Good luck with your new career choices. I hope it turns out to be very lucrative for you and also gives you plenty o free time for updates 
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Good luck with your new career choices. I hope it turns out to be very lucrative for you and also gives you plenty o free time for updates
Same goes for me. If every day becomes a drag, it is time to make some hard choices.
Good luck with your new career choices. I hope it turns out to be very lucrative for you and also gives you plenty o free time for updates
Thanks! I appreciate it. If I succeed in becoming a writer, or even just a freelancer in multiple fields, I might well have more time to write for fun like this. We'll see.
I know. My job had become a drag, even though I'd enjoyed it for many years. This new boss changed things for me.
Thanks for your comments! As a reward.....
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By 1895, Japan is proud to say that first-generation railroads now cover the entirety of the home islands, as well as much of Manchuria. Japan came late to the railroad industry, but its capitalists have obliged in pushing this technology forward, which of course improved Japan’s industrial economy. By the end of the year, the rest of Manchuria, as well as Korea, were also networked with primitive rail lines.
A quick survey of the world trade situation shows that Japan is ranking as one of the top-five producers of various products – silk, tea and artillery. However, other countries around the world – most significantly, the USA, Britain, Germany and the Netherlands – are producing electric gears, automobiles, and aeroplanes. This demonstrates that, despite major advances in trade improvements, Japan remains technologically backward, to an embarrassing degree.
As a newly-recognized great power, Japan’s diplomats had exercised a great deal of influence in China, Johore, and the Netherlands. The war against China had, naturally, set back those efforts there, at the Chinese court. But it was believed that once the war had been over for a while, those efforts might resume.
As it was, some was still to be salvaged, and Chinese officials agreed to respect Japan’s wishes more fully when they came before the court (OOC: I had built up 92 Influence Points during the period when the game didn’t recognize that Japan and China were at war, because of Japan’s newfound GP status – I used some of these points to Increase Opinion).
The British, especially, were making great progress against China in the south and center of the country. The Dutch decided to see what scraps they might be able to grab, and an invasion was mounted in the south near the territory they controlled. Despite British success, there was no sign of much movement on the Russian frontier.
Japan, after 5 years of concerted warfare, was worn down badly. It was time to turn efforts to rebuilding the military and the economy. The mobilized masses were returned to the farms and the factories, but it would surely take years for the regular soldier regiments – the ones that began the war unsupported by conscripts – to recover and regain full strength.
The question was whether they would be able to prepare – in terms of manpower and technology – before the next war beset Japan. The truce with Russia would only last until February of 1898. Would they, then, decide to take advantage and attack a war-weary Japan?
In May of 1895, China bowed to the inevitable, and yielded two more of her internal regions to the United Kingdom, which was added to her already sizeable Indian and Burmese holdings.
As has been mentioned, Japanese science and industry was lagging. Military technologies had been advanced quickly, but not yet to the point where they were on par with European practices. An emphasis, in 1895 and 96, was placed upon improving Japanese scientists’ understanding of Organic Chemisty, which would open up new chemical industries for the country.
It was clear, however, that in terms of industrial and especially commercial practices, Japan had a lot of catching up to do to really be able to compete with Europe economically. This, also, was an embarrassment to the proud Japanese people. One they intended to rectify, though things seemed stacked against them.
In June, 1895, Japanese leaders in the field of foreign affairs were boggled when an unanticipated switch occurred. The United Kingdom, fresh from conflict with China, suddenly switched sides and began protecting China against the Dutch! Of course, the reasons for this had roots in European continental politics, but Japanese minds were still somewhat unsure of their understanding of such things. It did not make sense.
Combined with the fact that American troops were already supporting the Chinese against the Russians, this had enormous ramifications for the future of Asia. If foreign powers – European and American – were willing to defend Asian countries against other foreign powers, did this mean that Japan had lost the initiative in even their one, most major, foreign policy goal – that of protecting Asia against foreign powers?
And what did this bode for Japan’s future on the Asian continent? Would Japan be able to establish the hegemony – the economic sphere – many desired?
A tremendously insecure Japan faced the long summer of 1895 wondering how to again capture the esteem of the European powers. It seemed to help that both Luzon and Pyongyang were integrated into the Empire as new states. This would build the Japanese economy, and further her status as a leader of Asia.
But when Japan was invited to become a member of the International Olympic Committee – albeit at great cost – this was judged to be of the utmost importance. Acceptance as an equal to the Europeans in any field of endeavor was seen as progress – as a heightening of Japan’s prestige.
And then, in August, a Japanese archaeological expedition was rudely refused entry into the Sindh. Protests only resulted in the expulsion of Japan’s ambassador from his embassy at Karachi. Now, if Japan intended to retain the respect of its friends in Europe, how could it allow a small, insignificant, uncivilized country such as the Sindh to treat Japan such?
The Sindh had apparently been following an increasingly isolationist bent, itself. It had only three small local countries as allies, none of which had either the ships or the land access to support her. Nevertheless, it was decided to allow this insult to pass. Ironically, this was seen as a sign of maturity by the other great powers – something which confounded Japanese thinkers to no end.
In October, the French ambassador rebuffed an entirely reasonable proposal by the Japanese Foreign Minister. He compounded the situation by letting his displeasure, and apparent disregard for, Japan be known in public. Despite several technological advances during this period that might have helped Japan, its generals were certain that Japan was not in any shape to fight a war with France over this insult. This situation was papered over, and again, Japan was seen as having dealt with France wisely, by showing her up as a rude and unsophisticated country.
By the beginning of 1896, Japan was seen as a relative equal of Mexico, which was quite a compliment, considering Mexico had been accepted by Europeans as worthy of equality with them as well. Japan’s influence, worldwide, was growing.
Japan had, for a number of years, been pursuing the peninsular country of Johore as a possible local “puppet”, not to mention possibly an ally against the European expansion in the region. This would be where Japan would draw the bright line, between its own sphere of influence, and European domination of Asia.
In the summer of 1896, these plans came to fruition, and Johore became Japan’s first ally of any kind in recent history. Johore would be protected, and they would fight alongside Japan, should any wars erupt with the European powers.
Soon thereafter, the European wars in China ended. China gave up some of Mongolia to Russia for peace, in June. And in November, 1896, the Dutch, who had been entirely overwhelmed by the massive British military presence in China, accepted “their place” in Asian affairs. They were to be seen as a secondary power in Asia, despite their conquest of the East Indies, and significant presence there.
Japan, for her part, saw this as a possible opportunity.
As 1897 dawned, and the “turn of the century” (western calendar) approached, Japan was at a crossroads. There were more than just two paths she could take. There were many.
Japan needed to decide her goals, into the future. And, despite how far she had come, Japan was really only at the beginning of her journey of discovery. Where would she go? What would she do? Japanese imaginations were churning.
The perfid Albion strikes again in her pursuit of her permanent interests, even if that means to defend someone that her is still cleaning their blood out of her sword
And so, Japan again goggles over the southern China with greed and lust, I assume. If the Russians keep quiet time enough , it is clearly the moment to beat up the Dutch a little....
And so, Japan again goggles over the southern China with greed and lust, I assume. If the Russians keep quiet time enough , it is clearly the moment to beat up the Dutch a little....
Ah yes, the cornerstone of any civilised nation. Drinking tea in fancy silk uniforms while mighty cannons fire round after round
. Do you think you would be much further ahead technologically if you had not started the game as an isolationist? And yeah, do the Dutch have any friends who would come to their aid if you decided to poke your nose in their business?
At least you still have all of coastal China (the wealthy bit anyway) at your disposal... Let them fight for the steppes, and the mountains and the jungles And actually, "Silk, Tea and Artillery" would make a great motto for the new Japan. Or a good coat of arms...
Good luck with your new job prospects... I believe you have one of the most important qualities for a freelancer: stubbo... perseverance
And actually, "Silk, Tea and Artillery" would make a great motto for the new Japan. Or a good coat of arms...Good luck with your new job prospects... I believe you have one of the most important qualities for a freelancer: stubbo... perseverance
Thanks, Bruce! I will definitely take you up on that!
Indeed! A bright spot in a weary tale!
There's been a rivalry with the Dutch for a while, I guess. I think this isn't their first war.
Lol I remember that song. Cole Porter, 1934. NOT the "Top" yet! But maybe up there with Berlin or the Zuider Zee.
Or cellophane! I didn't realize cellophane was around in 1934. The perfid Albion strikes again in her pursuit of her permanent interests, even if that means to defend someone that her is still cleaning their blood out of her sword
And so, Japan again goggles over the southern China with greed and lust, I assume. If the Russians keep quiet time enough , it is clearly the moment to beat up the Dutch a little....
There are many possible targets, and many possible ways...
Hmm... Remember, I did mention that there was a potential rivalry with the US highlighted by their support of China.
Ah yes, the cornerstone of any civilised nation. Drinking tea in fancy silk uniforms while mighty cannons fire round after round
Do the Japanese drink tea with the pinkie extended? Actually, yes -- I have no doubt that I would have been more advanced if I hadn't been through that period of isolation. I deliberately avoided westernizing, or even doing anything to associate with the west in the beginning. And my research, at first, was undirected -- not purposed toward any particular thing besides military.At least you still have all of coastal China (the wealthy bit anyway) at your disposal... Let them fight for the steppes, and the mountains and the jungles
Good luck with your new job prospects... I believe you have one of the most important qualities for a freelancer: stubbo... perseverance
Ha! Very funny -- I'd love to see that in the coat of arms!
I think most of the population is along the coast, too -- easy striking, for now.Thanks about the job prospects! And yes, I am kind of stubbo... persistent!
I've now an added concern -- will probably be laid off within the next couple of weeks. They've changed my job description to something I'm not particularly qualified for. This is part of the growing irritation I've had with my employer recently, with the new boss. I've applied to a number of other jobs, including one with the same employer. But I do feel like it's time to move on. Perhaps into self employment. We'll see! Thanks for your support.
I'll see if I can get an update ready for tomorrow. Got alot on my plate, all of a sudden. Thanks for your comments! See you soon.
Rensslaer
During 1897, Japanese diplomats were hard at work shoring up Japan’s protectorate of Johore, as well as trying to extend its protectorate to both Brunei and China. The Chinese, naturally, were not very happy about Japanese diplomatic pressure in this direction, but the Japanese were keenly reminded that they hadn’t much choice when Russia was lording it over their own country at court.
The surprise targets for diplomatic overtures were The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Spain. Japan and the Dutch had long been assumed to be rivals, and war had been contemplated, on both sides. The Netherlands was clearly a rival within Asia. So was Spain, though her lease on those lands was increasingly questionable (Spain was expanding in Arabia, but elsewhere her star was falling). But Japan’s own star – or sun – had risen far enough that it was beginning to eclipse the fortunes of both, Spain and The Netherlands.
In the halls of Japan’s military schools, for the first time the concept of flexible firepower – or interlaced fields of fire – was being taught. The Japanese had long questioned and doubted the sanity of western engineers who built star-shaped fortifications. But, gradually, the wisdom of such designs began to seep into the minds of Japanese colonels, who one day became generals and changed the rulebooks. Japan’s understanding and employment of firepower had graduated to a new level, with resulting improvements to her defensive networks.
Other military innovations were also being developed. The Japanese army was growing up. So was the Imperial Japanese Navy. New prototypes were being developed that would make the commerce raider paddlewheel designs obsolete. It was hoped that they would be in service soon after the turn of the century, if not before.
In late December Japan’s rival Russia grew, but Japan was not overly concerned about her cannibalization of Persia, which was a distant country, mostly out of the mind of Japan. The mere fact that it empowered Russia, though, was concerning. Japan wanted Russia to have powerful enemies elsewhere, so she would not think to trouble Japan. Or China, for that matter, which was still hoped to be Japan’s expansion market.
Early in 1898, Brunei accepted Japan’s protective cloak. They arranged for mutually beneficial economic ties. Unlike Japan’s resistance when Russia moved in, neither Johore or Brunei begrudged Japan’s protection – they were glad for it. In the Spanish courts, though, Russian intrigues resulted in lies and rumors against Japan which hurt her diplomats’ prospects. They had more luck continuing to press for accommodation with the Dutch.
Sadly, in March, the legendary military genius Gentaro Nire – hero of so many astonishingly successful battles against the Chinese – was laid to rest after a brief illness which sapped his extraordinary octogenarian health.
During the summer, the French arrogantly pressed a military expedition – supposedly on an “archaeological and anthropological mission” – into Johore, near where French Siam converged with British and Johori territory. This caused a diplomatic incident, where Japan was obliged to protest on behalf of Johore. It was a sign of how tensions with France continued to mount, though this particular incident was again resolved with an outward appearance of geniality.
The Japanese Army spent much of the summer of 1898 revamping its cavalry doctrines, and by 1899 they began mounting cuirassiers, with shining breastplates and improved weaponry – a dual employment of sabers and carbines.
Wars and rumors of wars continued to trouble Japanese ministers into 1899. The Americans were fighting a modern-day crusade, of sorts, pushing toward the legendary (for them) city of Jerusalem. A major war between Austria-Hungary, whose fortunes had improved in recent decades, against the Germans and British raged. Early Austrian progress had been erased, and now the outcome remained in doubt.
For the Turn of the Century (Fin de Siecle), many countries took up the challenge of an expedition to the North Pole. Japan eagerly joined in this competition, and outfitted a troupe of army and naval experts and hardies to vie for the honor of first conquest.
By the middle of 1899, Japan had made her mark by becoming a top producer of steel – just behind Austria-Hungary. This was seen as a hallmark of how Japan’s economy and industry were catching up to the western powers. The Japanese military was beginning to make use of the telegraph – a few decades late, one might observe, from worldwide standards, but progress, nonetheless.
In November, the Turks gave in to American demands, and TransJordan came into their possession.
Japanese diplomats were able to push through Russian interference and improve Japan’s standing with Spain. And Japan began construction and arrangements to open its first Stock Exchange, for the buying and selling of stocks – a new concept for a formerly feudal country.
If anywhere, it was the IJN that had remained relatively unattended to, over time. Yes, Japan had many ships, and was employing steam power. But the lack of credible opposition from either, Russia or China, had led the Emperor to neglect the Navy, thinking that it could make do with what it had. The work on steel warships was a sign of how this was changing, as well as new improvements to policies and techniques. Other promises were made, that more resources would be steered in their direction, so that if war with a major European naval power came, Japan would not be caught out.
But before those promises could be put to the test, the Army was again at the forefront, and was to be tested. On December 20, 1899, Russia declared the beginning of the 4th Russo-Japanese war, meaning to acquire warmwater ports nearer to the Korean peninsula along the Manchurian coast.
Johore agreed to own up to her obligations of mutual defense. No such arrangement was yet in place with Brunei. And, though the Dutch had offered, a few months before, an alliance, Japan had politely declined out of concern that she might become embroiled in a European war such as that which now raged between Germany and Austria. Such a war would expose Japan and those countries in her sphere of influence to fighting in and around the French or British colonies of Southeast Asia. Second-guessing was expressed, at that decision, but it was of no account now.
Japan’s Manchurian lands were now pitted in a new war against Russia’s Siberian and Mongolian territories. This war would boast a much wider front of action than any previous war with Russia. Japanese generals felt that would work in her favor.
And, speaking of that conflict between Germany and Austria, the Austrians had made remarkable progress, again, against the Germans. It was, it seemed, the British that she had to fear.
Having prepared, for years, for just such an eventuality, Japanese troops and ships appeared off the shores of the Kuril Islands within a week’s time, and began landing to restore those islands to Japanese control.
Japan entered this new war without trepidation. At least for the time being, a truce was still in place to keep China in check.
However, Japan’s armies would miss the leadership of Generals Goro and Hiroshi Ichinohe, both of which had died earlier in the year, and especially Gen. Gentaro Nire, who would be eternally revered as the Sage of the Battlefield.
7th place. Amazing progress for a nation that was considered backwards less than a century before. Even with a much-neglected navy, you still have the 3rd most-powerful military in the world. Congrats.
Now go kick some Russian butt!!
Now go kick some Russian butt!!
I hope the Army got enough time to rebuild itself, there aren't going to be any insane k-d ratios for this war
I am more optimistic about this war than ones with China, as Russia doesn't have the bloodbath brigades. Twice the results with half the carnage.
That was very noble of you to let the Russians backstab you instead of preventively backstab them
So mobilization is on again, hopefully you have increased your soldier pops in the mean time.
So mobilization is on again, hopefully you have increased your soldier pops in the mean time.
And so it begins again ... atleast this time it was Russia that declared war Let's just hope that China does not go revanchist and decides to join the party as it already did before :/
So, what is the goal this time , besides the Kuriles ? Maybe some Mongolia ?
Let's just hope that China does not go revanchist and decides to join the party as it already did before :/So, what is the goal this time , besides the Kuriles ? Maybe some Mongolia ?