Global News Report
THE WORLD WARS REDUCED. Paris, France. This year has seen the end of the bulk of the World Wars which have stricken the planet since the mid-1930s. Several landmark treaties have been signed between the various Allied powers in Europe and the Co-Axial Pact, bringing a conclusion to most fighting in Europe and Asia. The Russian Federation has acknowledged the victory of French military arms over their once confident nation, leaving millions dead with little cause and the French people jubilant at their success. Abandoned by their French allies, the Korean Empire has unconditionally surrendered to the Russians, bringing a conclusion to the equally bloody fighting of Manchuria and the Korean peninsula. Despite these diplomatic successes, the World Wars continue, as the remnants of the European Alliance of Nations continue to fight on against overwhelming odds. A special section has been provided once more for the determined last skirmishes of a fading conflict.
ECONOMIC REPORT. Marseilles, France. The recent turn of events with the conclusion of the war has brought some much needed life back to the European marketplace. As reconstruction efforts are brought underway Eastern Europe has begun to look west rather than east for their supplies and materials. This has led to much global commerce being refocused to stock exchanges and banks in southern France and the Republic of Italy. The Co-Axial Pact stands on the threshold of economic dominion and supremacy, as other powers throughout the world begin to falter in the wake of the World Wars. As in previous years, the economic changes are listed below:
Canada: +1 EP
Florida: +1 EP
Free City of Chicago: +1 EP
Mexico: -1 EP
Nez Perce: -1 EP
Quebec: +1 EP
Texan Republic: +1 EP
Virginian Empire: -2 EP
Argentine Collectives Federation: -2 EP
Argentine Republic: +1 EP
Cuba: +2 EP
Socialist Union of South America: +2 EP
Venezuela: +1 EP
England: -2 EP
France: +5 EP
Republic of Italy: +2 EP
Russian Federation: -2 EP
Swedish Empire: -2 EP
Egypt: +1 EP
Ovambia: +1 EP
Korea: -3 EP
Republic of China: +2 EP
North American News Report
COLLAPSE OF LOUISIANA. New Orleans, Louisiana. With the extreme shuddering of the national regime last year following the end of the World Wars in North America, the situation has escalated beyond previous imagining. An angry mob, motivated by voodoo priests and other spiritual leaders, stormed the military barricades around the palace and harbor, and the aging Emperor Jean was hung from a lamppost outside of the Imperial Palace. The death of the emperor led to the collapse of the barricades around wealthier districts and in an orgy of blood and violence, the wealthy and powerful of the Empire of Louisiana fled to Cuba or were brutally murdered by the crowds. With this act, the last remnants of order and command broke down in the empire, and people struggled to establish a new order. In New Orleans, the spiritual leaders of the vodoun rallied together to establish a theocratic regime among the black populace, attacking the remaining white French citizens of the region. The remnants of the military in the region have rallied around the fortresses and bases near Baton Rouge, as the local commander declares the Baton Rouge Military Zone. Other garrison commanders have been able to rally their forces, one near Saint Louis and another near Louisville, both have declared themselves to represent the true government of the Empire of Louisiana, and representative of the people. Lastly throughout the western part of Louisiana, refugees and good-hearted military leaders have worked together to establish a safe zone to the farmers of the region. The various warlords of the region have brought even more bloodshed to the area, as attacks have been launched against the Texan Republic, attempting to seize workers from the refugee camps and attacking Texan positions. The Louisianan Navy has been seized by Cuban marines, as they are given refuge by the government there.
CHICAGO ELECTIONS. Chicago, Free City of Chicago. The Free City of Chicago has undergone fresh elections this year as the perilous economic state of the city has threatened to destabilize the nation. The Conservative Party denounced the Liberal Party for burning diplomatic bridges with the Allies during the course of the World Wars, and for abandoning the winning side of the conflict. On the other hand, the Liberal Party has pointed at the tension and chaos in Texas and Louisiana, suggesting that the failure of the Chicago state may well have occurred in addition to the others should the war have continued. The campaign was bitter and brutal as the Conservative Party struggled in its course to success, winning barely over the Liberals and establishing a new government. They have pledged to build new ties with the neighboring nations upon the Great Lakes and to reestablish Chicago once again as a trading port. (-2 Stability)
NEW ENGLAND ELECTIONS. Boston, Republic of New England. The end of the World Wars became the dominant theme in the election campaign this year in the Republic of New England. The Allied success against the United Collectives greatly discredited the Liberal and Socialist Parties, while bolstering the strength of the reigning Imperial Party. Despite the political successes, the hollowness of the victory has been made apparent as other Allied states fall into anarchy and turmoil while New England struggles to preserve its empire. The Liberal Party made a strong comeback this year, calling for federalization of New England's Empire, and the loosening of reigns within the colonies. The rise in rebellion within Abyssinia and the launching of new protests in South Africa have led the Liberals to call for an end to war with the creation of a new era for the empire. The Imperials, still holding support from their victory in the World Wars, have managed to win the elections, but barely, pledging to maintain New England's grasp over the empire and to safeguard the heart and traditions of the nation. (-2 Stability)
FIRST ELECTIONS IN MEXICO. Mexico City, Mexico. Under the close supervision of the Allied powers, the nation of Mexico has held its first elections as insisted upon in the Treaty of Vera Cruz. A variety of parties have risen to the top, particularly the socialist based Party Syndicate. This collection of socialists and "reformed" communists offered similar programs and slow privatization in comparison to other movements, gaining most of their support from the California region. The Freedom Party emerged as the strongest candidates for success, a liberal movement which successfully garnered support from both former communists and more moderate people across the nation. They pledged a slow privatization as well as a less militaristic series of policies. The Virginian sponsored Unity Party made a surprisingly strong showing, having easily the most money to spend upon the program and consisting mostly of the Mexicans who returned from refuges in Hawaii or Cuba. Lastly, and disturbingly to some, the Mexican Lisist Party was established, calling for a new economic experiment in Mexico, along the lines of the new French nation which has seen so much success in Europe. This party has garnered easily the least support of any political movement, but has gained a radical and vocal following. The Freedom Party dominated the elections, bringing together elements of both the conservatives and liberals, and pledging to maintain peace and prosperity in the new Mexico. (+1 Stability)
COUP ATTEMPT IN FLORIDA. Saint Augustine, Florida. For the fourth time under the rule of Armando Graham in the nation of Florida, a military coup was launched to establish a new ruling cabal. This time, with the growing Floridian economy and prosperity, particularly when compared to the rest of North America, the people rose in open support for the government. The unpopular coup was crushed in a brief urban battle within Saint Augustine as local informants led the government forces straight to the rebel leadership. The fighting was fortunately small-scale and quick, causing little damage compared to previous revolts and coup attempts, leaving the government intact . El Presidente Graham thanked the loyal people of Florida in a public speech, pledging to maintain the growing prosperity of the country. (-1 Infantry Brigade, +1 Stability)
NEZ PERCE COUP CRUSHED. Avig, Nez Perce. The military government of Nez Perce suffered a setback this year as elements of the regime attempted to seize their own personal power from the national government. Fortunately for the Alvarez regime, the coup attempt was caught in planning stages, as military police broke open the door into the plotting session. The government has tried the rogue generals, and executions are scheduled for next year as punishment for treason. The brutality of the Alvarez regime has not gone unnoticed as martial law continues to remain in effect throughout the country and some have reported skirmishes along the New French border with border patrol forces. Refugees and raiders are stated to be the cause of the skirmishes, and Alvarez has pledged that he is working as closely as possible with the Republic of New France to contain the threat. (-1 Infantry Brigade, -1 Stability)
REPUBLICAN RIOTS IN SAUK. Sauk City, Sauk Kingdom. Despite the recreation of the Sauk Kingdom after years of rule from Fox Fall, it seems that the return of the king is not as popular as previously portrayed by the regime. A major riot occurred in Sauk City denouncing the absolute rule of King Keokuk V, beginning as a peaceful protest. These protestors called for the restoration of voting rights for the average man and at the very least the establishment of a constitutional monarchy along French or Russian lines. The response of the government was swift, martial law was declared and the nation's army deployed to the city. In a bloody few moments, the protest was reduced to a bloody mess and rioting ensued. The government has started a curfew within the capitol, pledging to root out any further decadent measures by "socialist agitators." (-1 Stability)
UNREST IN VIRGINIA GROWS AMID BANKRUPTCY. Detroit, Virginian Empire. Economic disaster took place this year as Virginian Motors, the largest automotive company declared bankruptcy, shutting down its factories and operations across the nation. The hefty price of production and the lack of automotive demand has brought the company to a stop with the end of the war demand for tanks and support vehicles. With government contracts only having barely kept the nation afloat, they could no longer maintain their status with the end of the war, shutting down what they had constructed. This has left tens of thousands unemployed and without sustenance, and some management leaders of Virginian Motors have been forced to hire private security and barricade themselves within their luxurious mansions to prevent retaliation by the masses, being reduced to only four meals a day, and dessert for only one of those. This has left many threatened of losing their homes, and unrest continues to grow throughout the country. (-1 Stability)
THE CHARLESTON ACCORDS. Charleston, Virginian Empire. A new order has been established in the eastern part of North America. The Virginian government, flush with its success in the World Wars, has dictated a new division and partition of the former unified Georgian state. Accords signed in the city of Charleston have established the new boundaries and structures across the former nation of Georgia. Tennessee has been officially brought into the Virginian Empire with a status similar to that of the Miami, though the militias held by the latter have been disallowed. This has spawned a number of massive protests as Tennesseans refuse to acknowledge Virginian authority, leading to several violent actions against Virginian government workers who strayed off the beaten paths of the countryside. Also from the ashes of Georgia has been established the new states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Appalachia. Unlike past Virginian supported governments, free elections have been held, only barring Georgian unity movements and communist agitators from the proceedings. Virginia has brought Alabama and Appalachia into the Virginian Imperial Protectorate, maintaining the right to keep garrisons and military forces in both nations, helping to preserve the security of both local regimes and governments. The nation of Mississippi has become de facto independent, as the last Virginian forces withdrew late in the year. In addition to the new nations drawn in, Florida has been ceded territory along the Georgian coast, creating a northern buffer for the capitol of Saint Augustine, as well as the disputed lands along the Mississippi River, previously claimed by the Empire of Louisiana. (-1 Stability for Virginia)
ALABAMA CREATED. Birmington, Alabama. As one of the first nations created by the Virginian Empire in the ruins of Georgia, the government of Birmington held its first elections this year, to be followed by new ones every three years. The large negro vote has helped to dramatically change the political landscape of the region from its time during Georgian rule, as the local populace brings in the old Liberal Party, consisting of both negroes and whites who had served politically before the Ku Klux Klan's takeover. The population has mostly supported this new government, but threats still linger in the background. The country's fledgling military, with Virginian support, continues to wage a small but brutal war against the remnants of the Klan, hoping to hold together long enough to establish a real nation.
APPALACHIA FORMED. Atlanta, Appalachia. The Appalachian government is the second of the three nations carved out by the Virginian Empire in the ruins of the former country of Georgia. Appalachia has been established as a newfound republic, holding elections every three years on the Virginian model. The first elections this year led to the establishment of an unusual political alliance based on mutual need and reliance. The white Liberals and Conservatives determined to work together to outmatch the negro in politics and to maintain political control of the region. They established the Moderate Party to help unify the white population and to wrest control of the radicals away from the Ku Klux Klan. They won the elections in a relative landslide as the negroes were forced to rally around the Socialist Party, which was suppressed both by the reigning coalition and assisting Virginian troops.
MISSISSIPPI ESTABLISHED. Oglethorpe, Mississippi. Mississippi is the third nation established by the Virginian Empire from the remains of Georgia, and is the only one to be given full independence from the empire and its protectorate. The new constitution has assured that the newfound nation will be a republic, and elections will be held every six years along the old Georgian model of government. The elections this year were dominated by the nation's negroes, as Mississippi possessed the largest amount during Georgia's existence, many of whom followed the writings of socialism. However, in order to avoid the possible wrath of Virginia and its allies, the Mississippi Liberals and Conservatives determined to work together to established a moderate coalition. This movement has been mostly successful in maintaining order within Mississippi, aligning the less radical socialists with liberals and conservatives alike. They have pledged to rebuild the nation, and to establish Mississippi in its proper place among the multitude of North American countries.
POLITICAL MOVES IN VIRGINIA. Richmond, Virginian Empire. The new atmosphere in North America and the collapse of several nations in the wake of the World Wars has led to an unusual political move in the Virginian Empire. The Unity Party has clearly been losing strength over the year and King Henry II has involved himself in the politics and growth of the Liberal and Federative Parties. A new Chancellor has been appointed from the Unity Party, a moderate known as Jack Waterfield. Chancellor Waterfield has pledged to launch a series of programs in order to help bolster the failing economy and to forge a new Virginian Empire for the latter half of the twentieth century. This move has been seen as a strong political stance for the government, though it has outraged the Unity Party, who have protested the King's involvement in the legislative parts of government.
NEW MEXICAN UNION DESTROYED. Dallas, Texan Republic. A coalition of Allied troops worked together for the first time since the end of the World Wars this year to bring an end to the shadowy remnants of the forces of the United Collectives of North America. A major Mexican offensive was launched from the west, forcing the communist armies to reel back in the wake of a massive campaign, marking the heaviest fighting since the end of the war. The Texans and Virginians soon followed with a smaller attack from the east, surprising the local Mexicans who thought they would be facing only one front at a time. The communist army was soon routed, as they fought their way across the empty plains, facing one disastrous battle after the next. Ultimately the last remnants of the communists were rounded up by the new Mexican government, and most of the leaders have been captured alive by the leadership in Mexico. Some Allied leaders have insisted that the communists be turned over for trial to the Texan Republic or Virginian Empire, but are unsure whether or not to bring the issue up for full debate.
Casualty List
New Union of Mexico: 44 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 3 AVB-03 Brigades, 6 PA-3 Squadrons, 2 SUDB-01 Squadrons (destroyed)
Mexico: 15 Infantry Brigades, 3 PA-3 Squadrons
Texan Republic: 9 Infantry Brigades, 1 AVB-03 Brigade, 3 AS-124 Squadrons
Virginian Empire: 4 Infantry Brigades
PENNSYLVANIA INTRODUCES SOCIAL WELFARE. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A new program termed "social security" has been introduced by the socialist government of Pennsylvania. After careful thought and consideration it has been determined that it is the government's duty to provide for the people unable to work for wages any longer. Working closely with the nation's unions, the new programs will provide funds and support for the country's infirm and elderly, providing federal funds through the various industrial unions. While manufacturers complain that this move essentially forces all industrials to allow the inclusion of unions within their businesses, they are a minority affected compared to the larger amount of workers in the country. The Socialist Party has pledged that no citizen of the republic will be forgotten by the new program and that this recognizes a new age for North America where the people of a country will be taken care of by those who they elect.
DELAWARE RIVER DISPUTE RESOLVED. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After the dispute over the administration of the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the two opposing governments were brought into mediation by the Virginian Empire. A compromise was proposed by the neutral power, calling for a full free trade and economic zone consisting of the river and its surrounds, allowing for non-taxed commerce, essentially declaring the area to be international waters. This proposal was met by cautious approval by the governments of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as fresh trade begins to thrive on the river, and the final detritus of war and conflict have been removed.
FIGHTING IN METIS REPUBLIC. Winnipeg, Metis Republic. Scattered fighting continued throughout the year in the war-torn Metis Republic as the Virginian Empire struggled to maintain imperial control over the region. The Virginians offered to withdrawal, but the lack of control possessed by the central government meant that any agreement would signify very little change. The various militias and organizations across the nation have continued to provide a massive amount of resistance to the very idea of remaining in the Virginian Imperial Protectorate, in their continuing fight for freedom. The Metis president has remained under house arrest, but has steadfastly refused to support the Virginians, renouncing claims of membership in the larger Virginian imperial possessions. (-2 Virginian Infantry Brigades)
NEW FRENCH LEADER PLEDGES TO STEP DOWN. New Caen, Republic of New France. General Jacque Lebeau has pledged to step down for the Republic of New France's next scheduled constitutional elections in 1948. The general was appointed to lead the nation during the darkest hours of the invasion by the United Collectives, and has vowed his loyalty to the institution of democracy. Despite these statements some concerns have arisen over the general's probable nomination by the Conservative Party for the elections, calling for the famous war hero to either resign his commission entirely or to give up his political aspirations. The Liberal Party has slammed the nation's leader in the free press, claiming that the general is only buying time to consolidate his rule, and has no true favor for the nation's democracy or freedom. (-1 Stability)
NEW ENGLAND COMPLETES MODERNIZATION EFFORTS. Boston, Republic of New England. The late World Wars has clearly demonstrated to the Republic of New England that the old ways of waging war on land were behind other modern powers. After observing French and Virginian troops in the recent struggles, new doctrines and tactics have been adopted by the ground forces of the Republic, including training in mechanized warfare and mobile combat. The experiences with marine landings throughout the war has also been taken into account, as the New Englander military experiments with new methods and training in amphibious attacks and island warfare. The New Englander military has safely stated that with these most recent of reforms, the nation stands ready to combat any foe which presents itself. (+1 Army Quality)