Empires & Revolutions: An Alternate History Nation RP [CLOSED]

[joshuadim]

Alrighty, got pretty much almost all the player infocards done, will get started on Turn 0 and should be out in the next couple days. After that I will ask for Turn 1 from players.

Obligatory meme:

 

[Milke]

gibe.


durn zero.

 

[joshuadim]

"The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood." - Otto von Bismarck

Current Conflicts
American-Indian Wars:
Participants:
United States of America vs. Shawnee Miami Confederation
United States of America vs. Sioux Nation

Status:
Former: In favor of United States of America.
Latter: Undecided.

Russian Expansion into Central Asia
Participants:
Russian Empire vs. Khanate of Kokand
Russian Empire vs. Khanate of Khiva

Status:
Former: Undecided.
Latter: Undecided.

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Current Diplomatic Crises
None.

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Empire of Germania



-Germania enters the 20th century as one of the pre-eminent world powers, leading not only its own geopolitical union known as “The Grand Alliance” but also hosts one of the most powerful land armies ever seen, nearly unmatched in expertise, experience, and training except by the Britain and France. As factories continues to expand and the economy continues to grow, the industrial output of this mighty empire continues to only increase in pace alongside the other greats, taking advantage of the vast amounts of raw resources being brought in from its overseas colonies
-As the head of the House of Habsburg, Kaiser Franz Joseph is regarded with great esteem and is considered one of the most powerful rulers in the world. With the Habsburg family prolific across many of Europe’s kingdoms, Franz Joseph leads not only a world power, but also one of the most powerful and wealthy families in the world.
-However, not all is as it seems on the surface. As the industrial entrepreneurs make fortunes in Germania off of their manufactured goods, the workers suffer from little to no regulations to protect them as well as few civil liberties to match. As such, a growing movement of socialism from the outspoken teachings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels begins to attract the destitute to its tenets.
-Republicans and liberals also continue to demand for increased civil rights and for representation in political affairs, and while mostly peaceful, a few bombings caused by anarchists of public offices and government buildings presses the issue to the Imperial throne.
-Tensions between the Grand Alliance and the Entente Cordiale also continue to grow as a massive military and political standoff between the two pacts holds both sides at the ready for the eventuality of all out war on a massive scale. The question is, who will blink first? And who will come out on top?


Empire of Japan


-With the restoration of the Emperor’s authority over Japan at the conclusion of the Boshin War in 1890, Japan was free to begin developing and industrialize. Having been impressed with the European powers, Japan seeks to make itself a powerful nation in the region and has begun to adopt western practices, while maintaining a delicate balance of its more traditional culture and traditions.
-Japan is leading in terms of industrialization and modernization in East Asia, rapidly outpacing the likes of the Qing Empire and the Southeastern Kingdoms on an order of several magnitudes. As the Empire begins to look to the west, its military also begins to modernize, adding guns and cannons to its ranks as well as beginning to build more modern vessels for its navy.
-However, with all these advances, the Japanese isles cannot sustain the Empire’s need for raw resources for its factories and industries, and as such a new source of raw materials must be found.
-Along with this, the recently conquered Korean peoples show disdain for their new overlords, and a growing resentment builds in the peninsula which may grow out of control soon…


Kingdom of Spain


-With the start of the new century comes the precarious position the Spanish Empire currently finds itself in. The past century has not been kind as territories have either been lost to independence movements or to neighboring empires defeating the Spanish handedly.
-With an economic decline due to their last productive regions of bullion being lost, the Spanish home economy is practically crumbling, leading to great poverty among the unprivileged and the destitute. Along with this, a minimal amount of industrialization has prevented the spanish economy from diversifying as well as the other European powers have.
-One of the biggest factors leading in Spain’s decline is its infamous Inquisition, which has run rampant without oversight in the Empire. Rumours of corruption and debauchery within the inquisition's ranks only further instill the common people’s fear and hatred of this religious secret police.
-Diplomatically, Spain is isolated as well, as it has remained outside of the current 3 major pacts dominating Europe currently. Perhaps out of negligence or out of the disdain from other empire’s, it seems that the only interest others have in Spain is when they can claim the broken pieces for themselves.
-However, with a new king on the throne there is still a sliver of hope for the empire. The ambitious King Ferdinand IX seeks to restore Spain to glory and a position of strength, rather than be the laughing stock of Europe any longer. Time will tell if he succeeds or not.


United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland


-The British Empire enters the 20th century as a power to rival that of France and Germania, with a land army that is well disciplined and trained as well as undoubtedly the strongest navy in the world. Although having suffered the loss of its American and Canadian colonies to revolution and to war (respectively), the sun continues to never set on the British Empire, spanning from the Americas to the ends of the Earth in Australia.
-As the de facto leader of the Unaligned League, Britain is in itself at odds with not only maintaining its neutrality in any conflict but to also come to the aid of any of its allies should they be attacked by either the Alliance or the Entente. This delicate balance of diplomacy makes Britain in a precarious position, as one wrong move by any side could bring the Empire into another European war, perhaps the largest the world has yet seen.
-Tensions brew overseas as well as in Britain, colonial forces are at a tense standoff against the Indian empires residing in the region. Britain’s goal is clear: to claim the Jewel of Asia for its empire. But they will not claim it without a fight it seems, nor without meddling from the French.
-The Empire also sees its economy grow with the onset of industrialization, with many factories popping up to create manufactured goods from the raw materials of its overseas colonies. Many men make their fortunes off these new enterprises and a new elite aristocracy of businessmen begin to mingle with the old, landed aristocracy.
-However, even with these benefits, the Empire sees its public continue to rally for improved workers rights by using Parliament. And among the disgruntled working class comes a growing movement of socialism from the teachings of Germanian intellectuals Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
-In Parliament, trouble begins to stir as the Liberal Party seeks to muster support for new policies of social change, which may soon bring it on a collision course with the House of Lords.


Roman Empire


-Europe’s oldest empire, having survived the collapse at the end of antiquity and countless calamities. Imperii Romanum has survived all this to carry its legacy to the 20th century, however Greek it may be now.
-After defeating the Turks at Manzikert in 1071, the Roman Empire continued in its cycles of expansion and recession, gaining and losing land as great emperors came and went. As of now, however, the Empire is on a decline after suffering from internal instability as well as external issues.
-Within its borders, tensions between Orthodox Christians and Muslims continue to brew as a growing distrust and resentment leads to open clashes between groups in Anatolia. A growing nationalist movement comprised of Turkish citizens threatens the unity of the empire in one of its core provinces.
-Along with this, growing movements of independence arise from Muslims in other regions of the Empire, including Egypt and the Levant as resentment of being controlled by a minority Christian ruling class governs over a large plurality of Muslims in these regions.
-The Roman Empire also suffers from notably heavy corruption in its extensive bureaucracy, with scandals of embezzlement and misuse of Imperial taxes consistently ravaging provincial regions as well as notable arrests of provincial politicians for corruption scandals rocking the faith in the current system.
-Along with these problems comes the Empire’s willingness to repress dissent and those who speak out are either not seen again or are found missing certain goods as punishment.
-As part of the Entente Cordiale, the Roman Empire finds itself and its protectorates as a containment to Hungary, Croatia and Germania into the Balkans, and with tensions between the two opposing pacts at an all time high, it seems the Balkans might be the place to spark a new war.
-The Roman Empire is not without benefits however, its strategic position between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean makes it a key ally for the Entente and its miltary force is not to be scoffed at, even if it is somewhat lacking when compared to Germania or France.


Empire of Brazil


-As the only one of two remaining imperial powers in the western hemisphere, Brazil finds itself dominating the affairs of South America, although not without resistance.
-Sitting on the throne is Dona Isabel I, the “Redemptress”, after having defeated the short-lived Republican coup that had dethroned her father with the help of European powers Portugal and Germania. Now back at the helm of things, Isabel leads her country to a new age, and her popularity is at an all time high.
-As the First Industrial Revolution comes to a close, Brazil finds itself on the short end of the stick when compared to other American powers such as the United States. Industrialization is at a minimum, but Brazil has the resources and the manpower to create a truly mighty economy that can diversify if given the chance.
-Isabel I has also continued her father’s liberal reforms, giving more freedoms to the masses, however this has continued to irk wealthy plantation owners as well as some of the landed aristocracy, who despise their privileges being reduced.
-Tensions grow between Brazil and its neighbor and rival, the Argentine Republic. Due to the successful invasion of Uruguay by Pedro I in the Cisplatine War, border friction and tensions boil as the Argentine Republic seeks to reclaim the land for itself. Along with this, tensions broil in the Cisplatine Province as Uruguayans resent their rule under the Brazilian throne. The legacy of the Thirty-Three Orientals still lingers in the region.


French Second Republic


-In opposition to the Grand Alliance, the France stands as the head of the Entente Cordiale and one of the leading world powers at the start of the 20th century.
-Fielding a large army and a decent navy, the French are fully capable in their own right when put toe-to-toe with their neighboring rival and most immediate threat, Germania.
-The efforts of industrialization come into full swing in France as the economy beings to diversify and raw materials are put to good use in creating manufactured products. The standard of living continues to increase in France and fortunes are built.
-As the republic continues to build its industry, making many Frenchmen wealthy along the way, many of the workers are poorly treated, similarly as in Germania and Britain. Many demand for changes and improvements to their situations and some turn to the fledgling socialist movement that continues to gain traction throughout Europe’s more advanced economies.
-Internal issues also plague the country as corruption continues to grow in the bureaucracy of the republic and rivaling political parties fight for seats on their platforms of different foreign and economic policies.
-As tensions continue to brew, the front between Germania and France lays clear in the case of war. Their shared border may perhaps be the single most contested place in Europe should the two world powers come to blows. The only question is, will France be able to hold it?
-French colonial holdings in India also provide to be a point of tensions between itself and Britain as the British ambitions for the region may come in conflict with current French holdings. Time will tell if the two powers may be able to resolve their differences and come to an amicable agreement, or risk war.



Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth


-The Commonwealth finds itself in a peculiar position in Europe, situated between Russia and the heart of the continent, the Poles find themselves aligned in the Grand Alliance as a shield against Russian ambitions for the region.
-The Polish army finds itself to be a powerful one, especially when put head to head to Germania, Francia, and Russia. However, its military is untested in recent warfare and has yet to prove itself on the battlefield. Inexperience may perhaps be its greatest weakness at this time.
-Unlike their German counterparts, the Commonwealth unfortunately does not find itself in the efforts of industrialization, much like the rest of Eastern Europe. The economy still relies on its agrarian roots of the Polish heartland as well as its Ukrainian holdings.
-Similarly to that of the Romans to the south, the Commonwealth faces its fare share of internal issues, including that of corruption in its military and bureaucracy as well as growing nationalist sentiments within its own borders from ethnic Ukrainians and Lithuanians.
-Along with this is the noticeable repression of civil liberties, including the press, within the Commonwealth, and critics of the state have been known to either been imprisoned or exiled. A small liberal movement continues to petition for improved rights, but have so far been quashed repeatedly over the past few decades.


Russian Empire


-As vast as it is, the Russian Empire holds a tenuous position in the stage of world powers. Spanning across Eastern Europe through Siberia and into the far reaches of the New World, the Russian Empire continues to grow in size and in ambition.
-The Russians find themselves in a war of conquest against the Khanate of Kokand and the Khanate of Khiva in the start of the new century as the Russian war machine begins to march towards the asian steppes once more.
-Russia also finds itself as a part of the Entente Cordiale with the likes of France, the Roman Empire, and Sicily. Fearing further aggression from the powers in the west and itching to regain lands lost to the Poles, Russia looms over like a giant unto East Europe.
-The Russian Army in itself is massive, supported by the sons of countless conquered peoples under its empire, and fields more men than any other European army with its seemingly limitless reserves.
-However, Russia finds itself wracked with internal issues as corruption takes root heavily within its military and its bureaucracy. Incompetence takes root within its military as many of its officers bought their way into positions of authority while the bureaucrats engage in criminal practices behind the back of the state.
-The Russian economy also heavily relies on its agrarian sector as industry still has yet to grow to the proportions of Britain and Germania. With industrialization at a minimum, Russia as a great power begins to fall behind its peers.
-Civil liberties in Russia are also repressed as the press is regularly censored and a secret police works to quash dissent in any form, even if it is nonviolent. A growing discontent among intellectuals and reformists calling for much needed change continues to be a small, but slowly growing movement within Russia.



Kingdom of the Netherlands


-The Dutch are in the most vulnerable of positions in Europe, situated between the juggernauts of France and Germania and attempting to stay neutral in whatever conflict may come.
-As a member of the Unaligned League, the Netherlands is guaranteed aid from Britain should they be attacked by either the Entente or the Grand Alliance. This gives the public some relief in the midst of rising tensions and a sense of security to know that one of the great world powers would come to the aid of another.
-While the Dutch have minimal industry, they maintain a continued economic wealth due to their economic holdings and overseas colonies. And as such, they are able to maintain a comfortable position without a large industrial sector.
-Although the Dutch army isn’t as large as its European counterparts, it still maintains a modest force for the defense of its country rather than hoping to fight an offensive war in any scenario.
-And while it maintains a good record for its civil liberties when compared to other monarchies, there is still room for improvement for increased rights. The right for peaceful assembly, the improvement of worker conditions and others are among the changes demanded by liberals.
-The biggest point of contention within the Netherlands is the Congo. Having long been the point of controversy in the globe spanning empire of the Dutch, even after slavery had been abolished. Provincial revolts continue to rack the region from time to time as the local population resents Dutch rule due to the horrid legacy left behind by slavers there.


Sublime State of Persia


-After having overthrown the Zand Dynasty in 1794, the Qajar Dynasty has ruled Persia since then. Persia finds itself in an interesting position in the middle-east at the start of the 20th century. Locked between the Hashemite Sultanate to the west, the Central Asian khanates to the North, and the Indian empires to the east. Every single one of these regions playing host to either increasing tension or to war.
-Largely an agrarian economy, Persia has little to no industry within its borders and even if there was an effort to industrialize it would take years to reach significant numbers. As such, the main exports for the state are druid fruits, nuts, and the ever expensive and luxury spice of saffron.
-Although the State has experienced peace for some time, it is wracked with disunity within its own borders. After the assassination of his father before him, Mozaffar ad-Din faces growing resentment of ever increasing European interests within the borders of Persia as well as the extravagant and wasteful spending of the Shah for luxuries and trips bring financial woes to the country, and may possibly bring about a financial crisis.
-Even though Russo-Persian relations have been rather peaceful for some time after the first Russo-Persian War of 1834-1843, the current wars against Central Asia bring worries to the populace on whether or not Russia has its eyes set on Persian lands once more.
-These worries are amplified at the currently poor state the Persian armed forces find themselves in. Lacking training, experience and manpower, it would be rather easy to lose a war against the Eurasian juggernaut.


Principality of Moldavia(name has been changed because of geographical error on my part)


-The Principality of Moldavia finds itself under the suzerainty of the Russian Empire while maintaining its own independence. Being a bridge between Eastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula, it has a cultural divide from both.
-Being a very small nation, Moldavia also has a small economy, military and government for its size. Its economy is entirely agricultural with its main exports being wine and grain.
-With its protection guaranteed by the Russian Empire, defense is not a worry however with rising tensions in Europe it may very well bring Moldavia straight into the crossfire of war.
-Moldavia does suffer from internal issues of corruption and a stagnant economy as well as poor civil liberties. However, brutal repressions of liberal thought have been carried out over the decades, leading to calls of reform to be put underground. As such, reform is a pipe dream for the masses.

Qing Empire
[infobox unavailable rn, will make later pls no bulli]
-Chinese Imperial rule has stretched back for thousands of years, having survived to to the 20th century through countless wars, crises, and more. However, the Qing Dynasty faces a new set of problems in this day and age.
-Suffering a severe lack of modernization, the Qing Empire is very behind in terms of technological prowess, industry, and civil reform. It has already been eclipsed by the likes of the rising Japan and is leagues behind the powers of Europe.
-Although the Imperial Army sports an impressive size, its equipment, and training, is lackluster at best. Outdated rifles and cannons cannot compare against more powerful, modern weaponry.
-China also suffers from internal dissent, especially after the conclusion of the Opium Wars and the rise of European influence in its economy. Resentment continues to increase towards the European powers as well as the Imperial throne for being incapable of stopping these foreign aggressors from taking entire cities and ports from the Empire.

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Military Strength of Players
Numbers are current, may increase/decrease depending on war, recruitment, etc.


Germania:
1.2 million; 300k reserves (Conscription)

France:
1 million; 250k reserves (Conscription)

Britain:
750k; Volunteer Reserves (Volunteer)

Netherlands:
250k; 350k reserves (Conscription)

PLC:
1 million; 350k reserves (conscription)

Spain:
250k; 100k reserves (conscription)

Romans:
800k; 250k reserves (Conscription)

Russia:
1.6 million; 3 million reserves (Conscription)

Qing:
200k; 1 million reserves (Conscription)

Japan:
200k; 250k reserves (Conscription)

Persia:
100k; 50k reserves (Conscription)

Brazil:
100k; 100k reserves (Conscription)

Wallachia:
30k; 20k reserves (Conscription)

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SEND TURNS VIA PM OR BY DISCORD AS TURN 1 PLEASE! TURNS ARE DUE ON NOVEMBER 11th!

 

[Milke]

turn sent wooooo

 

[joshuadim]

Turns I have:
Rosiya
United Kingdom of Tea and Biscuits
dutch wooden shoes
Baguette Republic
KURWA

Turns I Need(gibe pls):
Spanish "Empire"
Schnitzelia
Kebab
Mold-avia
Nippon baka gaijin
""""rome"""" but actually greece
Pls come to brazil
🅱ing Dynasty

 

[Emperor Scorpious II]

Infographic for Mexico when?

 

[joshuadim]

Update on Player Participation
The deadline of the 11th has passed and several players have been dropped as a result of not sending/being unable to send turns.
Dropped players include: Pat (Qing Empire), Bradchon (Empire of Brazil), High Moon (Sublime State of Persia), Winter_wolf (Principality of Moldavia) and Blorf (Spanish Empire)

CURRENT PLAYER LIST:
Native Empire (Roman Empire)
Heyitsjiwon (French Second Republic)
Amfleet (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth)
Gnomical (Empire of Germania)
Rusko (United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland)
Malos (Kingdom of Netherlands)
Milke (Russian Empire)
Griff (Empire of Japan)

ADDED NEW PLAYER:
Emperor Scorpious II (Empire of Mexico)

Total Player count: (9/13)

I will open to more new players after Turn 1.


Turn Progress

To do:
Infoboxes

Done:
Map
World Events/Info
Germania
Russia
PLC
France
Britain
Netherlands
Japan
Roman Empire
Mexico

 

[Milke]

I want this turn dammit

 

[Emperor Scorpious II]

Saving the best empires for last I see

 

[Sobotnik]

Saving the best empires for last I see

Mexico is the greatest empire bar none

 

[joshuadim]

"There are no frictions between us, there is only rivalry." - King Edward VII


January 1, 1900 - December 31, 1900

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Current Diplomatic Crises:
The Rio Incident - Empire of Brazil and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
The Australian Question - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and French Second Republic

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Current Conflicts:

American-Indian Wars:
United States of America vs. Shawnee Miami Confederation
United States of America vs. Sioux Nation

Status:
Former: In favor of United States of America.
Latter: Undecided.


Russian Conquest of Central Asia
Russian Empire vs. Khanate of Kokand
Russian Empire vs. Khanate of Khiva

Status:
Former: In favor of the Russian Empire.
Latter: Finished with decisive victory for Russia. Khiva annexed.


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World Events
-The Khanate of Khiva is no more. Having been soundly defeated by the Russian Empire, it is now under occupation before formal annexation is concluded. The Khanate of Kokand fares no better as it is on its last stand against the Russian Empire. A major controversy envelops Russia as reports of an entire town being sacked and massacred by Russian troops reaches the west, although the reports are only rumours.
-The creation of Zollverein issues in one of the largest economic blocs in the world, comprising of Germania, Poland, Hungary, and Italy. The largest economic power in the bloc, Germania, helps boost this free-trade alliance to near the top in terms of economic strength.
-The United States continues its campaign against the Shawnee Miami Confederation, scoring successful gains after the Battle of Tippecanoe leads to a decisive American victory, sending the Shawnee-Miami into a full retreat further into their territory.
-A crisis forms between the Empire of Brazil and the British Empire over the “Rio Incident”, in which weapons headed for the Argentine republic was intercepted by a Brazilian vessel and essentially taken hostage back to Rio de Janeiro. A total of 49 British sailors are currently being held in detention by Brazilian authorities.
-Another crisis unfolds at the end of the year as France and Britian, once again, come head to head. This time, it is over Australia in which the issue of settlement and colonization comes to a head.

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Empire of Germania
-Already firm allies, the creation of the Zollverein was not unsurprising to most that pay attention to European geopolitics. The establishment of free-trade between these closely tied nations will only continue to strengthen their economies as well as build up those that are behind that of Germania, giving concern to member nations of the Entente, the rivals of the Grand Alliance.

-A trade agreement is also established between Germania and an unlikely European power: Spain. Having been left mostly to itself to slowly wither away, Spain readily accepts this opportunity and immediately sees the economic benefits, as well as German machinery enter its borders for use in industrialization efforts.

-With rising tensions in mainland Europe, the Grand Alliance holds military drills with one another in an effort to promote cooperation between their respective militaries. Observers note the large emphasis on defensive strategies used in these exercises, perhaps showing the grand plan of the Alliance in the event of war.

-The Imperial Navy sees an expansion as new frigates, warships, sloops, and brigs are ordered to be build. A flagship man-of-war, the SMS Kaiser, is commissioned to be a flagship in the navy, boasting an impressive 128 guns on three decks as well as four masts, the ship itself is scheduled to be finished in the next few years.

-By Imperial Decree, the Imperialer Entwicklungsrat is established to aid in continued industrialization efforts, acting as an agency to deal with the back-end paperwork for the establishment of businesses, factories, etc. As the Germany Industry continues to expand and grow, this new ministry is vital in aiding and nurturing healthy growth of the economy.

-An expansion of existing rail lines is also ordered, with infrastructure being a priority in a continually industrializing nation. An additional 1000 kilometers of track is planned and will take a few years to complete.

-A census of the empire is distributed to obtain demographic and population figures within the Empire. The census also reaches Germania’s overseas holdings and returns with the following numbers:
*Total Population of the Empire: 60 million
*European Population: 40.8 million
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Russian Empire
-With the start of the year, Russia sees its opportunity to not only expand its borders with what was presumed to be an easy conquest, but also to reform its military structure. Called the “Army Reforms of 1900”, the Tsar issues an imperial decree of the following: commissioned officers are required to obtain a formal university education [with valid proof], conscription for soldiers is placed to 1 year but voluntary service after the mandatory service period obtains an imperially funded university education, basic education is integrated into the military for reading and writing, and finally the creation of the Ministry of Official Oversight.

-While some of the current high ranking officers protest against the changes, most specifically towards the overreaching power of the new Ministry, as well as the requirement for a formal university education, many of the reforms are hailed as “progressive military reform” by the people, as well as small liberal elements in the empire.

-Conscripted men from the deep countryside as well as uneducated lower classes are immediately given military issued classes on how to read and write Russian in an effort to improve the literacy of the population. Most are soon able to read and write in the basics and will return home with this knowledge in hand.

-As the year continues, the Russian Empire puts the focus of its military into its conquest of Central Asia. Nearly 100 thousand soldiers march into the steppes of Central Asia under the command of Lieutenant General Viktor Viktorovich Sakharov, with the goal of crushing the war in a short time frame.

-For the first few months of the campaign, the event is without any bloodshed as the enemy military is nowhere to be seen and village after village quickly surrenders to the encroaching Russian force.

-On April 12, 1900, Lt. General Sakharov directs a force of 40 thousand men to move east towards the Khanate of Kokand, to be led by Major General Vasili Luhensko. The latter immediately makes its progress into Kokand but is bogged down by slow supply routes and extreme heat. Meanwhile, Sakharov’s force makes its way deeper into Khiva, aiming to take its capital of Askhabad in the next few months. However, on May 10, the Battle of Erbent commenced with the sudden assault from cavalry attack of Turkmen, numbering at around 10 thousand men. Catching the Russian army off guard, they initially took heavy casualties but managed to regroup after a swift retreat and inflict heavy damage to the Khivan horsemen, sending them fleeing from superior firepower. The dead totalled to be estimated at 3000 Russians and 2000 Khivans.

-As the Russian military continued to press onward towards Askhabad, night raids by Khivan horsemen harassed the Russian military, inflicting sustained casualties as they continued their march. On May 30, the Russian army reaches Askhabad and lays siege to the city. The siege only lasts two weeks before the garrison surrenders and the city is taken. It is found that the Khan was smuggled out of the city, with him and his family having fled to Afghanistan.

-With the loss of their capital, most of the Khivan Khanate is subjugated and attention is then focused onto its neighbor, Kokand. Sakharov’s forces find that Luhensko’s forces had taken significant casualties from similar tactics that faced Sakharov’s army. The force led by Luhensko had lost nearly a quarter of his men by the time he was found. As such, he was immediately relieved and sent back to Russia in disgrace. By the end of the year, most of Kokand was also subjugated and all that remained was the furthest reaches of its lands, including its capital.

-Meanwhile, on the homefront the Tsar issues several reforms as well, including the milestone of the recognition of a free press. Almost within a few days, new publications arise in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kiev. Liberals once again hail the Tsar for this liberal reform, but staunch conservatives voice their anger, most notably at the Imperial Court. Surprisingly, rather than attack the aspects of the Tsar, the press mostly targets local officials as well as notable members of the aristocracy, but the Tsar doesn’t entirely escape at least a portion of it. Still, as the public reads papers, the anger towards corruption builds.

-Along with this, the Ukrainian language is officially recognized as a state language for use in bureaucracy and business. Many Ukrainians are jovial, but somewhat surprised at this reform considering the attitude the Empire has had toward Ukraine for many years.

-Another reform comes in the change to positions of local offices, such as city bureaucratic positions, in which rather than appointments they are now to be elected positions, bringing an element of democracy to regional locations. This creates a furor from both liberals and conservatives as the former praise this reform while the latter actively protest against it, claiming it to be an assault on their privileged rights. By the end of they year, elections are held for local positions. While most of the regional elections retain their incumbents, some more contested than others, Ukraine is an outlier in which nearly most of the Russian imposed officials are voted out and replaced with Ukrainians, allowing this large ethnic group a bigger voice in regional affairs than ever before.

-The Tsar also takes an approach on industrialization, aiming to catch up with the powers of the west. The imperial treasury bears the brunt of subsidies for entrepreneurs and industrialists as they import machinery and industrial professionals, and soon St. Petersburg and Odessa see a large increase in port activity. The press covers this with great enthusiasm, claiming this to be the beginning of Russia’s industry that would “surpass” the West.
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Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
-Already firm allies, the creation of the Zollverein was not unsurprising to most that pay attention to European geopolitics. The establishment of free-trade between these closely tied nations will only continue to strengthen their economies as well as build up those that are behind that of Germania, giving concern to member nations of the Entente, the rivals of the Grand Alliance.

-With rising tensions in mainland Europe, the Grand Alliance holds military drills with one another in an effort to promote cooperation between their respective militaries. Observers note the large emphasis on defensive strategies used in these exercises, perhaps showing the grand plan of the Alliance in the event of war.

-The Navy of the Commonwealth finds itself with an expansion in order to meet the potential threats of the Baltic. Frigates and a few man-of-war flagships are included in order to most notably compete with the Russian Baltic Fleet. A few years will be required before completion and the polish drydocks see an influx of work as the ships are laid down.

-The Commonwealth Railway Concern(Wspólnota Kolejowa Dotyczyć) is formed as an initiative to oversee and expand the current railway system in the country. While the current railways are only limited between major cities such as Krakow, Warsaw, Lodz, and Lviv, they are beginning to show their age and will require maintenance. The Railway Concern also begins to survey the lands of the Commonwealth in order to find additional routes to lay more lines on as well as ordering the importation of railway equipment into the country.

-Upholding the standards of the Golden Liberty, the Sejm narrowly votes to allow women of the nobility to run for positions in the Sejm. The more hardline conservatives voice their disapproval over this change. A few noblewomen take up positions in the Sejm by the end of the year, but the Sejm remains an overwhelmingly male dominated forum.

-Another reform with the Sejm is the inclusion of Lithuanian and Ruthenian languages in the establishment, a boon to these minority languages representation in the Commonwealth, however its more symbolic than it is any real major reform as most prefer to speak on the same terms as the majority of their counterparts.

-The Commonwealth also begins to focus on industry, in which lands near the ports of the city of Gdańsk, the main port city of Poland, are bought by the crown and then resold to aspiring entrepreneurs for the purpose of establishing industry. Soon, a few investors begin piling on and eagerly buying cheap land and begin laying the groundwork for factories and businesses to appear.

-The reform of currency also appears with the introduction of a second currency into the economy. The Złoty is maintained as the standard, gold-backed currency but is used for major transactions such as purchases of capital and land. The second currency is introduced as the Grosz, which is to be used more in everyday purchases as well as for external, international trade.
--------------


French Second Republic
-The presidency establishes “Le Cours de Comptes”(The Court of Audits) for the purpose of being a government watchdog over the uses and expenditures of public funds within the Republic. With corruption being one of the issues facing the country at the start of the new century, this new court will attempt to combat the problem at hand and bring those that are accountable in a court of law.

-Seeking to maintain progress with their efforts of industrialization, the French government initiates the “Le Plan du Nouveau Siècle” (The New Century Plan). This ambitious plan to have the country catch up with its current rivals, Germania and Britain, begins with the massive expansion of railways within the country. Aiming to add/repair 600 kilometers of railway throughout the country as well as Algeria in order to revitalize the railway routes as well as to better connect the country.

-With rising tensions on the mainland with Germania over the past few years, France seeks potential new allies overseas with a diplomatic mission to Washington D.C. in an effort to sway the Americans over. However, the Americans politely decline and opt to focus rather on their current issues with the Native American wars as well as Mexico. President Bryan continues to maintain a policy of isolationism in terms staying away from the affairs of Europe.

-Another diplomatic mission is sent by France to the Qing Emperor, in an effort to mend relations after the humiliating defeats of the Opium Wars for the latter. Although France only took 1 port city when compared to the other European powers, the Chinese are understandably bitter and suspicious of foreigners. So much so that the Emperor refuses to see the diplomats and they are sent on their way back.

-In an attempt to expand their colonial holdings, France sends colonizers towards one of the most remote regions on Earth: Australia. Landing on the western shores of the ancient and strange continent, they begin to establish a foothold and manage to create a few, tiny settlements not far from where they landed. However, this does not go unnoticed by the British, who share the same continent with colonial holdings on the eastern shores.

-At the end of the year, word reaches the British crown of French attempts of colonization of the western shores of Australia. Intending to maintain a British monopoly over the entire continent, local regiments in the upstart British settlements on the west coast mobilize and deliver an ultimatum to the French settlers: leave or we will force you to leave. Their threat is backed up quickly by the arrival of a British warship, having been moved from the South China Sea all the way to Australia. Word spreads back to Europe and immediately, a political crisis begins to unfold in what the tabloids call “The Australian Question”.
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United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
-A lucrative trade deal is agreed upon between the Anglo and Dutch kingdoms, in which British goods and products are sold in the Dutch markets, both in Europe and in the colonial holdings in exchange for a cut of the profits being sent to the Dutch treasury. British tea, crumpets, textiles, and others appear in Dutch stores and the Dutch crown sees an influx in revenue, growing their wealth further.

-Along with the Dutch, a treaty is signed between the British crown and the Japanese emperor, binding the two nations in a mutual alliance, adding an ally in the east in what is known as the “Anglo-Japanese Alliance”.

-The British also send weapons to the Argentine Republic as well as military advisors in a surprise move. Perhaps seeking to curtail the influence of Brazil in South America, British guns and officers arrive and begin helping the Argentine military. The Empire of Brazil expresses anger and demands these operations to cease, claiming that a foreign power is attempting to undermine the authority of a sovereign empire. As tensions begin to rise between the two crowns, a Brazilian ship boards a British vessel heading for Argentina loaded with weapons and takes both the ship and the crew prisoner to Rio de Janeiro. A severe diplomatic crisis is beginning to broil in what is now known as the “Rio Incident”.

-An increase in colonial military presence is mandated by the crown as four new regiments are recruited in the Indian colonies. Amid rising tensions in the Indian subcontinent between the colonial powers and the local empires, these new regiments will add an additional amount of security, and potential manpower, for a regional conflict. In Hong Kong, an additional battalion is raised from the locals in order to secure Britain’s strategic position in China.

-Parliament passes a reform to citizenship laws in which an immigrant can buy their way into becoming a citizen, voting rights included, however this payment, as well as half their net worth, is to be put into investments into the British industrial sector. A few wealthy immigrant entrepreneurs who had already established factories and businesses take advantage of this, especially with an unintended loophole of the money being partially put into their own businesses for growth.

-The House of Commons attempts to pass another working regulation, in which working hours are capped to a maximum of 12 per day, worker pay is made hourly in line, and a yearly one-day day off is mandated for workers, however the House of Lords blocks this attempt and a political scuffle begins to engulf Parliament. However, through a few backdoor deals and tricks, a few of the Lords are swayed and the “Workers Reform Act of the New Century” narrowly passes the House of Lords, much to the dismay of the opposition there.

-In an incentive to build their war industry, newly founded arms companies are given tax breaks in an effort to stimulate growth and innovation in the area of war. A few notable companies begin to pop up, including W. W. Greener Ltd., Webley & Scott, and Westley Richards all take off the ground thanks to these tax cuts and begin designing and producing weapons, at first being minor modifications to currently existing armaments.

-At the end of the year, word reaches the British crown of French attempts of colonization of the western shores of Australia. Intending to maintain a British monopoly over the entire continent, local regiments in the upstart British settlements on the west coast mobilize and deliver an ultimatum to the French settlers: leave or we will force you to leave. Their threat is backed up quickly by the arrival of a British warship, having been moved from the South China Sea all the way to Australia. Word spreads back to Europe and immediately, a political crisis begins to unfold in what the tabloids call “The Australian Question”.
--------------


Kingdom of the Netherlands
-A lucrative trade deal is agreed upon between the Anglo and Dutch kingdoms, in which British goods and products are sold in the Dutch markets, both in Europe and in the colonial holdings in exchange for a cut of the profits being sent to the Dutch treasury. British tea, crumpets, textiles, and others appear in Dutch stores and the Dutch crown sees an influx in revenue, growing their wealth further.

-Along with the British, a treaty is signed between the Dutch crown and the Japanese emperor, binding the two nations in a mutual alliance, adding an ally in the east. As the deal is signed, an arms deal is also ratified between the two, with British and/or Dutch guns being shipped eastward and arriving in Japanese ports for use in their military.

-With the continued rise in tensions, the Netherlands’ vulnerable position to an attack on either side brings worries to its military commanders. As such, the building of fortifications and defensive forts along the French and German borders begins, with the former lining the border between France and the Belgian counties while the latter is built in the Dutch heartlands, bordering Germania. When completed, it is hoped that these fortifications will be capable of halting advancing armies and stalling for time against encroaching European armies.

-Similar to the French, the Dutch create their own Foreign Legion (Vreemdelingenlegioen van Nederland) in an effort to use colonial manpower to bolster their own forces. This immediately sees success as natives from the colonies in South Africa and the Congo bear the brunt of conscription, adding thousands of men to the Dutch military, although many of the native Africans are upset at being forced to serve.

-Predicting this notable discontent, the Dutch crown sends a royal commissioner in order to survey the Congo region as well as to collect the grievances of the locals and return it to the crown. This occurs for a few months and the crown receives several grievances by its colonial subjects, including the forced conscription of men into the Dutch Foreign Legion, the abuse of power by white landowners and people in the colony, and the poor living conditions for most of the natives.

-On the homefront, the Dutch begin buying English machinery and tools, such as steam engines and spinning jennies, for use in beginning to growth of the Dutch home industry rather than having to fully rely on other nations for manufactured goods and textiles in their markets. Along with this, crown investments in mines for coal and iron begin to roll out with several coal mines opening in Wallonia (Southern Belgium) as well as a few small iron mines throughout the country, bringing in these natural resources for use in future industry.
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Roman Empire
-As a core member of the Entente, as well as its strategic position in Europe, the Roman Empire faces the considerable task of maintaining its position of regional power in the face of its issues. As such, the Basileus enacts several reforms and policies aiming to tackle these issues.

-The first of which is aimed at the Roman military. With most conscripts being taken from poor farmers and lower class workers, it is not unusual for most to be ill-equipped/untrained in how to use a rifle. As such, a new training regiment of rifle firing is instituting into the military in which during basic training a conscript must undergo intensive practice and work to achieve a high degree of accuracy in their shots (the Imperial Standard is set to 7/10 bullseyes). This high standard is implemented to ensure the armed forces are crack shots and capable of standing toe-to-toe with other European militaries. For some, the training and practice helps and they achieve this standard quickly while for others it takes much longer than other recruits and the level of speed in attaining said standard varies very wildly.

-On the internal issues facing the empire, an infrastructure program is implemented in which telegraph lines are ordered to be constructed where needed and/or renovated if needed in order to connect major cities in the varying provinces together. One of the largest lines is planned to span from Constantinople to Jerusalem, allowing quick communication between these two major cities in the Empire. The larger projects will take a year or two to finish however the smaller projects for closer distances are finished by the end of the year.

-The Senate is also given an upgrade from being a largely ceremonial position within the Imperial bureaucracy to have a committee that directly advises the Basileus in matters of state, economy, diplomacy, etc. which is called the Imperal Senate Advisory Committee[Συμβουλευτική Επιτροπή της Αυτοκρατορικής Γερουσίας]. A few of the more influential senators are quickly chosen from among their peers to fill the positions of this 7 man committee and are given a place in the palace to conduct their affairs in.

-Along with this, another committee from the Senate is established in order to corruption in all levels of the Empire, whether it be local mayors and tax collectors to province governors and administrators or even Senate officials. Called the Imperial Senate Oversight Committee [Επιτροπή Επιτήρησης της Αυτοκρατορικής Γερουσίας], 5 Senators are chosen from their peers to lead this and take the fight to corruption within the empire. Led by the ambitious and charismatic Senator Anatolios Eliades Gananos, he begins his work by targeting officials in and around Constantinople, immediately rooting out a few corrupt mayors and tax collectors for embezzlement of public funds and are quickly prosecuted.

-Another reform is aimed toward local communities, in which local community policing is instituted, helping more remote regions that don’t have a reliable way of contacting law enforcement, however the results are mixed. Some regions take a mild approach to community policing, in which transgressors are aptly reported to officials and arrest are made while others take a turn for the extreme in which vigilante justice is carried out, sometimes brutally. In one instance, a small village in Syria had its inhabitants beat to death a criminal for attempting to kill a man over a dispute in a transaction. This was carried out publicly and the entire village joined in.

-More reforms are made that directly influence the economy, such as the expansion of ports in major cities such as Athens, Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, and others in order to better fit more commercial traffic as well as lowering taxes on financial institutions in an effort to improve the financial sector.

-Even in these trying times, the Basileus goes on tour throughout the provinces in order to meet and greet with province governors as well as the general public. In a tour that starts from Athens and heads all the way through Asia Minor and into Jerusalem, the Basileus holds public events and works his magic with the common folk. However, this tour also serves a second purpose in order to directly assess the situation in the provinces and their current state of management by provincial governors. A few areas of note that catch the Basileus’ attention is the issue of ethno-religious tensions in Syria, Armenia, the Levant, and Jerusalem. Although attempts have been made in the past to ensure peace between the diverse groups living in these regions, the divide only continues to grow wider. The issue of nationalism also begins to materialize in the region of Armenia and Syria, as ethnic groups in both provinces begin to question living under the authority of a Greek ruler and begin to entertain the notion of independency.

-In an effort to obtain another ally, the Roman Empire extends the offer of an alliance between itself and the Kingdom of Georgia, in which the latter graciously accepts. The Roman Empire will come to the aid of Georgia in the event it is attacked as well as military advisors being sent to help the Georgian army with its capabilities.
--------------


Empire of Japan
-Japan signs an alliance with the Dutch and English crowns, thus bringing the support of dominant European powers behind the Imperial throne. In what is known as the “Dutch-Japanese” and the “Anglo-Japanese” Alliances, the ties between these powers from the west and the east grow stronger.

-Already utilizing these new connections, Japan begins importing British-made weapons, such as the Martini-Henry and the Maxim gun through Dutch markets. Soon, shipments of these weapons arrive in Japanese ports and are soon quickly delivered to the Japanese military for future use in modernizing the armed forces.

-Taking inspiration from Europe, Japan’s colonial ambitions do not end with its current borders as Japanese settlers arrive in the remote region of Kamchatka, soon renamed to Kamusasuka(勘察加) and the Imperial flag is planted in this untamed soil. Soon after, a few small but notable settlements begin to dot the southern shores of the peninsula as more settlers begin to arrive, although it will be years before the strength of Japan’s claim can be fully realized.

-The focus on Korea also takes a primary concern for the Imperial government, as several reforms are put into place concerning the status of Koreans in the empire. Firstly, Koreans are allowed full service in the Imperial Army without any segregation, a first for the empire as mixed units become a thing. However, Korean officers must learn and be fluent in the Japanese language, thus making the transition easier for the military.

-Another reform is in the civil status of Koreans overall in the Empire. Rather than treating Koreans as second-class citizens under law, the Emperor decrees that all Koreans have the same civil status as any normal Japanese person from the main islands, thus bringing Koreans equally to their counterparts they live under.

-A third reform comes in the ban of Hangul in exchange for mandatory learning of Hanja in order to make easier the communication between the Korean and Japanese languages. However, in Korean schools it is made that Korean is taught first and Japanese later.

-The final reform is allowing Korean subjects to enter colonization efforts alongside their Japanese counterparts, which soon sees hundreds of Koreans move to Kamusasuka in search of new opportunities.

-The effect of these reforms in regards to Korea is several-fold. Upon the enactment of these, many Koreans celebrate and enjoy their newfound liberties and status within the empire after having been treated as second-class citizens for years. However, more conservative and imperialistic elements in the Empire chafe under these changes, as rather than subjects Koreans are now regular citizens. Koreans also begin to slowly move to Japan in search of work, however face prejudice from the population there as outsiders and “non-Japanese”. A few incidents occur in which Koreans were taunted and physically pelted with rocks. As such, Koreans begin to form small, isolated communities in cities which soon are given the names “Little Seoul” and “Little Korea”, most likely out of derision. As Korean people enter the Japanese economy as workers, certain minority conservative elements begin to decry Korean people as “job-stealers” and “opportunists”. These feelings toward Koreans aren’t helped by the fact that the Emperor also grants the Korean royal family peerage titles, thus retaining some form of aristocratic authority (however minute it is) after being conquered. Some imperialist elements in the empire decry this as “giving in” to Koreans rather than establishing superiority over them as was originally intended.

-Even with these detractors and critics, the political situation in Korea becomes stable as Koreans lessen their demands and their grievances over these welcomed changes. And as a whole, most of the Japanese public also supports these decisions to varying degrees with the idea of “imperial unity” in mind.
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Empire of Mexico
-The Mexican Empire works to increase its hold of its frontier borders in the north through several actions. Although this far frontier is sparsely populated for the most part, with banditry and native populations people a problem, the Empire begins to tackle this issue firstly by establishing 3 forts in its frontier regions. Called Fort Colorado, Fort Sal, and Fort San Antonio, these forts begin to help slowly grow Mexico’s hold in these regions in an effort to defend settlements in these regions as well as to protect from any potential invasion.

-The Mexican Navy receives designation into three new fleets: the Caribbean Fleet, the South Fleet, and the Pacific Fleet. While Mexico’s navy is small, boasting only mostly brigs and cutters, its Caribbean fleet is somewhat capable enough to defend Mexican interests. However, the Pacific Fleet at the moment is mostly symbolic, being more of a coastal defence rather than any real naval force in the region.

-The Imperial Military Academy is established in Mexico City for two reason. Firstly, to train loyal officers to the Imperial throne and secondly to have commissioned officers forcefully trained rather than remain in a cushy and well paid position and be incompetent at commanding troops. This overall is to improve the quality of officer leadership in the Imperial Army of Mexico and to bring its military up to standards with influence from European powers.

-With republican ideals rising and tensions growing on calls for reform, the Emperor concedes and promises a formal constitution for the Empire to create a constitutional monarchy. While a two-house legislature consisting of the House of Protectorates (consisting of nobility and clergy) and the Congress of Deputies (consisting of lower and middle class representative), not too dissimilar to the British parliament. The former is to control areas of foreign affairs, government budget, and military affairs while the latter is to control domestic laws and infrastructure, thus bringing a compromise of influence between the aristocracy and the common folk.

-In this constitution, the Emperor will retain a position of executive authority with the ability to veto (similar to how the US president can veto) that must be overridden by a ¾ vote. Along with this, the Emperor retains the position as commander of the armed forces as a whole.

-With the promise of a constitution with these points in mind, republican grievances are quelled and the constitution is formally enacted in September of the year 1900, with elections soon occuring after that for the Congress of Deputies. However, a few concerns pop up in regards to campaigns running unethical dealings behind closed doors in order to win elections against their opponents, more specifically amongst the Liberal Party with campaign “donations” being delivered by business and factory owners.

-In an effort to develop industry, arms factories are given imperial investments in order to spur development of weapons for the Mexican army. A few startup arms manufacturers begin to pop up in region of Guatemala, and start by iterating on European designs with slight modifications.

-Taking similar notes from the United States, a Homestead Act is passed by the Congress of Deputies and approved by the Emperor in which frontier land is sold at rock-bottom prices per acre to aspiring colonizers in an effort to populate the remote and very-low populated regions up North. Many families take the deal and wagon trains begin marching north to head for these regions for a chance of a new life. Along the way, smaller villages pop up and act as waypoints for travellers heading north, creating “trails” for caravans to follow. One of the most popular trails is given the name the “Rio Grande Trail” in which settlers follow the river up the current into areas such as North Texas, Colorado, etc. Although it will take many years before these regions can be adequately populated for Mexico to have a firm grasp over, land continues to be bought up and settlers keep on rolling in.

-The Emperor makes visits to both the United States and to its fellow Imperial power in the Americas: Brazil. With the former, Emperor Maximilian II visits Washington D.C. to talk with President Bryan as well as several key members of Congress in regards to trade as well as the recent tensions in Texas. A deal is struck between the US and Mexico in regards of trading American cotton for Mexican leather, however what falls through is the selling of arms in exchange for a trade route to San Francisco. With the current bandit problems in the frontier as well as the rising public sentiment in regards to Texas, the US opts out from this points. Nonetheless, both parties are satisfied. Later in the year, American cotton enters Mexican markets and Mexican leather enters American markets.

-The Emperor’s next stop is Rio de Janeiro, in which the Emperor meets with Dona Isabel I in the Imperial Palace in a public showing as well as negotiations for another trade deal. The deal is quickly struck with Mexican leather and wool being exported for Brazilian iron and phosphate. These influxes of raw materials from both these countries help to spur the small industrial sector of Mexico as factories begin to use these materials for production of goods for its domestic market.
--------------

Thank you for being patient guys! This took a lot of effort to do and I hope I can continue bringing out turns on a regular basis.

On that note, please send Turn 2 by December 10th! Thanks!
[I will open the game up to ONE additional player!]

 

[joshuadim]

Turns I Have
Japan
Poland
Britain
Mexico
Netherlands
Romans
Germania
France

Turns I Need
Russia

Reminder that deadline for getting turns in is DECEMBER 10, 11:59PM!

 

[Amfleet]

Turn's in, we're going to space lads!

 

[Milke]

Turn's in, we're going to space lads!

with that attitude you'll be going to siberia instead

 

[Amfleet]

with that attitude you'll be going to siberia instead

Change of plans lads, we're going to space via Moscow!

 

[joshuadim]

I have received all the turns. After I finish my exams, I will get to work on it ASAP.

 

[joshuadim]

"If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success." - John D. Rockefeller


January 1, 1901 - December 1, 1901

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Current Diplomatic Crises:
The Rio Incident - Empire of Brazil and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland [RESOLVED]

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Current Conflicts:

American-Indian Wars:
United States of America vs. Shawnee Miami Confederation
United States of America vs. Sioux Nation

Status:
Former: Finished. Victory for the United States.
Latter: Undecided.


Russian Conquest of Central Asia:
Russian Empire vs. Khanate of Kokand, Emirate of Afghanistan, Sikh Empire, Emirate of Bukhara

Status: Undecided.

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World Events
-The United States finds victory in the war against the Shawnee-Miami Confederation with a final battle culminating in the surrender of key Shawnee leaders just south of Lake Michigan, and thus marking the end of the war. As peace talks begin and the US prepares to move the Native Americans into reservations, the US now gears to deal with the Sioux Nation further west.
-The Rio Incident is resolved with the release of the captured British sailors, mediated by an unlikely source: France. Although this comes to a amicable ending, Brazil maintains its closure of diplomatic ties with the British crown and has actively refused to renew diplomacy for the foreseeable future.
-German physicist Max Planck publishes two papers on electrical circuits and on spectroscopy. Describing the laws of a circuit system as well as the general laws of spectroscopy, they are immediately recognized as groundbreaking within the scientific community, and thus earning Dr. Planck to be the first recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics. As a member of the physics community of Germania and a member of the newly established Imperial Academy of the Sciences, this brings great prestige to the country and to the institution as a whole. Along with these discoveries, a third paper is published by Planck but receives less coverage. It details the concept of “black-body radiation”, however it lacks a discrete mathematical formula to prove it at the moment.
-As the war for Central Asia continues, the fight is joined by Afghanistan, Bukhara, and the Sikh Empire after convening to discuss the threat of the Russian Empire in the region. Armies from all of the noted countries have joined the fight and have managed to stave off the Russian tide for the moment, but the war is far from over.

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Empire of Germania
-With the start of the new year, the Kaiser sends a delegation towards the United States with the express goal of establishing diplomatic relations. The delegation is received in New York Harbor and are brought to the capital of the United States to meet with the President, the Vice President, and several key senators. The Germans are treated to dinner in the White House as well as a tour of Washington D.C. and its surroundings. The German’s are reportedly impressed at the United State’s ability to recover from such a destructive civil war as well as its currently booming economy. Overall, the trip left good impressions for both sides as the German delegation returns home.

-The Imperial Army makes the not so subtle move of arming and fortifying defensive positions along the Rhine as a yearly show of force against France. French papers immediately report on this and stir up a fervor once again among the French, most notably Parisians. However, emotions die down quickly as everyone realises that this is just posturing and only a showcase, like usual.

-At home, the Kaiser establishes the Imperial Academy of the Sciences [Kaiserliche Akademie der Wissenschaften], commissioned and funded by the Imperial coffers in order to spur the developments in the sciences as a whole. Notable Germans such as Max Planck being given professorships or directoral roles in this already prestigious academy. Upon its creation, many bright Germans begin to apply for enrollment although the standards made are very high. A young, brilliant man by the name Albert Einstein is accepted into the academy for the first class of the Imperial Academy.
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Russian Empire
-The war continues as Russian Imperial forces continue to march on the Khanate of Kokand. Expecting an easy victory by the year’s end, Russian soldiers march with a high confidence and morale towards the city of Kokand in a bid to decisively end the war once and for all. Russian troops lay siege to the city with cannons and artillery, easily dispatching the minimal defenses of the city easily. Within a few days it almost seems as if victory is certain, that is until an unexpected development occurs.

-Reinforcements from the Emirate of Bukhara, Emirate of Afghanistan, and the Sikh Empire all arrive in time to attack Russian forces in what is called “The Battle of Kokand”. The Russian army in the region finds themselves outnumbered two to one and after taking (and inflicting) heavy losses, Russian forces retreat to their original positions within the Khanate at the start of the year.

-This has happened as the war for Central Asia has raged on, with several leaders of Central Asian countries convening to deliberate on the threat of Russian expansion. Eventually, they have agreed upon to help Kokand out of their own interests. Met with a painful failure after being so close to absolute success, the war is set to drag on until the next year.

-On the homefront, minor liberalization reforms continue to be established to continue to status-quo of last year to continue slow reform within the country. Along with this, an anti-corruption campaign is put into action as nearly 350 bureaucratic officials in and around Moscow, St. Petersburg, Petrograd, Novgorod and Kiev are arrested on charges of embezzlement and abuse of office. Most trials are expedited and the guilty are thrown into prisons for their crimes, while a notable, influential few are given ‘house-arrest’ for the time being.

-Meanwhile, in the newly conquered region of Khiva, Russian engineers, architects, and builders are sent en-masse to rebuild and modernize to the best of their ability. Roads are constructed, easily connecting small villages and towns together while plans for a railway to Ashkabad is planned out. Along with this, basic infrastructure for the capital city of the region is outlined and prepared for construction over the next few years in order to bring the city to the standards found in the Empire, as well as Europe.
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Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
-Poland looks to continue expanding its infrastructure alongside its allies as a Polish delegation arrives to Budapest to speak with Hungarian and Croat diplomats over the possibility of a massive railway. What was proposed is a railway to lead from Krakow to Budapest and from Budapest to Zagreb, thus unifying the three countries by a large railway. With the latter two countries lacking in transportation infrastructure, they agree to this in order to bolster their own infrastructure and the draft is approved between all three countries. As such, the beginnings of the rail line are laid down in Krakow and work begins. It is estimated to take a year and a half before the railway is completed and operational.

-For the railways at home, it is decreed that the military can requisition usage of railways exclusively for their own purposes whenever needed, whether at peace or at war. The idea is to quickly be able to mobilize the country’s transportation to move military supplies, troops, and equipment throughout the country whenever needed. As rail lines continue to be built, this becomes especially important for the ever evolving state of warfare.

-Alongside these railway reforms, a reform the telegraph lines has been instituted as well, nationalizing telegraph operations as well as decreeing the construction of new telegraph lines to accompany alongside railway lines to improve communications infrastructure alongside transportation.

-With the looming presence of the Russian Empire bearing down on the Commonwealth, fortifications are constructed along the eastern provinces and borders of the country, keeping in line with the defensive-war doctrine of the Grand Alliance. In the event of war, these shall be tested for their strength.

-With the continued increase of artillery’s presence in war, the army creates a new branch for its forces: the Artillery School. Focusing on training artillery teams to quickly be able to fire cannons, howitzers and mortars, the school sees a large induction of new cadets for training.

-With a substantial Jewish population within its own borders, the Sejm passes legislation to protect the status of Jews within the Commmonwealth, as well as raising the status of synagogues to that of any regular church. The aim is to protect this large productive minority against anti-semitic attacks as well as to improve civil liberties of a large portion of the population. While many Jewish communities celebrate, a few anti-semitic ruffians cause some trouble in some places with verbal harassment.

-Continuing to aid its small but growing industry, the crown assists in purchasing capital equipment such as furnaces and tools in which the crown bears half the costs of interest payments required by the entrepreneur upon taking loans. This helps relieve businessmen and entrepreneurs from half of their payment costs and continue to help building Polish industry.

-A Institute of Photography is created with the purpose of commissioning aspiring photographers to take photos for portraits and events and other things. One project that is commissioned by the crown is a cross country photographic recording of the land, people, and cities. Photographers travel from remote villages to the sprawling urban centers, taking photos of the diverse cultures and peoples that live there. Compiled as an album called “A Portrait of Poland”, it is exhibited in Warsaw after months of collecting and processing and boasts an impressive 1000 photographs of everyday life in the Commonwealth.

-The Commonwealth’s Ministry of the Interior designates the creation of the National Ski Club, aiming to bring the sport of skiing to the mainstream by holding regional competitions, meetings, and a grand national tournament every 3 years (comprised of champions from regional competitions). The club grows to several hundred members within a few months, comprised of young men from nobility and from the small, but growing middle class.
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French Second Republic
-France begins the year with diplomatic missions to Brazil and Spain in order to seek trade deals with both. Perhaps in an effort to curb growing German influence in the Spanish economy, the French delegation approaches the Spanish crown with a trade deal of their own with, once again, lucrative terms. The Spanish crown is all too eager to accept any form of trade in order to lessen the kingdoms isolation and as such the agreement is made between the two neighboring countries.

-With Brazil, the French delegation arrives in the court of Dona Isabel in Rio de Janeiro. The deal appears to be lucrative except for one clause: the Brazilians are to release their detained British sailors. While in any other case this would’ve been struck down, the French delegation came at an opportune time. With pressure mounting of the Empire, and tensions continuing to rise between Britain and Brazil, Brazil finds this deal to be amicable. Having been approached by a Mexican delegation as a surrogate for Britain earlier, Brazil strikes the deal with France. The sailors are released and returned home while French arms and engineers arrive in Rio de Janeiro.

-With diplomatic successes in Europe and in the New World, the Republic turns its attention to a growing power in east Africa: Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Empire had grown in the past few decades, conquering and establishing an interesting mix of European and traditional rule in the country. As the two are fellow Christian empires, France offers its help with a trade and arms deal, to which the Ethiopian Empire accepts. French goods and arms flow into the country as trade between the two begins to grow.

-For colonial policy, France continues to expand its Légion étrangère by offering a path to full mainland citizenship if colonial men serve in its ranks, rather than remain as subjects. For many in France’s African holdings, especially in Algeria, the promise of equality is enticing and many thousands begin to join throughout the year, expanding the strength of the French Foreign Legion.

-Another path to mainland citizenship is offered to French colonial subjects, in which if one passes a French language and culture test, they are eligible to apply for citizenship. While more aristocratic elements in the colonies readily take this offer, such as local politicians and businessmen, the more common folk find no interest in exchanging the culture of their ancestors for that of a foreign power.

-At the homefront, the dynamics of politics continues to play out as political parties divide people by policy lines and ideologies. Conservatives, liberals, extremists, moderates, they all play a part in shaping France as it is currently: which is to say the least, semi-divided. Even with the threat of Germania looming in the east, the French republic remains indecisive and fragmented somewhat. The government thus begins the Mission Civilisatrice in an effort to unite the people of France with patriotism and the ideas of the revolution once more. Patriotic flyers and posters produced by the government are seen in Paris, Lyons, and other major French cities, and even a government sponsored play is made which garners moderate attendance. The effort for unity does not only stay on the mainland however, as the idea of unity and patriotism is sought to be implanted into its colonies as well. French teachers and priests are sent to the colonies en masse, most notably being in Quebec, Algeria, and the Ivory Coast. Only time will tell if this effort is successful in France’s colonial holdings however.

-Focusing on its industry, the Republic develops a program for businesses that use raw materials to invest in colonial development (with government help) in order to better improve economic infrastructure of supply. After all, how can factories work without material?
--------------



United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
-Britain starts the year by focusing at the current crisis between itself and Brazil, seeking to bring a resolution. First, a battalion of infantrymen along with a few ships of the line are moved to the Caribbean as a continued show of force of British naval dominance, although this provokes an angry American delegation to visit London and voice their complaints.

-As tensions continue to build between Rio and London, Mexico is brought in to potentially act as a third-party mediator between the two powers via a trade agreement between Mexico and England. The Empire of Mexico sends a delegation to Rio de Janeiro in an attempt to hold their end of the bargain. While talks originally look promising, a few weeks later it is found that France had intervened and negotiated for the release of the sailors in exchange for French arms and aid. While not the original solution intended, the crisis is resolved.

-As a result of this however, the trade deal between Mexico and Britain is put into question and a state of limbo, with the movement of weapons and advisors halted before discussions take place between the two once more.

-In a bid to expand financial gains from its overseas holdings, Inland Revenue offices are opened in Britain’s ports in China, most notably in Hong Kong. The goal is the streamline and expedite the process of collecting taxes in these highly populated and economically lucrative regions, and thus bring in revenue for the crown at a faster rate. While taxes are always something common people frown upon, the tax collectors do their jobs and continue their work in these British-administered regions of east Asia.

-On the homefront, an investment budget for infrastructure is passed by Parliament through the House of Commons and Lords in regards to rail infrastructure, seeking to actively connect major towns all across the isles to make easier the transportation of goods, materials, and men throughout the mainland. Significant progress is made to make London the central terminus for all major railways in Britain, creating an influx of jobs as well as logistical challenges to build said lines.

-Along with this, major drydocks for the Royal Navy are also given a budget for expansion to better accommodate the growing need for continued naval supremacy. As such, the expansions allow for the increased maintenance and creation of ships-of-the-line for the British navy.

-Even with the crisis resolved, merchant ships are still sent to Argentina with the accompaniment of British sloops and brigs. While these ships send only trade goods, Brazil maintains a cautious stance on the trade route and occasionally sail within a few leagues to observe.

-Taking advantage of its colonies resources, the opium trade is ramped up in production within British India in order to increase the quantity for sale. Most of this is sold by England to China, much to the detriment of the latter, and some is sold within the subcontinent such as France’s colonial holdings.
--------------



Kingdom of the Netherlands
-Border defenses take priority throughout the year as the Netherlands continues to fortify both its flanks against the two Empires it finds itself stuck between. Construction continues without a hitch for most of the year save for difficulties in the wintertime due to inclement weather.

-In order to make the Dutch Foreign Legion more enticing in terms of pay, the Empire sends representatives to inquire about the costs of living in its colonies, most specifically its African holdings. With the Foreign Legion’s headquarters in Johannesburg, they begin with South Africa before moving to the Congo. Costs of living for most people in these poor countries mostly take their costs for what little food and water they can afford to scrape by, as most luxuries from Europe are unknown to them.

-In regards to its colonies, the crown orders a formal investigation into the local governments of its overseas holdings to determine if corruption has taken hold and to root it out when necessary. The Dutch Ministry of Commerce is given the authority to handle the investigation as it sends its agents to Dutch Africa and Dutch Malaysia.

-At home, crown investment into building its home industry continues as foundries and steel mills are given by providing low interest (or zero interest in some cases) crown loans to these businesses. Along with this, an effort is made to grow a textile industry in the netherlands with the buying and introduction of spinning jennies and other factory equipment by the crown treasury. A few factories pop up within the lowlands, and begin to grow the tiny textile factory sector of the Netherlands’ industry.
--------------



Roman Empire
-The Roman Empire celebrates the marriage of Basileus Andronikos VIII to the daughter of the Georgian King, Princess Ana of Bagrationi. The wedding is held in late January and notable heads of state throughout Europe are hosted in Constantinople in celebration of the wedding, even rivals from the Grand Alliance. The celebration goes without a hitch much to the surprise of observers. The Imperial marriage serves not only as a means to continue the line of Emperors, but also to bring the houses of Rome and Georgia closer together in an alliance.

-In the honeymoon era of his marriage, the Basileus ventures to several major cities throughout the empire and its holdings with the company of a few Senators. The reason is twofold, to celebrate the marriage with his new wife along with meeting with provincial leaders to discuss potential reforms. Most of the ire from the outer provinces comes from the corruption within institutions and bureaucrats that hold offices in these regions along with the issue of heavy taxes on the poor and working classes.

-In other news of diplomatic outreach, Roman missionaries begin a program of outreach in regions of Africa, China, and India in an effort to commune with Christians in these regions as well as humanitarian aid in poor regions.Spreading the word of god as well as helping the disadvantaged has always been a tactic for proselytizing those in regions far beyond your own and this is no exception. For the small minorities of Christians (mostly non-Orthodox ones) in China and the Indian subcontinent this comes as a well needed line of communication with other christians.

-Roman engineers and surveyors are sent to determine the feasibility of a canal to be built across the Isthmus of Suez, the stretch of land connecting the continents of Africa and Asia. With enough manpower, engineering work and funds, it certainly is possible to make the dream of a new by-sea pathway into a reality.

-The Orthodox Church begins an effort to bridge gaps and grow closer ties with Coptic and Miaphysite Christians in Armenia, Egypt and the Ethiopian Empire. Over the centuries, these churches have drifted away in traditions and beliefs within their doctrines. Among the zealous, this has caused divisions and tensions within imperial holdings. However, on the belief that it is not yet too late, a council is held in Antioch in what is called “The Council of Antioch”. Religious leaders from Alexandria, Constantinople, Addis Ababa, and Yerevan convene in this great city to discuss the task at hand. Some progress is made, but tensions flare up again over centuries old feuds and soon the Pope of the Coptic Church and the Catholicos of the Armenian Church outright leave in anger over an argument.

-The Imperial Bank of Rome is placed under the jurisdiction/oversight of the Senate (and by extension, the Emperor), thus ending the relatively free reign of the financial arm of the empire that has lasted for a few centuries. As a result, the introduction of financial measures and reforms are made easier without having to deal with the whims of financial bureaucracy and appeasing the head of the bank.

-Not content to fall behind the current global powers in terms of industrial output, subsidies are handed out to fledgling businesses that produce consumer, industrial, or textile goods. This helps aid aspiring entrepreneurs not only get their businesses off the ground, but also provide jobs in cities within the empire. In Saloniki, this is especially the case as Jewish businessmen begin businesses in manufacturing, and are especially successful at it. Saloniki slowly gains a reputation as an industrial center within Greece, attracting workers and other entrepreneurs alike to the region.
--------------



Empire of Japan
-The region of Kamusasuka continues to be colonized by efforts of the Empire of Japan, as more colonists from Korea and the Japanese mainland arrive to establish new lives there. The population in colonial towns in the region begin to swell along with development of infrastructure. Progress in developing Kamusasuka as a core colony in the Empire continues at a good pace in the eyes of the administration as well as the general public.

-As the Kamusasuka colony develops, the exploitation of the region’s natural resources begins preliminary steps in surveying the land for deposits of useful materials, namely coal. Coal is increasingly becoming important in Japan’s small, but growing industry, as a means to power foundries and steel mills as well as a general source of power. Over the year, surveyors in Kamusasuka manage to find major key deposits in the peninsula, some closer to colonial towns and holdings than others. As such, a few mines open up to provide jobs for colonial subjects as well as to begin the production and outflow of coal to essential sectors in the economy.

-In a reform to criminal justice, the death penalty is outlawed for all crimes except for the most severe of cases (i.e. murder, treason, rape). While capital punishment has been allowed for any crime before, it was rarely practiced apart from the aforementioned, thus making it more of a symbolic reform to show that Japan is modernizing and catching up with the times.

-In a continued reform effort, following up on the Edict Abolishing Ignoble Classes, discrimination based upon the outdated and outlawed ideas of the caste system are made crimes by the Imperial government, thus ending the last vestige of the feudal system in Japan. Another reform comes in the form of political office holding, in which it is decreed that an active military member cannot hold position within the civilian bureaucracy. This separation of military and civilian administration allows for greater voice in government from the civilian side of the Empire rather than it being dominated by military leaders.
--------------



Empire of Mexico
-As tensions continue to build between Rio and London, Mexico is brought in to potentially act as a third-party mediator between the two powers via a trade agreement between Mexico and England. The Empire of Mexico sends a delegation to Rio de Janeiro in an attempt to hold their end of the bargain. While talks originally look promising, a few weeks later it is found that France had intervened and negotiated for the release of the sailors in exchange for French arms and aid. While not the original solution intended, the crisis is resolved.

-As a result of this however, the trade deal between Mexico and Britain is put into question and a state of limbo, with the movement of weapons and advisors halted before discussions take place between the two once more.

-A diplomatic envoy is sent to the Republic of Peru in order to better relations between the two countries. The trip is considered a success as both parties walk away feeling pretty good about each other.

-In the Pacific, two ships from the Mexican Pacific Fleet carrying an ambassador arrive on the shores of Hawai’i and find themselves amidst the lands of the monarchy there. In an attempt to establish a trade port, but are turned away by the Hawaiian King, Kalākaua.

-With large swathes of untamed countryside and frontier, most of the Empire’s interior is sparsely populated, if not inhabited at all. With a lack of knowledge of the frontier, an imperial funded expedition is sent to the northwest regions of Mexican land to survey for natural resources and anything that might be useful. The expedition is slated to continue for two years in order to properly travel throughout the frontierland and investigate.

-With the territories along the Pacific Coastline sporting decent population sizes, but poor travel infrastructure, the crown develops a plan to ensure easy travel to and from core provinces to other territories within the empire along the west coast. The plan is to develop government owned ferries for the purpose of moving people to and from port cities in these regions and to do so in a way that would be affordable enough for even lower class civilians and peasants to do so. The logistics for infrastructure and development are laid down and the project is slated to launch its first ferries within a year or two’s time.

-Upon the Emperor’s request, the Congress of Deputies passes a motion to expand the powers of the current Ministry of Commerce to include complete oversight of the government budget/spending as well as Imperial expenditures, along with the power to propose economic measures to the Congress of Deputies (requiring a simple majority to pass). Another addition to the expanded powers of the Ministry of Commerce is it establishes the Imperial Bank of Mexico to act as the central bank for the Mexican economy, however standards and guidelines regarding the bank have yet to be set as well as its location.

-At the end of the year, the crown celebrates the birth of Johanna Sophia de Habsburg-Lorraine. As currently the only child of Emperor Maximilian II, the newborn Princess of Mexico is the heir apparent to the throne by current succession laws in place.
--------------

With the holidays being in full force, deadline for submitting your Turn 3 will be on January 7.

Merry Christmas! And have a happy new year!

 

[joshuadim]

The War for the Steppes - 1902

​

As the Russian Conquest of Central Asia enters its third year, Russia faces the opposing forces of Emirate of Afghanistan, the Sikh Empire, the Emirate of Bukhara, and the remnants of Kokand's forces over the fate of the Central Asian steppes. A minor setback was delivered to Russian forces in the previous year due to the sudden joining of Sikh forces into the fray, however as time progressed into the winter months of 1902, Russia began to mobilize. An additional 400 thousand men were moved into the Kazakh region in order to reinforce the Russian army in the region in an effort to simply outnumber the enemy on a massive scale along with its own technological superiority compared to most of the enemies the empire was now fighting.

As the time drew closer to finally begin the new Spring offensive, the Russians decide to send a letter to this new group of adversaries in an effort to intimidate them to accede to Russian claims and demands. The letter in question was filled with a vitriol unmatched by any as it described how Russia would "salt the earth" and raze the cities of those opposing Russia in a ruthless and indiscriminate manner. Needless to say, the reaction met by the leaders of the kingdoms was filled with not only anger and fear, but determination. They would not like a European power trample over them like the French or British had, not any longer. They would stand and fight, even if it meant their demise as outlined by Russia.

As such, preparations were made to fight and the newly named 'Lahore Coalition' prepared for the onslaught. Spring finally came and the weather became favorable for battle, and so the lumbering Russian war machine began its assault on March 26. To say it's Spring Offensive was a success would be underselling it, as multiple decisive victories were delivered to the Russian Empire, beating back Coalition forces convincingly throughout Kokand and Bukhira, resulting in both regions being mostly occupied by the start of May. Stopping just short of the Alay Mountains, the Russians prepared a summer offensive to push the Coalition out of Central Asia in its entirety.

On May 8, the Battle of the Alay Mountains began with Russian forces striking Coalition defensive positions with cannon-fire, followed by infantry charges. However, the Coalition would find their success here as they cut down advancing Russian troops from their heavily fortified and easily defensible positions in the mountains. The fighting was extremely bloody for both sides nonetheless, with the battle taking thousands upon thousands of lives until the end on May 20. Russian forces retreated, allowing the Coalition some reprieve. Unexpectedly to the Russians, it was at this time they had learned that the Rajput Empire had put their support into the Coalition as well and had been fighting with the Coalition in the mountains. Thus, while the Coalition had been outnumbered originally, they now were on equal footing in terms of manpower in the region.

What was even more surprising to the Russians was the proliferation of firepower in the Coalition forces, whom had previously been expected to be working mostly with melee weapons rather than actual modern weaponry. Tsar George immediately dismissed General Sakharov in a fit of rage from his command of forces in the region and instead installed his second in command, General Vasili Luhensko as main commander of Russian forces in the region. Lushenko immediately ordered for fresh reinforcements to arrive in the region in order to make up for the losses from the Battle of the Alay Mountains.

Meanwhile, Coalition forces regrouped and re-fortified their positions in the mountains in preparation for the inevitable secondary Russian assault on their positions. The Sikh and Rajput Empires would find themselves making up the bulk of Coalition forces while the Afghan troops maintained a relatively small, but noticeable presence, in the coalition. At this point, Bukharan and Kokandian forces were very nearly completely deleted and as such were removed by the Coalition to behind the front lines to fall back with fleeing civilians from their respective regions.

As May turned to June, and June turned to July, the front was quiet as both sides prepared for yet another gruesome and deadly battle. Russian forces swelled once more, as did Coalition forces, with 400 thousand Russian preparing to fight 250 thousand Coalition troops. On July 27, a minor battle broke out near the city of Dushanbe, at the base of the Alay Mountains, in which Russian forces handidly routed a minor coalition division with cavalry. However, the real battle began on July 30 with the 'Second Battle of the Alay Mountains'. Determined to crush the Coalition forces piled in the region, General Luhensko orders his battalions to charge upon Coalition positions with an unrelenting fury, and to avenge their losses. Initially, Russian forces overtake the first line of defense for Coalition forces through sheer wave tactics, overflowing Coalition defensive positions and massacring them where they stood. However, as they continued through the narrow valleys and steep cliffs of the mountains, dynamite was detonated on the slopes, resulting in massive rockslides barreling down upon Russian troops. Entire divisions were wiped out from the man-induced catastrophe, followed by a Coalition counterattack that drove the Russians back to their original starting point. The Coalition suffered heavily however for this, as superior Russian firepower gunned down many Coalition soldiers. The fighting would continue on until August 12, in which the Russian forces ordered a retreat back to their positions before the assault began. The day was won for the Coalition, but only just barely. A hard fought, phyrric victory for them. Some 60 thousand men were lost in these days of fighting for the Coalition while the Russians would take losses ranging between 50 and 70 thousand, the number up to debate.

With this victory, the Coalition had proven that they were capable of standing up to a European power in battle, if just barely. Nonetheless, this emboldened their armies to prepare for an offensive of their own. As both sides licked their wounds, an offensive would be launched by the Coalition, but ultimately repelled by Russian forces, in what would be known as the Battle of the Arys River. Any hopes for a Coalition offensive were quashed in the 3 day battle from August 30 to September 2.

As September progressed, the war grinds to a standstill as early rains turned the land to mud, coupled with early frosts bringing an end to the war for the year. Along with this, a revolt breaks out in the conquered region of Khiva with horsemen killing Russian guards stationed in cities and harassing Russian supply routes in the region, putting even more strain on the incredibly stretched Russian lines.

 

[joshuadim]

The Sino-Japanese War - 1902
​

On April 12, 1902 the Provincial Governor of Manchuria, Zhang Zuolin, declares a revolt against the Qing Dynasty with the support of many of the garrisons within the region. With key forts and cities under the control of the rebellion, the loyalist forces within the region are forced to leave to mainland Chinese lands. As a result, the Qing Empire begins to amass forces to quell the rebellion with about 500 thousand men amassed. Sheer amounts of men had usually worked to quell local rebellions... however, things would change as the Chinese army marched North.

On April 20, 1902 the Empire of Japan launched an invasion of China along the Liaodong and Shandong Peninsulas as well as the island of Taiwan. Imperial troops swarmed the poorly garrisoned cities of Dadong, Dalian, and Yantai in a matter of hours, and within a few days have established near total control of their respective peninsulas. As a result, a large portion of the Chinese army changes course from heading North to Manchuria to head east toward its captured cities in Shandong. However, they find Japanese forces ready for them. In a battle that lasted only two hours, the Chinese suffered 6 thousand casualties versus a clearly superior opponent, leading to a decisive victory for Japanese Imperial forces.

As the year progresses, the Qing Dynasty would time and time again throw its armies against Japanese forces on both peninsulas, only to fail each time with disastrous casualties. By the years end, the Qing Empire would have suffered 20 thousand casualties compared to only 1800 for the Japanese. In the meantime, Manchuria skirmishes with a few Chinese battalions as it fights to maintain its revolt and finds itself with a few pyrrhic victories against Qing forces.

 

[joshuadim]

"If war was once a chivalrous duel, it is now a dastardly slaughter." - Artur von Bolfras


January 1, 1902 - December 31, 1902

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Current Diplomatic Crises:

None


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Current Conflicts:

American-Indian Wars:
United States of America vs. Sioux Nation

Status:
Victory for the United States


Russian Conquest of Central Asia
Russian Empire vs. Lahur Coalition [Emirate of Afghanistan, Sikh Empire, Rajput Empire, Remnants of Bukihra and Kokand]

Status:
Undecided.


Sino-Japanese War
Empire of Japan vs Qing Dynasty

Status:
In Favor of Japan.

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World Events
-After defeating the Shawnee-Miami Confederation, the United States turns its attention towards the Sioux Nation, the last standing Native American nation to have taken up arms against the United States. As the spring starts, the 7th Cavalry Division led by Lt. General George Armstrong Custer leads an incursion with his men into Sioux territory ahead of main American forces in an attempt to take ground and establish a foothold in the region. However, they soon find themselves encircled by Sioux forces and horsemen on their position, and much to the surprise of American forces they find themselves shot at by cannonfire. In what would be called the “Battle of the Little Bighorn”, it would be a disaster for the 7th Cavalry Division, in which five companies out of twelve were entirely wiped out, as well as the venerable General Custer being killed in battle. The total American losses include 268 dead Americans as well as 55 wounded, leaving nearly half of the Division utterly decimated.
-Suffering this loss, the arrival of main American forces into the region resulted in a ferocity of battle unlike seen in the war against the Shawnee-Miami. Many of the soldiers sought to avenge their comrades, as well as the death of Custer who in the weeks prior had been essentially idolized by the American public for his “last stand” against the “red savages”. Entire villages were burned to the ground as the American army advanced deep into Sioux territory, culminating into a decisive American victory at the Battle of Slim Buttes. The main Sioux force suffered tremendous losses in the face of superior and overwhelming firepower, and as such were forced to retreat. As a result, many of the Sioux Nation opted to flee North into the lands of French-owned Canada to escape American retaliation for Little Bighorn. Nonetheless, the United States finds themselves finished with the American-Indian Wars after years of struggle.
-Turning its attention, it is found that British cannons and guns were supplied to and used by the Sioux during the battle of Little Bighorn, causing a furor in the American populace and a diplomatic spat between the United States and the British Empire. As a result, the United States raises tariffs on British goods by a steep 50% as retaliation as well as kicking out half of the British diplomats in the United States with 72 hours notice in advance.
-On the other end of the world, the Russian Empire continues its fight for its claim on Kokand, this time facing a large coalition of states in the region to fight against them. Initially finding great success, the Russian Empire occupies most of Kokand and Bukhira save for the Alay Mountains, in which the war stalls into a bloody stalemate, with Lahur Coalition forces finding victories in the mountains and stalling the Russian advance. The news comes to a shock to many in the Empire, as well as Europe, in which inferior powers were capable of stemming the tide of Russia.
-The Qing Dynasty faces its ultimate test as it faces enemies from all sides. Zhang Zuolin declares a revolt against Qing rule as the forces in the region pledge their allegiance to the new warlord in revolt against the Qing dynasty in Manchuria. In the meantime, the Empire of Japan launches a full scale invasion of China, adding even more strain to the Qing Dynasty after suffering several catastrophic defeats at the hands of Japanese forces.
-Tensions continue to rise in Europe as French troops deliver a show of force on the border with Germania, causing another diplomatic spat between the two rival powers as Germania responds with their own exercises. Some analysts predict war is not far off as both are posturing against one another to analyze the other.
-The Russian Empire, in a surprising move, rescinds its claim to the contested Canadian territories. As a result, the only powers competing for a claim in the region at the moment are Britain and France.

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Empire of Germania
-The Kaiserreich and the French Second Republic come to an increased point in tensions as the French do military exercises and movements near the Franco-German border as a response to German movements, with which Germania responding in kind once more with their own. With tensions already so high, most worry that this will spark the war that has been brewing for the better part of a decade already.

-Seeking to continue building ties with the Sick Man of Europe, spanish diplomats are taken to a tour of the Germanian provinces and major cities partly to show off current industrialization efforts and modern technologies, but also partly to seek closer ties with the Spaniards. While the Spanish Empire has seen centuries of decline, it still lies in a geographically advantageous position if the Grand Alliance can bring them into their sphere of influence.

-A naval exercise is conducted with naval ships posted in German Tanzania, with ships practicing maneuvers and techniques. While they go smoothly for the most part, at one point the ire of their neighbor, the Ethiopian Empire, is drawn after German ships enter their coastal waters for some time before turning away back to port.

-Closer to home, the city of Wilhelmshaven sees an expansion of its current naval shipyard to meet the demands of ever growing navies. It’s strategic positioning on the western part of Jade Bight, as well as its close access to the ocean, allows it to be a perfect shipyard for naval construction in any sense.

-On the homefront, to appease the growing socialist movement as well as the complaints of protests in major German cities, the Kaiser decrees labor laws in which factories and stores are only allowed to have employees working for 10 hours a day, 6 days a week at a maximum. The one day given for rest allows for much needed break from labor as well as time to go to church services on Sunday.





Russian Empire
-The Russian Empire continues its fight for its claim on Kokand, this time facing a large coalition of states in the region to fight against them. Initially finding great success, the Russian Empire occupies most of Kokand and Bukhira save for the Alay Mountains, in which the war stalls into a bloody stalemate, with Lahur Coalition forces finding victories in the mountains and stalling the Russian advance. The news comes to a shock to many in the Empire, as well as Europe, in which inferior powers were capable of stemming the tide of Russia.

-As news of these defeats reaches the Empire’s cities, many citizens express shock and anger toward these new events unfolding in Central Asia. While government campaigns for the war manage to spin some people’s anger into support for the war as revenge against the savages, an anti-war movement begins to proliferate among those who lost friends and loved ones in the war. Public sentiment overall begins to sour as what seemed to be a quick and easy war continues to be dragged out.

-In order to try to win back public favor, the Tsar decrees that loot obtained from the war is to be used for public projects in major imperial cities such as Moscow, Kiev and St. Petersburg. While the intentions are good, the amount actually obtained for these projects are minimal as the steppes really only had wealth concentrated with their rulers, and with the Emir of Bukhira and the Khan of Kokand fleeing their cities with most of their possessions, funds from this source is only a trickle and requires the imperial treasury to pick up the slack. Projects include public schools, fountains, parks, roads, and an all-new electrical grid for Moscow.

-While Russia focuses to expand its current holdings with its war, it also chooses to focus with its current holdings and territories by encouraging people to settle in remote regions of Siberia. Imperial planned towns are established in a few regions for a ‘test run’, to ensure prototyping of city layouts and infrastructure to ensure safe and fast Russian colonization in the Future. Structural architects and civil engineers are planned to oversee construction over the next few years along with annual checkups to gather data and determine effectiveness of designs and such over the next decade after construction is finished.





Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
-With the years start, the Commonwealth enacts its foreign policy on two fronts: diplomatic relations and trade. The latter occurring with Sweden in which a mutual trade deal is secured with the Nordic kingdom with iron ore being bought by the Poles at a generous price. As Polish industry continues to expand, it becomes necessary to look to other regions in Europe for natural resources in areas where it currently lacks. In this case, it’s iron ore, which the Commonwealth has yet to properly survey within its own borders.

-Secondly, in a use of its own geopolitical influence, the Commonwealth opts to open an embassy in Beijing to establish relations with the Qing Dynasty. Although public sentiment is negative towards Europeans in general, the Chinese bureaucracy allows for the establishment of the embassy. However, with the outbreak of war with Japan and civil war with Manchuria, the vulnerability of the embassy is called into question.

-In a reform of legal precedent and statute, barely passed by a simple majority in the Sejm, the differences of legal processes between nobility and non-nobility begins to narrow with reforms in several areas, including the responsibility of nobility to appear on trial for certain offenses rather than just pay off a fine. More conservative elements of the Sejm decry this as an attack on their birthright privileges and furiously petition for a repeal of the acts passed.

-Another reform is passed in which an old system of “debtor’s prisons” is abolished, and instead replaced with a state-issued work system in which people heavily in debt may repay their dues by working for the state in whatever capacity they can. This allows people a chance to clear what they owe as well as be able to stay somewhat free rather than languish in prisons or stockades.

-With iron flowing in from Sweden, the Commonwealth sends surveyors to look for deposits of coal within their own borders in order to fuel the factories that would smelt them. Massive coal reserves are found in Upper Silesia and in the region near the city of Lublin to the east. As such, prospectors immediately begin setting up mines to excavate and extract coal for use in Poland.

-With an embassy established in China, a trend begins to form in the Commonwealth after luxury items are exhibited in auctions in Warsaw, Lviv and Krakow. Many nobles swoop up the pieces to keep at home, as something oriental like these don’t come around that often. The auctions themselves are sponsored by the government and the funds go to helping improve infrastructure and for building of public areas, such as meeting halls and city parks.

-As tensions continue to rise between France and Germania, the idea that war could break out between the Grand Alliance and the Entente continues to linger in the minds of the Commonwealth’s leaders. As such, the military commits to several actions to ensure it is as ready as possible, starting off with an audit of its military arms and artillery. Currently, the Commonwealth’s army fields viable flintlock muskets but as more industrialized and technologicall advanced countries begin to adopt breech-loading rifles, these military rifles will become more and more obsolete. In terms of cannon artillery much remains the same as it has and remains, for the most part, up to date.

-Secondly, a new division of the armed forces is created for use in scouting and support. Called the “Observation Balloon Corps”, it will consist of trained individuals to man hot air balloons to observe battlefields from an altitude from which they can deliver flag signals back to artillery crews and military crews for information.

-And finally, training exercises are held for soldiers to prepare fighting from a trench against an attacking force. However, the catch is not with simulating defending a charge, but rather enduring explosions from cannonfire. This is simulated by buried dynamite charges to make it look like a cannonball has impacted. The idea behind these exercises is to train soldiers to be prepared and be stoic in the face of artillery fire. At first, soldiers fall into a panic when the concealed charges are detonated, resulting in the first several exercises being chaos.





French Second Republic
-The Kaiserreich and the French Second Republic come to an increased point in tensions as the French do military exercises and movements near the Franco-German border as a response to German movements, with which Germania responding in kind once more with their own. With tensions already so high, most worry that this will spark the war that has been brewing for the better part of a decade already.

-With elections approaching within the next two years, President Loubet’s presidency will require the popular support of the people in order to retain his position, lest he be voted out for another candidate. As such, steps are taken to pass policies and measures that would prove popular among the populace. This starts with the passing of a new sanitation and health act in which public health standards are tightened for restaurants, businesses, factories, and public areas. This is to promote cleanliness and safer standards for people in these respective areas, and to ensure a high standard of quality for France as a whole.

-Along with this, many museums in major French cities, including Paris with the Louvre, begin to exhibit great works of art from French artists and creators such as Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, and many others. Notable non-French artists such as Vincent van Gogh are also exhibited with their famous works, although they take more of a backseat as the focus is entirely on French works for this initiative.

-And finally, noting the success of the German’s initiative to bring great thinkers of their empire together, the Republic begins its own program of giving government grants to scientists and pioneers for the purposes of research and development. Some of the great French minds take advantage of this initiative, such as Marie Curie and Antoine Becquerel, both of whom put their funds to good use with research into their respective fields. All these policies, along with military response at the Franco-German border, bring the populace’s approval of President Loubet up.

-The Corps des Ponts, Eaux, et Forêts (Corps of Bridges, Waters, and Forests) is established by the government later in the year. It’s purpose is two-fold: first it is to oversee construction of bridges, rails and roads with safety standards in mind and secondly to ensure environmental safety in which infrastructure is built in. It is immediately put to work as its members are sent throughout France to oversee construction of its currently expanding rail lines.

-Focusing abroad, France opens itself up to foreign dignitaries so that their children could be educated in the most culturally rich place in the world. The idea is to forge relations with countries by educating their children and building closer ties in this way. Diplomats and politicians, and even wealthy businessmen, are keen to give their children a good education, and international boarding schools within France are soon filled with foreigners.

-France also continues to focus on its colonies, by opening up immigration from China to several of its regions, including French Indochina, French Africa, and French Canada. As a source of cheap labor, it can provide easier means to find workers to extract much needed raw resources from the colonies. However, in Canada there is a notable anger as Quebec voices its anger over what it calls “job-stealing Chinamen” taking a root in the region.

-More of France’s African holdings receive survey teams to find new locations of raw materials and natural resources. Most find themselves exploring the Congo, as this region is far unexplored except for the coastline and riversides. Jungle wood is found to be too weak to be made into proper structural lumber and the soil of the rainforest is too thin to be able to support nutrients, but a variety of herbs are found with interesting, but not fully understood, properties.





United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
-The previously thrown into question agreement between Britain and Mexico is reinstated, in which weapons and armaments are sent in exchange for payments. A simple enough trade, though it draws protests from the United States after the US discovers British weapons in the hands of Sioux warriors, causing the US to publicly blame Britain for supplying weapons to enemies of the country.

-Tensions between Britain and the Indian sovereign empires and kingdoms have always remained strong, and as such more sepoys are recruited from colonial subjects in India in order to prepare for a potential conflict via the funding of the British East India Company’s funding of soldier’s pay. However these fears are alleviated as most of the Indian subcontinent focuses on fighting the Russian Empire instead.

-A few new ships of the line are ordered by the British Navy to continue British dominance at seas as well as for use in protecting british commerce and trade. After the events that transpired with the Brazilians, it is taken as a precautionary measure.

-Opium grown in British India continues to be exported to their French neighbors as well as the Qing, though mostly to the latter. Opium continues to be a public health epidemic in China after the conclusion of the Opium Wars and with the production of this substance continually flooding China, it doesn’t seem to have any end in sight.

-At home, Parliament passes an act to create a savings program for lower-class and working-class citizens of the British Isles, in which the postal service acts as a bank for small amounts of funds, allowing people easier access to managing their funds rather than having to rely on a bank that may or may not be nearby nor willing to take them as clients.

-Within Parliament, tensions between the House of Commons and House of Lords continues to build as with a left-leaning Commons being re-elected coming to clash against the largely conservative leaning House of Lords. Most bills, except those of utmost importance, are stonewalled by the latter due to continued ideological differences, leading to Parliament being deadlocked. As such, it becomes more likely that Parliament may invoke its right to have the King break the deadlock in the next year most likely.





Roman Empire
-In an effort to reign in the Principalities of Bulgaria and Serbia, it is decreed that the despots of both must give reports of their doings every 3 months, such as their economic and military efforts. As such, both the aforementioned protectorates comply albeit with some minor protesting of the curbing of their semi-independence.

-An ambitious groundwork for a canal is laid out to connect the Mediterranean and the Red Sea from the Suez Isthmus. Work begins on what is called the ‘Suez Canal’ as Roman engineers and workers arrive in the region, and once work is completed within 6 years time (assuming there are no delays) it shall be a new path for overseas commerce and trade to take.

-Corruption investigations continue to be conducted within the Empire, tackling the rampant corruption within Rome’s extensive bureaucracy. While the investigations yielded fruitful results in previous years, it seems that the numbers of those found guilty start to dwindle as the problem lessens. While it still pervades in certain regions, a lot of local areas see their tax revenue for the Empire go back to normal numbers without the embezzlement limiting them.

-The Empire continues to attempt to mend ties with its other Christian branches within its borders. After unsuccessful attempts last year, another council is called, this time in Jerusalem. The idea was that if it was held in the holiest city of their respective branches, they might be able to conduct some feelings of unity. Talks go somewhat better this time, as leaders don’t storm out of the council, but not much progresses apart from that.

-A law is passed that declares the Aegean Sea to be a ‘special economic zone’ within the empire, in which intra and international trade and commerce flow throughout said region would have lowered tolls and taxes. The idea is to encourage increased flow of traffic and commerce in the region to be both a benefit to trade as a whole as well as to the empire’s economy. The cities of Athens and Thessaloniki see an influx of flow of trade through its ports with this as a result, further strengthening their economic position in the empire. Along with this, a basic standard for Roman merchant ships is made for them to fly as a flag of convenience in order to better signify their nationality and to avoid unnecessary taxes levied unto them.

-In order to continue maintaining its position in the Mediterranean, the Roman navy sees an increase in its budget to build new ships. As such, new frigates and ships of the line are commissioned and laid down within drydocks of the empire, among these is a new flagship called the Spear of Romulus, slated to be a quad-deck, triple mast ship sporting 140 guns. Slated to be completed within three years time, it will be one of the largest and most firepower-heavy ships to ever set sail in the seas.





Empire of Japan
-As the Qing Dynasty experiences a massive revolt in Manchuria by Zhang Zuolin, the Empire of Japan takes it as an opportunity to strike, invading China in the Liaodong and Shandong peninsulas and quickly securing large swathes of land in both. The Chinese army attempts to attack but are faced by the full might of the Japanese army, leaving Japan with several decisive victories throughout the year.

-As the war progresses, it seems though as the will to fight among the Chinese is drained quickly as it seems that it is utterly outmatched by a superior fighting force and is incapable of liberating its occupied cities in the peninsulas. Most give an estimate that the war will end early in the year next year should Japan negotiate a favorable treaty for themselves.

-In a surprising move, after receiving a lone delegate on a desperate mission, the Empire of Japan offers its aid to the besieged Kingdom of Hawaii, which finds its monarch taken hostage by Mexican forces. With the war in China going extremely well, a naval detachment is sent to the island of Oahu.

-As the naval detachment approaches, it finds itself in a tense standoff against a tiny Mexican naval detachment, much to the surprise of the latter. The Mexicans are issued an order by the Japanese to vacate the islands and leave within 6 hours. Noting themselves as outgunned, and outmatched, Admiral Garcia of the Mexican Pacific Fleet decides to retreat back to Mexico, ordering his marines and ships away.

-With the Mexicans driven away, the King of Hawaii hosts a banquet to honor their unexpected saviors. The Empire of Japan finds itself with a friend in the Pacific.





Empire of Mexico
-The previously thrown into question agreement between Britain and Mexico is reinstated, in which weapons and armaments are sent in exchange for payments. A simple enough trade, though it draws protests from the United States after the US discovers British weapons in the hands of Sioux warriors, causing the US to publicly blame Britain for supplying weapons to enemies of the country.

-Noting tensions to the South, the Empire takes the opportunity to extend a hand of friendship towards the Republic of Peru as well as its fellow imperial neighbor, the Empire of Brazil. After a conference between delegates of the aforementioned nations, an alliance is struck that is known as the Lima Agreement, or more informally as the Latin League, in which on the surface appears to be a standard treaty of assurance between the three while the finer text assures mutual defense in the event of war against Gran Columbia or Argentina.

-In the early months of the year, it is announced that the imperial family is expecting a new arrival for the family and in October, the imperial family celebrates the birth of their second daughter, named Hannah camila de Habsburg-Lorraine. She is now second in line to the throne in accordance to the succession laws of the empire, after her older sister Johanna.

-Like with Johanna before, a pilgrimage is taken by Emperor Maximilian to Rome with his newborn daughter for her to be baptized in Rome by Pope Leo XIII himself. After this, Maximilian takes the time to make a state visit to Jerusalem in a meeting with himself and the Roman Emperor. Things go off without a hitch, even with the religious differences between both imperial heads.

-In an attempt to consolidate loyalty and power with the bureaucracy, the Emperor attempts to have a bill passed through the House of Deputies in which governorships would be an Imperially-appointed position rather than elected. However, this measure narrowly fails due in part to a left-leaning coalition having a minor majority within the House of Deputies that vote against what is called a “power-grab”.

-A state funded construction of a Cathedral of St. Joseph begins in Mexico City in order to pay homage to the Patron Saint of the Empire as a whole. It is scheduled to be completed within a few years time, as the scale of the Cathedral is set to be massive and grand.

-With general lawlessness and banditry being pervasive on the frontier, the Frontier Rangers are created in part to carry out the law of the Empire within these frontier territories. Given authority to execute the law by the means at hand, they roam the frontier to take on bandit gangs and roving outlaws, and to provide a modicum of security to settlers and frontier towns that just want to live in peace.

-In an attempt to reconcile grievances the Native American tribes that live within Mexico’s borders have, an offer of citizenship is given with only one condition: they should renounce their beliefs and be baptized as Catholics. Unsurprisingly, many of the tribes outright refuse this offer and some voice their anger as being “insulted” with this offer.

-With the jungles of Central America being pervasive and difficult to conduct regular warfare in, the Mexican Imperial Army creates a division that would specifically focus on small scale, terrain based warfare. The doctrinal idea is to use the thick cover of the jungle to take smaller fights and pick off enemies from a distance while being able to quickly retreat under the cover of the dense flora.

-The navy sees an expansion for its Carribean fleet as funds are allocated to build a few new brigs and one new friagate. Seeing the ever increasing presence of American and British ships in these waters, Mexico requires its own naval force to maintain its interests and sovereignty.

-After being repulsed in a hostile manner by Hawaiian natives, the small Pacific Fleet for Mexico is sent in full force to attempt its own gunboat diplomacy onto the pacific islanders. On April 15, Mexican sailors are able to storm the island of Oahu and take the King of Hawaii hostage. The terms are delivered to him that would end the situation, though he outright refuses in an act of defiance, and thus the situation continues.

-In a surprising move however, after receiving a lone delegate on a desperate mission, the Empire of Japan offers its aid to the besieged Kingdom of Hawaii. With the war in China going extremely well, a naval detachment is sent to the island of Oahu to stand in solidarity with the Hawaiians.

-As the naval detachment approaches on May 12, it finds itself in a tense standoff against a tiny Mexican naval force in comparison, much to the surprise of the latter. The Mexicans are issued an order by the Japanese to vacate the islands and leave within 6 hours. Noting themselves as outgunned, and outmatched, Admiral Garcia of the Mexican Pacific Fleet decides to retreat back to Mexico, ordering his marines and ships away.

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NEXT TURN DUE DATE IS FEBRUARY 7. PLEASE SEND IN BEFORE THEN!

 

[joshuadim]

Death of the Dragon - 1903

​

As January progresses, the Chinese army faces another decisive defeat by Japanese hands at the Shandong Peninsula. While the Japanese find themselves comfortable, they find an overwhelmingly large Chinese force massing for an assault. Even with their technological advances, Japan would be easily overrun in their current position from sheer amount of manpower. As a result, the Japanese do the unexpected and attempt to find a peace with China. Unknown to Japan however, was the scale of poor morale that pervaded Chinese ranks. Desertion began to be commonplace as some regiments outright joined Manchuria against the Qing. As the offer was received, it took a bit of negotiation before, at last, China accepted defeat.

On Feb. 4, 1903, the Treaty of Seoul was signed by the Empire of Japan and the Qing Empire. The following provisions were enacted as a result:

1. The Qing Dynasty are to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Manchuria.
2. The Liaodong Peninsula is the be formally made into a Japanese concession.
3. The Island of Taiwan and its nearby Pescadores Isles are formally ceded to Japan for annexation.
4. The city Hangchow and its surrounding region are to be made into treaty-ports akin to what the Europeans did before to Shanghai or Hong Kong.
5. All claims towards the Korean Peninsula or to the region of Manchuria are to be dropped from here-on after by the Qing Dynasty
6. A payment of 5 million kilograms of silver is to be paid to the Empire of Japan.

Territorial changes were enacted with the Japanese taking their cut and with the Republic of Manchuria separating entirely from the Qing dynasty. The young republic is led by Zhang Zoulin, the leader of the Manchurian uprising and was the obvious choice for the position of Chairman.

Over the next few months, silver began to flow from the imperial treasury for payments toward the Empire of Japan. However, as March ended everything changed. With the disgrace of defeat looming over the Qing dynasty, and with the utter incompetence at losing so much land, several generals declare a revolt in the east, proclaiming the Kingdom of Qinghai. To the North a few days later, the Mongol Khanate was proclaimed with a new Khan at the head, thus sparking a three-way war between the three. In the following weeks, China began to fracture even more, with the Uighurs in the far east proclaiming the Sultanate of Xinjiang and the Kingdom of Tibet once more reclaiming independence from those they had been conquered by long ago, seeing the time as ripe. The Kingdoms of Bhutan and Burma make their owns moves, taking small pieces of land to the east and to the north, respectively.To the south, the Republics of Yunnan and Guangxi carve out their own areas for their fledgling states, with the latter actively seeking more land from the Qing.

Signalling the end of unity, chaos reigns as many thousands flee China to lands distant beyond their borders to escape the conflict. A new era of warlords has begun.

 

[joshuadim]

The Winds of Change

​

In one of the most fiercely contested elections in American history, the American people choose to elect Theodore Roosevelt as the next president of the United States on election day, 6 November 1903. Due to be sworn in on on 20 January 1904, Roosevelt managed to defeat President Bryans due to his massive popularity with the working class on his campaign platform, as well as his general popularity for being a war hero for leading his "Rough Riders" in the American-Indian Wars. A progressive on every front, as well as a firm believer in manifest destiny, Roosevelt marks the change in the publics wants from establishment, landed aristocrats and wealthy business owners from the Democrats and Republicans and into the pro-worker, pro-reform candidates. Only time will tell how this will affect US politics as well as regional relations.

 

[joshuadim]

Riot in Paris

​

Following demonstrations in the cities of Paris, Marseille and Lyon headed by socialists calling for more government worker protections for safer work environments, higher wages, and the establishment of unions into law, a few more radical elements in the crowd, mainly from extremist anarchist elements, have led to clashes between police and demonstrators. It is unknown who started the conflict, but it has already led to a state of chaos in downtown Paris. Gunshots resounded as multiple policemen were injured and killed, leading to a disproportionate police response of cavalry and gunfire to leave nearly 59 Parisians dead in the streets. As the violence continued, more and more people joined in from all corners of the political spectrum to denounce the police and government action against protesting forces.

Many boulevards and streets were cordoned off as "no-go zones" for police to avoid as they were in a perpetual state of chaos and violence as rioters continued to advance through the city with looting, burning, and attacking anyone standing in their way. A few dozen policemen were horrendously beaten as the mob came across them, leaving them bloodied and unconscious as they continued their path through the streets. By this point, rioters began targeting anything remotely related to the state as well as the local government, and began to march onto government offices, such as tax collectors and other public offices. A multitude of tax collectors were beaten and then tarred & feathered by the large mob, as well as a multitude of government buildings burned.

But this didn't stop there, as they began to march upon the Louvre it seemed as if the priceless works of art and culture stored within were their next targets in their targeted anger towards the establishment. As they approached, the mob was fired upon by military forces, forcing the mob to retreat back into the city proper after losing a few dozen of their members. From there, the French government showed a significant level of brutality and were able to finally quell the riot after four weeks of chaos and panic through the use of decisive military force and martial law. By the end of the action, 45 police officers had been injured or killed, 12 soldiers had been injured, 22 local government officials wounded or killed, and over 250 protesters and rioters being arrested, wounded or killed. Many far left, or in general anti-government elements, have gone to denounce the French Republic's level of brutality against its own citizens and the news has stunned readers worldwide from the sheer carnage that had ensued.

 

[joshuadim]

"In times of peace, sons bury their fathers, and in times of war, fathers bury their sons." - Herodotus​

January 1, 1903 - December 31, 1903​

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Current Diplomatic Crises
Franco-German Border Crisis - French Second Republic and Empire of Germania [RESOLVED]

Franco-Alliance Border Confrontation - French Second Republic and Empire of Germania/Kingdom of Italy/Kingdom of Spain

Anglo-American Trade War - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and United States of America​

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Current Conflicts
Russian Conquest of Central Asia
Participants:
Entente Cordiale[Russian Empire, French Second Republic, Roman Empire] vs. Lahur Coalition [Emirate of Afghanistan, Sikh Empire, Rajput Empire, Remnants of Bukihra and Kokand]

Status:
White Peace. Strategic Entente Victory.


Japanese Invasion of China
Participants:
Empire of Japan vs Qing Dynasty

Status:
Victory for the Empire of Japan


Mexican-Japanese War
Participants:
Empire of Japan vs Empire of Mexico

Status:
White Peace. Strategic Japanese Victory.


Chinese Civil War
Participants:
Qing Dynasty vs. Mongolian Khanate vs. Kingdom of Qinghai
Qing Dynasty vs. Republic of China

Status:
Undecided.
Undecided.


British Subjugation of China
Participants:
Qing Dynasty vs United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

Status:
In favor of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland


Roman-Ethiopian Conquest of Sudan
Participants:
Roman Empire & Ethiopian Empire vs Funj Sultanate & Sennar Sultanate [Protectorate]

Status:
In favor of the Romana and Ethiopian Empires.

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World Events
-China descends into civil war, with the Qing Empire dealing with war on four sides while the rest of its empire fractures off and breaks away or is nibbled away by its neighbors oh Bhutan and Burma. The Sino-Japanese War has led to a new age of warlords in the region, and only time will tell who will prevail.

-The Franco-German Border Crisis is ended by the signing of the Oslo Accords by the delegations of the French Second Republic and the Empire of Germania in Oslo, Norway. With both sides agreeing to demobilize and reduce troop counts at the border, and the former agreeing to oversight by the neutral Kingdom of the Netherlands to inspect their efforts. However, many worry that potentially these words could come to mean nothing should either of or both parties not hold true to their word.

-These fears are restoked when it is found that German troops begin military exercises with Italian troops on the Franco-Italian border, as well as German military advisors helping train Spanish troops near the Franco-Spanish border, thus sparking yet another feud. This time, it would be between France and with the Grand Alliance as a whole.

-In China, France attempts to reconcile the differences between the Republics of Guangxi and Yunnan in order to form a unified ‘Republic of China’. While both are republics in their own rights, minor ideological differences have kept them somewhat cold towards each other and the talks stall for the most part. It isn’t until news of the British invasion of the Chinese coast do both parties recognize their vulnerable position and agree to unify with French support. A new Republic of China is born from the merging of the two as a result, uniting the South together under the leadership of Sun Yat-sen.

-The Empire of Japan, fresh from its decisive victory over the Qing Empire, finds a new opponent across the Pacific, as an attack by the Mexican Navy on the Japanese Navy at Hawaii leads to a state of war between the two distant powers. A naval battle between the Mexican United Pacific Fleet and a Japanese naval force stationed at Oahu occurs while Mexican soldiers initiated a ground force to land on Oahu and to march onto Honolulu.

-As the troops advance south to Honolulu, they are harassed repeatedly by sharpshooters that pick away at their ranks. This continues on until after a few hours later, the Mexican ground force of 2000 men is met by a combined force of the stationed Japanese garrison and a raised up Hawaiian militia of a force of 1800 near the small town of Wahiawa. Catching Mexican troops by surprise, and holding a hilly position, a bloody battle ensued between both sides that lasted for 6 hours. In the end, Mexican forces retreated with both sides taking heavy casualties in the fighting. As the land invasion of Oahu was repelled, on the sea a large naval battle ensued between the Mexican and Japanese naval forces in the area. Once more, the cost was paid dearly by both sides with numerous ships sunk.

-With the invasion of Oahu failed, and with Japan suffering its own losses, both parties agreed to a white peace and a mutual deal over the region of Hawaii. While Mexico is to relinquish all claims to the island kingdom, Hawaii is to open borders to Franciscan missionaries to preach within its borders.

-The war for Central Asia continues, with the frontlines being fairly stagnant for the most part at the Alay Mountains. The Russian Army is able to make some minor advances, but apart from that they are unable to break through this geographical barrier still. On the other hand, the rebellion in Khiva is put down quickly and brutally by mercenaries of the France-based Normandy Company, who get to work ensuring order in the conquered region as well as guarding supply caravans that make their way to the front, offering reprieve to the Russian forces fighting in these distant lands, even if supplies take a long time to arrive over the massively extended supply lines.

-A combined French and Roman force of 10,000 soldiers arrives in June with a small portion of the Roman Navy in tow in a surprise attack against the Rajput Empire however, with the city of Karachi’s garrison falling quickly to European forces. Soon, they begin to make advances further into Rajput territory to attempt to disrupt farms and supply lines. What takes them by surprise, however, is the arrival of a massive contingent of fighters heading up North from the Maratha Confederacy. While outnumbered against a force of 75,000 the European force remained confident in their capability to take them on with superior technology.

-What shocks the European force however, is when met in a full scale battle they find that these forces are well trained and well equipped, almost to European standards. As such, the battle lasts only for an hour before the French and Romans are forced to retreat back to Karachi after taking heavy losses, thus starting a lengthy siege of the city by these new forces. However, without access to the food supply of the nearby farmlands and with supply lines needing to take months of travel overseas, a decision is made for the Romans and the French to retreat, but not before setting Karachi ablaze to spite the besiegers.​

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-As a trade war begins between the United States and Britain, the US economy begins to feel the hit of losing a major trading partner as growth begins to slow. As such, when approached by the Germans for a trade deal, the United States readily accepts and allows the blow to be softened somewhat. Trade between the two becomes the norm as the United States distances itself from the United Kingdom.

-The Franco-German Border Crisis is ended by the signing of the Oslo Accords by the delegations of the French Second Republic and the Empire of Germania in Oslo, Norway. With both sides agreeing to demobilize and reduce troop counts at the border, and the former agreeing to oversight by the neutral Kingdom of the Netherlands to inspect their efforts. However, many worry that potentially these words could come to mean nothing should either of or both parties not hold true to their word.

-These fears are restoked when it is found that German troops begin military exercises with Italian troops on the Franco-Italian border, as well as German military advisors helping train Spanish troops near the Franco-Spanish border, thus sparking yet another feud. This time, it would be between France and with the Grand Alliance as a whole.

-The German Navy conducts a few naval exercises with its ships in the North Sea, making sure it is near its own territorial waters for the most part. Drilling for naval maneuvers and tactics against enemy fleets is simulated between two sides and it goes for months in order to ensure captains and crews understand how to follow orders and battles from commanders. What gives a bit of worry however is a few ships moving strikingly close to British waters, thus bringing angry protests from the Anglos.

-Seeking to secure its colonial position around the world, naval bases are expanded upon pre-existing ones or new ones are built entirely within Neufundland, Tansania, Namibia, and Qinqdao. With African resources becoming ever more important to the German economy, and with the worsening situation in China, these two areas become a top priority for the German navy to secure against potential dangers in these regions.

-In order to promote the empire’s cultural heritage and history, Kaiser Franz Ferdinand decrees a part of Museum Island on the Spree River in Berlin is to be dedicated to a grand museum of German art and culture. The proposed museum would be absolutely massive, and contain many historical artifacts, paintings, and exhibitions regarding German culture, art, music, and so much more. One whole gallery is even to be dedicated to the lineage of the Empire, by going through the roots of great German kings and Emperors from all the way back since the fall of the Western Roman Empire, up to the Holy Roman Empire, and to the modern day in Germania.

-An organized stream of portraits, historical or otherwise, are to be placed in chronological order, giving visitors an idea of the timeline of the German people’s rulers. Most of these paintings would include the Habsburgs in order to celebrate the centuries long rule of the Imperial Family. As such, a massive portrait of Franz Ferdinand is commissioned to be painted and placed within this chronological gallery as a grand display of Imperial grace and power.​

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-The war for Central Asia continues, with the frontlines being fairly stagnant for the most part at the Alay Mountains. The Russian Army is able to make some minor advances, but apart from that they are unable to break through this geographical barrier still. On the other hand, the rebellion in Khiva is put down quickly and brutally by mercenaries of the France-based Normandy Company, who get to work ensuring order in the conquered region as well as guarding supply caravans that make their way to the front, offering reprieve to the Russian forces fighting in these distant lands, even if supplies take a long time to arrive over the massively extended supply lines.

-Units from mountainous regions such as Caucuses and the Urals are deployed directly to the front lines, with the Russian high command hoping their knowledge of mountain terrain would be a benefit to their operations. And to a certain degree they are right, in which these mountain units allow the Russian Empire to make previously mentioned minor advances through the Alay Mountains through their experience and tactics. However, the enemy continues to put up stiff resistance and makes every effort to make every inch taken be paid for in many Russian lives.

-A large restructuring of the attacking force is initiated by the Grand Marshal of the Army and the Tsar himself, both furious at the incompetence displayed by Russian commanders at the front lines. Dozens of high ranked officers are replaced wit

-A combined French and Roman force of 10,000 soldiers arrives in June with a small portion of the Roman Navy in tow in a surprise attack against the Rajput Empire however, with the city of Karachi’s garrison falling quickly to European forces. Soon, they begin to make advances further into Rajput territory to attempt to disrupt farms and supply lines. What takes them by surprise, however, is the arrival of a massive contingent of fighters heading up North from the Maratha Confederacy. While outnumbered against a force of 75,000 the European force remained confident in their capability to take them on with superior technology.

-What shocks the European force however, is when met in a full scale battle they find that these forces are well trained and well equipped, almost to European standards. As such, the battle lasts only for an hour before the French and Romans are forced to retreat back to Karachi after taking heavy losses, thus starting a lengthy siege of the city by these new forces. However, without access to the food supply of the nearby farmlands and with supply lines needing to take months of travel overseas, a decision is made for the Romans and the French to retreat, but not before setting Karachi ablaze to spite the besiegers.

-As news travelled to the Russian about the Franco-Roman attack, they begin their own major offensive in the same time period, hoping to force the Coalition to capitulate from an attack on both sides. The fighting is, once more, extremely brutal as both sides inflict terrible casualties on one another, with little ground gained on either side to show for it.

-The war continues to build in unpopularity back in the major cities of the east, with protests calling for an end to the war and to return their “sons back safely”. One protest becomes violent as Cossacks beat several protesters in Moscow until they are bloody. Dozens more are arrested, but the protests do not relent. For weeks on end, mothers cry out for the return of their sons, and children cry out for the return of their fathers in what continues to seem like a pointless and bloody war.

-However, a peace deal is agreed upon between the Lahur Coalition as well as the Russian and Roman Empires as well as the French, and the demands of the growing protests are satiated and in fact publicly celebrate the end of the war as the soldiers return home and Russia celebrates the addition of massive swathes of land to its empire.

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-With civil war having broken out in China, as well as Britain conducting its own invasion of the region, the Polish embassy in Beijing is given orders to fortify in the event should violence arrive within the Imperial city. Three dozen armed guards are moved to the embassy in order to protect its diplomats as well as to ward off any potential attacks from it.

-The Sejm agrees to drop tariffs and increase importations from Italy, seeking to improve trade relations with a close ally. The move improves relations between the two greatly as trade begins to flow more between the two.

-Noting the increased demands for autonomy as well as representation from its Ukrainian and Ruthenian minorities in the southeast, a “Rada” is established for the region in order to better improve relations between the monarchy and its subjects in the region. This legislative body allows for locally elected representatives of Ukrainian and Ruthenian ethnicity to represent themselves with a decent degree of autonomy while still remaining loyal and subservient to the Sejm and to the crown of the Commonwealth.

-Continuing its trend of modernization, the Commonwealth establishes the ‘Commonwealth General Foundry’ and the ‘Royal Boiler Works’ in Warsaw and Królewiec, respectively. The former is to work as one of the major producers of steel and metal goods, such as rifles, rails, etc. while the latter is to build steam engines and trains for use within the Commonwealth. Large numbers of city folk find themselves employed within either institution in their respective cities, bringing an economic boon to both regions from both state-owned enterprises.

-Almost immediately after finishing development, the Boiler Works is ordered by the crown to build a massive steam-locomotive called the Królowa Anna (Queen Anna). The purpose of this train is to transport massive amounts of ore and raw materials from the Commonwealth’s mines, quarries, and ports in massive amounts to its industrial centers for production. On its first load, it carries nearly 15 train carts filled with coal, iron ore, and stone towards Warsaw after filling up.

-In an somewhat controversial decision within the Sejm, the King announces plans to introduce “compulsory education” to the nation’s youth in order to better educate the populace in literacy as well as basic subjects. Said program would only include children that do not receive private schooling/education and is more aimed toward the lower class. Most of the opposition within the Sejm comes from aristocratic business owners that rely on child labor who protest the measure as a means to remove their source of cheap labor.

-A compromise is reached that allows the measure to pass voting in the Sejm, with this compulsory education being limited from 5 years of age to until 13 years of age, and from there on after completing their education they can proceed to find employment. Plans are put in place to include schoolhouses for this compulsory education in major cities such as Warsaw and Krakow, and to eventually one day expand this to include rural regions, though that stage seems to be far off in the distance.

-A three way military-exercise begins with between Italy, Hungary, and Poland as the three countries work to improve their tactics as well as play in simulated battles to improve tactics and their respective militaries’ training. Observers note the massive large scale battles that almost seem to be like a real battle, except all sides are cordial with one another and things remain friendly between the three, save for a few scuffles here and there.

-In order to better communication between officers of the Grand Alliance, the Commonwealth’s military offers additional benefits and opportunities for officers that go through a language learning program to learn German, Italian, Croatian, and Hungarian in order to better promote inter-force communication between fellow armies should the event of war arise in Europe.

-The military also undergoes a reform in terms of military uniform and dress, opting for more plain, simple but distinguishable outfits and uniforms rather than the ornate and fancy designs of the previous century in divisions not directly tied to standard bearers or to personal monarchical divisions. The new outfit is a standard dark blue and black outfit with black boots and a small cap alongside the unit’s weapon for the summer outfit, while long, blue “trench coats”, a new trend in wear, are issued for winter warfare and equipment on top of the regular outfits.

-Another reform is put through in which squad leaders are put to the test of their own command experience and knowledge in order to better improve command on the lower levels. The idea is to have good commanders and leaders on all levels of the military in war, as large formations can sometimes be broken up into smaller ones in the chaos of combat. Many sergeants and captains that fail to meet these standards are relieved of their position and filled with those that pass these newer standards.​

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-As a trade war begins between the United States and Britain, the US economy begins to feel the hit of losing a major trading partner as growth begins to slow. As such, when approached by the French for a trade deal, the United States readily accepts and allows the blow to be softened somewhat. Trade between the two becomes the norm as the United States distances itself from the United Kingdom.

-In China, France attempts to reconcile the differences between the Republics of Guangxi and Yunnan in order to form a unified ‘Republic of China’. While both are republics in their own rights, minor ideological differences have kept them somewhat cold towards each other and the talks stall for the most part. It isn’t until news of the British invasion of the Chinese coast do both parties recognize their vulnerable position and agree to unify with French support. A new Republic of China is born from the merging of the two as a result, uniting the South together under the leadership of Sun Yat-sen.

-Using its firm colonial holdings in Canada, France begins a large push to settle the far west of the Canadian territories that had been relieved of ownership by Russia. While Russia no longer lays claim to this region, Britain still does, and tensions rise between the two as French settlers arrive by the hundreds to establish homestead and small towns across the Great Plains of the north.

-In order to continue improving unity amongst its populace, efforts to integrate and assimilate foreigners within major cities in France is pushed by programs of jobs to allow these people to better settle in to their new lives within the Republic. Hundreds of new workers from other regions of the world, including China as well as other European nations, begin to feel more at home as they work alongside regular Frenchmen.

-These efforts of unity however, come to a screeching halt as large protests break out over working conditions, lack of labor protections, and lack of unions in major cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. In Paris, these protests soon turn violent and spreads into a massive riot within the streets of the grand city as police forces clash with protestors. No one knows who instigated the first attacks, but nonetheless for several weeks the city of Paris was at war with itself as rioters fought police and government forces. Even though the riot was eventually put down through use of force, the damage and human cost is still high. The winds of change are perhaps starting to blow within France as it becomes more and more industrialized.

-Meanwhile, in France's colonial holding of Indochina the provincial government takes advantage of the influx of Chinese refugees that are fleeing the chaos of the collapsing Chinese mainland and offer them a place within the region. France begins to build textile mills and other factories to provide a source of income as well as build up labor in the area, but the sheer amount of refugees flooding into Indochina means only the few lucky who came first were able to snag these positions. Many cities in Indochina hence face large influxes of Chinese refugees who begin to establish small shanty towns on the outskirts and live in poverty.

-A combined French and Roman force of 10,000 soldiers arrives in June with a small portion of the Roman Navy in tow in a surprise attack against the Rajput Empire however, with the city of Karachi’s garrison falling quickly to European forces. Soon, they begin to make advances further into Rajput territory to attempt to disrupt farms and supply lines. What takes them by surprise, however, is the arrival of a massive contingent of fighters heading up North from the Maratha Confederacy. While outnumbered against a force of 75,000 the European force remained confident in their capability to take them on with superior technology.

-What shocks the European force however, is when met in a full scale battle they find that these forces are well trained and well equipped, almost to European standards. As such, the battle lasts only for an hour before the French and Romans are forced to retreat back to Karachi after taking heavy losses, thus starting a lengthy siege of the city by these new forces. However, without access to the food supply of the nearby farmlands and with supply lines needing to take months of travel overseas, a decision is made for the Romans and the French to retreat, but not before setting Karachi ablaze to spite the besiegers.


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-A trade war begins between Britain and the United States, as Parliament passes an embargo against the latter for all territories and colonies, much to the dismay of many Liberal Party members of Parliament. The United States responds with its own embargo of British owned and made goods, though Britain is not affected as much as the Americans are.

-Seeking to flex its influence in China, Britain offers to place the Qing Empire as a client state while supporting the emperor’s hold on China as a whole. While originally the offer was entertained by the emperor, Qing generals force a coup and place the Emperor and his family under arrest within the Forbidden City. Meanwhile, said rebellious generals rebuke British offers.

-Surprising the world, Britain opts to begin a full scale invasion of the Chinese mainland in order to force the rebellious generals to surrender. Local garrison troops in Shanghai and Weihai as well as Indian sepoys moved to the region begin to take large swathes of land, crushing any opposition in their path. The Qing Empire now faces yet another opponent, and is completely surrounded by enemies on all sides. The situation is exacerbated as British ships bombard Qing positions with barely any naval opposition to confront them, thus making the job currently almost a cakewalk for the British.

-As the situation in Parliament deteriorates between the Liberal majority of the House of Commons and the heavily conservative House of Lords, Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman heavily considers breaking precedent and asking for the King to directly intervene in the affairs of Parliament. However, much to the surprise to the commons, the House of Lords finds itself in the disadvantageous position in the public eye, as rejecting a funding bill had never been done before and as such was breaking its own precedent. Both Houses agree to a minor compromise, thus passing the budget bill. The issue of conflict between the Commons and Lords is avoided for the time being, but many predict that this is only a symptom of things to come.

-British ambassadors approach the Spanish Empire in an attempt to draw them into neutrality, rather than have them enter Germania’s sphere of influence. While Spain is hoping for peace, it finds itself torn between the economic benefits of having trade with the Grand Alliance, and the prospect of guaranteed peace with the Unaligned League, and finds itself unable to make a decision, to the disappointment of the British.​

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-A combined French and Roman force of 10,000 soldiers arrives in June with a small portion of the Roman Navy in tow in a surprise attack against the Rajput Empire however, with the city of Karachi’s garrison falling quickly to European forces. Soon, they begin to make advances further into Rajput territory to attempt to disrupt farms and supply lines. What takes them by surprise, however, is the arrival of a massive contingent of fighters heading up North from the Maratha Confederacy. While outnumbered against a force of 75,000 the European force remained confident in their capability to take them on with superior technology.

-What shocks the European force however, is when met in a full scale battle they find that these forces are well trained and well equipped, almost to European standards. As such, the battle lasts only for an hour before the French and Romans are forced to retreat back to Karachi after taking heavy losses, thus starting a lengthy siege of the city by these new forces. However, without access to the food supply of the nearby farmlands and with supply lines needing to take months of travel overseas, a decision is made for the Romans and the French to retreat, but not before setting Karachi ablaze to spite the besiegers.

-Meanwhile, Roman forces in Alexandria and Aegyptus move to invade the Funj Sultanate jointly with the Ethiopian Empire, with the latter invading from the south, taking the fight against both the Funj and its client state. Roman forces immediately make advancements as they press south, following the Nile and beating back any resistance. Within a few weeks, they find themselves at the Funj capital of Khartoum and initiate a lengthy siege of the city.

-Any tribes along the way are paid by the Romans and are offered a good degree of autonomy and leadership in the region in exchange for being Roman subjects. Facing the prospect of overwhelming military force and the situation seemingly hopeless for the Sultanate, most tribal leaders begrudgingly agree to Roman subservience.

-The Ethiopians meanwhile face stiffer resistance, as they are not as military capable as the Romans are, but are still able to make great gains, thus allowing to put pressure on the Funj from two sides and making the war relatively easy for the belligerents. After a month siege, the city of Khartoum falls into the hands of the Romans, but conflict still persists as Funj and Sennar forces continue to defiantly resist the two Christian powers encroaching upon them.

-Back home, the fruits of the labor of anti-corruption efforts come to light as more and more high-ranking government officials are caught up in the web of arrests. The Imperial Senate Oversight Committee continues to do good work and receives much praise from both the Emperor as well as the common people. However, to the shock of many the leader of the Committee, Senator Anatolios Eliades Gananos, is murdered in the streets of Constantinople by a group of unknown assailants, stabbing him nearly 40 times and leaving him for dead in an alleyway. The news comes as a shock to many, and a state funeral is held for the champion of progress, with a eulogy delivered by the Emperor himself to the crowds of Constantinople.

-Dialogue between the various churches within the Roman Empire continue to be held in efforts to promote religious unity in the empire. Minor progress continues to be made, as the Orthodox, Miaphysite and Coptic branches continue to speak, but the Emperor’s desire to have all branches make amends continues to be out of reach, as cultural differences, not just religious differences, also participate within these various branches.

-A democratic reform is instituted in which local municipalities and town governments are democratically elected by its constituents, rather than appointed by either the Senate or the Emperor. The move is celebrated by leftists elements and reformists as a step forward for the Empire, as people now have more of a say in what their local governments do. Elections are scheduled to begin in the next year as appointed mayors and municipal leaders are phased out for democratically elected leaders.

-As progress continues on the Suez Canal, everything seems to be going on schedule as workers and engineers toil away at the ambitious project in order to make the dream become a reality. However, disaster strikes as several explosions from misplaced explosive charges knock down several key emplacements and kill almost a four dozen workers, causing delays to the project in order to rebuilt as well as to deal with the consequences of losing men on the job.


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-The Empire of Japan, fresh from its decisive victory over the Qing Empire, finds a new opponent across the Pacific, as an attack by the Mexican Navy on the Japanese Navy at Hawaii leads to a state of war between the two distant powers. A naval battle between the Mexican United Pacific Fleet and a Japanese naval force stationed at Oahu occurs while Mexican soldiers initiated a ground force to land on Oahu and to march onto Honolulu.

-As the troops advance south to Honolulu, they are harassed repeatedly by sharpshooters that pick away at their ranks. This continues on until after a few hours later, the Mexican ground force of 2000 men is met by a combined force of the stationed Japanese garrison and a raised up Hawaiian militia of a force of 1800 near the small town of Wahiawa. Catching Mexican troops by surprise, and holding a hilly position, a bloody battle ensued between both sides that lasted for 6 hours. In the end, Mexican forces retreated with both sides taking heavy casualties in the fighting. As the land invasion of Oahu was repelled, on the sea a large naval battle ensued between the Mexican and Japanese naval forces in the area. Once more, the cost was paid dearly by both sides with numerous ships sunk.

-With the invasion of Oahu failed, and with Japan suffering its own losses, both parties agreed to a white peace and a mutual deal over the region of Hawaii. While Mexico is to relinquish all claims to the island kingdom, Hawaii is to open borders to Franciscan missionaries to preach within its borders.

-The Emperor faces an increased boost in major popularity as Japan celebrates its victories in China and in Hawaii, with a military parade being held in Kyôto and a speech delivered by the Emperor to celebrate the accomplishments of the Empire’s soldiers. With the wars concluded, the people can now relax and enjoy the spoils of victory as peacetime rolls onto the Empire, its reach and holdings having been expanded.

-The colonial regions of Kamusasuka continue to expand as more and more settlers from Korea and mainland Japan arrive to begin new lives. Territorial claims expand outward from initial points of settlement as more and more people establish farms, homesteads, and develop the region further for the Empire.​

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-The Empire of Japan, fresh from its decisive victory over the Qing Empire, finds a new opponent across the Pacific, as an attack by the Mexican Navy on the Japanese Navy at Hawaii leads to a state of war between the two distant powers. A naval battle between the Mexican United Pacific Fleet and a Japanese naval force stationed at Oahu occurs while Mexican soldiers initiated a ground force to land on Oahu and to march onto Honolulu.

-As the troops advance south to Honolulu, they are harassed repeatedly by sharpshooters that pick away at their ranks. This continues on until after a few hours later, the Mexican ground force of 2000 men is met by a combined force of the stationed Japanese garrison and a raised up Hawaiian militia of a force of 1800 near the small town of Wahiawa. Catching Mexican troops by surprise, and holding a hilly position, a bloody battle ensued between both sides that lasted for 6 hours. In the end, Mexican forces retreated with both sides taking heavy casualties in the fighting. As the land invasion of Oahu was repelled, on the sea a large naval battle ensued between the Mexican and Japanese naval forces in the area. Once more, the cost was paid dearly by both sides with numerous ships sunk.

-With the invasion of Oahu failed, and with Japan suffering its own losses, both parties agreed to a white peace and a mutual deal over the region of Hawaii. While Mexico is to relinquish all claims to the island kingdom, Hawaii is to open borders to Franciscan missionaries to preach within its borders, much to the displeasure of the majority protestant island nation.

-While it is maintained publicly as a white peace, Mexico still faces the humiliation of being unable to win its battles at Oahu, and the public voices their anger over the waste of resources and lives over a few small islands in the far Pacific, rather than the government focusing at home.

-Land surveyed and expected to have rich deposits of ore and minerals is sold by the crown towards mining enterprises and companies with the hopes of increasing production of raw materials for use in the still fledgling industry. Several major sites are bought up by enterprises on the frontier for the purpose of mining iron and other raw materials from the earth and to be used in the Mexican economy.

-The Imperial family celebrates yet a new arrival to the family, this time being a true heir to the throne with Maimilian Juan Carlos de Habsburg-Lorraine becoming the heir apparent to the Mexican imperial throne.

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ESPIONAGE TO BE DELIVERED SOON. DUE DATE FOR TURN 5 TBD CURRENTLY!​