From 1917 to 1932: how did Risorgimento world originated?
The Great War:
Now, that's where I placed major point of divergence or whatever that thing's called. In 1917 America finally joins the conflict and slowly pours its soldiers into France. However, disastrous course of events in Northern France and Flandres leads to a massive disaster: from a million of recruits who joined war only half was left after three months of extemely intensive last offensive of Reich. Germans arrived to the outskirts of Paris again; U.S, horrified by gigantic casualties and pressure in Homeland decides to return its soldiers back to America and support Entente's effort as it used to - with loads of dollars. United States suffered massive humilliation and loss of prestige, thou 1918's offensive costed Germany even more. November's protests in Kiel and communist revolution in Berlin quickly overtook Eastern parts of Reich and bloody conflict between Freikorps groups and revolutionaries started. German Army's offensive abilities were lost and France launched its final counteroffensive.
In meantime, our main star, Italy, is struggling against slowly crippling Austria-Hungary. New Italian PM, Vittorio Orlando calls for final all-out offensive inspired by German example. Massive Italian fleet led by Paolo Thaon di Revel finally enters Adriatic Sea and moves towards enemy. With sort of trickery Revel finally makes Kaiserliche Marine leave its ports, lured out by a small decoy fleet led by Constanzo Ciano. Soon whole of K.u.K Marine falls into deadly trap near Krk Island and is almost entirely sunk by victorious Ragazzi. Destruction of Imperial Navy outrages folks in Austria-Hungary, making it vulnerable to final strike. Instead of pushing through Alps in Tirol, Pietro Badoglio and Admiral Revel launch a crazy plan of amphibious invasion in Dalmatia. Plan worked flawlessly due to meager amount of Austrian troops there. Offensive moves swiftly and Empire finally falls. On 11th November of 1918 Italian Army reaches outskirts of Vienna and forces Austrians to surrender; next day communist revolution explodes in Hungary under Bela Kun's command. Provisional Government of Austrian Republic accepts humiliating peace with Italian Kingdom, agreeing to pay harsh war reparations, remove Habsburg monarchy and renounce all Austria-Hungary's claims. At the same time provisional governments are formed in Czechoslovakia and Poland. Italian Army moves south to support its allies, Serbia and Greece. Together Balkan Three quickly devastate Bulgarian Army and ensures victory in Balkans.
Now, Ottoman Empire remains. Due to United Kingdom's fully commiting its forces in France, Thomas Edward Lawrence and Faisal ibn Hussein of Hejaz are struggling almost alone against Ottoman forces. Once Bulgaria signed truce in February of 1919, Thaon di Revel and Badoglio came up with extended version of their Dalmatian invasion plan. Approved by Orlando, Balkan Three conducts final offensive against Ottomans. While Greek-Serbian joint forces are quickly moving towards Aegaen Isles and Constantinople, Thaon approaches Levant and covers Badoglio's landing in Beirut. United Kingdom's government which was much more worried about possibility of communist revolution in England and unable to spare any more resources to continue war in Middle East agrees to give Lawrence full permission to lead negotiations with Italians and Arabs. Enlarged Coallition quickly proceeds and makes Sultan surrender on 13rd May of 1919. While Italians took entire Syria and Liban for themselves, Lawrence helped in establishing first modern Arabic state, becoming its Grand Marshall afterwards and effectively person number two in Arabian Kingdom, soon enlarged by conquest of crippling Saudi state.
In Russia, as usual, classic October Revolution erupts. Soon it overtakes whole Empire, what leads to formation of Communist governments all over the Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok. Since Lenin's RFSRR had benn much stronger than other republics Moscow quickly forced other SSRs of Kazakhstan, Far East and Caucasia to submit. Japan and U.S, fearing of growing sympathies towards Communists in their countries decide to support Whites at any costs. Soon, all White generals agreed that their only chance is to accept foreign aid, which involved their cooperation. Around 1920 their forces gathered in Transbaikalia, with Irkutsk as its HQ. Thanks to foreign aid Transbaikalia was transformed into massive state-fortress in no time. Bolshevik offensives of 1921 and 1922 failed. Soon Lenin, seeing no hope in defeating Whites at this point, feared by growing authority of other republics and still suffering from assasination attempt, signes 15-years cease-fire with Whites. Last anti-communist stronghold in Siberia is constantly supplied and extended thanks to Japanese aid, in exchange for raw resources.
Finally, spring of 1919 came to Western Front. French were slowly breaking German lines, suffering enormous casualties. Imperial government and army were in complete disarray. Second communist revolution in Europe seemed to be most successful. With Kaiser Wilhelm weak enough to not being able to react, two main German commanders - Erich von Ludendorff and Manfred von Richthofen launched their military coup and imposed military government. To save Empire at any cost, they decided to evacuate army from West to Prussia and defeat underestimated revolutionaries first. German forces slowly were leaving western border and French ones slowly reclaiming their land. With casualties reaching almost two millions people, French Army was almost broken too. During last days of war French units were only reclaimig towns and bunkers left by Germans. The only lands they were able to "conquer" were Alsace-Lorraine and Eupen-Malmedy. New German border was tighly defended by Revolutionary Army of Germany. Being powerless to move against bunch of revolters, Edouard Daladier signed treaty with German Revolutionary Comitee, which agreed to cede mentioned territories. Five years of a nightmare were finally over for French. Germans however were still struggling in a civil war, which - thanks to foreign aid again - ended with a mere cease-fire. Temporary border between two German states has been set on Elbe, soon filled with fortifications and artillery. This way Bruderkrieg entered Cold War stage, with both sides preparing for another clash...
Aftermath of a World War One was tragic. With final number of around 25 million killed during five years and drastic political changes all over Europe. Entente's heads - France and England - merely avoided communist revolutions and entered period of massive stagnation, without reparations from Germany and with enormous debts in American banks. Reich was broken into two states - Communist German Union and Reich's succesor - Prussian Confederation. Russia turned from unstable Tsardom to unstable alliance of socialist republics. Communists were also ruling in Hungary. American Spirit was somewhat broken and Japan had its usual problems as well.
Only one state could call itself victorious.
Post Great War Treaties:
1.) 11th November of 1918 - Treaty of Trieste:
*Empire of Austria-Hungary is formally disbanded and Austrian Provisional Government is permitted to allow Habsburgs to reclaim the throne.
*Kingdom of Italy will be given Austrian part of Tirol and most of Dalmatian ports.
*New Croatian Kingdom will be created, consisting of Croatia and northern Bosnia. New kingdom will be ruled by Italian king.
*Kingdom of Serbia will be given Vojvodina and southern Bosnia.
*Austria will pay war reparations to Italy, Croatia and Serbia.
*Formation of Trieste League by Italy, Croatia, Serbia and (later) by Romania.
Once Italy finally broken its archenemy, Prime Minister Orlando imposed very harsh peace conditions on Austria. Most of factories and industrial complexes in Austrian Tirol and Styria were dismantled and moved to Italy. Gigantic war reparations were to be paid succesively for next 15 years. By ensuring good relations with post-Imperial states Italy attempted to encircle revolutionist Hungary. Italian mastery over Balkans became a fact.
2.) 13th May of 1919 - Treaty of Smyrna
*Ottoman Empire will be dismantled.
*Greek Kingdom will be given Thrace and Western Anatolia.
*Syria and Liban will be turned into one, Italian protectorate.
*Palestine and Jordan will be turned into British protectorate.
*Saudi dynasty will rule new Arabic kingdom, which will encompass all remaining territories except of Kuwait, Aden and Abu Dhabi, which will remain British.
Again, Italians decided to have no mercy and squeeze everything what they could out of Ottomans. By promising to Saudi King that one day Italian protectorate might be returned to Arabs, Italians ensured their local alliance with new Arabic state. Officials in London, truly desiring to end this mad conflict happily accepted new order in Arabian Peninsula, especially that Lawrence became Marshall of Saudi army, effectively becoming person #2 in whole Saudi Kingdom. Italian presence wasn't really welcomed by them however...
3.) 24th October of 1919 - Armistice of Colmar
*Official recognition of German Communist Union as new German state by England and France.
*Cessation of Alsace-Lorraine to France and Eupen-Malmedy to Belgium.
*Final end of The Great War.
In the very end, instead of glorious Versailles Peace, France had to get away with mere armistice signed in the middle of the night in railway carriage near Colmar. Prestigeous victory, ain't it? Recovery of Alsace-Lorraine is all what France achieved - no prestige, no fame, no war reparations. Fate of the West, decided in a railway carriage...that's not how Daladier wanted to end this war. However, society pressed hard to finally end this madness, at any cost.
All three treaties, except of enforcing new political order in Europe, finally broke short-lived Entente alliance. While England and France together barely gained anything, Italians won flawless victory on their own and imposed their conditions in Balkans and Middle East. Probably the last Entente bastion was...Asia, where White generals were still lively cooperating with Japanese Empire.
1918-1926: New World Order
Great War finally ended Belle Epoque, an age of seven major powers ruling all over the Europe. Only three of them: England, France and Italy survived as one, thou first two were extremely close to internal collapse in first years after war. When war ended for Entente and Central Powers, it started for all new countries, which regained independence after decades or even centuries.
Independence struggle in former Russia
Once Tsardom has fallen it became obvious that most of occupied nations will break away from Russian overlords and seek their chance to become free again. On 11th November Regency Council in Poland first proclaimed formation of Polish state in the area. Soon Finland, Ukraine and Baltic states followed. As months were passing, German soldiers were leaving occupied territories and heading to West, to save falling Empire. Soon these units got involved in fierce fights against Revolutionary Army, firmly holding on Elbe and pushing Reds out of Berlin. However, since Ludendorff-Richthofen duet lost any hope in saving West Germany, an order to return a few brigades to Latvia and Estonia was issued. However, new Finnish state already went on rampage: Mannerheim's expedition to Tallin - to save Estonia from Communism - went much better than expected and Estonian officials seeked to unite with their Ugric brothers from north under one banner. Finnish-Estonian army pushed even more south and reached Riga, with just a few German brigades left there. At first both armies cooperated in order to save Latvia, thou soon Mannerheim eliminated German threat and claimed Livonia for Finland. Latvians weren't that welcoming towards Mannerheim...and besides, fresh German regiments landed in Kurland, thus splitting Latvia in two parts: Finnish Livonia and German Kurland. Even if on 1920's spring Federative Republic of Finland was officialy proclaimed, Livonia never really integrated into new Federation. German-Finnish stalemate continued for next ten years.
In meantime, resurected Poland was struggling to regain its position again. Józef Piłsudski returned to Poland from Magdeburg on 11th November and took control of new government assuming title of Chief of State. Poland, standing between three communist revolution - in Germany, Hungary and Russia - had to react quickly and cooperate with anyone who also stood against communism. Instead of going into conquest spree however, Piłsudski, pressed hard by younger commanders (including Józef Haller and Władysław Sikorski) and Polish diplomats, had to enforce federative concept of new Poland. First expedition led by Piłsudski moved towards Vilnius, since Lithuania was still struggling against Communism. Same as in Estonia, thou after much harder negotiations temporary military alliance between Poland and Lithuania was secured. While main Lithuanian forces and Haller's corps moved to secure Minsk from revolution, Piłsudski moved east to aid Petlura's effort to defend Ukraine with the same goal. In both cases victories were ensured just before Christmas of 1919 - free Byelorussia and Ukrainian Republic joined Polish-Lithuanian temporary alliance. Poland failed to claim Pomerelia and Danzig due to German army's consolidation in East and formation of Prussian State.
On 14th March of 1920 Lenin finally ordered Red Army to break through all bourgeoise states in Central Europe and rush to aid of revolution in Germany. Millions of Soviet soldiers, stretched from Peipus to Black Sea moved forth. Finland joined Polish coallition the same day. Piłsudski and Mannerheim were leading joint defensive campaign against Lenin and his Revolution. First weeks of Soviet offensive were incredibly tough, thou Vilnius-Minsk-Kiev line has been held by Coallition. Soon it appeared that Red Army can't continue its offensive due to absolute depletion of military supplies and food. Red Army's disaster was brought on it by Lenin himself. First to fall was Ukrainian Front led by Joseph Stalin, whose army was encircled and destroyed during siege of Kiev. Ultimate counter-offensive followed, and on 27th October of 1920 humilliating Peace of Riga was signed. Coallition achieved stunning victory against Soviet Union.
At this point Finnic Federation was already established and internal situation safe, however, temporary Polish alliance has formally ended with Peace of Riga. Lively talks about future of alliance continued. Ukraine turned Polish offer down relatively quickly, but remained welcoming towards Warsaw. Lithuania and Byelorussia however, encouraged by Finnish experiment, cautiously agreed to restore Commonwealth as light federation of three states, not necessarily led by Poland. On 11th November of 1920 Commonwealth of Three Nations was officialy formed in Lublin, where first Union was signed back in 1569. On 17th November formal military alliance with Finland was signed, to prevent spread of October Revolution. Two new federations entered long period of peace, marked by effective industrialization and consolidation of society. Soviet Union, composed of Russian SFSR and several regional SSRs entered period of decline, until Lenin's death in 1926.
Independence struggle in Austria-Hungary
On 11th November, just when Polish and Czechoslovak states were proclaimed, Austrian government surrendered to Pietro Badoglio's army near Vienna. Long-lived Habsburg Empire was smashed into pieces. The same day, knowing that Badoglio army is about to enter Vienna, Istvan Tisza's government proclaimed formation of Hungarian Republic in Budapest. Next day however Tisza's government was captured and executed by Communists. Third communist revolution in Europe started - this time in Hungary. Since Orlando and Italians weren't concerned by Bela Kun and his revolution, Italian army moved through Croatia to Serbia. According to this "silent" agreement Hungarian communist didn't move south, aware of being unable to break Italians and moved west and north to defend former Hungarian border. Temporary Romanian-Czech alliance fought Red Hungary, but was enable to purge the revolution. Communism in Hungary was safe, and just before Soviet invasion in the East occured, Hungarian Central Comitee signed truce with Romania and Czechoslovakia, keeping southern Slovakia, Carpathian Rus and Szekely's Land in his hands. Kun refused to join Lenin's offensive and avoided economical disaster unlike him. Instead Magyars focused on industrialization and consolidation of communism, achieving quite impressive results soon.
Romania and Czechoslovakia failed to stop revolution in former Austria-Hungary. Romania, fully encircled by enemy, allied with Italy and entered League of Trieste soon, helping in forcing Bulgaria to submit. It didn't join Ottoman expedition however, providing only military supplies and oil to Serbians and Greeks. Czechoslovakia's situation was probably even worse. Having two communist states, succesful Poland and Austria,de facto puppet state of Italy as neighbours, government in Prague choosed neutrality and despite propositions didn't side with neither Prussia nor Italy. Instead, a long-term plan of turning Czechoslovakia into country-fortress, Switzerland of the East was launched.
Since Serbian dreams of united Slavic state couldn't be realised, King Alexander had to accept only "Serbian" parts of Bosnia and minor gains in the East. Albania has been temporary turned into Italian satellite. Croatian throne has been granted to Vittorio III's son, Umberto, who became Dmitar Zvonimir II of Croatia. Despite large opposition, Croatia was prospering thanks to Italian investments and money from war reparations. Greece swiftly broke through Bosphorus and gained mastery over Aegean Sea, finally taking revenge for centuries of occupation and retaking Konstantinopoli.
Entente's Troubles
France and United Kingdom - Entente's leaders - welcomed end of Great War with mixed feelings. Disastrious conflict around the world finally ended, exhausted soldiers could return to their homes, and people could finally rest after five years of exhausting warfare. However, territorial and economical gains were...meager, to say the least. France barely seized Alsace-Lorraine and captured German colonies in West Africa. United Kingdom...wasn't able to even do that. Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, legendary Lion of Africa fought the British to the very end of 1918. Since Italy has beaten Austria-Hungary on its own and Entente broke, a super secret plan to support Schutztruppe engaged. On spring of 1919 Lettow, according to the plan, moves towards coast and breaks into Lindi, theoretically putting his army to a great danger. The same time Italian submarine convoy from Mogadishu finally arrives to Lindi, which is soon turned into unbreakable fortress. Secret Italian supply line continues to work somehow, and Lettow holds Lindi until June of 1919, when South Africa decides to leave Eastern Africa, thus disobeying will of London. A chain reaction which led to fracture (but not fall) of British Empire started there. Also, along wih Artmistice of Colmar, peace in East Africa was signed too. As a aftermath, Tanzania remained unconquered, but there was no official German authority over it, since Empire has fallen. A first post-colonial state of Tanganiyka in Africa has been proclaimed, with Lion of Africa as its first head of state.
East African disaster, along with war weariness and meager gains led to major troubles in British Empire. South Africa's protest led to outrageous quarrels all over Empire. Several new autonomous colonies were created, including Kenya, Rhodesia, Burma or Ceylon. Some of the dominions accepted extended autonomy as parts of Empire. However, British Raj and Australia definitely defied London and broke away. India has been united under one government after fairly long civil war in 20s. Australia was one of the first country to be overtaken by fascism*, seeking revenge against Commonwealth. Egypt's position was uncertain from the beginning, and through 20s it gained de facto independence, leaving United Kingdom with Suez Channel only. London was powerless to stop decline of Empire, but British Isles were recovered and economy was growing again, thanks to wise decision made by liberal government and new PM, David Lloyd George in 20s. Military expenses were radically cut down to save the Empire (which also meant lack of investments for Royal Navy), but soon British society and economy recovered. Opposition's leader, Winston Churchill has been talking a lot about Empire's restoration before 1933 elections and it seems that he's getting more and more supporters.
France didn't have that much problems with colonies, instantly agreeing to extend their autonomy. Recovery of Alsace-Lorraine certainly helped French economy, but it wasn't nowhere near enough to return to pre-war state and repay all loans taken during war in America. French state was crippling. 1920s were perilious for French, with neverending political tensions between countless factions and economical decline. France remained one of most turbulent and unstable European states, constantly being shaken by corruption, affairs, political wars and deep crisis.
Asia
Since United Kingdom's decline led to formation of independent India and Australia, and autonomy of several colonies (Burma, Sarawak, Ceylon, Malaysia), colonial empires weren't really a problem for Japan. Easily capturing German isles on Pacific, Japanese focus their efforts on supporting White generals in Russia. Overall however, gains were way to small to consider war successful. Unstable Japanese democracy was in danger in 1920s, when military tried to seize the power again. Thanks to decisive stance of new emperor Hirohito however, officers have been defied and Japan were to enter new, strange period. A main goal of Japan, control of Asia remained dominant, but the ways to achieve it started to differenate. Hirohito's active involvement into politics vastly altered Japan's foreign policy. Instead of mindless conquest, a cooperation with smaller Asian states has been enforced. General fear of communism, which already has reached Asia was one of main factors. It's better to have more allies than enemies. Not to mention that they will be thankful after all...Japanese mission to save Asia started. At first Empire started to encourage independence of French and English dominions and colonies in Asia, actively supporting local governments while European overlords couldn't afford to do it. Soon Japanese economy got back to its pre-war level again, producing military and industrial resources and selling them across the Asia in exchange for all raw resources Japan didn't have. Finally, Korea has been granted autonomy. Art of Diplomacy served Hirohito and his ministers well, thus also securing democracy in Japan and forcing military factions to resign from their political ambitions. A new Japan protected all Asian states from growing radicalist and fascist threats, however, its relations with former European allies were deteriorating quite quickly...
Interwar Period: 1926 - 1932
Rise and Fall of Vittorio Orlando
Victorious Orlando and his government were praised all over Italy. After years of pointless bloodshed just a touch of magic turned Italy into major power in Mediterranean, leading to defeat of Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire. No one would even bother with questioning Orlando's government, victorious one, which soon won first post-war elections. Italy's situation certainly improved after war, but not as much as it was expected to. Some of the projects and plans, including 1924's invasion of Ethiopia had to be postponed due to "unexpected problems". No one really had a problem with that since Orlando was the one who won the war - and more frequent sights of problems were still ignored.
Soon, a March of 1925 came. Communist coup in Belgrade overthrows Serbian King and leads to creation of Serbian Communist Republic. Despite appeals for help and common support for intervention, Italy didn't make a move to prevent communism from spread. Orlando himself, during the coup in Belgrade, has been preoccupied with - as it soon appeared - mafia activities, since he was member of Cammora. Disastrous error vastly tarnished Italy and Orlando's reputation. Soon all other affairs were uncovered: money from Austrian reparations were constantly defrauded, some of the projects were put on hiatus because of mafia's and other groups influence. Corruption was also a common thing in the post-war Orlando government. All these shocking news turned Orlando from hero to zero, wave of protests and demonstrations overtook Italy. Serbian Crisis of 1925 has been finally solved on 24th April of 1925. Vittorio Emmanuelle fully dismissed Orlando and his government. New question arose - who should replace Orlando?
Since King wasn't content with all quarreling politicians in Italian parliament and felt like unity is what Italy needs most at the moment, choice could be only one. Paolo Thaon di Revel, Duca del Mare, assumed title of Head of National Government for Italian Unity on 26th April. Old Admiral and King instantly dealt with all troublemakers and proceeded with creation of new government. Mafia, thanks to Revel's fierce opposition has been almost entirely wiped out of Italy. Special government commission to deal with war reparations has been formed. Revel formed his National Unity Government out of other important military commanders and Italian authorities, to preserve said Unity. Serbian question remained undecided since Revel didn't want to engage Italy in conflict with Serbia and most likely Hungary. Soon a year passed, but changes were visible - Italy has been slowly recovering from wasted period of Orlando's government. After 360 days National Unity Government has been turned into "normal" government, commonly approved by Italians. Now being a Prime Minister, Revel could invite more and more younger and open-minded politicians and generals into his government. A new generation of Italian statesmen was rising under Duca del Mare's wings, who was Prime MInister from 1925 all the way to 1932, promising to leave once Italy will be ready to. For now, under Revel's leadership, Italy is more prosperous than it ever was.
Break-up of Internationale
After a long disease, Lenin dies on 21st January of 1924. His greatest fear of other Socialist Republics disobeying Moscow's will after his death became a fact. Central Comitee in Moscow retained only artificial authority in Kazakhstan, Caucasus and in Asia. Moreover, bloody struggle for power in Russia between all influential comrades starts. SR-Bolshevik Coallition, united under Lenin's authority quickly broke up. While dozens of Bolshevik groups were turning their factions into pieces during internal fights, Social-Revolutionary wing, fairly united comparing to Bolsheviks, slowly absorbed more and more power, encountering little to no problems on the way. Despite all that internal fighting, 14th Congress of All-Union Communist Party of Russia starts on 18th December of 1925. Its end, on 31st December is more than shocking. Thanks to wise SR's strategy Bolshevik factions were technically oblieterated and SR's leader - Viktor Chernov - has been elected as new Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the Russian SFSR.
SR's victory started a wave of changes in Russia. Die-hard Bolsheviks, who were mindlessly following Communist propaganda were technically powerless now. Chernov and much more open-minded SR took control. Russia, still suffering after catastrophical war with Commonwealth and FInland and not keeping up with plainly impossible plans of rapid industrialization, looked even worse than Tsarist one. Chernov, sometimes called as "Comrade Reformer" instantly halts all irrelevant plans and significantly changes Russian SFSR in a few months. Thou it remained communist, Russia became much more liberal (in communist standards). First steps to eliminate incredibly inefficient administration, weaken power of almighty special forces and give more freedom to common folks were made. First successes were rather small, but noticeable. KGB-Bolshevik faction aware of what Chernov changes are meaning, moved out of Moscow just after SR victory. Ground in Khabarovsk, Far Eastern S.R has been already prepared for Bolshevik takeover. When Felix Dzerzhinsky assumed power in Far East, Chernov accepted it for the time being. While Dzerzyhinskiy and his faction was preparing to return to Moscow one day, Chernov continued with his reforms, hopefully one day modernizing Russian SFSR and eliminating Bolshevik remnants. Similar Bolshevik takeover happened in Caucasus, where Lavrentij Beria (temporarily allied with KGB Faction) became new Chairman. It was obvious that Soviet Union won't be united easily. Officialy all Socialist Republics were obeying Moscow, yet in fact they were semi-independent. Lenin was weak enough to prevent it from happen, Chernov wasn't concerned at all, trying to reform Russia first.
Soon, on 16th May of 1926 Sixth Internationale Congress has been held in Moscow. Except of countless communist parties from all over the world, delegations from all communist states (Germany, Hungary, Serbia and all parts of Soviet Union) arrived to discuss future of Revolution. Chernov, confident enough thanks to his first successes, decided to take decisive stance against all oppresive factions, including his own comrades from other republics. Fierce manifesto proclaimed on 19th May changed the communist world once and for all. For a first time Chernov openly criticised German and Hungarian Comitees for eliminating their political enemies and using their political influence same as their enemies used to. He also denied all forms of unneccesary violence to spread the revolution and highly inneffective central planning economy used to "create modern armies and appease party commissaires but not to help common workers in everyday life". By denouncing all forms of "revolutionary oppression" and calling all communist governments to join his "communist reformation" Chernov split Internationale for good: for the new head of KPD, Ernst Thaelmann, it was impossible to accept Chernov's reformation: it would mean the end of his Germany, enforcing massive militarization at any cost, controlled by powerful special forces, thus as head of German delegation Thaelmann denied Chernov's reformation and called all the delegates to leave Moscow and save true ideas of Revolution and Lenin. Some of parties left Moscow and headed with Thaelmann to Essen indeed, same as Hungarians. It was the end of Internationale. Two days after the breakup, on 21st May, Viktor Chernov, along with delegations from Serbia, Socialist Wuhan Government, Spanish Communist Party and dozens of other parties officialy disbanded Internationale and formed Socintern, brand new group of "reformed communist" parties. Next day, after receiving informations from Moscow, Thaelmann proclaimed Komintern in Essen - naturally, opposing Socintern and following "True Revolution and Ideas of Lenin" consisting of Germany, Hungary and lots of other parties (including Communist Party of China from Fujian). Through Bolshevik factions from Far East and Caucasia remained neutral, they also remained in close contant with Thaelmann, thus gaining strong ally against Chernov the Reformator.
Through next years, Chernov continued on reforming the Russia. Even if formally Soviet Union was one, Far Eastern Republic remained almost independent and was actively plotting against Moscow. Other republics weren't different, but formal status quo has been maintained all the way to 1930s. While SR Comitee in Russia was announcing success after success and continuous improvements in all fields, giant German war machine had been silently expanded to unimaginable size...
Secondary facts:
Victorious Peace of Riga and common interests finally led to restoration of Commonwealth (1569-1795). This time however it was including three independent states (Poland, Lithuania, Belarus), which formed a federation based on economical and military cooperation, which main goal was to defend against Soviet Union or Prussia. First years of new Commonwealth were not the easiest - economy still hasn't recovered after Great War and then Soviet aggression and all three countries weren't trusting each other enough. Relations between all three were developing slowly, but steadily. It was Poland which had to cool down all the quarrels in exchange for Commonwealth's safety first. Soon, first common projects engaged. A major port has been built in Palanga since Klaipeda (Memel) remained German in 1922. A common, free from toll Central Industrial Zone has been formed in Volhynia and Podlasia, being a backbone of growing Lithuanian and Belarussian industry. Export goods including grain and livestock from Belarus and coal from Poland were travelling through special Commonwealth Economical Railroad to Palanga, from where goods were sent to customers in Baltic Sea. Financial successes were somehow helpful in consolidating Commonwealth, yet surely it can't be called a stable federation in 1932. There's still considerably large number of groups opposing federation in Lithuania and Ukrainian nationalists in the Galicia are giving Poland a lots of troubles, not to mention outbreak of civil war in Ukraine. Since Stiepan Bandera's nationalists gained major advantage against Petlura and his government, eastern border might become even more unstable soon. Not to mention that Ukrainian successes are encouraging radical Lithuanian groups to attempt breakaway from Commonwealth...
Spain, once an Empire where Sun never sets, now was a mere weakling, torn apart by violent social conflicts. All the way until 1929 growing tensions were troublesome for Spain, as long as new Radical Socialist Republican Party hasn't been formed. Party's founder and leader - Álvaro de Albornoz y Liminiana - called for national debate on Spanish future to prevent catastrophical civil war. Since Carlist and fascist paramilitary groups were more and more active, dealing with its enemies on the streets, a possibility of civil war was all-time high. Soon all important delegations and authorities (including Church delegates) met in Barcelona to discuss future of Spain. Liminyana, aware of right-wing extremists plans remained in contact with loyal police and army units in Catalonia. When extremists attempted coup by surrounding meeting's place during debate, armed forces were ready to smash them. Attackers had fallen into trap and Liminyana gained upper hand. After a few days an uneasy compromise has been achieved: similar to Italy's national unity government has been formed. Soon Spain turned into federation, giving Euskadi, Catalunya, and all other regions high degree of autonomy. Extraordinary elections of 1930 were won by Liminyana of course, whose Radical Socialist Party weren't as radical as the name indicated. Liminyana assumed title of President while Spain became United Socialist Spanish Federation. Even if socialist, Church remained untouched by new government, and both groups learned to exist and cooperate together. Thou there are still a few enemies of new system around, Socialist Spain stabilized rather quickly and entered period of rapid growth. Compromise which saved Spain in crucial moment worked great also in economy, where except of state-runned companies high degree of liberalism has been maintained.
Former Entente leaders were desperately trying to get out of crisis. While in United Kingdom during decade of Lloyd George's economy of Empire has been saved, military suffered from drastic spending cuts in early 20s. Royal Navy still is strong enough to easily defend British Isles, but any kind of sea domination during another total war is impossible at this point. France didn't lost any of its colonies, however, deep political crisis makes it impossible to form any long-lasting government, which could save Third Republic from final disaster. In America, said to be undisputed number one in the world United States suffered badly from tragic failure in Europe. Through disastrous 1920s hundreds of scandals and affairs had been revealed across all the States, showing a true face of falling system. Some of the governors, notably in Texas and California were technically semi-independent, dealing with problems in their states with help of financial magnates or crime organizations. While another lies were being uncovered, Federal Government was suffering more and more, slowly losing control over some ambitious states...
In China, everything went as we know it, until the Northern Expedition (1929) led by Chiang-Kai Shek. This time KMT chief couldn't save unity of his group with bribes and concessions, thus leading to ultimate break-up of Guomindang into several factions. Feng Yuxiang's Guominjun in North seeked Japanese assistance and received it, enabling Japan to enter China without any battle. Three Ma of Ningxia were uncertain, thou with Ma Hongkui's ascension Ma Clique was leaning towards Guominjun and Japan. Beiyang government from North whitstood KMT's invasion and emerged stronger than ever, despite territorial losses during mentioned invasion. Chiang moved to Nanjing, former Imperial capital - one of the few territories taken from Beiyang. Chiang's main rival - Wang Jingwei - formed his leftist government in Wuhan, secretly cooperating with Zhang Guotao's Communist forces in Fujian. in Xinjiang, or Sinciang, Turkic rebels are close to victory over KMT's Sheng Shicai. Rest of China is composed of various, opportunistic cliques. China smashed into pieces, more pieces than ever! Can you put them back together?
But well, they promised to return once they're done with their exams. Now they're back (stronger than ever!) and fourth guy joined us on the way...and there we are! Now that we could use from other people's help (feedback and research) we decided to go official and announce it and our own thread and become famous and stuff!
