European News Report
DANISH ELECTIONS. Copenhagen, Danish Empire. With many fears of the collapse of the empire, the people of Denmark have spoken out towards action against the concerns. This has seen the downfall of the Konservatives, who have been seen as far too weak on the colonials, particularly with the successful independence bill of Iceland. Actions punishing Iceland were seen as too little and too late for any meaningful signs of empire. The reactionary party, the Dansk National Arbejderparti, has achieved victory in this years elections, promising to hold Nijeria at any cost. They have declared the Quit Nijeria movement to be an illegal organization and the members criminals. The Danish people hope that their new leaders will help them hold the crown jewel of the Danish Empire (+2 Stability at home)
DUTCH ELECTIONS. Amsterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. The Dutch government has seen continuing stability as the popular Moderate Party coalition continues to dominate the nations Congress and politics. They have continued to pledge to maintain a balance of conservative and liberal principles to maintain the nations preeminent status within Europe and across the globe. A continuing development of the military remains at the top of the priorities, as new installations go into place along the French border. They have promised that no matter the threat, whether domestic or foreign, the Netherlands will be united and triumphant in their cause. (+1 Stability)
PORTUGAL ELECTIONS. Lisbon, Portugal. The Portuguese governments elections this year were hotly debated and extremely tense as accusations emerged from both sides. The Liberal Party has accused the Conservatives to selling out to French imperial interests, as well as being not much more than warmongers. The Conservative Party has declared that the Liberal Party will lose the empire to enemy imperial powers. The Liberals have denounced these claims, vowing to maintain the empire as well as any conservative could. These counters resulted in a very ugly election, as polls resulted in the victory of the Portuguese Liberal Party. (-3 Stability)
SWEDISH ELECTIONS. Stockholm, Swedish Empire. Swedish elections this year turned out interesting results, as a surprising new force has risen up in the empire. The elections proceeded as normal, but several seats have been won out in Norway by the Norwegian National Movement, a nationalist organization. The NNM has called for the end of the Union of Sweden and Norway as it has been since 1814, and a new constitution and nation of their own. They have cited the success of the Icelander movement as just cause for their own freedom as a country. The movement has promised to use political efforts to gain their independence, without resorting to violence. Though they have yet to garner a majority of Norwegian seats, they have managed to send a wave of surprise throughout the nations Parliament. (-3 Stability)
INDEPENDENCE FOR ICELAND. Rekjavik, Iceland. The Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn have at last achieved their long awaited goal of independence from the Danish Empire. After several hundred years of Danish rule, the hopes for Icelandic freedom have been fulfilled. Despite attempts to negotiate with the Danish government, however, bitterness now lingers between the two nations. The Danish government demanded payment for their aid over the years, which many view as mere exploitation of the island. After refusal with the passing of the new bill for freedom, the Danes dismantled the islands gubernatorial headquarters and demolished the regions military bases. Most outrageous though was the destruction of several major bridges throughout the island, and the populace has quickly rallied behind though denouncing the former friends in Denmark. Most have called for alignment with France or another major power as a response to the hostility of the Danes.
GERMANS FIELD NEW ARMY DEVELOPMENT. Munich, German Republic. Technicians within the German Republic have brought to the German Army a new instrument of warfare known as the submachine gun. This invention is a new development which helps gives infantrymen better firepower in the field. The new weapons have entered into mass production within the German Republic, but copy-cat designs have found their way into arms factories throughout the world. Factories within France, Russia, and Virginia have begun churning out submachine guns of their own, promising new tactics for warfare. Of course, none seem to compare to the usage within the German army at this time and they have begun adapting their tactics to these new devices. (+1 Army Quality for Germany)
A NEW PIRACY EMERGING? Palermo, Republic of Italy. Port authorities in Italy have announced the discovery of the ruined hulks of several merchant vessels across the Mediterranean Sea. The ships are believed to have been robbed, then burned, by an unknown group of marauders. Radio or wireless signals were not detected by any of the craft, and some fear a new gang of pirates may be active in the region. Some calls have been made for an international conference of nations along the Mediterranean to track down these thugs and murderers in the hopes of justice. The nations to be considered for such a conference are France, Italy, Tunisia, Greece, Serbia, The Turkish Sultanate, Egypt, Palestine, the Russian Federation, and Syria. Many hope that a conference will be called to help settle issues of the ancient highway of commerce.
DUTCH COMPLETE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Rotterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. The Delta Development Plan, a major government program to claim more arable land from the Atlantic Ocean for the Netherlands, completed this year. The Dutch government has lauded the effort as a combined work of Dutch strength and industry. The have boasted the new facilities and dikes for their importance to helping the Dutch economy. Indeed, the Republic of the Netherlands is one of the few regimes which can truthfully claim economic expansion this year, amid a continuing global recession.
RUSSIAN PRIDE DEMONSTRATIONS. St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. The Russian tsar watched over the new Russian Pride festivals which have been making an appearance across the country over the past few years. The Russian Pride Festival has been lauded by the press as a way to show your patriotism and true spirit. They call it a manifestation of the Russian Dream of prosperity and wealth. The Russian people celebrate their prosperity every day, thanking their god and country that they dont have to suffer as so many others do every day globally.
NEW INDUSTRIAL PROTOCOLS DEVELOPED. Moscow, Russian Federation. Russian companies, working in collaboration with each other, have announced a series of new efficiency protocols this year to further improve national industrial production. New methods of mass production of raw materials into refined goods is leading to a variety of new developments within Russia, as resources such as rubber and oil become ever more in demand among the consuming market. These reforms have continued to help Russia grow through turbulent times economically, and other national companies have begun to adopt the new Russian standards of industry.
African/Middle Eastern News Report
IMMIGRANTS FLOOD INTO TUNISIA. Tunis, Tunisia. As violence erupts across French and Danish controlled parts of Africa, refugees have found a somewhat safe haven in the republic of Tunisia. From both Nijeria and Algeria, these people have hopes for a better life within the republic, which has extended them rights and protection. Though some have used Tunis as a port of call for other destinations, many have chosen to serve the new republic until they can safely return home. Some reports of lawlessness in border regions have caused concerns, but Tunisias republic looks to a brighter future. (+1 manpower per turn)
TUNISIA ELECTIONS. Tunis, Tunisia. The Tunisian government has seen an astonishing change from previous politics. The Liberal Party which has dominated the nations domestic affairs for the past twenty-four years has been ousted as the people demand a new change. A collaboration of military officials, conservatives, and liberals have met together to establish a coalition Moderate Party to rival the Conservatives and Liberals. The Moderate Party has managed to achieve success in the elections by appealing to the new flood of immigrant residents by promising a growth in the nations defenses against other powers and the threats on the high seas. Despite the success in the elections, the Moderate Party has failed to gain a majority in the Beys Court. This has caused a growing division within the nation as bitter conservatives and liberals demonstrate against the new state of affairs. (-1 Stability)
ELECTIONS CANCELLED IN ARABISTAN. Ahvaz, Arabistan. The government of Arabistan has once more cancelled elections this year, claiming that the situation still remains grim with neighboring countries. The new government in Persia has been viewed as a possible threat towards its former province and the Arabi government has vowed to maintain security against them. The president has vowed to continue the build up of the military as they denounce the Shah and his new regime, claiming it to be a resurgence of the Persian Empire. (-1 Stability)
REVOLT IN MOROCCO. Rabat, French Empire. An open revolt was launched against French colonial rule in French occupied Morocco this year, as the hatred against their overlords reached a fevered pitch. The dislike grew after the French extended the death trains to the Moroccans, and the remnants of the army chose this year to rise up in rebellion. Heavy fighting erupted as the violence escalated and the French deployed full forces against the rebels. The French colonial forces were quickly brought to bear against the rebels in a bloody conflict. Use of the Hotchkisses and DS proved to be more than sufficient to have crushed the rebels in the field, destroying their armies in the field as well as the leadership behind the lines. The French government has declared full martial law in the colonial province of Morocco, crushing further resistance and executing colonial leaders. (-16 Infantry Brigades, -1 Cavalry Brigade, -4 Artillery Brigades, -3 Hotchkiss Brigades)
NEGOTIATIONS BREAK DOWN IN NIJERIA. Christiansburg, Danish Empire. Negotiations between the Danish Empire and the native Quit Nijeria Movement quickly broke down over this past year as the sides quarreled on the meanings of independence. Large numbers of residents of Nijeria have turned out in support of Danish imperial rule, calling for an influx of fresh military to contain the rising threat of the native independence movement. These people hope that the new pro-imperial government within Denmark will heed their cries and crack down upon the uppity natives.
FIGHTING IN NOVA BRAZIL. Porto Pedro, Nova Brazil. The fighting between the Haitian and Imperial Brazilian army reached a greater pitch this year as imperial forces launched a heated counterattack. The great stretch of logistics has made it ever harder for the increasing Haitian army to supply its forces and the Brazilians have managed to regain control of Porto Pedro from the invading army, splitting them into two pockets along the coast. The Haitian navy has managed to continue holding the pockets together, but thus far they have been unable to advance against the new Brazilian lines, even as their fancy new weapons and equipment are deployed into the field.
Casualty List
Haiti: 8 Infantry Brigades, 1 Marine Brigade, 5 Jungle Brigades, 4 Faustin Brigades
Nova Brazil: 11 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades
A NEW REGIME FOR PERSIA. Tehran, Persia. The death of Araf Hemmati this year has left a power gap in the nation of Persia, with no appointed successor or heir to control of the government. A hastily assembled coalition has attempted to locate the Shah to no avail. It seems that he must have passed away in exile following his treason with the Virginian Empire and Russia. The government coalition continues to manage the country but the problem of disorganization continues to mount, particularly as hostile regimes within the countrys neighbors begin to mobilize to the border to prevent the threat of a revival of a Persian empire. (-3 Stability)
VIOLENCE IN ALGERIA. Algiers, French Empire. Fighting has been reported on the outskirts of the Sahara as French outposts have been overrun by unknown forces. Believed to be Tuareg bandits among other tribal groups, French troops have come under attack throughout southern Algeria and the northern Saharan region. Villages and towns have also been raided by these pillagers, as the fighting is believed to be escalating and French business falls under threat of attack. The French Trans-African Corporation has called for immediate deployment of stronger military forces to the region to restore order. Some investigation has even suggested that Tunisia may be the home base for these bandits and outcry has called for French intervention or investigation into the African nation to determine the truth behind these claims. (-2 Stability in French Algeria)
BUILDUP IN ARABIA RAISES UNREST. Riyadh, Rashid Arabia. This year a major military build up by the Rashid family has been viewed as a growing attempt to centralize power in the nation in Riyadh. Other families have disputed this move, but a major crackdown has been instituted across the country. Several family leaders have been executed by the government and their assets seized. The Rashids have claimed that foreign interests may be attempting to undermine the integrity of the Arabian state and have pledged that this build up is more focused to protect against imperialism than to fight domestic foes.
Asian/Pacific News Report
ECONOMIC BOOM BRINGS HOPE. Chengdu, Republic of China. The rise of the use of the new radio theaters across China and the expansion of that network has led to a dramatic increase of productivity and development within the Republic. Though domestic issues remained uncertain throughout the year, thanks to various troubles, the Chinese economy has shown a hopeful growth. This is amid a overall global recession which seems to have almost stagnated even the powerhouse Russian imperial economy. Booming new modern industrial centers have begun to emerge thanks to funding aid from the government in one or two places and many believe this is the first breath of a new China emerging from the ashes of the civil war.
BALUCH ELECTIONS. Zahedan, Baluchestan. Elections this year within the formerly Persian nation of Baluchestan were once again considered by many to be business as usual. The nations Conservative Party has proven to be a strong source of leadership for Baluchestan over the past eight years. The government has kept true its pledge to maintain the countrys security against foreign threats. With the changes in the Persian government over the past year, many are unsure of the nations role in the new order in the Near East.
FIGHTING ERUPTS IN AFGHANISTAN. Kabul, Afghanistan. Tribal fighting has erupted into full scale conflict throughout the Asian nation of Afghanistan this year. Various factions have emerged as casualties continue to mount and the various groups struggle for dominance. Sher Khan, the nations titular leader has refused to take sides in the erupting violence. His own forces have been deployed to maintain security within Kabul and other various large urban centers of the nation. The warlord factions have agreed to continue to recognize him as their theoretical leader as the violence grows. (-7 Infantry Brigades)
CULTIST RALLIES SUPPORT IN SOUTHERN CHINA. Ghangzhou, Republic of China. With the rise of the radio as an important means of communication in the Republic of China, this mode of information has been taken over in the southern part of the country. An anonymous person has spoken to the people of the former Guangxi nation, broadcasting over government approved news. He has called for a return to simpler times and development for the Chinese people, denouncing the government and this move has caused no end of problems in the south. His calls for a nearly communal system of management of the Chinese nations have angered the government, who have launched endless searches for this maverick personality. The leader has called for Chinese to assemble arms in preparation for the Great Day of Liberation when the Chinese people will be called upon to make themselves truly free of the great woe of government. (-2 Stability)
ELECTIONS IN CHINA. Lanzhou, Republic of China. The death of Dong Feng Rong has led to the KMT calling for immediate and emergency elections in the Republic of China. Several able candidates were put forward, as new rallies were held to connect the government to the average Chinese people. Election debates were held live over the air waves and broadcast to every corner of the Chinese nation, hoping to provide better information to the average person. The Shanxi candidate and self-proclaimed heir to Feng Rong, Xue Yue has been elected to be the new president of China. An admirer of France and Italy, he has vowed to create a strong and unified Chinese identity and nationhood.
Review of the Arts
Alexander the Great
Type: Moving Picture
Genre: Historical/Drama
Producer: Grecian Films
Running Time: 132 minutes
Summary: As war clouds begin rising over Europe and the Americas, Grecian Films opens up a new film to help build up national support for a possible war effort. This movie chronicles the exploits of the famed conqueror known as Alexander the Great. The movie was done in the style of a fictional drama, bringing audiences closer to a historical figure than any film has done previously. The film has been incredibly successful throughout Greece and has gained even international recognition, becoming popular in both Russia and the rest of Europe.
The Clockwork Tsar
Type: Moving Picture (Cartoon)
Genre: Fantasy
Producer: Bronstein Films
Running Time: 77 minutes
Summary: The Russian animated film,
The Clockwork Tsar has brought a surprising new twist to the moving pictures industry. The animated movie features original songs and colorful cartoons, revolutionizing production capacity and giving the world its first colored full length picture. The film features the old Russian legend about a tsar so dedicated to saving his son, that even after his death, a wizened warlock animates him using clockwork to get his son to safety. Some dispute has arisen over the cartoon, which breaks from the much darker attitude of the original legend.
The Sports Page
AMERICAN CUP RENEWED. Richmond, Virginian Empire. Despite the canceling of the 1933 American Cup, a new year has dawned and amid the rising violence, football continues. Though the New Englander withdrawal from the East Atlantic Customs Union and United Nation States has sparked growing international tensions, their teams continue to partake in the games. The final game was disputed as the New Englander team from Boston was met with such fervent violence from crowds, that they were forced to call off the initial game. Following the effective forfeiting of the game by the New Englanders, the American Cup lacks a true winner, though the Richmond Football Club claims that they are victors by default.
EUROPEAN CUP. Cologne, German Republic. This years European Cup was business as usual as once again the Paris Football Club dominates all opposing teams. They met the Cologne Football Club in a highly anticipated game on their home turf in Germany. The French team came home in triumph after walloping the Cologne team in one of the most heated games. The game was marked by having the highest amount of recorded fouls in the history of football, and several players wound up being banned from the field. The end of the game sparked a riot among the German side of the bleachers, spreading into the French side. Over a dozen people were put into critical condition by the riots, one has died as a result. The end score resulted in three to two in favor of the Paris Football Club.
Political Cartoon from Copenhagen, Danish Empire
Translations:
Ja, vi bare ville gerne samtale, være jeres bekendte = Yes, we only want to talk, to be your friends
Island, Danmark, Nijeria = Iceland, Denmark, Nijeria
Nok så utaknemmelig folk = Very ungrateful people
Landsforræder hen til den Dansk Empirisk = Traitors to the Danish Empire
Diplomatic Pouch
OOC
@Circuit: Id recommend Argentine Battle Vehicle over Argentine Blitz Vehicle, because at the moment blitz does not exactly have the same connotations it may have to you in our timeline.
@Those concerned: If you want to know your militarys positioning, Id highly recommend including such information in your next orders. I do not keep track of your predessecors information, and if you want me to keep track of yours, you best make mention of it.
@HMS Vanguard: I apologize about your plans, but simple fact is I cant imagine anyone wanting the Shah back in this timeline. He was a very bad boy, attempting to enslave the nation to Russia and Virginia. Hes probably quite dead somewhere. Id be more specific, but its 5 AM. We can talk more on it later, but Ive left you a open door for reform at this point.
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