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[list][sub]Le Quotidien Impérial[/sub][/list]

[list][sub]L'Empire Français[/sub][/list]

[list][sub]Édition octobre 1893[/sub][/list]

FRANCE MOBILIZES GRANDE ARMÉE AS WAR LOOMS IN BALKANS

[sup]Paris, France | The French Empire[/sup]

[list][sup]20 October 1893[/sup][/list]

Upon the order of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Napoleon IV, the Grande Armée and the Imperial Navy have both been ordered to prepare for imminent mobilization as the situation in the Balkans continues to deteriorate. The mobilization has come following threats against the Empire of Serbia, a strong and trusted regional ally of the French Empire and a great admirer of the French way of life, by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a long-time enemy of France, the Empire, and the Bonapartes personally. Emperor-King Franz Joseph I's aggression against Serbia itself has come after the Serbian Empire declared a war of liberation against the Ottoman Empire in regards to Serbian territories around Novi Pazar and in Kosovo and Vardar Macedonia. France, as an ally of Serbia, has made no official comment in regards to neutrality or partiality in the newest series of tensions between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, but has instead decided to choose actions over words and mobilize core aspects of the Grande Armée and the Imperial Navy, undoubtedly in preparation for the outbreak of a major war in the Balkans.

His Imperial Majesty, with the support of the Ministry of War, has ordered for the mobilization of 500,000 troops over the coming eight months. The two million-strong Grande Armée, primarily existing in a state of dormancy within the European continent between the highly contested border between France and Germany in the occupied Alsace-Lorraine region, will be ordered on high alert while two field armies, the Army of Italy and the Army of Spain, have been ordered for a complete mobilization in preparation for necessary deployment of military force in the defense of France and French allies in Europe. Each of these field armies, consisting of roughly 250,000 soldiers each, have been given eight months to "prepare for a state of war" in and around continental France. A third field army, the Algiers-based Army of Africa, as well as a fourth, the Army of the Rhine, have been ordered to remain on standby orders for mobilization given the development of situations within Europe over the coming weeks as military conflict grows to be more of a reality than of mere speculation. The other French field armies scattered around continental France have been ordered to prepare for secondary mobilization in the event His Imperial Majesty orders it, but have otherwise been left without orders to prepare for conflict.

The Army of Italy, named after Napoleon I's revolutionary army which fought and saw victory against Austria and other Coalition forces at the beginning of the century, has been given a new headquarters in Nice, on the Franco-Italian borders. The Army of Spain, modeled on the forces of the Grande Armée which partook in the Peninsular War but updated with modern tactics and equipment, has been garrisoned along the Pyrenees with headquarters at Toulouse. Both armies have been promised an increased number of artillery and other assorted cannonry as mobilization continues.

The Imperial Navy, for its part, has been ordered to mobilize itself as well. The French Mediterranean Fleet, based in Toulon, has been given secret orders regarding preparation for conflict, while French fleets in Brest and other northern ports have been rather quiet. While the full extent of maritime mobilization has not been publicly revealed, His Imperial Majesty did confirm that he has provided the Ministry of the Navy with executive orders regarding use of maritime force by the Imperial Navy should conflict errupt.

Teujira, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

The Rexist Rijk wrote:[sup]January, 1894.[/sup]

BOARD OF WAR

[sub]QING DYNASTY SEEKS NEW WEAPONS.[/sub]

| The Board of War has put out a contract, cumulatively worth 33,590,000 taels of gold, for the construction of various navy ships and the delivery of different military arms to the Qing Military. |

| Under this contract, the Qing has asked for: |

[list]- 3 steam-powered Pre-dreadnought Battleships (displacement >12,000 tonnes), 1,200,000 taels of silver each

- 10 steam-powered Armoured Cruisers (displacement >4,000 tonnes), 865,000 taels of silver each

- 8 steam-powered Protected Cruisers (displacement >4,000 tonnes), 730,000 taels of silver each

- 12 steam-powered Light Cruisers (displacement >2,000 tonnes), 665,000 taels of silver each

- 10 submarines (armed with torpedoes), 200,000 taels of silver each

- 12 steam-powered Torpedo boat Destroyers, 320,000 taels of silver each

- 100,000 cartridge-firing revolvers and parts, 400,000 taels of silver

- 20,000 semi-automatic pistols and parts, 80,000 taels of silver

- 700 machine guns + spare parts and kit, 150,000 taels of silver

- 1,300 sets of field artillery + spare parts and kit (~70mm calibre), 1,000,000 taels of silver

- 700 sets of mountain artillery + spare parts and kit (~70mm calibre), 50,000 taels of silver[/list]

| In addition, the Dynasty has asked for external advisors from Europe to provide advice on the nation's modernization, and to accompany the Great Dynasty through its journey in the 20th century. |

| Seeking to further its interest in Asia in good faith, the Second French Empire has offered to cooperate with the Great Qing to further the Great Qing's naval modernization efforts with French supervision. His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV has informed the His Majesty Emperor Guangxu of France's interest, and has offered to send a corps of naval engineers led by Louis-Émile Bertin to help the Qing design light attack ships based on the Jeune École naval philosophy. His Imperial Majesty has requested that Monsiour Bertin be paid in full for every ship which he helps design for production by the Qing at the price the Qing has offered for the sale of ships. |

The Rexist Rijk

[list][sup]DECEMBER, 1893[/sup]

MOBILIZATION & PREPARATION.

[sup]BRITISH EMPIRE, LONDON — MORNING [/sup]

___[/list]

| At this point it was clear, a major European war was to break out, most likely in the balkans between Austria-Hungary, and Russia, Germany and France. This put the United Kingdom in a very tense position. Prime Minister Archie Loyd met with his team of advisers and ministers. In the room was War Secretary Henry Petsfield, Admiral John Smith, and his economic adviser Alfred Marshall. They sat on an oval table, made out of mahogany. On the table was tea, cakes and various snacks. |[list]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD |[/sup][sup] “The Austrians must be insane, I’m not sending a half a million British men to be slaughtered by Russians. Germans and French. I only will if they happen to prove themselves, which I doubt.” [/sup]

[sup]| WAR SECRETARY HENRY PETSFIELD |[/sup][sup] “Will material support continue?” [/sup]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD |[/sup][sup] “Yes, I suppose.” [/sup]

[sup]| WAR SECRETARY HENRY PETSFIELD |[/sup][sup] “We have to keep the balance of power in Europe, Mr. Prime Minister.” [/sup]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD |[/sup][sup] “The French mobilized on the Spanish and Italian borders, they want to rebuild their Empire from scratch. It’s the Napoleonic Wars again.” [/sup]

[sup]| WAR SECRETARY HENRY PETSFIELD |[/sup][sup] “My advice is to focus on the French and Germans while ignoring the Russians. Guarantee Spanish and Italian sovereignty, and prevent the rise of France while delaying the economic rise of Germany.” [/sup]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD |[/sup][sup] “Once Austria falls, the Germans will annex the German areas surely, we’ll need to think very long term to maintain our dominance.” [/sup]

[sup]| WAR SECRETARY HENRY PETSFIELD |[/sup][sup] “We can seize and annex their colonies in Africa and Asia, with ease may I add.” [/sup]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD |[/sup][sup] “Let’s do that too then.” [/sup]

[sup]| WAR SECRETARY HENRY PETSFIELD |[/sup][sup] “We should also cut all military exports to France, Germany and Russia.” [/sup]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD |[/sup][sup] “Alright, do that too then.” [/sup]

[sup]| WAR SECRETARY HENRY PETSFIELD |[/sup][sup] “Here’s our mobilization plan, I shall be going then.” [/sup][/list]

___

𝟏𝟖𝟗𝟑 𝐌𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍

[sup]𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲[/sup]

| The British Empire can muster, initially the following numbers, based on location rather than unit or affiliation. We will then go into future recruitment and training methods. |

[list]

- United Kingdom, 650,000 troops

- Canada, 45,000 troops

- Australia, 35,000 troops

- New Zealand, 10,000 troops

- British Raj, 890,000 troops

- Egypt, 30,000 troops

- Cape Colony, 80,000 troops

- Nigeria, 15,000 troops

- EAP, 8000 troops

- Rhodesia, 10,000 troops

[/list]

| The following movements shall occur, along with short reasoning and time of completion |

[list]

- Egypt, +80,000 (split between British and Indian regiments), September, 1894

- Rhodesia, +30,000 (Entirely from Cape Colony), April, 1894

- EAP, +35,000 troops (Split between British and Indian regiments),October 1894

[/list]

| As with Prime Minister’s Archie Loyd’s philosophy of sparing as many British born lives, recruitment and training shall be centered in India, with the goal recruiting and training 240,000. Especially those with former military experience. These trained troops shall be sent to Egypt, where they shall be based, and be ready to be deployed to Italy, or Spain as needed, British regiments shall equal the same of deployed Indian regiment troops. |

[sup]𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲[/sup]

| No naval based threat is threatened at the Home fleet, the Channel fleet, vessels stationed in the North Sea fleet. It is believed the primary zone of warfare would be in the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Fleet shall, in terms of major combatants, from hereby out, be comprised of the following: |

[list]

[spoiler=MEDITERRANEAN SEA FLEET]- HMS Royal Sovereign

- HMS Hood

- HMS Empress of India

- HMS Centurion

- HMS Barfleur

- HMS Trafalgar

- HMS Nile

- HMS Sans Pareil

- HMS Blake

- HMS Blenheim

- HMS Edgar

- TB.91

- TB.92

- TB.93

- TB.56 through TB.60

- HMS Daring

- HMS Havock

- HMS Hornet

- HMS Decoy

- HMS Ferret

- HMS Lynx[/spoiler][/list]

| This fleet, in terms of tonnage, would be the largest fleet in the Mediterranean, we would also have the most battleships of any nations, including allies, combined. The fleet’s mission would be assisting Spanish and Italian navies against the French, and implementing a blockade should things escalate. The Channel, Home and Atlantic fleets have been informed of this potential blockade, which would extend to Germany. Russian ships are not to be stopped.|

[sup]𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭[/sup]

| The Whitehead & Co company is nationalized, an unprecedented move, all production licenses are cancelled and exports are banned. The Lee-Enfield rifle shall become the standard issue, and its production shall be of the utmost importance. An initial 3 million rifles has been ordered. Rifles and ammunition shall be prioritized to be given to British and Indian units in Africa, which would also be deployed to Italy or Spain if need be. |

Czabalkia, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Aarkanglia

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

Liga Iberica wrote:The Kingdom of Spain wishes to remain on good terms with the countries which used to be its colonies. To remain on good terms with the United Bolivar States a Spanish delegation from Cuba departs for Bogota. The Spanish delegates depart to talk to representatives from the United Bolivar States and to discuss further development into the once Spanish colony. They see the land as rich in natural resources and see it as a good trade partner to the lands of Cuba and wish to strengthen ties with the nation.

| The Spanish delegation, upon arriving by carriage outside the Presidential Palace in Bogota, is escorted inside the UBS capitol building. The foreigners are soon taken up a long flight of stairs and into the President's private study. Once the representatives enter and take their seats, President Suarez looks up from the papers on his desk and smiles. He then rises and motions to shake each of the men's hands. |

[sub]PRESIDENT ERNESTO SUAREZ: "Ah, welcome to lovely Bogota, Spanish friends! It is a pleasure to have you all here today. I heard you have come to discuss the improvement of relations and I trust you're eager to know more about our ambitious canal project. All will be explained in time, but first enlighten me. How has your nation, Spain, been as of late? I'm curious to hear from actual Spaniards how the motherland is getting by."[/sub]

Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

Sadar wrote:[list]{Governor Méndez} Of course señor, it is our utmost pleasure to have you here. Here, let us make our way towards the train station. It will at least take a good 8 hours for you to arrive at Esperanza. Allow these soldiers to mount your luggage into the carriage and please step in good sir.

| After arriving in Esperanza, Lord Chevron awaited to meet whoever he was to meet, so that the discussions could begin. |

Woraniana wrote:| After arriving in Esperanza, Lord Chevron awaited to meet whoever he was to meet, so that the discussions could begin. |

| The doors of the room open as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ignacio Mariscal, steps into the room. He greets Lord Chevron with a firm handshake. |

[list]{Ignacio Mariscal} Buenos dias señor Chevron. It's a pleasure to have you here in Mexico today, I hope your trip was most comfortable.

[list]22 Avril 1894

[list]ARRETE IMPÉRIAL N ° 301 - SUR LA SITUATION DES ALGER

IMPERIAL ORDER No. 301 - ON THE SITUATION OF ALGIERS[/list][/list]

THIS ORDER, signed on the 22 of April, in the Year of our Lord 1894 by His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV, Emperor of the French, hereby officiates the following, to be carried out immediately and in perpetuity until directed otherwise by further Imperial Decree or Resolution of Parliament:

[list][*]All Mohammedians living within the French Departments of Algiers, Oran, or Constantine, and who are not members of the French Foreign Legion, the Grande Armée, the Imperial Navy, the Troupes Coloniales, the Gendarmerie, or offices of public affairs and service are to be recognized by the government of the French Department of Algiers as Citoyens non impliqués(Non-Evolved Citizens), and are barred from future enrollment in these positions unless deemed to have fulfilled the requirements of becoming a Citoyen évolué(Evolved Citizen).

[*]All Algerian Mohammedans who are not members of these agencies, and who have not accepted French citizenship under French law in accordance with the Constitution of 1878, are deemed as Biens personnels de l'État(Personal Assets of the State). All Personal Assets of the State will receive the full protection of the Constitution of 1878 with certain conditions.

[*]Personal Assets of the State shall be immediately escorted by the Grande Armée from the Departments of Algiers, Oran, and Constantine to the colonies and protectorates of Mauritania, Senegal, French Sudan, French Guinea, Ivory Coast, Upper Volta, Dahomey, Niger, French Gabon, French Congo, and Ubangi-Shari under the Projet spécial de logement et de développement colonial(Special Housing and Colonial Development Project), under the direction of the Ministry of the Colonies, which shall supervise the peaceful resettlement and housing of Algerian Mohammedans throughout the French Colonies, to be provided labor-intensive government jobs regarding infrastructural development, colonial management, and military defense of the colonies.

[*]After ten years of service under the Special Housing and Colonial Development Project, all male Algerian Mohammedans between the ages of 16 and 35 shall be allowed entrance into the branches of the French Military, or to serve in governmental posts in the colonies, subject to all the rights and duties which come with these posts and the inherent privileges that come with service for the French state.

[*]After fifteen years of service under the Special Housing and Colonial Development Project, all Algerian Mohammedans shall be no longer recognized as Unevolved Citizens, but as Indigénat(Indignant) and subject to the Code de l'indigénat(Code of the Indignant) rather than direct Imperial and Ministerial Decree. From here, an Indignant may work towards becoming an Evolved Citizen.

[*]The Ministry of the Colonies is placed in direct control of organizing and carrying out punishment of Mohammedans engaged in the Special Housing and Colonial Development Project who disobey French colonial law or the orders of an Imperial Decree, Resolution of Parliament, or Ministerial Order of the Ministry of the Colonies.

[*]Among other things, Mohammedan Algerians involved in the Special Housing and Colonial Development Project are forbidden to return to the Departments of Algiers, Oran, or Constantine so long as they are not classified as Evolved Citizens or have served in the military or public office.

[*]To replace the labor being taken from the Departments of Algiers, Oran, and Constantine through this project, the French Government shall sponsor migration of French nationals from the mainland to Algeria through a one time subsidy of 800 Franc upon arrival in the Departments of Algiers, Oran, and Constantine, and will be provided a plot of land equivalent to 1/3 an acre free of mortgage if a colonist settles in an area designated as Urbain(Urban), and a plot of land equivalent to four acres free of mortgage if a colonists settles in an area designated as Frontière(Frontier). Colonists shall still be subject to property tax and all other taxes as decreed by the French government.[/list]

Signed,

His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French and Co-Prince of Andorra

Val Verde-, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

[list][sup]APRIL, 1894[/sup]

THE HOMELAND DEFENSE CORRIDOR

[sub]BRITISH EMPIRE, LONDON — MORNING[/sub]

____

[/list]

| Prime Minister Archie Loyd today announced a economic and defense initiative called the "Homeland Defense Corridor", which aims to protect the British Isles by creating highly fortified naval bases and coastal defense stations in key choke points. This plan was most likely enacted as a contingency, should the Royal Navy fail or lose its supremacy, while unlikely, the United Kingdom is engaged in a fierce back and forth in naval construction between itself and powers like Germany, France and Russia. Loyd's plan was passed and funded by the British Parliament and is generally well received by the British public. The plan was accompanied with a reorganization of the Royal Navy to streamline and simplify its missions across the globe, the details of this will be released at a later date. The Homeland Defense Corridor will consist of the following stations armed with the following, and the capacity to do the following, these details are considered classified but its expected information concerning them will slowly leak to other nations. HMCS stands for Her Majesty's Coastal Station. |

[list]

[sup]HMCS St. Anne

- 5 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 4 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- Port with the capacity to hold 25,000 tons.[/sup]

[sup]HMCS Guernsey[/sup]

- 10 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 6 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- Port with the capacity to hold 45,000 tons.

[sup]HMCS Jersey

- 6 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 3 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- Port with the capacity to hold 35,000 tons.[/sup]

[sup]HMCS Dover

- 6 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 12 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- Port with the capacity to hold 170,000 tons.[/sup]

[sup]HMCS Gibraltar

- 4 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 4 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- Port with the capacity to hold 40,000 tons.[/sup]

[sup]HMCS Eastern Isles

- 5 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 4 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- Port with the capacity to hold 25,000 tons.[/sup]

[sup]HMCS Shetland Island

- 8 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 6 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- Port with the capacity to hold 55,000 tons.[/sup]

[sup]HMCS Fair Island

- 4 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 3 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- Port with the capacity to hold 35,000 tons.[/sup]

[sup]HMCS Hollandstoun

- 3 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 2 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- No Port[/sup]

[sup]HMCS St Margaret's Hope

- 2 x RML 16-inch 80-ton gun

- 1 x Armstrong 100-Ton Gun

- Coaling Station

- No port

[/sup][/list]

| The Home Fleet, who's sole aim is to defend Great Britain, Ireland and its surrounding islands will be scattered throughout these new Coastal Stations. Though, much of the fleet will still be based is already build ports. |

[list]____

[/list]

Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Aarkanglia

[list]16 Mai 1894

[list]MESSAGE DE SON EMPEREUR DE MAJESTÉ IMPERIALE NAPOLÉON IV À SON EMPEREUR DE MAJESTÉ IMPERIALE GUANGXU

MESSAGE OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY EMPEROR NAPOLEON IV TO HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY EMPEROR GUANGXU[/list][/list]

Addressed To His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Guangxu,

[list]Your Imperial Majesty,

I would like to begin this letter first by expressing my generosity for Your acceptance of our offer of aid to the Great Qing through the form of a naval engineering mission sent to the city of Tientsin. The French stance in Asia is not one of picking favorites and, as was shown with the Empire of Japan, France will aid all those who come to it for assistance. We are no strangers to hospitality, after all, and I hope that Your Imperial Majesty finds the services of the French engineering delegation suitable to the demands of Your Empire. In turn, all we respect is that the Great Qing upholds its end of the deal, and that both the French government and our naval engineers are paid appropriately to what is being requested of them.

In regards to relations between the Great Qing and the French Empire, I believe that this naval engineering delegation represents merely a first step towards increased French presence in Asia, aiding local governments in modernizing and achieving prosperity. Additionally, the French Empire has a great interest in the natural and economic wealth of the Great Qing, as well as increasing French economic outposts in the farthest reaches of Asia. As Emperor of the French, it is my God-given duty to advance the interests of the French nation, state, and people in all regards and, specifically in this regard, Sino-French relations. The era of the Sino-French War is now nearly ten years behind us, and was the result of misinformed policies on the end of both Parisian and Peking advisers. As Emperors of our respective Empires graced by God to rule, it is our duty to come to peaceful terms regarding settlement of deals which one seeks from the other.

In return for French assistance in arming the Army and Navy of the Great Qing, I as Emperor of the French would like to express firm and absolute interest in the territories of Kouang-Tchéou-Wan, the Port of Zhifu, and the Island of Hainan. France, as one of the prime supporters of the Great Qing outside of Asia, wishes to acquire these territories through the signing of appropriate leases of a certain duration from which France can continue to assist the Great Qing's industrialization and modernization efforts, defend ports belonging to the Great Qing from molestation by the navies of foreign powers, and further French presence in the area as a force for good, one which acts in the interests of the Great Qing and of Your Imperial Majesty. I ask that a French delegation be welcomed to Peking, one which shall be sent with utmost haste upon your agreement, to oversee the signing of leases of these territories. This delegation will be dispatched from our possession in Tienstin and shall obey all proper customs and traditions appropriate of a delegation in the presence of His Imperial Majesty. I simply ask that this delegation, as the representatives of myself and all of the French Empire, be treated with proper respect as well.

In the spirit of increased French aid for the Great Qing, I truly do hope and expect you to agree to the lease of the aforementioned territories. The Great Qing has already gained much from the French Empire- it has much more to gain by appeasing the Empire's aims in the region, which include further supporting and strengthening the Great Qing's position in Asia. The territory which France seeks to lease from the Great Qing would certainly appease the French Empire, and inspire increased sentiments of support for the Great Qing in France, which would allow for my own government to more freely support the Great Qing's endeavors as it continues to emulate the successes of the French Empire and the other Great Powers. It is certainly hoped that, should Sino-French ties continue to be strengthen, the Great Qing might one day stand among the greats of the world on a global scale.

France shall be willing to work with the Great Qing so long as the Great Qing is willing to work with France.[/list]

With The Kindest Regards,

His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French and Co-Prince of Andorra.

[spoiler=MENTIONS]

The Rexist Rijk[/spoiler]

Teujira, Val Verde-, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

The Rexist Rijk wrote:[sup]May, 1894.[/sup]

BOARD OF RITES

[sub]RE: LEASING OF QING TERRITORIES[/sub]

| The Board of Rites, on behalf of the Emperor, thanks the Emperor of France for his words. |

[list]The Great Qing has decided, after consultation, that it would not agree to a French lease of Hainan Island or the Port of Zhifu.

Should the French Empire wish to call for reconsideration, the Board of Rites shall hold a plebiscite across the nation.

The Board of Rites is willing to sign a lease to the territory of Guangzhouwan for a period of 20 years. During that time, France may hold a certain level of sovereignty over the lease, as will the Qing. We propose that administration be handled by a Sino-French council of ministers to ensure that both side's interests are aligned at all times.

The Qing, and the people of the Great Dynasty, see foreign leases as a zero-sum game. We will not endure such concessions again; the Qing shall proceed with such matters through capitalism - through the exchange of capital, but not our soil.

[/list]

Czabalkia

[list]24 Mai 1894

To: Board of Rites of the Great Qing

From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the French Empire

Re: Leasing of Qing Territories[/list]

| On behalf of His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French and Co-Prince of Andorra, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to make clear the position of His Imperial Majesty on the topic of the leasing of territory of the Great Qing as a means to advance joint Sino-French interests in the region, and as adequate compensation for current and future investment of French efforts, manpower, resources, money, and time into establishing the Empire of the Great Qing as a modern nation capable of defending its people and the interests of its allies. |

| The refusal of French offers in regards to the matter by the Emperor of the Great Qing has shown the French government of His Imperial Majesty that the Great Qing has little respect or regard for French assistance in helping to modernize China, and no interest in repaying France for its services both now and in future. Indeed, the failure of the Great Qing to allow France to lease territory in Zhifu to be used to help develop Chinese ports and railroads in continental Asia has confirmed the assessment of the Great Qing as a headstrong empire unaware of what it stands to gain from cooperating with the French Empire and its allies. Therefore, in the interest of the self-preservation of French interests in Asia and the respect and honor of the French nation and people, the French Empire has decided to respond to the Guangxu Emperor's arrogance accordingly. |

| Monsieur Louis-Émile Bertin and his team of naval engineers has been recalled from his service to the Great Qing effective immediately and has been ordered to take all plans regarding the construction of modern, light naval vessels with him. Monsieur Bertin and his team have been recalled to the French possession in Tienstin, where they will be split and either return to France or be dispatched to Tokyo for use in the service of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Meiji of the Empire of Japan. The French will return any payments which have already been made from the Great Qing in regards to the services of Monsieur Bertin and his team as a show of good faith in spite of the Great Qing's insult to French efforts to assist in their modernization efforts. |

| On top of this, the Ministry of the Colonies, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of the Navy have been authorized by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Napoleon IV to prepare French military assets in French Indochina for mobilization. Elements of the French Foreign Legion in Indochina around 500 strong, as well as the Army of Tonkin have been ordered by His Imperial Majesty to amass in the Tonkin Area. Additionally, the French Ironclads NSMI Colbert, NSMI Trident, and NSMI Magenta have been ordered to depart for Shanghai from Toulon, a voyage of roughly three months. Upon the NSMI Colbert, a French delegation including Victor Collin de Plancy, a former French minister to Korea and Shanghai, who shall be tasked with personally meeting with the Guangxu Emperor and overseeing agreements regarding the lease of Kouang-Tchéou-Wan, Zhifu, and Hainan. Following the NSMI Colbert, NSMI Trident, and NSMI Magenta will be a further fleet of French Protected Cruisers consisting of the the NSMI Lalande, NSMI Coëtlogon, NSMI Surcouf, and NSMI Sfax, due to arrive in the region two weeks after the ironclads. |

| Spitting in the face of the honor and prestige of the French Empire is something which shall not be taken kindly upon, especially after extreme generosity had been shown to the Great Qing in regards to modernization. The French Empire is still very much open to discussion regarding aiding in the modernization of the Great Qing, however certain conditions must be met and French honor respected. |

Val Verde-, Sadar, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

Post by The Holy Austrian Empoire suppressed by Woraniana.

The Holy Austrian Empoire

Austrian Provinces hello. I dunno how will we do, but I propose to have the same territory and just ignore each other

Franz Joseph I

From Austro hungary 2

Aarkanglia

Antagarichh wrote:[list][list]БОГ И ЗЕМЉА ПРОТИВ ТУРКА - GOD AND COUNTRY AGAINST THE TURK

[sub]October 1893 - Belgrade, Empire of Serbia[/sub][/list][/list]

| Following months of mobilization, Tsar Alexander I and his ministers have decided that, as winter begins to set in, the formal declaration of war against the Ottoman Empire should be presented to the Sultan. With the Serbian Army now having swelled to over 92,000 men, and with guarantees of Russian assistance, the imperial government has become convinced of its ability to fight the Turks out of Sandžak and Kosovo. The Serbian Imperial Army is prepared for battle as the Tsar, the Prime Minister, and other key ministers draft a declaration of war with the assistance of the National Assembly. This declaration is put through the legislature and passed on 13 October and is immediately signed by the young Tsar, with a copy being made, signed, and sent to Constantinople on horseback. With the declaration of war, Tsar Alexander I leaves the National Assembly and retreats back to the Royal Palace where he will oversee the first few days of the campaign. |

[list][list]BATTLE OF NOVI PAZAR

October 13-20, 1893[/list][/list]

| Over the ensuing next week, two battalions of Serbian troops primarily armed with Russian Berdan rifles and supported by thirteen Russian 87mm M1877 light field guns are mobilized from within Crna Gora's northern border to make an assault on Novi Pazar, in tandem with four battalions supported by 16 87mm M1877s from within Serbia proper. The two Montenegrin battalions, consisting of 850 soldiers each and the Serbian battalions, also consisting of 850 soldiers each, are tasked with besieging the Ottoman garrisons within the Sanjak of Novi Pazar, the most key area separating Crna Gora and Serbia from one another. The Serbian detachment, led by General Predrag Gojković, is to surround the city of Novi Pazar from the north while the detachment from Crna Gora, led by General Dabiživ Brkić, shall besiege it from the south. The mountainous terrain surrounding Novi Pazar makes passage with artillery nearly impossible beyond the main roads, therefore both armies follow main roads leading to Novi Pazar on their advance. These two forces are backed by cavalrymen, roughly 510 for each force. |

| Although, through the occupation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has maintained a de facto occupation of Sandžak and the city of Novi Pazar, the Ottoman garrison within the area is the primary concern of the Serbian Army’s movements. Diplomatic cables are sent to Austria-Hungary informing them of the offensive upon Novi Pazar and Serbia’s non-intention to agress against Austria-Hungary. |

[list][list]BATTLE OF VUČITRN

October 16, 1893[/list][/list]

| While this force spearheads an assault on Novi Pazar, the main force of nearly 42,000 soldiers stationed in southern Serbia prepare for an assault on Kosovo, Metohija, and Vardar Macedonia. Of the 42,000 soldiers on campaign into the south, 13,000 of them along with over 60 guns form a spearhead into Kosovo. This army, commanded by General Radomir Kuzmanović, has specific orders to engage the Kosovar Army of the Ottoman Army in a series of handpicked battles on the path to Prishtina, the largest city in Kosovo and Metohija and the former capital of the Kosovo Eyalet before capital status was given to Skopje. General Radomir’s army moves against the Ottomans, setting up a massive camp at Vučitrn, a small town just past the Serbian-Ottoman border. General Radomir makes his camp overlooking the stone bridge in the town’s south, one of the oldest bridges in the area. |

| Encamped here at Vučitrn, the Serbian army awaits for the Ottoman forces to move to engage them, most likely across the Sitnice River in the fields to the south of the town. A force of 180 cavalry are dispatched to scout out for the Ottoman forces, riding south through Dalak and Bokosh all the way to Obilić, just north of Prishtina. |

[list][list]ADVANCE ON SKOPJE

October 14-20, 1893[/list][/list]

| A further 22,000 Serbian soldiers and 72 guns, under the command of General Radojko Tomić, march south from the border into Vardar Macedonia. Only fifty miles separate General Radojko’s army camped near Vranje from Skopje, the capital of the Kosovo Eyalet situated within Vardar Macedonia. Radojko’s 22,000 soldiers depart from their camp at dawn on October 14, just following the declaration of war. Over the next six days, Radojko’s army starts its march towards Skopje, with cavalry units always scouting a couple miles ahead of the main unit to search for any Ottoman forces awaiting their advance. |

HERŞEY VATAN IÇIN

As the Slavic messenger delivered notice of the formal Declaration of War signed by Tsar Alexander I, Ottoman War Minister, Ömer Rüşdü Paşa, ordered the mobilization of the Western Field Army based in Salonika, Ottoman Greece, with Corps stationed in select cities across the Ottoman Balkans. With the Western Army boasting a numerical strength of ~154,000 troops, phase 1 of mobilization begins as swiftly as possible with forces closest to the action mobilizing first to meet the Serbs and Montenegrins before they are allowed to close the gaps between them and Skopje.With three armies in Europe, the Macedonian, Vardar and Thracian Armies, the Western Field Army totaled 1,203 pieces of mobile artillery and 1,115 fixed artillery on fortified positions.

At the onset of mobilization, the Ottoman Order of Battle consists as follows:[/I]

•Vardar Army (Kumanovo, Vardar Macedonia, Eyalet of Rumelia) [Priority Mobilization]

°V Corps

[List]-13th Division

-15th Division

-16th Division

-İştip Redif Division[/list]

°VI Corps

[List]-17th Division

-18th Division

-Manastır Redif Division

-Drama Redif Division[/list]

°VII Corps

[List]-19th Division

-Üsküp Redif Division

-Priştine Redif Division[/list]

°II Provisional Corps

[List]-Uşak Redif Division

-Smyrna Redif Division

-Denizli Redif Division[/list]

°Firzovik Detachment

°Taşlıca Detachment

°Independent Cavalry Divisions

[List]-7th Cavalry Brigade

-8th Cavalry Brigade[/list]

•Ustruma Corps (Struma, Vilayet of Thrace) [Reserve Mobilization]

[List]°14th Division

°Serez Redif Division

°Nevrekop Detachment[/list]

•Işkodra Corps (Scutari, Vilayet of Albania) [Priority Mobilization]

°24th Division

[List]-70th Infantry Regiment

-71st Infantry Regiment

-72nd Infantry Regiment

-24th Artillery Regiment

-24th Rifle Battalion[/list]

°Elbesan Redif Division

[List]-Elbasan Redif Battalion

-Libraşt Redif Battalion

-Gramış Redif Battalion[/list]

°Tiran Redif Regiment

[List]-Tiran Redif Battalion

-Erzen Redif Battalion

-Akçahisar Redif Battalion[/list]

°Berat Redif Regiment

[List]-Berat Redif Battalion

-Devol Redif Battalion

-Skrapar Redif Battalion[/list]

°Draç Redif Regiment

[List]-Draç Redif Battalion

-Peklin Redif Battalion

-Kavala Redif Battalion

-Bosna Redif Battalion[/list]

°Provisional Regular Division

[List]-3rd battalion of the 50th Infantry Regiment

-1st battalion of the 51st Infantry Regiment

-1st and 2nd battalions of the 53rd Infantry Regiment

-54th Infantry Regiment[/list]

°Scutari Fortified Area Command

°Debre Redif Battalion

°Debre-i Bâlâ Redif Battalion

°Debre-i Zîr Redif Battalion

°Mat Redif Battalion

°Rakalar Redif Battalion

•İpek Detachment (İpek, Kosovo Eyalet) [Priority Mobilization]

°21st Division

[List]-61st Infantry Regiment

-62nd Infantry Regiment[/list]

°Pirzerin Redif Division

•Independent Yanya Corps (Yanya, Vilayet of Janina) [Reserve Mobilization]

°23rd Regular Infantry Division

[list]-67th Infantry Regiment

-68th Infantry Regiment

-69th Infantry Regiment

-23rd Artillery Regiment[/list]

°Yanya Reserve Infantry Division

[List]-Yanya Redif Regiment

-Ergiri Redif Regiment

-Avlonya Redif Regiment

-Yanya Brigade[/list]

°Yanya Fortified Area Command

[List]-Artillery Regiment

-Engineers[/list]

Alongside the mobilization of the Western Field Army in lengthy phases, the Ottoman Navy began the mobilizations and preperations in regards to launching a small but agile flotilla to secure Mediterranean waters from any potential support that may attempt to reach Serbia from overseas. At the helm of the Naval interjection, Ottoman Naval Fleet Commander, esteemed Admiral Bozcaadalı Hasan Hüsnü Paşa, heavily respected as "Champion at Sea" for his battle record spanning across almost 20 years as Admiral of the Ottoman Fleet. At his behest, the temporary flotilla, Akdeniz Kombine Filosu or "Mediterranean Combined Fleet" was established to secure Ottoman coastal waters in and along the Mediterranean Sea. Akdeniz Kombine Filosu consists as follows:

Mediterranean Combined Fleet

°Armored Frigates

•Osman I-class (Broadside Ironclad)

[List][I]-Osmaniye

-Orhaniye

-Mahmudiye

-Aziziye[/list]

•Mehmed II-class (Broadside Ironclad)

[List]-Fâtih[/list]

•Conqueror-class (Broadside Ironclad)

[List]-Fettâh[/list]

•Happiness-class (Central Battery Ironclad)

[List]-Mesûdiye[/list]

•Abdülhamid II-class

[List]-Hamidiye[/list]

°Torpedo Boats

•Burhâneddîn class (2nd Class Torpedo Boat)

[List]-Burhâneddîn

-Tevfik[/list]

•Mecidiye-class (2nd Class Torpedo Boat)

[List]-Mecidiye (Abdülmecid I)

-Eser-i-Terakki (Works of Progress)

-Nimet (Blessing)

-Şanaver (Messenger of Glory)[/list]

•Timsah-class (3rd Class Torpedo Boat)

[List]-Timsah (Crocodile)[/list]

•Şemşir-i Hücûm-class (3rd Class Torpedo Boat)

[List]-Şemşir-i Hücûm (Attack Sword)[/list]

•Gilyum-class

[List]-Gilyum (Wilhelm II)

-Sâikı (Motive)

-Tîr-i Zafer (Arrow of Victory)

-Seyf-i Bahrî (Sword of the Sea)

-Vesîle-i Nusret (Opportunity of God's help)[/list]

[I]The Mediterranean Combined Fleet is still undergoing onset preperatory stages before it launches from it's home Naval facility at Gallipoli, the Dardanelles, and eventually crosses into the Aegean Sea and into Balkan waters. On land in Skopje and Sandzak, the Ottoman Army digs in and awaits the advancing Serbian troops as they wait for sibling units to finish full mobilization and advance to the front lines to meet Serb-Montengrin Force.[/I]

Antagarichh, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Aarkanglia, The Holy Austrian Empoire

Post by The Holy Austrian Empoire suppressed by Woraniana.

The Holy Austrian Empoire

Val Verde- wrote:HERŞEY VATAN IÇIN

As the Slavic messenger delivered notice of the formal Declaration of War signed by Tsar Alexander I, Ottoman War Minister, Ömer Rüşdü Paşa, ordered the mobilization of the Western Field Army based in Salonika, Ottoman Greece, with Corps stationed in select cities across the Ottoman Balkans. With the Western Army boasting a numerical strength of ~154,000 troops, phase 1 of mobilization begins as swiftly as possible with forces closest to the action mobilizing first to meet the Serbs and Montenegrins before they are allowed to close the gaps between them and Skopje.With three armies in Europe, the Macedonian, Vardar and Thracian Armies, the Western Field Army totaled 1,203 pieces of mobile artillery and 1,115 fixed artillery on fortified positions.

At the onset of mobilization, the Ottoman Order of Battle consists as follows:[/I]

•Vardar Army (Kumanovo, Vardar Macedonia, Eyalet of Rumelia) [Priority Mobilization]

°V Corps

[List]-13th Division

-15th Division

-16th Division

-İştip Redif Division[/list]

°VI Corps

[List]-17th Division

-18th Division

-Manastır Redif Division

-Drama Redif Division[/list]

°VII Corps

[List]-19th Division

-Üsküp Redif Division

-Priştine Redif Division[/list]

°II Provisional Corps

[List]-Uşak Redif Division

-Smyrna Redif Division

-Denizli Redif Division[/list]

°Firzovik Detachment

°Taşlıca Detachment

°Independent Cavalry Divisions

[List]-7th Cavalry Brigade

-8th Cavalry Brigade[/list]

•Ustruma Corps (Struma, Vilayet of Thrace) [Reserve Mobilization]

[List]°14th Division

°Serez Redif Division

°Nevrekop Detachment[/list]

•Işkodra Corps (Scutari, Vilayet of Albania) [Priority Mobilization]

°24th Division

[List]-70th Infantry Regiment

-71st Infantry Regiment

-72nd Infantry Regiment

-24th Artillery Regiment

-24th Rifle Battalion[/list]

°Elbesan Redif Division

[List]-Elbasan Redif Battalion

-Libraşt Redif Battalion

-Gramış Redif Battalion[/list]

°Tiran Redif Regiment

[List]-Tiran Redif Battalion

-Erzen Redif Battalion

-Akçahisar Redif Battalion[/list]

°Berat Redif Regiment

[List]-Berat Redif Battalion

-Devol Redif Battalion

-Skrapar Redif Battalion[/list]

°Draç Redif Regiment

[List]-Draç Redif Battalion

-Peklin Redif Battalion

-Kavala Redif Battalion

-Bosna Redif Battalion[/list]

°Provisional Regular Division

[List]-3rd battalion of the 50th Infantry Regiment

-1st battalion of the 51st Infantry Regiment

-1st and 2nd battalions of the 53rd Infantry Regiment

-54th Infantry Regiment[/list]

°Scutari Fortified Area Command

°Debre Redif Battalion

°Debre-i Bâlâ Redif Battalion

°Debre-i Zîr Redif Battalion

°Mat Redif Battalion

°Rakalar Redif Battalion

•İpek Detachment (İpek, Kosovo Eyalet) [Reserve Mobilization]

°21st Division

[List]-61st Infantry Regiment

-62nd Infantry Regiment[/list]

°Pirzerin Redif Division

•Independent Yanya Corps (Yanya, Vilayet of Janina) [Reserve Mobilization]

°23rd Regular Infantry Division

[list]-67th Infantry Regiment

-68th Infantry Regiment

-69th Infantry Regiment

-23rd Artillery Regiment[/list]

°Yanya Reserve Infantry Division

[List]-Yanya Redif Regiment

-Ergiri Redif Regiment

-Avlonya Redif Regiment

-Yanya Brigade[/list]

°Yanya Fortified Area Command

[List]-Artillery Regiment

-Engineers[/list]

Alongside the mobilization of the Western Field Army in lengthy phases, the Ottoman Navy began the mobilizations and preperations in regards to launching a small but agile flotilla to secure Mediterranean waters from any potential support that may attempt to reach Serbia from overseas. At the helm of the Naval interjection, Ottoman Naval Fleet Commander, esteemed Admiral Bozcaadalı Hasan Hüsnü Paşa, heavily respected as "Champion at Sea" for his battle record spanning across almost 20 years as Admiral of the Ottoman Fleet. At his behest, the temporary flotilla, Akdeniz Kombine Filosu or "Mediterranean Combined Fleet" was established to secure Ottoman coastal waters in and along the Mediterranean Sea. Akdeniz Kombine Filosu consists as follows:

Mediterranean Combined Fleet

°Armored Frigates

•Osmaniye-class (Broadside Ironclad)

[List][I]-Osman I-class

-Orhaniye

-Mahmudiye

-Aziziye[/list]

•Mehmed II-class (Broadside Ironclad)

[List]-Fâtih[/list]

•Conqueror-class (Broadside Ironclad)

[List]-Fettâh[/list]

•Happiness-class (Central Battery Ironclad)

[List]-Mesûdiye[/list]

•Abdülhamid II-class

[List]-Hamidiye[/list]

°Torpedo Boats

•Burhâneddîn class (2nd Class Torpedo Boat)

[List]-Burhâneddîn

-Tevfik[/list]

•Mecidiye-class (2nd Class Torpedo Boat)

[List]-Mecidiye (Abdülmecid I)

-Eser-i-Terakki (Works of Progress)

-Nimet (Blessing)

-Şanaver (Messenger of Glory)[/list]

•Timsah-class (3rd Class Torpedo Boat)

[List]-Timsah (Crocodile)[/list]

•Şemşir-i Hücûm-class (3rd Class Torpedo Boat)

[List]-Şemşir-i Hücûm (Attack Sword)[/list]

•Gilyum-class

[List]-Gilyum (Wilhelm II)

-Sâikı (Motive)

-Tîr-i Zafer (Arrow of Victory)

-Seyf-i Bahrî (Sword of the Sea)

-Vesîle-i Nusret (Opportunity of God's help)[/list]

[I]The Mediterranean Combined Fleet is still undergoing onset preperatory stages before it launches from it's home Naval facility at Gallipoli, the Dardanelles, and eventually crosses into the Aegean Sea and into Balkan waters. On land in Skopje and Sandzak, the Ottoman Army digs in and awaits the advancing Serbian troops as they wait for sibling units to finish full mobilization and advance to the front lines to meet Serb-Montengrin Force.[/I]

November 2nd, 1893:

Let the serbs perish!

Today, emperor Franz Joseph condemned Serbia by declaring war on it. It fully supports the Ottomans. Franz Joseph has mobilized his army and is hoping that writhing a few weeks, the war will be over but he says:

« We will never know, maybe Russia will join on Serbia’s side, maybe this war will last for years. But we know one thing: we must support our allies till our death!

Army report:

The Austro-hungarian army advances in Serbian territory very goodly and the nephew of Franz Joseph Franz Ferdinand says:

The war will soon be over I can feel it. It has been on for day now, and Russia still hasn’t helped Serbia. This war can be counted as won!

Tags: Antagarichh, Val Verde-

[list]27 Mai 1894

[list]VISITE DE L'AMBASSADEUR ALPHONSE CHONDRON DE COURCEL AU PREMIER MINISTRE LOYD DU ROYAUME-UNI

AMBASSADOR ALPHONSE CHONDRON DE COURCEL's VISIT TO PRIME MINISTER LOYD OF THE UNITED KINGDOM[/list][/list]

| Due to the authorization of the mobilization of both the Army of Tonkin and the creation of a new Imperial Far Eastern Squadron in the wake of tensions between the Empire of the Great Qing and the French Empire, the government of Napoleon IV been hastily preparing for a meeting with Prime Minister Archie K. Loyd of the United Kingdom, and the Imperial French ambassador, Alphonse Chondron De Courcel. A seasoned diplomat and the current representative of the French Empire to Her Majesty's government, De Courcel is immediately alerted via telegraph by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of when to meet with Prime Minister Loyd, and is given a set of different goals sought after in terms of policy by the French government. In the late afternoon only days after the authorization of military mobilization, Loyd and De Courcel are scheduled to meet. |

| Upon being escorted to the residence of the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, Ambassador De Courcel is uneventfully taken to the room wherein the Prime Minister typically entertains foreign dignitaries as a matter of state relations. Although Anglo-French relations remain somewhat bitter and tense, typically relations between the United Kingdom and France have remained somewhat stable, and even cordial in some regards- and now, more so than any time since the Franco-Prussian War, the Imperial Government has found itself seeking discussions with the French. De Courcel's exact aims as per instruction by the Ministry are known only to him, but he certainly aims to achieve them as he shakes hands with Archie Loyd. His English, although accented heavily, is extremely fluent. |

[list]Ambassador De Courcel: "Bonsoir, your Excellency. I would like to extend my utmost gratitude for hosting my presence here this evening, especially on such short notice. It gives great pleasure to myself and to my government that we can be safe in the comfort of British hospitality."[/list]

Val Verde-, Sadar, Woraniana

Czabalkia wrote:[list]27 Mai 1894

[list]VISITE DE L'AMBASSADEUR ALPHONSE CHONDRON DE COURCEL AU PREMIER MINISTRE LOYD DU ROYAUME-UNI

AMBASSADOR ALPHONSE CHONDRON DE COURCEL's VISIT TO PRIME MINISTER LOYD OF THE UNITED KINGDOM[/list][/list]

| Due to the authorization of the mobilization of both the Army of Tonkin and the creation of a new Imperial Far Eastern Squadron in the wake of tensions between the Empire of the Great Qing and the French Empire, the government of Napoleon IV been hastily preparing for a meeting with Prime Minister Archie K. Loyd of the United Kingdom, and the Imperial French ambassador, Alphonse Chondron De Courcel. A seasoned diplomat and the current representative of the French Empire to Her Majesty's government, De Courcel is immediately alerted via telegraph by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of when to meet with Prime Minister Loyd, and is given a set of different goals sought after in terms of policy by the French government. In the late afternoon only days after the authorization of military mobilization, Loyd and De Courcel are scheduled to meet. |

| Upon being escorted to the residence of the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, Ambassador De Courcel is uneventfully taken to the room wherein the Prime Minister typically entertains foreign dignitaries as a matter of state relations. Although Anglo-French relations remain somewhat bitter and tense, typically relations between the United Kingdom and France have remained somewhat stable, and even cordial in some regards- and now, more so than any time since the Franco-Prussian War, the Imperial Government has found itself seeking discussions with the French. De Courcel's exact aims as per instruction by the Ministry are known only to him, but he certainly aims to achieve them as he shakes hands with Archie Loyd. His English, although accented heavily, is extremely fluent. |

[list]Ambassador De Courcel: "Bonsoir, your Excellency. I would like to extend my utmost gratitude for hosting my presence here this evening, especially on such short notice. It gives great pleasure to myself and to my government that we can be safe in the comfort of British hospitality."[/list]

[list][sup]MAY 27TH, 1894[/sup]

LOYD & DE COURCEL

[sub]BRITISH EMPIRE, 10 DOWNING STREET—MORNING.[/sub]

____[/list]

| After getting word from an aide, Prime Minister Archie Loyd added a meeting with the French to his schedule, he wasn't entirely sure of what the French were after, but he figured it had something to do with the recent mobilization, and coming war with the Chinese. Perhaps they wanted use of British bases in Hong Kong, or perhaps coaling stations in Singapore. In the room, hot tea was set out along with various cakes. Loyd shook the ambassador's hand, giving a greeting, and the pair sat down. Loyd poured tea for the 2 of them. |

[list][sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD: | "Well then, let us get right to the point, what the reason for this meeting?" [/sup][/list]

| Prime Minister Loyd sipped his tea. |

Czabalkia

Woraniana wrote:[list][sup]MAY 27TH, 1894[/sup]

LOYD & DE COURCEL

[sub]BRITISH EMPIRE, 10 DOWNING STREET—MORNING.[/sub]

____[/list]

| After getting word from an aide, Prime Minister Archie Loyd added a meeting with the French to his schedule, he wasn't entirely sure of what the French were after, but he figured it had something to do with the recent mobilization, and coming war with the Chinese. Perhaps they wanted use of British bases in Hong Kong, or perhaps coaling stations in Singapore. In the room, hot tea was set out along with various cakes. Loyd shook the ambassador's hand, giving a greeting, and the pair sat down. Loyd poured tea for the 2 of them. |

[list][sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD: | "Well then, let us get right to the point, what the reason for this meeting?" [/sup][/list]

| Prime Minister Loyd sipped his tea. |

| De Courcel occasionally sips his tea as he talks, strategically timing his sips as to not come off as invested in the tea rather than the conversation. |

[list][sup]Ambassador De Courcel:[/sup] [sup]"Well, your Excellency, as you are no doubt aware of, recent attempts at negotiations with the government of Emperor Guangxu of the Great Qing and the French Empire have completely disintegrated due to the arrogance of His Imperial Majesty's government. The matter of dispute- the leasing of Qing land by the French Empire as reward for France's assistance in military modernization and future intentions of modernizing the Chinese state- is one of key interest to the French Empire and its strategic geopolitical positioning in the Far East. [/sup]

[sup]Not only is the rejection of compensation for French aid to the Qing a slap in the face to the honor of France, but a display of insolence by the Guangxu Emperor towards the power of France and, through her, all of Europe's great powers. China is not similar to the tribal warriors of the deepest pits of Africa who can be subdued with simply a machine gun and some gold- no, the Great Qing is a fearsome empire, and most certainly the greatest threat to the positioning of the European Empires in Asia. While the Emperor of Japan has been completely accepting of aid from all of Europe's great powers, the Great Qing has shown that it is deserving of one treatment - the use of force to ensure obedience. Britain fought multiple wars over this very issue in just the past sixty years, no?"[/sup][/list]

Woraniana

Val Verde- wrote:HERŞEY VATAN IÇIN

[spoiler=SERBIA: ORDER OF BATTLE IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA]

[list][list]SERBIA: ORDER OF BATTLE IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA[/list][/list]

ARMY OF CRNA GORA(АРМИЈА АРМИЈА ЦРНА ГОРА)

[list][*]General Dabiživ Brkić, Commanding Officer

[*]Total Active & Deployed Strength of 1,700 Infantry, 510 Cavalry Units, 13 Light Guns

[*]Reserve of 12,000 Infantry, 2,200 Cavalry Units, 46 Light Guns, 5 Heavy Guns[/list]

Active Units

42nd Infantry Battalion

[list][*]850 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Vukale Andrijašević[/list]

43rd Infantry Battalion

[list][*]850 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Šujo Lazović[/list]

12th Cavalry Company "Vukadin's Raiders"

[list][*]150 Light Cavalry, 20 Scout Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Emilo Kankaraš[/list]

16th Cavalry Company

[list][*]150 Light Cavalry, 20 Scout Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Mikosav Bulajić[/list]

22nd Reconnaissance Cavalry Company

[list][*]170 Scout Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Božina Radovanović[/list]

8th Crna Goran Artillery Battery

[list][*]120 Artillery Crew

[*]7 Russian 87mm M1877s

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Todor Simović[/list]

12th Crna Goran Artillery Battery

[list][*]116 Artillery Crew

[*]6 Russian 87mm M1877s

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Anto Kraljević[/list]

1st Crna Goran Signal Troop

[list][*]40 Signal Officers

[*]Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Vukislav Knežević[/list]

3rd Crna Goran Signal Troop

[list][*]40 Signal Officers

[*]Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Mojsije Filipović[/list]

Standby Units

12th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]1,200 Light Infantry

[*]Divided Between 33rd Infantry Battalion and 39th Infantry Battalion alongside logistical support elements[/list]

13th Crna Goran Artillery Battery

[list][*]120 Artillery Crew

[*]8 French 90mm De Banges[/list]

2nd Crna Goran Light Cavalry Regiment

[list][*]720 Cavalry

[*]Divided Between 14th Light Cavalry Battalion, 20th Light Cavalry Battalion, 14th Reconnaissance Cavalry Battalion[/list]

ARMY OF KOSOVO AND METOHIJA(АРМИЈА КОСОВА И МЕТОХИЈЕ)

[list][*]General Radomir Kuzmanović, Commanding Officer

[*]Total Active & Deployed Strength of 14,700 Infantry, 1,400 Cavalry Units, 76 Light Guns

[*]Immediate Reserve of 11,000 Infantry, 1,100 Cavalry Units, 460 Light Guns, 120 Heavy Guns[/list]

Active Units

8th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]3,675 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Polkovnik Dušan Nanuševski[/list]

10th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]3,675 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Polkovnik Miljan Rajković[/list]

17th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]3,675 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Polkovnik Sava Krstić[/list]

20th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]3,675 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Polovnik Vidak Vladimirović[/list]

2nd Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]200 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Ljubivoje Janković[/list]

5th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]200 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Dubravko Nedeljković[/list]

8th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]200 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Nenad Savićević[/list]

9th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]200 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Momir Ignjatović[/list]

10th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]200 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Živan Jelić[/list]

21st Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]200 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Gavrilo Ristovski[/list]

4th Reconnaissance Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]200 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Podpolkovnik Branko Lazić[/list]

1st Signal Company

[list][*]120 Signal Officers

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Đurađ Tadić[/list]

6th Artillery Division

[list][*]628 Artillery Crew

[*]76 Light Guns

[*]4 Batteries of 19 Guns Each

[*]48 French 90mm De Banges

[*]20 Russian 87mm M1877s

[*]8 Russian 6-inch M1877 Siege Guns[/list][/spoiler]

[sup]ENGAGEMENT![/sup]

| As ordered by their march into Kosovo and Metohija, the joint offensives of the Serbian Army from Serbia Proper and Crna Gora smash through the Ottoman borders and into the ripe autumn harvests of the area. Leading the offensive into Metohija, directly from Crna Gora, are an advance unit of small battalions of infantry, cavalry, and light Russian artillery. The objective of the Crna Goran force, as per their orders from the War Ministry, is to cut through Metohija, taking out Ottoman positions in the area, and meeting troops from Serbia Proper near or beyond Vučitrn. After moving past the mountain ranges forming the Serbo-Ottoman border between Kosovo and Crna Gora through the mountain pass between the Serbian hamlet of Dacići and the Turkish occupied hamlet of Radan immediately after the declaration of war, the Army of Crna Gora begins their swift advance into Kosovo. |

| The advance into Kosovo and Metohija is carried out along a wide front in a style similar to the corps tactic deployed by Napoleon I during his conquest of much of Europe. Although the Serbian Army is a force far too small to deploy troop formations in the grand sizes of corps, the tactics nonetheless remain the same but on a much smaller level. Reconnaissance cavalry of the 22nd Reconnaissance Cavalry Company - riders equipped with merely pistols and sabers designed to scout ahead of a main army- sweep ahead of the main force, with the 12th Cavalry Company "Vukadin's Raiders" taking the northern "left" flank at the front of the advance and the 16th Cavalry Company taking the southern "right" flank. Both cavalry companies, jutting along a northeast to southwest angle behind the reconnaissance units but in front of the main army, form a triangular shape to allow for greater coverage of the flanks of the primary force. The signal troop march firmly nestled between the cavalry and the infantry, with the infantry in the back. Sitting between the infantry regiments are the artillery, kept just as protected, if not more so, than the signal troop charged with organizing communications between the various forces. |

| The advance into Metohija's primary goal in the initial days of invasion is focused upon taking the town of Istok. One of the largest towns in the region, Istok is the only major settlement separating the Army of Crna Gora from the Army of Kosovo and Metohija, and a primary Ottoman garrison in the northern border regions of central Kosovo. Situated at the foot of the White Gurrat mountain range, a strategy is quickly prepared for a quick siege and capture of the town from the Ottoman forces. General Dabiživ Brkić's plan calls for the deployment of artillery guns across the slope of the mountains overlooking the town from the north, to bombard the town with their field artillery in an attempt to weaken if not entirely route the Ottoman garrison there. When deemed appropriate, the 42nd and 43rd Infantry Battalions as well as the 16th Cavalry Company will march into the town over the Istog River forming the town's western edge, while the 12th Cavalry Company "Vukadin's Raiders" will sweep in over the Istog forming the southern edge of the town, striking the Ottomans in their side. The artillery batteries, established in the hills, will be guarded by two platoons of infantry, one from each battalion, and the bulk of the Reconnaissance Cavalry Company. On the 17th of October, simultaneously with the Battle of Vučitrn, the order is given by General Brkić to move the artillery guns into position, and for the units to begin the siege. The primary force encamps to the east directly beyond and in sight of the town, while Vukadin's Raiders advance south of the town by just under a mile, setting up camp along the banks of the Istog River here, out of sight of the Ottoman garrison in a position where any premature attempts at escape by the Ottomans to escape from the south can be seen and decisively engaged from the flank. |

| ... Elsewhere ... |

| The Army of Kosovo and Metohija, staging their invasion from southern Serbia, is able to advance past the initial border with ease. Catching the Ottomans unprepared and without mobilization, the generals of the Imperial Serbian Army recognize the key importance of the first weeks and months of the war while the Ottoman Army remains unprepared for the advance of the Serbian Army. In the eyes of the Generalship of the Army of Kosovo and Montenegro, and of the Imperial Serbian Army at large, the capture of Prishtina before roughly 7 November is of paramount importance to, at the very least, Serbian goals in Kosovo, if not the war at large(the capture of Skopje, the true capital of the Eyalet, is the most predominant prerogative in terms of political importance). The first main Ottoman garrison on the path to Prishtina from Kosovo proper, located at Mitrovica, represents only a small bump on the path towards Prishtina, but one that must be stomped out within at least two to three days of October 16th. Therefore, the majority of the Army of Kosovo and Mehotija is detached to secure its capture, with the rest being tasked with opening a second front against the Ottoman garrison at Vučitrn, a smaller city to the south, to secure the southern flank during the Siege of Mitrovica. |

| General Radomir Kuzmanović, overseeing the Siege of Mitrovica, orders all of his 6-inch Russian siege guns to be established in batteries, fortified with sandbags, overlooking Mitrovica from the community of Zasela, situated in the hills east of the city limits. These siege guns, intended to overcome fortresses, are to be used in shelling the rudimentary Ottoman defenses quickly assembled in the city along it's limits. While these batteries are set up, General Kuzmanović has the other light guns prepared to be used in direct combat, fired from short distances upon the enemy during infantry-on-infantry combat. The strategy to be used for the horsedrawn light guns, prepared in a style similar to the more antiquated styles of the usage of cannon, will be seriously put to the test in a modern combat environment. |

| With the siege guns in position, General Kuzmanović begins to prepare his infantry and cavalry for the assault on the city. While the 4th Reconnaissance Cavalry Battalion, two 600-man battalions of the 20th Infantry Regiment and a small detachment of merely three 90mm De Banges are sent to Vučitrn, the rest of the force is ordered to begin the surrounding of Mitrovica. The 8th Infantry Regiment is put into position to the north of the city, near an area known as "Lisicë e Ultë", and ordered to make camp there; 10th Infantry Regiments and the 17th Infantry Regiments span the gap between that area and Shupkovc, while the cavalry battalions are sent across the Sitnica river to surround the city from the south and east. These cavalry battalions, though fairly small, are not sent to the south with intentions to maintain a siege but, unknown to the Ottoman garrisons in the city, eventually storm into the city from behind, engaging the Ottomans from their backs and allowing the infantry regiments to pour into the city. |

| The bombardment of Mitrovica begins on the night of October 16th, mere hours after the arrival of Serbian troops to the area. The infantry and cavalry regiments begin to put themselves into position, while the horse-drawn light guns are stationed along the banks of the Sitnica and used to shoot directly at Ottoman defensive networks on the other side. Once the order is given by General Kuzmanović for the army to rush in, word will be sent back to Niš, the headquarters of both the Army of Kosovo and Metohija and the Army of the Vardar, for the reserve forces to be deployed to Mitrovica to begin the real assault on Prishtina. |

Sadar, Zanbala Prz

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

The Rexist Rijk wrote:[sup]May, 1894.[/sup]

SECRET MESSAGE

[sub]OOC: This knowledge is unknown to the player base at large unless specified.[/sub]

[spoiler=| Board of War - Encrypted Orders to Frontline and Reserve Units |]

[list]Decree from the Board of War:

1 Kuang Yi-class cruiser will be laid down in the Jiangnan shipyard, while the Board begins to increase production at the Hanyang, Foochow, and Hsi-Ku Arsenals.

The Board has permitted the production of naval mines, as prescribed in the Huolongjing compendium, with 1,000 to be completed across the nation per month. 20 Gruson quick-fire guns were placed on order for coastal fortifications, with plans to double production from 40 rifles a day and 6 field guns a month to 80 rifles per day and 12 field guns a month.

Coastal fortifications near the south and east shall be mobilized, with pre-existing cannons to be re-cast into cannons of higher quality in batches of 2 at a time.

In addition to the aforementioned, the following was manufactured on a daily basis: 300 shells, 35,000 rifle cartridges, 1,000 pounds smokeless powder, with the Board of War injecting 30,000 additional taels of silver to ensure a productivity increase of 8% on a daily basis.[/list][/spoiler]

[sup]May, 1894.[/sup]

A REVIEW OF THE TIMES

[sub]萬國公報[/sub]

[list]The Board of War has taken over the role of negotiations for the Board of Rites, having reached out to Czabalkia. While the

Board has stated it is willing to lease the territories of Guangzhouwan and Zhifu, it has refused a lease of Hainan Island - instead, it offers the port of Weihai for the French lease as 'compensation'. The Board has also mentioned that these are concessions it is willing to make, in addition to offering the previously agreed-upon terms of payment, which is extremely generous.

"If this were to devolve to violent conflict, as all signs are implying it will, it will harm both our nations. The best choice now is a compromise."

[/list]

| The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has agreed to a conditional lease of Guangzhouwan, Zhifu, and Weihaiwei from the Great Qing. France's ambassador to the Dragon Throne Court, specifically, has been instructed to inform the government of the Great Qing that France would be willing to sign an agreement overseeing a 99-year-lease of Guangzhouwan, and separate 46-year-leases on Zhifu and Weihaiwei which will be valid for re-approval by the governments of the respective nations at the end of this time. Should these demands be met, the French government would be willing to overlook the initial slight to French prestige and respect which the Board of Rites displayed, and resume cordial Sino-French ties, as it is seen as being in the interest of the French government to do so. This would include the demobilization of the 26,000-strong Army of Tonkin, as well as agreeing to further cooperate in matters key to the infrastructural development of the Great Qing, as well as possible military aid in future. |

The Rexist Rijk

Czabalkia wrote:| De Courcel occasionally sips his tea as he talks, strategically timing his sips as to not come off as invested in the tea rather than the conversation. |

[list][sup]Ambassador De Courcel:[/sup] [sup]"Well, your Excellency, as you are no doubt aware of, recent attempts at negotiations with the government of Emperor Guangxu of the Great Qing and the French Empire have completely disintegrated due to the arrogance of His Imperial Majesty's government. The matter of dispute- the leasing of Qing land by the French Empire as reward for France's assistance in military modernization and future intentions of modernizing the Chinese state- is one of key interest to the French Empire and its strategic geopolitical positioning in the Far East. [/sup]

[sup]Not only is the rejection of compensation for French aid to the Qing a slap in the face to the honor of France, but a display of insolence by the Guangxu Emperor towards the power of France and, through her, all of Europe's great powers. China is not similar to the tribal warriors of the deepest pits of Africa who can be subdued with simply a machine gun and some gold- no, the Great Qing is a fearsome empire, and most certainly the greatest threat to the positioning of the European Empires in Asia. While the Emperor of Japan has been completely accepting of aid from all of Europe's great powers, the Great Qing has shown that it is deserving of one treatment - the use of force to ensure obedience. Britain fought multiple wars over this very issue in just the past sixty years, no?"[/sup][/list]

| Prime Minister Archie Loyd listens intently, jotting down the occasional note using his Parker fountain pen. |

[list]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD: | "I agree that, the Qing and its people must be suppressed, at all costs. I also agree that, war with the Qing is not exactly a walk in the park, like it is with Africa. My Governor General in Hong Kong tells me the Qing has seriously improved their armies, though their navy remains fairly weak, but improved. Granted I cannot lie, the British aren't keen on more French influence in the region, especially China. I suppose, you knew that already, and that is why we are meeting today, to avoid confrontation in the far east. Or, am I wrong?" [/sup]

Czabalkia

Post by The Mighty Soviet Empire suppressed by Woraniana.

The Mighty Soviet Empire

Hi, can I be Russia and Kazakhstan?

Post by The Mighty Soviet Empire suppressed by Woraniana.

The Mighty Soviet Empire

The Mighty Soviet Empire wrote:Hi, can I be Russia and Kazakhstan?

[list][sup]JANUARY, 1894[/sup]

1894 SNAP ELECTIONS.

[sub]BRITISH EMPIRE, LONDON — MORNING[/sub]

____

[/list]

| Prime Minister Archie Loyd was backed into a corner after a proposal to reform certain aspects of the British Empire, and integrate certain colonies and territories fully within the British Empire into the United Kingdom itself, giving them seats in parliament, and effectively making them equal to any other place in the United Kingdom, such as London or Manchester. Prime Minister Archie Loyd was staunchly opposed to the idea and stated that “The idea that the British Empire is to fall in favor of this laughable proposed “expanded United Kingdom” is quite literally pathetic. I do not support it, I will not begin supporting it and I urge fellow conservatives to refuse it.” The bill, known as the “Unionization Act of 1894” is pushed for by Liberal-Unionist Joseph Chamberlain, who stated that he does not believe the British Empire can last long term, and that, the United Kingdom should focus on unionizing with territories such as New Zealand and Canada, to create a superstate governed from London. Prime Minister Archie Loyd failed to achieve a majority to block the bill, and thus, rather than vote on it, began snap elections to vote out rebel Conservatives, decrease the Liberal Unionists seats and increase loyal conservatives, to create a majority large enough to block the Unionization Act. |

| The 1894 snap elections took place within a 3 week period, the competition was fairly intense and the prime issues of the election were Irish Home Rule, Unionization with various British territories and military spending, which had risen in recent months due to the war in the Balkans. Ballots would begin to be counting after the elections and the full results were released a few days later, showing an extremely tight result, however, it did result in a 5 seat majority for those supporting Unionizations. Liberal Unionists increased their seats and Conservatives lost seats. The Liberal Party lost many seats as well. The Liberal Unionists did secure a majority. The results are as follows: |

[list]____

[sup]UNITED KINGDOM GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS, MAY, 1894[/sup]

[sup] LIBERAL UNIONISTS: 301

CONSERSATIVE: 103

IRISH NATIONAL FEDERATION: 72

LIBERAL PARTY: 22

IRISH NATIONAL LEAGUE: 9[/sup]

____[/list]

| Joseph Chamberlain was appointed Prime Minister by Queen Victoria I, as he is the leader of the Liberal Unionists. The first act passed was the Unionization Act of 1894. The act a slight majority favourable opinion among those in Great Britain, in Ireland, the reaction was more hostile, however for the colonies that it would bring into the United Kingdom, the reception was very well received. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland became the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore. Though it would still be simply referred to as the United Kingdom. Seats in Parliament would increase to 1000, and as a result of the act, a second election was held with the results being as follows |

[list]____

[sup]UNITED KINGDOM GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS, JUNE 1894[/sup]

[sup] LIBERAL UNIONISTS: 506

CONSERSATIVE: 298

LIBERAL PARTY: 108

IRISH NATIONAL FEDERATION: 59

QUEBEC LIBERAL PARTY: 8

FAR EAST UNIONISTS: 8

HONG KONG NATIONALS: 8

NZ LABOUR: 6 [/sup]

____[/list]

| The election resulted in a Liberal Unionist Majority, seat gains for the Liberal and Conservative parties, and various smaller local parties gaining seats, a notable party would be the Quebec Liberal Party, a center right, classical liberal party that supports and advocates for closer relations with France. Another party, the Hong Kong Nationals, supports the end to “British Rule” in Hong Kong. While Far East Unionists gained seats in both Hong Kong and Singapore, they supported a continued union with the United Kingdom. |

[list]____[/list]

Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Sadar, Zanbala Prz

Софийски вестник - Официален вестник за Царство България

Юни 1894г

TSAR ORDERS IMMEDIATE MOBILISATION OF ARMED FORCES OVER CONFLICTS IN THE BALKANS

As the threat of immediate war descends on Bulgaria, Tsar Ferdinand I has ordered the immediate mobilisation of much of the Armed Forces in the eventuality that the nation will be drawn yet again into conflict. 3 Infantry Regiments and 1 Artillery Regiment have been mustered in the capital of Sofia, detached from the 1st Army which has been dispatched to the eastern border with the Ottoman Empire, commanded by Lieutenant-General Vasil Kutinchev. There, they will join the front line established by the 2nd Army, commanded by Lieutenant-General Nikola Ivanov, and will occupy a front-line of Yambol-Haskovo, preparing for the eventuality of an Ottoman invasion. The 3rd Army, led by Lieutenant-General Radko Dimitriev, will be sent south of Sofia to reinforce the southern-most border with the Ottoman Empire. His Royal Highness has commented;

"This conflict may well be the chance that we as a reunited nation can reap our vengence on those who sought to take it from us. The signs are clear; the Ottoman rule is coming to an end. I ask you, brothers and sisters, to think of all the Bulgarians stuck in Ottoman land. Think of all those betrayed by the Berlin Congress, left to rot under the Turks whilst we stay here enthralled to them. Bulgaria will never again be enslaved to any power, and today, we can choose to show the world we intend on keeping that promise. We shall march to war alongside our brothers in Serbia, to free the Balkans. First, we win today. Next, we take their land. And then, we take back what was stolen from us. Glory to Bulgaria."

Enthusiasm and support for the war is high across the country, with many taking to the streets to wave the Army onwards as it marches to it's positions. Thusfar, there has been no official declaration of war between Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire, neither any contact between Bulgaria and Serbia, though it is reported that Bulgarian diplomats are travelling to Belgrade to discuss their next steps in the unfolding situation in the Balkans.

Teujira, Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Woraniana wrote:| Prime Minister Archie Loyd listens intently, jotting down the occasional note using his Parker fountain pen. |

[list]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD: | "I agree that, the Qing and its people must be suppressed, at all costs. I also agree that, war with the Qing is not exactly a walk in the park, like it is with Africa. My Governor General in Hong Kong tells me the Qing has seriously improved their armies, though their navy remains fairly weak, but improved. Granted I cannot lie, the British aren't keen on more French influence in the region, especially China. I suppose, you knew that already, and that is why we are meeting today, to avoid confrontation in the far east. Or, am I wrong?" [/sup]

[list][sup]Ambassador De Courcel:[/sup] [sup]"His Imperial Majesty is certainly very well aware of the realities of the geopolitical situation in the Far East, and the United Kingdom's position regarding foreign influence over China. However, there are certain, universal truths regarding the Chinese condition which, in the eyes of His Imperial Majesty, must necessitate that the Great Powers overlook their differences in order to satisfy. One of these universal truths is that, should the powers allow another power to be humiliated by the Qing, it will embolden the Qing to begin to humiliate the rest. If Britain stands in the way of the French Empire imposing repercussions upon the Qing for their arrogance in the face of French aid, and the Qing are able to humiliate France, they will see that as a victory. Theirs is a selfish people, and with one victory, the Emperor Guangxu shall be completely emboldened and begin to defy all European influence within China and Far East Asia. This is not like the petty games of Africa, where the Empires prop up small tribes who can be put down in mere minutes by machine guns, but is instead a serious issue which requires the full cooperation of all the governments of the imperial nations of Europe, and the United States."[/sup][/list]

Val Verde-, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

Czabalkia wrote:[list][sup]Ambassador De Courcel:[/sup] [sup]"His Imperial Majesty is certainly very well aware of the realities of the geopolitical situation in the Far East, and the United Kingdom's position regarding foreign influence over China. However, there are certain, universal truths regarding the Chinese condition which, in the eyes of His Imperial Majesty, must necessitate that the Great Powers overlook their differences in order to satisfy. One of these universal truths is that, should the powers allow another power to be humiliated by the Qing, it will embolden the Qing to begin to humiliate the rest. If Britain stands in the way of the French Empire imposing repercussions upon the Qing for their arrogance in the face of French aid, and the Qing are able to humiliate France, they will see that as a victory. Theirs is a selfish people, and with one victory, the Emperor Guangxu shall be completely emboldened and begin to defy all European influence within China and Far East Asia. This is not like the petty games of Africa, where the Empires prop up small tribes who can be put down in mere minutes by machine guns, but is instead a serious issue which requires the full cooperation of all the governments of the imperial nations of Europe, and the United States."[/sup][/list]

[list][sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD: |[/sup] [sup]"I understand, and I understand your argument as to why the various powers of Europe should support and cooperate concerning this issue, which leads me to the most important question: What do the French require of the British? I must admit, if your asking me to send troops to China, or our navy to China, I can't say for certain I will do that, but perhaps, I can do other things, depending on what those other things are."[/sup][/list]

Val Verde-, Czabalkia

Woraniana wrote:[list][sup]| PRIME MINISTER ARCHIE LOYD: |[/sup] [sup]"I understand, and I understand your argument as to why the various powers of Europe should support and cooperate concerning this issue, which leads me to the most important question: What do the French require of the British? I must admit, if your asking me to send troops to China, or our navy to China, I can't say for certain I will do that, but perhaps, I can do other things, depending on what those other things are."[/sup][/list]

[list][sup]AMBASSADOR DE COURCEL:[/sup] [sup]"Well at the present, the ships which have been assigned to the Far East serve a joint purpose- to deliver a delegation to the Qing Dynasty intended to negotiate the leasing of desired French territory, and additionally, to reinforce the French Far East Fleet in the event of an outbreak of military hostilities with China. I can assure you face to face, your Excellency, that our movements and posturing in Asia does not pose a threat to the British position in the region, both in the short and long terms, and therefore, I have been sent today to specifically oversee, most importantly, a British committal towards non-interference regarding the voyage of our task squadron through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea as it makes its way towards Indochina."[/sup]

Val Verde-

The Rexist Rijk wrote:[list]The Board of War has agreed to the conditions set forward by Czabalkia; it will reprimand those initially responsible for disrespectful conduct within the Board of Rites.[/list]

----------------

[sup]June, 1894.[/sup]

A REVIEW OF THE TIMES

[sub]萬國公報[/sub]

| Board of Works approves 12 million-tael industrialisation programme; French cooperation continues |

[list]Fruitful discussions with the French have led to the aversion of war in Indochina and on the High Seas, which was recently celebrated. Prior to this diplomatic flashpoint, the Qing had paid a handsome sum of silver taels to French naval advisors to develop a navy founded on the Jeune École doctrine - the Qing is still willing to let that happen under the same pay scheme.

----------------

Meanwhile, the Board of Works has injected 12 million silver taels into the industrialisation of the country, calling it a 'necessity' amidst a greater Western presence in Asia.

"We got lucky with the French this time. Next time, it might be the British, Russians, or Japanese. Then we'll see who gets lucky."

[sup]- Huang Duzhen[/sup]

The Board of Works has invited Krupp Gusstahlfabrik of Imperial-Germania, renown even among Qing circles as a 'massive steel empire from Germany', to establish 6 integrated steel mills across the Qing, and to manufacture cast steel, cast iron, nickel steel, and other metal products. The 6 mills will purportedly be established in Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Xiamen, Shaoxing, and Suzhou, giving the German company first pickings in a spike of demand that is expected to follow the Board's massive industrialisation plan.

Czabalkia was also offered the same treatment, as it invites Schneider-Creusot to construct steel mills in the French concessions as well.

The Board of Works had sanctioned "government-supervised merchant undertakings" - profit-oriented enterprises which were operated by merchants but which were subsidised by government sources instead. Capital for these enterprises came from private sources via the norms of investment, stocks, and bonds - but the government also provided subsidies ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 silver taels. 125 enterprises have been selected for targeted government investment, including companies dealing in textiles, iron mining, coal mining, transport, and domestic industry.

A stock exchange building will be opened in the Imperial Capital, being the first of its kind in the whole of the Qing to deal with securities. Initially, only 6 businesses may be allowed to be listed, although it is hoped that by 1896, there will be 60. As seen in Europe, traders met frequently, often in local restaurants or inns, to discuss financial transactions. The emergence of “Sub-markets” in major trading cities such as Amsterdam, in which traders had access to peer knowledge and a community of reputable traders, was also observed and noted as important to the growth of the stock market. The Board hoped to ultimately elevate the Qing Stock Exchange into the largest in East Asia in terms of market capitalization.

The Board of Works will also set forward some aims for government intervention in the ecnomy, intending to:

[list][*]Construct 30 factories, each manufacturing varying types of products;

[*]Build the Qing's first commercial fertilizer plant in Jiangning;

[*]and the opening of 3 iron mines and 4 coal mines,

[/list]...with a budget of 4 million taels of silver.

In addition, the Board will also contract an unknown company at this time to construct a 914 kilometre-long standard-gauge (1,435mm) railway linking Whampoa/Huangpu to Fuzhou, as well as telegraph lines from the Imperial Capital to Shanghai. These contracts will cumulatively have a payoff of around 6 million silver taels.

[/list]

| With the "East Asia Crisis" averted, the French government has celebrated the rapid cession of hostilities between itself and the Great Qing and has ordered the demobilization of the Army of Tonkin, the Grande Armée unit tasked with the defense of the French territories of Tonkn and Annam. Through this demobilization, as well as the guards regiments of French leases and concessions throughout China, His Imperial Majesty has hoped to send a good message to Emperor Guangxu regarding the genuine intent of friendship between the Great Qing and the French Empire. While the French task fleet dispatched from the Mediterranean to Shanghai will still continue- having already arrived and refueled at French Somaliland, well on its way to East Asia- it comes bringing peace, with the diplomatic delegation onboard to be presented in person to delegates of the Emperor of the Great Qing in Shanghai to finalize the treaty regarding the leasing of Qing territories to the French Empire, and to oversee French investment in the Empire of the Great Qing. |

| In preparation for the leasing of territory and the handing over of the territory from the Great Qing to the French, the Ministry of the Colonies has been authorized by His Imperial Majesty to form a colonial federation known as the Syndicat de Chine Française(Union of French China). The French possessions at Tienstin, Shanghai, and Shamian Island have all been classified as territory within the Federation of French China, with all future territories leased or otherwise recognized as French within China to be established as falling under the jurisdiction of the Federation of French China. Importantly, the Union of French China and the Indochinese Union will now be jointly administered by the Ministry of the Colonies under a loose colonial confederation, the Confédération française d'Extrême-Orient(French Far East Confederacy). The two will still have their own local administrative governments and colonial policies, but will be united in common defense policies as they relate to the Grande Armée and the Imperial Navy. Additionally, it will allow for French China and French Indochina to cooperate closely in matters relating to trade and the protection of French influence and Catholic missionaries in the Far East. This has been recognized as a massive step forward for French colonial administration in East Asia, with the ratification of the French Far East Confederacy set to occur following the ratification of treaties relating to the leasing of Kouang-Tchéou-Wan, Zhifu, and Weihaiwei. |

| The ships which have been dispatched to the Great Qing, following the arrival of Victor Collin de Plancy and the rest of the imperial delegation to Shanghai, will be anchored in Weihaiwei, which shall be made their new port-of-call. This move, authorized by the Ministry of the Navy, the Ministry of the Colonies, and His Imperial Majesty himself, will precipitate the establishment of a French China Squadron and, above that, a French Far East Fleet, combining the French Far East Squadron and the French China Squadron. The new fleet will be charged with defending French possessions and interests beyond the Bay of Bengal, as well as aiding French allies and Catholic missionaries in the area. |

| Economically speaking, the French government intends to support the arrival of infrastructure and industry to the to-be French possessions with Algerian labor, labor which has already arrived in French Indochina. In accordance with Imperial Decree No. 301, Algerian Mohammedans will be provided housing accommodations in French colonial possessions in China as with Indochina, and will be provided government jobs building and working in coal mines, as well as developing and maintaining shipping facilities and shipyards. The French government intends to use this labor, along with labor from other colonial territories in Asia, to develop French leased territories into proper outposts of French economic strength in Asia, and expand French goods to even further markets on the global scale. |

The Rexist Rijk, Val Verde-, Sadar

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

Val Verde- wrote:HERŞEY VATAN IÇIN

[spoiler=SERBIA: ORDER OF BATTLE IN THE VARDAR REGION]

[list][list]SERBIA: ORDER OF BATTLE IN THE VARDAR REGION[/list][/list]

ARMY OF THE VARDAR(АРМИЈА ВАРДАРА)

[list][*]General Radojko Tomić, Commanding Officer

[*]Total Active & Deployed Strength of 22,000 Infantry, 6,100 Cavalry Units, 72 Light Guns

[*]Immediate Reserve of 26,000 Infantry, 4,000 Cavalry Units, 356 Light Guns, 36 Heavy Guns[/list]

Active Units

1st Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Kalinik Šaponjić[/list]

2nd Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Kalinik Šaponjić[/list]

3rd Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Avram Zebić[/list]

4th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Boris Mandić[/list]

5th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Đuro Pavlović[/list]

6th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Grgur Jovanović[/list]

7th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Draško Velimirović[/list]

9th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Božidar Rakočević[/list]

11th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Sreten Vasić[/list]

12th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Radovan Živić[/list]

13th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Vlado Mijatović[/list]

14th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Zvonko Hristov[/list]

1st Special Infantry Company

[list][*]165 Special Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Draško Ražnatović[/list]

1st Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Janko Borisov[/list]

2nd Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Vukota Simić[/list]

3rd Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Jakov Stevanović[/list]

4th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Đorđije Dapčević[/list]

6th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Vlada Kostić[/list]

7th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Srđan Pejakovski[/list]

11th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Blagoje Stefanović[/list]

16th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Miško Pejić[/list]

1st Reconnaissance Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]450 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Zoran Čarapić[/list]

2nd Reconnaissance Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]450 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Andrija Novaković[/list]

2nd Signal Company

[list][*]120 Signal Officers

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Slaviša Jocić[/list]

3rd Signal Company

[list][*]120 Signal Officers

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Miladin Grgurović[/list]

1st Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Žarko Marinković[/list]

2nd Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Miodrag Jelić[/list]

3rd Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Čedomir Zebić[/list]

4th Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Kristijan Đorđević[/list]

5th Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Andrej Dapčević[/list]

6th Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Milomir Cvetković[/list]

1st Mixed Siege Regiment

[list][*]3,130 Light Infantry

[*]120 Artillery Officers

[*]8 Canon de 120 mm modèle 1878

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Berislav Vukomanović[/list][/spoiler]

| As parts of the Army of Crna Gora and the Army of Kosovo and Metohija continue to press their advance towards Prishtina, the main Serb force, the Army of the Vardar, also begins their all-out assault into Vardar Macedonia, with their eyes set on Skopje. This main army, the pride of the Imperial Serbian Army along with the Army of the Danube, represents the forefront of the Serbian liberation war and the assault on the Ottoman Empire's last remaining holdings in Serb lands. Field Marshal Radojko Tomić, one of Tsar Alexander I's most forefront and loyal officers, has been entrusted with command of the Army of the Vardar, and using its myriad assortment of forces including various experimental units against the Turkish forces defending the occupied lands. |

| With the momentum on the side of the Army of the Vardar, Field Marshal Tomić attempts to use the Ottoman's unpreparedness to his own advantage. The current strategy being pursued by the Serbian Empire, hinged entirely upon early successes by the Serbian Army, must oversee the quick capture of Skopje and the rest of the Kosovo Eyalet in order to give Serbia the posture necessary to dig in and hold the liberated territories long enough to drain the Ottomans in a war of attrition until peace can be signed and the territories recognized as legally Serbian. Skopje, the capital of the Ottoman Viyalet, is the absolute most paramount objective of this phase of the war and, as such, Field Marshal Tomić has been entrusted essentially with the fate of the war. |

| The Army of the Vardar leaves camp from Vranje at dawn on October 14. The bulk of the army consisting of 14,000 infantry, four cavalry battalions, all of the artillery and most of the 1st Signal Company advance directly onto Skopje through the main roadway linking Vranje with Skopje, with the Army's reconnaissance cavalry battalions scouting ahead for Ottoman locations as many as ten miles ahead of the Army at any given time. A further cavalry battalion and 4,000 infantrymen advance off of a side road out of Vranje, intent to clear a path and cross the border paths near Lesnica into Ottoman territory. The majority of the Army heading on the main road, designated the I Corps, as well as the II Corps and III Corps advance across a long spread of territory, with the goal of surrounding and besieging Skopje from the north, east, and west, leaving only the south unassailed. |

| Along with conventional units, the Army of the Vardar has created, with intent to deploy, two experimental units- the 1st Special Infantry Company and the 1st Mixed Siege Regiment. The 1st Special Infantry Company, consisting of 165 "special infantry", is a small force which has been trained to act as infiltrators, saboteurs, and inside agents specifically for raiding and destroying enemy positions in small, organized attacks. Armed with light firearms and small explosives, their job in regards to the capture of Skopje(unbeknownst to the Ottomans) is to advance far ahead of the main army, pose as Macedonians, infiltrate Skopje from the south, and destroy key defensive positions which would pose a threat to the Serbian advance on the city. The other unit, the 1st Mixed Siege Regiment, is a special unit consisting of four heavy siege guns and a large force of infantry. The intended use of this unit will be to batter any heavy Ottoman positions near Skopje with heavy guns before unleashing a tidal wave of heavily armed infantry on the battered positions. |

| However, before Skopje can be taken, the Ottoman Vardar Army must be decisively engaged and completely, overwhelmingly defeated. Still in the early stages of mobilization, Field Marshal Tomić has decided to get the jump on them at their garrison at Kumanovo, midway between Vranje and Skopje, with the full might of the Vardar Army. As such, after roughly four days of marching, the first units of the Army of the Vardar begin to arrive at Kumanovo, where the Ottoman Vardar Army has continued with mobilization. Before any infantry can be sent into the city, the Field Marshal orders for all of his artillery to form a Grand Battery to shell the city, turning all of the separate guns of his army into one single unified force meant to obliterate the Ottoman garrison. For hours as the army arrives in full, dozens of guns including the 1st Mixed Siege Regiment's four heavy guns bombard Kumanovo. |

Val Verde-, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

[list][list]16 Julliet 1894[/list]

LES PERSPECTIVES ÉCONOMIQUES IMPERIALES: FIXER UNE ÉCONOMIE STAGNATIVE

THE IMPERIAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: TO FIX A STAGNATING ECONOMY[/list]

| Compared to its neighbor and rival, Germany, the French Empire's economy has become almost remarkably stagnant in the last 30 years, especially following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. While not especially weak, and still far capable of outclassing the young German Empire in economics relating to the colonization of the uncivilized realms, France's military defeat coupled with the economic achievements of Germany has signaled, worryingly, that France has been surpassed as the dominant power on the Continent. Although still allies with Empires of Serbia, Bulgaria and Russia, and on good terms with the Kingdom of Italy, the French position has been completely jeopardized by the meteoric rise of the German Empire. This slow ascension of German militarism and industrialization over that of France's historic domination over continental Europe has become increasingly worrying as France's economic slowdown has, since roughly 1886, turned into absolute stagnation, with very little if any economic growth from year to year. |

| Since the Napoleonic Restoration of 1874, His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV has dedicated much of his reign towards trying to expand French influence abroad to compete with the rapid expansion of the United Kingdom, and to offset attention from Germany's economic rise following their victory over his father at the Battle of Sedan. However, with the French economy completely stagnant, this issue can no longer be completely ignored, and action must certainly be taken should the French Empire seek to once again reclaim its status as the most powerful Continental Empire. Napoleon IV's railroad projects, undertaken following the Napoleonic Restoration, have helped to serve as a basis for the continued modernization of the French state, but increased measures must be taken should the French economy be modernized and able to properly compete with that of Germany. |

| Napoleon IV's Imperial Decree No. 301, "Regarding the Situation in Algiers", has already established a system allowing for the usage of Algerian labor across French African holdings. The usage of Algerian Muslims as a source of cheap labor has allowed, in recent months, for the beginning of industrial projects such as the construction of railroads, ports, mines, and even small industrial centers in the African colonies. Since the issuing of the decree, roughly 200,000 'Mohammedans' have been escorted by the Grande Armée from the Algerian departments and throughout French West Africa and French Equatorial Africa, and in that amount of time, construction has already begun on what is planned to be the establishment of a major railway stretching from Dakar to Niamey, as well as a further railroad stretching from Libreville to N'Djamena. Additionally, in Côte d'Ivoire, an arms factory dedicated to the production of ivory products has been established in Abidjan, with an expansion of a new wharf planned to be constructed in the coming four years. Further Algerian labor, in the form of workers being escorted to the French Far East, is expected to aid in industrial and infrastructural development in the farthest reaches of the French Empire. |

| However, in regards to Metropolitan France, the issue of growing the economy is one of more complexity and nuance to the colonial empire. Many of the colonies, being built up from essentially nothing, will very obviously experience meteoric growth in the coming years as the French Empire civilizes these lands, but in the already civilized and populated areas of France from the Channel to the Sahara, more complex measurements are required to oversee economic growth out of stagnation. To combat this, His Imperial Majesty has organized an economic summit of leading French economists, industrialists, and agricultural leaders in Paris to formulate and discuss ways of combating stagnation. One of the first and foremost issues understood and agreed upon by all the parties assembled is the lack of French competition against the markets of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the German Empire- particularly, the lagging of French industries behind all of these, due to a lack of coal and other resources required for serious mass industrialization. Efforts at colonization in source of the exploitation of resources, specifically that motivated by Colonial Secretariat Jules Ferry, have proven extremely successful but has not inspired the level of economic growth at home which had been intended. Therefore, in the eyes of this economic assembly, the French government must begin looking abroad beyond its imperial borders for resources such as coal. |

| At the behest of the economic legation, Emperor Napoleon IV orders the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reach out to the governments of Woraniana, Not Xav, Teujira, Liga Iberica, and Antagarichh to negotiate for trade agreements regarding the trading of coal in exchange for French iron and oil sands. Additionally, to help encourage the growth of private enterprises in France, His Imperial Majesty has ordered for the suspension of almost all of France's protectionist tariffs. Although formerly a protectionist, the economic stagnation of France possibly due to longstanding protectionist tariffs has apparently forced His Imperial Majesty's hand. Imperial Decree No. 304, signed at dusk on the 15th of July, has ordered for the suspension of nearly all of France's protectionist policies gradually in tandem with the signing of free trade agreements with France's allies and economic partners in the region. |

Teujira, Val Verde-, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by Sadar.

Sadar wrote:PLAY ME: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzxQeDWZMl0

[list][list]~ 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 ~

| ᴀʟ ᴍᴀʟ ᴛɪᴇᴍᴘᴏ, ʙᴜᴇɴᴀ ᴄᴀʀᴀ |[/list][/list]

|[sup]The 15th of February, 1891, Sonora Hermosillo. In the dusty streets of Hermosillo are filled with travelers, traders, and salesmen. All looking for ways to make money, but the individual we will be observing is no vagabond or trader, he is a Rural, or a government dog depending on who you ask. This individual is named 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐃𝐞 𝐥𝐚 𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐚, born May 8th, 1864 to Maria de la Vega. A humble peasant woman from Cuernavaca who was impregnated by a passing soldier during the war with France. She was charmed by the soldier and became pregnant with his child, but since she didn't marry the soldier her father considered her a whore and kicked her out of the house. From there she was forced to work at the local Hacienda of the state governor. The governor often forced himself upon her many times. Eventually, she gave birth to Jorge, but with his birth, she was kicked out of the hacienda because the governor thought Jorge was his son. Once again homeless she and Jorge returned back to her parent's house, while Maria's parents were not kind to her, they did take pity on the boy thus allowing them to move back in.[/sup]

[sup]Unfortunately, Maria would fall victim to cholera in the summer leaving Jorge without a mother and Jorge's father never came to claim his son, assuming he even survived the war. From then on Jorge was raised by the fist of his drunkard grandfather, who took it upon himself to beat his grandson and work him hard in the fields. By the age of 14, Jorge ran away from home and but with no money or relatives he ended up joining a gang of banditos who stole goods from caravans. There in those hills, he became a killer, liar, and a thief. Eventually, he and his gang were captured by the Army in 1875 put up against the firing squad for their crimes. However, Jorge was made an offer of a lifetime. Become a state-employed Rural or face the firing squad, the choice was easy for Jorge. He left that prison a new man with a whole new perspective on life. He took up bounty hunting as a rural which employed his skills as a former bandito, gaining him quite the reputation in the south. But in these times, Jorge has come from the south to Hermosillo Sonora, to get his hands on high Yaqui bounties with many other rurals from the south.[/sup]

Imgur pictures for the scene: https://imgur.com/a/Kyi4MHF

[sup]It's 11:00 AM and Jorge alongside his mule, Dolores, walk the markets of el Centro de Hermosillo looking for a specific bar frequented by rurales. He walked around for a while until he finally stumbled across the bar. He hitches dolores to the post right outside the seedy establishment, as he approaches the entrance and suddenly a person is thrown out by the bartender.[/sup]|

[list][list]Bartender Uriel

Sacate a la chingada! Maldito parasito, aqui no se da pulque gratis!

[sup](Get the f*ck out! Dam parasite, we don't give out free pulque here!)[/sup]

Vagrant

Ya güey! Te dije que te pago lunes!!! Es cuando me pagan, no seas malo!

[sup](stop d*mbass! I said I'd pay you Monday! That's when they pay me, don't be bad!)[/sup]

Bartender Uriel

Me vale! Tu ya debes desde semanas pasadas hijo de puta! Nuca velves maldito parasito!

[sup](I don't give a dam! You own me weeks past you son of a whore! Never return dammed parasite!)[/sup][/list][/list]

[sup]The vagrant now on the floor, inches away from Jorge's feet looks up at him. Finally noticing his presence. The bartender also notices Jorge, but his expression is one of frustration. The vagrant grabs Jorge by the pants and begins begging for him to pay his tab. Jorge unamused kicks the vagrant in the face and proceeds to the entrance. The bartender impeeds his entrance before he can get in.[/sup]

[list][list]Bartender Uriel

Hey hey, tu eres un rural cierto? If so then you'd better be on your best behavior! Already had enough of you rurales causing a ruckus in my cantina for one day!

[sup](Your one of them rurals right?)[/sup]

Jorge de la Vega

No se preocupe don. You se como comportarme...

[sup](Don't worry sir. I know how to behave....)[/sup][/list][/list]

[sup]The Bartender rolls his eyes and steps back into the cantina. Jorge following steps inside, once in he scans the scene. The cantina is full of Rurales who arrived since yesterday, all drinking and conversing amongst themselves. Jorge makes his way to a lone table in the corner and takes his seat. The bartender walks up to him to take his order.[/sup]

[list][list]Bartender Uriel

Alright what can I get you today?

Jorge de la Vega

You have avena?

Bartender Uriel

Avena? This is a cantina, not a restaurant. It's either tequila, pulque, or water.

Jorge de la Vega

I don't like alcohol so get me a cup of water.

Bartender Uriel

You don't like alcohol? Entonces que aces en una cantina?

[sup](Then what are you doing in a cantina?)[/sup]

Jorge de la Vega

Scouting out the competition of course.

Bartender Uriel

What, these other rurales? I thought you all worked together like a f*cking pack of vultures.

Jorge de la Vega

Most rurales do in fact work in units, usually lead by self-declared captains or sergeants. Some of us, however, like to work alone, it's better that way too. Don't have to share earnings, don't have to deal with assh*les, and best of all don't have to drag dead weight.

Bartender Uriel

I guess that makes sense in your line of work...you happen to know any of these bastards?

Jorge de la Vega

Hmmm...you see that tall fat man, his name is Garcia Canizares, or better know as el Cerrdo. He leads a large rural unit and is a self-declared captain. So everyone refers to him as Capitan Cerrdo. Before you ask, no, he doesn't get angry if you call him Cerrdo, quite the opposite in fact. He gets more offended if you refer to him by his real name.

Bartender Uriel

Hmph, you seem to know each other. Are you amigos or something?

Jorge de la Vega

No, I actually despise him. I only know him because we crossed paths a couple of times in the south. The thing about Cerrdo is, he's an ex-bandito. The man was charged with robbery, murder, extortion, abduction, rape, and some say even cannibalism. The only reason he walks amongst the living is that he proved himself very useful to the government in hunting down other bandits. Word of advice, keep your wife or daughters hidden while he's here.

Bartender Uriel

Noted. Who else do you know here?

Jorge de la Vega

You see that little runt sitting next to Cerrdo? His name is Pulga, he's an opportunistic little parasite that jumps from unit to unit, and by the looks of it, he's made himself comfortable with Cerrdo. My advice, don't leave valuables lying around. Someone else you should be wary of is el Sargento. Sargento runs a pretty big group of rurales, last time I heard he had a headcount of 30 rurals, most of which are ex-military. Sargento is also ex-army, unlike most other rurales who are ex-banditos or civilians, the man fought the French during their invasion and is even considered a war hero back in his home state. The man, however, is a massive assh*le and operates more like a military officer then a rural. Another familiar face in here is that well-dressed b*stard over there. His name is Felippe Magdaleno or Gallo. He works alone most of the time but sometimes he gets with a unit, the only reason he works alone most of the time is so that he can get a bigger pay. Gallo is a greedy hijo de puta, always likes to dress himself up in the finest clothes. I hate to admit it, but the man has style. Sitting next to Gallo is De la Rey. De la Rey always works with someone, rarely will you see him alone. He's got good eyes and his real talented with a rifle. The man can shoot you from miles away without even trying, a bit arrogant but not without reason. And finally, that lonely gringo sitting over there is Tatu. Know one knows where he came from, but he's friendly and keeps to himself, though his Spanish is barely understandable.

Bartender Uriel

I take it you've crossed paths with these people before?

Jorge de la Vega

Preety much, Tatu being the exception since he sticks up here in the north and I'm from the south. Now about that water bartender...

Bartender Uriel

Mierda, sorry for the delay allow me to get you a cup![/list]

CONTINUED IN PART 2

PLAY ME: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B6jOUzBKYc

[list][list]~ 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 ~

| ᴀʟ ᴍᴀʟ ᴛɪᴇᴍᴘᴏ, ʙᴜᴇɴᴀ ᴄᴀʀᴀ |[/list][/list]

[sup]The Bartender leaves Jorge alone at the table for a couple of minutes before returning with a Jara of water. Jorge pays him and Uriel goes back behind the bar. Sitting there, Jorge eyes his competition making mental notes of their numbers and armaments. Suddenly El Cerrdo stands above Jorge, he jeers at him with a greasy smile and his bulbous fat body.[/sup]

[list]El Cerrdo

[I]Well well well, look what we have here muchacho! Es Jorgesito! How are you, my boy? Its been to long since we last met! I only recognized you by that serious face that you always carry...

Jorge de la Vega

I don't take you came to me to simply chat Cerrdo, so do me a favor and get to the point.

El Cerrdo

[I]Ohhh no seas asi güey! I'm only trying to be friendly here, why the sour attitude?

[sup](Don't be like that man!)[/sup]

Jorge de la Vega

[I]Enough with the games! Get on with it, their is business to be done.

El Cerrdo

[I]Always so serious Jorgesito! I simply wanted to ask if you put any thought into my previous offer the last time we met.

Jorge de la Vega

[I]The answer remains the same Cerrdo, no. I got no reason to join your unit.

El Cerrdo

[I]Don't be a mule Jorge. Haven't you heard of safety in numbers? Those Yaqui won't take honor into consideration so why not ride with us eh? You'd be a lot safer in our unit.

Jorge de la Vega

I can handle myself Cerrdo.[/list]

[I][sup]Suddenly la Pulga approaches the table to make his own snarky comments. Cerrdo signals to the bartender to bring him a drink.[/sup]

[list]La Pulga

Mira mira a este burrito sabanero! Still not accepting Cerrdo's offer huh? You should lose that f*cking arrogance, it doesn't suit a little brat like you.

[sup](look look at this desert Donkey!)[/sup]

Jorge de la Vega

[I]Great, now I have this parasite giving me sermons of arrogance.

La Pulga

[I]Calma tu pinche pucha buey, que no me agrada nada tu pinche irrespetuoso actitude mocoso!

[sup](Calm your f*cking p*ssy down, your disrespect doesn't amuse me brat!)[/sup]

Jorge de la Vega

[I]How about you try to calm me down Pulga? I know a little flea like you is too much of a f*gg*t to do anything, but still, I'd like to see you try.[/list]

[I][sup]La Pulga visibly seething at this disrespect from Jorge, grits his teeth and tries to sucker punch, Jorge. Cerrdo catches his fist before it can land, however, Jorge stands up and tries to punch Pulga back but Cerrdo having the superior strength manages to push them away from each other. Other Rurales from Cerrdo's unit stand up and approach to see what was going on but Cerrdo yells at then to sit down. The Bartender comes with cup of tequila and starts getting angry at the mess being made by the Rurales.[/sup]

[list]El Cerrdo

[I]Calmense locos! Que no ven el desmadre que estan haciendo!?

[sup](Calm down lunatics! Don't you see the mess your making!?)[/sup]

Bartender Uriel

[I]What did I say!!! I told you, dam people, not to make a mess in my Cantina!!!

El Cerrdo

It's okay señor, just a little disagreement is all. Hey I promise no more fighting you have my word.

Bartender Uriel

Mas less vale, or que si no less echo la policia!

[sup](You better or else I'll get the police over here!)[/sup]

Okay okay okay, no problema right amigos?[/list]

[sup]Jorge and Pulga still eyeing each other nod in agreement with Cerrdo. Uriel simply rolls his eyes and gives Cerrdo his tequila shot, which Cerrdo gulps down in a single drink. He slams the glass on the table and addresses Jorge.[/sup]

[list]El Cerrdo

Mira Jorge, we meant no disrespect, well at least I did. I hope you still think about my offer.

Jorge de la Vega

Yea...I'll sleep on it...

[sup]Before the conversation could continue the Church bell rung, alerting everyone that it was 12:00 PM. That meant that the office for bounties was now open. Not wasting any more time, the rurales all scrambled out of the bar towards the local municipal office where they'd receive their instructions. Jorge leaves some Pesos on the table for the bartender and walks outside. By the time he's outside, everyone has left. He whistles for his Donkey Dolores and pats her on the nose.[/sup]

[list]Jorge de la Vega

Well girl, we have work to do, come on.

Dolores la Burra

HEEEE HEEE HEEE HEEE HAWNKKKKKKK HEE HAWWWWNKKKK[/I]

Val Verde-, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

A TRIP TO PARIS

___

[sup]ROME — MORNING[/sup]

Newly appointed Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere arrives by train in Paris to discuss a secret agreement with the french, regarding Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. The old guard escorted the neapolitan Emissary by train to the Élysée Palace to meet with Prime Minister Oscar de Négrier.

___

[list]The Foreign Emissary offers to shake P.M Oscar de Négrier's hand.[/list]

Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere "A pleasure to meet you, Prime Minister. Might i say, Élysée Palace truly is grand, as is all of Paris this time of year."

Czabalkia

Czabalkia, Woraniana

Teujira wrote:A TRIP TO PARIS

___

[sup]ROME — MORNING[/sup]

Newly appointed Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere arrives by train in Paris to discuss a secret agreement with the french, regarding Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. The old guard escorted the neapolitan Emissary by train to the Élysée Palace to meet with Prime Minister Oscar de Négrier.

___

[list]The Foreign Emissary offers to shake P.M Oscar de Négrier's hand.[/list]

Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere "A pleasure to meet you, Prime Minister. Might i say, Élysée Palace truly is grand, as is all of Paris this time of year."

Czabalkia

| The Chief Minister, famed General François Oscar de Négrier, stretches out his hand to meet that of Mr. Cecere. Having seen action against the Prussians at Metz and the Qing during the Sino-French War, Mr. Négrier had become one of the most popular generals and statesmen in the French Empire. Known by his men simply as "Quick!", Négrier had followed through on his military popularity in public life, becoming a favorite of Napoleon IV until his selection as Chief Minister. |

[list][sup]Oscar de Négrier[/sup]: [sup]"Bonjour, your Excellency. His Imperial Majesty is more than happy to welcome you to Paris, and appreciates the token of friendship your visit represents."[/sup][/list]

Teujira, Woraniana

Czabalkia wrote:| The Chief Minister, famed General François Oscar de Négrier, stretches out his hand to meet that of Mr. Cecere. Having seen action against the Prussians at Metz and the Qing during the Sino-French War, Mr. Négrier had become one of the most popular generals and statesmen in the French Empire. Known by his men simply as "Quick!", Négrier had followed through on his military popularity in public life, becoming a favorite of Napoleon IV until his selection as Chief Minister. |

[list][sup]Oscar de Négrier[/sup]: [sup]"Bonjour, your Excellency. His Imperial Majesty is more than happy to welcome you to Paris, and appreciates the token of friendship your visit represents."[/sup][/list]

he nods

Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere "Indeed. Our two nations have been at each other's throats for some time now, due to multiple misunderstandings. Surely it is in our best interest to begin a new era of Franco-Italian friendship. We are brother nations after all, connected by our shared latin history, it makes a great deal of sense for our two nations to stand together. The same can't be said for, 'la perfide Albion' hmm?."

Czabalkia, Woraniana

Teujira wrote:he nods

Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere "Indeed. Our two nations have been at each other's throats for some time now, due to multiple misunderstandings. Surely it is in our best interest to begin a new era of Franco-Italian friendship. We are brother nations after all, connected by our shared latin history, it makes a great deal of sense for our two nations to stand together. The same can't be said for, 'la perfide Albion' hmm?."

[list][sup]Oscar de Négrier:[/sup] [sup]"If the Kingdom of Italy seeks new ties with the French Empire, there must be something in regards of interest to the French position beyond simple linguistic and cultural ties. The British may be perfidious, but they are also strong strategically, economically, politically, diplomatically, and militarily, and increasingly His Imperial Majesty has sought to strengthen ties with the United Kingdom in the face of German aggression upon peace in Europe and upon the French Empire. France has much to gain from strengthening ties with the United Kingdom, and has no interest in going behind the backs of the British without due cause when relationships have only started to grow stronger. If Italy should seek to grow closer to France, it must be out of a genuine interest in that which France has to provide and that which France seeks, not to use France as a means to diminish British power."[/sup][/list]

Teujira, Woraniana

Czabalkia wrote:[list][sup]Oscar de Négrier:[/sup] [sup]"If the Kingdom of Italy seeks new ties with the French Empire, there must be something in regards of interest to the French position beyond simple linguistic and cultural ties. The British may be perfidious, but they are also strong strategically, economically, politically, diplomatically, and militarily, and increasingly His Imperial Majesty has sought to strengthen ties with the United Kingdom in the face of German aggression upon peace in Europe and upon the French Empire. France has much to gain from strengthening ties with the United Kingdom, and has no interest in going behind the backs of the British without due cause when relationships have only started to grow stronger. If Italy should seek to grow closer to France, it must be out of a genuine interest in that which France has to provide and that which France seeks, not to use France as a means to diminish British power."[/sup][/list]

The emissary wasn't exactly experienced at his job, his mouth frequently gets the best of him. Perhaps his newness at the job is why he still has it.

Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere " 'twas only an offhanded comment after all.. Our intention is not to go behind the backs of the british, this meeting specifically is to discuss Abissinia. And Africa in general. I'm sure France is aware of the tense situation in Abissinia. The Abissinians are breaking a treaty they signed themselves with italy making themselves a protectorate, and now they're claiming the document they signed never specified they would be protectorates. You know how africans are, they're natural liars. What Italy seeks is a french guarantee that Abissinia is seen as italian, that france won't attempt to carve away lands from it. The king has interest in allowing your government economic interests in Abissinia, more than what the government of Abissinia would offer. Italy is even interested in the creation of a railroad stretching from French Somaliland to Addis Abeba, with both our governments collecting an equal cut of the profits."

[sup]*note what is said about africans in this rp is not my personal beliefs only the common beliefs in italy at the time*[/sup]

Czabalkia, Woraniana

Teujira wrote:The emissary wasn't exactly experienced at his job, his mouth frequently gets the best of him. Perhaps his newness at the job is why he still has it.

Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere " 'twas only an offhanded comment after all.. Our intention is not to go behind the backs of the british, this meeting specifically is to discuss Abissinia. And Africa in general. I'm sure France is aware of the tense situation in Abissinia. The Abissinians are breaking a treaty they signed themselves with italy making themselves a protectorate, and now they're claiming the document they signed never specified they would be protectorates. You know how africans are, they're natural liars. What Italy seeks is a french guarantee that Abissinia is seen as italian, that france won't attempt to carve away lands from it. The king has interest in allowing your government economic interests in Abissinia, more than what the government of Abissinia would offer. Italy is even interested in the creation of a railroad stretching from French Somaliland to Addis Abeba, with both our governments collecting an equal cut of the profits."

[sup]*note what is said about africans in this rp is not my personal beliefs only the common beliefs in italy at the time*[/sup]

| Minister Négrier leans back in his seat, in a moment of deep thought. |

[list][sup]Oscar de Négrier:[/sup] [sup]"Well, your Excellency, Abyssinia represents what can only be described as the jewel of Africa. She is a nation deep and rich in history, culture, resources, and geopolitical importance. For the French Empire, central Ethiopia represents a thus far untapped area of extreme economic viability which, if exploited in the name of French interests, could benefit the French position in Africa immensely. In order for France to simply step aside in regards to the Italian conquest of Ethiopia, the Emperor and the French people will demand more than a railway in a foreign land. Quite frankly put, defending Ethiopia against Italian aggression would be the wisest thing to do, as it would allow for France to increase its own influence in Ethiopia and therefore begin to outpace the British position in East Africa and the Red Sea. Therefore, such a sudden reversal of policy regarding such a rich area necessitates more cooperation on the matter, in the event of an Italian victory, than a railroad. Beyond this, France would need to ensure the transfer of goods from Djibouti City into Ethiopia duty-free, and be given the assurance that Italy would protect French Somaliland in the possibility of an assault, by any nation, on that colony."[/sup]

Teujira

[list][list]28 Mai 1891[/list]

UNE BREVE HISTOIRE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE CONDAMNÉ ET DE LA RESTAURATION NAPOLÉONIQUE

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DOOMED REPUBLIC AND THE NAPOLEONIC RESTORATION[/list]

[list][list][list][list][sub]This version has been Abridged and Edited for Media Publication

As published by the French Government on the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Paris Commune

Dedicated to the victims of the Paris Commune's Revolutionary Violence[/sub][/list][/list][/list][/list]

| All Frenchmen who were alive for the turbulent times of the Franco-Prussian War, and the Interregnum Period still remain scarred from the traumatic revolutionary violence which marked the short-lived "Third French Republic". The violence which engulfed Paris due to the actions of the Communards and the failure of the Republican movement to suppress this revolutionary socialist movement haunts the image of France like a specter, a constant reminder of the the lingering threat which anarchism, socialism, and revolutionary violence poses to the existence of France as a nation, a state, and a people. Twenty years on from the end of the Paris Commune, the truth of the events of the Interregnum have become increasingly muddled as those who were there for it grow increasingly older and a newer generation raised after the Napoleonic Restoration grow into adulthood, with only word of mouth to provide information regarding that brief but influential period in French history. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈.: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐁𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐈𝐈[/list]

| Arguably the most unfortunate defeat in French history, the Battle of Sedan represented not only a turning point in the imperial history of France, but also one of the most important crossroads in French history. Indeed, the actions which occurred immediately before, during, and after the Battle of Sedan most definitely determined the fate of France's government, and ensured the existence of the French Empire beyond any doubt. Perhaps the most important event during that week-long period preceding and following the Battle of Sedan was the abdication of Emperor Napoleon III in favor of Napoleon, Prince Imperial, on the morning of 31 August 1870. Understanding the futility of his attempts to fend off Prussian invasion, and knowing defeat to be imminent, His Imperial Majesty left the throne to his underage son under a regency council led by the Empress Eugénie. The next day, at the Battle of Sedan, the former Emperor led his troops to battle, promptly making an honorable surrender and saving the lives of as many as 120,000 French soldiers. Although ridiculed for his surrender by his political enemies, these two acts convinced many political moderates of Emperor Napoleon III's good intentions in the face of overwhelming odds, and emboldened Bonapartist supporters throughout France. After the capture of Emperor Napoleon III, enemies of the empire proclaimed a new French Republic in Paris, and capitalized on the turmoil of enemy invasion to undo the progress made by His Imperial Majesty in the name of republican values. However, importantly, the underage Emperor and his mother were allowed to remain in Paris, under indefinite house arrest. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐈.: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂[/list]

| Despite the best efforts of republican leaders immediately following the abdication of His Imperial Majesty, the French Republic was hardly able to stop the Prussian drive into France and, left unsupported by Russia, Austria, and the United Kingdom, was completely at the mercy of the vicious Prussian invaders. Besieging Paris only weeks after their victory at Sedan, the Prussian Army successfully engaged the Government of National Defense at various battles across France, with Prussian generals continually humiliating the Republican defense and shattering counter-attacks at every turn. More than this, in easily the greatest disgrace to the nation in French history, the various nations of the German Alliance forced peace in the Palace of Versailles and, ultimately, declared the formation of the German Empire on 18 January 1871 in the Hall of Mirrors. This slap in the face, widely publicized across Europe, sparked outrage in the inability of the republican government to fail to even negotiate a favorable peace for France, and an even greater outrage at the Republic's futile attempts at heroism which resulted in the needless deaths of tens of thousands of French soldiers in the face of insurmountable odds and abandonment by the Great Nations of Europe. The proclamation of the German Empire in Versailles, absolutely the greatest disgrace of France by a single foreign power, plagued the reputation of the French Republic for the rest of its existence, and was used as a massive piece of evidence towards the instability of the French Republic. |

| Following the proclamation of the German Empire, the fall of Paris, and the crowning of Prussian King Wilhelm I as Emperor of Germany, an unfavorable peace was signed between the French Republic and the German Empire which saw France stripped of territories in Alsace and Lorraine. Alongside forcing France to pay indemnities, and overseeing the establishment of military occupation until debts were paid off, the theft of Alsace and Lorraine from France only further destroyed the credibility of the French Republic, lead by Léon Gambetta. Gambetta, as President of the Third Republic, oversaw the ceding of French territory and prestige to France's greatest enemy, and was unable to properly unify the disparate political and ideological groups of France under this weak republican framework. This disatisfaction would make itself apparent in the legislative elections held in February of that year, which revealed an overwhelming victory for monarchists factions in the new, political independent legislature. Divided between supporters of Bourbon, Orleans, and the Bonapartes, the monarchists were unable to come to consensus over how and who to install as monarch of France in the wake of French defeat, causing serious divisions among the factions opposed to the radical revolutionary actions of the Republic and its leaders. However, the monarchists were not the only ones unsatisfied with the Republic, as on the opposite end of the political spectrum on the far left, radical anarchists and socialist activists were also completely unsatisfied with the Republic. Battered from the Siege of Paris and unsupported by the weak republic, many Parisians were led along by unfavorable actors into falling for the lies of anarchism and socialism and, on 18 March 1871, members of Paris declared the establishment of a Commune, independent from France and the French Republic. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐈𝐈.: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐄'𝐒 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓[/list]

| The founders of the Paris Commune, consisting of left-wing activists known as Communards and the Parisian branch of the National Guard, declared its creation upon ambushing soldiers sent by President Gambetta to take and move cannons left over in Paris from the siege to military bases beyond Paris. The Republican government, based in Versailles at this time, was unable to successfully remove the cannons from Paris, with the Communards ambushing the soldiers of the republic, seizing the guns for themselves, and declaring full autonomy from the French government. Led by the radical socialist ideologue and terrorist Louis Auguste Blanqui(who had narrowly escaped being imprisoned just days before the establishment of the Commune by Léon Gambetta), this new Commune took up arms in defiance of the government, advocating a stateless society based upon the principles of revolutionary atheism and anarchy. The new Commune adopted the old French Revolutionary Calendar and quickly began producing propaganda promoting itself. Radical in their beliefs, the Communards and the National Guard beat back the Army of the Republic and immediately began laying our their program: |

[list][*]separation of church and state and the enforcement of secularization;

[*]remission of rents owed for the entire period of the siege (during which payment had been suspended);

[*]abolition of child labor and night work in bakeries;

[*]granting of pensions to the unmarried companions and children of national guardsmen killed in active service;

[*]free return by pawnshops of all workmen's tools and household items, valued up to 20 francs, pledged during the siege;

[*]postponement of commercial debt obligations, and the abolition of interest on the debts;

[*]right of employees to take over and run an enterprise if it were deserted by its owner;

[*]prohibition of fines imposed by employers on their workmen.[/list]

However, beyond this program, the leaders of the Commune planned to completely revolutionize Paris and turn it into a model example of a classless, stateless, atheistic society. In this regard, within just a month of the establishment of the Commune, Blanqui began to instate various radical programs including the execution of priests and business owners, the mass suppression of Catholics, burning down of nationalist monuments and iconography, and the destruction of the cultural heritage of the city.

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐕.: 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐄[/list]

| Under Blanqui's leadership, the Commune turned from merely an attempt at self-governance to an insurrection bent on the destruction of anything traditional. The period of 14 April to 19 May, known as the "Vidange de la saleté" or "Draining of the Dirt" within the Commune, saw the deaths of 174 priests and nuns, 1,314 "counter-revolutionaries", and 344 "class enemies" and business owners. Many of these victims of brutal revolutionary violence were shot dead by the Communards, while many others were hung in the streets by socialist mobs with their bodies hung over the Seine. A variety of factors possibly influenced the Communards' decision to begin executing perceived enemies: a failed assault from Versailles by Republican forces, the victory of monarchists in the French legislature, Blanqui's radical leadership and use of revolutionary violence as a tool of control have all been cited as reasons for the sudden and drastic use of executions in the city. Regardless, survivors of the commune described how Communards and National Guardsmen continually would line up and shoot anyone perceived as being enemies of the Commune or the Revolution. These killings seriously isolated the Commune and rallied support across all of France against the radicals, however time and again the French Army was unsuccessful in quelling the insurrection. |

| As the killings in Paris continued, national monuments became targeted as well as figures seen with distaste by the Commune. Among these monuments were the Louvre, the Vendôme Column, and the Tuileries Palace, the home of Napoleon IV and the remnants of the Second French Empire. Napoleon IV, Empress Eugénie, and the rest of the Imperial government was still living under house arrest within the Tuileries Palace at the outbreak of the Paris Commune, left unmolested by the Prussians during the Fall of Paris and seen as little more than "a boy and his mother pretending to run an empire". At the very start of the Commune, at the behest of Napoleon III's former political ally and French Republican figurehead Adolphe Thiers, Napoleon IV and the regency council was quickly evacuated from Paris. Their flight from Paris to Versailles just two days after the declaration of the Commune enabled the survival of the young Emperor and his regency council from near certain death at the hands of the revolution and, although kept out of the Palace and under constant military supervision, enabled Emperor Napoleon IV to become acquainted with many of the Republican leaders, including Adlophe Thiers. Thiers, who had come to blows with Napoleon III immediately before His Imperial Majesty's enthronement, had made peace with Napoleon III during his near twenty year reign and soon became a key member of the national government thanks to Napoleon III's commitment to modernization which helped advance the French position. Here at Versailles, Napoleon IV would be kept safe from the revolutionary mob as the Commune continued to spill blood in the name of progress. |

| The bodies of those shot by firing squad during the Draining of the Dirt were often cast into mass graves in Parisian parks, completely unmarked and left unnamed. What little records of the deaths of Parisians during this period consist of photographs, autopsies, governmental investigations, word of mouth, and eye witness reports. The true number of people executed by the Communards and the National Guard may never truly be confirmed, and ongoing investigations still continue to this very day regarding the true scale of the brutality of the Commune, however at the very least, nearly 2,000 people were executed in gruesome and often public fashion for simply defending their property or their faith. Many of those killed were publicly humiliated before their executions, being subject to public harassment in city squares before being hung or shot. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐕.: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐄[/list]

| Eventually, the Government of National Defense's French Army was able to begin preparing for a massive assault on the Commune, with 170,000 French soldiers under the command of Patrice de MacMahon being readied for the assault. The Communards, consisting of an estimated 25-50,000 combatants, put up a fierce and total defense of their Commune, lasting for a full week. "La semaine sanglante" ("The Bloody Week") resulted in the complete destruction of the Commune and the deaths of some 10-20,000 Communards, as well as the complete destruction of the National Guard. After a week of fighting and execution of communists, the city was completely recaptured with Blanqui, Eugène Varlin, and other Commune leaders being captured and executed publicly by the French Army in the streets of Paris. In total, roughly 1,200 French soldiers died in the reclamation of the city, with an untold number of civilians caught in the crossfire also dead. Additionally, due to the flight of non-socialists from Paris in the weeks preceding and following the declaration of the Commune, the population of Paris had essentially been halved, if not left at almost a quarter, from its pre-war population. |

| In the weeks following the capture of the Commune, the National Guard across France was completely disbanded while purges and executions of syndicalists, anarchists, and socialists ensued. Anyone who had partaken in the revolutionary violence and anarchy of the Commune was systematically prosecuted and sent to prison camps in Algeria, Guyana, or outright executed for treason. The crackdown against radical elements in French society, along with the complete demonization of the far left, allowed the Republic to begin to reclaim some of its image among the rather rural and conservative French populace, however the inability of the Government of National Defense to actually defend national interest and citizens against the insurrection also seriously discredited republican sentiments and swayed many political moderates towards more conservative ideologies. The mass execution of persecution of left wing politics in France following the Commune incident left only the moderate left, the center, and the monarchist conservatives truly left in French politics, and with the divide between the Legitimists and the Orleanists growing every larger, monarchist conservatism was slowly becoming increasingly unpopular, with many Frenchmen pulled towards Adolphe Thiers's moderate centrism. |

| Due to his failure to stop the violence in Paris, Léon Gambetta was near completely discredited and eventually resigned from his post, leaving in his place Adolphe Thiers as President of France. Adolphe Thiers, sympathetic to Napoleon IV and exiled Napoleon III, allowed the Bonapartes to move back to Paris to live, again, under limited house arrest. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈.: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐄[/list]

| Immediately after the Commune incident, the divisions in the French political landscape became an inherent problem which the newborn Republic was forced to deal with. With the right completely fractured between competing monarchist groups and the moderate left struggling to keep the Republic afloat, the Republic simply stood as a weak provisional government in the eyes of many Frenchmen. Between its inability to quell the Commune and its shortcomings to adequately extend control beyond Versailles and major urban areas, the majority conservative rural population became extremely dissatisfied with the Republican government. To them, the legacy left by Napoleon III was still fresh in their minds, and despite his defeat at the Battle of Sedan, leadership of France legally had fallen to his son Napoleon IV, under the regency of his mother Empress Eugénie. However, the Republic was dominated primarily by Legitimists, Orleanists, and moderate urban middle-classmen seeking to move away from the legacy of the Bonapartes permanently. To the Republican government, the peasant farmers supportive of Napoleon IV did not represent the direction they believed France needed to move in, and so cries for referendum regarding the replacement of the Government of National Salvation with a constitutional monarchy under Napoleon IV fell on deaf ears by most of the government. |

| Going into 1872 and 1873, the Republican government oversaw a series of failed initiatives to try to bridge the gaps between the disparate political groups. Additionally, burdened by the harsh treaties of peace with Prussia, the government struggled to accomplish much in its first three years of existence. Originally envisioned as a provisional government, it soon developed into a mere figurehead government, with most power in France falling to the elected leaders of local districts, the Army, and the Roman Catholic Church. The majority consensus at the time regarding the Third Republic was one of extreme distaste, if not outright contempt, and the French populace continued to grow increasingly frustrated with the inability of the Republic to govern the country. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐈.: 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐙𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓[/list]

| Although continuing to serve as Emperor of the French after the proclamation of the Republic, His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV held little power and influence in the political landscape of France following his father's abdication. Kept under house arrest by the provisional government and with little interest from his mother, Empress Eugénie, to use the regency council in an effective manner, the teenage Emperor mostly watched as the Republic's government was unable to establish order in France, and allowed French territory to be stripped away. Growing as a teen during these turbulent times and still allowed to live near the center of political action in Paris, the young Napoleon IV maintained a growing interest in politics and, particularly, in the political legacy of his father, who died from illness only months after the surrender of the French Army at the Battle of Sedan. Importantly, Napoleon IV's correspondences with Parisian entrepreneurs and capitalists from across France revealed that many of the Empire's wealthiest and most influential citizens continued to hold great admiration for Napoleon III and the legacy of his modernizing and industrializing reign. |

| One of Napoleon IV's strongest allies, Marshal François Achille Bazaine, was a chief general within the French Army during the reign of Napoleon III and, during the Franco-Prussian War, had essentially organized the last effective bastions of resistance against the German advance in the name of the French Empire. Opposed vehemently to the Third Republic and their subversion of the Napoleonic Dynasty, Marshal Bazaine led his army to first resist the Prussian Army, and then attempt to sign favorable terms with the Prussians which would have preserved French strength and honor in the face of undue aggression. Ultimately, while these negotiations were somewhat successful, he was unable to oversee the peace deals due to the noncooperation of the Republic's government, and was forced to surrender his army to the Prussians to preserve the lives of nearly 160,000 French soldiers. However, even after managing to secure a favorable peace and the preservation of the Empire, Bazaine was ridiculed by the Republicans, put on a show trial, and branded a traitor. Exiled to the Île Sainte-Marguerite, Bazaine waited here patiently. |

| With the French Republic proving itself to be increasingly fragile, the Empire's Bonapartists began to grow more and more impatient with waiting for the provisional government to make headway in regards to the future of the French government. Bazaine, in secret correspondence with Napoleon IV, and other anti-Republican figures throughout France, conducted a plan to rally supporters of the Bonapartes together for a march on Versailles, whereupon the Republic would be disbanded and Napoleon IV given the powers as expressed in the true French Constitution. On the night of 10 August 1874, in a daring escape, the Old Marshal scaled the walls with a rope and escaped by boat to southern France where, on horseback, he traveled to Paris. |

| On his ride to Paris, Bazaine secured the loyalty of nearly 5,000 French soldiers who had remained loyal to the Empire up until the surrender at Metz and who had become disenfranchised with the Republic's weakness in stopping the violence of the Paris Commune and establishing a permanent government in France. These 5,000 soldiers, led by Bazaine, marched to the Élysée Palace, where the Bonapartes had been kept under house arrest. On their march into Paris, Bazaine's army had been accompanied by some 10,000 laborers, industrialists, and financiers who had been permitted to flourish under the reign of Napoleon III, forming a proper armed and political force which occupied the Élysée Palace. Here on 18 August 1874, Napoleon IV declared himself of age to serve in full capacity of Emperor as the French and, with the support of nearly 15,000 people behind him, began a march to the headquarters of the Third Republic at Versailles to disband them and reclaim order within France. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐈.: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 - 𝟏𝟗 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐔 𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝟏𝟖𝟕𝟒[/list]

| Upon the arrival of Napoleon IV and his supporters to Versailles on 19 August, the palace was completely surrounded and the leaders of the Republic blocked inside. The soldiers guarding Versailles, chosen for their staunch loyalty to Republican ideals, refused Napoleon and Marshal Bazaine entry and threatened to shoot anyone who attempted to enter without permission. This stalemate quickly escalated into an intense siege by the Bonapartists, who positioned themselves surrounding Versailles but refusing to fire upon it or force entry for fear of loosing the support of Frenchmen simply seeking a return to normalcy. For a week following the arrival of the Bonapartists at Versailles, Napoleon IV and President Patrice de MacMahon, known in the Bonapartist camp as "Le bâtard irlandais" or "The Irish Bastard" for his betrayal of Emperor Napoleon III following the Battle of Sedan, engaged in negotiations regarding the establishment of a new government, with Napoleon IV serving as Emperor and the liberal framework of empire established under his father's reign kept in place. |

| The most key moment during the Siege of Versailles, and the most pivotal moment of the Napoleonic Restoration, was on 24 August 1874. On this day, aware of the situation at Versailles, an army of nearly 24,000 men was dispatched to meet the Napoleonic forces at Versailles and disperse them, through force if necessary. This army, under the command of General Louis Brière de l'Isle, arrived at Versailles at 10:30 AM that morning and, upon being unable to force the Bonapartists to disperse, gave into their cause and joined in. As Napoleon I had done when King Louis XVIII dispersed the French Army to bring him to heel at the start of the Hundred Days, so too were Napoleon IV and Marshal Bazaine able to unite the French Army under a single banner in defiance of the weakness of the Republic. With Napoleon's forces having swelled to 35,000 men including 29,000 soldiers, the Versailles government agreed to talks two days later on 26 August 1874. Allowed into Versailles Palace, His Imperial Majesty shook hands with Patrice de MacMahon and, surrounded by soldiers, began to discuss the framework for the restoration of the House of Bonaparte and the reformation of the Second French Empire. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈.: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐒[/list]

| Allowed into Versailles by the leaders of the Republic, Napoleon IV and the various officials making up his advisory council immediately set to work negotiating with the republican leaders a means of ensuring the establishment of an Imperial government under the liberal framework established by Napoleon III during the Liberal Decade, which oversaw sweeping democratization of France in the interest of allowing for the state to better govern its people. With support across the nation for the Republic almost nonexistent, and both the Legitimists and the Orleanists unable to come to compromise, the House of Bonaparte stood by this point as the only legitimate hope of reaffirming the existence of a strong French government in the wake of France's defeat and the revolutionary violence which had engulfed the streets of Paris just three years prior. The Versailles Negotiations, with the republicans understanding the impossibility of a republic being able to survive, led to the Compromise of Versailles, which officially ended the Government of National Salvation, restored the French Empire, and merged many positions within the Third Republic into the French Empire. |

| Under the terms of the Compromise of Versailles, signed of 1 September 1874 and finally ratified on 14 September 1874, recognized Napoleon IV as Emperor of the French, reaffirmed the French Constitution of 1852, appointed Adolphe Thiers as Chief Minister of the French Empire, provided full amnesty to members of the Government of National Salvation, called for the holding of snap legislative elections in February 1875, and ensured that the civil and political rights expanded upon during the Liberal Decade would remain protected. Following the ratification of the Compromise of Versailles, the Government of National Salvation was completely disbanded and the Napoleonic Restoration completed. The next day, His Imperial Majesty rode through the streets of Paris with a parade consisting of the Bonapartists who had marched on Versailles in support of the democratic monarchy, announcing the restoration of the Bonaparte dynasty and signalling the death of the weak Third Republic. |

| While many moderate republicans across France were decidedly unsatisfied and even discontent with the collapse of the Republic, and the Orleanists and Legitimists were outright threatening insurrection, the February 1875 elections saw a massive win for the Bonapartists across the country, with sizable gains in the legislature for the Liberals as an opposition faction. This did much to ease tensions between moderate republicans and the Bonapartists, as it essentially showed that His Imperial Majesty was intent on remaining a liberal leader at the forefront of European notions of democracy, popular sovereignty, and the egalitarian principles of 1789. While discontent remained, the terms of the Compromise of Versailles and the genuine interest of His Imperial Majesty to listen to the desires of the French people emboldened the Napoleonic Restoration's efforts, and reasserted the monarchy as a force for unity after over five years without it. |

[list]𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐗.: 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐄𝐑𝐀[/list]

| As with the eras of the great Napoleon I and Napoleon III, the reign of Napoleon IV has been marked by an unprecedented period of political stability, economic modernization, foreign policy gains, military self-strengthening, development of civil and political rights, and other serious advancements for the French nation. Continuing its tradition of being on the forefront of European civilization in terms of civil, political, and economic rights, France under His Imperial Majesty has continued to serve as a shining light as a bastion of dignity, respect, freedom, rationalism, democracy, and the rule of law. |

| As the Empire looks back upon the turmoil of the Republic and the twentieth anniversary of the defeat of the insurrectionist and subversive Communards in Paris, it is important to be sure of the sacrifices and risks made to bring about the restoration of His Imperial Majesty to the throne in the face of overwhelming odds and revolutionary instability. The history of the Napoleonic Restoration may be diluted over time, but the principles enshrine in French law and society as results of that Restoration will serve for all time as a testament to the necessity of the Restoration; speculating on the "what-could-have-beens" should the fragile Republic have continued to attempt to exert control over France, or should the Communards and the National Guard have completely repulsed the French Army, and other realistic scenarios may just make us more mindful, as Frenchmen, of the egalitarian and imperial society which has been constructed since the Napoleonic Restoration, and more respectful of the luxurious nation which has been built by His Imperial Majesty and all of the people of France since the Compromise of Versailles. Preserving our history, and passing down that knowledge to future generations, shall ensure that the struggles of the Interregnum shall not have been in vain. |

| God Bless His Imperial Majesty! |

| God Bless The Empire! |

| God Bless The French! |

| God Bless France! |

Teujira, Val Verde-, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Софийски вестник - Официален вестник за Царство България

Ноември 1893г

BULGARIA DECLARES WAR ON THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Following decisive action by Serbia against the Ottoman oppressors, an official decree from His Majesty Tsar Ferdinand I has decreed that the Tsardom of Bulgaria will take up arms against it's former Imperial master. The nation seeks to claim back lost territories and to repatriate Bulgarians left outside of the Bulgarian homeland. The military high command has designated command of the 3 Armies South-East, to strike against the Ottoman heartland, and to assist Serbia in it's continued assualt southwards into the Vardar Macedonian region. The 2nd Army, led by Lieutenant-General Nikola Ivanov, was the first to receive these commands, with the 58 batallion strong force marching south towards Komotini, in Ottoman Greece. The city is a vital standpoint for the march south to the Aegean, where Bulgarian goals like firm in seizing the port of Alexandroupoli and expanding Bulgarian Naval presence into the Aegean. The 98,000 strong force in it's entirety has mobilised with 198 cannons at their disposal, remnants from previous conflicts, which will lay seige on the city before swiftly manouevring south to secure the Western Front.

The 3rd Army is tasked with securing the Black Sea coast, with sights set firmly on the Ottoman stronghold in Kirklareli, a vital stopping post before the march on Luleburgaz. The city will be vital for supply and reinforcement to the front and will begin to create an encirclement of the Ustruma Corps the Ottoman Empire has left to defend the region. 95,000 men and 220 cannons under the command of Lieutenant-General Radko Dimitriev will march southwards at once to secure the city and seize it from it's Ottoman captors. It is expected that quick and decisive movement here will help to seize Eastern Thrace from the Ottoman rule and make the march towards Constantinople far easier.

The 1st Army, the pride of the Bulgarian military, will take on the great honour of seiging the city of Adrianople, long since desired by Bulgaria as a stronghold in the Balkans, the city will form the vital link in the front line for the advance towards the City of the Kings. Lieutenant-General Vasil Kutinchev will lead his force of 102,000 troops and 200 cannons, to arrive on the outskirts of Adrianople as soon as is possible, with the capture of the city being labelled 'top-priority' by the Tsar himself. The city is expected to be the most difficult of objectives to take, but it's capture is vital to the Bulgarian, the Slavic and the Orthodox cause.

The economy has been set to war-time as the population muster their strength to support the Army in it's great advance. Farmers, workers and businessmen have all been playing their part in assisting the war effort, with mass amounts of food, munitions and medicines being sent to the front line by intensive formations of supply trains every day.

Antagarichh, Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Imperial-Germania, Woraniana

Czabalkia wrote:| Minister Négrier leans back in his seat, in a moment of deep thought. |

[list][sup]Oscar de Négrier:[/sup] [sup]"Well, your Excellency, Abyssinia represents what can only be described as the jewel of Africa. She is a nation deep and rich in history, culture, resources, and geopolitical importance. For the French Empire, central Ethiopia represents a thus far untapped area of extreme economic viability which, if exploited in the name of French interests, could benefit the French position in Africa immensely. In order for France to simply step aside in regards to the Italian conquest of Ethiopia, the Emperor and the French people will demand more than a railway in a foreign land. Quite frankly put, defending Ethiopia against Italian aggression would be the wisest thing to do, as it would allow for France to increase its own influence in Ethiopia and therefore begin to outpace the British position in East Africa and the Red Sea. Therefore, such a sudden reversal of policy regarding such a rich area necessitates more cooperation on the matter, in the event of an Italian victory, than a railroad. Beyond this, France would need to ensure the transfer of goods from Djibouti City into Ethiopia duty-free, and be given the assurance that Italy would protect French Somaliland in the possibility of an assault, by any nation, on that colony."[/sup]

[list]He pondered for a minute[/list]

Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere "Hmmmm. So no taxes on goods entering Dijbouti and a defense clause, correct? Along with the railroad. That seems reasonable. In exchange Italy wants a guarantee that Abissinia is recognized as a part of the italian sphere of influence, and that italy shall do what it wants with the lands. In essence France will recognize that Abissinia is a rightful Italian Protectorate as according to the Wuchale."

Czabalkia

Teujira wrote:[list]He pondered for a minute[/list]

Foreign Emissary Samuel L. Cecere "Hmmmm. So no taxes on goods entering Dijbouti and a defense clause, correct? Along with the railroad. That seems reasonable. In exchange Italy wants a guarantee that Abissinia is recognized as a part of the italian sphere of influence, and that italy shall do what it wants with the lands. In essence France will recognize that Abissinia is a rightful Italian Protectorate as according to the Wuchale."

[list][sup]Oscar de Négrier:[/sup] [sup]"So long as promises made are promises kept, His Imperial Majesty and the imperial government of France shall stay firmly out of the way of Italian political maneuvers in Abyssinia. The Negus of Abyssinia has long shown favor to France- therefore, for France to turn its back on Him and His Kingdom will be an unpopular move within France and within Abysinnia. Make sure that it is worth the risk involved, your Excellency."[/sup]

Teujira

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

[list][sup]OCTOBER, 1894[/sup]

LOYD & CHAMBERLAIN.

[sub]BRITISH EMPIRE, LONDON — MORNING[/sub]

____

[/list]

| The United Kingdom had undergone a massive, large scale change at the hands of newly appointed Prime Minister, Joseph Chamberlain, who represented the new, more riskier age of politics, and a more riskier vision for the United Kingdom and the British Empire. He did this through the Unionization Act of 1894 which increased the size of the United Kingdom proper from the “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland” to the “United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.” Granting all those territories equal status within the United Kingdom. To Chamberlain, this was seen as a stable way to continue the empire. To Loyd, the inevitable collapse of the British Empire and the English way of life. The British Public was fairly indecisive on the matter while the people of the former colonies were enthusiastic about such changes. Prime Minister Joseph Chamberlain invited former Prime Minister Archie Loyd to 10 Downing Street for a conversation. |

| Former Prime Minister Archie Loyd would arrive at around 11 AM to 10 Downing Street, he sported a beige coat, black slacks, a small bowler hat and a freshly shaved beard, his shoes distinctively clacking when they hit the concrete. A servant would greet Archie Loyd and lead him through his former residence, Loyd remembered when he lived here, it was the peak of his career. Prime Minister Joseph Chamberlain sat in his library, where a small coffee table had tea set out, along with cakes, and various snacks. Chamberlain sported a simple black vest, lined grey shirt, black slacks and his distinctive monocle glasses. Archie Loyd walked into the library. Joseph Chamberlain immediately stood up, and offered a handshake. |

[list]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN: | “Welcome, welcome, I hope you are doing well Mr. Loyd, please take a seat.”[/sup]

[sup]| ARCHIE LOYD: | “Thank you, I hope you are doing well yourself Mr. Prime Minister.”[/sup][/list]

| Chamberlain poured tea in 2 small mugs for himself and Loyd, and served the cake to both of them as well. They sat in silent for a few moments, doing nothing but sipping on the tea. It was a very awkward meeting after all, they were once intense political rivals, and now here they were, sitting face to face for reasons only known to Joseph Chamberlain. |

[list]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN: | “I won’t sugarcoat it, I’d like you to be my Foreign Minister.”[/sup]

[sup]| ARCHIE LOYD: | “I see..”[/sup]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN: | “Take as much time as you need to decide, but quickly would be my preferred speed.”[/sup]

[/list]

| Chamberlain allowed Loyd to sit for a few minutes to think it over. |

[list]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN: | “Your a smart man, and I'd love to have you on my team.”[/sup]

[sup]| ARCHIE LOYD: | “I'll accept the offer, but you must understand I do not agree with the unionization with Canada and so on, especially with Singapore and Hong Kong, non-white colonies.”[/sup]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN: | “I understand, regardless, I need a smart witted man as Foreign Secretary.”[/sup]

[/list]

| The 2 began to discuss various topics of international importance. The 2 recent war scares, the first one being in the Balkans and the second one being in China, Loyd remembered meeting with the French on that very topic. They also discussed the rise of the German Empire, the naval arms race with the Russians and the French, and Italy. Additionally some discussions were held over an upcoming agreement between France and the United Kingdom which had to do with freetrade, and investments and tariff deals with the Italians that were made with the French. After the discussions the 2 men said their goodbyes. |

[list]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN: | “Have a good day, Mr. Loyd, I believe I made the right decision.”[/sup]

[sup]| ARCHIE LOYD: | “Thank you for the faith, Mr. Prime Minister.”[/sup]

[sup]| PRIME MINISTER JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN: | “Till next time.”[/sup]

[/list]

| Loyd left, and began his commute back to his estate in Kensington & Chelsea. |

Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz

[list][list]~ 𝐄𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨 ~

| 𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚍𝚎 𝙼é𝚡𝚒𝚌𝚘 |[/list][/list]

𝔇𝔦𝔭𝔩𝔬𝔪𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔠 𝔐𝔦𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔡𝔢𝔠𝔩𝔞𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔞 𝔰𝔲𝔠𝔠𝔢𝔰𝔰, [sup]thee honorable Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ignacio Mariscal met with Lord Chevron in Esperanza to discuss several pressing matters. The first being the establishment of an official border between México and the British Colony of Honduras. Both nations agreed to send cartographers and engineers to the Yucatan territory to draw up a draft of a possible border, and at a later date discuss said borders. México will naturally provide the necessary resources for this expedition, such as food, housing, and a military security detail lead by Colonel of Engineers, Victoriano Huerta, a well-trusted man of the military. Another subject of the diplomatic meeting was the negotiation over British armament to Mayan Indios in the Yucatan. Secretary Ignacio was able to reach an agreement with Lord Chevron, said agreement declared that Britain would no longer arm or train Mayan rebels in exchange for further economic access to México.[/sup]

[list]----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/list]

𝔈𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔥𝔪𝔢𝔫𝔱 𝔬𝔣 ℭ𝔬𝔩𝔢𝔤𝔦𝔬 𝔄𝔩𝔢𝔪á𝔫 𝔄𝔩𝔢𝔵𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔳𝔬𝔫 ℌ𝔲𝔪𝔟𝔬𝔩𝔡𝔱, [I][sup]situated on Canoa Street in Mexico City a new state-sponsored college has been established to train Mexican's in German language, history, and etiquette. The school includes German, Mexican, and other teachers and was modeled after other German schools abroad. There were multiple divisions, and Division A has facilities tailored for female students. Starting prices for a spot are $5,000 Pesos per student. Uniforms are provided alongside living quarters, and three hot meals guaranteed every day. Families are encouraged to send their children so that one day, Mexico may join thee echelons of European society.[/sup]

[list]----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/list]

[list]𝐄𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐨! 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘤𝘰! 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺! 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 1.00 𝘗𝘦𝘴𝘰! ~

𝐄𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴! 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵, 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 60.00 𝘗𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘴! ~

Woraniana

Val Verde-

Not Xav

Concorrdia

The Rexist Rijk

Imperial-Germania

Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Not Xav, Zanbala Prz, Imperial-Germania, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

[sup]APRIL 19TH[/sup]

ℌ𝔢𝔱 𝔏𝔞𝔞𝔱𝔰𝔱𝔢 𝔑𝔦𝔢𝔲𝔴𝔰

[sub]1 FRANC. | DE FIJNSTE KRANT[/sub]

____

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐅𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄

[sub][I]AFTER 200,000 WORKERS STRIKE THE BELGIAN PARLIAMENT TO

AGREE TO THE DEMANDS TO ENACT UNIVERSAL MALE SUFFRAGE,

INCREASING THE VOTING POPULATION TO ITS LARGEST SIZE EVER. [/I][/sub]

____

BRUSSELS—Catholic and Liberal Parties united together in the Belgian parliament as a last ditch move to block a proposal that would grant expanded suffrage to more individuals in the nation, this as a result would greatly expand the voting population and very well would allow for the Belgian General Elections to be far more competitive then they typically are. The General Strike was called a few days following the block. The strike began predominantly with coal miners refusing to work, soon after steel and other workers who have jobs in metal related industry soon too refused to work, this spread to various factories and more until the majority of Belgium’s industrial workers were striking for universal suffrage.

The strikes turned violent as the strikers clashed with police and military forces, in an clash in Brussels 6 strikers were killed while in a small village in Flanders another 2 strikers were killed after clashing with the police. The strike undoubtedly was harming the Belgian economy and most notably the bottom line of numerous companies, and as a result, the bottom line of the Federal Budget. The Prime Minister, Auguste Beernaert, who was a member of the Catholic Party privately said, “These workers have gone, to be frank, mad, they’re in the streets fighting the military, they’re in the streets demanding a right, they’re in the streets refusing the work. The nation simply cannot continue like this, if we do, we very well may have a revolution on our hands, we cannot let that happen. We will have to cave to the protester’s demands or prepare the Armed Forces for an imminent revolution, and to be completely frank, I do not like the latter option.”

The Prime Minister would go on to announce, after 6 days of striking, that they would implement Universal Suffrage, increasing the electorate greatly as well as the general civil rights and liberties situation in the country. The decision was praised by the strikers who proceeded to go back to work. The elections were to be held in October 1894. All males over the age of 25 could vote, and most notably, voting was made mandatory. The elections were held successfully with little to no issues, the results are as follows:

[list][sup]1894 GENERAL ELECTIONS[/sup]

[sup]CATHOLIC PARTY: 102 SEATS (+10)

LABOUR PARTY: 27 SEATS (+27)

LIBERAL PARTY: 17 SEATS (-43)

LSK: 4 SEATS (+4)[/sup]

[/list]

The election resulted in the Catholic Party retaining its majority, the Liberal Party losing dozens of seats and its standing as the largest opposition party. A new socialist party, the Labour Party, successfully gained enough seats to claim the title of the Opposition Party. The election however, fundamentally, forced the nation to the left as a result of the suffrage. The leader of the Liberal Party, Édouard Pecher, remarked that "In this age, with suffrage, I cannot say with certainty there is room for a classical liberal party, a centrist party, the people seemingly prefer either the Catholic Party or the Labour Party, and they made it clear they do not want an inbetween, regardless, we shall carry on and attempt to carry out our vision for the Kingdom."

____

Val Verde-, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz

[list][sup]JANUARY, 1895[/sup]

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1895.

[sub]BRITISH EMPIRE, LONDON — MORNING[/sub]

____

[/list]

| Following the unionization with Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore, Prime Minister Joseph Chamberlain ordered a study be conducted on how to best economically develop the new parts of the nation. Following the study the Economic Development Act of 1895 was passed through the British Parliament and given Royal Assent. The Act included information on the study as well and how and why certain decisions were made.Prime Minister Joseph Chamberlain commented saying, “The Economic Development Act of 1895 will ensure that new parts of our Kingdom can ascend to the standard of living, economic activity and wealth seen in Great Britain as well as increase our Gross Domestic Product to a level not seen before.” A short addition to the act would allow motor vehicles on all roads, which effectively legalized the car, this is expected to make engineers and companies much more inclined to begin to research automotive technologies. The bill is as follows. |[list]____[/list]

𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝟏𝟖𝟗𝟓

[sup]| CANADA |[/sup]

| According to the recent study on the most effective ways to improve the economy of the “new additions”, Canada was seen as the only one suitable for rapid industrialization, with it having the largest population at 5 million, and being more urbanized than New Zealand. Canada also has a great wealth of natural resources such as timber, oil, iron ore and more, which makes it even more suitable to industrialization. In accordance with various private companies, the United Kingdom will invest 45 million pounds into Canada to lay down 1000s of miles of railway, create numerous steel plants, various manufacturing plants, improve ports, create more telegram lines and more. It was stated that Canada should have 20% of Great Britain’s industrial capacity. |

[sup]| NEW ZEALAND |[/sup]

| According to the recent study on the most effective ways to improve the economy of the “new additions”, New Zealand was primarily seen as a nation with vast amounts of agricultural and mineral wealth, rather then a nation that could be industrialized like Canada. However, it was also believed that the lack of rail was an issue, thus Parliament would invest 4 million pounds to create a railway between Bluff, Dunedin, Timaru, Christchurch, and Blenheim as well as a second railway between Wellington, Hastens, Taupo, Tuaranaga, Hamilinton, Auckland and Cape Regina. Beyond this, no other recommendations were made. |

[sup]| SINGAPORE |[/sup]

| It is believed, according to the study, the current economic direction of Singapore is favorable as trade volume continues to increase and grow. Parliament however would invest 2 million pounds to improve roads, ports, and the housing situation. Additionally, a shipbuilding port would be made to exclusively produce ships for the British Merchant Fleet. Singapore would also be a hub port for the fleet, as well as be the host for the Royal Navy. |

[sup]| HONG KONG |[/sup]

| It is believed, according to the study, the current economic direction of Hong Kong is favorable as trade volume continues to increase and grow, just like Singapore. Parliament however would invest 2 million pounds to improve roads, ports, and the housing situation. No shipbuilding port was to be built but it would continue to host some Royal Navy operations. Funding was also given to investigate a Hong Kong-Singapore telegraph line. |[list]____[/list]

| The Economic Development Act of 1895 was fairly popular among those in Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand, feelings were mixed domestically but no “harsh feelings” lingered. Prime Minister Joseph Chamberlain stated that after the passage of this bill his next major thing to tackle would be the reorganization of the Royal Navy. |

Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Svathia

Post by The Mighty Soviet Empire suppressed by Woraniana.

The Mighty Soviet Empire

hi can I claim Mongolia or if it is taken than kazakhstan should be fine, I see that there are Russia and Chinese players but i would like to be a communist power in asia

Svathia

[list][sub]January 3rd, 1895[/sub]

THE CAPE SENTINEL

____________________[/list]

[sub]A NEW YEAR, A NEW AMBITION![/sub]

____

With the year 1895 now upon the realm, the Rhodes Cabinet has announced plans to incentivize and expedite White immigration and settlement of Zambesia! To do this, Prime Minister Rhodes stated that "[his] cabinet will be focusing primarily on infrastructure development throughout the Cape and Natal and will advocate for increased military presence in and around the Zambesian Possession in order to deter Boer aggression and ensure that foreign tourists seeking to admire the wonders of our land may spectate in relative safety." It is apparent to many that Cecil John Rhodes has a great vision and, although he is already immensely popular and well-respected throughout the British realm, Rhodes' popularity is expected to increase even further because of his new initiative. In the words of one of his advisors, "Rhodes envisions a safe and prosperous future for this fair domain- one where Anglo children can roam freely and brave men can tame the land and harness its riches." Although many still question what lies in store for Southern Africa and grow ever more suspicious of the Germans and Boers and even, albeit to a far lesser extent, the Portuguese by the day, a level of confidence now exists among those in the political heart of Cape Town- confidence that the Prime Minister has the best interests of the nation in mind and will bring in additional wealth through his new initiative. Even some in the Opposition support Rhodes' tourism and development initiative, with a few going so far as to publicly commend his cabinets' reaching out to other Western nations for lucrative deals today.

____

[sub]FRIENDLY-FIRE INCIDENT NEAR THE ORANGE FREE![/sub]

____

Late last night, a lightly-armored convoy of Cape Colony wagons began its return-trek south from the Bechuanaland Territory. Unbeknownst to local Cape border patrols near the Orange River, the convoy had covertly been sent north to Bechuanaland about a month ago for anti-German reconnoissance patrols. As such, the troops marching with the convoy were fitted with ragged disguises. Misidentification led to disaster this morning when colonial troops assigned to patrol the Northern Cape fired upon the oncoming convoy- mistaking its men for several foreign scouts believed to have slipped into British jurisdiction under cover of night last week. These scouts were rumored to have been Boer-sympathetic couriers of German Southwest African origin and as such were deemed violators of British colonial sovereignty. Unfortunately, the men of the border patrol were mistaken and would take 16 fellow-colonial lives before realizing they were in the wrong. Ironically and regrettably, each side, which had sworn allegiance to the British Crown, mistook the other for the Boer aggressor. Upon hearing of this tragic embarrassment this afternoon, the Cape Colonial Secretary of Defense publicly called for better organization throughout the colonial military ranks and stated that "swift action must be taken to prove and/or address the matter of German and Boer infiltration into our burgeoning society but we must first improve communication amongst our ranks [...] What happened today was the result of subpar coordination and misidentification- both of which could have been easily prevented and must be prevented if we are to be taken seriously as a proud possession of the British Crown." The Cape Colonial Cabinet of Defense has claimed full responsibility for the tragedy today and has promised to work with the Rhodes Administration and Parliament to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. Many bureaucrats in Cape Town are now urging for telegraph systems to be made widely accessible throughout the realm and Prime Minister Rhodes has sworn to work with his advisors to reach consensus on how to improve internal communications.

This has been a Cape Sentinel report.

____

[Spoiler=Mentions]

Woraniana

Czabalkia

Imperial-Germania

Teujira

Vancordia

[/spoiler]

Val Verde-, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

[list][spoiler=OOC Info]I am going to roleplay the First Sino-Japanese War along with Cherokee Confederates, but he is going to remain the "official" owner of Japan.

Everything discussed in this post is secret. Matters pertaining to Korea are assumed to have unfolded as they did in real life.[/spoiler]

Meiji 28

2 January 1895

[sub]戦前の準備室![/sub]

Prelude to War![/list]

[sup]東京市、大日本帝國[/sup]

TOKYO, EMPIRE OF JAPAN

[sub]Imperial Palace, Kanda Ward[/sub]

| It was a cloud-heavy early morning as a horse-drawn carriage passed the gates of the Kōkyo, above the calm waters surrounding the Palace. Behind it, it left the busy streets of the Imperial Capital, whose noises soon became a distant memory to the two men who were inside, dressed in their parade uniforms. The day, in fact, was set to become a consequential date in history. Prince Itō Hirobumi, resting his forearm on a cane, stared in the distance from the window. For twenty years, he had been the architect of the Meiji Renovation and had risen to the highest levels of influence in the government, and become one of the foremost advisors to the Emperor. And adroit politician, he saw opportunities in the developing situation in China and Korea. In front of him sat Admiral Count Itō Sukeyuki. The two men were in the midst of a conversation when their carriage came to a stop, and they made their way to the Palace on foot. They soon after met the Emperor, to whom they bowed with respect. With breakfast and tea brought by servants, the three men sat around a Western-style table. The Emperor's burrowed forehead, luxuriant beard, and heavy stature gave him a dignified presence, along with the gleaming sash and medals resting on his black-uniformed chest. |

[list][sup]| Prince Itô Hirobumi : |[/sup] "Tennôheika, we have much to discuss. The current events in China have cleared the path for an intervention from our side in Korea. The Qing Dynasty has been shaken to its core over the last few months, falling prey to liberal agitators. Their economy has become gripped by a long-lasting strike, and now seems the best time for us to back the reformist faction in the Joseon Court of Korea, which, so far, has been dominated by the conservative faction, supporters of the Qing's suzerainty over the country. The Donghak Rebellion, which considerably weakened Korea in April of last year, examplified the meagre hold of the Qing over Korea, and displayed how thin our own area of control was, despite the weakness of the Qing Armies. We have long discussed the possibility of a Korean Intervention; I humbly believe now is the time to act. Our Army is ready. They are equipped with the Murata breech-loading rifle. Its newest version, the Type 22, with its five-cartridge magazine, is only available yet to the Imperial Guard and the 4th Division. When taken in bulk, we are overpowered by the Chinese Armies; however individually, our men display tactics and courage unrivalled in this Hemisphere, and our mobility is an especially worthy attribute when we consider that the Qing Armies are scattered in far-away parts of the Empire. However, the strategy drawn up so far mostly relies on the use of sea power."

[sup]| Emperor Meiji : |[/sup] "Indeed, indeed, Itô-san, I remember. Our Realm was close to war mere months ago. The conditions now, as you described, seem most auspicious. This shall very well become a test of the progress we have made for all these years. Admiral, tell me, in what shape is our Navy?"

[sup]| Admiral Itô Sukeyuki : |[/sup] "Your Imperial Majesty, I can say in full honesty that our Imperial Navy stands among the best in its category. Of course, nothing yet in its numbers or armaments can allow it to be compared to the Navies of Britain or France. However, when faced with the Qing's Navies, it is fair to say that a Combined Fleet - Such is the name given to the Imperial Navy's formation in wartime - Possesses strategic, logistical, technological, and numerical superiority. The use of Shimose powder in our armaments is something unparalleled in the armaments of the Qing Navy. Our Canet guns, obtained from the French, have not been up to our expectations, but still deliver an impressive firepower. If used right, there is no doubt the enemy will be outmatched at sea."[/list]

| The Emperor drank his tea, in reflection of what had been said. Clouds had come to cover the skies and snowflakes started to fall outside. |

[list][sup]| Emperor Meiji : |[/sup] "So, we march our men into the core of the Korean Empire, and restore the Joseon Court as an independent nation, free from Qing lordship, and therefore, more conducive to Japanese developement?"

[sup]| Prince Itô Hirobumi : |[/sup] "Yes. As things stand, Korea is a backwards, feeble nation. It has no true army of its own, and its court is divided. Our hand will favor the reformist Joseon Court, those aligned with us. Therefore, no Korean enemies will face our armies. We expect all of the enemy to stream from China, which will not agree to our intervention. This is why a suprise attack is necessary, targeting the Qing forces in Korea. Having Korea with Japan is paramount to safeguarding our Empire's supply of agricultural produce, and will further open up our trade. Tennôheika, by freeing Korea from the Qing's multi-century lordship, we pave the way to the modernization of the Kingdom. The crux of the problem, if we do not act fast enough, is to see the Qing, and the Joseon Court, fall into disarray, chaos, and then, Western hands. We have seen with how much ease the Qing surrendered territories to Britain and France. If the phenomenon spreads to Korea, enemy powers could easily take possession of this strategic peninsula. In turn, this would mean a reduced food security for your subjects, but also a potential springboard for aggression on the Japanese soil itself. By the past, Korea has always been the prime bridge between Asia and Japan; remember the Mongol Invasions, or Toyotomi Hideyoshi's samurai armies, which also used Korea as the gates to the Asian landmass. Securing it, not as a part of our Empire, but as a friendly, sphere country, is therefore very important, and for it to happen, the Qing need to be defeated on the Peninsula."

[sup]| Emperor Meiji : |[/sup] "Balancing our own interests with those of these foreign powers, who, at the same time, have cooperated a great deal with us, is something we must do as well. What do you recommend in this regard?"

[sup]| Prince Itô Hirobumi : |[/sup] "I am sure the Europeans are looking on the Qing chaos with the same interest as ours. We will assuage them with economic compensations. After all, the opening of China to their wares is also a chief concern of theirs."

[sup]| Emperor Meiji : |[/sup] "Itô-san, I endow you with my assent to lead these operations. See to it that our Empire leaves this upcoming war stronger and richer than it was before."[/list]

| Still sitting, Prince Itô bowed respectfully in direction of his sovereign. |

[list][sup]| Prince Itô Hirobumi : |[/sup] "Hai, Tennôheika!"[/list]

| The two men would leave the Kōkyo, in separate directions. Prince Itô and Admiral Itô were far from being the sole influencers in the Imperial Court; Prince Itô - Who also served as Prime Minister, albeit in a non-partisan fashion - Was the most powerful of the Genrô, the elder oligarch statesmen at the helm of Japan since the Meiji Renovation of 1867. All of his peers would be informed throughout the day of the new decisions taken this morning, and would all meet several times in the Imperial Capital between January 2 and January 9. Naturally, the decision to go to war had been mulled over by most of them ever since last April, when the Donghak Rebellion rose and fell in Korea, eliciting great competition between Japan and the Qing for dominance over the peninsula. However, no war had come about then - But it would, now. |

| Between January 9 and January 13, the entirety of the Imperial Navy was mobilized and prepared for combat as the Combined Fleet. Across Japan's six military districts, a force of 220,000 men was mobilized for the rest of the month. However, training was extensively conducted for a force of only 11,000, who would spearhead the initial stage of the conflict. |

Teujira, Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Svathia, Imperial-Germania, Woraniana

[list][list]16 Février 1895[/list]

LA FRANCE S'APPROCHE DE LA NOUVELLE RUSSIE

FRANCE REACHES OUT TO THE NEW RUSSIA[/list]

| Following the Russian Coup of 1894, and the delegation of Tsar Nicholas III to merely a constitutional figurehead within the Russian system, France has followed closely the events taking place in the Coup's wake. Partly due to the familial relation between His Imperial Majesty and Tsar Nicholas III, the Imperial government has reacted somewhat negatively to Pyotr Stolypin's new radical liberal government, while many in the legislature have approved of the efforts to reform Russia into a democratic state. Regardless, the peaceful regime change in Russia has left France in a position necessitating renewal of ties between the Empires of France and Russia. |

| In this regard, His Imperial Majesty himself has offered to Prince Stolypin, Russian Regent, an invitation of a personal meeting at the New Tuileries Palace in Paris, rebuilt throughout the 1880s under the personal oversight of Georges-Eugène Haussmann. The royal residence of His Imperial Majesty and much of the Bonaparte family, the New Tuileries Palace has only rarely served as a host of foreign dignitaries and leaders, with this often falling upon the Élysée Palace. Such an invitation has sent a message of serious regards to Prince Stolypin, one hoped to be met soon. |

Arcanda, Val Verde-, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Imperial-Germania, Woraniana

Antagarichh wrote:[spoiler=SERBIA: ORDER OF BATTLE IN THE VARDAR REGION]

[list][list]SERBIA: ORDER OF BATTLE IN THE VARDAR REGION[/list][/list]

ARMY OF THE VARDAR(АРМИЈА ВАРДАРА)

[list][*]General Radojko Tomić, Commanding Officer

[*]Total Active & Deployed Strength of 22,000 Infantry, 6,100 Cavalry Units, 72 Light Guns

[*]Immediate Reserve of 26,000 Infantry, 4,000 Cavalry Units, 356 Light Guns, 36 Heavy Guns[/list]

Active Units

1st Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Kalinik Šaponjić[/list]

2nd Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Kalinik Šaponjić[/list]

3rd Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Avram Zebić[/list]

4th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Boris Mandić[/list]

5th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Đuro Pavlović[/list]

6th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Grgur Jovanović[/list]

7th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Draško Velimirović[/list]

9th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Božidar Rakočević[/list]

11th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Sreten Vasić[/list]

12th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Radovan Živić[/list]

13th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Vlado Mijatović[/list]

14th Infantry Regiment

[list][*]2,000 Light Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Pukovnik Zvonko Hristov[/list]

1st Special Infantry Company

[list][*]165 Special Infantry

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Draško Ražnatović[/list]

1st Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Janko Borisov[/list]

2nd Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Vukota Simić[/list]

3rd Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Jakov Stevanović[/list]

4th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Đorđije Dapčević[/list]

6th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Vlada Kostić[/list]

7th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Srđan Pejakovski[/list]

11th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Blagoje Stefanović[/list]

16th Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]775 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Miško Pejić[/list]

1st Reconnaissance Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]450 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Zoran Čarapić[/list]

2nd Reconnaissance Cavalry Battalion

[list][*]450 Cavalry

[*]Commanding Officer: Potpukovnik Andrija Novaković[/list]

2nd Signal Company

[list][*]120 Signal Officers

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Slaviša Jocić[/list]

3rd Signal Company

[list][*]120 Signal Officers

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Miladin Grgurović[/list]

1st Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Žarko Marinković[/list]

2nd Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Miodrag Jelić[/list]

3rd Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Čedomir Zebić[/list]

4th Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Kristijan Đorđević[/list]

5th Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Andrej Dapčević[/list]

6th Artillery Battery

[list][*]140 Artillery Officers

[*]12 Russian 87mm M1877

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Milomir Cvetković[/list]

1st Mixed Siege Regiment

[list][*]3,130 Light Infantry

[*]120 Artillery Officers

[*]8 Canon de 120 mm modèle 1878

[*]Commanding Officer: Major Berislav Vukomanović[/list][/spoiler]

| As parts of the Army of Crna Gora and the Army of Kosovo and Metohija continue to press their advance towards Prishtina, the main Serb force, the Army of the Vardar, also begins their all-out assault into Vardar Macedonia, with their eyes set on Skopje. This main army, the pride of the Imperial Serbian Army along with the Army of the Danube, represents the forefront of the Serbian liberation war and the assault on the Ottoman Empire's last remaining holdings in Serb lands. Field Marshal Radojko Tomić, one of Tsar Alexander I's most forefront and loyal officers, has been entrusted with command of the Army of the Vardar, and using its myriad assortment of forces including various experimental units against the Turkish forces defending the occupied lands. |

| With the momentum on the side of the Army of the Vardar, Field Marshal Tomić attempts to use the Ottoman's unpreparedness to his own advantage. The current strategy being pursued by the Serbian Empire, hinged entirely upon early successes by the Serbian Army, must oversee the quick capture of Skopje and the rest of the Kosovo Eyalet in order to give Serbia the posture necessary to dig in and hold the liberated territories long enough to drain the Ottomans in a war of attrition until peace can be signed and the territories recognized as legally Serbian. Skopje, the capital of the Ottoman Viyalet, is the absolute most paramount objective of this phase of the war and, as such, Field Marshal Tomić has been entrusted essentially with the fate of the war. |

| The Army of the Vardar leaves camp from Vranje at dawn on October 14. The bulk of the army consisting of 14,000 infantry, four cavalry battalions, all of the artillery and most of the 1st Signal Company advance directly onto Skopje through the main roadway linking Vranje with Skopje, with the Army's reconnaissance cavalry battalions scouting ahead for Ottoman locations as many as ten miles ahead of the Army at any given time. A further cavalry battalion and 4,000 infantrymen advance off of a side road out of Vranje, intent to clear a path and cross the border paths near Lesnica into Ottoman territory. The majority of the Army heading on the main road, designated the I Corps, as well as the II Corps and III Corps advance across a long spread of territory, with the goal of surrounding and besieging Skopje from the north, east, and west, leaving only the south unassailed. |

| Along with conventional units, the Army of the Vardar has created, with intent to deploy, two experimental units- the 1st Special Infantry Company and the 1st Mixed Siege Regiment. The 1st Special Infantry Company, consisting of 165 "special infantry", is a small force which has been trained to act as infiltrators, saboteurs, and inside agents specifically for raiding and destroying enemy positions in small, organized attacks. Armed with light firearms and small explosives, their job in regards to the capture of Skopje(unbeknownst to the Ottomans) is to advance far ahead of the main army, pose as Macedonians, infiltrate Skopje from the south, and destroy key defensive positions which would pose a threat to the Serbian advance on the city. The other unit, the 1st Mixed Siege Regiment, is a special unit consisting of four heavy siege guns and a large force of infantry. The intended use of this unit will be to batter any heavy Ottoman positions near Skopje with heavy guns before unleashing a tidal wave of heavily armed infantry on the battered positions. |

| However, before Skopje can be taken, the Ottoman Vardar Army must be decisively engaged and completely, overwhelmingly defeated. Still in the early stages of mobilization, Field Marshal Tomić has decided to get the jump on them at their garrison at Kumanovo, midway between Vranje and Skopje, with the full might of the Vardar Army. As such, after roughly four days of marching, the first units of the Army of the Vardar begin to arrive at Kumanovo, where the Ottoman Vardar Army has continued with mobilization. Before any infantry can be sent into the city, the Field Marshal orders for all of his artillery to form a Grand Battery to shell the city, turning all of the separate guns of his army into one single unified force meant to obliterate the Ottoman garrison. For hours as the army arrives in full, dozens of guns including the 1st Mixed Siege Regiment's four heavy guns bombard Kumanovo. |

Vardar Macedonia, Eyalet of Rumelia

Undergoing heavy bombardment from Serbian forces, the Ottoman Vardar Army at Kumanovo turned its own field artillery toward the direction of Serbian fire, roughly 400 pieces, were hastily repositioned as munitions rained down on the Ottoman fortifications at Kumanovo, killing several artillerymen at their stations with additional loss of the field guns they coordinated. Heavy siege mortars were prepped and loaded, awaiting the Serbian infantry advance on the city which could prove to have devastating affect once within range. Ottoman infantry simply tried their very best to hunker down within the semi-dug in positions in and around Kumanovo, with long stretching trenchlines that remain incomplete at the bewilderment of Ottoman forces by Slavic advance.

Ottoman officers were stunned by the mobility of the Serbian corps, whom covered that much ground in under a week almost entirely on foot or drawn by horse, an impressive feat that Ottoman Army commandership viewed as a non-traditional threat to the otherwise bogged down and less mobile Ottoman military attempting to hastily bring it's regional Balkan forces to order while working on Tsar Alexander I's schedule that remained well ahead of the gargantuan Ottoman Army thinnly stretched out across the Balkans. In the horse stables of the Kumanovo Fortified Area, Ottoman armored heavy cavalry prepared too for the advance of Serbian infantry, applying heavy chainmail along with steel Khedive helmets and breastplates in anticipation of meeting opposing cavalry out on the field of battle. Members of the Independent 7th and 8th Cavalry Brigades, the Cavalrymen dawned only curved Kılıç swords and holstered Gasser M1870 pinfire revolvers that take 11mm Montenegrin, a primitive but exceptionally powerful flanged cartridge.

Immediately following the arrival of an Ottoman messenger pidgeon from Kumanovo to forces stationed in Skopje, about 40km southwest of Kumanovo, the independent Firzovik and Taşlıca Detachments were ordered to march to Kumanovo and assist forces under severe artillery siege. Additionally, Ottoman Vardar forces stationed in Skopje would advance from their position to avoid another siege and instead meet the Serbian corps of 22,000 strong looming upon Skopje, at least 17,000 Ottoman soldiers departed the city to greet them on the field, leaving behind the Üsküp Redif Division, an additional ~19,000 personnel, in Skopje for defensive purposes.

[B]Vilayet of Kosovo

At the İpek Detachment, situated in the Kosovo Eyalet, the 21st Division comprised of the 61st and 62nd Infantry Regiments, supported by the Pirzerin Redif Division, completed priority mobilization and departed İpek, marching eastward bound toward Piriştina and Mitroviça, with orders to support the Priştine Redif Division already stationed there. The Pirzerin Redif Division moved northeast toward Mitroviça, creating a dual-pronged advance to bolster the unprepared forces being swept up by Serbian artillery. Bringing with them horsedrawn field guns of their own, the advancing Ottoman reinforcements intend to hit the Serbian Army right back with unrelenting line artillery to push their artillery corps back and out of range of the border cities currently under siege or facing Serbian infantry advance.[/I]

Arcanda, Czabalkia, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Svathia, Imperial-Germania, Woraniana

Czabalkia wrote:[list][list]16 Février 1895[/list]

LA FRANCE S'APPROCHE DE LA NOUVELLE RUSSIE

FRANCE REACHES OUT TO THE NEW RUSSIA[/list]

| Following the Russian Coup of 1894, and the delegation of Tsar Nicholas III to merely a constitutional figurehead within the Russian system, France has followed closely the events taking place in the Coup's wake. Partly due to the familial relation between His Imperial Majesty and Tsar Nicholas III, the Imperial government has reacted somewhat negatively to Pyotr Stolypin's new radical liberal government, while many in the legislature have approved of the efforts to reform Russia into a democratic state. Regardless, the peaceful regime change in Russia has left France in a position necessitating renewal of ties between the Empires of France and Russia. |

| In this regard, His Imperial Majesty himself has offered to Prince Stolypin, Russian Regent, an invitation of a personal meeting at the New Tuileries Palace in Paris, rebuilt throughout the 1880s under the personal oversight of Georges-Eugène Haussmann. The royal residence of His Imperial Majesty and much of the Bonaparte family, the New Tuileries Palace has only rarely served as a host of foreign dignitaries and leaders, with this often falling upon the Élysée Palace. Such an invitation has sent a message of serious regards to Prince Stolypin, one hoped to be met soon. |

| Eager to build relations with the economic and military titan that is France, Prince-Regent Pyotr Stolypin jumps at the chance to meet directly with Emperor Napoleon IV. Merely the strongest of the 3 Russian Triumvirs, Stolypin comfortably leaves Moscow under the control of his lieutenants: Viceroy Nikolai von Bunge, and Count Sergei Witte.

Prince Stolypin arrives in Paris only a few weeks after receiving notice from France. He is ubiquitously surrounded by uniformed members of the Okhrana, forming an entourage of men who were loyal to his idealized version of Russia. Stolypin, a noble by birth who had received countless hours of training on court etiquette, kneels in honor of the French Emperor, who outranked him significantly as a foreign non-dynastic Prince. He is dressed in his Imperial Land Army uniform as awaits the announcement of his presence in the French Imperial Court. |

Arcanda, Czabalkia, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Not Xav wrote:| Eager to build relations with the economic and military titan that is France, Prince-Regent Pyotr Stolypin jumps at the chance to meet directly with Emperor Napoleon IV. Merely the strongest of the 3 Russian Triumvirs, Stolypin comfortably leaves Moscow under the control of his lieutenants: Viceroy Nikolai von Bunge, and Count Sergei Witte.

Prince Stolypin arrives in Paris only a few weeks after receiving notice from France. He is ubiquitously surrounded by uniformed members of the Okhrana, forming an entourage of men who were loyal to his idealized version of Russia. Stolypin, a noble by birth who had received countless hours of training on court etiquette, kneels in honor of the French Emperor, who outranked him significantly as a foreign non-dynastic Prince. He is dressed in his Imperial Land Army uniform as awaits the announcement of his presence in the French Imperial Court. |

| After the announcement of His Serene Highness, Prince Pyotr II of the House of Stolypin, Regent of the Russian Empire by a member of the Imperial Guard, His Imperial Majesty shakes the hand of Stolypin as he stands up, introducing himself in Russian- learned over the years through the help of his wife, Empress Olga Constantinova of Russia. His Imperial Majesty and the Empress stand shoulder to shoulder in front of Stolypin. |

[list][sup]His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV:[/sup] [sup]"Божьи благословения, ваше превосходство. Пожалуйста, позвольте мне говорить на моем родном французском языке, чтобы я мог более адекватно вести диалог. Мой переводчик должен служить мне хорошо, она всегда делает."[/sup]

[sub]"God's Blessings, Your Excellence. If you will, please permit me to speak in my native tongue of French, that I may more adequately have dialogue. My translator should serve me well- she always does."[/sub][/list]

Woraniana

Czabalkia wrote:| After the announcement of His Serene Highness, Prince Pyotr II of the House of Stolypin, Regent of the Russian Empire by a member of the Imperial Guard, His Imperial Majesty shakes the hand of Stolypin as he stands up, introducing himself in Russian- learned over the years through the help of his wife, Empress Olga Constantinova of Russia. His Imperial Majesty and the Empress stand shoulder to shoulder in front of Stolypin. |

[list][sup]His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV:[/sup] [sup]"Божьи благословения, ваше превосходство. Пожалуйста, позвольте мне говорить на моем родном французском языке, чтобы я мог более адекватно вести диалог. Мой переводчик должен служить мне хорошо, она всегда делает."[/sup]

[sub]"God's Blessings, Your Excellence. If you will, please permit me to speak in my native tongue of French, that I may more adequately have dialogue. My translator should serve me well- she always does."[/sub][/list]

| While it is awkward to speak second-hand through a woman whose cousin he had privately held at gunpoint so recently, he nevertheless shook the Emperor’s hand and smiled warmly. |

Regent of Russia, Prince Pyotr Stolypin:

“ Comme vous le souhaitez, Votre Majesté Impériale. Bien que je parle avec plaisir votre langue. Les nobles russes ont une forte admiration pour la culture française, je suis certain que son Altesse impériale vous l'a dit.

As you wish, Your Imperial Majesty. Although I am happy to speak your language. We Russian nobles have a strong admiration for French culture, I am certain her Imperial Highness told you so.”

Czabalkia

Not Xav wrote:| While it is awkward to speak second-hand through a woman whose cousin he had privately held at gunpoint so recently, he nevertheless shook the Emperor’s hand and smiled warmly. |

Regent of Russia, Prince Pyotr Stolypin:

“ Comme vous le souhaitez, Votre Majesté Impériale. Bien que je parle avec plaisir votre langue. Les nobles russes ont une forte admiration pour la culture française, je suis certain que son Altesse impériale vous l'a dit.

As you wish, Your Imperial Majesty. Although I am happy to speak your language. We Russian nobles have a strong admiration for French culture, I am certain her Imperial Highness told you so.”

| Pleased with surprise, the Emperor smiles. He retorts in French. |

[list][sup]His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV:[/sup] [sup]"Ah, well, a pleasant surprise. If you so wish, we may hold our talks in French- believe me when I say I have no opposition to that. However, Her Imperial Highness will still accompany us along with other French ministers to serve as a translator if need be. Please, let us go to the Salle des dignitaires. I have had the room decorated specifically for the arrival of Your Excellency and the rest of the Russian entourage. I believe you will find it exquisitely decorated."[/sup]

Berliner Volkszeitung Newspaper

Krupp Gusstahlfabrik expands Operations in the Far East

[spoiler=Quote]

The Rexist Rijk wrote:Meanwhile, the Board of Works has injected 12 million silver taels into the industrialisation of the country, calling it a 'necessity' amidst a greater Western presence in Asia.

"We got lucky with the French this time. Next time, it might be the British, Russians, or Japanese. Then we'll see who gets lucky."

[sup]- Huang Duzhen[/sup]

The Board of Works has invited Krupp Gusstahlfabrik of Imperial-Germania, renown even among Qing circles as a 'massive steel empire from Germany', to establish 6 integrated steel mills across the Qing, and to manufacture cast steel, cast iron, nickel steel, and other metal products. The 6 mills will purportedly be established in Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Xiamen, Shaoxing, and Suzhou, giving the German company first pickings in a spike of demand that is expected to follow the Board's massive industrialisation plan.

Czabalkia was also offered the same treatment, as it invites Schneider-Creusot to construct steel mills in the French concessions as well.

The Board of Works had sanctioned "government-supervised merchant undertakings" - profit-oriented enterprises which were operated by merchants but which were subsidised by government sources instead. Capital for these enterprises came from private sources via the norms of investment, stocks, and bonds - but the government also provided subsidies ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 silver taels. 125 enterprises have been selected for targeted government investment, including companies dealing in textiles, iron mining, coal mining, transport, and domestic industry.

A stock exchange building will be opened in the Imperial Capital, being the first of its kind in the whole of the Qing to deal with securities. Initially, only 6 businesses may be allowed to be listed, although it is hoped that by 1896, there will be 60. As seen in Europe, traders met frequently, often in local restaurants or inns, to discuss financial transactions. The emergence of “Sub-markets” in major trading cities such as Amsterdam, in which traders had access to peer knowledge and a community of reputable traders, was also observed and noted as important to the growth of the stock market. The Board hoped to ultimately elevate the Qing Stock Exchange into the largest in East Asia in terms of market capitalization.

The Board of Works will also set forward some aims for government intervention in the ecnomy, intending to:

[list][*]Construct 30 factories, each manufacturing varying types of products;

[*]Build the Qing's first commercial fertilizer plant in Jiangning;

[*]and the opening of 3 iron mines and 4 coal mines,

[/list]...with a budget of 4 million taels of silver.

In addition, the Board will also contract an unknown company at this time to construct a 914 kilometre-long standard-gauge (1,435mm) railway linking Whampoa/Huangpu to Fuzhou, as well as telegraph lines from the Imperial Capital to Shanghai. These contracts will cumulatively have a payoff of around 6 million silver taels.

[/list]

[/spoiler]

Recently, an executive for the Krupp Gusstahlfabrik released the following statement,

"Krupp Gusstahlfabrik will be expanding it's Operations in the Far East through the completion of several Steel Mills, 6 to be precise, in the land of the Qing Government. We look forward to expanding our presence within the Qing Market. It is our belief that the Qing market holds vast potential in terms of profit margins for our Company"

This would mark an interesting increase in German Interest towards the Qing. Although no official statement was given by the German Government on this new development. It is believed that this could lead to greater Sino-German ties as Germany becomes more greatly involved in the Qing Economy. An economy that is believed to hold limitless potential by German Economists.

Tag: The Rexist Rijk

-----------------------------

Imperial German Government dispatches Delegation to Bulgaria

[spoiler=Quote]

Bulzhariia wrote:Софийски вестник - Официален вестник за Царство България

Ноември 1893г

BULGARIA DECLARES WAR ON THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Following decisive action by Serbia against the Ottoman oppressors, an official decree from His Majesty Tsar Ferdinand I has decreed that the Tsardom of Bulgaria will take up arms against it's former Imperial master. The nation seeks to claim back lost territories and to repatriate Bulgarians left outside of the Bulgarian homeland. The military high command has designated command of the 3 Armies South-East, to strike against the Ottoman heartland, and to assist Serbia in it's continued assualt southwards into the Vardar Macedonian region. The 2nd Army, led by Lieutenant-General Nikola Ivanov, was the first to receive these commands, with the 58 batallion strong force marching south towards Komotini, in Ottoman Greece. The city is a vital standpoint for the march south to the Aegean, where Bulgarian goals like firm in seizing the port of Alexandroupoli and expanding Bulgarian Naval presence into the Aegean. The 98,000 strong force in it's entirety has mobilised with 198 cannons at their disposal, remnants from previous conflicts, which will lay seige on the city before swiftly manouevring south to secure the Western Front.

The 3rd Army is tasked with securing the Black Sea coast, with sights set firmly on the Ottoman stronghold in Kirklareli, a vital stopping post before the march on Luleburgaz. The city will be vital for supply and reinforcement to the front and will begin to create an encirclement of the Ustruma Corps the Ottoman Empire has left to defend the region. 95,000 men and 220 cannons under the command of Lieutenant-General Radko Dimitriev will march southwards at once to secure the city and seize it from it's Ottoman captors. It is expected that quick and decisive movement here will help to seize Eastern Thrace from the Ottoman rule and make the march towards Constantinople far easier.

The 1st Army, the pride of the Bulgarian military, will take on the great honour of seiging the city of Adrianople, long since desired by Bulgaria as a stronghold in the Balkans, the city will form the vital link in the front line for the advance towards the City of the Kings. Lieutenant-General Vasil Kutinchev will lead his force of 102,000 troops and 200 cannons, to arrive on the outskirts of Adrianople as soon as is possible, with the capture of the city being labelled 'top-priority' by the Tsar himself. The city is expected to be the most difficult of objectives to take, but it's capture is vital to the Bulgarian, the Slavic and the Orthodox cause.

The economy has been set to war-time as the population muster their strength to support the Army in it's great advance. Farmers, workers and businessmen have all been playing their part in assisting the war effort, with mass amounts of food, munitions and medicines being sent to the front line by intensive formations of supply trains every day.

[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Char. RP]

NOTE: This information is considered Unknown information to the player base at large unless such information is released or disclosed to other players.

Upon learning of the outbreak of hostilities between Bulgaria & the Ottoman Empire. Wilhelm II immediately called for a meeting with his Military Command. He led the discussion concerning the Empire's response to the hostilities:

NOTE: S represents non-descript staff for the purpose of this conversation

K: "Hostilities have broken out between Bulgaria & the Ottomans! Let us immediately enter into a dialogue with the Bulgarian Government to back them in full. This could be our opportunity to align the Bulgarians with us, especially after the Berlin Conference"

S: "But Your Imperial Majesty, the Ottomans are without a doubt, suffering extensively currently. If we extend our hand to them. We would naturally gain a steadfast ally in the future"

K: "Silence! The Empire of the Ottomans is crumbling & I will not have us crumble with them. We can help the Ottomans rebuild after the War. But we will support the Bulgarians. Dispatch a delegation to them immediately"

S: "Yes Your Imperial Majesty"

[/spoiler]

A delegation of German officials was recently dispatched to Bulgaria. Although the official reason was not given. It can be reasonably believed that the purpose is connected to the recent outbreak of hostilities between the Bulgarian & Ottoman Governments.

Tag: Bulzhariia

-----------------------------

Kaiser's Thoughts on Mexican School

[spoiler=Quote]

Sadar wrote:[list][list]~ 𝐄𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨 ~

| 𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚍𝚎 𝙼é𝚡𝚒𝚌𝚘 |[/list][/list]

𝔈𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔥𝔪𝔢𝔫𝔱 𝔬𝔣 ℭ𝔬𝔩𝔢𝔤𝔦𝔬 𝔄𝔩𝔢𝔪á𝔫 𝔄𝔩𝔢𝔵𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔳𝔬𝔫 ℌ𝔲𝔪𝔟𝔬𝔩𝔡𝔱, [I][sup]situated on Canoa Street in Mexico City a new state-sponsored college has been established to train Mexican's in German language, history, and etiquette. The school includes German, Mexican, and other teachers and was modeled after other German schools abroad. There were multiple divisions, and Division A has facilities tailored for female students. Starting prices for a spot are $5,000 Pesos per student. Uniforms are provided alongside living quarters, and three hot meals guaranteed every day. Families are encouraged to send their children so that one day, Mexico may join thee echelons of European society.[/sup]

[list]----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/list]

[list]𝐄𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐨! 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘤𝘰! 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺! 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 1.00 𝘗𝘦𝘴𝘰! ~

𝐄𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫! 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴! 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵, 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 60.00 𝘗𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘴! ~

Woraniana

Val Verde-

Not Xav

Concorrdia

The Rexist Rijk

Imperial-Germania

[/spoiler]

His Imperial Majesty, Kaiser Wilhelm II, made a personal comment in reference to the announcement of a state-sponsored college being opened in México. The statement went as follows,

"I am glad to see the Mexicans in the Americas have decided to invest themselves in learning German culture. A worthy investment! Our ambassador to Mexico will journey to the school to display that it has German approval"

Tag: Sadar

Arcanda, The Rexist Rijk, Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

[sub]Play me: https://youtu.be/UZ3Q6lwDIdE[/sub]

[list]Смерть Царя 1 of 3[/list]

—

[pre]1 November 1894 A.D. (Gregorian)

18 Октября 1894 г.н.э. (Юлианский)

In the 14th Year of the Reign of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor of All Russia Alexander III of the House of Romanov (Regnal)

[/pre]

—

[list]Livadia Palace, Livadiya Oblast, Russian Empire[/list]

—

| Russia was in serious trouble, Tsar Aleksandr III lay dying in state. His Imperial Majesty’s health had been declining for months, having developing an increasingly worsening case of kidney disease which would surely take his life before years end. In August the most important of the Tsar’s ministers and advisors had been assembled and transported to Livadiya, on the Ukraine’s Black Sea coast, in hopes of maintaining the Tsar’s health in the coming winter.

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers: Viceroy Nikolai Khristianovich von Bunge, Minister of Internal Affairs: Prince Pyotr Arkadyevich Stolypin, Minister of Industry and Minister of Railways: Count Sergei Yulyevich Witte, were among the cabinet officials who were all present on orders of Tsar Aleksandr III. The Tsar, always the autocrat, was hellbent on continuing his rule up until his last breath. It was as if he was already all too aware that as soon as he left this world, Russia would be thrown into crisis. The past 4 years had so far been a success for Russia; with greater increases in electrical production, interconnectedness, industrial capacity, and standard of living than ever before. Colonial mining efforts in the Congo were creating a steady stream of raw materials and exports for Petrograd, the revenues of which were paying for Russia’s transformation from a paper tiger into rapidly modernizing power. The reformists and conservatives had been split since the beginning of modernization reforms in 1890, and conservatives now looked to the young Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich II as their saving grace. Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, Prince Ivan Nikolaevich Durnovo, Baron Ivan Logginovich Goremykin, and Holy Ober-Procurator Konstantin Petrovich Pobedonostsev were the most prominent supporters of reactionary beliefs within the State Council. These men posed a direct threat to the liberal, constitutional, and capitalist political order being crafted under the auspice of the reformist triumvirate.

The State Council was meeting daily throughout October (Gregorian calendar), and the meetings only became more hostile as the Tsar’s condition continue to worsen. By the last week of October, the State Council was forced to meet in the bedroom of Aleksandr III who was now bedridden and hanging onto life by a thread. His two eldest sons, Nicholas and George, were omnipresent in all meetings since the Tsar’s departure from Petrograd. Nicholas continued to prove himself inferior to his younger brother George in all matters of leadership. The elder Nicholas found himself supplanting the reality of Russian political society, a regime which had an increasingly dwindling support base, for a nation of devout peasants who’s love for their Tsar was boundless. Tsarevich George was more pragmatic, often recognizing the need for and publicly supporting liberalization efforts promoted by Witte and Stolypin in the State Council. For a man like Stolypin, with nearly full control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and it’s Special Corps of Gendarmes, it was becoming increasingly difficult to accept the fact that Nicholas and his conservative backers would soon be able to reverse all the progress which had been made thus far.

Beginning in late September, secret meetings led by Pyotr Stolypin are carried out in the subterranean Russian-billiards room of the Livadia Palace. Meetings always take place during the early hours of each Thursday, typically taking place between 1am and 3am. The games never have more than 6 players, but the players always include von Bunge, Stolypin, and Witte alongside 3 other members of the court. Games would start and the conversation would go from nonchalant to increasingly more political, until the 3 invited guests would have their opinions slowly teased out. Supporters of political reform included a number of military officials (Yevgeni Ivanovich Alekseyev, Nikolai Petrovich Linevich, Robert Nikolayevich Viren, Zinovy Petrovich Rozhestvensky, Roman Isidorovich Kondratenko) who viewed the reforms of the last 5 years as having massively improved Russia’s military preparedness. Civil servants, forming a quasi-noble and middle class, similarly tended to support the reforms championed under von Bunge’s chairmanship. Slowly a group of regularly players started to form, men who became more comfortable discussing their distrust for the current system and desire for greater control in rule. Several admirals, generals, and civil servicemen from Odessa, Kiev, and Moscow slowly warm up to the idea of issuing a set of demands to the crown upon the succession of the new Tsar. The Regional High Office - Kiev of the Department for Protecting Public Security and Order (Okhrana) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is staffed with civil servicemen, not high nobility, who largely felt sidelined by men with no merit but an established bloodline, and they were prepared to isolate all telegraphic lines from Odessa to Novocherkassk. The Black Sea Fleet, stationed in Sevastopol and Odessa just near Livadia, was similarly supportive of reforms they felt would dramatically empower Russia’s military many times over.

The 2nd Imperial Life-Guards Cavalry Regiment were present in the area surrounding the Livadia Palace, numbering 1,000 politically loyal and well funded cavalrymen from Russia’s wealthiest families. Fortunately for Witte and Von Bunge, Stolypin’s father was the commander of the Kremlin Guard and his son aimed to use this to their advantage. Upon the death of the Tsar, Stolypin would immediately dispatch a telegraph to the Regional Office - Sevastopol of the Okhrana reading “billyardniy” or “billiard”. The armed wing of the Okhrana, the Special Corps of Gendarmes, were present in Sevastopol for riot control operations and as a second line of defense in the event of invasion. They numbered roughly 300 personnel, all made up of local conscripts who have been instructed not to have loyalties to the Tsar, or Stolypin, but to preserving and strengthening Russian state. They would move as a unit to the Livadia Palace in the dead of night, within 24 hours of the Tsar Aleksandr’s death, aiming to secure the perimeter and enter the palace grounds to allegedly escort the soon-to-be recognized Tsar Nicholas II to Moscow. If he refused, then the 300 gendarmeries were to place him and his reactionary supporters under house arrest and prepare to defend the palace until 2,000 reinforcements from Odessa could relieve them. The Baltic Fleet, also based in Sevastopol, was at least primarily under the influence of the Russian Triumvirate, and they would seek to provide monitors and gunboats to occupy the waters just near the palace.

Okhrana operatives in Odessa, Kiev, and Warsaw, would almost all cease telegraphic lines and intercept all mailed communications from Crimea in an attempt to isolate the supporters of Tsar Nicholas II on the peninsula. Okhrana and Naval facilities in Sevastopol would remain the only areas housing active telegraphic lines. The Naval Infantry of the Baltic Fleet, called Russian Marines, would remain on standby with little information as to who they’d be expected to fight unless they were needed. If all went well, Tsar Nicholas would concede the necessity for democratic instruments like a parliament, seperation of government powers, the right to private property, established civil rights. The order would come in the form of an ukaz, to preserve Russia’s territorial integrity and ensure a smooth transition. The process would be led by von Bunge, Stolypin, and Witte collectively. Only time would tell. |

—

[list]1 November 1894

20:35 Hours

Private quarters of Tsar Alexander III, Livadia Palace, Livadia Palace, Russian Empire[/list]

—

| The Tsar looked deathly ill, his heavy set presence had slowly withered away into a sickly ghost of his healthy, bullish self. He laid in his bed with 4 companions at his bedside, they were: Crown Prince Nicholas of Russia, Prince George of Russia, Count Sergei Witte, and Prince Pyotr Stolypin. |

[list]Tsar of Russia Aleksandr III:[/list]

"Tell me of the Far East, how is the progress there?"

[list]Count Sergei Witte:[/list]

"Progress continues on our lines across Siberia to Vladivostok. I would recommend additions in Chinese Manchuria and south of Lake Baikal."

[list]Prince Pyotr Stolypin:[/list]

"I continue to urge you to coercively settle more Russians in the area. We need to settle at least 20 million souls in the Far East."

[list]Crown Prince Nicholas II:[/list]

"Away from our lands, where they can serve the crown. Instead they will serve in the factories of men who have profits and not Russia in their heart."

[list]Prince George:[/list]

"Brother, we benefit the most from Russia’s success in the Far East."

[list]Tsar Aleksandr III:[/list]

"Heed your brother and your advisors, Nika. It... will... serve you...-"

[list]Crown Prince Nicholas II:[/list]

"Father, don’t wear yourself out it’s- Father?!"

| Tsar Aleksandr’s head slumped forward, as if his neck has suddenly given out. Nicholas and George rush to Aleksandr’s side, George places his first and middle fingers against the Tsar’s jugular, feeling for a pulse. |

[list]Prince George[/list]

"His heart has stopped! We need a doctor! Help! Send a doctor!"

[list]Prince Pyotr Stolypin:[/list]

"Witte and I will get help now, wait here!"

| Stolypin jumps from his seat like the Heavenly Father himself had set a fire underneath him. He grabs Witte by the arm, leaving the older and less physically capably Von Bunge in the room. They rush from the private apartments of the Romanovs, and Stolypin looks at Witte, they both knew what would have to come next. Witte would take his merry time looking for a doctor, and Stolypin would send word to Sevastopol. The time had come, autocracy would die. Russia and all her might would finally be truly liberated. |

—

[list]1 November 1894

20:40 Hours

Domestic Communications Center, Okhrana Regional Office - Sevastopol, Sevastopol, Russian Empire[/list]

—

| An high priority telegraph was received in a communications center within the Okhrana’s regional headquarters. The message read one word “bilyardniy”, and it meant that a plot of high treason was now in motion. |

To be continued

Arcanda, Teujira, Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Zanbala Prz, Svathia, Imperial-Germania, Woraniana

[list][sub]The New York Times[/sub][/list]

[list][sub]The United States of America[/sub][/list]

National

WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS COMPANY AND MAXIM GUN COMPANY SENDS SHIPMENTS OF WEAPONS TO BALKAN WARS

[sup]New Haven, Connecticut | The United States of America[/sup]

[list][sup]FEBRUARY 1895[/sup][/list]

The Winchester Repeating Arms Company and Maxim Gun Company are sending several shipments of Model 1892 Repeating Rifles and Maxim machine guns for the Bulgarian Army after the Bulgarian Government purchased them to be in use against the Ottoman Empire. The Model 1892 which was unveiled in 1892 is a lever-action repeating rifle designed by John Browning as a smaller, lighter version of his large-frame Model 1886, and which replaced the Model 1873 as the company's lever-action for pistol-caliber rounds such as the .44-40. The mechanism of the Maxim gun employed one of the earliest recoil-operated firing systems in history. The idea is that the energy from recoil acting on the breech block is used to eject each spent cartridge and insert the next one, instead of a hand-operated mechanism. Maxim's earliest designs used a 360-degree rotating cam to reverse the movement of the block, but this was later simplified to a toggle lock. This made it vastly more efficient and less labor-intensive than previous rapid-firing guns, such as the Mitrailleuse, Gatling, Gardner, or Nordenfelt, that relied on actual mechanical cranking. The Maxim gun design was provided with water cooling, giving it the ability to maintain its rate of fire for far longer than air-cooled guns. The disadvantage of this was that it made the gun less flexible in attack than the lighter air-cooled weapons, being heavier and more complex, and requiring a supply of water. The machine gun is famous for its use in early colonial wars in the 1870s and the early 1890s. The Maxim Gun Company and Winchester Repeating Arms Company will be sending military officials from the United States Army to help assist the Bulgarian Army in teaching how to use the Maxim gun properly.

TAG(S): Bulzhariia

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNITED STATES ARMY ADOPTS MAXIM MACHINE GUN FOR STANDARD SERVICE ALONGSIDE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892

[sup]New Haven, Connecticut | The United States of America[/sup]

The United States Army had shown interest in the Maxim machine gun since 1887. Model 1889 and Model 1900 Maxims were used for testing, which lasted for years but not continuously. The gun was finally adopted earlier this month as the Maxim Machine Gun, Caliber .30, Model of 1895 as the first rifle-caliber heavy machine gun for standard service in the U.S. Army. The first 50 guns and tripods were made by Vickers, Sons & Maxim in the U.K. chambered for .30-03. Colt's Manufacturing Company was selected to produce it domestically, but challenges with schematics and specifications delayed its introduction. Colt made their machine guns for the new .30-06 caliber, and the ones made by Vickers were re-chambered for the new round. A total of 287 M1895 Maxims are predicted to be manufactured by year's end and many more will be produced. The Model 1892, which was unveiled three years earlier has also been adopted by the US Army for standard service replacing older model rifles and military hardware.

Xaverium, Val Verde-, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Svathia, Imperial-Germania, Woraniana

Serviço Nacional de Radiodifusão e Império - Fevereiro de 1895

REBUILDING PROGRAMME FOR THE ARMED FORCES COMMENCES

His Majesty Dom Alexio I has ordered that a fullscale rebuilding of the Armed Forces is to commence at once, and become the top priority of the War Ministry until its completion. Following the disastrous wars in Paraguay, much of the Brazilian strength has been lost, and it has been made imperative that to preserve Brazilian interests both home and abroad, that a full modernisation programme is vital to the preservation of Brazilian strength and power in South America. The War Ministry has already put out a drive for recruitment, as the nation steers away from the traditional conscription based military and looks into creating a more professional force, which has seem moderate success both in Brazil and in Angola, where recruits have been flooding in from the countryside to sign up for service.

The state of equipment in the Brazilian Army has also been considered weak, with many old and delapidated models being employed in service. This has prompted both foreign acquisitions and the birth of local weapons manufacturing, as competitors vie for the opportunity to win the contract to arm the now growing force. With the recent advent of the machine-gun, it has been hoped that some of these weapons may find themselves in Brazilian hands, to help give the Army a clear and distinct edge over their rivals. The Brazilian Army, currently standing at a measly 75,000 troops, will be expected to expand ten-fold by the end of the programme.

The Imperial Fleet has also been of great concern to the government, with a strong navy perceived to assist in the power projection of the Empire for years to come. Therefore, the Senate has introduced the Naval Expansion Act 1895, which will see the fleet expanded to no less than:

[list]

[*] 6 Battleships

[*] 8 Armoured Cruisers

[*] 10 Cruisers

[*] 25 Destroyers

[*] 60 Torpedo Boats

[/list]

Brazilian shipbuilders have been working tirelessly to produce plans for these ships, though currently it is expected that many ships will come from abroad.

PROSPECTORS CONTINUE EXPLORATIONS OF NATURAL RESOURCES

A mass economic drive has started across Brazil and Angola to search for new resources for the state to develop. It has long been assumed that the territories encompassing the Empire are rich in natural resources, which alongside the thriving agriculture and developing industrial sector will provide the nation with great wealth for the years to come. Already, expeditions lead by seasoned explorers and specialists have been sent into the wilds in search of new economic opportunities, but have yet to return from their perilous tasks. The desire for this has come straight from the Ministry of Economy and from the Emperor himself, who has labelled this an opportunity of a lifetime.

Xaverium, Val Verde-, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Svathia, Woraniana

[list][list]6 Octobre 1894[/list]

PRINCIPAUX PLANS APPROUVÉS POUR LA CHINE FRANÇAISE

MAJOR PLANS APPROVED FOR FRENCH CHINA[/list]

| Following the signing of the Sino-French Treaty of 1894 and the leasing of the territories of Chefoo, Weihaiwei, and Kouang-Tchéou-Wan from the Great Qing, the French Government has authorized massive plans regarding to the improvement of industry and infrastructure in the new colonies. Plans for the colonies, introduced in both the Imperial "Memorandum on Industry and Development in French China" and the "French China Act of 1894", have been both passed by the legislature and signed off on by His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV, with the Ministry of the Colonies now tasked in building up these colonies for the next five years as tasked by both the Memorandum and the French China Act. |

| The Memorandum, signed by Emperor Napoleon IV with the approval of the majority of Parliament, has ordered that rice be imported from French Indochina to Kouang-Tchéou-Wan at about 2 million pounds of milled rice per year for the next ten years in order to combat "the abhorrent poverty that plagues the region" and "provide nutrients to the local Chinese to allow for them to be better laborers". This, alongside with the resettlement of 12,000 Algerian laborers to the large colony, will proceed efforts by the Ministry of the Colonies to provide subsidies for mines and shipyards in the colony, which have been deemed "of paramount importance" to the development of the colony by the Act of 1894. Therefore, starting in October of 1895, the Ministry of the Colonies has been ordered to create a new shipyard capable of producing small freighters and coastal warships at Fort Bayard by 1899, and to then begin construction on a larger drydock, if found possible, in 1900. It is hoped, as expressed in the Memorandum, that Kouang-Tchéou-Wan will be developed into a major port of transit for ships travelling between French China and other French Far East colonies, bringing in capital and allowing France to sell ores and other natural resources to be mined in the colony's various planned mines. |

| Weihaiwei, a collection of cities located on the Shandong Peninsula, has been selected to serve as an administrative consulate for the French government in Far East Asia. A team of French Navy Engineers, sent with the de Plancy Expedition which negotiated the Sino-French Treaty, has been tasked via the Memorandum with examining the city for the possibility of establishing a proper naval base or a trading port, as previous surveys of the land by Qing authorities has shown that the port(formerly the home port of the Qing Beiyang Fleet) might be unsuited for such ports. While inspections into the feasibility of a major port are to continue until adequate consensus is made, civil servants and laborers in Weihaiwei have been instructed to begin construction of a central hospital, a central school, and a post office per the Act of 1894. Additionally, the colonial capital of Port Bazaine has been selected to serve as a small port of call for the French Far East Fleet, however the French Indochina Squadron and the French China Squadrons will continue to be based from their respective home ports. Future plans for Weihaiwei and, specifically, Port Bazaine include railways and commercial enterprises should the city be deemed as nonviable for the establishment of a major port. |

| Chefoo, the most populous of the three newly leased territories, has been chosen to serve as the Administrative Capital of French China and has been approved for the most industrial development. At the request of the Ministry of Colonies, a small company known as Société de production ferroviaire et sidérurgique de Chine(Company for the Production of Rail and Steel of China) has been founded with intentions to establish a small plant in Chefoo. In order to increase Sino-French business cooperation, the SPFSC will be asked to produce large amounts of rails to be sold to the Great Qing, as well as steel from mines in Kouang-Tchéou-Wan to be used to create both trade and military ships in the Far East. A hospital, two Catholic churches, a post office, a small rail system, a military barracks for the French Foreign Legion, three improved wharfs for use in trade, a single drydock, a military dock for the French Far East Fleet, and an administrative building have all also been mentioned as projects to be overseen in the coming ten years as part of a means to turn Chefoo into the economic and administrative hub that the Imperial government envisions it to be. |

| Victor Collin de Plancy has been recalled from his service as Ambassador to the Great Qing and has been nominated to instead serve as the first Governor-General of French China. Tasked with overseeing the implementation of French colonial and foreign policy throughout China, he will also be tasked with overseeing the management of the French Far East Confederacy alongside his Indochinese counterpart, Governor-General François Pierre Rodier. The French Far East Confederacy, which has been created as the administrative merger of French China, is directly managed by the Ministry of the Colonies, with the Governor-Generals of each of the respective colonial unions in the confederacy tasked to meet quotas set out by the Ministry and cooperate with each other to oversee implementation of policies and development of the colonies. de Plancy has accordingly moved his office from the Qing capital of Peking to the colonial capital at Chefoo, met by a ceremonious fanfare performed by a colonial guard consisting of French sailors as he and his staff arrived in the city. de Plancy has made his temporary office at the former Qing administrative building, which will be guarded at all times by a detachment of the French Far East Fleet. |

Arcanda, Val Verde-, Not Xav, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

[list]Meiji 28

23 January 1895

[sub]戦争への呼びかけ![/sub]

Call to War![/list]

[sup]佐世保、大日本帝國[/sup]

SASEBO, EMPIRE OF JAPAN

| After weeks of preparation, the final order for deployment was given. From the western port city of Sasebo, on Kyushu, the Imperial Navy's Combined Fleet departed for the Yellow Sea. Its aim is to establish naval dominance and secure troop movements into Korea, all the while protecting the troops from Chinese sea-bound reinforcements. Indeed, the sea being the fastest way to reinforce the Korean Peninsula via the Bohai Sea without making a time-costly detour via Manchuria, it was deemed a foremost area of concern to the maritime command. Concurrently, an Imperial Army detachment to Inchon, commanded by Otori Keisuke, was decided; the rationale being to use Inchon, a centrally-located seaport in western Korea, to quickly reach Emperor Gojong's court in nearby Seoul and commence a semi-coup in order to fill the Joseon Court with pro-Japan advisors, and expel the pro-Qing factions. With Seoul firmly in friendly hands, further deployments could then occur to secure the north of the Empire. With no modern Army of its own, and torn by factionalism and bad organization, there was little to no resistance to expect from the Korean Army itself. Hence came the need to secure the capital and the Empire as rapidly as possible, taking advantage of the chaos currently raging in Qing China to forcefully push north to the Yalu. The entire operation is expected to last no more than a week, with forced marches of small detachments an acknowledged mean of overwhelming the enemy's presumed slow movements. |

[list][pre]I.J.N. COMBINED FLEET TO YELLOW SEA[/pre]

[pre]• Matsushima-class protected cruisers

IJN Itsukushima 厳島

IJN Matsushima 松島

IJN Hashidate 橋立

• Naniwa-class protected cruisers

IJN Takachiho 高千穂

IJN Naniwa 浪速

• Yoshino-class protected cruiser

IJN Yoshino 吉野

• Unebi-class protected cruiser

IJN Unebi 畝傍

• Akitsushima-class protected cruiser

IJN Akitsushima 秋津洲

• Izumi-class protected cruiser

IJN Izumi 和泉

• Light and Unprotected Cruisers/Avisos

IJN Chiyoda 千代田

IJN Yaeyama 八重山

IJN Chishima 千島

IJN Takao 高雄

• Steam Ironclads

IJN Ryūjō 龍驤

• Central-battery Ironclads

IJN Fusō 扶桑

[/pre][/list]

| A fleet of twenty torpedo boats are to escort the main surface ships to their destination. In addition, a wide assortment of transport ships would be provided to the military by shipping company Nippon Yusen Kaisha, recipient of government funds and therefore obligated to support the war effort. A first wave of 11,000 soldiers from the 2nd Division, accompanied by 300 marine infantrymen with artillery and horses in tow, is to land in Inchon and march to Seoul, on January 26. Two days thereafter, the rest of the 2nd Division and the 4th and 6th Divisions, numbering 38,000 men would follow in Inchon and proceed in small units along the western coast of Korea to reach the Yalu, and force the Qing Armies to abdicate their suzerainty over the Peninsula. As of now, no official declaration of war has been produced by Emperor Meiji, given no Qing troops are yet in Korea. |

| As a means to avoid friction with the nearby French presence, as well as Japan's European allies, notifications were sent to Weihaiwei and Hong Kong, and their ambassadors were given notice. The telegram to Weihaiwei read as follows : |

[list][list][sup]To Governor-General of French China, Victor Collin de Plancy :[/sup][/list]

[sub]Your Excellency,[/sub]

[sub]The Empire of Great Japan has seen fit to enact military action in the Empire of Korea. Our Korean allies have long been plagued with chaos and division; it is a well-known fact that their Court has been infiltrated by foreign agents. The simmering instability is reason for us to believe that the supply of the Empire in agricultural produce is in grave danger. Therefore, our military movements should be seen as essentially in self-defense; but we are well aware it may provoke repercussions from the Qing Armies in the nearby areas. In this event, we would like to give you reassurance that the conflict will not spread to French China; further, that Japan does not seek territorial gain in China unless it be demanded as reparations for undue damages, should conflict erupt. If such is the case, we will open allied passage within those territories. This Empire is fully engaged in the quest that has long been a priority of its allies, which is a greater opening of the Chinese Empire, a bountiful cornucopia that presently stands at the brink of disaster due to inner civil strife. It is my utmost hope that relations of cordiality and friendship can continue unhindered between our two great nations.[/sub]

[list][sub]Respectfully Yours, Viscount Mutsu Munemitsu.

天皇御璽[/sub][/list]

Xaverium, Val Verde-, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Czabalkia wrote:| Pleased with surprise, the Emperor smiles. He retorts in French. |

[list][sup]His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV:[/sup] [sup]"Ah, well, a pleasant surprise. If you so wish, we may hold our talks in French- believe me when I say I have no opposition to that. However, Her Imperial Highness will still accompany us along with other French ministers to serve as a translator if need be. Please, let us go to the Salle des dignitaires. I have had the room decorated specifically for the arrival of Your Excellency and the rest of the Russian entourage. I believe you will find it exquisitely decorated."[/sup]

Regent of Russia, Prince Pyotr Arkadyevich Stolypin:

"We’d like nothing more than to join you, your imperial majesty.”

| Stolypin speaks for his entourage, who serve as nothing more than bullet catchers for him. He begins walking alongside Emperor Napoleon IV, continuing the conversation in French. Occasionally a word or two, which he simply did not know in French, would be said in Russian for Her Imperial Highness to translate. |

Regent of Russia, Prince Pyotr Arkadyevich Stolypin:

"I’m certain that you’ve heard things about the so-called “coup d’état” in Russia, your imperial majesty. I must assure you however, that the actions of myself and my allies in the Russian Court are no different from those that the British nobility once undertook to create the British Parliament. However, our amicable relationship with France is not something that will ever change. France and Russia continue to have the same enemies in Europe and abroad, regardless of who occupies the throne of Russia."

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

[spoiler=OOC Disclaimer]

Due to the retconning of events and since I liked the direction of where my RP is going, I am going to continue with much of my RP but just change our reasoning for such actions. Though actions such as the Serbian Embargo and the entrenchment of the Russian border are no longer. The following post is basically a broad afterword of the government’s explanation to the people why the government is spending their money where they are and the militarization of the army.

[/spoiler]

[list][sup]June, 1894[/sup]

A SPEECH TO THE PEOPLE

[sup]SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA, AUSTRIA[/sup]

___[/list]

| In the large plaza in front of the Royal Palace, more than ten thousand people gathered to listen to His Majesty, Emperor-King Franz Joseph I. He would speak out for why his government has made such an extreme change in policy in the recent months. This would be his speech to the people to gain public opinion, for if he does not the sudden policy changes will ricochet throughout the empire. |

[list][sup]EMPEROR-KING FRANZ JOSEPH I:[/sup][sup] “My fellow Austro-Hungarians, it is time for change. War looms in the Balkans and our territorial integrity is threatened. My duty is to guarantee the safety of you the people and that is what I have spent my waking hours on in these times of heightened tensions.

Now many of you already know that we have mobilized troops in our occupied lands of Bosnia Herzegovina and the Sanjak of Novi Pazar to protect our lands from any spillover from the conflict in the Balkans. Though we believe with more countries getting involved we too must step in to keep peace in the Balkans.

To assure your safety we have invested into our armed forces. Our funding has lagged behind the rest of Europe and has made us seem week to other nations even though we were able to create a military on par to theirs with half of the costs. Now that we are investing as many resources as our fellow Europeans we can see our military excel past them.

The government is also working with companies such as Skoda Works, a major supplier of jobs and steel throughout the country. With their help, we wish to expand the Austro-Hungarian economy throughout the world. With Austria-Hungary leading the world in small arms technology we want to continue this trend. We have some of our best engineers working around the clock, figuring out how to improve our weapons to stay ahead of the game and to protect our lands.

As a sign of goodwill, Skoda Works has partnered up with the Galician-Karpathian Petroleum Company to improve the rail lines from Cracow and Budapest to the Ukrainian capital of Lviv. The lines should be able to double their capacity and allow the easier trade of commerce in our lands.

With the demand for Ukrainian oil increasing, we wish to serve the market what it wants and keep the Austro-Hungarian thriving. It is expected by the turn of the century that Ruthenia alone will be the world’s fourth-largest supplier in oil.

With the expected increase of commerce through our nation, we want to make trade easier and faster. That is why in our state schools we have started to teach the first-year children what was once called Army Slavic, now Danubian. We have our best linguists across the nation forming a new language of commerce based upon the languages that fill our great nation. Each year our linguists develop the language more and more so that with each year of your children learning it they shall learn more of the language as if they were learning any other language that is apart of our curriculum.

It is a well-known fact that because of ethnic enclaves of speakers forty or more of a language that they receive a school of their own in their native language, but it is also a well-known fact that it is harder to give those children the well-educated teachers they deserve because of the lack of educators in small ethnic enclaves. With Danubian, we can teach students of all ethnicities with the best teachers money can afford. No more do children have to be exiled by their peers because they can not communicate, but now they can freely talk, explore, and prosper.

For too long has our great lands been looked down upon by our fellow Europeans. They see us as a weak unstable nation because of our diversity, but they look at it from an uneducated standpoint. How many of our critics have actually lived in our great empire? We are strong culturally diverse people and that is something we can celebrate. That is what makes us different, it makes us unique.

They live in a land where they look down upon others just because of the shade of their skin or the way they speak, but here anyone can live in harmony with their neighbor no matter who they are. For that is what we stand for. A government similar to ours, a melting pot of people, once said a government of the people, by the people, for the people. And in a government like ours, we do not have room to ostracize our peers like other nations for they are our people and they come first.

And even though the Prime-Minister is an elected official of the House of Deputies I say we should take it one step further. I should not have the sole power to choose the Prime-Minister. I say we use the less common of names for the position, Minister-President, and have the people have the final say on who becomes my Minister-President. I shall start the push in both parliaments, where the people vote for their Minister-President. For they should not serve me, but you the people.

These lands that I rule over are not mine, but they are yours. I am only but a public servant that has you the people in mind, for I do not follow a political affiliation. I do not serve a party, but I serve you the people. Now I must get back to serving you as it is a fulltime job, but remember that I am here for you. I may not be the most accessible person, but that is because I am busy working for you. If I seem harsh or cruel, it is that when a parent seems harsh, but we know they do it out of love. For anything I do that may seem wrong in your eyes, I ask for forgiveness. For anything I do, I do it for you.

I thank you all for indulging me today. I did not want you to have to read the papers that which try to decipher my thought, but I wanted you to hear from me what we in your government are doing. I must truly get going now, but remember indivisible and inseparable, we stand united."[/sup][/list]

| The Emperor-King waved to his constituents a farewell before entering back into his palace. He hoped that his people would listen to his words for he knew he had to have the public’s opinion on what he was to do in the future. With war in Balkans, it was no doubt that they were to be drawn in. He needed to have the people be on his side if he were to send their children to fight a war.|

[list]___[/list]

Sadar, Svathia, Woraniana

[list][list]【𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐒】 - አንበሶቹ ዲ - 【𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐊 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐘】

[list][sub]𝟷𝟾𝟿𝟹 𝚝𝚘 𝟷𝟾𝟿𝟻 - 𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍[/sub][/list][/list][/list]

In 1893, despite diplomatic efforts by Ethiopia and Italy, Menelik rejected the treaty; in response, the Italians ramped up the pressure on his domain in a variety of ways, including the annexation of small territories bordering their original claim under the Treaty of Wuchale, and finally culminating with a military campaign and across the Mareb River into Tigray proper by 1894. Oreste Baratieri, colonial governor of Eritrea thinking he could sway the disaffected potentates like Negus Tekle Haymanot of Gojjam, Ras Mengesha Yohannes, and the Sultan of Aussa, attempts to get them to join him against Menelik; instead, Tigray and Amharic royals swear loyalty to Menelik in a show of anti-Italian sentiment. Although the loyalties of Aussa were brought into question as an Imperial garrison commander had reported to Menelik that the Sultan had been meeting the Italians behind the scene. Menelik not willing to risk a chance of betrayal ordered the imperial garrison to occupy the Aussa Sultanate. Sultan Mahammad „Illalta“ ibn Hanfadhe would eventually bend the knee to Menelik and submit to the cause in 1894.

Another important event that only strengthen Menelik's cause was when Ras Mengesha and his generals had appeared in Addis Ababa carrying large stones which they dropped before the Emperor Menelik a gesture that is a symbol of submission in Ethiopian culture. Ras Mengesha submitting to Menelik's cause inspired Ethiopian nobility to cease their age-old bickering and rally themselves behind Menelik. Further, Menelik had spent much of the previous four years building up a supply of modern weapons and ammunition, acquired from the French, British, and the Italians themselves, as the European colonial powers sought to keep each other's North African aspirations in check. They also used the Ethiopians as a proxy army against the Sudanese Mahdists during the Mahdist War. Menelik also began approaching the Russians for assistance against the Italians, even sending a secret letter to the Czar himself appealing to his Christian faith, by claiming that Ethiopia was being threatened by the heretical Italian Catholics. In response, Russia sent Nikolay Leontiev a Russian Cossack that had previously served as a diplomatic envoy. Nikolay provided 30,000 rifles, 5,000,000 cartridges, 5000 sabers, and a few cannons in which he and a group of military advisors trained the Ethiopians.

Cherokee Confederates, Teujira, Sadar, Svathia, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

[list]Meiji 28

2 February 1895

[sub]韓国は清の規則から独立していると宣言した。 日本軍、平壌に到着![/sub]

Korea Proclaimed Free from Qing Rule; Imperial Army Reaches Pyongyang![/list]

[sup]平壤、大韓帝國[/sup]

PYONGYANG, EMPIRE OF KOREA

| The snow-capped hills surrounding the northern industrial city of Pyongyang watched on as I.J.A. troops, fitted in military caps and padded winter uniforms, camped outside the city and bonfire smoke rose through the cold air. The crude streets of the town, dirty with mud and melted snow mixed together, saw horse-trawled carriages filled with supplies taken from warehouses to field encampments outside the city to feed the soldiers, as well as the constant arrival of supplies from the south. Western Protestant missionaries, who evangelized the city famous for its large Christian community, would look on and inform their respective homelands of the advances of the Japanese Army. Four days ago, Seoul has been seized bloodlessly as a detachment of 300 marines seized the port city of Chemulpo [Incheon], while 900 troops took possession of Hanseong [Seoul] and the Gyeongbok Imperial Palace, home of King Gojong and his court. The conservative, pro-Qing faction, headed by Queen Min, has been officially ousted - With the Queen assassinated inside the Palace, guarded by sympathetic guards. In her stead, a loose progressive pro-Japan faction has now filled the ranks of the King's advisors. Under advice from Viscount Miura Gorō, King Gojong has proclaimed himself Emperor Gojong, and changed his country's name to "Empire" rather than "Kingdom", on February 1st, thereby officially denouncing Qing suzerainty over the country, and ceasing payment of tributes. This has been hailed as a victory in Tokyo; whereas Korea is not and will not become per se a possession of Japan, it is now ready to be aligned with Tokyo, and not Beijing. |

| With the Qing Empire in the midst of a revolution, no armed Chinese presence in Korea, and yet no attack in the Peninsula, the 2nd, 4th and 6th I.J.A. Divisions, numbering 49,000 troops in total, had fully disembarked, as the Combined Fleet guards the Yellow Sea. A detachment of 6,000 troops has been positioned at Chemulpo [Incheon], while a garrison of 600 have established batteries in the fortifications of Kang-hwa Island [Ganghwado] north of Chemulpo, which guards the strategic Han River flowing into nearby Seoul. The remaining 42,400 troops have progressed up north according to the plans, weathering a snow storm slowing their advance by two days, and reaching Pyongyang. From there, the troops have been split into three detachments : |

[list][pre]CHŌSEN CAMPAIGN[/pre]

[pre]Pyongyang - 2,400 troops

Uiju, North Pyongan Province (Yalu River, West) - 20,000

Manpo, North Pyongan Province (Yalu River, East) - 11,000

Reserves : 9,000[/pre][/list]

| The troops have been ordered to dig in and fortify their respective areas, in case Chinese Armies wish to take back Korea. Punji sticks covered with poisonous plants and feces, sharp bamboo spikes, and trenches were placed, meant to impede Chinese progress after crossing the Yalu - Which already offers a significant defensive advantage. Notwithstanding man-made obstacles and the large river, is also the extremely harsh climate, especially in Manpo, where cold and long winters are the norm. |

Cherokee Confederates, Val Verde-, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Svathia, Woraniana

Bulzhariia wrote:Софийски вестник - Официален вестник за Царство България

Ноември 1893г

BULGARIA DECLARES WAR ON THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Following decisive action by Serbia against the Ottoman oppressors, an official decree from His Majesty Tsar Ferdinand I has decreed that the Tsardom of Bulgaria will take up arms against it's former Imperial master. The nation seeks to claim back lost territories and to repatriate Bulgarians left outside of the Bulgarian homeland. The military high command has designated command of the 3 Armies South-East, to strike against the Ottoman heartland, and to assist Serbia in it's continued assualt southwards into the Vardar Macedonian region. The 2nd Army, led by Lieutenant-General Nikola Ivanov, was the first to receive these commands, with the 58 batallion strong force marching south towards Komotini, in Ottoman Greece. The city is a vital standpoint for the march south to the Aegean, where Bulgarian goals like firm in seizing the port of Alexandroupoli and expanding Bulgarian Naval presence into the Aegean. The 98,000 strong force in it's entirety has mobilised with 198 cannons at their disposal, remnants from previous conflicts, which will lay seige on the city before swiftly manouevring south to secure the Western Front.

The 3rd Army is tasked with securing the Black Sea coast, with sights set firmly on the Ottoman stronghold in Kirklareli, a vital stopping post before the march on Luleburgaz. The city will be vital for supply and reinforcement to the front and will begin to create an encirclement of the Ustruma Corps the Ottoman Empire has left to defend the region. 95,000 men and 220 cannons under the command of Lieutenant-General Radko Dimitriev will march southwards at once to secure the city and seize it from it's Ottoman captors. It is expected that quick and decisive movement here will help to seize Eastern Thrace from the Ottoman rule and make the march towards Constantinople far easier.

The 1st Army, the pride of the Bulgarian military, will take on the great honour of seiging the city of Adrianople, long since desired by Bulgaria as a stronghold in the Balkans, the city will form the vital link in the front line for the advance towards the City of the Kings. Lieutenant-General Vasil Kutinchev will lead his force of 102,000 troops and 200 cannons, to arrive on the outskirts of Adrianople as soon as is possible, with the capture of the city being labelled 'top-priority' by the Tsar himself. The city is expected to be the most difficult of objectives to take, but it's capture is vital to the Bulgarian, the Slavic and the Orthodox cause.

The economy has been set to war-time as the population muster their strength to support the Army in it's great advance. Farmers, workers and businessmen have all been playing their part in assisting the war effort, with mass amounts of food, munitions and medicines being sent to the front line by intensive formations of supply trains every day.

With the sudden and unexpected emergence of the Kingdom of Bulgaria into war with the Ottoman Empire warranted the sudden mobilization of the Ottoman First Guards Army as the Bulgarian field armies loom. At just under 145,000 personnel stretched across four Corps, the mobilization of the First Guards Army is represented as follows and is expected to take up to a full month to complete preperation:

•Army Headquarters, Harbiye, Constantinople

•I Corps, Harbiye, Constantinople

[list]°1st Infantry Division, Harbiye, Constantinople

°2nd Infantry Division, Selimiye, Constantinople

°3rd Infantry Division, Pangaltı, Constantinople

°War Academy, Harbiye, Constantinople

°Bosporus Fortified Area Command, Bosporus, Constantinople[/list]

•II Corps, Tekfur Dağı

[list]°4th Infantry Division, Tekfur Dağı

°5th Infantry Division, Gallipoli

°6th Infantry Division, Izmir

°Dardanelles Fortified Area Command, Çanakkale[/List]

•III Corps, Kırk Kilise

[list]°7th Infantry Division, Kırk Kilise

°8th Infantry Division, Çorlu

°9th Infantry Division, Babaeski[/List]

•IV Corps, Adrianople

[list]°10th Infantry Division, Adrianople

°11th Infantry Division, Dedeağaç

°12th Infantry Division, Gümülcine

°Adrianople Fortified Area Command, Adrianople[/list]

[I]The First Field Army was tasked with reinforcing the Western Field Army's Ustruma Corps situated just outside of Struma, Vilayet of Thrace, however with the rapid advance and deployment of the Bulgar Armies they are set to overwhelm the Ustruma Corps before reinforcements from Adrianople or Kırklareli could possibly hope to arrive, further disenfranchising the outnumbered Ottoman Army of Thrace being met by a force twice it's own size. Until cadres of the First Field Army complete mobilization phases in Kırklareli and Adrianople, having recently completed mobilization, the Yanya Corps of the Western Field Army garrisoned in the Sanjak of Ioannina, would begin the 400km long march to Struma in effort to have all three Corps rendezvous together in Thrace in and around Struma, a hasty attempt at bolstering Ottoman manpower on the Thracian Front.[/I]

Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by Woraniana.

[sup]MAY 1895[/sup]

ℌ𝔢𝔱 𝔏𝔞𝔞𝔱𝔰𝔱𝔢 𝔑𝔦𝔢𝔲𝔴𝔰

[sub]1 FRANC. | DE FIJNSTE KRANT[/sub]

____

𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐋𝐄𝐔𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

[sub][I]THE FRENCH LUMIERE BROTHERS SHOWCASE THEIR BRAND NEW

INVENTION AT THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY AT LEUVEN, WITH IT

BEING CALLED A CINEMATOGRAPH, A TYPE OF CAMERA DEVICE [/I][/sub]

____

BRUSSELS—At the Catholic University in Leuven, the Lumiere Brothers, who came from France, showcased their new invention known as a Cinematograph. They stated before the demonstration took place that they wanted to create a motion camera superior to the one the American-born Thomas Edison developed, which was known as a kinetograph. The Lumiere Brothers would proceed to carry out their demonstration which ended in dropped jaws, cheers and general calls and chants of affection due to the shock of the invention, seeming that most people had never seen themselves on video in their entire lives, let alone heard of such a device. Unlike Edison’s camera, this one was operated by hand crank, had a projector and could easily be moved around, meaning that the camera could easily shoot film in Paris, France, and then moved to the countryside to shoot film of the wheat swaying in the wind.

Not only this, but the Cinematograph weighed a mere 16 pounds. The most notable attribute that this device had, then Edison’s did not, was the way film was seen. On Edison’s device, only one person could see the film at a time, through the kinetoscope, but with the Lumiere Brothers’s device, many people could see it at the same time, even a large audience as the Cinematograph had a projector built into the device. Around 400 people attended the demonstration, and overall it was a large success for the Brothers’s, their invention and word of it quickly spread throughout the middle and upper classes of Belgium, bring popularity and fame to the them,

____

𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄

[sub][I]AFTER HIS PARTY WON THE ELECTION, PRIME MINISTER DE BURLET

HAS ANNOUNCED A NEW FOREIGN POLICY INITIATIVE AIMED AT

INCREASING TIES WITH ITS IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS LIKE FRANCE [/I][/sub]

____

BRUSSELS—Following a workers strike, new elections and new government, Prime Minister De Burlet has announced a new foreign policy initiative aimed primarily at increasing friendly ties and strengthening economic ties with the Dutch, the French and the Germans, but most notably, the latter two, and those two nations were seen as the most aggressive and most likely to invade the nation, though in the grand scheme of things it was highly unlikely. Burlet announced that he would attempt to visit both France and Germany in the coming months and attempt to reach agreements with both nations, namely non-aggression pacts and trade deals. He stated that he strongly believes he and his government will meet both objectives, but when on to say even if they did not, “no harm would be done.”

The response to the foreign policy initiative was mixed, though it was generally seen popular in terms of the economic ambitions by both businesses, the rich and the workers as income would increase, and in the workers eyes, perhaps wage increases due to increased demand and the availability of more hours. Some diplomats also stated that the United Kingdom should be included in such an initiative, De Burlet rebuttal was that “separate trade deals will be made with the United Kingdom eventually, it is not as urgent.”

____

Sadar, Zanbala Prz, The American Homeland

[list]Meiji 28

4 February 1895

[sub]南を見て![/sub]

Look South![/list]

[sup]東京、大日本帝國[/sup]

TOKYO, EMPIRE OF JAPAN

[sub]Imperial Palace, Kanda Ward[/sub]

[list][pre][ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R6jhnoVIoE ][/pre][/list]

| Night dawned on the immobile palace. At its gates, the busy flow of horse- and man-drawn carriages, trolleys, and goods had stopped, and only snow now fell as the street lights flickered to life, slowly, one by one. Yet, in the castle's den, remained parked numerous horse-drawn cars, their drivers warming themselves up by two braziers hastily set up by the guards. Inside the Kōkyo, whose windows were still filled with light, uniformed men discussed around maps and plans. |

[list][sup]| General Viscount Kodama Gentarō : |[/sup] "Tennôheika, it is a bold opportunity that offers itself to us. One whose perils are far outnumbered by its benefits, and which could herald the nation of Japan as the new 'holder' of the Mandate of Heaven, so to speak. Please, consider it."[/list]

| The rest of the old, bearded assembly of military men nodded respectfully. Emperor Meiji, whose heavy stature and uniform radiated unparalleled authority, cleared his throat. Doubt was in his mind, but he as well realized that each passing second meant less chances to accomplish the plan that had been discussed throughout the night by his generals. |

[list][sup]| Emperor Meiji : |[/sup] "How exactly does the seizure of these two islands position us better than the potential furthering of our actions in Manchuria?"

[sup]| General Prince Yamagata Aritomo : |[/sup] "Manchuria is too large a prize to be taken without eliciting jealousy, Your Imperial Majesty. We have a tenuous understanding with the Russians; bringing Korea into our sphere of leadership seems to be unnoticed for now, but Manchuria would be one step too close to their borders. Whatever advantage we could potentially secure from defeating the Qing in Manchuria, could be taken right under our nose by the Europeans and become an object of great humiliation to us. Thanks to my abundant travels to Europe, I know they may not take kindly to anything they see as overly aggressive upon their coveted Chinese spheres. Moreover, pushing into Manchuria now, with the harsh winter that we are currently experiencing in Korea, would be detrimental to our fighting capacities. On the contrary, if we reinforce the Yalu River and order our soldiers to keep defensive positions, this climate plays in our favor, and allows us to attack in a much easier location climate-wise, in an area where the Qing do not expect us."[/list]

[list][sup]| Count Admiral Itô Sukeyuki : |[/sup] "Prince Yamagata is correct. What's more; we hold naval and land superiority there. Conducting a campaign with the speed of lightning to seize Taiwan and Hainan will avoid us a costly campaign in the freezing wastes of Manchuria, which does not guarantee us final victory, while also granting us two possessions that are not only easier to take with naval dominance, but will yield extraordinary agricultural produce, and will not step on anyone's borders."

[sup]| General Prince Itô Hirobumi : |[/sup] "Heika! I must concur. Let us keep the Man-kan Koku and avoid provoking the Russians. Let us pounce of the current division of the Chinese and our sea power; we can order mobilization tonight."

[sup]| Emperor Meiji : |[/sup] "Certainly. However, what shall be the rationale to keep this war lasting for what, a few more months, until we eventually defeat the Qing? Let us not forget Japan is a civilized nation. She needs her reasons. While they are obvious to us, we cannot lose face in front of Europe by behaving in barbaric ways."

[sup]| General Prince Itô Hirobumi : |[/sup] "Your Imperial Majesty, the only reason we have yet to see a Chinese attack on Korea is because of their current internal turmoil. Once resolved, there is no doubt they will see Korea's independence from their lordship in favor of Japan as very negative, and will attempt to regain it. Therefore, furthering our attacks in the south, and eventually defeating the Qing Armies at sea or on land, right now, would play in our favor and avoid much riskier battles later on if we allow them to regain their strength and unity."[/list]

| The Emperor nodded. He had been convinced. The semi-war, in reality as of now just a Japanese intervention in Korea, was set to continue for several months - And the Empire would look south, where her new subjects could be acquired with ease. On the night of February 3, a four day-long mobilization would commence for the I.J.A.'s 1st and 5th Divisions, as well as the better-equipped Imperial Guards, numbering a total of 67,800 soldiers to be transported on unprotected carriers by waves of 8,000 each. All would not participate in the upcoming campaign and most would remain in Japan as ready-to-go reserves. The 2nd, 4th and 6th Divisions, numbering 49,000 men, would remain guarding the northern half of Korea and Seoul. The I.J.N.'s Combined Fleet would leave the port of Chemulpo [Incheon] and re-deploy to the East China Sea. Aboard these ships, an average of 3,600 to 4,250 marine landing forces have been armed with Type 18 Murata rifles. These non-official troops, while pertaining to the Navy, are made up of sailors having underwent the conventional infantry training, and have shown themselves to be adept fighting forces by the past. Naval guns are set to do the bulk of the work in shelling ennemy fortresses, and therefore, only a handful of mountain artillery pieces have been taken in tow by the I.J.A.'s troops. |

Cherokee Confederates, Czabalkia, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

Post self-deleted by The Rexist Rijk.

Post by Imperial-Germania suppressed by Woraniana.

Imperial-Germania

Apparently, Germany investing in the Chinese & sending military advisors is unrealistic. But the French declaring a Republic while retaining a figurehead Monarch (Which btw would be a Constitutional Monarchy but clearly the player doesn't even understand this LMAO) that eventually overthrows the "Regency Council" (Again apparently Republics have Regency Councils now) is realistic. Lmfao yeah no wonder this region hasn't taken off LMAO. Only mod that was good was Val Verde. Also for France, this is just a Web Browser Game yet you're the one throwing insults. Lmfao gtfo of here with you're contradiction dude

Shamalistan, United Kazan

Post by United Kazan suppressed by Woraniana.

United Kazan

Imperial-Germania wrote:Apparently, Germany investing in the Chinese & sending military advisors is unrealistic. But the French declaring a Republic while retaining a figurehead Monarch (Which btw would be a Constitutional Monarchy but clearly the player doesn't even understand this LMAO) that eventually overthrows the "Regency Council" (Again apparently Republics have Regency Councils now) is realistic. Lmfao yeah no wonder this region hasn't taken off LMAO. Only mod that was good was Val Verde. Also for France, this is just a Web Browser Game yet you're the one throwing insults. Lmfao gtfo of here with you're contradiction dude

OOF

Post by Shamalistan suppressed by Woraniana.

Shamalistan

“And if he has an anime profile picture, refer to him not as he, for he is no true man”

- Book of Milk and Hunnies

Post self-deleted by United Kazan.

[sup]1910.[/sup]

THE WORLD'S FAIR[I]![/I]

[sub]KINDGOM OF BELGIUM, BRUSSELS—MORNING[/sub]

[sub]Exposition Universelle et Internationale de Bruxelles.[/sub]

___

[sup]BACKGROUND AND PLANNING[/sup]

| In 1910, Belgium would have been in existence for 80 years, while a small country, it was still an economic power. The world envied and made note of its roads, railways and urban planning, which were among the most advanced and interconnected. Coal discoveries continued to boost its growth, thus when Belgium was able to host the World’s Fair, Belgium wanted to show off, predominantly, that size didn’t matter, and that a small nation like itself could still be wealthy, and powerful. It wanted to show off itself as an advanced, modern and rich nation, unlike its former face in which many thought of Belgium as a small, weak, poor nation, that bowed to its all mighty neighbors, the Germans, the French and the British. Belgium would have to choose which city would host the fair, Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels were the most obvious options for their economic stature and high degree of wealth. Originally, the fair was to be help in Antwerp but this would eventually fall through, thus the government decided that Brussels would be the most agreeable option to host it. Within Brussels, the exact location of the fair was decided to be in the Solbosch area of Brussels. However, as per the agreement, part of the area would be ceded to Brussels, and the street would have to be extended into the heart of Brussels for easy access, this was naturally granted. |

| The street would be lined with pavilions from every participating nation, at the end of the street would be the Belgium pavilion. The elements in which Belgium could choose would be styled with classic architecture traditional to the Brussels Region. The Pavilion however would take a more modern approach with a structure fully glass. There was also to be a fine arts exhibition so that artists from Belgium, and around the world could showcase their art, and literary works. The exhibition would be gothic architecture and sport well over 600 rooms, which would be easily the largest building in the entire |

[sup]THE BELGIUM PAVILION[/sup]

| King Leopold II wanted the Belgium Pavilion to showcase what Belgium was truly like in the modern age. The Pavilion opted for an all glass, clean, modern structure, inside would be various paintings or photographs of modern Belgium, various inventions by Belgians and more. Not only that, but there was to be a restaurant inside the Pavilion serving various traditional Belgium dishes: During the morning, a selection of fruits, Belgian waffles, imported syrup and potatoes. During the afternoon, mussels and fries, flemish stew and boudin, which are a type of sausage, and during the night hours, Steak-frites, or steak and fries, Waterzooi, a type of rich stew with chicken and fish, vol-au-vent, a type of dish in which a hollow case of puff pastry is filled with something such as potatoes, beef stew, mushroom, chicken and other fillings. King Leopold II personally toured the pavilion and would also personally approve of it, saying that it was “A perfect representation of what Belgium, today, is, I haven’t any complaints, it is simply perfect.” |

[sup]THE FAIR[/sup]

| The World's Fair commenced on April 23rd and was to be planned to be ended on November 1st, 1910. The start of fair followed well over 2 years of promotion through various methods, such as posters across Europe, postcards, advertisements in local newspapers and newspapers in all sorts of cities such as London and Paris, and other advertising schemes. It was hoped that these efforts would lead to high turnout. It's estimated by the end of the fair well over 13 million people would have attended. The 3 main prizes of the fair would be the “Pavilion Prize”, which would award one nation with the best Pavilion. The 2nd main prize would be the “Innovation Prize”, which would be awarded to one person or team with the best invention, machine, or anything that could be considered innovative. The 3rd and final prize would be the “Artistic Prize”, which would award one person with the best painting, poetic or literary work. Nations can submit multiple entries to each competition. The winners would bring great prestige to their nations, and likely, as would follow, investment, money and more. |

___

[spoiler=FORMAT]

[pre][sup]1910[/sup]

THE WORLD'S FAIR!

[sub]INSERT NATION[/sub]

___

[sub]PAVILION[/sub]

| INSERT DESCRIPTION OF PAVILION |

[sub]COMPETITION ENTRIES[/sub]

| INSERT DESCRIPTION OF COMPETITION ENTRIES FOR THE PRIZES. YOU CAN SUBMIT AS MANY AS YOU WANT |

___

[/pre][/spoiler]___

Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Sadar, Zanbala Prz

[list][sup]JANUARY 1910[/sup]

A BRIEF HISTORY, 1895-1910.

[sub]BRITISH EMPIRE, LONDON — MORNING[/sub]

____

[/list]

| 1895 began with a bang with the addition of numerous dominions and colonies in the United Kingdom, including Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and Western Australia to create the “United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and Western Australia”. This effort was spearheaded by Prime Minister Joseph Chamberlain who successfully passed the law through Parliament, despite opposition. Joseph Chamberlain and his Liberal Unionist party would dominate British Politics, with it switching to a joint government with the Conservative Party in 1899. At first Chamberlain’s foreign policy could best be described as “armed isolationism”, with British interference greatly decreasing across the globe. However, the war in South Africa forced this policy to change with Britain spending millions of pounds on defeating the Boers. The Second Boer War would end in a victory for the British and its various colonies in South Africa, however the warring in the south did not end with the Second Boer War. Chamberlain, which noted that Britain had spent 200 million pounds in total (Around 200 billion dollars today), thought that the colonies in the South were obligated to pay the entire total, which led to their adamant refusal, and eventual “independence from the British Empire” in late 1902. This began the Afro-British which lasted 2 years and cost around 100 million pounds. This war ended in British Victory following the siege of Pretoria. At this point, South Africa for the past decade had been a serious drain on the British Empire, and the economy of the United Kingdom, though it helped in some aspects such as steel production and arms manufacturing. Prime Minister Joseph Chamberlain announced in late 1905, around 2 months after the victory against South Africa, that Britain would finally completely pull out from the region, however they would force all White South Africans to leave as well. This announcement would lead to violence by Boers and the Third Boer War in South Africa which lasted around 6 months and ended in 35,000 deaths, mostly Boers. At this point, 1906, any British presence in South Africa was extremely unpopular and Chamberlain swiftly began moves to pull out of the region. |

| Around a million white South Africans would begin to migrate out of the region, around 100,000 went to Canada, 60,000 went to Ireland, a handful went to Britain and the rest went to Western Australia where the incentives were good, such as acres to farm on and equipment to farm. The remainder of South Africa would become an anonymous dominion within the Empire, and would have only a weak economic and political connection to London. The Dominion would primarily be politically operated by the Coloured, rather than the Natives or the Indians, which was a stark difference between the rest of the empire. Though, the Governor would remain British. Following this, Joseph Chamberlain would primarily focus on the economy of the United Kingdom, reducing the debt, and increasing the size and power of Navy. He would not have to wait long as the HMS Poggers, named after J.T. Poggers, a Naval Architect, was launched in 1906, which shocked the world, given that it had the power of 3, maybe 4, battleships. The Industrialization of Canada continued, fueled by raw minerals from its own nation and imports and iron ore imports from Western Australia. Gold exports from Western Australia also was a major factor in reducing the debt. In 1907 a report was presented which gave the reasons for the situation in South Africa and the rebelliousness of even the whites there and how such mistakes could be prevented in territories where there was also a large white presence, such as Rhodesia. Another report later on in 1907 also discussed the possibilities of the Boer Wars inspiring similar events in Quebec, it was said that rather than implement harshness on Quebec, it was to be better to treat them kinder, thus French was made an official language in Quebec. In Ireland, the native Irish population was slowly being squeezed, with well over 1 and half million immigrants flocking the region. A report in 1908 stated that “a rebellion in Ireland is to be expected within a few years.” Chamberlain decided against sending more troops to Ireland, and stated that they’d wait instead of quickening the pace of the start of a rebellion. |

| In terms of foreign affairs, Britain continued its antagonism with Russia, Germany and France, all of who were its rivals. A naval arms race spiralled out of control, most notably with Germany. Britain overall successfully retained its Naval Dominance of the seas, owing to its technological and industrial capability, and its growing shipbuilding industry in Canada which complemented shipbuilding in Britain. It was also stated that in the event of war with Germany, Canada may very well be the saving grace of Navy as it would be able to construct ships independently and without interference from the Germans. In 1910, Joseph Chamberlain announced his retirement from politics which effectively made the 1910 General Election completely open to any party, the Liberals, the Conservatives or even Labour. The elections would be held in December. |

[list]

____

[/list]

Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Sadar, Anglo Channel

[sup]JANUARY 1910[/sup]

A HISTORY OF AMERICA BETWEEN 1895-1910.

[sub]USA[/sub][list]

____

[pre]A sweeping wave of change was brought upon the United States with William Jennings Bryan's victory in 1896, under the Democratic-Populist-Siliver party tickets, beating back the cabal of robber baron tycoons the likes of Rockefeller and Carnegie. Born and raised in Illinois, Bryan moved to Nebraska in the 1880s. He won election to the House of Representatives in the 1890 elections, serving two terms before making an unsuccessful run for the Senate in 1894. At the 1896 Democratic National Convention, Bryan delivered his "Cross of Gold speech" which attacked the gold standard and the eastern moneyed interests and crusaded for inflationary policies built around the expanded coinage of silver coins. The populist orator often clashed with America's upper classes, and congress found itself friendlier to special interests rather than the new president. President Bryan focused his white house to go after the terrible living conditions of America's working classes, aligning with union interests over that of management. The Spanish-American War began well into Bryan's first term, and rallied the country to arms under the slogan "REMEMBER THE MAINE", but pressed for deeper self-reliance for Cuba after the war concluded, as the aim was to liberate not to colonize.

Constant war with the eastern moneyed interest newspapers found Bryan becoming more and more unpopular, narrowly losing to William McKinley, in the election year of 1900. William McKinley's return to eastern interests was short lived however, and his assassination ushered in the era of T.R. Roosevelt, who in the spirt of Bryan and the populists around him, and a working congress sought to trust-busting to a higher degree, and unlike Bryan's peace course, moved America towards the path of world power, like T.R. Fleet. In 1908, T.R. opted not to run for another term, his vice president William Howard Taft was defeated by William Randolph Hearst, who assumed the Presidency. Hearst assumed the presidency by defeating Taft's lackluster performance and massive media empire. Hearst, the famous newspaper tycoon and billionaire placed the United States back into the hands of the eastern interests and soothed Americans who looked for a return to normalcy, although Hearst was on the left wing of the Progressive Movement, speaking on behalf of the working class (who bought his papers) and denouncing the rich and powerful (who disdained his editorials), once in office he governed with those eastern interests at heart. But T.R. still loomed, learning from the lessons of Taft's 1908 defeat and geared for run in 1912. America under Hearst found itself to be a more business friendly country.[/pre]

____

[/list]

Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Sadar, Woraniana

[list][list][list][list][list][list]ПОБЕДА - УСТАВА АУТОЦРАЦИЈЕ

VICTORY - THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONARCHY[/list][/list][/list][/list][/list][/list]

Belgrade - Serbian Empire - 21 June 1895

| Since October of 1893, Russo-Serbian forces have been engaged in ruthless fighting with Ottoman forces throughout the Balkans. The Imperial Serbian Army, under the command of the young Tsar Alexander I, secured various crushing victories over the unprepared and immobilized Ottoman Army in the first few months of the war, resulting in the capture of Kosovo, Metohija, and the Vardar region. With aid from Bulgaria, Greece, and Italy, the Ottoman armies in Europe were decisively defeated, with the victors prying territory from the decrepit Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Army, having fought hard, had been completely outnumbered with even their allies, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Germany, failing to come to the aid of the Turks. Victory against the Turks was proclaimed on 19 June 1895 in the Treaty of Skopje. Attending the signing of the treaty was a handful of Bulgarian, Serbian, Russian, Turkish, and Italian delegates including Tsar Alexander III himself. |

| During the war, the eighteen year old Emperor had left Belgrade during the fall of 1894 to visit the front lines and, entrusting Prime Minister Lazar Dokić with control of the country. In personal memoirs, the Tsar described a desire to boost morale of his troops and to also prove himself as a valiant leader on the battlefield and, as such, the Tsar unexpectedly took command of a cavalry unit, known as "Vukodin's Raiders", immediately prior to the Battle of Prishtina. Unprecedentedly, the Tsar directly fought in the Battle of Prishtina, participating in the Charge of the Cavalry at the battle which directly lead to a route of the Ottoman Army from Prishtina's outer areas, securing the capture of Kosovo for the Serbian Army. This would not be the only time the Tsar would participate in direct combat as he continued to remain on the front lines for the rest of the war, returning only after peace had been signed in Skopje. |

| In the week prior to the signing of the Treaty of Skopje, which would connect the fragmented Serbian Empire's two territories of Crna Gora and Serbia proper and expand the border south into the Vardar region, the Tsar sent letters to the members of the National Assembly, ordering their congregation within Belgrade to prepare for a session upon his return from Skopje. After the signing of the treaty, a massive procession was arranged in Belgrade for the Tsar, which would include a military parade complete with infantry, cavalry, artillery, and a carriage carrying the Tsar directly to the House of the National Assembly. |

| Returning from Skopje to Belgrade, the Tsar had already discussed with top military officials of his intentions to peacefully overthrow and disband the National Assembly upon his return to serve as head of state. Gathering the members of the legislature in front of him within the House's inner chamber, the Tsar is surrounded by members of the recently founded Imperial Guard numbering one hundred in total. The legislatures, expecting a speech regarding the treaty, listen unattentively. |

[list]ALEXANDER I, Tsar of Serbia: "Gentlemen - Members of the National Assembly."

"Today I stand before you as not just your Tsar, not just as your compatriot, but now, as the leader of a victorious Serbia. In my hand I carry a treaty which has officiated peace, freed our brothers still under Turkish subjugation, and unified our nation from Crna Gora to the Danube. In my hand I hold the treaty which has officiated our Empire as not merely another country, or another state, but as the true Empire of Serbia and the defender of all Serbs everywhere."

"What I have to say to you all today I say as a Tsar, as a Serb, and as a victorious conqueror and liberator."

"I have been on campaign since November of 1893. In this time, I have celebrated my own birthday, two Christmases, two Easters, and more feasts than I could count. Since November, I have led the armies of Serbia on campaign through countless battles and, importantly, countless victories. The bravery of our soldiers, the tactical prowess of our generals, and my own strategic and moral leadership has resulted in a decisive victory over the Turkish invaders. For nearly two years, our armies have struggled, fighting and being fought against to liberate what the armies of Miloš I and my own father, Milan I, could not many years ago. When the armies of the Principality fought for independence and, then, later, fought to expand our borders and break free of all vestiges of Ottoman Occupation, there were lands still left subjugated. When my father was proclaimed King, and then when my father was proclaimed Tsar once Crna Gora joined our Empire, hundreds of thousands of our people were still unfortunately bound by the bondage of Turkish rule in the Polog Valley, in the fields of Pelagonia, along the banks of the Vardar, in the plains of Kosovo and Metohija, and in Sandzak."

"In less than two years, the Army of the Serbs under my command achieved the victory which Miloš I and all of the Princes and Kings and Tsars after him could not. We have achieved victories in the past- indeed, victories which paved the way for this victory- but the peace which has been officiated in this treaty has secured us a victory which has nearly doubled our empire and freed hundreds of thousands of Serbs still oppressed by the Turkish infidels. Aye, what has been accomplished in this treaty is nothing less than the single most important victory accomplished by the Serbian people in the last century. More than this, it was accomplished completely independently of you and your national legislature. This victory was accomplished through force and strategy and overseen by the leadership of an Emperor who you refused to acknowledge as any more than a mere boy. Well, look now? What has this boy done, while you men have sat on your rear ends and fattened yourselves on French foods?"

"While you all sat in your houses, I froze in the winter snow of Macedonia, eating the rations of our soldiers and officers, huddled around the same fires and sleeping in the same tents as the men you send to war. While you read foreign literature, I received combat training no different than any other brave Serbian soldier going into combat would. While you met and debated irrelevancies here in this very hall, I led a cavalry charge against Ottoman foot infantry with Vukadin's Raiders, securing the capture of Skopje. I was shot at with rifles, swung at with swords, bombarded by artillery; I froze, got ill, was wounded fell from my horse in the heat of combat, marched through mud, bled and saw friends and compatriots bleed, and earned my place in history. I as a mere 'boy' have done more than any of you have done as fully grown and educated men."

"You should feel ashamed. But, more than this, you should recognize that what I have to say carries weight and comes from a place of maturity and experience- equal, if not worth more, than what you have to say."

"The National Assembly has been unable to provide the Serbian people with the glory and prestige they deserve. You have sat here for years, decades for some of you, and have done nothing but play partisan games while the interest of our national development and expansion has been sacrificed. You care not for the interests of our Empire, or for representing the Serbian people, but instead for playing your games in the capital, content with inaction, sufficed with stagnation. As the Tsar of the Serbs I speak to you on behalf of the Serbian people, as the true representative of the people of our Empire, and I say to you that our nation has moved past your parliamentary antics. As the Tsar of the Serbs and as conqueror and liberator of Sandzak, Metohija, Kosovo, Vardar, Pelagonia, Polog, and all the rest, I say to you that this boy has done more in two years than you have done since your inception. You are obsolete and represent not the Serbian people and our nation. It is in me, as conqueror, liberator, and Tsar, that the nation and its people are truly represented."

"Recognizing your obsolescence, as Tsar of the Serbs, I say to you know that the National Assembly is from this moment forward disbanded, with I as Tsar taking its place. In this capacity, I shall serve as both Tsar and Autocrat of the Serbs, and shall guide our newly unified Empire into the future without the political infighting your parliamentary games have brought which have stifled our national development. There will be no room for you in an autocratic Serbia, as such is the will of the Serbs and of God. I shall afford to you all this luxury- you shall be afforded houses in your hometowns, and be made exempt of taxes and debts- but recognize that henceforth, the National Assembly is no more, and you wield no power in Serbia."

"I thank you all for your service to Serbia, but the time has come to relieve you of your positions and move forward in the direction God has intended for us."

"God Bless Serbia! God Bless the Serbs!"[/list]

| Insulted and bewildered, the legislators are hardly able to even so much as move as the young Tsar they had once ridiculed and attempted to outmaneuver exists the room, leaving his Imperial Guard as his representatives. The Imperial Guard- selected from cavalrymen whom he had served alongside during the campaign, escort the legislators out of the National Assembly building and into the streets of Belgrade. During the escorting of the legislators to a nearby train station by the Imperial Guard, Prime Minister Dokić speaks directly before a crowd of thousands of Serbs in the heart of Belgrade, announcing the disbandment of the National Assembly by Autocrat Alexander I. During this short speech, Dokić announces his own resignation of position of Prime Minister in accordance with the policies of the Tsar's soft coup. |

Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Sadar, Woraniana

[list][list]~ 𝟏𝟗𝟏𝟎 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 ~

| 𝙽𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝙴𝚅𝙴𝚁 𝙷𝙰𝙿𝙿𝙴𝙽𝚂 𝙸𝙽 𝙼𝙴𝚇𝙸𝙲𝙾, 𝚄𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙻 𝙸𝚃 𝙳𝙾𝙴𝚂 |[/list][/list]

[sup]The year is 1910, and the Porfiriato has lasted for over 34 years of rule. Ruling with an iron fist from the national capital; Esperanza. Porfirio Díaz has pushed México into modernization, developing thousands upon miles of railways that connect all Urban areas one another, modernizing his army with new European arms and ideas, and most importantly, shaping the new culture born out of Mexican industrialization. A great many things achieved indeed, México had previously been seen as a troublesome country by the Europeans but with Díaz and his Científicos, México was able to regain the trust of the Europeans powers. With the United Kingdom; México was able to negotiate the establishment of national borders in the Yucatan Penninsula where México bordered British Honduras. Mexican diplomat Ignacio Mariscal also achieved success by convincing the British to cease arming Mayan insurgents, allowing for the Federal Army to crush the Mayan indios. With France; México gained millions in investments and trade, the latest French fashions always pursued by the Mexican elite. And last but not least, Germany became one of Mexico's top arms exporters, with México importing thousands of Gewehr rifles for the Federal Army.[/sup]

[sup]But this newfound economic wealth was only accessible to México elites, the common man while secure in his peace, could not rise from his station in life. This was caused by the Hacienda system. A system were large acre landowners forced peasants our of their land by bribing local government officials, this would leave peasants with no other choice but to work for the Haciendas. The workforce on haciendas varied, depending on the type of hacienda and where it was located. In central Mexico near indigenous communities and growing crops to supply urban markets, there was often a small, permanent workforce resident on the hacienda. Labor could be recruited from nearby indigenous communities on an as-needed basis, such as planting and harvest time. The permanent and temporary hacienda employees worked land that belonged to the patrón and under the supervision of local labor bosses. In some places, small scale cultivators or Campesinos worked smallholdings belonging to the hacendado and owed a portion of their crops to him. Campesinos would also typically have to spend their small wages on the Hacienda stores that often accompanied them, these stores would sell a multitude of items such as foods, clothes, and medicine at a high price. These stores would also force the Campesinos to carry on debts to keep them working and dependent on the Hacienda.[/sup]

[sup]Because of this social order, poverty was widespread and all too common in the rest of the country. The Díaz regime would attempt to mend some social injustices by providing public schooling and hospitals, but these institutions had little effect as they were built sparsely and in low numbers. As a result, anti-government sentiment grew immensely in the early 1900s, with worker strikes and civil disobedience taking root in the north, which was responded by the Díaz regime with "Sangre y Fuego" (blood and fire). The censorship and repression only grew more fierce as the years went on. The Díaz regime also made great endeavors to build its public image to save grace in the eye of the public. The state began to take control over the cultural patrimony of Mexico, expanding the National Museum of Anthropology as the central repository of artifacts from Mexico's archeological sites, as well as asserting control over the sites themselves. The Law of Monuments (1897) gave jurisdiction over archeological sites to the federal government. This allowed the expropriation and expulsion of peasants who had been cultivating crops on the archeological sites, most systematically done at Teotihuacan. A former cavalry officer and archeologist Leopoldo Batres was Inspector of Archeological Monuments and wielded considerable power. He garnered resources from the Díaz government funds to guard archeological sites in central Mexico and Yucatan, as well as to hire workers to excavate archeological sites of particular importance for creating an image of Mexico's glorious past to foreign scholars and tourists, as well as patriotic fervor in Mexico.[/sup]

[sup]To capitalize on this patriotic favor, Díaz began funding a national event named: Centennial of Independence. A nationwide celebration of México's independence that would take place in Esperanza. Two new national monuments would be built for the special day and central Esperanza would be transformed to impress the European guests that will be invited. But this party cannot hide the fact that México is getting hot, the people are frustrated and angry, a dangerous combination for any tyrant. Now all the awaits is to see the coming of the storm.[/sup]

Val Verde-, Kartnan, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

||1910, Çadir Moreau's inauguration speech||

"An oath to my people"

"I have saved the children of house Osmalgu, some of their women, four year old heir Şehzade Mehmed Abdülkerim rests soundly in his bed. They face danger, given how carried away some of the less savory proponents of this revolution got. I announce today that they will make pilgrimage to Mecca for their protection. It is a city where this republican movement has no support, so I am confident in his safety. For now his mother will serve as regent, as sultan of the empire."

Çadir Moreau, before a confused audience in Istanbul, standing a balcony of a stil damaged Byzantine palace, grits his teeth. His uniform is prim and proper, though a bit plain for the leader of a power in this world. He pulls his linen gloves tight, then retreives a document from his pocket.

"These Armenians and Greeks pollute our lands, invite evil into our cities and threaten the moral fabric of our society. Do we, the Turkish people, truly believe that they can coexist, even hold power without inviting the Russian menace to "liberate" the areas which they occupy? The obvious answer is no, and because of this we must cleanse them to defend our continuation as a people. These are the words of the Islamists in parliament, verbatim. Would they really pose any threat were we to simply tell the clergy no, the haven't the right to rule over us? Why do we allow this? We buy our bread from the Christians, make treatise with Christian nations, often live in the same neighborhoods without noticing. They are in fact a red herring in this world order which will drive us to extinction lest we learn that Allah is an Arabic word, not a seperate being from God. Power hungry clergymen tell us outdated Arabic is the language of heaven, not because it is true, but to divide and conquer."

He unhesitatingly draws a gun from his coat, aims it into the sky, fires a blank.

"Gunpowder is louder than any man speaking loudly so that he may shut you up. There is no place in politics for reasonless fools blabbering their dogma and denying reality in order to facilitate personal gains. I swear to you, my people, that I will teach you so that you may not be deceived. I swear to you, my people, that I will not abandon you at my convenience as if you were mere assets. I swear to you, my people, that YOU. WILL. NOT. BE. HUMILIATED. No mere declaration will move me to roll over, I will fight so you will not be the next ones to be partitioned like livestock."

The crowd is silent for a moment, processing. Applause does not arrupt, it begins slowly with one man daring to condone, than another, till a thunderous cheer builds up, Moreau holstering his gun and standing tall. He soaks it in for a moment, then steps down from his podium to return to the inside of the Boukeleon, still under restoration to be repurposed into an administrative building.

Teujira, Antagarichh, Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Kartnan, Sadar, Zanbala Prz, Woraniana

[list][list]28 Janvier 1910[/list]

PARIS SOUS L'EAU! TRENTE PIEDS D'EAU ENGLOUTISSENT LA CAPTALE!

PARIS UNDERWATER! THIRTY FEET OF WATER ENGULF THE CAPITAL[/list]

| Over the past week, water from the River Seine has gradually flooded the city through tunnels, sewers, and drains due to a variety of environmental issues which Parisian government officials had failed to see occurring underneath typical winter rainfall in the area. Since 21 January, nearly nine meters of water have flooded the city of Paris, causing destruction as of yet unseen in the capital in times of peace. While no casualties have as of yet been reported, at least millions of Francs worth of damage have been incurred due to the flooding, particularly in areas near sewers and metros, where the flooding has originated. |

| Amid the flooding, countless businesses, shops, and apartments have all been partially submerged underwater, and most of Paris's metros completely destroyed. Parisian officials have attempted their best to aid the communities of the city over the past few days, establishing walkways of scaffolding over lightly flooded areas and blocking off heavily flooded streets. The officials have been lauded for their preventative measures, which have been cited as a key reason for the lack of a loss of human life since the flooding began. |

| His Imperial Majesty and the rest of the Imperial family have reportedly been relocated from the New Tuileries Palace to the Versailles Palace complex, as while the Tuileries Palace has so far avoided damage, the potential is there. |

Arcanda, Val Verde-, Kartnan, Sadar, Woraniana

SALVE A TI, NICARAGUA!

1895-1910, A summarized report on recent history and the decade long Zambo War

Upon the seizure of the Moskito Coast through military force by Presidente José Santos Zelaya in 1894, Great Britain, initially supporting Zambo seperatists attempting to establish an independent Kingdom of the Moskito Coast, withdrew support for the Zambos and subsequently recognized Nicaraguan sovereignty of the region, later to be called the "Zelaya Departament" as the Moskito Coast enters into the centralist fold. However, two years later in 1896, Zelaya is ousted by an American-sponsored and backed Conservative uprising led by Adolfo Díaz, himself becoming president of Nicaragua after US Marines assisted Conservative coup leaders in ousting the Liberal Democrat government by force. With this, Zelaya was expulsed from the country and fled to neighboring Costa Rica during the Conservative coup d'etat. In May of 1898, the United States and Nicaraguan Governments convene to discuss the terms and articles of a deal that would come to be known as the Alger-Díaz Treaty

The Treaty was named after the principal negotiators: Russel A. Alger, U. S. Secretary of War; and Nicaraguan President Adolfo Díaz, representing the Nicaraguan government. By the terms of the treaty, the United States acquired the rights to any canal built in Nicaragua in perpetuity, a renewable 99 year option to establish a naval base in the Gulf of Fonseca, and a renewable 99-year lease to the Great and Little Corn Islands in the Caribbean. For these concessions, Nicaragua received three million dollars after the Treaty was ratified on February 13, 1898. In addition to US $3 Million in concessions, President Adolfo Díaz demanded the United States allowed, advised, and supported the inception of an independent Nicaraguan Federal Military "comprised of an Army Ground Force and a Naval Maritime Force" to ensure the greater protection of US and Nicaraguan assets nationally and regionally. As a result of the Alger-Díaz Treaty, the Conservative Junta of Nicaragua entered into quasi-protectorate status under the United States, largely based on Military means.

Initially supported by the English-speaking Zambos for deposing Jose Santos Zelaya, Presidente Adolfo Díaz heated relations with the Miskito King, Robert Henry Clarence, when the Treaty noted a guaranteed lease of Great and Little Corn Islands to the United States whenever seen fit by the US Government. Moreover, the inception of the Nicaraguan Federal Military only further confirmed suspicions of yet another military incursion into Miskito lands, prompting Miskito pirates to attack the port of Bluefields by sea in June 1900, sparking the eleven-year Zambo War that subsequently ensued. At the onset of the Zambo War, between 1900 and settling on midway through the conflict into 1904, the fledgling Federal Army being trained to fight a force that simply could not and would not be bested on land by the largely mobile, sea and river-fairing Miskito pirates, surmounting Federal Army casualties during this time. In March of 1905 however, Nicaraguan Secretary of War, Luis Mena, a conservative militarist and reactionary, declared the need to prioritize Nicaragua's Brown-Green water Navy operations for riverine and coastal operations to more adequately defend the Moskito Coast and it's intricate network of interlocking river and stream systems. At Mena's behest, President Díaz approached American Secretary of War, William Howard Taft, seeking the sale of American River Monitors, currently in US Navy reserve status, to the Nicaraguan Federal Navy in support of the development of a Naval Riverine Infantry unit which coincided with Luis Mena's new strategy regarding the Zambo War and how the Nicaraguan Federal Military would approach it's adversary amidst minimal gain during the first four years and four months of the war.

By April, the Federal Office of the War Secretary placed a general order for twelve River Monitors from the United States Navy, and in addition, Krag-Jørgensen M1898/M1899 rifles and constabulary carbines, and a variety of Colt cartridged and surplus black powder Colt Army and Navy model revolvers, standardizing the Nicaraguan Federal Armed Forces to US-derived calibers, despite heavy interest in Naval standardization with British-made counterparts. All twelve river monitors would be fully delivered by mid-late 1906, however upon their maiden voyages to Nicaragua, two Monitors were lost at sea, with only ten successfully arriving at the port of Bluefields. Despite the setback, the Monitors are inspected for service and begin to see action within a three months of their arrival, widely displaying the desperation of the Federal Navy to establish itself and begin focusing on new battle strategies against the elusive Zambo corsairs whom have held the upper hand since the conflict's onset. Beleaguered by six and half years of unconventional warfare against the Miskito nationalists, Federal Army ground troops cheered at the official establishment and organization of a Nicaraguan Federal Navy and Riverine Service, a force with adequate combat effectiveness and the necessary resources essential for taking on such a non-traditional adversary, at times on both land and sea at one time.

As the Navy began to work in tandem with the Army, Battalion-size units patrolled coastal areas in parallel with a River Monitor within relatively close proximity to the shore, patrolling the coast, a blended strategy developed by Luis Mena that blends Navy and Army tactics into one, coastal mobile patrol unit, later to be known as "The Amphibian Rake". In theory, should the Army patrol be overran or encircled, the Federal Navy Riverine Infantry could reinforce the Battalion once landed from the coastal Monitor from rowboat and overwhelm the enemy, applying for both salt and fresh water scenarios. River deltas and long-running streams were the primary focus of Amphibian Rake tactics employed by Federal Navy Marine and Riverine Infantry during amphibious deployment. At times, their amphibious combat roles during the Zambo War boiled down to Riverine Infantry in rowboats and Miskito pirates on river skiffs taking shots at each other and tracking one another downstream into densely rainforested terrain.

The later years of the Zambo War, roughly between early 1907, when Federal Navy involvement and operations in the conflict intensified, and mid 1911, when the War ended with the dissolution of the Miskito Kingdom and the subsequent Treaty of Bluefields. The sudden death of Miskito King, Robert Henry Clarence, after an operation at the Public General Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica in 1908 marked the beginning of the end of the seperatist Miskito Kingdom. Disillusioned by the death of their last standing ancestral monarch, the Zambo rebels lost an immeasurable amount of morale among local supporters who now did not believe the Miskito Nation could remain without a hereditary chief heir, which at this time, was almost certainly unidentifiable. The monarchy in shambles, 1908 proved to be the turning point year for the Nicaraguan Federal forces in the war, the Army and Navy entirely on the offensive, battering back Zambo tribal militias in control of village networks spanning across the entire Coast of Mosquitoes. Employing rigorous guerilla warfare against the Federal Army in their defensive days, the Zambos realized their time grew thin as a fighting force against the much more well-equipped and far better organized Nicaraguan Federal Army, proving itself a capable defense force after modeling itself on Western military constructs such as those found in militaries of the United States and Mexico at this time, largely with centralization, the preservation of integral sovereignty, and suppression of local rebellions as primary directives.

With a foquista-esque approach to the war, the Zambos had used their extensive knowledge of the complex river systems of the eastern region to ferry weapons, ammunition, and manpower to and from villages all across the river network via canoe or river pontoon. Local support only aggravated Federal forces operating in the area as their enemy blend in with anyone else, local fisherman intentionally clog river deltas with a flood of canoes to slow down Federal Navy Monitors patrolling the rivers or even purposefully damming strategic areas to effectively cut off river access to some of the most remote portions of the Moskito rainforest. These attempts at bog down on a wide scale bought time for remaining seperatists to regroup and refresh supplies at stash villages in remote locale in preperation for a last defense of the Corn Islands, the last remaining stronghold of the Miskito Kingdom.

Approaching Christmas 1908, the Federal Navy began charting courses and plotting an invasion plan to land Federal troops onto the Corn Islands and clean out the remaining resistance and force an official surrender of the Miskito insurgency. The next year would be spent intricately planning the naval invasion of the Corn Islands after a Federal Christmas-New Years offensive seen a swift take over of los Cayos Moskitos off the coast of Puerto Cabezas by naval invasion as island defenders held out for two weeks.

Arcanda, Shamalistan, Czabalkia, Kartnan, Sadar, Woraniana

[list][sup]MARCH 1910[/sup]

NAVAL REORGANIZATION.

[sub]BRITISH EMPIRE, LONDON — MORNING[/sub]

____

[/list]

| The Royal Navy had long had a complicated organization system which sometimes caused issues, with various fleets having overlapping responsibilities and as a result poor execution and communication in certain positions. Naval reorganization had long been something being talked about, especially with the various arms races in Europe. Prime Minister Joseph Chamberlain announced his last major action and push as Prime Minister would be reorganizing the Royal Navy based on its new responsibilities and worldwide presence which stretched from Toronto to Auckland. This announcement comes as the British-German naval arms race has quickened, most notably concerning Dreadnought Battleships. The Royal Navy will be reorganized into the following fleets, with their basic operating zones and missions: |

[list]

[sup]HOME FLEET:[/sup][sup] Operates in waters surrounding Great Britain and Ireland, the North Sea, and the English Channel. Primarily is tasked with defending Great Britain and Ireland, blockading Germany or France if need be and defending trade. Homeport is located in Portsmouth [/sup]

[sup]ATLANTIC FLEET:[/sup][sup] Operates in the Atlantic Ocean (north and south). Primarily is tasked with defending Canada, the Falklands, the other islands, vital trade routes and more. Homeport is located St. Johns with 3 additional posts including Galway, the Falklands and St. Helena.[/sup]

[sup]MEDITTEREAN FLEET:[/sup][sup] Operates in the Mediterranean Ocean. Primarily tasked with defending British possessions, trade routes and the Suez Canal. Homeport is Malta. [/sup]

[sup]PACIFIC FLEET:[/sup][sup] Operates in the Pacific Ocean. Primarily tasked with defending Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other British possessions as well as trade routes. This fleet has 2 subdivisions, North and South, and as a result 2 homeports: Brisbane and Vancouver.[/sup]

[sup]TRADE FLEET:[/sup][sup] Operates in all other areas not covered by the fleets, its sole purpose is defending trade routes and interests in the Indian Ocean. This fleet has 2 homeports: Perth and Surat.[/sup][/list]

| The Reorganization was easily passed by Parliament and highly supported by Canada, New Zealand and Australia which finally saw the Royal Navy’s interests and capabilities expanded to their areas as well. However some worried that the Royal Navy would not be able to have its power projected to every corner where it is required, especially in light of the major threats in Europe, where the majority of the world’s naval tonnage resides. Some have suggested pacts with Japan or France to reduce the required capacity and give the UK some ease of mind. |

[list]

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[/list]

Arcanda, Val Verde-, Shamalistan, Czabalkia, Kartnan, Sadar

Post by Organstead suppressed by Woraniana.

Organstead

Hey it’s Antillian

Teujira

[sup]MARCH 1910[/sup]

WESTMORELAND COUNTRY STRIKE!

[sub]USA[/sub][list]

[list]____

[pre]In Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, the UMWA or United Mine Workers of America has begun what will become a year long strike. Seven companies dominated coal mining in the Irwin Basin in 1910. In 1854, the Westmoreland Coal Company was formed to begin mining coal in the region. In 1905, it bought a controlling interest in Penn Gas Coal, a company established in 1861 to gasify coal. Penn Gas Coal, in turn, had obtained a one-third ownership in the Manor Gas Coal Company. Through these purchases, Westmoreland Coal had a near-monopoly on the gas coal market, and was the largest bituminous coal company in Pennsylvania. In 1892, Robert Jamison and his sons founded the Jamison Coal and Coke Company (originally the Jamison Coal Company). In 1886, the Berwind family and Judge Allison White founded the Berwind-White Coal Mining Co. In 1902, a number of smaller coal gas companies in and around Greensburg, Pennsylvania, merged to form the Keystone Coal and Coke Company. In 1905, Latrobe-Connellsville Coal and Coke Company was formed when Marcus W. Saxman merged three of his wholly owned or controlled coal companies. These companies were very paternalistic. Company towns (colloquially referred to as "coal patches") were established, company stores founded and workers often paid in company scrip.

Coal miners increasingly agitated for improved wages and working conditions after 1900. Miners demanded an eight-hour day and wages equal to those paid in the nearby Pittsburgh coal basin. Since miners were paid by the ton, workers also wanted to standardize the size of coal wagons to ensure they were paid fairly. Miners also sought to be paid for mining "slack" (very fine coal), and for "dead work" (laying of track, shoring up tunnels, pumping out water, and removing slate and clay).

Miners' unions had tried to organize Westmoreland County coal mines since 1883, but had little success. In February 1910, however, the lower wage rates and new expenses led miners at Keystone Coal and Coke to meet and discuss their grievances among themselves. The miners decided to invite the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) to form a union. On March 7, 1910, Van Bittner, a UMWA vice president, arrived in Westmoreland County and formed a local union. Four hundred miners signed up and paid dues. Keystone Coke and Coal immediately fired 100 miners for attending the union organizing meeting. The Keystone miners walked off the job, and the strike swiftly spread throughout the Irwin Basin.

Union recognition became the biggest issue in the strike. The workers felt that if they could win recognition of the union, their other demands would come easily. When the miners struck on March 9, the coal companies evicted thousands of families from their company-owned homes. UMWA spent $25,000 purchasing tents and constructing shanties, and set up 25 tent cities to accommodate the homeless. Near the town of Export, more than 100 tents went up, making it the largest tent city during the strike. Ethnic tension threatened to divide the nascent union. Slovaks comprised 70 percent of the striking miners, but the strike committee was led by native-born miners of English, German and Irish descent. UMWA organizers Bittner and Frank Hayes worked hard to overcome these divisions, however. Multi-lingual organizers were employed, each ethnic group elected its own representatives, and parades and rallies featured musicians and speakers from all groups.

The strike is supported heavily the general population and public, and there are no signs of its end until management meets the demands of the miners![/pre]

____[/list]

Arcanda, Val Verde-, Czabalkia, Kartnan, Sadar, Woraniana

Post self-deleted by Woraniana.

Assembled with Dot's Region Saver.
Written by Refuge Isle.