Turn 7
Zillamaster55
In Denial About Denial
Turn 7
January - June, 1951
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World Tension is WARM (RISING QUICKLY)
World Economy is STABLE (STAGNATING)
---World Events
- With the intervention of the People’s Republic of China in the Korean War, the United Nations offensive is slowed significantly. In an attempt to dislodge North Korean defenders, UN troops resort to repetitive artillery strikes and bombing raids against Pyongyang, as UN forces stand on the edge of the city. Meanwhile, American aircraft are launched from Hainan and Taiwan, conducting raids on Chinese industrial centers
- Tensions along the Indian and Hyderabadi borders snapl, and Indian troops break through the weak defensive lines of Hyderabad in a devastating spearpoint. Pakistan, a supporter of their Muslim brethren in Hyderabad, declares war on India in order to defend one of their only allies in the region. Even with India’s technological and numerical superiority, it soon finds a three front war difficult to fight
- The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and its assets within Iran are suddenly nationalized by the Majlis under the instruction of prime minister Mohammed Mossadegh. With Britain’s empire crumbling, the threat of losing one of its most reliable sources of oil rocks the nation, as British companies are forced to begin purchasing American crude in droves. Though the seizure is entirely civil and non-violent, the British media paints it as an invasion
- Iraq’s government finally quashes the Kurdish and Shia rebels, but quickly goes overboard with mass imprisonment and harsh sentences of execution. Fed up with the instability of the nationalists, and seeing no progress for aid programs to the lower classes, a second coup takes place. Led by general Abd al-Karim Qasim and the People’s Free Officer Corp, the Iraqi government is deposed, with the newly reorganized, far more socialist Ba’athist Party of Iraq seizing power
- Mohammed Zahir Shah, King of Afghanistan, is deposed after a bloodless coup d’etat by a group of communist-sympathising officers and government officials. Royal and religious titles of Afghanistan are stripped away, and the secular leadership of the new communist regime takes hold. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan joins the ranks of many new socialist/communist states to be born in this post-war world
- Riots break out once again in the Rheinish Republic as pro-Unification and pro-Independence groups clash with one another and police forces. Emergency elections are held, and a coalition between the Rheinische Volkspartei (Rheinish People’s Party/RV) and Rheinische Konservative Union (Rheinish Conservative Union/RKU) overtakes the SPD. This new right-wing government begins to devour itself over arguments of either unification or independence
- Indonesia is finally broken up after months of occupation. A number of new nations arise, similar to Germany, under the rule of constitutional monarchs. Meanwhile, the larger Republic of Indonesia remains in control of a majority of the territory, and New Guinea remaining under Dutch rule for the foreseeable future. Australian and American troops remain stationed in the islands to ensure that stability is maintained, and the nascent unification movement doesn’t gain any steam
- Investors around the world become increasingly worried over the rising world tensions, wars and revolutions taking place almost monthly. As a result, the global market begins to slow its growth. This has yet to actually affect any individual economies, as most nations are self-sufficient enough to be able to ride out shaky financial futures. The real concern comes from the fact that, if this trend continues, it could lead to a global investment slump
- Argentine diplomats arrive in a number of European capitals to begin discussing the possibility of stronger trade relations. Argentina finds most of its success in Portugal, Spain, Britain and Ireland, as the Argentinian agricultural industry once again sees a massive surplus. In return for industrial equipment and cold hard cash, the Argentinians export pork, cattle, grain and fruit to western Europe in droves
- A customs union between Argentina and Brazil is formed as both nations begin to settle their differences. Brazilian and Argentinian companies are encouraged to cross borders and set up shop in their neighbor’s territory, and multiple Brazilian companies hold conferences in Buenos Aires to hash out deals with Argentinian industries and vice versa. Oil from Brazil is a much needed boon to the Argentinian economy, helping the industry boom expand outwards
- Venezuela and Argentina reach an agreement to begin the importation of Venezuelan oil in return for cash payments from Argentina. With rapid industrialization taking place throughout Argentina, Perón sees that the nation will quickly out consume its own oil production if something isn’t done to offset the demands. Though American crude is cheaper and more abundant, Perón is unwilling to “surrender another economy to the hands of America”
- Massive railway projects continue across Argentina, with numerous different lines being built for agricultural, industrial and passenger travel. These developments are both nationally and privately funded, with most of the passenger lines being built by government employees and engineers. Projects in Patagonia prove to be hard going, as the harsh conditions and lack of locals make the construction slow and awkward
- Perón signs off on yet another cash injection into the Argentinian agricultural sector, this time with huge purchases of fertilizers from Zambezian companies. Huge swathes of land in the south of the country see heavy development with the removal of forests, hills and streams as Argentinian farmers clear the land in hopes of growing consumer crops like wheat and barley in abundance. With Argentina’s population beginning to grow alongside its industry, Perón hopes that the nation can feed itself
- Essentially securing his reelection, Perón signs into law an expansion of the Argentinian health sector, with the government moving to provide public healthcare for individuals and families earning below a certain amount, while also providing a “cushion” for those in the middle class. Doctors from around the world come to Argentina, as the new healthcare bill also gives care providers a huge pay bump, alongside out-of-pocket payments from patients
- Jet fighters and close attack aircraft from Britain are purchased in bulk as Argentina hopes to begin the expansion of its air force. Surplus propeller aircraft are shelved in favor of the new, fast moving jets, and pilots are drilled hard to make sure they understand their plane inside and out. The only propeller planes that remain in use by the Argentinian military are surplus bombers from Britain, including the Wellington and Lancaster, which are to be used exclusively for strategic campaigns
- The Argentinian navy commissions the building of a number of attack submarines, alongside two more escort carriers similar to the Artigas and San Martin. Most of the workers, equipment and materials needed for the creation of these ships come from Argentina itself, while the oil and weapons are imported from overseas. These submarines are similar in construction to German U-Boats, but are far more streamlined and built for faster movement rather than raw firepower
- Engineers working with the Argentinian navy design a “ship killer” rocket that can be dropped from the recently acquired Sea Vampires. Using a rocket engine, the long, sharp projectile is tipped with a solid tungsten penetrator and a 400kg high-explosive core. Capable of cutting deep into the armor of ships, the Mk. I “Escorpión” is a deadly weapon that can wreak havoc on even the most advanced vessels, from a much farther distance than a standard bomb
- Jealous of the navy’s new weapon, engineers for the army begin working on their own deadly package. Instead of a conventional explosive, army engineers create solid steel and tungsten “darts” that are lead-cored and the size of a middle finger. When dropped from high altitude, these darts have the capability to penetrate the tops of vehicles, buildings and tanks with ease, and can be deployed in the hundreds via wing-mounted “pods”
- Bavaria continues to court the many Catholic nations throughout Europe, especially in regards to Italy and the Holy See, with multiple state visits to His Holiness by Bavarian officials. Numerous Catholic colleges and schools are constructed in Bavaria, with each one being visited by high ranking church leaders to be blessed upon their opening. Bavaria soon turns its diplomatic sights to outside of Europe, with visits to Brazil, Mexico, Cuba and even the Philippines
- After meeting with Portuguese government officials, Bavaria pushes for Portugal to begin enforcing conservative, Catholic-oriented ideals in their colonies. To Bavaria’s surprise, that has been the running theme in Portugal’s colonial policy for some time. Somewhat embarrassed, Bavarian diplomats are reassured by Portugal that efforts to christianize the populace will be ramped up at the behest of Bavaria
- Italian and West Austrian officials meet in Bavaria to facilitate a “middle-man” relationship between the IBDS and the tripartite customs union. At a small price, Bavaria offers its leased ports to northern IBDS members to facilitate trade in the mediterranean, which is a boon to states like Hanover and Hesse, who struggle to find any real trade partners outside of western Europe. This trade benefits Italy the most, as goods from northern Europe now come at a much lower cost than usual
- Francisco Franco Bahamonde, dictator of Spain, makes a state visit to Bavaria to meet with Josef Müller to discuss ties between the two Catholic states. Meanwhile, Prince Rupprecht arrives in Madrid to meet with the Spanish royal family. Both visits prove to be fruitful, as Bavaria’s consulate in Madrid is expanded to include a museum of Catholic history, with artifacts from both Bavaria and Spain lining its walls
- Bavarian, usually considered as a dialect of German, is declared officially to be its own language that simply “borrows” from German. Purists of the German language disagree, but their demands are overruled. Very quickly, Bavarian linguists and writers begin going over Bavarian legal documents and scientific papers, changing the language from German to Bavarian. Meanwhile, in the western regions of the country, Bavarian has trouble catching on the more “traditionally German” populace
- With the adoption of Bavarian as a unique language, stating that it is different from the other German dialects, Bavaria attempts to convince West Austria to adopt Bavarian as its official language. Unsurprisingly, the Bavarians are rebuked, with the Austrians stating that Austrian is their language, and its relationship with Bavarian and German is tangential at best. Visitors to the German states are hopelessly confused
- Migrants from catholic countries continue to make their way to Bavaria as its economy quickly climbs into the ranks of the richest in Europe. Most of these migrants come from nations like Brazil, Chile, Cuba and Mexico, with a handful of elites making their way from the Philippines and southern Vietnam. With the assistance of the Bavarian government, language learning programs help in the integration of these new communities
- Bavaria’s economic growth continues at a steady pace, overtaking all of the German states, allowing it to compete with nations like Belgium and the Netherlands. Though by no means a powerhouse on its own, Bavaria acts as a lynchpin for the economies of central Europe, with strong relations with NATO and neutral nations. Bavaria’s industrial strength lies in its manufacturing sector, with the production of both material and consumer goods alike
- Bavarian automotive and electronics companies see a huge boost in profits as other members of the IBDS seek to purchase goods “made by Germans for Germans”. Though most of these are limited to radios, BMW automobiles and coffee makers, the purchases are in such high numbers that Bavarian companies slowly have more foreign than domestic buyers. In Europe, “Bayerische Leckereien” (Bavarian Goodies) are becoming increasingly popular
- The Autobahn project, the massive highway system that was proposed by Nazi leadership back in the 30s, is restarted with the full intention of completion in Bavaria. Engineers and workers are put to the task, with much of the work being conducted by companies contracted by the Bavarian government. Existing areas of the Autobahn are expanded, while smaller highways are integrated into the Autobahn
- Bavarian medical practitioners, alongside visiting scientists from the United States and the United Kingdom, make a breakthrough discovery. After months of experimenting, these researchers finally find a way to properly prevent the spread of the polio virus, creating an efficient vaccine that can be mass produced and deployed just about anywhere in the world. The first rounds of the vaccine are sent throughout Europe, both east and west, to finally put an end to one of the worst diseases in human history
- Electronics engineers at the Technical University of Munich put everything they know about electronics and mathematics to the test. In secrecy, these teams work on a massive project that is revealed to the world in a stunning display of brilliance. The world’s first complex, commercial computer for civilian use is born. Nicknamed “Weiser Mann” (Wise Man), this computer is roughly the size of a small car, and requires a huge amount of power to be able to run. However, its applications are endless
- French troops in Korea go toe to toe with communist Chinese forces, fighting valiantly against a massive Chinese counterattack in the northeast. Fighting alongside American, Argentinian and South African soldiers, the Battle of Hamhung captures the imagination, as the united forces achieve victory despite the overwhelming odds, and refusing to give territory at all costs. These soldiers are fast tracked to receiving numerous awards
- Bombing runs into North Korea are expanded to begin striking Chinese positions near Manchuria. Though much of China’s industry remains inland, French commanders don’t wish to risk provoking the Soviets, so much of these attacks are focused on railways and supply depots along the Sino-Korean border and in parts of southern Manchuria. These raids suffer some losses as the Chinese put the full force of their air defenses into stopping attacks
- France moves to essentially bankroll the Thai military, providing it with arms, munitions and cash to encourage its further involvement in Indochina. With the rapid expansion of communist forces after the fall of Hanoi, the Thai intervention forces were growing concerned with their own efficiency. However, having received numerous new tanks and weaponry from France, the Thai army finally makes a dedicated push to dislodge communist troops from northern Laos
- The Laotian and Vietnamese militaries, still struggling with fighting against the communist forces in the north, see the further addition of French military advisors. Better able to coordinate air strikes by French jets, the armies of Indochina are able to mount a more concrete defense against the insurgency. One of the main concerns of the French advisors is the fact that morale across the board is continuing to plummet as no real territorial gains are made
- France makes overtures to Albania, ensuring that the tiny Balkan nation will be protected by French forces so long as it remains a republic. With no doubt terrified of the proximity of communist troops along its border, Albania officially reorganizes its constitution to be that of a true republic. Meanwhile, Zog I is still allowed to remain in Albania, and his titles are kept, though he has no authority any longer. Two brigades of French infantry are stationed in Albania to protect the nation’s sovereignty
- Pushing for further economic cooperation between France and its neighbors, member states of the Western Union convene in Paris to discuss the creation of a single European market. Though the British are somewhat hesitant, the Italians and Benelux are more than accepting of the idea, and the first steps towards European economic unity are taken. Though only a part of the Western Union, there is interest from states like West Austria, Greece and Ireland to partake in this “European Union”
- Tensions continue to rise in Algeria and parts of Morocco as numerous groups begin pushing for independence. Both Islamic and socialist groups see the continued colonial occupation by France to be a detriment to their society. As a response, the gendarme of French north Africa is greatly expanded, with many Algerian French citizens joining up to keep the situation stable and to prevent further sabotage of the oil industry
- Croplands across West Africa are expanded massively, with purchases of Zambezian fertilizer and irrigation equipment benefitting the growth of the agricultural industry. Most of these farmlands are owned by French agricultural companies, while most of the employees are African locals. There is little to be done, however, in the more arid regions of West Africa, and these areas are simply left to their own devices
- Protectionist policies are put in place across the board in West Africa, hoping to make the economies of France and its colonies entirely dependent on one another. With the expansion of French companies into western Africa, the codependency is inevitable. Foreign investments are barred from taking place, and colonial elites are restricted to purchasing goods from French companies and locals only
- All railway lines across French Africa are set to include linkages to Dakar, which itself is going massive expansion. The port areas of the city see the razing of unneeded buildings and the construction of dockyards and shipping areas. Dakar is set to become the “Hong Kong of Africa”, with a huge port capable of facilitating trade in and out of Africa, benefitting all nations involved. Much of the labor in this expansion is locals hired by French construction firms
- France begins an expansion of its air force to better cover the ever-growing possibilities of conflict. Military stations across the world see the arrival of French jet interceptors and attack craft, as well as surplus propeller craft to be used in emergencies. The French focus a large portion of these newly constructed aircraft to fight in Indochina in order to halt the advance and soften the defenses of communist forces in the region
- France officially organizes a new branch of the military, “Commandement de Défense Stratégique” (Strategic Defense Command/CDS), whose entire purpose is to organize the use of strategic weaponry such as heavy bombers, ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. Stations of the CDS are spread out, and its leadership is largely decentralized in order to avoid decapitation strikes
- A new series of ballistic missiles are made, upgrading the X-150’s engine and fuel storage, as well as more complex guidance systems. Still using the same payload, the X-250 “Sabre” has a spectacular range of 1,000 kilometers, as well as the capability of entering the atmosphere to “plunge” on targets that are closer than its maximum range. The X-250 is a fearsome weapon in the hands of the French, and some have even considered attaching nuclear warheads to these rockets
- After a multi-year effort from French nuclear scientists, the final designs for a nuclear reactors capable of powering thousands of homes and businesses. A few kilometers outside of Paris, the French Nuclear Agency officially opens the world’s first civilian-use nuclear reactor. A short ceremony ends with Charles De Gaulle turning the last switch, activating the reactor for the first time. This is one of many steps for France to become entirely independent on oil, coal and gas for its power production
- South African forces in Korea begin utilizing search and destroy tactics to push behind the lines of the North Koreans and disrupt the flow of supplies and troops. With the success of South African and coalition forces at the Battle of Hamhung, helicopter-borne troops are a great asset to UN forces. Much of South Africa’s transport helicopters are used to bring wounded troops to rear lines, and the “Winged Angels” quickly become a welcome sight in combat zones
- With the blessings of South Africa, Zambezian railway engineers arrive in Johannesburg to begin the construction of an electrified rail line that will extend to Praetoria, and eventually be linked to Salisbury. Much of the labor for the creation of this railway is made up of lower class whites, while blacks near the proposed railway are forced out to make way for the construction crews. The bill for the project’s materials is paid by South Africa’s government, while the wages for workers is controlled by the Zambezian companies
- Thanks to the strong economic ties between South Africa and Zambezia, electronics engineers from Salisbury begin building large numbers of transistor radios and other electronics for South Africa’s research sector. Most of South Africa’s research in regards to electronics has military usage, which upsets some of the engineers who would rather see their work put to civilian use. Nonetheless, the engineers are paid quite well, and the African Electronics Association is founded in Praetoria
- Prometheus Technology and Manufacturing begins setting up shop in friendly areas of Indonesia. From here, with the help of local labor, firearms and vehicles are constructed for the Indonesian states’ militaries, as well as for export to Indochina and Korea. A small number of South African troops remain stationed in the Republic of Indonesia to keep an eye on the nation’s stability, as well as to combat the last pockets of insurgents that remain in the deep jungles of Java
- As Albania throws off the last shackles of both communism and monarchy, South Africa is quick to begin exporting arms and munitions to Albania, hoping to overtake the presence of the French. Though it is difficult for South Africa to actively pursue the guarantee of independence for Albania, the small Balkan republic is nonetheless thankful for such a measure. Bizarrely enough, South Africa is proving to have a stronger presence in Albania than Britain, who was the first to recognize the new government
- With pressure from the AMP, the national party moves to raise the minimum wage by more than 50%, as well as force companies to give back pay to their workers. Lobbyists and company presidents make a rush to their sponsored politicians to rescind the decision, but the AMP’s growing popularity within parliament and the general populace stops any changes to the policy. To the chagrin of the corporate leaders, the raise in wages in fact benefits the economy almost immediately
- Prometheus Technology and Manufacturing officially forms a new subsidiary company, the South African Polymer Corporation (SAPCo.). SAPCo’s focus is entirely on plastics and polymers for military and industrial purposes, utilizing foreign knowledge and domestic engineers for production. A 25% share of SAPCo’s stocks are owned directly by the government, though in return SAPCo has a total monopoly on the burgeoning plastics industry in South Africa
- South African police and gendarmerie troops respond to a large protest held by African National Congress members in Praetoria. These demonstrators demand that the rights of blacks in South Africa be respected, and that blacks be allowed to return to their homes. Immediately, the response is a brutal crackdown, with flashbangs, fire hoses and dogs being used to force the protestors into submission. By the time the demonstration is broken up, nearly a dozen are killed and hundreds are arrested
- Hearing of the black protests in Praetoria, a number of ANV members join with white militias and partake in what is quickly dubbed “Bloednag” (Blood Night), in which suspected “negro communist agitators” are forced out of their homes and businesses in smaller towns and villages, and their property burned. These raids quickly lead to at least three murders, which forces the hands of police to arrest these men, though some are released on technicalities
- Troops from Indonesia, alongside a brigade of special forces, are rapidly deployed to Hainan as the People’s Republic of China intervenes in North Korea. With the possibility of a mainland invasion of Hainan, though the communists have yet to openly declare war on anyone, South Africa’s crusade against communists nonetheless requires the defense of the Republic of China. Some in South Africa’s parliament demand a preemptive strike by seizing the small peninsula near the island
- Mimicking the United States, South Africa introduces a “GI Bill” to reward veterans of the Second World War, Indonesia and Korea with a monthly monetary bonus over the course of a few years, as well as a tax cut and other benefits. This bill is also expanded to the families of those lost in these wars, with a folded South African flag and personalized headstone at a military cemetary
- Engineers at SAPCo begin toying with the idea of replacing the furniture of rifles with polymers rather than wood. Seeing the success of bakelite in German and Soviet equipment during World War II, SAPCo polymers prove to be far less brittle and more effective. With the replacement of wood with polymers, the Mk. II SLR has its weight nearly slashed in two, which is greatly appreciated by South African troops on patrol
- Seeing the effectiveness of rocket propelled grenades and other man portable explosives, engineers at Prometheus Technology and Manufacturing develop a dedicated grenade launcher with a five round cylinder. The “Jackal” is capable of launching 35mm grenades of various loads, including high explosive, shrapnel and smoke. The Jackal is immediately phased into all squads, which helps greatly with the distribution of firepower
- American troops pushing northwards into Korea come under fire from a massive advancement of Chinese soldiers pouring in from over the Sino-Korean border. Intense fighting ensues, and initially, American soldiers are forced backwards into defensive positions along the front line. Though the technological and training gap between the Americans and Chinese is quite wide, the sheer numerical superiority of the Chinese and Koreans gives the US a run for its money
- Bombers are launched from Taiwan, mainly B-17s and B-29s, to conduct strikes on Chinese infrastructure deep in the heartlands of the country. These planes are immediately attacked by Chinese interceptors and ground anti-aircraft fire. With more experienced fighter pilots, America is able to defend most of these bombing runs with fewer casualties, but the impact of losing multiple bombers is still devastating to morale
- Naval vessels of the United States steam towards the shandong and liaodong peninsulas, intercepting what little oceanic supplies make it from China to North Korea. Originally, the United States was prevented from making naval landings in the northwest of the country, fearing that the communist Chinese would intervene. With that already having taken place, the United States now has total carte blanche in regards to amphibious invasions against the forces of communist Korea
- Delegates from the United States of America arrive in Tirana to officiate relations between them and the new Republic of Albania. In return for basing rights and freedom of trade, the United States moves two infantry brigades into Albania to ensure the nation’s independence. These troops, paired with the French and their guarantee of independence, gives NATO and the Western Union a basing area to strike upwards into the soft underbelly of the communist Balkans
- The 82nd Congress of the United States is sworn in, and immediately moves to begin tearing down the attempts to change the establishment from Strom Thurmond. A number of hostile reforms are officially repealed, as welfare and federally funded infrastructure programs are put back into place. Multiple states in the south sue once the congress and senate begin making strides to re-implement federal standards for education, sparking a massive debate over the rights of states
- Even with pressures from his party to “stand strong” against the republicans and progressives in congress, president Russell is forced to reimplement the executive order to desegregate the United States Military. Most of the outcry against this move comes from either politicians or the general public, rather than military officials. The move is praised by generals like Eisenhower, who utilize the integrated divisions to mount a successful defense against the Chinese advance
- Democratic governors in the south begin making loud protests towards Washington, demanding that the new house and senate “respect the rights of the American people”. This comes as republican governors in the north demand that the federal government “make better efforts to protect its people”. The intense swings from conservative to progressive in both the government and the general populace could lead to disastrous results
- Invigorated by the success of the republicans and progressives in the recent elections, civil rights protests break out across the southern United States, pushing for the desegregation of schools, businesses and public spaces, as well as the end to discrimination in employment and voting. These protests, as before, are met with violence by police and counter protestors. Hundreds upon hundreds are arrested every time these protests take place, and dozens are severely wounded
- Fire bombings of black churches continue, and violence against African-Americans skyrockets as far-right white Americans fear for their position being eroded. Police forces are revealed to be complicit in either ignoring, or even participating, in the atrocities that take place. Many African-Americans who report this abuse are arrested on charges of being communists, agitators or “generally unruly”, thanks to decisions made by McCarthy in the prior years
- A shootout takes place in Bowling Green between four African-American protestors and roughly twenty policemen and armed locals. Holing up in a storefront, the protestors refuse to surrender to arrest, and try their best to fend off the police. After hours of potshots and failed negotiations, the police storm the building and kill the shooters. During their assault, three innocent African-American bystanders and protestors are inadvertently shot and killed. What is known as the “Bowling Green Massacre” grips the headlines nationwide
- The “Awakened Giant” from World War II has begun to stumble as the American economy’s rapid growth begins to taper off. Fears over overseas tensions and domestic violence leads many investors to begin withdrawing their money. Though the sheer industrial might of the United States will never truly disappear, the stock market becomes unsteady. Simply the news of investors being more cautious makes the entire nation begin to worry about the financial future of America
- United States Army engineers begin working out the final kinks in the design of a “main battle tank”, similar to the British and French. Named after one of America’s most efficient generals, the M48 “Patton” boasts a fast-firing 90mm gun, and thick frontal armor. Faster than most tanks of its size, the M48 sacrifices some defense for the ability to outmaneuver its enemies. Though most of the tanks fighting in Korea are either Shermans or Pershings, the first M48s to arrive make mincemeat of the Korean and Chinese tanks
- American rocket scientists test “Cloud Breacher”, a powerful long-range ballistic missile. Unwilling to fall behind the Soviets and French, this rocket is “supercharged” with an enormous engine and fuel supply, giving it a mind boggling range of 1500 kilometers, tipped with a 3500kg warhead. The XR-1, its official designation, becomes Ameirca’s first and foremost ballistic missile, capable of striking deep into enemy territory and delivering an explosive surprise
- Josip Tito, president of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, arrives in Budapest to meet with Georgy Malenkov, Stalin’s right hand man and representative. Both sides approach one another with icy relations, and initial negotiations are short and uneventful. However, after meeting privately with Tito over dinner, Malenkov is able to propose a deal that would benefit both the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, mainly in regards to the reopening of consulates and diplomatic ties. Malenkov is congratulated for his success
- In Moscow, delegates from the Warsaw Pact meet to discuss the formation of an economic union between the alliance and other communist states around the world. The Council for Mutual Assistance, or otherwise known as CMA, focuses on intertwining the economies of communist nations, both in and out of the Warsaw Pact. The People’s Republic of Mongolia, The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and the People’s Republic of China are amongst the founding members
- With the People’s Republic of China having intervened in the Korean War, Stalin once again states that the Soviet Union will only recognize Mao’s regime as the legitimate China. Any threat to the sovereignty of China’s borders will be seen as condemnable acts, and the Soviet Union has made it very clear that any severe actions taken against China will lead to Soviet support. However, with China actively intervening on Kim Il-Sung’s behalf, the Soviets find it untenable to join the war on Mao’s side. For now
- Soviet engineers arrive in India to begin discussing the possibility of mutual trade. As India pushes for rapid industrialization, its economy simply cannot keep up with the demand for materials and equipment. The Soviets bring their assistance by giving huge loans to India, as well as sending industrial goods and workers to help India’s economy. In exchange, India begins sending huge amounts of cotton, silk and tea to the Soviet Union
- Delegates from Brandenburg and Saxony arrive in Moscow to discuss the division of Germany. Even though Soviet efforts to divide the two culturally has worked in some areas, the economies of the two states continue to suffer. Instead, the delegates plead with Stalin to form a united “East Germany”, to better centralize the economy and society of the nation. Polish delegates arrive immediately afterwards, demanding that in the event of a united East Germany that Poland’s borders be moved further west. Stalin announces he has a headache and leaves the discussion tables for the time being
- Factories and industrial centers within the Soviet Union are given the opportunity to begin bartering for materials and other goods, though only under the watchful eye of government officials. This comes as the Soviet government tries its hardest to crack down on the black market for industrial materials, which has led to deep seated corruption. Factories are given an “internal currency”, which is made to mirror the ruble, though it is only to be used for materials purchases within the USSR by factories
- The rebuilding of the Soviet Union after the devastating losses during the Great Patriotic War has finally come to a conclusion. Six years of hard labor, reconstruction and refitting, as well as six years of honoring the millions of dead, have lead to a better, brighter future for the Soviet Union. A baby boom is on the horizon, and the average income of Soviet citizens rises steadily. The Soviet Union sits atop the world, and watches gleefully as the United States devours itself
- Stalin’s failing health is no longer capable of being hidden. Due to a variety of issues, Stalin takes numerous weeks away on leave to seek treatment and simply take a break from running a superpower. In most cases, this would lead to a power struggle, or fears over the future stability of the nation, but it is not the same in the Soviet Union. Georgy Malenkov, effortlessly groomed by Stalin and his associates, takes the reins when Stalin takes his time to relax
- SSPO pilots begin flying the recently designed AN-48C "Наблюдатель Неба" (Nablyudatel' Neba) [Sky Gazer] along the Sino-Soviet border to “ensure the safety of airspace near the Soviet Union”. With China’s industry under fire from western bombing raids, the SSPO is unwilling to let any bombs “accidentally” land on Soviet assets or civilians. Soviet air defense groups regularly fly patrols near the Korean-Soviet border, and what little Soviet ships are stationed in Vladivostok are placed on high alert
- The BYOS undergoes a major restructuring, as the group is grown from a number of small brigades to a full division. Training missions take place to improve the performance of the BYOS, placing them in artificially hazardous conditions to ensure that they are on top of their game. These exercises begin to include tank drills, as the BYOS is expected to fight in some of the harshest conditions created by chemical or nuclear weapons
- The Soviet Union’s navy has become a unique force compared to the rest of the world. Made up almost entirely of submarines and fast attack craft, the Soviet navy boasts only a small number of surface escort ships and carriers. At first glance, this would seem like a terrible move that would lead to the Soviet Union’s oceanic borders being threatened. However, the sheer amount of submarines acts as a “mobile minefield” against enemy shipping and navies
- Soviet aeronautical engineers at Tupolev begin working on a new bomber design, utilizing the latest in jet engine technology. The Tupolev Tu-16 boasts two enormous jet engines, giving the plane the ability to reach speeds of 1000km/h, and carry more than 9,000kg of bombs. What makes the Tu-16 more threatening than the standard turboprop strategic bomber is the fact that the Tu-16 has a service ceiling of 12km and a combat range of 7200km. The Tu-16 combines range, speed and maneuverability with an added bonus: nuclear capability
- Engineers at Mikoyan-Gurevich unveil their own long-range transport design. Using six massive turboprops at a downward angle, this “Ground Effect Vehicle” is able to glide across the water at roughly 3m above its surface, utilizing ground effect and momentum to move along. The MiG-100 “Нарвал” (Narval) [Narwhal] is built from the ground up to be a transport “plane”, capable of carrying 40 men and their equipment for rapid deployment. Though understanding its tactical and strategic uses, Stalin considers the design hideous nonetheless
- Josip Tito, president of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, arrives in Budapest to meet with Georgy Malenkov, Stalin’s right hand man and representative. Both sides approach one another with icy relations, and initial negotiations are short and uneventful. However, after meeting privately with Malenkov over dinner, Tito is able to propose a deal that would benefit both the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, mainly in regards to the reopening of consulates and diplomatic ties. Tito is congratulated for his success
- Large numbers of transistor radios are sold to the Yugoslav government in exchange for cash bonds and Yugo cars. These radios are sent in hopes of benefitting the Yugoslav military and economy, while also bolstering trade relations between Zambezia and Europe in general. Immediately, Yugoslavia moves to begin copying these radios, and implementing them in tanks, planes and automobiles throughout the country
- Yugoslavia begins to look outward, its growing industrial backbone capable of supporting a more export-focused economy. The hottest item on Yugoslavia’s shelves is none other than the Yugo, the small, boxy family car that has gained a mixed representation throughout Europe, though the newest export model has managed to subvert expectations. Most of the exported Yugo models arrive in bulk purchases from the Yugoslav government by private corporations, as there is no “company” that makes the Yugo
- After the negotiations with the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia begins to expand its market reach into Eastern Europe by selling hundreds of Yugos to the various Warsaw Pact nations. Poland is a voracious buyer of the Yugo, as its growing urban centers are filling with cars by the day. However, most of these purchases aren’t made in cash or bonds, but instead in the transfer of raw industrial materials, thanks to the choking presence of the Soviet Union on eastern Europe
- The Yugo makes headways in western Europe as well, as Yugoslav industrial leaders are able to strike a deal with Renault, who purchases several hundred Yugos in exchange for cash bonds and shares in Renault’s stocks. French companies in general become very interested in Yugoslavia as time goes on, seeing that Yugoslavia’s ports are more open than any of the other communist states in Europe
- Huge amounts of rice are purchased from the People’s Republic of China in exchange for the Yugo. Bizarrely enough, most of the Yugos are immediately put into service in the People’s Liberation Army as communications and hodgepodge transport vehicles. The amount of rice that arrives in Yugoslavia is disappointingly smaller than initial demands, as smugglers in China manage to skim off a majority of the rice before the ships leave port
- Greek diplomats arrive in Belgrade with overtures to the Yugoslav government. Citing both nation’s resistance to the Nazis in World War II, and their continued neutrality towards one another since then, Greece and Yugoslavia form a trade deal with one another. Yugoslavia will give raw materials and consumer goods to Greece in exchange for cash, bonds and shares in Greek companies. Yugoslavia begins to turn away from kneeling to the Soviet influenced east, and instead finds a new best friend in the west
- Yugoslavia continues training its athletes for the upcoming olympics in Helsinki. Though still drilling on the areas of wrestling, archery and boxing, Yugoslavia expands its focus to other sports, such as water polo and and pole vaulting. These athletes are quickly being groomed as public figures for Yugoslavia, and are more or less on the path to becoming national heroes if they earn enough medals at the competition. It seems that Yugoslavia is the only one actively pushing to have the best athletes
- Tito moves to adjust the Five Year Plan by including a push for self sufficiency. With Yugoslavia’s economy having recovered, Tito believes that the country can begin building up its industrial backbone by boosting funding and construction of heavy industry. Most of these industrial centers produce large quantities of cheap consumer goods such as toasters, automobiles, stoves and kitchen utensils. A goods-focused export economy could turn Yugoslavia into “Europe’s Marketplace”, and a bridge between east and west
- The quality of life in the rural areas of Yugoslavia begins to improve somewhat as the government moves its focus away from the urban centers and more on the countryside. Roads, powerlines, water and other such amenities are expanded into the small townships and villages that dot the nation. Though the quality and efficiency of the amenities leave much to be desired, as crews slack off thanks to the general distance from the cities, the roads are nonetheless a boon for the farmers bringing their goods to market
- Numerous diesel submarines are commissioned for the Yugoslav navy in order to defend the long coastline along the Adriatic. Knowing that Yugoslavia will never be able to create a powerful fleet of carriers, battleships and cruisers, the nation settles for a large number of screens and subsurface interdicting vessels. Yugoslavia may have a wide coast, but only a few areas are capable of supporting amphibious operations, and Yugoslavia is unwilling to let these areas remain undefended
- The air force of Yugoslavia undergoes multiple harsh drills, putting immense strain on pilots to simulate combat conditions. Using air raid balloons with small propellers, Yugoslav pilots are trained to begin shooting down incoming bombers, while also avoiding simulated anti-aircraft fire from below. Some pilots wash out of this training, while those who remain in the program become hardened, and well prepared in the event of an attack
- Yugoslavia’s rapid military improvements become an impressive sight for post-war Europe. With the west either already a great power, or dependent upon the United States, and the east entirely under the thumb of the Soviet Union, it stands to say that Yugoslavia’s new and improved army, navy and air force are nothing to be taken for granted. Though small in stature and somewhat behind technologically, the sheer tenacity of Yugoslavia’s armed forces gives it a well-deserved reputation
- With the blessings of South Africa, Zambezian railway engineers arrive in Johannesburg to begin the construction of an electrified rail line that will extend to Praetoria, and eventually be linked to Salisbury. Much of the labor for the creation of this railway is made up of lower class whites, while blacks near the proposed railway are forced out to make way for the construction crews. The bill for the project’s materials is paid by South Africa’s government, while the wages for workers is controlled by the Zambezian companies
- Large numbers of transistor radios are sold to the Yugoslav government in exchange for cash bonds and Yugo cars. These radios are sent in hopes of benefitting the Yugoslav military and economy, while also bolstering trade relations between Zambezia and Europe in general. These cars are given to company presidents and government officials as state gifts, though they are almost immediately handed off to anyone willing to take it away
- Zambezia and Zion reach an agreement to begin the purchase of Zion batteries and surplus aircraft in exchange for cash and shares in Zambezian companies. These batteries are put to use in radios and electronics, the designs opened up and copied by companies nationwide, while the planes are given to the tiny Zambezian air force. Only the fighters are kept in shape, while the handful of bombers are repurposed as cargo planes
- Agricultural and electronic goods are sold to the People’s Republic of China in hopes of bolstering future trade relations. With the coming harvest looking bleak for the recently collectivized farmlands, even the staunchly communist Mao is voracious in purchasing fertilizers, irrigation equipment and antibiotics, immediately putting them to good use. The electronics remain in the hands of the Chinese military, of what purpose they are being used for is unknown
- A deal is struck up with Portugal to expand Zambezia’s rented territory on the mouth of the Zambezi river. A large port begins construction, with dockyards and loading areas for the transfer of goods to and from Zambezia. After paying a large lump sum and promising yearly installments, Zambezia begins the construction of a railway system leading from the port back towards a station in Zambezian territory. This new port will hopefully facilitate future trade in Zambezia
- The large scale hydroelectric projects continue, with the initial construction on the Luangwa dam beginning. The damaging effects on the surrounding areas are felt instantly, as backed up waters pour outwards into forests and grasslands, while the down river environments suffer from a lack of continuous water flows. The opportunity for reliably generated electricity is too much to pass up for Zambezia, and the damages can probably be fixed in the future
- Football teams begin to crop up around the country as the sport becomes more and more popular amongst the lower classes. Multiple upper-class private schools have professionally trained, all-white football teams that are comparable to some in the United Kingdom, while other teams come from lower class public schools, made up entirely of african locals who train whenever the busy work and school week allows them to. Surprisingly enough, the competition brings more people together than it does keep them apart
- Dutch Shell is invited to begin prospecting for oil and natural gas within the Malawi special economic zone. Initial findings are disappointing, with only small deposits of oil being discovered, which Shell is unwilling to spend money on extracting. Instead, the burden is placed on the Zambezia Gas Corporation, a government owned and operated company tasked with the acquisition of petrochemicals. The day Dutch Shell prospectors leave are when workers of the ZGC strike the motherlode
- The newly formed Zambezia Electric Company begins searching for entrepreneurs and startups hoping to get their toes into the waters of forming their own businesses. These startups receive a small bump of cash from the Zambezian government, as well as equipment to facilitate the creation of goods like radios, telephones and televisions. One such startup, Salisbury Dynamics, looks to have a promising future in the realm of consumer-grade electronics
- A push begins for the creation of banks and insurance companies as the economy of Zambezia continues to grow. These banks are primarily owned and operated by upper class whites, and rarely see patronage from the lower classes, and next to none from africans. However, the African National Bank of Zambezia is formed by the government to give at least some form of service to the african population, though most still don’t invest due to fears of being exploited
- Large buildings begin being constructed in urban centers, mainly as apartment buildings or offices. Some of these tower up to twelve stories, adorned with local artistic stylings with a modern-European construction style. “Afro-Deco” becomes popular amongst the upper classes of Zambezia, and these tall buildings are sometimes given frescoes of african art, animals and tribal designs
- A new political organization begins to grow in Zambezia. Known as the African Representation Council, or ARC, this group is made up mainly of Zambezians, alongside other educated africans, who desire to have some form of legal protection and representation in the country. Though able to join the military and go to public schools, there are still no definitive protections for the african people, nor are they allowed to participate in government in any real capacity
- Electronics engineers at Cecil Rhodes Labs are tasked with the creation of new, more powerful and more efficient radios for everyday use. Thanks to the introduction of batteries from Zion, these radios are able to utilize their power to breach the upper frequencies that most handheld radios can’t. High frequency radio has numerous uses, such as long range communication, broadcasting and clearer sound. The applications, and sales opportunities, are endless
- Improvements to the “electrail” are made, as more work is put into stabilizing the acceleration and braking on the trains. These trains are still very uncomfortable to ride, and are prone to losing power and coming to a dead stop. However, some of the experimental electrails are nonetheless fantastically efficient ways to transport large amounts of goods from place to place at a high speed. Though applying electrails to passenger rails is still far from being a reality, it is still possible to implement them for industrial uses
- Zambezia and Zion reach an agreement to begin the purchase of Zion batteries and surplus aircraft in exchange for cash and shares in Zambezian companies. With the old aircraft out of the way, Zion can finally begin working on the standardization of its air force, as well as reap the benefits of foreign investments in a growing economy. Many in Zion’s government wouldn’t have believed that the small nation would be able to conduct trade around the world in such a short period of time
- A series of scaled tax brackets is put into place by the Zion government, raising taxes steadily for the higher classes. The top 3% of the country pay a staggering 90% rate on their incomes, which stunts the growth of the super-elite within Zion. This move is made in order to prevent the creation of a large income gap, as well as give the Zion government as much extra money as possible
- Zion’s budget begins to grow steadily, even with the huge amount of spending on public programs. This growth comes mainly from smart moves on investments by the Zion government both internally and externally, as well as the injection of reparations from Germany and other former Axis powers, which let the nation’s economy ride out the worst of post-war rebuilding after achieving independence. Zion has a bright future ahead of itself
- Tax incentives are given to studios looking to film overseas. On the conditions that Zion and its people are not portrayed negatively, and that a large “Filmed in Zion!” is placed in both Hebrew and the film’s native language in the opening credits, almost anywhere in Zion is capable of being used as a film lot. A young Montenegrin director begins working on a bizarre film about a vicious, surviving Roman Empire, using the ancient fortress of Masada as a backdrop
- In Tel-Aviv, the Zion government officially forms the Zion Aeronautics and Space Administration (ZASA) to begin researching the sky above. Most of ZASA’s projects focus on the creation of telescopes and monitoring equipment to observe astronomical phenomena. ZASA hopes to get a manmade object beyond the atmosphere and into low-earth orbit at some point before the end of the decade, and cement Zion’s place amongst the stars
- The general mood in Zion begins to calm as the threat of war grows increasingly distant. Relations with nearby Syria and Lebanon remain steady, while Jordan begins to deal with internal issues of its own. Egypt, Zion’s massive neighbor, still hates the country with a burning passion, and regularly makes threatening gestures of troop movements and public denouncements of Zion’s very existence, which it also denies. Zion’s partnership with the Soviet Union and United States prevents any immediate military action from just about anyone
- Three River-class frigates are purchased from the United Kingdom in order to bolster the strength of the Zion navy. In exchange for cold hard cash, the British deliver the Test, Rother and Dart to Zion, with a complement of fuel and munitions. These frigates are put to service right away, steaming up and down the coastline of Zion to protect its mediterranean ports. Any attempt to bring the ships through the Suez and remain in Eilat are stonewalled by Egypt
- Zion’s military readiness reaches levels that were once not even thought possible. The rapid reaction of military forces during drills is matched by civilians who sign up to take part in exercises, and thousands can be mobilized to fight in the period of just a few hours. War games in urban scenarios shows that Zion’s infantry are amongst some of the best, showing no fear when fighting house to house, and brutally efficient in room-clearing operations
- Military engineers for the Zion army begin working with a new armored vehicle design. Looking towards British and American designs during World War II, the Zion army begins testing a four-wheeled, fast-moving armored car armed with a 20mm autocannon. The M1 “Huntsman” proves to be an incredibly effective infantry support vehicle, capable of squeezing through tight spaces in urban environments, and has the ability to destroy light fortifications or pierce through concrete
- With the few Jewish rocket scientists that have managed to make it to Zion begin conducting experiments on “borrowed” V1 rocket designs. The first Zion rocket, nicknamed “Little Dart”, is launched from Eilat on a northern flight path. Though only filled to 20% of its maximum fuel, to avoid going into other people’s territory, Little Dart still flies an impressive 350km, landing harmlessly in the port of Haifa. Applications for Little Dart and its ilk are endless, and ZASA is quite interested to put it to good use
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