Trouble in the West
Turkish Aggression
It was hoped that after the Second Turkish-American War the Ottomans would not show any more aggression. However, the Ottomans, who were still officially at war with Russia and Songhai, continued to plot attacks. For years after the war, the Ottomans, along with Siam, continued to harass the Songhai and blockade their port city Inebolu.
However, none of these aggressions had caused much concern in the United States until 2166, when the Ottomans began moving an army toward Songhai territory across the sea.
Now concerned that the Ottomans were planning another invasion, the US sent a fleet from Zonguldak to head off the Turkish navy.
The US did not want another war, but it hoped the American fleet would scare off the Ottoman force.
The plan succeeded, and the Turkish navy ceased sailing north, but continued the standoff with the American fleet.
American diplomats tried to secure a peace agreement between the Ottomans and Songhai, but to no avail.
Siamese Aggression
During the standoff with the Turkish navy, Siam was also planning to attack Songhai. And in July of 2169, Siam shocked the world by capturing the Songhai port city of Inebolu.
This further worsened American-Siamese relations, which were already strained, and the US denounced the Siamese aggression.
The US still held out hope that Songhai could defend itself from Siamese and Turkish aggression, but warned Siam and Turkey that "if this aggression goes too far, American military intervention is a probability." The American people began wondering if another war was nearing.