SKNES II: The Bonaparte Legacy

I'm really sorry i had to get orders in so late. You should have them now; i had lots of work responsibilities then i was hosting a work-related barbecue and fire pit thing...

Hopefully you will not penalize GB's orders, SK.

No, don't worry, there were actually a few people who got orders in after you did.

Yes I did actually, thank you :D

I like very much :)
 
OOC: How did De Gaulle rise to such a prominent position at this time taking into account that there was a number of officials less Republican than him both more prominent and somewhat opposed to him? He was just a Colonel when OTL WW2 began.

Its because Petain died before the full recreation of France's military began. Because of that, you don't have Petain arguing for an infantry based army - Gamelin and Weygand might, but at that stage they're basically on even footing with de Gaulle. Given that you are rebuilding France's military basically from scratch, and the country is being run by reformist modernisers like Deloncle and Taittinger, there's a lot more scope for newer military strategists and tacticians in the country. de Gaulle's work catches on in France because Deloncle, Taittinger, or de Tassigny reads it and takes a shine to him, he gets promoted to General, and eventually becomes Chief of the Army, and de Gaulle's your uncle.

In an OOC sense, Weygand was an ass, Gamelin is too strongly republican, and Juin has already been mentioned in the NES (he headed the intervention in Belgium), so yeah. :p They're still around (except for possibly Gamelin), but they're not going to be Commanders in Chief the way that they were OTL.

ed: Ack, didn't see the reservations. :(
 
The Second Great War Begins
Berlin, Germany

What had begun earlier this year as a minor Middle Eastern conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Saudi Arabia has rapidly escalated into the biggest conflict to bloody the Earth since the end of the Great War. Newspapers around the world have declared the multiple connected conflicts the “Second Great War.” Despite the impressive title, the Americas remain war-free, although nearly every country from Canada to Argentina has its fair share of supporters for both sides.

Economic Growth
London, Great Britain

With numerous countries mobilizing their economies and military reserves, economic growth throughout Eurasia, for many countries, was somewhat slowed in the third and fourth quarters of 1938. The Americas were, by and large, unaffected by the war in Eurasia, and economic recovery continued on pace for the majority of countries there.

Spoiler :

Afghanistan: +1
Argentina: +3
Australia: +5
Austria: +2
Bohemia-Moravia: +2
Brazil: +5
Bulgaria: 0
Canada: +4
Chile: +4
China: +3
Colombia: +1
Corea: +4
Croatia: +2
CSA: +7
Ecuador: +4
Finland: +4
France: +6
FRCA: +2
Germany: +5
Greece: 0
Haiti: 0
Hungary: +2
Italy: +5
-Italian East Africa: -1
-Italian North Africa: +1
Ireland: +1
Japan: +4
Mexica SR: +5
New England: +3
Ottoman Empire: -1
Persia: +3
Philippines: +2
Portugal: +1
Rhodesia: +1
Romania: +2
Scandinavia: +4
Siam: +2
Slovakia: +1
Slovenia: -1
South Africa: +1
Soviet Union: +5
Spain: +4
Switzerland: 0
Tibet: +2
USSA: +9
Venezuela: +2
Yucatan: +1


The Second Great War​

Greece Invades Rumelia
Athens, Greece

Despite an official declaration of neutrality by the Greek government, on a day in September 1938, Greek forces crossed the border into Ottoman territory. The next day, an official radio address from Nikos Zachariadis to the Greek people stated that the invasion was in retaliation for the murders of Greek soldiers by Turkish border patrols. In the address, Zachariadis claimed that the conflict was a “holy war” and asked Orthodox priests in the country to bless the struggle against the Turks. While some priests that were ultra-faithful to the Communist cause followed through with this, most ignored and mocked these statements. Nevertheless, the resuming of war between Greece and the Ottoman Empire has helped cull some of the anti-Communist sentiment among the Greek populace.

A small contingent of Turkish troops in this region had manned the defenses that had been put in place by the Ottomans two years earlier, during the War of the Balkan League. However, this time around the Greeks were able to bring greater numbers and better equipment, and despite fighting gallantly, the Turkish conscripts holding the line were overwhelmed by Greek artillery and air support. After almost a month of fighting, the Greeks were able to breach the line northwest of Salonica, and by the end of October the city had fallen. Most of the Turkish force in the region fled eastwards in a chaotic retreat before forming a new line east of the city, while those trapped in the collapsing pocket west of the city were forced to surrender. The Greeks quickly resumed their attack, pushing the Turks back. By the end of November, the Greeks had taken Xanthi, and by year’s end, all of Macedonia was in Greek hands.
(Greece: -4% Dissent; -4 Infantry III Brigades, -1 Infantry IV Brigade, -1 Artillery II Brigade)
(Ottoman Empire: -8 Militia Brigades, -1 Artillery II Brigade)


Victorious Greek soldiers pose for the camera in Salonica

The War at Sea and in the Air
Constantinople, Ottoman Empire

The major battles of the war’s Middle Eastern theater were fought at sea; specifically, in the Black Sea. The Soviet fleet left port, expecting to match against a smaller and less powerful Ottoman fleet. However, the Ottomans were able to field naval reinforcements that had been moved from the south. Along the way, the Ottomans had been briefly waylaid by the Greek navy and some accompanying fighters in the Aegean Sea; the numerical superiority of the Turks meant that it was simple enough to ward the Greeks off. Engagements between the bolstered Ottoman fleet and the Soviets resulted in repeated draws.

The situation was changed with the arrival of large British and German fleets and air groups in the region in September. Although there was no true naval arrangement, the League air groups, supplanted with carrier air contingents, immediately began an intense bombing campaign against the Soviet fleet, causing significant losses, including the sinking of both Soviet capital ships, before the League ships moved into the Black Sea proper. This lasted until a greater number of advanced Soviet fighters were able to arrive and relieve their weakened air defenses, allowing the Soviets to fend off the bomber attacks, and even begin retaliating. By the end of the year, Soviet planes were able to attack the British and German fleets, including sinking several capital ships, by joining with returning enemy formations and confusing them when they initiated their attacks. Additionally, the British conducted a heavy bomber raid against the city of Baku in Azerbaijan, causing some damage to the petroleum facilities located there, although Soviet anti-aircraft installations were able to prevent catastrophic damage.

(Great Britain: -4 Destroyers, -2 Light Cruisers, -1 Heavy Cruiser, -1 Battleship, -1 Fighter II Wing, -1 Bomber I Wing, -3 Heavy Bomber Wings)
(Germany: -2 Destroyers, -3 Light Cruisers, -1 Battleship, -2 Fighter I Wings, -1 Bomber I Wing, -1 Interceptor I Wing)
(Ottoman Empire: -2 Destroyers, -2 Light Cruisers, -1 Heavy Cruiser, -1 Battleship, -1 Fighter I Wing)
(Greece: -1 Destroyer, -1 Light Cruiser)
(Soviet Union: -2 Battleships, -3 Light Cruisers, -2 Heavy Cruisers, -9 Destroyers, -1 Submarine, -3 Fighter II Wings, -2 Interceptor I Wings)

The Ground War in the Caucasus
Yerevan, Soviet Union

Although fighting along the Turko-Soviet border had begun as early as July, the front stayed largely static throughout the entire year, with neither site attempting any major offensives. The Ottoman troops largely dug themselves in behind a makeshift defensive barrier through the area’s mountainous terrain,. While the Ottomans did attempt several localized counterattacks, none were particularly successful, and casualties remained, for the most part, minimal.

(Ottoman Empire: -5 Infantry III Brigades, -9 Militia Brigades, -2 Artillery II Brigades)
(Soviet Union: -7 Infantry III Brigades)

Fighting in the Arabian Peninsula; The Battle of Mecca
Jerusalem, Ottoman Empire

Despite the fighting in the north, the Turks continued their push into Saudi Arabia. After the capture of Medina earlier in 1938, the Ottoman army turned its eye to Mecca. As soon as the Ottomans began mounting their attack, it became clear that the Saudis were defending the city to the absolute last man. They were aided by Bedouin tribes, who generally made a nuisance of themselves and harassed the Ottomans. In the east, the town of Riyadh underwent a similar situation; a group of conscripts defended the Saudi capital. However, despite heavy casualties, the Turks ultimately broke through in Riyadh, taking the city. For their safety and for lack of anywhere else to go, King Abdul Aziz al-Saud and the royal family evacuated to the Soviet Union. Miraculously, the Saudi defenders were able to persevere in Mecca for months, aided by the reluctance of Ottoman air marshals to bomb the city, and were able to prevent the city from being taken until November. Nevertheless, due to the overwhelming numerical disparity, Mecca was eventually encircled, and the Ottomans were able to enter it, with minimal damage to the Kaaba and other holy sites. Saudi Arabia has been annexed and been given over to Ottoman civilian administration. This has greatly angered Arabs in the Empire due to the “Turkish taint” on Islam’s holiest places, although arrests of some Arab leaders have dampened the effects somewhat.
(Ottoman Empire: -10 Infantry III Brigades, -5 Mounted Brigades, -2 Marine Brigades, +8% Dissent)
(Saudi Arabia: -6 Infantry III Brigades, -3 Mounted Brigades, -13 Militia Brigades, -1 Artillery II Brigade, -Existence)


Turkish soldiers fighting in the outskirts of Mecca

Italian Landings in Cyprus and the Levant
Damascus, Ottoman Empire

With the British, German, and Ottoman navies distracted in the Black Sea and elsewhere, the majority of the Mediterranean was left empty. This provided an opportunity for the Italians to make their entrance into the war when their fleet left port and landed a small army detachment on the beaches of northern Cyprus in mid-November. The Italians were quickly able to secure the entire island from the minimal defenses that had been left there. With the British and German fleets and air forces distracted up north, there was little resistance to the Italian landings.

The Italians followed the invasion of Cyprus up with landings in the Levant itself. There were three major landing sites; near Haifa in the south, near Tripoli in the center, and near Latakia in the north. Due to the lack of Ottoman military presence in the area, the advance from the landing sites was relatively quick, and the three landing sites have linked up by year’s end, having captured most of the coastline from Iskenderun in the north to Jaffa in the south, although not much further inland. Some Ottoman troops relocated from Saudi Arabia attempted to counterattack from the south, but to little success.

Amusingly, these events mean that Italy and Greece are now fighting on the same side of the war.
(Italy: -3 Infantry III Brigades, -1 Infantry IV Brigade)
(Ottoman Empire: -1 Infantry III Brigade)


Italians come ashore during the invasion of Cyprus

Poland Invades Lithuania
Warsaw, Poland

In late September, the bulk of the Polish ground forces crossed the border into Lithuania in the Soviet Union. They expected minimal resistance, and the bulk of the Soviet army to be distracted elsewhere. However, it appeared that the Soviet government had somehow gotten wind of the planned invasion, and the Polish invaders quickly ran into a literal wall of prepared Soviet defensive lines, including heavy air support that was able to rain fire to on the Poles. The Soviets were easily able to inflict heavy casualties on the Poles thanks to vastly outnumbering them and having vastly superior equipment. Much of the invading force broke almost immediately, and the remainder fell into a chaotic retreat back into their home country. After that, the Soviets were quickly able to restore the border, but went no further into Poland due to the presence of the Sobieski Line.
(Poland: -21 Infantry III Brigades, -5 Motorized Brigades, -8 Mounted Brigades, -6 Artillery II Brigades)
(Soviet Union: -7 Infantry III Brigades, -4 Infantry IV Brigades, -7 Militia Brigades, -1 Light Tank Brigade)

Naval Combat in the Baltic Sea
Helsinki, Finland

The bulk of the German navy moved into the Baltic Sea, expecting an engagement with the Soviet or Finnish fleets; however, no such engagement occurred. Several German ships suffered damage from submarine attacks late in the year, but aside from that there was no real combat in this region.

(Germany: -1 Heavy Cruiser, -1 Light Cruiser)
(Soviet Union: -2 Submarines)

The War in the Far East
Harbin, China

Unlike the multiple conflicts ongoing in the Middle East, the fighting in the Far East was far more limited. The Chinese army, instead of going on the attack, hunkered down along their border and invested significant funds into constructing a line of improved defenses, expecting a multi-pronged Soviet offensive; likely due to the Polish invasion from the west, no attack came, and the war was little more than a battle between the two countries’ respective air forces, which was more or less a draw. In September, the Chinese launched a limited offensive intended to capture the port of Vladivostok; the Soviets and their Finnish allies put up little resistance, instead choosing to put up a fighting retreat in favor of holding the general line across Siberia, and the Soviet Pacific Fleet had long left the city. Instead of assuming direct military governance over the occupied areas, the Chinese have invited Alexander Kolchak, a former White Russian military leader who had taken refuge in China, to rule the areas through the newly declared “Free Russian Government.”
(China: -6 Infantry III Brigades, -3 Artillery I Brigades, -2 Fighter I Wings, -1 Bomber Wing, -1 Interceptor I Wing)
(Soviet Union: -7 Infantry III Brigades, -1 Infantry IV Brigade, -3 Fighter II Wings)
(+Free Russia)

Battle in the East China Sea
Shanghai, China

The Chinese fleet moved northward from its position in the Philippines, with the intent of supporting the Chinese operations. The Chinese soon came under submarine attacks, but were able to drive them off. However, it became clear that the bulk of the Japanese fleet, which the Chinese thought had been in Tokyo Bay, was actually sailing directly towards them. What resulted was the region’s first true carrier battle; the two fleets were never in sight of one another, and the battle was one of carrier-based planes overhead. As the Japanese fleet had three carriers to China’s lone carrier, the battle quickly and decisively fell into Japan’s hands, and in just a few days China’s carrier was at the bottom of the sea, and the rest of the Chinese fleet limped back into port.

(China: -8 Destroyers, -4 Light Cruisers, -2 Heavy Cruisers, -1 Battleship, -1 Carrier I, -2 Submarines)
(Japan: -3 Destroyers, -2 Light Cruisers, -1 Heavy Cruiser, -5 Submarines)
 
Other Events in the Americas​

Mexico’s New Identity
Mexico City, Mexica Socialist Republic

Post-revolution Mexico began its official transition to socialism. Laws were passed prohibiting any workplace discrimination against women or ethnic minorities. A road network is being built by putting the unemployed to work, and the government is attempting to greatly increase literacy with the aid of the Catholic Church. Additionally, Raphael Espinoza, leader of the Mexican socialists, has declared that the post-revolution government is to be called the “Mexica Socialist Republic.” This is only part of the government’s programs to promote the country’s indigenous culture. Many Mexicans, including elements of the military, have begun displaying symbols of the region’s pre-Colombian civilizations. This had already been a trend amongst the revolutionary fighters during the civil war, as a way of resisting what they saw as foreign imperialism; it has only accelerated post-revolution. Pre-Colombian sites have begun to be reconstructed, and along with it some pre-Colombian ballgames and rituals have begun to be brought back. While this has proven popular in some circles, others, particularly some of the more socially conservative Mexicans of European descent within the socialists themselves, vehemently oppose the cultural programs. Some claim that the socialists plan to bring back human sacrifice, although the government has denied these rumors at every step, and Christian holidays continue to be celebrated. Others argue that it is a waste of time that could be better used getting the Mexican economy out of the gutter, or establishing a permanent system of government.
(Mexica SR: +5% Dissent)

Spanish West Indies to Be Granted Autonomy
Havana, Spanish Cuba

Partially in reaction to the turn of events that occurred in the Philippines earlier this year, the Spanish government announced a plan to allow its Caribbean possessions a degree of self-rule and autonomy over internal affairs. Many of this area’s people had been pushing for such an arrangement for some time now. Spain has announced that regional elections will be held in Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico sometime in the near future, presumably in 1939. Under the new plan, the isles will remain part of a “Greater Spanish Empire,” together with the remainder of Spain’s overseas possessions, but will obtain self-rule and autonomy over internal affairs. The plan has been met with celebration in the Caribbean, where autonomist and separatist sentiment has been growing for some time now.
(Spanish Cuba, Spanish Hispaniola, Spanish Puerto Rico: -3% Dissent)

Venezuelan Elections; Liberals Ousted By New Right-Wing Party
Caracas, Venezuela

The people of Venezuela went to the polls in 1938. Romulo Gallegos and the Liberal Party ran for re-election; however, they quickly found that they were facing mounting opposition from a new party, the right-wing, anti-communist Frente de Unión Nacional. The party’s public face, a skilled orator named Abelardo Marquez, gained significant popular support, especially in the Maracaibo, with his vehemently anti-communist rhetoric and passionate speeches. Marquez’s pamphlet, a political tract known as the “Blue Notes,” helped spread his message nationwide. He attacked Gallegos and the Liberals for their economic policies and promised prosperity for Venezuela by opening up the country’s petroleum industry to foreign companies and allowing virtually unlimited exploitation of Venezuela’s oil wealth. The Liberals attempted to counter by accusing Marquez of being little more than a populist demagogue, and argued that allowing foreigners into Venezuela’s petroleum industry would bring little but corruption. Nevertheless, existing Red Scare sentiment in the country and the backing of much of the country’s elite was enough to defeat Gallegos and elevate Marquez to the presidency. This result has angered trade unions and other left-wing groups.
(Venezuela: +5% Dissent)

The Reconstruction of Ecuador; Elections Held
Quito, Ecuador

As Ecuador picks itself, Brazil has attempted to put its hand in rebuilding the country. Plans have already been drafted to reconstruct the damaged parts of Quito in the art deco style, much like what is currently being done in Rio de Janeiro. A clause in the new Ecuadorian constitution guaranteed a form of free trade for the country; this has allowed Brazil’s nationalized corporations to easily enter the Ecuadorian economy, and Brazil has established an Extra-National Resource Utilization Commission to facilitate this. The national corporations have begun dishing out contracts to rebuild the war-torn country’s infrastructure. They have also not ceased to find opportunities to promote President Vargas’s stature as champion of the poor, which has appealed to many of the former socialists. Dissenters have complained that the developments effectively allow Brazilians to control the Ecuadorian economy.

Additionally, a sequence of elections was held in the country this year, under close Brazilian supervision. Surprisingly, there was little violence surrounding the elections, although voter turnout was at a historic low. The Brazilians vetted candidates to ensure that an anti-Brazilian candidate did not got elected; this severely limited the number of candidacies, and there was little series competition. Results showed that one conservative, Manuel Prado Ugarteche, was the victory, and Eloy Gaspar Ureta’s provisional government has stepped down. Some complaints were raised regarding the legitimacy of the elections by outside groups, but both Ugarteche and the Brazilian military maintain that no voter fraud occurred.

(Ecuador: -3% Dissent)

Miscellany

After the completion of a line of fortifications along the border with the United Socialist States of America in Southern Ontario earlier this year, the Canadian government has now turned its attention to Quebec, with the commencing of construction of a similar line of fortifications along the border there.

In a similar vein as Canada, the Confederate States of America has begun the construction of an extensive line of fortifications along strategic points along the border with the United Socialist States of America. Fears that the USSA will invade Dixie are at an all-time high, especially as Europe and Asia become embroiled in their own wars, and it is hoped that this may calm some of those fears.

Dixie’s port and transportation infrastructure development was completed this year, providing a significant increase in growth for the third and fourth quarters of 1938. Confederate economic numbers also showed a significant drop in unemployment.

In Peru-Bolivia, a team of Spanish archaeologists at an Inca site announced the discovery of one of the most well-preserved South American mummies to date.

The government of Brazil established the Kubitschek Military Academy in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro, in honor of the general who led the invasion of Ecuador. The military academy was opened to great celebration and a parade presided over by General Kubitschek himself, all in the memory of Simon Duville.

Other Events in Europe​

Portuguese Elections; Conservatives Win Amidst Allegations of Voter Fraud
Lisbon, Portugal

Portuguese president Domingos Oliveira presided over that country’s first elections this year since the end of the brief civil war that had occurred in 1936. Oliveria himself ran as head of a reformed Conservative Party; he faced opposition from the social democratic Labor Party, who was running on a platform of working to reconcile the differences within the country that had caused the civil war to happen in the first place, and focusing on restoring Portugal to international prowess and glory. Despite being behind in the polls even in the days just before the elections, the results showed that the Conservatives pulled off a solid victory. The Labor Party immediately cried foul, challenging the election results and alleging that the elections were little more than a front for Oliveria to gain legitimacy, although Oliveria denies any case of voter fraud, and inspectors have not found any compelling evidence against him.

Belgian Partisans Launch Attacks
Brussels, France

In recently annexed Belgium, a Flemish resistance movement has undertaken several high-profile attacks against the French military presence in the region, causing noticeable casualties among the French military. One of these attacks included the bombing of a French military encampment, which killed over a thousand. Several other public incidents, including the burning of a few French flags in Brussels, caught the eye of locals. The movement, largely made out of former Communist Party members who were forced to go underground after the French takeover, has issued a number of demands to the French government: French withdrawal from Belgian, the creation of an independent Belgian republic, and guarantees of Belgian independence. The demands have been ignored by the French authorities, who have simply met force with force and have apprehended some of those responsible, although the leaders of the resistance remain at large.
(France: +2% Dissent; -2 Infantry IV Brigades)

Failed Right-Wing Coup in the Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chaos erupted in Amsterdam for several days in October 1938 when an anti-parliamentarian demonstration in the streets of the capital turned violent and into an attempt to oust the elected government of the Netherlands. A large number of demonstrators, all members of far-right organizations, had gathered outside the Dutch legislature, when a few among the crowd starting throwing rocks and other projectiles at law enforcement in the area. One of the policemen then attempted to retaliate and tried to beat one of the protestors. This quickly devolved into violence, and the crowd of demonstrators turned into an enraged mob, which converged on the legislature, overwhelming the guards outside and entering the building, although the States-General was not meeting at the time. A part of the military then showed up, not to restore order, but in fact to attempt to seize power; a Dutch general with known fascist and pro-French sympathies strode into the legislature and proclaimed himself Prime Minister; it is unknown if the mob and the general’s entrance are linked. More moderate elements of the military attempted to retake the building, and the capital quickly turned into a chaotic battleground, with the military and civilians on both sides. After several days of fighting, accompanied by looting and general civil disorder, the moderates retook the entirety of the city and captured the now largely demolished legislature, with the general inside, but the death toll of those days’ events stands at at least a thousand, with over ten thousand more injured and a large amount of property damage. The government then proceeded to act by executing the general in question, as well as others linked to him, and it has accused the French government of inciting the incident, charges which Paris vehemently denies.
(Netherlands: +3% Dissent; -3 Infantry III Brigades, -2 Infantry IV Brigades)

Germany Seizes French Assets
Berlin, Germany

Partially in retaliation for the French seizure of the assets of German nationals in their country earlier this year, Germany has done the same with French assets in German territory. The German government has stated that the money will be used to help compensate Germans who had suffered monetary losses from the French actions. Aside from that, the event has done little except raise the already heightened tensions between Germany and France, especially as newspapers around the country and around the world run headlines stating that war between the two countries is imminent.

Serbian Elections; Conservatives Re-elected
Belgrade, Serbia

The citizens of Serbia went to the polls in 1938. The ruling Conservatives were backed with significant support and faced little opposition throughout the electoral campaign, as they flaunted their leadership of the quick Serbian victory over the Ottoman Empire and the procurement of northern Macedonia. In fact, many of the moderates and liberals simply threw their support behind the Conservative party, instead of actually running. Unsurprisingly, the Conservatives won with an easy majority. The far left and far right parties gained some seats, but it is likely that their voices will be drowned out under the new government.
(Serbia: -2% Dissent)

Communist Coup in Romania; Civil War Begins
Bucharest, Romania

At last, the event so many feared would happen in Romania has come to pass. Leftist elements of the military rolled into the capital one day in late 1938, promptly overthrowing the previous government and elevating the Communist Party to absolute power. The Communists have already begun initiating reforms, including a drastic reduction of the work week and educational reforms, including the widespread introduction of Russian language classes into the curriculum. However, it was the harsh military crackdown in the aftermath of the coup that turned the event from merely a coup into a full-blown civil war. King Carol II and the royal family were placed under house arrest. Additionally, the Communists have placed all members of the opposition in legislature under arrest, and the military attempted to herd all non-Communists into cordoned-off makeshift ghettos. The outrage to the latter moves was immense; many of the targets resisted, and much of the military simply mutinied. One anti-Communist politician, Ion Antenescu, set up a reactionary government in the northern city of Iasi, with support from the rebelling elements of the military. In a daring commando strike action, Monarchist soldiers were able to rescue the royal family and spirit them to Iasi, and Carol II has thrown his support behind Antenescu. Fighting has already begun in earnest.
(Communist Romania: +8% Dissent; -2 Infantry III Brigades, -1 Infantry IV Brigade, -1 Artillery II Brigade; +Monarchist Romania)

Bulgaria Executes Soviet Ambassador, Other Communist Leaders
Sofia, Bulgaria

In a shocking turn of events, in September 1938 King Boris of Bulgaria himself ordered the arrest, trial, and execution of the Soviet Union’s ambassador to his country. The official government arrest warrant claimed that the ambassador had been “conspiring to incite rebellion.” Despite Moscow’s protests, within a week, the ambassador was tried in what was widely seen as one of the most blatant kangaroo courts of all time, which the king himself presided over, and less than a week later was executed by firing squad. A dozen Bulgarian communist leaders, who had been arrested in a sting operation in August and given equally biased trials presided over by the king, were executed at the same time. Despite the execution being a clear violation of diplomatic immunity, and having outraged Moscow, King Boris and the Bulgarian government have continued to stand by their decision.

Winds of Political Change in Moscow
Moscow, Soviet Union

The central government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, saw a drastic political shift in the second half of 1938, alongside the escalation of the war, culminating in the resignation of Ivan Smirnov as General Secretary. Smirnov was replaced by the Ukrainian Grigori Grinko, a member of the right-wing faction within the Communist Party. This was accompanied by the arrests of several other figures, including the head of the NKVD, and considerable shuffling of positions, including several Politburo members and the head of the Kiev Military District.
(Soviet Union: +3% Dissent)

Miscellany

The Scandinavian government has begun a large-scale project to greatly expand the nation’s infrastructure, especially its road network, and especially in the frozen north of the country. The efforts have been generally applauded, although some of the more cynical Scandinavians see it as little more than a political ploy to gain support in advance of the coming parliamentary elections.

The Dutch government completed its expansion of the country’s underground transportation systems this year.

Other Events in the Middle East and Africa​

The New Congolese State
Leopoldville, Congo

After France seized the Belgian Congo during their annexation of Belgium last year, Eugene Deloncle promised to grant the region independence. Deloncle delivered on that promise this year, with the creation of the Republic of the Congo. The Congo’s head of government is now Leon Degrelle, a Walloon fascist noted for his French sympathies and whom the Belgian government had sent there in 1935 in order to get rid of him at home. Many of the white Belgians living in the Congo, who have been carefully vetted for their loyalty to Paris, have been given positions in the new government and civil service. Additionally, much of the administration of the country has been tasked out to former Belgian business magnates, who now have virtually unlimited power. A small contingent of the French army has stayed in the Congo, in order to ensure that the new government becomes fully operational, and also to ensure that the new government does not stray too far. For the average black Congolese, however, there has been little to no change in their daily lives, and their living conditions remain as abysmal as ever, if they have not gotten worse.
(+Congo)

Famine Strikes East Africa
Addis Ababa, Italian East Africa

Parts of East Africa, particularly in recently conquered Abyssinia, suffered from a severe famine late this year after record low rainfall levels combined with a widespread crop blight created a spike in crop prices and an immense food shortfall. The situation was exacerbated by Italian authorities’ inability to respond to the famine. Official Italian numbers place the death toll at around fifty thousand, although estimates from the Red Cross and other international organizations place it at least four times that, and the casualty rate continues to increase as 1938 becomes 1939. Additionally, the famine has helped crystalize resentment against the Italian rule in Ethiopia. Neighboring areas, including the British-controlled regions, have also been affected, but not nearly as much.
(Italian East Africa: +5% Dissent)

kwaZulu and Swaziland Accede to South Africa
Ulundi, South Africa

The two fledgling kingdoms of kwaZulu and Swaziland, which had declared independence when much of South Africa collapsed in the first half of 1937, have acceded and willingly rejoined South Africa. King Sobhuza II of Swaziland and King Cypian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon of kwaZulu both independently signed agreements with Great Britain and South Africa to reintegrate their realms into South Africa, and cede authority in foreign and military affairs to Cape Town. In return, both regions will enjoy a great deal of autonomy, including authority over their internal affairs, infrastructure, health, and education, and both kings will remain in their current positions and be recognized by London and Cape Town, albeit not as sovereigns. While there is no doubt that both nations would have liked to remain independent, there is nearly unanimous agreement that the current arrangement is far preferable to having to stand militarily before the might of the British Empire.
(South Africa: -5% Dissent; -kwaZulu, Swaziland)

Rhodesia to Become Separate From South Africa; First Rhodesian Elections
Salisbury, Rhodesia

The British government announced that as part of the coming elections to be held in Rhodesia, the people would make the decision whether or not to reunite with South Africa, or undergo a five-year period of what London calls “protected self-rule,” and at the end of that period, Rhodesia will hold a second referendum for complete independence. Despite vocal support for both options in the 1938 referendum, in the end, the Rhodesian populace voted by a slim majority for the latter option. The corresponding parliamentary elections were easily won by Godfrey Huggins’s provisional government, as due to the war opposing political parties had not yet had time to form, and it seemed that the people were pleased with the way Huggins was managing things.
(Rhodesia: -5% Dissent)

Miscellany

Persia’s finance minister in September 1938 announced the completion of its efforts to renovate and expand its existing port infrastructure, and that already the country has seen an increase in foreign trade. The same finance minister has also stated that this is only the beginning of a long-term effort to industrialize Persia.

British military forces and law enforcement in South Africa continued hunting down remnant rebel groups, to some degree of success. (South Africa: -2% Dissent)

Other Events in Asia and the Pacific​

Afghanistan Attempts to Begin Modernizing Country
Kabul, Afghanistan

The Shah of Afghanistan this year launched a long-term plan to pull the country into the modern era for good. The Shah plans to invest a significant portion of the Afghan budget into an intensive program that will construct infrastructure, establish free public education, and begin industrializing the country, although not much progress was made this year. The launching of the modernization project has caused some unrest among the large and influential tribal elements of the Afghan populace, who are concerned that their traditional lifestyles are at risk due to the word “modernization”, but few actions against tribes have been taken so far, and the Shah seems to be taking a cautious path when it comes to dealing with the tribes. What also helped was that several high-profile tribal leaders who vocally opposed the modernization were mysteriously found dead not long after, although it is uncertain who, if anyone, was responsible for this.
(Afghanistan: +4% Dissent)

Local Governments Established in India
Delhi, India

The Indian government has continued with the institution of a new model of localized government throughout the nation. The new system will replace the antiquated and often arbitrary political subdivisions left over from the days of the Raj with new ones, whose borders will be drawn based on local religion and culture. The Socialist government in Delhi has stated that local elections, with the new subdivisions, will be held for the first time in 1939; the designated subdivision capitals have begun work on preparing to host the regional governments. There is also an element of modernization in the plans, which will erase the borders of many of the former princely states and other antiquated polities from the map for good. The majority of the Indian populace has accepted the move, as it will help in ensuring that every one of the dozens of cultural groups within the country has an outlet to be better politically involved in the running of the country.

Siam Establishes National Science Academy
Bangkok, Siam

The Siamese government in 1938 announced the creation of the Siamese Academy of Science, as part of an attempt to bring the country’s technological and living standards up to par with the West. Branches of the Academy will be established in every major Siamese city, with state-of-the-art radio transmission towers for easy communication between cities. The Academy will serve as a place where Siamese scientists and technologists, and those from outside Siam, can share their research and help move the country forward. The move has been popular, although some politicians have denounced the move as a waste of funding and resources that could be better used to develop and expand the country’s military, especially as war heats up elsewhere. The Academy has also run into the unexpected problem of students hijacking the radio transmissions, usually for practical jokes, but in rare circumstances injecting their messages with radical politics.

Asian Science Conference Cancelled
Seoul, Corea

Scientists, technologists, and inventors from all across Asia reacted excitedly to the announcement that a pan-Asian science conference, the Asian Scientific and Economic Cooperation Partnership, or ASECP, inviting various Asian and Oceanian nations, including Corea, Japan, Siam, India, and Australia. Several of these countries had already begun preparing their delegations for the trip to China. Unfortunately, with the outbreak of hostilities between China and the Soviet Union, making attendance impractical for many, the event was first relocated to Corea, before finally being called off by the Corean government due to the escalation of the war and Corea not wishing to involve itself in the conflict. Those affected hope that a similar event can be held once the war ends.

Spain Withdraws From Philippines, Accepts Independence
Manila, Philippines

While one crisis elsewhere transformed into a global conflagration, another one was averted. The Spanish and Chinese governments signed an agreement this year, recognizing Filipino independence over the archipelago. The terms of the agreement are as follows:
1: The Philippines will allow Spanish businessmen to retain property and trading rights in The Philippines, and stolen Spanish Property will be returned to the their Respective Spanish Owner-ship.
2: Spain, and China will withdraw from the Philippine Islands.
3: Spain, and China will guarantee the Independence of the Philippines.
4: Spanish Officials will ensure the Democratic legitimacy of the Philippines.
5: China, and the Philippines will reimburse Spain a total of 125 ep for the lost territory, and other losses over a total of 3 years.
6: China will receive a naval base of its choosing.
7: Spain will receive a naval base of its choosing.
Reactions to the treaty in Asia were overwhelmingly positive. Celebrations filled the streets of Manila and other major Filipino cities. In Spain, reactions were mixed; most members of the ruling social democratic party had seen an end to Spain’s colonial empire as inevitable, and were in favor of the letting the Philippines go, but the Spanish government came under heavy fire from conservatives and right-wing groups for what they see as letting the Spanish Empire crumble. Although the Philippines did constitute the bulk of the Spanish presence in the Far East, Spain still possesses the Sabah region of Borneo.

Robert Menzies’s Fireside Chats
Canberra, Australia

Millions of Australian households tuned their radio sets to hear their Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, speak. Menzies’s gentle and fatherly tone, combined with the fact that he is the first Australian leader, and one of the first world leaders, to speak directly to his people using modern technology. Over the course of several of these so-called “fireside chats,” Menzies talked about proposals of starting a large-scale subsidy program, and the creation of a “Work Projects Administration,” which will put scores of unemployed Australians to work on the construction of public works nationwide. These proposals have been very well-received by the public. The last, and more controversial proposal, is an amendment to the current Australian constitution that would be determined by referendum at the next parliamentary election, currently scheduled to occur in 1942 at the latest; if the amendment passes, then upon the death of King Edward VIII, Australia will declare full political independence from London and the country will become an independent presidential republic. Not five years ago, this would have been unthinkable to Australians, but today, the idea of full independence is sounding increasingly appealing to most people. Even though the referendum is still years away, political groups have begun to organize on both sides of the issue, and a heated debate has begun.
(-4% Dissent)

Miscellany

Due to the generally pro-International sympathies of India’s ruling Socialist Party, and the escalating war between Great Britain and the Soviet Union, there is a rapidly growing lobby in the party, and the country in general, pushing for Indian withdrawal from the League of Democratic Nations and a complete cutting off of political ties with London.

Japan’s entry into the war has divided anti-Japanese organizations in Formosa and Hainan, into pro-China and anti-China factions, and reducing anti-Japanese sentiment in the area. (Japanese Formosa, Japanese Hainan: -2% Dissent)
 
OOC

The pace of updates will more likely than not slow down to biweekly thanks to the (re)start of school. Really, they were around that pace already, so I don’t think it will change too much.

ZeletDude has also been dropped from Argentina for inactivity; however, GamezRule Ceoladir had previously requested it, and as such it’s his.

I’m cleaning house of inactive players: Austria, Colombia, Haiti, the Netherlands, New England, Serbia, and Switzerland will become open after the next update if their respective players don’t send orders this turn.

Immaculate: I realized that the one British-controlled part of West Africa is Sierra Leone, not Liberia. It has been renamed accordingly in the stats, unless you have any objections.

Spaceman98: I decided not to classify your defensive line thing as a project, mostly because you’re at war, among other reasons.

Arrow Gamer: Unfortunately, the technology needed to make offshore drilling practical doesn’t really exist yet (it will in another decade or two) so I’ve ignored that part of your orders, and banked the funds.

m.t.cicero: Mobilizing gives you the extra EP the same turn, so you now have 11 EP banked.

Mythmonster: Same as m.t. cicero. Since your country was facing mortal peril, the extra money got put into more militia brigades. Also, unfortunately your country no longer exists, although I’d be more than pleased if you did take another country (and it does appear that a few countries will open up soon)

Spoiler Map :


Stats are up as well.

 
From the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
To Poland

Start begging.

To China

Your establishment of an illegal regime in Vladivostok indicates that you intend this to be a War of Annihilation. So be it. We will bury you.

To the Ottoman Empire

We'll get around to you later.

To Germany, Britain

You have chosen the wrong side.
 
Also, I'll set a tentative orders deadline of Friday, September 5, which is a week and a day from today. I understand that school/university is starting for a lot of people around now so it can be postponed if need be.
 
OOC: This WW2 needs MOAR AMERICAS!
 
Sorry, SK, I'm dropping this game. Never really felt like I could get involved in any way, plus I have (at minimum) an hour of free time every weekday, so I have a complete lack of time here.
 
Nice update. I like the misc sections giving minor tidbits a minor position.
 
Nice update. I would have expected WW2 to have started between Germany and France orthe USSA and CSA, but interesting nonetheless.
 
To Corea
From Japan


We have no expectation that you will join in our war with China. You may remain neutral.
 
Nice update. I would have expected WW2 to have started between Germany and France orthe USSA and CSA, but interesting nonetheless.

Prescient.

Citing the continued occupation of French territory by the Empire of Germany, and

Cognisant of Germany's continued hostility towards the Republic of France as shown by its decision to seize French assets,

the Fourth Republic of France issues a declaration of war against the Empire of Germany.

We call our allies in the Kingdom of Italy, the Republic of Croatia, and the Republic of the Congo to our aid in declaring war against the German Empire.

Furthermore, we activate our secret pacts of co-belligerency for the coming war. You know who you are.
 
All this war and Chile is disappointed not to be involved. The martial ardor of our people longs to be tested.
 
All this war and Chile is disappointed not to be involved. The martial ardor of our people longs to be tested.

You're welcome to join and send soldiers to Europe if you really want. :p
 
Only if you were fighting the Red Menace.
 
From: Empire of Brazil
To: All Concerned Parties
CC: Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Peru-Bolivia

We consider ongoing conflicts in Europe, Asia and the rest of eastern hemisphere to be of secondary importance to all South American nations of the great cause of wresting this continent from the Red Menace. It is the intention of His Excellency President Vargas to remove occupying forces from Ecuador as soon as possible. However, that nation's border with a state with known communist sympathies, Colombia, complicates this matter. Brazil calls upon Colombia to renounce the internationalist, communist cause and all designs of spreading the Red Terror across this continent.

Until such a time as the Colombian government and its Red attack dog cronies foreswear all involvement in the fomentation of armed rebellion and dissent in other nations the Imperial Army will remain in Ecuador so as to protect that nation from Red incursion and assault. We invite all concerned nations in South America which are friendly to freedom and democracy to join Brazil in severing economic ties with the Colombian state, and imposing trade sanctions, until Bogota renounces Moscow's influence.

We await Colombia's response.
 
Chile supports President Vargas and the Empire of Brazil in denouncing the Red Whore of Bogota.
 
To World
From CSA



The CSA will remain neutral in the Ottoman-Soviet War as it is not our business to get involved.

The CSA will support our German allies and declares war on France.

The CSA applauds Brazil's actions and encourages Colombia to return to its roots.
 
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