[Forum Game] World in Revolution: 1900 Mk. II

[aedan777]

The Kingdom of Romania is most distraught by the outbreak of war in East Asia. The apparent recent successes of diplomatic agreements to secure peaceful settlements in the Balkans and East Asia had seemed to be promising signs for the decline of warfare as a means to settle issues between nations. His Majesty, King Carol, had even recently proclaimed that we might be entering into a new age of peace and coexistence. It is most distressing that the specter of warfare would rise its head so suddenly and unexpectedly after such an optimistic message.

Romania will refrain from condemning or supporting either side in this conflict, though it urges both the Russian and Japanese Empires to bring the war to end as swiftly as possible, before more lives are lost. A negotiated settlement that prevents future bloodshed would be the most desirable outcome, we are sure. Though it is beyond the scope of Romania's interests to mediate in this conflict, we are certain a more involved power would be willing to assist in finding a quick peace to this war. The United States of America under President McKinley was previously able to reconcile Japan and Russia in the Treaty of Inchon, and his successor President Theodore Roosevelt has stated his own desire for peace in East Asia. We are confident that through meaningful negotiation, this war can be brought to a swifter end than through force of arms.

Separately from the direct matter of the war, the Russian claim that Japanese agents were encouraging anarchists is most disturbing. While we know nothing of the veracity of these claims, such an action would be most unbecoming of a civilized nation. Anarchists are the common enemy of all upstanding nations, and any attempt to use them against a temporary enemy is a most short-sighted and deplorable act. Anarchists are a disease, and they have already claimed the lives of too many good men. To support Anarchists, even if for a moment against a national enemy, is a crime against all mankind. That being said, we are not yet certain if the Empire of Japan truly committed such a heinous act, and thus refrain from formally condemning Japan.

-Ion I. C. Brătianu, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania

 

[Olligarchy]

Armada Española
A look at the Spanish Navy of 1902
Salve Marinera
​

In the aftermath of the Spanish-American war the once feared Spanish Armada was a mere shadow of its former self. A great many ships had been sunk, or given over to the Americans in the negotiations, and those that remained were quite hopelessly outdated. In addition, issues with outdated training methods and low morale were a constant pain in the neck for the Admiralty and Monarch both.

In 1900 the Spanish Navy had consisted of just three Battleships[1]: Numancia, Vitoria and Pelayo, with the most modern of them (Pelayo) having entered service in 1888. The other two were much, much older and not even constant retrofits could hide their age. As such, in the negotiations that led to the end of the Spanish American War, the Numancia was scuttled, and Vitoria was given over to the USA as spoils of war, with only Pelayo remaining in active service.​

Numancia, Vitoria and Pelayo
As the sole ship seen worthy of the title, Pelayo was renamed Reina Maria Christina and setup as the flagship of the Spanish fleet, to be stationed at Ferrol (Coruna Province) at the head of the Spanish Atlantic fleet. Though ageing, the ship was still quite capable, displacing 9950 tons in sheer armour and firepower.

Cruisers wise, the Armada could boast about possessing, but a single Heavy Cruiser[2], the fresh off the docks Carlos V, which despite its lowly status as an Armoured Cruiser was considered the most capable ship in the fleet, both in thanks to her superior armour and exceedingly large guns. In addition, the Spanish cruiser fleet included three ships from the Reina Regente Class (Alfonso XIII, Palmela and Lepanto) and the somewhat aged, but still capable Alfonso XII. The Isla de Luzón, Aragón and Velasco classes had been scuttled or sold off in the aftermath of the Spanish-American war, as stipulated by the peace conference.[3]

In addition, the Spanish Armada could boast of no less than 13 Destroyer class ships, typically built in the early to mid 1890s.

The fleet was divided into four bases around Spain: Rota, El Ferrol, San Fernando and Cartagena.

Spoiler: Organization

El Ferrol Command (Atlantic Fleet)
BB Pelayo/Reina Maria Christina
CL Alfonso XII
CL Palmela
4x Destroyers

Cartagena (Mediterranean Command)
CL Alfonso XIII
4x Destroyers

San Fernando (South Atlantic Command)
CA Carlos V
CL Lepanto
4x Destroyers

Spoiler: Notes

[1]: Historically post Spanish-American war, Spain did indeed have three battleships, but seems those were misplaced.
[2]: Read Armoured Cruiser this game stat wise.
[3]: Spain should have in excess to 12 cruisers according to sourcing, but those too were likely scuttled or forced to be sold off by the perfidious Americans.

​

 

[Revan529]

大日本帝国
Dai Nippon Teikoku
富国強兵 - Fukoku kyōhei
君が代 – Kimigayo​

It is truly pitiable that the Russian Empire continues to regard its inane ramblings as "truly serious matters." It is telling that despite the complete lack of connections between these revolutionaries and dissidents in Russia to Japan, the vast fabrication of evidence, and vast extent of the conspiracy they wish to lay upon the shoulders of Japan that the Russian Empire places far too much "credence" upon its "proof." If His Majesty's Government has acted with any degree of light-heartedness, it is merely in provocation from the truly laughable madness being spewed with complete seriousness by St Petersburg.

It becomes all the more laughable when the Russians, after years of backstabbing, lying, and expanding their influence across the Far East with no apparent end in sight, have the sheer audacity to refer to the Japanese Empire as a child, and all the moreso considering its highly inappropriate and accusatory statements (with no need to mention their falsity). It shows such flagrant disingenuousness and poor understanding of the facts that they seem completely incapable of doing anything else save for falling upon those lies and trumpeting the treaty of Inchon, which they were already violating the previous year.

In regards to the final matter brought forth by the Russians in their latest statement, it now seems that they have either taken leave of their senses completely or have lost control of their Foreign Office; the Empire of Japan, numerous times, issued complaints, attempted discourse, and was at every point seeking a favourable conclusion to hostilities with the Russian Empire, which in all frankness not deserved the immense kindness and staid stoicism with which His Majesty's Government acted with for nearly a decade in light of slights, attacks, lies, and egregious expansionism. It is thus therefore unsurprising that the Russians have made this latest line of attack, as they have neither honour no complete control of themselves.

In conclusion, the Russians decree that rather than pursue "his tested path towards peace, the path towards war was chosen." In some ways they are correct; the Empire of Japan ultimately was compelled to wage war over suffer unfair peace. It cannot, however, be forgotten, that the Russian Empire, since 1895, was nothing if not brutish, antagonistic, manipulative, and wholly deceitful in its conducting of negotiations and demands across the entirety of the Orient.

If there are any fabricated controversies, then they must surely be lain at the feet of the Russian Empire, the mother of falsehood and deceit.

~ Komura Jutarō, Gaimu Daijin

​

 

[Dadarian]

His Imperial and Royal Highness has authorised me to declare that his prayers are with the Russians troops in the Far East. Although they may be believers in the Greek Rite as opposed to the singular Roman Rite, as is correct and proper, the death of Christians in the face of heathens is always one taken with sadness. Should it be acceptable to the Russian Emperor, His Imperial and Royal Highness invites his peer to Mass so that they may pray for a quick end to this pointless war and that the souls of those passed, both Christian and heathen, be redeemed by Christ and the Lord God.

~ Agenor Graf Gołuchowski, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the K.u.K Franz Joseph

 

[TJDS]

Koninkrijk der Nederlanden
Kingdom of the Netherlands

Wien Neêrlands bloed​

The Dutch Government, as one of the nations with considerable interest in peace and cooperation in Eastern Asia, is saddened with the abrupt eruption of warfare between the Greater Japanese Empire and the Russian Empire.

It is further saddened that this conflict was started without first trying to resolve the conflicts between these nations in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

The Dutch Government wishes to reiterate that the arbitration of the Permanent Court should still be seen as a viable alternative to the continuation of open warfare. It further hopes that future confrontation can be prevented or at least curtailed through proper diplomacy, rather than military action.

Mr. W.H. de Beaufort,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

-------​

To His Majesty, King George V of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

We wish to express our condolences for the loss of Her Majesty, Queen-Empress Victoria, so soon after the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha family has experienced the loss of its Heir Apperant, Crown Prince Edward. We remember our visit to the United Kingdom in 1895, when we were fortunate to meet your grandmother, Queen Victoria, in her wisdom and modesty and it is therefor that this great loss burdens our heart dearly.

My Government and the Dutch People join you in mourning the passage of this most extroadinary Queen and symbol of the British Empire's greatness and unity.

Her Majesty, Wilhelmina van Oranje-Nassau,
Queen of the Netherlands

​

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

Kingdom of Italy
​

"It is with great pride and joy that we can talk openly of the conclusion of talks between the Kingdom of Italy and the Ottoman Empire. This treaty will resolve possible sources of tensions in the Mediterranean as well will help stabilize north africa. The region acquired will be able to see much greater investment and order. Italian people have been moving to create new homes in northern africa for years, this will help further safeguard those people." ~ Mario Luigi-Spokesman for the royal family



"The Italian government finds itself in a difficult position regarding the east asia crisis. On the one hand, war to achieve legitimate grievances must be acknowledged as a possible outcome on this world. The borders of the world are not perfectly drawn and there are many points of contention in the world. Some problems don't seem to get solved without violence being applied. Considering differently however is that the situation as it has grown, might have been better off without conflict currently underway. The problems in and around Korea and China are however unlikely to be solved with talk alone. To that end we cannot currently condemn the idea of this war. As more information surfaces and the nature of the war shows itself, perhaps that will change. For now we simply accept that the situation is unlikely to be resolved without further violence.

~Antonio Ferrucio representative of the Italian government.

 

[Julius Maximus]

Republic of Chile

The Republic of Chile wishes to express it's concern over the outbreak of war between the Empire of Japan and the Russian Empire. We hope that negotiations can be made to solve this crisis in Asia, as it seems two powers have clashed over disputed territory first with vulgar diplomatic communiques and now war. We shall not take a "side" in this conflict, as it not our place to do so, but we hope the war will end quickly before it's escalation may spread elsewhere.​

 

[Haresus]

​

The Ottoman Empire
Devlet-i Aliyye-i Osmâniyye​

The implementation of the new Constitution has given all Ottomans a chance to live freely, without the fear of Hamidian oppression or persecution. Such an opportunity to forget and forgive the sins of old should not be wasted and to this end His Imperial Majesty, with the support of your humble Inspector-General, Grand Vizier Sabâhaddin and the Imperial Parliament, offers a general amnesty to all who have been involved in rebel activities in the Macedonian region. We understand your actions, the decisions that were forced upon you to resist the overbearing oppression of a despot and tyrant, but those times are now over and shall not be repeated. Christians and Muslims, all Ottomans, living together in equality and peace, as they have done for so many centuries. That is the vision of the His Imperial Majesty's government, and that is my vision for these Vilayets.

As your Inspector-General, I have been tasked with hearing your problems and solving them, and His Imperial Majesty hopes that this extended offer of amnesty for those on the wrong side of the law due to understandable and regrettable circumstances will be seen as an opportunity for peace. We welcome you back to Ottoman society with open arms and open hearts, and hope that any mutual issues in the future can be solved through dialogue and cooperation rather than blood and violence.

Signed,
Inspector-General Huseyin Hilmi Pasha

 

[Arrowfiend]

Argentina on Developments in East Asia​

Argentina is saddened by the sudden outbreak of hostilities in the Orient and distressed by the human costs that such a conflict may require. Argentina will remain neutral on the matter, but hopes that negotiations led by the United States of America will bear fruit and end the war before it can escalate further.

On Argentine-Chilean Relations​

Argentina would like to invite Chilean diplomats and other necessary correspondents to Buenos Aires, in hopes that we may resolve our longstanding border dispute, as well to discuss other pertinent issues that are relevant to our two nations.

- Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Felipe Yofre

 

[etranger01]

The United States of America
Hail, Columbia​

While the global diplomatic community is convulsed with panic over the explosion of conflict in East Asia, the rest of the world and its various crises and conundrums continue apace. Though these brushfire wars and local insurrections are little regarded in the broader sweep of global news and the fencing of Great Powers, they are of utmost importance to the average citizens whose lives are torn asunder by a calamity in which they played no part and over which they have no control. Such is the case in the Republic of Colombia.

For nearly one thousand days, war has raged between Colombia's Conservatives and its Liberals, plunging a proud nation that led the charge for South American independence into a bloody quagmire from which there is seemingly no escape. There is little sense in the war, its original causes long forgotten in a never-ending series of fratricidal skirmishes. There is even less profit for either side, as each victory is won at a staggering cost in human life and for little gain. For nearly one thousand days, the feuding parties have spilt blood and spent treasure and at the end of it all they have achieved nothing except the wholesale slaughter of their countrymen.

As President of the United States, I have both the authority and the imperative to end this pointless, ceaseless conflict and to bring both parties to the negotiating table. My imperative is not just political, though it is to the good for both the United States and the Americas as a whole if peace reigns, but moral, for we are all charged with ensuring the well-being and safety of our fellow men. This civil war must be stopped and it must be stopped immediately.

To that end, I have directed the captain of the USS Kearsarge to proceed immediately to the Gulf of Panama, there to direct the leaders of the Conservatives and the Liberals in the Republic of Colombia to immediately cease any and all hostilities and to begin the process of restoring a just, honorable peace to that war-torn nation. It is my sincere hope that both parties will see the reason in ending this bitter conflict and forging a new status quo to the benefit of all the citizens of Colombia.

Theodore Roosevelt
President of the United States of America

 

[Rolman99]

Official Statement of the Empire of the Great Qing regarding recent developments in East Asia

Yi You, Bing Wu, Guangxu 27 (July 1, 1902)

The Empire of the Great Qing is saddened by the sudden outbreak of war between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan. While neither side can claim moral righteousness in this arguably pointless war, it must be said that the Japanese have acted most dishonorably, starting the war with a surprise attack and. ruthlessly strongarming their way to Russian railways in Korea with no regard for the life and property of the native population. What is most disturbing to the Empire of the Great Qing, however, is the Empire of Japan’s undeclared invasion of Manchuria, which is sovereign territory of the Empire of the Great Qing.

This brazen act by the Empire of Japan, which flagrantly violates the well-established borders of the neutral Empire of the Great Qing is certainly one of war, but for the sake of preserving the lives of soldiers and civilians of all sides, the Empire of the Great Qing is willing to negotiate. Therefore, the Empire of the Great Qing issues this ultimatum to the nations involved in this “Two Emperors’ War:”

All military forces of the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan shall leave the Imperial province of Manchuria by Geng Wu, Wu Shen, Guangxu 27 (August 15, 1902). This includes Russian forces guarding the Trans-Manchurian Line, and all defense and upkeep of that railway shall be under Qing jurisdiction until the end of the conflict. Any military forces that remain in the Imperial province of Manchuria past the previously provided date, regardless of their country of origin, shall be treated as hostile troops and will therefore be repelled by military and police forces of the Empire of the Great Qing. A declaration of war in the event of these terms not being met by the provided date is possible, but not guaranteed.

Manchuria shall not become a battleground for the Empire of Japan and the Russian Empire to wage their war, and the Empire of the Great Qing hopes that the international community understands why this ultimatum must be so harsh to both sides. His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years of the Guangxu Era prays for a quick conclusion to the hostilities between the Empire of Japan and the Russian Empire. May Heaven make it so.
​

 

[Haresus]

The Ottoman Eastern Conflict Debate​

While one might presume that a regional conflict in eastern Asia would have little effect on Ottoman politics, such a presumption would be incorrect. The Russian Empire was the ancient enemy of the Ottoman Empire, as conflicts had raged regularly from 1568 to 1878 between the two Empires. For that reason there was little sympathy for them among the Muslims in particular. But the Japanese attack had not been without controversy in Ottoman foreign policy circles, as the surprise attack (for that was what most considered it to be) was not considered proper for a civilised nation. Furthermore the reports of Japanese-funded anarchists and revolutionaries was only too familiar to Ottomans who had experienced a century of foreign funding for various dangerous secessionists.

Howecer, the Committee of Union and Progress had started to consider the Japanese Empire as a source of inspiration for how a non-western country can modernise without losing their own culture and spirit. The Japanese warrior's code and the rapid modernisation were seen as examples of how the Ottoman Empire could move forward, and if this modern Japan could actually reach a stalemate, or perhaps even be victorious, on its own against their adversary then that would truly prove the effectiveness of these reforms and give the CUP an example to follow. This meant that politicians from this party were loud and clear in their support of the Japanese preemptive strike and hoped for a Japanese victory to dull the teeth of the Russian giant.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Union was less interested in looking towards eastern mysticism for progress and considered the Japanese attack to be highly irregular, devious and doomed to fail against the superior Russian army and navy. To side with the Japanese, even just diplomatically, would be a mistake. Especially as it would only raise tensions in the Balkans between Christians and Muslims, an effect that would only be multiplied by Montenegro's open support to Russia (symbolic as it might be). However, those among the liberals who looked up to the British for inspiration could see Japan as a British ally fighting Britain's geopolitical enemy, and that speculation hindered a direct condemnation of the Japanese attack. This led to an indecisive answer by the Ottoman government, as no side could be favoured for purely pragmatical reasons. Meanwhile the CUP opposition did not have the same inhibitions, and tried to monitor the course of the war as well as they could.

The result of this eastern war might have great effect on the Committee of Union and Progress, and the upcoming 1904 Ottoman elections.

 

[Noco19]

Russian Empire​

Россійская Имперія​

The Russian Empire hereby announces the enactment of general mobilization in opposition to the dishonorable war forced upon itself by Japanese attack. While we have been thrust into the chaos of war not by choice, nevertheless, the Russian Empire will not relent, and by the strength of our Nation and Armed Forces, we shall overcome, not through uncivilized action, but by pure superiority of our forces.

___

Private Missives Within Stavka

"In light of the surprise attack on Port Arthur and our defeats allowed, Oskar Victorovich Stark shall be relieved of command over the Russian Pacific Fleet, to be replaced by Vice-Admiral Stepan Makarov."

"The efforts of Lieutenant Generals Smirnov, Stessel, and Zasulich have been noted and shall receive commendation for their role in delaying the Japanese offensive and securing our military bases in vital areas. Smirnov shall receive appointment to command the fortifications of Port Arthur; Stessel shall receive appointment to command the fortifications of Vladivostok. Minister Kuropatkin shall be entrusted with overall command of the war effort, and our forces are blessed by Imperial confidence against the Japanese barbarians."

___

Privately, the foreign embassies of the Great European Powers present within the Empire are met by Russian diplomats and informed again of the actions of the Japanese government in funding anarchism. They are presented with documents of Japanese origin, seized from agitators, and detailing specific instructions to support the spread of anti-state terrorist organizations. They will likewise be informed that such organizations are the enemy of all states, not merely Russia, and it is best that they all stand united against their spread.

 

[Haresus]

Not representative of the final product

The New Ottoman Navy​

The decline of the Ottoman navy under Abdul Hamid II was a matter that had hurt both Ottoman prestige and the Ottoman strategic control of the eastern Mediterranean. What had once been the third largest navy in the world in 1875, at least on paper, had become a mere skeleton due to financial difficulties and a lack of actual training for the majority of sailors. This was especially obvious in the Ottoman-Greek War of 1897 when the small but well-maintained Greek fleet was able to match the larger but hopelessly outdated, untrained and mismanaged Ottoman fleet. While attempts had been made to restore the Ottoman navy under the later reign of Abdul Hamid II, including the purchase of two semi-functioning submarines, the Sultan had been unwilling to allow actual naval exercises and proper maintenance. This was likely due to an increasing paranoia regarding the possibility of a coup, a threat which was eventually proven correct due to the self-fulfilling nature of the Sultan's fears.

Several attempts to construct new Ottoman-built cruisers in the late 19th century generally failed, as their construction dragged on for over a decade and was eventually cancelled in most cases. The Feyzâ-i Bahri and Hüdâvendigâr-class cruisers were cancelled this way, while the Heibetnuma and Lütf-ü Hümanyun cruisers (both over 20 years old and in bad shape) were delegated to become training vessels or downright scrapped following the Young Turk Revolution and the following naval reforms. While Abdul Hamid II had been planning to purchase ships from German shipyards in the year 1900, these plans were put on hold following the revolution. Certain idealist politicians were convinced that Ottoman shipyards should construct Ottoman ships, and that the temporary setbacks in previous decades could be blamed on the Hamidian tyrant and the corruption surrounding him.

With these beliefs naval reformers such as Hasan Rami Pasha, with the support of the Sultan and the former Grand Vizier, were able to start the necessary reforms to modernise and reform the navy. Before these reforms could start, the old, but modernised, ironclad Mesudiye was the humble flagship of the weak Ottoman navy and until the Imperial Arsenal could be restored no ships of much larger size could be constructed. But until that time, smaller shipyards were rallied to construct smaller supporting ships to screen any future capital ships. Three light cruisers, named the Mehmed-class to honour the new Sultan whose personal intervention had allowed for the construction of these ships, were ordered together with several destroyers.

These three cruisers would be modern by most standards, a fact that might surprise observers who believed that the Ottoman shipbuilding industry was forever gone. Plans for the ship estimated that the ship should be able to achieve 21 knots (although some official sources bragged that it would be able to achieve 23 knots under "optimal circumstances"), be armed with the modern 10.5cm Schnelladekanone (quick loading cannon) produced by Krupp, Hotchkiss 4.7 cm 3-pounder quick-fire gun for secondary armament and 2x3 45cm torpedo tubes. Light armour could even be added to most parts of the ship, capable of protecting it from light armaments and shrapnel. The main armament is set up in single turrets, with two guns side by side in the front, two guns side by side in the aft and finally four guns in casemates on the broadsides.

With this promising start to the fleet, naval minister Hasan Rami Pasha was optimistic that the future was looking bright for the Ottoman navy. At least as long as the Ottoman government was willing to continue paying for the expansion and expenditures which had once contributed to the Ottoman bankruptcy.

Spoiler: Mehmed-class general characteristics

Ship and type: Mehmed-class light cruiser
Displacement: 2,183 tons
Length: 87.3 m
Beam: 10.9 m
Draft: 4.6 m
Propulsion: 2x4 vertical triple-expansion steam engines
Speed: 21 knots
Range: 3500 nmi (6500 km) at 9 knots
Complement: 228 sailors, 12 officers.
Armament: 1x8 10.5cm SK L/40 (2 front, 2 per broadside, 2 aft), 1x6 4.7cm QF 3-pounder Hotchkiss, 2x3 45 cm torpedoes.
Armor: Deck 20-25mm, conning tower 35mm, casemates 30mm

 

[Rolman99]

Statement of the Empire of the Great Qing Regarding Changes to the Ultimatum of July 1

The Empire of the Great Qing has reviewed and therefore has decided to revise their ultimatum issued on Yi You, Bing Wu, Guangxu 27 (July 1, 1902).​

​

The military forces of the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan shall be limited to combat within the Wartime Exclusion Zone (WEZ), a designated part of Qing territory strategically important to both sides’ war efforts. The Empire of the Great Qing respectfully requests for the two belligerents to attempt to limit their damage to the property and lives of the civilians within the WEZ, as they are subjects of the Empire of the Great Qing. All Japanese and Russian military forces present within the Empire of the Great Qing outside of the WEZ must leave the country by Geng Wu, Wu Shen, Guangxu 27 (August 15, 1902). Forces that remain outside of the WEZ boundaries past that date will be detained or attacked by military and law enforcement units of the Empire of the Great Qing.​

​

Furthermore, the Trans-Manchurian Railway shall remain closed for the duration of the conflict, and no men or arms from the Russian Empire or Empire of Japan shall be allowed to utilize it. This stance is non-negotiable, as allowing for the Trans-Manchurian Railway to be used by one side for their forces would eliminate the purpose behind the establishment of the WEZ. ​

​

May Heaven grant peace upon the world soon.

All Qing Territoriy below the black dotted line is the Wartime Exclusion Zone, and therefore free to be contested over by Japanese and Russian Forces​

 

[Noco19]

​

Russian Empire​

Россійская Имперія​

The Russian Empire shall not permit the threatening of the Trans-Manchurian Line, a rail that we may remind the Qing Court was offered to our Empire by legal concession. The renegement of such agreements, especially in times of peril, are most alarming, and while we have remained a steadfast friend, this by no means allows the Qing Court to act brashly and with ill-intent towards Russia, her investments, and her national war-effort.

Why, despite our efforts to promote harmony, the Qing Court has decided to betray the Russian Empire and seek to hand the Far East to the forces of Japan by denying us our rightful bloodline to our besieged forces is beyond comprehensions. We have been warned of the over-extension of the Qing Court in foreign matters, and now this omen has been rendered true, apparent for all to see. We ask all Great Powers with interests in the region to heed the warning we did not, and to be wary of further dealings with the rogue nature of its leadership.

Furthermore, the Russian Empire shall be terminating any involvement and diplomatic support given to the so-named Trans-Chinese Line. We cannot in good faith support the efforts of the Qing Court as it stands, and until a time in which we have confidence in its leadership, we see no future in allowing our own rails to be at once attacked and taken advantage of by the Qing Court.

 

[MastahCheef117]

Restorations, Revolutions, and Dangerous Reactions​

1902 was a year that would be filled with political turmoil in the “backwater continents”, Asia and South America. The latter continent was the first to experience this period of great political upheaval.

The Brazilian regional oligarchs, growing increasingly weary of expanding federal power and the increasingly anti-crime attitudes of President Sales, increased the recruitment of their own private militias. These paramilitary forces, though not nearly as disciplined, well-trained, or well-equipped as the federal army, were used to both keep the oligarchs in power and to dissuade federal intervention – as, it was claimed, these oligarchs maintained both the liberties of the people, especially the poor, while ensuring the rule of law continued. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, and the altruistic and idealist Sales hoped to put a stop to this abuse of power and trust.

Despite his idealism, however, he was faced with several realities. While, on the surface, support for the government was strong, many were dissatisfied with the abuses of the powerful and the wealthy, along with the undemocratic nature of Brazilian society. The Republic, born in an unpopular coup d'etat just thirteen years earlier against an extremely popular monarch, lacked much in the way of democratic and republican tradition. In fact, many people disliked the republican form of the government. Many ached for the return of the beloved Emperor Pedro – who had since passed from the world – and thus their thirst for prosperity and pride was left unsatisfied.

In February Sales convened his cabinet and high-ranking minister and proposed a drastic move to secure support for the government and crush the oligarchs before civil war broke out. His plan called for an invitation for Isabel, Princess Imperial and the only living child of Pedro II, to return to Brazil and take up the crown of the since-dead Empire once more. A constitutional and democratic government would be set up, and, with the restoration agglomerating huge amounts of support from the entire population, the power and influence of the oligarchs would quickly wither away. Several of the President's ministers protested outright and, behind closed doors, threatened to begin planning their own coup to install one of their own lackeys in Sales' place. In the end, however, the hope of returning loyalty to the government to Brazilian society overrode all their other instincts. In a shocking move, they all fully endorsed the President's proposal. On 9 March Isabel arrived via passenger liner in Rio de Janeiro. The following day, amid celebrations at her return, she was proclaimed Empress of Brazil.

Empress Isabel, crowned first monarch of the Second Empire of Brazil.​

The reaction from the oligarchs was immediate. A handful pledged their allegiance to the new government and the Empress. Sales, declared Acting Prime Minister, called for the oligarchs, listed by name in a proclamation featuring both his and the Empress' signature, to submit to imperial law and potential conviction for any crimes committed against the people or state. Some of these oligarchs responded in kind by declaring an open rebellion to restore the Republic and topple the “pretend-republicans and their monarchist collaborators”. Still other oligarchs, split between their hopes for remaining in power and the stark reality facing them, kept silent, torn between supporting their allies and supporting the government that would almost assuredly win in the end. Sporadic fighting broke out outside the new imperial capital, with reports of battles between the paramilitary troops and federal police and soldiers. [Brazilian Republic dissolved, Empire of Brazil proclaimed. Some oligarchs in open revolt. -496 soldiers to Brazil, -9% political support to Brazil, Brazilian economic growth changed to expansion]

Thousands of miles away, the nations of East Asia faced a new crisis apart from the Russo-Japanese War. The proclamation of the Wartime Exclusion Zone by the Qing government – and subsequent rescinding of the ultimatum delivered to both Russia and Japan – caused an uproar in the Qing court. Reformers hoped that the government, showing strength and solidarity against war within Chinese borders, would revive the view of a powerful China. Cixi, going against her instincts, canceled the ultimatum and instead allowed for a Wartime Exclusion Zone. For many reformers, and even many conservatives, the fact that she was allowing foreign powers to fight war within Qing borders was absolutely outrageous. However, it would only get worse.

The Russian military, under orders from Kuropatkin, completely ignored the Qing proclamation to abandon use of the Trans-Manchurian Railway. In one particular incident outside Harbin, when a battalion of Russian troops were being shipped to the frontline, they were stopped by a unit of Qing soldiers from the Banner Armies. The Russians, by ignoring the Qing demands, drew their wrath. No one knew who fired the first shot, but after the end, several dozen Russians had been killed alongside hundreds of Chinese. No one knew if it meant war or not, but the Russians continued the use of the Trans-Manchurian Railroad, and continued to ship troops and supplies to the front in an attempt to stem the Japanese invasion and push them off the continent.

Russian troops fighting the Japanese in southern Manchuria – the Trans-Manchurian Railway did much to aid the Russian war effort.​

Just days after the infamous “Harbin Incident”, Yuan Shikai, under orders from Cixi, was relieved of command from the Peking Guards and put under command of a growing mixed force of infantry and cavalry. Cixi, the next day, declared a general mobilization of the Eight Banners and all modern troops, ordering General Li to take command of the overall plan for defense in the event of a Russian invasion of the Empire. Li delegated some 130,000 troops to Yuan's command – the largest he had ever commanded to this point – and created a war plan that would secure the non-occupied areas of Manchuria and create a layered defense against any offensive directed toward Peking. Yuan, enraged that he had been essentially demoted from one of the most prestigious positions in the army, began to fuel the fires of his own dreams of ambition and power.

Six days after the Harbin Incident, Yuan Shikai, at the head of his army, marched, against orders, into Peking. Realizing what was about to occur, Cixi, her most loyal advisers of the court, the Emperor, Prince Chun, Prince Rui, Prince Zhong, and the influential reformist noble Zaize, fled the capital with their loyal imperial guards; Yikuang, the Prince Qing, stayed behind to attempt to negotiate and delay the inevitable. However, after resisting Yuan, Yikuang, regarded as the official most responsible for convincing Cixi to rescind her ultimatum, was arrested and executed. Then, Yuan, backed by the angered people of Peking and the extremely loyal soldiers beneath him, declared that the Emperor had lost the Mandate of Heaven. Yuan claimed that Zaizhen, Prince Qing following the death of Yikuang, was the true Emperor of the Qing; and, to prove it, released an imperial proclamation by the Prince's hand declaring the unseating of the current Emperor. In the same proclamation, Yuan was named Acting Chancellor, Minister of War, and General of the Armies of the Empire. In Peking, reception of the proclamation was mixed; many just wished war would not come, once again, to the imperial capital. Anti-Qing fervor – or, at least, anger against Cixi and her court – threatened to boil over in several other major cities and in the surrounding countryside. Letting these cities fall to the rebel sentiment could cause a chain reaction that would result in a drastic shift of power and the creation of a new ruling branch of the Qing dynasty. [Peking fallen to rebellion, -8% political support to Qing, -10 infantry divisions, -1 cavalry division to Qing, -283 soldiers to Qing, Qing “mobilized”]

The young Zaizhen, proclaimed Emperor of China.​

If the Qing government – facing potential war in the northeast and potential revolution throughout the country – did not put down Yuan's revolt, it could very well served as the undoing of the centuries-old Qing dynasty.

At the same time as these radical changes ongoing in China, the Emperor Gwangmu, extremely worried over the increasing tensions and crises in northeast Asia, ordered the mobilization of the Korean military, in preparation for an invasion from Russia, Japan, China, or some combination thereof. [Korea mobilized, +3% political support to Korea]

GM Note: All countries can re-send orders if they like, but no orders here were used except by Brazil and Korea. These countries can resend a new set of orders for the main update.

 

[MastahCheef117]

Declaration of the Chinese Revolutionary Alliance
同盟會
​

Rise, sons of Zhongguo!

The Mandate of Heaven has been lost, yes -- but lost not by the previous Emperor, or any claimed current Emperor, but by the invader -- the Manchu!

They have subjugated us under their cruel laws, their tyrannical acts, and their decadent culture. They have destroyed the culture and tradition of the Nation. They have raped our identity and stolen our sovereignty.

That is why, here, in the city of Tokyo, we proclaim the formation of the Chinese Revolutionary Alliance. We will not stop to achieve our goals -- a people's government, the rule of the people, and a good livelihood for the people -- until the tyrants of Manchuria have been ousted and Zhongguo returned to her rightful owners. We will not rest until the monarchy is ended and republican virtues and ideas spread throughout the Nation and bring prosperity to all Chinese.

This is our cause, and the revolution to which we all dedicate our lives. Long live Free China!

 

[MastahCheef117]

The Empire of the Great Qing
清朝
​

On behalf of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China, Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years, I deliver the following message to the people of China, and of the world:

Forty-one years of tyranny over the Empire have finally come to an end. The first step to national liberation, and the release of the Empire from the grips of tyranny, greed, and evil has been taken. The Imperial capital has already been freed from the yolk of the pretender-Emperor and his corrupt cronies. All that remains is for the people to rise up! It is so very clear that that pretender has already lost the Mandate of Heaven. Heaven has ordained that the Emperor succeed to the Dragon Throne through the act that took place in the capital just days ago -- that act that, spurned on by the true feelings of patriotism, piety, and love for the Nation, defied the will of the tyrant-pretenders -- and all that remains is the national uprising to once again ensure the transition of the Mandate of Heaven from one person to Another.

To the peoples of the world, and the various foreign ministers of the great Powers of our time: I humbly invite, as Acting Chancellor of the Empire, you dignitaries to the Imperial capital, to witness the progress the Nation is making now that the Emperor has taken his rightful place as the true Son of Heaven. History will show the righteousness of our cause, and will absolve us of any mistakenly-seen misdeeds; and history will condemn those that deserve condemning: the supporters of the false Emperor who wage war against the very nation itself. Come to your senses, my people, and let us bring Zhongguo once again to the prosperity that is ours, by the decree of the Heavens!

His Excellency Yuan Shikai, Acting Chancellor of the Empire of the Great Qing, Minister of War, General of the Armies

 

[etranger01]

The United States of America
Hail, Columbia​

On Brazil:
The United States is concerned and dismayed by the fall of the Brazilian Republic. We consider such a unilateral action undemocratic in the extreme and a potential prelude to the establishment of an unstable autocratic regime. Though the previous domestic situation in Brazil left much to be desired, the undermining of democratic structures is a worrying recourse to solve a problem that could have easily been fixed through other means. We strongly expect Prime Minister Sales to commit to the establishment of a democratic regime in which the popular will is fully represented and the monarchy maintained solely as a unifying figurehead.

On China:
The government of the United States maintains the utmost faith and confidence in the ability of Chancellor Yüan Shih-k'ai's government to uphold its lawful commitments and to re-establish order and stability within China. Though the means by which the new government has assumed power are regrettable, we understand that such measures were necessary given the increasing delusions of grandeur and unlawful behavior of its predecessors.

On Korea:
The United States must express concern over the mobilization of the Korean army, which can only serve as a destabilizing force in a region already fraught with tension. The United States has already announced its intention to serve as a guarantor of Korean neutrality and sovereignty; no further action by the Korean military is necessary. As such, we expect that the Korean Emperor will cease his military mobilization and return to a neutral stance post-haste.

John Hay
Secretary of State of the United States of America