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KaiserBenjamin

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Oct 11, 2005
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Hey everyone. This is my first AAR, so bear with me. I've already finished the game and taken all the screenshots, but I don't have time to write the whole thing in one sitting so expect updates as my time permits. At no point in this game did I use any cheating or switch to another country in order to achieve my diplomatic or military goals.

I've lifted some sections of text out of the Kaiserreich wiki at the beginning just to give some background on Canada in that timeline. This will be mostly big-picture gameplay with narrative, but if you enjoy alternative history, you will definitely be interested to see how this one plays out. I've always found the Entente to be the underdogs of the Kaiserreich timeline, so I thought I'd give Canada a shot to see if I could do any better than the computer. Events certainly didn't go the way I expected. I hope you enjoy it.



Grand Entente: Kaiserreich Canada
Hearts of Iron II: Armageddon
Kaiserreich Version 1.0

Difficulty: Hard
Aggressiveness: Furious

Prologue

From Confederation to the Great War

Canada automatically entered the Weltkrieg in 1914 with Britain's declaration of war, sending volunteers to the Western Front who later became part of the Canadian Corps. The Corps played a substantial role in the Battle of Vimy Ridge and other major battles of the war. The Conscription Crisis of 1917 erupted when conservative Prime Minister Robert Borden brought in compulsory military service over the objection of French-speaking Quebecers. Proudly serving the Home Isles with Men, Weapons, Food and Material to feed her growing war industries as a loyal Dominion. Canadians were distraught by the retreat from the continent and greatly embittered by the dominance of the German Empire after the Peace with Honour Accords signed by the British and German governments.

Canada after the Great War


Canadian troops returned to their country after the conclusion of the Peace with Honour treaty in 1921. Canadian Prime Minister Robert Laird Borden received column of troops headed by the tenacious and well-beloved Canadian general Sir Arthur Currie, who was esteemed heavily by both the Allies and the Central Powers for his brilliant leadership of the Canadian Corps.

PM Borden, dogged and tired after holding a Union Government together for the duration of the war, appeared visibly strained and prematurely aged as he proclaimed: "I welcome you home from the fields of war, from which you knew no defeat!" Canadian attitudes to the war were divided. While Patriots and Imperialists took comfort some comfort in the fact that the Empire had not been defeated per se, the fact that the war ended in a unfavourable "draw" heavily in Germany's favour kindled great resentment, especially in Quebec where conscription riots and opposition to the war seemed to be justified in the light of German dominance of the European continent.

Upon conclusion of the war, all the Union liberals who had not left the government yet quickly rejoined their fellow party members in the opposition and the government fell apart, divided as to how to take Canada into the future. Former liberal PM Sir Wilfrid Laurier's optimistic prediction that the 20th century would be Canada's century seemed laughable now to most Canadians. Laurier himself had passed away during the war, seemingly taking with him to the grave the sunny prosperity that had affected Canada during his leadership in the late 19th century. Shortly after calling the election, PM Borden lay in his room at the Chateau Laurier and passed away. His last words were of regret that he had never returned to his native Nova Scotia to rejoin the Celtic Diaspora. With many of the heavyweights of the old 19th century and pre-war political traditions dead, Canada weaved in and out of political obscurity and a deep sense of national malaise. All of this would be grimly impacted by the loss of the Home Islands to the 1925 British Revolution.

Canada, leader of the Entente

Syndicalist takeover in the Home Isles proved to be the determining factor in Canadian foreign and internal policy. As expected, thousands of members of the British nobility, businessmen, right-wing politicians, as well as ordinary but wealthy people, frightened by the prospect of radical purges and violence like in France, went into exile in Canada, the only place of the British Empire that was not touched by the revolutionary waves unlike India, Africa and Australasia. Along with the exiles, the elements of the Royal Army that had not mutinied crossed the Atlantic as well. This resulted in Canada quickly taking the role of leader of the Remnants of the Empire such as the Caribbean Federation and Delhi

The arrival of the exiles caused a great upheaval in Canadian political life. After PM King's refusal to let the British government in exile replace the Canadian government, the office of Governor-General and the Senate were abolished, replaced respectively by King George V himself and the former British House of Lords. The Canadian and Royal Armies were merged under mixed Anglo-Canadian leadership: Canadian politics shifted strongly to the right, the Progressives being accused of Syndicalist sympathies and Liberal PM King blamed for having lost most of the Empire to Syndicalist, nationalist or German takeover. Moreover, the King and the British exiles were quickly accused of interference in Canadian politics, directing them into a rearmament and offensive program conceived for preserving the unity of the Empire and preparing the reconquest of the Home Isles. Canadians, who were only beginning to claim their independence in the aftermath of the Great War, viewed with great discontent the Exiles' influence on their politics, stressing the declining health of King George, and would rather see their country as the peacekeeper of troubled America, a role that has been abandoned by the isolationist United States. However, all the hopes are now concentrated on the Prince of Wales, who would be the first truly Canadian monarch... or nothing less than the British King-Emperor in exile.

Modern Politics

Canada is a confederal parliamentary monarchy ruled by the King of the United Kingdom (as the office of Governor-General of Canada was abolished in 1926, its last occupier having been the Baron Byng of Vimy). Parliament is made up of the Crown, an elected House of Commons and an appointed House of Lords (the former Senate that now hosts the British House of Lords in exile). Each Member of Parliament in the House of Commons is elected by simple plurality in an electoral district or riding. General elections must be called by the Prime Minister within five years of the previous election, or may be triggered by the government losing a confidence vote in the House. The House of Lords is comprised by British or Canadian hereditary or appointed members.

The main reproach made to the Canadian democratic system is the influence the British Exiles have taken since 1925, officially by the arrival of the King and the Lords in the Upper House, unofficially for the shadowy but effective influence of the Royal Councilliors, the Club members or exiled politicians, all driven by the perspective of a reconquest of the Home Isles and the rest of the Empire or, as PM King dubs it, "The Anglo-Saxon World". Attempts have been made by King so Canada can stay fully Canadian, such as decreeing that Cabinet members had to be absolutely members of the Lower House and nullifying the Upper House, but many fear that Canada become an authoritarian monarchy with the appearance of parliamentary democracy, like Germany. Other reproaches come from the French-speaking inhabitants of Quebec, worried by the growing influence of the British, fearing a confederal system disadvantageous to them, and a lowering influence of Roman Catholics.

The current leading party is the Canadian Liberal Party, which has urged a peaceful foreign policy based on mutually dependent, integrated economies within the Anglo-Saxon World. The current Prime Minister, Mackenzie King has implemented a strong anti-Syndicalist policy. The main opposition party is the British-backed Conservative Party, which positions itself as the party of Imperial unity. The Conservative Party supports a more aggressive foreign policy bent on retaking the British home isles and is endorsed by King George V.

George V's Political Cabinet


Political Situation


The Entente

The Entente, as the name suggests, is a military alliance formed out of the remnants of the Entente powers of the Weltkrieg. The alliance consists mostly of former British and French colonies and after the revolutions in Britain and France, the former governments fled to the colonies, vowing to return one day.

The current members are:
Canada
National France
Australasian Confederation
Delhi
Caribbean Federation

Starting Situation:


Chapter One

1936 is headed for a turbulent year. Alexander Kerensky, first President of democratic Russia, has been assassinated. In response, the Left-SR Mensheviks have taken control of Russia. The former Entente ally appears to be headed down the path to Syndicalism! These are truly dark times.

Russia response to Kerensky assassination.


Russia has appointed a Syndicalist Prime Minister. So far they have maintained the trappings of democratic government, but it will only be a matter of time before they succumb to the violence of populist demagoguery.

Russia appoints Syndicalist Prime Minister.


From bad to worse. King George V has died. The nation enters a period of mourning. However, perhaps from this great tragedy an opportunity for change will arise. In his speech to the people, Edward VIII promises a new era of prosperity and hope. The Prince of Wales, Edward is forty-one when he takes office but brings a youthful energy and vigor often ascribed to a much younger man. Edward has always advocated a strong control of the Monarchy on the Dominions. Although a darling of the Canadian media, he has a sour relationship with the current Prime Minister, the Liberal Mackenzie King.

Death of King George V.


Upon assuming the throne, Edward makes an important decision with regard to his cabinet. Recognizing that his relationship with the Liberal Canadian leadership is his biggest weakness, and hoping to reset deteriorating British-Canadian relations, Edward decides to embrace the elected Canadian council. This move is unanticipated, shocking political pundits that expected the new King to continue to buck the elected Canadian officials. In way of explanation, the Edward gives a public speech calling for unity. Behind the scenes, he meets with Bennet and the other leaders of the British-exile faction, telling them that he will need local support for the trying times ahead and asking for their unwavering loyalty. Grudgingly, Bennet accepts this decision, recognizing that he has no choice.



Edward VIII's Political Cabinet


Edward has decided that the Entente must be expanded. A coalition of conservative democracies must be assembled to counteract the force of the Syndicalist revolution and the German sphere of influence. Japan, as one of the beneficiaries of the Weltkrieg, but an enemy of Germany during the war, offers an opportunity to boost the Entente’s naval prowess and challenge Germany’s presence in Asia.

At the beginning of the negotiations, the Emperor and his cabinet are skeptical. Japan has always fiercely maintained her independence, and is wary in becoming involved with a disgraced people exiled from their homeland. The British-Canadian government is perceived as, at best, defeated warriors. However, the Canadian ambassadors are persistent, arguing that the Japanese cannot hope to challenge the German sphere of influence without outside support. Edward’s government offers a vision of an Asia dominated by the Japanese Empire in return for their military assistance in defeating first the Syndicalists and then Germany and her puppets.

Influencing Japan



Canada notes the outbreak of violence in Africa as the established German authorities contest Portugal’s colonies. However, Germany has maintained its neutrality, leaving the smaller powers to battle it out. Within weeks, Portugal’s defenses are overrun and the disgraced government is forced to sue for peace and surrender their African colonies.



After finishing upgrading its army, Canada begins producing three mounted divisions. Edward notes, with mounting concern, the increasing instability in its American neighbor. These troops will help secure the border. After their construction, Edward shifts his focus to increasing Canada’s lagging industry.



Edward, seeking to maintain the political peace, elects to keep the current chief of the navy rather than bringing in a perceived outsider.



In an effort to counterbalance recent efforts, perceived by the public as favoring the Canadian natives over their British residents, Edward elects to support the British research teams.



After months of delicate negotiations, Edward announces a major breakthrough in diplomatic relations. In return for Canada’s recognition of the greater Japanese sphere of influence, Hirohito and his advisors have agreed to bring Japan into the Entente! This is a major step in Canada’s future ascendancy.

Inviting Japan into Entente.

 
Last edited:
Part II

Having succeeded with embracing the Japanese, Edward moves on to South Africa where he attempts to reach out to the populace, and in particular the United Party, to affect a reconciliation. If South Africa can be convinced to rejoin the Entente, it will provide valuable port access, making it easier for naval transit between the members of the Entente.

An aside on South Africa:
During the Weltkrieg South African troops invaded German South-West Africa and by July 1915 occupied every part of it. However, by the agreements of the 1921 Peace With Honour, the South African government was forced to return the conquered land to Germany. In 1925, tensions between South Africa and the British Empire culminated in South Africa leaving the Entente.

In the 1933 election the newly created United Party (born from the union of the South African Party, the Unionist Party and other lesser parties) won a non-absolute majority and formed a minority government led once again by Jan Smuts. The United party worked for a reconciliation with the Royal Family and the Entente, but the opposition of the National Party has prevented any actual action in that direction.

Influencing South Africa


Although it is unclear how this may affect British-Canadian interests in the future, Canada notes the outbreak of war in Asia with some concern. It appears that after a decade of relative peace, the world is once again become a conflict-ridden place. Although it takes more than one year, Mongolia is eventually successful in conquering Xibei San Ma

War between Xibei San Ma and Mongolia.



Edward, continuing his attempts at bipartisanship, makes Bill C-7 a bipartisan effort.

Arming the Nation



Canada notes the assembly of The First Congress of the Third International, the Syndicalism convention in France. As of now only the Commune of France and the Republic of Sicilies are official members of the Syndicalist bloc. If the Union of Britain, Bengal, or Georgia petition for their entry into the alliance, it will be a significant setback to the Canadian hopes of returning to the British home isles.



Edward continues his efforts to reach out to all sides in a united Canada.



Unwilling to take such an unpopular move and risk a progressive coup, Edward decides not to force conscription, and instead seek the middle ground.

Conscription Compromise



Sensing a new strength within the old Entente and in appreciation of Edward’s efforts to reach out to diverse parties, South Africa rejoins the Entente. Edwards’s poll numbers skyrocket above 70% in an unprecedented show of support.

South Africa Joins Entente


However only days later, Edward suffers a major setback in his domestic agenda. The House of Lords is unable to muster together enough unity to pass the King’s rearmament bill. Frustrated with the tedious process, and relying on his popular support, Edward begins a series of speeches appealing directly to the population. Combined with some political strong-arming behind the scenes, Edward is able to achieve many of his political goals at the expense at the expense of democratic legitimacy.

Bill C-7 killed.


Canada becomes Authoritarian Democrat


Edward notes, with relief, that Ukraine has resisted the call of Syndicalism and Anarchy. Although Ukraine is a loyal German ally, and thus a potential enemy of the Grand Entente, there is general consensus among the British-Canadian leaders that the Syndicalist bloc is the greater threat.

Conservative Ukraine


Russia has rejected its traditional religious heritage. While the British-Canadian government has always been skeptical of theocratic impulses such as those exhibited by the Italian Federation, in a Russian government with increasingly Bolshevik impulses, this rejection of the old ways is unnerving.

In the East, the Japanese embassy in Canada is abuzz with tension. Prime Minister Inukai has died and the Japanese government has dissolved the Diet and established a military council. There is talk that the new Japanese government plans to leave the Entente. Edward immediately contacts the new Japanese Prime Minister, Okada Keisuke, who reassures him that so long as the Entente honors their end of the bargain, the new government will continue to serve as Canada’s ally in the Far East.

So much for Japanese Democracy.



Edward elects to keep the older ships, knowing that Canada will need every naval vessel they can get their hands on.



King Edward VIII calls a secret meeting with the leaders of both the Canadian Liberal Party and the Conservative Party. In this conference, he lays out his greater vision for Canadian foreign policy. The Grand Entente must be expanded, he explains.

“It is not enough for us to look among the ranks of our traditional allies. We must look to those powers that fear the cry of revolution, as we do, yet chafe under the yoke of German leadership. I speak of humbled nations, forced to reflect upon their former glory because the present has cheated them out of their greatness. The leaders of these nations crave the respect they once commanded and will be easy to win over with the promise of future greatness. It is to the Ottomans and the Austrians that we must turn.”

In the days and weeks that follow, Edward communicates directly Cavid Pasha, the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire and the most influential political player outside of the Sultan himself. Cavid Pasha expresses skepticism about the Canadian-British intents, but does not reject the political advances outright. Edward privately commits the Canadian government to a series of financial investments in the fragile domestic Ottoman industry as well as military support against any nationalist movements. Cavid Pasha remains concerned about possible intervention from the German Empire, but agrees to arrange a meeting with Sultan Mejid II. Edward secretly travels to the Ottoman Empire and meets with the Sultan. The two monarchs instantly hit it off and Mejid II promises to take Edward’s offer of alliance under consideration in the future.

Influencing the Ottomans.


Days before their Presidential election, the United States declares Martial Law as long-simmering social tensions boil over into violence. Riots break out across the nation and the Canadian border is closed as exiles from Britain see a reenactment of the chaos of the revolution reenacted before their eyes. General Douglas MacArthur takes control of the American government, promising to restore democracy after peace can be restored.

Martial Law in the United States.

 
Part III

The Pacific States of America are the first to break off, forming an independent nation on the west coast.

Pacific States of America Declares Independence.


Soon after, the Combined Syndicates of America and American Union State follow-suit. The Canadian government enters public deliberations on how to respond. Bennet makes a public call for war against the CSA, while the Canadian Liberals remain opposed to any military effort beyond securing the border. Privately, King Edward begins meeting with several top Generals to discuss the possibility of military intervention. In his diary, Edward despairs that the United States will soon descend to complete anarchy and expresses his disgust as General MacArthur’s takeover of the American government.

Breakup of America



Temporarily resisting the calls to declare war on the CSA, Edward elects to seize New England. The United States, he reasons, will be too weak to issue a military response. If the Syndicalist rebellion spreads, Canada can always reserve the ability to declare war. The United States government responds with outrage to the seizure and issues a formal protest. Inside Canada, the move is extremely unpopular with both political parties. Mackenzie King threatens to resign in protest, but Edward is able to convince him to stay on, in light of their past history. Meanwhile, Edward order his generals to move the army to the border with the CSA in preparation of invasion.

Seizing New England.



Meanwhile, as domestic events take a turn for the worse, abroad a major diplomatic triumph is achieved as the Ottoman Empire and its vassal nations join the Entente, driven in part by fear of a growing worldwide revolution. Although unable to come to Canada directly, due to security fears caused by the collapse of the United States, the Sultan heralds Edwards’ willingness to put aside old injuries. For several days eyes shift from the rebel-torn violence of the Americas to Berlin, as the leaders of both Canada and the Ottoman Empire await a response from the German government. However, Kaiser Wilhelm II, now in his late seventies, is too complacent in his old age to risk upsetting his long-victorious peace. Having seen Germany achieve its place in the sun, the elderly monarch resists calls from Chancellor Papen to issue a strong response. After a few weeks Edward breaths a sigh of relief, content in the knowledge that his risky political gamble paid off.

Ottoman Empire Joins Entente


Back at home, continuing his defiance of conventional wisdom, Edward decides to seize Alaska, again risking war with the fledgling MacArthur administration. Again, however, the United States elects not to rise to the challenge. In a turn which would have huge impact on the outcome of the war, the Pacific States of America enters into an alliance with the United States in return for their independence. Hawaii breaks off and forms its own government.

Seizing Alaska


Meanwhile, on the other end of the Pacific, on the mainland, the Korean peninsula erupts into rebellion as the Koreans temporarily overthrow the Japanese. Although initially sympathetic to the nationalists, Edward also recognizes he will need the Japanese support more than ever and agrees to a symbolic declaration of war against the Koreans. Privately, he recognizes that there are other reasons to suppress nationalist revolts beyond the need to honor the Japanese alliance. Both the Canadians, with Quebec, and more drastically, the Ottoman Empire with its wide assortment of nationalities, face pressure by secessionist groups seeking their independence. Showing even the barest margin of sympathy to the Koreans could encourage these organizations and create the impression of hypocrisy within the Canadian government. Within weeks, the Korean rebellion is put down and the peninsula re-annexed by the Japanese Empire.

Korean rebellion.


Edward VIII recognizes that he risks bringing down the entire Canadian government with his unpopular foreign policy decisions. Mackenzie King, bitterly opposed to Edwards’ diplomatic initiatives, meets with New England leaders who are torn between MacArthur’s dictatorship and Canadian annexation. Mackenzie demands the New England be granted its independence and, in a surprise move, Edward readily accepts.

Granting Independence to New England


After moving the Canadian army to the border of the CSA, Edward decides it is time for war. With the support of New England, his generals tell him that the Syndicalists could be crushed by the end of the summer of 1937 at the latest. Edward’s interest in expanding the Canadian industrial complex pushes him over the edge. Having determined that the timing is right, Canada declares war on the Combined Syndicates of America and immediately begins mobilizing troops across the border. Within weeks, the Canadian and New England troops achieve considerable success, pushing back CSA troops.



In speeches to the Canadian public, Edward describes the war in America as “the first step in a much longer crusade.” This is the first time he has used such provocative language since assuming the throne and it is met with mixed response by newspapers across the country. Significantly, although in vague tones, Edward hints about the relationship between Canada and England after the return of the rightful British government, describing them as, “Coequal partners in a unique relationship unlike the world has ever seen.”

Speech!


As part of the war effort, greater investments are made to modernize Canada’s airforce.



Even as the war against the CSA progresses towards a successful conclusion, disastrous news arrives from Russia. The Bolsheviks have taken control of the government, established a regime even more radical than that in France or Britain. To make matters worse, they have established an alliance with Georgia, a country that borders one of the members of the Entente. More than anything, Edward fears an alliance between the Union of Britain, the Commune of France, the Republic of Sicilies, and Soviet Russia. The combination of those four nations might too great, when faced together, than even the Grand Entente can hope to challenge. Once again, Germany fails to issue a drastic response, condemning the Russian Revolution while at the same time clinging to the fragile peace. The Austro-Hungarian monarchs shift uneasily, as the specter of revolution haunts their every step, and Edward strengthens his conviction that only a greatly expanded alliance will be able to confront the radical powers.

Soviet Russia.


Weeks later, violence erupts in the Balkans, as the Belgrade Pact joins together several small belligerent powers, which quickly move against Bulgaria. Edward begins courting Austrian leaders about the possibility of joining the Grand Entente.

War Breaks Out in the Balkans


Although Austria was on the winning side of the Weltkrieg, the war’s main impact was to reveal the Empire’s significant weaknesses and utter dependence upon Germany. Over the course of the 1920s one disaster followed another: Emperor Karl died in 1922 causing the throne to pass to his 10 year old son Otto; Austrian industry collapsed in face of competition from German manufactures; and the quarrels of the Czechs and ethnic Germans in Bohemia nearly pushed the Empire into civil war. Finally, the humiliation of having to call in German mediation to resolve the deadlock of the Ausgleich negotiations in 1927, which resulted in the concession of autonomy statutes given to Bohemia and Galicia, seemed to signal the end of Austria as a Great Power.

Now, Emperor Otto I has come of age. Having grown up as a virtual German puppet state, he is receptive to Edward’s talk of national pride and security. Through his ambassadors, Edward assures him that in the Entente, he would be a valued partner, treated with dignity. He points to Germany’s weak responses to the Soviet threat as evidence that the superpower has begun to fade and will be unable to assure Austria’s security. The Ottoman Empire’s successful defection to the Grand Entente, is evidence that Germany will not make a move against Austria, should she join their Weltkrieg enemies.

Edward also reaches out to Egypt, once a British colony. With the signing of the Peace with Honour, Egypt remained under British control. However, Arab nationalism led to violent riots that convinced the British to unilaterally declare Egyptian independence in 1922, abolishing the protectorate and establishing an independent Kingdom of Egypt. Britain retained control of the Canal Zone, Sudan and Egypt's external protection. When the 1925 British Revolution broke out, Egypt occupied Sudan, but was forced to give control over the Suez Canal to Germany. Fuad I, who was seen as a British puppet, was forced to flee and was replaced by its predecessor and nephew Abbas II. Although Abbas II is quite skeptical of British efforts to mend the fence, he is also eager to expand his country and retake the Suez Canal. Quietly, Edward signals that if Egypt joins the Entente, it will mean control over the Suez and much of central Africa when Germany is confronted and defeated.

Meanwhile, back in North America, the CSA is defeated. Although MacArthur initially demands that the annexed territory be returned to the United States, the Canadian government argues that the US is in no shape to be issuing demands and, moreover, administering the rebel territory will be more of a hassle than its worth. After several days of tension, in which speculation runs rampant about the possibility of war, MacArthur backs down.

Just as the war draws to a close, Japan surprises her allies by declaring war on Hawaii. Unwilling to stand by and watch Canada seize Alaska, New England, and portions of the United States, Prime Minister Keisuke drags the Entente into a private effort to expand Japanese presence in the Pacific. Within weeks, the embryonic Hawaiian state is defeated and the islands annexed.

To the victors go the spoils



That's all for now. Keep checking back for more updates. Possibly this weekend, but if I have the discipline to stay focus on studying for finals, it could be later.
 
FINALLY ! I have found one ! A Canadian KaiserRiech AAR !

Thank you for doing this.
 
Tensions are mounting. Perhaps maybe it would be time to mend relations with the US and perhaps consider bringing them back into the Entente. Seems Japan may bring the Entente into a war earlier then nessicary. Although they are extremely agressive, they are somewhat nessicary I suppose.
 
soviet russia is there. go bukharin.:D
*cough*
you canadian monarchists don't stand a chance;)
 
soviet russia is there. go bukharin.:D
*cough*
you canadian monarchists don't stand a chance;)

It would appear the syndicalists outweight the Entente and other powers.
 
Soviet Russia? I admit I've never seen Russia take that way. Of course you shouldn't worry too much about them, as they can't probably research too much because of the tech tree bug.
 
Go Canada :D. (or if things go wrong: blame Canada).
 
Great AAR, although personally I feel you're not being hawkish enough: Leaving a fascist US at your borders?

230 points of juicy base IC, oilfields, more resources than you could ever dream of in an evil Fascist country south of you, ravaged and weakened by a civil war?

With which you share a 4.000 kilometre border? COMPLETELY UNGUARDED?

GIVING NEW ENGLAND BACK TO THE US?

Not to offend, but start playing like a man and annex something for crying out loud! :D

-Vincent, Totally Random Productions
 
Awesome! :D
 
Part IV

Author’s note.
Now that finals are done I can finally come back to this AAR.
When we left off, Edward VII, exiled King and rightful ruler of the British home islands, was attempting to expand a broad coalition of nations intent on challenging the rise of Syndicalism and the mighty German Mitteleuropa.

RECAP
By May of 1937, progress had been mixed. On the one hand, the efforts to create a Grand Entente had met with great success. In March of 1936, Japan had joined the coalition, offering potential security in the Pacific. Months later, South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth. In November of 1936, old enemies became friends when the Ottoman Empire and her puppet states joined the Entente under the promise of future prosperity, security, and respect.

The United States, Canada’s neighbors to the south, underwent a bloody civil war in which radical factions were pitted against each other and democracy itself seemed to fail as the civilian government of the U.S. fell under military control. Through Canada’s successful intervention, Syndicalism in the United States had been defeated. Alaska was seized and much of the industrial heartland fell under Canadian control. The potential for war with the United States looms as a dark threat on the horizon and much hinges on whether the de facto dictator of the American republic, General MacArthur steps down now that the conflict has ended.

In Europe, the Bolsheviks have seized control of Russia and the potential of a united French, Italian, and Russian Syndicalist bloc sends tremors of fear down all those who love peace, democracy, and tradition. Rumors of civil war in Spain are being whispered across all of Europe’s great halls and it seems that the ancient Kaiser Wilhelm II is content to watch the fragile peace crumble around him. A newly militant Serbia has allied with Iron Guard Romania and the pair seem intent on conquest in the Balkans.

Far to the east, tensions in a divided Indian subcontinent are also on the rise and Mongolia has completed its conquest of Xibei San Ma and may not be content to stop there. The Qing Dynasty is on the brink of collapse as Chinese nationalist movements threaten to explode into full rebellion. Will they suffer the same ill fate as the Korean rebellion crushed by Japan mere months ago? In such trying times, who will step up to preserve the mantle of stability and order? In an age of turbulent change, what new world order will emerge from the chaos? Only time will tell…

And now the continuation...

In May, Edward secretly meets with his top military officials and order them to draft plans for the invasion of the United States. At the same time, Edward begins meeting with top members of his cabinet to discuss Canada’s response should MacArthur not return control to the civilian government. Mackenzie King and the other leaders of the Liberal Party are highly skeptical about the wisdom in continuing an aggressive foreign policy to the south while Bennet urges Edward to focus on efforts to retake the British home islands. Edward continues to utilize his broad support among the population to pressure the cautious politicians who fear bold action. Even as the young King urges the Canadian leadership to consider the possibility of war in the name of democracy, privately the King becomes increasingly disgusted with his own country's elected officials. Relations between Edward and MacArthur continue to sour as Edward sends letters strongly pressuring the general to step down while MacArthur retorts that any country illegally occupying American soil (both Alaska and Ohio, and parts of Michigan, Illinois, Iowa Wisconsin, and Kentucky) has neither the right, nor the moral superiority to dictate policy in another sovereign state.

Later that month, war erupted in the Iberian Peninsula as the Kingdom of Spain dissolved into three competing factions. Canada looked on with trepidation at the Syndicalist faction, the Federation Anarchista Iberica and the Confederacion National del Trabajo (collectively known as CNT-FAI) achieved great success early on in the war, in large part due to the active support of the Commune of France and the Republic of Sicilies.

Civil War in Spain.


Meanwhile, almost unnoticed on the other side of the world, war erupts in the Balkans as Serbia and Iron Guard Romania declare war on Bulgaria. King Edward cites the conflict in letters to Emperor Otto I of Austria, as reason for that country to join the Grand Entente, but thinks little of the event beyond its uses in pressuring Austria to bring the dual-monarchy into the coalition. Once again, a seemingly insignificant breakout of violence in the Balkans would have huge consequences to come.

Author’s Note: Somehow I missed the 1937 Ausgleich when I was taking screenshots. Bohemia and Bosnia were annexed by Austria while Hungary annexed Galicia-Lodomiera. Croatia remained a puppet of Hungary, which remained a puppet of Austria. The dual-monarchy was preserved.

Then, on June 6, 1937, Serbia declared war on Albania. A tiny country bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Croatia and Greece, Albania was under the Ottoman sphere on influence. Suddenly and virtually without warning, Canada and the rest of the Grand Entente found itself thrust a war on the other side of the Atlantic. The entire country was shocked by this unexpected turn of events. The Ottoman Sultan immediately requested aid from her fellow coalition members and Edward found himself at a major crossroads.

The Grand Entente gets dragged into the war in the Balkans


On the one hand, Canada had just emerged from a major domestic war. Army recruitment was levels were nowhere near what they needed to be; Canada had just finished replenishing its ranks in its existing brigades and another land war would require more troops. Additionally, the people of Canada were hardly considered with the safety of a tiny country, with whom they felt know affiliation. On the other hand, turning their back on Albania and seeking a separate peace with Iron Guard Romania and Serbia would result in the collapse of the coalition. The Ottoman Empire would withdraw their membership and Canada would have lost all their credibility with Austria and Egypt, both of whom were still being actively courted by Edward for membership into the Grand Entente. It would be an act of betrayal on an unprecedented scale. In the end, Edward once again turned to the Canadian people and made a public appeal for their support, bracing himself for wide-spread public outcry and the collapse of the popularity he so desperately needed to pursue his agenda.

What surprised the English monarch, was the actions of another “King.” Hours after his speech, Prime Minister MacKenzie King made a public announcement of his support for Edward’s commitment to Albanian security. The leader of the Canadian Liberals declared in his radio address, “The acts of Serbia and Romania represent a war of expansion by conquest. Every nation has the right to defend itself when attacked. Canada must stand firm in defiance of these actions of aggression, so that all the world will know that this behavior will not be tolerated. I urge my fellow Canadians to stand firm and support this war effort. We must support our allies, no matter how small, no matter what oceans may divide us. We may be separated by a great distance, by a language, and by different cultures. But we are united in our values and our belief that every nation has the right to live free and in peace.”

Although the Liberal Party was bitterly divided by the Balkan War, the support of the King’s Liberals, as they became known, helped bolster support for Canada’s engagement. The potential conflict with the United States was forgotten, as Canadian troops began loading onto transports to travel across the Atlantic to the Balkans, a process which would begin in June and continue all throughout August.
 
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Author's Note after Part IV

Thanks for reading! The more posts I get, the more motivated I will be to keep updating this. As I've said, I have the whole game finished (it goes through 1943) and I think it's a pretty epic and exciting story but if I don't perceive much interest in the community, I won't feel much inclination to spend my time typing up the narration. I really appreciate all the comments, including suggestions on what I should do. I know the fact that it's already been played through is kind of a de-motivator for giving advice, but I enjoy hearing your suggestions even though it's too late to follow them. It's interesting to think about what I could have done differently. I'm sure I could have played much more intelligently with your council! Any (positive) feedback is appreciated. ;)

Oh, and just on a gameplay note: the best thing about playing Canada is the wealth of allies you can recruit (hence the diplomatic rather than tactical emphasis of the AAR) but the hardest thing is manpower. Even though I immediate started researching all the manpower boosting techs, and continued doing so throughout the game, reinforcements/building troops was the most consistent problem. There were several points in the game where all my manpower went to recruiting and I had none less for building a bigger army. A relied a lot on my allies to help pick up the slack in my army. Also, not to foreshadow, but allying the Ottoman Empire is something I would virtually always recommend if you're playing a country on another continent (like Japan or any North American country). They're easy to win over unless you're a Syndicalist, and the ability to use their ports to shift troops to the European front is awesome if you're planning to get involved in any of the European wars. They also don't have any really powerful neighbors, so you don't need to worry about protecting them from Germany, Russia, France or any of the other major powers.
 
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ugh, Mackenzie King! By far Canada's worst Prime Minister. Hopefully you replace him with Bennett, one of Canada's best. Don't let those limes push you around. For Canada and the Empire!