1936: The Beginning of a New Path
On January 1st, 1936, with a new year beginning, it was decided that Some new reforms should be implemented. The Siamese government went 1 towards having a standing army, making it easier to retrain divisions with more modern weapons.
The Siamese government January 1st, 1936
The reforms did not stop at the army. The Siamese industry was also reorganized to better suit the future and current needs of Siam. Much IC was put into reinforcing the current divisions to their maximum strength. After that was completed, the divisions would be modernized to current tech levels.
Siamese industry, January 1st, 1936
The technology of Siam would also be improved, with the first impovement being basic machine tools, to increase the output of factories.
New trade deals were also completed, with Persia for oil, Germany for energy, and Japan for money and steel.
The army in January 1936 consisted of 2 divisions and 1 garrison, the navy 2 light cruisers and 1 destroyer, the air force 1 fighter group and 1 tactical bomber group. In the future it was planned on expanding the army and navy, and possibly the air force.
The Siamese Armed Forces
On April 11th Japan influenced Siam greatly causing her to move 1 towards closed society. This helped Siam along the path to fascism.
On April 15th, Italy annexed the nation of Ethiopia. The world condemned this action, though no country actually stepped up to contest this conquest.
On May 27th the research for basic machine tools was completed, causing an increase in industrial output. With this technology completed it was decided that rear area supply dumps should be researched, in order to increase transport capacity and create a more efficient way of transporting and supplying troops.
On June 5th Guangxi Clique declared war on Nationalist China.
Despite victories and conquests in the beginning by both Communist China and Guangxi, by early October Guangxi was pushed back and forced to make peace. In mid october Nationalist China made peace with Communist China as well.
On June 14th, with the infantry divisions done upgrading to the current standards, there was free IC available to build new units. The Siamese government decided that the best choice would be to build a new factory complex in the mountains of Khon Kaen. The Siamese economy continued to grow.
The growing Siamese economy
On July 18th the Spanish Civil War started between Nationalist and Republican Spain. The Republicans were backed by the Soviets, and the Nationalists by Germany and Italy. The UK and France declined to send any aid.
On December 22nd the research on rear area supply dumps was completed. The next item to be researched would be the census tabulating machine, in order to increase the effectiveness of future research.
With 1936 at an end, the country of Siam was on a path to future greatness. With an improved economy, a modern army, and increased relations with Japan, Siam was heading towards a bright future.