News from the Americas
PADA LOSES MORE MEMBERS. Santo Domingo, Hispaniola. The withdrawal of Brazil, one of the primary members of the Pan-American Democratic Accord, has shaken that organization substantially, and it seems that yet another nation has abandoned it. After both Puerto Rico and Brazil withdrew, political elements within Hispaniola have been advocating their own withdrawal, stating the weakness, unreliability, and inconsistency of PADA and the remaining member states. The new president, Ruben del Salvador has held his campaign promise high, and with the ratification of the legislature, Hispaniola has ended its membership in PADA. The growing perceived international weakness of PADA has begun to be felt among other member states, as nations in both South and Central America question the validity and value of their continued involvement. Various political movements in Paraguay, Nicaragua, and Ecuador seem to be arguing for greater distance between their nations and what many feel is a failing organization. In Nicaragua, with the recent takeover of the government, the new religious regime there has also spearheaded that country's withdrawal from PADA.
ELECTIONS IN ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The recent global economic surge has proven a boon for the National Conservative Party of Argentina. Previously faced with new challenges from liberals and other groups, the National Conservatives have managed to securely triumph in this year's elections. President Arthur Harkness and the rest of his party campaigned upon the promise of continued economic prosperity and development, providing the whole of the nation with increased wealth and growth. The recent handling of the Thacker crisis with Chile, and the aloof approach to moralism has further won over the support of many who would identify themselves typically as moderates. It was a resounding message, particularly after the violence which took place this year. This method has helped secure not only a reelection for President Harkness, but also the reelection of many representatives of the National Conservative Party in the nation's Congress. Observers see this as more or less an endorsement of the status quo and have noted that while the National Conservatives have won overall, they have not gained much more ground than they already possessed the year before.
ELECTIONS HELD IN ECUADOR. Quito, Ecuador. The elections in Ecuador turned out to be quite different than some expected, as in a surprising move, Prime Minister Mario del Santos legalized several allegedly extremist political parties, including the social proletarists. Though proletarists of all stripes have been illegal since the establishment of a new constitution in 1918, the social proletarists have been viewed as harmless enough to the current regime. The legislation has also legalized groups such as the moralists and various militarist groups. It is believed that this reform has been a move not only mimicking that of Peru but also to mitigate the campaign strategy of the conservatives, who have begun advocating a more independent economic and political course for Ecuador. Unfortunately, this has not proven effective as the liberal National Social Party has lost favor with the masses. Pledging a new series of policies, the conservative Party of Order has triumphed, promising a stronger military, and a revising of the economic terms of the treaties signed with Peru and Colombia. To lead the new government they have appointed the outspoken leader of the "independence" movement, Evaristo Cardona, highly popular and charismatic leader for the masses. (+1 Stability)
ELECTIONS IN PARAGUAY. Asunción, Paraguay. Elections held in the South American nation of Paraguay proved to be a tamer affair than expected this year. Recent international and domestic pressure have caused the Catholic Conservative Party to provide a greater challenge to the traditional champion of conservatives, the National Order Party. Calling for improved ties with moralist movements across the continent, the Catholic Conservative Party is the one most supported by the Catholic Church and the Papacy. Unfortunately for the religious cause, the support has not proven enough to overturn the current government. The soaring economy of both Paraguay and the larger world have helped consolidate the power of the National Order Party, presenting them with firm political stability at home. This has led to opposition parties reducing much of their efforts, and focusing on localized elections rather than the national ones. The policy easily supported the electoral triumph of President Jorge Marcos, and the National Order Party has continued to preserve majority control, despite some modest losses in various smaller local elections to leftist and moralist movements.
PERUVIAN ELECTIONS HELD. Lima, Peru. A rising economy and stable sphere has not been enough to preserve the leadership of the current Liberal Party leading the nation of Peru. The elections proved to be heavily divisive for the liberals, as the government passed legislation legalizing social proletarist parties for the first time in the nation's history. Attempted as a way to play to the liberal base, the move instead tore the party apart, as social proletarists abandoned their support for the Liberal Party, and ending efforts to reconciliation. With the liberals seen as a basket case cause, the Conservative Party has managed to make inroads, securing a solid majority in the nation's Senate, along with a variety of smaller conservative political groups. The victory was many attributed to the division of the liberals, but has also been granted towards conservative promises of strength against the threat of extremist ideals and principles. Lima aristocrat, Fabricio Tendor has been appointed the new President of Peru, and it seems likely that he will stay true to his conservative base and provide security for the South American nation.
ELECTIONS IN VENEZUELA. Caracas, Venezuela. The most heated debates in Venezuelan politics this year have been about the nation's involvement in the Pan-American Democratic Accord and the role of religion in government. The growth of the Catholic Moralism Party has been extensive over the past four years, as religious fervor arises throughout the nation. Anti-liquor and other moral movements have gained substantial traction among the masses, seeking to avert lives of excess and depravity. PADA similarly has fallen into disrepute among this group, as it has been attributed as a league of devils, and corrupt Protestants rather than looking towards the needs of the True Faith. Though their numbers were believed to be few, the Catholic Moralism Party managed to galvanize the masses, and bring to bear surprising political strength. With no true conservative party remaining, the Venezuelan conservatives have turned towards moralism instead. This has turned into a surprisingly large turnout for the religious party, leading to the fall of the liberal government. Both the legislature and presidency have fallen to the Catholic Moralism Party as contender Felix de Puga has managed to oust President Luis Pisani. The liberals have expressed concern that this could mean the end of the current democracy, which was hard fought for after Trujillo's death in 1921. Still, the masses seem to be backing the new government, and its moves ahead are so far unclear. (+1 Stability)
SECTARIAN VIOLENCE ERUPTS IN ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The recent Thacker Crisis has been a substantial foreign debacle in the southernmost parts of South America, but it has begun to have ramifications domestically for Argentina too. There has been some resistance even at home among Catholics towards the efforts of Protestant missionaries towards moralism, and this has turned to violence. Catholic militia groups have struck against the more evangelical churches throughout Argentina, through use of firebombs and random gunfire into congregations. More than a dozen such incidents took place within the first few months of the year alone. Protestant congregations soon took up arms of their own, and wound up engaged in multiple gun battles against with Catholic militias, causing extensive damage throughout the smaller towns and villages of Argentina. Eventually the government stepped in, ultimately resulting in the deaths of several prominent members of the Catholic clergy. Local authorities have reported that a number of Catholic priests sponsored and supported the initial attacks which began the violence. When raids were launched to confiscate the arms of the militias, it was reported that the priests actually took up arms against the authorities, firing upon them. Their deaths have led to the rapid soothing of some tensions and an immediate end to the violence, though simmering resentment and protests have remained at the handling of the affairs. (+1 Stability)
PETROLEUM WORKERS ORGANIZE IN AZTLAN. Oaxaca, Aztlan. The Aztec oil industry has faced a rising new group of organized labor in their nation, which has begun to mobilize due to growing Floridian and American involvement in the local petroleum industry. The new Body of Aztec Oil Field and Refinery Workers have begun to recruit from workers throughout the nation, seeking out potential for new growth against corporate corruption. As the main platforms of their base, they have begun to call for nationalization of the oil fields, and a closeout of American and Floridian companies. They have also lobbied for better working conditions, particularly in the wake of the oil fires not long ago. The union is still in birthing stages, and have begun to search out new members, though some of the more established local companies have stated that their own workers' union membership is not nearly as large as those owned by foreign corporations.
LEADER OF COSTA RICA STRIKES RIVALS. San Jose, Costa Rica. The reign of General Lopez de Luz has always been fairly tenuous and uncertain, and this year it appeared that at last he may have faced a final threat. Rumors were growing about further discontent in the officer corps which threatened to bring an end to his government. It was believed that rebellious forces would soon oust the general from power for their own malevolent aims. The general, however, caught wind of these plots and struck first. Taking the offensive to destroy multiple rivals, as well as to crack down on grass roots rebellious movements, the general has won a major victory. His triumph has come with the crushing of most of those who would oppose his reign, bringing new stability and strength to Costa Rica for the first time in decades. The general has pledged that this is the first step to the revitalization of the local economy and the rebirth of Costa Rica as an independent and prosperous nation. (+1 Stability)
MILITARY AND EXECUTIVE SEIZE POWER IN NICARAGUA. Managua, Nicaragua. After last year's highly disruptive and contentious elections, there has been a political standstill amongst government officials in the Central American nation of Nicaragua. The liberal Democratic Society Party, which had achieved a majority in the nation's Congress has refused any substantial cooperation with moralist President Hugo Urbina. President Urbina enjoys the significant support of the military and the masses, calling for reform similar to that being undertaken in Chile and Uruguay. The Democratic Society has opposed much of this on ideological grounds and thus has done their best to stand in the way. This year, the military, acting of its own accord, responded to these pressures from the liberals by acting with the support of the President. The Congress has been disbanded and a number of key spokesmen for the Democratic Society Party have been arrested by the government. The army has declared temporary martial law, though it was lifted by the end of the year. President Urbina continues to act as the head of state, pledging a purer nation under God, protected by faith and a strong executive and military branch of government. So far he has retained his popularity among the masses, and with the support of the army, it seems that most threats against the Urbina regime are nonexistent internally, allowing for consolidated control in Nicaragua. (+1 Stability)
HOSTILITY TOWARDS PROTESTANTS MANIFESTS IN PARAGUAY. Pilar, Paraguay. Despite the successes of more secular political groups in this year's elections in Paraguay, there has been a notable rise in disdain and contempt for Protestant sects. Though the moralists have gained some minor ground in Paraguay's Congress, they have been far more successful in grass roots intervention, fighting against the "corruption of the Protestant scourge of Argentina." Railing against modern films and music emanating with consistent frequency from the country to the south, the moralists have pledged to fight against decadence and decay, advocating a simpler life. They have gained substantial support on a grass roots level but have avoided much public attention until this year. Their discontent has turned into a series of violent acts, including riotous protests in front of theaters showing Argentine films, attacks on Protestant preachers, and intimidation tactics against non-Catholic voters. The matter has caused some concern among law enforcement authorities, but the Paraguayan government has so far refused to take any official stance on the matter.
DESERTIONS ON THE RISE IN PERU. Lima, Peru. Military and government officials have begun to announce something of considerable concern to the nation as revealed this year. Recruitment has dropped to a record low, and the nation's armed services have faced a severe dearth of volunteers and conscripts to serve. With the increase in local prosperity and growth, the army is no longer the assured meal ticket to wealth and fame that it used to be. With a considerable amount of new jobs and positions available to the working man, people are seeking early exit from the military to take employment in civilian life. Combined with allegedly worse treatment for new recruits in a proportionately large military, the Peruvian armed forces have found that many regiments are severely understrength. The army has continued to promise harsh punishment for these deserters, but it has proven difficult to track down these departed individuals. (-4 Infantry Brigades)
VALHALLA MOVEMENT CAUSES CONCERN IN VINLAND. Nya Stockholm, Vinland. Politicians in Nya Stockholm have begun to receive reports of an underground sporting event called the "Ring of Valhalla." It has been alleged that these groups have been sponsoring literal fights to the death among participants in bloody gladiatorial style fights. Local law enforcement authorities have stated that the rings are popular among the wealthy, and this year within Nya Stockholm itself, police broke up a ring which was implicated in kidnapping homeless migrants. According to an expose by a local newspaper, the wealthy and young have been pitting these poor souls in fights to the death and keeping them imprisoned the rest of the time. Local religious leaders have decried these activities as a sign of decadence of the current regime, and authorities have been notified through interrogation that other such rings could exist throughout the other cities of the nation.
THACKER CRISIS RESOLVED IN CHILE. Santiago, Chile. Last year the arrest of notable Protestant minister, Lynton Thacker, caused immediate and virulent tensions to mount between Chile and Argentina. The Chilean government was eager to try him for crimes against the regime, having accused him of undermining the policies of the current moralist president. Argentina protested extensively, and garnered substantial foreign support for their cause, and Chile was forced to free the minister and allow him to return home. Chile refused to completely concede the issue, confiscating the assets of Thacker's mission in the south, and sending home his staff under armed guard. Argentina further protested these measures, claiming that this is demonstration that Chile does not respect private property or rights. Chile pushed forward anyways, and relations are at an all-time low between the two powers. This was exacerbated as Minister Thacker has once more begun causing trouble, broadcasting by radio from a station in Patagonia, preaching against the Chilean regime. Santiago has issued a token protest, but it seems that they do not wish to escalate the matter any further.
COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA SIGN NEW TREATIES. Bogota, Colombia. This year the governments of Colombia and Venezuela have signed two highly controversial treaties, the first establishing the fledgling Bolivar Economic Zone. The Bolivar Economic Zone is designed to improve and expand local oil flow and production, while reducing tariffs and assisting with the construction of infrastructure. Ecuador has been invited to join, but the current government there appears less than eager to engage in further economic agreements with Colombia. The second of the two treaties is the Treaty of Friendship between Colombia and Venezuela, which establishes a defensive pact between the two nations, also allowing for cooperative training efforts and several other arrangements. Opposition forces in Venezuela have been outraged by this agreement, and have decried the regime of President Felix de Puga for this first, highly controversial act of his regime. Liberals and moderates alike have stated that this action exposes the vulnerability of Venezuela to its greatest enemy, the hated Colombians. Even among the Moralists, most are less than pleased that Venezuela is now allied with the nation that most Venezuelans despise the most. This could bode poorly for future elections with the moralists in Venezuela. There has been a somewhat similar reaction in Colombia as well, though significantly less virulent. The opposition in Colombia has pointed out that this new agreement effectively recognizes the Venezuelan occupation of the province of Santa Marta, which has always been opposed by all prior Colombian regimes.
FLORIDA ENACTS AMBITIOUS NEW PROGRAMS. Dallas, Florida. The government of President Lockwood and the United Front in Florida have begin immediately pushing forward a number of promising new programs with their new mandate from the masses. They have pledged that a new era is at hand to live up to the true promises of the old American Republic and ideals. These programs have been pushed forward against conservative opposition in Congress, as the United Front holds a clear majority. The first and largest of these efforts is the New Republican Order, which has begun establishing stronger links between the government and the economy. They have stated that the goal is to ensure that the best and brightest will always govern the national wealth. Government funds have provided support to enterprising young businesses, accelerating their development. As a move to those outside industry, the Rural Action Plan is dedicated towards provided vital infrastructure and development to areas outside of urban centers. Lastly, the New Patriots Program has been dedicated towards revising curriculums and developing a new educational program for Florida's institutes of higher learning. While the programs have all been brought legally through Congress, there has been immense criticism of the high yearly expense of the efforts, decrying the corruption and kickbacks which seem to be integral to the implementation of the plans. President Lockwood has assured reporters that the efforts are for the betterment of the nation as a whole.
BRAZIL BEGINS NEW HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. First Minister Souza announced this year an ambitious new project to bring new safety to the Brazilian people. The construction of a large highway along the Brazilian coast has been dedicated to helping allow the Brazilian military to have a rapid and mobile response to any attack. With the recent embargo from Europe and the turmoil throughout Africa and North America, it seems that a hostile world exists. The government has stated that the new roads will allow the military of Brazil to respond with the greatest haste against any and all possible threats. There is also likely to be a marginal economic benefit, as the construction of the new roads provides chances for new labor, plus it could allow greater speeds and usage of automobiles for personal travel from city to city.
SCHISM IN ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Catholic Church in Argentina suffered a major blow this year, as they found a local movement which spurred a schism within the clergy and congregation. A number of lower level priests have begun to state that the current involvement of the papacy in a large number of secular affairs has diminished the perceived papal infallibility. They have begun to reject this notion, and in a major conference on the affairs of the Church of Argentina, have rejected the idea of meddling in Argentine politics. Most of the opposition has been from the younger members of the clergy, seeking to remove corruption from the church and focus on religious affairs. They have refused to recognize the current papacy, and have split into the Old Church of Argentina. A portion of the congregation has departed with them, and local legal disputes have erupted on the ownership of various churches, as the separated clergy claim the old Catholic territories should belong to their congregation. The Papacy has appointed new clergy to replace them, and has stated that services will continue regardless of the opinion of a few dissidents.
COLOMBIA BEGINS WORK ON NEW CITY. Bolivar, Colombia. In the territories of northern Colombia, predominantly those formerly controlled by the United States of America, the infrastructure of the region has been neglected beyond the vital canal. The Colombian government now seeks to change all that as they begin construction of the new city of Bolivar, part of the larger economic agreement with Venezuela. The construction of the new city is to be planned on a grid layout, seeking to create a modern metropolis prepared for automobiles and to host a large amount of modern industrial complexes. They have also begun construction of numerous oil refineries and other structures, but business seems hesitant to move from their current locations. Surprisingly, the economic group apparently most interested in the new construction is the fledging cinematic groups in Colombia, seeking a new place to film free of existing city regulations. While heavy industry seems unwilling to commit the funds to build extensive new plants in an untested area, the film industry is obviously more than happy to oblige the government.
REFORM PASSED BY JACKSONIAN PUBLIC. Jefferson, Jacksonia. President Tuff of Jacksonia and several cooperating members of Congress proposed new legislation this year, presented to the people of the nation. As a constitutional reform, the new laws revolve around the participation within government and the legislative process. The laws proposed would place a one-term limit on presidents and a three-term limit for all legislators. The legislation also includes radical tolerance for all races and cultures, a move unthinkable to other Americans in the United States and Jacksonia. Many view this as the natural progression of the Jacksonian republic, taking steps in the true direction of the founders of the American Republic. Lastly, the new laws forbid the taking of any funds to influence legislative voting in order to prevent corruption of the political process. Surprisingly, the legislation has found plenty of support among Congress, gaining support both there and amid the public plebiscite. The laws were quickly passed, and President Tuff congratulated the Jacksonian public and Congress on taking a strong step towards a true democracy of the people.
CUBAN CIVIL WAR COMES TO ABRUPT END. Havana, Cuba. The fighting in Cuba escalated rapidly this year as the republican government struggled to restore their power and influence over the rest of the island. Aware that they were woefully outgunned on the land, but equipped with support from the Pan-American Democratic Accord, including new tanks and a naval blockade, they were forced to a realization. The militarists possessed substantially more weapons and resources than the republicans, meaning that an offensive had to be launched before they became too outnumbered to survive the onslaught. The republican offensive started well, but slowly bogged down, despite being backed up by Vinlander aircraft. Heavy casualties were suffered as they pushed east until eventually the attack came to a close. The Cuban aircraft devastated the older Vinlander blames, outflying them to every degree, and eventually turning their own bombs upon the enemy ground forces. With the defeat of their push, the militarists attacked themselves, routing the Cuban republican forces, and smashing through the center of their lines. The rout was lethal, leaving Havana essentially undefended as the military's forces pushed west. With the city about to fall, the republican government vowed a last stand, as their families and other refugees began to flee. Sailors were impressed into ground combat, as a last ditch defense of Havana attempted to hold makeshift lines. They proved little more than fodder for the militarist's forces, who quickly broke through. With the collapse of the defenses, the army seized the city, and those of the republican government were arrested, as most naval vessels were scuttled in the harbor by their crews to prevent capture. President Garcia has issued an immediate amnesty for all those who fought for the republican government, allowing them to return home without harassment. He has stated that the opponents of true freedom in Cuba have been defeated, allowing for the return of proper governance.
Casualty Lists
Cuba (Militarist): 7 Conscript Brigades, 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade, 2 Sim27 Fighter Squadrons (+1 Army Quality, +1 Air Force Quality)
Cuba (Republican): 9 Conscript Brigades, 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Lejon-Modell Armored Brigade, 3 Artillery Brigades, 9 Trovão-class Destroyers, 1
Lioness-class Battlecruiser, 1 A-170 Fighter Squadron, 1 Sim27 Fighter Squadron
Vinland: 2 F-25 Fighter Squadrons, 2 P-16 Fighter Squadrons (+1 Air Force Quality)
UPRA COMPLETES AUTHORITY PROGRAM. Chattanooga, United Proletarist Republics of America. Chief Deputy Scipio of the United Proletarist Republics of America announced this year the successful and triumphant completion of the Mississippi Valley Reclamation Authority. The project began as an idealized program to harness the natural energy of the UPRA's many rivers throughout the north and west. It was expanded to include a number of efforts to increase local production and infrastructure, helping the people of the UPRA regroup from the devastation that was the wars of the American Crisis. The program was at last completed this year, and has been stated to achieved all of its numerous goals, despite being slightly reduced in scope due to agreements made with Florida over the Mississippi River. The Council of Deputies has declared that this is the largest step the nation has taken to establishing a self-sufficient workers' state and making it defensible against any threat.
COLORADO RIVER DISPUTE. Boulder City, Jacksonia. The Colorado River, marking the border of Florida and Jacksonia, was in dispute this year as elements of both nations make claims to various outlets and water production. With rainfall at a low for the past two years, the Colorado River has become essential for farmers in the southern counties of Jacksonia. The Floridians too have laid claim to the water for their own farming and irrigation, causing shortages and disputes. This scenario repeated itself up and down the river's banks, as neither side managed to reach localized agreements on water distribution. Failure of negotiations resulted in the outbreak of local violence between militias from both nations. The Jacksonian Bear Valley Militia engaged in combat with the South Colorado Farmer's Militia from Florida starting on the fifteenth and concluding upon the eighteenth. Dozens were killed or wounded on both sides, resulting in the intervention of the Floridian military, which was accused of crossing over the Colorado River to end the fighting. The situation continued to escalate until both governments took efforts to help the parties stand down. Representatives from Vinland were sent to help mediate a peace agreement, and a solid treaty was proposed and accepted. Florida accepted a long-term solution of a 25/75 split on water resources, and will civilly prosecute those responsible for the incursion. PADA officers will assess the damage dealt, and Florida pledged to remunerate the citizens of Jacksonia who have suffered losses due to the military incursion. Obviously, this treaty turned out to be highly unpopular back in Florida, as more farmers in Florida depended upon the resources of the Colorado than in Jacksonia. This has increased bitterness towards PADA and Vinland, as the nation looks to blame others for the failure of the government to protect their interests.