote][b][u]AFRICA[/u][/b] [quote][quote][b]Africa[/b][/quote] The Dark Continent. The land that was home to the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt, the marbled city of Carthage, and the golden city of Axum. A center of trade, war, culture and mystery. Entirely held under the yoke of European powers. Much of Africa’s territory is divided between but a few nations. France and Britain, the essential overlords of Africa, have begun dramatically changing their colonies, bringing them up to new standards and expanding their economic presence upon their subjects. Belgium and Portugal take heed as Britain undergoes projects such as the implementation of an African highway. Britain has also introduced a series of education reforms to their African subjects, and are pushing for a stronger base of educated, literate African people. What these measures are for is unknown, but the obvious answer is to secure Britain’s foothold as essential master of Africa. Italy, meanwhile, has begun the second logical step in their colonisation of Africa. With the arrival of thousands of Italian nationals, and the return migration of Arabs, Somalis and Eritreans to the Imperial mainland, a cultural shift is taking place within Africa. White settlers introduce money and industry, of which the newly educated local elites gobble up with impunity. Major cities like Mogadishu, Tripoli and Benghazi quickly see sizable European quarters, of which are born multiple centers for education and commerce. Italian, French and English compete for position of lingua franca within Africa, and the subjects of these three titans are feeling both the pressure and the benefits. The two tiny nations of Ethiopia and Liberia, the only truly independent nations on the continent, walk a tightrope. A single slip in the wrong direction could send them tumbling into the open maw of European dominance, much like their ill fated neighbors. South Africa remains essentially a puppet of the British, and despite JBM Hertzog’s push for Boer dominance in South Africa, he too knows that any wrong step could bring down the wrath of the Commonwealth on his head. With this rapid expansion of culture, industry and education, comes its problems. Citizens in these areas begin to recognize their position as subjects, and groups are organizing quickly to see either improved representation within their overlord’s governments, or outright rebellion for independence. The future of Africa remains to be seen, but many predict a radically different Africa is on the horizon.[/quote][/quote] [quote][b][u]ASIA[/u][/b] [quote][quote][b]Middle-East[/b][/quote] Home to the holy cities of the Big Three, and center of some of the oldest civilizations in the world, the Middle East has been reduced to a pathetic patchwork of colonies, mandates and artificial nations. The Levant is divided between French and British holdings, overseen by largely ineffectual governors appointed by ineffectual bureaucrats. Despite some progress economically and industrially, these areas remain as places to continue the expansion of their overlord’s glory and little else. Arabia is now dominated by the Hashemites rather than the Saudis, and the southern half of the Peninsula is firmly under the control of Britain. British rule is largely hands off, but the locals feel the brunt of British oil expeditions, and watch as money essentially flies out of their borders like locusts after raiding a farm. Iraq feels the same way, and the population of the region feels depressed as their borders are arbitrarily divided again and again, most recently by their former rulers, the Turks, and their current ones, Britain. Persia seeks to avoid such a fate, and having abolished their monarchy, throws their lot in with the likes of Turkey and the Soviet Union. Anglo-Persian relations are at an all time low, and as the nation slowly climbs the rickety ladder of modernization, said relations may soon be outright severed if the people deem it necessary. Afghanistan is little more than a joke. Its populace is largely pastoral, while the urban elites try to emulate European culture. Backwards traditionalism is rampant in the rural areas, and hampers progress significantly. An artificial creation to allow Britain and Russia to avoid conflict, Afghanistan sees a dim and humiliating future. A future that could be easily changed with the implementation of a radical regime.[/quote] [quote][quote][b]India[/b][/quote] The land of spices, rajas, elephants and the Buddha. India is synonymous with mystery and exotic locations, but the phrase “British Raj” is increasingly more prevalent in newspapers around the world. An entire subcontinent, with a population higher than that of Europe, lies under the control of a single nation. Britain’s rule in India is becoming softer, and much more open ended, but the pressures for reform are still felt. The Muslim population of the west feels marginalized and underrepresented, whilst Burma feels like little more than an afterthought to British politicians. With the increasingly popular demand for federalization in India, Britain is rapidly approaching a crossroads. India may seem peaceful on the outside, but many predict it to turn into a powderkeg as the population of India becomes more educated, and more aware of their position in the world. However, an India willing to cooperate with Britain would be a boon to the empire, just as much as a rebellious India would be disastrous. Meanwhile, Bhutan and Nepal enjoy their positions as semi-independent protectorates of the British. Their status as tiny, easily defended mountain nations gives them plenty of room to breathe. Their only neighbors are their defenders, or to their north, Tibet, who has yet to prove themselves as anything beyond a highly elevated speedbump for Chinese expansionism.[/quote] [quote][quote][b]Indochina[/b][/quote] Siam is the only nation to not find itself being ripped apart by European powers. Having enjoyed this position for a long time, Siam’s king Prajadhipok has welcomed the embassies of Britain and France into the nation’s capital, and has repeatedly pledged his neutrality on European affairs. However, many nationalists within Siam’s borders still hungrily eye British possessions in the south, and France’s possessions to their east. Nonetheless, Siam is unwilling to lose its status as a happily neutral power. The French territories of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are seeing an interesting change. As France begins introducing further protections for workers, and less restrictions on the local population, there is an explosion of new ideas. Many local parties are growing, hoping to push for further representation of their nations in French politics, while others seek to see a more autonomous Indochina. Of course, there are also those that desire an independent Indochina, or more likely a series of independent nations to be free of a unitary, dictatorial rule. Communism and fascism slowly begin to seep into the political spheres of Indochina[/quote] [quote][quote][b]East Indies and Australia[/b][/quote] With the domination of the Netherlands and Britain in Malaysia and Indonesia, the East Indies are in an odd position. Made up of dozens of different, and sometimes competing, ethnic groups, these territories are carved up between colonial elites and ruled by complete outsiders. It is not uncommon for those traveling to Jakarta or Singapore to see a bizarre rule of law, where westerners have an iron grip on the day to day lives of the locals, despite answering to governments that are situated thousands of miles away. The Philippines, America’s largest possession in the Pacific, is suffering. After the swift and brutal repression of the various rebellions, America has chosen to neglect the nation whose population is nearly 1/10 that of the United States. Poverty is rampant, and there is a growing sentiment of anger towards American imperialism. The three islands are home to many different religions and languages, and the domination of an outsider could lead to nasty consequences. Australia and New Zealand, the farthest holdings of the Commonwealth, enjoy their position of relative economic and political stability. Able to reap the benefits of trade with the US and India, the two nations slumber peacefully. Of course, there are those in these countries that seek to distance themselves from the crown, or even force through a republican referendum, but these voices are silent. However, the twin countries recognize their precarious position, and understand that, should they be cut off from even one of their major trade partners, there would be hell to pay[/quote] [quote][quote][b]China, Korea and Japan[/b][/quote] The Middle Kingdom lies in ruins. Not too long after deposing the Qing monarchy, China’s dreams of becoming a republic have been shattered by nearly two decades of squabbling warlords, that came to a head in 1926. Millions lay dead, and millions more forced out of places they once called home. Though peace has finally come, China is divided. The people of the Republic are furious with the heavy handed and incompetent rule of Chiang Kai Shek, and those in areas held by the warlords watch as their neighbors are picked apart by the Soviets in the west, and the Japanese to the east. With Manchuria and Inner Mongolia secured, the Land of the Rising Sun is rapidly approaching a state of total dominance in China. The empire’s troops are present on the mainland in the thousands, and the massive labor pool of Manchuria and Korea feeds the home islands with precious resources and food. Japan stands as an example of “Western in all but name”, having adopted western ideals of democracy, rule of law, imperialism and militarism, all with a classical Japanese flair. Japan’s hold on China, and possibly Asia as a whole, grows tighter with the passing days.[/quote][/quote] [quote][b][u]THE AMERICAS[/u][/b] [quote][quote][b]South America[/b][/quote] Ever sitting in the shadow of countries in the North, South America is in a poor state. Political strife threatens to tear nations like Colombia asunder, and deep seated corruption is shackling the people of Brazil and Chile. The economies of South America are centered entirely upon exports of consumer goods such as tropical wood, citrus and sugar. Massive plantations, many owned by foreign companies, are not an uncommon sight in the countryside. Whispers and talks of change, revolution and rebellion drift on the wind. [/quote] [quote][quote][b]Central America and the Caribbean[/b][/quote] Central America is a conglomerate of states that are forced to dance to the tune of outside forces. These “banana republics” are controlled either by flimsy republics or iron fisted dictators. Honduras, under the control of a right wing military junta, has a populace desperate for change. Meanwhile, the situation in Nicaragua is rapidly deteriorating as anti-government protests begin, and strongmen in the military begin distancing themselves from public view. The Caribbean is in no better of a position. With the islands of Cuba and Hispanola essentially just American overseas territories, there is essentially not a strip of land that isn’t under the rule of a foreign power. Demands for independence and change are quashed by power hungry police forces aligned with power hungry governments. These nations rake in the cash from consumer goods exports, only to have that money handed over to the government and its friends. This situation cannot go unattended for long.[/quote] [quote][quote][b]North America[/b][/quote] The United States, once the rebellious former colonies of the British but a century and a half ago, are one of the most influential nations on the planet. Despite their more isolated outlook in regards to Eurasian affairs, the United States is by far the dominant force in the Americas. Though the vicious guerilla campaign of the Ku Klux Klan threatens progressive ideals in regards to civil rights, the United States still sits as a beacon of hope for those fleeing dictatorships around the world. The words carved in stone and held by Lady Liberty still ring true, and the United States of America leads the world forward. Canada and Mexico, meanwhile, are in two totally different situations. Canada remains a dominion of the United Kingdom, and though has little say in its own foreign affairs, is quickly becoming a voice for change in the Commonwealth, pushing for increased rights of dominions, as well as pushing against more outdated governmental practices. Mexico, on the other hand, is reeling. Having faced rebellion and revolution time and time again, Mexico is more or less left to its own devices. The rule of law in Mexico is weak, and the military little more than a hodgepodge of militiamen given something resembling a uniform. Though political strife and disorder are things of the past, Mexico still has many hurdles to jump before it can join its neighbors as part of this strange, new era.[/quote][/quote]
It is [b]Thursday[/b] I have: - Japan - Peru - USSR I Need: - France - Germany - Italy - Turkey - UK - USA
-pingus-
[B]TURNS DONE[/B] - Baguette - Schnitzel - Spaghetti - Sushi - Quinoa [B]TURNS TO DO[/B] - Kebab - Haggis - Cheeseburger - Vodka [B]OTHER TO DO[/B] - Map - Infoboxes
Jesus christ, okay. Thanks to this new forum using a new way to format posts, the turn is basically delayed until I learn how this new system works. If I don't get it out by Monday of next week, I'd consider this one shot.
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