Apres moi, le Suède

[Lord Kaiser]

Chapter 1: History

In 1789 the French rebelled against their incompetent king. Louis XVI had inherited a French nation which was on the edge of bankrupcy. Because France had lost it's North American colonies to Britain the only way to make up for the deficit was the increase of taxes. As his absolute monarchy rested upon the support of clergy and nobility the common people had to cough up the money needed. This proved to be a mistake. On the 14th of July 1789 the people stormed the Bastille. Realising the people had anough Louis XVI agreed to form a constitutional monarchy. However, due to the inexperience with democracy and the ongoing economic crisis the governement in Paris became more and more radicalised.

In 1792 tensions between revolutionary France and other monarchist nations, led to war between with Prussia and Austria. Louis XVI met his end under the guillotine as French revolutionaries feared the restoration of absolutism in Paris. With both sides evenly matched the war lasted several years. The chaos endured untill a new leader presented himself.

During the war a general named Napoleon Bonaparte led the French army to victory after victory. Taking advantage of his huge popularity he claimed power in Paris, in 1804 he was crowned emperor of France. France's enemies proved to be resilient, it took another almost another decade of war to secure the future of France. In 1812 Napoleon marched his army to Moscow, forcing the Russians to agree to his terms. Realising they were on their own England made peace with a French-dominated Europe. A new order had formed. It would last a long time, but not for ever.

A century later two power blocks faced each other in a war of brutal trench warfare which lasted for several years. The French Empire led a coalition of nations containing Austria, America, Westphalian Germany, Spain, Portugal, Baltic Republic, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, Ottoman Empire, Albania and Croatia. They fought the Central Powers consisting of Poland, Hungary, Italy, Britain, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Eventually the French-led Continental System was victorious, but at a terrible price as millions of men were killed on both sides. However, now in 1936, tensions are rising again; as France lacks the will and the military power to enforce the current order in Europe Poland, Italy and Hungary have fallen to Ultranationalist regimes gearing up for war, Britain remains ever vengefull and Russia seeks to reclaim its long lost lands now independent.

 

[Nikolai]

Intriguing. Very intriguing.

 

[Lord Kaiser]

Chapter 2: The world in 1936

The borders in Europe were redrawn after the Great War.

The superpower

Since their victory in the Great War, the French Empire is the greatest power on the continent. Headed by Napoleon IV the monarchy remains a strong government, but unlike his great-grandfather the current Napoleon has to answer to a Assemblée National elected by the French people. Following the destruction of the Great War pacifist factions have gained the majority, leading to unwillingness to act as Europe's policeman for the foreseeable future. To it's north lies it's protectorate of Luxembourg and the democratic Republic of the Netherlands. Despite not being part of the Continental System, the French government has agreed to guarentee the independence of the Netherlands. The other nation still firmly under French influence is the Mandate of Pommerania, between Poland and the Teutonic Reich. Originally intended to be part of a German federation the mandate been lenghtened due to the ongoing German Civil War

The former allies

To the south of France lie the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal. Both fought alongside France in the Great War. However, after the great war relations between Spain and France have soured as Spain did not get the French region of Catalonia but instead had to content with gaining Egypt and Ceylon from France. Portugal has realised it's ambition of uniting it's African colonies at the expense of Britain and has since then been content with it's situation.

Following the Great War, the Kingdom of Westphalia gained most parts of Germany, however due to an economic collapse it has proven unable to maintain order in the conquered territories. Due to the economic issues large parts of German society have chosen to support Radical and Ultranationalist parties. In the early 1930's the situation has deteriorated to a point where the Monarchist, Radical and Ultranationalist are fighting each other for control of Germany. It's powerfull neighbors of France, Austria and Poland are watching but have not yet intervened due to their pacifict policies, or in the case of Poland, an unprepared military.

The Austrian Empire survived the Great War but remains unstable. It being one of the wealthiest nations in Europe and loyalty to the centuries-old Hapsburg crown have kept the Empire together. As the empire contains many different nationalities sense of national cohesion is difficult to maintain. The Ultranationalist governments of Poland, Hungary and Italy are eager to reclaim territories from the Habsburg Empire so will be unlikely to stay out of any future war.

The Ottoman Empire has also joined the Continental Powers in the Great War. Being known as the sick man of Europe joining the victorious side has prolonged it's lifespan. Still being plagued by economic hardship and independance movements in it's Arab provinces, the Empire has since then returned to a policy of neutrality.

The enemies

After their loss in the Great War Poland and Hungary have fallen to Ultranationalist regimes, with the Polish king being relegated to a mere figurehead while a military junta rules the nation and Horthy ruling Hungary in name of it's underage king. Poland and Hungary have even formed a new Central Powers Pact, promising to join each other in the case of war.

To the south Italy has fallen to an Ultranationalist movement led by Benito Mussolini. Bordering both the French and Austrian Empires he has not yet made any moves, but he cannot be trusted to continue a neutral policy.

Losing after the great war Russia has lost most of it's territories to the west, where the Baltic, Belorussian and Ukrainian republics have gained independenec, and the Caucasus, which has united to join the Caucasus republic. Of these four nations Belorussia has become democratic and the other three have become Radical Socialist states, making them unpopular in Europe. In the north Finland has remained in a personal Union with Russia, with the Russian tsar Alexander IV also being Grand Duke of Finland.

After losing the war Britain has been isolated in Europe and has lost large parts of Africa and most of Canada, but has kept it's dominions of South America, India, Malaya, Australia and New Zealand.

The neutrals

In Europe only the Netherlands and Sweden-Denmark have managed to remain neutral during the Great War. The Netherlands has originally been a part of the French Empire but has gained independence after the death of the first Napoleon and has developed into a Democratic republic since. Their independence is guarenteed by the French Empire to prevent any Radical or Ultranationalist German faction from expanding, or from Britain gaining a foothold on mainland Europe. Sweden and Denmark have united into a single kingdom through marriage of it's Royals. After developing into democracy power lies with the parliament and the king mainly has a symbolic function.

The powder keg

In the balkans Roumania, Croatia and Albania have joined the Continental System during the Great War. These nations have gained territories and have been stable monarchies ever since. However, their gains have come at the expense of Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece. Still wishing to regain their lost provinces these nations may be open to joining the Central Powers for territorial expansion.

In North America several nations maintain a balance of power. The Federal Kingdom of America has joined the Continental System in the Great War, after which it has gained several colonies in Africa. The Republic of Quebec has gained independence from Britain during the conflict, and has afterwards become a Radical state. Only the island of Newfoundland still belongs to the English crown. The Kingdom of Louisiana still has not renounced it's claim to the French throne, but everyone knows it's not going to happen. To the West the Christian Republic of Deseret is a Mormon theocracy often riduculed as being backwards by it's eastern neighbors. The Algonquian Republic and the Empire of Mexico have remained neutral during the Great War and are mostly minding their own business since.

South America is mostly devided into the Empire of Brazil, Rio de la Plata and the Republic of Grand Columbia. As the three nations keep a balance of power, none of them are likely to play a part of importance outside the continent.

Africa is mostly colonised with France, Spain, America, Portugal and Sweden-Denmark keeping most parts of it as their colonies. With South Africa being a dominion of Britain and Liberia being an American protectorate, only the Empire of Abyssinia remains truly independant, having conquered the Italian colonies during the Great War.

Asia is also largely colonised, with India being under the "protection" of Britain, Portugal and France, Burma and Malaya being British colonies, Indochina under french rule and the Dutch having kept control of the Dutch East Indies. Australia and New Zealand have remained loyal parts of the Britis Commonwealth after the war.

The Empire of China is large but unstable because of it's backwards economy and internal power struggles, leading to the breakaway of the Heavenly Kingdom on it's southeast coast. Japan, on the other hand, has industrialised and is united under it's emperor. They will likely be looking to expand and might make a move for the southern colonies during a war in Europe. The Phillipines, Thailand, Tibet, Persia, Afghanistan and several Arab nations are independent, but are not powerfull enough to wage a war of conquest on their own.

 

[stnylan]

Well this looks rather fun.

 

[Lord Kaiser]

Well this looks rather fun.

I hope it will be fun, in Le Deluge anything can happen

 

[Nikolai]

It really looks fun, have to echo @stnylan

 

[Lord Kaiser]

Chapter 3: Days of Peace

As 1936 began the world seemed at peace with itself. In Zweden-Denmark the election of parliament was scheduled for the 19th of September. Therefore the ruling government didn't make any meaningfull reforms. It's last six months passed quite calmly.

There were worries that Radicals would protest on the first of May, but much to the government's relieve this did not happen. With the most hardline Radicals fisghting in Germany and the Radical replublics - in the Baltics, Ukraine and Caucasus - being too worried about a possible Russian invasion the common worker saw no reason to protest.

In Britain the new king decided the dominions (South Africa, Australia and New Zealand) would no longer have full sovereignity, as their foreign and military policy was now directed from London. While the Swedish government did not like a strengtened Britain, they decided it was a domestic affair of Britain and therefore nothing was done about it.

Two days later the government in Stockholm received an invitation for a conference in Geneva to be held in October* regarding the formation of an organisation called the League of Nations. The purpose of this organisation was to give nations a way to solve their differences through diplomacy and thefore prevent the outbreak of another Great War. Wishing to keep Europe peacefull, the Swedish government gladly accepted.

In July, news was received that the Ottoman war hero Mustafa Kemal Pasha died, following the vacuum of power new elections were called, and the Ottoman Empire seemed to develop into a democracy.

In august, news about labour bataillions in Communist Germany received much attention in the world press. While some where shocked, most people believed this was no more tyrannical then conscripting soldiers for the army, and certainly less dangerous.

The civil war remains undecided.

The press in Sweden-Denmark was more concerned with the upcoming elections.

On the 19th of September the people of Sweden-Denmark had to elect a new parliament. The Scandinavian Liberal Party has ruled for decades. Their policies of neutrality, free trade and large personal liberties appealed to the large massed of middle-class Scandinavians which were allowed to vote (a certain amount of taxes paid was required to vote). The next morning, to no surprise, it was announced they had gained the majority of seats in parliament. As such, party leader Vilhelm Buhl immediately installed his pre-selected cabinet and held his first cabinet meeting the very same day. **

Vilhelm Buhl, the new prime minister

Unlike his predecessors, Vilhelm Buhl believed the nations of Europe to be preparing for another war, and Sweden-Denmark needed to have a strong military to defend itself against possible Russian or Polish agression over control of the Baltic Sea.

Tryge Halvdan Lie was appointed minister of domestic affairs, his job was to secure a stable society.

Thorwald Bergquist became minister of foreign affairs. His main focus was the continuation of the "Friendship with all, alliance with none" policy.

Ernst Wigfoss was the new minister of finance. Because he managed to improve coöperation with large private companies a stronger economic growth was achieved.

Halvdan Koht was heading the new ministery of trade, which was created to relieve the foreign ministery to focus on the possible war. His job was to find export markets for the many metals mined in Scandinavia.

Christian Oltner was appointed minister of Defence. His prime focus was to increase the size of military production to support a strong army.

Over the last decades Sweden-Denmark has developed into an open society with room for individuals to develop and express themselves. This has led to a strong entrenchment of the ruling Liberal Party as the majory in parliament, many advances in science and a strong economy.

To continue this development the new government enacted a plan for several youth organisations to be formed to develop young Scandinavians into responsible members of society.

Already on their very first day the government discussed the state of the Scandinavian military. They concluded the existing fleet was decent, but the army was not large enough to hold itself in a serious war with Russia (which at this time was considered the greatest threat to the Swedish-Danish kingdom). Therefore Christian Oltner proposed a new plan of expansion. The Swedish army had two kinds of infantry divisions.

The Arméfördelning, which was primarily designed as a fighting force.

The Militëromraade, which was to serve as a garrison force

Rather then directly training new Arméfördelning-divisions, the army was instructed to recruit no less then twelve new Militëromraade. Vilhelm Buhl believed this to be rediculous as they where unlikely to hold out in a battle with the large Russian forces. However, Christian Oltner explained this was not their task. The Militëromraade were to garrison the many ports of Scandinavia so the Arméfördelning currently stationed there could be deployed elsewhere. He then was askes if the Militëromraade could hold the ports. To this he answered they could hold the ports for a short time, but not for long. However, even a few days would be long enough to delay an enemy enough to send reinforcement. He acknowleged it would be better to station an Arméfördelning in every port, but having low manpower, this and properly manning the northern border was simply not realistid. So his colleagues agreed and the training order was given.

v

He then proposed to build no less then nine new factories, a 150% increase. All in attendence agreed this was needed to properly equip the army.

In addition to manifacturing new weapons for the army, four factories were designed to build planes to develop a proper airforce.

All in all the new ministers agreed there was much work to be done, but Sweden-Denmark could reach it potential of a regional power to be reckoned with. All to secure the safety of it's people, of course.




* In-game the League of Nations events are spread out across a whole year, but story-whise they will all take place in October.
** In-game Vilhelm Buhl already is the leader at the start of the game. However, to better suit the narritive, he story-wise is a new prime minister after the elections.

 

[stnylan]

I didn't think Germany would collapse into war quite so precipitously.

 

[Lord Kaiser]

I didn't think Germany would collapse into war quite so precipitously.

The civil war in Germany has been going on since the start of the game. Basically King Frederick of Westphalia has supplied a lot of men to the French effort in the great war and got a lot of dead bodies in return. Now both the communists and the nationalists are fighting to kick him out and are also fighting each other.

For what it’s worth I think it would be better if they weren’t fighting but had an armed peace like the three india’s In kaiserreich, but I didn’t make the mod

 

[silentsam5]

I'm probably just stupid and missing it somewhere, but which mod is this?

 

[Nikolai]

Sweden is in a precarious situation.

 

[Lord Kaiser]

Chapter 4: The League of Nations

After the Great War the French Parti de Pais, then a small opposition party in the Assemblée National proposed a plan to help prevent the outbreak of a second Great War. While Napoleon IV liked the idea, the government did not make it a part of the Treaty of Versailles which ended the war. While the exact reasons for this are still debated it is widely assumed the Continental System was expected to last and it's combined power would prevent another war. This was soon proven wrong. Within two years after the war Spain, America and the Ottoman Empire withdrew from the military alliance.*

View attachment 441261

The Spanish government was promised serious territorial gains after victory. Widely assumed this to be the region of Catalonia, long held by France, but historically and culturally considered to be part of Spain, the Spanish population was outraged when they only got Egypt and Ceylon as colonies from Britain. Shortly after signing the peace nationalist anti-French parties rised in popularity, forcing the government to end the alliance with the French Empire or risk revolution.

Egypt being awarded to Spain outraged the Ottomans. The Ottoman Empire had long ruled Egypt, and both the nationalists and islamists within the Empire where furious when this large Muslim country was not awarded to them but to Spain, a new coloniser with neither a historical claim to Egypt nor any cultural relation with it's population. To add insult to injury the French also annexed Lybia into it's own colonial Empire, while it had been taken from the Ottoman Empire by Italy no less then a decade before the outbreak of the Great War. While the reparations by the Central Powers saved the disastrous Ottoman Economy, it's people and government were outraged when the Empire only gained Thrace and Cyprus.

Just kidding

The Americans for their part had replaced Britain as the dominant naval power in the Atlantic, took most of it's African colonies, and kicked them out of mainland Canada. So, in short they had nothing more to gain by protecting the French and their Continental Allies from the revenge of the Central Powers. In fact, instead of remaining neutral America might use another Great War to annex it neigbors or increase it's colonial empire, at the expense of France, Portugal and / or Sweden-Denmark.

Germans killing other Germans to stop the killing of Germans

However, the final nail in the coffin of the Continental System proved to be the German Civil war. After defeating Prussia and Austria on the field of battle Napoleon Bonaparte formed the Confederation of the Rhine to serve as an ally on it's eastern border. This confederation eventually evolved into the Kingdom of Westphalia. Still firmly allied by the time of the Great War, it's King Frederick raised a huge army to fight on the side of the Continental System. As a reward, and to secure stability, Westphalia was awarded most of the other German states, at the expense of Prussia. however, outraged by the loss of an entire generation of young men, and seeing King Frederick as a French puppet, the Northeast of Germany rose up under Field Marshall August von Mackensen, and in the west a Communist State was formed. The three Germanies quickly found each other at war with each other.

French doing what they love most

Fearing the loss of a major ally, the French and Austrians prepared to intervene and restore order to Germany. However, when the order to mobilise was given chaos erupted in France. Fearing the loss of their remaining sons and brothers many French people started to protest. After two days the police was unable to keep order, with many policemen refusing to arrest the protesters, and some even joining the demonstrations. An army regiment was sent in on the fourth day to end the demonstration. Then followed the iconic scene where the (mostly conscripted) soldiers put flowers in their rifles and joined the protestors. Another day later, the trade unions announced a general strike which was to last untill the mobilisation was cancelled and the government declared no Frenchmen would be sent to fight in Germany. Fearing chaos, and possibly the end of his monarchy, Napoleon IV gave in to the demands and his government cancelled the mobilisation.

This chain of events was seen as a weakness by the remaining Central Powers. As the Austrian government debated an intervention without French support the Polish, Hungarian and Italian armies mobilised their armies, which was said to be for practice purposes. Seeing they where surrounded by potential enemies, the Austrian government backed down, and declared neutrality. While the conflict had been limited to Germany, the other members of the Continental System saw that France completely abandoned it's ally Westphalia. The Central Powers however did not intervene themselves. Mussolini was still consolidating his reign over Italy, Poland did not yet have an army large enough and Horthy feared a far away campaing would make him unpopular and vulnerable to a Royalist coup. So the Germans ended fighting each other while the rest of Europe sat and watched. However, it became clear to the world France was not going to play the part of Europe's policeman and the Continental System was now dead, leaving it's former Balkan allies to fend for themselves.

Realising it's inability to maintain the status quo through force, and under heavy critisism from the Nationalist opposition, in January 1936 Emperor Napoleon IV adopted the before Versailles aborted idea of setting up a League of Nations. This body would maintain permanent multilateral relations between the Great Powers and minor nations of the world. The purpose of this was to prevent the outbreak of future wars and, should this fail, the minimising of human suffering. The French did not design the structure of this organisation, as they did not want to be seen as agressive superpower shoving it down other's throats. Instead, it was decided that the organisation and the exact goals of this organisation would be decided at a great summit. This great summit was to take place in neutral Zwitserland in october of the year 1936. All nations currently recognised were to be invited. This course of action provided the French organisation with three problems. The first of all, should Germany be invited? Inviting one of the three fighting parties would inevitably mean alienating the three others, and nations sympathising to them. So, the French decided to invite all three of the parties involved to the summit provided they would sign a ceasefire beforehand. The second problem was the French Mandate of Pommerania. Pommerania was the remnant of the once great nation of Prussia, which had been claimed by Poland before th Great War. After the Great War it was decided a plebescite would be held if Pommerania would become part of Germany, Poland or become independent alltogether (with the French betting on this option). As Germany quickly collapsed into chaos the mandate was extended untill the current date. Inviting Pommerania would increase it's status as a nation, but might alienate Poland. Thirdly, would the French invite semi-independent states? Doing so would mean more votes for the French through their colonies, but might fuel independence movements. The French decided to invite both Pommerania and all semi-independent nations which maintained their own foreign relations. **

A free meal might increase the turnup

So the French government sent out it's invitations. To their relief the majority of nations accepted the invitation. Present would be:

• France (2 votes)
  
• Luxembourg
• Sweden-Denmark (2 votes)
  
• England (2 votes)
  
• Ireland
• Spain (2 votes)
  
• Portugal
• Zwitserland
  
• Italy (2 votes)
  
• Pommerania
• Austria (2 votes)
  
• Hungary
• Croatia
• Serbia
• Albania
• Romania
• Bulgaria
• Greece
  
• The Ottoman Empire (2 votes)
  
• Ukraine
• Belorussia
• Russia (2 votes)
  
• Finland
  
• The Caucasus Republic
• South Africa
  
• Abyssinia
  
• Nejd
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Abu Dhabi
• Yemen
• Persia
  
• Afghanistan
  
• British India
  
• Portuguese India
  
• French India
  
• British Birma
  
• Siam
  
• French Indochina
• The Philippines
• The Dutch East Indies
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan (2 votes)
  
• Heavenly Kingdom
• America (2 votes)
  
• Quebec
  
• Algonquin
• Mexico
  
• Chan Santa Cruz
• United Republic of Central America
  
• Gran Colombia
• Brazil
• La Plata

The invitation was politely (or impolitely) declined by:

• The Netherlands
• Poland
  
• The Baltic Republic
• Liberia
  
• Oman
• Tibet
• British Malaya
• China
• Louisiana
• Deseret

While most nations of the world, particulary in Europe seemed to embrace this idea, there were some absent nations, be it for completely different reasons. The Netherlands still strictly followed it's neutral policy, and feared the League of Nations would develop into a military alliance which would suck the nation into a next war rather then protect it from it. Poland was outraged at the invitation of Pommerania, an official statement claimed: "We will never sit down with French agressors occupying Polish soil pretending to be some fake made up country". The Baltic Republic declined claiming this League of Nations was just another bourgeous instrument to oppress the workers of the world, and declined to attend untill all colonies were granted independence. Liberia was not allowed by America to attend as the Americans feared this would give Liberia the idea of equality with it's American protector. British Malaya did not attend because it's governor had some issues with the government in London. China refused to sit down with the Japanese untill they ended their occupation of mainland China, Korea and Taiwan. Louisiana still did not recognise the Bonaparte dynasty as rulers of France. Oman, Tibet and Deseret all claimed their government's authority was handed to them directly by their different Gods, and no man had the right to limit their divine right to rule their part of the world as they saw fit.

It can't be that hard the get them to agree right? After all, they all agreed to dress alike

And so, the conference began. In his opening speech president Albert Meyer of Zwitserland welcomed the delegates and explained the procedures; first of all every nation would be allowed to propose motions. These would later be debated on, and in the end a majority vote would decide the outcome. First of all, being the one to have taken the initiative, French Emperor Napoleon IV would give the opening speech:

"Dear friends from all around the world. A few decades ago disaster ripped apart our dear civilisation. War raged throughtout Europe, the Americas and Africa. Many millions of men lost their lives in this terrible conflict. Today we are here together as a family of nations to prevent such a disaster from ever happening again. We must make sure we can live together in friendship and harmony from now on into our great futuere. Therefore, on behalf of the nation of France I bring before you these six proposals:

1. The formation of an international court of justice to mediate between nations, and thus prevent the outbreak of war in the future.
   
2. An agreement for the humane treatment of prisoners of war.
   
3. The prohibition of poison gasses in war.
   
4. The creation of an International Relief Union which will help nations in times of disaster.
   
5. The creation of an Economic Assistance Program to increase trade among the nations of the world.
   
6. A Maritime Convention, in which we agree on merchant ships will be warned when attacked, so that sailors have the time to board lifeboats and attacks on hospital ships will now be prohibited.

After an enthousiastic, or not so much enthousiastic applause, several other speakers gave out niceties and their opinion on the proposals, another proposal shocked the assembled delegates. The Japanese ambassador proposed the League of Nations should work on the bass that all Human races where equal. This met fierce opposition from America and Britain, with the French Emperor eventually proposing that the League of Nations limit itself to the relationship between nations, not between individual people. This led the Abyssinian delegation to walk out as they refused to be seen as inferior. Still, the Japanese had made their point, which they would often use in their propaganda against the colonisation of Asia. Yet this would soon be overshadowed as another speaker had some things to say.

As Benito Mussolini entered the stage, looking not very happy, the audience fell silent. The prime minister of Italy began: "We are invited here unter the pretext of friendship. To preserve the peace. Tell me Emperor Napoleon, where is the peace in Germany? Tell me Emperor Napoleon, where is your good friend King Frederick? What have you done to keep the peace in Germany? After using his men as cannon fodder in the Great War, what did you give him in return when the Communists came for his head? The talk of peace we have here is nothing but talk as long as there is no force to back it up. And tell me Emperor Napoleon, how do you expect us to give you our friendship when you still occupy Piedmont, which has been Italian through and through since the days of Ceasar. Why do you not only rob your defeated enemies, but also your allies? Why do you still occupy Catalonia which rightfully belongs to Spain? Why does your precious "Liberté, egalité et Fraternité" not extend to the Africans, Indians and Asians living in your colonies? Well, is this whole League of Nations anything more then you trying to keep your stolen Empire you don't have the balls to fight for yourself?"

Following Mussolini other leaders of the defeated Central Powers began to stake their claims to Slovakia (Hungary), Montenegro (Serbia), Dubrudja (Bulgaria) and Epiros (Greece). However this was nothing compared to the Russian tsar Alexander who declared Russia most be restored to it's pre-Napoleonic borders, basically declaring he wanted to annex the Baltics, Belorussia, Ukraine and the Caucaus Republic. Despite all the claims made a coherant proposal mas not made by the former Central Powers, so no motions hade to be voted upon, but the positive atmosphere was gone. Instead a Brazilian journalist would later describe the meeting as "a verbal continuation of the Great War".

Despite the bad athmosphere the asembled nations still had to vote on the proposals made by Napoleon. On behalf of Sweden-Denmark Vilhelm Buhl voted in favor of all six proposals. The results were as follows:

1. The international court of justice was accepted, be it with a small margin. It was agreed that when two nations had a dispute a five nation council would be formed. Each of the disputing nations appointed two other nations, with the fifth being agreed upon by both (or if they couldn't even agree on this, by the four nations already appointed). This council would issue a binding resolution. However, to be binding, the council had to be unanimous. If they couldn't all agree the majority would make a draft resolution, upon which a vote would be held by the general assembly of the League of Nations which would then approve or refuse the resolution. This resolution was accepted with the support of all nine American nations and the five Arab states present who feared involvement in another European war, therefore it was explicitly stated no nation would be obliged to provide armed forces to enforce the resolution.
   
2. The resolution on prisoners of war was rejected, with most nations arguing it would be rediculous to provide comfortable treatment to prisoners if their own populations starved. Behind the screens Miklos Horthy for example was heard saying "Maybe the French and Austrian dogs surrender on the first opportunity, but the Hungarian soldier stands his ground".
   
3. The ban on chemical weapons was accepted unanimously as all nations believed these weapons to be to horrible. Unfortunately the nations could not agree on punishment in case chemical weapons were used anaway.
   
4. The relief union was rejected as to many nations did not want a part of their fleet to be under international supervision.
   
5. The Economic Assistance program was accepted, but was in practice mostly limited to voluntarily decrease of trade barriers.
   
6. The maritime convention was accepted as many nations did not see the harm in sparing the lives of sailors. However, no penalty was formulated for breaking this rule.

It was agreed all nations would leave a permanent ambassador in Genéva for regular diplomacy and five years from now another summit would be held to review the way the League of Nations was working.

Without a doubt the hotels and restaurants of Genéva were the big winners of the convention

* Aside from the German civil war nothing in this chapter is official lore (which is quite limited as far as I know), I made it up as a backstory to this AAR.

** In-game the various votes are made during a year-long period as the various proposals are made by French national focuses, I wrote it into a single convention to better suit the narrative of the story.

 

[Lord Kaiser]

I'm probably just stupid and missing it somewhere, but which mod is this?

Aprés moi le Deluge

 

[Lord Kaiser]

Sweden is in a precarious situation.

Why do you think so?

Personally I think it is situated quite well. It's southern border with communist Germany is really small and can be fortified easyly. It's border with Russia('s puppet Finland) is longer but is made up of a large river and mountains. Greenland, Iceland and Congo can be taken from it, but they won't be a great loss. The only real preoblems are the amall manpower and the ridiculous shortage of infantry equipment at the start of the game. The latter of which will be solved by the time the Russians might come knocking (they'l go for four other nations first) So I think Sweden-Denmark is easily defendable and could sit out the second Great War being neutral.

Of course that would make a boring AAR.

 

[stnylan]

I really do not think one should have much confidence in the League. It pains me to say it, but Mussolini made some good points.

 

[Nikolai]

Why do you think so?

Personally I think it is situated quite well. It's southern border with communist Germany is really small and can be fortified easyly. It's border with Russia('s puppet Finland) is longer but is made up of a large river and mountains. Greenland, Iceland and Congo can be taken from it, but they won't be a great loss. The only real preoblems are the amall manpower and the ridiculous shortage of infantry equipment at the start of the game. The latter of which will be solved by the time the Russians might come knocking (they'l go for four other nations first) So I think Sweden-Denmark is easily defendable and could sit out the second Great War being neutral.

Of course that would make a boring AAR.

Long borders, litle depth, weak industry and population base and several potential enemies around.

 

[Lord Kaiser]

Chapter 5: Gathering clouds

When prime minister Vilhelm Buhl returned home after the League of Nations summit two events captured his attention.

In China leader Hu Hanmin had surprisingly died, plunging the ancient empire into political turmoil. If the new president was able to keep the nation together remained to be seen.

At home the government started a program designed at improving the infrastructure of Sweden to support the growing military industry.

On the 27th of November the Serbian government announced it would sign the Central Powers pact and join the alliance of Poland and Hungary. Widely consided to exist only on paper this news alarmed the nations of Europe, especially Croatia and Albania, as both nations held provinces claimed by Serbia. Scared of provoking a war both nations remained quiet about this course of actions. Fearing a repreat of the demonstrations France and Austria also made no moves against the Central Powers.

On New Year's day Italian prime minister Mussolini also announced Italy would enter the Central Powers Alliance. This sent shockwaves throughout Europe. In an emergency session the French Assemblée National met in a closed session where it came around on it's pacifist policies and decided it's army would be expanded an prepared for war, allthough the details of it's decision are unkown.

The next day French Emperor Napoleon IV fled to Austria where he and Emperor Otto I renewed their military alliance. They declared this was meant as a signal towards the Central Powers and not as an aggresive move. Surprisingly they remained quiet about further expansion of the alliance in the Balkans. While the exact reason for this is unknown it is widely assumed that in it's closed meeting the Assemblée National decided the alliance would not expand into the Balkans to avoid being trapped in the inevitable Balkan conflics to arise.

On the 3th of Februari the government received the news that it's infrastructure project was finished. The government decided to build a factory complex in Lappland which was to produce canned foods, clothes and vehicles. While primarily for civilian use these products could conveniently also be used by the army, most of which was conveniently close to the Russian border.

The next day, the 4th of Februari the news came that Serbia had delivered an ultimatum to Albania to cede the provinces of Montenegro and Kosovo to Serbia or face war. While the other Central Powers did not officially support the ultimatum it was unlikely the Serbians acted on their own. On the 5th of Februari Albanian King Zog asked France and Austria to intervene. Emperor Napoleon then sent word to Serbia that the conflict was to be brought before a League of Nations council or France would join the war on the side of Albania. Fearing a premature war in the Balkans Poland and Hungary pressured Serbia to accept this offer.

Surely such a nation would not last, would it?

And so, on the 7th of February both sides appeared before a hastely assembled Five Nations Council. On behalf of Serbia Hungary and Italy were part of this council (Poland was still upset about the Pommeranian issue), Albania requested Austria and France to join. Because no one had any problem with them the Kingdom of Sweden-Norway was requested to be the fifth nation. And so a long week of discussions started. Five days into the meeting, on the a map of Europe was leaked, showing Serbia not only occupying Montenegro and Kosovo, but also Bulgarian-held Macedonia, all of Croatia and parts of Austria. After a lot of outrage in the international media, Italian leader Benito Mussilini and Serbian King Peter II publicly denied these claims and declared the return of Montenegro was all that was required, to give Serbia access to the sea. Appearing to be the warmongerers France and Austria agreed with these terms to maintain "peace for out time". And so, on the 13th of February an agreement was reached by the Five Nation Council that Montenegro be ceded to Serbia by Albania. It appeared war was avoided.

On the 15th of February a total of six bombs exploded in Belgrade, killing twenty-six people and injuring many more. The police was quick to identify a group of Albanian nationalists. The very same evening the Serbian government condemned the attacks and gave another ultimatum to the Albanian government demanding the extradition of the terrorists and demanding "the Albanian armed forces to disband and give Serbian armed forces unlimited acces to Albanian territoty for a time as long as needed to destroy the terrorist organisations". When a response did not come within twenty-four hours the Serbian Army attacked Albania on the morning of February 16. Within a year after it's creation the League of Nations faced it's first test at which it gloriously failed.

Still assembled in Geneva, Hungarian leader Horthy proposed a treaty of non-intervention to Italy, Austria and France on the condition the transfer of Montenegro was to cotinue after hostilities had settled. Wishing to prevent the war from escalating Napoleon and Otto agreed. For over a month fighting continued between the Serbs and Albanians, with neither side able to make any serious gains. This situation changed on the 14th of March, when Horthy publicly accused the French of smuggling weapons into Albania through Roumania, another former Great War ally. The Roumanians were given a 24-hour ultimatum to demilitarise the region of Oltenia, allow Hungarian forces to monitor the border region with Serbia and allow Central Powers inspections in all port cities. The Romanians answered they wished to negotiate the treaty. This was not enough. On the 15th of March the Polish and Hungarian armies invaded Romania, quickly pushing back it's defenders along the long front line.

The French and Austrians were surprised by the sudden deciviseness and decided to intervene. It was decided the French would send an expeditionary force to defend Albania and Roumania, but not declare war on the Central powers directly, still wanting to limit the conflict. The Austrians kept their troops on the long borders with the Central Powers. Once again they were outmanouvered: On the 18th of March an Italian fleet appeared before Tiranë, landing troops which would occupy the capital and other major ports. On the 19th the Continental Powers decided they would not risk a direct attack on Italy and send the French troops to Roumania instead. By then the question arised how to get there, as letting the French troops through the straits would be considered an act of war against the Central Powers by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire now found itself in a precarious position; while it did not want to face a united Central Powers block in the Balkans, they had no love for the French after they felt betrayed after the Great War. In the end the Ottoman Emipire decided to play innocent, as the Ottoman ambassador in Paris is informally rumorred to have said to Napoleon; "The existing treaties give you the right to move merchant shipping through the straits, what those ships are carrying we don't want to know. "

So it was decided troop transports carrying twelve divisions would be sent to Roumania, but warships would not. However, this plan also need to be aborted. As the French fleet sailed through the Aegean they received the news Bulgaria had declared war on Roumania to reclaim the province of Dobrudja which they felt rightfully belonged to the Bulgarians. Being unprepared against the invasion from the south the Roumanian front collapsed within a day. Hearing about the scale of the retreat, the French generals decided the twelve divisions were not enough to defend Roumania against Hungary, Poland and Bulgaria, and at least thirty divisions were needed. However, assembling such a force and bringing it to Roumania would take at least three weeks, and pull troops away from other parts of the French Empire, leaving it vulnerable. So it was decided the French Expeditionary Army was to return home as Roumania, like Albania, was a lost cause.

Still hoping to hold out untill the Continental System entered the war Albanian divisions held out in the mountains for another two months. However, on May 25th King Zog announced the capitulation to spare the lives of his countrymen. Two days later Roumania followed.

Sometimes less is more

The Central Powers imposed harsh terms on their defeated enemies. Serbia annexed the regions of Montenegro and Kosovo which it had claimed before the war. The rest of Albania, including Epirus, was annexed by Italy as Mussolini's forces already conquered these states during the war. Poland annexed Bucovina from Roumania, and Bulgaria annexed Dobrudja. Realising Roumania might want revenge, and wanting to gain access to the sea, Hungary annexed the northern half of remaining Roumania. At first Poland objected saying it was too much, but horthy insisted, not wanting to keep a Roumania capable of striking back. The Poles accepted, but only on the condition the southern part was given to Bulgaria as a "autonomous region" to counter the greater Hungarian influence. In short, the defeated nations Albania and Roumania were liquidated alltogether and the Central Powers were now in firm control of the Balkans. When the French and Austrians protested in the League of Nations Mussolini offered to trade Albania and Epirus for Piedmont, and Horthy offered to trade Roumania for Slovakia, further embarassing the two empires.

Fun times are ahead

And so, a Great war had been avoided, for now.

 

[stnylan]

I do believe one can claim that the Continental System has proven itself to be rather embarassed.

 

[Lord Kaiser]

I do believe one can claim that the Continental System has proven itself to be rather embarassed.

Perhaps the Incontinental System would be a better name

 

[Lord Kaiser]

Chapter 6: The calm after the storm



After the realitive quick conquests of Albania and Roumania many in Europe believed it would not be long before the Central Powers moved towards another target. Luckily for the peoples of Europe, this did not happen. While the "robberies" were succesfull the chain of events also showed the French were willing to commit serious numbers of troops to stop the expansion of the Ultranationalist nations. As Polish leader Pilsudski privately stated; "we where succesfull because the Italians beat the French to Albania and Bulgaria joined before they got to Roumania, we should be cautious now and not push our luck". So, in a meeting after the conquests the leadership of Poland, Hungary and Italy all agreed peace was in their best interest for the near future. Still, the alliance had removed two potention thorns in their side and the Central Powers were now in a stronger position then before.

Peace did not exist in Germany, allthough the royalist armies had managed to gain a lot of ground and were now expected to win. It is now known the Central Powers, especially Poland, considered intervening on behalf of the Teutonic Reich to prevent the Westphalian monarchy, a long time ally of France, to win and form a block with France and Austria. However, the Poles would soon be faced with another issue.

On the 8th of September Europe was shocked as Pilsudski died from liver cancer, a fact long held secret from the public. Within a few days general Wladislaw Anders was declared the new prime minister, allthough it would still be seen if he was as accepted as his predecessor. Strongly despising the Germans after fighting them in the Great War, Anders decined the chance to intervene, stating "We will not start another Great War for the Germans". The Teutons were on their own.

Croatia was long considered to be another target for the Central Powers, having fougth alongside the Continental System and holding lands claimed by Hungary and Serbia. This changed on the 20th of October. On this day members of the Ustase movement marched into Zagreb and forced King Josip IV to accept their leader Ante Pavelic as the new leader of Croatia. With the support of Poland and Italy Croatia was accepted into the Central Powers alliance. Hungarian leader Horthy was convinced the Austrian lands were more important, and believed Croatia would be a valuable ally. Serbia however, was more or less forced to accept this as they were told they could leave the alliance if they would not accept Croatian entry (this would make them a target for Mussolini's new Roman Empire, who would be happy to take Montenegro). So, as Pavelic put it "Croatia chose to join the wolves instead of the sheep".

On the 11th of November Japan declared the Philippines was to become a protectorate, after an ultimatum the Japanese fleet moved towards the island nation, intent on conquering it for their Emperor. Surprisingly the Philippines refused, and Japan attacked. The international backlash, feared by the Japanese was, well, nonexisted with the large nations of Europe being preoccupied with affairs back home they made no effort beyond lip service to help the Philippines fend off the Japanese attack. A League of Nations intervention did not happen as the Japanese dimply refused to attend.

The Japanese appeared well prepared, having assembled a large navy and airforce.

The Philippines, on the other hand, had no significant fleet or planes. They did, hopefully, have an army strong enough to keep the Japanese out of their homeland.

Having received no threats after the attack on the Philippines, the Japanese decided the time was right for further expansion. On the 5th of December they offered an ultimatum to China demanding the region of Manchuria. China immediately refused, and the Japanese had to fight another war at the same time. *

Meanwhile in Scandinavia

The second half of 1937 the Scandinavian army continued it's expansion, as new factories were built to supply the expanding army.

The government approved a new law, which stated the ministery of defense had the first opportunity to assign unemployed men to work in the construction industry. This greatly sped up the speed of construction as there was now plenty of manpower. After the initial success a permanent Public Works Agency was created to point the unemployed to the right direction.

By the second half of 1937 the economy of Sweden-Denmark was among the most modern of the world, with it's production capacity beating most other nations.

The same could not be said for the arms industry, so it was decided to direct research funds and manpower to the development of new weapons and tactics. Lacking most know-how the government decided to offer contracts to several large companies.

DISA was contracted to improve the rifles the Scandinavian army was using. They immediately started the research of a new model.

Good enough to kill Russians, I guess

The company AB Landsverk was requested to make a whole new type of weapon. The topic of their resears was to design a tank which could break through enemy infantry lines.

Who doesn't love Panzers?

Also, Helge Jung was tasked with the "permanent evaluation and improvement of tactics used by the army". He was to develop a doctrine focussed around creating a lot of firepower, quote "it is good to die for your country, it is better to make the other basterd die for his country". **

The co-operation with these companies would greatly increase the research capacity of Sweden-Denmark, thus empowering it's military, all to keep the peace of course.

By the end of the year the Scandinavian army had managed to properly man the Thorne river border with Finland, but the large mountain border of northern Norway was still largely undefended. While improvements were made, the army still had a long way to go before being ready for proper peacekeeping.

* The AI decided to start two wars at the same time, no idea why.

** I am going down the Superior Firepower research tree but forgot to make any screenshots.