NationStates Jolt Archive

The Kingdom of Norway
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http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/Norway_coa.png

Political Organization
Country Name:
Official Title: The Kingdom of Norway
Conventional: Norway
Anthem: Ja, vi elsker dette landet

Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Seat of Government: Oslo
Constitution 1814 Eidsvoll Constitution
Legislature: Stortinget

Head of State: Haakon VII, King of Norway
Head of Government: Gunnar Knudsen [Liberal Party]

National Flag:
http://p.vtourist.com/1963107-Norwegian_Flag-Oslo.gif

Basic Facts
Population: 2.3 million
Tech level: 4
Production centers: 1
Resources: 5 (Stavanger 5)
Food production: 7
Commerce: 2 shipping unit

Armed Forces
[u]Royal Norwegian Navy
Tech level 4.5
Coast defense BB1: Norge, Eidsvold
CP: Tordenskjold, Harald Haarfagre, Gefjun, Forseti, Eir, Heimdal
1 torpedo boat flotilla
Naval base: Oslo (repair work at either British or German ports)

Norwegian Army (conscript force)
2 coast defense fortress unit (Oslo and Narvik)
3 reserve light infantry brigades

Major Cities and Forces
Oslo: 1 Coastal Defense Fortress Unit, 1 Reserve Light Infantry Brigade, Norge, Gefjun, Forseti
Bergen: 1 Reserve Light Infantry Brigade, Tordenskjold, Heimdal
Stavanger: 1 Reserve Light Infantry Brigade, Torpedo boat flotilla, Eidsvoll
Narvik: 1 Coastal Defense Fortress Unit, Harald Haarfagre, Eir

1906 builds:
Budget 7.5
Military maintenance: 1.75
level 2 social spending: .5
production center construction (year 1 of 5): 5
Coastal defense fortress unit (Narvik) (year 1 of 8): .25 points

1907 builds
Budget 7.5
Military maintenance: 1.75
Level 2 social spending: .5
Production center construction (year 2 of 5): 5
Coastal defense fortress unit (Narvik) (Year 2 of 8): .25 points

1908 builds:
7.5 income plus 6 loan(USA)
Military maintenance: 1.75
Level 2 social spending: .5
Production center construction (year 3 of 5): 5
Coastal defense fortress unit (Narvik) (Year 3 of 8): .25 points
Shipping Unit: 3
Cruise Ship Line (Year 1 of 2): 3

Kingdom of Norway's 1909 Budget
Population: 2.3 million
Tech level: 3

Income: 11.5
Production centers: 0
Resources: 6 (Stavanger 6)
Food production: 7
Commerce: 2 shipping unit
Loan from USA: 3

Command Economy: 2% Growth per year
(1909: .64)

Expenditures
Military maintenance: 1.75
Level 2 social spending: .5
Production center construction (year 4 of 5): 5
Coastal defense fortress unit (Narvik) (Year 4 of 4): 1.25 points
Cruise Ship Line (Year 2 of 2): 3
Purchase of 4 CP from Denamrk (0 of 3 points): 0
Repayment of Loan from USA (0 of 11.5 Points): 0

With yet another detiorating situation in the Balkans, the Norwegian government began to realize that the augmentation of defenses of Norway might be advised, as current events seem to have shown Norway that the Great Powers of Europe enjoy meddling in the affairs of smaller nations not able to defned themselves. And, as Germany approached looking to sell off Protected Cruisers, an opportunity was found to both increase defenses, raise diplomatic ties with a European power, and secure a way to protect Norway's burgeoning merchant fleets.

With the urging of both PM Knudsen and key officials in his cabinet, the Stortinget easily passes the legislation required to approve purchase of four CPs from Germany, which are to be re-named the [/i]Gefjun, Forseti, Eir,[/i] and Kejserin Augusta.

Message from the President

We applaud your efforts to bring peace to our region, my nation in particular. We greatfully appreciate nations that seek peace, such as yourself, and hope to establish relations further into the future.

King Frederick VIII of Denamark arrives in Norway to speak with King Haakon the VII of Norway and PM Knudsen before starting to participate in the Oslo Conference.

(OOC: Talk via TG or in this thread?, If in this thread you can do the appropriate greetings, I've also already started participating in Oslo Conference as well.)

A letter from over the Baltic Sea from Denmark to Norway between the two kings. An excerpt from the letter follows

"It has come to our attention that in the upcoming year the Government of Norway are seeking to purchase 4 protected Cruisers from Germany. However the Kingdom of Denmark seeking to upgrade it's military. As such within 2 years we will have 4 Protected cruisers in excess. as such we offer the purchase of said naval ships at a discounted rate (OOC: 3 pts)"

OOC: Also noted that unless you have a production centre there is no growth. Though as a command economy you can build one yourself or engage in foreign aid and ask someone to help you.

[OOC- Oh, snap! Cheaper stuff!]

Upon receiving word from the Danes that they will be offering what amounts to the exact same ships for a lesser price (albeit in the future a bit more), the Norwegian government, ever-concious of funds, performs a complete 360 on the matter, informing Germany that they will not be purchasing the CPs and will instead be purchasing from Denamark.

King Haakon VII replies the moment the Storting passes legislation to void the first bill of sale and accept the second, expressing Norway's thanks for the offer and her acceptance of said offer. He promises full payment in at least two years from the date of delivery.

[OOC- As for the growth, it's anyone I'm pretty sure. Everyone gets growth, as non-command economies without factories would never be able to get them. I think it's just under the factory section because that's where it makes the most sense. However, if I am wrong, feel free to tell me about it. :)]

A letter is sent back Informing the Norwegian Government expected delivery date is in early 1911. The letter also notes that a lump sum would be preferable but paying off the item is also acceptable.

On June 21st 1910, President Roosevelt and the Great White Fleet arrive in Oslo on the final leg of their European Tour. The Americans make a great show of themselves in Norway and the sailors spend a considerable deal of time ashore.

The President spends a few days in meetings with Norwegian officials, greeting citizens, giving speeches saluting the new friendship between the two nations, and touring the countryside before he and the US fleet depart for the US naval base at Reykjavik and home.

OOC: fluid time of course means that we can resolve any discussions here while if we run out of time before I disappear for the weekend. I believe you mentioned something about a base...

President Roosevelt and his entourage were greeted by a lined avenue inside Oslo, filled with citizens waving American flags (obtained God only knows how) with an equal intermingling of Norwegian flags. Roosevelt is greeted by the goverment on the steps of the Stortinget, with public and government opinion massively in favor of him and the cheers odf the crowd and speeches of politicans showing such.

Norwegian naval officers and men, after having grumbled good-naturedly about the size (They're so big!) and the technological wonders (They're so shiny!) that were the Great White fleet, had quickly mingled with their counterparts and groups of men were going off on approved sight-seeing tours of their own. After hours, of course, the Americans will be going on other sight-seeing trips and a goodly number of children will be born about nine months after the fleet leaves.

After the requisite sight-seeing tours and the fancy greetings of state, King Haakon VII accompanies Roosevelt on a hiking trip along the Oslo fjord, the two men's similar personalities already meshing together (down to even first names being used!). By this point in time, the Norwegian press had worked itself into a veritable frenzy- first the peace conference that saved the Balkans (as the papers had spun it) and now the President of one of the most influential nations on the planet were in Norway! The press, nowhere near as rabid as most any other nation in the world, nonetheless attempts to dog the footsteps of the group and is finally turned away as an entity when Haakon allows a few photographers along to take pictures for all of Norway's news outlets(with close supervision of the Royal Guard).

Upon reaching one of the vistas on the mountain range, Haakon swept his arm out, encompassing the majesty of the fjord and surrounding countryside.
"Theodore, this expanse is one that was gained by a revolution as important to us as your own American one, though with perhaps less of the bloodshed. Norway is, in Europe, a bit of an aberration- I am, after all, the first elected King in the world. And it seems to me that America and Norway have much in common- the views of our peoples, our systems of government and belief in suffrage, and our outlooks on life.

"I believe that this nation can and should stand by a nation with more in common than some of the petty nations within Europe, that squabble over chunks of land in the Balkans and whine like little children over territorial rights and concessions. The view that you see, this fjord, appears the same as the view from Bergen and the view from Stavanger- with one important exception. Those two areas haven't the ports that we have here in Oslo. I think that you can help us with that.

"In addition to what I hope will be a lasting relationship between our nations, in trade and in diplomacy and travel, I think that American capital being let into this country to form ports of merit in some other large cities within Norway would be of benefit to both our nations- we gain improved ports, you gain a guaranteed naval base in Norway should your overseas fleets ever require it. I may be related to most of Europe's leaders but that doesn't mean I trust them and I expect you don't either."

With a smile accompanying that remark, Haakon turned once more to the view. The sight of a Norwegian vessel steaming across the fjord with an american squadron behind it came into view. "I don't trust them one bit. America, on the other hand..."

[OOC- As for the growth, it's anyone I'm pretty sure. Everyone gets growth, as non-command economies without factories would never be able to get them. I think it's just under the factory section because that's where it makes the most sense. However, if I am wrong, feel free to tell me about it. :)]

Actually, no factories=no growth no matter what, though it is my understanding that countries without even one production center may build their first production center themselves.

4 Tech level 4 Protected cruisers the Heimdal, Gejser, Hekla, Valkyrien. Under went a decommisioning ceremony late december as the Light Cruisers from the US had arrived.

The 4 ships being escorted by 2 light cruisers arrived in norway and the King of Denmark had arrived along with the ships to officially hand the ships over from the Danish hands over to Norwegian hands.

Frederick VIII stayed a few more days spending time with his son, the King of Norway before returning back to Denmark a few days later being just in time for christmas.

After a pleasant stay with his father, King Haakon VII has the four new ships christened on Christmas day, as "a gift to the people of Norway." The ships, re-named the Gefjun, Forseti, Eir, and Heimdal, are sent on a goodwill tour of Norway's ports, with the trip's end expected about one month after the ships first set out, at which time they will be sent to their permanent positions in defense of major Norwegian ports.

The Republic of China quietly requests the services of the Norweigian Crown to mediate an end to the present conflict between the Republic and the Kingdom of Italy.

[SNIP] ::Insert amazing post that I can not hope to rival here::

Roosevelt nodded as he took a deep breath of the crisp Norwegian air.

"I believe I recall somebody once referring to the nations of Europe as a den of thieves, or something to that like. Still, it is a center of culture and power that the world can not hope to ignore. I can only hope that my visit here has at least made it apparent that the United States can and has joined the club of Great Powers."

The President turned to the king as he gestured with one hand out over the fjord toward the American ships now in full view.

"It is always a fine thing to find friends in this world, and even finer when that friendship is so easy to find. Our two nations have much in common, and I expect it would be an easy thing to convince Congress of the need for a naval base to be built in Bergen. The US will front the capital for its construction and the training of native workers if Norway will maintain the site and allow us basing rights."

Here Teddy thrust out his hand for a firm shake with the Norwegian King. The photo makes headlines on both sides of the Atlantic. " I hope there would never be a case where our vessels needed to arrive here in a time of war, but it is these sorts of precautions that can bring two great peoples together."

OOC: sorry about the delay in reply--i had to go out of town before I could come up with a half-way worthy reply. 6 points to Norway to build a naval base in Bergen in 1911.

A personal letter is sent to King Haakon VII from his brother. It informs the Norwegian king that their father King Frederick VIII of Denmark has died and a state funeral will be held soon.

It is signed King Christian X of Denmark.

Siam asks for a loan of 8 points in 1913, to be paid back at 30% interest by 1920 or two years after the end of the war, whichever comes first.

OOC: Discussed over chatzy

Kingdom of Norway's Prospective 1913 Budget
Population: 2.3 million
Tech level: 4

Income: 26.5
Production centers: 2 (Stavanger 2)
Resources: 4 (Stavanger 4)
Food production: 9 (2 points instead of 1)
Commerce: 6 shipping unit (x2)
Cruise Ship Line: .5


Market Economy (Normal): Growth 3%
Growth: .59
Total Growth: .31

Expenditures
Military maintenance: 3.15
Level 3 social spending: .7
Repayment of Loan from USA (5 of 11.5 Points): 5.5
Aid to International Red Cross: 2.65
Infrastructure improvements (Year 1 of 3): .5
War Loans: 8 (To Germany and Siam)
Payment to Russia: 4
Resource exploration (Svalbard and other areas that would probably have resources): 2

Political Situation, Late 1912-Early 1913
As the year turns, the fighting in the world has done much devestation to mainland Europe but helped the economy of Norway greatly. Despite recent anger at Russia, the treaty giving Finland its freedom has done much to dissipate most such sentiment and public approval of Russia rises from the extreme lows it once enjoyed, pulling up a bit though still not getting near the support for Germany, damaged though it may be with recent allegations of its allies committing genocide, with the unrestricted submarine war a major factor in keeping the common man's opinion a bit less than happy with Russia. Reserves are called up to go to Finland and the public supports the action, generally wholeheartedly.

Sensing tides finally turning against their conservative opponents, the liberals in the Stortinget push hard for the removal of the last barreirs to women gaining full suffrage, banking on the support these women will give to the liberals. After some debate, the proposal squeaks by and is enacted into law right before the elections for 1913. In those elections, the liberals are stunned when women vote in droves for the conservatives, lured by the fear that the liberals have hurt the ability of Norway to defend itself from the numerous dangers seen in the Great War. A number of smaller parties make gains, as voter dissatisfaction with some leading politicians becomes evident.

Neither major party is headed for a majority when, stunning the nation, the moderates of both parties bolt and form a new governing coalition. With this stunning turn, the conservatives inherit Defense, State, Finance, and Foreign Affairs while the liberals get the rest of the cabinet and the Prime Minister's seat. The new coalition quickly reiterates Norwegian commitment to all actions it had previously taken, while encouraging further loans to belligerents of either side in the conflict. The banking industry quietly contacts the nations first in line, Siam and Germany, and informs them that the loans they had requested would easily go through with all terms attached that had been agreed upon.

In a surprising move, perhaps emboldened by recent diplomatic successes, the government then announces the full incorporation of the islands of Svalbard into Norway. An expedition is quickly sent to ascertain the true depth of mineral resources and their viability. Althoguh rumblings are heard from the liberals not in the coalition, the government makes it clear that they are certain in the validity of Norway's claim.

But the biggest surprise is the announcement that Norway and Great Britain have signed an agreement in England giving the same guarantees to Finland that are already given to Belgium- in the Treaty of Oxford, Great Britain agrees to protect Finland's sovreignty by all means, much as they do with Belgium. Representatives from Norway, who present the treaty to the SRC to ratify as well, are "indebted to the United Kingdom- their tireless efforts to assure the self-rule and sanctity of nations the world over is to be commended."

Flu Casualty Figures
Civilian Population
Ill: 223,900
Dead: 22,390

Military Population
Ill: 12,200
Dead: 1,830

Total Norwegian Figures
Ill: 236,100
Dead: 24,220