News from the Americas
URUGUAY OUTLAWS LIQUORS. Montevideo, Uruguay. The Uruguayan government has taken a moral step forward as they have outlawed the production and sale of alcoholic beverages, excepting wine for communion. They have stated that this is a needed step to help forestall the horror of decadence and impropriety, helping to maintain the Catholic moralist attitudes of the people. The law has gone into effect immediately, as police shut down old bars and similar lounges, and a crackdown begins on illegal brewing. While religious spokesmen have applauded the step by the legislature, the opposition has decried this as an attack on individual freedom and life, and a reach far out of the bounds of the government. The legislation is likely to be highly disputed in the 1935 elections, but for now, it seems the Congress and people are in favor of these new laws.
STRIKES DISSIPATE IN USA. Boston, United States of America. A major strike which was launched last year finally began to subside during the summer as an unusually intense heat wave caused numerous people to collapse, hurting the ranks of the striking workers. As union funds and finances began to run low, workers began to drift away from the picket lines and return to work. Combined with the hiring of unemployed workers from elsewhere in the country, including negroes from the South and West, eventually the strike was marginalized to irrelevance. While some have commended President Henry Harris for refusing to intervene in the affairs of private business, others have condemned him for allowing the strike to reach the point where it had been ongoing for nearly a full year. The Southern businessman continues to dominate economic ownership in New England, but for the time being it seems as though the average worker is powerless to stop him.
WAR ERUPTS IN CENTRAL AMERICA. Managua, Nicaragua. A seemingly remote incident has escalated into a larger war between the small Central American states of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Tensions have existed between the two states ever since the collapse of the United States of New Spain, but before diplomacy has always prevailed. The completion of the De Luz Line along the border with Colombia seems to have given the Costa Rican government a bit more confidence in their diplomatic actions. A routine patrol by Costa Rican forces encountered a Nicaraguan force deep within their borders. The Nicaraguan military claimed that the force was only lost while on patrol, but Costa Rica denounced it as an invasion of their sovereign soil. The result in the area was a firefight which led to the destruction of the Nicaraguan patrol within Costa Rican borders. Nicaragua retaliated with the bombing of a Costa Rican outpost elsewhere along the border, and soon war was at hand. Both sides had prepared for just such an outbreak of war, and the Costa Rican attacked first, striking and momentarily surprising the Nicaraguan army. It was rapidly repulsed, as overwhelming airpower was brought to bear against Costa Rica. The Nicaraguan army then invaded Costa Rica themselves, but found their advance quickly stalling against determined resistance. President Hugo Urbina has proclaimed that Nicaragua is fighting for a sane and people's government to be established in Costa Rica, and that he does not seek to restore the United States of New Spain.
Casualty Lists
Costa Rica: 3 Infantry Brigades
Nicaragua: 3 Infantry Brigades
ELECTIONS IN BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When the election cycle began this year in Brazil, most astute political bets remained upon the Partido Liberal retaining the majority and continuing the policies of the past six years. All bets were off, however, as the events of Black Tuesday brought low a good segment of Brazilian financial markets and commerce only weeks before the election. Opponents from left and right rose up in outrage, finding much to blame for the current economic woes. Many accuse the government's foreign policies, or even their allegedly wasteful policies of roadway expansion domestically. What was once an all but certain election quickly turned into a free for all. To the forefront has arisen the Partido Moralista, which has managed to triumph, blaming the economic failure on a lack of traditional values and morals. Víctor Simões, a former student at a seminary before turning to politics and a heir to one of Brazil's largest fortunes, has been granted the position of the First Minister by the legislature. He has pledged to lead a new era in Brazilian politics and history, one dedicated to moral living and growth. (+1 Stabiliy)
FLORIDIAN ELECTIONS HELD. Dallas, Florida. The main issue at hand in the Floridian elections this year was quite clearly the ongoing war with the Jacksonians. The United Front has lived up to their name, calling for all Floridians to remain united behind President Lockwood and to support the soldiers currently dying in the name of freedom. Though liberal and proletarist parties have remained officially illegal under current legislation, the United Front has begun welcoming an increasing number of leftist members into Congress. These members have been loudly calling for electoral reform, while still supporting President Lockwood and the fight against Jacksonia. The welcoming of leftists has allowed the United Front to retain a clear majority, while becoming better known as a liberal movement themselves. Conservative parties continue to struggle to gain a proper hold in Congress, but have been unable to gain much traction. On the presidential front, President Lockwood has defeated all contenders for the executive office, and remains a highly popular figure in Floridian politics.
ELECTIONS IN NICARAGUA. Managua, Nicaragua. The outbreak of war gave some courage to members of opposition parties in Nicaragua, as some have sought to oust President Urbina and bring back the legislature. Opposing the president was Carlos Inez, a proud proponent of liberalism and a highly charismatic leader. The elections were hard fought by both candidates, and supporters of each party proved violent in their campaigning and rallies. The police and military were shamelessly used to intimidate the supporters of the opposition, as the army continues to support the reign of President Urbina. The election results eventually did come in, but have been highly disputed. According to official government reports, President Urbina has won reelection, but there is highly suspect amounts of fraud on behalf of the regime. Furthermore, the election results have been classified, and Carlos Inez has been reportedly placed under house arrest by Nicaraguan military forces. (-1 Stability)
ELECTIONS HELD IN THE UNITED STATES. Chicago, United States of America. The elections in the United States of America have been once more highly contested as the New Liberty Party continues to campaign on the platform of reform. They have called for loosened restrictions upon travel for negroes in the western states, while at the same time cried out for a reduction of tensions with the numerous neighboring nations, especially taking a more active role in the War of the Colorado. They have faced some internal dissent, however as many accuse the New Liberty Party of failing to live up to their 1928 promises of the same agenda. There has been a noted political split, as the Social Proletarist Party grows in size and strength, and the New Liberty weakens. This has had the net result of providing the Republican Party with the largest amount of seats in Congress once more. This has marked a rapid recovery from the time of President Wallace, as President Harris has actually managed to win a majority of the votes in the elections. He has promised security, both economic and political, and has achieved major support throughout the South and West and among the wealthier states in the Midwest while New England remains split between social proletarists and liberals.
BLOOD IN THE STREETS OF COSTA RICA. San Jose, Costa Rica. The outbreak of a war with Nicaragua has had severe political ramifications at home in Costa Rica. The population of the nation is less than enthused about the beginnings of a new conflict, which seems to have already stalemated between the two belligerents. The fighting has grown in intensity and brutality, and the local population marched upon government buildings in San Jose, led by students calling for an end to the bloodshed. Unfortunately, this call was met with the shedding of blood regardless as military forces fired upon the protestors, some of whom were able to fire back. The fighting in the city streets grew increasingly violent throughout the day, as the military fought to establish control. Martial law has been declared throughout San Jose and the surrounding area, as army units have been held in reserve to prevent further unrest or unlawful treason against the regime of General Lopez de Luz.
BOMBING KILLS MINISTERS IN ECUADOR. Quito, Ecuador. The house of the Ecuadorian Congress was rocked this year when multiple bombs were detonated immediately after a meeting by the legislature. The bombs kill six members of Congress, and wounded many more, as well as killing dozens of aids and local police. The bombings were devastating in effect, and those killed were critical members of a number of essential committees. Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by local anarchists, who have been able to successfully elude the investigators and police undertaking the response. The loss of these critical members of government has led to Prime Minister Evaristo Cardona appointing other members of the Party of Order to the now vacant seats. This sidestepped the mandated elections which would have had to have been held to fill the seats, and much protest has arisen from other political voices. Much criticism has been made about the establishment of a Party of Order government, as only one of the slain was an actual member of the party. Darker voices have even accused the Party of Order of masterminding the attack to begin with, though these have been loudly dismissed by the official opposition. (-1 Stability)
ANTI-WAR PROTEST TURNS VIOLENT IN JACKSONIA. Jefferson, Jacksonia. What began as a protest by only a few dozen students turned into a bloody affair this year in the Jacksonian capital of Jefferson. These students, claiming that the government should allow a more lenient compromise treaty with Florida over the Colorado River, marched in favor of ending the war at any cost. Police were present to keep an eye upon the protest, and multiple protestors ultimately attacked several police officers, who were badly injured. The officers then fired upon the protestors, leading to numerous casualties. This marked the onset of new riots and angry activity by not just the students but other outraged groups, including criminals. The orgy of looting and violence which followed engulfed the capital for two full days as military reserve units were deployed to restore order. Tremendous damage had already been done, as the government has sought to restore order in the wake of chaos.
MARCOS GOVERNMENT DENOUNCED IN PARAGUAY. Asunción, Paraguay. A major political dispute emerged this year as the government of President Jorge Marcos has been accused of corruption. The
Asuncion Post has alleged that an independent investigation has revealed that the conservative regime has taken multiple bribes from Brazilian businesses for operation rights. They have claimed that the agreements made with the Brazilian companies have not only undermined Paraguayan economic success, but also the sovereignty of the nation. The investigation is still allegedly ongoing and President Marcos has outright denied these claims, though the opposition has demanded that impeachment hearings begin immediately. There seems to be a growing risk of the fall of the current government, as the web of corruption is further exposed by the press.
HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE IN BRAZIL. Recife, Brazil. Brazilian construction authorities were pleased to announce this year, the end of an ambitious program to connect most of the nation's cities to a large paved highway system. These new roads have been designed to connect the vital centers of the county with newly designed facets in such construction. The efforts have been widely popular and provided much work and employment to people throughout the Brazilian nation. The objective has been to create a strong network of roads which would allow the Brazilian military to respond quickly and effectively to any invasion whether by land or sea. Army traffic is of course given priority in these cases, but the roads have been opened to use by private citizens in their own personal automobiles. There has been some new issues as the roadways began usage this year, however. Criminals have been using fast cars and the highways to commit crimes in one province and then quickly move away to avoid detection, well out of the jurisdiction of local authorities. Crime has been mounting quickly, and with the new economic woes, seems only likely to worsen in coming years.
CONFRONTATION IN THE CARIBBEAN. Kingston, Jamaica. The small nation of Puerto Rico acquired some modern new destroyers this year, and in an effort to show them off as a primary naval guardian, undertook war games taking them to the coast of Jamaica. Far out of reach of their main naval bases or air protection, this was viewed as a direct threat to the proletarist regime of Jamaica, which immediately deployed their own ships to respond. Under orders to display Puerto Rican naval abilities off to the proletarists, the ships sailed in close, and despite warnings from the Jamaican ships, began firing rounds as part of their war games. Concerned that an attack was to take place, the Jamaicans fired warning shots towards the Puerto Ricans, and the Puerto Ricans returned fire, provoking a minor naval engagement. The Puerto Ricans were outnumbered, as the Jamaicans were able to outmaneuver them and one destroyer was sunk while the other was disabled. One Jamaican destroyer was also sunk in the process of the minor engagement. The remaining Puerto Rican destroyer was seized and taken back to Kingston while the crew was interned. Negotiations have begun on the return of the crew as the situation remains tense throughout the region.
Casualty Lists
Jamaica: 1 Patrick-class Destroyer
Puerto Rico: 2 Tufão II-class Destroyers
UPRA CLOSES BUREAU OF RESETTLEMENT. Chattanooga, United Proletarist Republics of America. The government of the United Proletarist Republics of America announced the closure this year of the nation's Bureau of Resettlement. The Bureau has been long responsible for moving those displaced by the American Crisis to areas where they could serve most productively for the state. They have offered stipends and support for those leaving the UPRA, even white people choosing to depart their old lands for perceived safety in the United States of America. Chief Deputy Scipio has announced that the time of reconstruction has come to an end and that the nation is fully prepared to begin advancing to the next stage of progress and development. The end of the resettlement program has marked a normalization of affairs as people have determined to remain home with rising new employment and opportunities.
WAR OF THE COLORADO RIVER. New Paris, Jacksonia. The war between Jacksonia and Florida has continued, and reached a new degree of ferocity this year. Technology has been used to a horrific degree, as the Floridians demonstrate the true strength of modern airpower. Portuguese-built bombers have been used to drop massive amounts of bombs and wreck untold devastation upon civilian areas behind the front lines. Major industrial centers along the Pacific coast have been badly pummeled by frequent, almost daily bombing raids, though they now mostly only come at night. Every day it seems a different target is struck at throughout southern Jacksonia, as thousands of civilians have been killed in the relentless bombardment. On occasion the raids go further north, but Jefferson has only been struck once by attacking bombers. The Floridians have maintained overwhelming air superiority, though it has not served them as well on the actual battlefield. Trapped in the Salton Valley, the Floridians have found their bridgehead under constant bombardment, and have been unable to break through the Jacksonian lines. Heavy casualties have been inflicted both along the southern Colorado River, and further north as raids were repulsed by Jacksonian militia and patrols. The fighting has remained heavy, and while the Floridians have made some miniscule advances, the fighting has bogged down into trench warfare reminiscent of the Confederate-Brandenburg front in the Great War.
Casualty Lists
Florida: 31 Conscript Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade (+1 Army Quality)
Jacksonia: 19 Conscript Brigades, 1 Infantry Brigade, 4 Artillery Brigades (+1 Army Quality)
COSTA RICA FINISHES NEW FORTS. San Jose, Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans, having once anticipated a war with Colombia, but not with Nicaragua, have found their worst military scenario a reality. A border dispute has escalated into bloodshed with the Nicaraguans while the Colombians hang ominously to the south. The Costa Rican government, despite the ongoing war, determined that it was high priority to complete the southern border forts. Seeking to safeguard the nation from a Colombian attack, the new forts are of the most modern variety, using efficient heavy guns and equipment to act as an impressive bulwark against any assault. It has been hoped that these new defensive lines will act as a deterrent to Colombian ambitions, retaining a buffer against the possibility of attack while the war with Nicaragua continues to rage.
News from Africa and the Middle East
OVAMBO PROCLAIMED A LAND OF THE PEOPLE WITH NEW CONSTITUTION. Velamanville, Ovamboland. The constitution reform undertaken this year in Ovamboland has led to a surprising political development. The liberal republican faction of Xolani Zubizarreta has been overtaken in authority and position by the traditional proletarist faction of Amadi Beloyi. The new government has been structured loosely along the lines of the similar regimes in Scandinavia and the United Proletarist Republics of America. The government functions democratically upon the regional and provincial levels, providing a voice to all members of the state. The new Beloyi government has pledged that the new system of governance will ensure full equality and prosperity for all of the Ovambo people. The constitution proposed by his faction has been voted in by a majority of the nation, and the newly elected Syndic Beloyi has promised that this will be the first step towards new prosperity. (+1 Stability)
INFLUENZA SPREADS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN AFRICA. Maun, Botswana. The departure of the British Empire from most of southern Africa has been celebrated by the native peoples right up to the point of departure of the British health infrastructure. Most of the health clinics which had been present during British rule closed up in the wake of the chaos emerging with independence, and there has been no one to check the spread of influenza throughout the region. The virulent disease has made its presence known throughout the newly formed nations, leading to the death of mostly the elderly and children. The casualties have been fairly low in number compared to past global outbreaks, as the disease's current epidemic seems mostly contained in southern Africa. Other nations have issued traveled warnings towards visiting these nations, though the number of outright fatalities has been fairly low.
ELECTIONS IN HOLLANDIA. Mombasa, Hollandia. Elections were held throughout the nation of Hollandia for political office among the country's eligible white voters. The whole of the voting process has been dominated by the xenophobic Nationalist Party, which has continued to advocate stronger border security and internal control. Stadtsholder Falk van Aarle has maintained that the surrounding nations of Adjuuramark, Mozambique, and Abyssinia are all preparing an inevitable invasion. The stadtsholder has pledged that under the watch of himself and the Nationalists, the Hollandian people and way of life will remain protected. This has proved an effective campaign platform, and once more Stadtsholder Falk van Aarle and the Nationalist Party have returned to office, with scarcely a bump downward in the polls.
ATTACKS IN FRENCH CENTRAL AFRICA. Moanda, Burgundy. Casualties have begun mounting in French Central Africa this year, as Burgundian rule has begun to be opposed by an organized local rebellion. Seeking achieve independence like much of southern and eastern Africa, the rebels have developed strong ties with other organizations, seeking o overthrow Burgundy's colonial regime. So far the attacks have been fairly minor, but throughout the year, the casualties have begun to add up upon the cavalry patrols sent into the interior. The government has declared local martial law and additional forces have been deployed inland, but have faced heavy opposition and a swell of support for the rebels among local villages. The situation has not destabilized further thanks to the arrival of reinforcements from the coast, but the death toll continued to rise throughout the year. (-1 Cavalry Brigade)
KABINDANS ACHIEVE INDEPENDENCE. Luanda, Kabinde. Another harsh blow has been dealt to European imperialism in Africa this year, as the Dutch colony of Kabinde rose in open revolt against the rule of the Netherlands. As the actual fighting began several years ago, with limited local revolts, the Dutch have done their best to contain the actual fighting and unrest. These efforts have been mostly futile, as the rebel cause has grown exponentially over the years. The fall of British southeast Africa and Angola has exacerbated the situation as numerous new guns and munitions became available to the rebellion. This year, the rebels felt confident enough to rise into open battle against the Dutch garrison, winning numerous opening victories and marching upon Luanda. The Dutch forces did their best, fighting the advance to a standstill around the city. With no support coming from the Netherlands itself, the Dutch were forced to make a negotiated settlement with the rebels. The fighting was called off, and the independence of Kabinde was recognized, and a ceasefire was established, allowing the Dutch to withdraw their remaining forces and civilians from the besieged city. The new nation of Kabinde has established a new republic, as military leader Ludo Janz has been appointed the interim head of state of the young country.
Casualty Lists
Kabinde: 4 Infantry Brigades
Netherlands: 3 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
REVOLT CONTINUES AGAINST SPAIN IN AFRICA. Abeche, Spain. Spanish colonial authorities in the heart of Africa have once more experienced another year of heavy fighting and numerous attacks by native rebels. The rebels have continued to vow to end oppressive colonial rule, and have painted the Spanish soldiers as their enemies. The fighting has been intense as the rebels have worked to seize control of villages and roads throughout the area, striking at railroad lines and bombing military outposts. This has expanded into actual combat and brutal bloodshed, as the rebels endeavor to fight and oust the control of the Spanish government. More forces have been brought in from the south to help keep a lid on dissent, but throughout the year casualties have mounted. Thankfully for the Spanish a few military successes have been had as they have struck against several strongholds of the rebellion. Still, the rebels have retreated to lick their wounds, and it seems likely that more violence will emerge out of Spanish Central Africa. (-1 Infantry Brigade, -1 Cavalry Brigade)
MARCHES CALL FOR INDEPENDENCE IN MOROCCO. Casablanca, Spain. Nationalist forces in North Africa have been frequently in conflict with Spain throughout the entire twentieth century. Numerous attacks and rebellions have been fought as rebel leaders have attempted to rally the population against their imperial masters. This year, they have begun to take a new approach, as violence has not accomplished the nationalist's goals: peaceful protest. Led by a number of pacifistic clerics, a major march has taken place in several Moroccan cities, most notably the Spanish imperial capital of Casablanca. They have demanded independence and self rule with the withdrawal of Spanish soldiers and government forces. The march has led to growing demonstrations, as the local leaders have spoken to the masses, building up support for a free and independent state. The Spanish authorities have so far left these rallies unmolested, as military forces in North Africa remain intensely focused on the continuing conflict in Tunisia.
BOMBING IN BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA. Anneville, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The British government buildings in the Central African capital of Anneville was bombed this year, by unknown rebel forces in Britain's southernmost colonial holdings in continental Africa. After the loss of the larger possessions in southeast Africa, it seems that instability has begun to rise throughout the rest of the region. The bombing attack has been focused against the hated symbol of political authority in Anneville, as a rebel group has claimed credit. They have vowed to overthrow British rule and establish a new independent state in Central Africa, and have made claims of preparing for mobilization of a total war. Other sources indicate that the rebels are not much more than a fringe movement, and the British have announced that investigations are continuing, and have made multiple arrests.
BERBERA FAMILY SUPPORTS ANTI-ROYAL CAUSE. Berbera, Adjuuramark. In the worst blow to the European government of King Daniel in Adjuuramark, one of the great merchant families of the city of Berbera has denounced the monarchy. Calling the king an illegitimate heathen and usurper, the leaders of Berbera have backed these claims, as the family continues to mount open political opposition to the king. They have called for the abdication and departure of the King and his Christian advisers, to allow for true independence to occur. Through this ambitious play for power, the local family has managed to become the darling of local Islamic movements, as they have become illuminated as a true alternative to both the Dravot monarchy and Scandinavian imperial rule. Monarchist supporters have begun to avoid Berbera, and it seems that central political control in the region may be rapidly weakening. (-1 Stability)
Also, just now realized why I lost 5 EP. I'll have to begin working on something to counteract the loss.
