NationStates Jolt Archive

Official name: The Kingdom of Belgium
Commonly referred to as: Belgium
Political organization: Constitutional Monarchy under King Albert the First

Belgium’s Economy as of the beginning of 1927
Population: 8 million
Tech Level: 5.5
Production Centers: 8 (Antwerp 2, Brussels 2, Liege 1, Brugges 1, Ghent 1, Charleroi 1)
Commerce: 30 shipping units (6.2 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending: Level III (2.40 points a year)
Military upkeep: 14.75
Growth left over from 1926: .0835
Colonial Empire:

Belgian Congo:
Tech Level 4 (Tech level 4.5 in 1930)
Resources: 2
Food Production: 5
Population: 8.5 million
7 Production Centers, 5 in Kinasha, 2 in Kisangani
Level II Social Services: Cost = 1.7
Shipping: 30

Ongoing projects:
1 Hydro - Electric Damn (18/36)

Belgian Army as of 1926 (conscript force)
1 Infantry corps (1 in Liege) 2 Motorized Infantry Corp (1 in Charleroi, 1 in Brussels), 10 Reserve Infantry corps (3 Brussels, 2 Antwerp, 2 Liege, 2 Charleroi, 1 Ghent), 2 Light infantry divisions (2 in Leopoldville), 3 Fortresses (1 Brussels, 1 Charleroi, 1 Liege)
Upkeep = 12.2
Belgian Navy as of 1926: 3 Tech level 5 HCs, 5 Tech level 5 CLs, 1 Tech Level 5 minesweeper flotilla (all based out of Ostend)
Upkeep = 1.05

Force Publique as of 1926 (colonial army, brutal paramilitary forces and slave drivers, Belgian mercenary Officers, native soldiery)
1 Garrison Unit (Belgian Congo), One River gunboat flotilla (Congo River)
Upkeep = .5
Total Military Upkeep = 13.75

History of Belgium (Post 1830)

Belgium gained its independence in a war with the Netherlands, the revolution was started by a performance at an opera house, the rebellion was aided by the French armed forces and French intellectuals, despite this the real cause behind the revolution was the Catholic Clergymen who were opposed to the then Protestant King of the Netherlands, William I, other major contributors may be from Liberals and the unrepresented national assemblies, the initial objective of the rebellion was to gain more autonomy in Belgium but due to the clumsy nature of the Dutch King the revolution quickly became a full fight for independence.

There was an idea to join France which was put down by the international community and Belgium became an independent state under a Constitutional Monarchy in 1831, on June the 26th of the same year King Leopold I was crowned King after having turned down the Greek Throne, the war for independence continued with the Netherlands for another 8 years until a treaty was signed in 1839, Belgium was now a fully independent state with a highly liberal constitution but a sufferage limited to the Haute Bourgeoisie and the Clergy (around 1% of the population, all spoke French in a nation with a small French speaking minority)

King Leopold left a legacy of great advancements in independent Belgium, in 1832 he married Louise-Marie Thérèse Charlotte Isabelle d'Orléans, the daughter of the King of France, and had four children with her, Louis-Philippe Léopold Victor Ernst who died at aged 1 year old, Leopold II Louis-Philippe Marie Victor who would later succeed the throne of Belgium, Philippe Eugène Ferdinand Marie Clément Baudouin Léopold George, fathered Prince Albert of Belgium, Charlotte of Belgium, Marie Charlotte Amélie Augustine Victoire Clémentine Léopoldine, who married Emporer Maximillian of Mexico.

He also had two bastard sons with his mistress, Baron Georg von Eppinghoven and Baron Arthur von Eppinghoven, Leopold reached his ambition of creating the first Railway in continental Europe on the 5th of May 1835, in 1840 Leopold arranged the marriage of his Niece Queen Victoria of Britain and his Nephew Prince Albert, in 1942 he attempted to pass laws regulating child and female labour but these attempts failed, Belgium took a neutral stance over the wave of revolutions sweeping Europe after the deposition of Loius Phillipe, King Leopold I died in Laeken on December 10th 1865 leaving Belgium to King Leopold II.

Leopold II was 30 when he took the throne, he was already married to Marie Henriette Anne von Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria, they had four children, one male who passed away when he was just 10 after having fallen into a pond and dying of pnuemonia, in 1902 there was an attempted assassination of Leopold II by Italian Anarchist Gennaro Rubino, Leopold was travelling in a carriage from a ceremony cememorating the death of his wife Marie Henriette, Leopold takes a stance of military defense based neutrality, so far unable to secure a forced conscription law.

Leopold II has always strongly believed that a nation relies on overseas colonies and took a stance on seeking an overseas colony, neither the Belgian people nor the Goverment took much of an interest in overseas expansion, instead Leopold II took this interest in colonialism in his capacity as a civilian not as a King, there were a number of unsuccessful attempts to gain colonies in Africa and Asia followed by the creation of a private holding company disguised as an international scientific and philanthropic association, called the International African Society, under this society Leopold hired famed explorer Henry Morton Stanley who established colonies in the Congo, after much diplomatic working Leopold was called to the Berlin Confrence at which 13 European nations and the United States of America recognised Leopold as the sovreign of the territory which resulted in the Congo Free State, there have been reports of outrageous exploitation and widespread human rights abuses especially in the lucrative Rubber industry which led to an international protest in 1900, estimated death tolls have been calculated as being between 5 and 15million dead.
(mooched off another thread)

Can anyone help me out on in-game stats like resources and production, the only thing I can find is military, and I have 2 conflicting sets of data

Here are Belgium’s economic and military stats as of 1917:

Belgium’s Economy as of 1917
Population: 7.5 million
Tech Level: 5
Production Centers: 5 (Antwerp 2, Brussels 2, Liege 1)
Commerce 6 shipping units (1.2 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending: Level II (1.6 points a year)
Colonial Empire: Belgian Congo resources 6, food production 5

Ongoing projects: Fortress at Brussels (3/5 complete)

Completed projects: transportation upgrades in the Congo (30/30 spent, talk to GB about what additional benefits Belgium gains from the Congo)

Belgian Army as of 1917 (conscript force)
2 fortresses (Liege and Antwerp), 1 infantry corps, 2 reserve infantry corps (all 3 are conscript), 1 light infantry division, 1 cavalry division, 1 tech 5 motor torpedo boat flotilla

Force Publique as of 1917 (colonial army, brutal paramilitary forces and slave drivers, Belgian mercenary Officers, native soldiery)
1 Garrison Unit (Belgian Congo), one river gunboat flotilla (Congo River)

Here are Belgium’s economic and military stats as of 1917:

Belgium’s Economy as of 1917
Population: 7.5 million
Tech Level: 5
Production Centers: 5 (Antwerp 2, Brussels 2, Liege 1)
Commerce 6 shipping units (1.2 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending: Level II (1.6 points a year)
Colonial Empire: Belgian Congo resources 6, food production 5

Ongoing projects: Fortress at Brussels (3/5 complete)

Completed projects: transportation upgrades in the Congo (30/30 spent, talk to GB about what additional benefits Belgium gains from the Congo)

Belgian Army as of 1917 (conscript force)
2 fortresses (Liege and Antwerp), 1 infantry corps, 2 reserve infantry corps (all 3 are conscript), 1 light infantry division, 1 cavalry division, 1 tech 5 motor torpedo boat flotilla

Force Publique as of 1917 (colonial army, brutal paramilitary forces and slave drivers, Belgian mercenary Officers, native soldiery)
1 Garrison Unit (Belgian Congo), one river gunboat flotilla (Congo River)

Thanks a ton for the information, I couldn't find anything later than 1913
Btw, do I have to do a build for 1917 still? Or is it already done?

OOC It's already done, but you do have to make a 1918.

OOC It's already done, but you do have to make a 1918.

OOC: No its not. Belgium still has to do its 1917 builds.

OOC: I thought that was his 1917 build. Whatever.

I'll just do a 1917 build and if it turns out later that it was already done I'll fix it.
Also, do those 6 resources include the 3 Belgium just got? correct me if I'm wrong
Belgian 1917 build
Tech Level 5
Resources: 6 (Colonial)
Production centers : 5 (2 Antwerp, 2 Brussels, 1 Leige)
Shipping : 6 Units (1.2 income)
Population: 7.5 million
Food production: 10 (7.5 needed)
Social Spending: level II (1.5 points)
Colonial empire: (6 resources, 5 food)
Income: 20 Industrial + 6 Colonial resources + .5 from food sales + 1.2 from Shipping = 27.7
Military Upkeep = 3.2 (.1 for oil)
Social upkeep = 1.5
Growth = 2% (Cut Spending) *(27.7 income - 4.7 upkeep) = . 46 Growth

Left after upkeep = 23
Buy 20 shipping - 20
Continue work of Fortress at Brussels - 1 (4/5)
Build 1 Fortress at Liege - 1 (1/5)
Build 1 Fortress at Charleroi - 1 (1/5)

Belgian 1918 build
Tech level 5
Resources : 9 (Congo)
Production Centers: 5 (2 at Brussels, 2 at Antwerp, 1 at Liege)
Shipping: 26 (5.2 Income)
Population: 7.5 (5 Colonial)
Food: 10 (7.5 needed), 5 colonial (5 needed)
Social Spending: 1.5 (level II)
Military upkeep: 3.2
Income = 20 Industrial + 9 colonial + .5 from food + 5.2 Shipping - 4.7 upkeep = 27 left
Growth = 2% (27) + .46 from 1917 = 1 NPC in Gent

27 to spend:
Continue 3 fortressess -3 (5/5) and 2* (2/5)
Buy 4 shipping - 4
Buy Level 2 Social Services for the Congo -1
Buy transportation Upgrades for the Congo-1
Congo is now Tech level 3
Buy 1 reserve Light Infantry division - 1 (Reserves are half cost, right?)
Buy 2 reserve Cavalry divisions - 3
Start 1 Production center in the Congo -17 (17/24)

Belgian build 1919

Production = 6 (1 under construction in the Congo)
Resources = 9 (colonial)
Shipping = 30
Population = 7.5 (5 colonial)
Food = 15 (12.5 needed)
Social spending = 2.5
Military upkeep = 3.5
Income = 12 industrial + 9 resources + .5 from food + 6 shipping - 6 upkeep = 21.5
Growth = 3%(21.5 + 12 from cut spending) = 1.005 NPC in Charleroi

21.5 to spend
Continue 2 fortress - 2 (3/5)
Finish production center in the congo - 7 (24/24)
Buy Level III social services for Belgium - .75
Buy 10 Colonial shipping - 10
Start secret project Code Named Defense - 1.75

(I feel like getting a little ahead in the builds)
Belgian build 1920:
Prod = 7
Resources = 0
Shipping = 30
Food prod = 10
Population = 7.5
Social upkeep = 2.25
Military Upkeep = 3.5

Colonial possesions:
Belgian Congo:
Prod = 1
Resources = 8
Food = 5
Population = 7.5
Shipping = 10
Social upkeep = 1.5
Income (congo) = 2 industrial + 8 resources + 2 shipping - .5 food purchase -1.5 Social costs= 10 to spend
Send 10 to Belgium

Belgium income = 14 industrial + 6 shipping +.5 from excess food - 5.75 upkeep + 10 congo = 24.75 to spend
Growth = (24.75 + 14 from cut spending) * .03 +.005 = 1.1675 NPC in Ghent
Growth maxed in Belgium, will be exported to the Congo in 1921
24.75 to spend
Buy 20 Colonial Shipping - 20
Continue 2 Fortressess - 2 (4/5)
Spend .75 on Project Defense (2.5/10)

The 1920 Olympic Games are held in Antwerp (tell me if I'm wrong on this), and the US again takes the most medals. (results may be differenet due to the fact that germnay, Austria, Hungary, Russia, Bulgaria, and Turkey did not atttend in RL)

Results (http://www.historycentral.com/20th/1920_olympics.html)

The 1920 Olympic Games are held in Antwerp (tell me if I'm wrong on this), and the US again takes the most medals. (results may be differenet due to the fact that germnay, Austria, Hungary, Russia, Bulgaria, and Turkey did not atttend in RL)

Results (http://www.historycentral.com/20th/1920_olympics.html)

OOC: Correct on the 1920 Olympics being held in Belgium, but we have a separate Olympic thread and a separate Moderator to handle the results of the various games.

(Staying ahead to catch mistakes)

Belgian 1921 Build
Cut Spending
Population = 7.5
Tech Level 5
Production Centers: 7 (2 Brussels, 2 Antwerp, 1 Liege, 1 Brugges, 1 Ghent)
Resources: 0
Commerce: 30 Shipping Units (6 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending Level III: (2.25 points)
Military Upkeep: 4.5
Corruption Penalty: 2%
Growth left over from 1920: .1675

Colonial Empire:
Congo:
Population 7.5 Million
Tech Level 4
Production Centers: 1 (Kinasha)
Resources: 8 (4 Kinasha, 2 Kisangani, 2 Kananga)
Commerce: 30 Shipping Units: (6 points)
Food Production: 5
Social Spending: Level II (1.5 points)
Corruption Penalty: 7%

Income:
Belgian Income = 14 Industrial + 6 Shipping – 6.75 Upkeep – 2% Corruption = 13
Congo Income = 2 Industrial + 8 Resources + 6 Shipping – 1.5 Upkeep – 7% Corruption = 13.75
Total income = 26.75
Growth = .03 * (13.75 + 2) = .5725 (Congo)
Growth = .03 * (13 + 14) + .1625 / 4 = .2025 + .04 = .2425 exported to Congo
Total growth in Congo = .815
Buy 8 Reserve Infantry Corp – 16
Finish 2 Fortresses at Liege and Charleroi –2
Start 3 HCs – 6
Total net Exchange with US – 2.75

Due to the Jump in time frame, I'll try to get all my builds done early
Belgian Build 1922:
Belgian 1921 Build
Cut Spending
Population = 7.5
Tech Level 5
Production Centers: 7 (2 Brussels, 2 Antwerp, 1 Liege, 1 Brugges, 1 Ghent)
Resources: 0
Commerce: 30 Shipping Units (6 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending Level III: (2.25 points)
Military Upkeep: 9.5
Corruption Penalty: 2%
Growth left over from 1921: .815 (Congo)

Colonial Empire:
Congo:
Population 7.5 Million
Tech Level 4
Production Centers: 1 (Kinasha)
Resources: 8 (4 Kinasha, 2 Kisangani, 2 Kananga)
Commerce: 30 Shipping Units: (6 points)
Food Production: 5
Social Spending: Level II (1.5 points)
Corruption Penalty: 7%

Income:
Belgian Income = 14 Industrial + 6 Shipping – 11.75 Upkeep – 2% Corruption = 8
Congo Income = 2 Industrial + 8 Resources + 6 Shipping – 1.5 Upkeep – 7% Corruption = 13.5
Total income = 22.5 – 5% Depression = 21
Growth = .03 * (13.5 + 2) + .815 = 1.28
Growth (home) = .03 * (8 + 14) / 4 = .165
Total growth = 1.445 1 NPC in Kinasha
Finish 3 HCs –6 (Year 2/2)
Start building 5 CLs –5 (Year ½)
Continue on Project Defense –5 (7.5/10)
Buy 2 LID – 4

Belgian 1923 Build
Austerity Level Spending
Population = 7.5
Tech Level 5
Production Centers: 7 (2 Brussels, 2 Antwerp, 1 Liege, 1 Brugges, 1 Ghent)
Resources: 0
Commerce: 30 Shipping Units (6 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending Level III: (2.25 points)
Military Upkeep: 10
Corruption Penalty: 2%
Growth left over from 1922: .445

Colonial Empire:
Congo:
Population 7.5 Million
Tech Level 4
Production Centers: 2 (Kinasha)
Resources: 7 (3 Kinasha, 2 Kisangani, 2 Kananga)
Commerce: 30 Shipping Units: (6 points)
Food Production: 5
Social Spending: Level II (1.5 points)
Corruption Penalty: 7%

Income:
Belgian Income = 7 Industrial + 6 Shipping +. 5 food – 12.25 Upkeep – 2% Corruption = 1.25
Congo Income = 2 Industrial + 7 Resources + 6 Shipping – 1.5 Upkeep – 7% Corruption = 12.5
Total income = 13.75 – 5% Depression = 13
Growth = .04 * (12.5 + 6) + .445 = 1.185
Growth (Home) = .04 * (22.25)/4 = .2225
Total Growth = 1.4075 1 NPC in Kinasha
Finish Cls – 5
Buy 2 Infantry Corp – 8

OOC: Just to point out, you will likely have to go back and edit/correct those builds to reflect what happens during the time warp (for example, a Great Depression and labor unrest).

OOC: Just to point out, you will likely have to go back and edit/correct those builds to reflect what happens during the time warp (for example, a Great Depression and labor unrest).
I purposefully left my budget a bit flexible (auto industry is like a bank after all)

Also, in real life, not much happened to Belgium between 1919-1924, that didn't have to do with the aftermath of German occupation and surrender during WWI

Belgian 1924 Build
Austerity Level Spending
Population = 8
Tech Level 5
Production Centers: 7 (2 Brussels, 2 Antwerp, 1 Liege, 1 Brugges, 1 Ghent)
Resources: 0
Commerce: 30 Shipping Units (6 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending Level III: (2.4 points)
Military Upkeep: 11.75
Corruption Penalty: 2%
Growth left over from 1923: .87

Colonial Empire:
Congo:
Population 8 Million
Tech Level 4
Production Centers: 3 (Kinasha)
Resources: 6 (2 Kinasha, 2 Kisangani, 2 Kananga)
Commerce: 30 Shipping Units: (6 points)
Food Production: 5
Social Spending: Level II (1.6 points)
Corruption Penalty: 7%

Income:
Belgian Income = 7 Industrial + 6 Shipping +. 4 food – 14.15 Upkeep – 2% Corruption = -. 75
Congo Income = 3 Industrial + 6 Resources + 6 Shipping – 1.6 Upkeep – 7% Corruption = 12.5
Total income = 11.75 – 5% Depression = 11 to Spend
Growth = .04 * (-. 75 + 21) = .81 + .19 Extra growth = 1 NPC in Charleroi
Growth (Congo) = .04 * (12.5 + 9) + .68 = 1.54, 1 PC in Kinasha
Upgrade 1 Reserve LID to regular –1
Buy 4 Shipping – 2 Home, 2 Colonial –4
Finish Project Defense – 2.5 (10/10)
Handout aid to poor, Subsidize Banks (to Combat Depression) –3.5

Belgian 1925 Build
National Effort for Belgium and Congo, Market Socialist Economy
Population = 8
Tech Level 5.5
Production Centers: 8 (2 Brussels, 2 Antwerp, 1 Liege, 1 Brugges, 1 Ghent, 1 Charleroi)
Resources: 0
Commerce: 32 Shipping Units (6.4 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending Level III: (2.4 points)
Military Upkeep: 13.75
Corruption Penalty: 2%
Growth left over from 1924: .54

Colonial Empire:
Congo:
Population 8 Million
Tech Level 4
Production Centers: (4 Kinasha,)
Resources: 5 (1 Kinasha 2 Kisangani, 2 Kananga)
Commerce: 32 Shipping Units: (6.4 points)
Food Production: 5
Social Spending: Level II (1.6 points)
Corruption Penalty: 7%

Income:
Belgian Income = 36 Industrial + 3.2 Shipping +. 2 food – 2.4 Social upkeep – 13.75 – 2% Corruption = 22.75
Congo Income = 18 Industrial + 3 Resources + 3.2 Shipping – 1.6 Upkeep – 7% Corruption = 21
Total income = 21 + 22.75 = 43.75
Growth = .01 * (22.75)/4 = .056(exported to Congo)
Growth = .01 * (21) + .056 + .54 = .806 (1 NPC in Kinasha)
Start Rural Electrification - .8
Upgrade 2 Infantry Corp to Motorized Infantry Corp - 4
Hand out aid to Belgian Poor – 5.95
Start Damn - 9 (Year 1/4)
Build 1 Prod Center in Kinasha -24

Belgian Events and public mood, 1920-24

1920: The 7th Summer Olympic games are held in Belgium, and the people seem to be fairly content. With the new level of Social spending in both the Congo and at home, most Belgians are earning a decent living wage and industry is rapidly expanding. Many Belgians, ashamed of the dreadful abuses in the Belgian Free state under Leopold II, now see an improving quality of life (and more extraction profits) in the former abuse-ridden colony.

1921: With Belgium's decision to cede from the Rupec Cartel, Belgian national pride takes a hit, as does it view of America, but once the Mississippi river overflows, many express sympathy to the displaced people, and the government sends some relief money (6.75 points to be exact).

1922: The Depression starts to show its first signs in Belgium, as a couple of major industries report a significant drop in profits, most notably the shipping industry as the massive expansion of the world's merchant marine drives down transportation prices, but major strikes don't break out in Belgium like some of the other countries, but unemployment is still rising

1923:Unemployment takes a temporary hit as the Belgian military expands, but the signs of the Depression are evident. Major banks fail and the government reacts slowly. Hundreds of thousands of Belgians lose their savings before the Government is forced to call a national bank holiday. The Government also decides to cut taxes and spending, hoping that such a move will allow more capital to stay in circulation, and gradually slow the depression

1924:The depression has yet to hit Belgium fully, but industry is still oblivious to the conditions of the common worker. The Government However, is taking an active role in fighting the depression, and has instigated some unemployment handouts. The Ultra-Right (which have very small numbers in Belgium compared to the rest of Europe) try to block the idea, claiming such aid will undermine the economy, but fail as many Belgians feel deep sympathy for the Poor. An initiative has started to bring Belgium up to Social Spending Level IV, but the idea has yet to gain any political traction.

1925: The Depression hits Belgium hard, as the Manufacturing Industry faces a severe drop in sales, and many Belgians are feeling the Squeeze. Unemployment goes to about 7%, but the Government immediately responds with aid (5.95 points) which helps cushion the depression.

As a cost-saving measure, King Alfred the First announces that he is Downsizing the Military. (OOC: I went over the limit :) of 3% regular and 7% reserve)

Military units Disbanded - 2 Light Infantry divisions, 1 Reserve Light Infantry division, 1 Cavalry division, 4 Reserve Cavalry Divisions.

A reparations for the sudden loss of their jobs, the Belgian Government offers to pay their full salaries (1 total) for 1926.

Belgian 1926 Build
National Effort for Belgium and Colonies under full Depression (Socialist Market Economy)
Population = 8
Tech Level 5.5
Production Centers: 8 (2 Brussels, 2 Antwerp, 1 Liege, 1 Brugges, 1 Ghent, 1 Charleroi)
Resources: 0
Commerce: 32 Shipping Units (6.4 points)
Food Production: 10
Social Spending Level III: (2.4 points)
Military Upkeep: 14.75
Corruption Penalty: 2%
Growth left over from 1925: .806
Colonial Empire:
Congo:
Population 8.5 Million
Tech Level 4 (Level 4.5 in 1930)
Production Centers: (5 Kinasha,)
Resources: 4 (2 Kisangani, 2 Kananga)
Commerce: 32 Shipping Units: (6.4 points)
Food Production: 5
Social Spending: Level II (1.7 points)
Corruption Penalty: 7%

Income:
Belgian Income = 36 Industrial + 1.6 Shipping +. 2 food – 2.4 Social upkeep – 14.75 – 2% Corruption = 20.25
Congo Income = 22.5 Industrial + 2 Resources + 1.6 Shipping – 1.7 Upkeep – 7% Corruption = 22.75
Total income = 20.25 + 22.75 = 43
Growth = .01 * (20.25)/4 = .04
Growth = .01 * (22.75) + .806 +.05 = 1.0835 1 NPC in Kisangani
Continue Rural Electrification - .8 (Year 2/3)
Hand Out Aid to Belgian Poor - 7.2
Buy 4 Oil -2 for Domestic and Military Use
Putting the Unemployed to work - 1 Hydro Electric Damn -9 (Year 2/4)
Build 1 Prod Center in the Congo -24 (Kisangani)