A New Era for the British Empire
At the beginning of the year 1923, the new First Sea Lord, Jellicoe shows his intent to buil a navy that won't have any rival, a Royal Navy that will control the four oceans. With this in mind, the first two light aircraft carriers are commissioned in January, HMS Vengeance and HMS Unicorn, the first warships designed to carry a squadron of combat aircraft.
A new kind of naval warfare appears, aircraft vs ship. . .
HMS Vengeance patrolling the English Channel
In March 8, after the death of Constantine I, his successor, Georgios II called for peace negotiations with Turkey (now a republic), Ataturk agreed on a peace with the condition to return Adrianopole and Gallipoli to Turkish administration, Georgios agreed and the 5 years long state of war between the two nations ended.
Later, Georgios II stated that he will continue to support the integration of Bulgaria but he will not begin a quest to rebuild a forgoten empire, peace and prosperity are his objectives.
During March, lot's of reforms took place in the United Kingdom. The Marshal of the Empire Smith-Dorrien said that the military must take control over national industries in order to synchronize it with the increased need of military supplies and build-up effort.
Many private companies were nationalized, also companies belonging to former politicians were confiscated by the armed forces.
Stanley Baldwin was given the new position of Administrator of National Industries. He is now in control over 50 % of industry in UK, but this is just the beginning. . .
A new constitution was written, the Marshal of the Empire now holds supreme autocratic powers over the entire affairs of the British Empire, also a Supreme Military Council was created, similar to the Roman Senate in both structure and function.
In April 12, France decides to leave the military alliance it had with the British Empire because of the change of government, but still maintains it's economical treaties.
The french president stated that "Even though this means that we'll be isolated in Europe, we will not be allied to a dictatorship."
Smith-Dorrien responded with "I don't care about France, all I care about is the future and the gory of the British Empire."
In December 23, the Royal Navy receives it's first "true" aircraft carrier, the HMS Courageous, a feat of british naval technology. The Courageous-class warship carry a wing of 36 combat aircraft.
HMS Courageous in a naval exercise
In February 13, 1924, the United Kingdom refuses to sign the Washington Naval Treaty, the First Sea Lord acuses the US government of trying to strengthen their naval power by using treaties. He stated that the Royal Navy will contnue it's expansion and modernisation program without any interference from the International community.
A new naval arms race begins between UK, USA and Japan.
In August 5, Smith-Dorrien acusses Abyssinia of starting several revolts in the British Somaliland. The United Kingdom demands an apology, compensation in gold and a full renouncement of Abyssinian claims on the british colony. Empress Zewditu I refuses to pay compensation even though the United Kingdom threatened with military action.
Thus, british forces are being mobilized against Abyssinia.
In September 11, the British Army under the leadership of General Plumer cross the border and angage several Abyssinian army units armed with old rifles and spears. They are quickly crushed by the well equiped and experienced warriors of the British Army.
In January 14, 1925, british and south african forces reach Addis Adeba and capture the Empress, next day the entire nation capitulates in front of the British Army. The entire Imperial family is exiled to USA even though Smith-Dorrien wanted them to "dissapear", the Council disagreed and convinvinced him that it wouldn't be a good idea.
The former territory of Abyssinia is put under colonial administration with General Plumer as Governor.
Colony of Ethiopia joins the British Empire.
British North-East Africa
In March 1925, the Kurdish people in South-East Turkey begin to revolt against the turkish authorities and demand full independence of Kurdistan. The United Kingdom, wanting to destabilize Turkey even more, decides to support the rebels with supplies and weapons.
In May 14, the Kurdish revolt is suppressed and their desire for independence crushed by the Turkish army.
In June, Persia and the British Raj request permission to start a military campaign against Afghanistan because of some "territorial disputes" both British Dominions have on the poor and backward country.
Smith-Dorrien agrees saying that Afghanistan will be better under indian and persian administration rather than be ruled by tribal leaders.
Asia is boiling in conflict, now that the British Empire is at war with Afghanistan, Beyang, San Ma, Yunnanand the Constitutional Protection Movement declare war against Tibet. An ecent higlhly criticized by the United Kingdom.
In the end of September, the Lusanne Conference takes place. A metting that has the objective of suspending the German war reparations because of economical crysis.
Smith-Dorrien and the Council refuse to sign the treaty, resulting in bad relations with both Germany and France.
In February 24, 1926, indian and iranian forces occupy Afhanistan and sign the Treaty of Delhi were Afghanistan is divided between Persia and British Raj.
The British Empire expanded it's territory by 1.8 million square kilometers with the integration of Abyssinia and Afghanistan.
Question of the Update: a misterious man appears in Singapore and demands to meet in secret with Smith-Dorrien. Who do you think is that man????