FRANCE
Pont Sharuminar, named after the famous Russian Kan
The year, 1894, the place, St. Petersburg, the event, Russian entrance into the Accord. Felix Faure played a key role in gaining Russia as an ally. Russia secured a key flank in the Accord, and now almost all of the Old world was Accordian. Perhaps one day the whole world might be part of the Accord. However, for now, President Faure will have to be satisfied with just Russia. The event was so significant that a new bridge was commissioned in Paris to mark it. Named Pont Sharuminar, after the first Kan, the bridge signified that finally Russia and France were friends. Who knows what they may accomplish together? Only time may tell, I suppose.
That isn't the only thing going on in Paris though, as the whole city is buzzing with activity to prepare for the Worlds Fair in 1895. There will be an Olympic committee to discuss the first Olympics, in Athens in 1898. The Diesel Engine will be on display, and there shall be a huge science fair for all nations to show off their many wondrous achievements. The Eiffel Tower is coming along nicely, and should be completed in March, while the Fair opens on May 15, 1895, and will close on November 25, 1895. The tower will serve as an entrance for the main portion of the fair, while Versailles and the Musée du Louvre will host many of the more "cultured" attractions. The European Parliament will move permanently to Palais Bourbon, famous as the Presidential Palace of Napoleon II. The Seine will host some of the naval attractions, and offer a riverboat ride to take people to Le Havre to see the fine Russian cruisers.
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President Felix Faure striking a pose
While the Worlds Fair in Paris might be all fun and games, the world of international politics is getting trickier and trickier. France has fallen to a definite third place in the world, after her staunch allies in Africa. However, President Faure might just have a few tricks up his sleeve. For now, only the President knows what he is planning, but I am sure that the entire world will know soon enough. One thing is for sure, heavy investment over the years into technological research and military development is beginning to bear fruit. The howitzer, along with the proper doctrines, has once again propelled the Grande Armee to the top. The Republican Navy has almost completed it's modernization program, the final part of the 10-year plan. The hulls of the capital ships all must receive reinforcement though, to match the strength and survivability of other navies.
Massive industrialization of the other parts of the Republic continues, and soon the whole of Western Europe will be as developed as France proper. However, that is not all. With the signing of the Accra Accord, Frances rather profitless foray into African Colonialism has ended. With the Addition of Iceland and Greenland to the Republic, all of Europe will once again be in European hands. Perhaps one day all of Europe may be united, and then move forth to lead the world.
However, Felix Faure's largest victory has come internally. The old laws regarding presidential terms have been scrapped. Instead, a new law has been enacted, still keeping the maximum time for a president at 12 years, but creating a six year term. Parliament could now only call a premature election three years after a previous election, and it required a 60% vote. In fact, 60% was standardized throughout the government as the necessary amount of votes required to pass major legislation. The European Government however seems to be faltering, failing to equally provide for the needs of its members. The French Parliament has had to step in several times when Presidential efforts to reach a compromise alone have failed.
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French Orders:
234 IC - 3 IC = 231 IC
48 IC to build 24 factories in the Benelux
46 IC to build 23 factories in the British Isles
40 IC to build 20 factories in Spain
38 IC to build 19 factories in Italy
10 IC to build 5 factories in France
16 IC towards Steel Hulls
Diesel Engine - Option 2: Continue to invest researching further - gain 20 science IC
23 IC to Science
10 IC to Espionaige
France is hosting Olympic discussions, so she obviously joins the group
France supports Women's Rights, as she always has and always will
France accepts the Canadian Neutrality Treaty, she is a sponsor of Canada
The stats are incorrect, I don't have 6 IC invested towards naval upgrades anymore.