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January - December 1901


Europe


The United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Sweden, both coming to terms and finally reaching an agreement, sign the Treaty of Bradford. In it, the United Kingdom would sell Sweden a large amount of Lee Enfield Rifles, as well as the sale of older ships from the Royal Navy. A shipment of Maxim Machine Guns was included as well. [-4,500 Gold from Sweden. +4,500 Gold to the United Kingdom. +1 Army Level to Sweden. -5 Large Ships from the UK. -5 Small Ships from the UK. +5 Small Ships to Sweden. +5 large Ships to Sweden]

The Royal Navy, always the prime navy in the world, undergoes a small purge as 10 of the oldest and most cumbersome ships are sold for scrap and broken up, paving the way for new ships to take their place. The crews from these old ships were spread out to other Royal Navy Ships. This was combined with a new push by the Admiralty to improve the overall standing of the Royal Navy, greatly improve the unit moral and cohesion. [-4,000 Gold from the United Kingdom. -5 Small Ships from the UK. -5 Large Ships from the UK. +1 Naval level to the UK.]

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1. A ship of the Royal Navy, stationed in Belfast.

The Parliament of the United Kingdom, after much debate, finalized a new industrialization push; designed to try and improve the home islands manufacturing ability. Focus was put on munitions and armaments for soldiers. Also, investment into local mines and farms was done in hopes that they would expand. [-8,500 Gold from the United Kingdom. +5 Industry to the United Kingdom in 2 turns. +150 Base Income to the United Kingdom.]

The French Republic debates a bill for passage that would greatly increase the amount of railway track in the nation, allowing for the flow of huge shipments of goods, and for the mass movement of people. The French Parliament finally approved the measure after much debate, and by the time it was voted on, there was also a provision for the development of an electrical grid for the large cities and industrial centres. The French Budget took a hit from this, but overall it should help the country greatly. [+2 Infrastructure to France in 3 turns. -3,560 Gold from France.]
Radical new ideas are introduced in all State-owned factories of France, having more tools implemented into the process, as well as the idea of work shifts and worker rotation. These ideas make factory life much more appealing to the average Frenchman, causing a growth of industry, as well a growth of stability. [+1 Stability to France. +1 Industry to France.]

The French Military is reorganized from the top-down, undergoing many new changes to create more flexibility, along with a rearmament campaign, designed to try and make sure the country is well equipped and ready to tackle any foe that they face. [-1 Army Level from France. +2 Army Levels in 2 turns.]

In Sevastopol, a large French shipment of infantry weapons and ammunition, enough for at least two million soldiers, arrives for usage by the Russian Army. They quickly load the goods onto trains and into major military centres to help the war effort. [-500 Gold from France.]

In the German Empire, war fervour is drummed up with the Kaiser announcing that Germany would be recruiting 200,000 men to fight the War. Along with them, the first wave of mobilization hit the German Military. It garnered them 850,000 soldiers, ready to fight against the Russian Empire. [+200,000 Regulars in 1 turn to the German Empire. +850,000 Conscripts to the German Empire.]

Along the Franco-German border, the Germans begin constructing a massive series of border fences and outposts, working around the clock to fortify the border. Along with this, they extended the railways to the border, ensuring easy access in the case of an invasion. [-5,000 Gold from the German Empire.]

In response to this, the French demand a full mobilization of their forces, when it was nearly in full swing already, German and French Diplomats met in Strasbourg, Germany to try and settle the differences between the two countries. Finally, some sort of a deal was reached, and the French decided to reduce their mobilization to a partial one, greatly impacting the stability of their nation, as thousands cried out against it. [-2 Stability from France. +450,000 Conscripts to France.]

The Imperial Government of Germany announced that it would be undergoing a massive building program, designed at building new roads, railways, and bolstering the current industrial base. Focused on area such as the Rhur, Rhineland, and Great Berlin, new construction skyrockets and improves while the German Government kept pumping money into these projects. Overall, infrastructure improvements and industry subsidies were the largest expense, even more than the military, for all of 1901. [+15 Industry to Germany in 3 turns. +5 Infrastructure to Germany in 5 turns. -30,000 Gold from Germany.]

In the Russian Empire, a new focus on industry was finally undertaken, to try and support both the War effort, as well as modernize the country and provide new jobs. The new factories were focused on heavy industry, steel, shipbuilding, oil, cement, machinery and weapons. Although the Russian treasury paid for this, it would undoubtedly help the country in the future. [+10 Industry to Russia in 3 turns. -15,000 Gold from Russia.]

Russian Mobilization against the German Forces enters into full swing, where they add hundreds of thousands of men to their ranks, willing, whether they wanted to or not, to fight to defend the Russian Motherland. Although not as successful as the Germans mobilization, they form their ranks and armies rather quickly and are sent to the front to fight against Germany. [+700,000 Conscripts to the Russian Empire.]

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2. Russian Soldiers advancing on the Eastern Front against the German lines.

With the Trans-Siberian Railway almost complete, the Tsar orders that a new expansion of searching and exploration be undertaken in Siberia to try and get more materials to be used by the Russian industry and exported abroad to modernize and improve the countries standings. It is successful after a group of researchers find a resource-rich valley deep in Siberia that could easily have a railroad build to it, as long as the Tsar approved of it.

Radical changes, one that sparked massive discontent with the nobility, but a great relief to the peasantry were announced in Russia. The Tsar announced that the maximum amount of hours a worker could could is 10 hours a day, followed by a minimum salary law, an old-age pension fund, and even small public healthcare. Although these new expenses were underwritten by the Russian Government, their long term effects could have explosive implications. Millions of Russian Citizens praised the name of the Tsar, while thousands more laid down their revolutionary feelings, the Tsar had not only addressed one of their issues, he even went further, proving that he was interested in helping all of the Russians, and that he was listening to his people. [-10,000 Gold from Russia. +1,000 Base Income to Russia. +1 Stability to Russia.]

When the two Great Armies of Russia and Germany finally met on the battlefield outside the city of Lodz, Congress Poland. The German Army, fully mobilized with trained soldiers forming their hardened core, was faced with an entirely conscripted army of Russian soldiers. The Germans were outnumbered two to one, but still their ability for coordination was far superior to the Russians. Fighting was fierce, and bloody, as both sides witnessed the carnage wrought by the modern weapons of war. The Germans, utilizing their Strumtruppen with their one-man machine guns, was easily able to mow down columns of Russian soldiers, however, the weapon frequently jammed, and sometimes would even bend from the heat of being fired so many times. As the day dragged on, and the night turned to day, the Battle of Lodz was carried out over four days before it finally ended with the Russian withdrawal to the East. [-95,000 Conscripts from Russia. -80,000 Conscripts from Germany.]

Although Germany now had the advantage, they were advancing into enemy territory, where some food had to be purchased at times. Due to the shortage of food and money in the Russian Empire, and the Kaiser's decree to pay near market price for foods, food costs for the German Military skyrocketed, while simultaneously helping the plight of the poor Polish civilians. [-8,500 Gold from the German Empire.]

Not to be deterred, the Russian High Command took an easy route to try and slow the German advance. Upon retreating from any battle, they would scorch the earth, mostly targeting infrastructure to bog down the advancing Army. This was so successful that after the Battle of Lodz was finished in September of 1901, it took the Germans one month to reach Warsaw. In mid October of 1901, the Russian Army held their ground in the Polish city of Warsaw. Bolstered by the Fifth Army, they were faced with the German invaders, who had decided on a two-prong attack, one from East Prussia, and the other from Lodz. The Battle of Warsaw was another repeat of Lodz. Massive casualties, no clear winner, but in the end, the Russians were able to take more Germans away than the Germans took Russians away. As the cold started to set in, the Russian Army drew deeper and deeper into the heart of the Empire. [-65,000 Conscripts from Germany. -60,000 Conscripts from Russia.]

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3. Members of the German Army somewhere deep inside Congress Poland.

While 1901 closed, the Russian Empire still held some parts of Congress Poland, but the Germans held onto the vast majority of it. There was no decisive victory so far, all of them had been pyrrhic. As the days passed and the weather got colder, both sides did their best to shovel through the hard ground and create trench systems, anything to try and protect themselves from the hail of bullets they'd expect.

In the Baltic Sea, although the German Hochseeflotte searched for any signs of Russian Warships, the Baltic Sea was void of them, only because Russia had sent them to the Pacific only a few months earlier to bolster their chances against the Japanese Fleet. Neutral shipping was allowed to pass this blockade, and no crates of war materials was ever found. After searching and the ice settling in, the Hochseeflotte returned to the German Docks to wait for further orders.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire ceased to exist on January 1st, 1901. In it's place the Danubian Federation was formed. Kaiser Franz Joseph I remained the Head of State, but a new Head of Government, the Minister-President, was elected by representatives of the Federation's states. The Minister-President was the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, elected on a platform of moderation between the Minorities and the Majority Germans. The only dissenters of the election were the Hungarians, who increasingly grew resistant to the new Federation and their rules.

Regardless, the Federation's Government pressed forward with reform measures and decreed that a new system of railways, designed to link all of the states with Vienna, was undertaken. Using labor from around the country, the first tie was laid on March 18th, 1901 in Vienna, Austria. This undertaking was projected to take at least three years to complete. [+4 Infrastructure Levels to the Danubian Federation in 3 turns. -4,500 Gold from the Danubian Federation.]

The Federation's armies had been severely lacking in the artillery department, resulting in some units have little to no artillery support, leaving them weak if attacked by enemy forces. To combat this, the Danubian High Command ordered the purchase of several thousand German artillery units, in a bid to try and shore up the Danubian Army. This, combined with it's mobilization, then subsequent turn to partial mobilization, did little to help the Army. While the regular army found itself well equipped, the new mobilized forces had sparse artillery coverage. [-5,500 Gold from the Danubian Federation. +355,000 Conscripts to the Danubian Federation. -2 Stability from the Danubian Federation.]

When the Kaiser tried to order the recruitment of more soldiers for the regular standing army, the artillery crisis became so severe that if recruited, then they would not even be able to have artillery units attached to them, making them near worthless in modern warfare. Heading the advice of his High Command, the Kaiser agreed to shelve the prospect of recruiting more soldiers until more artillery could be made or purchased.

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4. A sampling of members of the Danubian High Command.

Good news was brought in Vienna when the Danubian Federation finished the final details of a trade deal with the Republic of Brazil. This new trade would foster the growth of rubber based products in the Danubian Federation. [+50 Trade Balance to the Danubian Federation (+50 South America). +50 Trade Balance to Brazil (+50 Europe).]

In the Netherlands, Queen Wilhelmina announced in Amsterdam that the Dutch Navy was to be expanded to include several new ships, including a submarine. Although the price was hefty on this project, the Dutch feel confident that it will help them in the long run. [+3 Large Ships to the Netherlands in 2 turns. +5 Small Ships to the Netherlands in 2 turns. +1 Submarine to the Netherlands in 1 turn. -9,500 Gold from the Netherlands.]

Tackling the calls that the Dutch military was antiquated and unable to fight properly if attacked, the Queen announced the formation of a Dutch High Command, as well as a new Military Structure heavily modeled after the German's system. This new improvement helped advance the fighting ability of the Dutch Army. [+1 Army Level to the Netherlands.]

The new Dutch Army also orders a complete mobilization to enter into Armed Neutrality, in hopes of warding off any attacks to the Kingdom. [+300,000 Conscripts to the Netherlands.]

In Italy, the country takes a lurch towards total war, with a bungled mobilization announcement, and a retooling of the nation's industry to be geared towards a War Effort. The Italian Soldiers swarm to the Italian-French border, digging in and building precarious battlements and encampments. A propaganda campaign starts, gearing the entire country towards a war against the "Invader" who looks suspiciously like a French soldier. When asked, the Italian Government said nothing about it and that they were just "Preparing for the worst". Although the mobilization process was a messy affair, the unity the population received afterwards seemed to make up for it, somewhat. [-1 Stability from Italy. +360,000 Conscripts to Italy.]

Italian King Umberto I announces that a new recruitment program for soldiers is officially to be undertaken to bolster the ranks of the armed forces. Thousands flock to the recruitment centers, easily filling up the quotas. [+65,000 Regulars to Italy in 2 turns.]

In Scandinavia, the Swedish King calls out for all like-mind Scandinavians to rally to his cause, the unification of the Nordic Peoples under one banner. Although no countries join, the people are all supportive of his actions. [+1 Stability to Sweden.]

The recent leak to the press about Sweden's activities in Russian Finland was plugged when it was found the Prime Minister's Brother who was doing it. Although they said he was fired and sent home, reports of him being brutally beaten and thrown into jail have circulated much to the dismay of the Swedish Government.

A massive undertaken, underwritten by the Swedish government, takes place in a few of Sweden's major cities where the Swedish, using reverse engineering, starting to manufacture guns and artillery pieces. These new, and improved, guns were soon distributed to the armed forces, all while more factories were put under construction, increasing the productivity and output of Sweden as a whole. [+4 Industry to Sweden in 2 turns. +1 Army Level to Sweden in 1 turn.]

A secretive, elite force of Swedish commandos are formed in the nation's capitol. The only information that came out of it was that they were called the "Jägers" and small in number. [+5,000 Regulars to Sweden.]

In the Balkans, the brief war between the Greeks and the Bulgarians is stopped by the signing of the Treaty of Skopje, settling their differences and working instead for unity and a good government of Macedonia, trying to fill in the gap the Ottoman Empire left. Even though the area seemed to be at peace, the Kingdom of Serbia held training exercises, gearing up the army for what seemed to be armed combat. To make tensions worse, the Serbian Army decided to mobilize its armed forces to fully ready, able to carry out an invasion on a whim. The Greek Army followed shortly after. [+150,000 Conscripts to Serbia. +100,000 Conscripts to Greece.]

After surging into former Ottoman Lands to reclaim what they considered "Serbia" the Serbian forces, on August 17th, massed on the border of Albania, before receiving word that both Greece and Montenegro had done the same, all three countries surged over the border of what they called the "Ottoman-Puppet Government of Albania", in a bid to liberate the lands from their "Oppressors". The initial invasion went well, with Serbian and Montenegrin forces coming in from the North and East, while the Greeks moved up from the South.

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5. Greek Artillery pounding Albanian positions.

As the three armies advanced inwards, however, things began to get bogged down. The combined armies of Montenegro and Serbia were met with several losses, as the patriotic Albanians rose up in support of their new Government. King Ismail Qemali claimed this a great "Jihad" in defense of the independence of Albania. Thousands of Albanians flocked to the frontlines, sometimes even at whim. This unexpected turn of events stopped the Serbian rush dead in its tracks. Fighting slowed to a crawl and the two sides eventually began to dig down, creating trenches and encampments, neither side able to advance any further. In the South, ethnic Greeks living inside there borders watched as the Soldiers of Greece shelled their towns, destroyed their cities and murdered and plundered their villages. Acting our directly against such destruction, Greek Albanians flocked to the Albanian Army, to act in defense of their nation. [-30,000 Conscripts from Serbia. -25,000 Conscripts from Greece.]

The Hellenic Parliament passes the Foreign Investment & Greeks Abroad Bills, stipulating the rates at which a corporation should have to pay if it was founded be a Greek or Non-Greek ex-pat. Although it was passed as a cautionary measure, the Greek budget saw an increase in Tax Revenues. [+10 Base Income to Greece.]

The Greek Naval Association is founded in Athens, Greece, looking to solicit donations to fund the construction of more and better ships for the Greek Navy. Although they did not raise as much as they wished to, the Greeks were able to get a sizable amount of money, enough to start construction on a new ship, which they promptly started. [+1 Small Ship to Greece in 2 turns.]

Over in Bulgaria, according to the Balkan Treaty, they too mobilized their armed forces, ready to strike at any invader on their soil. The Tsar affirms that he has no ambitions on annexing or invading Greece once again. [+250,000 Conscripts to Bulgaria.]

In Sofia the Tsar proclaims that a joint measure to build new factories to produce materials needed for war, along with a recruitment drive for soldiers. His suggestions were met with great fanfare, as thousands cheered and supported his policies. [+3 Industry to Bulgaria in 2 turns. +25,000 Regulars in 1 turn to Bulgaria. -4,500 Gold from Bulgaria.]

However, when the Tsar tried to convince the Parliament that the current tax system needed reform, and that the current one was unworkable, even after they had just passed a resolution reforming it, rebuked the Tsar with an official rebuke. The Tsar's international standing was damaged from this action. [-5 Prestige from Bulgaria.]

North America


The United States and the United Kingdom sign a small trade pact, designed to bolster the North Atlantic trade between the two nations. Tariffs are lowered, and trade greatly increases between the two powers. [+50 Trade Balance to the USA (+50 Europe). +50 Trade Balance to the United Kingdom (+50 North America).]

President Roosevelt, now broken into the Job, urged the passage of the last bill President McKinley supported, the American Roads and Rails Act of 1901, which called for a massive building programme to bring more roads to cities, as well as to expand and improve the tracks that crisscrossed the nation. While expensive, President Roosevelt emphatically supported this, saying it was the only way forward, and a necessary thing to have done. [+10 Infrastructure to the USA in 4 turns. -75,000 Gold from the USA.]

After debating with his cabinet for a bit, President Roosevelt decided that the only way people would take notice of the United States is if she had a navy worthy of the Great Powers in the world. It was enough to defeat the Spanish, but an even grander, larger navy was needed. Roosevelt's dream was of a Blue Water Navy that could even rival that of the United Kingdom's. First, a top-down reformation of the High Command was done, with Admiral Mahan's The Influence of Sea Power Upon History being a mandatory reading in Officer Naval Colleges. Naval Yards, Dock Yards, and Coaling Stations were all improved and expanded. However, what the President did not expect was the cost, which had quickly spiraled out of control. However his desire for a strong Navy made him press forward with his program of expansionist programmers. [-145,000 Gold from the USA. +4 Naval Levels to the United States in 2 turns. +2 Infrastructure to the USA in 2 turns. +25 Small Ships to the USA in 2 turns. +10 Large Ships to the USA in 3 turns.]

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6. President Roosevelt speaking out for the expansion of the Navy.

President Roosevelt also announced a programme for development and expansion for the South American nations. To be specific, he set up a fund, controlled by the South American countries, that they could take from to develop and grow their countries national infrastructure and industry networks. Costing a hefty sum to get it off the ground, by the time the South American countries had gotten it, it went through so many special interests that most of it was gone. Mostly they were siphoned off by corrupt and greedy South American officials. President Roosevelt, enraged by these actions, demanded that the money be returned for the development of the two countries, but to no avail. [-45,000 Gold from the USA. +100 Gold to Brazil. +200 Gold to Argentina.]

South America


In an effort to end the war and push forward its own interests in the region, namely the construction of a canal in Panama, the USA calls all the warring Colombian factions to discuss a peace treaty. To lure them into participating the American ambassador offers ample funds, naturally to be discounted of the future contract for the canal, and not-so-subtle threats in case an arrangement is not found. His manner is seen as rude and imposing, specially when he noted in his letter not to be happy about the assassination of his previous president by a Colombian citizen.

The plan bears quite unexpected results: outraged by the American arrogance the pacifists refuse to participate in the meeting, threatening to call the nations of Venezuela, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua to intervene in the conflict should the Americans do the same. More diplomatic, the conservatives join the meeting in the USS Wisconsin but only to respectfully request the talks to be delayed, noting the situation not to be yet mature enough for the negotiations to bear fruit. Short on funding, already running low on ammo, supplies and money to maintain the war, the bellicose representative eagerly participates in the meeting. The US Ambassador, desperate to revert the tremendous failure the meeting was, accepts to liberate a large sum of money as an advancement of the Panama channel contract, its contract to be signed by the representative immediately, who agrees to everything the US Ambassador says. As soon as the bellicose leadership hears these news and gets hold of the money they quickly forget about peace, and completely lose interest in talks of any kind. [-25,000 Gold from the USA.]

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7. USS Alabama, host of the disastrous meeting.

Outraged, the American High Command orders the fleets stationed in Cuba and California to create a blockade of the country. Tensions rise as the neighboring countries start mobilizing their troops, alarmed by the American presence. The locals fear the escalation of violence. Regional leaders condemn the United States for financing the continuation of the war.

In Brasil the government decides to invest in the army to combat those who defy the law and institutions. The congress approves the measure unanimously, but instead of allocating a single coin for the Brazilian Army they decide to greatly empower the National Guard, hiring 50,000 men distributed among the country and training and arming 250.000 more to be called in case of necessity. Thousands flock to join what seems to be easy work with good pay. Some voices start questioning the need of maintaining the Army. [+50,000 Regulars from Brazil. -4,500 Gold from Brazil.]

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8. Proud members of the National Guard.

The government encourages donation campaigns to the government, praising its great achievements regarding the economy. The common people fail to see much results improvements, but a few rich Oligarchs, happy by the chance provided to put their family members and politic allies in positions of officials of the National Guard do donate decent sums of money. [+250 Gold to Brazil.]

The announcement of the government of the "open doors" stance towards immigrants surprises no one, as Brazil already is land of immigration. A small advertisement campaign of the country in Europe is planned, but never executed, the funds for the project's end unknown. [ -250 Gold from Brazil. ]

The Minister of Economy decides to intervene in the economy in order to reduce the inflation, by taking money our of circulation and controlling its emission. Many conservatives show skepticism, but the Minister assures them that even though the cost is high the rewards will pay off, in the long-term. [-1,000 Gold from Brazil.]

The plans to industrialize coffee and rubber fail miserably. The explanations vary, attributing it to lack of know-how, bad administration, poor local infrastructure, and many others, but the fact is that all resulting in the bold enterprise is a series of bankrupted capitalists and abandoned constructions.
Foreign industrialists and merchants also attempt luck in the Brazilian economy, but after finding no real market for their products they quickly abandon their plans of investment in the region. [-1 Industry from Brazil.]

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9. Warehouses employed in the industrial projects, before bankruptcy.

Motivated by the earlier successes in the railroad projects the Argentine congress approve further funds for the enterprise, promoting it as a very promising business. Some capitalists decide to bet on the its success, and indeed meet much success in their investments. The government railroads, on the other hand, are unable to compete with the much more efficient private industry, and starts to be spend more than it earns. The congress debates on the necessity of maintaining them open, in face of the success of the private industry. [+4 Infrastructure in 2 turns for Argentina. -$1.000 from Argentina. +250 Base Income to the United Kingdom. +100 Base Income to France. +50 Base Income to the USA.]

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10. Extremely profitable British-owned railroad company in Argentina.

In an effort to expand the industrial complex of the capital, the government offers tax exemptions, cheap lands and loans to willing entrepreneurs. So many take up the offers that the money available for the program quickly runs out. The lucky beneficiaries find large markets open for their products, and the factories of caned food and textiles employ many, and enrich some. [+4 Industry in 2 turns for Argentina. -$750 from Argentina.]

After much acclamation on his strong speech, President Julio Roca tours the country visiting military leaders, promoting the idea of the creation of the Gendarmerie. While no one is able to justify being against the project those who previously complained remain silent, out of pride if for nothing else.
The government cautiously restarts the work, and without much publicity or ceremony, nor spending too much, creates the National Gendarmerie. [+5,000 Regulars to Argentina. -$500 from Argentina. Control over the borders improved.]

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11. Several outposts in the borders allow the Gendarmerie to set bases for patrolling.

Inside the governing party, the Partido Autonomo Nacional, a common candidate cannot be found for the succession of Julio Argentino Roca. The progressive sectors attempt an approximation with the Union Civica Radical which meets no success, but generates some resentments from the most reactionary sectors inside the P.A.N. Some rumors of a duel between candidates spread, but nothing actually happens. -1 Stability for Argentina.]

The Chilean congress approves the border pact agreed to between their president and the Argentinian, and even decide to send delegations to approximate both countries, as well as investors and exchange students. The Argentinean congress, however, decides to block the law due to the internal problems of the P.A.N., who holds the ample majority of the seats. Much discussion follows and in the end one congressman is shot. He survives, and the spark of a civil war is avoided, but it causes the progresists faction of the P.A.N. to split and form a new party. [-1 Stability for Argentina.]

Africa


In the Suez Canal, the British Empire announces that it will hereby close off all traffic to belligerents in the Russo-Japanese War, refusing all warships from these nations through the Suez, but allowing cargo traffic.

American advisers are seen in the Ottoman Empire, trying to give aid and advice to potential rebels. The Ottoman government finds and arrests these men, putting them on trial for espionage and trying to get the country to revolt. They are treated humanly and as Ottoman Citizens, but their mere capture made President Roosevelt's blood boil. His impulsiveness, yelling at the Ottoman Diplomat and threatening to blast them to the stone age, did not reflect well on the world stage. [-20 Prestige from the USA.]

The Boer War between the British Empire and the Boer farmers of Transvaal and the Orange Free State heats up after the British launch a massive offensive into Boer lands. Although few battles take place, the British are bogged down by hit-and-run attacks, sabotage, and snipers. After gaining little ground, but losing a lot of men, the British commander calls off the offensive and retreats back to British-occupied land. [-5,000 Regulars from the United Kingdom.]

Asia


In China, the steady process of reform continues. The development of ‘Chinese Land Tax Reform’ creates, for the first time, a standardised system of tax across the Empire.
[-500 gold from China, +300 base income to China]

Imperial rule is reinforced throughout the Empire, with all Viceroys taking an Oath of Allegiance to the Qing Dynasty and the Empress Dowager. Even in Tibet, soldiers bearing the Imperial banner march freely through Lhasa, where Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama and known for his pro-Chinese stance, is placed in de facto control of the province; rumours abound that the Dalai Lama has been placed under house arrest.
[+1 Stability to China]

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12. The Panchen Lama, de facto ruler of Xizang province.

Regional military academies, often opened by provincial Viceroys, are brought under the control of the Ministry of Defence, enabling the central government to better organise the training of the army. Protests are muted due to the recent reinforcement of Imperial rule and financial compensation. The various arsenals across the nation also privatised, freeing them from the state bureaucracy and easing the burden on the imperial treasury.
[-1,000 gold from China. +1 Army level to China]

Attacks by the anti-foreign groups collectively known as the ‘Boxers’ dissipate as the year goes on. While small groups remain active, word reaches that the foreign consulates that many have volunteered for the Imperial Guard. Some observers question why the Boxers accepted an offer that only 12 months ago they refused, but most are simply pleased that a semblance of order has returned to the provinces.
[Boxer activity declines everywhere except Manchuria.]

On the international stage, the Empire of the Great Qing and the Rattanakosin Kingdom sign the Treaty of Bangkok, establishing a defensive agreement and trade.
[+50 Trade Balance to China (+50 Asia)]

In Istanbul, the Sultan reconvenes parliament for the first time in over 20 years. This move surprises the court, but is generally welcomed by the more Liberal elements of society. However, efforts to federalise the Empire are again blocked.
[+1 Stability to the Ottoman Empire]

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13. Abdülhamid II reopening parliament.

International trade continues to expand, with new agreements signed with both the Empire of the Great Qing and the Arab Emirates.
[+75 Trade Balance to Ottoman Empire (+25 Middle East, +50 Asia). +50 Trade Balance to China (+50 Middle East).]

In Japan, efforts are taken to develop the port of Osaka into a world class harbour, aiming to draw in more trade and wealth. However, the improvements fail to take off as money dedicated to the project is siphoned away by corrupt officials. Following the focus on the sea, a new naval academy is established in Tokyo and steel factories focusing on warships are established; in both instances construction is slow, however, and it will be some time before the effects are felt.
[-5000 gold from Japan, +1 naval level in 2 turns, +3 industry in 1 turn.]

A Committee of Public Health is formed, dedicated to implementing new methods of sanitation within the Japanese Empire. The effort is largely successful, and public health in the Empire improves.
[+1 Pull to Japan, -200 gold from Japan.]

In Sapparo, a treaty between the German and Japanese Empires is signed, assuring mutual support against the Russians, establishing trade, and the training of the Japanese army.
[+50 Trade Balance to Germany (+50 Asia). +50 Trade Balance to Japan (+50 Europe). +1 Army level to Japan.]

Meanwhile, the war against Russia continues unabated. The Japanese fleet, leaving only a token force to defend the homeland, set off to defeat the Russian Pacific Fleet. Fleet Admiral Marquis Tōgō Heihachirō, devised a plan whereby fireships would be sent into the Russian fleet, followed several days later by the main force of the Japanese. While the fire ships caused much disruption among the Russians, during the delay a heavy fog settled over the sea. Rather than risk losing control of his fleet in the weather, Heihachiro chose to call off the planned attack until the conditions improved.
[-2 small ships from Russia.]

After the failure of their attempt to dislodge the Russian fleet, the Japanese were forced to land an army intended to support the siege of Seoul at Qinhuangdao instead, with the permission of the Chinese governor. While the army quickly set of for Korea, they were unable to reach the peninsula before the end of the year.

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14. Japanese soldiers landing at Qinhuangdao.

In Australia, on 1 January, Governor General Lord Hopetoun proclaims the Federal Constitution, creating the Commonwealth of Australia. On May 9th the Duke of York opened the first Parliament of Australia, with the first Federal elections having taken place in March. In an effort to consolidate the colonial armed forces inherited from the British Empire, the Commonwealth establishes barracks at both Sydney and Perth, with the intent of splitting their armed forces between each. Due a bureaucratic quirk, all the professional soldiers arrive at Sydney, with many of the militia having drifted home.
[+30,000 regulars to Australia, +5,000 conscripts to Australia)

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15. Lord Hopetoun opening the Australian Parliament for the first time.

In the eastern cities, the new government sponsors an industrialisation drive, providing subsidies to support budding industrialists. The government also heavily pushes army recruitment, seeing thousands of volunteers sign up.
[-1,500 gold from Australia, +1 industry to Australia in 1 turn, +9,000 regulars to Australia]

Efforts to increase the size of the Australian naval forces however fail, as the new government feels it has spent enough money in the past year.

In the Dutch East Indies, efforts are made to improve the conditions in the colonies by building new roads and telephone lines. Yet despite the wealth sunk into the project, the only evident improvement was in the local governors estate. In order to counter this, the Dutch government reforms the colonial administration, removing the old governor and streamlining the bureaucracy.
[-500 gold from the Netherlands, +100 base income to the Netherlands.]

The Filipino ‘rebels’ continue their war against the Americans, spurred on by the cruel actions of the invaders. As the conflict accelerates, American troops surge across the islands, however many refuse to discriminate between civilians and fighters, causing significant losses to the civilian Filipino population without decisively ending the conflict. In response to the continued cruelty of the American soldiers towards the natives, an investigation was ordered to find the culprits. Yet hopes were quickly dampened as it became clear that those responsible for the inquiry were in the pocket of the perpetrators. Attempts to cover up the acts were foiled however by journalist David Grayson, writing for McClure's Magazine, who wrote a lengthy expose detailing various acts ordered by American officers on the Filipino population as well as the rigged investigation. Groups of varying radicalism call for action back in the USA, with some merely requesting a fresh investigation, while others demand withdrawal from the Philippines entirely.
[-25 Prestige from the USA, -1 Stability from the USA, -1,000 regulars from the USA]

 
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OOC: Nice update Fry, and Muskeato(edit)
 
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The Kingdom of the Netherlands

Her Majesty's Government condemns the conflict in Albania, and calls for all foreign invaders to withdraw from the sovereign Kingdom of Albania.

On another note, our recent attempt to improve the infrastructure of the East Indies has lead to our realization that the colonial administration is highly repressive and corrupt. Her Majesty's Government will continue to work to reform the East Indies, so that Her Majesty's subjects will not suffer or suffer as much under colonial negligence.
 
@Spectre17: Thanks. Credit is due to Muskeato as well for his great Asia update.

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Commonwealth of Australia

Australians, rejoice! We stand here to celebrate our first anniversary of becoming a nation amongst the powers of the world. I hail the Parliaments wise call in ensuring that our budget is not broken by the construction of new Naval Vessels, but I will keep it upon my agenda for future expansion. I also commend the peaceful transition of Australian forces from the British Government, and assure all nations around us we are expanding our army for peaceful purposes only, and do not wish to get into any conflict with our surrounding neighbors, but if called to War by the United Kingdom, we shall follow.

Sir Edmund Barton, Prime Minister of Australia
 
The Tsardom of Bulgaria is pleased with the success of our improvements in the army and industry. However I believe the parliament should have passed my laws to improve the currently unworkable tax system.
 
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The Kingdom of the Netherlands

Her Majesty's Government congratulates Australia on achieving self-rule. Perhaps, one day, we may hope to accomplish such a thing in the East Indies.
 
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The Kingdom of Italy demands that the Kingdoms of Serbia and Greece and the Principality of Montenegro sign an armistice with The Kingdom of Albanian and withdraw their troops from Albanian territory. Fail to this and a state of war will exist between Italy and Serbia and Greece and Montenegro, each government has 24 hours to reply.
 
As the UK has not yet recognized a nation of Albania we wonder why the Italians are stopping the Greeks and Serbs from putting an end to chaos in one of the regions in the Balkans? The Ottomans created a mess in a region they no longer wished to rule and those in the area capable of ruling are trying to resolve the problem. Surely this is not war worthy?
 


The Argentine Republic is saddened to see that Europe is yet again plunging itself into war. We state our neutrality in said conflict and expect the belligerent parties to respect our right to maintain normal relations and conduct trade freely.

Even though their intentions were praisable, the United States has ultimately fueled the prolongation of the bloody Colombian Civil War with that large sum of money paied as advance for the construction of the canal. However, the Colombian combatants are also guilty of using good willed negotiations as a scheme to earn funds to their cause, and have shown little honor when breaking their commitment. Nonetheless, we cannot accept further escalation of violence in the shape of an American intervention in the conflict, as their increased naval presence seems to indicate so. If the Colombia conflict continues, perhaps the proposal for a Nicaraguan canal should be looked again into, as their situation is much more stable at the moment.

In that line, we would like to issue a formal apology to both the Republics of Chile and the United States for the actions of a few individuals that have not only hampered their interests, but those of the Argentine Nation again. The presence of corruption and inside bickering reaching unprecedented levels, is a disease that we must fight against with all of our strength.

However, not all news are grim, as the expansion of the railways has resulted not only in a better service for Argentines but also in increased revenues for the foreign investors that have substantial stakes in them. This demonstrates that this country is still open and profitable for useful foreign investment, and invite any interested party to increase their participation in our economy.


OOC: This covers the foreign part, I'll get to the domestic later.
 
Kingdom of Greece

6th of January - Gijrokaster: King George I gives a speech.

I have decided to come here today, as i have failed you. Myself - King George I - King of the Hellenes having taken the crown, i also took the burden to protect the Greek people, whether in the boundaries of the Greek state or not. Wishing to fulfill my duty, i decided to use the Hellenic Army, as i had sworn to do so. When i heard reports of plundering and murder, i was outraged that the proud Greek people would do such a thing. It is horrible enough that such actions have been taken, but it is even worse that this was done, not caring that Greeks living in northern epirus will take damage. While some of you may think - "why doesnt he retreat his troops then" - This is not my intention. Just ignoring something that happened, wont fix it, while an effort to do so, can at least be an attempt.

I know there is nothing i can do to replace these unnecessary losses and this pain inflicted to you, but i will try to do my best to do so, an Investigation of these crimes, as well as i have brought a package of goods with me, aiming to help you supply your damaged homes and reducing the pain you'll have so suffer during this winter.
To me, it is clear why some of you have joined the Albanian cause, and those who have done it will not be harmed or sentenced once this conflict has ended.
I have failed you - and i hope, that one day you may be able to forgive me.


Conclusive report of 1901:

The Kingdom of Greece congratulates the Danubian Federation to this massive step forward. As we march into this new Century, you march onwards, a group of ethnicities, united by the bonds of history and now truly united as men of equal kind.
The Hellenic naval Association thanks all who have donated for our new Ship - and it has been decided to name it Kanaris, in commemoration of one of our first heroes.
 
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As the UK has not yet recognized a nation of Albania we wonder why the Italians are stopping the Greeks and Serbs from putting an end to chaos in one of the regions in the Balkans? The Ottomans created a mess in a region they no longer wished to rule and those in the area capable of ruling are trying to resolve the problem. Surely this is not war worthy?

Surely the United Kingdom will realise that the Kingdom of Albania is the only part of the region recently abandoned by Ottoman authority that was not in chaos and turmoil. The Albanian People took it unto themselves to build their own nation out of the rubble, and quite enthusiastically at that, as the thousands of volunteers rushing to the defence of their country prove. We are quite shocked that a nation as powerful and prestigious as yours would tolerate, no, even encourage such a blatant act of agression against such a small nation.

You say that solving the issue is "surely not war worthy", yet it is the nations of Greece, Serbia and Montenegro that have started this war. Surely you can not condemn the Albanians for defending their homes and lifes, and neither the Italians for honouring their promise to defend these proud people?

The German Empire condems the acts of agression against Albania, and asks for negotiations and a peaceful settlement.
 
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The United States of America

The United States is enthusiastic about the increased capability of the United States Navy, may its renewed strength signal a period of increased peace and prosperity for our nation, as our ability to protect our merchant marine and sea traffic increases. This new navy will be one of peace, one meant only to guarantee the safety of the sea and protect American interests.

The United States is also pleased at the passage of the American Roads and Rails Act of 1901, which will serve to increase the flow of commerce, the very life-blood of our great nation. We believe that these improvements in our country's infrastructure will aid in the development of the economy and better enable movement about the country.

The situation in South America is deplorable. The rampant corruption in these nations as evidenced by embezzlement of development funds by corrupt officials in Argentina and Brazil. We call on the leaders of these nations to root out the corruption endemic in their countries and use the funds seized to realize the development programs the funds were intended for. Though we thank the Argentine government for their commitment to fight this corruption that eats at the very soul of their country.

The Colombian affair is regrettable and detestable. The actions of the United States in Colombia have only been those that seek to create peace. It is the actions of dishonest men who seek to further the war and their own ambitions that we should look down upon. The current blockade will only seek to prevent the transit of war materials to Colombia, to aid in a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It will also seek to protect the trans-isthmusian railroad.

The United States of America requests that the Americans being tried in the Ottoman Empire be treated humanely, as American citizens, and returned to the United States as quickly as possible.

The United States of America regrets the current situation and will conduct a new investigation into the current situation in the Philippines and hopes that the rebel situation will soon be brought to a close.

The United States of America is pleased with the increased trade between the United Kingdom and the USA. May commerce and ideas freely flow between our two great nations.
 
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The Kingdom of Romania

In response to our bellicose neighbors to the South, namely Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro, the Kingdom of Romania has asked for, and has been accepted, admission into the Triple Alliance. We hereby ascend to the fourth member of this alliance, and wish to work side by side with our German, Danubian, and Italian comrades. The Kingdom of Romania is Partially Mobilizing her armed forces.
 

Surely the United Kingdom will realise that the Kingdom of Albania is the only part of the region recently abandoned by Ottoman authority that was not in chaos and turmoil. The Albanian People took it unto themselves to build their own nation out of the rubble, and quite enthusiastically at that, as the thousands of volunteers rushing to the defence of their country prove. We are quite shocked that a nation as powerful and prestigious as yours would tolerate, no, even encourage such a blatant act of agression against such a small nation.

You say that solving the issue is "surely not war worthy", yet it is the nations of Greece, Serbia and Montenegro that have started this war. Surely you can not condemn the Albanians for defending their homes and lifes, and neither the Italians for honouring their promise to defend these proud people?

The German Empire condems the acts of agression against Albania, and asks for negotiations and a peaceful settlement.
People rushing to defend homes does not a nation constitute. Obviously some form of peaceful settlement is preferred but this is not some random naked aggression of larger states against smaller. This is not Germany and France deciding to split up the lands of Belgium. This is not Italy and the Danube Federation deciding that Switzerland has had a good and proper run but their time is up. The land was abandoned by its rulers and it has taken some time for the surrounding nations to sort out how best to handle the situation. They appear to have a plan decided upon but execution of that plan has thus far been admittedly poor.

Although speaking of a peaceful solution and encouraging Romania to mobilize itself sounds more like encouraging a forced decision. Surely the Germans are not taking it upon themselves to utilize Romania as a proxy to solve what the Balkans nations were attempting to solve themselves?
 
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I am outraged at the actions taken by corrupt government officials in the last few months, taking opportunity of a distracted nation they have seized funds that should have been used to aid in the development of our country. I say it is thanks to that kind of greed that the last year has been a near complete failure to government projects, and it falls upon me, Campos Sales, the task of amending that situation. I shall take upon my hands the task of locating and punishing the responsible for this incident, and take any actions possible to recover the stolen money, that has never been ours in the first place, being aimed at the development of our country by the Americans.

I personally apologize to the American president for the actions taken by some fools, clearly aimed at destabilizing our relations while accomplishing personal profit, i hope that their actions will not damage our relations.
 
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