Other Events in the Americas
Mexicos 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 governments programs to promote the countrys indigenous culture. Many Mexicans, including elements of the military, have begun displaying symbols of the regions 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 areas 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 Spains 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 partys 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. Marquezs 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 countrys petroleum industry to foreign companies and allowing virtually unlimited exploitation of Venezuelas oil wealth. The Liberals attempted to counter by accusing Marquez of being little more than a populist demagogue, and argued that allowing foreigners into Venezuelas petroleum industry would bring little but corruption. Nevertheless, existing Red Scare sentiment in the country and the backing of much of the countrys 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 Brazils 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 countrys infrastructure. They have also not ceased to find opportunities to promote President Vargass 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 Uretas 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.
Dixies 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 countrys 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 generals 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 Unions ambassador to his country. The official government arrest warrant claimed that the ambassador had been conspiring to incite rebellion. Despite Moscows 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 nations 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 countrys 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 Congos 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 Hugginss 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
Persias 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 countrys 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 countrys 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 Spains 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 Menziess Fireside Chats
Canberra, Australia
Millions of Australian households tuned their radio sets to hear their Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, speak. Menziess 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 Indias 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.
Japans 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)