1890-1899 (The End of Peace Map Game)

1890
Minority populations in the ZAR, particularly French, British, Americans and Portuguese begin arming themselves out of fear of government interference in their way of life.

The economic crisis worsens in Germany with inflation rising and labor strikes and protests spreading to other cities

France begins to recover from their inflation.

In France Clement Adler's steam powered fixed wing aircraft flies uncontrollably for 50 meters at a height of eight inches off the ground.

King William of Oranje dies without an heir and Adolphe, Duke of Nassau becomes Grand Duke of Luxembourg creating a newly independent nation in Europe.

'''Chile's economy after rebuilding from the Patagonian War starts to heavily invest in their armed forces and request to buy several advanced British, French, and German warships and their plans. They also ask to buy 300,000 Mausers from Germany.'''

'''Japanese Army and Navy leaders devise a plan: Gomu and present it to the higher ups. It calls for kicking Germany out of Indochina and show the world Japan is a true modern power.'''


 * Persian Empire: With the Treaty of Constantinople signed, the remaining parts of Iraq are ceded to Persia. The soldiers return to the capital as heroes and are celebrated vividly. The shah officially moves the capital from Tehran to the newly rebuilt city of Persepolis. With the economy switching from a war economy to a civilian one, a railway connecting Baghdad, Persepolis and Tehran is begun. The work on the dockyards is improved with two more dockyards planned being built.
 * Mexico: Henry puts more funding into the Secret Police and funds the Grand Railroad. With Belize now Mexican, he proceeds to give them their own governor general chosen by the Belizean citizens. Henry also starts to build extra factories and also requests to buy some warship blueprints from President Grover [American Response needed]. Henry also requests a trade alliance with Central America [Mod Response needed].  extra Henry-class warships are commissioned. Military increases in size and strength. Henry seeing what happened to the French Monarchy Henry cedes five percent of his power to the parliament. He also proposes a bill which implements State Paid Healthcare, which passes. Henry, also wanting closer relations with the US, proposes an alliance with Mexico, USA and Canada called the North American Entente [Response Needed].
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydroelectric dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. Our best estimates place our yearly growth somewhere near 11 percent per year for this year - all thanks to very low taxation in general and our state's business friendly environment with little to no bureaucracy our nation is steadily turning into a tax heaven. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. Taxation in the Nieuw Netherlands province is temporarily abolished for a ten year period until 1892 to give further incentives for more settlers to move in. After several white immigrants started arming themselves and several raids on isolated locations were made by black tribes, President Paul Kruger affirms their right to bear arms and approaches them to cooperate against the tribes who have for too long left unchecked, it is also finally the time to heal our wounds as a whole and end this infighting between ourselves for good this time. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boers farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The German and French immigrants continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 6,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 23,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 6,000 of our people die mostly from old age but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. We have 950,000 white citizens, 4,500 Griquas and 2.75 million black people in total by the end of the year according to estimates. The Bloemfontein-Lüderitz line, passing from Griquatown following the road south of the Kalahari Desert near our borders with the British Cape Colony, finishes construction and is inaugurated to the public. The Nieuw Rotterdam-Nieuw Netherlands line starts construction and is expected to finish construction by the end of 1892. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase.
 * Nippon (Secret action): The Imperial High Command takes note of the ideas laid out in Plan Ombu, however, realizing that this action would antagonize the Germans and possibly the British who remain Japan's benefactor and send out private communications to the Vietnamese, as well as to the French to discuss possibilities while another discrete third-party mission is sent to discuss matters with the British also and to see where they would stand on the issue. Naval forces are moved to Manila were the old Spanish garrison has now been replaced by the Japanese troops stationed there to assist the Philippines nation building effort. (end of secret action). Trade and shipping continue to grow drastically as industrialization and foreign markets expand. The Japanese merchant fleet also expands with both private and public shipping companies helping the flow of goods out of Japan and the flow of products into the country. Settlement of Japan's northern territories and of the Pacific Islands continues. A military base is established in Saipan to begin exerting, more influence in the islands and to secure Japanese interests in the region. Claims are laid on the Marshall Islands. Naval expansion continues. With increased availability of iron from Australia steel production increases. construction of the first domesticly built destroyers begin with two being slated for completion by 1894. Larger ships will take some more time to accommodate. An expansion of the growing Asa textile industry to accommodate domestic markets begins as the Asa/Cotton blend proves incredibly durable and cheap to produce along with its strong retention of Dyes. This along with Asa's own popularity due to its psychoactivity leads to massive boom in Asa production in Kyushu which is heavily to the growth in the activities of the red light districts of Nagasaki, Yamaguchi, Osaka, Tokyo, Kochi, Nagiita, and Kagoshima. There is a drastic increase in the popularity of Gambling houses and Geisha or Oiran establishments are the primary reasons for the growth of popularity in Asa and Asa textiles. A sort of social romantization of the old samurai-class (now politically disenfranchized) is reinforced with the popularization of the Neo-Bushido movement. The army continues to put the Arisaka 87 into use while working on a bolt action rifle continues and nears completion. Trade continues to grow in Formosa and Japanese merchants build up ties with the native communities and with corrupt officials.


 * The Russian Empire: Glory to the Tsar - Alexander II! The capital of the Eastern Roman Empire is now under its successor. The city of the orthodox faith is once more under that same faith. The Russian Army and Navy combined with Greeks, Serbs, Brits, Romanians and Bulgars march through the streets with the Chi Rho banners as their sign. The Russian upper house of the Duma signs the law regarding historic sites, where any site that was once a church of any kind, be restored as a church and perform its duties as soon as possible. With the upper house funding the restoration and renovations to the Hagia Sophia, while the minarets will stand their use is changed to honour the legends of the emperors of Rome: Alexander II, Constantine XI, Constantine I and Julius Caesar. Most administration of the new lands is done by the Greek middle- and upper-class with the exception being the Armenian lands, where they do their own bureaucracy. While for colonies a system of having local rulers be used under the governors and generals of Russia, with a Russian general like all other ranks be higher then someone who rules the same number of African warriors. While plans to finally do a census of the population, so that the future lower house of the Duma will represent the people rightly and with least amount of error.
 * The United Kingdom: The Imperial Conference of 1890 begins in Cairo on January 25th, 1890. Delegates from every territory of the Empire arrive to partake in the discussions. Unsurprisingly, large number of the delegates are members of the Imperial Federalist Society. The conference proceeds until April 30th, having reached a number of conclusions. The conference produces a lengthy report outlining what it sees are the two long-term challenges to Empire, distance and cost. These challenges will undermine continued rule from London for even the Anglo colonies, but particularly India and the African colonies. However, with the spread of telegraphic communications, distance can be minimized, and by employing the colonies in the defense of the Empire cost can be reduced. In a major victory for the Imperial Federalist Society, the final report includes three recommendations:
 * 1) Employ Trade-colonialism as an alternative to true colonization.
 * 2) Establish an Imperial Federation comprised of Anglo settler colonies.
 * 3) Lay the groundwork for a Commonwealth of the remaining colonies and the Federation.
 * Based on these recommendations, parliament passes the Imperial Act of 1890 in November. This act begins the process of drafting a legally binding document which will outline the responsibilities and limitations of an Imperial Federation government. At present, the Parliament looks to include Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the West Indies, and Canada, should they agree to join. The Canadians are offered membership in the Federation as an equal member of the state, should they wish to. Otherwise they can join the Commonwealth as the first Commonwealth State. (Canada Response) The Commonwealth, which will be fully established with the independence of the African colonies and India will be a mutual defense pact and a customs union. More mundanely, work continues on the cape rail line, with the construction of new and modernized lines in Sudan and more deeply into South Africa and the ZAR. Work out of Dar es Salaam accelerates to meet the South African line within the decade. Investment from London continues to power the global economy, and investment revenues climb yearly. A proposal is sent to the United States to jointly finance the construction of a canal across the isthmus of Panama or Nicaragua. (United States) Ship production slows as numerical superiority over the French and Germans is reached, with ships built only to replace aging and retired ships. A small flotilla is dispatched from Australia to Vanuatu to capture the islands and claim them for the UK. (Colonization) A second flotilla arrives at Comoros and offers the Sultan there British Protectorate Status. (Mod Response). An envoy is sent to Russia to negotiate the sale of a portion of the New Guinea Claim in exchange for New Caledonia, Mayotte, Wallis and Futuna,and any other Russian Indian Ocean Territories (Russia Response).


 * Siam: Our reforms continue to be implemented and another sanitary district is established, the Chalom district, responsible for Mueang Samut Sakhon District. We wish to purchase lever-action shotguns from Japan. We have coal and palm oil to offer. Our navy is split up into two fleets, one responsible for the northern part of the Gulf of Thailand, the other responsible for the rest of the Gulf of Thailand. To avoid any conflict with Germany, the waters off the coast of Cambodia are to be left alone. The Base/Headquarters of the [//althistory.fandom.com/wiki/Special:WikiActivityRoyal https://althistory.fandom.com/wiki/Special:WikiActivityRoyal] Thai Navy is relocated to Sattahip. Roads are built in the northern reaches of our nation as well as Laos, for the ease of transport. We begin to sell coal found in our nation, resulting in economic growth. An Arsenal is made in Korat. Rama V decides to start the abolition of slavery, but he associated the abolition of slavery in the United States with the bloodshed of the American Civil War. Chulalongkorn, to prevent such a bloodbath in Siam, provided several steps toward the abolition of slavery, not an extreme turning point from servitude to total freedom. Those who found themselves unable to live on their own sold themselves into slavery by rich noblemen. Likewise, when a debt was defaulted, the borrower would become a slave of the lender. If the debt was redeemed, the slave regained freedom. However, those whose parents were household slaves were destined to be slaves forever, as well as their descendants. Because of harsh economic conditions in past years, people sold themselves in great numbers, resulting in a huge number of household slaves, and they now accounted for around 1.3 percent of the Siamese population. A decade before, Rama V enacted a law that lowered the redemption price of all slaves born in 1867 (his ascension year), and he freed all of those slaves when they reached age 21 (1888). The newly freed slaves would have time to settle themselves as farmers or merchants so they would not become unemployed. Now that the Corvee system is starting to end, a modern system of conscription must be put in place, so the Conscription Act is established accordingly. Another shipyard is built in Surat Thani, in the south. The navy grows, now around one-half the size of Japan's.
 * United States: The Wounded Knee Massacre happens. However, none of the soldiers involved are granted medals of honor after being recommended by their superiors. The US 1890 census maintains an estimated US population of 63.5 million. The first new Indiana-class battleship is launched and commissioned. A total of five are planned which would bring the US battleship fleet up to 13. Idaho and Wyoming are admitted as states. President Cleveland holds off on any financial deal with the British Empire regarding Latin America, being a more isolationist president. The Church of Latter Day Saints President Wilford Woodruff introduces the 1890 Manifesto. The Daughters of the American Revolution is founded (The Sons of the American Revolution was founded earlier). Sequoia and Yellowstone National Parks are created. The Oklahoma Territory is founded from the Seven Nations and white settlers. The Anti-Trust Act of 1890 is passed. As more US settlers move to Liberia, Congress orders a vote to be held by the people of Liberia on whether or not to be annexed by the United States or remain a US protectorate (Mod Response). US Navy personnel and American businessmen set up shop on the other Solomon Islands claimed by the United States. The navy is also sent out to claim the Marshall Islands and Kiribati. The National American Women's Suffrage Association is founded. John Browning's "Potato Digger" is adopted as the M1890 Machine Gun. Winchester, in association with the navy, starts to test a straight-pull bolt action rifle with a 6 x 60 mm navy cartridge.
 * The Liberian referendum comes out with 68 percent voting to become a state while 32 percent vote against it. - Mod
 * German Empire: The proposition is made and the four-year plan is put into effect. Since the fall of the German Economy, it is taken as a priority to push for a new standard to place our currency's value on with the removal of notes and central focus on the German Imperial Bank now fully under the administration of the crown, the gold standard is put into effect with the use of coins as currency that have higher value but also notes. This helps stabilize the Reichsmark. In addition, the union strikes are taken into consideration for what is called for more rights and a new branch for labor is established to manage the rights of the worker with a nationalized workers union being made with the abolition of the separate unions. As a result, this has mixed reactions but with the new rights made, it is seen as satisfying to the various leaders. Spending is relocated to stimulating the market economy which with the sweeping legislation has had a mixed response but remains steady on a path to full recovery. The German Military now deployed in the now declared Kongo Free State under the rule of the German African Company, complications develop. Droughts begin to develop during the dry season leading many natives starve while at camps and settlements, despite lower levels, the German colonists managed to maintain their water supplies, crops, and settlements quickly through efficient irrigation methods. The Congolese Wars begin as the food crisis worsens bringing the involvement of the Central African Royal Military's deployment after assaults on the settlements for food. This results in several native alliances throughout the campaigns with inheritance of land rich with resources and assistance of cultivation and proper development being promised to our allies. The first Congolese-administered businesses are established and mining permits are given with ventures established. The new labor laws established by the German government do not apply in the region. Therefore, labor by captured tribesmen is used as punishment and help boosts the Congolese elite-owned businesses by the helping hand of the German African Company.


 * Austria-Hungary: A new decade - a new empire. The heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Karl Ludwig, renounces his succession rights to the throne and shall give it to his eldest son Franz Ferdinand. With our inflation crisis being handled, we begin to start up our modernization campaign for the military, but slowly. We continue our literacy campaign throughout the underdeveloped regions of the empire, more specifically Galicia-Lodomeria and continue to build infrastructure and schools there. With France getting its economy back on track, we lower the taxes on their exports but still keep them relatively high just to be safe. Austro-Slavism continues to be promoted to counteract Pan-Slavism. We offer to form a “Quadruple Alliance” with Germany, Italy, and Russia (YCASTO, ADOLF, TULLIN RESPONSE NEEDED). We continue to colonize Italian-speaking areas with German settlers with a census being conducted to see what the new demographics are. The Hungarian Labor Party by now has a solid majority in the Hungarian Parliament and begins enacting legislation that is more friendly to Austria and the federalist movement in the empire.
 * Italian Dip: Italy is interested in an alliance with Austria.
 * ' Império do Brasil: Dawn, January 18th 1890. Everything was normal and calm in the streets of Rio de Janeiro, the population was going about in their everyday lives as most are waking up and readying for the day. Suddenly a few hundred soldiers form up in the streets of the city and march to the Camp of Santana, led by Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca that had been convinced by a lie from the republican conspirators Quintino Bocaiuva and Benjamin Constant to lead a coup. In the camp he would declare the deposition of the Viscount of Ouro Preto, President of the Council of Ministers and his Cabinet. The population would watch the whole situation in surprise and confusion. Pedro would receive word of the confusion from his summer house in Petropolis and head down to Rio with his grandson. Pedro would consider accepting this and appointing another cabinet but before he could act on it Deodoro would be again be persuaded by a republican lie and go on to the Rio de Janeiro town hall and proclaim the extinction of the Empire and creation of a republic.   Upon hearing this and convinced by João Pedro the Emperor would walk out of the Paço Imperial toward the troops, he would deliver a speech in front of them and the folk who would gather around the scene: "Soldiers, You the army serves no men. Not me your emperor, not some dissatisfied barons and disillusioned journalists, and not anyone else. Men, you serve only to Brazil - your Motherland! So ask the people what they think, ask if they approve of this republican coup, for what is Brazil if not its blessed people. If they cry out for republic then they shall have it! But if they don´t then stand down and don't betray your very nation [...]" The civilian crowd would cheer Pedro and the main regiment would stand not knowing what to do, some shouts would be heard from more radical officers "Long live the Republic" and "Down with the monarchy" but the troops would stand idle and the people´s cheer would surpass the shouts. Deodoro realising the situation and being himself a monarchist and friend of the Emperor would be ashamed and order his men to stand down then kneel before Pedro. Loyalist troops would later arrive in the area led by João but the situation would be under control, in the aftermath of the attempted coup the Marshals Deodoro and Floriano Peixoto would be discharged along with many other coupist officers and sentenced to exile for insubordination and high treason, Benjamin Constant, Quintino Bocaiuva and other co-conspirators would be sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiracy and high treason. The Empire would be mantained and stability reassured as the republican movement is forever tarnished in public view for the humiliating and pathetic coup attempt. Following the incident the military would see further reformation and discipline would be restored in military academies and in the drill of soldiers. Internally, the empire would go on with its normal affairs and the imperial heir prince João Pedro would increasingly be introduced directly into the affairs of the state as his old and tired grandfather works to secure the best succession for the nation in him. The Empire and its private companies would continue advertising in Europe to attract immigrants, these efforts are now bolstered by the fact that the nation has abolished slavery and its ever-growing economy becomes even more attractive, advantage is also taken of the decaying economic situation in Germany to increase migration. Internationally, Brazil would see re-approximation with the Argentine Republic and projects are drafted and discussed in relative secrecy between the two countries for the creation of a strong political and economic alliance.'''

1891
Germany reinforcing the gold standard leads to an attack on the currency as people exchange the overvalued currency for gold though this does temporarily stymie inflation though Germany's gold reserves decline aggressively.

In China, the secret society known as Jindandao commits a massacre of Mongolians in Inner Mongolia, the massacre is stopped by government forces but not in time to prevent 500,000 Mongolians from being brutally murdered.

High naval spending sees the atrophy of the German High Command with many of the army ''' officers either quitting, putting in sub-par work, or leaving for South American nations, principally Argentina, in search of new work. Furthermore, many German economists begin to question the wisdom of spending significant sums of money on the colonies rather than on internal investment.'''


 * Mexico: The Grand Railroad is almost finished and the settlers get even more tax breaks to settle. Henry starts to build up the army even more and he requests buying blueprints for destroyers from Britain [British Response needed]. Henry also proposes the North American Entente[American/Mod Response needed for Canada].
 * United Kingdom: As Canada is a dominion of the United Kingdom, it would be inappropriate for them to join a foreign alliance. Furthermore, we will not supply them with blueprints.
 * French Diplomacy: The French government decides to step in and proposes to send engineers to Mexico to help them build their own destroyers under French guidance.
 * Mexico: We thank the French for giving King Henry of France a villa.
 * Emirate of Jabal Shmmar: Seeing the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Emir Muhammad sends his son to rule over the region of Sham and the Levant sending Abd-Al Aziz ibn Mutib to work on organizing the various tribes and religious groups, beginning the trial of organizing them by trying to hire local imams and priest to the Emirate cause. Within Arabia, AL Jawf is picked as the capital. Emir Muhammad would also begin to organize the Arab rebel into an organized band and plans to form the Arab National Army. We send an envoy to Russia and Austria asking for military arms, an envoy is also sent to Romania asking for military training. (RUSSSIA, AUSTRIA, ROMANIA PLAYER)
 * Hejaz: With the fall of the Ottomans, Awn al-Rafiq is kept in his job and is ordered to organize the religious matters of the Islamic World. Awn al-Rafiq sends an envoy to Persia wanting to improve Shia-Sunni relationships. (PERSIA RESPONSE)
 * Romanian Diplomacy: We accept giving military training to Jabal Shammar.
 * Austrian Dip: We agree to send arms to Jabal a Shammar.
 * Kingdom of France: With the situation in France stabilizing we can begin focusing elsewhere. Many Revanchists in the National Assembly call for the demilitarization of the French border with Germany and an increase of the size of the army. Prime Minister Mackau, a supporter of Boulanger’s Revanchist Policies, decides to do so and soon orders the French Army to march into the DMZ established by Germany and Italy almost 15 years before while also ordering the increase of the size of the army. Though funding for the navy still has been reduced construction of French warships continue slowly then planned in order to allow the nation to fully recover from the inflation crisis. Important Military Reforms take place overseen by War Minister Boulanger who reorganizes the French Army in five branches: the French Home Army, the Foreign Legion, the Garde Mobile, the Troupes de la Marine and The French Overseas Army. The French Home Army will be consisting of 450,000 men while the Foreign Legion will consisted of 100,000 men. The Garde Mobile will be composed of 500,000 men and will serve as the nation's official military reserve force. Les Troupes de Marine will serve as the branch of the French Army responsible for amphibious operations and will be consisted of 50,000 men while the French Overseas Army will be responsible for the defense of France’s overseas colonies and will consist of 200,000 men total most of whom will be recruited natives. In addition to these Military Reforms troops begin massing in Southern France as talks begin in the National Assembly about a potential Intervention in Spain in order to support the Carlist Insurgents. With the end of the war against the Ottomans news reaches Paris about the exclusion of France from the Treaty of Constantinople and the fact that the Emirate of Jabal Shammar has seized the lands claimed by France causing mass outrage in the French government, with the nation having suffered major setbacks from previous attempts to establish new colonies, this is proven to be the final straw for the Kingdom of France. With this, an ultimatum is sent to the Emirate of Jabal Shammar to hand over the regions of Syria and Jordan to France or face war and that the Emirate of Jabal Shammar has until next year to respond (Jabal Shammar Response). However, acknowledging the possibility of a Russian intervention, War Minister Boulanger orders French East Africa and French Syria to be reinforced as the 70,000-strong garrison in French Syria is increased to 120,000 men as 40,300-man garrison in French East Africa is increased to 70,000 men all done through the recruitment of native locals and the arrival of addition Foreign Legion. An Alliance is proposed to the Emirate of Nejd as a second military mission is sent to help modernize their army while modern equipment is sent to the Saudis. With the mistreatment of French immigrants in South Africa and raids begin conducted against them the Kingdom of France demands reparations from the Boer government in the form of 15 million Francs or face punitive action from the French (Boer Response). Meanwhile, the LRP begins promoting Rattachism in Belgium while continuing training the Carlists against the Alfonsist government in the methods of Guerrilla Warfare as the CEF continues to arm the Carlists with modern weapons. (Secret) With the success of the submarines Le Requin and Le Dauphin, Prime Minister Mackau orders the construction of a flotilla of 30 submarines to be completed within ten years as he also cancels the Second Naval Expansion Plan due to “Financial Issues”. (End Secret). The First Annual Five-Year Census is held this year with the French Population reaching 36.8 million people with the next census planned to take place in 1895.
 * The Emirate of Nejd accept the Alliance Proposal from France (Done by Colgan on Discord)
 * Vrijstaat Dip: We shall pay the full amount of 15 million Francs in five installments of three million Francs each year.
 * French Dip: We thank the Boer government for choosing wisely as we promise to never interfere in South African Internal Affairs in the future so long as our French immigrants are not threatened.
 * Secret Jap Dip: An envoy is sent to negotiate an alliance with the French and counter the growing influence of Berlin.
 * Secret French Dip: We accept the alliance proposed by the Japanese.
 * Nippon: The 20,000 soldiers are reduced to 15,000 and 10,000 Imperial marines are brought over to start training, while construction of a naval base on Palawan begins. Trade and shipping continue to grow drastically as industrialization and foreign markets expand. The Japanese merchant fleet also expands with both private and public shipping companies helping the flow of goods out of Japan and the flow of products into the country. Settlement of Japan's northern territories and of the Pacific Islands continues. A military base is established in Saipan to begin exerting more influence in the islands and to secure Japanese interests in the region. Claims are laid on the Marshall Islands. Naval expansion continues. With increased availability of iron from Australia steel production increases. construction of the first domestically built destroyers begin with two being slated for completion by 1894. Larger ships will take some more time to accommodate. An expansion of the growing Asa textile industry to accommodate domestic markets begins as the Asa/Cotton blend proves incredibly durable and cheap to produce along with its strong retention of Dyes. This along with Asa's own popularity due to its psycho-activity leads to massive boom in Asa production in Kyushu which is heavily to the growth in the activities of the red light districts of Nagasaki, Yamaguchi, Osaka, Tokyo, Kochi, Nagiita, and Kagoshima. There is a drastic increase in the popularity of Gambling houses and Geisha or Oiran establishments are the primary reasons for the growth of popularity in Asa and Asa textiles. There is a growth of crime, however, around these area as the unemployed or the intoxicated get into a fights or attempted to rob the establishments or merchants around them. The army continues to put the Arisaka 87 into use while working on a bolt action rifle continues and nears completion. Trade continues to grow in Formosa and Japanese merchants build up ties with the native communities and with corrupt officials. efforts to improve logistics and information gathering a Naval intelligence Branch is established and training of operatives in both information gathering and extending Japan's informal diplomatic relations. Formally the slaughter in Inner Mongolia is condemned,.
 * Nip Secret Action: Despite the relative isolation of the incident the brutality shows the Japanese military that another wave of violence might be about to start in China. Efforts to get in contact with the Organization Jindandao (mod response).
 * Efforts are successful and the Jindandao is contacted by Kenpeitai agents 9colgan discord)


 * The Russian Empire: Begins to provide arms to the Arabian Army with the first of these ruffles being used Berdans who are still good for use - with some artillery coming with them, even as it isn't of the greatest use with untrained men. To help this issue, the Russian Imperial Army sends a group of 100 high ranking and 1,000 lower ranking advisors to the Arab state. With the Russian upper house of the Duma making it so any Arab with a passport can freely move into and out of Russia as they desire, the minor clause is they can be jailed and prosecuted by Russian law. Due to the loyalty of Armenian Army and people their lands will become a Grand Duchy within Russia with Armenian becoming the official language in these lands and the Armenian Orthodox Church their official Church and faith. While what has to be done with Constantinople has also been decided, that being that the bureaucracy in Constantinople will mostly be done by the Greek and other Christian populations. With only the governor of Constantinople being a Russian - but on the other hand, the government is unsure what to do with the Turkish population and areas that Russia now owns. With many in the government wanting to send immigrants to these lands. The upper house of the Duma decides not encourage yet this for the fear for hostilities from the Turks. The gathering of the data surrounding the population starts this year with it been expected that this process will take five years. Thereafter, it will be used for a lower house of the Duma. Which will be created with aid of this information. While at this time a small guard of soldiers is sent to Abyssinia and the Cornelis Islands, which at this moment number a total 15,000 European soldiers, with the number of natives not being entirely sure due to the inaccurate counting and translations by the locals.
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: President Kruger gets relected for a fourth time. Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydro-electrical dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general, electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. Taxation in the Nieuw Netherlands province is temporarily abolished for a ten year period until 1892 to give further incentives for more settlers to move in. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boer farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The Germanic immigrants and to a lesser extent, the French and the British continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 8,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 24,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 7,000 of our people die - mostly from old age - but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. According to estimates, we have 975,000 white citizens, 4,650 Griquas and 2.775 million black people in total by the end of the year. The Nieuw Rotterdam-Nieuw Netherlands line starts construction and is expected to finish construction by the end of 1892. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase.
 * Additional French Action (Kingdom of France): With Germany facing further economic problems, the LRP calls for a general uprising in Greater Alsace-Lorraine calling for all French residents in the region to rise up against German authority and spread such chaos across the German State (Mod Response Needed). Meanwhile, War Minister Boulanger organizes a Third Military Mission to the Emirate of Nejd as it will be composed of military advisors, French War Veterans, Officers and Non-commissioned Officers as well as army engineers and a few Foreign Legion regiments to assist the Saudi State. Meanwhile, efforts to expand major French colonial cities such as Tunis, Tripoli, Beirut and Mogadishu begin as new infrastructure is built within these cities while their ports are upgraded and expanded. With news of a possible foreign interference with our plans in the Middle East, Defensive Entrenchments are built in anticipation of a huge conflict in the Middle East with Jabal Shammar and/or the Russians. Meanwhile, General François Oscar de Négrier is placed in command of the French Army of the Levant while General Louis Brière de l'Isle takes command of the French East African Army.
 * Many French residents in Greater Alsace-Lorraine rise up against the Germans supported by the local resistance branch of the LRP. (Done by Colgan on Discord)
 * United States: Two new Indiana-class battleships are commissioned, the Texas and the Maine. "War games" take place in the great plains with tactics such as coordinated horse and artillery movements, use of machine guns, and the effect of the bolt action rifle is studied in warfare against the remnants of the Plains Indians and those still residing in the Southwest. The military sees it as its duty to tame this area along with Liberia. General Nelson Miles sets off for Liberia along with 20,000 men to bring order to the deep country territory. "Miles' Expedition" is controversial back home particularly in the black community. "It is ironic how we black men fight alongside white men to enslave our native brothers and sisters. For what? In the name of freedom? Africa is the traditional home of the black man and we cannot treat this the way we treated the Great West." -Frederick Douglass on Territory of Liberia, a New America. We send representatives to the governments of Canada and Great Britain asking for join US-Imperial military cooperation in eradicating the last resistance of the plains Indians in the Great Plains and the Canadian shield, this would see US-Imperial military cooperation between Wyoming and South Dakota up to the OTL Alberta-Nunavut border (Canadian-British response).
 * The United Kingdom: A finalized Constitution for the Imperial Federation of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand is put before the constituent member states for ratification. The document outlines the rights and responsibilities of the Federal government of the Imperial Federation, restricting the government to defense, trade, and foreign relations. The referenda in the empire are overwhelmingly in favor of the federation except for in England herself where the vote is close. Only 52 percent of Englishmen vote in favor of the new constitution, but that is sufficient. By 1895 the United Kingdom will no longer be a political entity, but rather only a symbolic one. Home-rule parliaments are set-up across the empire throughout the year, with Westminster preparing to turn over to a proportional election system from the many constituent states. However, in South Africa there is a problem. A group of British pro-federalists move to establish their own parliament, and petition to join the Federation. An emergency Congress on the State of South Africa is convened late in the year and a final verdict will be reached in 1892. More mundanely, work continues on the cape rail line, with the construction of new and modernized lines in Sudan and more deeply into South Africa and the ZAR. Work out of Dar es Salaam accelerates to meet the South African line within the decade. Investment from London continues to power the global economy, and investment revenues climb yearly. Australia’s strong economy attracts many immigrants from the United Kingdom, as well as other countries in Europe, a significant Turkish minority develops in several of the major cities as Turks, fleeing Greek and Russian occupation, arrive by the shipload. While initially hesitant to accept the newcomers, they prove hardy miners and earn the begrudging respect of the Australians. Ship production slows as numerical superiority over the French and Germans is reached, with ships built only to replace aging and retired ships. The agreement offered the Russians is expanded to include defining a buffer zone between India and Russia proper, and they can choose to opt in at any time. (Russia Response)
 * Kingdom of Italy: The Kingdom faces new elections, where the Liberal era continues, but the URS (or commonly known as Repubblicani, Republicans) gains over 40 percent of the votes alone. This is not only due to the fact that an estimated 60 percent of all industrial workers and around a third of all rural workers are organized in a union, but also that the Agrarian Party has major influence in regions like Calabria and Sicily. The Agrarians are an interested party for farmers and the rural population who align with the Republicans on a national level. The party has offshoots in almost every state under Italian protection, they are especially popular in Corsica and are a major power in Albania, where they take similar roles as the social-democrats. The Liberals have replaced many conservatives, who are slowly declining. One policy to keep the Republicans from rising in power is the introduction of a healthcare system, which is started with support from the pope and the church. People who can't pay for things like hospitals and doctors are now free to do so in one of the newly built church hospitals, who are co-funded by the state. The colonies continue to expand their infrastructure, and a new port is finished in Aceh, as the previous one became too small for the trade that is done in the region. Major exports of Aceh are mostly tea, coffee, exotic fruits and spices like black pepper, but smaller gold and coal deposits were found in the region, where mining companies start to invest in the region. The locals are treated kindly and the taxes are in a moderate scale. A colonial police is also set up for local issues. Similar things occur in Africa, where the North African railway is now halfway through and has almost crossed all of Fezzan. Seeing French aggression by invading the DMZ between France and Italy, the army is expanded by another 50,000 men, the Alpine special force is enforced by another 20,000 men to guard the Alpine border, whereas the Corsican navy and the Italian navy now permanently patrol in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ligurian Sea. The industrial age continues in the north of the nation, and the southern and central rural areas also become more urbanized over time, leading to more modernization in the production of food and an increase in population because of that.
 * Dominion of Canada: A short - yet violent - rebellion known as the Red River Rebellion has struck Rupertsland by the metis against the Canadian government. The rebellion was defeated, though, with most of the rebel leaders executed and the others would be sent to Australia to a penal colony. After the rebellion, the Canadian government declared that they would annex most of Rupertsland by 1892.

1892
''' German gold reserves are exhausted as the currency is still overvalued and the country is forced to devalue the currency by some 20 percent leading to a four percent spike in inflation. Banks attempt to pull in more money by selling assets. If Germany invades France they will be counted as out of supply for algo purposes. '''

''' Bonds of the ZAR suffer a serious financial blow as banks across Germany are forced to sell ZAR bonds for cheap or face bankruptcy. With demand crashing the ZAR must either raise yields and pay higher yearly interest rates on all their debt or have a budget surplus. '''

''' In British-Egyptian Sudan Muhammad Ahmad bin Abd Allah rallies a force of some 4,000 Muslims in a Jihad against the British-Egyptian authorities. '''

''' In Greek Anatolia order collapses into chaos. Progressively violent riots starting early in the year led to a massacre of Turkish protesters by Greek military police. By November, hundreds of Turks are dead and dozens of Greek civilians killed in counterattacks. Some in Turkey and Greece begin calling for the cleansing of the other form their lands. '''

''' Rudolf Diesel obtains a patent for a compression-ignition motor, colloquially known as a Diesel Engine. '''

''' A cholera outbreak strikes Hamburg. '''

''' The Dutch East Indies finish consolidating control over Borneo and the other islands. '''

''' The Italian government faces petitions to increase the size of the armed forces. '''

'''British Announcement: The Suez Canal will be closed to warships on both sides of the Franco-Russian War to prevent conflict over the canal or danger to the canal. '''
 * Kingdom of Italy: As demands for a larger military become popular, the parliament gives in with an enlargement of another 100,000 volunteers, giving the gun industry major orders on artillery, handguns and ammunition. SECRET The recruits are first sent to the Austrian or Swiss border, to be trained for a fight in the mountains against a potential French attack from the west. Some 20,000 men are deployed in the marine infantry, stationed in Corsica and North Africa primarily. END SECRET The navy is enlarged with three brand new destroyers, who are deployed in Indonesia. This is done for two particular reasons: first of all to keep the Dutch presence in the Strait of Malacca at a moderate scale, second of all to bring two of them and a small fleet to the yet unclaimed island group of Fiji. This is done as much as a power move as it is for strategic reasons, to gain a foothold in the Pacific Ocean. The navy lands there in February of the year 1892, where local chiefs are convinced to become chiefs under Italian protection, sometimes they are bribed, sometimes convinced with three or four squads and a translator with a diplomat coming to their island (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). The Islands are constantly patrolled by Italian ships. In the Mediterranean, the Greeks and Anatolian Turks in their new lands are given the opportunity to sort out their issues with the Italian ambassador as a mediator and further improve relations with the Greeks. SECRET The Greeks are offered to crush the revolts with Italian aid if necessary, in exchange for a small naval base in Crete (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). SECRET END The healthcare system becomes now widely spread and gives the state and the monarchy more popularity among the people. The economy is growing with more orders for weaponry and an increase in colonial trade. The mining industry is expanded as well, especially in Aceh and Mali. In Mali proper, a force of 3,000 men is trained as special troops is set up with modern weaponry and even some artillery pieces. The northern Jolof exclave is also enforced with 300 men. The railroad in Algeria is also almost ready, the only issue is the extremely hostile terrain and the long pauses that have to be made in the summer months. Smaller forts are set up along the line are also established temporarily, to guard the workers from bandits.
 * Greek Dip: (Secret) We are fine on mediation already, but we would accept helping you to establish a small naval base in Crete in exchange for aiding us in the future for any revolts for the next 15 years, is this reasonable?


 * Korea: The government, headed by the leader of pro-China Sadae faction, Queen Min, continues its modernization program. Seo Jaepil, who had lived in the United States and became the first Korean to become a naturalized citizen (under the name Philip Jaisohn), and Kim Okygyun begin to advocate for universal suffrage. However, their opponents point out that the Korean population remains, barring the youth, are still largely uneducated and under-literate. The yangban is officially abolished, thus establishing a nominally classless and egalitarian society. However, civil examinations (albeit heavily revised) continue to determine one's eligibility for certain political posts and bureaucratic positions. In addition, many ex-yangban continue to dominate Korean society as business magnates and military officials. Nevertheless, the "life of the scholar–official" ideal is now ended. The Busan Naval Yard continues to expand, despite being privatized. With increased funds, the government begins the construction of two more shipyards (one nationalized, and one to be sold to private parties) in Incheon and Ulsan, respectively. The 1885 Naval Program is largely successful, though there still is a lack of a Western partner to purchase capital ships from. The nascent navy is composed of mainly littoral ships: five protected cruisers, 24 corvettes, and 24 torpedo gunboats – as well as 20 wooden-clad steamships, which are to be decommissioned next year. However, naval strategists – under the influence of the jeune-école strategy – begin to advocate for the utilization of new quickly-maturing torpedo technology to counteract larger battleships. Fortifications in Busan and Ganghwa island (guarding the Han and Nakdeong basins, respectively) are maintained. Fortifications lining the Amur River are constructed, in anticipation of a de-stabilizing event to come. The standing army is maintained at two royal guard brigades, 11 infantry divisions, 22 cavalry battalions, and 11 artillery battalions. Agricultural machinery and fertilizers are imported and used to increase the productivity of staple grains. The more productive maize, instead of wheat, is grown in the North while marginal soils are planted with potatoes. The textiles industry continues to grow exponentially; the main textile fibers used are long-staple cotton, silk, and wool – all imported from overseas. Dyes, mainly indigo and synthetic dyes, are used to raise its value. Mechanization of the industrial sector continues. Telecommunication lines are constructed, while the railway boom stimulates both ferrous metallurgy (such as steel production) and the mining of coal. The data from the 1890 Census is finally published. The population was determined to be 19,033,464 persons, up 9.4 percent from the estimated ~17.4 million in 1870. Life expectancy at birth was determined to be 28.3 years, up from 25.6 years in 1870, and is expected to surpass thirty by the next census due to the effects of economic modernization on infant mortality.
 * Kingdom of France: With Jabal Shammar ignoring our Ultimatum, many in the French government including Boulanger demand war but Prime Minister Mackau is hesitant. With the recent threats of Russia and Austria-Hungary to intervene in such a conflict Mackau sees that a direct attack against Jabal Shammar seems too controversial, it is decided to launch a Punitive Expedition against Jabal Shammar to punish them for seizing lands claimed by the French government. For the Revanchists and Boulanger this is good enough as they see it as a declaration of war. Immediately the French Army of the Levant begins their advance in Syria while the Emirate of Nejd is pressured to launch an attack against Jabal Shammar from the South in order to open two fronts against them(Mod Response). With the Carlist Insurgency continuing and getting more popular the idea of an intervention in Spain grows popular as many Revanchists want to establish a Revanchist Carlist puppet state in Spain in order to promote Spanish Revanchism against Germany who had been responsible for the downfall of the Spanish Empire which had started with the German-Spanish War. Elements of the French Mediterranean fleet is sent to the coast of French Syria while the French Indian Ocean Squadron is sent to the Red Sea with the objective of halting any sort of intervention against the French. Jabal Shammar is given a chance to surrender immediately and to hand over Syria and Jordan to the Kingdom of France or to face the complete utter destruction of their “holy cities” (Jabal Shammar Response needed). A French Diplomatic Envoy is sent to both Russia and Austria-Hungary to advise them to not intervene (Russian and Austro-Hungarian Response Needed). (Secret) With the construction of the Submarine Armada already ten Nautilus-class submarines have been placed under construction this year with another five Requin-class submarines planned to begin construction next year. With the construction of a Submarine Flotilla underway the many officers within the French Navy see this as the best way to counter British, American and German surface ships (End of Secret). Meanwhile, the ports of Tripoli, Tunis, Mogadishu and Beirut are further expanded with small businesses being opened in these ports, with the expanded Railway system nearing completion in France, plans are made for a Tunis-Tripoli Railway line. With Italy mobilizing more troops War Minister Boulanger responds by creating France’s own mountaineer force training 50,000 Reservists to create a French mountaineer corps through extensive training. With the Italians mobilizing their navy, France decides to keep its fleet at port as the Minister of the Navy prefers to wait for “France’s secret weapons of the seas” to be completed first. In Mexico, the first French Engineers arrive in Veracruz and with the arrival of a small French Naval Task force they begin to prepare for the construction of a new Modernized Mexican fleet. (Secret) Meanwhile, a secret French envoy arrives in Mexico and begins talks with the Liberal Opposition in Mexico in the possibility of removing the Mexican Emperor from power due to his disastrous policies and replace him with Infante Antonio, Duke of Gallieri the nephew of King Henri VI of France (Mod Response) (End Secret). Meanwhile, the construction of a defensive fortifications line from Sedan to Manosque in order to defend France from a possible German and Italian invasion. With these advancements Boulanger’s Revanchist Policies continue to gain popularity and Boulanger even decides to go as far as establishing a Boulangist Movement supported by many and gaining a lot of popularity.
 * The Saudis declare war on the Emirate of Jabal Shammar and mobilize 40,000 troops against them. However, the Mexican Liberals refuse to support the French plot. 
 * Mexico: Henry Increases military strength and and builds two warships. He keeps on adding funding for the Secret Service. Secret: Henry starts influencing the Guatemalan governments Secret end. Henry requests a military alliance with Brazil [Brazilian Response Needed].
 * Emirate of Afghanistan: Abdur Rahman Khan, the "Iron Emir" requests investment from Britain and assistance in building the early beginnings of industry and agricultural modernization (BRITAIN RESPONSE, PLEASE. Resources are mined, and used to make profit to attract British and Russian investors. Meanwhile, the "ring road" begins construction and investment is requested from either Britain, Russia or Iran (NATION RESPONSE, PLEASE). To appease his conservative population, hijabs are allowed, but the burqa is banned to modernize the nation. Most mullahs who whined about it a bit to much disappear after that. Also, western attire is attempted to be promoted further. Meanwhile, slavery is abolished. A diplomatic mission is sent to Iran, to study their military reforms. Greater ties are requested with Iran. (IRAN RESPONSE, PLEASE)
 * Persian Diplomacy: We accept the diplomatic mission.
 * British Diplomacy: Although initially hesitant to support a one-time enemy, the United Kingdom decides to offer significant economic assistance and investment to the Emir.
 * Austria-Hungary: Franz Ferdinand continues to promote numerous trialist and federalist causes. With France attacking the Emirate of Jabal Shammar, we decide to send 50 ships from the Imperial Navy to blockade the coast of Lebanon and Syria.
 * French Military Response: The French fleet, anchored at Beirut, is tasked with engaging the Austro-Hungarian fleet sent to blockade Lebanon and Syria and preventing them from achieving their task. Meanwhile, additional reinforcements are sent from Tunis and the Red Sea to prevent any retreat from the Austro-Hungarian fleet.
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: Our private sector sensing profits immediately rushes to buy our state's cheap bonds at really cheap prices, believing in our state's security, especially after some encouragement. All the major corps buy ZAV bonds using their reserves up to the point of keeping sufficient reserves as to ensure the continuous running of their operations without experiencing cash flow issues. Our private sector buying a total of ten percent of ZAR's bonds from German banks. We petition the British Empire to buy the rest of our bonds to support us [British Empire Response] Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydroelectric dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general, electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boer farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The Germanic immigrants and to a lesser extent, the French and the British continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 8,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 24,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 7,000 of our people die - mostly from old age - but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. According to estimates, we have one million white citizens, 4,800 Griquas and 2.785 million black people in total by the end of the year. The Nieuw Rotterdam-Nieuw Netherlands line finishes construction and is inaugurated to the public, receiving good feedback. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase.
 * Emirate of Jabal Shmmar: Seeing the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Emir Muhammad sends his son to rule over the region of Sham and the Levant sending Abd-Al Aziz ibn Mutib to work on organizing the various tribes and religious groups, beginning the trial of organizing them by trying to hire local imams and priest to the Emirate cause. Within Arabia, AL Jawf is picked as the capital. Emir Muhammad would also begin to organize the Arab rebel into an organized band and plans to form the Arab National Army. The Arab National Army is called upon and able body men over 17 are drafted into the ANA. On the Arabian front, 40,000 tribes men are called upon to defend the city of Hai'll from any Saudi assault. On the Syrian front, the army is placed under the control of Abd-Al Aziz ibn Mutib and he is able to amass an army of 60,000 men, mostly ex- Arab Ottoman troops and Arab nationalist. They begin to dig into the city of Damascus. We call upon all ethnic and religious groups to unite and fight off the shackles of colonization within the Emirate. The Emir is quoted saying " With blood and honor, we will celebrate our martyrs!" which is made into the national and military slogan after onlookers began chanting after the speech.
 * Caliphate of Hejaz: Awn al-Rafiq is kept in his job and is ordered to organize the religious matters of the Islamic World. Awn al-Rafiq declares a fatwa denouncing the Wahabbis of Saudi Arabia calling them deviants declaring that any Muslim that fights for them would be sending themselves to hell. Awn al-Rafiq sends an envoy to Afghanistan wanting to organize religious interaction and fix differences between Sunni and Shias within Afghanistan, while also wanting to have Islamic scholars interact with each other by meeting up in Mecca. (AFGHAN RESPONSE).
 * French Military Action: With the Army of the Levant defeating the Arab Force at Damascus, news of the Persian intervention surprises the French government. After hearing this news the Army of the Levant halts its advance as they heavily entrench themselves in Damascus awaiting French reinforcements. Meanwhile, a force of 50,000 men amassed from mainland France and French North Africa land in Hejaz while 25,000 men reinforce the already present 8,000 Frenchmen in the Saudi State. Meanwhile, French agents are sent to Turkey to convince the Sultan to send Volunteers to aid France against their Arab enemies (Mod Response Needed)
 * Hold your horses, partner. How did your navy invade Hejaz and get 8,000 men into Saudi land? That seems ASB -OOC Jabal Player
 * Persian Military action: With the French reinforcements and landings in Hejaz, the Third Imperial Army of 100,000 troops is readied and begins to march toward the Syrian border.
 * Emirate Dip: Seeing a possible French push into Jordan, 100,000 men are called upon, as Persian and Arabs begin to amass. Within the Saudi front Persian and Arabs begin to march onto Riyadh.
 * Persian Empire: Feeling that France has enough colonies, and not wanting to have any colonial powers invading Jabal Shammar, the shah intervenes in the war on Jabal Shammar's side sending 100,000 troops to fight the Saudis and another 100,000 to stop the French advance in Syria. The shah arrives in Amman after the fall of Damascus to personally lead the troops stationed there to hold the city. Meanwhile, rationing and the economy is introduced as the factories begun producing ammunition in larger quantities then before. To prevent a succession crisis if he should be killed, the shah appoints his son, Prince Soltan as heir apparent.
 * British Diplomacy: With Persia entering war, we send them 10,000 troops from the British Indian Army, as well as several hundred advisors and officers to bring their officer corps up to modern military tactics.
 * French Military Action: A small French naval task force leaves Tripoli to blockade the Persian Gulf to prevent Persian troops from attacking the Emirate of Nejd from behind.


 * The Russian Empire: Expeditions are send to the Arctic islands north of Russia with most of them of minor importance with only small expeditions with around ten to 25 men each. With a larger expedition being sent to the Spitsbergen Islands which total 100 men. At the same moment the Russian army in Anatolia which still numbers around one-half million, with Muslims now being targeted for recruitment. With slogans surrounding the Muslim faith and defending it. The empire even promising less oppression of the faith if they show their loyalty to Russia. While the other one-half million members of the Russian Army gets once again mobilised to be send to all different fronts. With even higher mobilisation happening due to the war with France, with the planned number of extra troops conscripted being one million. The one-half million Anatolians being sent to the Lebanese border to protect it, and due to the uneasiness of the the situation happening which is visible. With Alexander calling upon the Kingdom of Romania to aid the Russian Empire against the French oppressors. (Romanian Response) While soldiers on the Abyssinian front 15,000 Russians and 30,000 Native Abyssinians, with Menelik II beginning to recruit a total of 45,000 extra soldiers, and another 25,000 being recruited by local Nobles under him. Although they are armed by the Russian army the men are of African stock. While this is happening, the Russian Empire asks the British Empire for the possibility to buy British Manlichers and possibly the license for the producing of the Mannlicher Model 1890 Carbine, with other powers like the United States, Austria-Hungary and Germany also getting requests to buy rifles from (British Response) (Austrian response) (American Response)  (German response). While at the same time, an army is created with slightly less training and not as greatly polished and quality guns called the Army of the Russian Fatherland (Армия российского Отечества/Armiya rossiyskogo Otechestva), this does not mean these men are not good able men to fight. The difference is that not so needed restrictions are done away with so long as they are able to pass the general tests of the Russian Army. One of the done away with restrictions is height of a recruitment and the need for perfect teeth. Finns being allowed to join Russian Regiments if they do so desire, along with the allowance of Muslims to join Russian regiments and getting food without pork, but not getting own Muslim services although allowed to skip Orthodox services and rest in their barracks or tents. French citizens in Russia are moved moved by force to the Siberian outback for the duration of the war, with them having the chance to sell their property in exchange for better housing in Siberia. With Frenchmen who help the building of the trans-Siberian railroad being allowed to keep their property. With the Russian government asking for foreign investment for the building of it (English and American Response). We also call on the British to aid in humanitarian and defensive purposes in Abyssinia and Eritrea (English Response). The Black Sea fleet is ordered to not exchange unless it is fully in the advantage of Russia with even new ships being build for the Black Sea fleet and off course defend the Holy City of Constantine the Great. On another note, due to the continuous tension with France it has decided that the Naval flag of Russia is going to stay as the official flag of Russia to avoid having the same colours as France - but the Use of the Chi Rho flag still being popular and used a lot. The Russian and Romanian troops on the front line now with their full 525,000 marching to the Rashidi city of Syria. With new recruits going all over the Lebanese border to defend against the Kingdom of France, this including troops who were stationed elsewhere like the 250,000 who were in the Balkans. 200,000 of them going to the front line of Lebanon. With the 50,000 staying in Constantinople to defend the city from any French action.
 * French Military Action: With Ethiopians and Russians mobilizing against the French in the Horn of France, the French Somali Protectorates begin mobilizing their own force recruiting 30,000 men in order to support the French. Meanwhile, the natives in the OTL region of Kenya are recruited by the French East African Army with 20,000 men recruited by the end of the year. The French fleet in the Red Sea begins a blockade against the Russians and is tasked in bombarding Russian ports should the Russians launch an invasion of French East Africa.
 * Vrijstaat: Sensing opportunity we offer the Russian Empire a chance to buy home produced licensed weaponry like the British Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles and the German Mauser M1871 infantry rifles, the Saxon M1873 army revolvers and the horse-drawn Krupp guns (C64/C67 models) with all royalties attributed to the British/Germans. Our production capabilities are limited, however.
 * Russian Diplomacy: Although finding the Vrystaat offer strange, the Russian Wmpire does accept the offer to buy the Vrystaat arms.


 * The United Kingdom: Hearing of the Franco-Russian War, the United Kingdom decides to support the Russians out of respect for the Treaty of Constantinople. 500,000 Lee-Enfields are sent to Russia to help them re-arm their troops. Meanwhile, 15,000 British troops in Djibouti cross into the Russian colonies in Abyssinia and Eritrea to protect them from French forces in Somalia. To the west, the rebellion in Sudan is not taken seriously by the Egyptian authorities. They dispatch 4,000 irregulars to suppress the rebellion, but the cocky soldiers make camp within sight of the rebels without posting sentries. The next morning, the rebels attack at dawn, massacring the unprepared soldiers as they sleep. When news of the disaster reaches London orders are immediately dispatched and 15,000 men transferred to Egypt. These men, supported by several gunboats, begin advancing south along the Nile to suppress the rebels. The ZAR debt crisis continues for several months of negotiations until the United Kingdom steps in to purchase the bonds. This purchase, unfortunately, causes budget constraints and forces a delay in funding for the navy, but ensures economic stability in Africa. The 1892 South Africa Congress addresses the challenges faced by the region throughout the year, conducting research as to the populations and demographics of the region as needed. The result is a proposal to unite the western interior of South Africa with the ZAR while maintaining British rule over Capetown and its direct hinterlands, as well as most of eastern South Africa. In exchange for the land transfer the Boers are asked to join the Commonwealth. (Bear Response) Work continues on the cape rail line, with the construction of new and modernized lines in Sudan and more deeply into South Africa and the ZAR. Work out of Dar es Salaam accelerates to meet the South African line within the decade. Investment from London continues to power the global economy, and investment revenues climb yearly. Australia’s strong economy attracts many immigrants from the United Kingdom, as well as other countries in Europe such as Germany and France which face poor economic conditions. Greece is approached with a proposal, the United Kingdom will offer to construct a series of low-freeboard coastal battleships for the Hellenic navy, as well as several torpedo boats. In exchange, Greece will pay for the construction costs and sign a trade agreement with the United Kingdom allowing for free investment and limited tariffs on British goods. Furthermore, the United Kingdom agrees to help mediate the Greco-Turkish strife. (Greek Response)
 * Greek Dip: All proposals thus far are acceptable enough.
 * Vrijstaat: The Cape is our ancestral homeland and the birthplace of our civilization thus this proposal is soundly rejected.
 * Kingdom of Greece: During the last decades of the Greek Kingdom, the Megali Idea had gained more popularity and traction since the first Ottoman War. Even the King of Greece started to find the idea palpable in the positive sense. Being supported by (whether directly or indirectly) countries such as Italy, Britain, Russia, or Austro-Hungary had bolstered confidence. However, after the Second War against the Ottomans, the idea has started to be questioned when the Russians annexed the Constantinople region. During the early years of the Hellenic Republic, there were three parties that were commonly known for their wishes for diplomatic ties to each nation (English, Russian, and French). But over the years, it has become tradition to provide informal names to parties based on their relationships. Prior to the Ottoman wars, there were two main factions in the Greek parliament. (similar to OTL) the two factions are the Nationalist Party (whom the French and Russian party was merged into), which is a conservative party that supported the Megali Idea, monarchism, and nationalism. The other party being the Modernist Party (whom the English party was merged into), which is a liberal party whose power has been bolstered by new acquisitions of the more devastated territories from the Ottoman Wars. In recent years, the Nationalist party has broken up between French and Russian factions, due to the Franco-Prussian War and the Ottoman Wars. The French faction has switched to a Pro-Austrian platform. While the rest of the Nationalist party, who were not in either faction, became Pro-Italian. The Modernist faction simply became known as the “British faction”. Basically, four new parties rose up being the pro-Italian, Pro-Austrian, Pro-Russian, and Pro-British factions (If you are wondering why some split despite having similar ideals, they are in disagreement on which model to follow and in regards to newly acquired territories). The conservative parties being the Austrian and Russian factions, while the more liberal faction is the British. The Italian party is more centrist, but leans to the right as well. Trikoupis, leader of British Party and current Prime Minister since June 10th of 1892, was successful after the election of 1874 in forcing the king to accept the "dedilomeni principle"; that the leader of the majority in parliament must be selected as prime minister by the king. In military/domestic affairs, the Greek government has considered warning the trouble making portions of the Turkish population in Greece to not riot or further consequences will be held - but ultimately decided to propose a population exchange between Greece and what's left of the Ottomans (Turkey?) to further abort violence. (TURKEY/MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE) If an agreement cannot be held, then Greece should immediately deport the Turkish populations in areas of high crime or unrest, making sure to state beforehand that any form of strong resistance will result in consequences for the individual. They also started a campaign to warn the rest of the population that they will meet the same fate if they decide to start trouble as well. Meanwhile, Greece plans to spend the next ten years focusing on land development and industrialization but also build up their military and naval fleet with new technologies via trade.
 * Vrijstaat: Sensing opportunity we offer the Kingdom of Greece a chance to buy home produced licensed weaponry like the British Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles and the German Mauser M1871 infantry rifles, the Saxon M1873 army revolvers and the horse-drawn Krupp guns (C64/C67 models) with all royalties attributed to the British/Germans.
 * Greek Dip: (Reposted because this got deleted somehow) Sure, how much you want in return for 1,000 of each?
 * Kingdom of Romania: Seeing the start of the Franco-Russian War we will help our Slavic brothers by sending a force of 30,000 Romanian troops to Russia called the REF or the Romanian Expeditionary Force. Also, after seeing the unrest in Greek Anatolia We offer to send 5,000 troops to reestablish order there [Greek Response Needed]. also We offer to send 10,000 troops to Jabal Shammar to help against France[Jabal Shammar Responds Needed].Also our first general Election for our parliament occurs which turns out to be a major victory for the Conservatives.
 * Jabal Shmmar Dip: We accept the 10,000 troops
 * Greek Dip: Sure.
 * United States: Winchester offers to sell 200,000 lever actions while Remington offers to sell another 100,000 M1879 bolt actions to Russia. The General Electric Company is created. The Federal Government offers to sell the Japanese Empire three, decently modern yet aging, Virginia-class battleships in favor of the newer Indianas. These ships being the USS Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware (Japanese Response). Further American expansionism in the Pacific leads to Tonga and Tokelau being claimed by the United States. American Company's also offer to invest in Russian Railroad companies. The Baltimore Afro-America starts as the first African American newspaper. The election of 1892 occurs with President Grover Cleveland losing out to William McKinley. The .38 Special pistol starts to become an iconic firearm. Former President Abraham Lincoln's birthday is declared a National Holiday.
 * French Additional Action: News arrives from the front lines as a French Force under the infamous General Joseph Gallieni defeat the Hejaz Army at Jeedah near Mecca with French Forces entering the city of Mecca. Known for his ruthless actions during the Fezzan Campaign and the Conquest of Zanzibar, Joseph Gallieni ordered the city of Mecca to be looted and once the city had been looted his troops destroyed the Kabbah along with the Great Mosque of Mecca while burning the city as Gallieni's Forces advanced Northward in the region also burning the city of Medina and destroying the Al-Masjid an-Nabawī as all Mosques located with Hejaz are targeted for destruction as they secure all of Hejaz but Tabuk, this action is seen as a major French Victory and a major boost for the Revanchists back at home. Supported by the Bonapartists, the Conservatives the Boulanger announces that he will be participating in the 1893 Legislative Elections running as a Revanchist candidate with the support of the Bonapartists, the Conservatives and Boulangist Royalists who form a Revanchist Coalition in the National Assembly. Meanwhile, Boulanger orders 200,000 reserves to begin extensive training as he plans to reinforce the troops in Syria to deal another blow on the Arabs. Meanwhile, the French fleet at Beirut with the support of reinforcing Naval Forces from Marseilles and Tripoli engage with the Austro-Hungarian fleet outside of Beirut. With the Arabs gaining additional support from Britain and Romania, a secret envoy is sent to Turkey to negotiate with the Sultan to convince him in sending Turkish Volunteers to the French Army of the Levant in revenge for the attacks against him by the Russians (Mod Response Needed)

1893
'''News of France’s sacking of Mecca and destruction of Islamic holy sites shocks the entire Muslim world, with the Saudi Emirate of Nejd denouncing France and expelling their military mission and sending diplomacy to Jabal Shammar requesting the creation of a temporary alliance to expel France. The caliph of Hejaz declares Jihad against France. Many Muslims join the armies of either Nejd or Jabal Shammar to fight the French and leads to overall support for Jabal Shammar.'''

'''The Turks living in Greek Anatolia refuse to leave and vow to fight to protect their land. '''

'''Russia's five wars in the past 20 years have weakened the state finances with debt having ballooned up and the country is at risk of defaulting on its debt leading to worries amongst bond holders. '''

'''The ZAR bonds recover as the British step into fund their budget deficit but due to the situation in Germany another 20 percent of ZAR's bonds are put up for sale leaving Germany with no stake in ZAR debt. '''

( '''Adolf is away for a few days so the mods will run things) In response to the spiraling inflation crisis a new economic strategy is adopted. Taxes both in Germany and in the colonies are raised, all naval and colonial construction is halted temporarily while much of the fleet is put into reserve. The active army is reduced by some 30 percent with them being placed in reserve while modernisation is halted. Interest rates are hiked up significantly and Germany offers a free trade deal to the Quadruple alliance. With Germany now running a budget surplus inflation falls to two percent over the year though unemployment rises.'''

''' Rudolf Diesel receives a patent for the Diesel engine. '''

''' M.K. Gandhi arrives in South Africa. '''

''' Physicist Wilhelm Wien formulates Wien's displacement law. '''

'''In Russia, an army field marshal rises to the forefront of the command in the war against France. His excellent staffing and leadership give him a unique ability to apply those with the best skills and talents to the proper job. (Russia gains an experienced staffer great leader)'''
 * Austria-Hungary: We withdraw our naval forces from the coast of French Lebanon and Syria. We send 5,000 of our most modern rifles and 3,000 Bosniak volunteers to Russia as compensation for withdrawing naval forces. Franz Ferdinand continues to support Federalist and Trialist causes and organizations which gains him popularity amongst the minorities of the empire, all except the Hungarians. In Hungary, the HLP continues its domination and passes numerous pro-labor laws and ends Hungary’s oppression of ethnic minorities. Austro-Slavism continues to be promoted as a counter to Pan-Slavism. We continue our modernization program, slightly increasing it, continuing to promote the lever action rifle. We allow all Muslims in the empire to sign up as a volunteer and fight France and strongly condemn the pillaging of both Mecca and Medina and the destruction of their holy sites.
 * Mexico: Henry funds the Secret Service and military. Henry puts more money into Henry Pueblo which grows with 50,000. Henry also requests a visit to the Capitol Hill. (American response needed)


 * Persian Empire: After hearing the news of the destruction of Mecca, extensive conscription is initiated with the Fourth Army being mobilized and marching toward the Syrian front to prepare for an eventual counterattack. The shah continues raising the defences of Amman. (More to come) The 100,000 troops in Iraq are ordered to march into Syria.
 * Kingdom of Italy: The war preparations continue, the 100,000 men who signed up last year are in full training, with more sign-ups coming in daily by the hundreds. The marine is given a larger focus on the new torpedo technology and submarines, with 25 submarines being ordered from Germany (MOD/PLAYER RESPONSE NEEDED). The colonial forces are also enforced with a recruitment of some 50,000 in North Africa, 20,000 in Mali and 2,000 in Aceh. The newly acquired colony of Figi (Fiji) is incorporated as a crown-colony to Italy, but the local chiefs are allowed to administer their islands under Italian observation. Official orders, however, come directly from Naples to Lautoka, the colonial capital of Fiji. The navy will establish a port on the island group within the next two years, with support from the administration in Indonesia. Fiji’s economy is fairly small, but some Italian landlords from Indonesia are investing in sugar, fishing and breadfruit. The new political developments in Greece have an impact to the Italian government as well, the centrist and pro-Italy “Italika” faction is supported by the Italian government with money and moral support. SECRET Italy agrees on the Greek proposal for a military-aid agreement for 15 years SECRET END The colonial train connection is finished in December after four years of building, King Amadeo I personally travels to Benghazi to inaugurate the line. A large anti-French sentiment becomes common in Albania, Algeria and Cyrenaica as news of the French and their allies destroying holy sites of Islam in Arabia and some devout Muslims themselves cross the border into Tripolitania to spread the horrific news. As a reaction (and to prevent anti-Christian actions in the colonies), the Italian government condemns the war France is fighting in Arabia heavily. The unemployment rate is at an all time low, whereas union-membership increases. Many men of the Libyan tribes join the Arabian military as a reaction, or spread anti-French propaganda across the border. Church and state both work together to get the healthcare system running perfectly and the occupation of doctor or nurse is encouraged. Meanwhile, the fear of an aggressive France leads to an increase of militarism (or a favor of that) in the population, many want to see their sons enlisted in the military.
 * United States: President-Elect McKinley takes office as the new President of the United States. Former President Cleveland, meanwhile, has mouth surgery to remove a tumor in his mouth. On January 17th, US marines intervene in a Hawaiian government crisis which seeks the overthrow of the Queen of Hawaii. Come one, come all - "The Worlds Fair" Columbia Exposition along with the "World Parliament of Religions" comes to Chicago. We offer to pay the British $50,000 dollars ($1.4 million in 2019) to purchase the Miskito Coast (British Response). Due to the situation in Hawaii, President McKinley dispatches three new US battleships and five cruisers along with ten destroyers to the Islands to safeguard American interests. With this squadron carries 7,000 US marines. President McKinley pushes US claims to sides of North of the Rio Grande that have been displaced by flowing of the river. In Texas he dispatches 3,000 army soldiers to stake a claim on the North Side of the river in what would be Mexico. President McKinley also stands by Britain and the rest of the world in her condemnation of French actions in the Islamic Holy Land.
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: We petition the British Empire again to buy the rest of our bonds to support us. [British Empire Response] Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydroelectric dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general, electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boer farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The Germanic immigrants and to a lesser extent, the French and the British continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 8,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 24,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 7,000 of our people die - mostly from old age - but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. According to estimates, we have 1.025 million white citizens, 4,950 Griquas and 2.785 million black people in total by the end of the year. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase.


 * Nippon: Industrial growth continues as both domestic and foreign markets grow. Textiles remain the largest economic activity with Shipping coming in at second. Steel production continues to grow. exports to South East Asia, Oceania, China, and the USA continue to grow. Army expansion occurs with the standing army growing to 200,000 (OTL numbers in 1894) actives while reserves remain at 300,000. Naval expansion continues. The navy increases its activities in the South China Sea. Naval expansion continues with the American deal being accepted for the purchase of three American battleships. The Japanese imperial naval academy receives an expansion to accommodate a larger number of cadets as the IJN finally begins expanding. The Yamaguchi Imperial Institute is founded as a military/civilian university specializing in Engineering (marine, industrial, and mechanical, in particular). The Imperial War College is expanded as well. The Arisaka 93 is made as Japan's bolt action rifle based on the Lee-Enfield used by the British. Circulation of the new rifle begins. However, most of the army continues to use the Araisaka 87 (bolt lever action rifle). Banking institutions are strengthened by the growth of domestic businesses and by the overall funding and domination of the Zaibatsus. The usage of Asa becomes widespread throughout Kyushu and remains highly popular amongst the lower-class or within red light district establishments. The usage of Asa also grows amongst members of the IJA and IJN. Secret action: efforts to begin expanding Japan's ties with Han nationalist groups in China begins (mod response.) 
 * Kingdom of France: As the war in Arabia continues, the 1893 Legislative Elections take place this year as the Revanchists led by George Ernst Boulanger win the elections through a landslide of 41 percent of the vote with the Revanchists gaining 239 seats in the National Assembly with Boulanger replacing Mackau as Prime Minister of France. With the Saudis betraying France, the 33,000 men in Nejd are evacuated and are sent to the Front in Hejaz as a military administration is established in Hejaz. Boulanger states that with the Arabs declaring Jihad against France this war is now a Holy War as he sends 150,000 Reservists to the Middle East sending 100,000 to Syria and the other 50,000 to Hejaz. The advance in Hejaz continues as the notorious Jospeh Gallieni now in command of an expanded Force of 135,000 men captures the last Hejaz stronghold expelling the so-called Caliph of Hejaz from Hejaz. Gallieni’s forces begin their advance within Jabal Shammar marching toward the city of Ha’il the capital of Jabal Shammar. Meanwhile, in order to support the actions of Gallieni, the French Army of the Levant under François Oscar de Négrier restarts its advance as the force of 200,000 men launched a renewed offensive for Damascus in order to defeat the Hejaz-Persian Forces. With the possibility of Russian intervention, the French Mediterranean fleet sails toward the Aegean Sea as it is decided to divert Russia’s attention as the French Navy plans to unveil a surprise that will surely destroy the Black Sea fleet as a pre-emptive strike against the Russians. Meanwhile, with French East African Army is placed on high alert and entrenchments are built within the Port of Mogadishu and other cities in Somalia as French High Command expects a Russian First Strike in the Horn of Africa as the 120,000 French and Somali troops positioned there begin preparing themselves for the arrival of the Russians. Meanwhile, acknowledging that the destruction of Mecca and Medina can cause problems in the French colonies, French troops are ordered to prevent the spread of the news as martial law is declared in the French Colonial Empire. With the destruction of Mecca and Medina, Boulanger uses these events as propaganda stating that this is the time of punishment France is to deliver to any nation that has and that will dare defy the nation and that the nation has found its military prestige after years of decline. Meanwhile, with the Italians developing their own submarines, Boulanger decides to challenge them by starting a submarine race and he orders 40 subs to be completed within the next five years with the additional construction of three pre-dreadnought battleships, ten destroyers, five cruisers, and 15 other support ships in the Third Naval Expansion Plan Expected to be completed within the next eight years with the level of funding for the navy being increased slightly as Boulanger decides to order the construction of warships with more tonnage that exceeds the limits placed upon France at the Treaty of Paris in 1873. With the potential uprising in the French colonies becoming a threat for the French Colonial Empire all projects in French North Africa and French East Africa are halted to focus on preventing any sort of Rebellion.(Secret) In order to gain further technological advantages, Boulanger conceives the idea of an air fleet and orders the construction of five experimental airships modelled after the airship La France in which are expected to be completed by 1895. Meanwhile, the LRP continues to find the rebels in Alsace-Lorraine and the Carlists in Spain while promoting Rattachism in Belgium in order to prepare for phase one of Operation Revanche. (Mod Response needed on the progress of the Alsace- Lorraine Rebellion and the Carlist insurgency needed.) (End Secret). However, with British troops landing in Mecca and cutting off the French Army of Hejaz, General Jospeh Gallieni orders his forces to turn back at the last second as they are ordered t rejoin the French Army of the Levant through Amman as the forces under Gallieni begin an invasion of Jordan.
 * Kingdom of Romania: King Carol I said in a speech this year "We see the French destruction of Mecca as a barbaric move and with this we have more reasons to fight the French". After this speech we issue Limited Conscription raising our army to 150,000 troops and We will send 100,000 troops to Jabal Shammar to deal with the French Hoards. Also, we are going to switch from Berdan Bolt Action Rifle to the Mannlicher M1893 Bolt Action Rifle as the Standard issue rifle of the Romanian Armed Forces. We have built a new shipyard on the Danube called Galati Shipyard. Our first Military police force called the Gendarmerie is founded. Also, a new party called the Social Democatic Workers Party of Romania is founded.
 * The United Kingdom: The Mahadist War rages across Sudan as the 15,000 British troops there engage in fierce combat with the rebels. However, with the arrival of the news of the sacking of Mecca the British approach the Mahadists, offering them safe passage to Jihad against the French in the Levant or Somalia and a ceasefire should they wish. (Mod Response) Furthermore, British forces begin drawing back in Egypt and India, leaving behind native Muslim forces which will hopefully remain loyal to their Muslim commanders. France's irresponsible destruction of Mecca is condemned fiercely by the Crown, and the leadership of the Anglican Church sends its goodwill to Muslim leaders across the world - specifically to imams across the British Empire. Fundraising efforts to aid in the rebuilding of Mecca are carried out and thousands of pounds raised. More substantially, a force of 75,000 Muslims from the British Indian Army, along with 75,000 men from the British Expeditionary Army land near Mecca and march toward the city to defend it from further harm and assist in the reconstruction. Any attempt by the French to intervene will be considered an Act of War. (France) The Queen addresses the Empire in an impassioned speech, calling for permissions for Muslims in the Empire to declare their personal Jihad on the French, as well as recognizing the multi-religious nature of the Empire. Parliament agrees to this position, and orders imperial governors to allow their subjects to take leave and travel to fight France. With the Russian forces engaging the French but their finances in shambles an envoy is sent offering a refinancing deal to reduce the overall payments in a year but draw the repayment term out to 30 years. Furthermore, an attaché is sent to assist the Russian Ministry of Finance. Further purchases of ZAR bonds leave the United Kingdom in control over 60 percent of ZAR public debt. Work continues on the Cape rail line, but work in Sudan is halted. Work out of Dar es Salaam accelerates to meet the South African line within the decade. Investment from London continues to power the global economy, and investment revenues climb yearly. Australia’s strong economy face poor economic conditions.
 * mirate of Jabal Shmmar: Seeing the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Emir Muhammad sends his son to rule over the region of Sham and the Levant sending Abd-Al Aziz ibn Mutib to work on organizing the various tribes and religious groups, beginning the trial of organizing them by trying to hire local imams and priests to the Emirate cause. Within Arabia, AL Jawf is picked as the capital. Emir Muhammad would also begin to organize the Arab rebel into an organized band and plans to form the Arab National Army. On the Arabian front, A joint Saudi,Emiratie and Persian digging into Hai'll. On the Syrian front, the army is placed under the control of Abd-Al Aziz ibn Mutib where 200,000 Arab and Persian troops, keep digging in. We call upon all ethnic and religious groups to unite and fight off the shackles of colonization within the Emirate. The Emir is quoted saying " With blood and honor, we will celebrate our martyrs!" With the declaration of a Jihad 100,000 men are amass mostly mixed between Saudis and Rashid forces, they begin to set up base in Amman. Libyans from Italy are sent back with the goal of spreading news and revolts. A fatwah is made telling all Muslims in the French Army to switch sides.
 * Kingdom of Greece: The Greek government starts developing the Anatolian region with several infrastructure projects. For example, a railroad from Greece from Europe to Anatolia along with several new bridges in the Dardanelle straits where the land connects the most. The Greek government asks to buy land (or at least provide land access if not) for this railroad from Russia and Britain (if they hold Gallipoli as well). (RUSSIA AND UK RESPONSE, PLEASE) If accepted, the railroad will take between two or threw years to build, excluding planning. With the acquisition of ships from the British proposal, the Greek navy is reformed in order to maintain flexibility for possibly a larger fleet size. As the Pro-British party is in power, the Greeks wishes to model the larger navy on the British one within the next few years. Early in the year, Greece proposes a population exchange with Turkey, sending roughly over a million Muslims (majority of which are Turks) to Turkey (prioritizing areas of high crime and Turkish majorities) while Turkey shall do the same, within the next year. (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). IF the Turks accept, then it can be assumed that Greece, in support of troops from other nations (mainly Romania and Italy), shall immediately deport Turkish populations. Information that isn’t yet publicly known on this is kept in secret until a week before in order to avoid populations preparing or mobilizing, prioritizing areas with high crime or Turkish majorities by December 1893. In the future, the Greeks shall defend this action to mostly normalize relations with Turkey and that there will be less reasons for violence. If the exchange is successful, the Greek population in Greece would be roughly around six million people, with an army of less than 100,000 troops (this is including reserves, 65,000 to 80,000 for those who are not) due to active war within the regions. The Greeks are awaiting a response from Vrijstaat’s proposal. (VRIJSTAAT response, please) (more may come soon)
 * Dominion of Canada: Canada would declare that the Rupertsland near Ontario and Quebec will be annex to the Dominion itself and become Ontario and Quebec. Canada also began to bring taxes a little high due to the economic problems here and in Europe. The Canadian Army also reaches high enough that we would lower the funds on the military as Canada has an army big enough to defend itself.


 * The Russian Empire: With the war against the French a total of 715,000 men are recruited for the army. (Native African Soldiers Excluded)But the speed of Recruiting slowing down,and Uniforms for the troops being made of slightly lesser quality with less detailles and simpler designs. Within Abyssinia, there being a total 15,000 Russian troops, 15,000 British troops and 7,500 under Menelik II, with the other Abyssinian nobles their troops massing a number of 25,000 Noble troops who are due to the system in Abyssinia loyal to Menelik II, who in turn is loyal to the governor of Abyssinia and Eritrea. With 700,000 of the troops in Arabia defending and attacking the French, in these desert lands. With these soldiers adopting some of the clothing of the Arabs, with the General Staff of the army in Arabia now considering to begin using these thinner and looser uniforms for the troops in Arabia. Even for the soldiers of the Orthodox faith with them getting a modified scarf against the heat. With other minor changes to uniforms like replacing the detailed design of bronze buttons with flat bronze buttons doing away with the eagle design on the buttons just like with the polish of these buttons, with some even thinking of making these buttons of cheaper quality wood. Due to the war ongoing wars and the delay of the lower house of the Duma, Demands for its creation begin to grow. Peaceful they are indeed, as they know it is something Tsar Alexander II wants to but is unable do due to wars it is getting involved in. So he now swears that a Lower house will be Created in the Next year no matter how the war goes, and that after the war elections for the lower house of the Duma to replace the temporary members of the lower house. With the minor investments from foreign nations like Britain and with the use of French labour the kilometers of Transiberian and transcaucasian railroad are being built, with speed quite slow due to current low funding we encourage foreign nations to invest more into these railroads as they would connect trade of the whole of Russia easier then ever before and for cheaper then ever.(British response) (American reponse) (German response). This railroad is there due to the new focus of the upper house of the Duma to create easier transport for trade and for people, to Connect the Middle East to Europe and Europe to Asia.

1894
'''A Muslim Tuareg Revolt breaks out across all of Italian Africa, German Northwest Africa, and French North Africa. These raiders, supported by other Muslim locals attack military and administrative installations. '''

'''In British Africa, Egypt, Sudan, and Chad experience significant unrest. Riots plague the British Swahili Coast, while in French Swahili order breaks down as the people rise up and begin murdering Frenchmen wholesale.'''

British India experiences significant unrest due to the destruction of Mecca, and the situation is tense.

'''Across the Dutch East Indies Muslims take up arms, spurred on by their sultans, and begin waging an intense Guerilla War against the Dutch. By the end of the year Dutch casualties reach nearly 6,000 with several garrisons completely overrun by the rebels.'''

In Beirut, numerous riots break out after the news of the Sacking of Mecca and Medina and the riots quickly escalate into an all out revolt against the French colonial administration with many people waving the flag of Jabal Shammar.

The Caliph urges Muslims world wide to restrain themselves from violence against their non-French colonial masters, and instead focus on destroying France.

The Republic of Hawaii is declared by Sanford B. Dole
 * Kingdom of France: The large scale Arab revolt surprises the French government and French Military High Command. With the Caliph calling for the destruction of France and fearing his plans might be compromised, Boulanger orders the immediate withdrawal of all French Forces in the Middle East as all French civilians are also evacuated from French Lebanon while Boulanger orders these troops to be redirected toward the French colonies to put down the Muslim rebellion while he also sends diplomats to begin talks with the Caliph of Hejaz in order to end the bloody conflict (Hejaz Response Needed). Fearing that this might cause huge problems for his regime. King Henri VI intervenes stating that this war must end and blames Gallieni for his actions stating that Boulanger should put Gallieni on trial for his crimes against the Arabs and for having caused a chain of reactions that might result in the collapse of the French Colonial Empire. With support for the war dropping Boulanger assures the people that the fighting will soon end and that those responsible for these horrific actions will face trial for their crimes. With fears of a possible European retaliation, the French Army and Navy is placed on high alert while the nation struggles to put down the revolt. The former French Army of the Levant arrives at Tripoli in September 1894 while the French Army formerly under Gallieni is split in two and with one-half of it being sent to Tripoli and the other one-half to French East Africa. With heavy fighting occurring, the objective is to contain the rebellions and prevent them from getting stronger. Boulanger declares all Holy Sites within French Colonial Territory to be off-limits to anyone - including French officers. With the Russians attacking, the French Mediterranean fleet heads to the Aegean Sea to cut off the Russian Black Sea fleet but is hesitant in advancing past the Straits of Gallipoli currently under British Control. With the possibility of France’s protectorates turning against France, the French East African Army quickly occupies their land as martial law is declared in the colonies. With this France faces problems. However, Boulanger is ready to face any sort of opposition in France due to a secret that will allow him to maintain order in France. (More to come)


 * Persian Empire: Seeing that the French Army is beginning to withdraw, the shah orders the armies to pursue the retreating French forces until a peace treaty has been signed. (More to come)
 * Kingdom of Italy: The war preparations continue, the 100,000 men who signed up last year are in full training, with more sign-ups coming in daily in the hundreds. The marine is given a larger focus on the new torpedo technology and submarines. High tensions in the Tuareg province of the Algeria colony give the native colonial force their first inner task, mainly to secure regions that experience revolts and limiting outbreaks of such. Furthermore, the Jihadist leaders have bounties on their head, soldiers who manage to capture them will be promoted. As most of the revolts do not take place in the urbanized and more densely populated areas of Algeria, Cyrenaica or Fezzan but in the southern Algerian desert, the native Berber special force is called in for operations like these. The roughly 50,000 men are probably the most disciplined, loyal and brutal of the Italian forces, perfectly trained to fight in harsh terrain. The objective is to find leaders of the revolt, capture them and put them on trial. The leadership will be also told the news that the Caliph demands a Jihad against France exclusively. In towns where there is no revolt yet, the forces are stationed to keep the peace. One major advantage is the Maghreb railroad system, that transports the men way faster than the rebels could retreat. Captured heads of the revolt shall be send to Fiji into exile. SECRET An unauthorized but tolerated expedition of roughly 10,000 men brutally pacifies the region of Tunisia in spring, when it is in full revolt. The forces are mostly Muslims and tell the Jihadists, that the Italians are willing to ally against the French. The men capture Tunis in July and suppress the short lived anti-Italian revolt there after the French were forced out. SECRET END Plans are set up for a restructuring of the North African colonies, allowing them more internal autonomy as this might prevent further trouble, and relieve some weight off the Italian officials. The plan includes (admittedly somewhat spontaneous) the region of Tunisia that the Arab militias have captured. The state will be called The Emirate of Carthage (إمارة قرطاج), and will be under Italian control for the most part, but an appointed Emir will function as the deputy of the Italian King. the Italian military reaches the 400,000 men this year and the factories producing supplies like ammunition, guns and also bicycles. Alpine and desert forces are trained intensely and militarism is promoted. However, many Republicans (a common name for the social-democrats) dislike this, picturing the pointless wars in the Middle East as an example. The production of minerals and agricultural products in Africa and Aceh is in full swing and the sugar production of Fiji becomes as well a big thing.
 * French Response: The French government protests as they state that Tunisia is rightfully French territory and they are violating the terms agreed at the Brussels Conference. But with troops exausted from constant warfare the French North African Army is tasked in remaining in Tripolitania to crush the remaining Muslim revolts. While the city of Tunis is Bombarded by the French Mediterranean fleet as the French government refuses to recognize the Emirate of Carthage.
 * Vrijstaat: We request to buy the Italian ironclad battleship Caio Duilio that is propably gonna be scrapped soon because it's so old. We offer to pay for it with bonds in return.
 * Italian Dip to ZAV: Italy agrees.
 * Italian Dip to France: The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs likes to inform the French, that the Italian colonial forces have taken a territory that was at the time not under French control (or any other unified power that is) but under revolt, making it a de facto land for taking, that is now administered by Italy. Thus, a French military action in Tunisia would be a declaration a war against Italy and a violation of the Brussels Treaty.
 * French Response: We would like to remind the Italians that it was decided upon the Brussels Treaty that Tunisia would become a French colonial possession and that Italy's seizure of Tunisia is considered as a violation of the Brussels Treaty. In response to the Italian illegal seizure of Tunisia a blockade is launched against Italian North Africa with the ports of Algiers, Tunis, Oran and Benghazi blockaded by the French Mediterranean fleet until Italy returns Tunisia under French administration.
 * Kingdom of Greece: The Greek government further develops the Anatolian region with several infrastructure projects. Drawing up a ten-year plan to focus on developing, with a possible extra five years to fill in any technological gaps between Greece and the Major powers. A railroad plan is laid out which would take place from Greece from Europe to Anatolia along with several new bridges in the Dardanelles Straits where the land connects the most - but this plan is archived for the future, as such feat would be too large at the time. For now, two separate networks will be built connected to ports would be sufficient enough. In order to help further develop the Greek Navy, with British assistance. The Greeks agreed to sign a trade deal with the UK and would pay for the construction costs along with lowering tariffs on British goods. United Kingdom may construct a series of low-freeboard coastal battleships for the Hellenic navy, as well as several torpedo boats, in exchange thereafter. As Turkey agreed to a population exchange (Source: Discord), the Greeks managed to deport the Turkish populations by December 1893, although the process took weeks. Information that isn’t yet publicly known on this is kept in secret until a week before in order to avoid populations preparing or mobilizing, prioritizing areas with high crime or Turkish majorities by December 1893. In the future, the Greeks shall defend this action to mostly normalize relations with Turkey and that there will be less reasons for violence. A few minor incidents had occurred as there are certainly violent resistance, but there is little escalation thanks to the assistance of troops from other nations. Assuming minor incidents doesn’t escalate further, there is no major incident, the population exchange took place with Turkey in December 1893 and to be finished roughly around 1896 with assistance from troops of other nations. With Greeks being sent to Greece by Turkey in return this year. If the exchange is fully carried out, the Greek population in Greece would now total in roughly around six million people, with an army of less than 100,000 troops (this is including reserves, 65,000 to 80,000 for those who are not) due to tensions within the Franco-Russian War. The Greeks are still awaiting a response from Vrijstaat’s proposal. (VRIJSTAAT response, please) (more may come soon)
 * This is several million people we're talking about. It's a year-long process. Mod
 * OOC: Fair enough
 * French Diplomacy: The French government offers to build four pre-dreadnought battleships to the Hellinic Navy along with five torpedo boats and six destroyers to be completed by 1900.


 * The Russian Empire: A cunning military leader has come out of the constant warring. Pyotr Semyonovich Vannovsky is what he is named. His cunning and his move toward reforms and logistics has aided the Russian Imperial, he showed his staffing and warring ability in the first war of the grand coaltion, and then once more in the second war of the grand coalition, with some calling for him to become Minister of War for Russia. One thing is sure he knows how to do military bureaucracy right and it is shown as battles involving him are almost always sure to defeat the enemy. An enemy with the name of France a force that has repeatedly gone against the pen and paper and has again and again looked to the powder and gun - but even with the Rrench stance the Russian government together with its allies begin to construct a treaty. A treaty so that there shall be peace in the Middle East, Africa and Russia as the kingdom of France is a nation that seeks to destroy peace and liberty in these lands ruled by Allah and his messenger with the name of Mohamed. With the war going on and as an aid to future war, trade and life The tran-Siberian railroad is being build piece by piece. Construction being started at the moscow and Vladivostok with the railroad being to meet around the middle of the length. The construction does go a bit slower then planned due to the war. Government also offers companies who aid in building inside branches of the railroad to exempt them from paying taxes on the land these railroads exist upon and a monopoly over these tracks for the next 20 years of their existance. With this offer even extending to foreign companies and investors like British, Austrian, American and German Investors and capitalists (British Response) (Austrian Response) (American Response) (German Response). This is done to encourage foreign companies to aid in the building of these railways and expand Russia's economy and move to modernity. While this is happening, the heir of the Russian Empire is visiting these works looking into how Russian transport of trade and war can be, where a minor incident where a small tree hat a branch snap and hit him in his face. Luckly this small incident has no permament pain or any other issue with the exception of a small scar on his eyebrow. As Tsar Alexander II has promised to the people of Russia the lower house of the Duma has been created where Landowning men over the age of 23 can vote, although they have to own at least 200 Are (unit) of land to be considered landowning. With this being so that only the men who can afford to even travel and represent themself as members can vote on the members. This lower house of the Duma has a total of 391 members, with the tsar counting as one member who only votes if to break a tie in votes. Each vote in theory representing around one half million people in the Russian Empire. This body, being able to pass laws of any kind with the tsar unable to veto a law unless given proper reason and then only can a law undergo a vote once more - which in practice means he cannot veto only ask for a second vote, with the exception being laws regarding himself which need a two-third majority to pass and become a law. But these specific laws and the ability to declare war needing aproval of the upper house of the Duma.
 * The United Kingdom: British investors will fund the construction of several sections of track.
 * United States: With an American in charge of the Republic of Hawaii, President McKinley makes moves on the Republic, constructing Fort Dewey on Ford Island. McKinley offers Hawaii under Dole, to be annexed into the United States (Mod Response). The Panic of 1893 leads to a recession which does slightly tarnish McKinley's administration. The year is concentrated mainly by strikes, in New York 12,000 tailor workers strike against poor working conditions, May Day protests occur in Cleveland, and the Pullman strike occurs without Union approval. The Pinkertons are used to break up many strikes by the corporations.
 * The United Kingdom: With the Mahadists now fighting France in Somalia, the Empire can breathe, but only slightly. Across the colonies, the riots are tolerated. Police are deployed to protect critical installations, but otherwise the rioters are allowed to burn out on their own. Because there is little the British government can realistically do to make Mecca whole. Money is given to help rebuild the holy sites of the city, Edward White Benson Archbishop of Canterbury travels to meet with and offer his condolences to the Caliph. (Caliph Response) Work continues on the cape rail line, but work in Sudan is halted. Work out of Dar es Salaam accelerates to meet the South African line within the decade. Investment from London continues to power the global economy, and investment revenues climb yearly. The Panic that faces the United States cuts deep into this year’s growth. British banks, deeply invested in the American rail system agree to temporarily lower payments until the crisis passes. Australia’s strong economy attracts many immigrants from the United Kingdom, as well as other countries in Europe such as Germany and France which face poor economic conditions. With only a year left before the finalization of integration of the Imperial Federation effort to codify and finalize all of the governing organizations. Invitations are sent out to Canada, Persia, and the ZAR to become the first three Commonwealth members. (ZAR, Persia, and Canada Response)
 * Persian Empire: The shah gratefully accepts the invitation.
 * Caliph Dip: The Caliph accepts the condolences and wishes to improve Christian-Muslim relationships in the future. In private the Caliph sends a letter sending his sympathy about the current events in the Muslim world and accepts the support the rebuild the Kaaba.
 * Vrijstaat: We request the Western part of the Cape Colony, including Cape Town, that has Boer majority is allowed to be reunited with our brethren and join our state. Robben island could remain British. In return we would join the Commonwealth.
 * Rashidi Caliphate: Emir Muhammad sends his son to rule over the region of Sham and the Levant sending Abd-Al Aziz ibn Mutib to work on organizing the various tribes and religious groups. With the French pullout of Sham and Levant, the joint Persian Arab armies march into Syria and Lebanon, rage fueled riots targets toward anything that represents French authority. Within the Hejaz font, joint Saud/Emiri troops enter Mecca and Mednia, with them giving reports of finding mass graves, destroyed mosques, and what is left of the Kaaba. The wails of the troops were quickly replaced with shouts of revenge, damnation, and death upon France. With many signing up to go to Somalia. Hejaz is annexed into the Emirate and the Emirate proclaims itself a Caliphate, the Caliph calls for calm across the Muslim World asking for Muslims to direct rage toward France, he also asks affected empires to give amnesty to any Muslim rebels if they do disarm. We ask the Saud family for Bay'ah to the Caliph due to recent events (Mod Response). The joint armies in Syria and Hejaz are placed on high alert and prepare for any French counter attack, digging in. 


 * The Russian Empire: With most of the French forces retreating from the Middle East, soldiers begin to be sent home once more. With 500,000 of the 700,000 soldiers being send home. With the 200,000 remaining soldiers being given lighter duties like defence patrolling and rebuilding. Many of these soldiers are also moved and split in smaller patrols, and closer to their area of origin where they are more used to the traditions of the lands. With even the Greeks and Armenians being given their own army, just like the Finns Where Being a Grand Duchy gives you to possibility of their own army, or with the Greeks in Russian Thrace a Principality whose prince will be the heir of the Russian throne. With the army in Eastern Thrace and Grand Duchy of Armenia being the most diverse army in the whole of Russia. As there are large populations of Armenians, Greeks and Russians living together and joining the army together. With this principality making preference for local law above Russian and, where Greco-Armenian culture and bureaucracy rule supreme. With Russian rule over Russian Thrace being quite light. With most troops being Greeks and Armenians, all of the regiments from Eastern Thrace even clothing in a more Greek-style of uniform distinct of the Russian tyle of dress. These big differences in dress is also part of standardisation, with Uniforms being simplified, with less variety with uniform difference becoming mostly the shoes and the hats that they wear - although there exceptions for the Finns, Thracians and the Armenians. With desert clothing just being given being standard and not specific of one culture even if this clothing is for the exception of having different buttons the same for those of the Rashidi forces. The lower House of the Duma aproves of the signing of the Tehran treaty, thus making allowing the gains of the treaty to be a reality - and with the end of the war elections come to the lower house of the Duma. With currently there being no parties even tough some people do work together as groups due to their common ideas or even friendship. With the first elected lower house of the Duma writing into law that elections ought to be every six years, and that the speaker of the lower house of the Duma should be the oldest elected member of the Duma. They also make it so all ministers instead of being a form of advisors toward the Russian tsar, being members of the Duma who hold places in those miniteries loyal to the Duma and then the Emperor. So they become bodies of the lower house of the Duma instead of the tsar. The heir of the Russian throne Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Dies with this sudden event, a change in inheritance happening, with Vladimir Alexandrovich becoming heir instead of Aleksandr Aleksandrovich's son, Nikolai Aleksandrovich. As Nicholas is to young to rule Russia yet. With new inheritance coming first to Vladimir's sons before those of Aleksandr Aleksandrovich and his son Nikolai. Even though this move is seen as controversial the Duma both houses find this preferable above a posibility of a Regency in Russia.
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydroelectric dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general, electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. The Nieuw Bergen op soom shipyard gets awarded a contract to retrofit the recently purchased Italian ironclad battleship Caio Duilio. The same shipyard also starts the development of small rudimentary flat bottomed vessels as landing crafts for a secret contract with the navy, the innovation in this concept is the use of the newly introduced motorboat engines to power the vessel instead of just the traditional approach of rowing. The army orders 100,000 licensed Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles from Van Dyk corp, aiming to completely replace its Mauser M1871 infantry rifles with the superior Lee-Enfield Models 1882 infantry rifles by 1900. The army gives the Van Dyk Corporation the full sum up front to allow them to upgrade their facilities to increase their production capability to reach the target. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boer farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The German immigrants, and to a lesser extent, the French and the British continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 8,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 24,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 7,000 of our people die - mostly from old age - but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. According to estimates, we have 1.05 million white citizens, 5,100 Griquas and 2.79 million black people in total by the end of the year. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase.

1895
'''The Caliph’s call for the rioting Muslims of the world to redirect their anger toward France does manage to reach some Muslims and rebellions in North Africa calm down a bit. Meanwhile, rebellion still plagues the French Colonial Empire and many still continue to riot in British India though soon begin to burn out as of the British policy.'''

President Dole of the Hawaiian Republic agrees to join the US.

The Carlist Insurgency in Spain continues on a low scale but manages to infiltrate the military.

'''Mahdists manage to arrive in Somalia and gather up a popular revolt against the French colonial regime in Somalia and take the lead in the riots and rebellions already occurring. They seize the colonial capital of Mogadishu and proclaim the Mahdiyya. Muhammad Ahmad manages to muster up an army of 30,000 native Somalis along with his already established force of 8,000 of his most loyal followers from Egypt.'''


 * Kingdom of France: With the withdrawal from the Middle East a new problem catches the eye of Prime Minister Boulanger, the Italian occupation of Tunisia and the establishment of a Muslim State in French claimed territory in which angers the Prime Minister. With the Italians themselves refusing to hand over Tunisia, the French North African Army is increased to 150,000 men with the task of quickly crushing the Muslim revolts and closing the borders with the neighbouring colonies with the governor of French North Africa, Albert Grodet declaring that the Port of Tripoli is closed to other nations with border patrols being tripled. However, the main problem comes from Tunisia where Italian troops have entered Tunis kicking out the French administration and establishing a Muslim State in which can not be tolerated by the French government. With the sudden revolt in Somalia gaining the upper hand, the French East African Army composed of 120,000 men launch a vicious counterattack against this new Muslim state as the French East African Colonial Government relocates its capital at Mombassa with the objective of capturing the leader of this revolt and ending this Rebellion. The French Meditenrenan fleet launches a blockade against all Italian North African ports as elements of the Red Sea fleet and the Atlantic fleet are sent to blockade Italian West Africa. in an attempt to force the Italian government to give up their plans in Carthage. In addition to this, 100,000 troops are moved to the border with Italy along with 50,000 mountaineers with another 100,000 mountaineers ready to deploy next year with 50,000 troops being sent to French Dakar most of whom are veterans of the Franco-Arab War. With the Carlist Insurgency continuing, plans are made for an intervention in Spain with the objective to install the current leader of the Carlists - 25-year-old Jaime de Borbón y de Borbón-Parma who survived the purge of his family due to him remaining in France during the failed Carlist Coup, as King of Spain. Meanwhile, in France, a scandal occurs when a Jewish French officer named Alfred Dreyfus was arrested on charges of treason for allegedly selling French Military Secrets to the Germans. Angered at this Prime Minister Boulanger orders Dreyfus to be sent to the French penal colonies in the Indian Ocean while he orders a secret investigation on the affair. The Third Naval Expansion Plan continues with the French fleet undergoing its third phase of expansion with 25 submarines, two pre-dreadnought battleships, four destroyers, three cruisers, and six other support ships already completed with funding for the Third Naval Expansion Plan being slightly decreased in order to prevent inflation from hitting France again. (Secret) Meanwhile, the New Experimental Airships Boulanger ordered are completed and launch a bombing raid test as the tests see significant success with Boulanger ordering the construction of ten modified airships that will be used to bomb enemy positions from the air while also being a method of transport for French troops. The LRP’s membership grows to a significant 390,000 members as they continue their efforts in assisting the resistance in Alsace-Lorraine while also arming the Carlist insurgents now helping the Insurgents in Infiltration tactics. Many veterans of previous wars such as the Zanzibari War and the Fezzan Campaign join the LRP united through their hatred of most major European Powers due to their constant interference in France’s past attempt to re-establish its former Colonial Empire. Meanwhile, the CEF beings infiltrating the General Confederation of Labor - a National Trade Union Center - in which CEF COO Jules Blanc states is a threat to Monsieur G.E.B’s plans. (End Secret) With the revolts in French North Africa and French East Africa all efforts to expand major settlements in the are halted while French civilians are evacuated from the Colonies in order to limit civilian casualties and focus more on crushing the insurgents. The 1895 Census counts 38.7 million people in France with the population within the French Colonies reaching 900,000 people having been significantly reduced due to the War in the Middle East and the recent Muslim Uprisings.
 * Persian Empire: With The war over and the treaty of Tehran signed, the army is demobilized to pre war levels and the economy switched back to civilian focuses. The shah proclaims that Arabia and Persia shall always be allied. As a protection against future wars, a permanent 1,000-man strong military garrison of Persia is set up in Mecca and Medina (Agreed on discord). Meanwhile, we request a grand battleship to be built on our behalf by Italy. We will, of course, pay for it. (ITALIAN RESPONSE NEEDED). With joining the Commonwealth we request that shah may visit the UK as celebration for the invitation. (UK RESPONSE NEEDED). We continue building shipyards - now totaling four.
 * UK: Agreed

Kingdom of Romania: With the Treaty of Tehran being signed and the war ending, we will withdraw our troops from the Middle East and the REF from Russia and bring our army size back to 66,000 and ending limited conscription. We are proud to announce that the King Carol I Bridge is complete It is right now the longest bridge in Europe and the second longest bridge in the world. To deal with crime we open the Doftana Prison. Also, the 1895 Parliament Elections occur this year with the National Liberal Party winning.We recognize the Rashidi Caliphate and will give moderate amount of money to help rebuild Mecca and Medina.


 * Nippon: Industrial expansion continues. Electric lines become more common place as do electrical parts and machinery. The three refurbrished and modernized Virginia-class battleships purchased from Americans bolster Japan's naval strength Greatly bringing their battleship numbers up to four including the Admiral-class ironclad battleship from Great Britain they are named Honshu, Kyushu, Saikoku, and Hokkiado after the four main islands of Japan. construction of Japan's first domesticly built destroyer also nears completion while development of schematics for a Japanese built sub continue. More gun boats and torpedo boats are built as well. Japanese shipping continues to expand. As Japanese power grows, many amongst the younger generation of officers begin demanding that the Japanese Empire should start to exert greater influence in the region to fully secure its strategic and economic needs. Making note to the recent conflicts in Europe and Japanese successes in Indochina and the Philippines. These officers use the blueprints for plan Ombu to develop secret plans to overtake China in terms of Military and economic power. The IJN begins shipping men to Okinawa, and the Philippines while artillery, bikes, munitions, and arms stockpiles are built up. The Arisaka 93 is made the standard rifle while a carbine version is developed for Marine, and Cavalry units. Some 15,000 marines supported by three destroyers, one armored cruiser and an assortment of smaller ships land in Keelung and the Japanese representative on the Island offers the local officials the opportunity to surrender sovereignty of the Island over to Japan (colgan approved on discord) which they accept leading to the rapid occupation of the Island and the shipping of artillery over to the island as fortification efforts begin. While the four battleships and rest of the navy reposition to prevent any Qing efforts to interfere creating a peremeter from Kyushu, to Ryukyu, to Formosa. Commercial and European ships are allowed to pass. However, preparations to blockade The Chinese North are made. An envoy is sent to Beijing offering to pay the Qing dynasty for the concession of the island.
 * United States: With Hawaii under firm US control President Dole is given the role of governor of the new territory as American settlers tag along side navy ships as the navy begins to moor ships in Pearl Harbor. Navy engineers and construction equipment is brought in from California to construct port facilities. (More to come.)
 * Kingdom of Greece: The Greek government begins a mass campaign to rename further towns, cities, and other places with Turkish names to Greek if they had not done so earlier. The government further develops the Anatolian region with several infrastructure projects. Two separate rail networks are laid out that would be connected to ports would be sufficient enough. The European Rail Network would be connected from Athens to Thessaloniki to Alexandroupolis. Those who want to move further east would travel from one of the three cities to the city ports of Smyrna (OTL Izmir) is selected as the current “Gateway to Anatolia” with the Anatolian rail network to be first stationed there and expanded throughout the countryside to connect to major towns or cities there. The purpose of this project is to this project to increase development and mobility within my nation. The idea came from the transcontinental railroad in the US, which had allowed development of towns and other infrastructure due to easier movement, or in this case, lessen the negative effects of the population exchange so "empty" towns can be filled or existing ones can grow. So long as there are no strings attached, the Greek government accepts the French offer to constructfour pre-dreadnought battleships   to the navy along with five torpedo boats and six destroyers, to be completed by 1900. more may come soon)
 * Greece just purchased four battleships from the United Kingdom, there is no way it can afford these ships. ~Mods
 * French OCC: Those ships are being build by France then will get sent to the Greeks.
 * Yes, but in OTL Greece did not acquire a battleship until the United States sold it two obsolete pre-dreadnoughts in the 1910s. It faced severe buedget constraints throguhout its naval history, and while Greece is better off in this timeline, eight capital ships in half as many years is too many.


 * Imperial Federation: After a half-decade of negotiations, hearings, constitutional committees and referenda, the Imperial Federation is rung in on July 1st, 1895. The new government delegates significant powers to state governments in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the British West Indies. By August, a British South Africa petitions to join the Federation, arrives in London, and following a referendum, it joins the federation in November. Now a trans-continental Empire with colonies and core-territories across the world, the government invests heavily in telegraph lines and other communication networks. Diplomatically, the change should have little impact as the seat of power remains in London, close to the core of the federation’s population. The Canadians are once again invited to join the Imperial Federation or Commonwealth, and they are reminded that the Imperial Federation is still responsible for their defense. (Canada Response) Meanwhile, investment floods into Persia and the ZAV after their wise decision to join the Commonwealth. Without trade barriers, investors are free to develop the mineral industry in the mineral-rich Persia. This investment spurs on the Persian economy and allows the mining industry to begin modernizing. Work across Africa resumes on the rail line, with a major line built from Port Elizabeth and Durban to Pretoria. Although still facing challenges, the line is nearly 60 percent complete, with sections stretching well down the Nile, into Greater Zanzibar, and almost connecting in North Zambeziland. In court, Queen Victoria’s aid Abdul Karim and Prince George both in their early twenties become good friends. The two, although entirely different in status, find surprising similarities in personality. This strange connection breaks to the news when the two are spotted, independently of the queen, out on a hunt. With racist opinions of Indians already somewhat tempered by Anglo-Zulu War, the populace of the Imperial Federation begins to warm to the idea of Indian equality. The 1895 Naval Acquisition Plan is completed, including eight new Royal Sovereign-class battleships, two Centurion-class battleships, eight Gibraltar-class armored cruisers, another 12 Diadem-class protected cruisers, as well as an assortment of Type 3 destroyers. At the Spithead Naval Review of 1895 Sir Charles Algernon Parsons unveils his Turbina, a 100 ft steam-turbine powered ship. This proof of concept inspires the construction of a batch of future Type 4 destroyers with these turbines.
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydroelectric dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general, electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. The Nieuw Bergen op soom shipyard successfully delivers the retrofited Italian ironclad battleship Caio Duilio to the navy. The same shipyard also continues the development of small rudimentary flat bottomed vessels as landing crafts for a secret contract with the navy, the innovation in this concept is the use of the newly introduced motorboat engines to power the vessel instead of just the traditional approach of rowing. After several tests and failures they believe that they've developed a sufficiently good motot powered landing craft and proceed to present it to the navy who deems it to fit the minimum standards. An order of 350 of those motor powered landing crafts proceeds is made to the shipyard by our navy. Van Dyk Corporation has already delivered 10,000 licensed Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles, far from their target of 15,000 for the first year. Thus they decide to upgrade their facilities even more to increase their production capability even more. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boer farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The Germanic immigrants and to a lesser extent, the French and the British continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 8,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 24,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 7,000 of our people die - mostly from old age - but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. According to estimates, we have 1.075 million white citizens, 5,250 Griquas and 2.795 million black people in total by the end of the year. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase.

1896
In Spain, the carlist insurgents manage to assassinate the King of Spain and launch a coup against him which mostly succeeds but parts loyal to the old dynasty organize and a civil war breaks out.

Despite France’s victory over the Mahdists, riots continue to break out and opposition the French colonial regime remains strong.

'''In Alsace-Lorraine, the French rebels manage to lay siege to the regional capital. The rebels number around 30,000.'''

'''The Qing Dynasty demands that Japan evacuate from Formosa and pay a reparation for their incursion. The Qing fleet sorties out to drive-off the Japanese forces, certain in its numerical superiority.'''

'''While the Muslim rebels across the Dutch East Indies continues to grow more in strength, with thousands joining their cause, reaching 65,000 men. In response to the Muslim aggravation and the news of some attrocities committed by the rebels, several non-Muslim communities to the east, thousands of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists natives flock to the Dutch army, other than Dutch and Indo-Dutch people who are enlisting out of loyalty to the Dutch. As the war rages the Muslims manage to overrun many parts of islands or even entire islands in the west, while in the east any rebellion attempts by the Muslim minority are brutally surppressed, pre-emptive bloody crackdowns on the Muslims also take place to ensure the security of these areas. Ethnic cleansing also takes place, after being initiated by the Muslim rebels, with the Dutch and their allies responding similarly.'''


 * Persian Empire: On the morning of September 11th, after holding a speech in which the shah proclaimed that shipbuilding and the army will be the militaries primary focus for the future. After the speech as the shah walks out, a lone assassin sneaks up and shoots the shah in the head before being subdued by the Royal Ruard. The shah succumbs to the wounds despise the best doctors trying to save his life. The crown prince Massud Mirza becomes the new Shah as Shah Massud Mirza and he proclaims a one-year mourning period. The assassin is sentenced to death by hanging. The corronation is scheduled to be held in 1897. Meanwhile, the first Persian ship begins construction being a destroyer.
 * Kingdom of Italy: The war preparations continue, the 100,000 men who signed up last year are in full training, with more sign-ups coming in daily in the hundreds. The marine is given a larger focus on the new torpedo technology and submarines. With tensions cooling in the Tuareg inhabited areas, the focus can be given to the newest issue, the blockade of North Africa. To counter this, the colonial West Africa fleet is ordered to blockade French Dakar and cutting every road that leads into the colony to starve it out. Supplies are sent into North Africa via the Sahara trade between Mali, German Northwest Africa and Algeria, yet it is requested to the Germans to open their infrastructure system to Italian troops to bring supplies, as this is a humanitarian crisis (GERMAN/MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). SECRET The first experiments with U-Boats as cargo missions take place, with U-Boats carrying supplies from the port in Sardinia, then sailing near the blockade and going then under the sea. After that they will come back to the surface when the blockade is behind them and dock in Annaba or alternatively in occupied Tunis. SECRET END The people of Tunisia are suffering under the French blockade and the Colonial administration in Algier ordered it to be the highest priority to care for the well being of the population, as this could not only lead to a propaganda victory but also as a strategic victory. When the French somehow manage to recapture Tunisia, the Italians would be seen as liberators and the hatred for the French will be continued. Another plan is to import food from Egypt, as this might secure the situation in Cyreanica. British merchants are given the opportunity to sell grain and other goods like cotton in Libya without having to declare any taxes (BRITISH RESPONSE, PLEASE) The orders by the Persian Navy are agreed upon, a large battleship can be expected by 1900/1901. The militarism in Italy continues, many men sign up for the army, by now it has about 600,000 men either in reserve or training. The Corsican army counts now 1,500 men, with around 500 men serving in the fairly small Corsican marine. The Liberal area continues, but both Republicans and conservatives are on the rise, but the conservatives make a comeback due to the rising support in militarism. Good foreign relations are kept with Germany, Austria, Greece and also Russia. The colonies in Asia thrive, with a major increase in mining, coffee and tea cultivation in Indonesia and sugar production in Fiji.
 * Kingdom of France: With the eruption of the Fourth Carlist War, King Henri VI orders a full scale intervention in Spain as 250,000 men move into Spain to support the Carlists who have secured parts of Spain. This French Army under the command of General Alfred Dodds is tasked in securing Madrid as the French invade Spain not as conquerors but to support the rightful ruler of Spain, Jaime de Borbón y de Borbón-Parma as Henri VI recognizes him as King of Spain as Jaime III of Spain. The French Blockade against the Italian colonies ends as the French Mediterranean fleet attacks the Spanish fleet with Les Troupes de la Marine boarding Spanish Ships during naval engagements in order to capture as many Spanish ships as possible. The French air fleet is also put at the test in Spain as they launch low-altitude bombing raids against cities loyal to the dead King of Spain which prove to be somewhat effective but these bombing raids are not as effective as expected. With resistance in the French Colonies continuing, the idea of deporting the Muslim populations of the French colonies becomes somewhat popular as many in the National Assembly see it as the only way to end the rebellions in the French colonies. The intervention in Spain and constant rebellions in France’s colonial possessions, however, overshadow the Dreyfus Affair as it is revealed that Dreyfus is innocent as the real spy is revealed to be Ferdinand Walsin Esterhazy, Prime Minister Boulanger, however, decides to place both Esterhazy and Dreyfus on trial accusing both of them for jointly co-operating against the Nation as he is not interested in the situation. In the French Colonies, the Garrisons are reduced to 75,000 men in both French North Africa and French East Africa while Martial Law is enforced with troops ordered to open fire on any protests or riots against French authority. The French government abandons any idea of taking Tunisia by force as they are focused in Spain and in the Colonies. Meanwhile, with the French rebels in Alsace-Lorraine laying siege to the regional capital, La Ligue de Revanchistes Patriotiques sends 30,000 of their own members having been secretly trained in the past year for open warfare to assist the rebels while the government begins supplying the rebels and the paramilitary reinforcements with heavy weapons such as Mitrailleuses and field artillery to the rebels to force the surrender of the German forces in Alsace-Lorraine and promote Rattachisme in the region. Meanwhile, La Ligue de Revanchistes Patriotiques begin a propaganda campaign in Belgium to promote Rattachisme in Wallonia and to gain local support from the French population of the region while also doing the same in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Third Naval Expansion Plan continues as ten more submarines completed with one pre-dreadnought battleship, four destroyers, three cruisers and five support ships being completed this year. In addition to the Third Naval Expansion Plan five pre-dreadnought battleships are additionally ordered all whom are expected to be completed within the next three years. (Secret) The development of a new modified class of airships begins as French engineers work to design an airship that can accurately hit its targets that will be more effective than the current airships of the French air fleet. Meanwhile, the efforts to infiltrate the CGT by La Ligue des Revanchistes Patriotiques are somewhat successful with some agents managing to infiltrate the labor union as plans are made to break the Labor union from the inside and cause it to collapse in order to secure the plans of G.E.B (End of Secret). Meanwhile, efforts to evacuate French civilians from the French colonies continues as the French Overseas Army continues to engage with the Resistance in the colonies as plans are made to pacify the regions of Tripolitania and Somalia as Pacification Campaigns begin in the French colonies.
 * Mexico: Henry funds the Secret Service and commissions three extra destroyers. He adds to the army with an extra 5,000 troops. Mexico sends supplies Guinea Bissau with food, ammo and guns. He also sends two Henry warships to try to blockade the French. [Mod Response Needed].
 * French Response: Seeing Mexico as a joke, Boulanger sends a single destroyer to intercept and destroy these so-called warships.


 * Nippon: Tokyo refuses to withdraw from Formosa and the navy moves to engage the Beiyang fleet. The IJN combined fleet is split into two groups with smaller faster ships harassing the Chinese ships and drawing them out into open waters where the main fleet including the four battleships along with Japan's five armored cruisers, along with their protected cruisers. Torpedo boats are also employed liberally firing large numbers of torpedos into the Beiyang fleet. The mobilization of the army begins and war is formally declared. The first Japanese-built armored cruiser is completed, at 5,000 tonnes. Expansion of Asa production and use continues worrying some army and navy officials as it becomes widespread amongst the military during down time. The growth of red light districts and their popularity has steadily led to an increase in crime as competing groups of thugs and ex soldiers fight over protection rackets. More to be added later.
 * Vrijstaat Dip: We request purchasing a large batch of opium for our native's "recreational" use.
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydroelectric dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general, electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. Given the vast investment in railroads over the past years Johannes Stephanus Maritz, now a very wealthy person, leads a group of investors into establishing our homeland's first locomotive industry, hoping to supply the state with any train it will need in the future to update its existing ones that have started to age. The order of 350 motor powered landing crafts by our navy are delivered by the Nieuw Bergen op Soom shipyard, while they start working on an updated version of the landing crafts, mostly limited to research and testing the landing craft to work on improving its design to make it more ergonomic and functional in general. Van Dyk Corporation delivers 15,000 more Lee-Enfield M1882 rifles has already delivered 10,000 licensed Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles, still missing on their total target. The idea of using opium to keep the natives on check is circulated and spread amongst nationalist, reactionary and conservative circles of influential people close to the government. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boer farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The Germanic immigrants and to a lesser extent, the French and the British continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 8,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 24,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 7,000 of our people die - mostly from old age - but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. According to estimates, we have 1.1 million white citizens, 5,250 Griquas and 2.78 million black people in total by the end of the year. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase. We offer the Carlists a lend lease of home produced licensed weaponry and vessels. We can offer up to 1,000 British Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles, 25,000 German Mauser M1871 infantry rifles that we have stocked up, 10,000 Saxon M1873 army revolvers and 50 horse-drawn Krupp guns (C64/C67 models). Also, we can offer 350 motor powered landing craft to test them for the first time, 50 coastal patrol vessels and a variety of other small support vessels. We also gather a volunteer brigade, made up from our most battle hardened and experienced Boer kommando veterans, that have served in multiple campaigns against Europeans and natives to assist the rightful (Carlist) King of Spain, Jaime III. They made up an entire regiment 2,000 man strong, led by Piet Jacobus Joubert, an experienced and respected commander by his men, the entire regiment is equiped with our most modern weaponry, such as 2,000 Lee-Enfield M1882 infantry rifles, Saxon M1873 revolvers and 20 horse-drawn Krupp guns (C64/C67 models), secretly funded by our state, to serve under King Jaime III's command. A young volunteer in his early 20s with sufficient military training, that comes by the name of Manie Maritz has also enlisted in the regiment. [Mod Response]
 * Mod Response: The Carlists welcome Boer aid and volunteers and agree to the lend-lease.
 * United States: Utah is admitted as the 45th state. It's a miracle. The New York Legislature passes the Raines Law which prohibits drinking on a Sunday. Plessy vs Ferguson: the US Supreme Court rules that in the words of the constitution, all men are created equal and turns down the "Separate Yet Equal" policy presented. The Supreme Court also herby rules the Jim Crow Laws in the south to be Unconstitutional. There are debates whether the president of the US should seize the Canary Islands from Spain as that was one of President Custer's war goals. The Ford Quadricycle is built with Ford producing the first American automobile. Winchester offers the Japanese a cash and carry method to buy guns ready made in American ports, and they transfer them there. They offer to sell the 6.5 mm "Navy Lee straight pull rifles" (Japanese Responses). Some US cavalrymen chase some Apaches across the border into Chihuahua and accidentally engage Mexican troops. President McKinley also sends more US ships out to claim OTL French Polynesia and bring the Pacific into a vast US sphere of influence.
 * Dominion of Canada: After a vote, Canada ordered residential schools in all of Canada to eliminate all First Nations heritage and to wipe out the indigenous population through learning without genocide. By October of this year, all provinces in Canada have over 40 residential schools. Canada would hide the fact of the reality of residential schools from the public as no one is allowed to know the true nature.
 * Kingdom of Romania: The year starts off when the Parliament and the King decide that the country will join the Slavic Congress of Andrinople. Also, to strengthen economic bonds with Russia the Parliament decided that Romania will use the ruble as the currency of the nation. With Russia's colony in Ethiopia growing, the government decides to send 10,000 settlers there. The Port of Constanta begins construction. The first dock will be complete next year and the port will be open but construction of additional docks in the port will last until 1909. Also, our first theater is built in Braila called Maria Filotti Theater bringing cinema to Romania for the first time. A socialist newspaper company is founded this year called Der Weker but only lasts for four months until it goes out of business.


 * Austria-Hungary-Croatia: Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary makes a speech today announcing his abdication in favor of his Heir, Franz Ferdinand as he is becoming old and believes it’s time for fresh leadership. Upon becoming Emperor, Franz Ferdinand immediately announces that he is elevating Croatia’s status to that of equal footing with Austria and Hungary. The new Croatian lands will include the Territory of Bosnia, Croatia-Slavonia, and Dalmatia. The plan is given support by the HLP dominated and the plan is put into action. The new Croatian State will be known as the Land of the Crown of Višeslav and will have its own parliament, prime minister, and judicial branch. On June 12th these plans are made official and the Lands of the Crown of Zvonimir is an official entity equal to Austria and Hungary. Franz Ferdinand is declared the Ban of Croatia and he officially proclaims the triple monarchy of Austria-Hungary-Croatia. Military rule in Bosnia ends as rule is transferred over to local governments. The Croatian parliament, in its first session, decides to designate a semi-autonomous area for the Serbs in Bosnia known as the Srpska Zona (Serbian Zone) in which it will be able to send representatives to the Croatian parliament with reserved seats and will be able to have their own small legislature to deal with domestic issues, but overall are still part of the Lands of the Crown of Zvonimir and the law of the crowned lands is still law and will be enforced in the Serbian Zone. Emperor Franz Ferdinand announces the unification of the passport system of the empire as the Austria and Hungary formally had their own separate passports, but will now be unified under one passport. Other changes are made to territory in the empire such as the handing over of Lodamia to Hungary as compensation for them losing some of their lands to Croatia. Infrastructure projects continue throughout the nation, mainly in Lodamia, which the region also being the focus on funding in education. We accept Germany's free trade proposal they sent a few years back. We continue to promote Austro-Slavism as a counter to Pan-Slavism, and now that Croatia’s status has been elevated, Austro-Slavism gains some ground in the politics of the Slavic territories of the Empire. With Croatia being elevated, Emperor Franz Ferdinand with the support of the Austrian, Hungarian, and Croatian parliaments, creates a new national legislature called the Congress of Nationalities and will become the unifying legislature of the empire. The congress will include a reserved number of seats from the three nations of the empire, which are Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, but within these delegations there will be representatives of these nation’s minorities, such as the Slovaks in Hungary or the Serbs in Croatia, all minorities with significant numbers will get representation in the Congress of Nationalities. The head of the congress is known as the President of the Congress of Nationalities and shall act as the head of government for the empire, the President will also have a cabinet of his choice, but must as multi-ethnic as possible.


 * The Russian Empire: Peace is upon Russia once more, Native Abyssinian and Russians march into former French Abyssinia. While doing it they discover a lot of leftover French guns which by treaty of Tehran have become Russian arms. With these rifles mostly being Lebel's models 1886, which are fairly new weaponry even for Russian standards. These lebels being spread in the colony as reserve guns for the Russian army, and with the Berdans going to the African troops as the regular Russian rifle has become the Mannlicher M1890 Carbine for troops all across the empire. The Berdan being put into the reserves of the army when a full division of troops have enough to replace them. As the new Manlicher M1890's are faster and more accurate then the Berdan before it with the Berdan being also having used as a training and for parades. The army standardisation of uniforms also continue with most Russian troops beginning the slowly get more and more the same uniforms will less diversity depending on regiment and their military leader. An old idea comes to the surface once more, the Slavic congress comes again. This time they once more want to regulate it more and more, making its duties better known and more streamlined. The Russian Red and White Ruthenian and Polish representatives and members of their local cultural associations ask for the other Slavic nations and Orthodox to join in the next Slavic congress in Adrianople, nations like Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and even Sorbs, Czechs, Carpathian Ruthenians, Slovaks, Croats and Slovenes (mod Response) (Austrian Response) (German Response). Although Russian members of the Slavic moment ask for the ability of Romania to join the Congress, too - even when they are not Slavs. As The integration of Russia and Romania is seen as one of the goals of the new struggle that awaits Eastern Europe, as the people in Russia mostly region of Bessarabia fear that Romania will not be able to stand if a foreign country were to invade it. With the Russian government requesting to Romania that they change their currency to the Russian ruble (Romanian Response), With some critics of the name wanted the currency to be known as either the Eastern ruble or simply, the ruble. A small expedition is once more sent to the Cornelis Islands, with a total of 1,200 soldiers going to the mainland and setting up habours and barracks close to the coast. This is due to them wanting good supplies. This also makes it possible for small numbers of fortune lookers and settlers to inhabit these lands.

1897
The Bhartiya Rashtriya Sangh (India National Union) is formed (as the ATL INC)

'''The left in France unites in a political alliance called Solidarité in order to oppose the government of Boulanger. It has topped 500,000 members.'''

The Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon starts.


 * Persian Empire: The first destroyer is completed for the Persian Navy and two more are laid down. In the capital of Persepolis a wild celebration occurs as the coronation begins. Shah Massoud Mirza takes his place on the Peacock Throne just as his father did in 1849. After receiving the Persian crown jewels he swears the Imperial oath and is then proclaimed Shah of the Persian Empire. The new shah announces that this week all shall celebrate and he presents that works on a Persepolis-Baghdad-Tehran railway will commence shortly. The shah begins to modernize the army with new weapons and artillery.
 * Vietnam: Emperor Dong Khanh continues his campaign of modernization in Vietnam. After a long delay, the University of Lai Chau is finally opened. A parade is arranged near the university to celebrate its grand opening. Lai Chau is also renovated, with a city plan similar to that of Hanoi. Border defenses are put up near the Chinese border, with a fort being placed in Lao Cai. A Hanoi-Lai Chau-Quy Nhon railray is built. Emperor Dong Khanh sends envoys to Japan and Italy, requesting to purchase modern arms and ships from both nations. (JAPANESE AND ITALIAN RESPONSE) He also wishes to trade with Italy and the Transvaal Republic. (ITALIAN AND ZAR RESPONSE)
 * Vrijstaat Dip: We ask the Empire of Đại Nam for closer economic relations, to establish an embassy at their capital of Hue and offer them the possibility to establish their embassy in our capital, Pretoria. We can provide the Empire of Đại Nam with a plethora of minerals (gold, diamonds, coal, chrome, platinum, palladium, copper, iron), agricultural products (grapefruit, cereals, maze, green maze) and/or home produced licensed weaponry like the British Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles and the German Mauser M1871 infantry rifles, the Saxon M1873 army revolvers and the horse-drawn Krupp guns (C64/C67 models) with all royalties attributed to the British/Germans. We offer the Empire of Đại Nam the opportunity to encourage Boer investors to invest in their nation in all sorts of ventures like mining ventures, railroad network, etc.


 * United States: The US Copyright office is started as Grant's Tomb is dedicated in New York. The first Boston Marathon is run. Meanwhile, Mark Twain, thought to be dead and isn't, writes an article in the New York Times saying "The Report of my death was an exaggeration." Miners headed for the north stop in Seattle, and many miners end up settling in Alaska. Oldsmobile is founded as the Boston Metro opens becoming the first subway in North America. Meanwhile, the US Navy moves to claim the rest of OTL French Polynesia.
 * Kingdom of France: The year begins as French troops continue to advance into Spain with the Carlist Forces as they continue marching toward\ Madrid engaging the Forces of the Regency at Zaragoza. Meanwhile, the French fleet continues its tactic of engaging Spanish ships and capturing them as Boulanger does not wish to inflict heavy losses to the Spanish Navy. In the Colonies efforts to suppress the Madhist and Turag Rebellions continue as the French Overseas Army begins a pacification campaign to pacify these regions as troops are ordered to burn down every village that has given support to these rebels while also beginning executing the captured leaders of the Rebellion. No prisoners are taken as troops are ordered to kill any rebels they find. People who are suspected of rebel activity are taken to prison camps for interrogation where the innocent are allowed to leave while those with even the smallest evidence of supporting the rebellions are executed for conspiracy against France. However, back home, a major unfortunate event takes place, as on the night of May 7, 1897, King Henri VI suffers a cardiac arrest and dies at his residence at the Tuleries Palace. Having died childless, the French Government begins to search for a successor given that Henri VI has died without declaring an heir. However, it is quickly decided to choose the Grand-Nephew of Henri VI, le Prince Phillipe Duc d'Orleans as the next King of France, thus on May 10, 1897, the Duke of Orleans is proclaimed King of France as Phillipe VIII at the age of 28. However, only days into his rule it seems that the young king has found himself under the influence of Prime Minister Boulanger. Meanwhile, with the formation of the Leftist Political Alliance Solidrité, Boulanger responds by uniting the Political Right by also introducing his own political party in which surprisingly is the Political Branch of the Ligue des Revanchistes Patriotques, the paramilitary group that has influenced the Carlist Insurgency and instigated the countless Rebellions in Alsace-Lorraine with Boulanger revailing to be the mastermind behind the LRP. Boulanger's new political party known as the National Boulangist Party or simply the National Boulangists gains immediate support from many Revanchist and Anti-Semitic Organizations on France as its membership reaches 135,000 people by the end of the year. The National Boulangists along with other political groups such as the Conservatives, the Royalists and the Bonapartes unite to form the La Ligue Boulangiste all supporting Boulanger in opposition to Solidrité with the membership of this coalition reaching 485,000 members. With this Boulanger begins leaning away from his Revanchist policies to begin supporting Rattachisme in Belgium and spreading Rattachist Propaganda into Belgium during a visit to Wallonia in the Fall. (Secret) Meanwhile, despite France's failure in the Middle East, Boulanger begins plan the return of France to reverse this horrible defeat as he sends agents to Persia to probe the nation for any opposition to Persia's affiliation to the British Commonwealth as many of these agents are disguised as diplomats as part of a diplomatic mission to Persia to improve relations (End Secret)


 * Nippon: Fighting with the Qing fleet continues. An envoy is sent to Beijing to offering to pay for the concession of Formosa. Saigo Takamori passes away leading to a political reorganization as Okuma Shigenobu is appointed Prime Minster and he along with other progressive constitutionalists reorganize the liberals into the Shimpoto (progressive party). Okubo remains Kampaku and continues to represent the interests of Tennio Meiji. Industrialization continues. More to be added later.
 * Mexico: Henry adds an extra 25,000 soldiers and commissions four French destroyers. He also requests better relations with Britain. [British Response Needed]. (Secret Starts) Due to France's meddling in Mexico the Secret Service keeps tabs on French Foreign Actives which falls within Mexico's Interests.(Secret Ends).
 * Kingdom of Greece: The government further develops the Anatolian region with several more infrastructure projects. Over the last few years, the two rail networks had taken shape and are near completion as the first rail lines are connected between towns and cities. There are plans for further tracks to be connected to lesser towns as well in order to help the growth of the region. Meanwhile, the "population exchange" between Greece and Turkey since 1893, that was to be completed by 1896 had suffered complications due to increasing amount of incidents in the deportation of millions in the Turkish population. But any break downs were limited thanks to foreign troops assisting in the process. Thus, the process has exceeded 1896 and deadlines are extended beyond the year. Luckily, most of the Turkish population has been successfully deported into Turkey, however. The process still remains under those that still remained into this year. By next year, it is likely that the process would be completed. (more may be soon)
 * Kingdom of Italy: The war preparations continue, the 100,000 men who signed up are in full training, with more sign-ups coming in daily in the hundreds. The marine is given a larger focus on the new torpedo technology and submarines. As the French blockade has de facto ended in north Africa, the situation is now much better, but news of proposed deportations of Muslims become prominent in occupied Tunisia, first as rumours, then as a widespread concern. The support for the Italian occupiers rises with the eminent French threat, and is fortified by further propaganda measures by the colonial government. The imports from the other colonies help the situation, but to prevent further famines, a plan for making the North African coastline more fertile by constructing channels that supply the fields more inland with water, though the plans wouldn’t be widely adapted immediately, as these plans would be immensely labour intensive. Some smaller channels are built in oasis towns to expand the area that can be used for agriculture. King Amadeo I dies in April, he is succeeded by his first son Filiberto Emmanuele. The military has reached 700,000 troops, especially with increase in the Alpine forces and the Marine. Three pre-dreadnought ships are ordered to be built by 1902/1903. The development of the train connections is put priority on, as those are deeply in need of modernization. Large industry comes to Corsica when the Tarento steel works found a second factory there. The Vietnamese request is met with pleasure. However, precise numbers on ships and arms are requested (VIETNAMESE RESPONSE, PLEASE). Many Vietnamese and Chinese people immigrate to Aceh and Fiji, creating smaller Chinatowns and Little-Hanois in the larger cities. The general elections have shown a continuation of the Liberal era, yet the opposition from the Republicans and a radicalizing conservative force which orients itself slightly more around the French ruling party, yet they and the French ideals are immensely unpopular among the general population. The king has expressed sympathies for the liberal faction, thus a series of liberal policies and prime ministers are to be expected. A small scale industrialization takes place in Cyrenaica where many oil refineries and oil fields are set up. SECRET The French coalition Solidarité is focused by the URS and the Secret Service alike. The republicans of Italy have interest in giving them advice on how to campaign, organize, agitate and also ideological support. However, to keep the informants and functionaries under cover, they will travel as ordinary tourists, discussing the issues with republican leaders and unionists in private, disguised as relatives or "old friends". The Secret Service funds them, in hopes to weaken France internally and make it less of a threat to Italy. SECRET END


 * The Russian Empire: With the army demobilising, the economy begins to breathe once more. Reparations begin helping the situation in the Russian Empire, as the money pays for new equipment and paying of pensions. As of now, only 200,000 are ready for duty even though their duty is mostly improving their barracks and their Defences, with in Anatolia soldiers building churches and other monuments. The local governates in Anatolia also ask for Rashidi money and architects for the renovating and building of Mosques and other Islamic community buildings (Rashidi Response). The Aden deal is officially ratified by the lower house of the Duma with 223 votes in favor and 168 against the signing of the treaty, those who oppose the treaty being those who feel that it will only further drain the Russian economy instead of increasing it. With people in favor believe that the treaty will cement a good friendship with the Rashidi caliphate and gain land with resources and men, who are able to fight in hour of need. Yemen is also believed to be a good harbour and together with Eritrea an easy way for Russia and Rashidi Arabia to defend the Red Sea. Russian Yemen officially being a Colonial Governate with it only following the lower house of the Duma with another law by which all colonial land would be subject to only the laws of the lower house of the Duma, with no royal involvement. This law passing with just passing with 197 votes in favor, 22 abstentions, and 172 votes against "the law regarding Russian colonial holdings and his majesty the emperor's power". The Issue of transportation still continues, as the easiest way of movement for civilians and military is this ship movement. Due to this the Russian Government request the possibility to build a railway from Romania to Russian Principality of Eastern Thrace and lease the land and all operating buildings from the Kingdom of Bulgaria, in return Russia shall allow free movement of Bulgarians into Russian Eastern Thrace, and give jobs for the building and maintenance to Bulgarians (Mod response). Due to the desire of the Russian Empire to give Armenians the land they desire, we request a land exchange with the Persians, where they gain a small bit of Azerbaijan and the Russo-Armenians the lands around lake Van including the city itself (Persian Response).
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydroelectric dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general, electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. Maritz's locomotive industries get a lot of government contracts for new trains to update aging ones as the government prioritizes self-sufficiency and local production when possible. Work on an updated version of the landing crafts continues, mostly limited to research and testing the landing craft to work on improving its design to make it more ergonomic and functional in general. Van Dyk Corporation delivers 20,000 more Lee-Enfield M1882 rifles has already delivered 25,000 licensed Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles, still missing on their total target. The idea of using opium to keep the natives on check continues to be circulated and spread amongst nationalist, reactionary and conservative circles of influential people close to the government. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boer farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The Germanic immigrants and to a lesser extent, the French and the British continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 8,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 24,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 7,000 of our people die - mostly from old age - but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. According to estimates, we have 1.125 million white citizens, 5,400 Griquas and 2.785 million black people in total by the end of the year. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase.

1898
'''The German army contacts native French collaborators in Alsace-Lorraine to aid the German forces in crushing the Alsace revolt. Meanwhile, it is very clear to everyone in the German government that France is funding the revolt and an ultimatum is sent to France telling them to cease and desist of war will be declared. Meanwhile, with the German economy recovering greatly, naval spending continues to be low while the army spending is raised and a massive build up of the army takes place.'''

Olympic voting is now up here.

William Ramsay and Martin Tallman discover Neon in London.

''' Marie and Pierre Curie announce the discovery of an element that they name radium. '''

''' The first volume of the Linguistic Survey Of India is published in Calcutta. '''
 * Mexico: Henry approaches Guatemala to integration they'd get their own Council of Minister which wouldn't obey the Parliament and Henry would only be a Constitutional Monarch, all of Mexican Reforms would be voted upon and the Grand Railroad would go threw them. (Secret) The Mexican Secret Service tries to rig the Referendum (Secret ends).[Mod Response needed].
 * Imperial Federation: Adoption of steam-turbine technology explodes across Britain and the rest of the Federation. With much higher efficiency in both space, and fuel use than even triple expansion steam engines, the adoption of turbines for power generation allows British Industry to grow rapidly and with widespread adoption of electricity. The economy of the federation grows strongly, especially in Australia and New Zealand which both begin to experience urbanization and industrialization. The vast steel production of Australia begins to make it an attractive place for the production of ships and other materials. A federal census is carried out to determine the overall population of the entire Federation. The results are as follows: The United Kingdom of England, Scotland, and Wales 37,747,520, Ireland 4,782,619, Australia 3,923,682, New Zealand 801,972, and South Africa with 398,287 whites, 116,829 Indians, and 1,872,917 blacks. Overall the population stands at 47,654,080 whites and an additional 1,989,746 Indians and blacks. In England, an automobile industry begins to form, with several competing factories and brands all vying for influence and market share. The Canadians are once again invited to join the Imperial Federation or the Commonwealth. (Canada Response) Across Africa development of the rail system continues and local tribal leaders brought into the Empire. A significant British presence is built up around Lake Chad and rail lines extend from several ports in Nigeria deep into the country. The Lee-Enfield Model 1895 (Mannlicher M1895, Remington-Lee Model 1885 mix) is adopted for service in British 6.5, and they begin to slowly replace the current service rifle. For the Imperial Expeditionary Army, the rifles are equipped with a ten-round detachable box-magazine, allowing them to fire more rapid bursts during landing operations. These rifles are issues with a novel Machette Bayonet, with a wider blade for use in clearing brush. (Similar to the US Bolo Beyonet) The ZAV are granted control over the Western Cape as part of their entrance to the Commonwealth. (Orwell I’ve sent you this map)
 * Vrijstaat Dip: We gladly agree.

Persian Empire: Two more destroyers are completed and three more are laid down. Meanwhile, the shah unveils the victorious monument. The Trans Persian railway is nearing its completion.
 * Kingdom of Italy: The marine is given a larger focus on the new torpedo technology and submarines. The marine has a sizeable number of 110,000 men, the army itself has about 590,000 men both active and in reserve with around 20,000 new recruits bring in training this year. A net of heavy cruisers is established in the Thyrrhenian Sea, the Ligurian Sea and the Adriatic Sea, that keeps a close eye on the trade and the French fleet that is active in the western Mediterranean, but the navy barely leaves the waters it is ordered to stay in. The control over Tunisia is solidified and it seems like that even the French colonial troops have accepted the loss of the region, but the Italian military presence remains. The preparations for the installation of the Emirate of Carthage continue, the search for a fitting Emir and the exact borders are issues that are still discussed. The participation in the first international Olympic Games is met with enthusiasm from all sides, the rising popularity of sports like football and athletics give the event a large  popularity. Athletes who manage to win medals are honored and are allowed an audience with the King. The colonies are profitable with their mining and oil industry and even the exclusively agricultural colony of Fiji starts making profit. Free trade is encouraged and taxes are cut for small businesses like gastronomy, colonial shops ar artisans, as well as farmers who use modern farming tools and techniques. A free trade agreement is proposed to Austria, Greece and Britain ( AUSTRIAN, BRITISH AND GREEK RESPONSE NEEDED) Union membership is high but seems to stagnate, at least in the case of the largest union, the AOI, while the FCOC, the largest christian trade union, has a large membership boost due to their expansion into Corsica and campaigning in Sicily and sardinia, regions that are traditionally no strongholds of organized labour. Industrial manufacturing in the large cities continues, both for military and civil purposes. A wide spread urbanization and rural exodus makes cities like Milan, Naples and Bologna grow massively. The new capital has officially surpassed Venice and is now the second largest city in Italy after Rome.
 * Zuid Afrikaansche Vrijstaat: We celebrate our unification with the Western Cape and that Cape Town, the birthplace of our people is finally reunited with us. Cape Town is designated as our new capital. Electrical cables continue to be installed in the Orange Vrijstaat and the Transvaal provinces and coal is used to produce energy due to its cheap nature, while the hydroelectric dams certainly also contribute to energy production. Lighting continues to be adopted by households and commercial businesses as well as the industry. In general, electricity starts to be adopted by more consumers every day. Beef and hides output is increasing each year. More telegraph lines are constructed by our private sector. The settling of uninhabited areas continues unhindered. Maritz's locomotive industries get a lot of government contracts for new trains to update aging ones as the government prioritizes self-sufficiency and local production when possible. Work on an updated version of the landing crafts continues, mostly limited to research and testing the landing craft to work on improving its design to make it more ergonomic and functional in general. Van Dyk Corporation delivers 20,000 more Lee-Enfield M1882 rifles has already delivered 25,000 licensed Lee-Enfield Model 1882 infantry rifles, still missing on their total target. The idea of using opium to keep the natives on check continues to be circulated and spread amongst nationalist, reactionary and conservative circles of influential people close to the government. Even though they are cautious proceed with the idea, importing from the British Raj some batches and yield the results. The black people became more addicted every day and there is a constant propaganda informing the White, Griqua and Indian people of the terrible dangers to health and wellbeing opium was, picturing it as an unhealthy savage practice like cannibalism to our reactionary dominated audience. Health amongst blacks deteriorates, they became more violent and start to beg for their doses, turning essentially into drug addicts. The use of opium spreads fast among them. The Homestead Act continues, achieving further success offering any white person, both miners residing in the land and newcomers, alike, the opportunity to get their own homestead, a farmstead that they can build their homes on. However, given that South African soil is difficult to cultivate, Boer farmers are excluded from taxation shall they assist newcomers and teach them the secrets of their soil, enable them to successfully cultivate their new farmsteads. The state also assists with relocation, providing shelter to reside while the settlers are building their new homes, as well as blankets, food, medical assistance should they require it. The Germanic immigrants and to a lesser extent, the French and the British continue to integrate. Citizenship grant is expedited to be provided along with the homestead grant. Around 8,000 new white settlers of all kinds of nationalities such as Germans, British, French, Italians, Russians and Spanish make ZAV their home. We gather and record birthrate data for the first time and we conclude that we've had 24,000 new citizens born this year, while we also had 7,000 of our people die - mostly from old age - but also from harsh conditions and/or violence. We have 350,000 new white citizens, 6,500 new Indian citizens, 500,000 new black citizens after incorporating the Western Cape. According to estimates, we have 1.5 million white citizens, 12,500 Indian citizens, 5,500 Griqua citizens and 3.290 million black people in total by the end of the year. We continue to improve relations with Argentina and Brazil, while trans-Atlantic trade with them is encouraged and continues to increase.
 * Kingdom of France: With the German Ultimatum, Boulanger acknowledging that France is not yet ready for its war of Revanche backs down and stops funding the Rebels in Alsace-Lorraine he the French Military is unprepared for war against the Germans. Meanwhile, the 1898 Elections take place - seeing the Ligue Boulangiste growing with the Anti-Semitic League of France joining in the coalition at the last second giving the Ligue Boulangiste an advantage in numbers over Solidarite. Despite fierce opposition from Solidarite, the Ligue Boulangiste wins the elections with an overwhelming 52 percent of the vote with Solidarite far behind with only 34 with Boulanger remaining as the current Prime Minister of France. With both Germany and Italy mobilizing, Boulanger orders an increase in the size of the French Army and in the Garde Mobile increasing the French Army stationed in France to 650,000 men while also increasing the Garde Mobile to 500,000 men. The new Mountaineer Force is increased to 100,000 men as part of the French Army stationed in France while naval spending is suspended with the Third Naval Expansion Plan having already been completed with only two additional pre-dreadnought battleships to build, in order to rush the completion of the Second Line of Defensive Fortifications built within the former DMZ 10-15 Miles in front of the First Line of Defensive Fortifications. Plans are made to extend the Defensive Fortification Line to the border of Belgium with French High Command concerned of a Possible German Invasion of France through Belgium.(Secret) With the defeat of Solidarite, Boulanger with the support of King Phillipe VIII authorizes the formation of a Secret Police, L’Agence de Sécurité Nationale Française or the French National Security Agency (NSA) in order to probe the leading members of Solidarite as Boulanger suspects Foreign Involvement due to their astonishing tactics used during the Elections in which makes them an important threat to Boulanger. Meanwhile, the new class of airships is complete in which High Command decides to test on a Rebel Turag Base in Libya in which these news airships are set with a new system that will allow them to hit their targets more accurately. (End of Secret). Meanwhile, with the nations participation in the Olympics, many sports gain popularity - such as football - and Boulanger decides to begin the construction of new athletic stadia in major French cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseilles and Bordeaux as he plans to hold the Olympics in France during the next Olympics given that the founder of the International Olympic Committee is French.


 * The Russian Empire: The lands of Emperor Menelik II begin the process of reform, so that Administration bypasses the Nobility. This is done with the creation of counties, who adminstered by paid administrators whose only job is to administer. As their loyalty is to their emperor Memelik II and above that Emperor Alexander II, with them being paid monthly with a hourly wage. With their obligations just being administering and nothing else. Less obligations and less duties - none of which are related to the army - makes it so that the nobles are put out of the loop for the administration of the Abyssinian crown lands, although they will still be appointed to the Abyssinian Ministries. The Trans-Siberian railroad is slowly getting built with British investment, the side lines are being built mostly by foreign companies - most being British, and some American, Japanese and German companies. With the speed being up to planning, with Local being promised the wealth from the railroad. With the promise of basic protection along the railroad. Due to the new succession line Grand Duke Vladimir is readied to take up his role as tsar of Russia, as his brother, the former heir dying, and with Succession Rule he became the new heir as the son of his brother was deemed unfit for ruling Russia. Due to minor resistance on the issue of the lower house of the Duma, the post of Prime Minister is created and with it rules centered on who it can. With only people of the upper middle-class and Elite being allowed the seat with, this meaning a minimum of 1,000 Are of land. On lighter note, due to the first Olympic Games ever, the Russian government begins to use both the Julian and Gregorian calenders as they accept it could confuse contact with other European powers. As the Julian calender is a couple of days behind the Gregorian one, which is used by most of the world in international relations with athletes being readied for the modern Olympic Games, with rules being set up for most sports and the athletes being trained with these in mind.

1899
The 1899 Summer Olympic Games officially begins with its opening ceremony in Athens, Greece.

In Russia, the Tzar passes away and is replaced under new inheritance rules by his son Vladimir Alexandrovich.

In an accident at Grove Hill, Harrow, London, England, Edwin Sewell becomes the world's first driver of a petrol-driven vehicle to be killed; his passenger, Maj. James Richer, dies of injuries three days later.

'''The elevation of Croatia to co-equal status with Hungary causes tensions within the Habsburg Empire to rise. Hungarians, unhappy at the prospect of loosing a centuries long claim to Croatia begin agitating for greater Hungarian influence in the Triple Monarchy.''' **Brazilian Dip: Wanting to secure good relationships with the new Argentine regime, we offer them a military alliance as well as an memorandum of understanding for a future common market starting 20 to 50 years from now. Along with this offer we offer to sell to Argentina the rest of former Paraguayan lands that we've split between us in the past, including Asuncion as well as allow them to unite with Uruguay in exchange for free navitation rights along the Plata river. We also offer to sell them the Banda Oriental were they to accept the other terms. We shall allow the Federation of La Plata to unite once again.
 * Persian Empire:A royal wedding between the commander of the cossack brigade Reza Pahlavi and the shah's daugther, Princess Nour ali Qajar takes place this year and is celebrated widely all across the empire. The first battleship is delivered from Britain and is named RPN Nader shah. Meanwhile, the army undergoes massive reorganization, now being composed of two well trained armies of 200,000 men in peacetime and up to 500,000 in wartime. The navy now stands at one battleship and six destroyers and one light cruiser begins to be laid down this year.
 * Argentina: As the great republic makes its entrance into 1899 a coup by the Argentine admiralty is sparked due to the undue influence of the Argentine Admiralty in the politics of the country. A Short but decisive landing occurs in Buenos Aires shocking to many and the majority of the Generals are caught in Buenos Aires as well leaving very few senior officers and a slew of Junior Officers. Juan Gusto Alacantra the senior Junior Officer in command of the Reserves takes it upon himself to safeguard the republic from dictatorship. The Reserves numbering nearly 80,000 are mobilized and Buenos Aires is stormed clearing it of the Admiralties marine forces only number about 12000. Occuring over a period of a few months it truly and dearly shakes up the fabric of Argentinian society and as the final admirals orchestrating the coup are captured in late April of 1899, Newly Promoted General Alacantra looks to be in absolute control of Argentina. However, staying true to his word, he demands flash elections to replace the various elected officials that were killed or fled during the coup including the President of the republic and also impresses the need to reform the Argentine constitution into a much more powerful and codified document. Acting as a Cincinattus of the new world Alacantra steps down from power as the Flash elections are finished with the core parties managing to split the newly minted Senate with a minor majority within the Reactionary Party. This is followed up with a Conservative president. The new president Eduardo Peron takes power the same year and with the establishment of Argentinas modified and modern constitution and the predominant party advocating a more interventionist approach into the economy, the Argentine Republic sees the beginning of sweeping industrial reform. Seeking to placate and maneuver around foreign interests in Argentina a carefully crafted Tariff policy is crafted to allow certain high value goods to be traded within argentina keeping main line investors in the United States, and Britain pacified while giving some leeway for some subsidies to be implemented in the Industrial sector trying to get out of the Agriculture trap that Argentina has been placed in. With the discovery of some key coal deposits in Patagonia, the first process is begun. The Construction of Steel founderies in both Buenos Aires and Cordoba sees imports on coal skyrocket. However, with the coal in the south the primary driver behind these steel founderies is the coal in the south, and the beginning of railroad and infrastructure construction into the coal producing patagonian regions begins. As the development to the south begins to take shape capitalists within Buenos Aires and some of Argentinas other major cities throw in their lot to improve on the Argnetine infrastructure network between its major cities. A project slated to take roughly five years initially seeks to modernize and expand the railways between the core cities of Argentina and then spread said projects out to further cities around the country. The new president Peron quickly begins running up debt to various creditors in Europe and the US but with a structured and well developed economic plan, Argentinas high development and wealth overall, and its rather dominant position within South America, the debt is seen as a non-issue. As the newly minted government pushes through various reforms economic and its important sufferage movement expanding voting rights now to women, the Military is addressed. The Argentine army standing with regulars is pitiful with only 20,000 men to cover over seven million people. The Reserves being larger at nearly 80,000 puts Argentinas total troop count at only 100,000 with light arms and artillery support. This is seen as relatively unacceptable and a Bid is put out to the United States, Germany, The British Federation, and France for competition for said arms contract with the neccessity to provide roughly 500,000 guns (many of these arms replacements for cushion purposes) 1000 Artillery Pieces, and associated munitions and support equipment to go along with it. ' The British bid for the arms contract is accepted.'  With the large purchase of British military goods, the new Argentinian army command and even the Minister of defence are surprised but delighted and a preferable tariff scheme is developed for various British goods, giving them further access to the Argentinian markets in various forms in order to engender a good trade relationship. The Argentine economy regardless of its somewhat agricultural base and low industrial rate as of late remains one of the best and most stable in the world. Its Wheat exports rise to nearly 1.7 million tonnes per year, and its Beef soars further to nearly 200,000 tonnes per year. Being an extremely literate nation, and a haven for liberal policy and extremely lax immigration law, the Argentina republic becomes the second largest destination of immigrants behind the United States. With the new government in power and large swathes of undersettled, or underdeveloped land, the 1899 settlement plan is devised advertising Argentina as a haven for all with big pushes of advertisement directed as the Germans, British, and French hoping to drum up significant immigration from these states. Surprisingly, however, a large wave of immigrants attempting to escape war, and avert some of the more racist politics in the United States arrive from both China and Japan totaling nearly 40,000 people adding on to the nearly 100,000 in immigrant growth this year. On top of this with a low infant mortality rate and expansion of medical care, the Argentine population looks to be entering a boom which forces the government to either go all in on its industrial scheme. The Argentine Army begins its own reformation under General Alacantra who manages to secure his 150,000 number in short order with many remembering Argentinas successful wars in the previous decades and their glory. With upward of 30,000 ready to be deployed at the end of the year, the remaining 100,000 are spaced out over the next year. With so many offers being given by multiple foreign powers, the bids are accepted over a multi year period and will be implemented in a staggered fashion depending on the type of regiment/division they are to be incorporated in to. A large program is devised to study the equipment. With specific pushes to develop domestic versions of the European and American equipment received. The British and American designs seem to be the most favored for small arms. However, with artillery, the French designs remain powerful and maintain a solid legacy.
 * Argentinian Dip: We can agree to these terms and the first of many payments over the next 15 years over the territories are transferred.
 * Kingdom of Romania: with the 1800s ending the Parliament enacts minor land reforms in the Wallachia region and the Dobruja region. The publishing company called Editura Mineva is founded. a public transport company called CTP Lasi in the city of Lasi is founded. the Lotru Bridge is built connecting the cities of Piatra Olt and Dragasani. The 1899 Parliament elections occur and the Conservatives win. The King offers his condolences to Russia with its recent death of its tsar and recognize Vladimir Alexandrovich as the new tsar of Russia.
 * Nippon: Following three years of blockading Qing supply lines in the Yellow Sea and harassing Qing shipping in North West Asia overall (algo from 1896 pending) preparations to begin land operations are made as the Japanese army reserves are brought up to service bringing Japanese numbers to 350,000. 70,000 are moved to Formosa while plans to invade Korea to strike at Qing's north are also laid out. Secret action efforts to spark a revolt amongst the ethnic chinese are made by Japanese agents promising full Japanese support in terms of money and guns (mod response needed.) As Japanese cities expand major efforts to improve infrastructure are made leading to an increase in civic enigneering and higher demand for them. Industrial expansion continues with textile and heavy industries expanding greatly to accomodate growing demands. Japanese shipping continues to grow. Okubo, in a closed cabinet meeting, discloses his plans to step down as Kampaku following the end of hostilities with Qing to make way for a new Kampaku. Emperor Meiji accepts this decision. Okubo, and the cabinet begins looking for a replacement. Ryohei Uchida, a Japanese nationalist and follower of the now deceased Saigo, finishes his book the 'Dragon and the Rising Sun', which further develops the ideas laid out by Saigo's New Wind, and the Neo-Bushido movement overall promoting Pan-Asian ideals, keeping in line with traditional Japanese values while modernizing, and protecting Japanese interests abroad. A growth in crime in the red light districts and in major ports leads to an increased police presence in those areas raising tensions weith the local gangs. Troops, dock workers, sialors, and industrial workers continue to frequent the gambling houses and brothels of major cities. Asa popularity grows becomes widespread amongst these groups leading to calls from conservatives to curtail its distribution. electric lighting continues to become more common. more to be added later
 * Imperial Federation: The re-assertion of democracy in Argentina is applauded in Parliament, and the request to aid Argentina in re-arming is accepted. 500,000 Lee-Enfield Model 1887s (A Mannlicher Model 1888 chambered in 6.5 x 55 mm and featuring an OTL Lee Box Magazine) are offered to Argentina at a low rate. With the adoption of the Lee-Enfield Model 1895, the Imperial Expeditionary Army is mobilized over an increasingly problematic trade dispute with the Qing Dynasty. With the Qing distracted in the North, an Imperial fleet of some three battleships, four armored cruisers, nine protected Cruisers, and nine destroyers arrives in Hong Kong to pressure the Qing Government. These ships escort a force of 150,000 Expeditionary troops to Hong Kong to resist any Qing pushback. A formal letter is sent to the Qing head of Government, explaining that the loss of Formosa has prevented British merchants from accessing the ports of Tamsui and Tainan, open cities as stipulated in the 1858 Treaty of Tientsin. Thus, two other cities in the Qing Empire must be opened as ports, and an indemnity of two million taels of silver must be provided as compensation. (Qing Response) Although the Qing are not expected to accept, the Imperial Government remains hopeful that they can be reasoned with. The Canadians are once again invited to join the Imperial Federation or the Commonwealth. (Canada Response) Across Africa development of the rail system continues and local tribal leaders brought into the Empire. A significant British presence is built up around Lake Chad and rail lines extend from several ports in Nigeria deep into the country.
 * Kingdom of Greece: The railroad that was in production over the years would be finally complete by next year. On other notes, despite several incidents with population exchange between Turkey, there was nothing major threatening the process in the long run. And after six years of deportations, Greece has finally been able to make way for future Greek population expansion in once occupied Turkish homes, quickened thanks to the two railroads. Due to them being voted for the Olympics, the government had expanded Athens to included several new features and places that would meet the minimum requirement for an Olympic event. This is not as huge due to the event being the first Olympics and extended time was not given to prepare for such. Greece accepts the free trade agreement with Italy, (Secret) but only for the remainder of time Italy would assist Greece (secret ends), only then they could negotiate a renewal.
 * The Netherlands: The Netherlands has had many events in the last year as Muslims continue to revolt in the Dutch East Indies there has been a large agreement among parliament and Queen Wilhelmina that this needs to be stopped as such an additional 70,000 troops are being allocated to the Dutch East Indies to stop these rebels in their tracks there was a disagreement as to who would have command of this force as usually the Prince of Orange would take this place. However, there is no current Prince of Orange as Queen Wilhelmina has no children and is young Secret: We would be interested in marrying a member of the German house to Queen Wilhelmina in exchange for a partitioning of Belgium (German response needed) end secret the monarch herself says that the leader should be Maurits-jan kokkeboksen a long time general in the Dutch military who has experience in the East Indies and was a long time friend of William III the Queen’s father however, there are some who say he has grown old and his tactics are outdated and instead are nominating a younger general who has less experience but has been highly praised by many of the military leaders - his name is Daan Vlierjans - the debate was eventually settled by Daan stating he would prefer to have more time to learn and prepare before taking command of a large scale operation such as this one. On other points there has been large amounts of interest among the people of the Netherlands in gaining control of our friends in the Boers as such we have offered a deal to the British in order to gain control of there half of the condominium in exchange we will be signing the Anglo-Dutch treaty of cooperation. (British Response needed) We also are looking to the British to sell us one of their rifle production licenses. (British Response needed)
 * United States: "Hurrah Boys Hurrah!" After a sweeping victory against William Jennings Bryan, Theodore Roosevelt, New York City police commissioner, former sergeant in the US Army during the Spanish-American War, and governor of New York is sworn into office. Developments in tactics with the US Army and Marines leads to the introduction of the M1897 shotgun, which trained to be used to clear defensive fortifications. John Holland designs the Holland-class submarine which is adopted as the United States Navy's first Sub, the appropriately named, USS Holland. The war department also begins looking for a new rifle to faze out the old 45.70 gov M1879 Winchesters, Springfield starts to look at Mauser and the Lee-Enfield designs for inspiration. With this The government offers to sell 200,000 M1879's to Argentina right now and over the course of five years would provide Argentina the other 300,000 rifles they want (Argie Response). Meanwhile, the US claims those Islands south of Hawaii. President Roosevelt Proposes the Russo-American Treaty of 1899 to establish deeper relations between the two powers of the Bering Sea (Russian Response). President Roosevelt sends a detachment of four battleships, ten cruisers and 15 destroyers along with 6,000 marines to occupy the Canary Islands from Spain and seize and American war goal in the Spanish-American War some time ago.
 * Kingdom of France: With Madrid Secured by French and Spanish Forces (See Algo), Prime Minister Boulanger and King Phillipe VIII of France head to Barcelona to meet with the Carlist leader, Jaime de Borbón y de Borbón-Parma or Jaime III. During this meeting, Boulanger states that France will continue supporting the Carlist cause at the condition that the Carlist Regime in Spain becomes a client state of France given that the reason for the Carlists success is due to French intervention (Mod Response). Meanwhile, the Turag and Madhist Rebellions in French North Africa and French East Africa are pacified as the French Overseas Army engages the last pockets of rebellion in those regions as these pacification campaigns comes to a close. Meanwhile, the French Government decides to send two shipments of 250,000 Fusil Mle 1886 M93 Rifles as a modified version of the original Lebel Model 1886 Rifle in which the first shipment will be sent this year and the second one next year as the French Government also offers 600 Artillery Pieces and supplies and ammunition to the Argentineans (Argentine Response Needed). Meanwhile, efforts to expand the major French Colonial Ports of Mogadishu, Mobassa and Tripoli resume having been halted by the Muslim Rebellions as French civilians are allowed to return to the region as most of the region has been secured by French Forces. Back in Europe, Prime Minister Boulanger continues to promote Rattachism within Wallonia while also promoting Rattachism in Greater Alsace-Lorraine as the Paramilitary Group La Ligue des Revanchistes Patriotiques begin spreading Rattachist Propaganda within those regions. Boulanger denounces the French Collaborators in Greater Alsace-Lorraine as Traitors to their brothers and sisters and that they are only pawns to France’s  enemies and enemies to the state. La Marseillaise is replaced with a new national anthem, the Revanchist song Vous n'aurez pas l'Alsace et la Lorraine as during the 1899 Bastille Day, the French Government holds a Military Parade, as Boulanger continues to promote Revanchism. (Secret) Boulanger appoints Georges Picquart as Director of the FNSA and tasks him in testing the FNSA’s capabilities for Operation Revanche. Picquart decides to choose Ethiopia as his first target using the current succession problem and rivalry between the Ethiopian Emperor, Menelik II and Mengesha Yohannes with the latter having been designated as the original heir to Yohannes IV. The FNSA approaches Mengesha Yohannes and offers him an opportunity to take his rightful place as Emperor of Ethiopia as the FNSA offers to send weapons and supplies to Yohannes in order to help him rebel against Menelik II and make Ethiopia Independent again under French Protection (Mod Response). Meanwhile, Picquart also sets his sights on Mexico and Persia willing to settle unfinished business (End of Secret).
 * Jaime III states that the Carlists won’t become a client state of France, but instead will become close allies and offer for the formation of an alliance with the French and Mengesha Yohannes accepts the French proposition and begins a rebellion against Menelik II. (Done by Colgan on Discord) 
 * Imperial Federation: Notified of the French plot on Spain, 10,000 Imperial Expeditionary Troops arrive in Gibraltar and march to Sevilla where they are offered to Queen Regent Maria Christina. A further 150,000 Lee-Enfield Model 1887s and 2,000 modern artillary pieces are dispatched. Along with a cadre of experienced officers and non-commissioned officers to help train local levies. Portugal is asked to provide aid to the Loyalists against the French Puppet, Jaime III. Additionally, British presses in London and abroad flood the world with anti-Carlist propoganda, depicting the king as a slave to his French masters in Paris. 
 * French Response: Prime Minister Boulanger responds by mobilizing 250,000 Reservists as the French Press shows its own Pro-Carlist Propaganda depicting the Loyalists as the defenders of a lost cuse supporting a Regime that has failed to defend its Colonial Empire and that has been defeated by an Asian Nation. In response to Jaime III's statement, the Treaty of Barcelona is signed with the Carlists thus marking the beginning of a Franco-Carlist Alliance and therefore rendering Britain's depiction of Jaime III as a French puppet irrelevant and false.


 * Austria-Hungary-Croatia: We assure Hungary that they will continue to have a large amount of influence within the empire. We support the Loyalist forces in Spain and their Austrian Regent Maria Christina and ready 20 divisions to aid her in her war against the Carlists.


 * The Russian Empire: Vladimir Alexandrovich, after the death of his father, succeeds his father as Tsar of Russia. He becomes Tsar Vladimir of Russia, With this the new succesion line fully set in. This is helped by the fact that Nikolai Aleksandrovich has no male heirs, and he is seen as slightly unstable himself. Kirill Vladimirovich Romanov becomes heir to the Russian throne as son of the new Tsar Vladimir. With a new tsar, the Emperor of Abyssinia Menelik II has to swear his oath of loyalty once more to the Russian crown, with a subtle change that being that Menelik II now has to swear an oath not only to the tsar but also the lower and upper houses of the Duma, as they are seen as administrative equal to the tsar. The Tsargrad-Siberian Railroad after years of building finally reaches the Urals, although they have not yet been crossed due to the issues of the hill and less willingness to actually build the rail line. With this rail line small barracks are built next to them every ten kilometers with these soldiers getting not only basic uniforms but some extra fat and clothing for the cold. While on the subject of Russian defence, the contruction of Basic Fortifications along the German and Austrian Border begin, with it at this moment being basicly trenches - combined with concrete Placements for artillery and Gatling guns. Railroads support is also beign to slightly expand so that they can take on more weight then they do now as it is expected that the weight in and of weagons will increase over time due to increase of calibers of artilery and other tools. The Russian general army staff request that Romania join it as well so that a common and united strategy against any posible enemy can be created (Romanian response), This is also to standardise the armies and do logistical projects togheter. This to create better defences togheter. Due to the situation in Eastern Asia, two volunteer corps are created: the "Cossack Volunteer Corps" and the "Ruthenian Volunteer Corps of the Dnieper Basin" With the Cossacks being Dragoons and While the Ruthenians are mostly coming from industrial sites with many being know with the modern technology. (Japanese response ?) The new forms of Administration in Abyssinian and more reforms begin to Continue. A profesional army is created where leader posts are only held by either Abyssinian Nobility or Russian and Romanian Army Profesionals who dedicate their whole life to warfare. Due to desire for peace in the colonies a Department for Protecting the Public Security and Order, "Okhrana" is especialy created in the African colonial holds with the organisation encouraging Locals to give tips and helping of transelations. The organisation prescence being greatest in the Capital City and in the former French Abyssinian lands. With the French men who are left over in Abyssinia having to do a test every three months which is a combination of language tests, history of Russia and Abyssinia and a general Questioning of the Person. French even being Forbidden to be spoken in public and if a person does requests to the Autorities in French they will be refused Service but if in a local language or Russian and Romanian will be allowed. The Russian government requests to the Romanian Government to encourage even more immigration of Romanians to the Russian Colonial holdings (Romanian response). The Russian Colonial Government even encouraging other foreign men from the world to immigrate to these lands, and if they stay they can have the profits that the continent offers them while at the same time enjoying the peace between the Abyssinians and the men in suits. (Secret) Due to the modernisation of the Army in Abyssinia they begin receiving new Gatling guns and recruiting is pushed more with a total of 100,000 being recruited for active service and another 100,000 for reservist duties. With the active soldiers begining to build trenches near the French border including bunkers made of all kinds of bricks like mudbrick and Cob walls and even some Regular Brick (End Secret)