The Sword of Damocles (Gameplay Thread) (Early 1930)

[Lumine]

Current Armies:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Lumine]

Turn Four: Late 1928

Franklin Roosevelt, American's vigorous new President

USA:

Welcome, Mr. President. The marines have just ended taking MacArthur's stuff out of the White House, leaving it open for your family. The United States is at a crossroads after the failure of the MacArthur administration, so thread carefully. After all, there's nothing to fear but fear itself. Your cabinet brings the following urgent matters to your attention:

1.- The National Security Council has asked you what is to be done with deposed General MacArthur, with different sides advocating from pardon and retirement, to exile, prison, and even death.

2.- It is 1928 now, and there's only seven months left until the official term of President McAdoo is over in January 1929. General MacArthur never got around to taking a choice on a future election, and the NSC is divided between the military wing, that recommends to suspend elections until the situation is more stable, and the civilian wing, that wishes to hold an election in November (but offers no concrete proposal for voting).

3.- In military and foreign policy terms, both the militia crisis and the Havana standoff is reaching a critical point. General Pershing does what he can under martial law, but the South proves more and more reckless on its resistance. In Cuba, the US Navy continues to blockade and starve the country, following MacArthur's plans to turn it into a US State. How will you deal with the South and with the Cuban Government?

Notes: This FDR was a Democrat until recently, being more or less supportive of Hearst but a political rebel against McAdoo. He lead the civilian faction of the NSC with Herbert Hoover from 1926 to 1928 (as the token rebel Democrat and a Congressman). Also, he is not affected with polio on this timeline, so keep that in mind.

Spain:

1.- As your General Staff gathers in the Central Ministry of Madrid, the situation is dire. The enemy has broken through the South and the North, but it has done so at a high cost. Your Generals are much divided on whether to focus on the defence of Madrid, launch a counteroffensive with the remaining reserves, or lead a long guerrilla war. The choice is yours, General Secretary.

2.- On the bright side, many volunteers have arrived in the past weeks, either from rural areas which feel strongly against France and Portugal or from revolutionary groups from the rest of the world. Pertaining the last, it has been recommended to use these men as brigades by nationality, or deploy them to follow the guerrilla strategy.

3.- After hard work the two battleships you commissioned two years ago were finished in Valencia. It is up to you to name them, and give them a target if needed by.

Romania:

1.- The international community has strongly spoken against Romania's ruthless bombing of Sofia, with the Bulgarian Tsar and his people swearing revenge for the Royal Princess. How will you address the concerns of neutral countries over the ongoing war?

2.- Investigation in Sebastopol seems to have reached a dead end due to a lack of cooperation, mistakes by those in charge and the demise or departure of some witness. Will further action be taken on this front.

3.- You have recieved a missive from the underground Romanian groups in Transylvania, asking you to make a move against the Magyar Republic before they strike themselves. Although mobilized, the Hungarians have not made any hostile moves in the frontier, but the General Staff is divided on the issue.

Japan:

1.- Preparatives for the 1928 General Election are ready, Prince Saionji. Seiyūkai is well funded and well organized for the upcoming November struggle, and the Emperor has granted permission to dissolve the Houses. How will you fight the Election?

2.- Great news from the IJN High Command, Prince. After years of constant work, a groundbreaking achievement has been reached by the navy, having created the first Aircraft Carrier of the world after converting a cruiser hull into a light carrier vessel (still a prototype). It is up to you to choose a name, of course, but the big question is, will Japan continue to invest on this new type of vessel?

3.- The IJN expects to have its new destroyers in the coming months, with your naval plan expected to be completed anywhere from Early to Late 1930.

[Lumine]

Italy:

1.- Your Majesty, urgent reports from the Colonial Government in Libya and Tunis. Foreign operatives working with the Libyan Senussi have sparked a large revolt across the area, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Italians and the colonial forces to focus on defence of the cities. The revolt seems to be growing each day, what will you do?

2.- King Alfonso XIV and King Jaime III have each sent diplomatic missives to Rome in the aftermath of Alfonso XIII's death, each asing for their recognition as rightful King of Spain. What will the Holy Kingdom do?

3.- The College of Cardinals remains deadlocked on the decision on whether to allow foreign Cardinals to vote on Italian matters, and it is beginning to look like a constitutional crisis. Will you step in?

France:

1.- France has begun working under a war economy, so far on a successful path despite the huge military expenses now needed. With France sending weapons to different countries the economy has kept itself stable, but the Ministry of Finance warns not to keep the war economy going in for more than two to three years.

2.- Thanks to your resolute order the French Secret Police has begun large scale investigations in Algeria, although only a few arrests of suspected Ottoman agents have been achieved so far. The supposed agents deny any involvement with Istanbul, and the Algerian Colonial Government asks for instructions.

3.- Propaganda floods the streets of France, undercutting the leftist movements and beginning to create a frenzy in support of the war and against the Spanish left (Windjammer, the Spaniards are NOT communists, they purged them long ago). Will you use this chance to strike for Madrid?

Kuomintang China:

1.- Despite the attempted coup of the Emperor and his new regime, most of China and virtually the entire Kuomintang Party and the former Imperial Chinese Army stands with you, Field Marshal Chiang. Despite the loss of standing this means, you now have a chance to rebuild your regime, no longer constrained by the office of Imperial Prime Minister. What title will you assume, and what form of government will your China have?

2.- Many of your more recent economic measures are showing results, although these are largely slowed down by the ongoing war. The film industry and industralization measures are counted as the most successful.

3.- Now that Beijing is gone, you need to select a new seat of Government. Many recommend Nanjing, despite the city being vulnerable to the Communist Army and the Imperial forces due to its importance and power. Where will you go?

[Lumine]

United Kingdom:

Evening, Prime Minister. A very eventful session of cabinet is to follow, many matters requiring your attention:

1.- The Colonial Secretary brings a desperate plea from the Governor of Hong Kong. The Chinese blockade is making life in the colony almost impossible to sustain, the Governor believing that Hong Kong can only last until December before being forced to a surrender. Cabinet is divided, some asking you to break the blockade with a task force, others to negotiate, and others to outright declare war on the Chinese. The Colonial Secretary expects to hear from the new Indian Viceroy soon as well.

2.- SIS reports successfully on the commercial arrangements you ordered, having been granted a greenlight by the concerned power. Expect results very soon. They also report of Lev Kamenev's arrest by MI5 in Scotland following the fall of Archangelsk. What will your Government do with Mr. Kamenev, who has requested asylum?

3.- Portugal and King Alfonso XIV have sent an open call for the British Government to recognize Alfonso as rightful King, along with a plea for British aid. They ask for naval support from Gibraltar against the Besteiro government.

4.- Beaverbrook has jumped on board of the welfare reforms and his press makes more and more positive points about the reforms, placing pressure on the Parliamentary majority. Still, it is not sure the Government will win the vote late this year if there are many MP's that rebel. Should the Government seek the aid of the Liberals or Labour on the issue?

5.- Meetings on the Irish issue yield both good and bad results. A part of the nationalists is willing to take you on your offer of an independent Parliament, but the radical wing refuses any compromise. The main resistance comes from the Unionist side, which is bent on forming part of Britain rather than a Home Rule Ireland. Ultimately, it seems the Government will have to choose a side if it is to go with the current proposal.

Ottoman Empire:

1.- Ahmed Tevfik Pasha takes the plane to Beijing, but is forced to stop in Shanghai as he does not quite know which Government he is ambassador to now. New Grand Vizier Carasso has taken office with quite some vigor, although he is heavily distrusted by the increasingly wary clergy due to his masonic ties. Carasso has overseen the formation of the Minister-Residents and the local assemblies with some success, but it remains to be seen how the system will work.

2.- Local parties have begun to be created for the upcoming Assembly Elections, with the religious groups been the most coordinated force to contest seats in those chambers (not unlike Abdul Hamid's Parliament in 1878). The Interior Ministry asks just how much freedom will be given to these elections, and whether the Government ought to... promote candidates with enough sense of patriotism.

3.- Investment in the growing railway system of the Empire and the arms industries moves on with some success, although matching Europe would certainly take time. For the time being, German models are being followed to some degree of success, although they leave much to be desired in naval terms.

4.- The situation evolves very slowly in Palestine, but it seems the main public outburst have ceased... for the time being.

Russia:

1.- The People's Republic of Archangelsk is no more. With control over Northern Russia now secure, the Provisional Government now presides over a much larger area, and can enjoy extra benefits in trade. But the main question remains, how will this area be ruled, the guerrillas stopped and the revolutionary streak finished?

2.- Admiral Kolchak has made his move, attacking powerful warlord Yudenich and forcing a war between the two largest forces other than the St. Petersburg Government in this civil war. What will you do?

3.- Vladimir Purishkevich and the remnants of his hated nationalistic regime are finally rebuilding themselves (the purple state to your direct South). Purishkevich has not taken hostile action, but it seems he is in discussion with other warlords, and, potentially, other world powers.

[Lumine]

Meanwhile, in London:

"This is BBC Radio News, reporting this evening on several ongoing matters.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt has stunned the nation with his announcement that he will seek election in November, amongst heavy criticism by anti-Hearst/McAdoo hardliners and the military faction of the NSC. Existing political parties are holding emergency conventions to select presidential candidates, with rumours pointing out to Herbert Hoover being a potential Progressive nominee and Governor Upton Sinclair as the likely Socialist standard bearer. Pro-Hearst holdouts in the South lack a candidate roster, with some suggesting the extremely young Louisiana Governor Huey Long. With the Democratic Party suspended President Roosevelt is expected to run as an independent, but his "Rebel" Democratic faction and the Populist Party have given him their backing. The Prohibitionists and the Conservative Party are still in search of a nominee. Another key question arises in the US, will Roosevelt hold Congress elections?

In the Balkans, public outcry over Romania's bombing of Bulgaria results in several nations cutting diplomatic relationships unless the Kingdom of Romania takes action to address the events. In Bulgaria, public funerals for the Princess draw thousands, and the Bulgarian Parliament has declared both the Tsar's ability to rule and their support. A last minute breakthrough has been achieved in negotiations, with the Kingdom of Greece offering a tentative counter-proposal to end the war. To our correspondent in Athens:

"It is a very eventful announcement from Athens, to be honest. Greece has expressed its support for clauses 4 to 6. It has stated conditional support for clause 1 provided both sides demilitarize their borders in the area, and rejected any territorial loss by clause 3 and asserted its right to hold alliances as per clause 2. King Constantine and Parliament have called Berlin, Istanbul and Bucharest to sit at the negotiation table with the entirety of the Athens Pact, and find a suitable solution to the crisis."

As foreign diplomats and neutral nations offer their help in making a "Balkan Conference" a reality after the Greek counter-proposal, a final factor may bring some degree of uncertainity. German Chancellor Wilhelm Marx has suffered an unexpected heart attack in Berlin. While he is expected to make a recovery, his doctors have made it clear it is impossible for him to continue on his post long term. Marx is expected to resign soon, at which point Kaiser Wilhelm III will ask the parties at the Reichstag to choose a new Chancellor, a move that could potentiall change the current Government Coalition.

More to follow.

[Lumine]

Meanwhile, in London:

"This is BBC Radio News, reporting this evening on recent developments in Berlin. The Zentrum Party's MP's held their leadership contest during this week, with early favourites Ludwig Kaas, Heinrich Brüning and Adam Stegerwald being outflanked by the insurgent candidacy of Parliamentary Group Franz von Papen. Somewhat surprisingly, a large number of MP's decided on Papen as their next leader (perhaps due to an effective performance in the last 15 months in the Reichstag), giving him the momentum to win the race. Papen held immediate talks with the DDP and the DVP as the preferred alternative against continuing a coalition with the SPD, and the talks proved effective.

Franz von Papen is now the next Chancellor of the German Empire, leading a Government Coalition of Zentrum, DDP and DVP of 276 seats in the Reichstag, a 50 seat majority over the divided left (SPD + KPD) and the far right (VF).

[Lumine]

1928 US Presidential and Congress Election:

Overall:

Despite the protests of the military wing of the NSC and the ongoing crisis across the South, the United States will hold its Presidential Election on schedule by November 1928. Incumbent President Franklin Delano Roosevelt has taken up the task of winning a full term and a Congress to support him in the task of putting the country back in order. Will his gamble pay off? In the meantime, the field of parties and candidates stands as follows:

Party/Candidate Info:

Pro-Roosevelt Forces: Not a party but a significant faction nonetheless, the group of politicians supporting Roosevelt comes from the old band of political rebels he once led against Hearst and McAdoo. They standard bearer is the President himself, and they are fieldling pro-Roosevelt candidates across the country to secure support in the entirely new Congress. Roosevelet is also supported by the Populist Party in the West.

Progressive Party: The old progressive wing of the GOP and allied with centrist elements, the progressives have selected industrialist and NSC member Herbert Hoover as their nominee, believing in a victory given the division of the field.

Conservative Party: The old conservative wing of the GOP and recovering from their crisis in the early 1910's, the party has decided to fight back and appeal to the military vote by fielding General George van Horn Moseley, a ticket supported by the Prohibitionists as well.

Socialist Movement: Still powerful on their stronghold of California, the Socialists are all out to get the White House on this new presidential bid, dropping the now old and ailing Eugene Debs in favor of California Governor Upton Sinclair.

Share our Wealth: Due to the South's admittance into the election, the former supporters of Hearst have gathered the remnants of their political forces into a movement to preserve their cause. Their leader is the fiery, demagogic and charismatic Louisiana Governor Huey Long, who is devoting his time almost exclusively in the South.

[Lumine]

1928 US Presidential and Congress Election:

Franklin D. Roosevelt (287)
Herbert Hoover (92 EV)
George van Horn Moseley (58 EV)
Upton Sinclair (48 EV)
Huey Long (46 EV)

Overall:

From June 1926 to January 1929 America was formally ruled through an odd system of semi-authoritarian government, involving a powerful National Security Council to run the country despite its division on varying civilian and military factions. Having gone through an initial attempt at running a government without a clear executive figure, the Council had made the fateful choice of selecting a Head of State among Generals MacArthur and Pershing and key politicians Hoover and Roosevelt. In what historians describe a famous miscalculation, they went with MacArthur.

The MacArthur Administration (December 1926-May 1928) proved a challenging period. Whereas MacArthur asserted his authority by cracking down on the KKK and Cuba as well, it seems the once called “American Caesar” was simply out of his depth on the Oval Office, pursuing several ill-conceived economic schemes that greatly bothered the businessmen who had survived and opposed Hearst, coupled with approaches that just didn’t seem to work to pull the United States out of a generalized crisis. It didn’t take long for opposition to materialize.

Through means still unrevealed to the public, Hoover, Roosevelt and Pershing all agreed something had to be done. Military units rushed into Washington DC as the MacArthur regime crumbled, culminating in a bloodless (relatively speaking) coup, the exile of MacArthur to Italy and the appointment of Franklin D. Roosevelt not as CiC, but as President. And despite the advice of the military to postpone elections, Roosevelt would shook American politics by insisting on calling elections for President and Congress by November 1928, ending McAdoo’s term with the legal dates.

Bolstering an unholy political alliance along with the key political operator and former Senator Alben Barkley (his VP nominee), and amidst charges of “electoral irregularities”, Roosevelt went to fight in a fractured system. The old Democratic Party banned and the Roosevelites running in independent banners, FDR fought old rival/ally Herbert Hoover, extremist general Van Horn Moseley, Socialist firebrand Upton Sinclair and the bombastic southerner Huey Long for control of the White House.

And given the levels of division by that election, Roosevelt would prevail with 38% of the vote or so, a close victory in the electoral college by taking advantage of the division of his rivals. As the Deep South embraced Long, Sinclair captured Michigan and Midwest states plus his California fortress, Hoover got the second place in the PV while showing strength in Ohio, New England and parts of the West, and General Van Horn Moseley took a few states of his own despite his radical and at times unhinged rhetoric. Congress, however, suffered chaos due to plurality victories. President Roosevelt and Vice-President Barkley would have to contend with a divided Congress.

On January 20th, 1929, Franklin Delano Roosevelt took his second oath of office and returned to the White House in order to meet with the National Security Council. America waited, wondering if normalcy could truly return.

[Lumine]

1928 Japanese General Election:

Inukai Tsuyoshi, Japan's new Prime Minister

Seiyukai: 289 seats
Minseito: 107 seats
Japan Labour Party: 31 seats
Nationalist Groups: 18 seats
Reformist Party: 4 seats

Overall:

Few men have had careers as unprecedented as that of Prince Saionji Kinmochi. Ever a key political figure due to his stance as one of the Genro and a rather accomplished parliamentarian, Kinmochi held a long struggle across the 1900's to become Prime Minister of Japan against rivals of all sorts, and in the end he soldiered on to win the battle against the nationalists and enter office in 1912. What cloud have been a 4-5 year government, however, turned into an utterly unprecedented 16 year term in office for Prince Saionji, who entered history as one of the great statesmen of Japan.

Despite the risk of collapse around the 1920 events, Saionji triumphed against the odds and led a long standing government, even surviving on a minority government after the unexpected Minseito plurality win in the 1923 elections, corrected on his 1924 decent sized majority. After four years of success, as Japan's economy faces a boom and expeditionary forces successfully battle the Chinese Communists near Guangdong, Prince Saionji felt it was the time to go out on a high note, calling a General Election for December 1928. Against the powerful patronage machine of the conservative Seiyukai went their weakened rival, the liberal Minseito, along with the centrist Reformists, the rising Japan Labour Party and the nationalists associations which continued to cause trouble.

In the end, it was no fair contest. Riding a wave of popularity and holding most of the advantages Seiyukai eviscerated the Minseito and obtained a landslide majority of over 50 seats, cementing a strong government for the years to come. Emperor Takahito asked of Prince Saionji to name his successor for appointment, and to the surprise of many observers the Prime Minister chose to emphasize the need to handle foreign affairs by appointing communications minister Inukai Tsuyoshi to the position. As January 1929 comes in, Japan faces an open future with a safe government majority, a new (and possibly more democratic) Prime Minister, and a young Emperor who appears to be asserting more and more influence as time goes by.

[Lumine]

War Fronts, January 1929:

Spanish Civil War:

Hampered by the lack of success in the battlefield, Spain's revolutionary government has seen its military efforts collapse as 1928 reached its end, the Carlist troops entering Aragon despite tough opposition while keeping Catalonia besieged and Madrid in the frontlines. General Secretary Besteiro vows never to leave Madrid, just as thousands of armed militia proudly shout "No pasaran!" at the combined Franco-Carlist military. Across the South, young Alfonso XIV has imbued the Alfonsist troops with a sense of purpose and morale, allowing their mounting volunteer forces to perform a dash across Southern Spain.

Chinese Civil War:

Despite having to fight a larger war across the fronts, Japanese support and the loyalty of most of the army has kept Field Marshal Chiang at the winning position in the war, countering any possible Imperial offensive outside of Manchuria and making his own progress against the Beijing regime, whose coup is beginning to look like a mistake. The Communists have lost additional ground in the South thanks to the expeditionary force, but remain set on preparing an offensive on Nanjing that promises to be the largest battle of the war so far. In the meantime, Hong Kong continues to face a supply crisis, which means Great Britain will likely face an urgent decision.

Russian Civil War:

The Provisional Government has enjoyed from a successful streak against the ill-supplied, ill-armed militia still trying to keep Kamenev's dream alive, placing Northern Russia firmly into the hands of the Tsar and the Kerensky Government. The Siberian "hordes" of Admiral Kolchak have won a series of key battles against General Yudenich, making the initial offensive an all-out success as Yudenich and his Kazakh allies face a complicated war. In the meantime, warlords like Alexander Kutepov and the Transbaikal alliance of Ungern-Sternberg and Grigori Semyonov watch the moves carefully, and plot accordingly.

Balkan War:

The war has taken a turn for the complex as both sides face victory and defeat. Across the western front, Albania collapses against the twin assault of Greeks and Serbians, whereas Bosnia faces defeat after defeat and risks disappearing as well. On the other hand, Ottoman troops achieve breakthroughs on the march against Thessaloniki and Sofia, and the Romanian +German troops cross the Danube and enter Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Tsar does his best to resist as Switzerland, Sweden and other European nations severe their ties to the Romanian regime in Bucharest, but will Bulgaria collapse before its allies can turn the tide?

[Lumine]

Turn Five: Early 1929

All eyes set on Chancellor von Papen as the Balkan Crisis continues to flare up

USA:

Congratulations on your reelection for a full term, Mr. President. Vice-President Barkley and other key allies request a meeting, there is much to be addressed:

-With Congress divided, will you make any deals with other parties in order to be able to pass legislation? Do you have legislative programme in mind to hit the ground running?

-Your band of allies has proven successful in reviving some old aspects of the Democratic Party, although that particular institution is banned. Will you remain an independent along with your allies in Congress, or form a new political party?

-Although MacArthur is now safely in Italy, the insurgency in the South and the standoff with Cuba remain potent issues concerning the current establishment Many civilians question the necessity of the National Security Council, although the Generals are firm in their belief that the institution is needed to “guide” America during the next years. What will you do to address the NSC situation?

-Thanks to the lack of control in some cities, crime has risen in the form of local Irish, Italian, Jewish or other nationality gangs that make life difficult for places like New York City, Chicago and New Orleans. Chief among them is notorious gangster Antonio “Tony” Camonte, whose Chicago empire has been cemented after the assassination of various local mobsters. How is the Administration going to deal with the rise of crime?

United Kingdom:

(Most of this from the last turn, as they remain relevant)

Evening, Prime Minister.  Cabinet sessions again, with several crisis requiring decisions:

1.- The Hong Kong situation has reached the critical point, with the blockade lasting for a few months now. The Governor has managed to survive with current food reserves until now, but he warns he cannot sustain himself against the Chinese more than a few weeks. You must take action now, or Hong Kong will be lost.

2.- Mr. Lev Kamenev, former leader of the People’s Republic of Archangelsk has remained in MI5 custody after his arrest in Scotland, and his presence is a divisive factor between the Intelligence community (who could keep him as a valuable tool) and the Foreign Office (who wish him restored to Russia to stand trial). How will you act?

3.- Many of the welfare reforms proposed by the Cabinet months ago have been passed despite substantial friction amongst the Conservative backbenches, with Labour and Liberal support. Cabinet request instructions on potential legislation for the year, but be wary of Parliamentary revolts.

4.- With negotiations to end the Irish Civil War having taken place over the last few months, it’s time for the Government to make a decision. The original plan of Home Rule for Ireland finds support among moderate nationalists, but disdain from the radicals and, particularly, from the Unionist side which forms a large part of the Conservative Party. What will the Government do about Ireland now that a shaky, uneasy truce remains in place?

Japan:

Your Imperial Majesty, may the coming years prove successful to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

1.- A new Government enters office with Prime Minister Inukai and a large Seiyukai majority in the Japanese Parliament. What should the legislative priorities for this year be?

2.- The expeditionary force in China continues to find success in the struggle against Communism, although the army itself seems more and more radicalized as nationalistic officers act at times without permission from the Imperial General HQ. The local commanders there ask for more troops despite local Chinese opposition in Chiang's armies, what will you do?

3.- An ambitious proposal has come from the Zaibatsu, involving the construction of an enormously large and complex set of railways to connect the different areas of Japan, although the Finance Ministry is concerned about the large expense despite the current health of the economy. Should this project be granted a greenlight? And if so, should it come with private or state funding?

[Lumine]

Italy:

1.- The revolt in Libya and Tunis continues to grow despite the best efforts of the local government there, which prompts the necessity of action. There are different opinions in Rome, some suggesting the necessity of a Viceroy with a wide array of powers, others the necessity of martial law and a ruthless intervention by the army, and others, that the end of the conflict will not be found on Libya, but on a foreign power that may be bankrolling the revolt...

2.- The crisis has been averted with the solution of how Cardinals ought to vote on internal matters, although it will take time for the Consistory to get used to its new responsibilities. The Pope intends to widen the number of Cardinals by taking the bold step of including new members from Europe and perhaps even Latin America. Will you approve of this development?

3.- While personal rule seems to have worked so far for the Emperor-King, some argue that it is time for Victor Emmanuel III to take a step back and allow matters to be handled by a Prime Minister, who'd be able to serve as Head of Government while the Pope and the Emperor alike serve as the Heads of State. Should a PM be appointed? And who should he be?

France:

1.- An awkward matter has risen before the central committee of the Cross of Fire Party, as technically the next General Election and Presidential Election should both come by the end of the year. There are some who believe holding both elections to be unnecessary, others who believe they should be held in an "advantageous manner", and many in the opposition who demand free elections. What will you do?

2.- The Besteiro Regime continues to collapse, but Besteiro has holed himself up in Madrid and seems set for a bloody battle to the death, a similar situation about to happen in Barcelona. Should the Franco-Carlist forces assault both cites or continue their march while encircling them?

3.- Now that the French economy is gearing itself towards war, the General Staff is divided on how to best prepare for war. Some argue France should focus on fortifications and defence, setting up a long set of fortresses across the West. Others, however, believe the focus should be on more mobile forces, despite the gap of manpower comparing France with Germany and other rivals. What shall be done?

Kuomintang China:

1.- A new Government installs itself on Nanjing, and though it will be quite a headache to reform it into a democratic system representatives have nonetheless voted you as Prime Minister, and Wang Jingwei as the Deputy Prime Minister. Normal elections were scheduled by the end of the year before the previous system, but it is recommended by the offices to suspend those until more advances have been made.

2.- Some economic progress is finally being made despite the war, although spending on so many areas proves a heavy toll on government funds, with the Finance Minister asking to cut down on excessive spending as he tries to liberalize the economy. His other suggestion is for China to close more efficient trade details with European partners, although current cooperation with Japan is proving productive.

3.- The Chinese Intelligence Service has begun operating to great success due to the increase in funding, leading to the arrest and execution of many Communist and Imperial supporters. CIS warns though that some minor but well connected groups inside the Kuomintang appear to have ties to the enemy of different level (familiar, economic, others more concerning...). Should a purge be attempted on the party?

[Lumine]

Russia:

1.- As Admiral Kolchak and General Yudenich fight each other to the death across the borders, new opportunities arise for Russia. The small state still led by former Premier Vladimir Purishkevich appears to be buying large amounts of weapons, leading to many in the General Staff to recommend putting an end to his rule.

2.- Related to this, a shocking development reaches St. Petersburg from the Urals regime of General Alexander Kutepov. The no-nonsense Kutepov, who already collaborated in the fight against Kamenev's forces, has sent a peace missive to the Provisional Government via Field Marshal Wrangel. Kutepov proposes to reintegrate his Ural warlord regime into your government, in exchange for a key government position, the integration of his forces into the Russian Army, local autonomy for the Ural ethnic groups he dealt with, and a full pardon. The offer has Wrangel and Milyukin's support, but is heavily distrusted by the center-left that makes up for your own base. What will you do?

3.- As Russia expands, a pressing issue has arisen with the necessity for oil, current sources under the control of the various Caucasus warlords or ethnic regimes. How will you find the necessary oil to keep Russia being able to sustain its expansion into a world power again?

Germany:

1.- A new Chancellor, a new age. Your new Government enters office with a changed majority as SPD departs the coalition and the German center-right takes their place, signaling quite a shift for the Zentrum Party and for the politics of the country. What will the first policies of the von Papen administration be?

2.- As Bulgaria stands close to collapse, Greece and Serbia stand strong, and the Magyar Republic's rhetoric has become more and more violent. How will the new Government handle the Balkan Crisis, and will even more troops be committed to the frontlines?

3.- A new cinema festival has taken place in Berlin organized by the German Motion Picture Academy, handing over a well-recieved set of awards for foreign and national filmmakers nicknamed as the "Oskars". Quite noteworthy was the presence of dozens of US actors and directors, who left Hollywood in protest of either the McAdoo or MacArthur regimes. The question before cabinet is whether to subsidize the film industry or not, with the DVP resisting the idea due to the left-leaning nature of the German film industry.

Ottoman Empire:

1.- Ottoman forces continue to march towards Thessaloniki and Sofia, but the end of the war remains far to be seen as Serbia and Greece stand strong. Should another Peace Conference be attempted to prevent a larger conflict, or should the Armed Forces attempt a breakthrough towards Sofia?

2.- Assembly Elections are held across the Empire with substantial success for the more militant religious forces and the supporters of the Government, as the public becomes more aware of Enver Pasha's role and "benevolent rule" of the Empire. The reformists win seats of their own, but not nearly enough to prove a danger. The question is, should deals be reached with the vocal religious representatives to govern at the local level?

3.- The search for oil across Mesopotamia takes a turn for the better over the pat few months, with the Ottoman Empire finding several new oilfields to exploit and therefore compete with commercial rivals like Mexico, Iran and the Caucasus states in exporting it. The question is, will you flood the market with Ottomam oil or target its sale to specific countries?

[Lumine]

Economy and Popularity Ratings:

Popularity Ratings:

Prime Minister Alexander Kerensky: High
President Francois de la Rocque: High
Chancellor Franz von Papen: Medium
Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi (I will not rate the Emperor): Medium
Minister of War Enver Pasha: Medium
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Medium
Prime Minister Winston Churchill: Low
Emperor Victor Emmanuel III: Low
Prime Minister Chiang Kai Shek: Low

Economic Ratings:

German Empire: Strong
Japanese Empire: Strong
Republic of France: Moderate
United Kingdom: Moderate
Kingdom of Italy: Moderate
Ottoman Empire:  Moderate
United States of America: Weak
Provisional Government of Russia: Weak
Kuomintang China: Weak

Current Armies:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Lumine]

Russian Civil War: March 1929

Overall:

The tide of the war changes quickly as Russia takes further steps into potential unification. Admiral Kolchak continues to experience noteworthy success with his battlehardened units, pushing deep into Kazakh territory and winning a series of key battles that cement his prestige. But it is the Provisional Government that has scored a major coup: General Alexander Kutepov and his staff traveled via armored train all the way to St. Petersburg, where Kutepov has knelt beside the Tsar to swear his loyalty back (unconfirmed reports indicate the Tsar has taken Kutepov as a possible confidante).

While the move is heavily controversial among the social democrats, it was broadly welcomed as a sign of reconciliation as the Provisional Government increased its territory and land forces.  Indeed, with Vladimir Purishkevich's small state surrounded by Tsarist troops (and with his mercenaries deserting), international observers agree that the future of Russia will in all likelihood be a battle between the Tsarist Provisional Government of Kerensky and the Siberian forces of Admiral Kolchak, who many believe intends to keep young Tsar Alexei in power.

War Info:

Provisional Government of Russia:

-Russian Army: 63 divisions (46 inf, 10 cav, 7 mil)
-Russian Navy: 1 BB, 3 CR, 4 DD
-Russian Airforce: 8 Fighter Wings, 2 Bombing Wings, 2 Transport Wings.

[Lumine]

Chinese Civil War: March 1929

Overall:

The stalemate and meat-grinder of the Chinese Civil War enters 1929 without a clear winner, although signs point out to Field Marshal Chiang Kai Shek as the one on a better position as the Kuomintang has held control of western and central China and avoided the potential for warlords to arise thanks to their intelligence network. In the north, the Kuomintang forces have defeated the hastily assembled Imperial units and advanced into Manchuria and the fortified positions in the outskirts of Beijing, placing a lot of strain on the imperials. The war on the Communists, however, has been mixed. Whereas the isolated Chinese Soviets weaken everyday and the Japanese Expeditionary forces march ahead, the projected battle for Nanjing changing into a sudden race to connect the battlelines with the closest Soviet, a successful offensive stopped shortly become making contact. With Nanjing safe for the moment, the war continues.

War Info:

Kuomintang:

-Chinese Army: 47 divisions (32 inf, 8 cav, 7 militia)
-Chinese Navy: 2 BB, 3 CR, 8 DD, 4 SUB
-Chinese Airforce: 4 Fighter Wings, 3 Bombing Wings, 4 Transport Wings.
-Volunteer Force: 6 divisions (5 inf, 1 mar)

Communist China:

-Communist Army: 28 divisions (11 inf, 2 cav, 15 militia)
-Communist Navy: No navy.
-Communist Airforce: 3 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

Imperial China:

-Imperial Army: 10 divisions (7 inf, 1 cav, 2 militia)
-Imperial Navy: 1 CR, 1 DD.
-Imperial Airforce: 1 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

Spanish Civil War: March 1929

Overall:

The war is close to an end.

While some French divisions abandoned the front (partly replaced by Italian reinforcements), the Second Spanish Republic has seen its rural fronts collapse almost entirely as the Alfonsist positions are reinforced and the Carlist armies flood Aragon. With the remnants of Spanish fleet sunk trying to end the blockade in Catalonia, the surrender of Barcelona looks inevitable unless relief arrives. Much different is the situation in Madrid, where Besteiro's militias have held firm against the enemy onslaught to turn the outskirts of the capital into a wide cemetery. Besteiro's forces now sport high quality armament that inflicts heavy losses amongst the siege forces, leading many to question which European power exactly is bankrolling the General Secretary on his desperate fight. Besteiro may have lost the war according to experts, but the full collapse could be a matter of days... or months.

War Info:

People's Republic of Spain:
-Spanish Army: 32 divisions (15 inf, 6 cav, 11 mil)
-Spanish Navy: All sunk
-Spanish Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings, 1 Transport Wings.

French Republic:
-French Army: 117 divisions (92 inf, 20 cav, 5 mil)
-French Navy: 10 BB, 22 CR, 71 DD, 40 SUB
-French Airforce: 32 Fighter Wings, 12 Bombing Wings, 42 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Italy:
-Italian Army: 72 divisions (53 inf, 12 cav, 7 mil)
-Italian Navy: 12 BB, 14 CR, 31 DD, 14 SUB
-Italian Airforce: 14 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 5 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Portugal:
-Portuguese Army: 13 divisions (10 inf, 3 cav)
-Portuguese Navy: 2 CR, 6 DD, 3 SUB
-Portuguese Air Force: 3 Fighter Wing, 2 Bombing Wing.

Carlist Spain:
-Carlist Army: 30 divisions (10 inf, 20 mil)
-Carlist Navy: None.
-Carlist Airforce: 2 Fighter Wing, 2 Bombing Wing.

Alfonsist Spain:
-Alfonsist Army: 15 divisions (5 inf, 10 mil)
-Alfonsist Navy: None.
-Alfonsist Air Force: None.

[Lumine]

Second Balkan War: March 1929

Overall:

As 1929 rolls in the Balkan War continues to dangerously escalate, leading unbearable levels of tension by the month of March. Germany upped its investment on the war with an increment on its expeditionary forces in Romania, a move which was matched and doubled by the announcement that the Magyar Republic and the French Republic were sending forces of their own. Large amounts of Hungarian forces entered western Bulgaria and Bosnia as "advisors", all while eight French divisions were welcomed at Athens by King Constantine and deployed towards Thessaloniki at the instant.

The Ottoman-Romanian armies took the initiative in marching against Bulgaria, a move which prompted several battles of anhililation on which several Bulgarian divisions were shattered, but at the reward of slowing the Ottomans. When the Bulgarian fleet was sunk and the coastline captured entirely, the future looked for Sofia. It was then when Serbian and Hungarian divisions began to flood the country and reinforce the positions near the Bulgarian capital, leading a counteroffensive against the overextended Ottomans that pushed them back even as in other areas of the country they made their advances.

But the Athens Pact, bolstered by French and Hungarian support was able to redeploy its forces better, delivering the crushing blow to Bosnia and leaving the entire country occupied by a highly motivated Serbian force - it is rumored the Serbians are considering forming a new, larger nation -. French soldiers holding the frontier also allowed for a full offensive in Northern Greece, temporarily pushing the Ottomans back. Alas, tension is rising for Berlin, Istanbul, Paris and Budapest, for soldiers from all the countries sending expeditionary forces have already suffered losses and lead to the odd situation of European soldiers killing each other without being at war.

Alas, what seemed like clear gains by the Athens Pact were in a way negated by the crisis developing in the Aegean Sea. With the Italian Navy performing a series of naval excercises with the Greek Navy, what was a simple operation turned to tragedy when the Italian battleship Giolitti was sunk by what the Italians originally denounced as a Greek attack. What marked a turn of events was the presence of neutral ships on the area, with an observing Dutch cruiser capturing an Italian team of divers carrying several explosives, matching the type of explosions on the Giolitti. The Greek Government and King Constantine have openly denounced the Italian Navy and Emperor Victor Emmanuel as trying to conduct a false flag operation, leading to the expulsion of the Italian ambassador and Italian advisors from the country.

Rumblings grow across Rome as many in the higher echelons of power believe Victor Emmanuel to be cooperating with the Ottoman goals on the Balkans, leading Pope Alexander IX to call an emergency meeting of the College of Cardinals...

The Balkan War seems to have reached a turning point.

War Info:

Ottoman/German/Romanian Alliance

Ottoman Empire:

-Ottoman Army: 72 divisions (54 inf, 17 cav, 1 mar)
-Ottoman Navy: 4 BB, 8 CR, 17 DD, 10 SUB
-Ottoman Airforce: 10 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 5 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Romania:

-Romanian Army: 24 divisions (21 inf, 3 cav)
-Romanian Navy: 1 CR, 4 DD
-Romanian Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.
-German Expeditionary Corps: 6 inf, 3 cav.

Crimea:

-Crimean Army: 6 divisions (3 inf, 3 cav)
-Crimean Navy: 4 DD
-Crimean Airforce: 1 Fighter Wing.

Athens Pact

Tsardom of Bulgaria:

-Bulgarian Army: 23 divisions (16 inf, 5 cav, 2 mil)
-Bulgarian Navy: All sunk
-Bulgarian Airforce: 1 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wing.
-Hungarian Expeditionary Corps: 8 divisions (6 inf, 2 cav)

Kingdom of Greece:

-Greek Army: 32 divisions (26 inf, 6 cav)
-Greek Navy: 1 BB, 3 CR, 10 DD, 6 SUB
-Greek Airforce: 2 Fighter Wings, 2 Bombing Wings.
-French Expeditionary Corps: 8 divisions (8 inf)

Kingdom of Serbia:

-Serbian Army: 21 divisions (17 inf, 4 cav)
-Serbian Navy: No navy.
-Serbian Airforce: 1 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

BBC News:

"The call for the nations involved in the Second Balkan War to join a peace conference echoes through Europe, most neutral nations backing the latest proposal by the Empire of Japan to exclude several of the powers thought to be covertly fighting the war. A declaration from King Constantine of Greece in representation of the Athens Pact states that Serbia, Greece and Bulgaria are willing to join such a conference, in the understanding that the independence and sovereinigty that each of the three members is not up for question.

Matters become more heated with Italy as King Constantine demands an explanation from the Italian government over the sinking of the Giolitti..."

[Lumine]

BBC News:

"A somewhat positive reaction has been observed by the French proposal for a possible ceasefire across the Balkans from the Athens Pact, with King Constantine of Greece praising the French government for making the relevance of keeping Athens Pact territorty untouched. On the other hand, the Kingdom of Romania is bitterly denouncing France and Hungary as a non-neutral powers and therefore unsuitable to hold the talks, a view shared by some neutrals. While there is hope for a compromise, the Athens Pact seems determined not to face territorial losses of any kind, suggesting they plan to push for compensations to their side.

A more mixed reaction was found in the recent address by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, with Athens thanking the Prime Minister for its defence of the Greek position but warning that Italy and Russia would be unsuitable for peace-keeping or observer roles in account of the sinking of the Giolitti and the fear of Russian expansionism that remains from the Nicholas II days. At home, the new Leader of the Opposition, Archibald Sinclair (Liberal) has tentatively backed Churchill's proposal out of personal respect, although the Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Oswald Mosley, mercilessly mocked Churchill at PMQ's over "grandiose, almost megalomaniacal rhetoric" in a memorable Parliamentary encounter.

[Lumine]

BBC News:

"The Athens Pact has formally announced a cease-fire today, thanking the French Government for its effort and accepting the terms for the upcoming Paris Peace Conference to be hosted by France and the Magyar Republic. Representatives from Greece and Bulgaria express some hope in peace after what they consider to be somewhat conciliatory moves from the Ottoman Empire, although they warn they enter the Conference in a united front. It has been reported, but not confirmed, that the Romanian government seems to be at odds with its allies in Berlin and Istanbul.

With outrage and shock King Constantine of Greece and the entire Greek Government denounced the latest comments by Prime Minister Winston Churchill as "a shocking display of imperialism". While originally the British position was well-recieved in the Athens Pact, Churchill's declarations have soured the British relationship with the Balkan allies. Even more, Japan's open attack on the Prime Minister's position have recieved open acclaim from South American countries and even neutral parties such as Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden. This, combined with what promises to be a complicated vote on Irish Home Rule and the developing Hong Kong situation set up an interesting scenario on British politics..."

[Lumine]

Russian Civil War: June 1929

Overall:

Having served as the eminence grise of the latter part of the reign of Nicholas II, Vladimir Purishkevich (former Prime Minister) was a man with a lot of blood on his hands. Originally in command of Moscow, the Black Hundreds and a large part of the Okhrana apparatus, Purishkevich was a serious contender during the early stages of the Civil War despite his massive unpopularity. Indeed, it took a grueling campaign against Field Marshal Wrangel for Purishkevich to see his rule crumbling, evicted from Moscow and finally set onto a single Oblast his followers managed to held onto. Backed by the remains of the once formidable Black Hundreds, he survived for a significant number of years as the Provisional Government had to contend with different and more powerful enemies.

But sure enough, the Tsarist troops came knocking at his door when the time was right. Backed by an impressive military display thanks to the increased confidence of Wrangel and Kerensky's armies, they soon cut through the paramilitary forces serving the Premier in late May, with the entire region up in arms in an uprising by early June. Indeed, it didn't took long for the situation to become hopeless, with a cadre of officers ambushing Purishkevich as he took a train to the southernmost part of his domains and shooting him at a train station. A few hours later, most pockets of resistance surrendered, putting the Provisional Government in virtual control of Western Russia and signaling the most powerful force Russia had seen after the downfall of Nicholas II.

But not all is bright for Russia. Admiral Kolchak continues to smash the Kazahks and General Yudenich, stopped only by logistics and the dismal terrain. Even more, the states beyond Siberia have rejected pressure to cut their links to Kolchak, signaling a complete lack of influence for Kerensky beyond the Urals. Reunification still has a long road ahead...

War Info:

Provisional Government of Russia:

-Russian Army: 66 divisions (47 inf, 10 cav, 9 mil)
-Russian Navy: 1 BB, 3 CR, 4 DD
-Russian Airforce: 8 Fighter Wings, 2 Bombing Wings, 2 Transport Wings.

[Lumine]

Spanish Civil War: June 1929

Overall:

After two years of incessant struggle, the battlefronts across Spain have finally quieted down. Despite a desperate battle to the end, the Besteiro regime came to an abrupt end by June 1929, signaling the end of the revolutionary experiment in Spain. As a domino effect, the inevitable surrender of Catalonia due to the widespread blockade and famine freed significant manpower for the Carlists, allowing them to redouble the push for Madrid. Slowly but surely morale collapsed across May, leading to a countercoup by disaffected officers inside Besteiro's troops. The coup failed, but it deeply divided the forces inside the city and prompted the surrender of several increasingly isolated pockets.

General Secretary Julian Besteiro died on the burning headquarters of his government, set ablaze by artillery fire. Madrid surrendered shortly afterwards, on June 8th. As the news spread, the demoralized regular units of the revolutionary army surrendered or attempted short lived last stands, as Alfonsist and Carlist units scrambled to fill on the territorial gaps and secure the cities. As of the last week of June, units from both sides have found each other and established a rudimentary frontier, with King Luis Filipe of Portugal ceding all captured ground to King Alfonso XIV and supporting the Alfonsist frontier. Both armies appear to have celebrated the fall of the revolutionary government and there have been cases of revolutionary supporters being hunted down and executed by units of both sides, but all eyes are set on Burgos and Seville.

Will Spain avoid a second civil war between Alfonso XIV and Jaime III?

War Info:

French Republic:
-French Army: 117 divisions (92 inf, 20 cav, 5 mil)
-French Navy: 10 BB, 22 CR, 71 DD, 40 SUB
-French Airforce: 32 Fighter Wings, 12 Bombing Wings, 42 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Italy:
-Italian Army: 72 divisions (53 inf, 12 cav, 7 mil)
-Italian Navy: 12 BB, 14 CR, 31 DD, 14 SUB
-Italian Airforce: 14 Fighter Wings, 4 Bombing Wings, 5 Transport Wings.

Kingdom of Portugal:
-Portuguese Army: 13 divisions (10 inf, 3 cav)
-Portuguese Navy: 2 CR, 6 DD, 3 SUB
-Portuguese Air Force: 3 Fighter Wing, 2 Bombing Wing.

Carlist Spain:
-Carlist Army: 32 divisions (10 inf, 22 mil)
-Carlist Navy: None.
-Carlist Airforce: 3 Fighter Wing, 3 Bombing Wing.

Alfonsist Spain:
-Alfonsist Army: 18 divisions (8 inf, 10 mil)
-Alfonsist Navy: None.
-Alfonsist Air Force:  1 Fighter Wing, 1 Bombing Wing.

[Lumine]

Chinese Civil War: June 1929

Overall:

The Civil War resumes its carnage, and the Communist forces score their first set of major victories as 1929 nears the mid-year. While on the north the Kuomintang has smashed another Imperial division to deepen their march on Manchuria as Guangxu's regime falters, the Communist Party has gathered their strength once again to continue their past offensive, successfully linking their main forces to another isolated Soviet and expanding towards the West in light of the failure to take Nanjing. The Japanese forces and some Kuomintang divisions score victories of their own in the south as morale and training improves, but it does not look like either side will break soon as both Chiang and Li Dazhao grow in their following. For the Emperor in Beijing, however, the future looks grim.

War Info:

Kuomintang:

-Chinese Army: 46 divisions (31 inf, 8 cav, 7 militia)
-Chinese Navy: 2 BB, 3 CR, 8 DD, 4 SUB
-Chinese Airforce: 4 Fighter Wings, 3 Bombing Wings, 4 Transport Wings.
-Volunteer Force: 6 divisions (5 inf, 1 mar)

Communist China:

-Communist Army: 31 divisions (11 inf, 2 cav, 18 militia)
-Communist Navy: No navy.
-Communist Airforce: 3 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

Imperial China:

-Imperial Army: 9 divisions (6 inf, 1 cav, 2 militia)
-Imperial Navy: 1 CR, 1 DD.
-Imperial Airforce: 1 Fighter Wings, 1 Bombing Wings.

[Lumine]

End of Early 1929:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

In the News:

Cuban forces storm Guantanamo, Hearst and McAdoo captured:

Desperate over the US blockade and the lack of support from Europe, Cuban President Mario Garcia was forced into resigning after massive protests across La Habana signaled the end of popular support for his provisional government. The popular leader Ramón Grau was installed as President after reaching an understanding with the Cuban military, signaling a turn to the left by the Cuban independentist movement and a sharp turn regarding the relationship with the US Government-in-exile. The Cuban military stormed Guantanamo Bay shortly afterwards in a bloody struggle, capturing the fortress and placing both William Gibbs McAdoo and William Randolph Hearst under arrest. Grau and the new government is expected to send a formal peace proposal to Washington D.C.

Kamenev, MacArthur into exile:

Both General Secretary Lev Kamenev and former Commander in Chief Douglas MacArthur, the former leaders of Archangelsk and the United States, have settled in their respective places of exile after their downfalls from power. Mr. Kamenev was moved to the Ottoman embassy in London after being offered asylum, reaching Istanbul via ship a few weeks afterward. General MacArthur has disembarked in Italy as well, placed under safe arrest at a villa in Sicily. Neither is expected to be able to return to Russia or the United States, but the world remains attentive to their fates.

Giolitti inquiry a source of discord:

The opening phase of an international inquiry on the sinking of the Giolitti on the Adriatic Sea continues to cause divisions, as experts on both sides of the issue charge Italy or Greece as the culprit without agreement, although most of Europe believes Italy to be the more suspicious side on the entire matter. Some denounce pressures from an European power in trying to forge evidence, although the European press it at a loss to find leaks on the matter.

Pope Alexander speaks out:

Pope Alexander IX, nicknamed by some as the "War Cardinal", celebrated today the fall of the People's Republic of Spain at an event in St. Peter's Square, denouncing anarchism, socialism, communism and several forms of leftist revolutionary through as heresy to be actively fought. Further more, the Pope issued a new encyclical, calling for the Church to be defended against her enemies across the globe with violence if needed be, citing the Spanish War as a successful "crusade" for the Church. The Pope was also particularly harsh with the Ottoman Empire, the Sultan and leading minister Enver Pasha, and he is believed to be conducting his own investigations onto matters regarding the Spanish War and the Balkan War.

Bernard von Bulow dies:

Former Chancellor of the German Empire during the Great War (1900-1904) and one of the leading forces behind the ultimately failed reform of Austro-Hungary Bernard von Bulow has died of natural causes at his home in Berlin. Tributes pour in through Germany, although Austria and former imperial nations take a more neutral view of his legacy. The leading Habsburg claimant Crown Prince Otto von Habsburg issued a speech from Switzerland praising some elements of Bulow's role within the Empire, while noting his concern with the ongoing warfare on the Balkans. While exiled, the young Crown Prince still enjoys significant popular support in Hungary and the German annexed Austria.

Wars, Economy and Popularity:

Ongoing Wars:

Russian Civil War:
(Various Russian states)
Kolchak and Yudenich in war, Provisional Government on the rise.

Chinese Civil War:
(Chinese Empire v. Kuomintang v. Chinese Communist Party)
Three way war, still confusing.

Spanish Civil War:
Besteiro's government finished. Remains to be seen.

Second Balkan War:
(Athens Pact v. Ottoman/German/Romanian alliance)
General ceasefire, peace conference upcoming.

Popularity Ratings:

Prime Minister Alexander Kerensky: High
President Francois de la Rocque: High
Chancellor Franz von Papen: Medium
Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi: Medium
Minister of War Enver Pasha: Medium
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Medium
Prime Minister Chiang Kai Shek: Low
Prime Minister Winston Churchill: Very Low
Emperor Victor Emmanuel III: Very Low

Economic Ratings:

German Empire: Strong
Japanese Empire: Strong
Ottoman Empire: Strong
Republic of France: Moderate
United Kingdom: Moderate
Kingdom of Italy: Moderate
Provisional Government of Russia: Moderate
United States of America: Weak
Kuomintang China: Very Weak

Current Armies:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.