Capto Iugulum

SPECIAL: Crisis in the United States of America​

WESTERN REPUBLICS ESTABLISH ALLIANCE. Jefferson, Jacksonia. The governments of the secessionist republics of Jacksonia and Florida have established a treaty of cooperation this year, building upon their common goals. They have orchestrated an alliance between the governments in Jefferson and Dallas, hoping to secure protection against all potential threats. The new agreement pledges that economic relations between the two states would be restored, while the militaries would cooperate against any force which would seek to undermine their independence. The Great Plains Alliance has grown substantially alarmed at this development, and has protested the move, but inside sources suggest that these alarms could be a prelude to an understanding or agreement being made with the Western American democracies.

HAWAII UNDER JAPANESE PROTECTION. Honolulu, Hawaii. The Hawaiians found themselves uncomfortably exposed to the world with the collapse of the United States of America, and have been quick to find a new protector. The Japanese stood at the ready, well prepared to exploit the situation for their own benefit and needs. They have thus offered the fledgling Hawaiian republic the status of protectorate under the Japanese. The Hawaiians have accepted this proposal, opening the doors to major Japanese influence, migration, and military basing rights. The Japanese army and navy have applauded this development as creating even more security for the people of Japan from any threat emerging from the Americas. The agreement seems to have cemented Japanese control over the northern Pacific Ocean and the related trade routes.

PARTITION OF THE AMERICAN PACIFIC. Manila, Japan. Very early in the year, what American garrison existed in the Pacific from Guam to Fiji were rapidly withdrawn on whatever merchant craft was available, leaving behind everything that wasn't essential. Most of these soldiers were brought in to Panama in order to defend the region from the ongoing Colombian invasion, but the true issue emerged with the unprotected American islands. Three other states attempted to seize these islands for their own powers, and these included Jacksonia, Japan, and the Netherlands. Japan and the Netherlands were quick to strike a bargain, as the Japanese gained control over the islands of the northern Pacific, and the Dutch control over the islands of the southern Pacific. Jacksonia proved to be the odd man out, as a dispute escalated into crisis over the island of Midway. The Japanese had managed to seize the other island from Guam to Wake fairly easily, but their expeditionary fleet encountered the Jacksonians as they were occupying Midway Island. Nearly half of the might of the Japanese fleet was positioned there, and they immediately demanded the withdrawal of the Jacksonian navy. No one can be sure what the Jacksonian admiral's intent actually was, but the flagship battleship began maneuvering into what the Japanese interpreted as position for battle. Unwilling to give the larger and more modern ship the chance to move out of range of his older vessels' guns, the commanding Japanese admiral ordered his vessels to open fire upon the Jacksonian ships. The Jacksonian admiral was killed by a lucky shell that went through the command bridge, leading his successor the only option to fight on in a likely losing battle. To the surprise of the Japanese, despite numerical superiority, the heavy American battleship was able to inflict heavy losses, despite the early loss of power flow to the engines. Two of the older Japanese battleships were badly damaged, sinking slowly as the battle was brought to an end. The Jacksonian fleet inflicted a hefty toll upon the Japanese, but at the end of the day, their task force was destroyed, with only a single destroyer escaping to report the battle to Jefferson.
Casualty Lists
Jacksonia: 3 Zygmunt-class Destroyers, 1 Lioness-class Battlecruiser, 1 Maryland-class Battleship
Japan: 2 Zygmunt-class Destroyers, 2 Yamato-class Battleships

THE FALL OF OKEECHOBEE. Biscayne, United States of America. As the Federal's enemies built up their strength, the remnants of the old regime realized that they had to neutralize what forces they could before they became hopelessly outmatched. Amassing what regular forces they could, supported by the navy and newly arrived Rangers from the Caribbean Islands, the Federal forces assaulted the Okeechobee Proletarist Republic. The Rangers proved astonishingly effective throughout the Everglades, using the swamps as a base to strike out and destroy the rebel slaves' key strongholds and arsenals. This in turn caused major disruption among the rebels, particularly with the death of Osceola Huertos in one Federal raid. The main offensive, when it came in early March, proved incredibly effective, as artillery zeroed in upon the key rebel fortifications and tore them to pieces along the front. Many of the Federal soldiers, veterans of combat in Poland and elsewhere during the Great War, proved more than equal to the rebels, smashing their positions over and over. Within two months, the largest of the Okeechobee rebel brigades were destroyed and the Federals could turn these resources to more threatened theaters. Meanwhile the Federal navy warned off a Cuban invasion fleet, using the guns of their battleships to turn back the woefully under armed Cuban navy and army.
Casualty Lists
Okeechobee Proletarist Republic: 15 Conscript Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
United States of America: 1 Conscript Brigade, 3 Infantry Brigades

FIGHT FOR NEW BARCELONA. New Barcelona, Mississippi Proletarist Republic. Some of the heaviest fighting in the South took place this year between the Mississippi Proletarist Republic and the Grand Republic of Florida. The Floridians began the campaign by launching an offensive in an attempt to secure control of New Barcelona and thus the inlet to the Mississippi River, a key strategic and economic goal. The proletarist forces, equally realizing the importance of the river port, have sent in substantial forces to fight and hold back the Floridian advance. They have had some success in this regard, holding back the Floridian forces in a bloody stalemate in the bayou. The lousy terrain has created highly restricted and constrained theaters of operation, allowing the proletarists to effectively barricade chokepoints against the Floridians. Heavy casualties have been inflicted upon both sides as the proletarists struggle to maintain a hold west of the Mississippi River, but it seems that neither side have made much headway, though it is claimed that the proletarists have managed to secure slightly more territory along the west bank of the river.
Casualty Lists
Florida: 2 Conscript Brigades, 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Mississippi Proletarist Republic: 8 Conscript Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades

KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE FALL TO REBELLION. Danville, Tennessee Proletarist Republic. The Federal government has continued to lose authority throughout the South, as the proletarist republics grow in strength. The Great Lakes Republic has also suffered a severe blow this year as Kentucky finally blew up into a full scale slave uprising early in the year. The slaves rose up throughout the state, as troops from the Tennessee Proletarist Republic approached, and the limited garrison in the region was overwhelmed as the GLR pulled its armies back across the Ohio River. The newly freed slaves have joined with Tennessee in united arms, as they established full control over the rest of the state of Tennessee, fighting the small remnants of Federal garrison and local militias. The militias were woefully under armed, using private munitions and were even outgunned by the shamefully mass produced and subpar weapons of the proletarist rebels. Throughout the region, as Mississippi's troops pushed up from the south, a large part of the south has fallen to the proletarists, as the Proletarist Republics of the Appalachians, Mississippi, and Tennessee at last combine arms and borders. Brutal atrocities have been reported from all sides, as the proletarists butcher towns and cities of white men, slaughtering them and securing the territories from their former oppressors.
Casualty Lists
Great Lakes Republic: 1 Conscript Brigade, 28 Manpower
Mississippi Proletarist Republic: 11 Conscript Brigades
Tennessee Proletarist Republic: 7 Conscript Brigades
United States of America: 2 Conscript Brigades, 35 Manpower

OPERATION RUMRUNNER. Santo Domingo, United States of America. The Japanese and Dutch were not the only outside forces seeking to exploit the fall of the United States of America. The Brazilians and their other allies in South America launched the ambitious Operation Rumrunner this year, with the objective of driving the Americans out of the Caribbean. They initially had little problems with this campaign, as the Americans had withdrawn all but a token garrison from the islands of the eastern Caribbean, abandoning the lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico, with instructions for the garrisons of the fortifications to fight to the last, ironically mirroring Spanish intentions during the Great War, to put up a combined struggle for the island of Hispaniola. The Brazilians did suffer higher than expected casualties in taking the smaller islands, but still proved successful. For a time, the Brazilians and their allies amassed upon Puerto Rico for the assault upon Hispaniola. Delays were inflicted by the arrival of a devastating hurricane in early September, even causing the sinking of several American and Brazilian submarines. Meanwhile, these submarine forces continued to skirmish, with the new Brazilian subs clearly gaining the upper hand, with only a single one sunk during this period, and that due to mechanical failure. The true test of the campaign came in the middle of October as the Brazilian forces began their assault upon Hispaniola. The allied forces landed at the eastern tip of Hispaniola, and the Americans were quick to rush forces to the point of landing, immediately entrenching and holding their own against rebel movements. At this point, the Americans, with few options left, launched a naval battle for control of the sea. The Battle of Isla De Mona proved to be mostly indecisive, as fighting was heavy. The Brazilian screening vessels were badly mauled by the American battleships, but they in turn managed to inflict heavy damage upon the Americans' own screens. The battle was inconclusive, with both sides losing only a single battleship each at the climax of the battle. The Americans, facing mounting casualties from Brazilian submarines, ultimately withdrew, and began the long retreat to Charleston, plagued by enemy subs for much of the way, losing yet another battleship to torpedoes.
Casualty Lists
Brazil: 1 Infantry Brigade, 5 Tridente-class Submarines, 5 Trovão-class Destroyers, 5 Furacão-class Destroyers, 1 Chościsko-class Light Cruiser, 1 Maryland-class Battleship
Paraguay: 1 Infantry Brigade
Uruguay: 3 Furacão-class Destroyers
United States of America: 12 Early Submarines, 10 Early Destroyers, 2 Early Light Cruisers, 3 Early Heavy Cruisers, 1 Lioness-class Battlecruiser, 1 Virginia-class Battleship, 1 Maryland-class Battleship

INVASION OF PANAMA. Panama City, United States of America. The nation of Colombia has longed claimed the provinces of Panama, even after they were lost to it in the nineteenth century. The Colombian government has constantly advocated the return of the Panamanian provinces, particularly after the war with the United States in the 1880s. Now, with the American nation in turmoil, it seems that Colombia at last has its chance to restore its rightful rule over Panama, and by connection, the new Panama Canal. To the surprise of many, not least the American garrison, the Colombians forces have proven enormously effective, efficiently using artillery to blow holes in the American lines and positions, as well as destroying emplaced artillery, with only slight damage to their own artillery corps. Over two hundred thousand Colombian soldiers poured north, driving against the significantly smaller American army. Thanks to prior training from British advisers, the Colombians have learned much since the Great War, and have proven almost an equal match for the American army. Still, casualties were heavy, and the Americans made a final stand just over a mile away from the essential canal. Bringing their might once again to bear against the Americans, the Colombians shattered this last pitiful attempt at a defensive line, pushing north. The overwhelming victory allowed them to capture the canal intact, and the last remnants of the American army were forced to surrender. The Colombian government has currently interned the prisoners in preparation to extradition to an American regime. The provinces of Panama have been returned to Colombia and officially annexed.
Casualty Lists
Colombia: 23 Conscript Brigades, 9 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 3 Artillery Brigades
United States of America: 26 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades

OCCUPATION OF SCOTTSON. Anchorage, Japan. The long disputed border of Scottson and Japanese Aisuyochi was at long last resolved this year, as the Japanese garrison invaded the formerly American holdings. The recent border troubles cause by the American militias has been put to an end, as the American garrison was offered the opportunity to vacate the colony. The standing, former garrison, took the chance, and withdrew, most giving their allegiance to Oregon or the Great Plains Alliance. A few militias stayed and fought, but were quickly destroyed by the elite Japanese forced tasked to the invasion. Over half of the American population ultimately left the borders of Scottson, most migrating to Oregon or Jacksonia rather than living under Japanese rule. The Japanese have immediately occupied any facilities of value and added it to the controlled colony of Aisuyochi.

FIGHTING IN WESTERN UTAH. Carson Lake City, Utah. For the most part there proved to be very little large scale fighting west of the Mississippi River, and the largest fights were between regiments in the largely unpopulated regions of the western Utah military district. The armies of Jacksonia, hoping to secure control of the silver mining towns of western Utah, launched their offensive into the region against General Hermeson's forces. The fighting was highly mobile, and has flowed back and forth, as the wide open deserts and spaces of the region have caused no discernable lines to form. It seems that overall the region has mostly fallen to Jacksonian control, but Utah cavalry raids continued frequently throughout the year, and casualties continued to mount on both sides from the constant fighting.
Casualty Lists
Jacksonia: 2 Conscript Brigade, 1 Cavalry Brigade
Utah: 1 Conscript Brigade, 1 Cavalry Brigade

THE OHIO OFFENSIVE. Chicago, Great Lakes Republic. Some of the largest battles of the overall crisis erupted in one of the most unexpected locations east of the Mississippi River. The United American Republic launched a major offensive against the Great Lakes Republic, despite recent rumors and negotiations about unification of the two causes and governments. The United American Republic has claimed that the Great Lakes Republic has continued working with the old Federal government and thus is an enemy of the American people. They launched the largest offensive to date, using nearly a quarter of a million men to push west against the enemy republic. The GLR, having just pulled out of Kentucky, possessed more troops than would have been anticipated, and the UAR met with heavier than expected resistance at first. The low number of troops and the wide terrain covered has meant a highly fluid war, as both sides fight for control of small towns and major cities. The lines of the war have been fairly chaotic, as towns would shift back and forth on a weekly basis. Ultimately, by the end of the year, the UAR had secured a solid zone of control over the states of Ohio and Michigan, having capture Cleveland and Detroit in heavy fighting. The remnants of the GLR army have pulled back into a coordinate defense of Chicago and Indianapolis, hoping to hold back any further enemy advances, and becoming increasingly desperate.
Casualty Lists
Great Lakes Republic: 11 Conscript Brigades, 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade
United American Republic: 34 Conscript Brigades, 1 Infantry Brigade, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade

THE PUSH TO THE COAST. Charleston, United States of America. While initially the proletarist republics and the Federal government were focused on other threats, ultimately, the war in the South turned to focus upon a proletarist push towards the Atlantic coastline. The Federal government had the support of numerous irregular militias suppressing the slaves, and backed them up with regular military might. The irregulars helped locate and block lesser known passes and routes the slaves could use to outflank and infiltrate Federal lines, allowing the Federal artillery and regulars to focus their strength appropriately. Along the Gulf of Mexico, this turned into disaster for the Mississippi rebels, who were badly mauled, losing territory to a much smaller Federal force. The fighting was far more intense with the Tennessee rebels, who brought a much larger army to bear against the Federals. They had more success against the remnants of the government, capturing Savannah and splitting the Federal territories in twain. Thanks to local militias, however, the Federals have managed to preserve control over the Carolinas, holding back the proletarist advance. As elsewhere, the war has become a brutal racial struggle, as whites and blacks fight for dominance, and to many, there are no noncombatants.
Casualty Lists
Mississippi Proletarist Republic:18 Conscript Brigades
Tennessee Proletarist Republic: 6 Conscript Brigades, 20 Manpower
United States of America: 4 Infantry Brigades, 39 Manpower

BATTLE FOR WASHINGTON. Washington, United States of America. To many, the former capital of Washington D.C. has become the ultimate prize in the ongoing conflict. The Federal government, with its main regular forces occupied elsewhere, amassed an army of mostly conscripted regiments bolstered by the regular garrison. This has proven to be a tempting target to those who wish to seize the traditional main seat of Federal power. The Appalachian Proletarist Republic was the first to make a move, invading eastern Virginia as it became clear that the United American Republic and the Great Lakes Republic were more focused upon killing each other. The local militias were just barely able to keep the proletarists off the coast and the vital railroad lines between Washington and Charleston, but the focus of the fighting would revolve around Washington itself. The proletarists launched assault after assault upon the Federal lines, but found themselves unable to break through even with heavy casualties. Ultimately the defensive firepower proved too much, and they were forced to withdraw from the attack, even pulling out of some previous occupied areas they could no longer hold due to their losses. This was not the end of the battle for the Federal defenders, however, as the United American Republic mustered the force to launch an attack of their own. The UAR managed to seize control of Delaware and eastern Maryland, closing Chesapeake Bay, and pushed into Baltimore and even the northern outskirts of Washington. The Federal garrison just barely managed to halt the momentum of their enemy in bloody fighting during the first snows in December. With Washington under siege, the remaining members of Congress and the new President have established a temporary government at the economic and industrial center of Charleston.
Casualty Lists
Appalachian Proletarist Republic: 21 Conscript Brigades
United American Republic: 13 Conscript Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
United States of America: 8 Conscript Brigades, 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade, 19 Manpower

SETBACKS LEAD TO CONSOLIDATION. Denver, Allied Territories of America. The Great Plains Alliance has seen its neighbors suffer numerous setbacks this year, and it seemed that the Federal government it nominally pledged allegiance to was crumbling to pieces. Therefore, another attempt was made at combining the resources of the western military districts, and this effort has at last borne fruit with the Allied December Proclamation. This agreement has brought a number of disparate groups under the Great Plains Alliance, now the Allied Territories of America, hoping to create a more formidable unified military force. The new government has expressed some hopes for peace west of the Mississippi, including announcing plans for negotiations with the governments in Florida and Jacksonia. The negotiations have also led to a de facto alliance with the Great Lakes Republic, as the new Allied Territories of America deem the United American Republic as their primary ideological enemy.

REFUGEES DESTABILIZE AMERICAN NEIGHBORS. Nya Stockholm, Vinland. The violence of the American Crisis has led to severe ramification for the two nations nearest and most friendly to the former United States. Vinland and Cuba have seen substantial waves of migrants as literally millions of people flee the borders of the United States of America. These have come in massive numbers into Cuban and Vinlander territory and have greatly destabilized those two nations with their mere presence. Though Vinland had been long preparing for waves of immigrants, these have proven to be particularly troublesome, overwhelming the established bureaucracy and moving north. A large number of these migrants have brought their firearms with them, making the situation even more volatile as groups have formed in reaction to these waves of migrants, moving into new territories. Vinland at least has managed to profit and distribute this somewhat, thanks to their newly opened territories in the western provinces, but the sheer weight of the arrivals has significantly shifted the population balance in the Vinlander demographics. (-1 Stability for Cuba and Vinland)

News from Africa and the Middle East​

FLOODING IN ANGOLA. Namibe, Angola. The young nation of Angola faced its first true threat this year, not from any human enemy, but from a devastating natural disaster. A number of small rivers throughout the whole of Angola were deluged with heavy rains this year, leading to substantial flooding in all of the nation's provinces. The flooding has had the worst effect on more rural settlers and regional tribes, destroying numerous villages, and killing nearly two hundred people throughout the nation. Thousands more have been left homeless, and the Angolan army has been sent in, with limited Brazilian support to help restore order and aid in the rebuilding effort. A number of new camps have been established for the displaced population, as the army maintains order fairly effectively. Most of the damage done has been economic in nature, but analysts believe that any setbacks are temporary at worst, as recovery efforts began later in the year.

FIRST ELECTIONS IN ORANJIEN. Christiansburg, Oranjien. With the completion of constitutional negotiations in Oranjien last year, it seems that the nation has at last prepared itself to advance further with its democracy. Under Argentine supervision, the nation's first elections were held this year, as a number of political groups worked to establish authority over the nation. The main political parties have been mostly named after their counterparts in Argentina, which provided substantial aid in developing the political system. Therefore, it was obvious that the two contenders would be the Liberal Party and the National Conservative Party. The former has argued for continued strong economic ties with Argentina and the rest of the South American economic bloc. The latter has begun pushing for more independent thought from the nation's government and furthering distancing from the South American political agendas. The elections this year were clearly won by the Liberal Party, who enjoyed the political and monetary support of the Argentines, but they also won an overwhelming majority to support their mandate of the people. (+1 Stability)

PONTIC REPUBLIC ELECTIONS MARRED BY RIOTS. Trebizond, Pontic Republic. The Pontic Republic held its second ever elections this year, which have faced immense internal dispute. The Young Turks have continued to cause troubles with the Pontic political system, advocating the overthrow of "the Greek tyranny" and unification with the new Turkish nation. Though the end of the war with the Turks has lessened the support of this radical movement, they have had enough influence to spur a series of devastating riots in towns in the southern part of the Republic. Martial law was declared and became a major issue through the political machinations of the election campaign. The death of the late General Stavaridis from heart failure led to further problems, as he had been a moderating influence between the main political parties. Therefore it was a surprise to no one when the Party of Freedom lost its tenuous grip upon power. The Party of Might was able to usurp it, pledging to enlarge the army while keeping the reins of power in the hands of the Greek population. The rioting has spurred support for the Party of Might, which has led to their victory in this year's elections. (+1 Stability)

TURKISH ELECTIONS. Konya, Turkey. As the Pontic Republic underwent a period of severe turmoil during their elections, it seems that the new Turkish state would not suffer the same fate. The Young Turks continue to possess massive influence, claiming victory for the people in the war against the Pontic Republic. They have also vowed to protect the nation, while preserving the fledgling rights of the people, expanding the franchise of voting and democracy to the Turkish population. They have been met with opposition from the more conservative Brothers Under Islam, who have campaigned upon a more traditional approach to Turkish culture and government. While not advocating the return of an absolute sultan, the Brothers Under Islam have called for more religious influence and judgment in the government. The Turkish people have come out en masse supporting the Young Turks, swayed by their dedication to the cause of a free Turkish state from any foreign imperialists. (+1 Stability)

NEW HEAVY FIGHTING IN EGYPT. Cairo, Spain. The Spanish have continued to face extreme challenge to their rule over Egypt, has they become less and less popular among the local population. The fighting has become heavy, as the Spanish send in more soldiers to help maintain order and control over the countryside and cities. The intensive bloodshed has been made all the worse by the intimate knowledge of Spanish military doctrine gained for the military leaders of the rebels by their time in Spanish colonial regiments. They have thus managed to win several major battles, as well as to badly bleed the Spanish forces attempting to retake various urban areas. The Spanish Legion Hispania in the region has effectively been fought out, having sustained heavy casualties both this year and last year. The Egyptian rebels continue to possess substantial forces and influence throughout the colony by the end of the year, and the Spanish have been widely unsuccessful in eliminating their opposition, despite securing control of economically essential properties. (-1 Stability; -7 Infantry Brigades, -3 Cavalry Brigades, -1 Artillery Brigade)

FIGHTING IN ABYSSINIA. Addis Ababa, Kongo. After what many view as a brief break in the hostilities to recoup losses and rebuild strength by both sides, new fighting has resumed in Abyssinia. The Scandinavian government in Kongo has launched a new wave of attacks designed to destroy and dismantle the rebel movement in Abyssinia, while the rebels continue to fight against imperial control. The government has been making the most headway, destroying several large rebel forces in open battle, as well as using cavalry patrols to track down their lairs. A study of Abyssinian history has led to the Kongo government in adopting the tactics of the old Abyssinian regime during the bandit wars of the nineteenth century. They have begun using intensive cavalry patrols in force to control the roads, while systematically using infantry and artillery to clear the countryside of rebel strongholds. The approach has been widely successful, though the Abyssinians have been gaining in power in the cities as the fighting in the rural provinces grows. (+1 Stability, -2 Infantry Brigades, -3 Cavalry Brigades, -1 Artillery Brigade)

KURDISTAN ESTABLISHES EMERGENCY BRIGADE. Cizre, Kurdistan. After last year's disastrous earthquakes and resulting troubles, the Kurdish government has begun focusing on the future of possible disaster relief. They have therefore developed the new Kurdish Emergency Brigade, which is formed of specialists and former military officials to help the nation respond to further natural disasters. The bureau is so far an experimentation of the monarchy, and no one is quite sure how it will function in an actual emergency scenario. They have begun by stockpiling various goods for the purpose of relief in a disaster situation, including food and other repair tools. As this is so far an untested organization, it remains to be seen whether this will be a success or a miserable failure of Kurdish expenses. Still, the people have been grateful for the thought, hoping that this'll mean that future earthquakes or floods will be better dealt with by the government.

OMAN AND YEMEN UNDERGO MILITARY RECONSTRUCTION. Muscat, Oman. Cooperating with each other once more, as the ever present threat of the Arabian Empire looms over their borders, the governments of Yemen and Oman launched a major effort to revitalize their armed forces. Trainers from Portugal have been brought in to update their doctrines and tactics, and have had enormous success in the process. Furthermore, the doddering old ships of the two nations' fleets have been widely scrapped, as experts from European shipyards have led the construction of far more modern craft based on Allied Great War designs. The new warships have marked the modernization of the Omani and Yemeni fleets, and the generals and admirals of both militaries have expressed confidence of being able to hold their own against the Arabian threat.

PONTIC REPUBLIC COMPLETES ELECTRIFICATION. Trebizond, Pontic Republic. Despite the problems caused by ongoing internal turmoil and unrest, the government of the Pontic Republic was pleased to confirm the completion of the great electrification project. The goal of the project has been to establish a modern electrical grid for the Pontic Republic providing electricity for every city, town, and village across the nation. Though the riots and turmoil have caused some undue delays, the Pontic government has managed to provide the financing and materials for the completion of the program this year. The project has begun to raise the overall standard of living for the Pontic people, as the government provides modern lighting across the nation.

News from the Far East​

EARTHQUAKES IN TIBET. Lhasa, Tibet. The Tibetan people were tormented by a series of earthquakes this year, including over a dozen substantial quakes and aftershocks over the course of 1913. The earthquakes were fortunately not as destructive as they could have been, leaving most of the major towns and cities intact, but it caused significant problems throughout the countryside. A series of avalanches along the roads caused disruption in trade and communication across the nation, creating several minor problems. The Tibetan government immediately began clearing the roads and restoring downed telegraph wires in the hopes of restoring the status quo. The efforts have been fairly successful, and it seems that Tibet is already well on its way to returning to normalcy.

ELECTIONS IN GUANGXI. Guangzhou, Guangxi. The British dominated Kingdom of Guangxi held its second elections ever this year, as the few people eligible to vote turned out to select the new members of the Guangxi Parliament. The Whig Party has continued to maintain its voter base by pledging a continuous profitable relationship with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as maintain the rapid growth of the army. The Whig Party has shown the continued developments in the independent Chinese state to the north and the aggression of the Japanese in the Pacific Ocean as signs of the need for a strong army. The opposition has had little political ammunition to compete with the Whigs, as they struggle to make headway in Parliament. The call for a stronger army to protect the economic interests of the region continues to be the primary concern of all voters, thus giving even more support to the Whigs.

KALINGA FACES NATIONALIST AGITATION. Visakhapatnam, Kalinga. The government of the Indian nation of Kalinga has faced growing problems from the population, spearheaded by Indian nationalists, most of which operate from secure locations in Spanish India. The recent Bombay Accords and the impending independence of India from Spain has given new strength to the Indian nationalists, who have agitated for Kalinga to be part of the state to be formed in 1916. Bound by treaty and common economic interest, the princes of Kalinga have been less than enthusiastic about this idea, and have resisted it at every turn. This year, the tensions escalated as nationalist agitators provoked riots in Visakhapatnam, against Scandinavian influences in the marketplace and government. The army was quick to respond, crushing the riotous behavior and martial law was declared throughout the nation's capital city and the surrounding area. Thankfully, the worst of the nationalists were caught before they could escape to Spanish territories, and have been executed for their crimes against the government. This has done immense damage to the nationalist system in Kalinga, securing their nation for the time being from outside influence. (+1 Stability)

MAORI RIOTS IN NEW ZEALAND. Akarana, New Zealand. The Maori population, who have had extensive influence on the culture and economy of New Zealand since the beginning of Portuguese population, still possess little political rights. This has turned into growing dissent and unrest under the current government of the Unity Party, which has refused to consider the idea of reform in the interest of preserving the current government and economic system. The Maori have found this moderate platform unacceptable, and unable to find any other champions for their cause, have turned out en masse to protest the current rulings of the law, allowing only those of Portuguese descent to vote. The army was called in by the government to restore order during the protests, and expecting riotous behavior, the army went in fully prepared for a fight. They found only unarmed protesters and in a tragic twist of fate, opened fire upon the crowds. The massacre resulted in legitimate riots, as the crowd angrily attacked the regiment responsible for the slaughter. The Unity Party has responded to the fallout of the riots by coming close to collapsing. Liberals horrified by the slaughter have rallied together and formed the Reformist Party, calling for the franchise of voting to be extended to the Maoris. The remnants of Unity Party has allied with the Party of Order, allowing the moderates to preserve power through a coalition for the time being. Regardless, it seems that the new Reformist Party may well assemble the political momentum it needs to succeed in 1916.

CHINA BEGINS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM. Lanzhou, China. After ten years of at least some borders being open to modern international trade, the Chinese military government has begun embracing some of the latest technologies. This has included the construction of railroads, telegraphs, and telephones, all of which had been deemed illegal under the old Ascendant kingdom. The new technologies are being purchased by the government and widely imported from Japan and Russia. The hope is that with time, the Chinese government and people can enjoy the luxuries of the late nineteenth century, providing a slightly better standard of living, and of course an improved military mobilization capacity. Some reactionary holdovers from the Ascendant days are less than pleased about the development, still viewing any Westernism as heresy against the Chinese ideal. Regardless, the plan is to push forward, and it is anticipated that the program will be completed no later than 1925.

Financial Section​

CONFEDERATION AND THE MAYANS ESTABLISH FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT. Paris, Franco-Burgundian Confederation. After substantial negotiations and a large economic incentive provided from the Confederate treasury, a trading and economic agreement has been signed between the Franco-Burgundian Confederation and the Mayan Republic. This new agreement has cemented the Confederation as the primary supplier of industrial goods and services to the Mayan Republic, while the agricultural produce of the republic is shipped east to Europe. The agreement is fairly small in size, but has created substantially more trade where there had been virtually none before. The Confederation is significantly the dominant one in the new relationship, and it's clear to all concerned that the true beneficiary of the agreement are Confederate factories and businessmen.

TARIFF REDUCTIONS IN SOUTHERN FRANCE. Toulouse, Occitania. Despite a tense political atmosphere in Western Europe, the Occitanians have overcome their hesitation and dislike of cooperation with the Franco-Burgundian Confederation for the betterment of economies. The result has been the lowering of tariffs by both Occitania and the Confederation for improved trade between the two powers. While not eliminating tariffs completely, the new arrangement has begun to make importing goods through Occitania into a marginally better experience for Confederate businesses. The industrial productivity of the Confederation has also brought substantial influence into Occitania, building up their economic strength and abilities. Though political developments have strained the relationship between Occitania and the Franco-Burgundian Confederation, the businessmen of both nations continue to work to make a profit.

PROLETARIAN TRADE AGREEMENT FORGED. Oslo, Scandinavia. As a sign of solidarity between the proletarist governments of Scandinavia and Ecuador, a new trading agreement has been established between the two regimes. The trade agreement has called for the substantial export of resources from Ecuador to Scandinavia to be turned into high end industrial materials to fuel the growing economy and industrial base of Ecuador. The landmark agreement has also included provisions on military production and the sharing of cooperative measures of commercial advancement. The new trading pact has been lauded as a sign of the growing strength of the proletarist against the weight and odds of capitalist oppression.

CORPORATE TAXES DRAMATICALLY DROPPED IN ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentine government has begun passing a series of new lower taxes upon corporations in the Argentine nation, hoping to create even more boosts for the growing industry. This has been particularly focused upon the growing automotive industry, granting massive tax breaks as they provide new employment and cheap automobiles for the masses. The price of production has correspondingly dropped, and Philips Automotive has announced that the new model vehicles will cost half as much as the older ones. The full production continues to be in swing, and the motto has become that every family in South America will be able to afford a Philips Car. The sales continue to surge even in Chile and Peru, despite the ongoing tariff and tax wars.

TARIFF WAR IN SOUTH AMERICA. Lima, Peru. Politics have begun to get in the way of commerce in South America as the governments of Chile and Peru cooperate against Brazilian and Argentine economic hegemony. The Argentine government initiated the growing dispute by lowering export taxes, in the hopes of edging out any further competition in South America. The Peruvians and Chileans have begun responding by dramatically raising tariffs, hoping that they'll be able to profit economically off the Argentine cuts. At the very least, the governments continue to campaign against the influences of the larger South American economies. Peru has also contributed to this effort by further lowering tariffs with Japan, building a closer relationship with that particular Pacific power.

FINANCIAL FLUCTUATION REPORT. Novgorod, Russia.

The Sports Page​

TWO NATIONS CUP CANCELLED. Sammanström, Vinland. For the first time since the Two Nation's Cup was created as a tournament for varukorgboll teams in Vinland and the United States of America, the grand sporting event has been cancelled. This has been to the great dismay of teams on both sides of the border, and the sport continues to be played in limited local matches. The chaos in the United States has led to the decimation of the former power's own varukorgboll teams, and it seems unlikely that the moribund teams remaining in the Allied Territories of America or the United American Republic will prove a worthy match for Vinland's best. On a more positive note, it seems that the mass migration of Americans into Vinland has led to a large number of new teams sprouting up across the western provinces. They have begun playing games against more established groups, and faring fairly well. Hopes from sporting fans suggest that at least a Vinlander Cup could be restored in the coming year.

OLYMPIC COMMITTEE MAKES 1916 CHOICE. Brussels, Flanders. After the debacle concerning the 1912 Olympic city choice, the members of the International Olympic Committee were eager to quickly come to a resolution this time. The city of Palermo was quickly discarded as it became clear that most representatives were in favor of the other two choices instead. The debate primarily rested between Buenos Aires in Argentina and Munich in the new state of Germany. Ultimately, the choice came to fall upon the city of Buenos Aires as the selection, though a compromise had to be reached. The European representatives were not thrilled about being excluded for the second Olympic event in a row, and a deal was made that that the 1920 Olympic choice would be an European city. The new choices are being analyzed and will be announced during the 1916 Olympic Games.

The Cultural Center​

The Admiral
A sign of changing times and technologies are the new cinema palaces popping up in the larger cities of South America. With electricity a commonplace luxury these days, the new technology of the cinemas has brought a new form of culture to the masses. The popularity of these films among the masses has been evidently displayed in the runaway success of the comedy film, "The Admiral." A comedy film about escapades upon a train known as the admiral, it has enjoyed massive financial success, and is truly the first movie to be widely successful. The money it has brought in has begun financing a number of new films in studios in Argentina and Brazil, as the cinema becomes a popular pastime in the more prosperous regions of South America.

What the Poles Taught Us
As radio sets slowly become widely available to the Brazilian population, and recreational radio listening becomes a bit of a pastime, a new concept known as a "radio play" has been introduced. The first of these that has proven success was "What the Poles Taught Us" a forty-five minute radio play broadcast in the Rio de Janeiro area. The play has proven so successful and popular among the people that it has been adopted for more traditional display on the stage. The play is about the tyrannical Emperor Mikhail of Russia as he learns the true meaning of love and friendship from the Polish people as he attempts to oppress them. The Poles prove so happy-go-lucky and kindly that they help reform the evil Mikhail and cause him to adopt his true, friendly nature.

Random Stat Changes and Fluctuations and Minor Technological Advances

Key Jamaican army officers killed during major hurricane, causing army coordination problems: -1 Army Quality for Jamaica.

Franco-Burgundian Confederation researches Torpedo Adaption Level One, shares technology with Flanders and the Netherlands.

Franco-Burgundian Confederation researches Destroyer Improvement Level Three.

Franco-Burgundian Confederation shares the technology of Small Arms Improvement Level Two with Scandinavia.

Brazil shares Tridente-class Submarine construction rights with Italy.

Japan completes research into Torpedo Adaptation Level One, Carrier Improvement Level One, and Destroyer Improvement Level Three.

Russia completes research into Artillery Improvement Level Two.

Russia shares construction rights for the Harpoon-class Submarine, the Vigilant-class Destroyer, the Eendracht-class Heavy Cruiser, the Chasseur-class Battlecruiser, and the Luther-class Light Cruiser and the technologies of Small Arms Improvement Level Two, Artillery Improvement Level Two, Armor Improvement Level One, Submarine Improvement Level Two, and Cruiser Improvement Level Two with the Roman Empire.

Scandinavia creates and adopts the new army doctrine of Fatherland Proletarian Army 1913.

Germany completes research into Propeller Aircraft Improvement Level Two.

Vinland designs the new Rensköldar Elite Force.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland completes research into Carrier Improvement Level One.

United States of America shares construction rights for Cannock-type Reconnaissance Aircraft with Venezuela.

Oman adopts Royal Portuguese Army 1909 doctrine.

Yemen adopts Royal Portuguese Army 1909 doctrine.

Diplomatic Pouch

To: Sardinia
From: Corsica

We hope that our new alliance and increasingly close friendship will allow for you to share your designs and construction rights for the various ships that make up your navy. It seems only right that we be able to assist in patrolling the sea lanes that keep both of our nations safe from invasion.

To: Serbia
From: Croatia

We demand that you cease all support and renounce any political influence you may have over the province of Bosnia. This territory is rightfully Croatian under the laws of the old Hungarian kingdom, and you have no legitimate right to the province. Until you agree to our terms, an embargo in place, and we will be closing our embassy in Belgrade.

To: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Brazil
CC: Others Concerned with the Panama Canal
From: Colombia

It is our intent that the United Kingdom and Brazil will continue to possess the free transit rights through the canal that they had when these territories were illegitimately under American control. Any other nations will be subject to Colombian tariffs, prior to review of their status in relation to the Panama Canal.

To: Jacksonia and Florida
From: Allied Territories of America

We are willing to recognize your independence and sovereignty at current borders if you agree to a ten year nonaggression pact to go with the new arrangement. We hope that peace in the west is your goal as well as ours and see the wisdom of this proposal.

OOC

@Grandkhan: Based on your revised spending orders, I'm guessing that you didn't want the submarine design. Any leftover EP has been banked.

@Jehoshua: Wasn't sure exactly what you were going for with "production development." Could you perhaps clarify what the goal and nature of these spending actually is? For the meantime, your EP has been banked.

JoanK has been dropped from Venezuela due to inactivity.

Muurya has been dropped from Persia due to inactivity.

You may notice that there is no "occupied territory" stats for the various exchange of territories for the American successor states. This is due to the unusual status of the American states and provinces, causing a more straightforward and fluid change of hands over resources and manpower.

As of writing this, I have received conflicting reports on who is actually in Phalanx, or indeed, if it even exists at all, none of the tech sharing related to this organization have actually taken place. I'll let whoever is involved sort this out after the update, and as far as I can tell, no one is actually hurt by not receiving the techs this turn. Remember, though you'll have to be sharing your plethora of techs next update if you're still going through with it.

Remember, only Olympic votes on the thread count to the total!

World Map

never mind. My eyes confused "Japanese" and "Jacksonian"

Technically, to clarify, the Japanese were the ones who fired first.

I like the banner!

To: Angola
From: The Republic of The Netherlands
Should you need any help cleaning up from the flood that affected your nation we are more than willing to help, we are also willing to offer a small gift to help you should we desire it.

I, too, like the banner.

Well, that went absolutely terribly for me. Literally all my tanks? Wow. Are they that useless?

Excellent update EQ, regardless.

Yes. The tanks really are that useless, it's a learning experience, like with the German bombers! I look forward to all the mistakes you people make, and will feel better each time people fall into my traps.

TO: JACKSONIA
FROM: JAPAN

We accept your apology, and express our regret that a conflict occurred at all. (OOC: No worries. I trust you.)

From: Vinland
To: Japan

We wish to inquire about the possible purchase of areas of Eastern Scottson.

To: An Address to Concerned Vinlanders
From: Statsminister Ole Gudrunsson

The Riksdag of the Konungariket is authorizing immediate heavy investments into our military, so that peace and order may be maintained throughout the nation, in face of the grave dangers posed by instability in the south. However, to those who cry out for Vinland's armies to march forth into the bloody fray: Vinland will not launch military interventions into the post-American states to our south. How soon do we forget that intervention in the War of the American Presidency by the Empire of Scandinavia, and by extension the Kingdom of Vinland, very nearly brought violence and ruination upon the heads of our humble people?

We do greet these refugees with open arms, as we have ever done in the past. As we greeted the Russian so many decades ago, as we have greeted the Pole and the Prussian, we will welcome these newcomers. Some may wish to settle here, gain citizenship, raise their families and continue to seek comfort, productivity and prosperity as people of Vinland. Others seek us as a haven, yearning to return to their homes in the south when this dreadful warfare concludes.

It is the vow of myself, the Social Proletarist Party, and the Riksdag of the Konungariket Vinland that immigrants will be accomodated, our security will be maintained, and our territorial integrity will not be impinged upon.

A Declaration to All by King Ingvar of Vinland

It is the will of the Monarchy of Vinland that humanitarian corps will be dispatched to America, to provide non-military aid and help in the difficult process of alleviating the suffering of civilians.

TO: The United States of America
FROM: The Empire of Brazil
CC: Our Allies and the World

You have lost. Your fleet has been forced to flee, our armies are on the beaches and the Panama Canal has fallen into the hands of the South American Allies. To prevent further bloodshed in the Caribbean, we offer you the following treaty of peace:

1. A full withdrawal of American military forces from Hispaniola and the Bahamas to the mainland United States. Surrendering the islands over to the Allied armies.

2. The recognition of Colombian rights and control to the Panama Canal.

3. The removal of any claim to the Caribbean by the United States government as it stands and the recognition of the zone as a Brazilian sphere.

These terms are simple. We do not wish to see the coastal United States collapse at the hands of the Proletarist scourge. Accept this peace and our fleet will not harass Charleston. Deny this peace and your government will fall by our hands.

TO: Colombia
FROM: Brazil

We fully support Colombian control of the canal and will be occupying our naval base on the Atlantic side of the isthmus this coming year to guarantee the safety of international trade and Colombian sovereignty.

TO: Jamaica
FROM: Brazil

We offer you 10 EP to aid in reconstruction and medical supplies in the aftermath of the hurricane of 1913. We hope this shows our loyalty to old allies, building a stronger bond between us in uncertain times.

TO: Angola
FROM: Brazil

We offer any support we can in the wake of last year's floods.

TO: Peoples of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola
FROM: Brazil

We seek to hold conventions in your islands, allowing you to make decisions on the course your islands should take in the aftermath of American rule. We fully support the establishment of independent republics under the protection of the South American Allies.

TO: Sardinia
FROM: Brazil

This coming year's payments will be the final set of reparations. We thank you for loyally sticking to the treaty you signed.

The Riksdag of Vinland would like to commission a report [FROM EQ] providing a breakdown of American arrivals in Vinland, making note of where they are, where they have come from, and providing relevant notes on their prevailing attitudes, intentions and what the long term impact on national stability seems to be.

NOOOOO!!!! I didn't beat the update with a story! I shall now commit seppuku.

Oh yeah, my empire is also gone. I am a very sad panda.

To: Colombia
From: Argentina

We are glad that Panama has finally been restored to Colombia. We look forward to using the Canal, and hope that we can negotiate our shipping tariffs with our worthy ally.

To: Jamaica
From: Argentina

We offer you 5 EP to aid your efforts at emergency relief and reconstruction in the wake of the devastating hurricanes. Let us know if there is anything more we can do. Let us know if some arrangement can be found.

To: Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua
From: Argentina

The Republic of Argentina wishes to begin investing in new industries in the former states of New Spain, to help alleviate the primary cause of your recent violent conflicts.

@EQ, unless I screwed up my spending this turn I believe I should have 45EP banked.

ooc: I am the Aztlan.

OOC - NESing doesn't work that way... (where your leader is named after you..)........

ooc: I cant think of any Aztec name.

The name of your leader is in the stats. You can't change it, yours is.

Commander Chimalli Escarra

Click to expand...

ooc: Okay

IC: Commander Chimalli Escarra has decided to form the Socialist Council of Aztlan, a council of 12 Aztec Socialist Generals, headed by him. (ooc: Socialist Military Junta)

OOC: Great update as always.

IC: To: Britain, Brazil
From: The Arabian Empire
RE: Great War Reparations

The Arabian Empire wishes to voice its concern that it has yet to receive any reparations owed from our glorious victory in the Great War. We are sure this is a mere clerical error and hope that this can be provided in time.