Rising Power From the South - An Argentina AAR

[superjames1992]

Hello, all. After reaching a sort of stopping point with my Turkish AAR, I have decided to start up a new AAR with Argentina (I will probably go back and do continue my Turkish again eventually, but I'm a bit burnt out on that for now and I've pretty much done all I can do with that for the time being).

Here I will take the reins of the South American country of Argentina. My goal will be to move into the Axis and go from there.

In this AAR I will NOT use the "no neutrality" cheat code like I did with Turkey. I felt that it gave me too much of an advantage since oftentimes my country got too much of an advantage since the belligerent country would often have their forces on another country's border since my threat was not very high. Thus, I would often blindside countries before they could react, which made my level of success too high.

I am using Hearts of Iron III Semper Fi 2.03 (the latest patch) and will be playing on Very Hard mode. I want to make this challenging.

Also, in this AAR, I will try to keep my units organized from the beginning, which I failed at doing in my Turkish AAR, in which my order of battle was nothing short of a disastrous mess.

 

[superjames1992]

CHAPTER ONE

January 1st, 1936 - March 19th, 1936​

The date is January 1st, 1936. Thus begins the rise of a new power from the South American continent - the rise of Argentina!

Here is a look at our army as of January 1st, 1936. Our army is small and with rising tensions in the world this decade, this is a bit concerning. It is adamant that we build up our army into a stronger, more capable force.

A look at the diplomatic triangle indicates that our country is leaning more towards the Axis than anything else.

A look at our political situation. As you can see, I, Agustin Justo, am your leader. We have a repressive government.

We will begin by researching infantry small arms and infantry warfare. Given our place of battle and the opponents we will be fighting against eventually, if war does break out, infantry will be our best bet. Thus, we will concentrate on improving our infantry forces to be the best in South America. We will supplement these infantry with militia and cavalry divisions.

Our first build will be two three-brigade infantry divisions. These divisions shall provide the backbone of our armed forces, though it would be beneficial to add a fourth brigade, an artillery brigade, to supplement the three infantry brigades at some point.

In addition, we begin work on two three-brigade militia divisions. While these divisions are not necessarily the best, they are cheap and use few officers. Thus, for us, as a country who needs to improve our armed forces fast, they will work well. The plan is to build two four-division corps of militia divisions and have them ready by 1939.

Here is a look at our new orders in the build que.

Also, we have sent diplomats to Berlin to meet with the German government, which has recently been taken over by Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party. Both of our countries share similar perspectives about how our government should be run, so we feel like aligning to Germany's faction could benefit our country greatly.

The first order of business on the intelligence front is to begin raising our threat in neighboring countries while simultaneously lowering our neutrality on the home front.

Here is a look at our glorious Air Force, consisting of one interceptor squadron and one naval bomber squadron.

The Argentine Navy is actually quite formidable, consisting of two battleships and four heavy cruisers. That said, it is rather outdated and while it can hold its own against any South American Navy, it cannot match the power or scope of the Royal Navy of Britain.

Several divisions are moving northward along the border with Uruguay.

On January 6th, conditions improve in such a way that we are able to enact our basic mobilization law. This law increases our available IC from 6 to 13.

Our army is reorganized and renamed in English for simplicity. The 1st-4th Infantry Divisions belong to the 1st Infantry Corps. Currently, only the 1st Mountain Division belongs to the 2nd Infantry Corps, but four more infantry divisions will be built in due time to attach to the 2nd Infantry Corps.

On February 17th, Italy forced Ethiopia to surrender. The east African nation is made into an Italian puppet state. Like Germany, we also consider Italy to be similar to us and, thus, we are pleased by our fellow friend's success.

On March 10th, our first two militia divisions are completed.

These two new militia divisions are attached to the bran new 1st Militia Corps.

Work is began on two more militia brigades in order to fill the 1st Militia Corps with four divisions.

 

[superjames1992]

CHAPTER TWO

March 20th, 1936 - July 4th, 1937​

A Parliamentary scandal rocks our glorious nation on May 1st, 1936. This is despicable. The perpetrators shall be burned at the stake.

Two more militia divisions are ready, which will fill out the 1st Militia Corps with four divisions. In addition, our first infantry divisions are ready to be deployed to the 2nd Infantry Corps.

Here is the current look of the Argentine army.

Production is began on artillery brigades which will be added to every infantry division. In the future, the standard Argentine infantry divisions shall consist of three infantry brigades and one artillery brigade. Fully staffed, this means that our divisions shall consist of 10,000 men: 9,000 infantry soldiers and 1,000 men working the artillery.

On July 6th, I am informed that we have made significant strides in small arms which will give our infantry the tools they need to gain the upper hand in future battles, if there are any.

With our infantry warfare doctrine continuing to progress, we direct our attention to militia small arms. Given that we are raising two corps, totaling four divisions each, of militia, we want our militia to be able to fight effectively.

By November our infantry warfare doctrine has been fully researched, so we direct our research towards improving our supply production. If we are ever fighting on far away lands, this could prove very valuable.

On November 11th, our artillery brigades are ready to be placed into our infantry divisions.

With the artillery brigades completed, work begins on four cavalry divisions. These cavalry divisions will form the 1st Cavalry Corps and will serve as Argentina's mobile foces.

By the middle of December, our militia small arms research has paid off.

In its place, we begin researching light artillery for our infantry in order to give them greater firepower.

In January 1937, a revolution breaks out on the Iberian Peninsula. The Nationalist forces, backed by fascist elements in Germany and Italy and led by General Franco, are rebelling against Republican Spain, which is being backed by Britain and the Soviet Union. Though we offer no formal support for either side, it would be preferable if the Nationalists achieve victory to give greater support for our cause as we attempt to spread fascism around the world.

In April, it is discovered that our police force has been corrupt. This is unacceptable and disloyal elements are to be exterminated.

In late April, we are able to further prepare for any future wars as we enact full mobilization as an economic law.

A couple days later, our scientists have found a way to increase our supply production.

Noting our buildup of our armed forces along their border, Uruguay responds by moving several divisions of troops to the border to fend off against any future attacks.

By June 6th, Fascism has achieved a great victory as the Nationalists declare victory in Spain!

Later in the month, our infantry's light artillery receives an upgrade.

Thus, work begins on improving our cavalry's small arms as our current tech levels in cavalry only put them as updated as 1932, which is unacceptable if we hope to have success using our men on horseback effectively.

Japan declares war on Nationalist China in early July.

On the same day, our four cavalry divisions are fully trained and ready to be deployed to form the 1st Cavalry Corps.

Work is then began to bring up two garrison divisions to be placed out our ports at Bahia Blanca and Buenos Aires in order to fend off against any amphibious landings.

Concurrently, two militia divisions are also being trained and will be added to the 2nd Militia Corps when they are deployed.

 

[CMDRSmokey]

Looks great. Really liked your Turkish AAR. Hope you do as well in this one!

 

[superjames1992]

CHAPTER THREE

July 5th, 1937 - February 11th, 1939​

Shortly after Japan declares war on Nationalist China, they join Germany's faction, the Axis. We hope to become a member of the Axis soon, as well.

Research is halted on cavalry small arms temporarily in order to begin research on construction engineering.

On mid-September, the British, realizing how closer we are to the Axis, begin to influence us, as well. They shall not succeed, though!

Later in September, our two garrison divisions are ready to be deployed. One is deployed in Buenos Aires and the other is deployed at Bahia Blanca. Thus, Argentina's two ports are now secure.

In October, our scientists continue to improve on our supply production with another breakthrough.

Finally, after an uneventful few months, in February 1938 we gain the ability to enact two new laws which will help to boost our economy in preparation for war! First, our conscription law changes from a volunteer army to a one-year draft as our neutrality continues to fall. This will help to further develop our currently weak peacetime divisions. Secondly, we adopt war economy law, which will result in huge boosts for our industrial output and results in our available IC increasing to 28.

Later in February, our research of construction engineering is completed, allowing the production of new factories.

On March 11th, 1938, our fascist brothers in Germany annex Austria and bring it into their domain. They are also pressuring Czechoslovakia to give up Sudetenland. These developments are very intriguing as it seems Europe is headed for war, which would allow us the chance to further our own ambitions in South America.

Later in March, work is completed on new small arms for our cavalry divisions.

And in July, our supply production receives a further boost.

In the middle of September, our conscription laws are changed again as we adopt a two-year draft.

In late September 1939, it is agreed that Sunderland shall become part of Germany as British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declares "Peace in Our Time". As an outside observer, I can tell that Chamberlain is an idiot. It is clear that Europe is on a road to war.

In October, our fascist brothers in Italy sign an alliance with Hungary.

Also in October, we develop improved small arms for our cavalry, which should put them roughly on par with most modern day cavalry.

In January 1939, with tensions flaring in Europe, I order two more militia divisions to be produced in order to fill out the 2nd Militia Corps.

Also, our infantry receive improved weapons.

With infantry small arms research completed, more research is performed on improving our light artillery. Light artillery research is being performed both for cavalry and infantry.

 

[superjames1992]

Looks great. Really liked your Turkish AAR. Hope you do as well in this one!

Thank you! I played all the way up until the middle of 1939 and the outbreak of World War II last night, so I have some catching up to do today!

I'm not sure if I can be as successful as my Turkish AAR or not. I won't have the advantage of blindsiding my opponents like I did with Turkey with the "no neutrality" cheat. That really helped me out more than I'd like looking back. For example, when I attacked Romania, the majority of their forces were along the Soviet border. Thus, despite their considerable armed forces, I was able to take them down before they could react. A similar event happened with Yugoslavia, except their units were built up along the Italian border.

However, I do have the advantage of being in South America away from the great powers of the world.

 

[superjames1992]

CHAPTER FOUR

February 12th, 1939 - October 10th, 1939​

On March 8th, our conscription laws changed further as we enacted a three-year draft. This is the highest conscription law we can have until we actually go to war with someone.

By early April, the world is in turmoil. Germany has annexed the Sunderland and a puppet state of Slovakia has been set up in former eastern Czechoslovakia. In addition, Italy has annexed Albania into their country, raising tensions in the Baltics about a possible renewed Roman Empire. The world is headed for a war greater than ever seen before on the face of the Earth. But Argentina will be prepared to reap the benefits.

On May 12th, our cavalry light artillery research is completed.

Thus, we begin further studies into improving our infantry warfare doctrines and tactics.

By late May, four more divisions are ready to be deployed. The two militia divisions will complete the four-division 2nd Militia Corps while the two infantry divisions will complete the 2nd Infantry Corps, giving it four infantry divisions and the 1st Mountain Division.

On July 19th, Italy aligns itself into the Axis fold, forming an alliance with Germany and Japan.

In the middle of August, our intelligence reported that the Soviets and Germans agreed to the partitioning of Poland. War is coming and it is coming soon. One must feel bad for the Poles. Isn't this the fourth time their country has been partitioned in the last 300 years or so?

Shortly thereafter, like clockwork, our infantry receive improved light artillery.

With our light artillery research completed, we begin researching ways to improve our militia warfare tactics.

Finally, on August 22nd, 1939, it all comes to a point of no return as the Germans and Soviets declare war. The Germans demand the port city of Danzig, but the Poles refuse to budge. Thus, Germany declares war on Poland. In response, the Allies are obligated to declare war on Germany and do so. On the same day, the Soviet Union declares war on Finland, wishing to gain territory from Finland, including Karelia.

Shortly thereafter, the factions begin to line up as countries take sides. New Zealand unsurprisingly joins the Allies on August 30th. After all, they are a member of the British Commonwealth.

A day later, Sianking joins the Soviets in the Comintern.

The Soviet-Finish War does not last long, however, as the Finns fold to the Soviet concessions within a month. The Soviets have gotten what they wanted and, thus, peace is granted.

Not long thereafter, Poland falls. The government flees to London in exile, but Poland has been partitioned between Germany and the Soviet Union. In addition, Germany declares war on Denmark.

With all the war going on in Europe and Asia, our infantry doctrines are improved with further breakthroughs in early October.

Finally, on October 10th, we get what we have been waiting for. Argentina has been accepted into the Axis! Adolf Hitler and I meet in Berlin and sign the papers as, together, we work together to bring world peace! For once we have conquered the Bolsheviks and the rest of the world, there shall be world peace!

 

[superjames1992]

CHAPTER FIVE

October 11th, 1939 - October 1st, 1940​

Despite joining the Axis, Argentina still remained at peace. Germany and the rest of the Axis were warring with the Allied Powers led by the British, but Argentina bid her time and waited for the right time to strike. In the meantime, the Argentine Navy purchased three transports. These transports would be instrumental when and if Argentina entered the war against the British as they would provide a platform by which an invasion of the Falkland Islands could be waged.

In Europe, by mid-August 1940, things were shaping up quite nicely for the Axis Powers. After struggling initially, the Germans were pillaging their way through the industrialized areas of northeast France. Belgium and the Netherlands had lost their homelands, only surviving as exiled governments in their far-away colonies. Meanwhile, Italy was having success against Greece, having invaded by way of former Albania. It appeared as if both Greece and France were nearing defeat.

On August 22nd, new strategies for waging war with militia and the like were published. These strategies would provide instrumental information for any future wars in which militia were involved. Argentina has two corps of militia (totaling eight divisions or 24 brigades in total).

Thereafter, development would be used to further infantry support weapons. These technologies would allow for the research of marines later on, which was the true, underlying goal of this research.

On August 30th, 1940 the call to war was finally made as Argentina made its first moves of World War II. On this day, war was declared on Paraguay. The plan was to invade Paraguay using the 1st and 2nd militia divisions while the 1st cavalry division provided mobile forces for the invasion. It should also be noted that all South American countries are guaranteed their independence by the United States. Thus, with war being declared on Paraguay, the sleeping giant that is the United States of America was awakened from her neutral, non-interventionist sleep.

With war declared, optimum laws could be enacted, thereby increasing Argentina's available IC to 35.

Below is the grand plan for the invasion. Paraguay is a small country, so the invasion is not expected to last long before victory is declared. Of course, things do not always go as planned, as history often shows.

On September 1st, Romania cedes further land to the Axis Powers as Dobrogea is ceded to the Bulgarians. It is becoming clear that the Romanians do not have thick spines and will do anything to avoid war.

Also on September 1st, Argentina shocks the world by declaring war on a second neighboring country, Uruguay.

The invasion of Uruguay will be manned by the 1st and 2nd infantry divisions. It will provide for an interesting case study after the war to compare the performances of the infantry versus militia performances in Uruguay and Paraguay respectively.

With war waging in South America, Bolivia elected to do prepare themselves against any invasion attempts by mobilizing their armed forces a day after Argentina declared war on Uruguay.

Within days, the results of the first battles come pouring in. They are not necessarily encouraging as almost 2,000 Argentines lose their lives in the first eight days of the war against Paraguay. In addition, the United States has been accepted into the Allies.

Nonetheless, despite a heavy toll in blood, progress is slowly made. The United States made quick work in disturbing Argentina's trading routes, as well. This would be a common theme throughout the war.

On September 15th, 1940 Greece fell. However, the Grecian government refused to surrender and fled in exile to London.

Later that day, Argentine troops begin to make their way into the outskirts of the Uruguayan capital at Montevideo. It appeared as if Uruguay was on the brink of capitulation.

Unfortunately, the news was not so encouraging on the Paraguayan front, where the militia forces were showing their weaknesses in regard to offensive ability.

On the following day, Ethiopia, an Italian puppet state, was annexed by France.

Continued mixed results were had in the war against Paraguay, but no one could argue the the cost in loss of life was tremendous.

With the US Navy making quick work of disrupting Argentina's convoy routes, three new convoys were ordered to help replace sunken ones.

A sharp counterattack resulting in over 1,500 Argentine deaths allows Paraguayan troops to storm into Argentine territory as the province of Presidencia Roca is lost. Nonetheless, constant pressure is still being applied on the Paraguayan capital at Asunción.

Another sharp defeat is felt in eastern Paraguay. The war against Paraguay is quickly becoming a blood-wrenching quagmire.

However, the war against Uruguay reaches its conclusion when Argentine infantry secures Montevideo on September 30th, despite losing almost 1,500 men.

With the fall of Montevideo, the Uruguayans realize that it is pointless to fight on against a superior foe. Hence, they surrender on October 1st exactly on month after the war began, resulting in the first great Argentine victory of World War II.

Uruguay is annexed into Argentina on October 1st. Uruguay is no more! Victory parades are held in Buenos Aires over the great Argentine triumph!

 

[unmerged(157847)]

Hmm, waking Uncle Sam from his Great Depression slumber wouldn't have been my top priority. Any efforts to get Brazil to join the Axis fold?

 

[Baltasar]

Indeed, having the US joining the Allies that early might spell desaster. On the other hand, there's no other places Argentinia could attack really. Well, except for remote places like Madagascar or the such, but that wouldn't really have gained you much.

I suspect the Militias will either be disbanded or relegated to second line duties shortly?

 

[superjames1992]

CHAPTER SIX

October 2nd, 1940 - December 1st, 1940​

On October 2nd, the first of many attacks on the Paraguayan capital Asunción began, led by the 2nd and 3rd militia divisions.

On October 4th, the grand map looked like this with Uruguay fallen and Paraguay split in two.

Unfortunately, the incompetence of the militia generals led to the troops in San Estanislao being cut off. However, the troops there stood strong and fought off the Paraguayans while waiting for relief to arrive. At this time, it also became apparent that Argentina was running very low on manpower and could not afford to replace the vast amount of troops which had been lost over the last month. Many divisions were understaffed and undermanned.

As September droned on, casualties continued to mount on both sides. Argentina's manpower is currently a big, fat ZERO.

On October 23rd, the First Battle of Asunción ended with a crushing Argentine defeat. Over 3,500 Argentine soldiers were slayed in the fighting while only 337 Paraguayans lost their lives in defense of their capital. It is a disastrous defeat for the armed forces of Argentina and showcases the weakness of the Argentine military strategy of building militia forces.

On November 1st, research dollars were allocated into researching anti-tank weaponry for infantry. Once this was researched further, marines could be researched, which was the true, underlying goal.

On the following day, Argentine military researchers further updated Argentina's military doctrines in regard to infantry.

On November 9th, 1940, another attempt on Asunción was made.

On December 1st, Paraguay was accepted into the Allies. This really did not affect the war much, but it did put Argentina at war with the full Allied Powers, including the United Kingdom, even though the British had no way of intervening in the war in Paraguay.

 

[superjames1992]

Hmm, waking Uncle Sam from his Great Depression slumber wouldn't have been my top priority. Any efforts to get Brazil to join the Axis fold?

Honestly, my ultimate goal is to unite South America into one powerful nation, so I'd rather not have Brazil in the Axis. They're definitely leaning towards the Axis side of the diplomatic triangle, but they're not far enough to join the Axis yet. If they get too close, I can always declare war on them, although war with Brazil right now would probably end in disaster!

Indeed, having the US joining the Allies that early might spell desaster. On the other hand, there's no other places Argentinia could attack really. Well, except for remote places like Madagascar or the such, but that wouldn't really have gained you much.

Yeah, there really wasn't much else to do. And I don't have the range to attack far away places. My only planned overseas invasion with be the seizure of the Falkland Islands and potentially the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, as well.

I suspect the Militias will either be disbanded or relegated to second line duties shortly?

I probably won't disband them, but I'll try to bar them from taking place in any important offensive actions in the future. They are decent defenders, but on the offensive side of the coin, it has become clear that they are quite inferior to infantry.

 

[superjames1992]

On December 9th, the Second Battle of Asunción ended in another crushing Argentine defeat. Paraguay was standing tall against numerically superior forces.

On December 10th, a scandal was discovered regarding leaks within Argentina's government. It was decided that these leaks should be investigated further.

On Christmas 1940, the Third Battle of Asunción ended in defeat once again.

Despite the bad news, good news was also had on Christmas as several new transports were ready for action. These would come in handy during the future invasion of the Falkland Islands and any other potential Argentine amphibious invasions.

With free IC to spend and no manpower to train infantry with, it was decided that the spare IC free after the transports were completed be spent on building new factories to help strengthen Argentina's industrial base.

In addition, some IC was expended on building new convoys to help keep the trading routes open, many of which had been severely hampered by the US and Royal Navies.

On February 3rd, 1941, Argentine military researches announced significant improvements in infantry support weapons which would increase infantry's defense ability.

On February 6th, the Fourth Battle of Asunción ended in yet another defeat with another 2,000 Argentine soldiers slayed on the battlefield.

With frustrations mounting, Japan and its puppet state Manchukuo were issued a call to arms. They complied and declared war on Paraguay. However, this also resulted in them declaring war on the United Kingdom and the entire Allied Faction, including the United States.

With five of its six neighboring provinces held by Argentine troops, another assault was began on Asunción on February 19th.

With the Fifth Battle of Asunción still raging, further improvements were made to Argentina's infantry doctrines.

As of March 22nd, 1941 all of France had been taken by either Germany or Italy except Paris, which was completely surrounded. It is suspected that when Paris finally falls, all of France will capitulate.

With tensions continuing to rise and hostile countries arising in the Balkans, Romania decided to mobilize her armed forces on March 31st.

On April 1st, Hungary was accepted into the Axis Faction. President Justo welcomed Argentina's new ally with open arms.

On April 11th, military researchers announced that anti-tank weapons had been developed further. This opened up several new researching opportunities, including the ability to research marines and jungle warfare equipment, both of which could prove useful.

As such, marine infantry research was pushed to top priority in regards to research.

With infantry reinforcements finally being brought in from Uruguay, the Fifth Battle of Asunción was beginning to show signs of success.

Finally, on April 25th and over 20,000 lives later, Asunción fell. The Fifth Battle of Asunción was a success! Of the 31,487 Paraguayan troops defending the city, over one-third died in the fighting, 11,086 in total.

As a result, on April 26th, Paraguay surrendered. President Justo himself signed the surrender papers and announced that Paraguay would be annexed into Argentina just as Uruguay had been in 1940.

After the conquest of Uruguay and Paraguay, Argentina had certainly grown in size and scope. Now the question was, where to next?

 

[Baltasar]

In light of your manpower which is not there at all, you might really want to think again about disbanding your militias and then creating regular infantry out of the manpower available. What's your manpower income anyway?

 

[superjames1992]

In light of your manpower which is not there at all, you might really want to think again about disbanding your militias and then creating regular infantry out of the manpower available. What's your manpower income anyway?

I'm beginning to agree with you. I think I'll at least disband one of the militias because my manpower woes are a bit worrying. I think my manpower income is currently 3.8 per month, if I remember right. I'll try to check the next time I play the game and post an update.

 

[hoi2geek]

My Plan

We should go and establish the Independent client states of . . .

-Cisplatinea
-Santa Catarina
-Parana
-Amazonia
-Gran Colombia
-Peru
-Brazil

All others should be annexed by the Great Argentine Empire.

 

[timkoningskelp]

Disbanding one or two of your militiadivision looks like an easy solution to your manpower problems.

Also, Chile seems a nice target to further increase your empire.

 

[unmerged(205323)]

Disbanding one or two of your militiadivision looks like an easy solution to your manpower problems.

Also, Chile seems a nice target to further increase your empire.

I wouldnt really sugggest to go after chile here because he is at war with the US and taking chile means more ports to defend,my suggestion is taking Bolivia as a start to have more MP built up and for a few resources before taking more ports

 

[Baconman]

We should go and establish the Independent client states of . . .

-Cisplatinea
-Santa Catarina
-Parana
-Amazonia
-Gran Colombia
-Peru
-Brazil

All others should be annexed by the Great Argentine Empire.

Are you writing the aar or is superjames writing it

 

[superjames1992]

We should go and establish the Independent client states of . . .

-Cisplatinea
-Santa Catarina
-Parana
-Amazonia
-Gran Colombia
-Peru
-Brazil

All others should be annexed by the Great Argentine Empire.

Nonsense! The whole word shall be annexed into the Great Argentine Empire!

Disbanding one or two of your militiadivision looks like an easy solution to your manpower problems.

Also, Chile seems a nice target to further increase your empire.

I agree. I will at least disband one of my militia divisions and maybe the second one, as well.

I wouldnt really sugggest to go after chile here because he is at war with the US and taking chile means more ports to defend,my suggestion is taking Bolivia as a start to have more MP built up and for a few resources before taking more ports

Yeah, that's why I have not gone after it yet. I think I will go after Bolivia next (though I need a few months to regroup first) since it has no ports to defend. Chile will probably be the next target, though, since anywhere else I attack at that point will have ports. I will just need to build some garrison divisions for the, I suppose.

Are you writing the aar or is superjames writing it

Me!