Capto Iugulum

Global News Report​

INFLUENZA RETURNS IN BRITAIN. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. After the horrid experience of the Brazilian Flu before the Great War, it seemed that nothing would grow to rival that experience. Unfortunately, this year, a new strain of influenza has begun making the rounds throughout continental Europe. The International Health Organization in Brussels has issued an alert to hospitals across the region, but the influenza continues to spread like wildfire through the more urban regions of Europe. This particular flu has been the most heavily felt across Europe, but has grown substantially in strength throughout the world, spreading with the European trade lines. The highest death rates have been in Europe and coastal South America, but large amount of deaths have been reported in Guangxi and Japan, both heavy trading partners with European states. The death toll has already far surpassed that of the Brazilian Flu, and the various health organizations have been struggling to contain this particular outbreak, and most regional attempts to institute quarantine have failed. Thankfully, with the arrival of winter, it appears that the pandemic has begun breaking down, and that total cases have been thankfully dropping in number. The total reductions to viable manpower are included below:


FOUNDING OF THE PACIFIC ACCORD. Tokyo, Japan. A new military and economic organization has raised its head along the Pacific Rim, spurred by numerous other political threats across the world. The new Pacific Concords is a mostly economic and defensive agreement spearheaded by Japan and Peru. They have found other supports mostly in the western parts of the Americas. Jacksonia, Aztlan, and Chile have proven to be enthusiastic participants, as they bring together their own resources into this new alliance. Some of the smaller regimes within the alliance have expressed concerned that the Japanese would dominate this group and simply use it to expand their own Pacific hegemony. Global perception seems to also be along these lines, as it appears that the Japanese stand to benefit the most from the Pacific Concords, as they expand their influence throughout the whole of the Pacific Ocean.

News from Europe​

FLOODING ON THE VLTAVA. Prague, Cechy-Morava. The Czechs faced disaster this year with a series of floods along the Vltava River, which have caused significant damage to farms and towns alike. Similarly, Prague itself was deluged thanks to the river flooding, which was also significant in neighboring parts of Germany. Thankfully overall damages to both Cechy-Morava and Germany were fairly minute, and by the end of the year, it was as if they had never happened to begin with, with the arrival of the freezes of winter. The Czechs struggled slightly with compensating the damages of the average citizen and property owner, but they were able to contain the incident without severe political backlash. The governments of both nations have begun preparing to respond to any flooding that may take place when the ice thaws in the spring of 1916.

SKIRMISH IN THE PYRENEES. Barcelona, Spain. A crisis has reared its ugly head in Western Europe late this year when a skirmish took place in the Pyrenees Mountains between the armies of Spain and Occitania on Christmas Eve. A Spanish patrol attacked and destroyed an Occitanian border post for unknown reasons and motivations. The Occitanian garrison retaliated with a similar strike over the border, destroying a Spanish armory. The commanders of both the Spanish and Occitanian units were killed in combat, but tensions have mounted through the remainder of the year, as there has been reports of growing smuggling, and Occitania has announced the closing of the border with Spain for the time being to any land traffic, as the army is mobilized. The Occitanian king has denounced the Spanish for their warmongering and called for a general pullback of the Spanish army to help reduce tensions in the region.

ELECTIONS IN ITALY. Naples, Italy. Elections in Italy this year proved to be hotly contested as the reigning liberal Democratic Society Party struggled to preserve its hold on the government. The lack of any action on their campaign promises from 1910 has led to a severe split in the liberal power base, as no efforts were made to limit the power of the king or secure provincial autonomy within the larger structure of the government. The result has been the emergence of a number of liberal regional parties which have severely hampered the efforts of the Democratic Society leaders. Despite the dissent among their opponents the leading conservative party, the Party of Tradition has failed to make any significant gains in the confusion. The election results have brought no majority into the nation's legislature, and the Democratic Society leaders have continued to run the government, but with a slim coalition established by other like-minded political groups, pledging to focus their efforts on actually fulfilling the promises they have made in their campaigns both this year and in 1910. (-1 Stability)

ELECTIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS. Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Socialist Party of the Netherlands has suffered a major blow this year, as they were unable to win the hearts and minds of the Dutch people. The opposition forces have finally united in the moderate Center Party, which has accumulated the support of both sides of the aisle in Congress. The Socialists have been heavily slammed for the prohibitive costs of their social programs and expenses, but the moderates have so far pledged that only reductions would take place, and that the programs would not be eliminated. The Centrists have also managed to garner considerable conservative support from the plans to bolster the Dutch army and defenses in the larger empire. The Centrist Party thus secured their new base, pledging to defend the empire while reducing the runaway expenses created by the Socialists. Political theorists claim that the Center Party is at best a fragile coalition, and few pundits expect the party to last when the 1919 elections arrive. (+1 Stability)

PORTUGUESE ELECTIONS. Lisbon, Portugal. A surprise upset took place in Portugal this year, as the conservative Lisbon Unity Party collapsed amid internal divisions. A recent wave of anti-war sentiment has led to a pacifistic backlash against the militarist views of the conservatives over the past three years, and it seems that the leaders of the Lisbon Unity Party were unable to adapt. The result has been a complete party collapse, as the Lisbon Unity Party became a hollow shell of its former self. Amid the conservative chaos, the liberal cause rose like a phoenix in the form of the Social Democratic Party, which has pledged to institute electoral reform, and establish lasting peace and neutrality for the Portuguese people. Pledging to never bring Portugal into a destructive war again, the Social Democratic Party was swept into office on a platform of neutrality and isolation. They have proven wildly popular among the people, and they have further pledged electoral reform, legalizing most social proletarist parties, though the traditional proletarist movements remain illegal. (+1 Stability)

FREE SWISS ELECTIONS. St Gallen, Switzerland. In the tiny nation of Switzerland, a political turn has taken place, as the Coalition for Stability destabilized. The moderate political party, which has ably governed the nation since it gained its freedom from Austria, has suffered through internal division and dissent. The growing reforms in the Swiss portion of the Franco-Burgundian Confederation have led to increasing debate and concern over the future of all of the Swiss people. The result has been a growing wave of support for the Swiss National Party, which has called for increased international pressure on the Confederation to allow for a fully autonomous and unified Swiss state. The Swiss National Party has pledged to take every route short of war to bring about the unification of all the Swiss people, and they have proven popular enough to win a substantial majority throughout the whole country.

WAVE OF ASSASSINATIONS IN RUSSIA. Novgorod, Russia. Word has leaked out to the rest of the world of a blight of assassinations and assassination attempts throughout the heart of Russia's industrial centers. The Emperor's representatives in a number of key urban areas, including Pskov, Novgorod, and Archangelsk have been slain by unknown dissidents. Reports allege that these attacks have been made by anti-Russian anarchists, who remain at large and have successfully escaped from Russia's internal security forces. Numerous other attempts have been reported, including even upon the subordinate King of Novgorod and the Prince of Moscow. The Russian government has denied the success of any of the attacks to global press and have threatened to arrest any foreign correspondents implicated in "spreading lies to support the cause of the insane anarchists."

REFORMISTS MAKE NEW CALLS IN SERBIA. Belgrade, Serbia. The end of the war in Hungary against the proletarists has led to the resurgence of those with republican hopes in Serbia. During the struggle, King Stephan III had promised a look at the possibility of reform with the conclusion of the civil war, and reformists have rallied to remind him of his pledge. The reformists have asked that the Serbian king begin working towards establishing a national legislature and a democratic form of government for the Balkan nation. They have also encouraged the Serbian ministers to lobby with the king on their own behalf, to increase the power of the people over the absolute rule of the monarchy. The king has so far remained silent on the matter, and has made no official or unofficial response to the lobbying republicans, which many find to be an ominous sign.

THE PHOENIX RIOTS IN SPAIN. Madrid, Spain. Fighting was reported throughout the year in Spain between social proletarists and members of the new Phoenix Party throughout Madrid, as both fought each other in the streets as the local guards attempted to keep them apart. The result has been growing violence, and it seems like this may have created substantially unpleasant political fallout for the Phoenix Party. Various elements of the press have successfully portrayed them as violent warmongers, simply out for their own power and glorification, causing them to take a major publicity hit. The Spanish government has been pressured to arrest a number of the leaders of the Phoenix Party who have been imprisoned for a variety of crimes which took place during the riots. Similarly, the recorded membership of the party has dramatically dropped and most agree that the arrests have shattered any hope of the reactionary movement of gaining any realistic political foothold in the Imperial Congress.

PORT MODERNIZATION BEGINS IN SARDINIA. Cagliari, Sardinia. As hopes begin to emerge of economic recovery, as the British begin new work on the Suez Canal, the Sardinians have begun preparing for the eventual rebirth of shipping in the Mediterranean Sea. To this end, the ports of Tunis and Cagliari are undergoing extensive modernization and development, sponsored via civil works paid for by the Sardinian government. The project has been put underway, though the British have only made a few small efforts towards rebuilding the canal. Many are fearful that the reconstruction could amount to nothing should slow progress continue in the new British possession, particularly with the Roman Empire stabilizing and offering a challenge to economy control in the eastern Mediterranean. The lack of work upon the canal bodes poorly for future shipping in Sardinia, which has already been slowing sinking as the canal remains shut from the damages of the Great War.

ROMANIA COMPLETES RAILROAD CONSTRUCTION. Bucharest, Romania. Efforts on an express railroad across Romania were completed this year, with the construction of new rail lines from Bucharest across to the Russian border. The railroad has been created to allow fast and efficient transportation and trade with the primary Romanian ally and friend across the Dniester River. The expenses of also included the construction of a modern new bridge across the river, one of the first since the end of the Great War. The Russian government has applauded this effort, commending their allies for their commitment to trade and prosperity in the region.

REFORM IN CONFEDERATE SWITZERLAND. Geneva, Franco-Burgundian Confederation. The victory of the Swiss National Party in the Swiss Free State was spurred by concern created by a number of new reforms secured in the Franco-Burgundian Confederation this year. The new canton reform has reestablished the canton system throughout Switzerland, which had been disbanded shortly before the Italian Crusade back in the mid-nineteenth century. The cantons have been granted extensive economic and political power, and plentiful funds have been provided from the government in Paris to help with the construction of the infrastructure needed. The effort has proven wildly successful, and has broken the back of much of the Swiss national movement in Confederate Switzerland, further decentralizing any authority in the region which could be turned against Paris. The Swiss National Party continues to have the support of most Swiss, but has found itself unable to muster more than the most lackluster aid from the Confederate population for the time being. (+1 Stability)

RUSSIA ISSUES BALKAN GUARANTEES. Moscow, Russia. The Russian Emperor Mikhail has issued unilateral guarantees of independence for the kingdoms of Bosnia and Croatia, extending his iron statement that nations that attempt to destroy their sovereignty would have to do so against Russian arms. This has come on the heels of possible statements of Hungarian claims to restore control over the wayward regions of the kingdom which split during the late civil war. The Russians have used this chance to further their influences in the Balkans, in addition to their growing dominance in Serbia and Romania. Protests have been issued from Hungary at this action, as well as from other surrounding nations, but Bosnia has applauded the friendship of Russia in preserving their freedom from any aggressor nation.

SCANDINAVIA COMPLETES MANNISKORSTAG CONSTRUCTION. Stockholm, Scandinavia. The proletarist government of Scandinavia has completed the construction of the new Manniskorstag in Stockholm. The massive new building is the largest in the world, including the Great Statue of the Worker resplendent upon the top of it. The new building includes all the offices of government, including the houses in which the issues and needs of the people are debated, as well as all the various elements of the bureaucracy. The Scandinavians have applauded the creation of this monument to the fortitude of the workers, claiming it to be issuing in the dawn of a new era of the proletarist cause.

THE CHERBOURG ACCORDS. Cherbourg, Franco-Burgundian Confederation. A new hope has been made for peace in Western Europe as the Franco-Burgundian Confederation and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland have signed the newly created Cherbourg Accords. The new agreements have successfully forged a nonaggression pact between the Confederation and Britain for the course of six years. The agreement has also allowed naval access to British bases for the Confederation and secured new trading rights for both parties. The accords are allegedly to be renewed in six years barring further disputes or complaints emerging between the two powers. The agreement has brought extensive new influence to the continent and has caused some political concern for Italy and Germany about British power on the Continent.

CONSTANTINOPLE RECONSTRUCTION COMPLETES. Constantinople, Roman Empire. In a gala event attended by most of the high crowns of Eastern Europe, the final touches were put on the reconstructed Hagia Sophia. Numerous other buildings have been rebuilt, as the government looks to finalize plans to move the capital back to the city from Athens. At long last most of the old wreckage has been removed, and a completely new city layout has been established, as the rubble was taken away. The new roads have been built, allowing for wider streets and integrated railroad access into the city. New bridges have been created across the straits, as the Roman Empire lauds the reconstruction as the beginning of the restoration of the golden age of the empire and its legions. Emperor Mikhail has congratulated them upon the completion of their work, and it is hoped this truly is a new dawn.

HUNGARY BEGINS RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS. Budapest, Hungary. The devastation of the civil war is apparent, leaving much of central Hungary and Slovakia in ruins, with immense damage to the local infrastructure. The Hungarian King Vladislaus IV has begun work on rebuilding from this catastrophic war, as focus has been put upon restoring destroyed rail lines and bridges. Other efforts have been directed at repairing buildings in the most heavily damaged cities, restoring civil structure and commerce throughout the region. So far the efforts have been fairly successful, but the sheer scale of the damage implies that the reconstruction could easily take anywhere from five to ten years to complete. These damages are seen as highly destructive and the king has completely illegalized the party or factional politics of proletarism, making it a capital offense.

News from the Americas​

BRITISH AMBASSADOR ARRESTED IN BUENOS AIRES. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Despite the normally friendly and warm relationship between London and Buenos Aires, behavior by the British ambassador led to a straining of this friendship. Though it was to be handled quietly, the British ambassador and his aides were arrested for espionage, and word was quickly leaked to the Argentine press. The British were arrested taking photographs of Argentina's shipyards and military forces while drilling, and it was further revealed that the Argentine army had so far allowed these indiscretions. These revelations have led to tremendous backlash against the Argentine government, as the people denounce the National Conservative Party for compromising the security of the Argentine people. The political opposition has pounced upon this opportunity, rallying a surprising amount of support for their party, promising a growing chance of success in the upcoming 1917 elections. Across the ocean, the British people have also begun denouncing the idea of a British citizen spending time in a South American dungeon, and the government in London has come under significant pressure to secure the ambassador's release. (-1 Stability for Argentina)

ELECTIONS IN CHILE. Santiago, Chile. As constitutionally mandated, the government of President Montoya held elections in Chile this year, as the president and his Guardian Party faced various opposition forces. Thanks to prior electoral reform, proletarist parties of all flavors have been forbidden from participating, reducing the possibility of political chaos like that which plagued the 1911 elections. The relative stability and growing prosperity of Chile over the past two years has been a significant selling point for the president, who has allowed full use of the press and all legal forms of democratic manipulation by all participating political parties. The president gave a large number of speeches up and down through Chile, and has found a highly sympathetic ear from the population. Pledging to build a stronger and more prosperous Chile, the president found support throughout the countryside, and has managed to once more win yet another term in office. (+1 Stability)

PROTESTS PLAGUE CUBAN ELECTIONS. Havana, Cuba. The liberal Democratic Party in Cuba came under massive attack this year, faced with constant protests from the massive American minority on the island. They have also found their own base of support crumbling, as social and traditional proletarists whittle away at the industrial worker base. The Americans, most of whom lack actual voting rights or citizenship, have called for Cuban support for the Federal government in the ongoing crisis, and have demanded Cuba's government throw in for the regime in Charleston. The Cubans have become split upon the issue as most liberals continue to stalwartly remain anti-war while the conservatives are torn between aiding the Federal cause or the United American Republic. The result has been constant political confusion throughout the year, and it soon became anyone's guess at who would win the elections. The result was a victory for the moderate Party of Unity, which has managed to rally support from both conservatives and liberals, but no one is really certain which course they may ultimately take in the American situation.

HONDURAS HOLDS FIRST ELECTIONS. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The young republic of Honduras held its first elections this year, as the government maintained its legitimacy through the words of the constitution. The interim and wartime President Lopez Pesado has led the nation to the new dawn and has rallied about his own political force for a free republican regime. His followers proudly call themselves the Pesados, and their predominantly conservative opposition have likewise been branded by the press as the Anti-Pesados. The conservatives have predominantly criticized President Pesado for his alleged reluctance to give up power, claiming that he has nothing more than a cult of personality. They have found little support among the population as the president continues to be wildly popular for his anti-Managua attitudes and determination to establish a truly free nation in Central America. President Pesado and his supporters have won in a landslide election, giving him extensive influence throughout the whole of the government. (+1 Stability)

FIRST ELECTIONS IN JACKSONIA. Jefferson, Jacksonia. The first constitutionally mandated elections were held in Jacksonia this year as a variety of political movements emerged to take advantage of the new system. The Party of the Republic was allowed to continue operations, and has had surprising success in assembling a new following among those who wish reunification with the old Federal government upon the conclusion of the fighting in the east. They remain a tiny minority however, as the majority of people rally behind either the liberal Progressive Party or the new conservative Party of Order. Similarly, other minority parties exist, including all types of proletarists and other radicals, but those two have managed to muster the most financing and support. The elections were held nationwide and the Progressive Party won an overwhelming victory in both the Congress and for the presidency, bringing the nation's first fully elected government into office. The Progressive Party is rudimentary outside of its vaguely liberal agenda, but most believe that the election results are the death knell of any hopes for Jacksonian reunification with the rest of the former United States. (+1 Stability)

ELECTIONS IN URUGUAY MARRED BY SCANDAL. Montevideo, Uruguay. At the beginning of the year it seemed certain that the liberal Party of Order in Uruguay would continue to triumph over its various opponents overwhelmingly. Unfortunately, the President was implicated in an affair with multiple men and women while in office, and the sheer depravity of his regime caused a severe moral backlash against the Party of Order. A number of other influential congressmen were found to have taken part in the orgies hosted in the presidential palace, and the scandal has torn apart the ruling regime of Uruguay. The result is that the elections became anyone's contest and a variety of smaller parties rose to challenge the established order. The political strength and skill of the Party of Order has allowed them to retain the largest presence in Congress, but they have lost the majority to a number of various smaller parties. The second largest party in Congress has become the Central Unity Party, which has pledged a moral government and nation to the people of Uruguay. This has proven to be a popular campaign, but some fear that actual political concerns may have been lost to the fervor that followed the scandal. (-1 Stability)

UNREST INFLUENCES VINLAND ELECTIONS. Nya Stockholm, Vinland. The elections this year in Vinland proved to be even more divisive than the violent campaigns of the 1911 election. Unlike last year, the violence of this year came from a different source than inter-party disputes. This time, American refugees acted against the mounted police throughout the western provinces, including multiple bombings on stations and outposts throughout the west. As most Americans lacked voting rights, and in the minds of many citizens, any desire to actually become Vinlanders, the result has been catastrophic for the Social Proletarists who allowed them in the first place. Their opponents put substantial amounts of the blame upon the Social Proletarists for failing to bring security to the south border in the wake of the American crisis, and fears of a lack of security have played well for the more moderate Social Democratic Party. The Social Democrats have managed to establish a coalition of smaller parties of all ideologies, focusing on the need for military security as the fighting in the United States continues. Their course is unknown, but many Vinlanders remain in fear of the possibility of a larger rebellion by the new American population within their borders.

ANTI-WAR PROTESTS GROW IN BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As casualties mounted throughout the year in the fighting in Florida and Georgia, the Brazilian people launched a series of growing anti-war protests in Rio de Janeiro. City streets were frequently shut down, and the largest of the protests is alleged to have consisted of nearly forty thousand people. They have called for the withdrawal of Brazilian soldiers from the fighting in the former United States of America, stating that they have no place in another nation's sordid domestic affairs. The protests have continued to place immense pressure upon the ruling Partido Conservador, who have remained outspoken proponents of intervention against the growth of proletarism. The arrival of French armies in the United States have further strengthened the Brazilian anti-war activists and it seems that a failure to withdraw could be a political catastrophe if the movement continues to grow.

PROLETARISTS RIOT AFTER ARRESTS IN JAMAICA. Kingston, Jamaica. The government of Jamaica launched a major campaign to shut down the proletarist movement in their island nation this year, hoping to establish greater stability. The effort has proven successful, and all of the leaders of the nation's illegal various proletarist parties have been rounded up and imprisoned. Unfortunately, during several of the arrests, supporters attempted to attack the police and free their leadership, and the result was violence and chaos in the city streets. The fighting was brutal and hundreds were injured by the police response and the government did ultimately restore order to the streets. Thankfully, the leader of the nation's social proletarist movement called for calm among his supporters, stating that the political system would ultimately prevail in the people's favor. The result has been a significant lowering of tensions, though numerous liberal press have called for the head of the police chief of Kingston for allowing such levels of violence among his men. (+1 Stability)

MILITARY COUP LAUNCHED IN NICARAGUA. Managua, Nicaragua. The republic in Nicaragua has at last been toppled after years of turmoil which ultimately led to the disintegration of the United States of New Spain. The military has frequently heaped this failure upon the civilian government, accusing them of being too soft on would-be secessionists. These accusations have at last culminated in a united military effort to oust the civilian regime and establish a military junta to rule over the region of Nicaragua. Under the leadership of General Manuel Cavrera, the military has seized power in a rapid coup, quickly storming the presidential palace and congress, and arresting all within. The army was able to move quickly and without any resistance, as the entirety of the officer corps pledged their support to General Cavrera and his cause. The general has pledged new security and strength for Nicaragua, and has also pledged the eventual unification of New Spain and the restoration of central government from Managua. (+1 Stability)

ECUADOR BEGINS ESTABLISHING NEW UNIVERSITIES. Quito, Ecuador. As the new democratic government takes charge in Ecuador, the president has begun contributing extensive funds and support for the establishment of new universities. The president has pledged to provide the finest in higher education that South America can provide, though some argue that he should focus on one priority at the time. The electrification project continues to languish without support or further financing. The opponents of the government argued that the failure to complete his older program simply demonstrates the inability of the president to set priorities and fulfill the promises he has already made. As tensions mounted over other issues, however, the matter of the universities soon took a backseat to the growing dissent among the entire population.

ECUADORIAN ECONOMIC POLICY RESULTS IN MILITARY COUP. Quito, Ecuador. Despite attempts to distract the population with other issues, the worst part of Ecuador's democracy emerged this year as the president attempted to sell the nation's industry to foreign investors. This immediately outraged the majority of the population, and former High Overseer Erick Acero has once more risen to the forefront. Upon a wave of military support and popular outrage against the Democratic Party, a massive coup was launched, toppling the elected government, which had lost its support among the masses. The High Overseer was reinstated in his post, and granted new authority, having shut down the old system. He has pledged that the corruption of the Democrats would no longer be allowed that the wealth of the people of Ecuador would remain with the people of Ecuador. Acero remains highly supported by the military and the work force, and little opposition remains as most of his former opponents have been imprisoned or executed for treason. (+1 Stability)

AZTLAN FORGES NEW REPUBLIC. Oaxaca, Aztlan. General Chimalli Escarra announced the formation of a new republican government this year, and the first elections have been held for the newly formed Congress of the Aztecs. A new constitution has been installed by the general, who has resigned his political power and returned exclusively to service in the military. Heralded as the father of his county, Escarra has called for civil politics and the establishment of a strong nation. Only proletarists have been forbidden from participating in the ongoing elections, and any related political parties have been banned from the proceedings. The new constitution is modeled heavily upon the first American constitution, but takes a number of examples from the constitution from the republics of Jacksonia and Florida. Unfortunately, despite the general's pleas for a civil democratic contest, party politics quickly emerged, as a new liberal Democratic Party and a conservative Party of Tradition emerged. The Party of Tradition has pledged strong ties with the former friends of the Spanish Empire and a look towards stability and military strength. The Party of Tradition proved the most organized and successful, rallying the voice of the people and gaining the first term of office to last four years.

AZTECS COMPLETE RAILROAD REPAIRS. Tenochtitlan, Aztlan. After years, even decades of varying degrees of war and insurgency, the infrastructure of Aztlan was in dire shape, and this year, numerous repairs and modernization were at last completed. The efforts have been funded by the new government in Oaxaca, focused upon rebuilding the Spanish railroads which crisscrossed the nation. During the brief period of American rule, a large number of these railroads were damaged or destroyed, and the efforts have been put back to restoring the old system. New railroad gauges have been set to run under the old Spanish system, while the American trains have widely been scrapped or replaced. The Aztec government has pledged that this is merely the first step in establishing a modern and prosperous nation.

FREEDOM IN THE CARIBBEAN. Santo Domingo, Hispaniola. The Brazilians have lived up to their old word with the liberation of Hispaniola and Puerto as independent republics. The Puerto Ricans are the first to secure their independence with the holding of elections this year, as they struggle to establish a new government. The results have been brought in by the end of the year as the Puerto Ricans elected the moderate Unity Party to lead their nation and people. They have pledged to preserve Puerto Rico's newfound independence, maintain strong ties with the Empire of Brazil, and to secure prosperity for the young island nation. The larger island of Hispaniola was forced to take a longer amount of time to take a reasonable census of its people and establish a functioning government, and a coalition regime continues to lead the nation. They have already begun the election season for next year, in preparation for the full liberty of their nation. The Brazilians have heavily influenced the governments of both nations which have adopted constitutions similar to that of Brazil, illegalizing the participating of proletarist movements in the electoral process.

FIGHTING CONTINUES IN THE FORMER UNITED STATES. Charleston, United States of America. The various factions in the former United States of America have continued to struggle against one another for control over the vast nation. The main contenders in the fighting continue to be the Federal government and their allies in the Allied Territories of America, the United American Republic, and the negro proletarists throughout the South. The South Americans continue to maintain a strong presence in eastern Florida, while the situation has been further escalated with the arrival of a major French expeditionary force in the Carolinas. The French are the first European forces to be deployed to the United States, and have offered support for the Federal government on their recent grand promises of reform and reconstruction, starting with the elections in 1916. The fighting has grown intense, as the armies grow in size and casualties mount, it appears that the war is still a long way from being over. As before, a special section has been created below to cover this still large conflict.

SPECIAL: Crisis in the Former United States of America​

FIGHTING ON THE MISSISSIPPI. New Barcelona, Mississippi Proletarist Republic. The Floridians initiated combat this year along the Mississippi River as they began a new drive to take New Barcelona and reclaim the rest of the state of West Florida. At first it seemed as though they were making fair gains, but they soon found themselves in a salient, attacked upon three sides by a force nearly four times their number. The low terrain and visibility nearly brought about total disaster for the Floridian army, which was badly outnumbered by the proletarists. They were badly mauled, but fortunately, thanks to a determined artillery brigade, which ultimately had to resort to hand to hand combat, the Floridian I Army Corps continued to exist and withdraw. The proletarists pursued using extensive knowledge of the terrain and swamps to persistently outflank and confound the Floridian army. As they advanced, they gained the supports of other members of the negro population, rallying a larger and larger force from the local slaves and freedman against the Floridian republic, as well as gaining them even greater knowledge of the various terrain. The Floridians were nearly routed and have been dismayed and shattered overall, as only the South American attacks later in the year in the east forced the Mississippi proletarists to pull back from their offensive of liberation, allowing the Floridians to regroup and rebuild their army.
Casualty Lists
Florida: 7 Conscript Brigades, 3 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades
Mississippi Proletarist Republic: 21 Conscript Brigades (+1 Army Quality)

WAR IN VIRGINIA. Richmond, United States of America. The proletarists pulled an unexpected move, as the Appalachian Proletarist Republic withdrew from the occupied regions of Virginia, consolidating its position once more in the western part of the state. They caused immense damage, destroying everything they could not take with them, and pulling back what industrial supplies they could back into the interior to continue the war. For the first part of the year, the Federal government and the United American Republic were kept unaware of these moves, but as spies reported the proletarist retreat and the front lines diminished, both factions began gearing up to take Virginia. Both the UAR and the Federals fought minor actions against the proletarists, who conserved their forces, but the heaviest fighting took place as the UAR and Federal armies met in the central part of the state. The Federal government won a decisive victory around Richmond, forcing the UAR to retreat from Virginia, giving the Federals control. Flush with their victory and as the Allied Territories launched their own offensive further west, the Federal government successfully managed to retake Washington D.C. after heavy fighting against the rebel cause. Throughout the rest of the year, a minor peace existed between the two sides, as skirmishes grew between the proletarists and Federals in the mountains.
Casualty Lists
Appalachian Proletarist Republic: 4 Conscript Brigades
United American Republic: 8 Conscript Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
United States of America: 4 Conscript Brigades, 4 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brgiade

THE MARCH THROUGH GEORGIA. Charleston, United States of America. Heavy fighting took place throughout the state of Georgia, though the year began with a mutter more than outrageous warfare. As in Virginia, the proletarists have done their best to destroy everything they could not take with them to safe places in Kentucky or Tennessee. The slow but steady arrival of French and South American reinforcements delayed most of the heaviest fighting until the fall, as the first chills started to set in. Once the French were finally in place, a massive assault was launched against the prepared positions of the proletarists in Georgia. The proletarists quickly abandoned these positions, splitting up into prepared strongholds, and focusing on irregular warfare instead of traditional combat, using a large amount of established depots to wage their campaign. The fighting has been brutal, and wound up tying down most of the allied force in southern Georgia, though ultimately Federal and French troops did manage to take the shattered ruins of Atlanta. The advance came to a standstill there, however, as the Mississippi proletarists launched a major attack through the spread out South American lines in East Florida. Outnumbered and caught woefully by surprise with the deployment of reconnaissance planes to the north and the proletarist movements at night, the South Americans were badly mauled and forced back. The Federals have begun deploying some limited troops to aid in the defense of the region as casualties mount on both sides.
Casualty Lists
Argentina: 3 Conscript Brigades, 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Brazil: 2 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
Colombia: 2 Conscript Brigades
Franco-Burgundian Confederation: 6 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade
Paraguay: 5 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade (+1 Army Quality)
United States of America: 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade
Uruguay: 4 Infantry Brigades (+1 Army Quality)
Mississippi Proletarist Republic: 39 Conscript Brigades
Tennessee Proletarist Republic: 32 Conscript Brigades (+1 Army Quality)

FIGHTING IN THE AMERICAN MIDWEST. Chicago, Allied Territories of America. Unlike in other theaters there proved to be no pause in the raging campaign through Michigan and Ohio this year, as the Allied Territories of America and the United American Republic struggled for control. With the immense resources and refugee manpower available to it, the ATA has assembled a considerable army and has pushed east against the less well trained rebel forces. The heaviest fighting began around Detroit, as the ATA sought to regain control of that industrial city and by default, the rest of Michigan. The UAR managed to put up a sizeable fight, but unfortunately still lost control of the city, as the ATA took Detroit. Despite several minor skirmishes in the north, the victory did ultimately result in the loss of Michigan to the UAR. The fighting soon turned towards Columbus, as the ATA directed its efforts at regaining full control of the state of Ohio. As republican reinforcements slowly arrived the Battle of Columbus became the largest battle in the war to date. To the surprise of foreign observers, the UAR managed to win a tremendous victory around Columbus, managing to encircle and destroy four full divisions on the outskirts of the city. The fighting continued to escalate, but the ATA found itself forced back from the city, and they wound up regrouping as the UAR secured control of the city. Brutally repulsed from the campaign further south, the ATA once more directed its efforts along the Great Lakes, hoping to take Cleveland and outflank the heavy UAR positions in the south. Once more, the general commanding the UAR army demonstrated tactical genius, and managed to outmaneuver and bloodily defeat the ATA forces. In the wake of his second great victory, the city of Detroit once more changed hands, as the routed ATA army was forced out of the region and the UAR regained control. Fighting continued at a smaller scale through the rest of the year, but the recapture of Detroit marked the end of major campaigns by either side.
Casualty Lists
Allied Territories of America: 24 Conscript Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 6 Artillery Brigades (+1 Army Quality)
United American Republic: 28 Conscript Brigades, 9 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 6 Artillery Brigades (+1 Army Quality)

News from Africa and the Middle East​

NEW EARTHQUAKES IN TURKEY. Konya, Turkey. The Middle Eastern nation of Turkey has been troubled once more with a series of fortunately minor earthquakes which have caused light damage to a few villages in the western regions. Less than a dozen people are believed to have been killed in the quakes, thankfully sparing most of the population from any significant losses. Regardless, the government immediately intervened to help provide repairs to the various towns and communities in the afflicted area. The repairs were rapid and efficient, as the army also did its utmost to rebuild the territories and restore faith in the regime. The Turkish government has thanked the military for their support, and hopes that this will be at least a temporary end to the natural turmoil in Anatolia. Geologists from universities in Europe have been invited to begin a survey of the grounds in Turkey, looking for answers to why Turkey and Kurdistan have suffered so many earthquakes recently, and several investigations have been launched to this end.

FIGHTING DIES DOWN IN EGYPT. Cairo, Spain. The violence and rebellion which has taken place over the past few years in Spanish Egypt seems to at last have begun to die down over the course of this year. The Spanish forces have engaged in less skirmishes and battles with rebellious elements of Egyptian society, and it seems that they have won the fight to control Egypt. The amounts of casualties have quickly dropped throughout Egypt, and the Spanish have stated that no major rebel strongholds remain, and it seems that the area is at last firmly under Spain's control. These successes have been lauded at home in Spain, and have been viewed as a tremendous victory for the Spanish empire as a whole, preserving control over one of the most fertile regions of North Africa. The soldiers in this year's fighting have been recognized for their valor, and it appears that their efforts have not been in vain after years of brutal warfare. (+2 Stability in Egypt, -2 Infantry Brigades)

TURKISH UNREST IN WESTERN KURDISTAN. Adana, Kurdistan. The Kurdish rule over what was once eastern Turkey has begun to be highly troubled as the Young Turks mobilize throughout the region. They have begun making small scale attacks upon Kurdish garrisons throughout the region, rallying support of the majority Turk population. The army has been deployed throughout the region to preserve order and control, but has met with limited success as the Young Turks continue to gain the hearts and minds of the masses. The Kurdish army has declared limited local martial law, and has begun instituting heavy patrols throughout the countryside to track down any hidden arsenals or strongholds possessed by the rebels. The efforts have been mostly in vain, but the Kurds have been pleased to report the capture and detainment of a number of Turkish citizens who have been implicated in involvement in the ongoing unrest. The government of Turkey has continued to denounce the Kurdish methods for attacking their Turkish population, but have done little more than issue protests.

STRIKES LAUNCHED IN PONTIC REPUBLIC. Trebizond, Pontic Republic. The Pontic Republic was plagued this year with a series of strikes launched by various social proletarist groups, calling for reform and change in the nation's political system. They have called for the legalization of proletarist organizations, and a de-nationalization of the government to favor the involvement of workers of both Turkish and Greek heritage. The issue quickly became a major debate, and the result was widespread protests and arrests as the government moved to set people back to work in the shut down factories and shipyards. The strike was ultimately broken, as ironically, the government managed to put numerous unemployed Turks to work, taking the jobs of the Greeks who had gone on strike. The backlash against this has been surprisingly low key, as the proletarist unions struggle to regroup and reclaim the Turkish minority for their own support.

ANGOLA BEGINS FLOOD RECONSTRUCTION. Namibe, Angola. The Angolan government has begun launching a major aid and recovery effort for the reconstruction of the provinces after the devastating floods of the past two years. They have pledged to provide the full funds needed for the recovery and support of the people worst afflicted by the natural disasters, giving them the aid they need to restore their homes and farms. Funds and material have been substantially dedicated to the effort, and the Angolan government has gained some aid from their patrons in Brazil. The local garrison has also begun to provide support and security for the reconstruction efforts, helping with construction efforts and providing their own labor to the pool. The government claims that reconstruction will likely be completed within the next two to three years, and that it would wipe away the stain created upon the nation by the severe flooding.

RUSSIA AND KURDISTAN SIGN NEW TREATY. Cizre, Kurdistan. The governments of Russia and Kurdistan have signed a new treaty for the benefit of both powers, with the support of mediation from the Roman Empire. The new Treaty of Cizre includes new trading rights for Russian companies with the Kingdom of Kurdistan, bringing more Russian influence into the Middle East. The treaty has also begun new military and economic cooperation, as Kurdistan drops claims to any region within the Roman Empire, including the recently independent nations such as Turkey and the Pontic Republic. The treaty has been lauded as a worthy attempt to create more peace and stability in the troubled region, but other parties have expressed concern that this is merely more Russian expansionism taking advantage of instability.

BRAZZAVILLE ACCORDS FAIL. Haraldsholm, Kongo. The Brazzaville Accords, signed in 1910, have officially fallen apart this year, as the imperial government in the Kongo and the proletarist government in Scandinavia have ceased all negotiations. The Accords, which called for eventual talks on the reunification of the Scandinavian empire, were slated to hold these talks back for five years. Five years have now passed, and it seems that both sides are only further away from any desire for reunification or reconciliation. Both sides are heaping blame upon the other for the failure of the Accords, as the proletarists accuse the Kongo Colonial Society of sabotaging the efforts by allowing the freedom of Kalinga. Meanwhile, the imperials have claimed that the proletarists have thoroughly destroyed any hopes for peace by their radical reforms and expense created in the wake of their illegal seizure of Stockholm. The result has been no headway, and this year at long last, the representatives of Emperor Harald II finally walked out on the talks, and it seems that any hope for reunification outside of force of arms is now dead.

AZERBAIJAN AND PERSIA SIGN NEW AGREEMENT. Baku, Azerbaijan. In a move certain to raise the eyebrows of Russian diplomats, the governments of Persia and Azerbaijan have signed a defensive and trading agreement. The deal has allowed Persian military advisers to assist in the modernization and development of the Azerbaijani army and military forces. The military element of the agreement has also been followed with the establishment of new trading agreements, reducing the tariffs between the two nations to virtually nil. The hopes are that these will build new and extensive ties among the Shia population in the Middle East, and help secure the independence and security of the region from foreign imperialists. Protests have been issued from Moscow, claiming that the Persians have clearly violated Russia's sphere of influence.

News from the Far East​

TENSIONS EMERGE IN CENTRAL ASIA. Ashgabat, Persia. This year, the Khazak tribal wars and attacks upon the Persian army continued, as the Khazaks continued to use the Russian border to hide their movements and wage attacks upon their enemies to the south. The Persians have found themselves at a loss, being forced to respond to the constantly worsening assaults upon border outposts throughout the region. After appealing to the Russian emperor to respond to the Khazaks' movements, the negotiations quickly began to fall apart, leading to a growing divide between the two nations. Ultimately, the Russians did deploy substantial cavalry forces to the region, working to contain their own localized unrest, especially amid Persian threats to pursue the tribes across the border. The Russians have successfully managed to close off the border to the Khazaks, weakening their efforts in Persia, but the tensions have remained between Tehran and Moscow over the handling of the crisis and the slow Russian response. (+1 Stability in Persia, -3 Infantry Brigades for Persia, -2 Cavalry Brigades for Russia)

NATIONALIST PRESS CONTINUES IN KALINGA. Visakhapatnam, Kalinga. The pan-Indian nationalists have continued to struggle to make their voice heard in the small nation of Kalinga, which has illegalized their presence under pressure from the Scandinavian emperor. The nationalists have been fueled in their support by Spanish calls for local liberation as soon as next year, which could create a powerful nationalist Indian state upon Kalinga's doorstep. The Indians in charge of Kalinga have refused any sort of rapprochement with the princes of Spanish India, denying their rights to rule the Indian people. The nationalist so far seem to be engaged in futile work, and have not gained much more than the tiniest foothold in Kalinga. Most people in Kalinga seem to be fearful that the nationalists will bring only war and suffering to the people in time, and they have been kept out of most political forums and debates throughout the nation.

Financial Section​

ANGOLA PROVIDES RESOURCE STIPENDS. Namibe, Angola. The Angolan government has begun offering substantial stipends and support for any corporations working towards exploiting the resources and potential of the nation. They have also offered some support to local industry, but have found their industrial potential quickly shut down by the Brazilian companies which dominate the nation. The stipends have mostly gone to a number of large agricultural and mining companies based out of Brazil, who own most of the richer territories and mineral rights throughout Angola. They have graciously thanked the Angolans for the support, and continue to mine and export all the resources of the region to Brazil, where they are assembled for industrial purposes. Though the policy was designed to support new companies, any new local companies have been utterly destroyed or assimilated by the Brazilian corporations, who immediately consume any local attempt to compete with their cause.

THE ATLANTIC TARIFF WAR. Hamburg, Germany. Recent political tensions have grown out of alleged technical espionage, which has begun echoing into the economic sphere as well. Brazil's recent forbidding of warships from Germany or its allies being present in the Western Hemisphere has led to retaliation. The governments of Italy and Germany have led the way in raising extensive tariffs upon Brazilian goods, closing them off to all but the wealthiest purchasers within those two nations. What goods are produced are finding ways through other nations, but most believe that the massive rise in the tariffs could well led to a growing economic war. The effects have been felt with a minor downturn as prices have gone up to compensate for the tariff costs that have been placed on companies trading with South America. Brazil and Uruguay have followed suit, also raising tariffs on German and Italian goods, and it seems that the situation will have no immediate resolution.

SCANDINAVIA BEGINS MASS AUTOMOBILE EXPORT. Oslo, Scandinavia. The Syndic of Scandinavia has set aside the funds for the creation of the Manniskorsvagn Foretaget, a worker owned corporation for the construction and sale of automobiles. The issue has come up in some debate in the Manniskorstag, as there has been a strict limit on the amount of these automobiles allowed to be sold in Scandinavia itself. The Syndic has argued that the automobile is a sign of decadence, and will only be used for the most essential purposes in Scandinavia. Surprisingly and possibly thanks to the tariff war between South America and Central Europe, the new automobile produced in Scandinavia has found a large and supportive market in Germany and Denmark, due to the vastly cheaper costs compared to the only real alternative, the Philips automotive company from Argentina. Despite only being established at the beginning of this year, the Scandinavians have already achieved runaway successes with the sale of goods to Central Europe.

PERU SPURS NEW TRADE IN THE CARIBBEAN. Lima, Peru. New ties of commerce and trade have been spurred throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean and the southern Caribbean as Peru expands its trading influence. They have built up new support with the governments in Jamaica and Nicaragua, by creating new trade agreements aimed at reducing tariffs and increasing overall tonnage of trade. The Colombians have also been an impartial witness to this agreement, looking to profit from the increased trade through the Panama Canal now under their control. The initially separate agreements soon turned into something larger as the new military government in Nicaragua ultimately signed its own trading agreement with Jamaica, improving the relationship between those two nations. The efforts have all been applauded as strong drives to preserve peace and prosperity in the region.

ARGENTINA OPENS NEW TRADE DOORS IN EUROPE. Naples, Italy. Despite the growing tensions economically and politically between Central Europe and Brazil, this has not stopped Argentine businesses from raking in a massive profit. Despite the rising tariffs on Brazil, the Argentines have actually lowered the cost of export and import through trade agreements with Italy and the Franco-Burgundian Confederation. The result has been a backdoor into Europe for Argentine and South American businesses through Italy and the Confederation. The result has been that the Argentines have supplanted the Brazilians for exports into Europe, allowing them to fuel their own economic growth even more than their allies.

FINANCIAL FLUCTUATION REPORT. Novgorod, Russia.

The Sports Page​

OLYMPIC COMMITTEE DISPUTES CONTESTANT SHOOTER. Brussels, Flanders. The International Olympic Committee has been thrown into an uproar about the possible inclusion of a Swiss marksperson for the 1916 Olympics. The matter has been thrown into sharp focus as the Swiss person has turned out to be a woman, and while women have not officially been forbidden from the Olympics, it was widely assumed that they would be unable to participate due to the weaknesses of their gender. Therefore, when the Swiss put forward the list of competing athletes for next year in Buenos Aires, the Olympic committee found itself torn in dispute. The debate was turned upon its head, with the intervention of a leading suffragette from Flanders, who argued that if the participant was able to qualify in Switzerland, she should be allowed to participate in the games. Ultimately the committee conceded the point and next year will make history as the first woman participates in the Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

ARGENTINA LAUNCHES OLYMPIC PREPARATIONS. Buenos Aires, Argentina. As the Olympics loom ahead next year, the Argentine government has quickly begun spearheading their efforts to prepare the nation's capital for the events. Funds and materials have been put aside for the construction efforts, as new stadiums and arenas are built to hold the games and security is established. The Argentines are allegedly also preparing for a major opening ceremony for the Olympic Games, providing substantial events for the entertainment of the guests to the city. Allegedly, the government has hired a number of cinematic experts from Rosario to allow presentation of some of the best of local cinema for the opening ceremonies. The global sporting community has begun anxiously looking forward to these events as the Olympic Games' date slowly approaches.

The Cultural Center​

Rise of the Mechanical Parlor
It stands to be reported of a growing trend in Japan over the past few years, as a craze has emerged for the new pachinko machines. The number of parlors catering to this growing obsession among the Japanese people has mushroomed over the past year. It is currently estimated that over three thousand pachinko parlors exist throughout Japan and Japanese controlled China, and even the nation's subject populations seem to be embracing the activity. The inclusion of electronics into later models have further accelerated interest in the game, and it is currently believed that for the time being, pachinko parlors exceed cinemas in both profit and attendance throughout Japan's extended empire. Pachinko has moderately begun establishing a presence elsewhere in the world, as the first machines are introduced through trade to Peru and other parts of the Americas, but these population groups have only taken to it in the most limited manner, as the craze seems mostly exclusive to the Far East.

The Great Tango
Cinematic history was made this year with the release of the new moving picture, The Tango Dancer. The movie has set a large number of records, including large profits, longest running time, and mostly importantly, the first motion picture to feature synchronized dialogue with the clips. Produced in the growing studio town of Rosario, a town noted for its mild climate and beautiful weather, encouraging the growing community there, unique in South America. The movie itself is about the life of an impoverished new immigrant in Argentina searching for a way to join with the greatest musical movement in South America, to become a famous tango writer and conductor. The movie is also the first to feature musical numbers, including no less than six singing and dances pieces, and has been a record smash both in Argentina and globally. The movie has also been responsible for bringing the unique beat and sound of the tango to theaters and cultures worldwide, spurring great interest in the unusual new sound from South America.

Random Stat Changes and Fluctuations and Minor Technological Advances

New Aztec officers and soldiers prove highly competent and strong-willed warriors: +1 Army Quality for Aztlan.

Major rallies declare their support and love for the Emperor of Germany: +1 Stability.

Brittany establishes the Mae'r Milwyr Cudd elite force.

Russia shares construction rights for the Harpoon-class Submarine with Kurdistan.

Jacksonia establishes the Fire Brigade elite forces.

Jacksonia creates and adopts the new Pacific Coast Army 1915 Doctrine.

Italy designs new Sicilia-class Light Cruiser.

Netherlands adopts Confederate Army 1910 doctrine.

Peru shares the King Juan-class Battleship construction rights with Japan and Venezuela.

Japan shares construction rights for the Akizuku-class Destroyer with Peru.

Japan designs new Amagi-class Battlecruiser.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland designs Plymouth-type Fighter Triplane.

Portugal trades construction rights for the Oporto-class Destroyer to Sardinia and Corsica.

Croatia creates and adopts Croatian National Army 1915 Doctrine.

Azerbaijan adopts Persian Royal Army 1910 Doctrine.

New Zealand adopts Portuguese Royal Army 1909 Doctrine.

OOC

Some of the bonuses for tech design have been awarded based on tech you may have held, giving at least something back to those of who you spent countless EP into advancing your technologies. In other technology news, upon further review, I have determined NOT to allow retrofitting old naval designs. Armored and Aircraft designs will still be able to be upgraded and retrofitted as discussed in their related posts. As stated, those who expended into these things have had their money banked instead.

@erez87: Angola already has official universal suffrage, including even women I believe. Also, your elections are based on the Brazilian six year cycle, and don't come up again until 1918.

Just putting this out there: I officially hate spoilers in orders. I get it for nation stats, that's fair enough, but for God's sake, you ALL need to take it easier with spoilers in orders. I'm the only one who will be reading them, and frankly, you're just making it more likely that I'll miss things. I beg you all, please STOP THE SPOILERS. Similarly, I've decided that I dislike the distribution of troops into divisions and whatnot. This has made it only more difficult for me to keep the stats updated. I have no problem with it actually being done, but I would prefer that you keep the troop movements and distributions more simple to save me time in the updating.

@Sam_Sniped: You did not receive the destroyer design you expected. Leftover EP has been banked. Also, you did not received any EP from Portugal, nor would you. Excess EP has been taken out of the expenses into the Industrial project.

@SouthernKing: SoCal is a barren wasteland devoid of intelligent life or civilized society. In this NES however, it is flourishing with actual humans who do productive stuff for society with their irrigation projects.

@EmperorBao: Do you want your intelligence agency to be a recurring policy expense? Also, what exactly are they intelligencing? Domestic threats or foreign ones?

@BILLSIF: Your patron vetoed your proposed reform totally. I suggest you bring it the topic with TheLastJacobite.

@ZeletDude: Due to a lack of tech research, your funds were directed at completing the upgrade of your army doctrine.

@Quisani: I assume you meant the Amagi to be a battlecruiser, since you used the cruiser design template rather than the battleship one.

@Lord_Iggy: I'm assuming you unveil exactly what the doctrine is next year. Usually I prefer knowing the doctrine when the funding is started, but all's good, and the money is listed as a project below your stats.

@ChiefDesigner: Yeah, I see what you did there. I'm afraid just giving all those troops to Mississippi so that you can upgrade is not allowed. Nice try though. The money you put towards upgrading has been calculated, and if you really want all that manpower out of the way, just disband your conscripts.

@TheLizardKing: I did think of a different name, loosely based on the one you gave me. For the purpose of this exercise, let's assume that your airplane manufacturer/designer goes by the last name of Adler.

Matt0088 has been dropped for inactivity, since after all, they had three extra weeks to actually get orders in.

World Map

So two things that deserve their own post:

1. I forgot Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, stay tuned and they will retroactively be added to the update, along with a revised map. Similarly, the non-European stats are not updated until this is complete.

2. Remember, check the front page, the design sections are going to be far different than you recall.

To: Russia
From: The United Kingdom

We would like to immediately begin negotiations to the effect of establishing a joint-medical commission that we may unify our efforts to combat and fight back against this most recent flu pandemic.

EQandcivfanatic said:

@SouthernKing: SoCal is a barren wasteland devoid of intelligent life or civilized society. In this NES however, it is flourishing with actual humans who do productive stuff for society with their irrigation projects.

Click to expand...

...Thanks. On the other hand, a good update, once again!

Angola

to Brazil:
My friends, we need your help. While we proceed with the program to fix our nation after the last natural disaster we wish to request your aid in rushing the process.

Also our nation have become entangled in a terrible situation. Our entire economy is controlled by companies who do not work from Angola and do not help Angolan unemployment and economy. We wish to request from you to cohere Brazilian companies who are in control of Angolan resources to open factories in Angola so we could enjoy economic growth from the resources as well. We beg for this aid before our nation's economy is merely diffused into Brazil and our people begin to go against the government.

From: Workers Commonwealth
To: Kongo Society
CC: Vinland, Franco-Burgundy
This is absolutely unacceptable. We have heretofore understood the Kongo Society as an extension of Scandinavian political authority, a dissenting voice against the goals of the Revolution in Scandinavia and its colonial empire, but a force for Scandinavian authority in those territories nonetheless. Therefore we believed, out of what we are growing to understand was a crippling naivete, that the leaders of the Kongo Society would not only agree to negotiate but do so earnestly out of an interest in unification. You are Scandinavians, after all. We have come to realize this is not the case; so we ask you, what are you if not Scandinavians, and if you are not loyal to the Fatherland then to what?

From: Workers Commonwealth
To: Ecuador
Congratulations on returning to the fold of the Revolution! You know our feelings regarding the tyranny of mediocrity which capitalist "liberals" have enforced throughout the world, and unfortunately in your nation in recent years. Therefore you know we are overjoyed to hear that Ecuador has once again found itself on the path to greatness, as a nation, and freedom as a people. We hope Ecuador will continue to work in congress with the Workers Commonwealth to achieve our common goals of the Revolution in the Fatherland and in Ecuador, and that the High Overseer continues to be interested in and uphold agreements which held true between the Workers Commonwealth and Ecuador during his previous tenure. We say again, congratulations. Lange leve revolutionen, brothers!

From: Workers Commonwealth
To: American Proletarists
Your victories against the tyranny enforced in the western hemisphere by Brazil and its lackeys fill us with hope for the Revolution and pride for your accomplishments. Fight on, for the time is always now!

Crezth said:

To: Russia
From: The United Kingdom

We would like to immediately begin negotiations to the effect of establishing a joint-medical commission that we may unify our efforts to combat and fight back against this most recent flu pandemic.

Click to expand...

To Great Britain
From Russia

We agree wholeheartedly

To: Proletarist Usurpers
From: Empire of Scandinavia

You betrayed and usurped the rightful rulers of the Fatherland, and you are clearly the ones disloyal to it. We have nothing more to say to your government except that we will one day return to Stockholm.

TO: Angola
FROM: Brazil

Our economic arrangements will remain as they have. We will send 10 EP in aid for natural disaster relief.

To: Russia and Great Britain
From: Italy

We would like to invite both your nations to come to Italy and use our Hospital and Medical Research Center for your purposed idea.

To Occitania and Spain
From the Confederation

We hope that these apparently severe tensions on the border between you, both our allies, can be rectified promptly and without unnecessary difficulties. The information available to us seems to indicate that the actions of minor officers of both your armies have been unnecessary inflammatory, and we have little doubt that your army disciplines are sufficiently effective to contain such problems if you desire to, which we also have little doubt that you do. As the ally of both parties, we will be obliged to react in the event of clear escalations being undertaken by either.

To both Scandinavian factions
From the Confederation

We are extremely disappointed at the unnecessarily acrimonious breakdown of talks. However, we continue to maintain that - unless either faction no longer desires such - we are allied to all Scandinavian states which currently control sovereign Scandinavian territory, and we will act to halt any forcible attempt by the KCS to reassert control over the Workers' Commonwealth, or any attempt by the Workers' Commonwealth to reassert control over the KCS.

To Japan
From Kurdistan
What happened to our agreement?

Good to have you back, EQ.

To: Occitania
From: Spain
We demand that you cease your hostile attacks on our borders. We are willing to stand down our patrols, but only if you stand down yours and pull back your forces from the Spanish border as well.

Great update as usual.

A Declaration to American Refugees in Western Vinland, from the united voices of King Ingvar I Gyllensvärd, the Riksdagsledamöter, and Statsminister Grim Magnusson of the Konungariket Vinland

Your grace period has run out. Since your arrival, we have offered you the choice of either becoming citizens of Vinland, or receiving complimentary transportation out of Vinland and into a post-American state of your choice. We have tolerated your hesitation to choose until now, for humanitarian reasons, but this is clearly no longer a simple humanitarian issue. Your continued refusal to accept the laws of the land which surrounds and feeds you leads us to issue this simple, final, declaration.

In simple English, so that you can understand:

Demonstrate your household's ability to support itself, swear allegiance to the King and Elected Government of Vinland, and vow to obey the laws of the land, before July 1, 1916. Doing this will grant yourself and your family Vinlandic citizenship, giving you the ability to vote and receive the services of the Kingdom of Vinland.

OR

Apply for complimentary transportation out of Vinland and into a post-American state of your choice, and depart before July 1, 1916.

If, by July 1, 1916, you have not done either of these two things, then you will be removed from your property and transported out of Vinland.


To: American Successor States
From: Vinland

We find ourselves in the unfortunate situation of potentially having to deport a large number of unlawful refugees who have spent the last three years squatting in Vinlandic territory. We wish to discuss with you the possibilities of your nations receiving these populations.


To: Empire of Scandinavia, Workers Commonwealth of Scandinavia
From: Kingdom of Vinland

If neither faction is willing to resume talks, then we suggest that each of your governments formally recognizes the independence of the other. Truly, this is a bitter pill to swallow, but is it worse than seeing our Nordic brotherhood cast down at the hands of ideological conflict? Again, we advise the Workers Commonwealth to invite back Emperor Harald into a ceremonial position, to recognize his role in the bettering of the state of the workers throughout his reign. Again, we advise the Empire of Scandinavia embrace compromise, for the sake of unity against those who would seek both of you harm. Perhaps the lands of the Kongo Society can operate as a special region within the aegis of the Scandinavian nation.

*****

And a Special OOC Message from Statsminister Grim Magnusson:

That's right! I'm back, skitstövlar! You can't stop Grim!

To: the Empire of the Kongo
From: Spain

With the Second Egyptian Revolt now over, we are now in a position to launch a joint inquiry into the source of weapons and materials that have been flowing to the Egyptian and Abyssinian rebels.

EQandcivfanatic said:

@Quisani: I assume you meant the Amagi to be a battlecruiser, since you used the cruiser design template rather than the battleship one.

Click to expand...

Correct EQ. Good update, and I hope things are working out on your end.

EQandcivfanatic said:

Just putting this out there: I officially hate spoilers in orders. I get it for nation stats, that's fair enough, but for God's sake, you ALL need to take it easier with spoilers in orders... Similarly, I've decided that I dislike the distribution of troops into divisions and whatnot.

Click to expand...

Duly noted.

EQandcivfanatic said:

Just putting this out there: I officially hate spoilers in orders. I get it for nation stats, that's fair enough, but for God's sake, you ALL need to take it easier with spoilers in orders. I'm the only one who will be reading them, and frankly, you're just making it more likely that I'll miss things. I beg you all, please STOP THE SPOILERS. Similarly, I've decided that I dislike the distribution of troops into divisions and whatnot. This has made it only more difficult for me to keep the stats updated. I have no problem with it actually being done, but I would prefer that you keep the troop movements and distributions more simple to save me time in the updating.

Click to expand...

Okay, Spoilers only for stats of any kind.