So, here's my new signup, now bigger and better than ever with detailed reasons why these countries appealed to me and why I think they should be in the game. Apologies if it's too much.
(Also, these are in no particular order.)
I. Empire of Japan – 1920 Mk I
Japan by the end of 1920 Mk I was in a bad place, with a decaying military, poor economy, mediocre government and a very bruised ego. Having experienced the total collapse of their empire with the loss of Manchuria, Korea, Taiwan, Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, they are definitively confined to the homeland and just as diminished as in OTL, though with the added disadvantage of having much of its misfortunes continue into the late 60s. Many constants of Japanese life and history have been completely undercut: the traditional sanctity of the imperial family is questionable at best, given the assassination of one emperor and the attempted coup of another, and the Japanese military, once the pride of the nation, is weakened and divided after a long period of defeat, division and neglect. As a nation, Japan has undergone a transition towards a socially liberal state, but unlike OTL it has yet to experience its famous economic miracle.
The main reason I would like to take the helm of 1920’s Japan in Legacy of Nations is that I think it would provide a great challenge – overseeing the renewed prosperity and success of the Japanese people whilst also contending with strong neighbours in the form of the (OP)SSR and China will likely be difficult, especially if I decide that the military is a necessary tool to accomplish that. As a member of NODO and free from the constraints placed on it by the Americans OTL, Japan has the potential to rebuild its armed forces and reassert itself in Asia with hard power, potentially turning the region into one of hot dispute – if its neighbors will let it, of course. Alternatively, it could pursue the great economic growth that it has the potential for, if provided the right guidance.
II. Greater Japanese Empire – 1900 Mk I
Yes, I know this is also Japan, but bear with me. I also believe that the Greater Japanese Empire from 1900 Mk. I would be great addition to the game, and that is because it is a radically different nation than 1920’s Japan. First of all, the Greater Japanese Empire from 1900 is a nation that has yet to be broken – while having had to eventually relinquish the East Indies and Manchuria, as of the game's end Japan had managed to retain control of both Korea and Taiwan as key portions of their empire, affording them access to a wider range of resources than in OTL. In addition, their military was never humbled, and still serves as the backbone of the state and an integral part of Japanese culture and national identity – for while the Japanese are now more focused on their economy, this is only due to the security and peace of mind that their strong military affords them. A self-confident, even arrogant Japan with the firepower to back up their tough talk is interesting to me and could provide a valuable counterweight to Chinese and Soviet influence in Asia (especially given it’s membership in NODO). Personally, I would love to explore the ramifications that a still-proud and victorious Japan would have on their culture and politics, with ideas such as racial superiority and ultra nationalism not having been discredited like they were OTL and likely still maintaining strong followings.
III. Empire of Ethiopia – 1920 Mk II
When one talks about African success stories, let’s not forget Duke’s Ethiopia from 1920 Mk II. In a rather ironic departure from history, major cooperation between Addis Ababa and Rome saw massive strides forward for Ethiopia with regards to education and infrastructure, leading to the country becoming a rising star in Africa throughout the game. While heavily involved in the African liberation movement, Ethiopia also benefited from colonialism as the Italians withdrew from East Africa, leaving their ally Ethiopia in charge of their former colonies of Eritrea and Somalia. While this did cause problems, Ethiopia established a firm rule on its territory through the expansion of a police force and military, the improvement of health-related services, and a liberalization of its constitution. By the end of the game Ethiopia was in a good position, the eader of both the African Union and the African Economic Community and possessing a booming population and decent economy. I think that this Ethiopia, so markedly different from what it is today (or was in 1975) would be a great addition to the game. Plus, we need a player-led African nation!
(EDIT: Removed Sokoto. Much sadness.)
(Also, these are in no particular order.)
I. Empire of Japan – 1920 Mk I
Japan by the end of 1920 Mk I was in a bad place, with a decaying military, poor economy, mediocre government and a very bruised ego. Having experienced the total collapse of their empire with the loss of Manchuria, Korea, Taiwan, Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, they are definitively confined to the homeland and just as diminished as in OTL, though with the added disadvantage of having much of its misfortunes continue into the late 60s. Many constants of Japanese life and history have been completely undercut: the traditional sanctity of the imperial family is questionable at best, given the assassination of one emperor and the attempted coup of another, and the Japanese military, once the pride of the nation, is weakened and divided after a long period of defeat, division and neglect. As a nation, Japan has undergone a transition towards a socially liberal state, but unlike OTL it has yet to experience its famous economic miracle.
The main reason I would like to take the helm of 1920’s Japan in Legacy of Nations is that I think it would provide a great challenge – overseeing the renewed prosperity and success of the Japanese people whilst also contending with strong neighbours in the form of the (OP)SSR and China will likely be difficult, especially if I decide that the military is a necessary tool to accomplish that. As a member of NODO and free from the constraints placed on it by the Americans OTL, Japan has the potential to rebuild its armed forces and reassert itself in Asia with hard power, potentially turning the region into one of hot dispute – if its neighbors will let it, of course. Alternatively, it could pursue the great economic growth that it has the potential for, if provided the right guidance.
II. Greater Japanese Empire – 1900 Mk I
Yes, I know this is also Japan, but bear with me. I also believe that the Greater Japanese Empire from 1900 Mk. I would be great addition to the game, and that is because it is a radically different nation than 1920’s Japan. First of all, the Greater Japanese Empire from 1900 is a nation that has yet to be broken – while having had to eventually relinquish the East Indies and Manchuria, as of the game's end Japan had managed to retain control of both Korea and Taiwan as key portions of their empire, affording them access to a wider range of resources than in OTL. In addition, their military was never humbled, and still serves as the backbone of the state and an integral part of Japanese culture and national identity – for while the Japanese are now more focused on their economy, this is only due to the security and peace of mind that their strong military affords them. A self-confident, even arrogant Japan with the firepower to back up their tough talk is interesting to me and could provide a valuable counterweight to Chinese and Soviet influence in Asia (especially given it’s membership in NODO). Personally, I would love to explore the ramifications that a still-proud and victorious Japan would have on their culture and politics, with ideas such as racial superiority and ultra nationalism not having been discredited like they were OTL and likely still maintaining strong followings.
III. Empire of Ethiopia – 1920 Mk II
When one talks about African success stories, let’s not forget Duke’s Ethiopia from 1920 Mk II. In a rather ironic departure from history, major cooperation between Addis Ababa and Rome saw massive strides forward for Ethiopia with regards to education and infrastructure, leading to the country becoming a rising star in Africa throughout the game. While heavily involved in the African liberation movement, Ethiopia also benefited from colonialism as the Italians withdrew from East Africa, leaving their ally Ethiopia in charge of their former colonies of Eritrea and Somalia. While this did cause problems, Ethiopia established a firm rule on its territory through the expansion of a police force and military, the improvement of health-related services, and a liberalization of its constitution. By the end of the game Ethiopia was in a good position, the eader of both the African Union and the African Economic Community and possessing a booming population and decent economy. I think that this Ethiopia, so markedly different from what it is today (or was in 1975) would be a great addition to the game. Plus, we need a player-led African nation!
(EDIT: Removed Sokoto. Much sadness.)
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