NationStates Jolt Archive

It’s late 1912 or early 1913.

What a difference two years makes!

Kaiser Wilhelm II is dead, murdered by poison in a palace coup. His murderer, the young and ambitious Freiherr Manfred von Richthofen, having covered up his regicide with a coroner’s ruling of “food poisoning”, has shoved aside Wilhelm’s heirs to proclaim himself Führer des Groβartigen Deutschen Riech (“Leader of the Grand German Empire” ). But his grip on Germany isn’t as firm as he would like it to be, as some of the Reich’s more influential aristocrats – including the King of Bavaria - begin to question his right to rule, while he in turn is forced to resort to ever more dangerous appeals to the cesspool that is German nationalism. Yet as long as Wilhelm Hohenzollern, the deposed former Crown Prince of Germany, but now a mere commoner, refuses to declare himself against the new Führer, Germany remains at peace.

In France, Raymond Poincare has survived political turmoil and an assassination attempt to become President of the Third Republic, an office he now seeks to strengthen – to the detriment of his leftist opposition. But he, too, must be careful not to overreach; already, general strikes and a vote of “no confidence” by the left have challenged France’s new imperialism. Worse, failed attempts at the annexation of Switzerland, Belgium, and Portugal have left France politically isolated.

In the Mediterranean, Italy – having acquired Tripolitania and Cyrenacia from Turkey through extortion, now seeks to expand its empire in East Africa at the expense of Abbysinia. Spain and Portugal eye each other suspiciously, but remain concerned about possible French moves in their direction. The Baltic, too, is restless, as Sweden recovers from a civil war following the removal of King Gustav III by the Riksdag. His youngest son, now King Wilhelm I, dreams of becoming another Gustavus Adolphus while undertaking internal reforms and strengthening his army.

Lenin and Trotsky are dead, murdered by Tsar Nicholas II. Lenin’s widow, Krupskaya, now leads the Bolshevik wing of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party – or the RSDLP(b) as its called by insiders - and vows bloody vengeance. But it’s not just the Russian socialist movement that’s in shambles. Everywhere, it seems, Socialists are under scrutiny or facing imprisonment. Von Richthofen’s regime has rounded up and executed many of its leftist leaders, although a few – led by Rosa Luxembourg – have fled to neighbouring states. Sweden has made life uncomfortable for them as well, and even in America new laws allow Socialists to be watched, harassed, and even arrested.

But Nicholas is no safer, even in wake of Socialism’s retreat. To stem support for the RSDLP he has initiated agrarian, educational, and labour reforms. This brought him into conflict with his own aristocracy – an conflict he “resolved” by overturning the 1905 Constitution and dissolving the Duma.

In the Far East, war looms between Japan, now under the ambitious General Fukuoka and the Imperial Regents following the death of the Emperor and the assassination of the Crown Prince – events which have placed the child Hirohito in the throne - and China, suddenly resurgent following reforms by its new Emperor, Guozu Zhuge. At stake is Southeast Asia, where both Asian empires contemplate expansion – at the expense of France and Holland.

America has taken a more aggressive role in the world, annexing Cuba and eyeing new acquisitions in the Pacific Basin.

And in the Balkans, war flares between Turkey, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Roumania. Greece, bribed by territorial concessions from Turkey, bides its time and waits for a chance to grow further. To the north, the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary, having averted a land grab by forcing Turkey to accede to the creation of a new Albanian state – which Hapsburg forces now occupy while it finds its feet, considers how to maintain the delicate balance of power in the region – if such a thing is still possible. As Bulgaria is swallowed (or at least gnawed upon) by its neighbours, Vienna flirts with support for Macedonian nationalists. Yet it must be concerned with separatist rebels within its own borders, especially in the wake of several failed assassination attempts by the Serbian Black Hand organization.

Meanwhile, in the very heart of Europe, a delicate dance unfolds. When an abortive assassination attempt on the railroad platform in Petrograd wounds both the Tsar, the heir to the throne of the Dual Monarchy, and his wife, wheels are set into motion. Von Richthofen wonders if the time is right to begin his Drang nach Osten while the Hapsburgs wonder if Germany can still be trusted, or if this new pan-Germanism in Berlin will eventually lead the der Führer to seek Anschluss with the Germans to his south. Socialists (and aristocrats) plot against the Tsar, German nobility against the Führer, nationalists against der Kaiser und König.

And you are invited to join in!

So what do you need to do? Go to the Age of Imperialism Sign-Up/OOC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=433496&page=1&pp=15) and sign up.

Be aware of the fact that some positions appear to be taken but are not. Independent Hitmen has given up Great Britain, Defuniak has given up control of France, while Yderia has given up Russia. Right now, Narodna Odbrana (Austria-Hungary) is running Great Britain, Boghimia (Roumania) is running France by proxy, while Relative Liberty (Germany) is subbing for Russia. Some of the other players haven't been very active, so you might be able to get their positions.

These nations (or groups) could especially use a player:


The United States of America (now run by Narodna Odbrana [The Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary] as a sub for the Atlantean islands). GET IT WHILE IT'S HOT!!!


Great Britain (now run by Narodna Odbrana as a sub for Independent Hitmen) TAKEN!!!


Imperial Russia (now run by Relative Liberty [Germany] as a sub for Yderia) TAKEN!!!


France (now run by Bogmihia [Roumania] as a sub for Defuniak) GET IT WHILE IT'S HOT!!!


Abyssinia (puppet/minor ally of Bogmihia [France/Roumania] - be warned that Abyssinia has just started a war with Italy; also be aware of the fact that the Abyssinians have a very primitive army [lots of spearmen and muskets, but a fair number of rifles and even some {badly handled} artillery] and no industry [great if you love attacking 5,000 European infantry with 100,000 Ethiopian tribesmen - or if you're a Rastafarian])


Bulgaria/VMRO (formerly run by Lachenburg [Sweden], now run by either Relative Liberty and Narodna Odbrana, as long as they don't disagree - be warned that Bulgaria didn't come away from the Balkan Wars in good shape [so what else is new?]).


Albania (newly created nation; now run by Nardona Odbrana [The Dual Monarchy])


Siam (puppet/minor ally of Warta Endor [Japan]; appointment subject to Warta Endor's approval, as he's worked hard for this)


Mexico (claimed by Thrashia) TAKEN!!!


Chile (never claimed)


Denmark (never claimed)


Portugal (never claimed)


The Second Socialist International (currently “run” by Narodna Odbrana [The Dual Monarchy], if only to keep everyone from murdering all the socialists in ahistorical fashion)


The World Zionist Organization (claimed by Spooty, but contested by US Liberals; we're getting close enough to the Balfour Declaration [should Britain issue one]) that it might matter). TAKEN!!!


The Emir of Najd/House of Saud (formerly played by Skibereen; currently uncontrolled).


The Sharrif of Mecca/House of Hashim (minor ally of the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary [Narodna Odbrana]; never claimed; rivals to the Saudis)


The House of Rashid (minor ally of the Sublime Porte a/k/a Ottoman Empire [The Andromedan]; never claimed; rivals to the Saudis)


Kurdish Nationalists


Filipino Nationalists (the Bolo Wars weren't quite over)


Irish Nationalists (getting to be about that time, too...)
Or any other country/group that isn't claimed yet.

Yes, I know, most of the big names are taken (Germany, Japan, China), but you can still have a lot of fun with one of the lesser lights. And almost all of the Allied Powers are open.

Anyway, sign up!


Find out how your nation or group has been affected by past RP. This is very important! Don't say that you want the Socialists and then publish an article by Lenin - he's dead. So is Trotsky. Krupskaya (Lenin's widow) a/k/a "the Fish", is in charge of the Bolshevists (and she's nobody to be trifled with). Don't choose Russia and talk about the Duma (it's gone) or the aristocrats (they've been shoved aside), ignore Russia's alliance with China, or pretend that the Tsar isn't in the middle of a long and difficult recovery from having caught grenade fragments in his side. Learn your new nation's history - including it's RP'ed history.


Learn everyone else's history, too. I'll try to summarize, but I recommend you read the threads. It's a lot of work, but it's worthwhile.NOTE: We want serious players, people who will at least try to RP decently (you'll get help) and definitely people who don't godmod. Knowledge of history (or at least a willingness to learn), while not essential, is a plus.

See below for thread history Cliff Notes!!!

Hey, we have some great positions open: The U.S. of A., Great Britain, France, and Russia, all c.1912!!!

<Under Construction>

U.S. History Cliff Notes

Changes: Teddy Roosevelt elected to a third term in 1908 (instead of Taft). 1912 race wide open. If Teddy doesn't run, his V.P., the engimatic Aaron Rosen of California, a former Congressman, might (but CA is a small state with few EV's, so Wilson [the Democrat] would have an advantage given that he's from New Jersey ).

Under Teddy, the U.S. has been much more imperialistic.

[B]News Flash! Wilson - a Southern Democrat - has defeated President Roosevelt (who sought a fourth term - a very unpopular decision), to mark the first victory by a Democrat over a Republican in 20 years.


The U.S. annexed Cuba in 1910. It's still a territory.


The U.S. has an informal alliance with the U.K. and with Russia (but not much of an alliance with Russia).


The U.S. has a secret deal with Japan - the Japanese will confine their expansion to the Asian continent. But do you trust 'em?


The U.S. is eyeing expansion in the Pacific Basin, but where?


The U.S. has a naval base in Sweden, in the Danish Straights.


The U.S. has a reputation for anti-Communism.


The Second Empire of Mexico won Mexico's civil war back in the late 1860's. It is now under the rule of Agustin II, the adoptive son of Maximilian I, and has been building a large modern army and navy.

Russia History Cliff Notes

Changes: I see dead people!!!


Rasputin - died in 1913 (slipped[?] and fell on a patch of ice).


Lenin - murdered in 1911.


Trotsky - murdered in 1911. Lenin's widow, N.K. Krupskaya, is the head of the Bolsheviks. She's in exile in Vienna.


Tsar Nicholas III suffered a grenade wound in a failed assassination attempt on the train platform in Petrograd in March, 1912. His health is fragile, but the mind is strong. He has been erratic of late, though. Pressure? Nerves?


The Duma was suspended in 1911 and then reinstated in 1913.


The Tsar has been experimenting with liberal reforms:


Universal suffrage.


Labour rights.


Guarantees of health care and education (how will Russia afford this?!?)


Land reform.


Homestead grants in Siberia and Central Asia (how do the Cossacks and Turcomen feel about this?!?).
The aristocracy is very unhappy with the loss of wealth are privilege, but Nicholas has gained amoung the peasants. He is clearly trying to undermine the Socialists, but is he also playing at class warfare to weaken his aristocratic rivals?


Russia has been trying to modernise its military. Money, money, money.


Russia has an alliance with the U.K., one with the U.S., one with Germany, and one with both Japan and China. Recently, the Hapsburgs warned him that Japan is planning the invasion of China. Nicholas attempted to get the Japanese to bribe him into neutrality.

Russia is also purported to have an alliance with France, entered into in exchange for technical assistance in developing improved field artillery.


Austria and Hungary have offered a secret alliance, but only if Russia stops advancing the Serbian cause. Nicholas doesn't seem willing to bite, but the offer stands. The offer is genuine, because the Hapburgs fear the new government in Berlin (“We are chained to Frankenstein’s monster!” ).

More interestingly, Austria and Hungary believe that Germany is planning an invasion of Russia, but have no proof.

News Flash! France and Germany are on the brink of war! France has asked for Russian assistance, but - thanks to the Bulgarian crisis in the Balkans - the army of Austria and Hungary is already fully mobilsed even before Russia has had a chance to being its own mobilisation. Further, one of Russia's six frontline armies has been deployed to the Black Sea coast, next to Roumania, leaving only five to guard the border against three k.u.k. Armies and two German armies. It will take many weeks before Russian forces can get back into position.

The Dual Monarchy, on the other hand, can have a fourth field army in position within two weeks - giving the Grand Alliance numerical superiority in the Polish theatre.

Hapsburg diplomats are travelling to Petrograd in an attempt to persuade Russia to remain neutral.


On a personal note, Wilhelm II of Germany, Nicholas III's beloved cousin "Willy" was murdered by the man now in charge of Germany, Führer Manfred von Richthofen (kind of a Paleo-Nazi). This is suspected, but not proven. However, the Hapsburgs have been digging and have handed pretty incriminating evidence to the Tsar (enough to make him believe the charges). The Hapsburgs are leery of Germany, but can not afford a rift with Berlin right now. Will Russia go along with the lie as well, or does royal blood run thicker than water?

France History Cliff Notes

Changes: France has been a bad boy. In 1911-12, it threatened Switzerland, Belgium and Holland, and then Portugal with invasion. It was stopped by threats from the rest of Europe each time. It is now politically isolated. Better diplomacy is needed, because without allies France is vulnerable. But there are opportunities.


France recovered Alsace and Lorraine in 1911; it was a German gift in exchange for an alliance with Germany, which France then abandoned. Germany is distrustful of France now.

News Flash! Germany has demanded that France return Alsace and Lorraine, for having reneged on their end of the alliance deal. Germany believes that its honour is at stake, France dismisses this as “aggression”. Both armies are mobilising. War appears inevitable!


France has been building her army and aviation services (she's a pioneer in this field, along with Italy, America, Russia, and Roumania - but she has spent more on aviation than anybody else).


France has been trying to lure Italy from the Grand Alliance. Successful? Who knows. The carrot and stick are French support for or opposition to Italy's designs in Abbysinia (a/k/a Ethiopia).


Consitutional reform has given France a strong (Gaullist-style) President, Raymon Poincaire. But the Socialists are a tough opposition (under Clemenceau).


WARNING: Japan and China both seem to have designs on Indochina.

Germany History Cliff Notes

Changes: Kaiser Wilhelm II is dead!


He was poisoned by Frieherr Manfred von Richthofen (this is suspected but not proven; the Hapsburgs have the most information on the crime, but it’s circumstantial).


Von Richthofen produced a forged will disinheriting the Hohenzollern children and elevating von Richthofen himself to Emperor (there is suspicion that the will was forged, but no one has proven it [the Hapsburgs will soon, but will not go public with the information]).


The Hohenzollerns have quietly left Germany for Vienna (this is a pending RP).


Some German nobles suspect skullduggery, but are too frightened to do anything.


The Reichstag was burned down my Communists, killing most of the membership (it was in session). Lothar von Richthofen (Manfred’s brother) was responsible, but no one knows this.


After the Reichstag fire, all leftists were rounded up. Many of the more famous ones (eg, Rosa Luxembourg) fled to (where else?) Vienna.


Shortly after this fire, von Richthofen abandoned the title of Kaiser und König and proclaimed himself Führer des Großartiges Deutsches Reich (“Leader of the Grand German Empire” ). His brother Lothar abandoned the title of Kronprinz and became Vizeführer.


Von Richtofen has formed an elite cavalry corps called the Waffen-Schutzstaffel (or Waffen-SS). For now, you have to be among Germany’s nobility to be a member.


He has also formed a secret police force called the Abwehr. Under the constant gaze of this organization, Germany has become a dictatorship.


Germany has abandoned its battleship construction program, instead focusing on submarines, aircraft, and armoured cars.


Germany is also spending more money on armaments.


Germany has an alliance with Russia, but some within Germany believe that this is a trick intended to lull Russia to sleep. Germany is a member of the Grand Alliance, and has ties with Japan and Brasil.


Germany returned Alsace and Lorraine to France in exchange for an alliance, but France betrayed Germany by renouncing the alliance within a year. Germany has committed itself to the defence of Belgium against French aggression.

News Flash! Germany has demanded the return of Alsace and Lorraine, because of France's betrayal in reneging on its membership in the Grand Alliance. Both sides have mobilised, and war looms!

U.K. History Cliff Notes

Changes: George V is King (this is not a change, just information). Asquith is the Liberal PM. Chamberlain (Neville's brother - Google him) is the main Conservative MP, but not the only one (they didn't have opposition leaders in the UK until 1921.


UK naval construction accelerated - a few more battleships will be ready a tad sooner. Some experiments with naval aviation due to American alliance.


The U.K. has been eyeing Turkey (and thinking that it might steal Mesopotamia), but Turkey has been a lucky son of a gun.


The U.K/ has ties to the House of Saud, which is about to be attacked by the Turks (with the help of Austria and Hungary - advisers, weapons, etc.).


Three of Queen Victoria's grandkids (the Battenbergs - Princess Beactrice's boys) may have an opportunity to be named to the Bulgarian throne. But this would inject Britain into Balkan politics.

News Flash! The heir to the Bulgarian throne, who was thought dead, has been rescued from behind Bulgarian Communist lines by German Waffen-SS cavalry troopers. No crown for the Battenbergs, it would seem.


The U.K. has an informal alliance with the U.S. and with Russia. The U.K. is not on good terms with France, however. Germany has abandoned its battleship construtcion programme, so that threat is gone.


There's a Grand Alliance in Europe, and the U.K. is not in it:


Germany


Austria and Hungary


Sweden


Holland


Belgium


Luxembourg


Italy


Greece


Spain


Portugal

Offers have been extended to Norway, Denmark, and Switzerland. It's meant to keep the peace of Europe through overwhelming force, but internal stresses may be about to break it up.

Austria-Hungary History Cliff Notes

NOTE: Formally, “Austria-Hungary” is known as the “Dual Monarchy”

Changes: The Dual Monarchy has worked to negotiate a Grand Alliance of continental European powers. Like the old Concert of Europe in 1820, its purpose is to keep the peace and maintain the status quo. It’s falling apart, but still has teeth.


The Dual Monarchy has limited Serbian expansion sharply by creating a “Greater Albania”. It now has a non-aggression pact with Serbia which it seeks to morph into a protectorate.


Roumania and the Dual Monarchy are becoming enemies over Romanian plans for expansion in the Balkans.

News Flash! The Dual Monarchy and Roumania have entered into a 3-year non-aggression pact, renewable in 1915.


The Dual Monarchy is a close ally of Imperial China and has been instrumental in arming the Chinese, constructing shipyards, arms factories, etc.


The Dual Monarchy has approached Russia with offers of a defencive alliance, but these offers have led nowhere.


Germany is still the Hapsburg’s most important ally, but the Dual Monarchy fears German nationalism (memories of 1866, etc.) and finds von Richthofen’s methods distasteful. It has tried to influence the German nobility, who are also concerned about von Richthofen’s policies and methods, but nothing has come of these ties.


Vienna has become a refugees’ haven, as the Austrian secret police do little to bother émigrés. They do watch them carefully, however, and there are rumours that this network of spies has been expanded to the émigré communities in Geneva, Brussels, and even Paris and London. Socialists are a particular target of interest.


The Hapsburgs have taken an anti-Zionist position and, with the permission of the Porte, are training Arab auxiliaries in Palestine and the Hejaz. The Saudis are a known target for these measures, but the Jews in Palestine are also believed to be in Vienna’s crosshairs.


Austrian and Czech arms manufacturers have been very busy, assisting not only China but Spain (shipbuilding), and Italy (engine and aircraft manufacture, as well as small arms)


Franz Ferdinand was wounded in an attack on him, his wife Sophia, and Tsar Nicholas III in Petrograd. News of the attack was kept secret at Russia’s request, with the Archduke’s leg wound passed off as a “broken ankle”.

Roumania History Cliff Notes

Changes: Roumania has seized the Bulgarian provinces of Ruse and Varna, and formally annexed them.


Roumania recently advanced a royal claim to the Bulgarian throne, but this claim was subsequently withdrawn. Some suspicion exists over whether this is the end of Romanian ambitions toward Bulgaria, however.

In its Balkan ambitions, Roumania has met the opposition of Greece and the Dual Monarchy.

News Flash! The Dual Monarchy and Roumania have entered into a 3-year non-aggression pact, renewable in 1915. Greece, on the other hand, has joined the Grand Alliance, making it a formal ally of both the Dual Monarchy and Italy.


The Roumanian army earned some combat experience putting down Bulgaria’s recent Communist revolt. This is reflected in improved army morale and efficiency.


Roumania has emerged as an early leader in aviation technology. Unlike most nations, it has an air service (the Romanian Flying Corps), and is currently working on both metallic aircraft and an early thermojet (the latter first developed by Henry Coanda in 1910).

Greece History Cliff Notes

Changes: Greece has gained control of Crete, the former Osmanli (Ottoman) vilayet (province) of Selanek (Salonika), and the so-called “Vilayet of the Islands” (Rhodes and the Dodecanese).


Greece has joined the Grand Alliance (see above) and also has an alliance of convenience with Bulgaria.


King George I of Greece is still alive - he was not shot by an assassin upon his arrival in the newly-liberated city of Thessaloniki (although that may be to come: he hasn't been there yet).

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I must say one thing Norodna, you got a wide variety of BUMP's!

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A small update about Russia: they also have an alliance with France (Blackledge, the last player, is to 'blame' for that).

A small update about Russia: they also have an alliance with France (Blackledge, the last player, is to 'blame' for that).We’ll see how long that lasts.

Your Cliff Notes are pending (for very obvious reasons...). ;)

Shall I make mine and PM it to you, Narodna?

Why would I invade America? :rolleyes:

Still looking for an American, French, and a Russian player!

what about my Cliff Notes?...ok so i don't do much other than with my Navy and Aircraft, but that will change someday

what about my Cliff Notes?...ok so i don't do much other than with my Navy and Aircraft, but that will change somedaySoon, amigo. I'm focussing on the nations with the biggest changes, for the sake of new players who come in, so that they won't think that this is just like (the historical) 1914.

Again, we've got Russia, we've got France, we've got ladies’...

<slap>

O.K., I got carried away. But usually Russia and America are two of the most popular RP choices in any historical game, and France in 1912-1913 ain't shabby. So come on!!!

But under my plan...

Brutus, untie me ... please?!?!

Bring us more players!

Been updated most properly! ;)

Bust up my party?

Blanche's uncle might peek!

Tag for reference.
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You may be able to conquer the world from humble beginnings. Imagine Colombia taking over the world? Or the formation of United States of the Two Americas, in which the USA comprises the entirety of North and South America? Or what about a Britain that annexes the entirety of West Europe? Or what about a Russia in control of the entire Eurasian and Africa continents?

These are possible in this RP thread- but you will have to fight other nations, diplomatic manuever, economical warfare, and a plethora of other ways to achieve your dreams and goals!

Join up today!

Bertha, unhand my parka!

Browning under my pillow. :eek:

Brush up my place...

How many of those do you got?

Like I said, I got more bumps than a mile of bad road. ;)

Brush up my place...

Brothers! Unite my people!

Busy undermining proverbs?

Baptizing unholy midgets? Pathetic!

Big Uncle Marv's Place?