8.257 1 The United Kingdom
6.771 2 The German Empire
6.498 3 The United States of America
2.656 4 The Kingdom of France
2.325 5 The Russian Empire
2.173 6 The Republic of China
2.094 7 The Empire of Japan
2.082 8 The Austro-Hungarian Empire
1.551 9 The Kingdom of the Netherlands
1.443 10 The Kingdom of Italy

3.238 11 India
1.489 12 Burma
1.399 13 The Dominion of Canada
1.280 14 The Kingdom of Spain
1.223 15 The Kingdom of Scandinavia
1.118 16 The Empire of Brazil
1.102 17 The Dominion of Australia
973 18 The Republic of Chile
972 19 The Kingdom of Belgium
959 20 The Kingdom of Denmark
831 21 The Kingdom of Portugal
819 22 The Swiss Confederation
791 23 The Republic of Argentina
787 24 Malaysia
778 25 The Dominion of New Zealand
746 26 The Union of South Africa
722 27 The Tsardom of Bulgaria
721 28 The Republic of Colombia

717 29 The Ottoman Empire
716 30 The Republic Venezuela
716 31 The Republic of Peru
704 32 The Kingdom of Greece
684 33 The Kingdom of Romania
668 34 Indonesia
657 35 Oman

649 37 Trucial State
641 38 The Grand Duchy of Finland
639 39 The Kingdom of Morocco

611 41 Indochina
600 42 The Kingdom of Siam
592 43 The Republic Ecuador
576 44 The Republic of Bolivia

544 46 The Kingdom of Albania
542 47 The Republic of Guatemala
542 48 The Republic of Honduras
542 49 The Republic of Nicaragua
541 50 The Republic of Costa Rica
536 51 The Dominican Republic
530 52 The Republic of Uruguay
529 53 Nepal
521 54 The Republic of Cuba

518 56 Bhutan
512 57 The Korean Empire
500 58 The Republic of El Salvador
497 59 The Republic of Liberia
481 60 The Kingdom of Montenegro
479 61 The Sublime State of Persia
445 62 Philippines
441 63 Italian East Africa
412 64 The Republic of Paraguay
312 65 The Kingdom of Afghanistan


The Emirate of Afganistan
Player: Kho

The Republic of Argentina
Player: Jannah

The Austro-Hungarian Empire
Player: Giant

The Kingdom of Belgium
Player: Just a Belgian

The Empire of Brazil
Player: PousoAlegre

The Dominion of Canada
Player: SaintArey

The Republic of China
Player: MagnificentOne

The Kingdom of France
Player: ArchadianEmpire

The German Empire
Player: Pirate

The Kingdom of Greece
Player: Tyriet

The Kingdom of Italy
Player: ppllzz

The Empire of Japan
Player: Flylittlecat

The Kingdom of the Netherlnds
Player: Jeeshadow

The Ottoman Empire
Player: Outcast

Philippines
Player: Ab Ovo

The Kingdom of Romania
Player: Fingon888

The Russian Empire
Player: Dutchbag

The Kingdom of Scandinavia
Player: Noco

The Kingdom of Serbia
Player: Vaexa

The Kingdom of Siam
Player: Heyitsjiwon

The Kingdom of Spain
Player: myfy


The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Player: KeldoniaSkylar

The United States of America
Player: tfk


The Dominion of Australia
Player: Grim327


The Dominion of New Zealand
Player: PyroDash888


The Union of South Africa
Player: Nex


The Union of Mexico
Player: Maxwell500

To Our good and loyal citizens and subjects of the Emperor,

It is with the dawning of this new year that a bright new future for Our Empire is heralded - A future marked by the beginning of a new era. Over the past few years a great change have taken place in Our Empire, with the Chōsen peninsula becoming an integral part of Our Nation. With Nihon and Chōsen as one, by the will of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, Our Empire has been restructured and will henceforth be known by a new name, Daito; The Great East. A new name for Our Empire, encompassing both the Islands of Nihon and the Chōsen peninsula, will encapsulate this new unity between the once separated Imperial Race which have finally come together as brothers and equals. This idea of unity and harmony is perfectly showcased within Our new national flag which unites the rising sun of Nihon with the trigrams of Chōsen, showcasing the movement and harmony of Our Empire.

Though the circumstances were harsh and complicated last year in wake of the London Stock market crash, the new government of Our Empire has already made great strides towards rebuilding Our economy. However, We still have a way to go if We are to truly unlock the glorious potential of Our Empire. There is no mistaking that the new year 1915 will be a year of continued struggle, a year in which We will face a sea of changes. With the guidance of the Emperor and the spirits of Our Imperial ancestors We shall work diligently to usher in a golden age for all of Our Empire and people. This year we should in particular ensure that the sectors of agriculture and construction hold the torch of innovations, as it is with these that We may truly grow as a nation bettering Ourselves and the standards of living for all of Our people.

Not all news is good news however. Although Our Empire is making great strides towards a bright and glorious future, the people of Europe have become embroiled in a bitter war that has already claimed thousands if not millions of lives.

Nothing is more precious for Our people than peace, but it is not something that can be achieved if We simply wish for it. We can never just sit back with folded arms and see the dark clouds of colonialism hovering over Asia. Just as We would defend Our country's sovereignty, peace and dignity so too must Our people stand up for Our brothers in Asia who to this day suffer under the oppression of the West. It is by promoting the great ideals of independence, peace and friendship throughout Asia that We can safeguard Asian peace and security and promote a common prosperity for the whole of the Asiatic Race. Asia is one; from the islands in the pacific to the Asian continent and the Indian ocean and, though it is divided by distance, not even the snowy barriers or ocean waves can interrupt for one moment the common dream of all the people to regain a glory stolen and once more take pride in the region’s rich history and culture. This is why, in accordance to the Emperor’s will, the people of Our Empire shall strive towards this great task and ideal by working harmoniously in making manifest Our national dignity.

It is to achieve this goal that Our Empire will, now as in in the future, strive to expand and develop relations of friendship and cooperation with all the countries that respect Our sovereignty, and are friendly to Us and Our ideas of independence, peace and friendship. In particular, We wish to strengthen the cooperation with Our fellow Asian countries. It is to this end that We extend the hand of friendship to Our neighbors in China and Siam - Both of whom have stood against Western imperialism; China through their valiant efforts in their revolutionary struggle to regain their national dignity and Siam though their staunch efforts to remain independent despite encroachments on all sides.

Through last year's struggle We clearly demonstrated that Our strength and commitment are a force none can check, and should we remain committed to enhancing our national dignity and honour, this year We will pave the way to a bright future for Our Empire!

-Inukai Tsuyoshi, Prime Minister of the Empire of Daito.

Comrades!

The year before held profound changes, for both our Republic and the world.

Undertaking a virtuous mission to purge corruption from the ranks of the Kuomintang, the Control Yuan has came under criticism from a few of our friends within the press due to its heavy-handed measures. To them I say; would any responsible parent allow their child to commit thefts? Our revolutionary government absolutely does not wish for a repeat of the Qing Dynasty's corrupt decadence. In the days of the Manchu Emperors, attempts to relieve the people's grievances and to carry out modernisation efforts would always fail before they had even started. And why? Corrupt officials, who in following the horrific example of Heshen, were afraid of losing the sources of their ill-earned money. These greedy officials hastened the decline of the Qing Dynasty. The New China is one that absolutely cannot condone such vile acts that threatens the livelihood of our four hundred million peoples, and both the Kuomintang and the common people must ensure that this plague never again befalls China.

To turn an eye to international matters, it disheartens me greatly that the peace in Europe once guaranteed by the Congress of Vienna and the Treaty of Berlin has been shattered. Now the Great Powers of Europe have been embroiled in their bloodiest conflict in a century. In only a few months, millions have died, and yet even more have been displaced by the sharp vicissitudes that war has brought. Us Chinese are deeply saddened at the destruction caused, and it is our hope that bloodshed comes to an end soon. Let it be known than China shall unswervingly hold aloft the banners of peace during these dark times.

It is also with the dawning of Republican Year 9 that I would like to welcome both the UNSR-led Union of Mexico and the newly-christened Empire of Daito into the family of nations.

I am not surprised by the authoritarian measures undertaken by the National Synarchist Union for the Revolution. Indeed, they resonate soundly with my own Three Phases of National Reconstruction. Would it not be foolish to end the stagnant reign of President Diaz, and expect successful elections to take place immediately despite the great trauma of the Mexican people in light of their civil war? Instead it is only natural that a strong government form to maintain stability after a bloody civil war, a strong government so as to educate the people towards representation without repression, and a strong government to carry out reforms for the benefit of the long-suffering citizens. I wish Chairman Zapata the best of luck in his revolution.

It is a delight to hear of the union of the people of Japan and Korea into one. Where once opportunistic officers believed war was the way forward, their violent actions were proven wrong. Instead the actions of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor has enlightened his subjects, and brought the nations together in a way that the Emperor Meiji would approve wholeheartedly. Goodwill and generosity are what has brought these brotherly peoples together. The harmony in which they live in is truly magnificent. We in China gladly accept the outstretched hand of friendship. I wish Prime Minister Inukai all the best in leading the united people of Daito forward.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen
Extraordinary President of China.

(OOC: Eh, Never mind since Keld is gone. Retconning this, Sorry)

The Great War: January 1st-June 30th, 1915



Of all the highs and lows of the last year, nothing irritated the German High Command than what was termed the “Krakow Peninsula” – An outpost of Russian forces following the Austrian failure to defend Galicia in the winter of 1914. Naturally, it was decided that this was the prioritised target for the Eastern Front. Over a million conscripts, let alone experienced members of the armed forces, descended upon the eastern side of the Polish city in an attempt to create an island out of the ‘Peninsula’. Minor attempts at resisting the Austro-German pincer movement were soundly beaten by the greatly numbered forces of the Central Power, and it wasn’t long before the fortress was surrounded. The result was almost one and a half million soldiers besieging a force four times as small. As valiantly as the Russians may have fought, ultimately nothing could be done to save themselves from the inevitable. An instrument of surrender was signed after a short but bloody battle, and camps within the Central Powers found themselves overwhelmed by the prisoners.
[-3,058 regulars and 13,377 conscripts to Germany, -138 regulars and 26,381 conscripts to Austria, -2,052 regulars and 48,460 conscripts to Russia, with 44,812 regulars and 223,741 conscripts taken as Prisoners of War]


Once bemused Russian generals; now prisoners of wars.

Russian generals had spent the months since the Battle of Warsaw arguing over how best to defend the besieged city. While a rough plan had been formulated, the details were far from being finalised. However with the news of the loss of Krakow coming in, it became evident there was no time to lose. The Tsar boasted to his generals that the ordinary Russian soldier was not to be restricted, but should be allowed to use their imitative, and with that what little complaints remained concerning the plans were silenced. A grand force of 600,000 was quickly conjured to assault the Teutonic fortress of Königsberg before rushing to relieve Warsaw of pressure. Unfortunately for the Russians, their plan was rudely interrupted by the discovery German army number almost 1.2 million planning their own major operation. Initially surprised, the German defenders pushed back resulting in heavy losses for the bemused Russians. The relief of Warsaw was now but a distant dream.
[-9,707 regulars and 25,099 conscripts to Germany, -1,388 regulars and 78,704 conscripts to Russia]

German forces had taken to pounding the defences of Warsaw ever since the failure to capture it in the winter of last year. With the news of both the fall of Krakow and the knowledge that no extra Russian troops would be able to save the defenders, it was decided for the 2nd Battle of Warsaw to commence. As artillery shells bombarded the city walls, the Russians were initially ordered to hold to the last man; but it was a lost cause. Not far from Warsaw, the town of Lublin found itself overwhelmed by the victorious Austrian force advancing from Krakow. The Vistula had allowed for excellent transport capability, and the Austrian forces surprised even their own High Command by arriving as soon as they had. With the situation around them becoming more and more desperate, it was resolved that the Russians should attempt a lengthy retreat back to the motherland. Abandoning the lost cities, the Russians attempted to regroup and began the march eastwards.

Having brushed off an earlier attack in Prussia, the Germans under von Hindenburg had taken to occupying the Vistula Land with the aim of isolating the Russians. Only one obstacle remained in his way – the fortress of Osoweic. His men had been besieging the fortress for months, and with the news of a great retreat incoming, Hindenburg knew he could afford to waste no more time. The use of chemical gas was authorised, and within hours the Germans advanced under the perception that all were dead. They were wrong. Out of the poisonous fog came burned Russians, coughing up blood – and yet never yielding. They bravely counter-attacked the shocked Germans, but Hindenburg dismissed the sight of ‘dead men’ and pressed onwards. No matter how hard they fought, the Russians found themselves encircled on all sides by an army vastly outnumbering them. What followed was much like Krakow.
[-23,984 regulars and 61,404 conscripts to Germany; -264 regulars and 45,593 conscripts to Austria; -17,031 regulars and 148,333 conscripts to Russia with 156,280 regulars and 488,309 conscripts taken as Prisoners of War]


The destroyed barracks of Osowiec

With a sense of glory and renewal growing within the minds of the Austrian high command, the famed Austrian General von Hötzendorf eagerly announced a plan for the recapturing of Galicia. Krakow had been reincorporated and Poland was the playground of the Central Powers, and this was the next obvious step. The General envisioned an army of almost a million to be sufficient to lead the assault, especially with the failure of the Russians to properly retreat. Advancing forward with high spirits, the Austrians found a terrifying sight before them. Although Poland may have fallen, the Russians were prepared to remain in Galicia with an army almost double the Austrians’ comfortably occupying. Having underestimated the immense manpower of the Russians, von Hötzendorf was briefly conflicted - but with the pressure of the German High Command behind him and the morale of his men unwavering, he begrudgingly pushed onwards into this suicidal mission.

...Or so he thought. Much to everyone’s surprise, the commencing slaughter resulted in the rout of the Russians. Galicia was firmly Austrian once again, and von Hötzendorf commemorated as a hero.
[-538 regulars and 96,385 conscripts to Austria; -177 regulars and 112,408 conscripts to Russia]


Austro-Hungarian soldiers glad to return to their homeland in Galicia.

The next step for the Austro-Hungarian Empire was the taming of the country which had started this whole damned mess. Although Montenegro had been occupied as of last year, it was of no comfort to the Austrians that the path to the undefended Albania lay open. A plan to eject the Serbians from Novi Pazar was formulated and a jubilant Austrian army marched forwards. With the Russians routing, this will surely be an easy battle. The truth couldn’t have been any more different. Serbians, defiant as always, resisted despite their inferior numbers and quality. With the aid of the Montenegrin army to fight on, the battle came to a stop with understandably shell-shocked Austrians unable to dislodge the brave Balkan power despite inflicting heavy losses.
[-2 regulars and 21,664 conscripts to Serbia; -154 regulars and 10,745 conscripts to Austria]

Determined not to let the Serbians taunt them through their surprising victory, the Austrians pushed on with an ambitious plan to annihilate the country once and for all. Built upon the Danube River, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was perfectly positioned to use the river to support their logistics much like the Vistula had. It wasn’t long until both shores of the river had Austrians stationed across it. With Serbia effectively isolated, an almighty attack descended upon the small country. As valiantly as they had fought on, it was realised that this was nothing short of a futile attempt at delaying the unavoidable. Suffering from heavy losses and the realisation that they couldn’t hold on forever, the Serbian army took to a retreat towards Albania through the successfully defended town of Novi Pazar.
[-2,725 regulars and 36,334 conscripts to Serbia; -188 regulars and 18,974 conscripts to Austria]

Despite the entirety of Serbia soon underneath the rule of the Habsburg realm, all was not lost for the Serbians. A small detachment from the French blockade of Austrian sailed down to Albania, where the majority of the Serbian army managed to successfully board the ships. Steaming onwards towards Marseilles, they vowed to continue the fight from abroad and to help their French brothers against the Germans. However, delaying action by a few remaining regiments of the Serb army had left them stranded in Albania, with the Austrians on their tails. Luckily help was to come in the form of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Initially stopping by the Ottoman-held island of Rhodes to refuel, a violent bout of drinking resulted in the accidental death a several civilians soon saw the Russians sail rapidly away towards Albania. The ongoing pursue of the Serbian army led to a second international incident, as the Serbs crossed onwards towards the Greek island of Corfu as they attempted to link up with the Russian escorts. Although they too managed to successfully regroup in France, it was not without trouble.
[A Serbian army of 43,462 regulars and 267,199 conscripts await orders at Marseilles; the entirety of Serbia is occupied by Austria]


The Serbian army during their long retreat.

The French and Russian navies weren't the only marauding around the seas of Europe, as the German submarine fleet continued with its fearsome attempts to wreck the Entente's shipping. Despite merchant fleets at great risk, the lack of progress in upgrading either the submarines themselves or their naval doctrines resulted in little to no progress being made upon the high seas.
[Russia is still partially blockaded, and France is still safe from the submarines]

With the re-conquest of Alsace-Lorraine more realistic than ever since the capture of Colmar in 1914, French forces decided it was time to push on and finish the job. Skirmishing along the German fortifications for yet another weak spot, it was not long until an undermanned garrison was found in the north of the province. French troops swarmed towards Metz in attempt to repeat last year’s success – and that was precisely what happened. Over the course of a week, the town fell and the tricolour flew proudly above it. Determined to break through into the heartland of Germany, the French army then converged around the last outpost of German Alsace. Strasbourg, however, made for the ideal fort with even churches serving as impenetrable bastions. As hard as they fought, the French found themselves in a disappointing stalemate despite their victory at Metz.
[-10,865 regulars and 52,402 conscripts to France, -14,991 regulars and 38,072 conscripts to Germany]


German soldiers rush guns towards the French front to defend Strasbourg.

The French army met uninterrupted success elsewhere. A colonial regiment formed from their African populations descended upon the German colony of Tanganyika where they quickly outnumbered the defending Germans. With the help of cruisers shelling the city’s coast, Dar Es Salaam soon fell to French hands. A reinforcing division of conscripts soon accompanied the colonial auxiliary, as they marched onwards into the once-German colony.
[-2,549 reservists to France, -2,974 reservists to Germany]

Two had fallen, and two remained. The third of Germany’s colonies within Africa to be attacked was Kamerun, which with upgraded logistics in light of last year faced attacks not from one or two sides, but from three. Regiments advanced onwards from the French Congo, pressuring the overwhelmed defenders from either side. While most quickly surrendered to the superior forces, a few Germans fought on – to the death. The colony was occupied with further ease due to the assistance of conscripts incoming from French Equatorial Africa, who finished off the remaining militia yet to surrender.
[- 157 conscripts and 1,356 reservists to France, -2,655 reservists to Germany]

Casaulties

Russia: 1,879,167
Austria: 1,494,911
Germany: 612,862
Poland: 521,782
Serbia: 272,367
France: 144,591
Albania: 69,796
Montenegro: 29,205

Total Casaulties: 5,024,711

While the performance of our army this summer has been sub-par, the war is not yet lost. We shall liberate Poland and defeat Germany in due time. However, to faciliate this Nikolai Ruszky, Paul von Rennenkampf, and Paul von Plehve shall be sacked. I shall leave it up to the General Staff to find replacement, as I am not suited to do as such.

-Nicholas II, By the Grace of God, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland.

An address to the people of Daito by his Imperial Majesty.



It is with great regret and sadness that We address you, Our loyal subjects, on a subject most grave. Since Our accession by the blessing of heaven to the sacred throne, on which Our ancestors reigned from time immemorial, we have not had reason to make such an address to you. We had always had the greatest faith in Our loyal subjects, trusting in you the ability to carry out your duties diligently. However, I have been moved to make this address after recent revelations with the discovery of a plot of treason not only against Our new constitution and government, but against Our Nation and Throne.

Thankfully the ringleaders of this terrible crime were apprehended before the plot could be put into fruition. Following the works of the traitorous Ikki Kita, once trusted members of Our Imperial Army conspired against the Chrysanthemum Throne. Generals Sadao Araki and Jinzaburō Masaki planned to use their influence within Our Imperial Army to stage a coup and overthrow Our new government. To further add to their horrific treason, they plotted to take Our Throne hostage for their own nefarious ends. Despite their seniority, their treason cannot be ignored and, after having stood trial and found guilty of their unspeakable crimes have suffered the ultimate penalty for their acts of treason.

Let it be here known, that treason of any sort is the most heinous of crimes which will be dealt with in the most severe way and that Our new government and constitution enjoys the full backing of the Chrysanthemum Throne. No matter the rank or status, those who conspire against it under any pretext or those who use Our Imperial Name to fool others into joining such treacherous rebellions are betraying and bringing dishonuor to their name, their family, and most of all Our Empire. Such traitors are going against the will of Our throne, and of the heavens and the spirits of Our Imperial ancestors.

In this new era, We urge you, Our loyal subjects throughout Our Empire, to come together as one and work together for the future of Our Great and Glorious Empire. I say to you: let us not heed the voices of treachery that seek to overthrow all that We have worked so hard to achieve, but instead let us fulfill the work of Our noble ancestors.

- His Imperial Majesty, The Emperor Of Japan

Despite our attempts and wishes to remain neutral, the Kingdom of Italy sadly sees itself compelled to join this war and end Habsburg terror over central Europe. We hereby declare war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

-Antonio Salandra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy.

His Majesty's Government is appalled to see the nature of Germany's war on the seas. Through the scale and lack of restrictions put on them this submarine war is a threat to global seafaring, as it endangers the lives of civilians from every country using the Atlantic Ocean and the Barentsz Sea. We hereby issue our only warning to the German government: cease these practices before we have to take measures to ensure the safety of all Crown Subjects sailing the seas.

-H. H. Asquith, Prime Minister of His Majesty's Government.

The Germany navy has done nothing to threaten the maritime trade upon the Atlantic Ocean, but Britain's concern for the well-being of her trade and her citizens is all the same reasonable, and her ability to turn that concern into action is undeniable. Therefore the German navy shall from here on not stop British ships from trading with Germany's enemies. But we should hope that Britain will make similar demands should the enemies of Germany mount a blockade of their own.

Let there be a warning for all would-be tricksters out on the seven seas. If we find anyone falsely claiming to be British to bypass our blockades, you shall be treated no better than pirates.

Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg, Chancellor of Germany.

The habsburg terror has attacked sovereign lands with no right and plunged Europe into war. The kingdom of Spain cannot stand by and watch this happen. His mejesty in his wisdom, declared a state of war upon the the Austria-Hungarian empire.

-King Alfonso XIII of Spain

Following the Italian and Spanish decision to declare war upon the Austro-Hungarian Empire and thus, in the case of the Italian Kingdom break International accords, or in the case of the Kingdom of Spain join into a war it was neither called into, nor has any valid reason to find itself in has lead to the Kingdom of Greece seeing itself pushed towards the cause of the central powers and is reassured of their righteous cause.
Whilst this is a difficult and dangerous decision, following those attacks upon Austria-Hungary and thus indirectly, the Kingdom of Greece's German allies, the Kingdom of Greece regards this as a case of Alliance and will come to the aid of the German Empire, dispatching an expeditionary corps made up of volunteers and standing forces to aid its allies.

Due to the fact that the Entente forces hold naval supremacy, the Hellenic Army is hereby partially mobilized and conscripts will be taken to defend the Greek nation from foreign invasion, but fear not my people, this is, for the moment merely a measure of security and will not affect the majority of the people.
A further announcement upon further wartime measures, as well as a speech to the people of Greece will be given shortly.

- Constantine I, King of the Hellenes

THE GREAT WAR: JUNE-DECEMBER 1915

With the autumn setting in, the Russian Empire was serious about reversing its earlier losses. The Tsar had personally dismissed many Generals within his army, and urged for an overwhelming improvement the army’s performance. It was agreed that Galicia was to take priority, in order to assist in a swift capture of Poland and to overwhelm the weaker of the Central Powers. General Brusilov masterminded the June Offence, and before the Austrians could prepare for their own offence had the massive but brief artillery barrage began. Unlike previous barrages, this ended before the Austrians could reinforce their lines. This would prove decisive for the next phase. Departing from human wave tactics, Brusilov instead opted for the use of small but specialised units to crack open weaknesses within the Austro-Hungarian lines, where the remainder of the large Russian army could pour into. Due to sheer shock, the Austrian army was unable to resist effectively against the Russian assault. The bloodbath that followed saw the fleeing Austrian army take up lines against the safety of the Carpathian Basin.
[-199 regulars and 125,444 conscripts to Russia, -373 regulars and 188,768 conscripts to Austria]


Russian infantry during what was termed the 'Brusilov Offence.'

As the June Offence had progressed, another army in command of Grand Duke Nicholas was to support the advance by attacking the Austrian-occupied Lublin. This served two purposes – not only would it avoid the formation of a salient for Brusilov’s army, but it would be the beginning of Poland’s liberation. The 2nd Battle for Poland began, expecting an easy victory as they outnumbered the Austrian garrison. But the Austrians fought bravely knowing the town was vital to their entire eastern campaign. As casualties on both sides began to pile up, relief for the Austrians came in the form of the Germans. Keen to push into the heartland of Russia, General Mackensen had advanced forward from Warsaw which led to the battle swinging into the Central Power’s favour. Without the fast-paced tactics of Brusilov to turn the tides back, the Russian army fell back allowing the Germans to move into Belorussia.
[- 281 regulars and 154,368 conscripts to Russia, -295 regulars and 29,770 conscripts to Austria, -1074 regulars and 55,259 conscripts to Germany]

The Russians had anticipated a further German advanced into their mighty empire with their victory in Poland, and had taken measures for a retreat. Away from the German borders, the mass conscript army of the Russians got to work digging in alongside the entirety of the north-eastern front. With the winter fast approaching, the Russian High Command felt to the effects could only be devastating to the Germans. It wasn’t long before two German armies came into view with the aim of conquering the Baltics. Hindenburg pressed on regardless of the worsening weather, defences be damned. Despite being hindered by the deteriorating weather and the vast numbers of the Russian army, the Germans prevailed as a result of concentrating their armies. Unable to withstand the modern weaponry of the German assault, the Russian lines shattered. The two German armies quickly advanced, devastating all retreating armies. From the Russian point of view, entire divisions simply disappeared in the midst of the onslaught. Successfully splitting as they reached the cities of Riga and Daugavpils, the German armies united once again as they attacked the barely regrouped Russian army once again. Despite the cold of winter all the more devastating as they fell back, the Russians were unable to use this to their advantage and failed to withstand the second assault. With them fleeing to Estonia, the road to St. Petersburg now lay open for Hindenburg.
[-2043 regulars and 145,683 conscripts to Germany, -1462 regulars and 256,344 conscripts to Russia]


The German army trekking across the Eastern Front.

The recent successes faced by France in assaulting Alsace-Lorraine had worried the German High Command. What was expected to be a silent front had instead resulted in embarrassment for Germany, with their fortifications failing to defend against the patriotic men of France. It was decided that this could go on for no longer. They were determined to keep Alsace-Lorraine German, and they were determined to undo French successes. Optimistic officers even imagined an idealistic world where new grounds were to be captured. With a heavy resolution adopted by the Germans, their recently bolstered armies marched onwards. Despite being under attack by superior numbers, General Joffre called upon all Frenchman to rally around the tricolour as they resisted the assault. Wary of General Foch marching to relieve the initial attack, a second battle began at Colmar. With both French armies pinned down the entire western front was ablaze with gunfire and blood. Ultimately the Revanchist attitude of the French, brewing within them since birth, led the path to victory as not only one but both German attacks were repulsed. With the German line crippled, Foch led the way for the 2nd Battle of Strasbourg. It may have been a short battle, but it became known as one of the bloodiest in the west. Annihilating the German defence the French rushed to the fortress, with the reconquest of Alsace-Lorraine complete. Although the Germans had taken steps to implement a scorched earth policy, their line lay completely shattered with the French already devising their next step.
[-73,445 regulars and 135,116 conscripts to Germany, -54,476 regulars and 137,425 conscripts to France]

The Sultan of the Ottomans was furious over the Russian incursion into Rhodes, and the Young Turks latched upon the opportunity to show the world that the sick man of Europe had healed. Forced to grant independence to Armenia under accusations of genocide and the threat of a Russian invasion, the Ottoman Empire acted quickly to reoccupy the old territory. It was not destined to be easy. Wary of the Turks ever since the declaration of war, Russia had taken steps to leave the Caucasus with enough men to defend should the Ottomans fulfil their alliance with Germany. Now that this was the case, the Cossacks rode into Armenia to provide defence against the Ottoman occupation. It wasn’t long until the age-old enemies met in the battlefield in what was their 13th war. A fearsome assault began, with nationalist Ottomans bravely assaulting the army before them. Not possessing the usual manpower advantage they would have in their battles, the Russians instead opted to use the mountainous terrain to their advantage. However the Ottoman army was one experienced in mountain warfare, and although the superior weaponry of the Russians may have led to widespread devastation, it alone was not enough to stop the Ottomans from pushing them out of Armenia. Far from the widespread stories circulating in Armenia prior to the Ottoman occupation, no further genocides occurred as the formation of a war council successfully kept war crimes to a minimum.
[-355 regulars and 24,821 conscripts to the Ottomans, -16,599 conscripts to Russia]


A British cartoonist's view of the Ottoman entry to the Great War.

The vital sea-route of the Dardanelles was closed by the Ottoman Empire to any and all Russian shipping. This had the effect of not only trapping the Black Sea Fleet in the Mediterranean, but of cutting off the Russian Empire from any trade routes with its ally, France. This blockade of Russia was pushed further yet still, as a perfect adherence to the British ultimatum caused the U-Boat commanders of Germany to abandon their fruitless campaign against France and instead devote all of their effort to Russia. With the Baltic Sea and Barents Sea swarmed with German submarines, Russia had increasingly become isolated to the rest of the world. In response, the Northern Fleet mobilised its destroyers in an attempt to hunt for the U-boats. Sailing as far as the Norwegian sea in some instances, several scores of submarines were hit – but at a price, and it certainly wasn’t enough to completely alleviate the blockade.
[Russia is blockaded, -4 destroyers to Russia, -19 submarines to Germany]

Under Habsburg occupation ever since spring, Serbia found itself with 30,000 veterans of the invasion on a peacekeeping mission, determined to stamp out any and all dissent within the Balkan nation. There were well-grounded worries within the Austrian High Command that a revolt could break out, and it was certainly the last thing Austria needed in the Great War. Contrary to initial Serbian fears, massacres were avoided as instead the Austrians sought to pacify the nation through co-operation. Collaborationist Serbs found themselves working in tandem with the Austrians, and together they ensured that all Serbian men were to work in munitions factories to provide vital supplies for the K.u.k forces. A policy was enacted where all Serbians were made to work in humane conditions, and with a salary – but with the war placing a tremendous demand on the Austro-Hungarian economy as it was, the salaries were minuscule.

Although they were nominally allies, deep-rooted suspicions plagued the relations between Italy and Austria-Hungary. As late as 1911 had von Hötzendorf suggested a pre-emptive strike upon Italy to counteract the forces of Italian nationalism. Forts lined the border between the two nations, and ever since the outbreak of war had Austrian soldiers been stationed across from Italy. It was thus of no real surprise to the Austrians when Italy declared war against them. Mobilising a vast army, Italy quickly flung both its veterans and newcomers to the impressive fortifications. The Austrian commanders felt confident within their artificial defences, but that turned out to be their key weakness. Too overconfident to realise a successful Italian penetration into the lines, the Austrians were slow to act. With the seemingly unstoppable Italian army pushing in, the Austrians mustered what they could but nonetheless faced a despairing defeat after a lengthy battle. Italians within Trentino chased out the retreating Austrians as they welcome their brothers in arms in hot pursuit of the fleeing army.
[-916 regulars and 129,153 conscripts to Italy, -113 regulars and 137,294 conscripts to Austria]


Victorious in the Alps, the Italians march onwards.

War with the Central Powers allowed Italy to take action against not only the Austrians, but also the Ottomans. With eyes upon the farflung land of Libya, the Italians decided upon incorporating a new territory to their burgeoning colonial empire. Accompanied by the largest of Italian ships, transports sailed across the Mediterranean where they lay siege to the port of Tripoli. Italy had banked their hopes upon Tripoli being undermanned and too isolated for reinforcement, and they were right. With the culmination of a short battle the first Italian soldiers laid foot into Libya. The second assault was planned upon Benghazi, with which the colony would effectively be Italian. Demanding the town’s immediate surrender lest they be bombarded, the Ottomans instead opted to resist from the countryside. Benghazi was bombarded and Italian soldiers too began to occupy the city. But resisting forces under the command of local Omar Al-Mukhtar were knowledgeable in local geography and desert warfare, and used this to their advantage as they began to conduct a series of short and swift raids that led to the retreat of the Italians. Although Libyan security was compromised, Cyrenaica remained safe.
[-357 regulars to Italy, -567 regulars to the Ottomans]

Casualties

Russia: 2,433,864
Austria: 1,851,524
Germany: 1,025,482
Poland: 521,782
France: 337,492
Serbia: 272,367
Italy: 130,426
Albania: 69,796
Montenegro: 29,205
Ottoman Empire: 28,952

Entente Casualties: 3,725,136
Central Power Casualties: 3,036,366
Total Casualties: 6,761,502

EVENTS OF THE WORLD
In the Netherlands, a bill to expand the military was struck down by parliament as the government aimed to improve the defense of Indonesia. Instead, a large part of the fleet and 5,000 troops were sent over, and a small number of forts were made on Java.
[Eleven pre-dreadnoughts and four ACs are in Indonesia, 5,000 troops go there, medium fortifications appear in Batavia, -2,500,000]

The ongoing war came down hard on Russia, but to keep the homefront happy was one of the most important things in the war. Petrograd decided to do this through guaranteeing the holdings of private individuals. The action came very late and many people falsified their bank accounts, claiming more money than they had. It became an expensive joke, but one that benefit the economy in the long run.
[+2 economic stability, - 488,454,171 ]

The Imperial Russian Army goes on another recruitment drive, claiming that the conditions of a regular soldier is better than that of a conscript. While this was true, draft dodging was better still and the turnout remained low.
[+50,000 regulars, -90,600,000]

Spain utilises the pool of labour it has due to the enormous unemployment problem and begins an infrastructural development program. For three months a year they perform paid labour and work on roads and railroads across the country, and it turns into success at a modest cost.
[+2 infrastructure in 3 turns, -45,285,764]

Redoubling its efforts to crush Russia, the German Empire works to increase coordination between air and land forces. An ingenious idea is the result, as coloured smoke from artillery shells is used to mark where the planes are needed, as well as improving the planes and bombs themselves. The recruitment campaign is continued and brings more German men to the front in regular service.
[+3 air level, +10,000 regulars, -372,999,856]

To the south, Greece felt threatened by victories scored by the Central Powers. Fearing that after the war the Austrians would reign free and take Southern Epirus for Albania, they decided to remove any grounds for doing this and arrested the entire Albanian community as spies and interned them in poorly-supplied prisoner camps, thinking of what exactly would be done with them.

An economic approach similar to Russia's was also taken this year in Italy, where the government tried to ensure the populace kept their money. The state threw a lot of money at the banking system and insured private bank accounts, which paid off well.
[+1 economic stability, -83,568,690]

To alleviate the unemployment problem, the government started constructing a series of railroads, utilising unemployed labour which allowed them to pay the workers less than usual. Soon enough, a new series of railroads were made.
[+2 infrastructure in 3 turns, -49,550,518]


Italian railroad workers

Afghanistan, trying to organise its youth, started the 'Muslim Youth Programme'. It worked towards training them in combat and survival, as well as instilling a pan-Islamist sentiment. While the plan itself worked, the problem with Afghanistan's government not having any major reach beyond the capital saw that turnout was incredibly low. Apparently going on an Islamist path, the Afghan government sponsors the building of mosques in tribal areas, where it was already full of them. People rumour about how the Amir is going to build a mosque for every Afghan, as the 'Kabul Games', a large Buzkashi tournament kicks off.
[+1 public opinion, -56,185]

In China a railway link is being constructed throughout Mongolia, and the government orders that roads an railroads should be made branching from it to better connect the Mongolian banners' mines, farms and towns. It works out well, but takes a while because the terrain is difficult to conquer despite the low amount of economic activity.
[+2% infrastructure spread in 2 turns, -23,000,000]

Efforts to arm the NRA like a proper army continue, with licensed production of Japanese weapons continuing kicking off. The starting of production is hampered by the lack of transport and skilled labourers, but they learn quickly.
[+10% equipment in 2 turns, -8,800,883]

Modernising even further, China examined the plane designs of the father of Chinese aviation, Feng Ru. Learning from them, the school of Chinese aviation started working on aircraft and soon came up with many designs and prototypes.
[+2 air level in 3 turns, -106,275,113]

The Republic's territories were vast, and spread from the Pacific Ocean to Central Asia. In the war west of China lay Xinjiang, or Uyghuristan, and it was full of natural resources yet not tapped into. Aiming to change this, a small rail link was made to Urumqi and work started on creating mines in the vincinity.
[+1538 resource base in 2 turns, +15,380,000]

In Daito, the government started purging the military for extreme elements, that still harboured Japanese nationalism. The ensuing show trial and declined appeal saw generals Sadao Araki and Jinzaburō Masaki shot by a firing squad. While this gave a sense of safety to the population, the army felt itself alienated from the government.

The government also aimed to save agriculture in the empire through Prefectural Agriculturam Committees. Their job was to inspect and advise farmers in land use, and organise plots of land by the efficiency of their use. It was a counterproductive, as the tsunamis of paperwork did not help one bit and put many farmers off from doing more than subsistence agriculture.

More succesful was a drive by the empire to spread infrastructure in its holdings. Working to build railroads in both the Japanese islands and the Korean peninsula, a spectacular result was achieved as in Korea, the amount of railroads nearly doubled, and a steady increase in the number of railroads was also present in Japan.
[+20% infrastructure spread in Japan and Korea in 1 turn, -439,793,280]

In New Zealand the economy was experiencing a slight revival. Capitalising on this, the government subsidised the modest industry so it could grow stronger than it was before the crisis. This, in combination with an influx of migrants from Spain, saw this revival continuing.
[29,836 people from Spain, +3 industry in 2 turns, -1,018,776]

The situation in South Africa looked even greater. The boer guerilla ended, the economy was recovering, and the government was beginning work. The first order of business was improving the state of education in the country. A large programme began to modernise the curriculum, which included Afrikaans, and saw an influx in the amount of teachers.
[Education set to good in one turn, -6,003,568]

A great deal of money was also invested in resource extraction, which saw a remarkable increase in output despite the countryside being wrecked.
[+614 resource base in 2 turns, -6,137,597]

The South African government also worked to increase the size of the standing army. Many of the bittereinders, who had fought for the last fifteen years, joined up in the officer corps as many young men looking for adventure from both South Africa and other parts of the Empire joined the army.
[+10,000 regulars in 1 turn, -24,997,500]


New South African recruits

The United States of America was also recovering, and to capitalise on this it bailed out major banks so that the savings of many normal people wouldn't be lost, but on a scale much lower than in Europe.
[+1 economic condition, -1,224,559,421]

The US army was also due for a refit. It was ordered that the army get new weapons and incentives given for the development of these, but interest was low and development arduous. This was not the case with the navy as congress passed a bill calling for the production of 18 light cruisers, to be finished by 1918.
[+18 light cruisers in 2 turns, +1 army level in 4 turns, -219,540,200]

The hurricane season of 1915 was especially harsh, with many major hurricanes devastating the countryside of the southern US. Washington responded by sending large amounts of relief aid so that the worst-hit areas could recover faster.
[+2662 goods/service base in 2 turns, -26,623,363]

Everything that was of even remote importance in Brazil was on the east coast. In an attempt to attach importance to the hinterland, ports on cities on the Amazon, especially Manaus, were improved and expanded so that all economic activity in the region could expand and shift away from the rubber monoculture.
[+1 infrastructure in 4 turns, -28,327,509]

A move towards industrialisation was made once again, but due to the lack of foreign investment and willingness of the landed elites to cooperate it failed to materialise, with only a limited improvement coming from the government's direct investment. These industries were all made to process agricultural goods from the landlords, and quickly fell under their grasp.
[+1 industry in 2 turns, -276,144]

Laws were passed to protect farmers in Canada, and the government promoted labour-intensive agriculture in light of the unemployment crisis. In combination with the fields growing immensely it worked to increase Canada's agricultural output considerably.
[+1300 agriculture base in 1 turn, -13,004,268]

Canadian industry also received government aid, and through subsidies and more effective methods industrial output increased notably, which was welcomed after it took massive blows during the crisis.
[+58 industry in 2 turns, -28,565,893]


Brick factory in Canada

The Emirate of Afganistan
Player: Kho

The Republic of Argentina
Player: NPC

The Austro-Hungarian Empire
Player: Giant

The Kingdom of Belgium
Player: Just a Belgian

The Empire of Brazil
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The Dominion of Canada
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The Republic of China
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The Kingdom of France
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The German Empire
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The Kingdom of Greece
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The Kingdom of Italy
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The Empire of Japan
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The Kingdom of the Netherlnds
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The Ottoman Empire
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Philippines
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The Kingdom of Romania
Player: Fingon888

The Russian Empire
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The Kingdom of Scandinavia
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The Kingdom of Serbia
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The Kingdom of Siam
Player: Heyitsjiwon

The Kingdom of Spain
Player: myfy


The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Player: KeldoniaSkylar

The United States of America
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The Dominion of Australia
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The Dominion of New Zealand
Player: PyroDash888


The Union of South Africa
Player: Nex


The Union of Mexico
Player: Maxwell500

The Irish Question

The Irish Question was one that had plagued the United Kingdom since the late 17th century, and two hundred years onward it seemed as though they were no closer to a final answer. Irish nationalists had clamoured for the right to govern themselves as a separate nation within the United Kingdom for decades, and with a Statute of Westminster granting additional powers to the Dominion of Canada following what was termed the 'Laurier Affair', they believed Home Rule to be granted to them at any moment. It was not meant to be, however, with Britain instead determined to keep Ireland a complacent territory of the United Kingdom. Years onwards and anger grew within Ireland. Dismayed Catholics began to trickle towards the Sinn Féin party, who demanded a greater voice for the Irish.


Leader of Sinn Féin, Éamon de Valera.

Any attempts to answer Sinn Féin's call for Home Rule came to an end in 1909, where a constitutional crisis arose when the House of Lords rejected David Lloyd George's Finance Bill. With the British government becoming divided by the second, two General Elections were held in 1910. In both times, Liberals and Conservatives equally matched. Only one party was able to solve the deadlock - Éamon de Valera's Sinn Féin. Holding the balance in the House of Commons, the Liberals agreed to grant home rule to the Irish in return for the Sinn Féin's support during the political crisis. With the Liberals now soundly in power, they were able to introduce the Parliament Act 1911. This replaced the unlimited veto of the Lords with a veto lasting only two years, which ensured that a home rule bill passed by the Commons would be enacted within two years.


Passing of the Parliament Act 1911

Prime Minister H.H. Asquith lived up to his promise of supporting Sinn Féin's ideal of home rule, and introduced the bill in 1914. Although it passed the House of Commons, the House of Lords rejected it. When reintroduced the following year with an even larger majority in the House of Commons, it found itself rejected once again by the Lords. A third reading of the bill, passed in the Commons with the largest majority yet again found itself vetoed by the House of Lords. Asquith tapped into the rights of the Parliament Act 1911, and thus forced through the Bill in early 1916. While this was a cause for celebration in most of Ireland, not all were happy.

'What answer from the North?
One Law, One Land, One Throne!
If England drives us forth
We shall not fall alone.'

Ulster 1914, a poem by Rudyard Kipling

Deeply hostile to the mere idea of home rule, the Unionists within Ulster feared being governed by a Catholic-dominated parliament from Dublin. Ever since the Bill was first suggested in 1914, they had formed a militia known as the Ulster Volunteers in order to oppose its assent. Under the leadership of Edward Carson, the UVF had expanded to 100,000 men by the end of the year. Enjoying popular support from the population of Ulster, he introduced the Ulster Covenant, where just under half a million men and women pledged to use "all means which may be found necessary to defeat the present conspiracy to set up a Home Rule Parliament in Ireland". Even when threatening rebellion from the United Kingdom, the UVF enjoyed wholehearted support from the Conservative Party in London, and the Liberal Party not finding "itself terribly distressed by this proceeding.".


The Ulster Volunteer Force demonstrate against Home Rule.

With Unionists engaged in mass demonstrations and with an armed militia to boot, the nationalists within the rest of Ireland couldn't sit by any longer. Forming the Irish Volunteers, they declared their own aim "to secure and maintain the rights and liberties common to the whole people of Ireland". Respected scholar Eoin MacNeill was chosen as the Irish Volunteer's public face, where he promptly fought for the upper moral ground. MacNeill offered his thoughts upon the situation, condemning the Conservatives and their support of the armed forces within Ulster. By defining the UVF as the British policy towards all Ireland, the Irish Volunteers enjoyed tremendous popularity. MacNeill, however, was careful to opine that the Irish Volunteers were not formed to dominate nor seek aggression, but instead in the name of self-defence.


A meeting of the Irish Volunteers at Liberty Hall, Dublin.

The situation in Ireland was spiralling out of control with Irish Home Rule due to become law in 1916. Many MPs contemplated some kind of military action against the UVF. Sir Arthur Paget, Commander-in-Chief in Ireland, was summoned to London and instructed to move men into Ulster to reinforce both arms depot and prepare for a possible rebellion, if not a crackdown of the UVF. However when Paget summoned his brigadiers and informed them that active operations against Ulster were imminent, to his surprise almost all officers present within Ireland handed in their resignation. The press called it a mutiny; the Ulster unionists saw it as a sign that public support was on their side; the Irish nationalists questioned Asquith's commitment to Home Rule; and most MPs began to question if the army could be trusted to deal with the Irish Question.


The presses view of what they termed the Curragh Mutiny.

No end was in sight to either this update or the Irish Question. About a month later the UVF had managed to smuggle weaponry to Britain, prompting the Irish Volunteers to do the very same. Tensions between unionists and home rule supporters flared, with sectarian rivalries burning. With mass demonstrations and fully armed militias just waiting for a spark to light the powder keg, murmurs of a call of no-confidence had made an appearance in Parliament. Asquith was attacked ruthlessly by MP after MP, whether Liberal or Conservative. Ironically, Cromwell's words were echoed around the Parliament: "You have sat here too long for any good you are doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!" Faced with a mountain of criticism, Asquith's resignation was soon handed in to Parliament. His replacement was none other than one of the most popular parliamentarians, the Welsh Wizard - David Lloyd George. Enjoying the support of both the Liberals and the Conservatives, he successfully forged a coalition government where he vowed to solve not only the Irish problem but to welcome a new era for Britain.


Punch Magazine welcomes the new British Prime Minister.

Lloyd George faced a tough task ahead of him, and he knew it. What he didn't know was how soon he had to act. Only a few days after his appointment did dire news reach Parliament - with hatred brewing on both sides and Home Rule set to be enacted any day, the worst had come to pass: the local police had been overwhelmed as Unionists and Nationalists exchanged gunshots. The Irish Civil War had began.

His Majesty's government wishes to announce it shall sever all existing ties between the British Empire and the Empire of Japan, in light of a treaty they attempted to make with the Emir of Afghanistan.


If the Amir wishes to change the relationship between the United Kingdom and Afghanistan, it would seem more logical to discuss alteration of this with His Majesty's Government rather than a third party.

On the subject of Ireland, His Majesty's government condemns all violent acts on behalf of both the Ulster Volunteers and the Irish Volunteers and to stop terrorism coming from both sides the British Army shall be sent to Ulster and aim to disarm both forces. We can reach a solution only at the negotiating table.

-David Lloyd George, Prime Minister of His Majesty's Government