[Forum Game] - World in Revolution: 1900

The German Empire congratulates our friends in the Danubian Federation for their successful bid to host the 1914 FIFA World Cup. The German Empire is hoping to secure a position in or qualify for the World Cup.

OOC: Dadarian no worries, it was actually rolled... And Morrell, considering that Germany is the reigning Olympic Champion, I think you have a guaranteed seat along with the USA (silver) and Argentina (bronze).

FIFA Speak: In order to make things clear, between valuable NPCs and PCs there are 30 countries that could participate in the World Cup. But since there are only 16 slots (and in real life there were only 16 slots until England '66) a qualification process of sorts will be done.

The last WC host and WC winner are in, naturally; so does the Olympic Champion. The founding members of FIFA are in too.

All the other's inclusion will be rolled upon, considering their natural skill at the sport (if your people think a football is square, don't expect to be the next world champion), so there is no need to make the "I will attend", 1 liner post.

Europe


The British Minister of Education had called for an increase of funding for university programmes specializing in management and business, but the House of Commons decided to omit the extra funding from the 1913-1914 budget bill, and postpone the idea. [Business grants put on hold by Parliament]

What money had not been spent on education had been put towards industrial research programmes. The House of Commons approved spending on industrial research grants in the pharmaceutical sector as well as the diverse British manufacturing sector. Several new clinical drugs were patented by researchers operating with grant money from the Crown, and Britain’s pharmaceutical industry was quickly muscling in on global market share for a wide variety of treatments and therapies. In the manufacturing sector, new advancements were made in implementing economies of scale to British factories, as well as several new methods for processing rubber from the colonies. [-60,000 gold, -70,000£, +75 Industry in 2 turns]


The Royal Army received an increase of funding for 1913, and promptly put the money into researching a new service rifle for infantrymen. Ultimately, the Army accepted a bid from Scottish Nobleman, Sir Charles Ross. The new rifle was thought to be an improvement over previous bolt-action designs, and had a greater accuracy and rate of fire. However, the new rifle was completely intolerant of dirt or mud, rendering it useless in trench warfare for the time being, though modifications are planned to correct this flaw. [+1 Army Level in 2 turns to UK, -20,000 gold, -6,600£]

The Third French Empire was a hyper-polarized nation by 1913, with radical elements on the left and right wings of politics taking to the streets in bloody clashes. On March 5th, an assassination attempt against Charles XII by an unknown assailant was thwarted by what seemed like divine providence, as a passing carriage intercepted the 4 bullets shot at His Majesty. After this near encounter with death, Charles appointed a new Minister of Internal Affairs, Charles Maurras, head of the Action-Française, the extreme right-wing party of France. Maurras immediately began to weed out any ‘subversive’ elements in his Ministry, and by the end of the year it was firmly in the control of the Action-Française. Maurras was thus able to efficiently suppress the Parti Communiste, who were banned from assembling in public areas and in private areas with more than 15 people. The French left was infuriated, but many of the street clashes had been stopped and the Left were unable to publicly speak out against Maurras’ policies, lest they be shipped to a resort in the central Sahara or Vietnam. [+3 Stability to France, A-F in control of Internal Affairs, Street Fighting Over]


Charles XII also passed the 1913 Conscription Bill through his emergency cabinet, and ordered for an additional 300,000 able bodied men to be called up into active service, ostensibly for the war in Indochina. The Bill provided for the conscription to take place via lottery, and on April 17th, the massive drawing of names took place. However, it was leaked to the underground press organizations that members of the A-F, the nobility and those who payed out small bribes or had familial connections to the Draft Committee were omitted from the drawing. The urban poor were thus hardest hit, as Charles XII did not want to upset his good standing with farmers and small-town France. Riots broke out in city streets, and the police were unable to contain a series of lynching and public show trials that were eerily reminiscent of the New York Riots by Irish Immigrants during the American Civil War. The Bill was overridden by Royal veto, and A-F paramilitary groups were called in to help the beleaguered Gendarmerie. [-2 Stability From France]

The French Internal Affairs Ministry, led by Charles Maurras, contacted several newspapers, cinemas and public speakers with an enticing deal: proclaim their unyielding support for the A-F and Charles XII through subversive and overt measures, or be deported. Not surprisingly, every single one of them chose the former option, and French cities such as Paris, Lille, Lyon and Bordeaux became more enamoured with the prospect of a Monarch and with the new form of organic nationalism and corporatism proposed by the A-F. The Intelligentsia and hardline leftists, as well as republicans in the Autonomous Republic of Burgundy, were not swayed by these measures, and became more incensed by the bold measures taken by Maurras’ Internal Affairs Ministry, Les Gentilshommes Noires, leading to the organization of a broad coalition of underground opposition to the current government. Attempts by the Internal Ministry to defeat the Popular Front Coalition would most likely be met with huge amounts of violence and destruction.
[+1 Stability to France, State-Controlled Media, Popular Front Coalition founded between the French Intelligentsia, Left and Republicans]

Universities across the Netherlands are nationalised, and given Royal Charters that force their administrators to bow to Parliamentary and thus Royal, oversight. The University Reform Act of 1913 stipulated that tuition fees be abolished, and entrance decided by academic merit and commitment alone. This saw a massive upswing in University enrollment, and a highly skilled and trained workforce was likely to emerge in the Netherlands in the coming years, not to mention hundreds, if not thousands of innovators who would not have had a chance before. This, however came at considerable cost to the taxpayers, who were more than happy to further public education to the highest levels in the Netherlands. [-440,000ƒ, -100,000 gold, +6,000 base income in 4 years, +25 industry in 4 years, +0.5% economic growth]

The Dutch Parliament knew that for native industry to survive, exports had to recover. They thus pegged the Guilder at 1/20th of the value of the Pound Sterling, or 1 shilling, and bought foreign reserves to force the devaluation of their currency. This competitive devaluation brought relief to Dutch manufacturers, though the increase of prices for household items increased. This was offset by an increase in wages, both nominal and real, of the Dutch worker, resulting in a new period of Economic prosperity for the Netherlands.[+1 Stability, Currency Devalued to 1/20 the value of the British Pound Sterling, +0.5% economic growth]


Meanwhile, in the Scandinavian nation of Sweden, the Parliament passed the much-lauded Naval Act of 1913. Within the bill, there was to be a massive expansion of the navy through construction projects and sharp increases in funding for the navy. Progress was made, albeit slower than both the Parliament and the Admiralty had anticipated, and many ships were laid down. However, when the Admiralty approved construction of two new dreadnought ships, structural weaknesses too grave to go without being fixed were spotted. Thus, though the navy underwent great expansion, the design plans for these dreadnoughts had to be improved before construction could continue. Until then, the keels of these great vessels, having only just been laid, would sit at the docks, slowly rusting over from the salty water and air, until development could continue. [-899,000kr Sweden. +2 Naval Levels in 1 turn. +5 large ships in 1 turn, +10 large ships in 2 turns, 40 small ships in 2 turns. +2 dreadnoughts in 3 turns IF Naval Level increased by another 3]

In another famed Swedish Parliamentary bill of the year, the Public Roadworks Bill dictated that infrastructure across the entire Swedish nation was to be expanded and improved upon using government funds. Bridges and roads were to be laid down to criss-cross the entire country. Roads were to also expand into the Swedish partners of the customs union, chiefly Denmark and Norway. However, these plans were very short-lived; conservatives and anarchists in Parliament – and even centrists and moderates – were against such a bill. Even in a coalition with the socialists, the liberals were unable to move past the vast wall of opposition. When the bill was cancelled, so were the funds – which had already been requisitioned to the building projects.
[-100,000kr to Sweden]

However, the government's attempts at working with the pan-regional feeling of Pan-Scandinavianism ran through the streets of Sweden like a great flood, taking all those it could reach with it. On top of this grand nationalism, the government highlighted Sweden's efforts in the 1912 Olympics, which furthered their cause of bringing about the unification of all Scandinavian people. On top of this, the Swedes asked the Finns to join their customs union with Denmark and Norway, which was resisted at first. However, after several officials were “convinced”, the Finnish Government joined the union after a close vote in the Parliament. Further, visits of the Swedish King to the Scandinavian nations further solidified the relations between the four countries, driving more and more people towards the ultimate goal of Scandinavian unification.
[-50,000kr to Sweden. +2,000 base income to Sweden. +1 Stabilty to Sweden. +15 prestige to Sweden. Finland enters the customs union. Pan-Scandinavian ideas taking hold of the region]

Continued development and expansion of the Trans-Siberian Railway was, as it had been in the past, a reasonable success. Despite the need to requisition additional funds later on – due to a premature detonation of explosives that were to be used on a mountain in the path of the railway, which led to the deaths of several workers and the destruction of much equipment – progress was otherwise smooth, and the Government hoped that construction on the railway could be completed within the next several years.
[-160,000 руб to Russia. Trans-Siberian Railroad progress: 3/5 turns]

As the year continued, the General Staff of the Imperial Army realized the effects of the introduction of the Mokharov rifle – despite being a new model, an attempt for the Staff to claim it had assisted in modernization of the Army, it was not chambered for the universal Russian rifle cartridge. Almost immediately, with required funding being allocated from the Duma, a new model of the Mokharov was conceived, which chambered the original cartridge as used by the now-obsolete Mosin-Nagant rifle. It was also made of higher-quality parts, making it much more durable in training and increasing the rifle's lifespan by many years and battles. Upon re-distribution of these new models, the soldiers of the army took time to adjust to these new weapons, but soon found that it was much more reliable – and therefore a better rifle – than the previous model and the Mosin-Nagant. After a series of brutal and rigorous tests, some even claimed that the new Mokharov model was superior to the time-tested German Mauser which had been in service for many years prior.
[-375,000 руб to Russia. +20% equipment to Russia. +2 Army Levels to Russia in 1 turn]


Meanwhile, in the Duma, in an attempt to lower the rising debt the nation was facing, voted in favor of forming the Central Imperial Bank, to serve as a so-called “Bank of Banks” in regulating the Russian currency and serving as a stabilizer for the unstable Russian economy. It worked surprisingly well, helping to cut previously unseen expenses that drained the government's income in both currency and gold.
[-1,250,000 руб to Russia. +20,000 base income to Russia]

As the Trans-Siberian Railway slowly crept across Russian territory, the Tsarina dictated that towns and cities were to be established and expanded in the path of the railway, to provide stops for the railroad and to also improve the development of the backwater and unexplored lands of the Empire. Though it initially appeared successful, a surprising lack of funds – though the Duma claimed that money was, in fact, being supplied to the project – quickly caused supply problems. As food shortages ran rampant, those that did not die of starvation or disease quickly departed back to their homeland in the west. All that remained of this failed attempt of expansion and colonization were a series of towns and villages along the Trans-Siberian Railroad, a solemn series of memorials to the expansionist ambitions of empires.
[-90,000 руб to Russia]

Kaiser Wilhelm, still ruling by decree through his emergency cabinet, ordered for Reichsmarks to be poured into the private sector, allowing it to stay solvent and promote the growth. The programme, dubbed the Stimulus Act of 1913 provided for a massive influx of much needed capital into the strapped German manufacturing sector, as well as large banking institutions that were highly leveraged. The stimulus eased business fears of a greater collapse, and gave incentive to new investments and spending, causing a large growth in the German economy. [-350,000ℳ, +40 Industry to Germany in 2 turns, +1 Stability, +0.4% economic growth]


The German High Command was hell-bent on the creation of a mobile armoured vehicle with strong firepower, and in 1913 they appeared to get their wish. Many hundreds of thousands of Reichsmarks were thrown into the project in the hope that a viable kampfwagen, as the Germans were calling it, could be produced. All of the parts were there, a .22 caliber machine gun, 3-inch thick plating and wheels. But the Germans could still not make up for the massive motive force required to power of these vehicles, as no manufacturer in Germany or Europe could produce an engine capable of moving such a vehicle. In effect, the German’s had slapped wheels onto a pillbox, and it turned very poorly. [-300,000ℳ, -150,000 gold]

On a brighter note for the German High Command, advances into the very popular aeronautical industry were made, with leaps and bounds made by Herr Messerschmidt and the Bayerische Motorwerke in Munich. A small production plant outside of the city was established, but due to the shortage of necessary parts, especially a powerful engine, the Germans could not produce the ME1 in meaningful quantities, churning out a handful per quarter. The Imperial Flying Academy was established in the Rhenish city of Cologne, where many farm boys who sought to break the shackles of gravity eagerly volunteered. Two new recruits notably stood out, and almost immediately rose to the higher echelons of the Academy; one, an aristocratic progeny from Poland, the other, a son of an African Governor. Manfred von Richthofen and Hermann Goering had begun their careers. [-100,000ℳ, +1 Air Level to Germany]

After two long years of investigation, the High Commission for the Rhenish Insurrection produced huge results. Dozens of Communist and Anarchist leaders were rounded up from the major cities, and a handful were found in the countryside. Those who had been aiding and abetting were given heavy sentences, but nothing to match what the ringleaders faced. Two of them, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, were found to be the masterminds. Both of these two were born in Poland and had become naturalized citizens of the German Empire, and during the Dreikaiserkrieg had founded the KPD, the German Communist Party. With their headquarters in Essen they had organized the insurrection purely of their own accord, with no evidence suggesting they had received funding from an outside power. Both pleaded guilty to the charges of High Treason, but refused to divulge any names. Both were executed by firing squad, and the German communist movement was a chicken without a head for the time being. [-40,000ℳ, Investigation Over, German Communists are leaderless, +1 Stability]

The newly founded VSDAP coalition took control of Parliament, and Queen Wilhelmina asked their leader, Pieter Jelles Troelstra, to form a government with LU and VDB support. The new broad coalition is able to appoint a multi-partisan cabinet, consisting of members from all ranges of the Dutch Parliamentary spectrum. The Dutch people were pleased with this new coalition. [+1 Stability, PM Pieter Troeslstra]


The VSDAP introduced a bill that would amend the Dutch Constitution of 1848 to include a provision for universal suffrage for all above age 18, including women. Any citizens of Her Majesty’s Kingdom could vote for an MP, or on a referendum (should it be called). The Suffrage movement hailed Queen Wilhelmina as an icon, and a statue was commissioned in Amsterdam, with Wilhelmina riding a destrier entitled Freedom from on High. [+1 Stability, Universal Suffrage]

In the Danubian Federation, the newly-crowned Emperor Franz Ferdinand sough to reform the government that was newly his. The first of his actions as Emperor was a plan to invite younger political, economic, and military theorists to the Federation's political scene to promote progress, reform, and streamlining of government. The obvious product of inviting new young minds to act as his advisers, however, meant that the older men of the government's political system would have to be removed through being laid off and fired. This led to a great disapproval from those that had been a part of the Danubian government since the days of Austria-Hungary, which led to a clash of interests and an overall lack of the progress and reform that the new Emperor sought. Though several older members of the government were removed, too weary or tired of political stalemates and government inefficiencies, the gains were too minimal to counter the great expenditures of the effort.
[-40,000 K to Danubian Federation. -1 Stability to Danubian Federation. +500 base income to Danubian Federation]

The second of the Emperor's so-named “Three Reforms of 1913” involved reforming the High Command of the Danubian Army. After witnessing the morass that the Emperor's attempts at reform had brought to the inner halls of the government, the highest-ranking commanders in the Army staunchly refused any sort of reform that the Emperor sought for his army. Though several lower-ranking senior officers supported the Emperor's proposed reforms – to streamline the organization of divisional and corps units and to reorganize the mess that was the army's hierarchy – they were too few in number – and too little in influence – to overcome the top generals of the army. After many months of bickering, the Emperor withdrew his army proposals, only after having spent many funds in his attempt to do so.
[-26,000 K to Danubian Federation]

However, the third and last of the Emperor's Three Reforms proved to be the first success he would achieve while on the throne. Knowing he could not rule the nation from the throne without the consent of those he governed, he sought the support of the middle and lower classes of the Federation. To this end, he supported multiple bills in the Bundestag to lower taxes for all income brackets slightly, while also increasing efficiencies in the tax income by closing tax loopholes that many would use to avoid paying the taxes altogether. Many lower-class citizens in the nation found themselves liking the Emperor, as their trust in him as a leader grew. On top of this, government expenditure was unexpectedly minimal.
[-800,000 K to Danubian Federation. +6,000 base income to Danubian Federation. +1 Stability to Danubian Federation]


Another of the Emperor's successes in his first year of reign was the expansion of the Danubian Navy. Since the complete selling of the Federation's navy after falling deep into debt, Ferdinand hoped to begin the slow rebuilding of his navy, to rebuild the prestige that once belonged to the nation. He himself led a ceremony where the first new ships of the navy were laid down, speaking of the seeking of compromise, union, and cooperation in the coming years, and that, above all, the spirit of the Danubian peoples would take them far. Of note, as well, was that these ships were far more advanced technologically than the last ships of the navy, and would prove as a marked opponent to any future enemies the Federation would face.
[-700,000 K to Danubian Federation. +5 small ships to Danubian Federation in 1 turn. +3 Naval Levels to Danubian Federation in 1 turn]

The Italian King, at the outset of 1913, ordered for the mobilization of approximately 100,000 conscripted soldiers, as well as the recruitment of an additional 50,000 army regulars. This effort was a relative failure, as the sudden order for so many men to join the army scared many Italians of imminent war; few answered the call to serve, as a result. And although the King's intentions were initially unknown, they were soon to be shown in one of the most surprising events in Italian history of the 20th century up to this point.
[-125,000₤ to Italy. +10,000 regulars to Italy. +20,000 conscripts to Italy]

In what would quickly become known as “la Notte dei Lunghi Coltelli” – the Night of the Long Knives – Italian Army soldiers and members of the Royal Italian Pioneers and the Royal Committee for Internal Affairs– in the dead of night – burst into the houses of hundreds of known and suspected communists, anarchists, republicans, socialists, and corrupt businessmen and government officials, intent on arresting them for “crimes against the state”. Many were simply brought into their backyard or the town or village square, where they were shot on sight. Others managed to escape, having received word of the arriving soldiers. In one famous incident, a local Catholic priest requested to administer the last rites to a local man suspected of having republican sympathies; the Priest was denied, and after a short argument he, as well as the “criminal”, were shot dead on the spot, witnessed by almost the entire town. Incidents like these drove many of the suspected and certain dissidents to the hillsides, where they formed a disorganized resistance intent on destroying the “corrupt Italian pretender-king”, and began a rebellion against the Italian government. Meanwhile, the remains of those that were killed were disposed in the Mediterranean. Weeks later, the remains of the dissidents were spotted on the coasts of Spain, France, North Africa, and particularly at the naval base of Trieste, where Danubian seamen believed them to be infiltrating submarines. Famous leaked photographs included the mass shootings, via firing squad, of entire groups of men, as well as pictures of children of the Italian Pioneers carrying out the executions, which shocked millions the world over. [-1,000 regulars to Italy. -75 prestige to Italy. Minor revolts in northern Loscana and western Apuglia. More purging may result in larger rebellion]


Meanwhile, in the far south, the government made attempts to make a massive boost in industrial growth and expansion. However, the government-turned industrialist in charge of the operation failed to requisition the funds to the project, which quickly fell apart without supplies and equipment that they sorely needed. When the government began an investigation into the matter, they found that every man involved in the affair had been killed with holes burnt in their chests, and a few had had their throats crushed. The man disappeared and was never seen again, stealing huge amounts of funds from the Italian Government.
[-250,000₤ to Italy]

However, in Italy's African colonies, there were more successes. In Libya, public schools were opened to “educate” natives of younger ages towards unquestioning loyalty towards the Italian Government and the king. With little effort, whole numbers of African children and teenagers became obedient servants to the Italian Crown.
[-200,000₤ to Italy. +1 Colonial Infrastructure to Italy in 1 turn. African children in the colonies unquestionably loyal]

The Spanish Parliament reached a quorum in early May, 1913, after many members of the opposition, including the Fascist and Communist parties, walked out in protest of welfare reform. The bill was pushed through both chambers and by the end of May wide ranging cutbacks to those who should not have been on welfare in the first place occurred. While unpopular with elements of the Left, it had the effect of cutting spending in welfare and giving more to those who needed it, as well as establishing a supervisory agency to monitor reports of cheating and welfare fraud, the ORB (la Oficina Real de Bienestar). [Welfare Cheating stopped, +1 Stability to Spain]


In July of 1913, seeing Parliamentary deadlock nearly stymie an effort for something as trivial as a small welfare reform bill, Alfonso called for a Grand Council, in which the leaders of each party and 4 of their deputies would come to his Hacienda in Catalunya. The purpose of this Council was to establish a new multi-partisan system of governance, where MPs could work together to better the people, and the nation. The party leaders and their deputies voiced a wide-range of grievances, such as the Crown’s inability to combat serious issues, and rampant defence spending in a time of economic uncertainty. The leaders unanimously rejected Alfonso’s proposals, and the leader of the Fascist party attempted to strike His Majesty with a letter opener, only to be stopped by his deputies. Alfonso responded by imprisoning every single MP who voted nay or abstained from voting on any bill in the entirety of Spain’s new era, which amounted to everyone. They were thrown in jail, and Parliament was declared suspended, for an indefinite period. In the meantime, Alfonso called for a new constitution to be drafted that strengthened central control, and vested most of this control in the Royal Person, His Majesty the King of Spain. At this, the Spanish people were in an outrage. Since the Spanish-American war at the end of the 19th century, popular discontent had been brewing, and the discord in Spain boiled over in September, 1913. Tens of thousands of students took to the streets in Madrid alone, while the Federación Anarquista Ibérica (FAI) or Iberian Anarchist Federation and Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) or National Confederation of Labor have proclaimed general strikes across Spain to protest this drastic measure, fighting fire with fire as they claim. Carlism has received a revived amount of support in the economically depressed Basque Country and Asturias, reviving images of the old Carlist Wars. [-4 Stability, -60 Industry until general strike over, 1/3 progress on new Constitution, Spanish People upset with measures taken by the Crown]

Propaganda initiatives from the Public Affairs Ministry have had a major effect on the Spanish populace, instilling confidence for small-business owners, capitalists, aristocrats and farmers for Alfonso. Alfonso can now count a widened base of support for his autocratic reforms. [-50,000₧, +1 Stability]

The Swiss Cantons, in an emergency session of the Republic’s Legislature, forced through two bills that would provide for the mending of the tragic accidents that occurred in the preceding year. The Swiss Reserve, as well as the Mint, was ordered to finance these emergency measures, termed Damreparaturmunition and Schwarztaffelbergwiederaufbau sought to relieve the rural areas from flooding and restore the Black Mesa to its previous glory, respectively. Starting in early January, 1913, the Swiss government contracted out to heavily vetted engineering firms specializing in dams and dam repair from all over the globe, and the programme was a huge success. The broken dams were completely removed, while the flooding was stopped through the creation of temporary levies, which when replaced would provide power for the electrification programmes. The populations hit by the disaster were compensated by the government for damage to their homes and livelihoods, and though they were still upset with the B-B affair, they were appreciative of the emergency session that gave them their lives back. Pertaining to the disastrous fires that emerged from vehicular research, the Schwarztaffelbergwiederaufbau bill gave funding to reconstruction efforts spearheaded by the Swiss firm Gruger, Meindorff & Desautells. GMD entered into a non-disclosure contract and was able to restore the Black Mesa facility to her former glory, with added safety procedures and regulations reducing the risk of such a disaster occurring again. [-1,104,800 S₣, -450,000 gold, +2 Stability, +3,500 base income, +7 Infrastructure in 1 turn, +20 Industry in 1 turn, Flooding halted, Scientists back to work]

The Greek King, in an effort to increase his nation's ability to protect itself in times of war, gave a call for 50,000 new recruits for his country's army. When only a handful had joined after a certain period of time, the King ordered an increase in funding for Army recruitment posters and advertisements across the nation. This did little to increase the pool of new recruits.
[-50,000₯ to Greece. +15,000 regulars to Greece]

Like the Russians far distant, the Greek King and his Parliament both supported the establishment of a National Bank to secure the Greek currency and help to stabilize the economy. The bank gave out loans to national corporations, who in turn failed to pay them back. However, absorbed in other matters, Parliament failed to requisition new funding to pay the workers of the bank. Many quit their jobs, and, underfunded, the Bank was unable to enforce repayments on the loans. With the government's failure to have any concern for the bank – chiefly the King and Parliament – the Bank was left without a voice with which to enforce repayments on the loans, causing a large gap in the annual budget for the nation.
[-35,000₯ to Greece. -3,000 base income until National Bank fixed]


Meanwhile, in Epirus to the north, the Greek government, as well as several major corporations, began investing in metal mines in the Republic of Epirus. This proved a wise investment, as funds began to flow into the coffers of both Epirus, the Greek corporations, and the Greek government itself.
[-15,000₯ to Greece. +2,500 base income to Greece]

One of the great events in Greece in 1913 – and, perhaps, the largest and most important event in the nation of the new decade and perhaps in history – was when Parliament voted for the formation of the Royal Naval Air Wing, a sub-branch of the Greek Navy that would serve to bolster the fleet's reconnaissance capabilities without risking so many large and expensive warships. With adequate funding, a headquarters was established in Athens, and an airfield constructed outside the city. Aircraft quickly entered the design stage, and during the planning, some Greek naval planners even suggested using aircraft as a deliverer of bombs to targets out at sea.
[-200,000₯ to Greece. +2 Air Levels in 1 turn, +1 Air Level in 2 turns]

The Middle-East & Africa

In the Turkish Republic, the Parliament decided that, as the country was no longer a monarchy with nobles and members of the royal family, the lands that had once belonged to the nobles and aristocrats of the Empire were to be divided up amongst the soldiers that had participated in the war against the Ottomans. Parliamentary members also suggested the creation of the Turkish Agricultural Commission to handle the fair distribution of aristocratic and royal lands, as well as to protect the farmers of the nation. Though the liberals of Parliament supported it wholeheartedly, conservatives and reactionaries, particularly those that had surrendered during the war or had previously sympathized with the Ottoman aristocracy, demanded that the “socialistic measures” of the Parliament be prevented from passing. A fight ensued in the Parliament, with arguments going back and forth between the opposing sides. This ended when a reactionary member of Parliament attacked a helpless member of the liberal party, beating him nearly to death with a cane. The show of violence over the proposed land-redistribution act shocked the nation and public approval of the Parliament reduced rapidly. In the end, the proposal was rejected utterly after support faltered, and the Agricultural Commission was established (albeit without its land-redistribution duties), helping to bring small subsidies to farmers and increasing overall productivity slightly.
[-35,000 Turk£ to Turkey, -1 Stability to Turkey, +500 base income to Turkey]


Meanwhile, the newly-formed republican government sought to standardize a new Latin-based Turkish alphabet to simply communications between the people of the nation. It was fairly successful, though rather costly, and a marked increase in nationwide literacy took place after the institution of the new alphabet.
[-25,000 Turk£ to Turkey, +5% Education Level to Turkey]

To honor those that had gone above and beyond the call of duty in the war against the Ottomans, Parliament approved – in a near-unanimous vote – the creation of the Turkish Falcon, an award for extreme bravery and heroism on the field of battle, particularly including the risking of one's life to save his comrades or to complete his mission. It was awarded to nine veterans of the war, who wore the badges on their chests proudly for the rest of their lives. The honoring of these veterans by Parliament helped to recoup some of the institution's lost support following the attempts at redistributing royal lands.
[+1 Stability to Turkey]

Great Britain had endeavoured to liberate the Middle-East from the rule of the so-called Mad Sultan, and had been wildly successful. Ottoman forces were scattered to the winds and a limited Italian incursion in Syria had been diplomatically resolved. At the end of 1912 Prime Minister Asquith’s government signed a treaty handing all of the former Ottoman lands occupied by Britain to the Turkish Republic. The land transfer was seamless, and much of the Arab population in the Levant were happy that the British had kept their word. The Arabs were less pleased when the Turks were given back control of the Fertile Crescent, and now they were not connected via land. The Mashriqi and Iraqis, as well as Kurds and Palestinian Jews, are highly upset with their fate, and are not likely to stay peaceful. [-1 Stability from Turkey, Occupied land transferred back to Turks, Britain highly popular in Middle-East]

The Turko-Armenian population transfer continue into 1913 with all Turkish peoples being transferred out of Armenia by the end of the year. However, the transfer of Armenian people out of Turkey had yet to be truly affected. [-31,800 AMD, 2/3 Population transfer complete (last order must come from Turkey)]

1913 also marked the drafting of the Armenian Constitution. The new constitution was provisionally framed to grant greater rights to ethnic Armenians than to those of other ethnicities. [-20,000 AMD 1/5 progress on Constitution]


The completion of the Armenian Census of 1913 provided the Armenian government with detailed breakdown of the nation's population and wealth. This study would prove useful in taxing the people of the young republic. [-52,000 AMD, +500 Base Income]

In November, the Sultanate of Morocco issued anti-Spanish rhetoric, pertaining to Spanish Colonies in North Africa, and demanded that they be returned to Morocco. The Moroccan people took up this rallying cry and assaulted the Spanish garrison at Tangier, but were quickly rebuffed by a strong Spanish defense composed of regular troops and native forces loyal to the Spanish Crown.

In South Africa, David Graaff was appointed Chairman of the Dominion Reserve, a move that would bolster confidence in the fledgling central bank. With this improved confidence, Graaff is able to institute a number of reforms that open the South African marketplace. [-6,000 SA£, +1,500 Base Income]

Attempts to increase the printing rate to stimulate economic growth however, go awry when this sparks the massive increase in costs throughout South Africa as prices are raised to offset the inflation, prompting the government to again increase printing, by the end of the year the South African pound had lost 25% of its value. [-2,000 SA£, Printing rate set to 60%, -25% currency value]

Attempts to renew land policies that gave out land to anyone willing to settle the land met an unfortunate snag, when some of the property to be given away was found to belong to Boers. This would spark several armed exchanges in rural South Africa, as the Boers would defend their land. [-500 SA£, -2 Stability]


Perhaps the most important legislation of 1913 in South Africa was the Bill of Native Rights, which enshrined the rights of native Africans into law. In particular, the law provided for the creation of “homelands” for native tribes under which they could function under their traditional law and custom with little interference from South African officials. [-1,000 SA£ , +2 Stability]

North America


Expenditures on the Royal Canadian Air Force during 1913 were largely for naught after a demonstration flight carrying leading Canadian aeronautical engineers crashed into Lake Ontario during a demonstration flight outside of Toronto. [-41,500 Can$]

Efforts to increase the production of Canadian industry seemed to be successful, but unfortunately the promising research was cut short due to lack of funds. Yet, despite this some benefit was seen from the unfinished research. [-41,500 Can$, +8 Industry]

The Union Pacific Railroad was reopened by the United States Government and slowly began to sell shares to the public. However, many people were weary and decided against buying any. The results were not promising as only 1/20th of the amount they put out on the market sold, and the company instantly began to run a huge deficit. The lines were working, though, and some economic activity improved because of that.
[+2 Infrastructure to the United States. -$255,000 from the United States.]

The United States attempts to create a new government program for regulating air traffic: the Federal Aviation Administration. It quickly failed due to the inability of the people on the ground to signal and talk to those in the air. While the Administration did exist, it did little to nothing as people continued to soar high in the air. [-$100,000 from the United States, FAA Founded]


A new campaign called "I'm Proud to be an American" is spread throughout the country, which aims at trying to get people to do things American, like buying American goods, taking pride in an American identity, flying the American flag, and generally loving their nation. Millions of people receive free American flags, and they fly them proudly from their homes. While many thought this was going to have a huge effect, not much came out of it, other than people feeling a little better about themselves, and the government spending a lot of money on American flags. [-$250,000 from the United States, +1 Stability]

The United States Congress, now controlled by the Democratic Party, flatly rejects the annexation of the Dominican Republic, even with President Morgan campaigning hard for it. No matter which way he tried to get a bill through, it was not worth it. Along with this bill, an attempt to build more railroads in the vast American Colonies was also defeated. With great regret, President Morgan sent a message to the Dominican Republic, saying that he was deeply sorry, but the United States would not be annexing the nation, and wished them the best of luck with their debt problems. The fight in Congress, however, sent both sides towards each other, and the Congress became massively partisan, and public opinion swung decisively towards the Democrats, and against annexation. The Republican Party itself was fractured, along the old hardliners, the Progressives, and now the pro- and anti- Imperialists. The Republican Coalition showed signs of failing, and soon.

In Central America the call went out for thousands of new recruits. The effort was successful, though the nation would soon run out of available men... [-13,300 CAR$, +50,000 Regulars]

Similarly, the Central American government moved to incorporate the ships of the former Central American national navies into the Union Navy. However, due to the small size of these former navies, not many ships were gained. [-11,700 CAR$, +4 large ships, +12 small ships]

The Central American government also put considerable effort into the improvement of its army. Thousands were spent on the purchase of military equipment from the United States. Furthermore, several instructors from the United States were brought into Central America to train the army. [-36,000 Gold, +10% Equipment, +3 Army levels in 3 turns]

Against the Mexican Army, the Central American Army held its own, with neither force making much progress during 1913. However, increasing pressure from the rebels would lead to Mexican government proposing a ceasefire and a potential peace treaty in which they would recognize the current de facto borders as de jure. [-5,000 Regulars]

South America

Isabel I of Brazil tours her nation following the Paraguayan Crisis, trying to rally public support following the Second Empire's extremely public loss of face. Though the crowds are initially less than receptive to her message, the charismatic Empress manages to bring them around with an impassioned plea for national unity and a forward-looking perspective. While Brazil may have lost pride and prestige, she argues, the fundamental strength of the Empire remains. The Brazilian people are heartened by this tour and more warmly disposed toward the monarchy. [-24,400 R$, +1 Stability]

New lumber processing plants begin construction in the inner regions of Brazil, intended to provide greater speed and flexibility to Brazil's ever-growing timber export industry. Once completed, these new mills are expected to reduce the time between harvest and shipping by almost one-third. [-170,000 R$, +8 Industry in 2 turns]


In an effort to address persistently low literacy rates in the major cities, the Brazilian Crown issues almost two dozen new school charters along the Brazilian coast, with the construction of each funded directly by the government. These new schools lessen the crushing burden on the rest of the urban school system and literacy figures tick up noticeably within a year of their opening. [-48,700 R$, +5.7% Education]

Unfortunately, efforts by the Brazilian government to issue specific industrial subsidies fail dramatically as the program offers little oversight and follow-up on where the funds are going. A subsequent investigation by a government taxman discovers that one heavily-subsidized "pig farm" in southern Brazil is actually a brothel, though the tax collector reports that it has excellent accommodations and a pretty solid product should further investment be desirable. [-73,000 R$]

In early 1913, President Hipolito Yrigoyen of Argentina announces that the state-owned land in the Iguazú and Bariloche areas will be converted into national parks, to be known as Iguazu National Park and the National Park of the Andes, respectively. This executive decree enshrines numerous federal protections for Argentina's portion of the famous Iguazu Falls and brings with it a great deal of national pride, as well as a potential future source of tourism revenue. [-9,900 ₳, +50 Prestige]

The Popular Libraries Act of 1913 passes with little opposition in the Argentine National Congress, formally extending recognition to the existing Popular Libraries and making them tax-exempt. The Act includes a government mandate that, whenever a book is published domestically, the publisher must provide 100 copies to the Ministry of Education for distribution to the Libraries. Under this new law, the Popular Libraries flourish, which allows them to broaden their literacy programs and provide free book rental for a growing number of Argentine children. [-14,800 ₳, 6.6% Education]


Argentine President Yrigoyen calls for a public-private initiative in the city of Buenos Aires, offering favorable prices on subterranean development rights for a modern subway system in the Argentine capital. Several industrial concerns respond to the call, forming a working coalition to lay underground track and import American subway car designs. The new subway system is expected to greatly decrease congestion and improve efficiency in the capital upon its completion. [-59,200 ₳, +2 Infrastructure in 3 turns]

Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales, the state-run Argentine oil company, begins exploration for new crude oil wells in the Province of Mendoza in the summer of 1913. Initial results are very promising, with several possible wells discovered in the first few months, but the head of YPF indicates that more time and funding is required before a full survey can be completed and exploitation can begin. [-14,800 ₳, 1/2 progress on Mendoza oil exploration]

The Argentine government approaches the Republic of Uruguay and the Republic of Paraguay for favorable trade deals with their respective states. While Paraguay signs on almost immediately, the Uruguayan government is wary of further aligning itself with Argentine interests and remains unconvinced despite numerous high-level meetings. [-4,900 ₳, Argentine-Paraguayan trade agreement]

The Chilean Ministry of Education receives new funding for the 1913 fiscal year and directs it primarily toward the improvement of rural schools, which suffer from a shortage of skilled teachers, few up-to-date textbooks, and frequent structural flaws. Government subsidies directed toward solving these myriad problems provide a noticeable, almost immediate effect, particularly the offer to partially forgive teachers' student debt in exchange for time spent in a rural school. [-39,000 Chi$, +4.8% Education]


President Montt Montt of Chile orders that the roads connecting Santiago with the other cities in Chile be redesigned and repaved, augmenting the country's existing rail network with better accessibility for automobiles around the capital. [-115,700 Chi$, +1 Infrastructure in 2 turns]

In the wake of the recent Brazilian Crisis, the Chilean General Staff orders a review of the army's current procedures and methodology. Finding discipline relatively slack among the troops, they order a new regimen of organized drill and training. This actually results in an overall improvement in morale, though the slight bump in pay for each rank also plays a major part in that. [-96,400 Gold, +1 Army Level in 1 turn]

A government effort to sell off unused and unexploited land to private businessmen is largely unsuccessful, as private interests gobble up huge tracts of land... and promptly do nothing with it, given the current lack of available credit in international banks. [-38,600 Chi$]

Asia/Oceania

The army attempts to scavenge Western weapons from the battlefields where they had triumphed over the French, yet the only weapons the Qing were able to recover were damaged beyond repair and little knowledge could be gained from the mangled weaponry. It was later discovered that the only weapon able to be successfully captured intact, a French artillery piece, was melted down for bullets before the order arrived to send them back for study. [-9,100 元]

Efforts to improve the Chinese arms and armaments industry were again stymied by the allied nations' blockade of the coast, a situation that was greatly exacerbated by the declaration of war on the Russian Empire. Thus with a stroke of a pen and the boom of cannon, the Qing had cut off one of their last supply routes. This exacerbated blockade rendered useless many of the Qing attempts to improve their home industry as they simply could not import the needed equipment, and that which they tried to import was lost to the blockade. [-27,200 元]


Efforts to train the Qing and Boxer forces to match the prowess of the Western forces were quite successful though it took longer than expected to train the unruly Boxers who desired to learn little of Western strategy. Yet, with much perseverance the Qing were able to train the Boxers in the principles of Western warfare. [-148,600 元, +2 Army levels in 2 turns]

Efforts made to rally the people against the West were backfired completely, with many Chinese wondering why their leader would provoke war with yet another great power when she was already so besieged. This lead to a loss in confidence in the government and the desertion of tens of thousands of troops. [-12,800 元, -1 Stability, -50,000 conscripts]

In the continuing war in Indochina started the year with the arrival of more men from both France and China. The Chinese were able to send three times as many men into Indochina, and the effects were shown. The French had first started to move North to re-capture Hue, which had fallen in the last year, and were quickly met with the combined guns of the Chinese and the Vietnamese. The battle quickly sided in favor of the Chinese and Vietnamese, and the French called for a complete retreat back to the City of Saigon, where they would set up machine gun encampments, trenches, and all sorts of fortifications. They were aided too, by the arrival of about eighty thousand Italians, which would shadow the French Army and attempt to help them. A small pathway was kept open for passage in the massive defenses of Saigon, and it was well known to the locals. Unfortunately for the French, a pro-Chinese, pro-Vietnamese force called the Viet Cong was working in Southern Indochina. They had agents in Saigon, and quickly ran messages to the Sino/Vietnamese forces where the gap was. In the middle of the night, thousands of Chinese and Vietnamese swarmed into Saigon, overwhelming the defenses, and forcing the French and the Italians to quickly make a retreat, where they made great haste to land in Singapore, and made refuge there as the Chinese and Vietnamese took control over Indochina. [Indochina lost to the Vietnamese. -50,000 ₣ from France. -75,000 Regulars from France. -20,000 Regulars from Italy. -50,000 Conscripts from China.]

In the German Concession, Boxer Rebels continue to demonstrate, creating huge amounts of damage that the Germans needed to fix. [-80,000 ℳ from the German Empire.]

The Germans responded by deploying the Marinenkommando, though many had started to doubt this untested branch of the German Navy. Those doubts were unequivocally and absolutely put to rest after Fall Sonnuntergan (Case Sunset). 1,500 men were landed under cover of darkness in the German Chinese Concession, and managed to infiltrate the port facilities and coastal batteries without detection. After a brief firefight, the commandos were in full command of the city, and 17,000 regular army troops followed behind them, with intense shelling from Navy ships suppressing Boxer resistance. The Germans lost very few men, and the Boxers were forced to retreat from the city in a shambles. [Order restored to German Concessions, -5,000 Conscripts from China]

Fighting outside Hong Kong began to intensify as the Chinese sent a massive wave of forces into the area. The Dutch Expeditionary Force was on the front line, holding the outer perimeter of the city from the hordes of Chinese forces. Due to the strength of the Dutch Force, and their courage, they were able to hold out for an entire month against a force far larger than theirs. In the end, they were overrun, but the small number of Dutch soldiers left in Hong Kong fought hard and with valor. Something that would never be forgotten. This was spread to the Dutch mainland, where the stories of this heroism was spread, and thousands tried to join the army. [-140,000 Conscripts from China. -10,000 Regulars to the Netherlands. +50,000 Conscripts to the Netherlands. +1 Stability to the Netherlands.]

The Hellenic Navy and the Hellenic Marine Infantry, along with some regular soldiers embark to China to assist with the ongoing battle, and arrive in time to help shore up the defenses of Hong Kong. A massive influx of British soldiers help to complete the entire defensive line. With the Dutch gone, the defenses of Hong Kong was made up of Greeks, British, Spanish, Italians, and South Africans. Although they were outnumbered, they were able to hold out fairly well against the Chinese. The first casualties came when the Greeks attempted to fill in the gap made by the Dutch, and the Greek soldiers were able to hold out for two days, until they were overrun, and the next line of defense was put into action. [-5,000 Regulars from Greece. -16,000 Conscripts from China.]

The combined navies of the Allied Forces were able to enact a complete and total blockade of Qing China, shutting down their economic activity, and causing a huge blow to their economy.
[Full Blockade of China.]

Even as reinforcements arrived in Hong Kong, the Spanish Soldiers began to make huge and elaborate fortifications and trench networks, making the entire area heavily defended from all sides. The Spanish were able to get it all done in record time, but the Spanish King ordered the remaining soldiers to return home, which went off without any problems, although the remaining powers were upset over the Spanish retreat.

On Hainan Island, the Italian Navy lands a large contingent of soldiers to take the Island. Only a small garrison of Chinese are found, and they surrender, giving the entire island to the Italians.



The Chinese were more or less unable to gain more ground around Hong Kong, as only the Europeans held the island of Hong Kong now, with the Chinese able to have taken everything else. The large amount of soldiers on the mainland and the island were locked in a stalemate, with the Chinese ready and waiting to strike at any landing opportunity. It was to the advantage of the Chinese, however, that one of the Royal Navy's dreadnoughts and a dreadnought from the United States, which had just arrived, were demonstrating in the harbor, ready to fire upon the Chinese themselves. The trouble started when the two ships were close to each other, prompting the captains of the two ships to engage in a shouting match between the two ships. Unfortunately for both of them, the American captain was an Irish immigrant, and the British captain was from Scotland. The animosity between the two was clear, and the British dreadnought rammed straight into a sandbar, knocked the ship a few degrees off course, and ramming it deep into the sand. The American dreadnought them slammed into the side of the British Ship, slicing it in half, while the American dreadnought continued on its path, and rammed into a sandbar as well. The aft portion of the British dreadnought sank into the harbor, leaving the American ship and the fore section of British ship still afloat. The Chinese watching, and the Emperor himself, believed this to be a direct intervention of the gods, saying that the Qing still retained the Mandate of Heaven. [-1 Dreadnought from the British Empire. -1 Dreadnought from the United States.]

A surprise attack by the Chinese took place on the Trans-Siberian Railway, that was not seen by the Russians until the morning train left the station, and plunged off a cliff, where a good mile of track had been destroyed by the Qing Army. From there, they began to march to Vladivostok, where they quickly overwhelmed the garrison there, and took control of the surrounding area. This surprise, and massive, assault, awakened the Russian leadership, which had stayed away from this conflict, and they quickly issued a declaration of war upon the Qing Empire.
[Trans-Siberian Railway unusable. Russia and China at war.]

The United States, coming off the disaster that was the incident in Hong Kong, was able to land marines and take control of most of the islands along China's southern coast.

The Japanese forces in Korea attempt a wide-scale offensive against the Chinese forces. While the Japanese were getting more recruits, and they had a better discipline and more training. However, none of this came into account against the massive hordes of the Chinese. Even as massive barrages of artillery fire and the rapid click of machine guns, for every Chinese soldier that fell, two more took his place. The Japanese still, again, attempted to force themselves into Manchuria. Their side began to take more and more bullets as the Chinese started to fire and hit their targets. The Japanese, however, were acting on strict orders to not retreat, and instead dug a massive network of trenches in the hilly terrain, and hunkered down for the winter, licking their wounds from the massive amount of casualties they took, and weary of the Chinese, who were always just on the other side of that hill. [-40,000 Regulars from Japan. -145,000 Conscripts from China.]

Japan desiring to demonstrate their own technological prowess resolved the create their own air arm. They would import models from both the United States and the United Kingdom to form the core of their fledgling air corps, though the purchased planes would not arrive until the new year. [-85,000 ¥, +2 Air levels in 2 turns]

The year also saw marked improvement in the Japanese Navy, with the purchase of several oil burning engines from the United States and improvements to the radio communication between the ships. Though the improvements would require portions of the fleet to be placed in drydock for the next several years [-380,400 ¥, +4 Naval levels in 4 turns, 1/3 of the Navy laid up for 4 turns]


On the domestic front the Japanese began the construction of a new railroad connecting Aomori in the North to Hiroshima in the South. The new double track railway would connect and unite the nation as never before. [-824,600 ¥,+6 Infrastructure in 3 turns]

The year is also marked by a warming of relations between the Japanese and their Korean colony. In particular, many Koreans are frightened by the possibility of Qing rule and thus become more receptive to the idea of Japanese rule.

The Dutch contractor for the pan-Indies railway was awarded a massive fund from the Central Bank of the East Indies as well as the Banks of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. They also received favourable contracts with steel companies in Holland, and cheap labour from Javans, Sumatrans and Malaysians living in the East Indies. The new railroad company, named Gecharterde Trein van Oost-Indië (GTvOI) or Chartered Rail of the East Indies, broke ground outside of Batavia in March, and by the wet season had laid hundreds of kilometres of track, completing the Javan and Bali-Lombok portions of the endeavour, though much needed to be done.
[-140,000 ƒ, -70,000 gold, 2/5 progress on pan-Indies Rail]

1913 saw two important events occur in Australia. The loss of the Australian flagship during training exercises, when in an act of God, in the middle of a sunny day, a thunderbolt struck the ship and ignited the powder that was being loaded. However, the national day of mourning brought the people of the dominion together as they honored the dead. [-25,000 A$, -1 large ship, +1 stability]


1913 saw the signing of several treaties, ranging from ones addressing territorial disputes to those more concerned with defense and trade. The signed treaties are duplicated in full below:

The Treaty of Istanbul
1: All lands governed by the former Ottoman Empire are now governed by the Turkish Republic. Excepting all lands secceded in prior treaties.

2: The United Kingdom and Turkey affirm their friendship and both nations will endeavor to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

3: The UK and Turkish Republic agree to a limited 2 year defense alliance that is valid only regarding attacks that risk the lands of the Middle East+Turkish Europe. ((IE it only is valid if the OE is attacked or if the British Empire has ME troubles.))

4: Outside of the Mad Sultan, all OE prisoners are returned to the Turkish Republic to deal with as they deem necessary.

[X] Herbert Henry Asquith, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, on behalf of His Majesty King George V
[X] President Ozgur Oğlum, Free State of Turkey

Click to expand...

The Argentine Republic
Currency: Argentine Peso (₳)
Currency Value: 1.0623
Currency Bank: -51,594 ₳
Gold Bank: -271,164
Currency Income: 52,006 ₳
Gold Income: 53,497
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 6.75%
Prestige: 280
Stability: 8
Industry: 115 [+18 in 2 turn(s)]
Education Level: 68.00%
Economic Growth Rate: 4.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 20 [+2 in 2 turn(s)]
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 70%
Regulars: 42,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 20
Navy
Large Ships: 3
Small Ships: 16
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 17 [+3 in 1 turn(s)]
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: NONE
Leader: President Hipolito Yrigoyen
Player: Mr. Santiago


The Dominion of Australia
Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Currency Value: 1.0141
Currency Bank: 126,802 A$
Gold Bank: 127,180
Currency Income: 26,802 A$
Gold Income: 27,180
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 5%
Prestige: 100
Stability: 10
Industry: 52
Education Level: 85.00%
Economic Growth Rate: 4.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 16
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 90%
Regulars: 50,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 24
Navy
Large Ships: 4
Small Ships: 30
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 24
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 1
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: Prime Minister Andrew Fisher
Player: Spectre17


The Second Empire of Brazil
Currency: Brazilian Real (R$)
Currency Value: 0.1997
Currency Bank: 424,257 R$
Gold Bank: -1,191,418
Currency Income: 278,163 R$
Gold Income: 58,248
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 9.75%
Prestige: 116
Stability: 6
Industry: 164 [+8 in 2 turn(s)]
Education Level: 66.00%
Economic Growth Rate: 4.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 23
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 63%
Regulars: 50,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 16
Navy
Large Ships: 3
Small Ships: 32
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 23
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: NONE
Leader: Empress Isabel I
Player: Duke of Brazil


The Dominion of Canada
Currency: Canadian Dollar (Can$)
Currency Value: 1.0081
Currency Bank: 135,889 Can$
Gold Bank: 578,647
Currency Income: 91,657 Can$
Gold Income: 88,354 [-5,000 Base until Crisis Solved]
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 4.25%
Prestige: 100
Stability: 10
Industry: 55 [+10 in 2 turn(s)]
Education Level: 90.50%
Economic Growth Rate: 5.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 18
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 85%
Regulars: 18,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 24
Navy
Large Ships: 5
Small Ships: 5
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 19
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 4
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Player: Szynka


The Union of Central American States
Currency: Central American Real (CAR$)
Currency Value: 0.3670
Currency Bank: -14,724 CAR$
Gold Bank: 42,464
Currency Income: 10,276 CAR$
Gold Income: 3,522
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 4.75%
Prestige: 25
Stability: 7
Industry: 24
Education Level: 46.40%
Economic Growth Rate: 4.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 5
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 70%
Regulars: 105,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 16 [+3 Army levels in 2 turn(s)]
Navy
Large Ships: 5
Small Ships: 17
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 14
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: NONE
Leader: President Manuel Estrada Cabrera
Player: etranger01


The Republic of Chile
Currency: Chilean Peso (Chi$)
Currency Value: 0.2684
Currency Bank: 35,750 Chi$
Gold Bank: 50,990
Currency Income: 121,359 Chi$
Gold Income: 31,154
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 4.75%
Prestige: 110
Stability: 8
Industry: 63 [+7 in 1 turn(s)]
Education Level: 50.00%
Economic Growth Rate: 4.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 16 [+1 in 2 turn(s)]
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 50%
Regulars: 75,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 16 [+1 in 1 turn(s)]
Navy
Large Ships: 2
Small Ships: 5
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 10
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: NONE
Leader: President Pedro Montt Montt
Player: Riccardo93


The Danubian Federation
Currency: Danubian Krone (K)
Currency Value: 0.1642
Currency Bank: 0 K
Gold Bank: -293,120
Currency Income: 91,969 K
Gold Income: 18,273
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 6.5%
Prestige: 305
Stability: 5
Industry: 112
Education Level: 58.90%
Economic Growth Rate: 1.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 33 [+2 in 1 turn(s)]
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 80%
Regulars: 500,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 23
Navy
Large Ships: 0
Small Ships: 0 [+5 in 1 turn(s)]
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 17 [+3 in 1 turn(s)]
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 1
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: Kaiser Franz Joseph I
Player: Frymonmon


The Third French Empire
Currency: French Franc (₣)
Currency Value: 0.1324
Currency Bank: 338,701 ₣
Gold Bank: 392,855
Currency Income: 388,701 ₣
Gold Income: 55,608 [+6,000 Base Income in 2 turn(s)]
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 6.5%
Prestige: 580
Stability: 5
Industry: 158
Education Level: 93.10%
Economic Growth Rate: 1.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 23
Colonial Infrastructure: 13
Army
Equipment: 95%
Regulars: 192,000
Conscripts: 13
Army Level: 26
Navy
Large Ships: 12
Small Ships: 65
Submarines: 15
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 21
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 2
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: Emperor Charles XII
Player: Maxwell500


The German Empire
Currency: German Mark (ℳ)
Currency Value: 0.2098
Currency Bank: -146,984 ℳ
Gold Bank: -1,054,247
Currency Income: 603,016 ℳ
Gold Income: 139,563
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 5.3%
Prestige: 495
Stability: 8
Industry: 209 [+40 in 2 turn(s)]
Education Level: 89.80%
Economic Growth Rate: 3.40%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 35
Colonial Infrastructure: 11
Army
Equipment: 79%
Regulars: 697,000
Conscripts: 11
Army Level: 28
Navy
Large Ships: 25
Small Ships: 103 [+47 in 1 turn(s)]
Submarines: 12
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 20
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 2
At War With: NONE
Leader: Kaiser Wilhelm II
Player: Morrell8


The Kingdom of Greece
Currency: Greek Drachma (₯)
Currency Value: 0.1778
Currency Bank: -112,772 ₯
Gold Bank: -96,424
Currency Income: 86,596 ₯
Gold Income: 14,106
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 8.5%
Prestige: 95
Stability: 10
Industry: 29
Education Level: 84.50%
Economic Growth Rate: 1.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 9
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 80%
Regulars: 30,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 17
Navy
Large Ships: 4 [+1 in 1 turn(s)]
Small Ships: 17
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 16
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0 [+2 in 1 turn(s), +1 in 2 turn(s)]
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: King George I
Player: tyriet


The Kingdom of Italy
Currency: Italian Lira (₤)
Currency Value: 0.1661
Currency Bank: 394,882 ₤
Gold Bank: 16,414
Currency Income: 595,415 ₤
Gold Income: 92,084
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 6%
Prestige: 145
Stability: 9
Industry: 69
Education Level: 91.10%
Economic Growth Rate: 2.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 26
Colonial Infrastructure: 5 [+1 in 1 turn(s)]
Army
Equipment: 70%
Regulars: 164,000
Conscripts: 20,000
Army Level: 25
Navy
Large Ships: 7
Small Ships: 85
Submarines: 10
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 21
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0 [+1 in 1 turn(s)]
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: King Victor Emmanuel III
Player: Shock3r


The Empire of Greater Japan
Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)
Currency Value: 0.4982
Currency Bank: -1,060,816 ¥
Gold Bank: -831,405
Currency Income: 229,184 ¥
Gold Income: 106,868
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 4.5%
Prestige: 355
Stability: 9
Industry: 189
Education Level: 98.60%
Economic Growth Rate: 3.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 24 [+6 in 3 turn(s)]
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 90%
Regulars: 246,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 22 [+4 in 2 turn(s)]
Navy 1/3 LAID UP FOR 4 TURN(S)
Large Ships: 10
Small Ships: 95
Submarines: 2
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 22 [+4 in 4 turn(s)]
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0 [+2 in 2 turn(s)]
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: Emperor Meiji
Player: Boris ze Spider


The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Currency: Dutch Gulden (ƒ)
Currency Value: 0.2901
Currency Bank: -54,376 ƒ
Gold Bank: 329,930
Currency Income: 385,624 ƒ
Gold Income: 85,431 [-1,500 for 4 turn(s), +6,000 in 4 turn(s)]
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 5.5%
Prestige: 200
Stability: 9
Industry: 91 [+10 in 2 turn(s), + 25 in 4 turn(s)]
Education Level: 94.90%
Economic Growth Rate: 3.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 20
Colonial Infrastructure: 5 [+15 when East Indies Railroad completed, 2/5 Complete]
Army
Equipment: 85%
Regulars: 35,000
Conscripts: 5
Army Level: 20
Navy
Large Ships: 10
Small Ships: 35
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 18
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 1 [+2 in 3 turn(s)]
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: Queen Wilhemina I
Player: Syriana


The Great Qing
Currency: Chinese Yuan (元)
Currency Value: 0.4501
Currency Bank: -214,564 元
Gold Bank: -571,436
Currency Income: -29,664 元
Gold Income: -13,743
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 16.75%
Prestige: 20
Stability: 5
Industry: 53 [+15 in 1 turn(s)]
Education Level: 28.40%
Economic Growth Rate: 0.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 11
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 45%
Regulars: 350,000
Conscripts: 795,000
Army Level: 18 [-2 for 2 turn(s), +2 in 2 turn(s)]
Navy
Large Ships: 2
Small Ships: 28
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 11
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: The United States of America, The United Kingdom, The British Commonwealth, The Japanese Empire of the East, The Third French Empire, The Danubian Federation, The Kingdom Spain, The Kingdom of Italy, The Kingdom of the Netherlands, The Russian Empire, The Kingdom of Greece
Leader: Xuantong Emperor
Player: Thandros


The Russian Empire
Currency: Russian Ruble (руб)
Currency Value: 0.2989
Currency Bank: -0 руб
Gold Bank: -850,000
Currency Income: 69,235 руб
Gold Income: 23,003
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 7.75%
Prestige: 355
Stability: 5
Industry: 126 [+2 for 2 turn(s)]
Education Level: 46.30%
Economic Growth Rate: 2.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 26
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 45%
Regulars: 279,000
Conscripts: 142,000
Army Level: 23 [+2 in 1 turn(s)]
Navy
Large Ships: 11 [+9 in 3 turn(s)]
Small Ships: 140
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 22
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 1
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: Tsaritsa Olga I
Player: Congo


The Dominion of South Africa
Currency: South African Pound (SA£)
Currency Value: 5.3012
Currency Bank: 10,742 SA£
Gold Bank: 10,001
Currency Income: 10,920 SA£
Gold Income: 50,275
Printing Rate: 60%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 6.5%
Prestige: 85
Stability: 9
Industry: 28
Education Level: 32.90% [+15% in 1 turn(s)]
Economic Growth Rate: 1.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 24
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 90%
Regulars: 58,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 24
Navy
Large Ships: 6
Small Ships: 10
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 26
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: The Viscount Gladstone
Player: Seek75


The Kingdom of Spain
Currency: Spanish Peseta (₧)
Currency Value: 0.1352
Currency Bank: -140,622 ₧
Gold Bank: -2,245,897
Currency Income: -90,622 ₧
Gold Income: -11,216 [+200 Base Every Year]
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 26%
Prestige: 75
Stability: 2
Industry: 145 [-60 until General Strike over]
Education Level: 86.40%
Economic Growth Rate: 2.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 16 [+7 in 2 turn(s)]
Colonial Infrastructure: 4
Army
Equipment: 85%
Regulars: 136,000
Conscripts: 4
Army Level: 20
Navy
Large Ships: 12 [+50 in 1 turn(s)]
Small Ships: 129
Submarines: 10
Dreadnoughts: 5
Navy Level: 24
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: King Alfonso XIII
Player: MastahCheef117

The Kingdom of Sweden
Currency: Swedish Krona (kr)
Currency Value: 0.3454
Currency Bank: 0 kr
Gold Bank: 19,679
Currency Income: 358,096 kr
Gold Income: 123,678 [+500 for 4 turn(s)]
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 6.25%
Prestige: 480
Stability: 10
Industry: 82
Education Level: 92.00%
Economic Growth Rate: 1.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 22
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 90%
Regulars: 35,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 24
Navy
Large Ships: 20 [+5 in 1 turn(s), +2 in 2 turn(s)]
Small Ships: 65 [+40 in 2 turn(s)]
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0 [+2 in 3 turn(s) once Naval level is equal to 25]
Navy Level: 20 [+2 in 1 turn(s)]
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 1
At War With: NONE
Leader: King Gustaf V
Player: Hashoosh


The Swiss Confederation
Currency: Swiss Franc (S₣)
Currency Value: 0.1923
Currency Bank: -581,992 S₣
Gold Bank: -857,567
Currency Income: 522,808 S₣
Gold Income: 100,559
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 5.25%
Prestige: 215
Stability: 10
Industry: 160 [+20 in 1 turn (s)]
Education Level: 97.81%
Economic Growth Rate: 1.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 23 [+7 in 1 turn (s)]
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 100%
Regulars: 145,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 21
Navy
Large Ships: 0
Small Ships: 0
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 0
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: NONE
Leader: President Robert Comtesse
Player: Spitfire5793


The European Republic of Turkey
Currency: Turkish Lira (Turk£ )
Currency Value: 0.1536
Currency Bank: 9,960 Turk£
Gold Bank: 52,564
Currency Income: 9,960 Turk£
Gold Income: 1,456
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 6.25%
Prestige: 40
Stability: 6
Industry: 47
Education Level: 54.84%
Economic Growth Rate: 1.50%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 11
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 55%
Regulars: 225,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 19
Navy
Large Ships: 0
Small Ships: 0
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 17
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: Ottoman Empire
Leader: President Ozgur Oğlum
Player: Dadarian


The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Currency: British Pound (£)
Currency Value: 4.4308
Currency Bank: 4,793 £
Gold Bank: -2,396,871
Currency Income: 82,193 £
Gold Income: 364,183 [-2,000 until RR's Solvent]
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 6%
Prestige: 865
Stability: 10
Industry: 227 [+75 in 2 turn(s)]
Education Level: 90.90%
Economic Growth Rate: 2.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 29 [+1 Infrastructure each turn for 2 turn(s)]
Colonial Infrastructure: 17
Army
Equipment: 100%
Regulars: 470,000
Conscripts: 350,000
Army Level: 25 [+1 in 2 turn(s)]
Navy 1/2 LAID UP FOR 2 TURN(S)
Large Ships: 65
Small Ships: 295
Submarines: 20
Dreadnoughts: 9 [+6 in 1 turn(s)]
Navy Level: 28 [+3 in 4 turn(s)]
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 4 [+1 in 1 turn(s)]
At War With: The Great Qing, Ottoman Empire
Leader: King Edward VII
Player: jacob-Lundgren


The United States of America
Currency: United States Dollar ($)
Currency Value: 1.0000
Currency Bank: 1,166,644 $
Gold Bank: -760,868
Currency Income: 1,064,006 $
Gold Income: 1,064,006 [+1,000 Base Every Year, +20,000 Base in 2 turn(s), -10,000 Until UP Reopened]
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 2%
Prestige: 865
Stability: 10
Industry: 684
Education Level: 97.30%
Economic Growth Rate: 6.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 43
Colonial Infrastructure: 13 [+4 in 1 turn(s)]
Army
Equipment: 110%
Regulars: 65,000
Conscripts: 13
Army Level: 27
Navy
Large Ships: 56
Small Ships: 255
Submarines: 20
Dreadnoughts: 3 [+4 in 1 turn(s)]
Navy Level: 30
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 3
At War With: The Great Qing
Leader: President Theodore Roosevelt
Player: KeldoniaSkylar


The Provisional Government of Western Armenia
Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD)
Currency Value: 0.1111
Currency Bank: -125,065 AMD
Gold Bank: -30,338
Currency Income: -21,265 AMD
Gold Income: -2,310
Printing Rate: 50%
Loan Payments (in gold): 0
Loan Interest Rate: 11%
Prestige: 45
Stability: 5
Industry: 6
Education Level: 23.78%
Economic Growth Rate: 2.00%
Mobilization Penalty: 100%
Home Infrastructure: 5
Colonial Infrastructure: 0
Army
Equipment: 45%
Regulars: 118,000
Conscripts: 0
Army Level: 13
Navy
Large Ships: 0
Small Ships: 0
Submarines: 0
Dreadnoughts: 0
Navy Level: 9
Air Force
Fighters: 0
Bombers: 0
Air Level: 0
At War With: Ottoman Empire
Leader: Chairman Aram Manukian
Player: Watercress

As you can see that starting in 1914, people will begin paying interest on their debts. Interest rates are based on level of debt to GDP, reserve currency status (US dollar, British Pound, German Mark, Swiss Franc, and Japanese Yen are reserve currencies), and economic growth rates.

ORDERS ARE DUE DECEMBER 7th, 2012 at 11:59 PM (GMT -6)

People of China. This road will be long and hard but triumph we must. The western powers are buckling under Revolution and Economic turmoil. If we do not sieze this chance to shift the Balance of power east we may never be able to do so ever again. The western powers are so confident for they know nothing of China and of China's might. China is a vast and powerful country but such a vast country is weakened by it's own size. We can never quite get the people or resources where they are most needed. We must change. We must all change. We must move forward to freedom and greatness together. China, free of western imperialism, free of corruption, free of traditions which have over the years crippled us and made us weak. We must all move forward together. All of us, the peasant, the craftsmen, the merchant, the factory worker, the official, the courtier, the noble and even the Emperor must move forward hand in hand towards a brighter better future for us and for everyone. We must convince the western powers that the time of Imperialism is over. The time for colonialism is over. We must tell them until they decide to listen for once. They have not listened to our might so far. So we must escalate this conflict and cover their countries in grieving mothers, sons who have lost their fathers and fathers who have lost their sons until they do listen. I now officially announce the the Qing Empire Is Mobilizing. I think we will surprise them and then they will listen. I encourage all right minded Chinese to join up if their job is not critical for the war effort. Together we will make them listen.

"Yet another year of success has passed and we are yet closer to achieving a more fair society! Popular Libraries are in the frontline of the battle against the immorality known as ignorance, for an ignorant is easily prey for exploitation. These institutions are supported by many institutions like parties, unions, churches, worker's associations, private citizens, etcetera; this new law will make their work far more easier and we are already reaping the results! Fortunately, a day will come when we can say proudly that all Argentines can read and write, and that day we will be a free society.

The preservation of the natural beauties of our land had been previously ignored. Looking at the precedent set by the former American President Roosevelt, there is great value in such actions. Therefore, the lands surrounding the Iguazu falls and the Nahuel Huapi lake have been set aside for posterity; we also hope that people are drawn by such beauties and tourism to those faraway lands increases.

Many other initiatives of the past year should be mentioned, like the construction of Buenos Aires' subway and YPF's efforts at achieving energetic self-reliance by exploring new fields; or the agreements signed with our fellow Republic of Paraguay, but there are other matters at hand.

Firstly, we celebrate now that sanity seems to be returning to the Brazilian court. After they single handedly destroyed a decade of peace and cooperation there is a long way to go before the ties are restored to their previous condition. Fortunately we have a more firm in our west, and we celebrate with Chile the many advances they are achieving.

Sadly, the situation in Europe continues to be deteriorating, more towards absolutism and autocracy. One would expect that the learned minds of the Old Continent knew that history demonstrates that any move away from democracy can only bear an ill fruit in the long term. We are not in the 16th century, where an enlightened despot was the best rule for a nation; no, we are in the 20th century and in this day and era the people are more than capable enough to decide what is better for themselves. The State is there to raise the moral and intellectual level of its people, not to suppress their will and expression. To all the disgruntled free thinking and good willed man of Europe we say. "Here is a heaven of freedom and democracy, here you may come to enjoy the rights and prerogatives that are natural to a person, by both divine and natural law" Here differences are settled through dialogue and not at gunpoint.

We have seen the plight of the Dominican Republic, and even though our means are limited, let it be know that we are willing to provide them any assistance we can provide for starting their economy again and moving away from crisis.

As far as the Chinese conflict is concerned, we support the Coalition's attempts at establishing peace and order in China, not only for the well being of the Europeans living in the concessions but for all Chinese as well. It is time the anachronic state moves out and a more modern nation, fitting of China's historical role in the globe, sets in."

- Hipólito Yrigoyen, President of the Republic

The Kaiser would like to present this treaty for the consideration of signature and the Qing Emperor.

German-Chinese Treaty of Friendship and Understanding said:

-The Qing Emperor shall pay the German Empire a sum of 500,000 pieces of Gold Bullion to reimburse the German Empire for damages to German colonial concessions.
-The Qing Emperor shall endeavour to rein in the excesses of the Boxers against German concessions.
-The German Emperor understands that the Boxers are a nationalist paramilitary faction in China and that the Chinese Government does not have full control over them.

Click to expand...

[x]Emperor Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire, King of Prussia, etc, etc.
[]Xuantong, Emperor of Qing China.