Balance of Power (Gameplay Thread) - Epilogue and Game Over

[Lumine]

Balance of Power:
(Gameplay Thread)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________


Very well, gentlemen, on behalf of Windjammer and myself I welcome you to Balance of Power, the game in which we will manage to see how long can our players avoid the temptations of launching the Great War and destroying their foes. With all six great powers (and Japan) playing, we can now start the game. I will provide some context in what has happened so far (assuming that almost all events until April 1st, 1901 have gone as in OTL), and then I will provide the specific set of crises for each nation, and you will be free to play the first turn.  

Cast:

GM: LumineVonReuental
Assistant GM: Windjammer:

Prime Minister Salisbury: Spamage.
Prime Minister Waldeck-Rousseau: Dr. Cynic.
Tsar Nicholas II: Snowstalker.
Kaiser Wilhelm II: IBDD.
Emperor Mutsuhito: SJoyce.
President William McKinley: Clarence.
Kaiser Franz Joseph I: Jack Enderman.
Sultan Abdul Hamid II: Kalwejt.
King Vittorio Emmanuele III: Sawx.

Context for 1901:

It’s the beginning of a new era, an era of both optimism and pessimism across Europe, an era of changes. Queen Victoria, the woman who had represented an entire era, has died and been replaced as a symbol by a series of monarchs and presidents who are the face of the new modern world. While elder statesmen retire or die, a new generation seeks ready to take over Europe and, hopefully, preserve the balance of power. Many decisions have to be made, many alliances to be created, and it’s time to see who will, in the end, become the Superpower.

The Boxer rebellion is almost over, and China faces the occupation of the so called "Eight-Nation Alliance", Britain is currently trying to bring the Boer War to an end, and the rest of the world powers seek to build strenght or consolidate recent gains. Anarchism is on the race, and it seems no one in power is safe from assassination attempts. Technology seems to be going through a phase of great innovation, but naturally, people like Count Zeppelin and Sigmond Freud are still branded as outcasts. It's a world that believes that we can keep on progressing...

Alliances, Wars and Popularity:

-Ongoing Wars:
  
-Boer War (British Empire v. Boer Rebels)
  -Currently in a guerrilla phase
-Boxer War (Eight Nation Alliance v. Boxer Rebels)
  -Almost finished, small pockets of resistance, European occupation of large parts of China.

-Popularity Ratings:

-Tsar Nicholas II: Low.
-President William McKinley: High.
-Kaiser Wilhelm II: Medium.
-Kaiser Franz Joseph I: High.
-Prime Minister Waldeck-Rousseau: Medium.
-Prime Minister Salisbury: Low.
-Emperor Mutsuhito: Very High.
-Sultan Abdul Hamid II: Low.
-King Vittorio Emmanuele III: Medium.

Current Alliances:

-Triple Alliance (Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary).
-Franco-Russian Alliance (France and Russia).
-Potential British entrance into the Triple Alliance.
-Potential Japanese-British alliance.

[Lumine]

Turn One - Early 1901:

(IMPORTANT: YOUR ANSWERS HAVE TO BE SENT VIA PM)

Please remember that if you want to send a secret message to another player, you must also send it to both Windjammer and me in order to mantain coherence. Both of us are also open to all questions, so don't doubt to ask if anything happens!

To Japan:

You have benefited from having an excellent relationship with Britain for the past years, and there are many in both countries who desire a formal alliance or friendship treaty. Your Primer Minister, Ito Hirobumi, is adamantly opposed and wishes to negotiate with Russia, but your Ambassador in London, Hayashi Tadasu is already talking with Lord Landsdowne. Who will you back, Hayashi or Ito? And what terms will you offer Britain in case you support an alliance?

Prime Minister Hirobumi, along with his disagreements in the Russian issue, fears potential backstabbing from the House of Peers, and desires support from you in order to discredit his opponents and remain in office.

Prince Konoe Atsumaro, a powerful member of the House of Peers and leader of the Anti-Russia politicians, has request that the country takes a firm stand against Russia’s recent occupation of Manchuria. While they may give the land to China, Konoe insists that Japan must formally ask Russia to withdraw.

To USA:

You have recently passed the Platt Amendment, which limits Cuba’s foreign and trade movements, and establishes that American naval bases will be created in the island. The Cuban assembly has chosen to reject the Platt Amendment, what will you do?

The New York Stock Exchange seems to have crashed thanks to the rivalry of J.P. Morgan and Edward Henry Harriman. Harriman plans to create a massive trust to control several railroads, and thousands of small investors are ruined. It’s up to you to either intervene or wait.

 Anarchism is on the rise in the United States and Europe, with many important figures being assassinated in the past years. You are already an active member of the International Conference of Rome for the Social Defense Against Anarchists, but you can always seek new forms of fighting the anarchists.

To Germany:

Admiral Alfred Von Tirpitz has been extremely successful in the building of a powerful fleet, but it’s power is still nowhere near the might of the British Fleet. Von Tirpitz demands increased funding and plans to build more cruisers, but some warn that Britain will take it as a provocation.

Joseph Chamberlain, key member of the Salisbury Cabinet, has approached Germany with alliance propositions. Talks have lasted years, and Chamberlain is getting tired of the game of cat and mouse. There is some goodwill towards you in Britain after your stay at Queen Victoria’s deathbed, but if this alliance is to succeed you will need a good proposal.

The Social Democratic Party keeps winning strength across Germany, and you advisers claim that they are a danger to your power. Do you have plans to deal with them or will you choose to leave them alone for the time being?

To Russia:

There are students riots across St. Petersburg and Moscow, and the police is having serious trouble dealing with them. Both the students and a growing number of intellectuals demand that you switch to a constitutional monarchy. How will you react?

Your troops have occupied Manchuria because of the Boxer Rebellion, and now you control the Manchuria Railway and the naval base of Port Arthur. Some suggest that you sign a treaty with China and extort them to give you Manchuria (as a lease), and some suggest retreating to avoid a clash with Japan.

Pan-Slavism is on the rise in Europe and in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Slav leaders have requested funding, assistance and diplomatic support to nations like Serbia and several separatist movements.

To Austria Hungary:

There is tension in Trieste and in your holdings in Italy, and the irredentist movements grow stronger in force. Conrad Von Hotzendorf, the Trieste commander, reports that a revolt might be imminent, but in palace he is dismissed for overreacting. Do you plan to act or will you leave this problem alone?

The Austro-Hungarian Navy is quite weak in comparison to the other navies, but it has potential. The Admirals request an expansion of the navy, but you run the risk of starting an arms race with your ally Italy (which has second thoughts about this alliance).

Your troops have been occupying Bosnia-Herzegovina for quite a time, and some argue it’s time for Austria to claim it and formally annex it. Such a move would increase the prestige of your Empire, but the Ottoman Empire may not be satisfied at all.

To the UK:

Your Foreign Secretary, Lord Landsdowne, and your Colonies Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, are involved in dealings with Japan and Germany. Both report that there’s a chance for said alliance, but there are risks involved and potential conflict zones in the Pacific, India, China and in regards to the German fleet. Will you send a formal offer or search for new allies?

The United States are interested in building a Canal in Panama in order to connect the Atlantic and the Pacific in a more efficient way, and while a treaty for that effect (that was to repeal the Clayton-Bulwer treaty) was drafter, your nation rejected not long ago. Will you put this issue to rest or work in a compromise?

The Boer War has lasted quite a while, and it makes you unpopular as the Boer guerrillas keep killing British soldiers. The British General Staff is confident that they will defeat them soon, but you can always propose different strategies.

To France:

As your cabinet receives the news of a potential Anglo-German alliance, there is a lot of fear. Having both nations as enemies could spell doom on the French colonial empire, and the alliance with Russia might not prove enough. Some advise asking Britain for an alliance or least try to secure a conference, and some believe allies could always be found elsewhere. It’s up to you to decide.

The clerical issue is reaching a boiling point, and the right might not react favorable to further escalation. Yet, many of your supporters are asking you to take a new step and finally expulse the Benedictine teaching monks of France. It won’t be an easy road when dealing with this issue.

Although your powerbase is on the left, there are many in the center-right willing to back you against Former Prime Minister Jules Meline, your arch-nemesis. They argue they can create a new political party, but with an election next year they may not have enough time to organize and you already have to organize the left for a fight.

[Lumine]

*- I assume as in other nation games that non played nations are controlled by Lumine in regards to both diplomacy and other measures.

That is correct. Also, Spamage, from now on the answers to the questions will be sent via PM (just the answers, players are free to post everything else here).

[Lumine]

I'll accept those moves, IBDD, but please remember to include me in your PM's from now on and send the answers via PM as well (otherwise your moves are public to all players).

[Lumine]

So far I have Japan, France, Britain, Russia and Germany, which means that I still need Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, the United States and Italy. Once I have received all answers and read each post, I will give you the world news for Late 1901 and we will be able to start the second turn. I won't spoil anything, but we are going to see very interesting developments...

To Ottoman Empire:

The Empire is currently facing a great economic crisis as a result of your policies and the bloated secret police/bureaucracy. Some suggest dismantling the secret police, other to raise taxes, and some even desire to expropriate some lands from the aristocracy. What will you do to help your economy?

So far the Ottoman Empire has survived thanks to the balance in Europe and the unwillingness of some powers to see the Empire attacked. And yet, beyond some ties with Germany and Kaiser Wilhelm (which involve a potential army reorganization) you don't have a formal alliance with any of the European Great Powers. Perhaps it is time to remedy this situation...

The Balkan provinces of the Ottoman Empire are by far the most diffcult ones to control, and even with the memory of the Greco-Turkish war still recent, the rebels are not willing to back down. Macedonia itself is facing heavy unrest and your forces are suffering from not being numerous enough to hold the entire province. How will you react to this potential revolt?

[Lumine]

To Kingdom of Italy:

One of your most crucial prerrogatives as King is the right to appoint the Prime Minister even without parliamentary support, and because of that you are often required to intervene in order to prevent political chaos. Your Prime Minister, Giuseppe Zanardelli, is percieved as being extremely weak, and Former Primer Minister and now Interior Minister Giovanni Giolitti is the one who controls the government. Will you force Zanardelli to step aside and allow Giolitti to take over to see if some progress can be made?

Italy has been a member of the Triple Alliance for quite a long time, but there is still deep resentment against Austria-Hungary. Some politicians beg you to lead the nation into a more neutral position or seek an alliance with France, while some argue that Germany is still the safest bet.

There are many officers in the army that still support "foreign adventures", even after the defeat in the Italo-Ethiopian War. They request an increase in armaments spending, army reform and a stronger navy to counter Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean. Your financial situation is not good at all, but it is dangerous to have a weak army in these days.

[Lumine]

OOC: How realistic is it for Austria to casually give away its most important port city?

Almost impossible in OTL, but as long as Jack wishes to take that risk (all events have their consequences), I'm willing to allow it. That said, I'll need both of you (Sawx, Jack) to sign a similar agreement to Spamage and Cynic if you really want to go forward and formalize the handover of Trieste.

[Lumine]

I still need Sawx, Jack and Simfan's answers, but so far I am confident that we can start the next turn tomorrow on the afternoon if I get them soon enough.

[Lumine]

Bump?

My apologies, I am currently working in the map and the update, but I wanted to wait for the remaining players. Sawx sent his answers, Jack didn't (but he is actively playing), and Simfan hasn't done anything so far, which is why I sent him a message. Anyway, Late 1901 will start before the day ends!

[Lumine]

End of Early 1901:

(PLEASE READ)

Alright, gentlemen, this ends the first turn of Balance of Power. It took some time, but I am extremely satisfied with the results, and I believe we're in for a thrilling game. Of course, it's my first time hosting an active game, so I am bound to make a lot of mistakes and learn from them in the process. First things first, Simfan's comment was meant as a joke, I made the mistake of taking it seriously, and I just cleared that up, (xD). This means America is open again in case we have new players.

Second, we had our problems to adjust to the whole answers via PM thing, so I will make some changes to the rules in order to make this more efficient and to ensure the game runs more smoothly (that and I received from 30 to 40 PM's for this turn alone).

-Turns: From now on, I will post the issues your specific country has to face, and it's up to you to deal with them (or do nothing) in a more open way, which means you are free to post in this thread. In case you wish to give secret orders, then you can PM me. Of course, secret diplomatic messages are still going to be via PM, so please don't forget to send them to both Windjammer and myself. Otherwise I will not acknowledge the existence of those messages.

-War: It's pretty obvious we're bound to face a war or two at some time, so I just developed a system for it. Declarations of war go here, and once a declaration of war of one player against another has been posted, I will open a special thread for said war, leaving this gameplay thread for the normal affairs.

So, in short, this thread is now more open to your moves, wars will have their own threads, and America is open for new players. Now I will proceed to give you the updated map and the list of alliances and wars (popularity ratings are only released at the beginning of each year, and they have changed a lot in a single turn).

Alliances, Wars and Popularity:

-Ongoing Wars:
  
-Boer War (British Empire/French Republic v. Boer Rebels)
  -Currently in a guerrilla phase.
-Boxer War (Eight Nation Alliance v. Boxer Rebels)
  -Almost finished, last resistance pockets in central China, European occupation of large parts of China.

-Popularity Ratings:
(Frozen until Early 1902)

-Tsar Nicholas II: Low.
-President William McKinley: Country open.
-Kaiser Wilhelm II: Medium.
-Kaiser Franz Joseph I: High.
-Prime Minister Waldeck-Rousseau: Medium.
-Prime Minister Salisbury: Low.
-Emperor Mutsuhito: Very High.
-Sultan Abdul Hamid II: Low.
-King Vittorio Emmanuele III: Medium.

Current Alliances:

Quadruple Alliance (Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary and Japan)
Franco-Russian Alliance (France and Russia)
Franco-British Alliance (France and the UK)
Anglo-Japanese Alliance (UK and Japan)

The Map:

Map Changes:

-Russian evacuation of Manchuria (they retain Harbin and Port Arthur)
-British occupation of Nanjing and Shanghai.
-Japan takes over German New Guinea and Samoa.
-Combination of the British provinces in Zambia.
-Anglo-German territory exchange in Cameroon and German Southwest Africa.
-Austrian formal annexation of Bosnia.
-Austrian handover of Trieste to Italy.

__________________________________________________________________________________________



It will take some time for me to write the next issues for each country. Until then please prepare yourselves for the second turn!

[Lumine]

Turn Two - Late 1901:

Please remember that if you want to send a secret message to another player, you must also send it to both Windjammer and me in order to mantain coherence. Both of us are also open to all questions, so don't doubt to ask if anything happens!

To Russia:

Your orders to Okhrana proved incredibly successful, and it was not hard for them to drive the students away from the socialists and extremist elements. However, the Chief of Okhrana’s Moscow Bureau, Sergei Subatov, has presented a risky gamble to you (via your uncle, Grand Duke Sergei): he wishes to create trade unions run by Okhrana and himself, an effort he calls “police socialism”. Subatov suggests that this would enable you to take control of the trade movement and drive them away from the left.

China was extremely surprised with the terms you offered, and as a result Empress Dowager Cixi decided to sign the so called “Manchurian Treaty”, including the most controversial aspects of it. Your troops left Manchuria, leaving a sizable garrison in Harbin (to protect the railroad) and Port Arthur. While this may antagonize the Japanese, you have enough good will in China (it might not last, though) to at least make some progress in that area.

Vice Admiral Stepan Makarov has recently returned for an Arctic Expedition, and he has requested an audience with you. Makarov believes the Russian Fleet is in urgent need of reform, and while he is not widely admired among the officers, Makarov insists that he can deliver needed reforms.

To the UK:

The House of Commons has congratulated you on your diplomatic triumphs in the past months. The treaties with France and Japan have strengthened your position in the world stage, and despite strong francophobe and pro-german elements in Parliament (the Kaiser won a lot of goodwill after Queen Victoria’s death, and the pro-Victoria propaganda campaign has actually increased sympathy for the Kaiser), you seem politically strong enough to survive for a long time.

The intervention of 5000 French troops in South Africa has helped a great deal, and the Boers are on the verge of surrendering. That, along with your recombination of Zambia, means that you have the chance of ending the Boer War if your terms are sensible enough.

Your Cabinet, seeing the success in foreign policy and the increase in trade with Brazil, France, Japan and the colonies if now pressuring you for a more domestic agenda. Some of your ministers are highly ambitious, and both Landsdowne and Chamberlain have acquired a lot of prestige, which means they are seen as potential sucessors to you.
 
To Japan:

Despite your assurances, Hirobumi chose to resign after your rejection of an alliance with Russia. Katsura Taro is now the Primer Minister, and he is far more friendly and respectful to you, which means that you have the chance to become even more influential if you play your cards right. Katsura wishes to pursue an internationalist and domestically conservative agenda, and he is more than open to suggestions.

Saionji Kinomichi, another of the Genro and personal friend to Hirobumi, has managed to seize control of the Lower House with his Rikken Seiyukai Party. Kinomichi is liberal and pro-Europe, and he is determined to best Katsura to become Prime Minister. You advisers warn that Kinomichi should be watched carefully.

Russia has managed to sign a treaty with China, and despite their withdrawal from Manchuria, they still control Port Arthur and the entire railway system of Manchuria. Prince Konoe has pledged his full support to you to confront Russia, and has asked for a strong stance against the Russians, or, at the very least, for a new naval buildup.

To Austria-Hungary:

You are in an extremely tough situation. While your annexation of Bosnia (with the approval of Abdul Hamid II) has won you a lot of support, your inaction on military affairs and the handover of Trieste to the Italians have managed to crush your previously great levels of popularity, which means that both the army officers and the most conservative politicians are beginning to openly criticize you. Even more, there’s talk of officers like Von Hotzendorf plotting to force your abdication on grounds of old age to replace you with Franz Ferdinand. So far, these are only rumors, but more unpopular actions might bring an undesired effect. Be extremely careful.

Your alliance grows in size, but you seem to have neglected domestic policy entirely. Austria-Hungary is not doing bad, but people are asking for more economic and social reforms in order to actually reach prosperity. Ernest Von Koerber, the Austrian Minister-President, advocates for educational reform and a massive project of infrastructure, building railways and canals across the Empire.

Ethnical strife is growing larger and larger with your annexation of Bosnia, and very single action you take serves to alienate at least one group of people. This issue hasn’t reached boiling point yet, but it will require careful consideration.

To Italy:

The return of Trieste to Italy has brought massive celebration in your country, and your popularity has reached incredible levels of support. Giovanni Giolitti has taken over as Prime Minister, but it is evident that you are increasingly seen as the man who can keep the Kingdom together, and your decision of staying in the Quadruple Alliance is so far respected among Italians.

Your recent choices in military affairs have led to the army getting a little bit stronger, but some officers have requested permission to redirect some of the Italian economic assets into a further increase of military funding. Austria apparently chose not to have an arms race with you, but France has a very powerful army and a decent sized fleet in the Mediterranean (as the English have). The Admirals are also pressuring you to direct those funds into the navy.

The Italian economy seems to be stabilizing, but trade is not as active as it should be. Economists argue over the correct solution to this, but most agree that something has to be done and that finding new trade partners is a must for Italy.

To France:

You are facing a political crisis right now. Despite the growing support for your foreign policy, your recent moves in the secular issue and your reclutance to ally with the center-right have led to a united French right wing that demands that you either back down on secularization or face defeat in the polls. The leader of the united opposition is Jules Meline, and he has chosen filed a non-confidence vote against you. Some of your advisors beg you to seek support from the socialists and create a united left, others say such a move might backfire pretty soon.

Your alliances with France and Russia seem to be a success so far (despite the surprise that this “Entente Cordiale” was at the beginning), but some are worried about the continuation of the “Great Game” between those powers and the potential consequences. France is not isolated anymore, but there’s a growing perception that, at some time, your nation will be forced to choose and abandon one of your allies.
 
Upon hearing of your desire to stop anarchism, and without the chance of an uprising in Trieste, several anarchists have relocated to France. One of your cabinet members barely avoided a bomb direct at him the other day, and these anarchists seem determined to go after you, which means your security may be compromised if you are not careful enough.

To Germany:

The German Navy as a whole is very disappointed at your refusal for further funding, and they are extremely mad at seeing you abandon a great part of your colonial empire for the sake of diplomacy. The Army shares that opinion, and Germany as a whole would like to see you actually defending your Empire in a more vigorous way.

While the Social Democrats were extremely pleased at your remark, the rest of the country has failed to grasp why would you have such a radical change in your views, specially after being so anti-Socialist in the past years. This has led to many frustrated conservative junkers, although you moves for reconciliation with the Social Democrats have led them to seem willing to collaborate in domestic affairs, implying that not enough efforts have been taken in that area. However, the junkers demand an increase in military spending and more anti-labor laws, which the Social Democrats oppose.

A rebellion has started in what remains of German South-West Africa. Sensing weakness, the Herero and the Namaqua tribes have led more than 10.000 men in revolt against the colonial rule, and your troops (numbering fewer than 1.000) have been unable to contain them, leading to the deaths of dozens of German citizens.

To Ottoman Empire:

Your sources of revenue have increased, although the secret police is still using most of it. Aristocrats are enraged (and more receptive to liberal thoughts), but you now own the best lands in Macedonia, Baghdad and Syria, and you have enough money to at least fund some projects.

Giving Bosnia away has not satisfied the army, and they are pressuring you to enact more reforms and make your army more European and efficient in style. The Macedonian revolt keeps growing, and they have also requested for more troops for the Balkan provinces. All in all, it’s obvious that the Ottoman Army will need a lot of work before it can stand up to the European Powers, as attempts as diplomacy have brought both good and bad results.

Liberal courtiers and officers seem to wish for a new ruler in the Ottoman Empire. Your brother Murad, the previous Sultan, still lives as a prisoner (supposedly being mentally ill, a story crafted when you took over his throne), and he would be far more receptive to liberal reforms.

[Lumine]

Extra Crisis! - Cixi v. Europe!

TO: France, United Kingdom, Japan and Germany.

With the Boxer War almost over, and with the Chinese Army in position to destroy the remaning rebels, Empress Dowager Cixi has sent a very harsh note to four of the powers that comprise the "Eight Nation Alliance". Empress Cixi has critized the British, the French, Germans and the Japanese for occupying several areas of China, and while has stated that she will recognize the territories occupied before the Boxer Rebellion (Qingdao for Germany, Hong Kong and Weihaiwei for the British, Taiwan for the Japanese and Guangzhouwan for France, along with the joint concessions of Shanghai), she will not recognize foreign occupation of other parts of China.

Namely, Empress Cixi demanded the British withdrawal from Shanghai, Nanjing and the yellow river, the German withdrawal from areas near Shandong, the Japanese withdrawal from their enclaves in Manchuria and Southern China, and the French withdrawal from the Southern provinces they have captured. Cixi has cited the Russian Empire has an example, given that they decided to return Manchuria, and she states that while she does not desire a war, she will not sit back while China is taken over by Europeans.

Prime Minister Salisbury, Prime Minister Waldeck-Rousseau, Kaiser Wilhelm and Emperor Mutsuhito, what will you do?

[Lumine]

Clarence just asked me to take over as America, so we have eight players again! (The American issues will be posted soon)

[Lumine]

To USA:

You have recently passed the Platt Amendment, which limits Cuba’s foreign and trade movements, and establishes that American naval bases will be created in the island. The Cuban assembly has chosen to reject the Platt Amendment, what will you do? (From last turn, still valid)

Anarchism is on the rise in the United States and Europe, with many important figures being assassinated in the past years. You have recently received a good amount of proposals from France and Austria-Hungary to join forces against this threat, and most heads of state agree that anarchism has to be dealt with sooner or later.

The Governor General of the Philippines, William H. Taft, reports that an entire company of American troops was destroyed by rebels in what has been called the "Balangiga Massacre". Taft asks for instructions as to what to do with the rebels.

After some months in which foreign policy has been the main focus in the United States, there are many who wish for President McKinley to enact his domestic policy. There are certainly many possibilities for the popular President, but it won't be easy to keep the Republican Party united, not when so many factions are beginning to appear.

[Lumine]

Well, I only need Italy, Germany and Austria-Hungary to begin next turn (and I am currently preparing a few surprises for the players). Once again, thanks for being so active!

[Lumine]

Okay, that leaves us with IBDD left, and he has until tomorrow in the early afternoon. I'm pleased to report that I have two OTL events ready, one assassination (could be two, but I already made up my mind with one), and some interesting consequences for the moves in the first two turns as well. Expect the next turn to be more amusing!

[Lumine]

OOC: I cleaned up the late 1901 map, both as in making it neater and in my interpretation of the border changes. Reading over IBDD's posts, it doesn't seem as if he ceded anything other than half of Namibia (I.E. nothing about Cameroon or Tanganyika) and New Guinea/the Pacific Islands.

As Spamage said, there are some changes agreed upon via PM instead of here, which is why the current map reflects the demise of most of Germany's colonies in Africa. Next map is ready as well, but IBDD hasn't been in the fourm for about two days. Thanks for the effort, though!

[Lumine]

OOC: I cleaned up the late 1901 map, both as in making it neater and in my interpretation of the border changes. Reading over IBDD's posts, it doesn't seem as if he ceded anything other than half of Namibia (I.E. nothing about Cameroon or Tanganyika) and New Guinea/the Pacific Islands.

As Spamage said, there are some changes agreed upon via PM instead of here, which is why the current map reflects the demise of most of Germany's colonies in Africa. Next map is ready as well, but IBDD hasn't been in the fourm for about two days. Thanks for the effort, though!

OOC: Are we moving on to the next turn without him then (as you deadline had expired)?

Seems like it. I am currently writing the next crisis, so Early 1902 will start before the day ends.

[Lumine]

End of Late 1901:

1901 will go down in history as a turning point in the system of alliances crafted by Bismarck. Europe held its breath over the changes in the balance of power, and there's a growing tendence to picture the world as it if were divided on two spheres: the Quadruple Alliance and everybody else. The powerful block enjoyed an increase in influence with the entry of Japan and the peaceful resolution of the Trieste issue, but the British refusal to join the block was a harsh blow. Non-Quadruple Alliance countries are divided, and they have played the game of politics with different results. Tsar Nicholas won a great deal of goodwill in China, Prime Minister Waldeck Rousseau is about to be defeated by internal politics, Prime Minister Salisbury enjoys form a highly efficient foreign policy, Sultan Abdul Hamid is finally making the Ottoman Empire a force to be reckoned with, and President William McKinley has easily become one of the most popular Presidents in recent American history.

The Boer War is recently over, and the Boxers are about to go down. While there are some revolts in some places (German South West Africa, Macedonia), people believe that peace may very well last a few years. After all, there are no wars in the horizon... or so it seems.

Alliances, Wars and Popularity:

-Ongoing Wars:
 
-Boxer War (Eight Nation Alliance v. Boxer Rebels)
  -Almost finished, last resistance pockets in central China.

-Popularity Ratings:
(Updated for Early 1902)

-Tsar Nicholas II: Low.
-President William McKinley: Very High.
-Kaiser Wilhelm II: Low.
-Kaiser Franz Joseph I: Low.
-Prime Minister Waldeck-Rousseau: Low.
-Prime Minister Salisbury: Medium.
-Emperor Mutsuhito: Very High.
-Sultan Abdul Hamid II: Medium.
-King Vittorio Emmanuele III: High.

Current Alliances:

Quadruple Alliance (Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary and Japan)
Franco-Russian Alliance (France and Russia)
Franco-British Alliance (France and the UK)
Anglo-Japanese Alliance (UK and Japan)

The Map:

Map Changes:

-The Boer Rebels surrender (will be explained next turn).
-Britain, France and Japan withdraw over most of China.

[Lumine]

Turn Three - Early 1902:

To Russia:

Vice Admiral Makarov has begun planning how to reform the Russian navy, and so far he has put a lot of emphasis on the need for offensive tactics, a more efficient officer corps, and better training of the crews. Sadly, his methods and his open criticism of older officers have won him the open hate of several key individuals. The leader of the discontent officers is Admiral Rozhestvensky, nicknamed "Mad Dog" for his fiery temper. Rozhestvensky begs you to put a leash on Makarov, and insists that the Russian navy only needs more discipline.

Ivan Durnovo, your infamously inefficient (according to the opposition) President of the Council of Ministers, has tended his resignation following a stroke. It's up to you to appoint his successor, and in doing so, dictate to him the domestic policy you wish to see enacted in Russia.

While Okhrana has been successful in dealing with the trade unions, there's still a lot of unrest in the country. The Russian economy is still weak, and prosperity is not reaching the average Russian. Pro-Western officials ask for the modernization of the country's economy, while some of the most conservative elements say: "Russia is doing fine, period."

To United Kingdom:

Conservative and Union Party leaders have done some research intro potential successors, and they have agreed that there are three men who could be able to lead. Lord Landsdowne is the weakest of the choices: Despite being respected for his success as Foreign Secretary, Landsdowne has no political strength, and he is a Lord after all. Chamberlain has won a lot of popularity for his domestic reforms and triumphs in the world stage, but he is an Unionist, and he may have trouble keeping the Unionists and the Conservatives together. The compromise choice is Arthur Balfour, but then again, some suggest he might end up as a "weak" PM.

In foreign policy affairs, Empress Cixi has thanked Britain (or sent a message that sounded like thanks) for withdrawing from most of the occupied zones in China, but she insists that Shanghai must be returned. She might be willing to take a friendly offer, but Cixi is in no mood to cede Shanghai or any other city. And, the Boers have finally surrendered! Measured terms were perceived as the last chance for peace before facing complete destruction, and they have formally accepted the terms. Some British officers wish to intern them, some argue it might lead to genocide. It's up to the PM to lead the South African colonies into peace and prosperity.

A series of efficient domestic laws (many spearheaded by Chamberlain) and trade proposals have had a very positive effect on the British economy, although the Colonies are still draining resources (like India). All in all, your popularity has risen quite a bit in comparison to 1901.

To France:

In the end, your appeal to the left and the goodwill you still had with some centrists managed to save you from doom, but it was close. You survived a non-confidence vote with a bare majority, and the right seems determined in defeating you at the polls in Early 1902 You'll need to find ways to increase your popularity in order to win that election and gain a true majority. (NOTE: At the end of this turn we will get the results of the French legislative election)

Mount Pelée has erupted in Martinique! No one has ever witnessed such a huge disaster, and the city of Saint-Pierre was completely destroyed. It has been reported that over 30.000 people have died, and there were only two to three survivors in Saint-Pierre. The Acting Governor begs for help and for instructions.

Some of the deceased General Boulanger's supports have been gaining strength in politics with the recent crackdown on anarchism, and they openly call for France to, once and for all, confront Germany over the issue of Alsace-Lorraine.

To Japan:

Prime Minister Katsura has started to enact his plans for reform and modernization of the Japanese society into Occidental standards, which attempt to give government control of the process (as opposed to a more laissez faire approach in the last decade). While industrialization is making Japan stronger, the Zaibatsu would prefer to have control of the process themselves, and they have sent a message to both Chambers to explain their views.

The Korean Empire is winning more and more strength thanks to a similar process of industrialization, and it's trying to find friends and allies across the world in order to prevent Japanese occupation. Nationalistic officers wish to find a way to invade Korea and annex it as a permanent part of the Japanese Empire.

General Kodama Gentaro, the Governor General of Taiwan, has reported that his policy of "carrot and stick" seems to have been successful in preventing unrest and revolts. That said, he argues that Taiwan needs a long term policy, and has asked for instructions.

United States:

Following your swift orders, the Cuban government has folded in order to prevent an invasion, and they have ratified the Platt Amendment. Cuba is now technically independent, but it is your puppet and are pretty much free to do as you wish with the island.

The leader of the Philippine rebels, President Aguinaldo, was forced by his officers to reject your terms. Taft has enacted your orders, and the Philippines are now a war zone by any other name. Countless rebels have been gunned down by the American troops (who have taken heavy casualties), Taft is asking for reinforcements, and there is rumour of possible war crimes. It's not hurting your popularity yet, but a prolonged struggle might damage your standing.

The miners of Eastern Pennsylvania have begun to strike, and the threaten to shut down the winter fuel supply of several major cities unless their demands are met. They ask for the union to be recognized, for higher wages and for shorter workdays as well. Mark Hanna is working like a madman to stop the strike, but the owners and the workers refuse to yield. Will you intervene?

To Ottoman Empire:

Your popularity is finally surging, and the people of Constantinople are cheering you for the first time in 1897. They still hate the taxes and the secret police, but at least they see you doing something about it. The Macedonian rebels were crushed with the help of reinforcements, and while it will take years to improve the Ottoman Army, there are a couple of elite divisions ready under the command of Edhem Pasha.

Some of your opponents have finally joined forces and created a new group, nicknamed as "Young Turks", they have held a conference in Paris, and they have called for a more modern and liberal Turkey. It is believe that they have some degree of support in Anatolia, but the Secret Police is doing its best to keep their influence at bay.

A railway that connects the Ottoman Empire has been a dream for many people over decades, and it's finally time to build it. However, you can't do it alone, and you must ask for a world power to help you finish this gigantic project.

To Italy:

Good amounts of investment and expertice have led to technology surge in Italy, and it seems the army will be able to keep up with France and Germany. The cooperation with your allies has also helped a great deal, so Italy won't be caught off guard in case of a defensive war. If investment levels keep going like this, Italy may eventually achieve a breakthough in some areas.

The socialist movement is growing in strength in the North thanks to horrible work conditions, and it seems they are bound to win more and more influence as time goes. Giolitti wants to work with them, but the conservatives are absolutely against cooperation, and believe the policy should crack on the socialist and labor movements, as well as the anarchists.

In light of your new trade proposals (that have won Italy new friends and new markets), Prime Minister Giolitti has advocated for installing moderate protectionism, in order to preserve the Italian economy and win extra revenue. It's not a popular measure, but it might help the economy and Giolitti is particularly insistent about the issue.

To Austria Hungary:

Your domestic reforms have won the respect of many Austrians, but Hungarians and other minorities are not convinced yet. Still, many public works means less unemployment, so there might not be too much public support for a coup (which is still a possibility, as Von Hotzendorf  and other suspects have repeatedly tried to talk to Archduke Franz Ferdinand in private).

The Austrian army is facing a surge, but the quality of the troops is still not great. There are also many problems over the fact that most of the troops speak different languages, and there is a lot of confusion as to how to handle such a strange army.

Contacts with other nations have proved successful in the issue of fighting anarchism. Many expect you to take a strong stand on this issue after the death of your wife Elizabeth at the hands of an italian anarchist in 1898. Some even expect you to take the lead and call for an international conference.

To Germany: (SAME ISSUES - IBDD will face an extra penalty over bad choices)

The German Navy as a whole is very disappointed at your refusal for further funding, and they are extremely mad at seeing you abandon a great part of your colonial empire for the sake of diplomacy. The Army shares that opinion, and Germany as a whole would like to see you actually defending your Empire in a more vigorous way.

While the Social Democrats were extremely pleased at your remark, the rest of the country has failed to grasp why would you have such a radical change in your views, specially after being so anti-Socialist in the past years. This has led to many frustrated conservative junkers, although you moves for reconciliation with the Social Democrats have led them to seem willing to collaborate in domestic affairs, implying that not enough efforts have been taken in that area. However, the junkers demand an increase in military spending and more anti-labor laws, which the Social Democrats oppose.

A rebellion has started in what remains of German South-West Africa. Sensing weakness, the Herero and the Namaqua tribes have led more than 10.000 men in revolt against the colonial rule, and your troops (numbering fewer than 1.000) have been unable to contain them, leading to the deaths of dozens of German citizens.

[Lumine]

Extra Crisis! – VP Roosevelt shot dead!

TO: USA, other countries may react as well.

It was a truly horrible end to a promising career. Vice-President Theodore Roosevelt was delivering a strong speech on the Cuban issue in New York City when one armed man jumped at the stage and shot him three times in the chest. The murderer was shot dead at the spot, but the damage was done and Theodore Roosevelt dead. Police investigation proved that the man was an anarchist linked with several European groups, and he had been planning to kill President McKinley instead. When that was not possible, he chose to go after Roosevelt instead. The United States of America is now in mourning, and President McKinley will have to react and choose a new Vice-President.


 

Events – King Alfonso XIII crowned in Spain, First Nobel Peace Prize delivered!

TO: Open.

Two new events came as positive news in the middle of the Roosevelt assassination, and those were the crowning of a new King and a very special prize for two men. Alfonso XII of Spain was born King, but he had to wait for countless years until he was old enough to rule. He has finally reached that age, and he was finally crowned as the next King of Spain. His political views are unknown, but he is rather close to the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria-Hungary, so it is possible to see his foreign policy influenced by that. And, the First Nobel Peace Prize was delivered past month in Stockholm, and it was earned by Mr. Henry Dunant (member of the International Red Cross) and Mr. Frederic Passy (Pacifist advocate).

NOTE: From now on, players are allowed to nominate someone for the Nobel Peace Prize if they wish to do so.

[Lumine]

If I may- please tell me if this is an issue- I will respond in parts....

First


To the Ottoman Empire- the USA would like to respectfully offer its assistance in helping your nation achieve her dream of a railway... I will be pleased to send money and manpower your way

Oh, it is an issue, since you will have to choose a new VP and probably crack down on anarchism. But this one is also open for the rest of players to react and you are also free to address it as you prefer.

[Lumine]

If I may- please tell me if this is an issue- I will respond in parts....

First


To the Ottoman Empire- the USA would like to respectfully offer its assistance in helping your nation achieve her dream of a railway... I will be pleased to send money and manpower your way

Oh, it is an issue, since you will have to choose a new VP and probably crack down on anarchism. But this one is also open for the rest of players to react and you are also free to address it as you prefer.

What I meant is this: I will be responding to all parts, but is it alright if I do so over multiple posts as I do not know if I will be at the computer long enough to type my entire response?

Sure, multiple posts are fine with me!

[Lumine]

WARNING - A war has been declared. War Thread to be opened in a few minutes.

[Lumine]

Lumine- by Spamage saying the agreement is acceptable...have we done all we need for that treaty to be signed and recognized?

Of course, Clarence, you may now sign the treaty and the effects will be instantly acknowledged.