NationStates Jolt Archive

Situation 1919
After the wars of 1911, South America has been relatively peaceful since. Argentina suffered humiliation, civil war and invasion but the firm leadership of an aging retired general provided a measure of stability that was needed. By 1916 Argentina is able to have an election and centrists take power. Peru and Chile both achieved a certain amount of respect and stability, and remain stable. Colombia, Uruguay, Bolivia and Paraguay remain under traditional oligarchial rule, while Venezuela benefited from foreign investment and although still ruled by the oligarchs, has made considerable economic progress. In Brazil, the turmoil early in the decade has finally receded and a measure of stability is there as well. In addition, substantial immigration from Europe over the last 50 years has brought millions of immigrants to Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, providing substantial diversity. Also of notable interest is the discovery of significant oil in Venezuela, although the exact size of oil reserves in that country are still being determined.

But a number of problems remain. Although the economies of South America are growing, they still have a primitive banking industry, serious problems with corruption, feudal style political structures (disguised as democracies, but really still rule by oligarchies), relatively small middle classes, and growing numbers of politically and socially restless working and under classes who are dissatisfied. Even as more people are earning more money, their expectations are rising even faster, and a growing ground swell for change is developing. In addition, immigrants from Europe are growing tired of the oligarchies and their Colonial Spanish ways, and seek change.

In short, politically and socially, South America is a ticking time bomb.

Argentina population 10 million, tech level 4.5, Corruption penalty 3%
Production centers 5 (Buenos Aires 3, Bahia Blanca 1, Cordoba 1) Resources 5 (Santa Fe 2, Buenes Aires 2, Bahia Blanca 1) Coal 1 (Cordoba 1), food production 24,
Merchant marine: 20 shipping units
Navy: 2 battleships (former USS Texas and New York, now Rivadavia and Moreno), 8 light cruisers, 1 destroyer flotilla, 1 naval base (Bahia Blanca), 1 light infantry brigade
Army: 3 cavalry divisions, 1 infantry corps, 3 reserve infantry corps,

Argentina has recovered from the wars of earlier in the decade and is struggling for a clear path toward its future identity. Feelings against Brazil continue to run high, although some resentment exists over Chilean seizure (and later purchase) of Terra del Fuego. In recent years Argentina has been following discussions over Antarctica with some interest, and finds itself aligned with the US and Chile regarding that continents future.

Chile population 4 million tech level 4, Corruption penalty 4%
Production centers 2 (Santiago), resources 11 (Valparaiso 3, Santiago 3, Puerto Arenas 2, Caldera 3), Coal 1 (Caldera) food production 10,
Merchant Marine: 10 shipping units, 1 liner unit
Navy: 1 predreadnought, 5 light cruisers, 1 destroyer flotilla, 1 escort flotilla, 1 minesweeping flotilla, 1 naval yard (Valparaiso), 1 naval base (Puerto Arenas),
Army: 2 light infantry divisions, 8 reserve light infantry divisions, 1 fortress (Santiago)

Chile is enjoying a boom brought on by the Great War that still continues as demand for its copper remains high. US capital investment brought industrialization early and gradually the country is moving away from an extraction economy. For now it is concentrating on figuring out how to develop or at least make use of its southern territories, and Chile is pondering what direction it will take with its Navy now that Argentina has 2 battleships.

Uruguay population 1 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 2%
Production centers: 1 (Montevideo), food production 3
Merchant marine: 3 shipping units
Navy: 1 destroyer flotilla (purchased from US)
Army: 1 fortress, 1 fortress division, 1 coastal defense unit (all at Montevideo)

Uruguay survived the Rio Plata War undamaged and since that war has retained cautious relations with both Brazil and Argentina, blaming both for nearly getting it wrecked in someone else’s war. It is a popular destination for Italian and Jewish immigrants because of its economy and relative uncorrupt government.

Peru population 4.5 million, tech level 4, Corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 2 (Lima), Resources 2 (Lima), food production 5
Merchant Marine: 5 shipping units, 2 passenger liner units
Navy: 1 Escort group, 1 navy base (Coast Guard), 1 River gunboat flotilla (on Amazon)
Army: 1 fortress, 1 fortress infantry division (Amazon), 1 fortress, 1 garrison unit (Chilean border), 2 reserve light infantry divisions, 1 reserve infantry corps

Peru has been focusing on its internal affairs and enjoying a new found prosperity. It remains essentially uninterested in anything beyond its borders.

Colombia population 9 million, tech level 2.5, corruption 8%
No production, resources 12, food production 13
No merchant marine or navy,
Army: 3 garrison units

Colombia has considerable potential but is still dealing with antiquated governmental systems and a weak infrastructure, to name some of its problems.

Venezuela population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 1 (Caracas), resources 4 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas) food production 10,
Merchant marine: 2 shipping units
Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard)
Army: 3 garrison units

Oil has recently been found in Venezuela. Although a friend of Brazil for some time, it curtailed economic links with that country after the Rio Plata War and has been seeking British and American investment. The new found oil wealth will assist in this.

Paraguay population 600,000 tech level 2.5, corruption penalty 10%
No production centers, resources 2, food production 1
Army: 1 police unit

Bolivia population 2 million, tech level 2.5, corruption penalty 6%
No production centers, resources 3, food production 4
Army: 1 police unit, 1 garrison unit

Ecuador population 2 million, tech level 2.5, corruption 9%
No production, resources 3, food production 3
No merchant marine
Navy: 1 escort group (Coast Guard)
Army: 1 garrison unit

Ecuador, Paraguay and Bolivia are ruled by oligarchies and remain essentially locked in the 19th century for now.

Here are all of Brazil's projects for the past/present/future and it's current relations. The future projects are all subject to chance considering South America goes through some bad times coming up and I might not have the funds to help anyone.

Past Projects
-Alliance with Chile
-Guarantees the Independence of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia
-Defended Bolivia's independence during the Rio Plate War
-Helped Rebuild Bolivian Military
-Bought Dutch Light Cruiser (Tech Level 5) for Uruguay
Current Projects
-Infrastructure Improvements in Colombia (Suspended until Colombian Government gives a progress update)
-Building a Fortress in Paraguay (To be finished in 1923)
-Building a Fortress in Uruguay (To be finished in 1922)
Future Projects (Hopefully)
-Building Colombia's First Production Center (Need to organize some sort of diplomatic agreement first)
-Building Venezuela's First Production Center (If we get some sort of diplomatic cooperation worked out)
-Infrastructure Improvements in Paraguay (To Reach Tech Level 3)
-Infrastructure Improvements in Bolivia (To Reach Tech Level 3)
-Building Paraguay's First Production Center (Going to be expensive with that corruption penalty)
-Building Bolivia's First Production Center (Maybe, Depends on how the Chaco War goes)

Current Brazilian Relations
Defender of Bolivia
Alliance with Chile
Helping Colombia out of the Stone Age
Defender of Paraguay
Non-Aggression Pact with Peru
Just Friends with Venezuela (I'll help them when I have the money)
Defender of Uruguay
Argentina will Burn in Hell
Little or No Contact with Ecuador (That I know of)

tag

In 1921, after Brazil agrees to the Natal Economic Agreement, the United States formally proposes the American Trade League. Meant to increase prosperity across the Americas, the American Trade League is offered to all American Nations with the exception of European imperial powers.

American Trade League Charter (simplified, assume the real thing is more complicated)

1. The members of the American Trade League agree to cooperate in order to foster prosperity among said members, by:
i. Lowering tariffs to aid mutually beneficial trade;
ii. Creating and maintaining transportation links, terrestrial and maritime, between the members of the American Trade League;
iii. Upholding the laws of the sea and international law in regards to transportation;
iv. Standardizing banking procedures among members of the American Trade League;
v. When possible, standardizing regulations and laws regarding trade in the ATL countries;
vi. Acting in good faith at all times in financial dealings with other ATL nations.
2. In times of exceptional need, any of the above clauses may be suspended by any nation for a period of up to ten (10) years
3. The American Trade League charter may be amended by a majority vote, unless either the United States or Brazil decides to exercise a veto option, in which case amendments may be carried only by a three-quarters vote. If both Brazil and the United States exercise a veto, the amendment cannot pass.
4. Any nation may be expelled from or admitted to the ATL with a two-thirds vote of all ATL nations

Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Peru, Venezueala, and Ecuador all express interest, as do the Central American nations.

Paraguay is undergoing continued political turmoil, as is Bolivia (coups caused by the Depression)

Argentina is unhappy about the proposal and is only willing to join if it gets the same status as Brazil.

The other Spanish American nations are supportive of the Argentine point

America agrees to give Argentina the same status as Brazil.

Brazilian-Colombian Relations
In 1924/1925, the Brazilian Government approaches the Colombian government to discuss the matter of a Brazilian-Colombian Alliance, which would include a mutual defense pact, anti-imperialism pact (more so for Colombia than Brazil), and an economic growth pact (more a formal arrangement if Colombia is a member of the ATL). If Colombia agrees, Brazil will be exporting its 1924 growth (.23) to Colombia and will continue this in 1925 (.13 growth).

OOC1: I added up my aid to Colombia over the years and its infrastructure improvements are way past done even considering corruption penalties. The excess can just be considered bribes, gifts, etc. Starting in 1927 Brazil is no longer maxed out on production centers but at austerity spending will still be able to export a little bit of growth.

Brazilian-Guayan Relations
Fortresses in Uruguay and Paraguay were completed just in time to escape the Depression, although whether they will be able to man the fortresses now is a whole other question. In 1925, Uruguay is offered Brazil’s old naval ships for free (a Tech Level 4 River Gunboat Flotilla and a Tech Level 4.5 Armored Cruiser). If Uruguay refuses, Bolivia is then offered them before they are scrapped in 1926.

OOC2: If Colombia refuses the alliance, the growth for those two years goes to good old Uruguay.

Brazilian-Colombian Relations
In 1924/1925, the Brazilian Government approaches the Colombian government to discuss the matter of a Brazilian-Colombian Alliance, which would include a mutual defense pact, anti-imperialism pact (more so for Colombia than Brazil), and an economic growth pact (more a formal arrangement if Colombia is a member of the ATL). If Colombia agrees, Brazil will be exporting its 1924 growth (.23) to Colombia and will continue this in 1925 (.13 growth).


The United States indicates to Colombia that it would frown on a Colombia alliance with a nation that has twice acted against the interests of regional stability (in Argetina and then by founding RuPEC). However, The United States is wiling to export at least 1 production center in 1925 and 1926 to Colombia if it refrains from signing an alliance with the Brazilians.

events 1920-25
Paraguay (1921), Bolivia (1921) and Ecuador (1924) have all had right wing military coups in reaction to growing popular movements calling for democracy. A coup occurs in Colombia in January 1925 as (the government is in favor of continued close ties with Brazil, while the military and elites are in favor of better ties with the Americans.


Uruguay continues to maintain a close relationship with Brazil, while Peru and Chile maintain good but distant ties with the Americans.

The Depression causes all of Latin American governments to tighten belts and they are able to maintain their budgets only by increasing tariffs (ooc they don't have income taxes, so their governments depend on import duties to pay for things)

This of course doesn't help world wide commerce at all

ooc
essentially, the South American NPCs go up one spending level (austerity to cut, cut to normal, and if at normal, and if they can, to national effort). However, several nations are dependent entirely on the sale of their raw materials and agricultural products, and they are all hurting. (especially the Have Not nations above)

Venezuela Build 1920
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 1 (Caracas), resources 4 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas)
food production 10, 2 shipping units

Normal Spending for 4 production+4 resources+1 oil+1 food+.2
shipping=10.2 points
Corruption+Recession=10%
9.18 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard) -.25
Army: 3 garrison units -.75
Level II Social Services-1
Total Maintenance: 2

Builds:
1 destroyer unit-6
1 point spent on attracting American investment (shows up 1921)

Venezuela Build 1921
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 3 (Caracas), resources 1 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas)
food production 10, 2 shipping units

Cut Spending for 9 production+1 resources+1 oil+1 food+.2
shipping=12.2 points
Corruption+Recession=15%
10.5 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit-1
Army: 3 garrison units -.75
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 2.75

Builds:
2 light cruiers-2 (year 1/2)
8 shipping units-8

Venezuela Build 1922
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 4 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas), food production 10,
10 shipping units

Cut Spending for 12 production+1 oil+1 food+2 shipping
shipping=14 points
Corruption+Recession=15%
11.9 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit-1
Army: 3 garrison units -.75
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 2.75

Builds:
2 light cruiers-2 (year 2/2)
7 shipping units-7

Venezuela Build 1923
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 5 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas), food production 10,
17 shipping units

Cut Spending for 15 production+1 oil+1 food+3.4 shipping
shipping=20.4 points
Corruption+Recession=15%
17.34 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit, 2 light cruisers-.7
Army: 3 garrison units -.75
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 2.95

Builds:
7 shipping units-7
3 light infantry divisions-6
Subsidies for the rural poor-1 (the oligarchs are scared)

Venezuela Build 1924
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 6, Oil 1, food production 10,
24 shipping units

Cut Spending for 18 production+1 oil+1 food+4.8 shipping
shipping=24.8 points
Corruption+Recession=15%
21.08 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit, 2 light cruisers-.7
Army: 3 garrison units, 3 light infantry units -1.04
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 3.24

Builds:
1 naval yard (Caracas)-17 (17/24)

Venezuela Build 1925
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 6, Oil 1, food production 10,
24 shipping units

Cut Spending for 13 production+.5 oil+1 food+2.4 shipping
shipping=17.22 points
Corruption 10%
15.5 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit, 2 light cruisers-.7
Army: 3 garrison units, 3 light infantry units -1.04
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 3.24

Builds:
1 naval yard (Caracas)-7 (24/24)
1 light bomber unit-4

Venezuela Build 1920
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 1 (Caracas), resources 4 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas)
food production 10, 2 shipping units

Normal Spending for 4 production+4 resources+1 oil+1 food+.2
shipping=10.2 points
Corruption+Recession=10%
9.18 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard) -.25
Army: 3 garrison units -.75
Level II Social Services-1
Total Maintenance: 2

Builds:
1 destroyer unit-6
1 point spent on attracting American investment (shows up 1921)

Venezuela Build 1921
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 3 (Caracas), resources 1 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas)
food production 10, 2 shipping units

Cut Spending for 9 production+1 resources+1 oil+1 food+.2
shipping=12.2 points
Corruption+Recession=15%
10.5 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit-1
Army: 3 garrison units -.75
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 2.75

Builds:
2 light cruiers-2 (year 1/2)
8 shipping units-8

Venezuela Build 1922
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 4 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas), food production 10,
10 shipping units

Cut Spending for 12 production+1 oil+1 food+2 shipping
shipping=14 points
Corruption+Recession=15%
11.9 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit-1
Army: 3 garrison units -.75
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 2.75

Builds:
2 light cruiers-2 (year 2/2)
7 shipping units-7

Venezuela Build 1923
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 5 (Caracas), Oil 1 (Caracas), food production 10,
17 shipping units

Cut Spending for 15 production+1 oil+1 food+3.4 shipping
shipping=20.4 points
Corruption+Recession=15%
17.34 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit, 2 light cruisers-.7
Army: 3 garrison units -.75
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 2.95

Builds:
7 shipping units-7
3 light infantry divisions-6
Subsidies for the rural poor-1 (the oligarchs are scared)

Venezuela Build 1924
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 6, Oil 1, food production 10,
24 shipping units

Cut Spending for 18 production+1 oil+1 food+4.8 shipping
shipping=24.8 points
Corruption+Recession=15%
21.08 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit, 2 light cruisers-.7
Army: 3 garrison units, 3 light infantry units -1.04
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 3.24

Builds:
1 naval yard (Caracas)-17 (17/24)

Venezuela Build 1925
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 5%
Production centers 6, Oil 1, food production 10,
24 shipping units

Cut Spending for 13 production+.5 oil+1 food+2.4 shipping
shipping=17.22 points
Corruption 10%
15.5 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit, 2 light cruisers-.7
Army: 3 garrison units, 3 light infantry units -1.04
Level III Social Services-1.5
Total Maintenance: 3.24

Builds:
1 naval yard (Caracas)-7 (24/24)
1 light bomber unit-4

1925
major oil strikes found in the Oronicco River region.. add 6 oil points

Venezuela Build 1926
Population 6 million, tech level 4, corruption penalty 10%
Production centers 6, Oil 6, food production 10, 24 shipping units
Free Market Economy

Cut Spending for 12 production+3 oil+.5 food+2.4 shipping
shipping=17.9 points
Corruption 10%
16.11 remains

Navy: 1 escort group (coast guard), 1 destroyer unit, 2 light
cruisers, 1 naval yard-1.7
Army: 3 garrison units, 3 light infantry units, 1 light bomber -1.35
Level III Social Services-2.5
Total Maintenance: 5.55

Builds:
2 Heavy cruisers-2 (year 1/2)
2 Carriers-8 (from Russia, assume that they have some American staff)

Colombia Build 1926
Population 9 million, tech level 3, corruption 8%
1 production center, resources 11, food production 13
Socialist Economy: 8.9

Army: 3 garrison units (.75)
Level III Social Services-3
Remaining: 5 points
1 police unit-2
3 shipping units-3

OOC: I just realized that Uruguay is maxed out on production centers so they can't recieve Brazil’s growth for 1925/1926. Venezuela is also maxed out, so I'll give it to Peru. I guess the ungrateful Colombians are in the U.S.'s jurisdiction now.

IC:
After Vargas's election in 1926, Brazil will continue its good relations with Peru with the gift of a production center. Vargas also offers to renew the Brazilian-Peruvian non-aggression pact (I think it expired like five years ago).

OOC: Venezuela is maxed out. Give it to Colombia.