Principia Moderni IV (Map Game)

The Ming Dynasty still rules over the vast lands of China. On the other side of the world, the Hundred Years War continues between England and France. Europe is still stuck in the old ways of feudalism and chivalry while the notions of a New World are considered figments of the imagination.

We welcome you to the long-awaited fourth expansion of that immortal series. Welcome to Principia Moderni IV! Starting in 1400 AD, this is the dawn of the modern world and the tail end of the Middle Ages. The Renaissance is just kicking off in Europe, while the nations in the western side of the continent are locked in the last gasp of the Hundred Years War. The Muslim world is still reeling from the invasions of Turks and Mongols, with the Caliphate resting in the collapsing Mamluk Egypt and the Ottomans on the rise in Anatolia. Make it count.

The first game was the most successful on the wiki, leading all the way to the modern day with mostly plausible posts and little controversy. The second game reached almost to the modern day, but failed due to a plethora of ASB events and moderator bias. The third game was much more worthy of the first, almost running into implausibility but climbing back into a shining glory by the end. Riding on the latest reforms of map games since the end of PMIII, this is the most logical next step in that evolution. Remember, above all other rules, — have fun.



Important Pages

 * Rules and Algorithm
 * Alliances 
 * Holy Roman Empire
 * Feudal Dynasties
 * College of Cardinals
 * Nations

The Night's Watch (Moderators)

 * Lord Commander Scrawland
 * The Mountain that Rides Feudy McPlagueface
 * The Rising Tide Solace
 * Eunuch Person67
 * Stephanus rex

The Wildlings
All users currently on the wiki may play unless otherwise noted.

Banned Users
A ban from plausibility strikes lasts 30 days, after which the third strike is repealed and the banned player is unbanned. However, the newly unbanned player rejoins the game with two strikes, as a form of probation.
 * Bear - 1648

Banned temporarily

 * No players have yet been temporarily banned

Plausibility Strikes
'''Three strikes and you're out! Each strike resets after 30 years of the most recent strike.'''
 * Fallacy I
 * Eljefe316 I

Moderator Strikes
These are strikes for moderators and how they moderate. The same three strikes rules apply. If a moderator is banned from moderating. However, they can still play as their nation. Mod strikes can be delivered in one of three ways: Moderators can be given strikes for the following reasons:
 * 1) If a sufficient number of players (more than half of all players voting) vote to give a moderator a strike.
 * 2) If I, Scraw, give them a strike.
 * 3) If a majority of all mods (i.e., more than half of the total number of mods, excluding that moderator) vote to give a moderator a strike.
 * 1) Exhibiting bias that would benefit the nation they are playing.
 * 2) Exhibiting bias that would negatively affect a player they have a personal dispute with.
 * 3) Making a ruling that contradicts a proven fact from OTL or an established fact from earlier in the game.
 * 4) Overruling a decision of a majority of moderators.



1900
''' Centuries of unity within the Catholic church finally collapse with the French Cardinal Nathaniel resigning from the church and publishing his 1900 reformation thesis. It argues for a religious theocratic state which intervenes in social issues restricting various crimes against religion such as heresy, blasphemy, drinking and prostitution as well as enacting protection of the poor. '''

''' In Brésil, Rhineland, Prussia, Austria and Colombia, this movement takes hold as major church figures resign in support of Cardinal Nathaniel and his views. Many people agree with his views but are unwilling to force the issue right now. '''

''' Fight breaks out in France between secularists and the Nathanites which is largely a rural against urban divide. The French army begins suppression of the Nathanites but they form their own forces and begin fighting back in an insurgency. '''

''' The Kalamata race in a surprising turn of events was won by Ali Bakr motors. Their vehicles become increasingly popular especially inside the Belkan commonwealth. DeLorean's car was leading the race for a long time but it exploded before the finish line wounding him very badly. '''

''' The naval arms race continues with Britain having 24, France having 16, Prussia having ten, Rhineland having nine and Russia having nine capital ships with all nations continuing construction. '''


 * Kingdom of Egypt: After a very shocking victory from Ali Bakr Motors, automobiles - specifically those made by ABM (Ali Bakr Motors). Ali Bakr is made a national hero, with Abasi Zaan becoming a national celebrity and being featured on many post cards. We officially begin industrializing on a full scale, with factories being constructed all throughout our major cities (Alexandria, Giza and Alia), and begin using propaganda posters and mass media to promote the job of an industrial worker. Some economists dub this new boom in the economy as the “20th Century Golden Age”. The Egyptian Coptic Christians declare their loyalty to the Coptic church, and so whomever they side with, is what they adhere to in this conflict. We continue to fund education and build schools throughout the country, along with funding a more secular science thing - I don't know. Egyptian nationalism rises. We fortify the Egyptian-controlled Suez Canal. We continue to grow papyrus, flux, tobacco, cotton for the European market, rivaling other markets (India, China).
 * Scandinavia: Greenland and Jan Mayen are officially sold to Vinland for 25 million Vinlandic krona.


 * Republica Ibérica: Negotiations with Swahili are opened in the interests of preventing greater loss of life. After several weeks, an agreement is reached. Iberia will take the Swahili colonies in South West Africa. Swahili citizens in these colonies will be granted full legal protections, and Swahili will maintain a 50-year lease on a port facility and adjacent municipal districts of their choice. The crisis and France is watched with a mixture of horror and awe in the Iberian Parliament. Reports of massacres and attacks on civilians are reminiscent of an earlier - less civilized - age and cause a degree of concern for the security of Iberians near the border. In response, the Guardia Nacional is mobilized, and the corps of 100,000 men is sent to the northern regions of Iberia to prevent any trouble. The Guardia is also authorized to create a second corps of 100,000 reservists. The population is estimated to be 50.73 million. Research, science and development come to dominate Iberian higher education. In Barcelona, Alberto Enciso begins researching several of the mysteries of electromagnetism and light itself. Herrero Motorworks, although not the winner of the Kalamata demonstrated Iberian engineering with a strong showing until the last 20 kilometers. Unfortunately, while in second place, the automobile struck a large pothole which damaged not only the right rear wheel, but also the transmission. Despite the defeat, Señor Herrero himself pledges that the company will overcome, and begins personally working to establish an Iberian Motor Racing League. With backing from several newspapers and wealthy car enthusiasts the league is formed, and invitations extended to all attendees of the Kalamata Race for another race from Girona to San Sebastian. Other contenders are also welcome, including Iberia’s own Correia Motor Company. Race Carlos Martín and the Iberian Sun Power Company develop several new solar projects. The introduction of a 240 KW low pressure turbine allows solar thermal to really excel. The first solar farm in Morocco is built by the company to pump water for industrial purposes. The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing finishing the first classes of the Iberian semiannual ship orders. A new class of four battleships is ordered. The Beira-class is the most heavily armored and armed class of Iberian battleships to date and emphasizes improved speed. Furthermore, the Andalucia-class is ordered modernized with the addition of improved power plants and weapons. Additionally, the ships receive a thin layer of spaced armor as protection from torpedoes and smaller high-explosive shells.
 * Republica de Morocco: The national census estimates the population to be 10.82 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. Wages hover at just about 90% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 48% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: The population of Algeria reaches 6.65 million and of these, 3.23 million are European. Algerian migration to Morocco continues en masse to escape the poverty of interior Algeria. The interior economy remains very poor with limited adoption of modern technology. Meanwhile, along the coast and in Mostaganem there is rapid development as European migrants implement modern farming, manufacturing and financial methods from their homes.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay. Aluminium production grows this year and port facilities are modernized to facilitate its export.


 * Great Empire of China–Korea: The People's Action Party begins to advocate for a more pragmatic view of international politics and relations, and seek to ingrain the age-old policy of buffer zones and neutralized neighbors into foreign policy. While that has been achieved with the liberation of Dzungaria and Altishahria and Dai Viet from Russian and Burgundian encroachment respectively, and ultimately the establishment of the Compact of Free Association; the two-decades-long "Japan Problem" has prevented the full neutralization of China–Korea's neighbours, and implicated national security–assuming Japan allies with a foreign power. As a result, many are now advocating for the usage of gunboat diplomacy against Japan or even a full-scale invasion to seize the important island of Taiwan and to place restrictions on its military power. With a war seemingly on the horizon, both Premier Zhou Xiaolong and the Huifu Emperor both declare symbolic speeches to empower the people and to muster popular support. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue. China–Korea continues to produce large quantities of textiles, synthetic dyes, steel, as well as machinery and construction material. Telecommunications and railway lines are built. The goals of the 1895 Naval Bill are met, with the construction and commissioning of 13 frigates this year. As a result, the Imperial Navy now consists of 165 warships, specifically: six battleships, 12 armored cruisers and light cruisers each, 75 destroyers and 60 frigates. The 1899 order for battleships is expected to arrive in 1902, which upon arrival, would complete the requirement for China–Korea to achieve security and undisputed dominance of its territorial waters as delineated by the ISKN. In addition, 80 patrol boats have been made since 1898. To facilitate China-Korea's growing naval capabilities, coaling stations and minor ship repair facilities are built along the coast. Arms production continues to grow rapidly, with repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns and their respective ammunition being produced.
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of 12 divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. The Vietnamese bureaucracy is simplified and made open to all classes. Furthermore, the educational curriculum now includes not only Confucian canon but Western subjects, specifically mathematics, literature and the sciences. The taxation reform is reformed to relieve peasants of any tax burdens and peasants are taught techniques and given capital to improve their cultivation methods – thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) begins. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. A local force of ~20,000 troops are trained, which defend Dai Viet alongside with ~30,000 Sino–Korean troops.


 * FS of Arcadia: After the success of the first glider, Henry S. Hocking began, with the help of a scientist and friend, to build a basic frame for his glider - the glider getting a slight redesign after every test. With all these redesigns he's able to make the first 100-foot seated glide. The difference between seated and holding being that while seated you can in theory maneuver and adjust it more. Henry and Nikolas begin also to look for a way to power these gliders so that they can have the first flight powered by mechanical might instead of just running speed and the weight of the glider. With a new era coming some begin to believe that FSA flags, anthems and other symbology should be replaced with a more uniting versions or replacements. This is part of a movement of historic revivalism which aims to get Old German, Russian, Salish and Athabaskan symbols in use. Electric power centrals are being built with most of them being built in Bergsorbia. This is due to the open space that is available and due to the large amount of turf that can be found in the region. Most of these centrals are powered by the turf but some are being powered by hydroelectric dams. Due to this, Bergsorbia has become the centre of electricity generation.
 * The nation of New England fights this year in the border states against the hostile northerners and dissidents. League membership from Ohio State increases, as that region is on the forefront. Arthur Wellesley delivers a speech promising the revitalization of that region, with a re-population, a re-building and more, that peace is on the way and that aid is on the way. Also, his government faces several adversities. There is a growing debate over unification with our brother nations. It is argued that this would strengthen our cause, while it is counter-argued that there is no sense antagonizing our enemies, or stretching ourselves thin. In the meantime, troops are sent to the north of the nation. Troops are also sent to the west to help settle the frontier and soldiers are placed along the border with the FSA to make sure there is no settlement by them in our claimed lands. The peace talks are in progress and we hope to reach a conclusion and start rebuilding.


 * Imperial Swahili Federation: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the south and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. Agricultural modernization continues in Swahili. Further industrialization continues. A telegraph system is being constructed within Swahili. With the end of the Kalamata race, the Swahili consulate invites DeLorean to work in Swahili, as the Sofala Madrassah believes his mechanical genius would be of great use to Swahili intellectual and scientific developments. The Swahili army and navy is demobilised. With war averted, a cleric has written a song exalting the greatness of God in preserving peace. The song, "Baba Yetu", written in Swahili proved immensely popular and is soon adopted as an unofficial anthem. However, the crisis had also caused concern of the state of the Swahili navy and a naval expansion program is passed. Four battleships shall be ordered from the leading European naval powers, and the Mogadishu, Sofala, Ibo, Zanzibar and Madagascar naval bases shall undergo expansion. With the abandonment of Britain and help from Belka during the crisis, the government begins reorienting itself to pursue closer ties with Belka.
 * Buha: With the acceptance of Swahili overlordship, Swahili soldiers are garrisoned within Buha. Schools and mosques are established as Swahili capital flows into Buha, particularly in the Great Lakes regions.
 * Borealia: With the demand for new ships at an all-time high, shipyards are expanded, and new ones created near major ports. New ships are constructed and added to the blockade, which continues to launch strikes against hostile ships. Prefabrication and other techniques are implemented to increase the speed at which ships are built. The Westen brothers successfully fly their powered, manned aircraft for a short flight north of New Amsterdam. Initially, their feat is met by skepticism, and the public is slow to react to the event. The Vandenhoek Motor Company, desperate to increase their sales after a lackluster performance at the Kalamata Race, reach out to the brothers and offer a partnership. Working jointly, Vandenhoek and the newly created Westen Company, create a new prototype, and also gain the attention of the government. Willem Luyt, the officer overseeing the introduction of the Steppen into the military, meets with the group and is impressed by a test flight. Luyt orders the creation of an airfield north of his base at Wilmington, and sets up the Westen brothers with a small amount of support and funding. A project begins to construct a series of secret metro systems underneath all major cities, linking capitol buildings, government agencies and other important buildings to each other, and to underground bunkers. The project begins in Sint Jan, and will allow representatives to reach the parliament building without being disturbed if they wish, with tunnels being placed far below the surface and the public metro systems. The 1st Mechanized Brigade is transferred to Wilmington where it undergoes testing and sees combat against insurgents. Resettlement and deportations continue, with a large number of people moving/being moved to Vinland, Guyana, West Africa, Avelskamp, Bovenstland, and elsewhere. As a result Koebec and Nausetia both have a high Burgundian majority. After the Populist Party's brief rise to power in the 1890s, Henri Bergansius of the Democratic Party is elected, ushering in the harsh policies meant to end the insurgency. With the Liberal and Populist parties faltering, the Progressive Party is founded this year, as a response to the rapid modernization of the nation.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: The SMS Herzog Guise (SS-31), the last of the Graf Kotte-class battleships, is laid down. The first of the armored cruisers order by Hawaii is delivered, along with three decommissioned protected cruisers also purchased by the kingdom. The Japanese battleships Shikishima and Asahi are completed this year, and are sent to Asia, also with them are engineers assigned to help Japan develop the shipyards and capability to built such battleships natively. They are escorted by the four battleships of the Holland-class, which after a brief visit in Yokosuka, return to Singapore to form the battle line of the Singapore fleet for a few years. Three ships of the Nanzeg-class armored cruisers enter service. Seeing the instability in France, an offer of Burgundian assistance is extended to the French secularists (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE).
 * The French accept the Burgundian offer of help.
 * Vinland: With the acquisition of Greenland and Jan Mayen a massive integration process begins. Immigration is supported and those who immigrate will get citizenship within one year. A local group in the parliament known as the group of three wishes to declare a monarchy but the republican government is still popular. With the turn of the century a big celebration is held all over Vinland.

1901
''' In Brésil, the Temperance League members march on the capital demanding prohibition and camp out refusing to move. '''

''' In France, Nathanite insurgents are forced back by the army into their support base of the countryside where they begin to establish a de facto rule as people fear to go against them with the French and Burgundian armies offering little protection. Cardinal Nathan goes into hiding in Prussia. '''

''' In Austria, Prussia and the Rhineland, religious issues are slightly more civil with many setting up their own places of worship and enforcing their own moral standards. '''

''' In Russia, there is continued migration to Siberia with accelerated growth in industry in the three cities of Tomsk, Tobolsk and Irktusk as they all build large state owned power stations to power factories and street lamps. '''

''' Japan's purchase of two new capital ships from Burgundy leads the navy to put pressure on the government to start a war with China before its navy can outnumber them. '''

''' Napoleon III and his forces defeat General Holt. A purge of Holt's loyalists follows and Napoleon III enacts military reform to prevent over-mighty generals from amassing such power in the future. '''
 * Kingdom of Egypt: The 20th Century Golden Age continues, with our industrialization campaign continuing in full steam as factories fill up numerous empty plots in order and to use propaganda and mass media to recruit more workers, which slowly begins to succeed as many of the factories get filled up with factories, but most Egyptians stick with their pre-industrial jobs and agriculture still a big thing. We decide that we should use the factories we have to construct machines to make farmer’s jobs easier, and so we construct a cotton gin and distribute it to farmers, showing them how it works and such. If this is successful, the machines should show others in rural and impoverished parts of Egypt the wonders of industrialization and maybe will cause them to migrate to the big cities in order to get jobs. We make the qualification levels for being a factory worker very loose in order to get more appeal, and also offer higher wages. Royal decree 30616 is put into action by the King, that basically gives the go ahead to a massive overhaul of the Suez port, but despite him executing the plan, in reality it was Prime Minister Omar Ismali’s idea, as he is working to expand the Egyptian economy into the best in Africa and the Islamic World. We continue to secularize education. We build forts in our zone in the Suez. Egyptian nationalism increases.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: The Burgundian Royal Army deploys two bands (corps) of 15,000 men each in their involvement in the current French civil strife. The XVII Band is deployed to Upper Normandy, and the XXII Band to Nevers. They operate under orders to counteract any Nathanite influence, and to uphold the secular rule of law. The Brandenburg-class battleships SMS Brandenburg (SS-27), SMS Hohenstaufen (SS-28), and SMS Gerulfing (SS-29) are commissioned into the Navy. All six ships of the Graf Kotte-class are launched in the meantime. The IJN Hatsuse and IJN Mikasa are completed and sent to join their consorts in Japan, this year under escort from three armored cruisers bound for their own service in the Royal Hawaiian Navy, and five light cruisers and 15 destroyers for the Singapore Fleet. The completion of the “four-ship, five-year” contract for the IJN almost a year early brings a good deal of pride to the Burgundian shipbuilding industry, so much that Carnegie Eisenwerken and Blohm & Wolff (the two shipyards who built the Japanese battleships) allows their yard workers a week's vacation in appreciation. In other news, the Crown Colony of Guyana is reorganized as the Kingdom of Guyana, a self-governing dominion, with a foreign policy linked to Burgundy proper, and under the military protection of the Royal Armed Forces. At the same time, the territory of Patagonië is granted incorporated status as the Duchy of Patagonië, that is essentially admitting them as a province of Burgundy. With the Chinese declaration of war on Japan, the Singapore Fleet is put on readiness should the conflict spill over. Burgundian citizens in Japan are advised to avoid active war zones. Using the Chinese declaration of war on Japan as an example of Chinese expansionism and militarism, and offer of protectorate status is sent to the Kings of Cambodia and Lan Xang (Laos) (mod response, please). Utilizing technology shared by Borealia, the Kinnigleche Marine commissions its first submarine, SM U-1. The Navy puts forward a finalized design of the Grafleche Bourgogne-class, which includes an intermediate battery of four 9.4”/.45 caliber guns in four single turrets mounted on the wings of the ships. The States-General authorizes the construction of five of the battleships.
 * Sino–Korean diplomacy ( MOD RESPONSE ): As a response to Burgundian attempts to subjugate Lan Xang and Cambodia and intrude into the Sino–Korean sphere, an offer is sent to both for them to join the Compact of Free Association; citing the loss of political rights in Burgundian colonies in Southeast Asia, contrasting to the free democracies and thriving economies propped up in Sino–Korean protectorates.
 * Land Xang and Cambodia go with Burgundy.


 * Great Empire of China–Korea: Premier Zhou Xiaolong signs a document officially declaring war on Japan, an act that is symbolically approved by the Huifu Emperor. The news quickly spreads throughout China–Korea and as well as its protectorates. This renews a sense of Hua nationalism, and many praise the war – colloquially referred to as the Fourth Sino–Japanese War (and marking the fifth time the House of Jin has fought against the Japanese) – as a final solution to the "Japan Problem" and the assertion of Sino–Korean hegemony over East Asia. However, concerned with a potential Burgundian intervention, China–Korea calls upon Belka for diplomatic and military aid as promised by our alliance; and promises to leave the strategically important Micronesian islands as a concession. Prior to a large-scale mobilization of troops, the fortifications of Guangzhou and Shanghai are reinforced. Busan is also heavily fortified, while extensive fortifications are built on the island of Daemado. The importance of Daemado, which allows China–Korea to maintain control over the Korea Strait, is heavily emphasized. It also provides an effective break-of-bulk point and a center for reinforcements and deliveries of military material. The number of military troops allocated to defensive roles is increased to a million, while ~250,000 are conscripted to fight in Japan. Around a fourth of the merchant fleet is recruited to become temporary troop carriers, being able to send troops from Busan to Fukuoka within eight hours (double that for a round trip) at 25 kmph. The Southern Fleet, consisting of six battleships, armored cruisers, and cruisers each, 35 destroyers, and 30 frigates, is placed under high alert. Around two-thirds of the Northern Fleet (of similar composition) is deployed from its home ports of Dongying and Busan to repel the Japanese Fleet of the Korea Strait, seeing astounding success. A naval landing is launched on Fukuoka, with an initial invasion force numbering ~100,000 troops. After seizing much of the city, huge numbers of reinforcements arrive, and the number of troops there swells to ~250,000. Similarly, it beats back the Japanese forces and Fukuoka is now occupied by the Sino–Koreans - now leaving a gateway to the Taiheyō Belt, onto the Kanto plain. This also effectively inhibits Japan's capability to defend Takasago (or Taiwan), and the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. A propaganda campaign is launched in Taiwan to incite rebellion among the Hakka Chinese living in the southern portion of the island, as well as the Ryukyuans, hoping it will ease future conquest. To avoid dealing with civil unrest, grain is provided to civilians, while any arsenals and munitions plants are raided and destroyed. Any usable firearm is seized, and any telegram and railway networks are repurposed to gain insight in the Japanese. A propaganda campaign is launched showing pictures of the state of traditional Japanese villages and statistics of development (which portray Japan as lagging far behind China) – contrasting them with pictures of Sino–Korean city centers and luxury goods. Amidst this nationalistic frenzy, Ma Raya launches a studio album, Butterfly. Singles "Honey" and "My All" (the latter inspired by her trip to Iberia and Aztlan) become instant chart toppers, though she becomes embroiled in legal troubles after protesting the limited releases of the title track "Butterfly" and "Breakdown". Her rendition of the national anthem, "Sons and Daughters of Heaven" is also re-released, and once again peaks at the Number One spot. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue. China–Korea continues to produce large quantities of textiles, synthetic dyes, steel, as well as machinery and construction material. Telecommunications and railway lines are built. With heightened demand, the production of armaments once again increases exponentially, with the manufacturing of repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns, and their respective ammunition.
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there, and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of 12 divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. A centralized bank, known as the "Central Bank of Vietnam" (CBV) is established to preside over the country's financial situation. The peasantry are taught techniques and granted capital to improve their cultivation methods – thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) continues and is highly successful. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. A force of ~50,000 troops is present, one-half of which are Vietnamese.
 * Sino–Korean Diplomacy ( MOD RESPONSE ): As a response to Burgundian attempts to subjugate Lan Xang and Cambodia and intrude into the Sino–Korean sphere, an offer is sent to both for them to join the Compact of Free Association; citing the loss of political rights in Burgundian colonies in Southeast Asia, contrasting to the free democracies and thriving economies propped up in Sino–Korean protectorates.


 * FS of Arcadia: There is a new minor immigration wave coming, from groups that speak minority languages. This is due to some communities fleeing their native lands to be able to set up communities following their strict interpretation of Christianity and Bible law. They also prefer their culture unmixed and without any modern machinery. Although the amount of anti-industrialism varies widely by group. With the most notable groups being the West Flemish, Limburgish and East Frisian. Although their numbers are only around 1000 their impact is quite great. Henry S Hocking and his friend and scientist Nikolas G Rackling begin to experiment with Brésilian and Borealian motors technology. The first flight with a heavier then air Motorglider the distance was only around 150 feet. This did show that it is possible to fly with a motor and that with innovation in design of the Motorglider and improvement with the motor it will be able to fly for more then 300 feet. They believe it will be possible in around one year and maybe sooner with more funding. With more electricity available the amount of telegraph, electric lighting, cameras begin to increase drastically. With a new introduced device getting known and used, this new device is called the telephone although it is commonly as phone. This technology is rapidly being adopted for military use this is by having the companies do some extra preparations so when it is needed it can be deployed faster and relaid if needed. The first Arcadian marksmen's festival is celebrated in the town of Stadtneuhaus. Marksmen festivals are a north German tradition that came from the old vigilant groups that were set up to defend their respective cities. Today these militias have survived in the rural areas of Arcadia as they were brought by German immigrants, even though they are not involved in any warfare. At these festivals, a marksmen militia chooses a "king" by a target-shooting contest on a wooden bird on a pole. The "king" is a more or less representative position within the shooting club, yet he has to pay for the drinks, hangover and meals for the whole club and other visitors of the festival. The shooting clubs in rural Arcadia are also used to secure cut off settlements from outside threats like wild animals and function (even if it's unusual) as a help for the local militia, while the clubs in urban areas are more of a free time activity for men and boys.


 * Imperial Swahili Federation: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the south and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. Agricultural modernization continues in Swahili. Further industrialization continues. Several cities in Swahili have slowly become centers of industrial output. DeLorean is again invited to work in Swahili. Several British businesses and holdings Southern Swahili are being bought out by Swahili banks with clandestine support from the government.
 * Buha: Several ports are constructed along the Great Lakes while more soldiers are sent to garrison Buha. Swahili advisors see to begin modernisation within Buha.
 * Swahili Diplomacy to Belka: We wish to order four battleships from Belkan shipyards.
 * Belkan Dip: We agree. Expect them finished by 1903.
 * Belkan Empire: In accordance with the Sino-Belkan agreements and with some vested policy and economic interest in the conflict Vozdh Bukharain with support of the Supreme Soviet in an interest to test the military waters of a Sino-Belkan war together provides the support to the Chinese and marshals two task forces, one as a full replacement of the outdated East Asia fleet, and another as a major battlefleet to operate in support of combat operations. Combined the Belkan navy marshals the new East Asia Squadron consisting of four new battleships, four armored cruisers, seven light cruisers, and 30 destroyers. The Second Fleet - marshaled from various Belkan home water and Mediterranean patrols - is made up of six battleships almost all of the Sofiya-class, eight light cruisers, four armored cruisers, and 40 destroyers are deployed as well. They sail through Suez in short order as the two modern fleets reach Asia within a few months redeploying the New East Asia Squadron to Fortress Durestov (Hong Kong) and Battle group Typhoon being forward deployed to the crown colony of Manila. Seeing the necessity to begin operations to take quite a few islands, and possibly make landing on the Japanese Home Islands and in Taiwan as well, the Belkan army creates the Far Eastern Expeditionary force under a rising general, General Vladislav Tarkovsky who is famed for is unconventional papers and strategies at the Avala War College located in Belgrad. Marshaling nearly 100,000 troops the Belkan army arrives in Durestov shortly after the East Asia Squadron. Waiting to see the initial moves of the Chinese, the Belkan forces begin to build up its colonial forces as well specifically drawing up nearly 50,000 Manilan troops and readying the 40,000 strong Manila garrison for conflict as well. Burma is also put on the ready but in more of a training sense as it mobilizes nearly 100,000 troops but this is seen more as a training situation than the forces actually getting deployed. At home the economy is prepared to take some losses in shipping from Asia as a result of the war but not much other than a complete routing of the Japanese is expected. At the same time the Belkan expenses to invade the Congolese states is made bearable and an invasion of the first state directly adjacent to Zaire is made with nearly 80,000 troops guided by African auxiliaries. The Belkan fleet testing itself in its first modern naval war begin to ramp up its production of escorts producing nearly 50 destroyers over the last few years as well as beginning the construction of ten of the Sofiya MKII battleships, a design improvement over the original Sofiya class. The economy officially becomes the Largest in Europe as the collection of economic interests abroad, the commonwealth's economic prosperity coming to a head and the Chinese market finally maturing brings the Belkan economy into a rapid acceleration which is in sharp contrast to the last few years of Recession as a result of the huge naval buildup.
 * Aztlan: As the 20th century begins, the German minority begins to manifest itself in many major cities, as expressed in subtle German variations on Aztlan cuisine and the slow trickling in of German elected representatives. The immigrants are mostly in the eastern port of Merida, but are slowly spreading to the west coast as well. As for production, four more battleships are on queue and are expected to be completed in 1905. The government decides to forgo any more land-grab negotiations with Providence and instead begins to work on exporting agricultural and mineral goods to Brésil, Iberia and the Pan-Arcadian Congress.


 * Republica Ibérica: With the war on in France, Iberia begins an “Open for Business” policy in selling arms to whichever side requests them. The Nathanites are discretely offered several Model 1886 Garzo-Rosel Machine Guns and Sandoval Model 1880 Lever-Pinion Rifles for a reasonable price. Meanwhile, the French Army is offered Sandoval Model 1894 Lever-Pinion Rifles as well as machine guns and cannons should they wish to purchase them. The Guardia Nacional is maintained along the border and the Second Corps is officially raised this year. The new corps is left in the reserve for now. The population is estimated to be 51.24 million. Research, science and development come to dominate Iberian higher education. In Barcelona, Alberto Enciso continues researching several of the mysteries of electromagnetism and light itself. The Pyrenean Race demonstrates the challenges still present in the automobile industry. Out of the dozens of contestants only 16 manage to finish the long and rough course. Road conditions are blamed for the poor showing, and The Iberian Motor Racing League begins a lobbying campaign to rebuild the Iberian road network. With Herrero Motorworks and Correira Motor Company leading the charge, the Iberian Parliament, which runs its own Motorists Club, agrees to fund the redevelopment of the Iberian road network. Carlos Martín and the Iberian Sun Power Company develop the first solar powered textile factory. It is powered by a large solar collector that powers five 240 KW low pressure turbines. These turbines then drive the belts and shafts required to run the textile machines. The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing completing the second classes of the Iberian semiannual ship orders. The Beria-class is laid down and expected to be complete next year.
 * Republica de Morocco: The national census estimates the population to be 11.05 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. The advent of solar power, it has become clear that Morocco will be able to develop improved sources of power. Wages hover at just about 90% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 48% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language, and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: The population of Algeria reaches 6.82 million, and of these, 3.2 million are European. Algerian migration to Morocco continues en masse to escape the poverty of interior Algeria. The interior economy remains very poor with limited adoption of modern technology. Meanwhile, along the coast and in Mostaganem there is rapid development as European migrants implement modern farming, manufacturing, and financial methods from their homes.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay. Aluminium production grows this year and port facilities are modernized to facilitate its export.
 * Borealia: The nation begins preparing to host the 1904 Olympic Games, with new transportation systems, stadia, and other infrastructure being created in the capital. The military sees expansion, with new steppens, prototype airplanes, armored cars, and other experimental units seeing new research and development. The navy sees the addition of several new ships, with new battleships, destroyers, and cruisers being ordered. Resettlement and deportations continue, with a large number of people moving/being moved to Vinland, Guyana, West Africa, Avelskamp, Bovenstland and elsewhere. As a result Koebec and Nausetia both have a high Burgundian majority.
 * OOC Aztlan: I've got a lot of catching up to do. Are the Arcadian Games now the Olympic Games?
 * The Arcadian Games are just a continent-wide event, while the Olympics are worldwide.

1902
''' In Russia, Igor Akinfeev becomes Minister of Defense and dramatically increases defense spending and professionalism in the military with plans to construct new high quality rifles, artillery, machine guns and other equipment for the Russian army while improving the quality of officers by downsizing the army and moving many of the bad ones out as well as increasing standards for new entrants. '''

''' Japan reels from the initial landing by China but settles in for a ground and naval war launching attacks with both their army and fleet at the Chinese lodgment on Fukuoka. Reports of potential for an uprising in Taiwan reach China but they are unlikely to revolt without landings first. '''

''' In France, the Nathanites win a major victory defeating the French secularists as many soldiers and officers defect disagreeing with the liberalism and atheism displayed at times. All of France except Upper Normandy and Nevers occupied by the Burgundians is held by the Most Holy Kingdom of France (in spite of there being no King, only Cardinal Nathan as the protector) who they proceed to attack with 150,000 soldiers each against Upper Normandy and Nevers. '''

''' In Brésil, the monarch refusing to shift his policy sees a revolution break out over what many perceive to be ignorance by the King of his failure to enforce moral standards. Strikes and riots plague the cities while a portion of the army and navy defect to the crowds. The remaining loyalists suggest they have no desire to fight the rebellion and they put pressure on the King to change his mind. '''

''' Prussia, Austria, Rhineland and New Granada all are on the brink of violence over Nathanism and movements begin to occur in Britain, Burgundy and Iberia. '''


 * Socialist Republic of Texas: Aaron Burr's son, John Burr, wins the Texan election, this time under the Syndicalist Party. An anglophile regime, he develops a dislike of Borealia. Meanwhile, some ranchers move to farm in co-operatives. Also, the industrial workers form Syndicates. The two other parties begin to become sidelined. John Burr begins to form a cult of personality. A four-year plan is quickly drawn out - primarily toward farming collectives and industry. Meanwhile, the Mexican border is fortified. Marsonists form a coalition with Aaron Burr. To the poorer farmers and industrial workers, his popularity swells. Also, propaganda is spread across Aztlan and Providence. Armored cars begin to see limited development.
 * FS of Arcadia: The federated government begins with replacing symbols with newer ones, this is done to differentiate the Federated States from other countries. The motto being changed to "Ambassador of God" with the motto being translated into all official languages and even some unrecognised languages, even being translated into Yugoslavic, French, Limburgish and Portuguese. Although the government does guarantee that the national flag will not have any change of any kind ever. In New Constantinople the Vexilogical Society of Arcadia gets founded by an array of artists, scientists and some patriots. This is patriotism to the great Arcadian mixing stew, a multi-cultural nation with democratic values. To defend this great democracy the government begins to invest in the Arcadian republican army this is mostly focused on updating some of the lower tier equipment. With artillery having to be completely build-up from the ground p due to artillery being neglected when the nation was founded. This was due to the fact that most of the Borders where in quite inhabitable lands. But now the military staff has seen the importance of modern and good to equip artillery in fortresses. With staff now looking to either make factories produce artillery or to import it (player responses), with most preferring to license foreign design and to then produce it in the Federated States of Arcadia. On the military staff there is a discussion about whether the artillery should be mobile and light or heavy and immobile. This discussion is due to the fact that Arcadian military strategy hasn't being fully decided. With the modernisation of the Arcadian Republican Army there also comes a modernisation of the army and a clear split between the police named the Civic Militia (rural police, fire department and guards) the Stadtpolizei (city police) begins so that military and police gear will not be the same reserve.
 * In New England work continues to promote peace and rebuild. New roads are laid down in the north to connect to the border region, where the guards are posted. At the same time insurgents operate in Ohio and nearby against the northerners. By going through allied Avalon, insurgents also begin to attack southern Vinland. Prime Minister Arthur Wellesley tries again to create peace by continuing peace talks. Also, he begins sending soldiers into the north where the area is semi-lawless. We reiterate that we can withdraw if our enemies agree to do the same. With renewed success in the recent elections, the Communist and Socialist insurgents receive good funding. They begin operating in Chicago and along the Mississippi. When they read that Texas is socialist they send requests asking for money, supplies and men to help establish a socialist nation as well. Texan mercenaries are recruited, and some skirmishes break out in the southwest against conservative opponents of socialism and Texas in general. (Texas player response needed!)


 * Texas sends supplies. However, stays loyal to Britain, as they are an important failsafe, even when radicals take power. It consists of money to do well in elections.
 * OOC Aztlan: So, is New England not independent yet? (MOD RESPONSE!)


 * Great Empire of China–Korea: To avoid Russian intervention, 200,000 troops are stationed mainly in Harbin (which is a fort), with some patrolling the entirety of the Harbin River. The border is fortified with trench lines. The Korean Coast Guard sends riverine gunboats to assist them in case of an invasion. Similarly, the number of troops assigned to Dai Viet is increased to 100,000 troops, with the number of conscripted Vietnamese increased to 50,000 troops. With the repulsion of the Japanese counteroffensive at Fukuoka, more reinforcements are brought from Busan to further secure China–Korea's hold over Fukuoka, bringing the total number of Sino–Korean military personnel in Japan at ~300,000 troops. Many merchant vessels are recruited to serve as temporary troop carriers and to transport military supplies, and as a result, commercial shipyards (including the Ulsan Shipyard) begin to manufacture large quantities of steamships to fulfill the demand. With the retreat of Japanese forces to regroup in Hiroshima or Osaka, China–Korea seizes the opportunity to swiftly conquer the rest of Kyushu, therefore solidify China–Korea's hold on the Home Islands. While the initial invasion so far has been relatively slow, with the conclusion of the Taiwanese front, a front in Hokkaido is planned to be opened to distract Japanese troops and to hasten a two-way thrust into the Kanto plain. Fukuoka is fortified. A fleet consisting of a single battleship and 15 escorts is sent to Taiwan, to assist an expeditionary force of ~50,000 to conquer the island and liberate the Hakkas from Japanese rule. The invasion is a success, and Taiwan is freed from centuries of Japanese rule. It also allows China–Korea to achieve undisputed control over the Taiwan Strait as well as grants China–Korea and Belka (from Tondo) control over the Luzon Strait – both strategically - important for trade. Within the occupied territory, grain is provided to Japanese citizens and peasants are given capital to improve their agriculture. However, martial law is enacted and dissidents are jailed. The propaganda campaign is continued, comparing the state of traditional Japanese villages and contrasting them with Sino–Korean cities. Sino–Korean products are marketed and sold for subsidized prices. Ma Raya continues promoting Butterfly by appearing in several regional performance theatres, many selling out within a week. Ma Raya goes on a second vacation to Latin America (after visiting Iberia and Aztlan), this time to Gran Columbia. The Seoul Entertainment Company is contracted by the government to produce a propaganda film justifying the Sino-Korean conquest of Japan, and portraying them (through past conflicts) as warmongers. With the Seoul Entertainment Company diversifying into other niches, the small Tianjin Studios debuts another trot vocal group, "Wong Liu Tsong and the Dragonesses", producing their songs on a similar formula as the Jade Shards and the Jeju Girls have previously done. Their debut single, "Ladies Don't Like Nathanites", is critically acclaimed for its humorous and comedic tone, and as well as by Chinese and Korean Catholics. As a result, their debut EP, "Duchesses of Tianjin" is turned into a full studio album, which reaches Number One on the Albums Chart. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue. China–Korea continues to produce large quantities of textiles, synthetic dyes, steel, as well as machinery and construction materiel. Telecommunications and railway lines are built. With heightened demand, the production of armaments once again increases exponentially, with the manufacturing of repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns and their respective ammunition.
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of 12 divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. The peasantry are taught techniques and granted capital to improve their cultivation methods – thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) continues and is highly successful. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. The border with Burgundian Champa is fortified with trench lines and a fortress. The number of Sino–Korean troops stationed in Dai Viet is at ~100,000 as well as ~50,000 Vietnamese troops.
 * Scandinavia: Bear Island is sold to Vinland for six million Vinlandic krona. No more purchases will be made. A referendum is made to change Scandinavia's name. An expedition is sent to colonize northern Canada and the rest of Greenland.
 * Aztlan: With hostilities rising along the Texan border, the government officially attempts to turn out any Texans distributing Syndicalist propaganda. Of course, the system isn't perfect and some propaganda (including by word of mouth) gets through. Aztlan attempts to deliver a warning to the Texan government to de-fortify the border or face economic consequences. A call to the Pan-Arcadian Congress is given to attempt to quench these sudden, unbased hostilities. (PLAYER RESPONSE!)


 * Republica Ibérica: The rise of Nathanite groups in Iberia is kept to a minimum by the largely popular Democratic Social Catholics and their leader Lorenzo Iglesias. The movement, which has long represented the deep religiosity in Iberia manages to absorb the less extreme of the Nathanite movements while isolating the most die-hard organizations. The party which long advocated for the church and social support for the poor already holds many of the Nathanites core values, and prevents any outright dissidence or violence. Understanding their importance, the leadership of the Democratic Social Catholics works diligently to prevent any of the violence seen in France, and Lorenzo Iglesias himself reaches out to Cardinal Nathan asking him personally to preach peace. Regardless, the party and the vast majority of its followers remain committed to the ideal of “secular government with Catholic practices.” Meaning that the Iberian Constitution should remain an irreligious document, but that the Iberian government ought to act in alignment with the social ideals of Catholicism. The Guardia Nacional is maintained along the border and the Second Corps also deployed. There they make repairs to the Pyrenean Line which had been somewhat neglected. Additionally, new machine gun nests are built to improve the defensives. The national reserve of 500,000 is also placed on alert, and goes through extensive drills to restore fighting strength. The population is estimated to be 51.75 million. Science, research and development come to dominate Iberian higher education. In Barcelona, Alberto Enciso continues researching several of the mysteries of electromagnetism and light itself. Roads are rebuilt across Iberia with an emphasis on future proofing automobile travel, the first sections are built throughout the north where car ownership is higher. The roads are built from concrete and are expected to last well and be well insured against future developments in automobile technology. Carlos Martín and the Iberian Sun Power Company develop more uses for the solar thermal systems, including power generation in the Balearic Islands where coal is expensive, as well as in Iberian colonies. The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing completing the second classes of the Iberian semiannual ship orders. The Beria-class is completed and they enter service. The home fleet is kept in Iberian national waters due to the instability in Europe.
 * Republica de Morocco: The national census estimates the population to be 11.33 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. Due to the advent of solar power, it has become clear that Morocco will be able to develop improved sources of power. Wages hover at just about 90% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 49% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language, and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school. The Moroccan army is increased to 200,000 due to the growing population and high tensions. These troops are equipped with modern Iberian arms and weapons.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: The population of Algeria reaches seven million, and of these, 3.36 million are European. Algerian migration to Morocco continues en masse to escape the poverty of interior Algeria. The interior economy remains very poor with limited adoption of modern technology. Meanwhile, along the coast and in Mostaganem there is rapid development as European migrants implement modern farming, manufacturing, and financial methods from their homes.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay. Aluminium production grows this year and port facilities are modernized to facilitate its export.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: With the fall of the legitimate French government, the XVII and XXII Bands are recalled from their positions before they can be overwhelmed. The Army is authorized to man the modernized fortifications along the border. With rumblings from the Rhineland, it is decided key crossing points across the border will be manned for the time being. In an emergency session of the States-General, the assembly confirms the Constitution of the Kingdom as a secular document, as prescribed in the Declaration of the Rights of Citizens. Given the Declaration and Constitution both guarantee the freedom of worship, the government has neither the authority nor the will to monitor what the Nathanites perceive as blasphemy and heresy. The battleships SMS Karolingien (SS-30) and SMS Ivrea (SS-31) are commissioned as the last ships of their class. Meanwhile, four ships of the Graflech Bourgogne-class battleships are laid down, with a fifth planned for next year. The Navy and Army quietly begin replacing their lyddite-filled shells with shells filled with TNT. In Lan Xang and Cambodia, in accordance with Burgundy's end of the protection-filled shells agreement, military advisors begin reforming the respective Royal Armies into modern fighting forces, and Luang Prabang is chosen as the site of a defensive fortress. A road network connecting Lan Xang, Cambodia and Champa begins construction with the aim of bringing the three states closer together.
 * Imperial Swahili Federation: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the south and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. Agricultural modernization continues in Swahili. Further industrialization continues. Several cities in Swahili have slowly become centers of industrial output. DeLorean is again invited to work in Swahili. Ten cruisers are ordered in Swahili shipyards. Swahili decides to enter the 1904 Olympic Games.
 * Buha: Several ports are constructed along the Great Lakes while more soldiers are sent to garrison Buha. Swahili advisors begin to see modernisation within Buha.


 * Kingdom of Egypt: Prime Minister Omar Ismaili makes a public speech in Alexandria that basically defines the kingdom’s economic policy for the next few decades: “for the next few decades, Egypt shall undergo a mass industrialization campaign in which we will commit all our resources to bringing Egypt into the modern age. All citizens of Egypt shall devote themselves to this goal and they shall do it with heart.“ We continue to construct factories all over our major cities such as Alexandria, Giza and Alia. Our revision of Suez City continues as planned, as we build “temporary villages” for the Suez populace to live in while we make their city new. Numerous modern structures are built in the place of old traditional buildings, modern technologies are introduced to help build up the city, and more docks are built. Ismaili’s goal for all of this is to bring Egypt into the modern age by the 1940s, and to make Suez City a modern port that ships can stop at for a break. Propaganda is spread throughout the rural areas of Egypt in order to encourage migration to the cities or to buy modern tech. Vehicles continue to become popular throughout the kingdom, with the king even owning one, which only increases the number of cars sold each year. By the end of this year, 100 factories have been added to Alexandria, with those factories filling up with workers fast.
 * Borealia: We express agreement with Aztlan at the Pan-Arcadian Congress that Texan propaganda and militantism is uncalled for. Sanctions are placed on the state, and we call all members to follow suit until Texas ends these practices. We dispatch a fleet to our joint naval base in Maryland to monitor the situation, and also as part of our ongoing efforts to help Maryland establish its navy. In sports it is proposed that the city of Tenochtitlán in Aztlan host the 1914 Arcadian Games. We also continue our own preparations for the 1904 Olympic Games, with work on the capital's infrastructure and security ongoing. The development of the airplane continues, with several new designs being tested by the military and the Westen Brothers at Wilmington. Elsewhere, other entrepreneurs get involved as well, creating alternate designs. The most advanced craft thus far, the Westen VIII, makes history when it is flown across the English Channel. As a result Willem Luyt orders the creation of a flying school to teach the first generation of pilots how to operate these crafts. With the 1st Mechanized Brigade finding success in the south of the nation against insurgents, the military increases funding. An upgraded version of the army's armored car, known as the GA3-Minerva, is produced. We also offer to sell enough cars to Burgundy to outfit their first brigade. After over a decade of research, the navy decides to expand the number of submarines greatly, with a new design being implemented. The new submarine class is known as the C-class. Each ship will be approximately 44 meters in length, powered by a 600 hp (450 kW) Visser petrol engine, and a 200 hp electric motor, reaching speeds of about 12 knots when surfaced. The class will be capable of reaching 1500 nautical miles at seven knots when surfaced, and will be armed with two 18" (450 mm) torpedo tubes. Eight C-class ships are laid down this year, which will bring the total number of submarines in the navy to 38 by the end of 1904. The navy also dispatches a group of submarines, engineers and researchers to Burgundy, to jump start their own submarine research. The English continue to be moved or deported, with as many people assimilated as possible. The number of Englishmen allowed to move to Vinland is capped at 400,000, while Avelskamp is capped at 300,000 and Bovenstland at 500,000, so as not to overwhelm these places.
 * Aztlan Dip: Aztlan gladly accepts the suggestion of hosting the 1914 Arcadian Games, and plans to begin preparations in 1908. Aztlan decides to move 30,000 men to within 100 miles of the border to defend against a possible surprise assault by Texas, and proscribes any trade of armaments to the Texan state.
 * Vinland: The Vinlandian army is expanded to number 90,000 men in nine divisions. The Second Division is stationed in Greenland. Vinland begins the construction of a new city in Greenland to serve as Greenland's new capital. The city is going to be called Grönköping literally meaning Greenville.
 * Brésil: Backed against a wall, Francis converts to Nathanism, enacting prohibition and pledging to combat forces of liberalism.
 * Holy Kingdom of France: Although initially successful in being able to defeat and forcefully collapse the French Empire, the problem of being able to properly rule the state and to keep relative peace has surfaced. A large number of French nationalists and republicans have begun to speak out vocally against Cardinal Nathan's rule, and in turn have faced some sort of supression whether it be imprisonment, torture or simply being murdered. The lack of proper and sustainable laws, high corruption under the Nathanites, and prohibition of alcohol and other forms of luxury drugs such as tobacco cigarettes, has brought about a revolution against a revolution. Although the Second French Civil War had been between the religious and atheists, the tertiary revolution has moved into being politically motivated in terms of either wanting or being against reform. As Cardinal Nathan's ruling had severly damaged the economy by means of the starvation rate rising and the French currency being inflated, many loyal members under Nathan's ruling have begun to defect to the reformist front. The reformists declare the United French Republic, a democratic republic with relaxed speech laws and Catholicism being the only legal religion allowed. Large military conflicts begin, and with the mass addition of machine guns and more advanced artillery, casualties begin to rise rapidly as large cities such as Paris, Orleans and Tours begin to face mass destruction. Due to the defensive positions much of the Nathanites have made, the use of artillery has begun to "shell shock" much of the army, leading to small mutinies and other defections.

1903
''' In Poland a coup breaks out in support of the Nathanites effectively ending the Syndicalist plans in the country as the many cells across Europe launch their own attacks without the leadership of Poland. Syndicalist attacks in Austria, France, Rhineland, East Germany, and Spain spark three-way brawls between Loyalists, Syndicalists and Nathanites. Some clashes such as the ones in Spain and Austria are rather bad as it forces the military to become involved. While in France it remains isolated cells stealing territory from both sides of the growing French civil war. '''

''' Russia continues to downsize its military to a much smaller professional force specifically to play on its defensive focus of being able to trade land for time to train more professional troops in the long run in the case of a war. '''

''' Japan elects to defend the home islands as best they can and with a rather modern ground based military and the inability of Belkan and Chinese naval fleets to target shipping from other European great powers the Japanese are able to raise nearly 500,000 extra soldiers. However, the arrival of the first Belkan field troops in Japan in support of the Chinese does strike some fear, with the Imperial Diet knowing fighting China and Belka for an extended period of time to be a fool's errand. The next battles look to decide the political context of the war as the Japanese hope to hold in order to maintain a better political outlook following the end of the war. '''

''' Through a series of smuggling of reformist books, literature and other means, a small number of Syndicalist and Transitional Marsanist-Communal protests begin to appear across the Belkan Empire, primarily in Belgrad and Sofia, even going as far as Bucharest and OTL Istanbul. '''
 * Brésil: With the Nathanites holding power, Theodore goes into hiding. He (SECRETLY) establishes cells of anti-Nathanists. Syndicalists are contacted, offering reform in return for support against Nathanites. This is all kept very small-scale, with extreme caution being exercised, so as not to make it known to more than roughly 100 individuals (END SECRET). A totally legit trading company called the Aegean Sea Company is started, headed by an individual named Robert Blunt, who has so far refused to appear in public, or give an interview. A New Bordeaux warehouse is purchased by him, and ships bearing the Belkan naval insignia are seen weekly unloading there. Francis authorizes an increase of the naval budget fivefold, unveiling a plan to add seven battleships and 32 accompanying ships, projected to be complete by 1910. A report published by the New Bordeaux Worker's Journal points to a resurgent Syndicalist movement in response to Nathanist reforms. It also outlines a growing industry of "beer-smuggling", where rancheros carry loads of beer through the jungle, to Brésilian cities, making a profit from addicted Brésilians aged 16-32 and 40-53. Due to increasing competition from Ali Bakr motors, the New Bordeaux Motor Society petitions the government for a tariff on Egyptian cars, which is passed.


 * Great Empire of China–Korea: The number of troops operating in Japan doubles (to ~650,000), in order to counter the surge in Japanese troops. A number of merchant vessels are fitted with low-caliber guns for defense, and many are recruited as rudimentary troop carriers. The Northern Fleet is divided into three squadrons (each consisting of two battleships, two or three cruisers – including armored cruisers, eight or nine destroyers, six or seven frigates), with the first going to the Tohōku Region, the second stationed in Busan, and a third to serve in the Seto Inland Sea. Kyushu (with Fukuoka being fortified with trench lines and fortresses, due to its strategic location) is well-within Sino–Korean control; as is Taiwan. The number of troops stationed in Taiwan is 50,000, while in Kyushu it is 100,000 (with one-half in Fukuoka alone). The army now begins an offensive into Shikoku, and though Sino–Korean forces vastly outnumber their Japanese counterparts, heavy support from the Imperial Japanese Navy results in only 60% of Shikoku being occupied. The port of Matsuyama is fortified (in a similar manner to Fukuoka), to ensure the Seto Inland Sea is under control of the Sino–Korean Navy. Coaling stations are built in major ports to ensure prime operation. However, Sino–Korean strategists recognize that an attempted invasion of the Osaka Bay would end in failure, due to the sheer amount of fortifications built there and naval resistance. As a result, the military pioneers a policy of conducting naval raids in Osaka and artillery bombardment from Matsuyama, while continuing to push into the eastern third of Shikoku. Despite heavy resistance in the South; the army sees success in Northern Honshu. About ~300,000 troops are sent to swiftly conquer the Tohōku Region, which quickly falls. Expecting a Japanese counter-offensive due to its proximity to the Great Kantō plain (the heart of Japan), Sendai is fortified, and a series of light fortifications are built to the border with the Kanto Region. A smaller force accompanied by a small 15-boat fleet headed by a single battleship is sent to conquer with Hokkaido, and due to its isolation from Japan, 60% of it falls under Sino–Korean control. Within occupied territories, the propaganda campaign continues, portraying Japan as under an oppressive authoritarian government and in dire need of foreign intervention. In addition, to prevent societal collapse, peasants are taught more advanced agricultural methods to boost production amid the war, and generous rations of grain and foodstuffs are given. A basic rural healthcare network is established to limit outbreaks of disease, and to aid mothers in birthing their children. In addition, while martial law is in effect, education remains compulsory. As a measure of goodwill, many promising individuals are given scholarships to prestigious Sino–Korean Imperial Universities. While firearms are seized and arsenals are destroyed, civil infrastructure is emphasized to facilitate recovery post-war. Ma Raya hastily works on her new studio album, with its name being publicly released. Tianjin Studios grows into a major competitor for the Seoul Entertainment Company, due to the spectacular success of the Wong Liu Tsong and the Dragonesses. Their songs incorporate stringed instruments, reviving the popularity of the musical formula used in the 70s and 80s prior to the influence of Russian R&B. They release their second and third singles, "How I Love You So" and "Your Smile", which hits Number One and Number Two respectively (the latter being blocked from the top position by the former), with the former being in the top ten for 26 weeks while being in the top spot for 14 weeks. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue. China–Korea continues to produce large quantities of textiles, synthetic dyes, steel, as well as machinery and construction material. Telecommunications and railway lines are built. With heightened demand, the production of armaments once again increases exponentially, with the manufacturing of repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns, and their respective ammunition.
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there, and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of 12 divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. The peasantry are taught techniques and granted capital to improve their cultivation methods–thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) continues and is highly successful. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. The border with Burgundian Champa is fortified with trench lines and a fortress. The amount of Sino–Korean troops stationed in Dai Viet is at ~100,000 as well as ~50,000 Vietnamese troops.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: Five of the Graf Kotte-class battleships are commissioned and are organized into the VI Battle Squadron. Four battleships of the Grafleche Bourgogne-class are launched, with a fifth planned for next year. Despite this, the Navy secures an order for four ships of the Grafleche Bourgognes successors, to be named the Elsass-class, which ditches the 6” guns typically used on previous battleship designs in favor of a complete secondary battery of 9.4” rifles. The order comes not without criticism, however. Admiral Jan Fëscher, who has been conducting his own evaluation of naval combat in the ongoing Sino-Japanese war, puts forward an internal document concluding that future naval battles will take place at longer ranges than current battleships are designed for, and that a uniform large-caliber main battery on a fast hull would be the ideal design. Submarine construction continues, and several Burgundian naval bases, such as Bonapaartstad in Patagonië, Nieuw Groningen in Burgundian West Africa, Kapstad in the Kap Karel Colony, and Singapore receive new facilities to allow submarines to be based. A request is sent to Borealia to allow advisors to help in the establishment of a Burgundian Royal Air Force. Meanwhile, the VI Battle Squadron, where the last active duty ironclad battleships are, is recalled from the Mediterranean Fleet so their ships can be decommissioned. The III Battle Squadron is sent to replace them. The battleship SMS Sizilien, the former British HMS Lord Johnson captured at the battle she was renamed for, is kept from the scrapyards as a museum ship alongside the SMS Verwoester in the growing Hoorn Naval History Center. In Lan Xang, construction of the Luang Prabang strategic fortress continues, and the Lan Xang and Cambodian militaries see further modernization. OTL New Caledonia is claimed for Burgundy as Nieuw Batavia.


 * Borealia: The Smit Motor Company decides to adopt the name of its most popular product, renaming itself to Minerva. The GA3-Minerva is highly successful against insurgents across and around the border, prompting the government to enlarge each mechanized squadron to 12 armored cars, and to expand the number of squadrons to four within the next several years. Meanwhile, the company begins a secret contract with the military to also research new ways to deliver artillery to the front. The company looks into the use of continuous track, which at this time are already being used for civilian applications, such as on log haulers and tractors. Minerva creates a drivable prototype for an armored car driven by continuous track. They then begin work on replacing the car's main armament with a small artillery piece, creating the first prototype for a tank. The military begins heavy funding to see the concept expanded upon, however, the project at this time needs considerably more development before it can be implemented. The Westen IX is created early this year, with several planes of this model being created. The project at Wilmington receives nationwide fame when a handful of planes are used along the border in a skirmish with insurgents. Initially for reconnaissance, one of the pilots, Coenraad Wintgens, opens fire from the air with a pistol. Over the course of the rest of the year several Westen IX's and a few Westen X's are created. The military decides to create an independent branch for air-based united, creating the Borealian Air Force. The experimental airplane and steppen units are consolidated under this branch, with Willem Luyt being promoted to its first commander. The base at Wilmington becomes its temporary headquarters, with the airfield, research department, and flying school all seeing expansion. Luyt begins creating a general staff and planning the creation of the nation's next air force bases. Based on the nation's plan for land defense, Luyt orders the creation of a network of airfields all along the nation's borders, creating airfields near Harrisburg, Pietersburg, Niagara, Volendam, Koebec, Lelystad, Emmen, Ventersburg, and Slagstad, as well as a plan for bases around major cities in the center of the nation. There is also a plan put in place to reserve land outside all major cities for future expansion, while a large airfield and overall headquarters is constructed at Sint Jan. Hendrik Steppen's company begins the first routine transportation by air, with its first flight transporting passengers from Bilzen to Philadelphia. Construction of the C-class of submarines continues, with another ten being laid down this year. The Fourth Fleet, stationed in western Maryland, is expanded and outfitted with the first squadrons of submarines. They are tasked with protecting the waters of Maryland, Kuba, and Aztlan from hostile attack. Another expedition is sent to Antarctica, and this time Johannes Eduard successfully reaches the South Pole. The government decides to formally claim the territory that Borealian explorers and scientists have been traveling to since 1882, as well as a series of outlying islands that Schuver visited during his trip around the southern continent. The territory of the Eduard Islands is created (OTL South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands), with an outpost/whaling station named Kanbeslaan being founded. The Eenzaam Islands territory (OTL French Southern and Antarctic Lands, excluding the Indian Ocean territory) is also created, named for Eduard's main ship. The Progressive candidate Claes Roosevelt, a distant relative of the influential Burgundian, is elected Prime Minister. Under Roosevelt the government decides to launch a colonial expedition to the Pacific via the Panama Canal, in order to extend Borealia outside Arcadia for the first time. The region north of New Batavia and south of the Russia and Japanese territories is formally claimed by the government (OTL Vanuatu, Santa Cruz Islands, small parts of Fiji, and Solomon Islands), and a small fleet and detachment of soldiers is dispatched to enforce these claims. A base is established at Vilahaven (OTL Port Vila), and later in the year 500 people, one-half of which from New Zealand, settle at the port. A penal colony is created, with hundreds of Borealians, including Anglo-Borealians, are relocated to the colony. Also to solidify control in the area the government offers to purchase the small French claims in the northern OTL Soloman Islands (French response).
 * Aztlan Dip: We appreciate the help in guarding our waters, but it seems to be a long stretch of water to guard. We believe it would be much easier for both parties if we just guarded our own waters. We also offer to buy some armored cars from Borealia. (PLAYER RESPONSE!)


 * Aztlan: The country begins to see more modern technology incorporated into its military this year, including some machine guns and armored vehicles. An attempt is made to combine these two inventions, but the first attempts fail, resulting in the car tipping over in the machine gun mounting process. Later in the year, though, progress is made on mounting the behemoth guns, but research is still in its rudimentary stages and will be continued. This year, Aztlan begins to recover from its recent aluminium shortages, and more ships are put onto the waters. Seven small flotillas are constructed, each measuring about 48 meters and equipped with two broadside 10 cm gun turrets. Another behemoth battleship is set into the harbor, bringing its brethren to four, and comes at a whopping 220 meters, with three broadside guns firing 25 cm bullets. Texas is advised to try to keep tensions at a minimum and avoid any conflict.


 * FS of Arcadia: The first car company has been founded with the name being Victorovich Co, with their first produced model. This car is partially built with automation although most parts are made by a group of skilled workers. The Esquilo Party and their military wing hold a march to the ruins of the old capital of Sinkyone and Wituye. They practiced some religious rituals with one ritual being the sending of a handmade wood-burned canoe with eggs upstream never to be seen again. They also did some target practice to show their willingness to go to war. With the Arcadian Republican army holding a mass training exercise with their first Arcadian Artillery - although small in numbers their power counters it. The army focused on mobility and the ability to surround the enemy without loss of supplies for themselves. In the town of Verburg the first motorglider club has been founded, it has been founded by rich young engineers who want to experience danger and test their ability to engineer. Their reason for joining this motorglide club is to show their influence, wealth, bravery and to show off to women. As a landing strip they use a hardenend flat dirt road, and for their motorgliders they use wooden frames with canvas over them and some small light paddles for steering.


 * Kingdom of Egypt: Prime Minister Osmar Ismali continues the kingdom’s industrialization campaign, declaring that now we will also focus on becoming self-reliant in military tech and begin making arms factories on a massive scale. Arms factories are produced in Alexandria and Giza, as these are seen as our “war cities” with many of the top ranking commanders and soldiers being from these cities, along with these cities giving the most support during war time. We continue to use propaganda as a tool to advertise the ongoing industrial revolution in Egypt, and encourage people in the rural areas to move into the city and get jobs as factory workers. The automobile continues to expand in popularity as it becomes a more convenient way to travel. (More to come)
 * New England: The work to rebuild our nation carries on. By this time a series of new roads have been created in the north of the nation spanning several provinces. This network is used by insurgents and soldiers eager to attack the border regions with the northerners. A local group of insurgents in the Great Lakes decides to surprise attack Vinland by passing over the lake and through Avalon. They plan to weaken this state and hopefully persuade the weak northern state to disavow Borealia. The government offers trade and cooperation with Vinland if they do so. In the mean time Communist sympathesizers take the Midwest by storm with help by the Texans. Insurgents begin training south of the border where our government forces are unable to stop them, and they move into western Savannah and parts of New England. This is matched with rising Nathanite presence as well. Many people blame the lull in New Englander power on rampant alcohol consumption as a factor, and they become a growing faction.
 * United French Republic: With more territory now under the hands of the reformed and transitional Nathanites and Republicans, the legitimacy of the UFR is official. A new constitution is adopted, featuring elements followed by the reformists (from last turn), and in addition, new political parties and a new Congress are set up, to which is seen as a new means of communication and political influence for all factions current and allied in the Civil War. Due to popularity, the transitional Nathanites hold the largest political influence, while in contrast, much of the younger population has favored the Republican party. In terms of conflict against the Most Holy Kingdom of France, the large number of defections in the Nathanites army has resulted in their near defeat in Aquitaine, and on October 31st, 1903, Cardinal Nathan is confirmed killed in the crossfire between the Nathanites and Republicans in the city of Bordeaux while trying to escape the collapse of the city. With his death be reported across all of Europe, the remaining Nathanite followers fall like dominoes and either give up or leave to Iberia. With this declaration of Civil War over, the recent emergence of the Syndicalism is seen as a drag and after allowing for the creation of a Syndacist-based political parties and organizations, are seen to have "died down" in terms of violence, primarily because most of the working population agrees for labour reform, and wanting to propell France into good standings and wanting to also stopping all infighting, most of the reforms are passed as mandatory labor and working laws as to please the workers. The sun shines on the new republic, as construction efforts begin and unemployment decreases due to much of the actual population working and re-generating the economy post-Nathanites.
 * Guinée Française: The French-Guinee population stands at 9.5 million, with 6% of the population speaking Japanese, 38% speaking French and the remaining speaking the original language of the island. However, the French language is soon implemented as a semi-mandatory language to study in school, in an attempt to turn the French language into a majority rather than a plurality. Industrial mining equipment is incorporated into the general process of mining gold and copper ore, while cash crops like cocoa and coffee beans become key in agriculture. The capital city, Port Durand (OTL Port Moresby), is worked on in terms of modernizing infrastructure and building more roads. A militia is created, standing at 105,000, using older French modeled weaponry from the 1880's. Expansion is made in the OTL Solomon Islands. The offer made by Borealia is denied due to the Solomon Islands having been claimed and further colonized since the 1870's, therefore it being rightful French land.
 * Nigéria Française: One of the primary states of the now defunct French West African Republic, French Nigéria continues to be a superb example state for French Africa, and continues to thrive in agriculture and the mining of tin and iron ore. The population census reads 31.4 million. Nigéria's national militia stands at 200,000, using older French modeled weaponry from the 1890's, with recent additions including some of the earlier model versions of the modern machine gun. By now, most of the population speaks French and with the large emigration into Nigeria due to the civil war, a large ethnic French population exists on the coast.
 * Mali Française: One of the primary states of the now defunct French West African Republic, French Mali continues to feature somewhat forced labor as the mining of gold continues to reign supreme in the economy. The population stands at 21.3 million. The local militia, comprised primarily of French servicemen that have integrated into the Malian society and stand more as enforcers than an actual military, stands at 105,000.
 * Dendo Française: One of the secondary states of the now defunct French West African Republic, French Dendo continues to be settled and expanded. The region remains either agricultural or stands as a primary trading point between Mali and Nigeria.
 * Sikasso Française: One of the secondary states of the now defunct French West African Republic, French Mali continues to feature somewhat forced labor as the mining of gold continues to reign supreme in the economy. The population stands at 16.5 million. The local militia, comprised primarily of French servicemen that have integrated into the Malian society and stand more as enforcers than an actual military, stands at 125,000.
 * Namibie Française: One of the secondary states of the now defunct French South African Republic, French Mali continues to feature somewhat forced labor as the mining of gold continues to reign supreme in the economy. The population stands at 15.1 million. The local militia, comprised primarily of French servicemen that have integrated into the Malian society and stand more as enforcers than an actual military, stands at 125,000.
 * Cape de la Colonie Française: One of the primary states of the now defunct French South African Republic, French Mali continues to feature somewhat forced labor as the mining of gold and diamonds continues to reign supreme in the economy and allow for the colony to be overtly rich. The population stands at 14 million. The local militia, comprised primarily of French servicemen that have integrated into the Zulu society and stand more as enforcers than an actual military, stands at 115,000.


 * Republica Ibérica: Lorenzo Iglesias, now the Prime Minister is appalled by the violence across Iberia. In a speech before parliament, he makes it clear his disappointment, “Iberia, is and, so long as there remains power vested in me, will remain a nation of moderation. Extremism, of all brands, Sydicalist, Nathanite, Marsanite, Authoritarian, none will creep into this nation built so firmly on compromise. It is for this reason that I have authorized the Second Corps of the Guardia Nacional to work ceaselessly until the roots of these vines of extremist ideology are pulled from Iberian Soil and cast out.” With that, the second corps of the Guardia Nacional is redeployed from the border to suppress the fighting that has plagued the streets of Iberian cities. In Barcelona, the most affected city, the combatants in the two factions descend from brawls into full scale war. Both sides, armed with a variety of older weapons, take to the streets of the largely industrial city. After a week of riots, protests, and violence, the 5th Division of the 2nd Corps of the Guardia Nacional enters the city. Nearly 2000 are arrested and there are casualties on all sides as the armed Nathanites and Syndicalists attempt to hold out against overwhelming odds. The government announces a ceasefire, and demands the surrender of the faction leaders. Seeing their cause as lost in Catalonia, the Nathanites surrender. However, the Syndicalists refuse. A firefight follows, and sees a dozen Syndicalists killed, as well as nearly 30 government troops. The remaining terrorists are arrested. The arrests lead to a series of counter strikes across the nation as supposedly “capitalist” buildings are attacked with explosive devices. Public opinion, which had been at least somewhat sympathetic to the Syndicalists, turns against the terrorists, and a national investigation begins. Dozens of suspected Syndicalists are arrested. Unions begin formally renouncing Syndicalists policies, in an effort to protect their own image from the stain that now grows on Syndicalism in Iberia. Without public sympathy, Syndicalists groups across the nation are exposed and their networks collapse into chaos. The population is estimated to be 52.27 million. Science, research and development come to dominate Iberian higher education. Alberto Enciso flees the chaos of Barcelona to Madrid where he continues his work in relative safety. Roads are rebuilt across Iberia with an emphasis on future proofing automobile travel, the first sections are built throughout the north where car ownership is higher. The roads are built from concrete and are expected to last well and be well insured against future developments in automobile technology. Carlos Martín and the Iberian Sun Power Company develop more uses for the solar thermal systems, including power generation in the Balearic Islands where coal is expensive, as well as in Iberian colonies. The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing constructing the third classes of the Iberian semiannual ship orders.
 * Republica de Morocco: The national census estimates the population to be 11.63 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. Due to the advent of solar power, it has become clear that Morocco will be able to develop improved sources of power. Wages hover at just about 91% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 49% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language, and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school. The Moroccan army is increased to 200,000 due to the growing population and high tensions. These troops are equipped with modern Iberian arms and weapons.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: The population of Algeria reaches 7.1 million, and of these, 3.45 million are European. Algerian migration to Morocco continues en masse to escape the poverty of interior Algeria. The interior economy remains very poor with limited adoption of modern technology. Meanwhile, along the coast and in Mostaganem there is rapid development as European migrants implement modern farming, manufacturing, and financial methods from their homes.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay. Aluminium production grows this year and port facilities are modernized to facilitate its export.

1904
''' Solace here, hate me. Enjoy. '''

''' Vand, slow down with the military advancements in Borealia. Thanks. '''

''' Border disputes, and in some cases violent attacks, among ranchers and farmers along the Aztlan-Texas border begin. This fuels some anti-sentiment across both states. '''

''' Due to the massive influx of Nathanites and transitional Syndacists from Europe begin pouring into Arcadia and Laurentia, protests and riots begin across Borealia and the FS of Arcadia. The riots reach a height when military defectives begin giving military-grade weapons to the Nathanites and Syndicalists among the Arcadian states, who use these to "claim" territory within each country and declare separate Holy Kingdoms. '''

''' Syndacist political movements begin to appear across the United Kingdom. They become popular very quickly due to their promises of labor reform. Same thing with Belka. '''

''' The Holy State of Brésil is declared after the disappearance of King Theodore. In response, many of the anti-Nathanite cells begin violently reacting, re-igniting the slow burning Brésilian Civil War as the Syndacists join the fighting to simply collapse the state and rebuild it in their vision. This infighting between sides has resulted in lower popularity for King Theodore. '''

''' Scandinavia, through trading and self-industrialization, has come into the limelight of being an industrial state of northern Europe. Their military is also advanced. '''

''' Austrians and Czechian politicians begin lobbying for independence from the Belkan Empire. They are supported by the new generation of citizens. '''

''' French Nathanites in Burgundy begin to push for political reform centered around the Nathanite ideology. '''

''' Some Vietnamese rebellions in Burgundian Champa begin, primarily to end Burgundian control over the state and restore the original way of life they had before the Burgundians came. '''

''' Russia continues high military spending on new equipment including bolt action rifles, machine guns and field artillery while increasing training for its military. '''

''' In spite of the death of Cardinal Nathan he is a martyr to the cause. '''


 * Republica Ibérica: Lorenzo Iglesias, having defeated the extremists for now searches for a way to pull Iberian society back together. He finds the solution in Africa. Iberia and Prussia have had colonies in close proximity in South West Africa for decades now. However, the recent conquest of the former Swahili colonies in South West Africa have created a new issue. Swahili settlers hold claim to a significant swath of land which is granted to Prussia under the Conference of Belgrad. The discrepancy has seen multiple intrusions of Prussians on Iberian claimed lands, and with tensions high, Prime Minister Iglesias sees the excuse he need to rally the nation. The Iberian Expeditionary Force is deployed to the Iberian held colonies in the region, numbering 100,000 men, armed with light machine guns, and the technically superior Sandoval Model 1894 Lever-Pinion Rifle. The Iberian Ambassador in Berlin delivers a formal declaration of colonial war, in accordance with the Conference of Belgrad. Shortly after, the 100,000 men of the IEF enter the Prussian held southwest Africa colony. The Iberian Navy is placed on maximum alert and deployed to prevent any Prussian intervention. The population is estimated to be 52.79 million. Science, research and development come to dominate Iberian higher education. Alberto Enciso returns to Barcelona, where he discovers his workshop thankfully unharmed. Despite all of his trials, the scientist publishes three groundbreaking and fundamentally revolutionary papers. The first, “On a Heuristic Viewpoint Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light” establishes the discrete nature of energy in the photoelectric effect. The second, “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies” establishes the principle of Ensico’s Theory of Special Relativity. The third and final paper, “Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?” establishes the fundamentals of mass-energy equivalence, fomenting the equation: E = MC^2. Roads are rebuilt across Iberia with an emphasis on future proofing automobile travel, the first sections are built throughout the north where car ownership is higher. The roads are built from concrete and are expected to last well and be well insured against future developments in automobile technology. The improvement of roads, as well as a tariff on automotive imports, allows both the Herrero Motorworks and the Correia Motor Company to explode in popularity. Both companies are demonstrating large profits. Correia Motor Company develops a new automobile, the Model 3, which is built using an assembly line technique. This allows the company to market the car as a “Automobile for the Masses.” Carlos Martín and the Iberian Sun Power Company develop more uses for the solar thermal systems. Solar home heating becomes a major branch of the company, and solar water-heaters are installed in the Prime Minister’s residence. The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing constructing the third classes of the Iberian semiannual ship orders. Additionally, construction begins on the Maximiliano Zapico Stadium, named after the famed founder of the modern republic.
 * Republica de Morocco: The national census estimates the population to be 11.87 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. Due to the advent of solar power, it has become clear that Morocco will be able to develop improved sources of power. Wages hover at just about 92% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 50% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language, and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school. Moroccan agitators begin a campaign for more representation in the foreign policy of Morocco.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: The population of Algeria reaches 7.28 million, and of these, 3.62 million are European. Algerian migration to Morocco continues en masse to escape the poverty of interior Algeria. The interior economy remains very poor with limited adoption of modern technology. Meanwhile, along the coast and in Mostaganem there is rapid development as European migrants implement modern farming, manufacturing, and financial methods from their homes.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay. Aluminium production grows this year and port facilities are modernized to facilitate its export.
 * Vinland: The Vinland army begins to hunt the vile insurgents and asks Borealia for help (BOREALIAN RESPONSE). Meanwhile, Bear Island and Jan Mayen are merged into one province to help the small population there.


 * Kingdom of Egypt: The Kingdom continues its industrial revolution. A new technology in introduced to Egyptian factories: Air Conditioning; now factory workers work in even better conditions then previously. Speaking of working conditions, we pass new labor laws that require all workers in Egypt to be allowed two 30-minute breaks every day, and the worker may choose when they take these breaks, workers must also be allowed a one-hour lunch break and all factories must have air conditioning and be sanitary. We use the education system to teach the new generation of Egyptians about factories, and why becoming an industrial worker would be beneficial not to just you and your family, but your nation as well. Egyptian boys are taught how to work basic factory equipment and. The construction worker is also advertised throughout the nation as we stress the importance of being able to build up the infrastructure of the nation, and that the construction worker makes a very high salary, this makes construction boom in popularity. We build more and more factories throughout our major population centers, and also begin building much smaller and more cramped factories in the villages of Egypt, along in fishing villages around the Nile. The automobile becomes more and more common in Egyptian society as the industrial revolution continues. We begin developing major arms factories, producing modern weaponry based on Belkan models along with Italian models, and we send our military trainers and top officers off to Belka to learn how to properly use modern firearms in which when they think they are ready they will come back to take a test, if they fail the test they will have to go back to Belka to take a longer time to learn how to use a modern firearm and the strategy that comes with it. If they pass the test they get to train new recruits. We continue to grow papyrus, flux, cotton, and tobacco and begin to sell them to the European market. We offer the nation of Borealia to sign a trade agreement, in which we will trade them our cash crops (papyrus, flux, cotton, and tobacco) for wood, coal and any other valuable resource you have. (VANDENHOEK RESPONSE NEEDED!!). We officially ban child labor on all levels, and begin to crack down of businesses that use children as their main source of labor. We hold the next Rugby Commonwealth Championship in Alexandria. The Muhammad Ali Dynaaty is very large and everywhere. Most Copts in Egypt continue to stay loyal to the Coptic Church, which is aligned with the Catholic Church. Suez City continues to be revised as we focus on making it into a modern port; a majority of its buildings and homes have been built but much more work needs to be done. Factories are built in Tobruk, to help build up this ancient historical port into a modern city.
 * FS of Arcadia: The government response to the rebellious acts, the Civic Militia gets momentary power to take in anyone's gun licenses if they are suspected to be Syndicalists, Nathanites or supporting any other rebellious act. The detectives who gave the military grade weapons have been sacked from their power for an unknown amount. With these illegal rebellious deeds the federal government signs "the rebellious acts, illegal arming and unlawful separatist decree" into the constitution which founds the Geheimdienst von Arcadia (Gediva), this secret police gets the power to investigate individuals and to detain them if there is a reasonable chance that they would commit second or third degree treason. The border guards also get some new and refined uniforms and weapons and not to forget some tools to be able to identify people easily. With this, the first land defense line is built on the eastern border which is a system of towers and trenches combined with barracks and telecomunication hubs. This defensive line is called the Hanzer Line. The Arcadian republican army also asks Burgundy and Belka if they are willing to sell new modern artillery for the professional army and if they will also sell the gear that is old and not in use. (Player response). General of the Oriental Seryye Vincent Neri, A native Providence inhabitant and an important administrator and politician until he had to flee due to the civil war - which was closing in on his residence and the capital. After fleeing his country and joining the Providence Legion Neri began to perfect his Standard Arcadian German and even some Mzerkan. His experience in the FSA did change him a lot since he could get this hands on banned or non-printed books about Providence and its government and mostly the Emperor. Some Generals and general staff of the ARA who are members of the "Coalition against Syndicalism" begin to make him become the main figure and leader of their Plan to overthrow the Providence government due to the CAS fear of Syndicalism spreading in the wake of the providence instability. Since they believe if Syndicalism spreads to the FSA that it will ruin the norms and worths their republic is based on. The CAS begins to fund 344,739 Arcadian Franks (€15,000) per month to Neri and to his soldiers. During this time the glider clubs gain members with - in total - having 49 members who fly and many others who fund the motorgliding sport to improve its power and diversity.


 * Imperial Swahili Federation: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the south and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. Agricultural modernization continues in Swahili. Further industrialization continues. Several cities in Swahili have slowly become centres of industrial output. Four battleships are received from Belka, named SBS Zanzibar, SBS Mogadishu, SBS Mombasa and SBS Sofala. The four battleships, ten cruisers, eight destroyers and 20 frigates of Swahili form the first Swahili Grand Battlefleet. Electricity arrives in Swahili, with a hydroelectric plant being planned on the Zambezi River. A/C Electric lines are laid in the Zanzibar-Dar es Salaam urban area, as well as Mogadishu, Aliwa and Mombasa. Thanks to the significant iron and coal resources in Aliwa and Swazi, the cities of Chimoio and Soweto slowly grow to become the industrial centres of the South.
 * Buha: Swahili advisors begin to see modernisation within Buha. A railroad is being constructed to connect Zanzibar with Buha.
 * Kingdom of Hawaii: With Syndicalism now having a threat in Hawaii Queen Lydia Liliʻuokalani orders to send 15,000 volunteers to Arcadia in order to help the Arcadian government fight back against the Syndicalist menace. The Hawaiian Army is expanded to 400,000 men as more men are recruited by the Hawaiian government to help protect Hawaii from any Syndicalist threat. The Hawaiian government also sends a request to the Burgundian government as we would like to purchase some battleships in order to modernize our navy (Player Response Needed). With Japan nearing collapse the Hawaiian government declares war on Japan as the Hawaiian Fleet moves into Japanese waters in order to prepare the invasion of Japan's possessions in the Pacific. Queen Lydia sends diplomats to China in order to propose a military alliance with the powerful empire as Hawaii also sees the Japanese Empire as an aggressive authoritarian government.
 * Borealia: Our conflict against insurgents continues in the border regions of our nation, and across the border. We send soldiers and aid to the protectorate Vinland to ensure that they are able to repulse the attacks leveled against them as well. This year there is a particularly large scale battle in southern Allegheny in which poison gas is deployed at our defensive line. A secret network is discovered that insurgents were using to transport over the border, leading government troops to raid the nearby towns aiding the rebellion. As a result a large number of insurgents and English sympathizers are killed. At the same time the Nathanite movement arrives in the nation, although in small numbers. The majority of the Nathanites gain legitimacy in the public's eyes when they create a political party focused on reforms. The Nathanites manage to gain majorities in several parts of the country, while elsewhere they help to reshape the Progressive Party, currently the majority and leading reformist group. Those attempting to create breakaway nations within the state are crushed by the military, who are already well accustomed to combating insurgents in the nation. As they are already a niche political group, and are spread thin across rural areas, none of the Nathanite micronations last more than a year. Several more radical Nathanites do go into hiding, however, creating a group of armed, dissident protesters, known as the "Sovereign Citizens", for their contrarian interpretation of the law. Although the Sovereign Citizens are small in number and mostly confined to rural areas, a few notable examples make the national news. A man is pulled over for driving recklessly in a car near Roduins, claiming that he cannot be arrested for driving when he was "traveling" instead. A court does not rule in his favor. The Department of Transportation is created this year. One of the agency's first acts is ordering that a suitable land be set aside all major cities for the creation of future high speed rail systems, should the technology progress in the future. A new, direction route railway is to be constructed using the current high speed technology, connecting the "Northeast Corridor". The second ever high speed railway opens in Nova Belgica and Bovenstsland. We agree to meet with Egyptian officials and create a trade agreement. We agree to the cheap importation of their goods in exchange for the sale of coal and other requested resources. Ali Bakr is allowed to open factories and sell within the nation, simply paying the regular foreign tariff, and in exchange Egypt must allow our nation's automobile industry to open factories and sell within Egypt. Four older armored cars are gifted to Aztlan for free. A deal is proposed, that should Aztlan agree to uphold Borealia as their sole armored car/automobile provider, we will allow military vehicles to be sold to the state, in order to boost their military. This year several older battleships are sold to Guyana, Maryland, Kuba, or Vinland, and we also offer to sell ships to Aztlan. The government continues its mission to establish a base in the Pacific. We receive word from France and respect their claims, leaving the Soloman Islands to them. The Colony of Vanuatu, meanwhile, sees settlement from Borealians, Burgundians and New Zealanders, as well as a number of deported Anglo-Borealians. A fort is constructed to guard the settlement at Vilahaven, and a small number of soldiers and ships are permanently relocated there. In the Atlantic Johannes Eduard leads another expedition, hoping to claim several lands for the nation. The islands of Saint Helena and Ascension are explored and claimed, with a settlement named Rooseveltia being created. This is followed later in the year by Tristan da Cunha, Trindade and Martim Vaz, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Rocas Atoll, Fernando de Noronha, Isla Vermejo, and Bouvet Island, all of which being unclaimed, uninhabited and very small islands. This year the Olympics is hosted in our capital Sint Jan, to much praise from the people of the city. Security is heightened in the city, with all transportation and public places being heavily monitored. In sports the nation does exceedingly well. Additionally, the Olympic rugby matches prompt many sports officials to consider the creation of a World Rugby Cup, based on the Belkan Empire's sporting event. Meanwhile, from a small workshop in Greece, DeLorean receives word that the Swahili seek to hire him. This is rejected, as he plans to soon move back to his home if possible.
 * Egypt agrees to allow Borealian companies to invest fully in Egypt, but of course with Foreign Goods tax.


 * Great Empire of China–Korea: The number of troops operating in Japan increases to ~800,000. Hokkaido is fully occupied by ~25,000 Sino-Korean troops. A force of 400,000 troops is amassed in Tohoku, and begins a southward thrust into the Kantō Region; breaching the hastily built defenses and inching nearer to the capital of Tokyō. Meanwhile, troops in the Southern front (collectively numbering ~350,000) are placed on the defensive, with military officials deciding against attacking the heavily-fortified Osaka Bay Region. Matsuyama continues being fortified. With about one-half of the population now under Sino–Korean control (24 million out of 47 million), and the collapse of Japanese public and army morale due to the seizure of many important ports and the disruption of agriculture, the government issues an ultimatum against Japan demanding surrender under China–Korea ( JAPANESE RESPONSE ). The terms of peace are that:

1) Japan will grant a 50-year re-lease on Fukuoka; 2) Taiwan, Ryukyus and the Cheondoryeol islands will be detached from Japan; 3) Territories south of Taiwan will be given to Belka; 4) The Japanese military will be capped at ~250,000 during peacetime; 5) Japan will grant both China–Korea and Belka favourable trade policies; 6) China–Korea will station a garrison of ~20,000 in Tokyo to protect Sino–Korean interests.

China–Korea will also pledge to aid Japanese economic development, transition to democracy, and to provide military aid. In addition, China–Korea will provide reparations to civilians affected by war and offer to provide grain for a period of five years following the ratification of the peace treaty.''' With the success of the war effort, a feeling of intense national pride is felt all across the nation, with the pacification of what was perceived to be a potential rival, and the consolidation of China–Korea's position as a global power. Ma Raya releases her album Rainbow, with singles "Why Must You Break My Heart?" and "Thank the Heavens" reaching Number One. However, the limited release of "Cherry Blossoms" and "Can't Take That Away" (which held very personal content) causes her to break from the Seoul Music Entertainment, eventually signing to Tianjin Studios. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue. China–Korea continues to produce large quantities of textiles, synthetic dyes, steel, as well as machinery and construction material. Telecommunications and railway lines are built. With heightened demand, the production of armaments once again increases exponentially, with the manufacturing of repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns, and their respective ammunition. '''
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there, and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of 12 divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. The peasantry are taught techniques and granted capital to improve their cultivation methods – thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) continues and is highly successful. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. The border with Burgundian Champa is fortified with trench lines and a fortress. The amount of Sino–Korean troops stationed in Dai Viet is at ~100,000 as well as ~50,000 Vietnamese troops.
 * Occupied Japan: In order to muster hatred for the Japanese government, a propaganda campaign continues, portraying Japan as under an oppressive authoritarian government. Grain is shipped from the port of Busan, while medical officials are sent to prevent outbreaks admist the warfare. In addition, while martial law is in effect, education remains compulsory. As a measure of goodwill, many promising individuals are given scholarships to prestigious Sino–Korean Imperial Universities. While firearms are seized and arsenals are destroyed, civil infrastructure is emphasized to facilitate recovery post-war. Taiwan is incorporated in China–Korea as its 22nd province - while the Ryukyus are declared an independent entity from Japan.
 * Japan accepts reluctantly. 


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: Following an order placed by the Kingdom of Hawaii, three modified Grafleche Bourgogne-type battleships are laid down. The four battleships of the Elsass-class are laid down and one of them, the SMS Metz, progresses enough to be launched before the end of the year. Grand Admiral Vincent Eikenboom retires, and Queen Viktoria names Jan Fëscher to replace him. Fëscher immediately orders the creation of the Committee of Design, to finalize his vision of an all-big-gun battleship, although several key aspects have been agreed upon; eight 11” guns in two pairs of superfiring turrets, 12” armored belt, and steam turbine propulsion. The committee also begins considering an enlarged armored cruiser fast enough to serve as a scout, able to destroy enemy scouts, and armored enough to survive heavy caliber hits should they encounter enemy battleships. Fëscher also orders the retirement of dozens of old and outdated ships, freeing up the money used for their upkeep, and their crews for service aboard battleships, destroyers and submarines. In regards to the French Nathanites, it is stated unanimously by the States-General that while most of Nathanite doctrine is incompatible the secular Declaration of the Rights of Citizens, the social welfare aspects will be investigated to ascertain if it is feasible to implement. With word of the disturbances from the Vietnamese minority in Champa, several regiments of the Cham Army are sent to quell them. This on request from the Cham government, who see this as a threat to the restored Cham state. Laos and Cambodia continue to see rapid modernization of their armies, and Burgundian investment expertise has caused a sharp rise in industrialization. Adoption of the Burgundian style schooling system as allowed for universal education to be available for the first time in those countries, along with the rest of the Burgundian protectorates in Southeast Asia. In a general inspection of the protectorates’ capabilities, General Erik vun der Maas, the head of all Burgundian military operations in Southeast Asia, describes the protectorates’ armies as “tough, organized, well supplied, and disciplined, with tenacities that would give a tiger pause.” He credits their advancement with their Burgundian and Burgundian trained officer band (corps). He notes that the side effect is that the recruitment and training of the protectorates’ militaries has essentially created a separate caste within their respective societies. The Siamese King is sent a request to allow the construction of roads between Malaya and Lan Xang and Cambodia, to allow the easier movement of goods and trade between the countries of Southeast Asia (which would as a result directly benefit Siam). In return for allowing the road construction, Burgundy offers a contract to build two battleships to strengthen the Royal Siamese Navy (Mod response, please). In Groningen, Wëllem Heeren and the three Dahlmansen brothers - Artuur, Valter, and Wëllem - found the Heeren-Dahlmansen Motocycle Company.
 * Aztlan: The government denounces the recent uprisings in northern Arcadia, calling them "a needlessly violent struggle against governments open to reason." Preparations begin for the local ulama stadium in Tenochtitlan to be transformed into one for the Arcadian Games. Meanwhile, solutions are still being sought out for ice hockey. In military developments, one more battleship and eight more flotillas are completed this year. With tensions on the border tightening, 40,000 more men, along with the original 30,000, are marched to within 50 miles of the Texan border in case of a potential conflict, bringing the total number to 70,000. A few prototype armored machine gun cars are rolled to the front, but struggle to traverse the terrain. They will be behind the army if an assault is called.
 * New England: Prime Minister Joseph Stewart is gravely concerned by the situation across the continent. Ever since the Commonwealth War New England has been in a place of strength. With radicals running across the country whatever parts of the Military are mobilized. Stewart plans to flush out the ideologies which lay before him. His friend and party leader of the Conservatives Brian Truman also is able to pass several bills in Parliament to provide funding for industrial growth in the cities. These are mainly the cities of England (OTL Detroit and yes, I remember that event from centuries ago), Lakeview (OTL Chicago), Cleveland, Ohio (OTL Cincinnati), and New London (OTL Columbus). In the cities, Syndicalism, however, grows into workers unions which the local governments have to deal with. As for the Nathanite's, they find an ally with the Avalonian-New Englander Louis Coughlin. The new immigrants from Europe arrive in the cities who have to find jobs by working in the new factories built up. Sergeant John "Mad Jack" Custer founds the Anglican Party of New England. His idea stems from the loss and destruction of New England's pride following the Commonwealth War. He begins to attract followers steadily. These include people like Arthur Kennedy, Daniel MacMillan, and Trevor Halsey, and Steve Marriot. Custer heads the party from Scotsbourgh in the Province of Denver (OTL Charleston, West Virginia). Meanwhile, to end the devastation brought upon by the insurgency in Borealia and the blockade, Prime Minister Stewart offers a ceasefire on the diplomatic level to Borealia (Vand Rep). It is hoped that with the end of the blockade, foreign investors can come into New England and invest in the economy which can allow the nation to rebuild.
 * Borealian Diplomacy: We agree to lift the blockade and end any incursions against New England, as long as New England agrees to end its incursions, end its support for terrorist/rebellious/separatist groups, and to allow peacekeepers and the rest of the treaty to take place.
 * United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: The nation begins heavy development in order to recover from recent losses. The memory of Arabia defeating the nation is still fresh and as such, the number of soldiers in India is greatly increased. The local Indian authorities are consolidated in part under one military leadership. This is to better coordinate attacks near India in the future. The navy sees some increase, as newer battleships are constructed. A number of older ships are also sold for scrap to save funds. We begin moving into the interior of Africa, establishing new protectorates. A large number of English-speaking men and women are set to settle these regions and establish proper cities.


 * Even though this turn is like ... really good, I don’t think you are allowed to post as the UK without permission from the mods, mainly scraw. - A concerned player
 * NVM, you’re good.
 * No you aren't.
 * Belkan Empire: The small usage of Belkan troops in the war with japan (mostly occupational) and the end of Japanese imperialist tendencies in the area even with China claiming victory shows that China is a competent and powerful military ally and Belka reaffirms its alliance and Offers to sell three battleships to China at a discounted price. The further planned invasions of the Central African States are planned for 1906. The rise of further Syndicalism is defeated as the radicals call for a flash election. The Belkan radical movement effectively defanged earlier in the mid 1800's by the exile of Belka's radicals and the allowance of the moderates into the government (as well as many labor reforms already existing in the country itself) fails to spark a general movement toward further communism or Syndicalism. The Flash elections ironically push a few radicals out of the government which shows a general falling in radical Syndicalism and a push for Market Syndicalism and Autarky within the Syndicalists and Conservatives within the government. On top of this the Mobilization of the Belkan army in response to the chaos in Europe tones down possible rioting in the streets as many people understand that fighting the side that controls and organizes the extremely proffessional and powerful Belkan army is absolutely useless. The Belkan forces in Asia officially occupy the islands given over to it by China beginning to establish coaling outposts.
 * Chinese diplomacy: We agree.
 * Syndicalist Republic of Texas: Some farmers move into co-operatives. Ranchers also do, but at a slower pace. This leads to greater economic effiency. To win over hearts and minds, this is not forced but rather done with incentives. Most companies are at least unionized, some small ones are fully owned by workers. The government builds cabin housing in the co—operatives. Also, armament co-ops are made to modernize the military. Most railroad companies are highly unionized. Private investment is nationalized. A five-year plan is made to industrialize further. John Burr dials down revolutionary rhetoric and instead adopts a “Syndicalism in one country” approach.
 * Scandinavia: Scandinavia and Vinland sign the Charter of Stockholm, which states that the uninhabited islands in Oceania will be split between the two. An expedition starts from Stockholm heading to OTL Kennedy Island. An exception is made about selling land to other parties. Half of Iceland and Svalbard are sold to Vinland. Nothing else will be up for sale.

1905
''' The Egyptian automotive industry continues to motor forward along with their expanding industry. '''

''' Prussia, Rhineland and Austria begin converting to Nathanism after Nathan's murder in France. Liberal reason and atheism is attacked by these groups as heretical. '''

''' The offer of a ceasefire with Borealia leads to rioting in New England. '''

''' Newspapers react in fear to the new Burgundian super battleships and calls are raised across Europe for them to build their own versions. '''

''' Britain begins their own plans to initially build five new super battleships. '''


 * Kingdom of Egypt: The kingdom continues its industrial revolution with 50 factories being built every day. Prime Minister Omar Ismali declares the creation of the Royal Archive of Egypt, and historical artifacts like ancient Egyptian text, paintings, film, photographs, and other pieces of Egyptian history begin to be stored here. The major political parties in Egyptian Parliament - the Royalist Party and the National Party being the majority in parliament - all begin adopting anti-Arabian sentiment, so does the rest of Egypt, seeing Arabia as a threat to Egyptian sovereignty and Egyptian influence. With the recent change in opinion of Arabia, we begin militarizing the border, and cut ties with Arabia, along with spreading pro-Egyptian propaganda on the border of Arabia, mainly in the Palestinian region, using the fear of the increasing number of Jews in the region in propaganda to help shift the populace’s opinions of Arabia to negative and of Egypt to positive, and to support Egyptian annexation of Palestine. The monument we made years ago showing the flags of Belka, Egypt, and Arabia with the portraits of the monarchs below it is demolished this year, citing it as a “Waste of Resources” and move the portraits and flags to the new Royal Archive. Mass industrialization increases as more and more factories are created. Propaganda continues to be used to increase the popularity of the industrial worker and to create more workers for the new industrial sector. Farmers adopt new machines to help them farm. Child marrage is outlawed. The king approves of new subdivisions for Egypt, as new Governates are created, which includes making Alexandria, the Capital, directly under the control of the government, also known as a “Directly Administered Municipality”. In schools, secular education is more prominent, while teaching children about factories and how factory workers do their jobs. We offer to reestablish relations with the United Kingdom as it’s been some time since the Arabian war of independence and most Egyptians have moved on from then (PLAYER/MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). Electricity becomes wide spread in Egypt, as most cities see the instillation of power grids, the streets get litten up, houses use lightbulbs instead of candles or lanterns to light up their homes, and over all it brings more covinience to the lives of all Egyptians. Omar Ismali orders for a small military parade to take place at a military base around Tobruk, with normal military uniform on and military weapons present at all times during the parade; the parade is being held so Ismali can Review what Basic Egyptian infantry divisions look like and what they use. After the parade, Ismali talks with the General Staff and comes to the conclusion that the army needs to decrease the number of cavalry units they have, and to add more modern weaponry such as machine guns, more modern Belkan weaponry, and more military vehicles. Mining increases rapidly in Egypt. We continue to sell cotton, flux, papyrus, and tobacco to the international market, including Borealia. We officially stake claim to the Palestine region. A statue is built in Alexandria called “Mother Egyptus”, and is a national personification of the Egyptian nation, and becomes very wide spread and popular. Camel Milk becomes a very popular beverage and cooking ingredient, with many coffee shops using it instead of normal milk to make new crazy drinks for customers to try. A new genre of music begins becoming popular in Egypt: Slavorabic. Slavorabic is a hybrid of traditional Egyptian music with more modern Slavic music from Belka; the music originated in the Belkan Controlled Port of Damietta, where much cultural exchange has occurred, in which a series of exchanges created Slavorabic music, and became very popular in Damietta and the surrounding area, it wasn’t until the late 19th Century and early 20th Century when citizens from the area around Damietta or from Damietta itself came to the big cities for jobs that they started spreading their “Slavgyptian” culture, most popular of which was of course: Slavorabic. The population is estimated to be around 20-25 Million people. Factories are told to start doubling the amount they normally make, and factory workers begin working longer hours. Meanwhile, a massive railroad construction project is launched, which wants to create a National Railway for Egypt. The numbers in the army begin to reduce with ex-soldiers eventually having to become factory workers. In order to compensate for the reduce in army size, parliament will pass a law next year that basically requires all boys 17+ to serve six months in the military of any branch.
 * Savannah: In the year 1905 the nation is set for a pivotal moment. There is much resentment after losing a recent war, so much so that many of our citizens volunteer yearly to take on the occupiers. The capital seeks to right the nation's finances, calling for a temporary decrease in spending in many sectors. There is discontent in the working class, with people mad at the foreign invaders, mad at the ineffective government, and mad at their conditions. Surrounded by the Texans and New Englander communist movements, the local Syndicalist Party sees major funding and supplies from foreign nations. A popular figure named Robert Lee becomes the voice of this group, and manages to lead the Syndicalist Party to an unprecedented victory in the 1905 election. The People's Republic of Savannah is declared, with all past relations being disavowed. Instead, Premier Lee offers an alliance with sister republic Texas (Texan Reponse!). There is a large scale increase in the army, which begins to crackdown on those opposed to the new regime. The capitol building is dressed in red, the color of the revolution. The old statues are toppled, and new ones created. In his state of the union address, Lee declares that Savannah shall unite and rule the continent, one nation liberated from the old world shackles. Forts are constructed along the southern and northern borders of the nation. The People's Army is stationed to defend the border. In the meantime fighting continues against the old guard. Texas agrees.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: Presented the finalized design for an all-big-gun battleship to the States-General Navy Committee, and it is approved unanimously. The States-General as a whole approves the design in late January. Armed with eight 11” guns in two pairs of superfiring turrets and protected by 12" of armor, she’s set to make current battleships obsolete. Grand Admiral Fëscher, hoping to get the ship commissioned before other countries can effectively answer, set an ambitious one year construction schedule. As such, from February until August, large amounts of material are stockpiled in advance to smooth it along. The keel for SMS Dreadnought (named for Admiral Frans Wachts famous flagship) is laid on August 2nd in Kinnigleche Werft, Hoorn, regarded as one of the fasted shipbuilding yards in the world. Almost 3000 workers help in the construction, working double shifts to help the fast construction (this was preferable to the alternative, a 70-hour work week with compulsory overtime). By Day 6, the first of the bulkheads and most of the middle deck beams were in place. By Day 20 the front of the bow was in place and the hull plating was well underway. By Day 55 all of the upper deck beams were in place and by Day 83 the upper decks were in position. By Day 125 (December 5), the hull was complete. Dreadnought is launched in splendid fashion in a ceremony attended by Queen Viktoria, her son Prince Frederik. The need to stockpile material to meet Dreadnoughts construction schedule means the construction of the four Elsass-class ships lag behind, though the last three manage to get launched this year. The five ships of the Grafleche Bourgogne-class are commissioned and immediately join the High Seas Fleets I Battle Squadron. It is decided to send the First and Second Battle Squadrons on a circumnavigation of the world, partially as a goodwill tour, partially to test the fleets handling of long-term, long-distance missions. The 16 battleships raise steam on December 16 and make their first stop in Lisbon, Iberia, staying a week before sailing on to Borealia. The press dubs them the “Great White Fleet” after the white painted hulls of the Navy’s peacetime paint scheme. The defenses of Lan Xang are just about completed, called the King Zakarine Defensive Line, they are up-to-date with modern Burgundian defense doctrine, and similar to the strategic defensive lines along Burgundys eastern and western borders. The “line”, while not a continuous series of fortifications like the Guise Line and Waterloo Line lining Burgundys eastern and western borders, respectively, guards strategic passes and choke points across the borders from China and Dai Viet, allowing a concentration of defending forces while being protected from flanking maneuvers by mountains and jungles impassible to armies of significant sizes. The strategic fortress of Luang Prabang is also completed. As it sits, 50,000 troops man the Zakarine line. Defensive structures along Champa are expanded and improved in response to the Chinese doing the same.
 * Egyptian Dip: We would like Burgundy to allow two of our admirals and some naval architects to visit Burgundy and examine the Burgundian Royal Navy in order to better Egypt’s own navy.
 * Burgundian Dip: the Egyptians are welcomed to visit the Burgundian Navy.


 * New England: John Custer's Anglican Party grows tremendously with the social unrest in the country. Prime Minister Stewart's popularity drastically drops following his agreement to the ceasefire terms. Thomas Funston establishes Fenrir Motors in England City and buys out a factory and produces the Model A automobile. The Stewart Administration begins to fall in popularity. Hunter Hughes, entreasure, millionaire, and inventor manages to achieve aircraft flight in the province of Missouri flying from a field in Saint George to an altitude of 500 ft all the way into the province of Lower Ohio (OTL southern Illinois). Custer sends his goons out of Denver to elsewhere in the country. Chapters of the Anglican Party are established in Norfolk, Lakeview, Ohio City, and Ashton (OTL Billings, Montana). James Clapton forms the New English Syndicalist Party and travels to Texas to study Syndicalism. Custer sends other party informants to Avalon and Savannah to meet with party leaders who advocate a Pan-Anglo state and spread Anglicism into the two nations. Custer leads a march on Scotsburgh to massive success with the political climate. Custer unveils the Anglican Party banner. The flag contains red and white stripes on the side, and inside a blue background and a circle of stars lays the Union Jack. The Treading Waters bill is passed in parliament in secret. People of the Hewlett (OTL Baltimore) and New Dover Naval Yards are contracted to build diesel electric submarines with designs coming from Andrew Fuller. With outside oceanic trade not an option, we send diplomats to the FSA to establish a trade agreement (Vinny Respond). The military is raised to an active 250,000 troops due to the rise of Syndicalism and civil unrest. Meanwhile, the local weapons company of Lakeview known as Goodman Arms hires Joseph Parker to develop a new rifle intended for police. The Goodman 1905 SL holds a five-to-ten round magazine and fires in Goodman .35SL caliber. With the blockade over, New English merchant shipping once again starts to operate on the high seas. Meanwhile, diplomats are sent to Avalon, Britain and France asking for an economic an possible military alliance (Mod Response).


 * República Ibérica: Victoria en África! Proclaim the headlines across Iberia as the occupation of the former Prussian colony in South West Africa is completed. Without a significant Prussian military response, Iberia offers peace. The Iberian demands are simple, the surrender of the Prussian colony in South West Africa. Prussian citizens living there will find their rights respects, and be allows to seek Iberian citizenship should they wish (Prussian Response Please). The population is estimated to be 53.31 million. Science, research, and development come to dominate Iberian higher education. Alberto Enciso, now renown for his discoveries, continues his work on relativity and publishes a fourth major paper on Brownian Motion titled “On the Motion of Small Particles Suspended in a Stationary Liquid, as Required by the Molecular Kinetic Theory of Heat." Roads are rebuilt across Iberia with an emphasis on future proofing automobile travel. The roads are built from concrete and are expected to last well and be well insured against future developments in automobile technology. The improvement of roads, as well as a tariff on automotive imports, allows both the Herrero Motorworks and the Correia Motor Company to explode in popularity. Both companies are demonstrating large profits. Correia Motor Company’s Model 3 becomes the most sold car in Iberia with nearly 1800 sold in the first year. Herrero, seeing the success of their direct competitor returns to its roots, selling luxury automobiles to the well-to-do at a significantly higher price. Carlos Martín and the Iberian Sun Power Company develop more uses for the solar thermal systems. Solar home heating becomes a major branch of the company, and solar water-heaters become the stable of the wealthy. The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing constructing the next classes of the Iberian semiannual ship orders. Construction continues on the Maximiliano Zapico Stadium in preparations for the 1908 Olympic Games. Iberian technical observers in Burgundy, abiding by the Burgundo-Iberian Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, happen upon the Kinnigleche Werft shipyard, which is working on the new, and controversial, battleship Dreadnought. Questioning some engineers in the vicinity, they gather some basic information regarding an all-big-gun battleship. Although the concept had been floating around Iberian ship-design circles for some time, no ships had yet been proposed under that revolutionary premise. Having been informed of the proposal in Burgundy (to be clear no actual plans were obtained, only hear-say from engineers working on the project), Iberian naval architects begin considering the construction of an Iberian equivalent. A highly secret study is also initiated to examine the possible conversion of Iberian mixed-main-armament ships to the all-big-gun approach. The study is inconclusive, while such a conversion is possible, the sacrifices required to do so would be significant. The result of such a conversion would be a ship with either the main battery firepower of a mixed-main-battery ship with some minor armor improvements, or a ship with a larger battery that sacrifices endurance, speed or armor. This does present a possible option. Several older Iberian warships, namely the Andalucia and Navarre Classes, are already falling behind the standard for open ocean combat. Reports on the combat in the Sino-Japanese War has also shown that long-range engagements are becoming the norm in naval warfare. Thus, a new breed of Iberian Battleship is envisioned, intended to defend coastal waters and free up the more powerful true battleships for deployment. The ships, smaller and more economical than most battleships are to be armed and armored as well as any true battleship, but sacrifice endurance. Engineers working on the project dub them “Coastal Battleships” owing to their very restricted range around 2500 nautical miles. It is decided, that rather than building new ships, the older Andalucia and Navarre Classes should be converted to Coastal Battleships and be refit with eight × 310 mm L45 Mk. V Naval Guns and improved armor for their superstructures and hulls where it can be done. A second turret is to be added to each aft of the superstructure replacing a significant portion of the coal bunkers with a new fourth magazine. Meanwhile, a new class of battleships, based on the all-big-gun form Burgundy has been exploring is to be constructed. Work begins this year on the class of all-big-gun ships armed with eight × 310 mm L45 Mk. V Naval Guns and the highest quality of hardened armor available. Eight ships are ordered, two in the all-big-gun layout, and six in a more conservative mixed battery layout. The all-big-gun ships are expected for delivery in 1906, with the other eight in 1907. The design and construction schedules are left as such that the eight conventional ship could be converted rapidly to the all-big-gun design.
 * Republica de Morocco: The national census estimates the population to be 12.15 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. Due to the advent of solar power, it has become clear that Morocco will be able to develop improved sources of power. Wages hover at just about 93% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 52% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language, and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school. Moroccan agitators continue the campaign for more representation in the foreign policy of Morocco, but Iberia, caught up in its war, fails to respond.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: The population of Algeria reaches 7.46 million, and of these, 3.79 million are European. Algerian migration to Morocco continues en masse to escape the poverty of interior Algeria. The interior economy remains very poor with limited adoption of modern technology. Meanwhile, along the coast and in Mostaganem there is rapid development as European migrants implement modern farming, manufacturing and financial methods from their homes. Iberians in Algeria begin petitioning for annexation by Iberia proper.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay. A major port is constructed at Dakar for the export of resources from the region. In addition, a rail-line in constructed to connect the interior to the coast. This is followed by another rail project built along the coast to solidify Iberian hegemony.


 * FS of Arcadia: The Vexilogical Society of Arcadia gets more federal and local power by communities wanting better flags and symbols for their towns and regions. The funding of the society getting a 500% budget increase with its budget now being 562,353 Arcadian franks. With the success of the society some in government begin to consider founding more societies to help certain scientific and technological Fields. The Vexilogical Society of Arcadia (VSA) also begins to discuss which animal should be the national animal of the Federated States of Arcadia, some want the national animal to be the eagle while others consider the chipmunk or even a deer as the animal of the Federated States. Viexologists of the VSA also request that all nations in Arcadia join the VSA do standardise and list all flags and symbols of the Continent.(Player responses) Growth of Arcadian Republican Army - it now consists of a total of a quarter-million soldiers, this excludes people in the Civic militia. With the Civic militia mostly consisting of unfit and older men they are fit enough to perform their duty as the Civic militia. Of the quarter-million ARA soldiers, 100,000 of them are stationed at the border of Providence. The esquillo, propetarian, republican, Christian's peoples and the democratic party of Arcadia all join the coalition against Syndicalism. This is due to the fear that Syndicalism and Marsanism can change and influence the Arcadian norms and worth.
 * Syndicalist Texas: the alliance with Savannah is welcomed. However, fears rise that capitalist powers will unite to destroy Syndicalism in a “world war.” Thus, rhetoric is dialed down. Also, we call on talks with Borelia and Arcadia (RESPONSE, PLEASE). The economic development continues, with workers agreeing on the share of resources in the co-operatives. Incentives to continue completion include awards (not like shit loads of cash, but bigger houses, larger beds, etc). Also, more cabins are constructed for farming and sewing co-ops. Unionized railroads are built. Factories are built to establish industry. Also a people’s militia is created to supplement the army. Movements to the co-ops are voluntary, but incentives are given. Literacy is taught in the co-ops, and free education is offered. Literacy rises. A state-owned electrical company is built, so some cities begin to get electricity.
 * Borealian Diplomacy: It is proposed that in the next Pan-Arcadian Congress Texas is welcomed to return. Borealia in particular offers an alliance, and is not against Texas' government as long as they honor their relations with Borealia.
 * Imperial Swahili Federation: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the south and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. Agricultural modernization continues in Swahili. Further industrialization continues. With new found wealth, foreign influence and a rich artistic and cultural tradition, Zanzibar is slowly becoming the cultural center of sub Saharan Africa and a major player in the African continent as a whole. Tradition Swahili Music has been modernised with Western instruments and musical theory and this Modern Swahili Music grows in popularity. Telephones are experimented with in urban areas.
 * Buha: Swahili advisors begin to see modernisation within Buha. A telegram line now connects Zanzibar with Buhumbura.
 * Borealia: The ceasefire with New England is accepted as long as the terms of their earlier treaty is accepted, namely that they will likewise end all incursions against us, end all support for insurgents, and allow peacekeepers within their borders. The blockade is lifted slowly. Our ships will continue to patrol those waters and prevent any smuggling into our territory, or clear insurgency activity, but will no longer attack- on-sight all New Englander vessels. These battle hardened fleets continue to be repaired and expanded, and stay on standby in the area. The government cuts any remaining ties with insurgents for the time being, although across the border there is little they can do to stop pro-Borealian insurgents already in action, or the communist rebels in New England. The total border wall across our border is completed, and we take this opportunity to expand it with new concrete barriers, machine gun turrets, and artillery. The total strategic defensive line is expanded, and will be manned at all times by a large garrison. All comings and goings across the border will be stopped or monitored closely, and so immigration to New England from our territory is still effectively zero. Along the border at certain intervals is the main fortresses, which will be staffed by intelligence and military personnel, artillery, cavalry, mechanized cavalry, and airfields as well as serving as a hub for railways to the border. The expansion project in the south leads to a large migration, as workers and employees are needed. Overtime several hundred thousand Burgundians arrive in southern Unamia and Allegheny. The Nausetian Exclusion Zone expands to include all of Nausetia, meaning at this time Nausetia (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut) effectively have no English presence. Koebec follows similarly. A large number of Burgundians, English and prisoners are relocated to the colonies, especially the major islands in the Atlantic and Vanuatu, and then to isolated areas or friendly nations. In an attempt to turn a new leaf we extend diplomatic relations to Savannah, as they are less of a threat. A trade agreement is offered as the first part of the détente process. However, we continue to station a fleet in Maryland, and aid the Marylander military in expanding their defenses along the border. As part of our plan to aid the Vinland government in industrializing further, the railroads networks in the north of the nation are expanded into Vinland, with private investors creating new lines between major Vinland cities. The government also commissions the creation of lines from the strategic line through southern Vinland, to help them build a defensive line around the main parts of Avalon. After the SMS Dreadnought is launched we begin a massive revamping of our shipyards to accommodate orders from Burgundy of this kind. The first three one "dreadnought" style battleships are ordered in December of this year, being constructed in Sint Jan, Lelystad, and Breukelen. They will not be completed until July of next year approximately, and will likely not be commissioned until the end of 1906. Elsewhere the navy continues its plan to build destroyers, cruisers, and submarines. The navy starts this year with 38 submarines, which are moved into the fleet near New England. The navy launches an ambitious plan to double that number by the end of the decade, while also meeting a quota of at least three smaller ships per capital ship. A number of minelayers are also launched, to be used in case the blockade is reinstated. A slightly upgraded armored car, known as the Minerva GV5 Panter is produced, which becomes the main car for combat. Older Minervas are sold to Vinland, Maryland, and Aztlan. We offer to reaffirm or create alliances and/or trade relations with Texas, Scandinavia and Gran Colombia.
 * Burgundian West Africa (I do not own these, but Guy gave me permission to write about these for him): In Maneland the colonial administration at Vrijstad institutes a new tax on dwellings, which proves to be extremely harsh on the native villages of the region. The chiefs, unable to pay the high tax and sustain themselves, begin petitioning and later protesting the government. The so-called Hut Tax War lasts a few months, and results in several skirmishes. Eventually the natives are defeated, with several chieftains and warriors hanged or exiled. Governor Simon van der Stel ultimately resigns and is replaced by Joachim Janssens, who is more lenient on the native population. Several changes begin in Manelander society. First, the company De Beers, a Dutch-South African mining company, is granted a monopoly on the diamond mining in the colony, in addition to their many holdings elsewhere in Africa, including French South Africa. The company seeks interest from rich investors, namely the Vanderbilts of Borealia, sparking a major increase in the infrastructure of Maneland. Thousands of workers, primarily poor natives, become employed to work the mines. The first railroad in Maneland is also constructed this year, to aid in the process. There is a growing movement in the colony, inspired by Belka, to lower the exploitation of the natives. Their attempts to institute work safety laws are prevented, but they manage to gain support for the banning of domestic slavery practiced by the local African elites. In Nieuw Friesland the colony is largely split into two sections, the old Burgundian colony at Monrovia, and the Burgundian/Borealian settlements in the south, such as Joubertia and Pretoria. Governor Jan Tulbagh decides to bridge the gap by ordering the creation of roads connecting the two halfs of the colony. Although the majority of the nation is still heavily agrarian, the first forms of mechanization are implemented in some of the larger plantations, leading to higher exporting of rubber, sugar, iron, and other products. Athletes from Joubertia return home having competed in the Olympics for the first time at Sint Jan. Although the handful of athletes, who competed for Burgundy, did not fair extremely well, it inspires the mayor, a Borealian-born man named Johan Berkel, to invest in a football field and the creation of sports teams, in the hopes of bringing attention to the colony in an upcoming edition of the Burgundian Games.
 * Vinland: Due to the insurgency crisis the Vinlandic army is expanded to 110,000 soldiers. In addition, the garrision in Greenland and Jan Mayen is strengthened. The fortification line on the border with Avalon begins being constructed. Elections are held with Alfred Svensson winning the election. Vinland opens the St. Olof Zoo where many rare animals including the heath hen are. Vinland buys 200 cars from Borealia and the VCS (Vinlandic Car School) is founded.
 * Aztlan: Venues for the 1914 Arcadian Games are selected this year, with the Ice Hockey planned to be held at OTL Tegucigalpa de Hidalgo. This year, 11 flotillas are constructed (four more in lieu of a battleship). The government decides to allow commercial and industrial districts to appear in the Exclave of Quilmes, so as to add to the prosperity of the port. Also, an offer to negotiate is relayed to the Syndicalist state of Texas, so as to try to calm tensions along the border. 40,000 troops are called home from the border so as to appear less aggressive.
 * Belkan Empire: The Empire in response to the Burgundian superbattleship launches the BES Impaler an all big gun design battleship which is coloquially known as a "Juggernaut" a new type of battleship in which the name is adopted quickly and making every former Belkan battleship obsolete as the Belkan navy redirects its funding en masse to developing these ships. Nine of these ships are laid down to be completed next year with upward of 15 more concretely planned and upward of 40 cautiously planned. The economy sees some more growth from the victory in Asia and the ability of Belka to control more trade from the New World to East Asia. The African colonies continue to expand and fill in much of the unoccupied or tribal territories. With the direct integration of the Turkish and Maghrebi territories the population stands at 124 million (with the added territories adding ten million and there being 14 million in natural growth from the last 15-20 years). The Belkan Strategic Line in Moldavia is completed stretching from the base of the Carpathians to the Black Sea. The Second line running from Trieste along the border to Hungary begins construction with an expected completion date in 1909. The construction of this is noted to be a major forward in Belkan doctrine into a defensive posture and the empire itself and its colonies are evaluated into potentially pushing into a war footing. Resources are evaluated as well with the need to for a strategic reserve of key war making materials being noted such as rubber, chromium, aluminium, and tungsten. On top of this, the Belkan army begins developing fully the Colonial armies into full fighting forces with each Colonial army being put under a leadership command under an elite Belkan division. This creates the Belkan Central African Army, Zaire Army, East Africa Army, Burma Army, and the Tondo Army. They are all expected to be trained to a much higher degree than previous colonial troops. Some of these colonial states such as Tondo and Burma are noted to be much more loyal due to prime investment from the homeland, and the Belkan empires ability to create a thriving economy which has increased the standard of living in these colonies. Tondo itself is noted to be a model colony with nearly 300,000 Belkan citizens coexisting peacefully with the natives and it being the most profitable and productive colony specifically for its key exports. Burma, as well, is noted as a rather model colony as, alongside Tondo, it has seen its strategic industries and infrastructure expand dynamically and in a large fashion. The railways through Africa, also after decades of construction, finally link up this year with the railway running from Tunis to Kanem, down into Zaire and Gabon and then over into Ethiopia and past the Great East African Lake (Lake Victoria.) The connection here gives Belka unprecedented control as the mainline African garrison of nearly 500,000 in Maghreb is able to deploy to hotspots on the African continent in short order. However, rather than see integration attempts like Maghreb, the Belkan government takes a commonwealth approach with a possible attempt at responsible government to be appointed into these colonies that show promising growth and economic output being able to contribute to the Commonwealth as a whole. In a show of good faith, Turkey is given a commonwealth status due to lack of revolt and its decent economic growth and acceptance of Belkan investment. This is potentially - in large - fear of the state being swallowed by Arabia if it had been independent otherwise.
 * United French Republic: The United French Republic continues to progressively improve as reconstruction efforts continue around the nation, primarily in Bordeaux and Occitania. As more automobiles are produced, sold, distributed, etc, roads and highways begin to be improved as more factories are built across the state. Working conditions improve, in addition to employment rising post-war. In the first time in centuries, the French population falls below the Iberian population, stagnating and even declining slightly around 50 million. Defensive lines are updated. The navy sees large expansion, as older ironclad models are replaced with more powerful, artillery-filled, and overall devastating destroyer-type warships. Wanting to improve upon the use of trench warfare, as to lessen French casualties in the case of war, the military budget is increased, and after some testing, prototypes failing, and other obstacles, the Gauthier-Delage Modèle 1905 (OTL FIAT-Revelli Modello 1914) is created, produced and remains stocked in case of war. Other modeled machine guns, like the Fusil-Mitrailleur Modele 1905 (OTL Fusil-Mitrailleur Modele 1915 CSRG) are created (albeit supporting a ten-round case rather than the 20), and the handgun Brunissement Modèle 1905 (OTL Browning Model 1910) are created for bettering close combat efficiency. French merchants begin to publicly and casually use the unlimited port access offered by Persia years ago. Investments are made there. The African states continue to operate normally as scheduled. The French territory in Indonesia is fortified, in addition to Guinea. The alliance made with Burgundy and its former states is retracted, primarily because of the instances of war that had led them to forging an alliance now being gone, therefore the reason for an alliance is invalidated. Naval warships begin circling around Siamese waters and coast, although their presence is minimal and primarily just "looking around".


 * Great Empire of China–Korea: The end of the war and the reintegration of Taiwan and Cheondoryeol is celebrated, and the veterans are well-compensated for their excellent service. Fukuoka is organized as a crown dependency, but per the treaty between China–Korea and Japan, it will be retroceded in 1955. 100,000 troops are stationed in Fukuoka, which continues to be fortified as a stronghold of Sino–Korean presence within the Japanese archipelago. In addition, a garrison of 20,000 troops is stationed in Tokyo to protect Sino–Korean interests in the archipelago, while Japanese firms are contracted to commence the construction of a permanent military base there. Meanwhile, Taiwan and the Ryukyus are admitted as provinces. Meanwhile, Korea is split into North and South Korea, with the boundary being set as the Yalu River. Meanwhile, Sakhalin is separated from North Korea and now administers the Cheondoryeol Islands. These raise the total number of provinces from 20 to 24. With a naval arms race ensuing, China–Korea begins to amass the resources to construct its own battleships. With technical aid provided by Belkan engineers, construction of China–Korea's first two domestically-produced battleships begins in the Dalyeon Shipyard, scheduled for commissioning in 1907. Similar to new Burgundian and Belkan ships, they are armed entirely with high-caliber guns and turrets. However, 70% of its parts are imported from Belka. The annual production capacity of the Dalyeon Shipyard is capped at 60,000 t by the Grand Secretariat, and the rest being relegated to commercial shipbuilding (though most firms have migrated to the Tianjin and Ulsan Shipyards). The number of active troops during peacetime is decided to be raised to two million troops (including overseas troops). A new gun is created, with the addition of a dust cover, and the reduction of bolt parts from nine to six. In addition, the manufacturing/disassembly of the bolt is simplified and it can now accommodate use an eight-round magazine. This model is named the SL–90 Type 05. Needle Rifles are completely decommissioned, even for reservists and for overseas troops. Construction on three strategic defense lines (Guangdong, Yangtze and Yellow River) begins, being constructed 50 km inland to protect them from naval bombardment. These are meant to fortify the openings of the respective river valleys in case of the fall of the strategic forts. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue. China–Korea continues to produce large quantities of textiles, synthetic dyes, steel, as well as machinery and construction material. Telecommunications and railway lines are built. Arms production increases with the production of repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns, and their respective ammunition.
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there, and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of 12 divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. The peasantry are taught techniques and granted capital to improve their cultivation thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) continues and is highly successful. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. The border with Burgundian Champa is fortified with trench lines and a fortress. The amount of Sino–Korean troops stationed in Dai Viet is at ~100,000 as well as ~50,000 Vietnamese troops.
 * Fukuoka (crown dependency): Port facilities in the city are enlarged to accommodate larger traffic. A permanent military base is established there with Sino–Korean firms. Civic buildings and housing are constructed for the arrival of 120,000 (of which, five-sixths are military personnel) Chinese or Koreans, almost matching the population of 150,000 Japanese residents. Immigration from Japan is encouraged, and a hospital for Japanese usage is built. The Fukuoka Medical College, associated with the Kyoto Imperial University, is established as its own separate entity and enters a partnership with the Busan Imperial University.

1906
''' In the climate of Nathanism, Syndacism and antagonism between nations. Military buildup continues with Savannah, Avalon, Russia and Austria all investing heavily in their land forces while Britain, Rhineland and Prussia all begin to build their own large battleship designs. '''

''' Arabia responds to Egypt that Palestine is Arabian. '''

''' Prussia responds to Iberia they will not have peace. '''

''' Russia, in addition to its military reforms, begins to improve its transport infrastructure on its borders with Persia, Anatolia, Belka and Hungary by building railways and stock for them. '''

''' Alberto Ensico (OTL Albert Einstein) does cool scientific stuff in Iberia. '''
 * Savannah: The Syndicalist government proves to be short lived, as by the start of this year the government is isolated to the capital, and by March 1906 Robert Lee resigns. The summer is spent reorganizing the nation and writing a constitution. The result is a full republic is created with a president, that is to say, not a dominion of Great Britain with a monarch as head of state anymore. Jefferson Davis is selected as a temporary president for the rest of the year. He tries to balance the new republic's delicate situation, hoping to remain on favorable terms with Great Britain, and also to retain the alliance with Texas. Despite reforming to a representative form of government, the many reforms brought on by the shortlived Syndicalist state are preserved for the most part, with Syndicalists and Communists playing a large part in the politics of the first election. Alexander Calhoun is elected the first president in September, due to take office by the start of 1907. We accept the offer of trade from Borealia, hoping that trade will help us grow and rebuild. As there is quite high untrust still, we request a non-aggression pact with them. (player response) There is still tension in the air, and the project to create a defensive line in the south and north is continued. The army is to be raised to 400,000 in peacetime, split between guarding the north and south borders. There is growing militarism, as the expansion idea of Lee's government has not been undone. We ask for an alliance with Brésil, New Granada, Providence, and Arcadia. 
 * Burgundian Dip: An offer is extended to President Davis and President-Elect Calhoun for the construction of roads and railroads between Savannah and the Dominion of Maryland, to help build ties and increase trade between the two states.
 * Texan Diplomacy: The reforms are praised and it is intended to continue friendly relations.
 * Brésilian Dip: The offer is accepted.


 * Kingdom of Egypt: Prime Minister Omar Ismali orders the restriction of suspected Syndicalists from entering the country as he sees the increasing threat of Syndicalism to the royal family and the nation as a whole as Egypt industrializes, and so the Red Scare begins as Anti-Marsanist propaganda is spread throughout the nation, with children being taught in schools that Marsanists are barbaric creatures, hate religion and want destroy everything Egypt stands for. We tell Arabia to screw off and ignore all claims to Palestine by Arabia, and begin printing maps showing Palestine as Egyptian. Mass industrialization continues, with more jobs being opened, and so we begin a campaign of eradicating unemployment as Egypt enters the future. We once again contact London, requesting to reestablish relations with the UK. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!) We continue to use propaganda to promote the industrial worker, and continue to preach to the youth the greatness of becoming an industrial worker. We continue to build factories across the nation. In order to increase production, we lower corporate and safety regulations but of course make sure working conditions aren’t fatally dangerous and still keep sanitary regulations along with the air conditioning quota. The National Railway System continues to be developed throughout the nation. With the Burgundians agreeing to let naval officers and naval architects observe Burgundian warships, we begin developing our own designs based on the Burgundian ships, with our first model being the HRMS (His Royal Majesty’s Ship) Al-Nagm, named after the Great Caliph Al-Najm ll Al Akbar (with Al-Nagm being how it’s spelled in Egyptian Arabic). The HRMS Al-Nagm is a prototype warship that is the first of many in the Al-Nagm-class of ships. That manages to do well in training, though still needs some more work (and before the mods get all over this, the battleship is a bit behind current warships). Egyptian Arabic is made the official language as we begin splitting from Arabia. Pro-Egyptian propaganda continues to be spread toward the Palestine region which is are joined by people who begin teaching the Egyptian Arabic writing system. Short range telephones are introduced to Egypt, though the telegram continues to be preferred and used but some of the military begins using short range telephone lines. We begin to make a stock pile of weapons and food and store them in undisclosed locations along the Arabian-Egyptian Border. The military continues to expand its arsenal as more and more modern weaponry is produced. The first Egyptian-built machine gun is produced called the Mahdi-1 and is adopted by the army as more and more of these models are made. Egyptian nationalism sores as the Golden Age continues and with the recent claims on Palestine. Egyptian Nationalism also begins to include elements of Anti-Marsanism as the government begins promoting certain views of Marsanism that make it a threat to the Egyptian State and the Egyptian People. Ali Bakr Motors continues to prosper as probably one of the richest and most successful companies in Egyptian history, and the largest motor company in Europe and Africa. Ali Bakr Motors comes out with its Betrix Model of cars, which become a hot sell throughout the nation and the commonwealth. Ismali’s economic policies begin to be known as the “Ismali Doctrine”. Anti-Arabian sentiment continues to soar.
 * UK: OK.
 * New England: The Anglican Party proves to be very popular in the west and the Great Lakes cities. John Custer holds a speech in Lakeview drawing a large crowd, only to which a Syndicalist gunman aligned with James Clapton attempts to shoot Custer. He misses and is nearly beaten to death by Anglican Party stalwarts before police apprehend him. The submarine program continues with a predicted first submarine up by next year. Anglican Party ideas continue to be spread into Savannah and Avalon preach for Anglo-Arcadian unification in the face of new threats. Wellington Arms Company M1906 rifle (OTL Ross Rifle) is adopted as the official rifle for the New English army. The M1906 Wellington is to be armed with 30-06 Wellington ammunition. James Clapton returns from Syndicalist Texas and is immediately apprehended by border guards. He remains in a Missouri jail for now. Deputy Party Leader Arthur Kennedy and several other men are elected to positions within Parliament giving the Anglican Party a base in politics. In the northwest province of New Scotland (OTL western Montana), several Syndicalist linked bombings occur which draws townsfolk into the arms of Anglican Party thugs who start patrolling the streets with semi-auto rifles. Sir Albert Monroe patents his "Monroe Self-Loading rifle" (OTL Mondragon rifle) to Wellington Arms. He is backed up by private arms investors to lobby for its adoption into the New English army, confident it can stand up for the battlefield trials. We offer a military and economic alliance to our old parent nation of Great Britain (Mod Response).
 * UK: OK.
 * Scandinavia: The ship returns back to Stockholm but to no avail. Vinland is recognized as a sovereign state and not a protectorate. The Agreement of Copenhagen is signed which states that Vinland must help Scandinavia in any wars that it's in.
 * Borealia Diplomacy: As we are also allied with Vinland we offer an alliance with Scandinavia directly.
 * Scandinavian Diplomacy: We accept.
 * Borealia: The military remains on high alert despite the temporary ceasefire, still continuing to come under minor attacks from insurgents. The M1891 rifle has been phased out by this point by the M1903 Johannesburg (Springfield), while the Kort Magazijn Damen III (Short Magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III) is released this year, to eventually replace the Johannesburg as the primary rifle of the military. The extensive border wall and strategic line is manned and continually upgraded, and by this time each major fort spaced out along the wall contains facilities for vehicles, artillery, a railroad station, and an airfield. Although airplanes are in a primitive state worldwide, the military plans ahead and invests in an upgrade for the 37 mm autocannon already in use (the OTL pom-pom, which also was used for anti-air), and begins designs for a 3"/.23 caliber gun that will be mounted at the strategic line, and possibly on ships as well in the future, and should see production within a few years. Heavy production of the Minerva GV5 Panter begins to increase the nation's mechanized abilities, while the GA2 and GA3 are now both phased out, the last few having been sold this year to our allies. The high-speed Northeast Corridor line is further upgraded to run to Philadelphia and then Wilmington, allowing passengers or military personnel to travel some 400 miles at 100 mph. The navy sees the completion of one dreadnought mid-year, and the completion of a second toward the end of the year. A third is slated to be completed in early 1907. The building is heavily supplemented cost-wise by the fact that the navy sees the selling or scrapping of multiple battleships for each new one constructed, however, after these three the navy does not plan to construct dreadnoughts as quickly going forward. The construction of other ships continues as planned, however, with the navy reaching 49 submarines by the end of 1907, as well as at least 120 cruisers and destroyers (combined). We accept the offer of a non-aggression pact with Savannah, and also offer to limit our part of Maryland's military buildup if they also limit their military buildup near Maryland.
 * Federated States of Arcadia: How do Esquillos march has been a question for ten years long. Now the people will know. They march in straight lines singing Old Royal songs and with commands in Athabaskan and Iberian through the city of Diltwa Wituye, otherwise known as Neu Leipzig. The 7th of December will go down in history books once more in 300 years. Now they will once more remember the Coronation of Paulo Diltwa. The design of the Motorglider improves further mostly reliability gets better now so much that some men have done ten flights without any issue on their motorgliders. General of the Oriental Seryye, Vincent Neri, storms the Royal Palace of Providence on the 13th of January. This is done by the Providence Legion of the Oriental Seryye which numbers a total of 13,000 soldiers. After the storming of the royal palace and the personal surrender of the Providence emperor, many generals and politicians switch their alliance to general with a total of 53 of the 95 Ministers switching. They name Neri "Le premier consul de la providence et son peuple Libre". Neri officially adopts a flag that has a dark blue background with a white St George's cross on it. With the adoption of the new flag comes the creation of a new and Republican constitution which is known as "Les article Libere" which defines the natural rights and duties of the people in Providence. The first Consul does suffer from some minor rebellions over Providence mostly from Anglo- and Germanophobes, who fear he will lead Providence into becoming a slave of the Federated States. After the strain of the Reforms on the economy and the Republic of Providence, Neri and His his cabinet officially vote for a union with greater autonomy with The Federated States of Arcadia. The ARA after this vote and hearing an invitation to aid in the integration goes over the Arcadian-Providence border. This is done by Generals of the ARA without presidential orders. Due to this, he tries to recall this change of defence line. His president eventually accepts as he sees that this is the best option left and he even calls on the CAS and telling that their actions have been just.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: The commissioning of SMS Dreadnought, the world's first all big gun battleship is widely celebrated in Burgundy. Initial impressions of Dreadnought are approving, and three sister ships are laid down. They are, however, modified to mount the new .45 caliber 12” rifle. Also laid down is a class of three “armored cruisers”, called the Südleche Béit-class. According to public documents, their an incremental improvement over previous such cruisers, replacing. In actuality, they bear a closer resemblance to Dreadnought battleships; carrying a main battery of eight 11”/45 guns in four dual turrets, and an armored belt 11” thick, it is capable of 25 knots. As such, it is dubbed a battlecruiser by the Admiralty. Initially, Grand Admiral Fëscher wanted to arm the ships with heavier guns, and gain the extra speed by sacrificing armor. This design, however, was rejected by First Minister of the Navy Graf Theodoor van Roosevelt, who insisted the ships have enough armor to survive a line of battle action. This lead to the ships being armed with the light 11” guns, and retaining thick armor. The Südleche Béits actual design is to remain classified until after their launch. The Great White Fleet continues its worldwide goodwill voyage, making port in Borealia - both in Sint Jan and in New Amsterdam - before moving on and docking in Meiniamen, Maryland (OTL Miami), then Havana, Cuba, and on to Rupertstad, Guyana. A visit is paid to Rivière du Comte in Brésil, the ships rendering all expected honors during it, before their first leg of their journey ends in Bonapaartstad, Patagonië - after which the fleet sails through the Straits of Bonapaart and up the west coast of Laurentia and then Arcadia. Port calls are made in Callao, Peru and Magdalena Bay, Aztlan, and then the fleet arrives in New Constantinople, Arcadia. From there the fleet sails to Honolulu, Hawaii, and then on to Guise, New Zealand. The fleet makes several stops afterward, paying courtesy visits in the British Yorke Penninsula, French New Guinea, the Iberian East Indies, and then Belkan Manila. Leaving Belkan Manila under escort from the Belkan Navy Squadron after their visit, the fleet visits Yokosuka, Japan and Shanghai, China before making port in Singapore for the remainder of the year. This year the Trans-Indochina Road begins construction, to be a large, wide road connecting the capital cities of the Burgundian Indochinese protectorates, from Phnom Penh, to Panduranga, to Vientiane. A double main-line railroad is to be run along side the road. Modernization of the Indochinese armies continues, with the first divisions to be armed with the Maussen Karabiner M1898 are organized. A separate factory is opened to facilitate the arming of the Southeast Asian protectorate armies with the rifles, produced as the M1905 Sint Georg, after the patron saint of the region. Enrollment in the Burgundian sponsored school systems climbs, helping in furthering the education of the next generations. The increased trade from the inter-connectedness brought upon by the Burgundian overlordship causes the respective economies of the protectorates to rise still further. With consulting from Borealia, Burgundy continues experimenting with aeroplanes. Ten submarines are commissioned this year. Queen Viktoria announces she will be traveling to Singapore in 1907 to host a conference among the monarchs of the Burgundian protectorates in South and Southeast Asia, to discuss the development and futures of the states face-to-face. An envoy is sent to Russia, offering an alliance with Burgundy, noting that both states are under threat from forces such as Nathanism and Syndicalism. An offer to build a class of modern battleships for the Russian Imperial Navy is sent along to sweeten the deal (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE).
 * Russia declines.


 * República Ibérica: The Prussian’s refusal is not taken well in the Iberian Parliament. Authorization is handed down to begin seizing Prussian trading vessels in an effort to harm their war effort and starve them of resources. These efforts are limited to well away from Europe to prevent the spread of the war to the mainland proper. Although conflict has only minimal impact on the Iberian economy, which is much more dependent on those of the United Kingdom and France, it does require higher than average naval spending. The population is estimated to be 53.79 million. Work is completed on the massive road reconstruction effort with the last pavement laid in Murcia. The improvement of roads, as well as a tariff on automotive imports, allows both the Herrero Motorworks and the Correia Motor Company to explode in popularity. Both companies are demonstrating large profits. Correia Motor Company’s Model 3 continues its strong sales with another 2200 models sold. Herrero, although focused on luxury cars, begins experimenting with armored combat vehicles after viewing several models produced in Aztlan and Borrelia. Carlos Martín and the Iberian Sun Power Company develop more uses for the solar thermal systems. Solar home heating becomes a major branch of the company, and solar water heaters become the stable of the wealthy. In Andalucia, solar power allows the development of local electricity systems which are cheaper to operate than coal, and which can be easily expanded. The issue of power storage is overcome by the use of water towers and hydroelectric dynamos. The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing constructing the next classes of the Iberian semiannual ship orders. Construction continues on the Maximiliano Zapico Stadium in preparations for the 1908 Olympic Games. The Ligeiro Class is decommissioned and sold for scrap due to obsolescence. The two all-big-gun ships of the Castillo Class are launched in March, and after several months of final construction and trials the first enters commission in October. The second, although launched is left unfinished until the confirmation of the concept. Work resumes late in November of 1906 after the Castillo demonstrates passable accuracy at range. The other eight members of the class are quickly redesigned into the “Dreadnought” model as the all-big-gun is becoming known as. However, the expense of these new ships leads the navy to cancel their orders for four of the eight. Two of the ships have their keels laid down in late 1906, and are expected for completion in mid to late 1908, with the other two in 1909. The Andalucia Class are recalled and begin extensive refits to bring them to the coastal battleship standard established last year. Arabia is offered the Andalucia Class coastal battleships should it wish to purchase them. They are scheduled for completion in 1908. (Nate Response)
 * Republica de Morocco: The national census estimates the population to be 12.45 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. Due to the advent of solar power, it has become clear that Morocco will be able to develop improved sources of power. Wages hover at just about 94% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 52% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language, and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school. Moroccan agitators continue the campaign for more representation in the foreign policy of Morocco. A petition gathers 1,291,718 signatures, and finally Iberia is forced to respond. A commission of senior judges, politicians, and colonial representatives is convened in Cadiz to propose revisions to the level of Moroccan representation.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: The population of Algeria reaches 7.55 million, and of these, 3.88 million are European. The Algerian native population, by now in the minority, is increasingly concentrated on less desirable land. The European majority, now solidly in control of the coast and much of the fertile interior begins seeking full annexation to Iberia.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * África Sudoeste Ibérica: Following the surrender of the Prussian Garrison, a new Iberian Colonial Government is established. Realizing the brutality of the Prussian regime, the new government attempts to appease the native population in an effort to reduce the power of the Prussian settlers in the region. These efforts include lowing taxes levied on the natives, ending cruel and unusual punishment practices, and generally enforcing that Iberian officers in the region hold a higher standard of respect for the natives. With this secured, the colony is quickly reorganized with efforts to cement Iberian rule in the remote areas underway.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay.
 * Egyptian Dip: Ali Bakr Motors wishes to invest itself in the Iberian Automobile Markets.
 * Iberian Tariff Officers: Nope.
 * Arabia Dip: An official from the Shay Al-Nass in Damascus offers Iberia to purchase four coastal battleships. In addition, we resolve the long-standing lack of recognition of Iberia's government over Morocco, and wish to create a cultural center in Fez, in memory of Morocco and Arabia's common heritage to the Caliphate.
 * Iberian Diplomats: We agree to formally reopen relations between Arabia and Iberia, and will allow the Moroccan Parliament to decide whether they would like to accept the cultural center.


 * Imperial Swahili Federation: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the south and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. Agricultural modernization continues in Swahili. Film is experimented with by artists funded by wealthy patrons. A graduate of the Malawi Military Academy, Amana Imani, develops the first Swahili modern rifle, the Type 21 for 21 years after the establishment of the Imperial Federation (Arisaka Type 38). The first Swahili designed class of battleships are laid in the dockyards of Sofala, Tanga and Mogadishu. The Malindi-class, with an order of four battleships, boasts eight 11"/45 guns, armour of 10" and a speed of 20 knots. The Kukua kwa Kijani Fertilizer and chemical factory is founded in Ibo, and begins the production of fertilizer, which is in high demand by the agricultural sector of Swahili. The Madrassah Act is passed, which encourages the modernization and subsidisation of major madrassahs with Swahili with the goal of a comparable quality to European Universities. Kazi za Mitambo Mombasa (Mombasa Mechanical Works) is established in Mombasa by several skilled engineers and graduates of the Madrassah of Mombasa. The company specializes in the construction of machine tools and has begun developing motor designs. Meanwhile, a female entrepreneur in Aliwa has popularised bicycles as a means of transportation in the hilly terrain. Her company, Russom, now expands toward heavier industry. In government, the Imperial Bunge begins isolating and firing several British advisors and replacing them with Belkans or advisors from other European countries.
 * Buha: The King of Buha holds his first Bunge, an imitation of the Swahili Bunge.


 * Great Empire of China–Korea: Prime Minister Jin Yujun dies unexpectedly, with an autopsy later revealing the cause of death to be a heart attack. A state funeral is held, attended by thousands. A snap election is held, and Lin Feng (a Senator of the Liberal–Democratic Party) is elected as the Prime Minister, allowing the party to continue enforcing their platform of religious toleration and social welfare. However, at just 29 years old, his fitness for the top political post is contested by the Conservatives, prompting the Grand Secretariat to ratify two controversial bills first setting an age limit of 35 years (effective following his term, as by then he would be eligible for reelection) and the second strengthening the dual-party system by establishing a sui generis semi-parliamentary system in which the Prime Minister and the Deputy Minister would be elected through direct vote. Both of these are vetoed by Prime Minister Lin Feng, but this veto is overidden by the Grand Secretariat. With the victory of the Third Sino–Japanese War, China–Korea is increasingly perceived as now a prestigious world power. With potential rivals (especially competition with Burgundy in Southeast Asia), the government is pressured into engaging in the growing naval arms race and solidifying the country's alliance with Europe's premier power–Belka. As a result, the Grand Secretariat ratifies another naval bill intending to create the third fleet in Shanghai as well as to increase annual production capacity in the Dalyeon Shipyard to 70,000t annually. There is also a change in doctrine, with new emphasis on destroyers (to fulfill both defensive and offensive roles) and submarines. The desire to counterbalance the threat of submarines has led to the creation of the Sejong the Great-class of destroyers, as destroyers have the speed and armament to intercept submarines before they are submerged, either through gunfire or ramming. In addition, destroyers also had a shallow enough draft that torpedoes would find it difficult to hit them. Ships of this class will be installed with six torpedo tubes (instead of four or two as in earlier models, and are equipped with strengthened bows for ramming, and depth charges and hydrophones for identifying submarine targets. Five cruisers, fifteen submarines, and ten destroyers (of the new Sejong the Great-class) are produced this year, amounting to a total displacement of 63,000t collectively. Arms production increases with the production of repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns, and their respective ammunition. A ten-year program is launched in order to manufacture five million SL-90 Type 05's. The number of active troops (including overseas troops) is maintained at two million, without the enforcement of mandatory service due in part to the size of the Sino–Korean population. Construction on three strategic defense lines (Guangdong, Yangtze and Yellow River) continues, being constructed 50 km inland to protect them from naval bombardment. In addition, a defensive line (though made of light fortifications) is built lining the Amur River. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue, aiming to be fully-industrialized by 1920. China–Korea begins to transition rapidly to heavy industries such as steel, commercial shipbuilding, heavy machinery, and petrochemicals; a shift from textiles and synthetic dye production. Agriculture continues to be commercialized. Telecommunications and railway lines are built. The first domestically-produced cars are made, though in small quantities. Most cars are imported.
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there, and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of 12 divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. The peasantry are taught techniques and granted capital to improve their cultivation methods – thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) continues and is highly successful. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. The border with Burgundian Champa is fortified with trench lines and a fortress. The amount of Sino–Korean troops stationed in Dai Viet is increased to ~150,000, and are joined by ~100,000 Vietnamese troops.
 * Fukuoka (crown dependency): Port facilities in the city are enlarged to accommodate larger traffic. Immigration from Japan is encouraged. Civic buildings are constructed, and it is given the right to self-rule, with a democratically-elected legislature. However, a Governor–General appointed by China–Korea presides over their decisions. Infrastructure is improved, and Fukuoka becomes well-renowned in Korea as a good source of ramen noodles. In turn, a local variety of Kimchi (known as "Kimuchi" or Fukuokese Kimchi) which uses additives and requires less fermentation is popular and spreads into Kyushu. The first population census shows that there are 150,000 Sino–Korean residents, and 200,000 Japanese residents (who have dual nationality, but are citizens of Japan).
 * Kingdom of Arabia: The military and infrastructure are steadily improved, as Arabia enters the 20th century. Electricity is made ubiquitous across the nation, setting up power stations across the Persian gulf to be powered by the oil fields directly. Damascus and Aleppo are lighted at night by electric bulbs. The military hardware is upgraded to more modern bold-action rifles. Cars are imported from Egypt and used across much of the new highway system. A single dreadnought is being gradually constructed, in addition to the four battleships imported from Iberia. Lever pinion rifles and machine guns are also purchased from Iberia and used to improve the military, placed as a higher priority of investment than the traditional Arabian cavalry. Diplomatic relations continue with China and Brazil, as well as our European benefactors. The ministry of public recreation is commissioned to train a new team for the upcoming Olympics, in the hopes of getting more medals than previously. The ministry also conducts research into the creation of artifical ice fields, for the creation of a hockey game in the near future. Comic books are widely published based on novels of the previous century. Arabia announces that it will host a world rugby tournament, held at the Abd Al-Rahman Stadium in Baghdad. This stadium is constructed as an additional facade adjacent to the Palace of Abd Al-Rahman, a classical work of Baroque architecture from the time of the Rashidun Caliphate. This same palace includes the reconstructed Hanging Gardens of Babylon as well. We allow the Burgundian fleet to briefly dock at Aden, and during that time help to improve the Dutch cultural centers in Mesopotamia.
 * Vinland: Vinland begins building a gore line on the border with Avalon and places the military on limited mobilization. The garrison in Greenland is strengthened with 2000 soldiers. Modern equipment is purchased from Borealia.
 * Borealian Diplomacy: We request an alliance with Arabia, and also offer to help improve relations and trade between Arabia and the Arcadian region as a whole.
 * Arabia accepts each of these.
 * Aztlan: The railroad linking the west to the east is completed. The recent additions to the navy have now been fully incorporated, with 30 flotillas and five battleships joining the ranks in total, most of which sail to the Pacific through the Panama Canal. We offer to export aluminium to Iberia (player response).
 * Can we get a concrete number of ships in a flotilla because I doubt Aztlan's ability to field a pretty immense fleet. -Feud
 * Aztlan: One "flotilla" is used here as one ship in a flotilla.
 * Iberian Diplomats: Although Iberia currently has a source of Aluminium the Aztlani offer is welcomed. Aztlan is offered sponsorship as a favored nation in the European Economic Area.
 * Aztlan Dip: Aztlan gladly accepts.
 * Syndicalist Texas: The economy begins to boom. Peanuts are introduced in agriculture more widely. Also, more people move into industrial Co-operatives, with cheap textile production common to boost the economy. More Syndicalist dwellings are built. Railroad Co-operatives build networks to connect the cities. A peoples militia is formed. With the intent of being the "breadbasket of the region" the mechanization of agriculture slowly begins, and our food surplus is traded with Aztlan and Savannah (seeing our improving relations.) Meanwhile, the "all movements voluntary" policy keeps the people satisfied. Small housing units are further constructed, giving incentives. Peppers are harvested for flavor, created a "hot sauce" trend in cuisine. "Tex Mex" is popular with some southern population and descendants of Hispanics and some Commanches, however, grows among all Texans.
 * Belkan Empire: In a shocking show of industrial fortitude and engineering the Belkan navy this year launches five of the planned nine ships of the "Juggernaut" class of battleship but with the remaining four decides to take a more quality driven approach ordering the next four to be completed by 1908 and to use much higher quality steel in their armor belts as well as a higher caliber gun. 14" batteries are to be installed on the new Chudov class as well as a faster engine for quicker propulsion. The Belkan defensive fortifications running from Trieste to the Hungarian border also look toward completion in 1908 as it reaches the halfway point using pre-existing fortifications and choke points that were previously developed to allow for quicker construction. The final stretch to the Hungarian border remains undeveloped and the government invests heavily into developing its defensive posture preparing for the possibility of Austria full on joining Germany and the lack of political will of Vozhd Bukharain to send yet another expedition to quell an Austrian uprising. The Belkan army once again begins re-evaluating its own doctrine taking a midline approach between defense and attack. It opts to keep its army standing at roughly 1.5 million in the field and leaving a huge swell of trained reservists in the pool to be drafted. The economic boom slows down as the Belkan industries push into strategic defenses and naval production including researching new designs for destroyers, cruiser types and battleships, the push into Africa remains paramount with another expedition ready to be mounted to conquer the remaining Congolese states and the one small unnamed African kingdom remaining resolute within the Belkan African empire. Further training of the colonial auxiliary forces continues as they are able to be integrated into the Belkan command network more effectively. Belka officially invites the French to a conference in Belgrad to discuss foreign policy, diplomatic and trade relations among other things.
 * French Dip: President Gilbert Clavet accepts the invitation, and promptly goes to Belgrad for the conference.
 * United French Republic: The United French Republic continues to progressively improve as reconstruction efforts continue around the nation, primarily in Bordeaux and Occitania. As more automobiles are produced, sold, distributed, etc, roads and highways begin to be improved as more factories are built across the state. Working conditions improve, in addition to employment rising post-war. In the first time in centuries, the French population falls below the Iberian population, stagnating and even declining slightly around 50 million. Two dreadnoughts are blueprinted, produced and are projected to be usable by 1907. After enlisting the help of some 10,000 Guineans and 7500 standard French troops, the invasion of Siam begins after landing in and navally bombarding the city of Dawei. Troops, using the most recent Fusil-Mitrailleur Modele 1905 and other automatic machine guns, are able to quickly defeat the unequiped and ill-prepared Siamese military. After defeating and pushing the Siamese back to Bangkok, and successfully besieging the capital, the state of Siam is placed under French occupation and dominance. More to come soon.
 * Brésil: With the Syndicalist and Nathanist threats countered, Brésil is left in its rightful position as the hegemon of Laurentia. Francis de Medici founds the Brésilian Secret Service, which is given a large sum of money and tasked with eliminating Syndicalist and Nathanist threats. A young entrepreneur named Carlos Caballos lobbies the Arabian government for permission to prospect for oil in Kuwait, offering a dividend on every gallon of oil extracted. Thomas Worchester, a British immigrant, just "happens" upon upon the designs for the latest model from the Saint-Denis motor Société, disrupting the Brésilian market to the point of forcing the SDMS to develop a better new model to compete. Francis unveils a plan to build a new capital, less vulnerable, to be called Brésilia, would be located in OTL Brésilia. Construction will be completed by 1910, and the government will relocate there by 1911. New weapons are developed, with one noteable example being the M10 Shotgun, the OTL M10 Remington, as well as the OTL Winchester 1907 model. Seeing the conflict in Arcadia, Brésil invites Borealia, Texas, Savannah, and New England to the Recife conference. 
 * Wellington arms puts a lawsuit on Brésil demanding they pay damages done due to copying Wellingtons Self-Loading rifle design by the bolt. -New England

1907
''' Note to all those building dreadnoughts. Follow this link here to the talk page and fill in for each year the number of dreadnoughts you have and the number you're building. '''

''' Russia continues its military buildup of transport infrastructure and rebuilding its units. '''

''' The Nathanist union of Germanic countries forms between Prussia, Rhineland and Austria which is an alliance committed to eventual Germanic unit and social purity. Many Germans living in Burgundy's west of the Rhine river protest for their region to be included in said group. '''

''' Nathanist and Syndacist rebels begin attacking the Brésilian government. '''

''' Burgundy and Britain are both worried by the Belkan naval expansion program and Britain ups theirs with plans to build four this year instead of two, many in Burgundy are also willing to increase their construction rate. '''

''' Those living in Savannah and New England protest over the conduct of the Recife conference which they consider to be cementing illegal Borealian colonialism. '''


 * Savannah: President Calhoun takes his oath of office. Behind the scenes one of Lee's former generals, Thomas Jackson, becomes one of the main men pulling the strings, overseeing the military buildup, government propaganda, and militarism. He seeks to craft the public outcry in the best way to benefit the state, in his eyes. We demand that New England stop spreading its propaganda into our borders, and as a result we close the border and ban New England's media. Stuck between a rock and a hard place Calhoun accepts the Burgundian offer. He allows trade into Maryland for the first time. Troop numbers are also lessened there as a sign of good faith. That said the government requests Burgundy sign a non-aggression pact with us. The strategic line of defense in the north of the nation is still manned. The Recife Conference is rejected because it would contradict the nation's stated claim to unite the English world on the continent. This is confirmed when there are protests against the conference.
 * Burgundian Dip: The non-aggression pact with Savannah is accepted.
 * Hold up, aren't you being counter intuitive, banning Custer's propaganda which advocates unification between the former British colonies while still wanting to unite them? -Orwell


 * Kingdom of Egypt: Anti-Arabian Sentiment continues to soar as Egyptians see Arabia as a rival. We thank the UK for their support. Egyptian Nationalism continues to flair up as anti-Marsanism and Anti-Arabianism become integrated into Egyptian Nationalism. We organize the “Palestinian Authority”, a government-in-exile run by Egyptian-Palestinians that claims to be the rightful government of the Palestinian people. Massive industrialization continues with 230 factories being created every year. We continue to build firearms (WITHOUT much aid from the Belkans) with our firearms being based of Italian and Belkan models. Egyptian militarism begins to rise due to all the military modernization and escalation of the Palestine Crisis. Ali Bakr Motors Betrix model of cars becomes the new trend, and is set for a successful run. Short RangeTelephones continue to be used by the military to connect to nearby bases or towns. Telegrams continue to be popular in Egypt. The Red Scare continues as numerous people are arrested due to suspicions of possible sympathy to Syndicalism, along with many people being denied entry into the country who come from a country of large Syndicalist activity. The Copts in Egypt continue to stay loyal to the Coptic Church which is aligned with the Catholic Church. We send diplomatic envoys to Cairo to request the Caliph declare Monarchism to be the true representation of Islam and all Muslims, and to be the true form of government for the Islamic religion. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!!!!). The Al-Nagm class of ships continues being built as they prove to be very modern and battle ready, and so more of these ships are built. Baher Misel, Major General of Royal Egyptian Army trains the army in modern military tactics and offers the head of the Belkan army to conduct joint-military training (FEUD RESPONSE NEEDED!). A song called “Pain” is released by a man who goes by “Raja”; the song talks about Raja’s childhood and reveals how he was severely beaten by his parents. The song gains much popularity across the nation as this song finally reveals the problem of child abuse in Egypt, and eventually causes the Prime Minister himself to make a speech condemning child abuse and that a meeting in parliament will be held on passing a bill banning it. We declare our support for a United Germany and refuse to recognize any State in Germany until the region is united. Ismali is very popular among the people. Suez City continues to be reconstructed and should be finished by next year as people are already moving back in.
 * The Caliph says nah. Person.
 * Kingdom of Prussia: With many Germans dreaming of sailing through the skies in airships, "Zeppelin" development continues production in Prussia. Although the Nathanites within Prussia are pretty divided on how to take this, some are outraged that this would eventually put humanity and God as equals if humanity conquers the sky. However, others dismissed this, considering that flight technology has already been around for years. A strong Prussian air force has taken shape as many plans to upgrade any planes to better modern standards would take place shortly after agreements of economic trade and relationships between countries like Arcadia, Borelia, and/or Burgundy. Car manufacturing becoming more popular with newer models, led by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG), a German engineering company centered in Prussia later automobile manufacturer, their new Mercedes brand cars that recently came out this year became a favorite among government officials and the Prussian elite - durable, reliable and fast. The government of Prussia considers requests for a new brand of military cars by DMG. Naval development remains steady, with ships being upgraded and brought up to date. Construction of the first Prussian dreadnought will be completed by 1908, with two more being built by 1910. With Nathanites growing in popularity in Prussia, they found themselves growing more populist - mixing in with the desire of German nationalism to promote themselves. Many described this movement as quite "Volkisch" (see Volkisch movement OTL) and it is changing the populace's outlook on world affairs since the 1904 colonial war. Military power in Prussia remained comparable among the European powers, with one million total troops recorded in the military (includes all branches) but it needs more industrial power in order to put forth itself, for now it would rely on its neighbors or friendlies for assistance in military help and build-up of strength. We contact our German brothers (Austria, with representation from Belka, and Rhineland) to establish the German Assembly in Hannover. With a meeting between German states being planned for 1908. (MOD AND PLAYER RESPONSE, PLEASE) As elections near, a new man with heavy Pan-Germanic beliefs sets the stage for his party to become the new face of the Landtag. He believes that Prussia is slowly falling behind on the new technologies around the world, and that German industry would become ever stronger with a unification of Germany - maybe even one of the fastest growing industrial bases in the world. However, he wishes that Prussia would be more focused with in continental affairs rather than ones outside the continent as more of a priority.
 * Colony of New Hessia (formerly Greater Hussein): The colony receives a recent influx of immigrants of people still loyal to Prussia from former Angola. At the same time, those who disagrees with Nathanism finds better security in the colony to bolster industry (or industrialization) in the colony. However, the majority of people in former Greater Hussein felt distant from Prussia after their loss of Prussian Angola.
 * Iberian Diplomats: Iberia seeks peace on the terms it proposed recently.
 * Prussian wartime morale and interest in their recently lost colony is at an all time low. They accept Iberia's peace terms.
 * Belkan Dip: While not claiming any sort of overlordship over Austria, the Belkans agree and send a representative seeking to establish an agreement that leads not to only a peaceful unification of Germany, but a Germany friendly to the Belkan Empire
 * Yes, German brothers (whoever they are) agree to go.
 * New England: The Wellington Arms Company upgrades its 1905 SL to a newer model which fixed up the problems of the 1905. John Custer announces his candidacy for the 1909 election to a crowd of 4000 people. Anglican Party ideas of Pan-Anglo-Arcadian unity continue to be spread throughout Avalon and Savannah. Anglican Party deputy Steve Marriott travels to Avalon to meet with pro-unification leaders to discuss Anglo-Arcadian unification if should the time come, or when Custer becomes Prime Minister. The first new batch of submarines is commissioned. The fleet of subs is at five. Custer condemns the Savannahs claiming they should unite with their fellow Anglo brothers. In an attempt to save his parties credibility, Prime Minister Stewart condemns any attempt at territorial negotiation with Borealia as part of the Recife Conference. Inspired by the 1860s recordings of Peter Frampton, 19-year-old Lakeview guitarist Johnny B. Goode embarks on his own record making and his dad founds Barry Records in their backyard barn. Diplomats are sent to Prussia to establish economic relations.
 * Prussian Dip: Business in economy should not discriminate on who should it be with. We do not intend to completely side with anyone else with this as of now. Besides, Angles in Arcadia are related to Germans, so of course.


 * Kingdom of Arabia: The nation continues to modernize and expand its infrastructure and economy. Electricity aids to expand its industrial capacity across the Middle-East. Cars continue to be imported from Egypt. Military hardware is updated to more modern rifles, mostly outfitted now from those purchased from Belka, and now from Arcadia and Iberia as well. The navy is upgraded with its new battleships. Arabia opens a new housing program, in order to combat the growing problem of impoverished labor class in the newly industrialized state. This housing program provides cheaper homes in specific areas of the nation, allowing more impoverished people not to end up vagrants. In such a way, Arab peoples are moved around the nation to the optimum housing locations, specifically bringing in thousands of Syrian and Mesopotamian people into Palestine and Palestinian people into the Transjordan region. Mixing these populations has thus rendered any Palestinian sympathy in the nation null and void (as if any existed in the first place). The undersecretary within the secondary committee of the Ministry of State finds the "Palestinian Authority" quite humorous - just a collection of native Egyptian beaurocrats pretending to be of Arabian origin. The Shay Al-Nass, meanwhile, denounces Britain's statement toward Egypt (it was not secret diplomacy) and draws its attention to the obligations in the Treaty of London. Belka is offered temporary military access to Ashdod region.


 * República Ibérica: The population growth of the past begins to fall-off as fewer and fewer Iberians have the large families so common until recently. Despite incentives, church pressures and ample food supply, younger couples simply no longer believe in the merit of larger families. The population this year is estimated at 54.06 million. The improvement of roads, as well as a tariff on automotive imports, allows both the Herrero Motorworks and the Correia Motor Company to explode in popularity. Both companies are demonstrating large profits. Correia Motor Company’s Model 3 continues its strong sales with another 2500 models sold. The export of the Model 3 becomes a common occurrence, especially to France and the United Kingdom. The Herrero Armored Automobile is presented to the Iberian Military, but is rejected due to poor performance off-road and a lackluster armament. Herrero and his engineers return to the drawing board in an effort to improve their design. They switch from a wheeled to a partial-track system, and begin work on a more suitable weapon. Sandoval is contracted to help design the new gun, which is unveiled at the end of the year as the Sandoval-Herrero 20 mm Automatic Cannon (Similar to the Becker 20 mm Cannon). The new vehicle is to be completed in 1908. The Sandoval Rifleworks also unveils a project long in secret development, the Sandoval Auto-Reloading Rifle Model 1907 (an OTL Cei-Rigotti Rifle with some slight cosmetic differences). The long competing Vento Arms, not to be outdone, releases its Vento Model 1907 (OTL Remington Model 8 with a more accessible receiver cover). Both rifles are submitted for military testing to be conducted next year. Carlos Martín and the Iberian Sun Power Company develop more uses for the solar thermal systems. Solar home heating becomes a major branch of the company, and solar water-heaters become the stable of the wealthy. In Andalucia, solar power allows the development of local electricity systems which are cheaper to operate than coal, and which can be easily expanded. The issue of power storage is overcome by the use of water towers and hydroelectric dynamos. The introduction of a cheaper source of power is hailed as a key success in industrializing Andalucia. The shipyards of Sevilla make quick use of the technology and begin installing power plants of considerable production to power light ship-building on a commercial scale. While competition is fierce from Iberian shipyards in Catalonia and Portugal, the area still manages to make progress. The University of Sevilla opens a Department of Arid Ecology with the intent of studying the climates and ecologies of southern Iberia, Morocco and other arid regions in Africa. The young science is hoped to help expand grazing areas and potentially begin the greenification of semi-arid areas across the Iberian colonies. Egypt, Belka and France are asked if they would like to participate in a series of long-term research projects in the Sahara ranging from desert-farming, to de-desertification. (Player Responses). The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing constructing the next classes of the Iberian semiannual ship orders. Construction finishes on the Maximiliano Zapico Stadium in preparations for the 1908 Olympic Games. The second ship of the Castillo-class is completed in May, and is quickly commissioned. Meanwhile, two more hulls are launched with completion dates in 1908, while the last two of the class are laid down for completion in 1909. Work begins on the design phase of several new classes of dreadnought-type battleships in the coming years.
 * Republica de Morocco: The national census estimates the population to be 12.76 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. Due to the advent of solar power, it has become clear that Morocco will be able to develop improved sources of power. Wages hover at just about 95% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 54% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language, and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school. The Conference of Cadiz becomes a point of serious debate. Attended by important Moroccan and Iberian leaders, it quickly becomes clear that change must be rapid and absolute. A young, relatively unimportant, Iberian Sanador, Salvador Allende, advocates for a revolutionary and drastic solution. Clearly, Iberia cannot keep Morocco a client state forever, but, while both nations are different, they share many common histories. He proposes large revisions to the Iberian and Moroccan constitutions wherein Iberia and Morocco shall exists as members of a “Union of the Pillars of Hercules.” This Union of the Pillars in shorthand would devolve nearly all domestic responsibilities to unicameral Parliaments in both nations, while mainingting a unified foreign policy with a President elected by both countries and a Senate comprised of a proportional mix of directly elected representatives from both nations. He also proposes that Algeria be added to the Union as a third nation after restructuring. The proposal receives surprising support. Iberian leaders feel as though they will retain power in the senate because of the population advantage Iberia holds over her dependencies in North Africa, additionally, it appeases agitators who have become a significant problem in Morocco. Meanwhile, Morocco will achieve legal equality to Iberia, and with a rapidly growing population will begin to catch up in representation rapidly. Ratification will still present a massive struggle, and it is decided to hold referendums in both Morocco and Iberia in 1908 to resolve the issues. Miguel Raposo completes his pipeline, and promptly faces the problem that the “lake” he had hoped to restore will become hyper-salinified should he just pump sea water into the basin. Thus, the engineer dismisses much of his staff and begins searching for a use for sea water. He finds one while walking back toward the coast on a particularly dry day. As the cool and humid coastal breeze washes over him, he realizes that sea water, like all water, humidifies the air when it evaporates. He imagines a greenhouse, cooled and humidified with evaporating sea water filled with all manner of his favorite plants, succulents of all descriptions. The greenhouse also would produce vast amounts of sea salt which he could then sell for perhaps a small profit. He begins designing his greenhouse and also works on a simple fan-driven evaporator. Work begins on the project in late October with labor from the local townsfolk who have become attached to the eccentric millionaire living in their midst.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: The population of Algeria reaches 7.66 million, and of these, 3.98 million are European. The Algerian native population, by now in the minority, is increasingly concentrated on less desirable land. The European majority, now solidly in control of the coast and much of the fertile interior begins seeking full annexation to Iberia.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * África Sudoeste Ibérica: The colonial government of last year continues to solidify its control over the region and begins re-construction of the Prussian-gauge rail lines into Iberian Standard Rail Gauge.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay.
 * Egypt Dip: We agree.
 * French Dip: Sure.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: Queen Viktoria embarks on the armored cruiser SMS Verwoester, escorted by a whole cruiser squadron and a destroyer squadron, bound for Singapore for the conference there. While en route, the ships pick up King Vijayabahu from Kotte, and reviews the Great White Fleet while it's docked in Kolon Thota. Together, they continue on to the territory of Singapore, where the other kings and sultans of the Burgundian Southeast Asian protectorates have gathered. While there, she impresses them with her knowledge of the Malay language (which is a common language amongst most of the protectorates). During the actual conference, she informs the monarchs of her plans to roll back the authority of the appointed administrators in favor of expanding what has come to be called the “Borealia System”, where governor-generals are elected locally as candidates, and they are then formally appointed by the Burgundian crown. In addition, there are several points that apply specifically to certain protectorates - from the transfer of Burgundian-administered land in Ceylon to the King of Kotte, to the re-integration of Kep into the Cambodian kingdom, to the assurance of religious tolerance in the Gunterist Kingdom of Borneo. The three battleships of the Herzog Philippe de Fett-class are launched, they’re the first Burgundian battleships since the Steinbuerg-class ironclads to mount 12” guns. Meanwhile, encouraged by the rising support for the building program, four battleships of the Barrois-class are laid down, these to be armed with ten of the new 12”/50 rifles. The three battlecruisers of the Südleche Béit-class - SMS Südleche Béit, SMS Steinbuerg, and SMS Sizilien - are also launched. As they have only been called armored cruisers, their launches don’t gather the same attention as the battleships - despite them actually displacing more - which helps in the secrecy. Nevertheless, several papers begin carrying stories about the launch of the three “super cruisers”. The Royal Army undergoes a reorganization after some realizations over the realities of modern warfare occur. For one, armies will be assigned a front of responsibility, abandoning the concept of field armies. Burgundian assault doctrine is also re-evaluated, and it is decided to create dedicated assault units. A typical such squad would consist of eight men divided into to teams; the first team would have three riflemen and a grenadier, while the second team would have only two riflemen, one man armed with a M97 pump-action shotgun, and one man armed with an M-6 flamethrower. (More stuff will be added.)


 * Vinland: Vinland concludes an alliance with Arabia and sends a polar bear to Arabia (PS: Don't get mauled this time!) The fort line on Avalon's border is nearing completion. Troops arrive in Vinland's part of Iceland.
 * Federated States of Arcadia: New propertarian books are appearing with one being written by Sir Ryan Fletcher who is a rich agricultural businessman, and the writer of The Book "the Mind and its Liberty". The book is a revision of "Mein Eigentum" which some consider counter propertarian while others see it's a moderation of the ideals that will benefit all of it, it talks about how instance of violence and undemocratic means it should instead focus on winning electoral and popular support. Although their beliefs of Fletcher are sometimes seen as an offshoot of the ideology while at other times seen as the same but a critique to some of them minor issues facing the ideology. He also believes that all culture with the exception of the European and old Roman one should be destroyed by any means needed, this is more national and ethnic glorifying version of the propertarianism. With these changes his ideas are known as Fletcherism, although he does not want to be called it and still sees himself as a propertarian. The Defensive Lines getting on the East are getting improved with change in name and the land that has to be defended by the enemy. Due to this the renamed Neri has to account for a stronger and more focused enemy forces. With this change the army begins to invest in border stretching the fences instead of forts that can survive long sieges, now the border will have a fence at first at around 30 feet from the border checkpoint so that people with the right papers are legally allowed to go to the FSA can do so. This is manned by special border guards otherwise known as the GrenzTruppen or in English known as the border troops, do you have extra training in the recognition and handling of passports, visas and more. The border troops also get instructions of what to do with immigrants who are illegally entering the FSA, with the usual policy being sending them off to a farm in Bergsorbien or Küstenland where they have to work and show that they are no threat to the Federated States. Providence is officially admitted to the union that is called the Federated States of Arcadia. General of the oriental Seryye becomes its professional leader, although he's allowed to keep his title of "Le premier consul de la providence et son peuple Libre". This title is promoted to include "L'Unificateur de Providence" and his rank goes from General of the Oriental Seryye to Marshal of the Oriental Seryye. These titles are granted as the Federated States believe he did his duty for his country. The soldiers of the Providence Legion are all granted a greater pension of 58,000 franks per month which is a quite big increase and normally for generals who saw duty. They also are excluded of the list of reserves although they can still serve if they decide to stay.
 * Federation of Texas: John Burr's downfall occurs due to many people accusing him of being undemocratic. Thus an impeachment vote occurs, widely staining the Syndicalist party, now having a republic. Also, his departure from the Pan-Arcadian Union is seen as a poor decision. In defense, he says that workers have had such good rights. This is acknowledged, and co-ops will remain, but will be privatized. John Burr resigns before the vote is completing. The economy grows faster with more capitalist methods. Texas requests to become a protectorate of The Federated States of Arcadia due to common values, fair laws, and economic expansion due to infrastructure connection possibility. (Response) Ted Cruz, the new President, does this so that development can occur quicker. Texan military is reorganized along Arcadian Lines, and also the Federal model is adopted.
 * FSA Dip: The Parliament agrees to the Texan wishes but they do want an official treaty that clearly tells the rights given and the aid gained. The president even proposes the idea of an Arcadian union with Texas.
 * Texas agrees to the union idea.
 * Aztlan: With the recent Texan-Arcadian Union being formed to the north, the government begins to reopen cold diplomatic lines to the two unified countries. Meanwhile, having accepted this change, we look to Borealia to officially recognize Arcadia-Texas as a single, unified country in the Pan-Arcadian Congress. (player response) Normal relations with Arcadia-Texas are resumed.
 * Federated States Dip: Our government informs that Texas still retains most of their liberty and their freedoms and that in a legal and official sense, it is just protection given to them. Texas and the Federated States are still two nations with an amount of integrated policies.


 * Great Empire of China–Korea: The Grand Secretariat ratifies a constitutional amendment which will reduce the length of the Prime Minister's term to four years (from six years), and will restrict them to a maximum of two consecutive terms. Lin Feng reluctantly agrees, knowing will be ineligible for the next executive elections. In addition, the Grand Secretariat separates the cities of Beijing and Seoul (the primary and secondary seats of government respectively) from their surrounding provinces and are designated national districts. Meanwhile, the 24 provinces (which already have a devolved government and territorial legislatures) are given more legislative autonomy, with the Grand Secretariat permitting them to regulate matters such as the purchase and/or consumption of alcohol, the legality of prostitution, divorce, age of consent, etc. However, China-Korea ultimately remains a unitary state (as the central government can unilaterally dismiss provincial legislatures) and moves towards decentralization are intended to reduce administrative costs. China–Korea's first domestically-produced battleships (which are also their first dreadnoughts), the twin ships Yalu and Tumen, are commissioned. In addition, ten submarines and three cruisers are also produced. Arms production increases with the production of repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns, and their respective ammunition. A ten-year program is launched in order to manufacture five million SL-90 Type 05's. The number of active troops (including overseas troops) is maintained at two million, without the enforcement of mandatory service due in part to the size of the Sino–Korean population. Construction on three strategic defense lines (Guangdong, Yangtze and Yellow River) continues, being constructed 50 km inland to protect them from naval bombardment. In addition, a defensive line (though made of light fortifications) is built lining the Amur River. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue, aiming to be fully-industrialized by 1920. China–Korea begins to transition rapidly to heavy industries such as steel, commercial shipbuilding, heavy machinery, and petrochemicals; a shift from textiles and synthetic dye production. Agriculture continues to be commercialized. Telecommunications and railway lines are built. The first domestically-produced cars are made, albeit in modest quantities and of modest quality.
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there, and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of 12 divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. The peasantry are taught techniques and granted capital to improve their cultivation methods – thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) continues and is highly successful. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. The border with Burgundian Champa is fortified with trench lines and a fortress. The amount of Sino–Korean troops stationed in Dai Viet is increased to ~150,000, and are joined by ~100,000 Vietnamese troops.
 * Fukuoka (crown dependency): Port facilities in the city are enlarged to accommodate larger traffic. Immigration from Japan is encouraged through tax incentives for skilled laborers, and the opening of positions for new college graduates. Fukuoka's infrastructure is improved, and housing is built for both Korean and Chinese immigrants as well as Japanese citizens residing within the territory. A railway system to ease transportation around the city is planned and will be put into effect by next year.
 * Borealia: The efforts to upgrade the army's armaments continue, and also this year the first semi- automatic rifle is adopted in some limited capacities. The border defensive line is extended to include the entirety of the border in some capacity, with the most defended portions being the southern border, where there is a full border wall and defensive network, the defensive line along the canal near Niagara, and along the border with Avalon. The line also begins to be nicknamed the "Merlen Line". The 3"/.23 caliber anti-aircraft gun is finalized and begins production in order to be equipped along the Merlen Line. An upgraded railway gun known as the 9.2" SK is implemented along the border as well. The number of airplanes in use by the air force increases, with the Westen XV being created this year for production. Several other aerospace manufacturers are formed, including Boeing. After presenting the idea of using airplanes to drop grenades on targets below, the air force sponsors the creation of a plane dedicated to the task, and designs are made for a plane designated the Boeing BW-1. A small fleet is dispatched to Ramaaker this year to monitor Lake Ontario, while another fleet is stationed at Erie. Construction of new ships continue, including the nation's dreadnoughts. As part of our agreement with Savannah we deescalate the border in Maryland.
 * Emirate of Afghanistan: Emir Abdul Khan does king stuff. He begins to work on modernizing the nation by asking any nation for support to modernize the nation's workforce and infrastructure.
 * Imperial Swahili Federation: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the south and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. Agricultural modernization continues in Swahili. The Type 21 is being mass produced in the major arsenals of Swahili. The four Malindi-Class Battleships continue construction. Agricultural productivity continues to rise with the introduction of industrial fertilisers, prompting a boost in population. The first major madrassahs undergoing reform are the madrassahs of Zanzibar, Mogadishu, Malindi and Ibo. Kazi za Mitambo Mombasa develops its first motor design and begins production. Russom begin experiments with industrial machinery more suited for the Aliwa environment. British companies and holdings are slowly bought out or seized through more rigid implementations of the law in conjunction with Belka..
 * Buha: The Bunge chooses to align itself more closely with Swahili. Swahili advisors continue working to modernize and Swahilize Buha.
 * United French Republic: The United French Republic continues to progressively improve as reconstruction efforts continue around the nation, primarily in Bordeaux and Occitania. As more automobiles are produced, sold, distributed, etc, roads and highways begin to be improved as more factories are built across the state. Working conditions improve, in addition to employment rising post-civil war. After the capturing of Siam by Military General Manuel Beaulieu, the state of Siam is quickly consolidated through a means of strength in technology and strategy, using their higher military positions and training to quickly flank and defeat any rebels that remain infighting. The Siamese Monarch, Kasan Aromdee, is forced into signing over both national and international government rights to the French Republic, although remains in his monarch position as more or less a puppet to better allow for the Siam people to continue following laws, accept reforms, and overall accept the French presence in the region. The population of Siam is seven million. Military defensives, of a light fortitude, are created across all of the Siam borders, and is expected to be finished within two years. Submarines are built. French immigration continues to flush into Nigeria and South Africa, both of which have become ~one-third French speaking. Infrastructure is improved in all colonial venture states, with roads being created to better travel and settlement of non-urban land being encouraged. Resources continue to be mined and exported for large profits.

1908
''' A large af explosion occurs in Tunguska, Russia. '''

''' Many independents, or in some cases representative adventurers from various states, make large expeditions to Antarctica. '''

''' Russia starts an expansionist push invading Pontus with some 200,000 troops defeating it in a matter of weeks and with Russia leaving it as a puppet state and occupying it. Russia holds half a million troops on it's Belkan border just in case. '''

''' Germans in Burgundy begin doing some mass protesting and worker strikes for more autonomous state rights, primarily because they want to join the Nathanist Union between the neighboring German states. '''

''' Across both Europe and Arcadia, women's right movements begin to appear. '''

''' Japan tries to revitalize state nationalism by making some more military improvements. '''

''' Commerical amounts of oil is discovered in Arabia and Persia, probably because of how advanced they have become in recent decades. '''


 * República Ibérica: On May 12th, the country votes in what is considered to be one of the more important exercises in democracy in the century. The ballots offer Iberians the option to either integrate Morocco and Algeria into a “Union of Cadiz” the Iberian city of Cadiz, the oldest city in western Europe, and the location of the negotiations that precipitated this referendum. The campaigns on both sides are fierce with intense debate. With the Iberian votes counted the results are clear. The industrial north opposes the measures on economic grounds while across the south and central where industrial production is lower, the union holds relative support. Iberia votes in favor of union with 52.1% in favor and 47.9% opposed to the new political union. The transition is to take place in 1910 after elections in 1909. The population growth of the past begins to fall-off as fewer and fewer Iberians have the large families so common until recently. Despite incentives, church pressures, and ample food supply younger couples simply no longer believe in the merit of larger families. The population this year is estimated at 54.33 million. The improvement of roads, as well as a tariff on automotive imports, allows both the Herrero Motorworks and the Correia Motor Company to explode in popularity. Both companies are demonstrating large profits. Correia Motor Company’s Model 3 continues its strong sales with another 2,100 models sold. Correia introduces a new car, the Model 4, which has improved steering and range when compared to the Model 3. The export of the Model 3 and 4 becomes a common occurrence, especially to France and the United Kingdom. The Herrero Armored Automobile, now a half-tracked system is renamed to the Herrero Half-Track Automobile. Armed with the new Sandoval-Herrero 20mm Automatic Cannon in a small armored turret, the vehicle is resubmitted to the armed forces as a cavalry or infantry support vehicle. Testing of the Sandoval Auto-Reloading Rifle Model 1907 and the Vento Model 1907 commences this year. Both rifles are shown to have significant flaws. The Sandoval is unreliable after a sand and dust test, while also being somewhat inaccurate. Meanwhile, the Vento rifle is more reliable, but heavy and difficult to field strip. Both design teams are offered a chance to refine their designs with the feedback from the military test. The Iberian Sun Power Company develop more uses for the solar thermal systems. The development of the Sevilla Shipyards, powered by several large concentrated solar thermal plants, causes a minor economic boom in the area. Suddenly, both northern and southern Iberia are able to experience the economic benefits of the industrial revolution. The University of Sevilla Department of Aird Ecology begins a major study of agricultural practices in southern Morocco. The goal of the study is to develop concepts related to the de-desertification of the peripheral areas of the Sahara. The shipyards of Catalonia are in full swing constructing the next classes of the Iberian semi-annual ship orders. Construction finishes on the Maximiliano Zapico Stadium in preparations for the 1908 Olympic Games. The next two Castillo-class ships are completed in July and commissioned in October. Meanwhile, the final two ships are launched in late November. Work continues on the design phase of several new classes of dreadnought-type battleships in the coming years. The Andalusia-class coastal battleships are delivered to Arabia after several years of construction. Iberian procurement officers purchase 20 of the Bresilian Semi-Automatic Rifles for testing. (Falcon Response) 
 * Republica de Morocco: The Moroccan response to the Cadiz proposal is generally positive. The clear economic and political gains which are possible in the Union inspire high rates of support for the proposal. Morocco votes 54.7% in favor of union with the remainder opposed. The national census estimates the population to be 13.08 million. The economy of Morocco continues to grow rapidly due to Iberian investment and technical aid. Due to the advent of solar power, it has become clear that Morocco will be able to develop improved sources of power. Wages hover at just about 96% of those in Iberia, but are rising. The steel industry expands rapidly as does the rail network. Phosphate production develops as a major sector of the Moroccan economy as does the synthesis of phosphorus fertilizer. Agricultural mechanization along with water conservation and management projects lead to aggressive growth in the agricultural sector. Reformist Maghrebi Islam spreads with government support. After the decades of conversions, the sect now includes nearly 55% of the population. Culturally, the population has become more liberalized, with increasing importance placed on personal freedoms. Meanwhile, the educational reforms of the previous few years have contributed to rising literacy. With literacy and education on the rise, Iberian becomes a common second language, and a major language of commerce in Morocco. Although it is not part of the mandatory curriculum, many Moroccans voluntarily learn it through classes offered after school. Miguel Raposo and his workers finish the greenhouse and construct a basic version of the humidifier system. There is some confusion as to why the greenhouse was built so far inland, but its operation begins late in the year with the introduction of several basic, dry weather crops.
 * Dependencia de Algeria: An informal referendum on union with Iberia shows 62.4% support with nearly universal support among the Iberian population and low turnout among the Algerian population. The population of Algeria reaches 7.80 million, and of these, 4.1 million are European. The Algerian native population, by now in the minority, is increasingly concentrated on less desirable land.
 * Antillas Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of salt and sugar production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice and rubber production. Educational reforms spread as the government promotes literacy and basic mathematics.
 * África Sudoeste Ibérica: The colonial government of last year continues to solidify its control over the region and begins re-construction Prussian-Gauge rail lines into Iberian Standard Rail Gauge.
 * República Africana Ibérica: The republic continues expansion efforts along the Sahel north of the French holdings in West Africa. Gold and other minerals constitute the major economic sector in Senegay. Oil exploration commences with hopes of replicating the discovery in Arabia.
 * United French Republic: Construction efforts end, as the nation is restored to its pre-civil war state in terms of infrastructure. Domestically, things seem relatively calm and peaceful. Internationally, expansion is made in terms of consolidating proper trade partners and other ventures. In Arabia, French ambassadors offer to purchase the islands of Masirah, Al-Sawda, and Al Hallaniyah for a decent amount of money (Player Response Needed). Due to having large merchant investments and wishing to continue friendly relations on a more closer scale, the French Republic asks to open an official French embassy in Tehran, as well as purchase the sizable port city of Bandar Bushehr, as to allow for further contact between both nations as well as expand the trading agreement settled on decades ago (Mod Response Needed). In China, French ambassadors arrive at Yantai, requestion to possibly purchase a port within the relative region, as to increase trading relations between the two nations (Player Response Needed). In Siam, defensive fortresses are built in Bangkok directly, and in substantially good geographical locations. The local and national militias begin being trained in the usual French military training program. In all French oversea holdings, defensive lines and fortresses are updated. After some prototypes and other testings, the French Air Force is established after the successful production and testing of ten airplanes. In addition to this, the 15 airships already in the primary French military are fully added to French Air Force.
 * Persia: we allow the Embassy, we sell half the port of Bandar Bushehr.
 * Sino–Korean Diplomacy: China–Korea refuses to lease a port to France.
 * Arab Dip: In order to maintain all our alliances, the Ministry of State in Arabia divides our standing foreign relations in three categories: nations such as France, Iberia, Belka, Britain, and Russia are "mutual associates", to which we have close diplomatic ties for mutual military assistance. Other nations in the middle east such as Persia, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco are "historical brothers", which are much more closely tied alliances including economically and politically. Other allied nations such as Borealia, Vinland, Brazil, and China are "states of interest", to which we have basic economic agreements and a "general responsibility" of military aid, but not nearly as dedicated as the mutual associates.


 * Federated States of Arcadia: The Vexillological Society of Arcadia has officially been founded by Harry Bailey, Erwin Fein and Julian Strelley. The government of the Federated States of Arcadia pledges to give the society original amount of monetary aid. The reason for the funding of the society is so that it will be easier to follow their guidelines, and to have no trouble if a foreign delegation comes and needs a flag of their country or region. With the amount of funding being 25,000 Arcadian Franks, and this is only the amount giving from the Federated States. With the great expansion of the Federated States, comes a new era in Arcadian history. The now officially called settler era is now over but this new era does not have name yet. The changes that happened are also changing the minds of the politicians and the people in the country. This is due to the fact that now that there are more borders to protect, more people to do the fans, and more people to unite. The Arcadian Republican Army gets greatly reorganized, and outfitted new technology of weapons and tools. This reorganization is headed by Marshall Vincent Neri, due to his knowledge of war and battle. As he is one of the only who has been in combat. The army begins to invest even more in forts and defensive lines. 10% of the federal budget going to the armed forces, this budget does exclude the Civic Militia and the Geheimdienst von Arcadia (Gediva). The defensive line that is on the new English border is official split into three locations of line with each a name. The line on the border of the state of Saliye and Bergosorbien and new England is called Easthon line. The line that is the state of Providence and California is called the Neri Line and the Line on the Protectorate of Texas is called the Tejas Line. With the reaching of the Atlantic coast due to Texas our first dreadnought is getting constructed In Houston habour, this dreadnought has been named the Helena. At the same time the Helena is built two cruisers are build in New Constantinple. This is with the intention to give the Atlantic fewer and stronger ships and the Pacific more faster but less armoured ones.
 * Protectorate of Texas: Work is done to train the army to Arcadian Standards. Also, the oil industry begins, flowing much money. In the now privatized Co operatives, textile production also makes a fortune. Military-industrial complexes open, and Arcadian Standard weapons are made. Ted Cruz plans to turn Texas into a wealthy vacation destination, so a port is developed on our Atlantic coast, mostly for tourists. It is currently small but growing. Also, car production is planned in five years.
 * Kingdom of Egypt: We offer to calm relations with Arabia and offer to re-establish relations with the nation, but our rivalry will continue. (NATE RESPONSE NEEDED)! Egypt fully supports the Union of Cadiz, and offer to establish embassies in Morocco, Algeria, and Iberia (STEPH RESPONSE NEEDED!). Egyptian nationalism continues to grow throughout the country, along with some anti-Arabian sentiment and of course Anti-Syndicalism. A ban on some countries that have large Syndicalist movements is announced by Omar Ismali this year, these nations are: Poland, The Rhineland, Russia, and certain parts of Britain. More to be added. The economy operates under a State Capitalist System. The Egyptian movie industry begins to rise with the new film hit: “Muhammad the Prophet” which becomes an immediate hit among both Coptic and Islamic audiences. Railroads continue to be constructed throughout the country with the National Railway line connecting all the major towns and villages with the big cities. The Sudan region continues to be modernized and industrialized like it has always been. We request one dreadnought from Burgundy (GUY RESPONSE NEEDED!). We continue to build up our navy to be at least a somewhat capable fighting force with the Al-Nagm-class of ships replacing old wooden ships. Incest is banned. Oil is discovered and oil pumps begin being built throughout the nation, which causes the GDP to Sky rocket. The Egyptian Golden Age continues and expands due to the oil discovery. We continue to make our own firearms and military equipment. With the increasing popularity of this new “aero-plane” we begin adopting it into the military, with the new Royal Egyptian Army Airservice which is a part of the Royal Army. Its main purpose is to aid the military with fighting off any other enemy fighters and to drop off reinforcements and supplies to the ground troops. We hold a giant military parade in order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the kingdom. Portraits of Muhammad Ali Pasha are everywhere. We invite the world to attend our 100-year anniversary. Radio becomes more and more popular, as it spreads throughout the city of Alexandria the government begins promoting its use as a way to bring the country closer together. We import our planes from Belka and Prussia at the moment. The Mahdi-1 machine gun continues to be used as it’s the most modern machine gun Egypt has right now. Living standards has increased expediently over the past decade or so. Factories continue to be built throughout the nation and they continue to be filled up weaks after they are built. We Senf diplomats to France offering to negotiate a new free trade agreement (SOLACE RESPONSE NEEDED!).
 * Iberian Diplomacy: The current Egyptian Embassy in Madrid will be moved to Sevilla, the future capital of Union foreign policy.
 * We agree to the move. -Egypt.
 * Arab: We agree to normalize relations.
 * Burgundian Dip: Burgundy agrees to build a dreadnought battleship for Egypt.
 * Kingdom of Afghanistan: Emir Abdul Khan does king stuff. He begins to work on modernizing the nation by asking any nation for support to modernize the nation's workforce and infrastructure. The Emir is couped led by Amanullah Khan. He would then begin to ramp up modernization by working on "the ring road", a plan that would have one major road go in a circle around Afghanistan.
 * Egypt Dip: We send diplomacy to the Afghans, declaring that we recognize the new Emir and would like to establish permanent relations. We then follow this up with proposals of Egyptian companies investing in the nation which would bring in modern tech and would aid in infrastructure. We end our diplomacy with supporting the Ring Road Initiative.
 * Afghan Dip: We accept the proposal of Egyptian companies investing into the nation and the support of the Ring Road. In response to this the Afghan Kingdom would allow the set up of an Egyptian Embassy in Kabul.
 * Egypt Dip: We are glad the Afghans have agreed to our proposal and establish an embassy in Kabul and hope the Afghans will do the same.
 * New England: Custer announces his campaign for Prime Minister for the 1909 election and holds a torchlit rally in Scotsburgh flying the banners of the Anglican Party. Anglican Party ideas continue to be spread in Avalon. Meanwhile, Custer diverts campaign funds to party funds to promote his beliefs in Savannah. The Fenrir Model 1 (OTL Ford Model C) car rolls out into production from the factory in England City. The Submarine fleet is expanded to seven subs. An effort to modernize military weapons leads to the adoption of the M1908 5" howitzer (OTL BL 60 pounder) is put into service along with the M1 3" artillery piece (comparable to OTL French 75 mm gun). Construction begins on Fort Rhodes and Fort Delmarva on either side of the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay. Blueshirt thugs of the Anglican Party are caught up in a minor controversy where by force with military grade weapons run Syndicalists out of a Midwest town. Plans begin on a series of ten coastal defense ships known as the Baker-class (OTL Aran-class CDS). Wellington Arms makes the Model 1908 shotgun. An oil rush begins in Upper Ohio (OTL Ohio). Businessman Seymour Belair markets some aircraft to the army who accept his proposal for US Army planes. High Command begins cobbling together a signal corps. Custer has a secret meeting with former Anglo Front Guerrilla leaders about things. Because of the Borelian border wall, Prime Minister Stewart orders the construction of the "King's Line" in northern New Essex and New Wales. The Monroe Self-Loading rifle is adopted as the M1907 Monroe rifle.
 * Secret Iberian Diplomacy: We would like to purchase several Wellington Self-Loading rifles for testing.
 * Aztlan: With Quilmes commercial districts set up, the population there begins to grow. The government elects to purchase some older-model Westen planes from Borealia to conduct some experimental military adjustments. (player response) Envoys are sent to Hawaii to cool any tensions that might have arisen there during the crisis that occurred there years ago. (player/mod response) The machine-gun armored vehicle begins being produced in greater numbers this year, with major adjustments and testing completed. (mod response, if necessary)
 * Borealian Diplomacy: We agree to sell planes to Aztlan.
 * Iberian Diplomacy: We would like to formalize a friendship with Aztlan due to our cultural and historical ties. Furthermore, Iberia is willing to help arm the Aztlani Army and Navy.
 * Japan: The Japanese begin to recover from their recent war with the Korea-Chinese Empire, increasing nationalism in the slow painful process of rebuilding their army and navy. In their struggle they ask for assistance from both Burgundy and Borealia. Emperor Meiji decrees that a council is to be formed, Consisting of one representative from each of the eight prefect, and beneath them a council of five from the sub-prefectures, each sub-prefecture council member elected by the people of that province. This allows each sub-prefecture to be in charge of educating, policing, and developing industry In there province. Scientests and engineers are put on the development of airplane technology, to see its applications in the defense of Japan in the futur.
 * Borealian Diplomacy: We accept the offer.
 * Kingdom of Arabia: Industrialization and modernization continues. Radio communication is introduced to the nation along with the telegraph lines that have been used in previous years. Military equipment continues to be upgraded from the Iberian standard. The Shay Al Nass supports the union of Iberia and Morocco. The Ayatollah Al-Baghdadi describes the Morocco government as "exemplary for the Arabs in the 20th century". The House of Wisdom in Baghdad continues to produce the latest scientific ideas. Jabir Al-Lori, while studying in the observatory in the House of Wisdom, discovers that all the galaxies away from ours are moving at increasing speeds, due to their red shift. He documents his findings as a general theory towards the expansion of the universe, known as Lori Space. The Shay Al-Nass decides that the time has come for Arabia to begin funding its own industries to compete with the modern world. With the recent discovery of oil, the government commissions a private company to oversee the exportation of oil to other nations, known as Arab Petroleum (AP for short). However, for now most of the discovered oil is kept for domestic consumption, supplementing coal as power for the industries in the Middle-East. In particular, Arabia establishes its first automobile industry in Lebanon, closely inspired by the cars produced in Egypt, but made entirely from Arabian resources. Furthermore, the Shay Al-Nass commissions a new ministry for the creation of an airforce, based partly in balloons and personal reconnisance. Arabia agrees to sell the three Omani islands to France, on the condition they 1) confirm their long-standing alliance to the monarchy of Arabia, and 2) provide all the technical knowledge needed to begin creating Arabia's own Zeppelins and airplanes.
 * Iberian and Moroccan representatives thank Arabia for its support.
 * Borealia: As part of a training mission we sent a fleet to Burgundy's colony of New Rhodes (Bermuda). This inspires the military to help create an updated fortress and naval base on the island. The navy finishes the commissioning of its first three dreadnoughts by January 1908 after several years of work. Another three continue or begin production, to be completed by mid 1910. Also, by the end of 1910, the navy expects to have 60 submarines, which will be divided into three groups along the coast. Some older submarines are transferred to Vinland, and we begin jointly building a submarine base within their territory to maintain and repair future submarines. After 1910 it is expected that construction of new ships will slow. A prototype for the Boeing BW-1 is created, and by the end of the year the plane enters production. The final design is equipped with a new invention known as bombsight in the front cockpit, and a cylindrical oval bomb carrier in the lower forward fuselage, which is capable of carrying 12 4.5 kg bombs. The nation's air force creates a tentative goal to build 300 modern airplanes by 1910, the majority being Westen XV's. A group of older planes (ten Westen XIIs, five Westen XIIIs) are sold to Aztlan, and we dispatch a team of engineers and flying instructors to the country to help construct its first airfield. Similarly, 30 planes are sold to Vinland and 20 to Maryland, exhausting the nation's supply of older models. As requested the detachment to Burgundy sent in 1903 is increased to help them establish an air force, including designs and several new Westen XVs. In addition to airplanes the number of Steppen airships in military operation reaches 20, including the first even Steppens created for bombing purposes. Elsewhere, an inventor named Paulus Jansen creates an aircraft using two 20-foot counter-rotating rotors, driven by a 24 hp engine, which manages to lift off the ground by one foot for 20 seconds (the world's first helicopter). Although the invention sparks others to take interest in the idea, the helicopter is considered unfeasible. The army sees a large increase in the number of Minerva GV5 Panter cars. Additional research into continuous track cars leads to the release of the Rupsbandwagen-8A, an armored car using continous track, as well as a number of artillery tractors using the concept. The government sponsors investment in the nation's oil industry, seeing that the discovery of oil in other states could potentially end Allegheny's dominance over oil production in Arcadia. A government-sponsored expedition is launched to reaffirm the nation's claims in the region. The region of Queen Mary Land (the OTL British and Norwegian claims), first claimed in 1882, becomes the site of a research station. Likewise, on the OTL South Orkney Islands, a research station named Base Veth is constructed in honor of the early Borealian explorer. Additionally, this year Henri Vogel becomes the first explorer to reach the North Pole. Also, this year the Progressive Party manages to pass universal suffrage.
 * Prussian Dip: We have some new ideas for an MG based on your design. Would you be willing to sell around 3000 to 5000 units of the Gheyn Guns to us?
 * Borealian Diplomacy: We agree to send 5000 Gheyn Guns to Prussia, and also offer money and assistance, in exchange for Prussia sharing with us the design for the subsequent gun they produce from it.
 * Prussian Dip: We suppose it's fair that deals should go both ways, we accept.
 * Do a list of nations by population, please, someone. Signed, Anonymous
 * Vinland: Vinland sends an expedition to Antarctica and claims Marie Byrd as Vinland land and renames it St Olof Land. The army is getting modernized with help from Borealia.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: The three battleships of the Herzog Philippe de Fett-class are commissioned and join SMS Dreadnought, as are the three battlecruisers of the Südleche Bucht-class, which form the core of the new scouting force. It is decided to halt further development of armored cruisers in favor of battlecruisers and light cruisers. Three of the Barrois-class battleships are launched this year, with the last scheduled for next year. Two battleships of the next class, SMS Utrecht and SMS Herzogleche Bourgogne, are laid down. They’re essentially upgrades of the Barrois’s, armed with the same ten 12”/50 guns. The Royal Air Force extends thanks to Borealian assistance. The Singapore Naval Base is upgraded to accommodate greater numbers of submarines. In the Rhineland, pro-Nathanite protests are often met by anti-Nathanite counter-protests, whose participants often use the events as an impromptu beer festival to mock the Nathanites aversion to alcohol. Nevertheless, Queen Viktoria authorizes a Crown Committee to investigate the feasibility of a devolved West Bank Reichstag. Oil production in Aceh and Guyana increases. An envoy is sent to Belka with an offer of an alliance (Feud response, please).
 * Sino–Korean Diplomacy: China–Korea pleads with Belka not to accept the offer of an alliance, as Burgundy is a threat to both Sino–Korean and Belkan interests in Southeast Asia.
 * Kingdom of Prussia: On October 13, 1908, the Prussian country exercises its vote to elect a new Chancellor of Prussia. Ludwig Drumpf of the United Deutsches Party, a former member of the Neutral Party and in favor of a friendlier united German state. He uses his former member status of the Neutral Party to form a coalition ticket in promise to keep Germany generally out of foreign entanglement as much as possible (until something happens). The Conservative and Liberal parties threw their weight around their candidates (Chancellor Alois von Bulow and Heinrich Muller respectively) in order to maintain their amount of seats in the Landtag. In a victory many had expected (due to rise of Nationalism once again in Prussia), Ludwig Drumpf was elected Chancellor when the coalition gained a significant majority in the Landtag. In reality, Ludwig Drumpf had both conservative and liberal policies in mind.  The population this year is estimated at 40.78 million. Drumpf promised an improvement in the transportation system in Prussia in order to improve and quicken logistics for better production. New weapons are produced in Prussia armament. The MG1908S (Maschinengewehr 1908 Spandau) (combination of OTL MG08 and MG08/15) was adopted by the Prussian government that year as the standard machine gun for Prussian ground units, it was a modern adaptation of the Borealian MG (Gheyn Gun) that was produced in 1885. It removed the wheels in favor for a four-legged base, wooden stock, and a pistol grip. It comes in a lighter handheld version, which were also produced to save materials in late production - it allows detachable four-legs in favor of a bipod and a smaller yet reloadable water coolant attached to the side (although it was a little tedious as it is secured with screws and tubes) (OTL MG08/15, except slightly different). Prussia shares its designs with Borealia as per agreement. Updates are made to the Prussian uniform to include more pockets, pouches, and (if they exist) zippers to increase carry and keep them secure. The average Prussian infantryman is divided into several categories (including Rifleman, Assault, Machine Gunner, Sharpshooter), but the most common of those are riflemen. They use the G1898M rifle (Gewehr 1898 Mauser) (OTL Gewehr 98), produced by the Mauser company. Equipped with the standard pistol C1896M (Construktion 1896 Mauser). German engineering company, DMG was formally requested by the Prussian government to produce at least 10,000 military transportation vehicles by the start of the next decade. Upon receiving this, the military of Prussia plans to work to update and outfit the vehicles to better military-graded armor, half-tracks, and mounted machine guns such as the recently produced MG1908S each year (OTL MG08). Possibly armored cars. The Prussian navy completed its first Dreadnought this year, with two more being built that would be expected to be completed by 1910. The first successful Prussian airship “LZ-4” was developed and completed this year, by the Zeppelin company after several attempts. Future designs would take place to try to improve this model into a “heavy bomber”. During the 1908 meeting in Hannover, plans were discussed and the final agreement was drawn up/proposed. This would be called the “Hannover Agreement”. (Mod/Player response required, Here ). more to be added.
 * Egyptian Dip: Seeing as Prussia FINALLY wants to unite Germany and isn’t fooling around, we send diplomats to Berlin in order to re-establish relations.
 * Great Empire of China–Korea: A member of the Conservative Party, Li Shang, wins the elections and becomes the fourth Prime Minister of China–Korea. The Conservative Party pursues a platform of expansionism, and emphasis on industrialization and urbanization; as opposed to the Liberal–Democratic's more isolationist foreign policy, and its emphasis on welfare and equality between rural and urban regions. The Grand Secretariat gives autonomy to the provinces by decentralizing management of the education system into numerous school districts. However, due to Conservative influence within the Grand Secretariat, the Prime Minister successfully lobbies for the establishment of a national core curiculumn and standards, as well as allowing more power to the Ministry of Education (and by extension, the executive government). China–Korea commissions two more battleships, Amur and Huanghe. In addition, Qianlong, the first of her class of battlecruiser, is also built and commissioned. While being heavily-armed like a battleship, she has less armor and utilizes steam turbines as the primary mode of propulsion, allowing her to reach relatively high speeds. This renders all previous armored cruisers produced obsolete. Due to the construction of three capital ships this year, the Dalyeon Shipyard is able to construct only two more cruisers. Hyundai, a retail corporation based in the Korea province, starts manufacturing low-quality but low-cost automobiles using the assembly line to hasten production and lower cost. This allows the corporation to quickly monopolize on the domestic production of automobiles, but it is not readily adopted by the wealthy, who continue importing foreign automobiles due to the latter's higher quality and perceived qualities. Airplanes are also imported. Due to increasing usage of vehicles, horse carriages become obsolete and the government introduces a database and registration system to prevent the theft and as well as identify vehicles. There is increased funding for public transport systems, as government policies result in the urban population booming (as of 1908, it comprises 29% of the total population). Arms production increases with the production of repeating rifles and their carbine derivatives, field artillery, machine guns, and their respective ammunition. Construction on three strategic defense lines (Guangdong, Yangtze and Yellow River) continues, being constructed 50 km inland to protect them from naval bombardment. In addition, a defensive line (though made of light fortifications) is built lining the Amur River. Educational attainment rises, with increasing enrollment into imperial universities. Rapid industrialization and economic modernization continue, aiming to be recognized as a fully-industrialized nation by 1920. China–Korea begins to transition rapidly to heavy industries such as steel, commercial shipbuilding, heavy machinery, and petrochemicals; a shift from textiles and synthetic dye production. Agriculture continues to be commercialized. Telecommunications and railway lines are built.
 * Tibet (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in the capital of Lhasa, which is inhabited by ~20,000 residents. Sedentary living is encouraged, with the little available arable land being intensively cultivated. Major crops include wheat and rye. A garrison of a single brigade (~5000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Altishahria (protectorate): More mining facilities are opened in Aksu, exploiting the Tarim basin's mining resources. Lucrative minerals such as soda, borax and jade are the country's main exports to China–Korea. In addition to grains, cash crops are grown, specifically grapes, melons, pears, and walnuts. There is a ranching boom, with many former pastoralists establishing enclosures for livestock. The main product is wool (from sheep), with processing facilities established in the capital and other major cities as preparation for further processing in China–Korea's textile mills. Korla becomes Altishahria's largest city due to continuous migration and its position as a major break-of-bulk point, with a total of ~200,000 inhabitants (one-tenth of the total population). As a result, the Altishahr government relocates there, and various civic buildings are constructed. A garrison of two divisions (~20,000) is stationed there, armed with Needle Rifles.
 * Dzungaria (protectorate): Civic buildings are constructed in Ghulja, which is inhabited by 20,000 residents. The nationalized Dzungar Oil Company increases the scale of their operations in the area, constructing multiple oil mines and refineries. In addition to supplying energy to northwest China, the company also provides kerosene for street lamps as well as other industrial chemicals via distillation. A garrison of twelve divisions (~120,000) is present, armed with Needle Rifles. The bulk of this military force is stationed in the Dzungarian Gate, which is heavily fortified due to its position as the sole overland entry point into Western China.
 * Dai Viet (protectorate): Under the guidance of China, the Vietnamese economy and government structure are radically reformed. The peasantry is taught techniques and granted capital to improve their cultivation methods – thereby boosting productivity. Cultivation of coffee and the raising of shrimp and fish for commercial purposes (mainly for export) continues and is highly successful. In addition, small-scale cultivation of tobacco commences but focuses on quality rather than quantity due to the inability to compete with European possessions in the industry. The border with Burgundian Champa is fortified with trench lines and a fortress. The number of Sino–Korean troops stationed in Dai Viet is increased to ~150,000, and are joined by ~100,000 Vietnamese troops.
 * Fukuoka (crown dependency): Port facilities in the city are enlarged to accommodate larger traffic. Immigration from Japan is encouraged through tax incentives for skilled laborers, and the opening of positions for new college graduates. Fukuoka's infrastructure is improved, and housing is built for both Korean and Chinese immigrants as well as Japanese citizens residing within the territory. The layout for the city's railway system is drafted and approved, and its foundations are now established.


 * Imperial Swahili Federation: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the south and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. Agricultural modernization continues in Swahili. The two of the Malindi Class Battleships finishes construction and forms the Northern Fleet. Agricultural productivity continues to rise with the introduction of industrial fertilisers, prompting a boost in population. The first major madrassahs undergoing reform are the madrassahs of Zanzibar, Mogadishu, Malindi and Ibo. The first entirely Swahili made car, the Duma (Cheetah in Swahili), is constructed by the Kazi za Mitambo Mombasa. The large plains of Malawi and Aliwa meant that planes may have great potential in improving communications, prompting Russom to conduct heavier than air aircraft experiments. WIthin public schools, Jugoslavic is slowly instituted as the sole foreign language, while English is removed from curricula, especially in Somalia and Aliwa.
 * Buha: Buha welcomes the immigration of skilled Swahili workers as part of an economic development program.
 * Belkan Empire: As a result of 500,000 Russian troops on the border with Belka, the Empire mans the Moldavia defensive perimeter but also sends an offer to Russia. Belka wishes to re-initiate close cooperative and friendship treaties with the Russian Empire. This year four new Belkan battleships of its more advanced class are launched with another four planned of an even newer developed class with higher speed but relatively the same armor and gun complements. The Imperial army continues to reform itself along a more massed combat doctrine with machine gun and artillery support now as well taking lessons from the last great war as well as potential innovations to be used in war. The Belkan army this begins to field some of the worlds most advanced artillery pieces updating from its old 1870's and 1880's pieces. It fields the 107 mm field gun as well as fielding of the 150 mm Howitzer effectively making these howitzers the absolute heaviest class in the world. The Belkan constitution of the Colonial armies leads to colonies which are able to pull their weight and provide funding for their own armies, specifically Burma, Zaire, and Manila to all begin providing major manpower contributions to the imperial army with Manila being able to field nearly 300,000 of their own troops, and due to proximity to other powers colonies, Burma is noted to have an effective reserve force and a potential for a large standing army of nearly 500,000 to being with, with even more possibly to be added in the later months and years of a war. The Belkan army noticing the volatility of the situation in Europe and the growing threats practically everywhere authorizes the expansion of the Military to include another 500,000 troops putting the Standing armed forces at nearly two million. The massive buildups across europe and even the globe push the Belkan high command to make notable moves to be able to mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops on a whim should a major war break out. With dreadnoughts being cranked out in every increasing numbers, the unification of Germany imminent and Russia becoming ever more aggressive the Belkan army begins considering any an all options in case of war. The Northern Defensive perimeter is finished as a strategic defensive line straddles the entirety of Belka's border from Trieste to Hungary. Investment into the colonial economies comes at an all time high and a huge strategic buffer of materials is developed to allow Belka to operate for possibly years at a time cut off from her colonies. Belgrad, Sofiya, Plovdiv, Thessograd, Attina, Trieste and every major city containing a major industrial force has large warehouses constructed specifically to handle the issues of supply shortage and to leave Belka with her strategic homeland supply of needed materials. In a grand showing this year, Belka finishes her Trans-Africa railway going from her colonies across Africa to Belkan Maghreb as well as pushing through Egypt linking up to the Arabian railway which has pushed through to link up on the Belko-Arabian border. With a strategic land connection to her land colonies in Africa, the Empire is more connected than ever and with overland railways allowing the mass shipping of forces should a recolt breakout the Belkan high command makes a show of force by doing a "tour de lokomotiv" with nearly 10,000 troops throughout Africa, showcasing Belka's ability to "be everywhere, no matter the cost". The Belkan-House Ethiopian Royal Army is deployed into the remainder of the Congo states beginning their seizure. After careful drilling and exploration over the last five or six years the Belkan Petroleum begins drilling in Ploesti.