Turn 9
Zillamaster55
In Denial About Denial
Turn Nine
January - June, 1914
World Events
- Republican forces overwhelm those loyal to the Sultan, forcing him towards the center of the country as more and more pro-Republican militias rise up in the eastern cities. With the fall of Mesopotamia to rebellion, it seems that the Sultan’s reign is quickly coming to an end. The Sultan, however, refuses to go quietly, and digs in deep, fighting a ferocious defensive battle, making the Republicans pay for every inch of ground lost
- As the standoff between Sun Yat-Sen and Yuan Shikai continues, ambitious officers and politicians on both sides scurry to the borderlands, taking with them thousands or even tens of thousands of troops. Numerous “cliques” are formed as a result, and both the Republic and National Reclamation Army are unable to do anything to stop it, as it would turn their attention away from one another. The “Rule of the Warlords” has begun
- Another bombing in Sicily kills seven police officers sent to the area by Italy, and wounding more than fifty. The Italian government, faced with either war or civil unrest, choose to combat the latter, and send a number of soldiers to Sicily and southern Italy as a whole, as the region’s civil structure begins to break down. Problems are compounded when a strike breaks out in Milan, led by labor groups seeking better treatment in the factories, which leads to nearly three days of rioting after police fail to deal with the unrest
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- Now that war has finally come to Austria’s borders in a way that far outweighs the one fought against the Ottomans, the Austrian government officially announces full scale mobilization. The reservists that have been training in preparation for this for years are called forth, and ready themselves to go toe to toe with the Russians, the British and the French. Despite the contentiousness between the Austrian and Hungarian crowns, the people of the entire nation rally to the flag in defense of their homeland
- Austrian forces spill forth from their holdings in Tianjin, quickly seizing the British, French and Russian portions of the city. The legations present largely throw up their hands and surrender, as enforcing control over such a territory is something that is clearly not their top priority for the time being. With the Qing unable to do anything about it, nor the Cangzhou Clique, the Austrian forces take it upon themselves to gather the entirety of Tianjin, turning it into a treaty port of the Austrian Empire
- Across the Levant, the Austrian government moves to create the Levantinisches Verteidigungskorps (Levantine Defense Corps), using locals as the bulk of the forces therein. Muslims, Jews and Christians are given equal standing within the LV, and those that join up are granted citizenship upon the completion of their duty, as well as bonuses and pensions. Regardless of their faith and language, they are led by an Austrian officer of either German or Hungarian descent
- In the rest of the Austrian military, however, the officer corps undergoes a minor reshuffling to ensure ease of command during the war. As there are still many divisions made up of ethnic minorities, their officers are replaced with skilled, educated men of the same ethnicity or religion, who can answer to an Austrian or Hungarian commander at any time. These officers are able to be closer to their men, and are more likely to form a bond with them as a result, improving morale and ensuring efficiency in combat
- Some minor diplomatic missions are launched to help expand the railways of Montenegro and Greece, providing economic and engineering advisors to oversee the creation of domestic rail industries. Though the war takes up much of the attention of the Austrian government, any economic reforms to the Balkans may sway them from going to war with one another, or worse, finding some way to go to war with Austria
- An Austrian delegation is sent to Albania in order to further isolate Bulgaria’s claims on Macedonia. Unfortunately, the Albanians rebuke the Austrian demands, stating that their claims in southern Epirus and parts of southern Serbia are “tantamount to the Albanian state”, and that the interests of Bulgaria and Albania “align all too well”. Frustrated and with much larger issues to deal with, the Austrian government turns its attention back to the war
- With foreign oil essentially no longer being imported, the Austrian government begins contracting a series of companies to build nearly a dozen oil refineries in order to properly utilize the massive amounts of crude oil being pulled out of Transylvania. This war, unlike any before it, will be a war run on coal and oil. Oil fired ships are becoming a reality, and the usage of motor driven vehicles to haul men and equipment is all reliant on large amounts of the “black gold”
- Further experiments take place with a full-metal bodied aeroplane, this time with some more success after the deadly failures that took place before. After a test flight near Split, Austrian engineers successfully take off, fly and land an aircraft built entirely out of metal materials. Designated as the Beobachter Modell 1 (Observer Model 1/Bm.1), this small monoplane is able to reach speeds of 175km/h, and is perfect for low altitude reconnaissance and surveillance, as well as being somewhat resistant to incendiary weapons
- Engineers working with the recently developed diesel engines begin creating a destroyer that is purpose-built to utilize this diesel engine. Referred to as the Cserkész-class destroyer line, these small ships are incredibly fast, able to outrun most destroyers of a similar size. The Cserkész-class destroyers are split between the Vadász (Hunter) and Dárdás (Spearman) groups, with the V-Group purpose built for anti-submarine missions, and D-Group to be used in the support role of a screen
- The Republic once again finds itself staring down the Germans and Austrians on the battlefield. Not a stranger to this scenario, the French people are called to arms, and the armies of France march forth to fight her enemies. Having spent nearly four decades preparing to take revenge on the Germans for the humiliation in 1870, this new French army is well trained, well equipped, and motivated to do whatever it takes to achieve victory
- Huge amounts of American firearms and foodstuffs are purchased directly from the manufacturer by the French government, with the French taking out large loans from American banks when necessary, in order to bolster the amount of weapons in the hands of soldiers, and food in the bellies of the people. These weapons are largely kept in stockpiles, as domestic firearm production has managed to keep up with demand, at least for the time being
- France essentially takes control of the Belgian and Dutch supply lines, selling rifles, artillery shells and munitions of French design to both nations. This move not only streamlines the supplying of troops at the front lines, but also relieves pressure on French industries as the Belgians and Dutch begin switching their production to keep up with the war. With all three armies soon to be using the same weapons, it is possible for one nation to simply “hand over” necessary supplies without issue
- Railways across France are nationalized in order to maintain “economic security”, as well as to bring men rapidly to and from the front lines whenever possible. Workers are given a higher wage than they were initially, and the executive heads of certain railways are quietly deposed. The French government makes numerous overtures to the owners of these lines, stating that there is a “distinct possibility” that their ownership will be returned after the war has come to an end
- As the economy of France begins to switch towards military production, artillery and its munitions are prioritized above everything else. With the new defensive doctrine, and the latest in artillery designs proving to be incredibly effective at dealing death from a distance, the French military desperately needs to fill any gaps that may appear, as well as simply have a massive amount of shells and guns to outright overwhelm the enemy with sheer firepower
- Using modified fishing trawlers, French military engineers begin testing faster, more efficient ways to hunt down enemy submarines and drag them to the surface. These trawlers use a specially made net with thickly wound metal as opposed to rope, and numerous parts of the net have large “thorns”, meant to catch onto any exposed pieces of an enemy submarine. The first field operation of these new Héron-class trawlers picks up a German U-Boat near Corsica, and immediately pumps it full of holes with its deck guns
- Though the war in Europe is France’s top priority, attacking enemy possessions overseas is still crucial to the war effort as a whole. With Germany’s colonies spread out throughout Africa and the Pacific, simply using pure land power is deemed insufficient, and naval landing operations are considered necessary to be able to wrestle control over these colonial holdings. Engineers begin working with a large, heavily modified fishing boat, gutting it of anything non essential, and surrounding its edges with thick steel. These Type 1-class ships are able to withstand rifle fire, and safely transport up to twelve soldiers onto a beachhead, allowing for more efficient naval landings, rather than the traditional open top motor or row boats
- War rages across the entire planet, dragging Germany into a state of war it has not seen for nearly a century. As a result, the armies of Germany march forward to meet her many foes. Fighting on two fronts, the command of Germany’s military is divided on who to strike at first, and for the moment, is forced to remain on the defensive. Preparing for this war for decades, the German people are ready to see the “Stalemate of Power” come to an end, and put Germany as the rightful great power of the planet
- As the war begins, Germany turns outwards to seek new allies after hearing of Italy’s announcement of neutrality. A cable is sent to Spain, looking to gauge the interest of the Spanish in joining the war against the Entente, promising gains such as French Morocco and British Gibraltar. The Spanish refuse to answer Germany’s call towards an alliance, citing domestic and economic issues, and the German diplomats return empty handed
- If the war is to continue for more than a year, despite the promises from the Kaiser that it shall be done “before the leaves fall off the trees”, the German economy will no doubt suffer. In some of the industrialized areas of Germany, namely the Ruhr and parts of central Bavaria, experiments are launched with replacing a majority of the labor in factories with women, allowing the men to be ready for service without pulling labor out of the factories. Though heavily contested by conservatives, this move both empowers the women of Germany and gives a much larger manpower pool to work with
- Agents of the BfU begin working on gathering footage from the East Indies and smuggling it back to Germany, where it is heavily edited. In theaters across the country, the men and women of Germany can cheer on their fighting men while watching them capturing Dutch forts, marching Entente prisoners away, and raising the German flag over newly conquered territory. These propaganda films make sure not to show the reality of war, such as men being shot, stabbed or blasted away by artillery
- Knowing that the war will involve the usage of heavy artillery bombardments, engineers working for the German military begin testing new shells that can be used to break up enemy formations, and force them to keep their heads down. Using a “timer” that triggers after a set amount of time, these shells explode above their target, showering them with hot metal fragments and shrapnel. These shells aren’t as useful against deeply entrenched targets, but are incredibly effective at those that are out in the open, or are in only the most simple defensive emplacements
- At sea, the Germans are stretched thin, and being able to fight every single enemy ship is essentially impossible. Instead, military engineers begin seeking ways for subversive units such as spies or insurgents to be able to deploy weapons that can destroy enemy vessels in port. Using a complex gasket system, this Muschelminen (Clam Mine) can be “stuck” to an enemy ship above water level by two men, and have a timer set to detonate anywhere between five minutes to twelve hours. Upon detonation, a 10kg warhead forces its explosive power inwards on the ship, allowing this mine to be placed on areas that would otherwise be hard to hit with traditional naval artillery
- As war spills over across the globe, the Empire of Japan moves to recall their ambassador to the League of Emperors, Prince Kuni Kuniyoshi, and leave his position unfulfilled. This concerns the members of the League, who view this move as either “dangerous neutrality” or possible collaboration with the British. However, Japan reassures the League by remaining an observing member, and cites the domestic situation as the reason for his return to Tokyo
- Negotiations with the Manchurian government begin in order to continue the reorganization of the Japanese-owned railways. No longer disputed, these railway lines are incredibly crucial to the transfer of goods, passengers and troops. After essentially forcing the Manchurians to agree, local labor from Manchuria is used to expand the railway to connect Ryojun to Shenyang, and down into the major cities of Chōsen such as Pyongyang and Busan. Once this line is complete, transportation of crucial materials and men will be sped up significantly
- Trade deals are expanded further with Chile and Peru, focusing on the Japanese importation of metals and exotic fruits in exchange for heavy machinery. Zaibatsus are authorized to send a number of technical experts with the machinery to oversee the proper implementation of this equipment, while also gouging out a huge price for their assistance. The companies are willing to pay whatever price they can to be able to wrestle themselves out from under the thumb of massive American corporations, and it appears that Japan is starting to edge in on the status quo that America has enjoyed for so long
- Japan decides to twist the knife during negotiations with the Qing Dynasty. For materials and resources present in their territories, the Japanese promise to buy the products at a price well below the market average. Before the Qing can protest, the Japanese make it quite clear that such a deal is “necessary” for the survival of the Qing, and that “nobody else will seek them” as a trade partner. The Qing, begrudgingly and embarrassingly, accept
- With the war having boiled outwards from the Dutch East Indies, the Japanese government officially bars all shipments to and from the region, and restricts ships to go through the Philippines and “around the war stricken waters”. Here, Japanese shipping and fishing vessels can be protected by Japanese military vessels, and avoid the clutches of submarines that may mistake them as easy targets. This also has the added effect of cutting off trade to the Dutch East Indies, further plunging the territory into a nightmarish world of war and economic stagnation
- Prime Minister Katsura Tarō, proud victor over the Qing Dynasty and leader of the Japanese government, is found dead in his residence. As the nation mourns, the diet rushes to seek a new prime minister that can lead Japan through the treacherousness of a “world plunged into bloodshed”. As much as the Army has managed to cement itself in the government, the diet almost unanimously approves the ascension of Admiral Count Yamamoto Gonnohyōe, Minister of the Navy and organizer of victory over the Russians at sea. With another military mind at the helm, Japan may be able to navigate the fragile peace that surrounds the Empire and her possessions
- Yamamoto takes the first step to help rebuild the suffering Japanese economy by slashing the interest rates in the National Bank, and enforcing strict regulations in regards to giving out credit to unreliable investors. The large Zaibatsus are eager to get their hands on more money from investors, and the middle class is better equipped to participate in the nation’s economy, placing money into the country’s coffers rather than directly into the hands of huge corporations
- As Tarō was seen as a close ally and one of his few friends, Emperor Yoshihito announces his abdication as emperor, citing both “political and health concerns”, and hands the throne over to his 13 year old son Hirohito. This move stuns the nation, and many plead Yoshihito to remain in power as the spiritual and cultural leader of Japan. Meanwhile, at the ascension ceremony for young Hirohito, Prince Kuni Kuniyoshi is declared as the Imperial Regent until Hirohito reaches the age of 18, and takes control of royal affairs
- With the Japanese economy finally on the upturn, the government forms a new office, designated as the 都市開発局 (Toshi Kaihatsu-Kyoku) [Urban Development Authority], focusing on “modernizing and industrializing the cities of Japan”. This office sets is eyes on the huge amount of wooden structures within cities like Tokyo, which are viewed as both a fire hazard and a reminder of the pre-industrial, pre-imperial days of Japan. Instead, these buildings are torn down and replaced with concrete or brickwork, though maintaining a Japanese flair in regards to architecture
- A large, government owned airship company is formed in Tokyo, with numerous “stations” built in cities like Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. This company, using either retired military airships or the best domestic designs, is designated as 日本神風 (Nihon Kamikaze) [Japanese Divine Wind], and is purpose built for the “rapid, reliable and comfortable” transportation of those able to pay for the tickets to move from city to city, avoiding sluggish railways, dangerous roads and choppy waves. Nihon Kamikaze is incredibly popular with foreign visitors, and a photo opportunity is made with John D. Rockefeller and Yasuda Zenjirō, both enormous business magnates, taking a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto
- Families of mainland Chinese descent in Formosa are “encouraged” by the Japanese government to migrate from Formosa and take up residence in the Japanese occupied regions on the mainland. Those with properties are given generous payment for their houses and farmlands, and those simply working in factories are guaranteed to keep their position or find something similar upon their arrival in China. These properties, now empty, are in the hands of the Japanese government
- Japanese army and navy officers who have had tenure of either ten years or more, and enlisted men who have earned various high honors, are officially entitled to land grants by the Japanese government in the colonies of Formosa and Ruson. With many Chinese estates vacated in Formosa, and the larger family farms in Ruson broken up by Zaibatsus, these recipients rush to bring their families to their new properties and begin enjoying a quiet and comfortable life, rewarded for their service to the Empire
- In the crucial waters of the Sulu and Celebes Seas, the Imperial Japanese Navy ramps up its presence in the region by steaming down two entire cruiser squadrons and a destroyer detachment to begin patrolling the area, keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation through the East Indies. With trade halted to the area, these warships will tail civilian convoys to ensure that adventurous submarines do not mistake these Japanese vessels as easy pickings
- Mimicking designs made by the Russians years prior, Japanese electronics engineers begin testing their own style of “tuners” in order to more accurately broadcast and receive radio transmissions. The Japanese government prioritizes the use of “tuners” to be put into large communications centers on the coastline of Japan’s possessions to rapidly deliver and collect information to specific naval units out at sea. These tuners are crucial in accurately directing vessels to and from their targets, or away from danger, and reduce the risk of confusion or interception
- As more breakthroughs are made in the realm of radio technology, engineers at Hitachi unveil the latest in civilian broadcasting equipment. Using a small generator connected to the engine of an airship, a radio transmitter/receiver can be mounted into the bridge, allowing for a more direct communication with nearby airstrips or other aircraft with similar devices. Though incredibly “fuzzy” and absurdly expensive, these radios are much quicker to use than a standard telegraph, and are perfect for usage in emergencies such as high winds, which prevent accurate usage of morse code
- Mother Russia has awoken. No longer facing off against some far off power in Asia, or carving up a dying empire, Russia now faces down two enormous rivals that sit right on her doorstep. Having yearned for peace, the people of Russia now ready themselves for war, and millions of men march forth to fight tooth and nail for their glorious Empire. The banners of the Tsar are raised high, and the bear shows its teeth
- Prince George and Princess Olga, the two children of the greatest dynasties in the world, are officially married on the steps of Buckingham Palace in a glorious ceremony. Though the war has taken the attention away from royal affairs for many, there are still thousands upon thousands that flock to see the newlyweds make their vows. An awkward trek is made from Britain, across northern Africa and up into Russia to avoid German interception, where they finally arrive in St. Petersburg for a beautiful parade, in which thousands more gather in celebration
- Russian diplomats in Bulgaria and Greece manage to calm the situation down enough by promising “future mediation” between the two powers “post-war”. The Greeks, focusing inwards on their economy, begrudgingly agree to this promised meeting in the near future. The Bulgarians, meanwhile, are happy to keep control over their claims in Macedonia, and happily accept the Russian’s offer
- Trade is opened up with Persia as the Russians seek to find more partners outside of Europe. Concessions to the Russians are lessened somewhat, such as the control over caviar and fish exports from the Caspian Sea, and the Russians agree to begin building a railway from Azerbaijan to Teheran for the purpose of transporting goods to and from Persia. With the war directly on Russia’s borders, however, these projects will take some time to complete, and some fear that focusing on Persia is a “waste of time”
- Russia moves to recognize the nations of both Syria and Kurdistan, stating that their wars for independence are “wholly necessary”, and that their efforts against the Sultan are “a righteous battle for freedom”. The Kurds take to these words more than the Syrians, who are siding with the British in regards to the “great game” between the Russians and Britain. Some support is given to the Kurds, mainly in the form of retired officers, but the planned sale of arms is cancelled due to the war
- Even with the war now having come for Russia, the industrialization projects continue, and the Tsar makes it quite clear that Russia’s economy will not be allowed to falter due to “an uppity cousin and his friend to the south”. Alongside this, Russia’s mobilization of both its industry and military is purposefully slower and more methodical as to avoid an outright collapse, as was seen during the war with the Ottoman Empire
- Pogroms and other such persecutory acts against Jews are declared illegal by the Russian government, and any that attempt to force Jews out of villages or their homes are to be brought to trial for treason against the Russian people. With such dire times, the Russian government refuses to allow any more of its people to turn on one another, and that Jews are to be left unharmed. Many reactionaries see this as a betrayal of the Russian identity, and antisemites across Russia come out of the woodwork
- Despite the war, Tsar Nicholas II forces through a bill that allows for workers to take religious holidays off, including Jewish holidays like Hannukah and Muslim holidays like Eid. Once again, the conservative and reactionary elite view this move as entirely unnecessary, but they are outnumbered by the massive number of workers who celebrate the ability to spend these precious religious traditions with one another and their families
- A breakthrough takes place in a Kiev tractor factory. Using a much larger pressure reserve after obtaining stainless steel from Japan, this massive metal press can form entire pieces of a tractor’s body in a single thrust, rather than it having to be pressed repeatedly by smaller machines. This Киев Модель Марка (Kiyev Model Marka) [Kiev Model Stamp] is crucial for the continued industrialization of Russia, and for large scale automobile manufacturing in general, though its sheer size makes it somewhat expensive to run, and the risk of a boiler eruption is still present
- Having purchased a civilian model of the American ASu-11, Russian aeronautics engineers at Anatra decide to make the design “larger, heavier and greater” than its original model. Using three sets of wings, and an engine nearly twice the size, this hulking aircraft is able to haul itself up to 1000m into the air, and keep a brisk pace of 152km/h. What makes this plane different is its capacity of carrying a whopping 125kg of bombs, far more than any other “bomber” of its type. What the new Anatra Штурмовой Самолет (Shturmovoy Samolet) [Assault Plane] suffers from is the sheer complexity of its systems, and its general unwieldiness when fully loaded
- The full might of the British Empire and her dominions is called to arms in response to the blatant disregard for international law from the Germans. Now ready to deal the punishment due, the British begin rallying the armies of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka, and preparing to wage a war against the League of Emperors. The navies of the Crown set forth to the seas, and His Majesty’s troops march onwards
- Seeing the complete collapse of order in Mesopotamia, the British maneuver diplomatically to take over the region of Kuwait, citing numerous treaties with local administrators and leaders. With the British now in control of Kuwait, oil shipments from the AIOC and goods from the Raj can be quickly transported safely out of range of German submarines, and maneuvered along the coast of British-controlled Arabia and Africa to wherever it is they need to be headed
- Recognizing that Venezuela's massive amount of oil and agricultural resources would be beneficial to the British and Dutch war effort, numerous diplomatic overtures are made to begin warming relations between Britain and Venezuela. Some of this comes in the form of economic incentives, such as lowered tariffs. Mainly, the British promise to ensure the independence of Venezuela, and perhaps to “negotiate” the debate over the British possession of Guyana
- Portugal, with the new monarchy in power, happily opens its ports to British shipping and naval vessels, and begins exporting foodstuffs to Britain at a bargain price. Rather than simply sit idly by as the Germans wreak havoc with their only ally, the Portuguese choose to turn against the Germans and provide support to the British. Portugal’s government, however, feels that military neutrality is best to maintain its weak control over the country
- Though the war has taken the attention away from China for the most part, administrators in Asia feel that continuing the lending of firearms and munitions to Sun Yat-Sen is crucial to the survival of the Republic of China. Refugees fleeing from China that arrive in Hong Kong are given protection, and allowed to work in the factories of the city, or to make their way to other British possessions, though the threat of German submarines forces them to stay in the city
- As the young Faisal continues his war against the Ottomans and the various Arab rebels, the British begin sending feelers to seek friendship in this newly formed state. Faisal, recognizing the British treatment of his father, King Hussein of Hejaz, is welcoming to the British. Unlike his father, Faisal is far more secular, focusing on using the best men he can find for his administration. Such a King would be incredibly worthwhile for the British, and could prove to be a thorn in the side of the Austrians
- A final meeting takes place in Dublin, which is announced to be the capital of the soon-to-be Dominion of Ireland. The status of Ulster has been decided, in where it will remain a British territory, though with free movement and trade between it and Ireland, and that the Irish dominion have its own independent government free of British control. The people of Ireland rejoice, and the Irish Treaty of Independence is set to take its full effect by July, “the war be damned”
- The British government invests what it can into the manufacturing and refining industries of the large cities within the Raj. With the agricultural sector of the Raj being somewhat stabilized, it is a priority of the British Empire to begin “modernizing” India, and bringing it up to speed with the other territories held by the British. This comes alongside the formation of the “Royal Indian Auxiliary Corps”, in which Indian men are granted the opportunity to sign up for service as auxiliary units, with the reward of residency in the Empire and a hefty pension
- With the war now a reality, firearms engineers begin looking into ways for officers to better deliver a killing blow to their enemy. The existing revolvers are deemed to unwieldy, and as a result, designers from Parker-Hale unveil their latest in handgun design. Using a recoil operated, “long slide” design, the Parker-Hale Automatic 1914, or P14 for short, is chambered in a new caliber, referred to as .40 “British”. This hefty handgun, though somewhat long, packs a serious punch, and is incredibly popular amongst men at the front lines
- Reports come in of vicious hand to hand combat in Indonesia, and as a result, numerous weapons designers look into finding the most effective fighting knife possible. One design stands out from the rest, is a 20cm blade, with a handle sporting “brass knuckles”. This weapon, simply referred to as the British Army Model Trench Knife, allows a user to firmly grip the knife, stab or slash with the blade, or punch an enemy using the “knuckles”. It is seen as a “dirty” knife by the more “civilized” classes, but those in the field prefer it over trying to thrust with a bayonet in close quarters
- Despite war having broken out between the Entente and the Central Powers, the United States continues work on the enormous project of the Panama Canal. Only a couple months away from being completed, the Roosevelt administration pushes for making sure that the canal is “as efficient and useful as possible”, by expanding the banks by another two meters, and making the locks more quickly driven. Scheduled for opening on July 4th, 1914, President Roosevelt ensures that the Panama Canal is a “militarily and diplomatically neutral” port, under the control of the United States, essentially telling any warships that their guns must remain silent, even if they’re staring at their targets
- Huge amounts of American firearms and foodstuffs are purchased directly from the manufacturer by the French government, with the French taking out large loans from American banks when necessary, in order to bolster the amount of weapons in the hands of soldiers, and food in the bellies of the people. Companies like Winchester, Dole and Remington are happy to have made such deals, and their factories expand as a result
- Adjustments are made to the subsidies for businesses within Liberia. In order for the companies to continue receiving federal money, they must first ensure that all hiring periods include hirees from the United States proper, and that the companies pay for the transportation of the workers and their families. The companies are fine with paying this due, as it allows for more and more technically skilled individuals to come directly from the United States, and still guarantees these corporations their subsidies from the US government
- An internal restructuring of the Republican Party begins after a not-so-subtle nudge from President Roosevelt. Numerous conservative congressmen are shoved out of the party, and the eldest of them essentially fired from their positions by being isolated in discussions over bills. As a result, dozens of representatives and two senators, both moderates or conservatives within the Republican Party, lose their primary races to more progressive politicians
- The program to continue breeding the Passenger Pigeon continues, albeit slowly, as gathering wild specimens grows exceedingly difficult. The goal of the Environmental Protection Agency and its associates is to reintroduce the bird “full scale”, and go back to the days of when literal millions of these birds would pass through the sky. Farmers protest these moves, terrified of what they might do to the crops. Woodsmen, however, are excited to be able to access “cheap and easy game” once again
- With the introduction of the new Browning M1913 machine gun, the United States Army begins adopting a huge number of these machine guns, and changing the doctrine to fit the inclusion of nearly triple the amount of machine guns as prior. Referred to by military scholars as “the Cult of the Machine Gun”, the United States Army finds this massed machine gun doctrine to be a double edged sword. On one hand, this makes any position defended by even a platoon of soldiers into a death trap, while on the other, it makes moving and supplying units deep into enemy territory extremely difficult
- Meeting with President Madero, American diplomats manage to seal a deal authorizing the stationing of a division of United States Marines in Veracruz, as the region has grown increasingly unstable. Revolutionary elements within the Mexican government have distanced themselves from Madero, feeling that his connection to the United States is “untenable”, and as a result, civil disorder is rising in the southeast of Mexico. The United States has made it abundantly clear that it will not stand for that
- Several National Telegraph Stations are constructed outside of major military centers, such as forts, training sites and dockyards, connected to the newly built Central Communications and Command (CCC) headquarters in Washington DC. Despite the massive size of the United States, and the distance between troops at any given time, these stations will allow for the United States to respond to any threat with stunning speed, and this worries onlookers, who believe that America is “preparing itself for something severe”. The global war may have something to do with this
- Engineers continue working with the idea of using a “parachute” for either deploying munitions, supplies or other such goods from an aircraft. One eccentric engineer from California, having purchased an ASu-11, attaches himself to the edge of the aircraft and leaps off to a shocked crowd below. Roughly 200 meters above the ground, a parachute is deployed from a pack strapped to his chest and back, allowing him to float slowly to the ground. Though breaking his ankle on impact, this new “California Model” parachute is capable of saving the life of a pilot should he be forced to bail out from his plane
- Experimenting with yet another ASu-11, two engineers from the Sperry Corporation unveil a breakthrough design in aircraft engineering, something that the United States seems to be constantly at the forefront of. Using a complex systems of gyroscopes attached to the aircraft’s control systems allow it to be leveled without constant pilot interference. This “Sperry Model 1 Autopilot” is crucial for reducing the fatigue of pilots, and also reduces the chances of pilot error, and is immediately adopted by the United States military for use in their aircraft
