Blackened Skies

Brazil cautionarily raises mobility to 100%. We have no intention of getting involved in this renewed war, but we will be ready to defend our territorial integrity if we are pulled in.
 
OOC: Nuka told Tolni that peace was unacceptable and he could either bribe his generals and face general unrest and instability, or be coup'd and stay at war with Bolivia.
 
Hi all,

We have around 36 hours until the deadline. We had a GREAT surge of orders last time around, let's get them in again on time :)
 
We can update this weekend if y'all get your orders in.
 
Just missing a few order sets, get them in! We will be starting the update on the morrow! :)
 
Now I'm not sure if I sent my orders to both of you.
 
Shanghai, 12th December​
THE RED STANDARD
The Year in Movies (1)

After the first successes of the movie industry in China last year, the first independent studios have flourished under the umbrella of the Beishi Cinema Complex. Although production this year has seen all kinds of movies from romance to thriller and epic, the clear dominators of the box office seem to be the wuxia genre. This years top box office hit was the civil war epic The Red Dragon, but the much cheaper Sacred Fists has drawn huge crowds, and other movies of the style have also swayed the people. A case apart is the genre-defying The Smoke that Trickles from Kwangtung, whose troubled production has muffled its commercial performance, but which has sent some critics raving about "the best movie ever filmed yet." In the following days, we will review the most important film to come out each month, either because of its success, its failure, or its repercussion.

January:

The theme of war has been patriotically embraced by many prominent filmmakers, none most fervently than Sun Yishi. Practically unknown a year before, when Road to Beijing hit the screens it was an instant success. Filmed mostly with veterans and off-duty soldiers, the choral tale of a unit stuck in the trenches as they fight off a Qing attack in the eve of the final push struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.

His more spectacular follow-up, The Red Dragon, focuses on a soldier from an impoverished Han family whose only option is to enlist in the reformed army of the late Qing. As his competence earns him promotion after promotion, he sees and despises the criminal incompetence of his Manchu superiors. Finally, he attains the unusually high position of quartermaster at his barracks as the former, a Manchu, has been exposed as corrupt. Soon thereafter the revolution breaks out, and our hero arouses his Han comrades against the corrupt tyranny. Most of the higher ranking officers escape, while the honourable Manchu division commander surrenders. Oblivious to the uprising, most soldiers in other barracks of the city remain under Manchu command, and are driven to a siege of the hero's unit. After two bloody assaults due to the officer's incompetence, the besiegers turn against the commanders after the hero appeals to them, the Manchus are captured or flee and the town flies the Republican flag. Although the flag shown was only designed later, every town in revolt used its own flags, thus it was decided to use the national flag in order to avoid confusion.

This movie marks the return of some of the more prominent and promising soldiers from Road to Beijing, now discharged from the Army as peace has been secured. Noteworthy was the return of Wong Peifu as the titular hero, after being praised for his key but far minor character in Road of Corporal Jiang. Although all critics have agreed on the improvements on the technical side, no doubt aided by a larger budget, some have decried the lack of subtlety of the picture, seeing in the lack of a name for the hero (he is always addressed by rank, family relation or through pronouns) as a device to produce an apology of Hu Diao, especially due to similar military exploits. It has been China's greatest box office hit yet, however.

An anecdote on this movie is that the formerly successful German filmmaker Bruno Muller, noted Sinophile, plays a minor role as a foreign journalist that chronicles the siege back to Europe in awe of the defender's bravery and abilities. He was also camera operator for some scenes, although uncredited.

February:

February saw the continued success of The Red Dragon as the New Year approached. A slew of patriotic films appeared around the fateful day, like the lush but generally unsuccessful Last Day of the Last Dynasty, putting much care into reproducing the last day of the last Qing Emperor in Beijing. The picture attracted much buzz as the Emperor himself had been a consultant to the team, although the production relied mostly on accounts from palace servants and clerks as their contact with the dreaded Manchu was extremely limited for security reasons. It failed to break even, however. Its painstaking attention to detail and accuracy was offset by a complete lack of action, which bored audiences to sleep. While some have praised its closeness to reality, general consensus faults it for not adapting it adequately to the screen. This was the pet project of Ma Fashan, known for last year's war epic Raining Fire, exploring the struggle between former colleagues in cadet school, now flying aces on the opposing sides. The climax of the film, depicting the Raid on Tianjin, has been widely considered as the best use of effects in a movie to date, and the emotional load of the movie put great hopes on a filmmaker whose career may now be on the tight rope.
 
Work on the update has begun! Stragglers get them in
 
I mean, I know it's pointless to declare 100% mobilisation several hours before update is posted. But still.

Argentina mobilises to 100%!
 
@Tolni, indeed pretty useless
@Jack, you'll have to wait until next turn to specify that
 
Addio Italia, questa flotta mette a mare.
Regia Marina.
Ora vela in Francia, sull'altro lato del mare, per affrontare il destino.
"Torneremo, non importa quanto costa." "
Consente di visualizzare le persone ondeggianti un sorriso.
Si naviga via per la Francia.
Un debole barlume di speranza.
Regia Marina.

The Children in the streets of every Italian city sing these lines, as the Italian military fights for justice.

OOC: I'm really sorry for using google translate and I'm sure every Italian is gonna kill me for this ^^ But the one who figures out which song inspired these few, horrible, lines, gets 10 EP from me next turn ^^.
 
You should probably change your tactics to guerilla or defensive, considering you're at war with half a continent.
 
Please do not post anymore, I would like to reserve the top of the next page for the update :)
 


1935

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EUROPE

New weapons of war: ocean-based aircraft platforms and heavy bombers arrive in Europe as war rages on between Trieste Pact and the Proletarian Continental Commonwealth Command
Rome, Italy

As war continues between the Trieste Pact and their newly-minted American allies, so advances the technology of destruction. This year, the Kingdom of Italy rolled out two completely novel weapons platforms that have caught most observers’ eyes: one, the Imperator-class “aircraft carrier,” a mobile aircraft platform that traverses the waves; and two, the Fi-2 “heavy bomber,” a high-altitude bomber with greater payload and climb than any air vehicle previously designed. The Fi-2 was quickly put to work bombing enemy positions in northern Italy, and PCCC forces struggled to adapt to an enemy that was difficult to intercept, even though the deployment has, at this stage, been restrained. The Imperator, meanwhile, was placed at the head of the Italian naval attack on the French southern coasts, serving as a staging ground for bombers at the Shelling of Marseilles, and operating as the flagship for the Trieste Pact-allied navies at the Battle of Toulon.

Battle of Toulon: French and Italian navies clash for control of western Med; U.S. navy forces French Atlantic Fleet to withdraw back to Bordeaux
Toulon, France

The Kingdom of Italy has been enjoying the tacit support of the United Kingdom, whose ministers have declared socialism a scourge on the continent, and the implied support of the United States, which has placed a presence in Portugal and declared a blockade of Gibraltar - but this year the United States declared its official unreserved support for the Trieste Pact and the Kingdom of Italy, and American ships based in Portugal have enormously extended their patrolling ranges. The French, feeling the pressure, sought to recombine their Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets. Perhaps anticipating such a movie, the Italian Royal Navy engaged in a two-stage attack on the French southern coasts, hoping to draw the French Mediterranean fleet into an engagement. The French were too slow to respond to the Italian attack on Marseilles, a two-day shelling that resulted in 456 injured and 72 dead; and, fearing encirclement by the US fleet based around Gibraltar, met the Italians at Toulon, where a major naval confrontation took place. French air forces were able to respond, and met the Italians’ carrier-based air escort. The ensuing contest resulted in a major loss for the French as the Italian retreat at the end of the day was from a smoking husk of a city and the harbor outside it. The effective loss of Toulon, and the destruction of the French Mediterranean fleet, has collapsed the shipping situation for the PCCC in the Mediterranean, as only British ships are free to go unmolested by the pervasive US and Italian patrols.

[Italy lost 2 Lt-Cruisers, 2 Battleships, 5 Dreadnoughts, ITA lost 5 Gunboats, ITA lost 3 Hv-Cruisers, 1 Destroyers.

France lost 1 Biplane Squadrons, 1 Monoplane Squadrons, 5 Lt-Cruisers, 6 Dreadnoughts, 6 Hv-Cruisers, 5 Gunboats, 2 Destroyers, 1 Battleships, 2 Battlecruisers.

USA lost 1 Destroyer, 1 Battleship, and 1 Gunboat.]

Operation “Alaric” results in heavy casualties for Italian defenders, loss of ground
Genoa, Italy

The PCCC has been growing increasingly effective under the command of GFA officers, a fact that has not been lost on anyone involved in the war in northern Italy. CRR and GFA forces combined their strengths to perform two major offensives in Piedmont and Lombardy, intending to take Genoa and Venice each. The defensive in Piedmont was badly bungled by the Italian commanders, who were forced to retreat east, leaving Genoa open to the PCCC forces. However, a counter-offensive by the re-marshalled Italian 6th Army managed to save the city and push the PCCC out of shelling range. In the east, PCCC forces managed to exploit a salient on Venice, but found it difficult to arrange a proper invasion of the island-city, especially as the Italian battleship the Cagliostro dropped heavy fire from afar. In the north, a CRR armored division punched a hole in the Italian lines that was not quickly filled. German forces were thus able to overwhelm the defensive position, where they quickly spilled into Lombardy proper. Although the offensive was contained, the Italians were not able to reverse those gains or any other before year’s end, contributing to the growing and worrying feeling among Italians that Italy is stemming a tide that will only grow in time. On the other hand, Italian forces successfully defended the Albanian frontier against a poorly managed Greek offensive, holding the territory all the way.

[CRR lost 12 Reserve Divisions, 1 Autocar Divisions, 1 Lt-Armor Divisions.
CRR total casualties: 129,907.

Italy lost 2 Rifle Infantry, 2 Trencher Infantry, 2 Assault Infantry, 1 Autocar Divisions, 2 Lt-Armor Divisions, 2 Md-Armor Divisions, 1 Biplane Squadrons, 8 Rifle Infantry, 8 Trencher Infantry, 8 Assault Infantry.
Italy total casualties: 304,276.

GFA lost 6 Reserve Divisions.
GFA total casualties: 66,108.]

Spanish, Italian ships exchange fire in the Mediterranean


With Italian ships taking aggressive actions in the Western Mediterranean, it was only a matter of time before they clashed with the Spanish, who had aggressive orders to defend its waters. Several minor clashes occurred near the Balearic Islands, with multiple warnings given by Italian and Spanish commanders before exchanging fire. Casualties were extremely light, as the sides generally disengaged quickly, but the Spanish did see one of its gunboats go down at the hands of an Italian cruiser. With Spain growing closer and closer to the PCCC members, many wonder if this is going to be the final impetus for Spain to join the alliance.

[Spain lost 1 Gunboat.]

Rebellions shake eastern Europe: terrorist organizations Free Poland and the Prussian Legion storm government offices; anti-occupation forces in Hungary and Romania rise up

The Russian Empire has been dealt a reeling blow this year as a result of the sudden uprising of several large and dangerous anti-government forces, both in the newly-annexed regions of Hungary and Romania and in the already-integrated regions of Poland and Eastern Prussia. Eastern Prussia, a possession greedily acquired in the wake of the German Revolution, has long been a hotbed of rebellious activity; now, seeing the opportunity granted by the sudden annexation of Hungary and Romania and the ongoing police efforts there, two organizations known as FREE POLAND and the PRUSSIAN LEGION have risen up in and around Warsaw and Marienburg, as on September 15th Free Polish forces stormed the Russian consulate in Warsaw and on September 24th Prussian Legion forces did the same in Marienburg. Although Russian forces were quick to respond, it soon became apparent that Poland had become a warzone, and Free Poland, far from being a bunch of disorganized peasants, was a threatening partisan force. Meanwhile, in Hungary, the rise of the ORDER OF THE MAIDEN has been taken as the start of the Hungarian resistance, as this ultra-Catholic sect of ex-Austrians and Hungarian traditionalists have pledged to restore the rule of Catholic decency in Hungary. In Romania, the ROMANIAN IRON GUARD has reorganized in the face of the Russian suppression and swears to re-establish the Romanian state, no matter the cost.

As of year’s end, Russian forces had been deployed to certain safe zones on the edge of terrorist areas, but no major cells had been found or exploited. The re-occupation of Warsaw was soon revealed to be a hollow victory, as the city was found razed and evacuated. The Tsar has called for many thousands more troops to be raised to put down the rebellions, and fighting has been brutal throughout the region which is growing increasingly fluid and lawless.

[Russia lost 4 Reserve Divisions.
Russia total casualties: 47,411

Rebel casualties: 136,435]

Unrest in Ireland amidst fascist rhetoric: Irish demonstrators arrested by British police
Dublin, United Kingdom

The Irish territories, generally a sore spot for the British crown, once again couldn’t resist disturbing the peace and breaking the king’s back over whatever foolish nonsense those Gaelic-spewing potatoheads... ahem… sorry. I got off track. Where was I? Oh, that’s right. The Irish. Damn them all to hell. A good lot of them got angry at all this fascist rhetoric and the increasingly “hostile” behavior of British police, and the generally strict laws and high taxes on the Irish people. So they started demonstrating, being hooligans and causing a fuss, and the cops had no choice but to bust some skulls. That’ll show them! Right on, coppers!

Swedish reconstruction prompts questions of independence, territorial changes

Malmo, Occupied Sweden

British authorities have had a rather peaceful reconstruction of Sweden since the fall of the socialists. The rather quick invasion saw Stockholm as the only city with significant structural damage, but reconstruction was not limited to physical structures. For the first time since the revolution, local governing authorities saw some powers restored, and even though Fascists were promoted to their heads, many in rural areas have seen this as an important reversal of the old regime. As the British gain support in Sweden though, many are wondering what is next for the country. The former Swedish Crown Prince has been living in the Netherlands, ready to take over his duties, and both the Danish and Norwegian Kings have a vague claim to the Swedish throne. Some even have suggested that Marie simply becomes Queen of Sweden, with the realm becoming a Commonwealth, with many Swedish conservatives hoping such a move would keep the British engaged in the region. In addition to the conflicting claims over the Swedish throne, the Kings of both Denmark and Norway have put forward requests to have certain territories transferred to them. Norway has requested some border regions transferred, and Denmark has asked for both Scania and Gotland. Both requests have naturally been opposed by the Swedes, though it will be the British that have the final say in the decision.

Major Dutch Damming project completed on schedule

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

After five years of work, the Dutch have completed a major damming project in an effort to reclaim arable land. While not as ambitious as the plans laid out in 1930, some significant dams have been completed, and many are looking forward to the increased amount of land in the region. However, one pessimistic Dutch politician noted that with Germany howling at the gates, the money should have been spent on soldiers and fortresses, not “on a dam that’s going to be bombed and drown us all”. With the project completed though, many politicians have signalled a shift to increase the Netherland’s readiness for a potential war with the Socialist bloc.

Netherlands joins the Trondheim Accord
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

As the European situation continues to deteriorate, the Republic of the Netherlands has announced that it will fully join the Trondheim Accord. While there was some residual tension over the loss of Indonesia, the fact that Britain had saved the Netherlands from socialism once before, along with the German invasion of Austria triggering memories of the German invasion of the Netherlands ten years prior, saw the Dutch parliament to vote overwhelmingly in favor of joining. Pro British politicians have been on the upswing, and the British ambassador has become one of the most visited people in Amsterdam. Socialists of course have denounced the joining but the police were prepared to break their strikes quite quickly.

Anti-war, Anti-German sentiment growing in France ahead of 1936 elections
Paris, France

Protests hit the streets in Paris this year ahead of the 1936 elections with significant grievances posted to the ruling Supremacist party, headed by Chairman Roy Chevalot. While the Supremacists have enacted some very significant and popular reforms at home, the decision to enter the Trieste War with Germany is sinking the party’s popularity, a common joke being that the Chairman’s approval rating fell with each lost ship.

The combination of defeat in Indochina, the loss of the French fleet, the bombing of Marseilles, and the rising disapproval of Germany have driven a large number of student, farmers, and workers in non-war industries into a firmly pro-peace camp that is rapidly growing in strength. While France has seen bigger protests, this movement is determined to either find peace or to end the current government. For his part, Chairman Chevalot has made common cause with the hardline Brutists and Absolutists, who are extremely pro-war, but is losing the left-wing of his own party. As Chevalot loses the liberal Supremacists, the talented Gabriel Agreste has risen to prominence as the head of a new “Butterfly Movement”, declaring that if he wins the elections that France will withdraw from the Trieste War. There are rumors that Chevalot may try to form a national unity government to head off the Butterfly movement, but he may risk radicalizing this growing party against him.

GFA Labor policies frustrating conservatives, socialists

Berlin, GFA

As the war with Italy continues on, the GFA’s controversial new labor policies have found vocal opponents. With more men going off to war, the GFA is filling the holes on factory lines with youths and women, causing outrage among socialists and conservatives respectively. Socialists are outraged that child labor, abolished even during the Kaiserreich, is making a return, while conservatives decry that Berlin has given into yet another excess of socialism by taking women from their homes and children. Still, as an increasing number of men from the GFA go off to war, the need for this extra labor has only increased, and the workers have yet to strike, likely due to some fear of the secret police.

White Wolf begins military sabotage

Vienna, Occupied Austria

With Austria serving as a vital path between Germany and the Italian front, the legendary White Wolf has been determined to do anything he can to slow the German advance. Actions have ranged from blowing up trains and bridges to outright assaults on passing troop columns. Perhaps the biggest victory for the White Wolf though was when three simultaneous suicide bombings struck at the Ruhr’s barracks. The situation in Austria has become increasingly unstable, and it coincides with Italian victories on the battlefield. Seeking to not only bring the Austrian situation under control, but to also counter the growing power of the All-Union Ministry of Intelligence, the Ruhr’s Secret Police has sent in the notorious Günther Schultz in hopes that he can restore order for Austria and prestige for the Secret Police.

GFA unveils synthetic oil
Berlin, GFA

In yet another triumph for Futurism and the GFA’s scientists, a new synthetic oil was developed and ready for industrial production. With the socialist countries having no domestic oil production of their own, the GFA’s new synthetic oil plants represents the first hope of oil independence for the bloc. Synthetic oil plants have been constructed around the GFA, and have already started some production. While this represents a major triumph for the nation, scientists warn that the oil is quite expensive to produce at the moment, much more expensive than importing Turkish or Russian oil. Still, having the option of oil independence will put many minds at ease in both the military and the government.

Spanish Popular Front easily dominates elections

Madrid, The Spanish Republic

The Spanish Popular Front easily cruised to victory this year, with an overwhelming show of support for the liberal and socialist parties. This was the first election Spanish women were allowed to participate in, and they delivered their votes overwhelmingly to the socialist parties. Rural areas, long considered a stronghold for the conservatives, saw a swing to the liberals, though the socialists gained almost no traction in these areas.No single party won a majority, but with concessions given to the socialist parties in the form of free health clinics for urban workers and women’s voting rights, socialists felt that they could proceed with the coalition. Also helping the cause for coalition building was the American presence in Portugal and the increased tension on the border. In celebration, several prominent Spanish artists worked together to create a memorial, simply titled “Hope”, that has become an incredible work of collaborative art.

As Spain lurches further to the left, the conservative elements of Spanish society feel increasingly marginalized. Another round of major landowners have sold their assets and have departed for Morocco, with the remaining few being able to be counted on one hand. Some factory owners too have shut down operations in Spain, to the outrage of the unions. There is a fear that among the rural farmers that were already middle class or those with strong Catholic beliefs may become radicalized against the regime.

Portugal captures Spanish border soldiers
Tui, Spanish Republic

Despite the divisive rhetoric from both Spain, few measures were actually taken to head off the Portuguese threats, something that many in Madrid would regret. As border units were patrolling near the town Tui, a Portuguese unit ambushed the patrol and captured all fourteen of the patrol members, taking them back to Portugal. The captured Spaniards have been paraded through Lisbon, and many Spanish politicians are outraged about this affair. Anti-Portuguese sentiment is high among the population as well, and while there are calls for retaliation, those who are more level-headed wonder if the Spanish military, in its current state, could defeat Portugal. The question becomes more serious when one factors in the United States, but others fear that if nothing is done, then Portugal will continue to escalate the situation.

New regime established in Serbia
Belgrade, Occupied Serbia

As it did previously, Turkey opted to establish a puppet regime in Serbia rather than annex the region. Local Fascist Party officials have taken over the internal runnings of the country, while Turks have swarmed the country looking for economic opportunities. Aside from Fascist Party officials, most Serbians are living as second-class citizens in their country, no longer masters of their own empire. Meanwhile, the Serbian conquest has been widely celebrated in Turkey, and many wonder where the glorious armies of Turkey will march next.

Russian aristocracy becoming critical of the Tsar: “Undeclared war is the act of Tatars, not Russians,” declares Russian noble
St. Petersburg, Russia

In a rare sign of dissent, the Russian nobility has grown increasingly frustrated with the Tsar and his policies. The cooperation with Germany, the invasions without proper declarations of war, the signing of alliances with nations only to break them months later, and the claiming of both the Romanian and Hungarian crowns was already alarming, but when the Tsar declared war on Italy, it was seen as an unreasonable accommodation for both Germany and Turkey, two international pariahs. Russian nobles see both Turkey and Germany as hostile regimes without respect for international law, and are growing increasingly concerned that the Tsar cares little for international decorum. While few nobles are prepared to let their feelings be known in public, a shadow campaign has been waged to remove the Foreign Minister, Nicolas Batum. While Batum has been a policy lightweight for the most part in the Tsar’s court, his removal, humiliation, or resignation would help show the nobility’s frustrations with the Tsar’s foreign policy. While the majority of nobles are becoming critical, there is a significant faction that the Tsar has inspired to even more fervent believers in Russia’s imperial destiny. This faction has done what it can to preserve Batum, though it remains to be seen if he can stay alive when so many are out for his blood.

Turkish rocket scientists launch rocket from Edirne that lands in Europe
Edirne, Sublime State of Turkey

Rocket scientists in Turkey demonstrated their parity with scientists around the world as they successfully launched a liquid-fuel rocket from Edirne that landed in Europe, near the Greek border. This event has started to ring alarm bells for many military thinkers, as they begin to theorize rockets tipped with explosives that can be delivered from afar. Although the rocket landed over 20 km away from the target, Turkish scientists are quite insistent that they can improve the accuracy over the next several designs.

Theory of “quantum mechanics” rocks the scientific world: Alphonse Elric’s latest research describes behavior of subatomic particles
Rome, Italy

This year, academic communities around the globe were rocked by a new publication from the Roman Technological Institute by doctoral candidate Alphonse Elric. The paper, which has become enormously circulated and translated into fifteen languages, proposes a theory of “quantum mechanics” that describes the states and behaviors of subatomic particles as existing in a superposition whereby seemingly contrary points are true. The work synergizes several publications of past decades that have attempted to construct a coherent picture of the atomic world, a matter of growing interest since 1915, when Edward Elric, a conscientious objector and emigrant from Germany, published his revolutionary theory of general relativity. Dr. Edward Elric and Mr. Alphonse Elric are brothers, fellows in science and research and reported to be in close cooperation on many subjects, though many observers have noted that Mr. Alphonse’s theories can’t be true under the same conditions as Dr. Edward’s, a matter of reportedly growing consternation between the two. Nevertheless, Mr. Alphonse Elric successfully defended his dissertation and is expected to receive his doctoral hooding sometime the coming year, assuming that the German armies don’t seize Rome before that happens.
 

Zhao Empire invades French Indochina, overwhelms local garrison

In a fit perhaps inspired by the propensity of Europeans to engage in undeclared war with one another, the Zhao Empire invaded French Indochina this past year, in full-force; storming the French defensive positions against heavy fire. Although the French gave a good account of themselves, they were no match for the sheer numbers of their Zhao opponents, and in the end were forced to yield before the Zhao. This invasion comes one year after the failed Thai attempt to do the same.

[Zhao lost 2 Reserve Divisions.
Zhao total casualties: 26,901.

France total casualties: 4,673.]

Turkish-Iranian War at an end; Russian communications leaked
Tehran, Persian Empire

The Persian Empire and the Sublime State of Turkey are once more at peace, following the surprisingly quick victory of Turkish forces over the Persians. However, facing pressure from Russia and the continued threat of Italy, Turkey opted for a peace at status quo. While most in Turkey would have prefered to continue the fight, Italy is still seen as the bigger threat.

Persians on the other hand have been outraged at the quick defeat of their nation, and some have taken to protesting the Shah. A disaffected official from the Foreign Ministry published secret correspondence between Russia and Persia, where Russia offered an alliance initially to fight Turkey with Iran. However, after only a few weeks of negotiations, Russia forced Persia to sign for peace or Russia itself would invade. These messages have been leaked to the wider population, and the protests have shifted from the Foreign Ministry to the Russian embassy. For their part, the Russian embassy has doubled their guard, but warns that opinion of Russia within Persia may be permanently damaged.

Han students headed to foreign universities
Osaka, United States of America

With China at peace and recovering, Han youth are being trained for commerce instead of war. With most of the Western universities in China empty or destroyed, the National Han Republic of China has sponsored its students to go abroad. The University of Osaka has easily become the most popular destination, as has Metropolis University in Jefferson. Other Han students have begun studying in Britain, France, and Spain, steering clear of Germany and Italy due to war.

True India movement rallies nationalists, starts protests

Bombay, India

The True India movement scored a major coup this year, with respected nationalist Damodar Varma joining the nascent organization. While not of the traditional castes that are supporting the True India movement, Varma sees the imposition of the English language as an effort to eliminate the “Indian” identity. Varma has put quite a new fire in the True India movement, as the organization shifts to more protest tactics, doing things such as blocking entry into schools or preventing trains from leaving their stations. The Indian military has quickly responded to these protest efforts, and so far they have been quite successful in shutting down these resistance actions. And even as the protestors block the entrance into one school, another set of schools are opened. While the protests haven’t generated too much worry yet, rumored reports of stolen munitions being gathered in realms of princes friendly to the True India movement has alarmed Bombay, and the Viceroy has been alerted. At this time though, the list of potential culprits is far too extensive for the government to take action, and acting prematurely could have devastating political consequences.

National Han Republic of China announces upcoming elections

Shanghai, China

With the end of the Hakka War and the return of normal life to the Republic, elections have been announced for 1936, and already they look to be a messy affair. The coalition “Revolutionary Party”, consisting of liberals, socialists, and nationalists has almost immediately crumbled, with each faction seeking to advance their own goals. Of all the candidates, Lu Xun of the Han Socialist Party has the single largest party, but he has little crossover appeal to other sectors of the electorate. At best, he could gain a quarter of the electorate, more if he could rally the anarchists to his cause but it would not give him the majority. Two more likely candidates are in the form of the sitting President, Li Zhuten, and the true power of the Republic, Hu Diao. Both have wide scale name recognition, and have respect from liberals and Han nationalists, though Diao appeals to those who seek a military leader while Zhuten courts his support among those who seek an educated leader. While Diao may attempt to run more to the right, the Han Restoration Party, a movement with similarities to Fascism and ethnic nationalism, is running its own candidate hostile to Diao. Most experts note that ideologically, Zhuten and Diao are the most similar, but the years of power sharing have strained their relationship, and both wish to dispose of the other, even if it means entering into a less seemly coalition. Diao currently has the largest amount of support, but if Zhuten aligns with Xun, a leftist nationalist government may emerge in the Han Republic.

Australasia Inquiry: We need an educated work force
Sydney, Australasia

Sydney, Melbourne, and other such cities are booming in Australasia, with a rapid influx of wealth and culture. However, these benefits are being near universally enjoyed by the rich factory owners and higher level professionals, while White Australian workers have seen their incomes shrink. An Australasian government inquiry has investigated this, and other issues, and has made the recommendation for a significant investment in education. The inquiry noted that many Australians are dependent on work that is being done for significantly less money in Indonesia, and have few other opportunities due to a lack of education. The inquiry found that while children are attending school until age 15, there is a complete lack of opportunity for further education except for the extremely rich, who more often than not send their children to Britain. Australasia has a severe lack of scientists, engineers, clerks and teachers. The inquiry recommended that heavier investments be made in Australian primary and secondary education, but also to make it easier for Australians to receive a college education. The inquiry noted that either scholarships to send students abroad, or creating additional local universities would solve the issue, but noted that Australia simply does not have the educational manpower to establish the needed universities, especially since fleeing British intellectuals seem to be some of the most highly sought after individuals in the world.

AFRICA

Angola in open revolt!
Luanda, Portugal

After several years of tension, the Angolan population has at last erupted into open revolt. A vanguard of units waving red banners has declared itself “The People’s Army of Angola” and is easily the best organized and armed, but there are a litany of unaffiliated rebel groups that have overthrown the Portuguese in their own areas. Portugal’s control is at this point limited to only the cities, and many are concerned that with the escalation of conflict with Spain earlier in the year, Portugal may not have the troops available to suppress this revolt.

War in the Maghreb: French garrisons hold line against Italo-Moroccan offensive
French Algeria

The Maghreb continued to see war this year as the Italians continued their offensive, assisted in the west by the Moroccans. The offensive came to a grinding halt, however, as the local French general organized a highly effective defense fighting from the dunes. Although the French have managed to hold out this long, the supply situation is growing more dire with time as the French have been expelled from Mediterranean shipping.

[Morocco total casualties: 6,967.
France total casualties: 10,809.
Italy total casualties: 11,696.]

South African Fascist Party growing rapidly
Cape Town, South Africa

As the situation in Angola continues to deteriorate, and with the Fascist party gaining strength in the homeland, the South African Fascist Party has seen its membership ranks swell with disaffected members of the Liberals and Conservatives. Along with the policies of a strong government and powerful military, the SAFP has also advocated for a codified system of separation of Blacks and Whites in the name of preventing the chaos reigning in Angola. Perhaps recognizing the aspect that without British aid, it would be difficult to control the Black population, the SAFP has gone to great lengths to venerate the Queen, and is perhaps one of the most prominent supporters of the nation’s dominion status. If victorious in the 1936 elections, South Africa would send a clear message to the entire Empire that the Black-North government has supporters not just at home, but in the dominions too.
 


THE AMERICAS

1936 Election Preview: Wayne vs the World

Columbia, United States of America

The 1936 elections in the United States are shaping up to be yet another major crisis moment in the Republic. With Tidewater in open revolt and the Progressives having an internal crisis, Wayne is hoping to push Democratic governors across the country. Governor Dent of Franklin has stated he will unequivocally deliver his state to the Democrats, and Governor Harley has said the same about Louisiana, though many wonder if he feels loyalty to Wayne or fear of the returning troops from Brazil piling into New Orleans. Even after the defeat in Brazil, Texas, Great Plains, Gotham, and Alleghany all look to be safely Democratic due to both Wayne’s popularity among the masses and the crisis that shook the Progressive party. The biggest issue comes from Tidewater, which has entered open revolt and will likely be unable to cast any ballots. This would create a tie between the Progressives and the Democrats if poll numbers remain where they are. Many note that any results coming from Tidewater would likely spark a civil war in itself from the Progressives, as would an election that ended in a tie. Wayne’s advisors are hoping that a victory could be won in Columbia state or in Madison as a way to stave off a potential secession crisis, but also note that if Tidewater is not suppressed by the end of the year, many governors may decide to follow Hamil’s example.

Imperialists force rural population into villages; recruits flock to the MAP
Ixtepec, Empire of Mexico

The Mexican Emperor, feeling more secure in his palace, announced several unpopular new laws, already reigniting old wounds. Land reform and democratic governance, two major policies supported by Mexican liberals and socialists, were passed so half heartedly that they may not have been passed at all. Land reforms would only be initiated if landowners volunteered to sell their land, which almost none chose to do, and the Mexican Senate was established in a position where they could be easily vetoed by the Emperor with little consequence.

Perhaps most significantly though was the Emperor’s fear that those living in rural areas would resist his rule. He ordered his soldiers to corral these potential liabilities into villages that quickly became overcrowded. While money was provided and delivered with surprisingly little corruption to help aid the villages, most of the people in the villages were homeless or living in hovels. Families could not even move to the cities due to fear of death from the patrolling soldiers, who threatened to shoot anyone who tried to leave.

While the sick, the elderly, and families cannot leave, young men and even women are sneaking out at nights, undeterred by the bodies of their slain comrades hanging in the village square, as they seek to join Ignacio in the countryside. These youths have become a godsend to Ignacio as he struggles to replace his losses in the fight against the Empire. And while some are deterred by how significant the opposition is, life in the villages is bad enough that many would prefer to die fighting than live another wretched day under the Emperor’s rule.

[Both lose 1 Reserve Division.
Imperial casualties: 13,508
MAP casualties: 10,406]

Emperor Guillermo V assassinated by Argentinean agents; newly-coronated Emperor Guillermo VI swears revenge: “By my honor, Buenos Aires will burn.”
Sucre, Bolivia

Emperor Guillermo V had long been known for his paranoia, not leaving his palace for over a decade, but it seems his fear was justified. In only his third public appearance since the war began, an Argentine agent set off a gas bomb in a conference room where the Emperor was awarding medals for heroism. While most of the attendees were able to evacuate, the Emperor himself breathed in too much of the gas and died later that evening. The new Emperor, Guillermo VI has ascended to the throne and has declared that he will be an active ruler who will personally oversee the burning of Buenos Aires. While the Emperor has the support of the military and the aristocracy, the Bolivian Empire is becoming increasingly unstable, and many security experts worry that a significant defeat could cause the collapse of the Empire.

Argentina-Chile Coalition fractures amidst coup as forces in the field lose ground against Bolivia
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Despite the assassination of Emperor Guillermo V, the Bolivian forces fought with no less intensity this past year - a fact that had good company with the apparent chilling of relations between Chile and Argentina. The Republic of Argentina’s president originally decided to sue for peace with Bolivia, believing that further war would be only too much more horrible. However, the Argentine Chiefs of Staff did not agree with this policy, and threatened a coup if the war did not continue. For all intents and purposes, this was regarded by everyone as a coup - including the Republic of Chile, Argentina’s steadfast ally and partner. Argentina has long been hailed as a bastion of democracy, and the sudden capitulation of a civilian official to a military officer has turned many heads. Chile has decreased its commitment to the defense, and many are expecting Chile to threaten to sue for peace separately if Argentina’s generals are not made to answer for their undemocratic coup.

[Argentina lost 10 Reserve Divisions, 1 Lt-Armor Divisions, 1 Battlecruisers.
Argentina total casualties: 102,396.

Bolivia lost 5 Reserve Divisions, 1 Gunboats.
Bolivia total casualties: 79,634.

Chile lost 2 Reserve Divisions.
Chile total casualties: 26,730.]

Brazilian Civil War at an end!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The great Brazilian Civil War has ended not with a bang, but with a whimper. With allegations of treason and rebellion spreading across the country, the United States determined to withdraw its combat troops from its positions in Brazil. The Brazilian commanders, not wanting to take further casualties as the United States deployed Bolivian-made gas, more or less allowed the United States soldiers to retreat unmolested, though unfortunately this caused any potential for captured material to be lost. Almost simultaneously, Colombian troops withdrew to their own side of the border, after seeing some minor anti-occupation protests in Venezuela and the US retreat, and the Brazilian commander in the region opted for a similar non engagement strategy.

The victory has been celebrated wildly in Brazil, as the first ever defeat of the United States at the hands of a South American country. Declarations that this was the beginning of the “Brazilian Century”, the Socialist Party gained incredible nationalist credentials for their victory. Elections have been announced for 1937, and the biggest challenge is not whether another party will defeat the Socialists, but rather if Brazil will embrace the industrial style socialism of Europe, favored by the vanguards who started the revolution in the southern coastal cities, or the more agrarian style of the USCA and Mexico, preferred by the new comrades in the north and in the interior. Some politicians have spoken about reclaiming territories stolen by Bolivia, but few are willing to die any longer, least of all for some scraps of land deep within the Amazon. Brazil, most say, is ready for peace, content with their victory and reunification.

Tidewater guardsmen refuse to yield arms to Federal authorities; resulting escalation results in Army Commissioner Gordon declaring Tidewater “officially in rebellion”

This year, U.S. army forces were ordered, as part of a preventative measure against further antagonization from Tidewater guardsmen under the authority of Keith Hamill, to seize several important arms caches nominally for use by Tidewater militia. Although those caches are legally federal property, they were considered by many to be public property free for the states’ use. Nevertheless, Tidewater guardsmen occupied their armories and refused to yield. Eventually, one such armory was the scene of a shootout between the guardsmen and the enforcers. Keith Hamill immediately spoke out in praise of the guardsmen, and despite President Wayne’s command to stand down, refused to do so and in fact ordered the mobilization of all Tidewater’s local reserves. Their status as “in rebellion” was cemented after a “battle” near Raleigh where several Tidewater reserve divisions ambushed and raided a U.S. Army Base in the area. Many throughout Tidewater have flocked to Hamill’s banners, and while they do not unanimously demand secession, there is one resounding call: the death of the tyrant President Wayne.

[USA total casualties: 6,867
Tidewater total casualties: 20,988]

Anti-Occupation graffiti seen in Ottawa
Ottawa, United States of America

With Tidewater in open rebellion and US forces defeated in Brazil, many young Canadians have experienced a political awakening and a surge of confidence. An entire generation of Canadians who have no memory of an independent country to call their own have reached adulthood, and many of them are lashing out against the American system that has kept them in poverty in favor of Americans. Actions so far have remained exclusively non-violent, limited to graffiti, an underground newspaper, and vehicular sabotage. American officials worry that this could be the first resistance movement since the FIfth Anglo-American war ended, and the officials are striking quickly and harshly, executing two students that were caught hanging up a poster of an obese Uncle Sam fondling a Canadian maiden.

The Prussian Candidate? Scandal in Madison!

Madison, United States of America

As Tidewater dealt with its own crisis, the state of Madison was rocked with a major scandal of its own. The Secret Service apprehended six state politicians who had allegedly been in contact with German agents to help prevent America going to war. Perhaps the most significant was Dean Hunter, the Lieutenant Governor of Madison, who was likely going to run for Governor himself as a socialist-leaning Progressive. Hunter, and others, were found to have accepted money and coordinated policy with German agents. How much of this is true, and how much of it was made up by Wayne’s Secret Service, is anyone’s guess but it has had a profound impact upon not only Madison state politics, but also the wider 1936 election. Already, Progressives are shifting their candidate selections from the socialist wing to the more liberal side of the party, creating some inner-party tension. Already, independents in battleground states are becoming uneasy with the Progressives, and one Democrat political operator noted “This could be God’s personal gift to Wayne”.

Iceberg Lounge, First Baptist Church burn in Havana
Havana, United States of America

Havana lost two of some of its most iconic buildings this year, in what authorities are now suspecting was due to foul play. The Iceberg Lounge, long known as both a gathering point for mercenaries looking for work with American businesses in South America, as well as a focal point for smuggling alcohol into the mainland United States, burned to the ground. Many initially saw the fire as an accident, however when First Baptist went up in flames, a Secret Service agent became suspicious. His investigation found that one mercenary regular at the Lounge had recently been able to walk free from a rape allegation, and that the brother of the woman has been missing since the trial. Most American officials in Cuba claim that both of the burnings were accidents, however it has also seen fit to increase the regularity of both police and troop patrols in the city.
 
Global Economic Report

Korea, Japan, Australasia profiting immensely from Chinese reconstruction

With both the Great Zhao and the Han Republic rebuilding their nations, massive orders of steel, cement, and industrial equipment are being needed, and demand has far outstripped domestic supply. Korea’s new factories are rising to meet Chinese demand, but some of the biggest wins have gone to Australasian companies that are using the factory fortresses in Java. The factory fortresses have struggled to keep up with the orders, and companies are recruiting natives aggressively to staff these growing behemoths. Of particular note are the companies Bradley-Mustang, and Armstrong Industries, who have become major players in the Chinese market.

Average global economic growth: -0.4%

OOC:

The new units “Carrier” and “Hv-Bombers” require “Strong” Naval projection or Aerial projection, respectively, to build. This is only temporary while they are a new technology.


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We just experienced 1935; please send orders for 1936.

Country Stats (1935)

Orders due May 28.
 
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