NationStates Jolt Archive

United States of America: 1919

Tech Level: 5

Population: 105 million

Production centers: 105
--New York City 10; Boston 5; Philadelphia 5; Chicago 6; Pittsburgh 5; Detroit 5; Kansas City 3; Houston 3; New Orleans 3; Milwaukee 4; Cleveland 3; Cincinnati 3; Denver 3; San Francisco 4; Los Angeles 5; San Diego 2; Memphis 3; Seattle 4; Dallas 3; St. Louis 4; St Paul 2; Sacramento 3; Charleston 2; Minneapolis 2; Mobile 1; Atlanta 1; Oklahoma City 1; Baltimore 3; Omaha 1; Portland 2; Santa Fe 1; Salt Lake City 1, San Juan 1, San Antonio 1

Resources: 61
--St. Louis 3; Sacramento 5; Seattle 5; Anchorage 6; Dallas 9; Memphis 8; Denver 3; St Paul 5; Minneapolis 5; Honolulu 6, Panama Canal 6

Oil: 33
--Houston 5; Shreveport 2; Philadelphia 1; Bakersfield 2; Helena 1; Los Angeles 5; New Orleans 5; Odessa / Midland 5; Oklahoma City 5; Dallas 1; Bakersfield 1; (Venezuela 3)

Coal: 23
--West Virginia 8; Pittsburgh 7; Montana 3; Wyoming 3; Minneapolis/St. Paul 2

Food Production: 212

Commerce: 70 (30 are tankers) shipping units; 12 Ocean Liner units

Colonial Empire:
Panama: Resources 3, Production Centers 3, food production 1, population .4 million,
Puerto Rico: (included in US totals), 1 Production Center
Philippines: Resources 2 (Mindanao), Production Centers 4, food production 16, population 7.9 million
US Oceania and Polynesia food production sufficient to feed its population of under 50,000

current President: Charles Evans Hughes, Republican (1st term)

The US finds itself occupying significant portions of Central America and the Caribbean but has just successfully ended the Mexican Civil War and after 3 years of US involvement and intervention there.

US 1919 budget
Austerity budget
105 production + 61 resources + 12.5 oil + 15 coal + 2 tourism + 21.4 food + 14 shipping + 1.2 passenger liners + 5 colonial + 4 Filipino Production + Filipino food exports 1 = 240.1 points

US corruption penalty 1%

Total US budget 237 points

all debt repayments and military sales income used to lower US national debt (no game effect except improves overall stability of US economy)

military maintenance – 109.65 points
Level 2 social services for US and US territories – 23.02 points
Intelligence service – 5 points
Total maintenance --- 137.67 points

Available for builds – 99 points

Military builds
Convert BC Bunker Hill to CV Bunker Hill 3 points
11 shipping units – 33 points

Civil engineering projects
Alaskan Railroad (running parallel to Alcan Highway) 20 points (year 2 of 5)
Intercoastal Waterway (Maine to Texas) 10 points (year 1 of 20)
PanAmerican highway (San Antonio, Texas to Santiago, Chile) 10 points (year 1 of 10)

Other spending
Washington Naval treaty purchases to France – 11 points
Washington Naval treatry purchases to Italy - 14 points

US Growth 1919
Budget 240 + unaccounted production 315 = 555 - corruption penalty 1% 6 points = 549 x 4% growth modifier = 21.96 (plus extra .04 from last year) gives 22.

Population growth US 1919 is 2 million (mostly from immigration and natural increase), so 2 production centers to be added 1919 (1 each to Philadelphia and New York City)

20 remaining / 4 = 5 for overseas export
US continues to invest heavily in Caribbean and Central America, so one each Mexico (Mexico City), Panama, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba as investors want to see how things go in Siam and Indochina before investing further there.

US Navy and Coast Guard and Merchant Marine 1919

16 battleships (8 points)
(14 inch guns) (game rating: 4-5-3-5) New Mexico, Mississippi, Idaho, Tennessee,
(16 inch guns)(game rating 5-5-3-5)
Colorado, Maryland, Washington, West Virginia, South Dakota,
(16 inch guns)(game rating 6-6-4-5) Montana, North Carolina, Indiana, Massachusetts, (41,000 ton warships)
16 inch guns)(game rating 4-3-6-5) Saratoga, Lexington, Bunker Hill, Yorktown
old battleships (1 point)
(14 inch guns) (game rating 4-4-3-5) Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Arizona

20 Heavy cruisers (2 points)
(8 inch guns)(game rating 1-1-7-5) Rochester, Brooklyn, Pittsburgh, Huntington, San Diego, Pueblo, Frederick, Huron, Memphis, Seattle, Charlotte, Missoula, Chicago, Olympia, Columbia, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Charleston, Pensacola, Salt Lake City,
25 Light cruisers (2.5 points)
(6 inch guns)(game rating 1-0-7-5)
Omaha, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Raleigh, Detroit, Richmond, Birmingham, Salem, Concord, Trenton, Marblehead, Cleveland, Albany, Philadelphia, Savannah, Nashville, Phoenix, Boise, Honolulu, Helena, Scanton, Atlanta, Juneau, San Juan, San Pedro

Plus
2 transport units
15 destroyer flotillas
8 US Coast Guard escort flotillas
1 Gunboat flotilla
5 long range submarine flotillas
CVLT (seaplane tender) Wright
CVT (seaplane carriers) Langley, Curtis
CV (fleet carriers) Ranger, Hornet, Wasp, Constitution, Constellation, Bon Homme Richard, (0-1-6-5, air rating 3)
(16.15 points)

Naval Yards: (9 points)
Philadelphia, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Mare Island (San Fransisco), Bremerton (Seattle), Charleston, Pearl Harbor, Cavite (Philippines), Papeete (Tahiti)
Naval Bases: (6.5 points)
Boston, Brooklyn, Key West, Pensacola, New Orleans, Guantanamo Bay, Roosevelt Roads (Puerto Rico), Colon (Panama), Panama City (Panama), San Diego, San Pedro (Los Angeles), Reykevik (Iceland), Pago Pago (American Samoa), Dutch Harbor (Aleutian Islands)

US Navy Reserve (6 points)
10 light transport units (.5 points)

placed in reserve (mothballs)
5 dreadnoughts (12 inch guns)North Dakota, Florida, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas, 14 minesweeper flotillas,

US Merchant Marine
12 Ocean Liner units
70 merchant shipping units (30 tankers, remainder bulk shipping)

Deployment US Navy 1919
Atlantic Fleet
Naval Yards: Philadelphia, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Charleston,
Naval Bases: Boston, Brooklyn, Reykevik (Iceland), Key West, New Orleans, Pensacola, Guantanamo Bay, Roosevelt Roads (Puerto Rico), Colon (Panama),

2nd Fleet: (Brooklyn) BB Montana, North Carolina, Indiana, Massachusetts, 1 destroyer flotilla,
6th Fleet (Charleston): CL Birmingham, 1 transport group, 1 destroy flotilla, CVLT Wright, 1 gunboat flotilla
10th Fleet (Norfolk) CV Hornet, Bon Homme Richard, Ranger, Wasp, BC Lexington, Saratoga, CA Charlotte, Missoula, Chicago, Olympia, Rochester, Brooklyn, St. Louis, Charleston, Pensacola, Salt Lake City, Columbia, Minneapolis,CL Cincinnati, Raleigh, Trenton, Marblehead, CL Omaha, Milwaukee, Detroit, Richmond 4 destroyer flotillas
ComSubLant: (Boston): 2 long range submarine flotillas
Eastern Sea Frontier (Norfolk). 2 USCG escort flotillas
Caribbean Sea Frontier (Key West) 1 USCG escort flotilla
Gulf of Mexico Sea Frontier (New Orleans) 1 USCG escort flotilla
US Navy Reserve: 6 light transport units (1 each Boston, Brooklyn, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Portsmouth, Charleston)

Elements of 10th Fleet operate out of Reykevik, Key West, Pensacola as well
Caribbean area is used as training area for Atlantic Fleet

Asiatic Fleet
Naval Yard: Cavite (Manila)
Naval Base: none
ComSubPac (forward) 1 long range submarine flotilla
7th Fleet: BB Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Arizona, CL Salem, Concord, 2 destroyer flotillas, 1 USCG escort flotilla,

Pacific Fleet
Naval Yards: Mare Island (San Fransisco), Bremerton (Seattle), Pearl Harbor, Papeete (Tahiti)
Naval Bases: Panama City (Panama), San Diego, San Pedro (Los Angeles),Pago Pago (American Samoa), Dutch Harbor (Aleutian Islands)
3rd Fleet (San Pedro) Battle Force
BB New Mexico, Mississippi, Idaho, Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, Washington, West Virginia, South Dakota, CL Cleveland, Albany, 2 destroyer flotillas,
1st Fleet (Mare Island)
CV Constitution, Constellation, BC Yorktown, CA Pittsburgh, Huntington, San Diego, Pueblo, CL Savannah, Nashville, Phoenix, Boise, 2 destroyer flotillas
5th Fleet (San Diego)
CL Juneau, San Juan, San Pedro, 1 transport group, 1 destroyer flotilla
ComSubPac (Pearl Harbor) 2 long range submarine flotillas
7th Fleet (Papeete)
CVT Curtis, CA Memphis, Seattle, CL Philadelphia, Atlanta, 1 destroyer flotilla
9th Fleet (Bremerton)
CVT Langley, CA Frederick, Huron, CL Scranton, Honolulu, 1 destroyer flotilla
Western Sea Frontier: (San Francisco) 1 USCG escort flotilla
Alaskan Sea Frontier (Dutch Harbor) 1 USCG escort flotilla
Polynesian Sea Frontier (Pago Pago) 1 USCG escort flotilla
US Naval Reserve Pacific: 4 light transport groups (San Diego, San Pedro, San Francisco, Bremerton)

Refitting (Newport News) CV Bunker Hill

1920 plans: bring 10 minesweeper flotillas to USNR, 4 minesweeping flotillas to active duty, convert CVT Langley and Curtis to CVL

long range plans: replace all tech level 5 cruisers with tech level 5.5 cruisers as they become available, as well as all tech level 5 destroyers and tech level 5 submarines with tech level 5.5 ships. Replace Curtis, Langley and Wright with refitted Saratoga, Yorktown and Lexington in 1930

US Army, National Guard and Marine Corps 1919
US Army (Regulars) 268,000 men (20 points)
2 cavalry divisions (1st and 2nd), 8 garrison units (1st – 6th infantry divisions, Hawaiian division, Philippine division), 8 coast defense brigades, 5 light infantry brigades, 4 motorized infantry brigades, 1 armored brigade

deployment:
Manila: 2 coast defense brigades, Philippine Division (1 garrison unit 50% Filipino),1 fighter unit, 1 light bomber unit, 31st Infantry regiment (1 light infantry brigade)
Hawaii: 2 coast defense brigades, Hawaiian Division (1 garrison unit), 1 fighter unit, 1 light bomber unit
Tahiti: 24th Infantry Regiment (1 light infantry brigade, all Black)
Anchorage: 27th Infantry Regiment (1 light infantry brigade)
Panama: 2 coast defense brigades, 25th Infantry Regiment (1 light infantry brigade, all Black) 1 fighter unit, 1 light bomber unit
Iceland: 3rd Infantry Regiment (1 light infantry brigade)
Norfolk: 1 coast artillery brigade, 1 fighter unit,
San Francisco: 1 coast artillery brigade
Fort Lewis (Seattle) 5th Infantry Division (1 garrison unit)
Fort Carson (Denver) 6th Infantry Division (1 garrison unit)
Fort Huachucua (Tucson) 3rd Cavalry Regiment (motorized infantry brigade)
Fort Polk (New Orleans) 11th Cavalry Regiment (motorized infantry brigade)
Fort Bliss (El Paso) 2nd Cavalry Division
Fort Riley (Kansas) 1st Cavalry Division
Fort Dix (Philadelphia) 2nd Infantry Division (1 garrison unit)
Fort Drum (Buffalo) 1st Infantry Division (1 garrison unit)
Fort Ord (Monterrey, CA) 4th Infantry Division (1 garrison unit)
Fort Benning (Georgia) 2nd Cavalry Regiment (motorized infantry brigade)
Fort Knox (Kentucky) 4th Armored brigade
Fort Stewart (Savannah) 197th motorized infantry brigade (motorized infantry brigade)
Fort Hood (Austin) 3rd Infantry Division (1 garrison unit)
San Antonio: 1 air depot, 1 fighter unit, 1 medium bomber unit
Dayton: 1 air depot, 1 medium bomber unit
Sacramento: 1 air depot, 1 light bomber unit
Los Angeles: 1 air depot
Seattle: 1 air depot, 1 light bomber unit
Buffalo: 1 air depot,
Atlanta: 1 air depot, 1 light bomber unit

10 Fortresses (Manila, Pearl Harbor, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Norfolk, Panama City, Colon, San Diego, New York City) 10 points

US Army National Guard 460,000 men (8 points)
8 motorized infantry corps, 2 cavalry divisions, 15 coast defense brigades

mobilization centers:
Seattle: 1 coast defense brigade
Astoria/Portland: 1 coast defense brigade
San Francisco: 1 motorized infantry corps
Los Angeles: 1 coast defense brigade
San Diego: 1 coast defense brigade
Boston: 1 coast defense brigade, 1 motorized infantry corps
New York City: 2 coast defense brigades,
Buffalo: 1 motorized infantry corps
Pittsburgh: 1 motorized infantry corps
Wilmington (DE): 1 coast defense brigade
Charleston: 1 coast defense brigade
Washington DC: 1 motorized infantry corps
Atlanta: 1 motorized infantry corps
Jacksonville: 1 coast defense brigade
Pensacola: 1 coast defense brigade
Mobile: 1 coast defense brigade
New Orleans: 1 coast defense brigade
Galveston: 1 coast defense brigade
St. Louis: 1 motorized infantry corps
Austin: 1 motorized infantry corps
Boise: 1 cavalry division
Nashville: 1 cavalry division

US Marine Corps 28,000 men (4.5 points)
8 Marine Brigades, 1 light bomber unit

deployment:
Nicaragua: 1 brigade, 1 light bomber unit
Haiti: 1 brigade
Dominican Republic: 1 brigade
San Diego: 3 brigades
Pearl Harbor: 1 brigade
Washington DC: 1 brigade

US Army Air Corps, US Naval Air Service, and US airline industry 1919

US Army Air Corps (50,000 men, 600 aircraft) (14.5 points)
Air depots (San Antonio, Dayton, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Seattle, Buffalo, Atlanta 6 light bomber units, 2 medium bomber units, 5 fighter units,

US Naval Air Service (12 points)
Air depot (Baltimore, Corpus Christi, Pensacola, San Diego, San Francisco), 7 flying boat units (Baltimore, Corpus Christi, Pensacola, San Francisco, Manila, Pearl Harbor, Panama)

Marine Corps (see Marine Corps post for cost)
1 light bomber unit- San Diego

US held territories
Puerto Rico (included in US totals), tech 3
Philippines Production centers Manila 4 Resources 2 (Mindanao) food production 16, population 10 million, tech 4
US Oceania tech 3, population 50,000, food production .25
US Polynesia tech 3, population 50,000, food production .25

US occupied (not part of US technically but US occupied)
Panama: Resources 6 + 2 points for Canal, food production 1, population 1 million, tech 3
Nicuaragua (client state) tech 3, population 600,000, food production 2
Haiti (client state) tech 3, population 1.7 million food production 2
Dominican Republic (client state) tech 3, population 830,000, food production 1

US client states (not occupied)
Costa Rica tech 3 population 450,000, food production 2
El Salvador tech 3, population 1.2 million, food production 2
Guetamala tech level 3 population 1.1 million, food production 2
Honduras tech level 3 population 600,000, food production 3
Mexico (client state) tech 5, population 15 million, production centers 4 (Mexico City 2, Leon 2) resources 10 (Chihuahua 6, Leon 4), Oil 2 (Yucatan), food production 35 Cuba (client state) tech level 4, population 2.8 million, production center Havana 1 resources 5, food production 8, tourism 1 (included in US total)

All war loans are paid off or close enough at this point

reserved for future loans

Japan contacts the United States about acquiring 1 oil point for each year.

The Russian government reaffirms its dedication to paying off the debt owed to the United States and vows long-lasting friendship.

in 1916, Teddy Roosevelt signs into law the creation of the US Park Service, and the creation in the United States Army the US Army Air Corps and for the US Navy, the US Naval Air Service.

Japan contacts the United States about acquiring 1 oil point for each year.

restrictions on exports to Japan are lifted

ooc
assume you can buy US oil as needed

Secret IC: Siam, recognizing the tension between the United States and Japan, offers to detach itself from its Japanese ally and follow an American lead in its foreign policy in return for financial incentives for loans to Siamese businessmen for the next three years. (OOC: Siam wants a chunk of the USA's exported growth.)

Siam also points out that it has never fought a war except to liberate colonies, and was in fact the very first nation to make peace during the Great War.

With the Spanish funded construction of 5 Light Cruisers by the United States, Spain is curious if 3 more light cruisers may be built in the United States for Spain.

The Election of 1916
By the spring of 1916, the Republicans were facing serious divisions in the party between the Progressives and the more conservative party membership. After much discussion, Charles Evans Hughes is persuaded to resign from the Supreme Court (where he was an Associate Justice) to accept the nomination of the party to present an united front against the Democrats.

Meanwhile, the Democrats have problems of their own. Champ Clark, the leading contender for the nomination, and is the Speaker of the House and long time opponent of Teddy Roosevelt and a constant gadfly. Although the 2 men are friendly in private, their battles have given Clark considerable prominence. However, Clark is hated by elements in his party, chiefly led by William Jennings Bryan, who is pushing for the nomination of Governor James M Cox of Ohio.

But the death of Bryan from a stroke while speaking in the hot summer sun ends opposition to Clark, who wins the nominiation of Cox.

However, the Democratic Party remains seriously divided, as many Cox supporters are unhappy about Clark's connections to special interests.

Meanwhile, a potentially viable Third Party in the form of the American Socialist Party has once again nominated Eugene V. Debs. The Socialists have considerable local influence, particularly in the Midwest and in urban areas, and draw off considerable Democratic support, while more moderate Socialists choose to support the Republicans, recognizing that the Progressive movement is their friend.

Hughes easily defeats Clark in a landslide, and when the dust settles, Cox looks to be the next Democratic nominee in 1920, as he was untouched by the division and infighting in the Democratic Party.

Clark however retains his seat in Congress but now is the House Minority Leader, as the Republicans take the House, but not the Senate.

The Socialists are once again defeated, and this defeat results in a complete splintering of the party as many feel they have lost their best chance to win the Presidency.

tag

With the Spanish funded construction of 5 Light Cruisers by the United States, Spain is curious if 3 more light cruisers may be built in the United States for Spain.

In 1917, the newly inaugerated President Hughes replies that the US would continue to allow foreign warships to be built in US shipyards. The only requirement is that nations interested in buying US built warships must be willing to attend a meeting in Washington DC to discuss limitations on the size of navies and armaments at sea. The goal is to create a framework that will avert the possibility of war like the one fought so bitterly a few years ago.

ooc
just fund it yourself and assume they are built in US yards.

incidently, Charles Hughes was the US Secretary of State that organized and essentially ran the Washington Naval Treaty talks.

Spain thanks the new President Hughes for his agreements, and that Spain considers the limitations on world navies a enobled idea, though Spain clearly falls way under the terms of any law that is possible as SPain's navy is tiny in comparrison to the rest of the world's navies.

Secret IC: Siam, recognizing the tension between the United States and Japan, offers to detach itself from its Japanese ally and follow an American lead in its foreign policy in return for financial incentives for loans to Siamese businessmen for the next three years. (OOC: Siam wants a chunk of the USA's exported growth.)

Siam also points out that it has never fought a war except to liberate colonies, and was in fact the very first nation to make peace during the Great War.

In 1916, after discussions with Siam and much improved relations, the US Government buys up all outstanding Siamese debts and forgives any remaining balance

ooc
Siam no longer has loan payments

The French Government contacts its American counterpart, asking if the United State government would be willing to forgive the debt owed by France for the American warships provided during the War (ooc: 50 points). The French make it clear that they intend to pay the rest of their debt to American bankers in full, but note that the money freed up from debt repayment would allow France to invest in its military and economy, thus preventing the need to borrow money in the future.

The French Government contacts its American counterpart, asking if the United State government would be willing to forgive the debt owed by France for the American warships provided during the War (ooc: 50 points). The French make it clear that they intend to pay the rest of their debt to American bankers in full, but note that the money freed up from debt repayment would allow France to invest in its military and economy, thus preventing the need to borrow money in the future.

In 1917, a bill is put before Congress by the Republicans to once again attempt to buy up foreign debt. It is blocked in committee by the Democrats and makes no progress

March 1917
The Hughes Administration makes a major foreign policy proposal aimed at preventing a naval arms race

Washington Naval Treaty discussion
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=511739

In 1916, after discussions with Siam and much improved relations, the US Government buys up all outstanding Siamese debts and forgives any remaining balance

ooc
Siam no longer has loan payments

Siam thanks the US government and begins courting US investors for the coming years (OOC: trying to get exported growth).

Perhaps not coincidentally, Siam also breaks off its alliance with Japan.

current economy and ongoing budgets
US 1917 budget

Foreign Aid
1 Production center – Vietnam (Hanoi)

note limited foreign aid... also, 1 production center in Siam (Bangkok) from US extra growth

also note in budget post substantial infrastructure development for American air power, and conversion of three BC to CV

1918: Spain puts in an order for 3 more Light Cruisers.

1920:Spain has just put it's recommendation for what it thinks is fair for a Spanish naval power. To make it seem less threatening, SPain notes that it has made peace with it's enemies, to the point that Germany was even courting Spain for an ally. It also notes Spain's attempts at having itself recognized as a true neutral. Unfortunitly something the former administration in America did not agree to protect.

If any concerns are arisen, President Hughes can, not only call Prime Minister Berenger personally, but the leader of SPain is willing for meetings with the President. After all, Spanish relations have been extremelly good since 1906, and have been getting better.

note limited foreign aid... also, 1 production center in Siam (Bangkok) from US extra growth


Siam again gives thanks to the United States for its foreign aid, and passes several tax incentives for continued American investment.

Brazil requests that the United States arrange for the ABC powers to all sign the Washington Naval Treaty to help prevent any sort of naval competition once Argentina is back on it's feet.

January 1918
The US and Canadian government announce that the Alcan Highway, an all weather road connecting Fairbanks, Alaska, with the remainder of the United States, will open on April 15, 1918.

Construction of a railway connecting Alaska with the rest of the US is to begin this year as well.

US investment (ooc: excess growth) results in production centers appearing in Saigon (Indochina), Saltillo (Mexico), Juarez (Mexico), and Vera Cruz (Mexico)

The first US aircraft carriers join the fleet, with more battle cruisers being converted.

The US government funds substantial subsidies for the US merchant marine, resulting in sizeable increases in civilian shipping tonnage.

Congress debates what action will be taken if the rubber producing countries do indeed form a cartel and force the price up. Among the ideas tossed around are marked increases in US tariffs on imported goods.

1918
Congress begins pressuring the Hughes Administration to withdraw from Mexico, and secret plans to annex portions of Mexico are hurriedly tossed in the trash.

The US government promises to withdraw all American troops by the end of 1918 as its clear that the Mexican Civil War is all but over. Plans are also made to withdraw American Marines and US Navy gunboats from China and Cuba by the end of 1918 as well.

Plans to withdraw Marines from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Nicuaragua are also brought forward.

1918
With the signing of the Washington Naval Treaty looking more and more certain, the US Navy begins placing ships into reserve with the expectation of getting rid of them by the end of 1919 IF Germany and Italy sign the treaty

1918
With the signing of the Washington Naval Treaty looking more and more certain, the US Navy begins placing ships into reserve with the expectation of getting rid of them by the end of 1919 IF Germany and Italy sign the treaty

the US Navy sells the battleships Texas and New York to Argentina for 6 points each (to be paid over 2 years).

The warships are renamed the Rivadavia (ex New York) and Moreno (ex Texas). The light cruisers Denver, Des Moines, Chattanooga, Galveston, and Tacoma are sold to Chile (for 6 points total, 3 points a year for 2 years) and the light cruisers Topeka and St. Paul are sold to Mexico (2 points both in 1918).

The battlecruiser Bunker Hill goes to Newport News naval shipyard for conversion to a fleet carrier.

This brings the USN to 20 battleships and 45 cruisers as per treaty.

20 submarines are used as targets, completing US Navy treaty reductions.

The Russian government proudly reports by way of Baron Rosen (who is Washington for the Naval Treaty discussions) that Russia has completely paid off its debt as of 1918.

He also congratulates the United States on its victory over the "Revolutionary Socialists in Mexico."

1918 budget Austerity Spending Mode = 4% growth of total minus maintenance and social services (17 production centers, however, US has maxed out, so 4 are available for overseas investment)


Siam continues to give incentives to American companies investing in Siam in hopes of attracting American foreign investment.

OOC: Who gets those 4 production centers?

The French government, acting through its protectorate of Palestine, contacts the American Jewish lobby and asks them to pressure the American government into giving Palestine sufficient aid and investment to begin industrializing the Holy Land.

OOC: One of those extra production centers sure would be nice...

The French government contacts the present Administration, and informs the Americans that France's debt will be paid off as of January 1, 1920.

Siam continues to give incentives to American companies investing in Siam in hopes of attracting American foreign investment.

OOC: Who gets those 4 production centers?

3 went to Mexico, 1 went to Saigon

3 went to Mexico, 1 went to Saigon

OOC: I think he means the excess growth in 1919, not 1918.

1919
The US pulls its troops and gunboats out of China, ending the Yangtze Patrol

However, the Asiatic Fleet is reinforced with 4 battleships, which make frequent visits to Imperial and KMT Chinese ports, as well as Hainan

US 1919 budget
US Growth 1919
Budget 240 + unaccounted production 315 = 555 - corruption penalty 1% 6 points = 549 x 4% growth modifier = 21.96 (plus extra .04 from last year) gives 22.

Population growth US 1919 is 2 million (mostly from immigration and natural increase), so 2 production centers to be added 1919 (1 each to Philadelphia and New York City)

20 remaining / 4 = 5 for overseas export
US continues to invest heavily in Caribbean and Central America, so one each Mexico (Mexico City), Panama, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba as investors want to see how things go in Siam and Indochina before investing further there.

US overseas investment 1919

Troubles in the United States 1919

In January, former President Theodore Roosevelt falls ill to Malaria while visiting Panama, and in spite of efforts to save him, passes away on January 6. The nation mourns his passing.

(ooc his real date of death, but from malaria caught in 1913).

During 1919, the Socialists and those further to the Left find themselves increasingly under suspicion because of Communist involvement in the recently ended Mexican Civil War and the 3 year American involvement there. Although the Democrats have taken part of their agenda, the Progressive elements of the Republican Party are increasingly outnumbered by more conservative elements, and hopes for better working conditions, minimum wage laws and other reforms have not gained ground as the Congress and the President are unable to reach agreement.

Meanwhile, racism and the backlash from Reconstruction have reached its height in much of the United States, almost entirely aimed at Blacks, but also other races as well.

From May – October 1919, over 20 riots of a serious nature occur that require intervention by Federal troops, and this will cause much damage to the Presidency of Charles Evans Hughes. Among the more serious riots are the May Riots in Cleveland, the Omaha Riot, the Elaine Riot in Arkansas, and will eventually be called the Red Summer of 1919.

OOC links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day_Riots_of_1919
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine_Race_Riot
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omaha_Riot
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Summer_of_1919

Game effect
US growth reduced from 4% to 3% this year.

The US also suffers a serious natural disaster this year as a massive hurricane, called the Florida Keys Hurricane (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1919_Florida_Keys_Hurricane)
Inflicts serious damage to South Texas (OOC US food production reduced by 30 points this year, and 10 points lost as well to economic disruption). Over 600 Americans are also killed as well.

The United States as a result of this year will pass both the 18th Amendment (Prohibition, as social reformers and the religious blame the evils of drink on some of the rioting) and the 19th Amendment (Women get the vote, in hopes that women will vote for reformers and ‘decent’ men).

Brazilian leaders mourn the passing of President Roosevelt and send their condolences to Washington. Although Brazilian Government was openly unhappy about American interference in Latin America, American-Brazilian relations reached their pinnacle under the Roosevelt administration. Brazilian politicians wait uneasily to see what will become of Washington without the great leader and whether North American-Latin American relations will improve or decline in the coming years.

It truly is a sad affair. As it is always when a great man passes from the earth.

Spain will be in the market for Battleships and Aircraft Carriers in the future. We will therefore be curious on the part of ordering capitol ships from the United States. Our Light Carriers are extremelly valuable.

The Kingdom of Sweden sends its condolences to the fallen President Roosevelt and to those caught by the aftermath of the riots and violence of the past few months...

The Russian ambassador to the United States complains to the US Secretary of State about the "half of a German city with a Polish flag and a Polish navy", referring to the recent developments in Danzing. he argues that this violates the spirit, if not the letter of the Washington Naval Treaty.

"Poland currently has no need of a navy. It has no coastline. Should they actually have one, we would of course see their need for one. However, as of now the Polish navy can only serve one purpose: to threaten Russia and it's interests."

He emphasizes that Russia will continue to remain true to the Washington Treaty. He hopes that the Americans will pressure the Germans "over its show of bad faith" and make sure that an understanding of some sort is reached with the Poles.


OOC: Link (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=510438&page=2)

The Russian ambassador to the United States complains to the US Secretary of State about the "half of a German city with a Polish flag and a Polish navy", referring to the recent developments in Danzing. he argues that this violates the spirit, if not the letter of the Washington Naval Treaty.

"Poland currently has no need of a navy. It has no coastline. Should they actually have one, we would of course see their need for one. However, as of now the Polish navy can only serve one purpose: to threaten Russia and it's interests."

He emphasizes that Russia will continue to remain true to the Washington Treaty. He hopes that the Americans will pressure the Germans "over its show of bad faith" and make sure that an understanding of some sort is reached with the Poles.


OOC: Link (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=510438&page=2)

The United States government was under the impression that Memel was passed to Polish control (ooc as was I). The US does however recognize the Russian concern in this matter and asks Germany for an explanation, as well as Poland.

The United States government was under the impression that Memel was passed to Polish control (ooc as was I). The US does however recognize the Russian concern in this matter and asks Germany for an explanation, as well as Poland.

An official at the State department points out the Memel remained part of East Prussia (ooc: that was confused during the peace conference, but Safe/Germany made it clear later on that Memel was not given to the Poles or the Balts and remained German, hence why Poland has been unhappy lately over not having a coastline). He advises that the State Department reorganize its records department in response to the internal failure.

The Polish ambassador tries to make clear to the US government in discussions behind closed doors that Poland means in no way to defy the Washington naval treaty. Poland neither desires, nor could afford, a navy that would defy the treaty. The transfer of the East Gdansk is an attempt to reconcile Polish and German claims to East Prussia by providing some Polish control in the area. There are also economic reasons, as this provides some independence from our neighbors economically. Previously, all imports had to pass through another nation, most commonly Germany and Lithuania.

While merchant ships flying the Polish flag have previously operated out of Gdansk, the increased autonomy gives greater opportunities, opportunities the people have been asking for. Currently, we are weaker, both economically and militarily, than Spain, despite being signifcantly larger, a gap many seek to bridge. Imagine how the American people would feel if the port cities they feel are properly American were in foriegn hands, if the King of England regained Boston, or New York harbor were controlled by the Emir of Dubayy. Part of Germany's willingness to adopt this plan was to prevent the more agressive members of the Polish government seeking to reclaim the areas by force.

Gdansk was chosen because, of our four neighbors, Germany seemed most capable, and most willing, of complying. Lithuania was not friendly to such a plan, the EEE was not likely to give us a port on the Adriatic, which would, in any case, be of little value, and, anticipating Russian concerns, considered going to them, however, we found it unlikely that the newly crowned Empress would give partial control of the closest port, Petrograd, to Poland.

As to concerns about Polish neutrality, Poland is currently subject to only three international agreements. We have our non-agression pacts with both the Kaiser and the Czarina, and our promise to the Pope. Were a war to begin tommorow, next week, or five years from now, that saw Russia and Germany at odds, we would remain neutral, assuming of course, that neither side harmed Poland or the Papacy, whose sovreignty was recognized by both nations. (OOC: Prussia and Russia recognized it after the Papal States ceased to be in 1870, Britain, Austria, and most Catholic nations recognize it, Italy does not, and I don't believe the US does either, however).

As to the necessity of a Polish fleet, a Polish fleet in Gdansk is as crucial for Polish defense as a Russian in Petrograd. Poland and Russia now have essentially the same amount of coastline in the Baltic area, and we will have no active duty land forces in East Gdansk. To say that we have no need implies that Russia, with similar conditions, but the ability to place thousands of troops in Petrograd, need no fleet either.

Poland's fleet is a safeguard, because, despite our willingness to obey the NAPs we are party to, if one either neighbor decided to violate them, the fleet offers greater protection. Germany is much less likely to reclaim lost land when a Polish fleet lies a few yards from a German city, and the same goes for Russia.

In short, Poland's access to the sea is imperative for our economy, our defense and our social well-being. It does not defy the Washington Naval treaty, it is actually the only possible arrangement that does not violate the treaty's provision for not basing warships in foriegn ports. We hope the US will support the Republic's goals in doing this.

OOC: acting as United States

The US agrees to accept a Polish navy as long as that navy adheres to the standards of the Washington Naval Treaty. (ie: no building up larger than the "all other countries" clause.)