World War III (These Fractured States of North America)

The Third World War was a major conflict between Britain and Russia (Japan eventually joined on the side of the Russians) between 1985 and 1989. It was the most destructive war in history, resulting in the complete defeat of Britain and Russia emerging as the dominant power across Eurasia and Africa. It also began a new Cold War between the United States and it's allies, who dominated Australia, South America and North America.

Origins of the war
Even before the end of the Second World War, tensions between Russia, the United States and Britain were obvious. This resulted in a Cold War between the three powers, with Britain ocupying Belgium, Norway, Holland and northern France (in the puppet state of Normandy). Russia and America held the upper hand in the early years, thanks to Britain's lack of nuclear weapons, however, in 1954, Britain detonated the world's first hydrogen bomb and more worringly, announced it was selling advanced nuclear technology to Brazil, China and Japan. Relations between Britain and Russia in particular deteroiated in the 60s and 70s. Then following a minor border incident between Switzerland (Britain's ally) and the Russian dominated state of southern France, Britain declared war on Russia, followed by China and Brazil.

1985: Rapid British gains
Britain had only a medium sized army, but it was suberbly well armed and in the early months of the war, it steam-rolled over the Russians and their puppet states. However, as the war ground to a stalemate, the effects of having to fight with weaker allies on multiple fronts began to exact a heavy toll on the British

1986 to 1987: The tide turns
Throughout 1986, the British coutinued to make gains, but they were slower and at a much higher cost. Japan declared war on China and Britain, while Argentina attacked Brazil. The USA remained unwilling to aid their long term rivals in the world and did nothing. In mid 1987, a large British army was annihilated at the battle of Warsaw. It was the beggining of the end for the British in the war.

1988: Britain's allies collapse
In 1988, Russia and it's allies pressed home their advantage, with the Russians invading and overrruning the previously neutral Italy and forcing the British back across the Rhine. Brazil collapsed as Rio de Janerio fell to Argentinans, while China, exhausted, sued for peace. By the end of 1988, Britain stood alone aganist the Russians.

1989: The fall of Britain
Normandy was fallen by early 1989 and the British were being forced out of Norway. In desperation, the British resorted to nuclear weapons, burying them underground or firing them in missiles. However, Britain's weak industrial power haunted it constantly as it was unable to replenish it's stocks of nuclear weapons. Despite this, their tactics worked well, several times allowing them to surround suprised Russian armies. However, by May 1989, Oslo had fallen and Norway surrendering to the Russians. Unwilling to try and invade, Russia unleashed it's entire nuclear arsenal aganist the British, destroying all British industry and infrastructure. The scattered and stunned remenants of the once great nation, finally surrendered in September 1989.

Aftermath
The end of the war left only the United States and it's allies standing aganist Russia and Japan. Following the war, most people with sense accepted the final war would be between the Americans and Russians to decide the sole remaining superpower, although, at least for the time being, peace reigned. For how long was anybody's guess...