Global News Report
NEW ALLIANCE ESTABLISHED. Tehran, Persia. A new pact has been signed in the city of Tehran this year by several major powers on the eastern part of the Eurasian continent. The Republic of China, Persia, New Holland, New Zeeland, Borneo, and Korea have all agreed to a economic and political alliance to help protect the nations against foreign imperialism or aggression. The new alliance is said to stand for free trade and secular governments throughout the region, calling for improved economy and development in all regions. The Republic of China has demonstrated their position as the clear leader of this alliance, providing aid and funding to all the various nations of the alliance throughout the year. The Asian-Pacific Agreement for Cooperation and Security (APACS) has been viewed by the Co-Axial Pact of Nations to be a grave threat to the international establishment, particularly with blatant speeches against colonization and imperialism. Some observers believe that this could be the sign of the next world war, perhaps between these two powerful organizations, as horrific the thought of another conflict may be.
ECONOMIC REPORT. Paris, France. The global economy seems to have managed to halt the tide of recession overall, though some nations continue to suffer. The completion of the Ordenz Project and the pioneering of several technological advances has help balanced out the faltering world economy. Efforts by the Republic of China in the conference in Shanghai have also aided in halting the economic failure, though some nations have suffered nonetheless. Overall, it seems that the world is well on its way to returning to a strong period of economic growth, leading many to be greatly optimistic for the future. As before, a detailed economic report of changes is below:
Canada: +1 EP
Metis Republic: -1 EP
Mexico: -1 EP
Pennsylvania: -1 EP
Quebec: +1 EP
Texan Republic: +1 EP
Virginian Empire: +1 EP
Caribbean Federation: +1 EP
Chile: -1 EP
Colombia: -1 EP
Peru: -3 EP
Socialist Union of South America: +12 EP
Venezuela: +1 EP
England: -1 EP
France: +1 EP
French Algeria: +1 EP
French India: +1 EP
Irish Republic: +2 EP
Portugal: +1 EP
Republic of Italy: +2 EP
Swedish Empire: -1 EP
Persia: +1 EP
Rashid Arabia: +1 EP
Republic of China: +1 EP
North American News Report
VIRGINIAN ELECTIONS. Richmond, Virginian Empire. To the surprise of many, the Federative Party has managed to win the highest offices of power in the Virginian Empire. Gaining support from Kentucky, Miami, and Ohio, the elections were still in doubt as the Unity Party held a controlling grasp over Virginia proper and Maryland. This changed with Delaware's overall defection from the increasingly defunct Liberal Party as the Federative Party continues to gain support among the extended regions of the Empire. Though still heavily opposed in their goals by the Conservative Party and the Unity Party, the Federatives have gained the majority in the People's House with much Liberal support. The new government may well act upon previous platforms of further autonomy within the various regions, a move which has reflected well upon the various ethnicities within the North American empire. (+1 Stability)
WAR IN NEW JERSEY. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In response to New Jerseyan antagonizing of Pennsylvanian shipping over the past two years, the Pennsylvanian government launched a new war against the Democratic Republic of New Jersey. The Pennsylvanians have launched a full scale invasion of New Jersey, achieving some tactical surprise and establishing a bridgehead over the Delaware River. The Pennsylvanian army invaded the country, moving quickly, and encircled the capitol of Trenton. The fighting throughout the whole of the region was highly devastating, leaving heavy casualties and large scale destruction for such a quick conflict. New Jerseyan attempts to force their way up against Pennsylvanian shipping met with disaster as Pennsylvanian guns demolished the attempt from the land overlooking the river. The rest of the New Jersey navy met their end in port as sailors died defending the ships as they were scuttled to prevent capture. The government of New Jersey was detained as Pennsylvanian troops occupied the remnants of the state, mopping up leftover military forces. The world and North American diplomatic scene now watch in anticipation to see how Pennsylvania deals with the reoccupied lands.
Casualty List
Pennsylvania: 31 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 2 Anti-Tank Brigades, 3 Taylor Brigades, 5 Faustin Brigades, 2 AVB-02 Brigades, 3 AVB-01 Brigades, 3 Destroyers, 3 PA-1 Squadrons, 1 SUDB-01 Squadron, 2 Tyr-1 Squadrons
Democratic Republic of New Jersey: 19 Infantry Brigades, 11 Artillery Brigades, 3 Anti-Air Brigades, 3 Anti-Tank Brigades, 4 A-35 Brigades, 14 Destroyers, 12 Light Cruisers, 2 Heavy Cruisers, 4 G-35 Squadrons
WAR WEARINESS PLAGUES MEXICAN ARMY. Mexico City, Mexico. The end result of numerous years of war, first against the Allies, and now against the increasing coalition of Central American nations arrayed against the government, have led to a growing backlash against the standing regime in Mexico. Desertions from service have reached a massive high, even worse than during the darkest days of the World Wars following the deployment of poison gas by the Allies. The army has noted an increasing amount of individuals refusing to muster for service, as the war against Yucatan seems to be embroiled in an unwinnable fight. The Freedom Party has lost extensive popular support to various other parties, as it becomes obvious their campaign words of peace were naught more than hollow promises. The rise in dissent has been marked, threatening to destabilize the nation even further. (-1 Stability, -13 Infantry Brigades)
METIS FIGHTING CONTINUES. Winnipeg, Metis Republic. The Virginian government, in response to dramatically increased Metis guerilla activity over the past two years, took the offensive this year. Search and destroy missions were launched to locate militia headquarters and overall met with extensive successes. Some of the stronger French nationalist militias were leveled by the Virginian forces, and much of the southern region of the country was declared pacified by the occupation force during the later part of the year. Suspected hideouts in the north were bombed during the warmer parts of the year, while in the winter, Virginian forces moved in on land, fighting brief but brutal battles to restore order. Several of the stronger militias were routed with the heavy warfare, leaving many scattered or too destroyed for political or military success. With the increase in activity and offensive operations, Virginian casualties have mounted as well, as more die to preserve control over the vast region. (-3 Infantry Brigades)
Central/South American News Report
ECONOMIC FAILURE IN PERU. Lima, Peru. In a major economical disaster, the currency of Peru has collapsed into hyperinflation, as the government attempted to solve a growing war debt by printing new paper money. The problem spiraled out of control throughout the year, prompting a breakdown of the national economy and system. The government has attempted to set prices, but the amount of paper out there has caused many to revert to a basic barter system, trying to exchange for items of equal value. Some have accused the government of neglect, claiming that the effort was part of a socialist espionage move, attempting to bring down the military regime. The government has pledged to investigate all possibilities, and to maintain order among the masses. (-3 Stability)
PARAGUAY ELECTIONS. Asunción, Paraguay. The elections in Paraguay this year saw a dramatic shift once again from previous politics. A scandal indicting the current President in corruption and embezzlement has put the Liberal Party in high disfavor this year, as the Conservative Party rallies more support. Pledging increased international involvement in South America, the Conservative Party has called for greater trade ties, and a new era of improved relations with the newly reestablished state of Bolivia. Though the Bolivian government is in theory a socialist one, the conservatives have stated they will be friends of any democracy on a world scale. (+2 Stability)
BELIZE ELECTIONS. Belize City, Belize. The rising issue in Belizean elections was clearly the growing war between other Central American states and the nation of Mexico over the independence of the Yucatan. The Liberal Party has angered some of its support base by allowing the crossing of Guatemalan troops into Yucatan, but the attempted assassination of General Fletcher in Honduras made the people aware of the possible Mexican threat to Central America. Pledging to protect the people of the region and to build up support for a united front against the Mexican regime, the Belize Liberal Party has recaptured support from the people as they gear up for possible involvement in the growing Yucatan conflict. (+1 Stability)
VENEZUELA ELECTIONS. Caracas, Venezuela. Elections in Venezuela this year turned closer to domestic affairs than previously. The revival of the nation's Socialist Party has divided the previously unstoppable Liberal Party, which currently controls the country's government. The Conservatives capitalized upon this, portraying the Liberals and Socialists as the radicals fought in the Socialist Union during the World Wars. The Venezuelan Liberal Party followed in a similar fashion, denouncing the socialists, while calling for increased rights for the average worker. The Liberals have also won hearts and minds by announcing new economic programs involved with the exploiting of the Amazon rainforest to the south. The incredible success of the Socialist Union's Ordenz Plan has led to calls for the Venezuelan government to follow suit with a similar exploitation program. The Liberals won the election, but it is clear that the Conservatives and Socialists have both gained strength in the nation's Congress. (-1 Stability)
CARIBBEAN FEDERATION ELECTIONS. Havana, Caribbean Federation. The newly created Caribbean Federation held its first elections as a unified state this year, and Liberals and Conservatives battled each other for control of the country. The Liberal Party stood on a platform of improved relations with the various nations along the Caribbean Sea, taking a step back from the militarist stance of the former Cuban government. This appealed to many of the voters in Hispaniola and the West Indies, establishing a strong bastion of support. The Conservative Party took a more aggressive tone, calling for the extension of Caribbean power throughout the region and the world, increasing trade and military power internationally. The Liberal Party managed to win the day, bringing the Caribbean Federation looking more inward, hoping to improve relations with Mexico and the Republic of New England. (+1 Stability)
ORDENZ PLAN COMPLETE. Rio de Janeiro, Socialist Union of South America. The Socialist Union of South America, in a joyous ceremony in former parts of the Amazon Rainforest, symbolically cut down the last tree to be destroyed underneath the ambitious development program. Started in the early 1920s under the first incarnation of the Socialist Union, during the war with Germany, the Ordenz Plan dramatically reimagined the potential of the vast Amazon Rainforest. Destroying nearly 25% of the existing trees to make room for resource gathering and infrastructure development, the new plan now provides quick and easy train transportation from the coast to the Colombian and Peruvian borders in just a few days. The incredible amounts of resources discovered in the process have jumpstarted the Socialist Union's industry as a massive amount of jobs and factories came online this year. Unemployed across the world have travelled to work in the vast amount of job openings, as pay flows easily, and welfare is taken care of by state officials. The widespread destruction of the rainforest has taken a small toll however, as a small group of misguided activists viewed the devastation as a horrendous atrocity against nature, and some claim that numerous species may have been rendered extinct by the thoughtless exploitation of the Union's rainforests.
CHILEAN CRACKDOWNS SPARK ANGER. Santiago, Chile. The recent crackdowns upon the population by Chile in the wake of the World Wars has sparked diplomatic retribution from the Socialist Union of South America. The harshness and brutality of the government towards the dissident population has led to the Socialist Union proclaiming a full embargo of the South American state. The Chilean government has denounced the Socialist Union, claiming that its actions are fully justified. They have further proclaimed that the Socialist Union of South America is only attempting to expand their control over the region once again, claiming that they are possibly going to rise again as a threat to the free world.
MEXICO IMPLICATED IN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Two attempts were made upon the life of William Fletcher, long standing ruler of the Central American nation of Honduras. The notorious Red Brigade of the Mexican Army was implicated in the attacks, and several members were captured and publically revealed to have been ordered to act by the Mexican government. The political opportunity created by this news has led to Fletcher's purging of several "pro-Mexican" members of the nation's government and to an outright declaration of war against the nation of Mexico in favor of the Yucatan rebellion. Troops and aid were immediately sent overland with the blessing of both Guatemala and Belize as Central America unites for the first time against a common enemy. (+3 Stability)
YUCATAN REBELLION ESCALATES. Merida, Yucatan. The fighting in Yucatan has continued to escalate, despite the halt of submarine attacks upon the Mexican blockade. The influx of troops and supplies from Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras has led to the war being one of Central American unity against Mexico. The troops have helped continue to bog the Mexican army in a stalemate, as supplies continue to be brought in overland to aid the war effort. Mexican casualties have continued to mount, though superiority in the skies and in small unit tactics have helped to keep them comparatively low to similar fighting in the World Wars. Thanks to these elements of superiority, the Mexicans have managed to advance deeper into the Yucatan, though at a very slow pace. The various nations of Central America, including the belligerents and the mostly neutral powers of El Salvador and Belize have issued a demand for Mexico to recognize the independence of Yucatan and to end its war of aggression, returning the lands already taken in the invasion.
Casualty List
Mexico: 28 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade, 2 AVB-03 Brigades, 3 PA-3 Squadrons, 3 SUDB-01 Squadrons
Yucatan: 10 Infantry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 2 Anti-Air Brigades, 3 Faustin Brigades, 3 Oliver Mk2 Squadrons, 3 Osprey Squadrons
Guatemala: 10 Infantry Brigades, 2 Tank Brigades, 4 Oliver Mk2 Squadrons
Honduras: 9 Infantry Brigades, 1 Tank Brigade
FIGHTING IN LOUISIANA ESCALATES. New Orleans, Louisiana. In response to continuing raids into the Texan Republic, the Texan government has involved itself in the chaotic fighting in the former Empire of Louisiana. Blaming the Northern Louisianan Alliance for most of the activity against their nation, the Texan military has launched an invasion of Louisiana, smashing aside enemy defenses and capturing Peu de Roche with significant casualties in the fighting. The Texans have occupied the region against a battered populace, as the fighting continues to expand elsewhere. They have been opposed by the growing power of the Voodoo priests in New Orleans, who have managed to successfully overthrow the warlord of Louisville. The fighting has at least diminished to only three factions as Texas, New Orleans, and Saint Louis continue to struggle for political control over the war-torn region.
Casualty List
Louisiana: 15 Infantry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades, 2 Anti-Air Brigades, 1 Murphy Brigade, 2 AS-124 Squadrons
Louisville: 23 Infantry Brigades, 5 Artillery Brigades, 4 Anti-Air Brigades, 2 Anti-Tank Brigades, 3 Faustin Brigades, 5 Murphy Brigades, 6 AS-124 Squadrons
Northern Louisianan Alliance: 58 Infantry Brigades, 7 Artillery Brigades, 5 Anti-Air Brigades, 6 Faustin Brigades, 5 Oliver Mk2 Squadrons (destroyed)
Saint Louis: 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Murphy Brigade
Texan Republic: 30 Infantry Brigades, 2 Anti-Tank Brigades, 3 AVB-03 Brigades, 5 AS-124 Squadrons, 2 PA-3 Squadrons, 2 AFB-01 Squadrons
European News Report
NEW KING OF SERBIA AMID ELECTIONS. Belgrade, Serbia. While inaugurating a new year of campaigning for the nation's Duma, King Peter II of Serbia suffered a fatal heart attack, keeling over in the middle of a speech. Though rushed to the hospital, the doctors proved unable to bring him back to full health, and he soon passed away, leaving his son the throne. The new Peter III is known to be a more liberal person, having attended universities in both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Italy. Though not considered favorably by the Conservative Party, he has nonetheless pledged his support to his father's former backers, denouncing the Liberal efforts. Despite this platform, he has agreed to allow the reopening of several private liberal newspapers, and to halt intra-party violence which has occurred over previous elections. The Conservative Party won the day once again, with the political success of the liberation of Albania and the establishment of that region as an independent nation from Greek control. The Liberal Party managed to regain some influence, but are still a silent minority in the Duma. (+1 Stabiliy)
ICELANDIC ELECTIONS. Reykjavik, Iceland. The Socialist Party of Iceland continues to maintain its control over both the nation's Althaus and the executive office of President. The Socialist Party's successes in establishing order over Greenland with the fall of the Danish Empire and the creation of a universal healthcare program have led to overwhelming popular support for the government. Even with a limited treasury and a tight budget, Iceland has touted its position as a utopian paradise, and the Socialist Party has proclaimed full neutrality in all international affairs. They have pledged to maintain their nation's stability and welfare throughout the years, providing an idealized establishment for the country's working and middle classes. (+2 Stability)
SCANDINAVIAN PLEBISCITES HELD. Stockholm, Swedish Empire. The final days of Sweden's Scandinavian empire seem to be reaching an end with the results of the recent plebiscite. The Swedish government agreed to nationalist demands to hold plebiscites on independence in both Norway and Finland this year, which has resulted in popular support for the freedom of both nations. While not the whole of either national region managed to win popular support for freedom, the larger population centers seem to back the nationalists as much as possible. Northern Norway remains firmly Swedish, backing the government in Stockholm, sparking some limited violence between nationalists and loyalists. In Finland, western parts of the region also remain loyal to the Swedish crown, as the nationalists mostly gain support in the regions formerly controlled by the Russian Empire before the Great War. With the results in, Europe awaits to see Sweden's response.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN CONTINUES. London, England. Last year proved only a temporary respite for the embattled people of Britain. The French have resumed air and bombing actions against the English, meeting with little resistance, as ammunition and fuel begin to run short among the defenders. The few planes to respond were usually shot down, as the French continue their extensive bombing of London and other urban areas. The blockade continues to remain in effect around the island, but the English have managed to stabilize the food situation from both local sources and smuggling, preserving their stability so far. The English government has pledged to maintain the "Good Fight" against the French attackers, promising to continue bleeding of French forces until they are brought at last to the negotiating table by English arms.
Casualty List
France: 2 PPDA-41 Squadrons, 4 PBHA-40 Squadrons
England: 9 Anti-Air Brigades
EMERGENCY SITUATION AND ELECTIONS DECLARED IN RUSSIA. St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. Tsar Alexander IV has called upon the nation's Duma for a vote of no confidence in the reigning President with the ongoing turmoil across the country not appearing to subside. With parts of the country still under martial law or in unrest, the effort for new elections was launched, as the government struggles to piece itself together. The elections soon reported a disturbing series of trends, as nationalist extremist militias won the popular vote in Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. A significant amount of violence also erupted in the Ukraine and Estonia between nationalists and loyalists, with neither gaining a successful majority in the elections. The east has seen mostly pacification as the various Central Asian states vote peacefully as if it was a regular election year. The one exception has been Manchuria, which had a sizeable majority vote for the Chinese Unification Party, calling for joining of the province with the Republic of China. Despite the threats presented by the various nationalist movements, the elections appear to have provided some feeling of calm, even as the Federative Party wins reelection with a new candidate. (+2 Stability)
HOORAY FOR KINOGRAD. Odessa, Russian Federation. Researchers and technicians in Kinograd have stunned movie going audiences world wide with the popularization and mass productions of filming in color. New filming techniques such as mobile cameras and better production appear to have also reached out into the world of moving pictures, despite Russia's tumultuous position domestically. Odessa has fortunately been spared most of the fighting of the troubled times, allowing for a continuing economic boom in the region, even as the economy stagnates elsewhere in the Federation. Other film studios across the world have hired Russian techs to help with the development of their own industries, as Russia continues to lead the world in the cinema.
MIRACLE CURE INVENTED. Prague, Bohemia. A surprising development for medicine has emerged from the Institute of Medicine in Prague. Scientists believe that they may have developed a cure or at least a treatment for many known diseases. Termed "penicillin," this new miracle drug is claimed to help provide a cure for all sorts of infections and diseases, and many believe that this could revolutionize standards of medicine and living across the globe. It is said that is drug helps prevent complications in commonplace surgeries such as amputations and wounds inflicted by conflict. It has been confirmed that the drug was tested upon the soldiers of the Co-Axial Pact during the Russian campaign in various theaters. Local commanders who served in the region have provided stirring endorsements, and doctors from all over have taken note, crying out for a supply of this wonderful new miracle of medicine.
WE CAN SEE THROUGH SKIN! Venice, Republic of Italy. Medical scientists working in the University of Milan have unveiled a new device almost as revolutionary as the penicillin developed in Prague. The new X-Ray machine is said to be able to see through the upper layer of human skin, which has proven to be highly useful in medicine, allowing for the spotting of broken bones and fractures. As with the other new medical advance this year, this new device was tested on Axis troops brought home from injuries in the campaign against the Russian Federation. The valid medical use has shown many to be thrilled with this new device, and rumors of possible side effects have been whole-heartedly dismissed by the French and Italian governments.
SERBIAN MILITARY MODERNIZATION. Belgrade, Serbia. The government of Serbia has undergone an extensive modernization process before, during, and after the World Wars, hoping to bring its land forces on par with larger powers, establishing a stronger force in the Balkans. Studying French tactics from the fighting in Russia and the stagnant warfare of the Turkish campaign, the Serbian military commanders have worked to integrate new ideals of warfare into their army training. The new Serb military is said to be well trained and disciplined, capable of standing toe to toe with the Italian armed forces, and perhaps even superior to them. (+1 Army Quality)
ALBANIA INDEPENDENT. Tirana, Albania. As part of the agreed partition of Greece, Serbia gained control over the highly disputed region of Albania. In order to cement control over the territory, the Serbian government has created a new independent monarchy in the newly created nation of Albania. A brother of the Serbian king, the new monarchy is stated to be directly tied in alliance to the Serbian government. Though not a native of the region, he has won popular support among the military, pledging to maintain at least some resemblance of independence from Serbia, economically and militarily. Talks have also been launched about the creation of an Albanian Duma in the upcoming years, allowing for a similar constitution as the modern one of Serbia.