NationStates Jolt Archive

Quick Facts about Hungary

Current Monarch: Kaiserine Sophie Hapsburg (Currently incapacitated)
Acting-Kaiser Maximilian

Foreign Minister: Bela Kun
Prime Minister: Imry Nagy

Current Allies: France, Germany, Russia
Friendly: Italy, United States, Romania.

Current Conflicts: N/A

Armed Forces:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9726104&postcount=410




A recent article from the Vienna Royalist

His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty, Francis Joseph announces massive reforms in Austria-Hungary

His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph announced yesterday massive reforms in both Austria and Hungary based on a basic principle including unifying the Monarchies, a move which many criticize as breaking the Ausgleich, the Compromise of 1867, which united Austria and Hungary together while still providing them with separate governments and rights. He promised a ten-year plan which would move to unify the two governments into one single government that represented all of Austria-Hungary, a move that has set the respective governments crying for the ouster of Francis Joseph.

Francis Joseph did not specify all his reforms however, he did say that he would quote “Securing the languages of German and Hungarian as the official languages of the united Austrian-Hungarian Government and Armed Forces while allowing any and all languages to be spoken in daily life throughout this great nation, providing that all Government business be done in these two languages.” He also announced a decrease on the size of the Austrian-Hungarian army, and an abolishing the Austrian Landwehr, and the Hungarian Honvéd, so that “Only one army may protect OUR nation, securing the safety of ALL the people in Austria-Hungary whether they are Magyar, German, Czech or Slav because EVERYONE deserves to be protected.” (Capitializations added)

Francis Joseph also promised massive educational reforms by the government in part to “Teach all Austrian-Hungarians the languages German and Hungarian and providing an education to them that will better their lives and move them and all of Austria-Hungary into the twentieth century.” However, he also stressed that while he wishes to unify Austria-Hungary and all its diverse people, his greatest fear is “A seething mass of people each the same as the last, all having forgotten their distinct heritage and culture.”

He also denied allegations made by the Magyar-controlled Hungarian Parliament that this was a power grab on part of the Austrian government which recently has been pushing for reforms. Likewise his heir and nephew, Franz Ferdinand denied similar allegations on behalf of his uncle, made by the Austrian Parliament about a conspiracy between the Hungarian Parliament and Francis Joseph. Meanwhile, while rumors of Magyar rioting in Hungary continued, for the most part the Austrian-Hungarian people seemed welcome reforms, especially ones that would allow all of its people to have a stake in the government.


OOC Notes on Politics in AH: the Magyar people I keep referencing are an ethnic group in Hungary that control most of the government (in Hungary obviously) but are a minority ethnic group. The Austrian government/people tend to be more reform minded and will still most likely protest a lot as they don’t want to lose their power. The Hungarians (specifically the powerful Magyars) will probably provide the most resistance and put up the biggest fight, possible leading to a revolution or a Hungarian independence movements. As to the rest of AH most groups besides the Austrians/Germans and Hungarians feel disenfranchised anyway so they will no doubt support any reform measures especially these democratic ones.

OOC: very interesting i like!

OOC: unifying and making yourself stronger in the end. Good Strategy.

Confidential To His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty, Franz Josef, by the grace of God Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, and of other kingdoms and lands

May God be with you.
As you are no doubt aware, the democratic French and the Hohenzollerns of Prussia have recently set aside their many years of rivalry to form a Continental Accord. I have heard reports that the Spaniards may be involved, as well. What this display of Western unity means to we Easterners is, I should think, obvious.
Understand, sir, I would like to be wrong. I would like to believe that it is possible that the Concert of Powers in Europe might at last play in an enduring harmony. But I mistrust both the ambitions of the Prussian and the sense of any Frenchman. That being said, I will come to the point.
I believe our dominions to be endangered by this Accord.
I know that we have long had differences, you and I, over the disposition of the Slavic peoples under your Crowns, in Servia and Bosnia-Herzegovina especially. Presently, the Obrenovic king in Beograd favors your cause, though I am given to understand that he is hated for it. In any event, I believe that the time is fast approaching when we may no longer have the luxury of debating the pertinent issues, and so I would like to propose an Imperial Alliance for Mutual Defense between our two Empires, and perhaps others also threatened by events in Western Europe. With regard to the Servian Question, I suggest we convene a summit as soon as possible to resolve this issue permanently, and at your assent I will dispatch a delegation to Wien immediately. They will have my full confidence in matters of negotiation.

With deep respect, I remain,
By the Grace of God, Nikolai II Aleksandrovich, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland, and of other lands

To: Nikolai II Aleksandrovich, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland, and of other lands

From: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph

This new treaty between the western European nations is a great threat to both our nations. Because of this I too believe a treaty between our two great nations is called for and neccessary to protect ourselves from foriegn involvement.

As to the issue Servia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, I am most willing to resolve this minor squable. After all, why should two great nations squable over something as trivial as this?

With God's Blessings,
His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph

ooc: just to let you know, I'm pretty sure Kaiser Wihelm II (Kaiser Bill) and Nikolai II Aleksandrovich were cousins and on good terms throughout the first world war often writing to each other.

To: Nikolai II Aleksandrovich, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland, and of other lands

From: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph

This new treaty between the western European nations is a great threat to both our nations. Because of this I too believe a treaty between our two great nations is called for and neccessary to protect ourselves from foriegn involvement.

As to the issue Servia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, I am most willing to resolve this minor squable. After all, why should two great nations squable over something as trivial as this?

With God's Blessings,
His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph

ooc: just to let you know, I'm pretty sure Kaiser Wihelm II (Kaiser Bill) and Nikolai II Aleksandrovich were cousins and on good terms throughout the first world war often writing to each other.

If only the German player were aware of that historic friendship, things might be different. He hasn't spoken to me since I assumed control of Russia--I think he's miffed that I'm no longer playing Romania. Anyway.
How do you want to handle negotiations? Should we start a Conference RP?

To: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph
From: King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and it's Empire
Lord Salisbury, British Prime Minister

We welcome the Austro-Hungarian reforms as a great step forward in European politics and know that they will help your people immensely. However we also realise that recent developments in Western Europe appear to threaten us all in that the Franco-Germanic alliance allows those nations to support each other in all foreign affairs. We are concerned for the safety of Europe as a whole and hope that you will join with us in a treaty or pact to protect ourselves from this new threat to our sovereignity. Together our great nations will stand for democracy and decency in Europe and will not bow down to this new conspiracy for European domination.

We hope that you will consider this offer.

(OOC: Kaiser Bill is King Edward's nephew, glad we're on good terms!)

If only the German player were aware of that historic friendship, things might be different. He hasn't spoken to me since I assumed control of Russia--I think he's miffed that I'm no longer playing Romania. Anyway.
How do you want to handle negotiations? Should we start a Conference RP?


Eh, we can do it here if you want, or we can start a new thread, whatever's easier.

To: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph
From: King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and it's Empire
Lord Salisbury, British Prime Minister

We welcome the Austro-Hungarian reforms as a great step forward in European politics and know that they will help your people immensely. However we also realise that recent developments in Western Europe appear to threaten us all in that the Franco-Germanic alliance allows those nations to support each other in all foreign affairs. We are concerned for the safety of Europe as a whole and hope that you will join with us in a treaty or pact to protect ourselves from this new threat to our sovereignity. Together our great nations will stand for democracy and decency in Europe and will not bow down to this new conspiracy for European domination.

We hope that you will consider this offer.


To: King Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and it's Empire
Lord Salisbury, British Prime Minister

From: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph

This new treaty between the western European nations is a great threat to both our nations and to our ability rule our own people as we wish. Because of this I too believe a treaty between our two great nations is called for and neccessary to protect ourselves from foriegn involvement. It is my sincerest hope that we may forge a countinuing peace between our to nations.

With God's Blessings,
His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph

ooc: hey LR and VP, are you guys (girls?) interested in maybe a three-way alliance?

OOC: About Hungarian ethnicity, all Magyars are ethnic Hungarians. Hungarians call their country 'Magyarorszag'.

OOC: I'd be interested in making it a four way alliance, as my treaty with Great Britain would snap anyway if France and Germany went to war. Nothing like the fun of snapping up various African Colonies.

IC: Upon hearing rumors of a possible alliance with Russia and Austria-Hungary and Great Britain, President Roca decides to send a letter extoling the virtues of such an alliance.

To: Lord Salisbury
From: President Roca
Re: Rumors of GB/AH/Rus Alliance

Nothing has frightened me more than a combined German/French attack on your nation. Even with our nations combined, I admit ours would be little more than a rattle on the tracks of their train. I beg you, if such an alliance has been offered, to sieze it with out thought. It is the only thing that will allow our nations to remain on equal footing with a slowly unifying continent.

Could I draw your attention to this proposal of an alliance

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=432756

I definitely think that since the interests and even the territorial integrity of Britain, Russia, and Austria-Hungary are jointly threatened by the Franco-German Accord, a triple alliance at the very least is in order.
If the Grand Imperial Alliance (my preferred name for it--I have to play in character) has the potential to turn into something major--by, for instance, incorporating not just Britain, Austria-Hungary, and Russia, but also places like Argentina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Spain, and hopefully at least of one the Middle Eastern Empires--then it would probably be a good idea to start a new thread. Especially since realistically we have to settle the Serbian Question and the Serbians should probably be involved in that. Furthermore, as may be inferred from the foregoing, I have no current objections to enlarging the scope substantially (though I should mention there are several countries on the above list I do not entirely trust).
If nobody else does it, or objects before I've put it up, I'll start a Conference thread this evening (at Lublin, in Russian-controlled Poland), and invite representatives of Britain, Austria-Hungary, Serbia, and (why not?) Argentina. And anyone else who seems like a good idea would be welcome, too.
And, yes, I'm a guy. I don't remember when I last ran into an honest-to-god girl in International Incidents.
Do svidaniya.

OOC:

I'm deffinetly down with the idea of getting the Grand Imperial Alliance going (great name by the way). Especially if it helps the Serbian which in turn will hopefully end some of the internal division in my country.

OOC: Fun, now to watch WWI start. *gets popcorn*

To: Lord Salisbury
From: President Roca
Re: Rumors of GB/AH/Rus Alliance

We thankyou for your interest in this matter and would liek to reassure you taht we are doing everything possible to avoid a war in Europe involving France and Germany and are continuing to improve contacts with other Europeans. Especially now that Spain has turned against us and is a third member of the Western European Alliance. I hope that you would join us for any discussions or conferences that would arise from this matter.


From: Lord Salisbury, British Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and it's Empire
To: His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Francis Joseph, King of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
CC: Nikolai II Aleksandrovich, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland, and of other lands
Indeed, we Britons are worried about matters in Europe at this time, especially now that Spain has joined the Western European Alliance. We would welcome an alliance with Austria-Hungary and Russia at this time and hope for continued peace in Europe, though this seems less and less likely by each year that passes. I hope that you will also involve our friends in Argentina in this alliance as they have shown continued dedication to my nation and would make great partners for the future.


OOC: I'm a guy too. Also i'll miss most of 1903 (SEE MAIN THREAD) so i fwe could try not to go to war before then, and if the conference is held then assume i'll sign anything that'll improve our relationships and military standing including a triple alliance. Also if your looking for a middle east guy, Persia would be the one to contact after the current rebellion.

The Lublin Conference (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9278717#post9278717) is here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9278717#post9278717). I think we can hammer out a Non-Aggression and Collective Security Pact first, then iron the details for things like the Serbian and Persian Questions. I'll be posting this in everybody's threads. I'm inviting
Austria-Hungary
Great Britain
Argentina
Serbia
Persia (rebels)
Macedonia (autonomous government)
and, for good measure,
Sweden (if they're still around)
The other two Principals are, of course, free to invite anybody else they think is reasonable.

Semi-IC:
So, now that its 1902(03?) I thought I might update you on the status of the reforms.

Army Reforms:
Of the seventy thousand men the army was going to be reduced by, almost all but twenty thousand of those have been worked out of the system, making the army about 370,000 fighting men. Obviously this creates a lot of surplus workers so the government has created work programs which include building (quality) railroads, roads, permanent bridges, and various other construction projects. Most of the funding from this has come from the money that once was used to pay equip, and train these men.

Economic Reforms
The government has begun offering steep discounts to those wanting to open industrial plants especially those building farm machinery (creating more food and therefore hopefully happier citizens), though due to the fact it’s only been two or three years, not many have opened, though many are going to be opened soon.

To cover for the steep discounts given to these plants, Austria-Hungary decided to raise tariffs, focusing mostly on pre-made industrial machinery, especially the kind that the A-H government is hoping the new plants inside A-H will start building.

Austria-Hungary also has been attempting to build a stronger banking system within its borders, and has been reforming its banking laws.

Also, widespread working programs have appeared, mostly centered on former soldiers (see army reforms

Educational Reforms
The number of schools has slowly increased, along with the quality. While this reform movement gets funding from both what was part of the military budget (which was cut do to the massive drop in the amount of soldiers being let go) and from the new tariffs, it has seen the slowest progress besides the Political/Ethnic Reforms.

Political / Ethnic Reforms
This is where the least reform has been made by far. While the original plan called for only one single unified government, instead of the two parliaments, one in Hungary and one in Austria, the politicians have shown a surprising ability to hold on to power. However, this has been circumvented to a certain extent in Hungary (which is the least representative when compared to who makes up Hungary versus who runs it) by allowing certain new groups to vote such as those who are only part Magyars instead of requiring them to be completely.

Other than that nothing has really happened on the political / ethnic besides the stripping of some minor responsibilities from the Austrian and Hungarian Parliaments and giving them to the newly created Unified Austro-Hungarian Parliament which is, while elected by all of A-H, limited in power.

With the death of Franz Josef, Emperor Franz Ferdinand has announced massive military reforms. These include:

Navy
The permanent addition of seven cruisers, five destroyers, two battleship and five submarines to the fleet.

Army
Modernize the gear, including a rapid increase in the amount of machine guns, while researching and developing new types of weapons to be used.

Airforce
The establishment of one which include at least ten airships to aid in military operations.

ooc: does anyone have a rough idea how long it would take for me to deploy the extra ships I'm adding to my fleet?

Galveston Bay here.....
ooc
destroyers and submarines take a year in peacetime, each... figure your shipyards can only build about 4-6 at a time. Capital ships, 8000 tons or bigger, take at least 3 years, cruisers 3000 - 8000 tons about 2 years... figure about 4 cruisers and / or battleships under construction at one time as you really only have one shipyard.

The British can build a little faster (1 year in a big hurry, but usually 2 years for most everything, expertise, and lots of shipyards), the Germans and Americans use the above figures, but have lots of shipyards and can build more ships at once than anyone but the British

To:His exellency Emperor Franz Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary
From:His majesty king Carol I of Romania

Greetings from the kingdom of Romania to our neighbors the Austro-Hungarian empire, first, we would like to extend my condolences over the death of emperor Franz Josef may he rest in peace.

I believe that it is time to discuss the future of the area of Transelvania which population is of a Romanian majority.

To: His majesty king Carol I of Romania
From: His exellency Emperor Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary

Thank you very much for your condolences.

Now to the matter of Transylvania. To my recollection, Transylvania is a province of Austria-Hungary. What is there to discuss?

To:His exellency Emperor Franz Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary
From:His majesty king Carol I of Romania

Of course, however we are concerned that the majority of population in the area -which is Romanian- are being considered as a minority and have less voting rights than other groups in the region, while past efforts to Magyarize them have been very disturbing to our people, leading to growing nationalist sentiment in the region.

We are of course willing to negotiate this matter diplomaticly and attempt to find a comprimise suiting all.

To:His majesty king Carol I of Romania
From: His Exellency Emperor Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary

I assure you my dear man that I have every intention of giving full rights to every ethnic group in Austria-Hungary, including the Romanians. However, I do intend to continue the reforms on the fifteen year track established by my uncle, which means some rights will come slower than others to certain opressed ethnic groups.

TOP SECRET

To: His Excellency Emperor Franz Ferdinand
From: King Vittorio Emanuele III

Italy must apologize for strained relations these days (OOC: historical), and we hope to make ammends. The irredented cities in Austria are sought after by Italian nationalists of every color. The fasci, or radicals, have openly declared that they will personaly march to these cities and fight Austria, even if we Italians reprimand them! Still others make claims for Dalmatia and Istria, also in Austria.

So we have a simple solution. There are many newly created states in the Balkans, such as Albania, that are ripe for Austro-Hungarian conquest. In exchange for the irredented lands (OOC: this changes the border with Austria to that of the modern day, minus other thing) we will renew our treaty of Alliance and will recognize any Austrian claims to Albania, should Austria-Hungary expand that way. We will also give Austria-Hungary a naval base on Sardinia and will open up Italian shipyards for use by Austria-Hungary.

Top Secret

This agreement certainly interests the monarchy, and the government has considered this at great length. Finally we have decided to accept your offer. We believe that this offer will benefit both our nations and help end conflict between our people. We do wish to confirm however that the renewing of the treaty will still include a non-aggression pact.

I look forward to renewing the friendship between our two people and hope to work with Italy in the future.

Your friend,
His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand

To:His exellency Emperor Franz Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary
From:His majesty king Carol I of Romania via Prince Gheorghe Cantacuzino, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Rumania

We are pleased that reforms will be undertaken, and understand that these reforms might take a while especially in a nation with so many ehnic groups. however, we ask from you, as a sign of goodwill to us, to promise that romanian culture will be respected in austria-hungary and will be protected from any attempt to incorporate them into another culture. (i.e.: No more effort for magyarisation of the area or any other similar processes)

We hope you understand our request.

To: His majesty king Carol I of Romania
From: His Excellency Emperor Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary

I understand completely, I have no desire to oppress any of the unique cultures in Austria-Hungary.

TOP SECRET

Of course, any great Treaty of alliance should include a non-aggression pact. Our "friends" in Germany don't seem to think that alliance is a good thing, as they have just threatened us if we threaten the Turks. And to think, we signed an alliance with them! If they choose the weak and remote Turks over Italy, it is their loss. Anyways, Italy will sign the Dual Alliance treaty with the terms and non-agression pact.

To peace and friendship,
By the Grace of God and by the will of the Nation King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele III

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v727/Kordo/ahcoatofarms.bmp

The Vienna Royalist

Austro-Hungarian forces annexed the colony of Bosnia-Herzegovina yesterday as part of a plan to bring the “Austro-Hungarian people together in unity.” While no exact word on the amount of troops was given, one source indicated that roughly twenty thousand troops were involved in the occupation.

His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand is said to have ordered that no mosques, the Islamic place of worship, should be damaged nor any Muslims, who make up the majority of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s population should be harmed. He did publicly announce however that the new province would be given the same rights as every other territory, including the right to practice their religion, even though it may not be Christianity. This is in conflict with the calls by many Church leaders to ban the ‘heathen’ religion.

Emperor Franz Ferdinand also denied rumors that this massive movement of troops was in preparation of annexing more territory. He stated that “The amount of troops that are being used is necessary for keeping the peace in the new territories during the transition into full province in Austria-Hungary.

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

Semi-IC:

Reform Update

Political / Ethnic
Most ethnic/cultural/religious groups have the right to vote, though often different groups prevent them from doing so, or threaten them. Women still lack the right to vote and it will probably be this way for a while because of the slightly backward nature of A-H.
The Unified Austro-Hungarian Parliament, renamed just the Austro-Hungarian Parliament has taken over much of the power, though the both the Austrian Parliament and the Hungarian Parliament have some power still.

Educational
Since Franz Ferdinand took over, money set aside for this has doubled along with the amount of schools. So far the biggest hindrance to this is the lack of teachers, specifically the lack of teachers that can speak all the languages that their students do, though the fact that German and Hungarian are now the official languages and are being taught to all students should help the teachers eventually.

Economic Reforms
The banking system has seen the most reforms, mostly towards the goal of promoting a larger and better banking system. Also, as more and more factories are opening, tariffs are falling in attempt to promote A-H’s trade partners to do the same for their goods.
Many of the work programs are stopping as more factories open, however there are still a good number of the programs continuing. (the programs usually center on building roads, railroads, and other public service projects).

Military

Navy: The navy has been expanded by three submarines and two destroyers with many more on the way. The navy also has started construction on several small navel bases and shipyards along the coast in an attempt to speed up production.
Army: The army has been trimmed down to 350,000 men. Most of the money that was being used to train and maintain the Austrian army and the Hungarian army has been mostly used to better equip the remaining soldiers or been pumped into the educational system (smarter soldiers, smarter army).
Air force: Ten rigid airships, based on German designs, have been built for the newly established air force, and it is also been inquiring into the addition of the so-called airplanes that have been supposedly built in America.

Reforms Update:

Military:
2 Cruisers, one destroyer, and one submarine have been added.

Also, 25,000 military reservists, mostly those soldiers discharged after the initial round of downsizing. 10,000 have been sent to Czechslavakia (sp?) while 15,000 have been sent to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

All other reforms continue as scheduled.

Note: The mandatory schooling for those under twelve remains three parts education and one part propaganda mostly revoliving around the idea that they are not Slavs or Germans or Serbian but Austo-Hungarians!

The Vienna Royalist

His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand offered his condolences today to the families of the German ships that was sunk. He called it “the greatest naval tragedy of our times” and urged the Italians to apologize while asking the German army to stand down. He also announced that he would not let German troops into the borders of Austria-Hungary unless they were “assisting Austro-Hungarian forces in the Eastern European War.”

What Kaiser Franz Ferdinand did not address however, was perhaps even more startling. As some of you remember, we reported that shortly before the war with Russia broke out, evidence was emerging of large transfers of money and precious metals, especially in the form of gold and silver had been transferred out to various banks, mainly in the America’s. And that two month we reported that a large convoy had set sail carrying multiple members of the royal family and large amounts of items from the now closed Art Museum of Vienna and the Natural History Museum of Budapest and that they were destined for Nicaragua.

With the return of the fleet; three cruisers, five destroyers and numerous supply and transport ships, we can confirm by way of reports by the crew that Nicaragua was their destination and that an extremely large number of cargo and a large number of passengers were left behind along with two destroyers. There is no exact number of passengers, but the ships’ personnel that were interviewed estimated around two hundred, not including the large amount of military personnel that are said to have been on bored the destroyers that have remained. However, several members of the royal family were sighted on board the fleet including the Kaiser’s family, Premier Ernst von Koerber’s family and Archduke Karl and his wife among several other high-ranking officials and their families. Whether this movement of important families shows a general mistrust in the way the war is going is unsure, however their silence and lack of acknowledgment is.

In related news, the first two American-located Steyr-Mannlicher Arms factories were opened last week in Nicaragua. Both are capable of producing both rifles and artillery. Representatives from both companies said that the factories had been in the works before the war and had no way slowed down production in………

New Government System Introduced!

His Imperial and Apostolic Royal Majesty Franz Ferdinand announced a massive change in the government, introducing a third group into the Monarchy transforming the government from dualism to ‘Trialism’ by introducing the Slavic people to the Monarchy. Kaiser Franz called it “the greatest move towards total freedom for every citizen in Austria-Hungary and key to uniting our people against their enemies.”

But that is perhaps not the most startling announcement our great leader made announced. By far it is the creation of a Federal government made up of ten states, combing some current territories and creating other. The new administrative states are are:
Galicia
Hungary
Transylvania
Austria
Czechoslovakia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
Slovakia
Montenegro
Slovenia

They will all elect twenty members each in an open, general election for the National Parliament which will consist of two hundred and one members in total including the newly created position of Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will take over the day-to-day doings of our great nation over from the Kaiser. He stated that while the Prime Minister would be chosen by the ruling Kaiser and rule until the Kaiser removed him or the Prime Minister resigned or died, the Prime Minister would have to be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the National Parliament. He also reiterated that he would allow northern Galicia, which’s population is mostly made up of poles, to join an independent Poland on its creation if those living in the area to be ceded voted to allow it.


ooc: So basically this is similar to the American government (in fact Franz was inspired by it) though with only a senate (renamed parliament here) instead of a senate and a house of representatives. And that its president is called a PM and is chosen by the Kaiser. Oh and as to regards to the monarchy’s power, he does have more power than say Britain’s or Japan’s king/queen but still has less power than the PM.

EDIT: This post is a work in progress and some details may change without warning. For the time being I would appreciate if you kept IC statements general such as “a great step forward” or “its only an appeasement attempt” Thank You.

ooc: for simplicities sake, I'm going to keep using this thread for my updates. Right now the following post is part of a mini-story RP to show current events in Hungary.

Danube River, Hungary

The cargo ship sat idly at the dock, with only the handful guards left, most of its crew already in Budapest’s many locals that catered to man’s more carnal pleasures. All of this Fredek Tollazat took in with a measure of growing confidence. He and his men had planned this particular mission since rumors of the purchases filtered down to from his sources in the government.

Fredek watched as the guard turned the corner and motioned for his men, dressed in guard uniforms, to cross the now deserted street, the most dangerous part of the raid. Fredek hit the ground behind a cargo container on the dock as rifle shots broke out. Baszik! Fredek muttered to himself as he rose to look over the container. None of his men had rifles which meant….

Fredek spun around to face the ship just as one of the guards charged towards him. “Baszik -a anyák!” Fredek screamed as he fired into the guard. He sprinted towards the boat as his men followed, leaving most of the guards dead or dying. Fredek motioned for his men to secure the ship as he headed towards the cargo hold. Prying open the box with USA stamp, he took out its precious contents: a Browning Automatic Rifle. “Load the cargo on to the wagons and lets get going!” Fredek smiled, now his war began.


The Next Day

Officer Joseph von Ritter was on foot patrol a mile down stream from where the raid took place. when he saw the body wash assure. He motioned for his fellow patrolmen to contact the commander who was at the investigation site up the river. Even as he ran towards the body he could see that the man was most certainly dead; if the water hadn’t killed him, the rifle bullet in the head certainly had. But as he kneeled down to check for identification, Joseph recoiled in fear. A bullet had turn away part of the dead man’s sleeve revealing the skin below. On it was a flag, the arrows cross: the symbol of the Todekommandos, Death’s Commandos.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v727/Kordo/Arrow_cross.png

Fredek was still in shock. Since it was household knowledge that he was the leader of the Freedom Party, he wrongly assumed that the government would not dare do anything against him, not unless they wanted an open rebellion on their hands. Yet here he was, sitting in a dank interrogation room in a prison on the outskirts of Budapest. Once his compatriots freed him, either through legal channels or by force, he promised find the idiots who challenged his power and remove the annoyances.

His thoughts were cut short however, with the entrance of several people all of whom stayed out of the light provided by the single electrical bulb. Whoever they were, Fredek could make out that some were armed.

“Do you gentlemen know who I am?” asked Fredek, his voice taking on the air of someone who was used to getting his way. “I am Fredek Tollazat, head of the Freedom Party and unless you-” The rest of his sentence was cut short as one of the shadows lashed out with their rifle butt, hitting Fredek in the stomach and knocking him to the floor.

“That’s much better better. Fredek, I believe we have some business to take care of. It seems you’ve been a very naughty boy.” announced one of the voices, disgust evident in his voice.

“Mother of God Maximilian! I didn’t know it was you! What the hell is going on? Why am I here?” demanded Fredek, as he began to sit up. One of the guards lashed out with his foot, kicking Fredek in the stomach and knocking him to the floor again.

“Do not speak to the heir of the throne like that, scum!” spat Maximilian, “You will give me the respect I deserve because of who I am and what I have given you. I did not allow you to take control of my father’s kommandoes so you could throw them away in useless raids!”

Fredek managed to sit up fully this time without getting hit. “Throw them away?” Fredek scoffed, “I was securing enough weapons to allow the todekommandos to do what they were created to do! Restore Hungary to its former strength!”

One of the guards raised his rifle butt, but Maximilian stopped him. “I ordered you not to commit the attack for a reason you idiot! They were going to be given to military units loyal to me, but you wanted them for yourself didn’t you?”

“I serve the cause-”

“You serve yourself and nothing else! I maybe young Fredek, but I am not stupid. I control the loyalty of most of the military along with the Steel Helmets and the respect of much of the Freedom Party leadership! Do you not think that I could arrange for the weapons to find there way to my hands? This is a war Sergeant not some fucking quartermaster dispute.” sneered Maximilian, “You think that just because you’re the one with military experience, you should lead the nation? You’re a son of a bitch you know that? And when you die, or rather become martyred, I will take your place.”

Fear flickered on Fredek’s face for a moment before he was able to mask it again. “I have no intention of becoming a martyr Max, so I’m afraid you’re going to have to wait awhile before you ‘take my place.’”

Maximilian motioned at one of the guards who handed him a pistol. Checking the safety, he turned to Fredek. “Well my friend, you know what they say about the best made plans…” Without warning a bullet jumped out and lodged itself rather inconveniently in Fredek’s skull. “…They often go astray.”

Maximilian was still cleaning himself up as he talked to Béla Kun and General Aurél Stromfeld.

“It’s a shame we had to eliminate him,” Stromfeld began, “he was such a useful asset.”

“But a dangerous one.” Rebuffed Kun. “Our goal is to make the government look weak and in-effective, not let the resistance gain enough power to stop our own rebellion.”

“But he was such a brilliant tactician; I wish our movement had more men like him in it. Even if our plan goes according to plan, men with his skills at infiltration are always necessary.”

Maximilian snorted. “I doubt he would have come around. Right now is time for us to strike. Kun has got the support of the people and the army with promises of restoring the nation by conquering lost lands, minus Austria of course, and with promises to help the poor. With the army under the control of General Stromfeld, we should be able to crush all resistance to our Coup’D’Etat.”

ooc: Confused about Maximilian? Basically he is playing both sides off each other to see who comes off on top.

Budapester Zeitung

Budapest- The government announced today the execution of several ‘traitors to the Hungarian people’, all well known conservatives, today in what conservative elements are calling ‘blatant elimination of the opposition’.

In the same statement, the government denied reports that they are secretly rounding up opposition leaders in an attempt to silence all opposition. What cannot be denied however, is that several conservative leaders have gone missing or have died, many under mysterious circumstances. Government spokesmen declined to comment on why several generals and other military commanders have been removed from their position or in the case of former Admiral Miklós Horthy outright executed for supposed treasonous activities. They also declined to comment on why the Hungarian Royal Guard, the section of the Army charged with protecting Empresses Sophie, who fell ill last month, Prince Maximilian and the rest of the Royal Family, has been moved in almost its entirety to Northern Hungary where rumors indicate they are being refitted for combat duty.

One thing is clear however, violence in Hungary is on the rise. Conservative groups such as the Arrows Cross, the suspected militant arm of the Freedom Party, have stepped up their attacks in response to what they call the murder of their founder, Fredek Tollazat, who was found dead after an apparent robbery attempt in Budapest. The Arrows Cross is being blamed for the two car bombings that killed several dozen and injured hundreds during a pro-government Army Fraternity demonstration.

Bela Kun and Maximilian Hapsburg looked at the reports of from General Aurél Stromfeld that had just come in. So far, the purge of military had been kept quiet, only the names top leaders who had been executed had been announced to the public. However, the last two months had seen an increasing of rightist mutiny’s in the military. The forces loyal to the Crown or to the socialist cause still were the majority, but it was becoming an increasing problem. Now, outright revolt was beginning to rock the capital, and other major cities. Only the loyalty of the Crown Guard Divisions and the Parliamentary Guard kept the city in Socialist control.

Acting-Kaiser Maximilian on behalf of the Hungarian Parliament and the Hungarian People hereby announces its support for the Union’s cause and offers the full support of the Hungarian military in any Union military action. However, the Hungarian Military will not initiate a blanket seize the property, possessions or citizens of the LTA or its allies. It does reserve the right to seize them however, if they pose a security risk to Hungary or its allies.

The Hungarian military has been fully mobilized, and the calling of reserve troops and of volunteers has begun.

Meanwhile the Freedom Party, the main right-wing group in Hungary, has called for the overthrow of the current government, even if it means occupation by Union forces. The Arrow’s Cross, (the RL Hungarian Nazi Party equivalent) has stepped up attacks on government personnel including members of Parliament.

ooc: Hungarian forces will not be actually participating in the World War, this is merely a set up for the bloody civil war that will be sweeping my nation soon.

Rebellion Rocks Budapest
With the declaration of war by the Arrows Cross, Hungarian Military units moved into Budapest today to crush the rebellion. However, the Arrows Cross and its allies refused to fight openly and the troops suffered heavily. Particularly damaging was the use of so-called “Budapest Bombs” which where used against the trucks and armored cars of the Royal Guard and the 1st Army Core both of which were participating in the forcible put-down of the rebellion in Budapest.

The Army denied reports however, that the Mobile Corps was participating in brutal fighting in western Hungary near the Romanian border. Reports of entire villages in that area being destroyed are being blamed on the Arrows Cross by the government stating that this kind of behavior is consistent with tactics used by that group in the past.

Rebellion continues to spread over all of Hungary but no side has a clear advantage. Bela Kun however is increasingly becoming more erratic in his behavior and increasingly calls for and orders executions of prisoners and of suspected enemy sympathizers. Acting-Kaiser Maximilian has quietly began making contact with the conservative leadership and rumors of his changing sympathies are increasingly spreading. Consequently, the amount of troops defecting from government/socialist units has increased to their highest levels since the beginning of the conflict. The tide has begun to shift against the socialists, but again neither side has a clear advantage as of yet.

After hearing Hungary's pleas we have decided to send aid in the form of an infantry division which is to be sent as loan to the hungarian government aswell aas some medicl suplies to the populace.

In the interests of stability, democracy, and peace, the Union Supreme Council offers the Hungarian government the use of a Red Army Infantry Corps to help put down this racialist-militarist rebellion.

To: The Union Supreme Council
From: Acting-Kaiser Maximilian

I thank you sirs for your offer of help and heartily accept. I especially find this offer heart warming because in this time of need for your own country, you are still willing to help mine.



To: The Romanian Government
From: Acting-Kaiser Maximilian

Thank you on behalf of all the Hungarian people for your loaning of the division. I know that our two nations have not always gotten along, and I hope this act will finally sho some of the more ignorant people of my nation that you want only peace.

To: The Union Supreme Council
From: Acting-Kaiser Maximilian

I thank you sirs for your offer of help and heartily accept. I especially find this offer heart warming because in this time of need for your own country, you are still willing to help mine.

The Russian people owe the Hungarians something of a debt for the actions of our predecessors in government.

In any event, our forces should arrive shortly. Understand, Sir, that they come to secure your democracy and peace. It is not currently the policy of the Union to force socialism upon any people who might be as yet unready to accept it, if you take my meaning. It is the official position of the Supreme Council, following the Kerensky doctrine, that the peoples of the world will choose Socialism of their accord at the time proper to them, and that until that time they must first and foremost remain free.

- V.M. Chernov, Commissar for International Affairs

OoC: Galveston Bay has asked me to keep an eye on the Hungarian Civil War in a War Moderator capacity. I don't have time (either in RL or NS) to give it the full treatment, of course, but I'll try to keep up on what's going on, and offer whatever advice or suggestions I can. My door's open.

Ooc: I took the liberty of RP’ing the actions of the Russian troops you sent me VP. If I have them doing something completely out of character please tell me and I’ll change it.

The Battle of Budapest

As word reached the Arrow’s Cross of the impending Russian ‘invasion’ as they named it, they quickly began marshalling their forces. Previously almost all the conflicts in the civil war had been that of an insurgency, pitched battles in Budapest and other cities, not conflicts of armies fighting armies. This time however, the Arrows Cross was determined to fight the Socialist forces on the field of battle, to prove to the people that they were a legitimate fighting force and not just traitors and opportunists.

August 4
Two of the three Arrow’s Cross divisions, nearly twenty thousand men, under the command of former Feldmarschalleutnant Paul von Hegedüs had been marshalling near the city of Budapest. As most of the Arrow’s Cross troops where gathering to the west of the city, two Russian brigades and a division of Hungarian troops launched a raid on the city, only to find it almost deserted of defenders. Quickly realizing the opportunity, the Russian commander retook the city in the dead of night, capturing much of the Arrow Cross’s command staff for central Hungary before they could flee.

August 5/6: Midnight
With Russian and Hungarian Socialist troops moving into the area to reinforcing the city, von Hegedüs realized the need to move quickly. Waiting to nightfall, he ordered that boats should be taken from nearby docks and several of should be loaded with explosives and the rest with a battalion worth of troops. Ordering, the rest of his force to move within striking distance of the city he began to wait. As midnight struck, the hodgepodge fleet sets sail (often literally) towards the city’s port facilities, catching the defenders unaware, the explosives devastating the few decrepit ships of the Danube Flotilla and what little defenses the port had.

Mistaking the explosions and subsequent landing of troops for an all out attack, the Russian and Socialist troops quickly flood the area to prevent a beachhead from being formed, leaving much of the rest of the city with only token defenders.

August 6: 2 A.M.
After getting word that the beachhead inside Budapest was near collapse, Hegedüs ordered the bulk of his forces to attack Budapest from their positions west of the city. While they quickly take much of the city, the attack bogs down and brutal house-to-house fighting becomes the norm with it comes mass confusion. While the Arrow’s Cross has the advantage of sheer size, the Russian and Socialists are well aware that reinforcements are coming soon.

August 7
Exhaustion if anything slows the fighting to a near standstill in the city and men crossing lines to trade for food and cigarettes is not uncommon, something that nearly ends the battle itself. However, Socialist reinforcements arrive, mostly in the form of Russian troops, though for the first time since the Great War, Hungarian Airforce fighters and light bombers attack in force, making up for the lack of heavy artillery in the Socialist divisions.

August 10
The last Arrow’s Cross unit, under the personal command of Hegedüs surrenders ending the Battle of Budapest. While the Arrow’s Cross suffered the greatest blow of rebellion, with only a few men managing to escape, it left Budapest devastated and much of the Socialist Hungarian Army disorganized and bloodied.

Casualties:
Arrow’s Cross: 17,000 (5,000 Dead, 12,000 wounded and/or captured)
Russian/Union: 1,000 (300 Dead, 700 wounded)
Hungarian Socialists: 16,000 (4,000 Dead, 12,000 wounded)

ooc: I really have no idea what to put for casualties, though I’m guessing the fact that it was street-to-street or house-to-house fighting for the most part would have created an inordinate amount of casualties. And the fact that many Hungarian units on both sides did not take many prisoners or took reprisals on what prisoners they already had taken also had something to do with it too.

Acting-Kaiser Maximilian looked at the reports and shook his head in disgust. The so-called ‘political officers’ Bela Kun had put in put in various army units had ordered many of the units they were stationed in to execute nearly three Arrow’s Cross prisoners as examples. Bela Kun himself gave the okay and now violence in various Socialist controlled territories was on the rise in a dramatic way. Maximilian picked up the phone. He still had a certain amount of support among the fighting forces of both sides…..

Hungarian Parliament Building (Or what remains of it)
Bela Kun looked up at façade of the once great building, almost all that remained of the building. The conservatives will pay for this he thought How dare they question my authority, calling me a traitor to Hungary!

Someone coughed slightly behind them. Turning, Bela saw that his bodyguards and several armed soldiers stood waiting. “What is it?”

One of the guards coughed nervously. “These men claim they have business with you, they have orders from General Strom to take you to Army Headquarters for a emergency meeting.”

ooc: will finish later....

The situation in France has grown desperate, and all Red Army units must be called upon to defend our comrades to the West.

The legitimate Hungarian Government has won a decisive victory at Budapest, and so the Supreme Council feels our presence is no longer necessary for the maintenance of order in the Apostolic Kingdom of Hungary. However, if the Hungarian parliament deems it necessary, the union is willing to replace the departing infantry with Polish or Ukrainian horsemen.

The situation in France has grown desperate, and all Red Army units must be called upon to defend our comrades to the West.

The legitimate Hungarian Government has won a decisive victory at Budapest, and so the Supreme Council feels our presence is no longer necessary for the maintenance of order in the Apostolic Kingdom of Hungary. However, if the Hungarian parliament deems it necessary, the union is willing to replace the departing infantry with Polish or Ukrainian horsemen.

Many thanks to those brave Red Army soldiers who risked their lives to protect the freedoms of their neighbors. We thank you for your kind offer of replacing those units with those of Poland or Ukraine, but they do not appear to be needed. Indeed, Hungary is even now preparing to expand its army to end the rebellion and to aid its socialist breathren in their cause.

ooc: VP, please check your news thread

Many thanks to those brave Red Army soldiers who risked their lives to protect the freedoms of their neighbors. We thank you for your kind offer of replacing those units with those of Poland or Ukraine, but they do not appear to be needed. Indeed, Hungary is even now preparing to expand its army to end the rebellion and to aid its socialist breathren in their cause.

ooc: VP, please check your news thread
Just saw it after I wrote this. Tell you what, I'll send the 3 Czech points to you. You probably have 1 or 2 of your own (more likely 1 - Hungary's been in pretty bad shape for a long time). Your plan will take 5/turn, but I'll be picking up a couple extra next turn, and I'll send you 1. Deal?

ooc: Sounds good my friend, thank you very much. Expect a Corps or two to be joining you in the fight.

ooc: Sounds good my friend, thank you very much. Expect a Corps or two to be joining you in the fight.

just be sure and post them were I can find them.. nice job on the Civil War, its completely acceptable to the war mod (me)

Given the desperation of the Western Front, the Union can no longer spare the military aid which we have been providing to the Kingdom of Hungary. Our regrets.

- Marshal Shaposhnikov

Restructuring of the Government Complete!
Acting-Kaiser Maximilian announced today that the planned restructuring of the government is finally complete. Among the changes in the government was a reduction of the Hungarian Parliament to 190 members all directly elected by the people (10 to each administrative county) and a reinstatement of voting rights to all citizens over the age of eighteen.

Among the things that where not changed was the role of the Monarch in the government which the Parliament overwhelmingly voted to keep the same (ooc: basically the Monarch has roughly the same power as the average Prime Minister). They also narrowly voted to retain the title Kaiser for the monarch, something that was widely expected to be voted down. These announcements came only a day before Election Day, which is widely being heralded as some of the most free in Hungary’s history.

Premier Bela Kun also announced he would be stepping down today and instead would act as Hungary's delegate to the League of Nations. He called on the Parliment to elect Imry Nagy of the Social Democtats as his replacemen which came as a shock to Kun's party members (Socialist Worker Party) who were counting on retaining the Premiership in order to retain their influence in the Parliment.


Election results:
People’s Coalition
Social Democratic Party (Socialists): 91 Seats
Socialist Workers Party (Communists): 16 Seats
Total Seats: 107
Free People’s Coalition:
Smallholders Party (Moderate): 43 Seats
Hungarian Democratic-Republicans (Moderate): 22 Seats
Total Seats: 65
Independent Parties:
Freedom Party (Extreme Right-wing): 11
Magyar Army (National Socialists): 7

Kaiserine Sophie Dead!

Acting-Kaiser Maximilian and Premier Imry Nagy announced in a joint statement that our great leader Kaiserine Sophie has passed away today. Sophie, who in resent years had remained out of public eye after being crippled by a rumored suicide attempt, was and is almost as famous for her rumored affair with Korean royalty as she for her strong leadership after the Great War and her husbands death. The coronation of Maximilian is to take place sometime next week.

Moved: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=455075