The Discord That Follows

[SilverSwimmer]

As the sun rose on April 21st, 1919, over two-hundred people lay dead in a Galician town no one had ever heard of. It did not take long for the news to spread either. Messages flung across the world with lightning speed, leading to lightning reactions to an event that may have needed cooler heads to prevail. The U.S. Ambassador to Germany and future Secretary of State Charles Francis Adams III even noted later in his memoirs that “Europe’s descent into chaos was so swift, one had to ask the question on whether Europe preferred Armageddon to a peaceful resolution.”

Indeed, Europe did rather Armageddon. Many historians argue that it was the opinion of the British government that time was on the side of the Russo-German alliance. Some evidence comes from conversations between Edward Grey and the Prime Minister Arthur Balfour. Edward Grey was part of the Imperial Liberals, a wing of the Liberals that had taken control after the gutting of the party in 1908. He was in close contact with the Conservative government throughout its term, and during the Unity Government formed under Balfour in 1919, he was appointed Foreign Secretary as part of a few concessions. During their talks, it is clear they believed the threat of Russia was becoming too great, and that soon the sheer industrial weight of the bloc would come crashing down on the British Empire. In fact, in one of their meetings, Grey remarked that “should a crisis arise in the near future, it may be in the Empire’s best interest to intervene to change the game, or else be reduced to watching the sands of time erode the Empire into nothing.”

And so the battle of words dominated the next few days. Austria demanded an apology and reparations, Russia demanded the rebels or face an invasion to retrieve them. Guarantees were made on both sides. The first was the United Kingdom, that announced that it would support the Austrian Union if Russia invaded, Germany followed with a similar statement regarding its support for Russia. Many looked to Italy, the historical ally of Germany and nemesis to Francis II, to see if it would react, but it remained strangely quiet, as did the Ottoman Empire. The United States was quick to state its neutrality and its dedication to finding a quick resolution. Japan would only join in once war had already been declared by the other powers.

That took place on April 25th, 1919, when Russian soldiers opened fire along the border with Austria after the latter refused to hand over the Polish revolutionaries. Ironically there was not much action in Europe until the summer, given that the war was quite a surprise to everyone, and no country had any real time to mobilize. Russia was the exception, but unfortunately much of its already mobilized strength was being used against Piłsudski in central Poland. Other countries, especially those currently on the sidelines, used this strange lull to better prepare themselves for their likely entry.

[SilverSwimmer]

Im on a roll! A combination of boredom, finally getting to the part of the TL that Ive been waiting for, and a surge of determination is making me write out my TL pretty fast. Updates should be decently regular.

Originally Posted by LordIreland

Rubs hands gleefully...and thus it starts

I know right? Took long enough.

Originally Posted by Adûnakhôr

Polish....

....And Russians....

...so entirely predictable.

Well I would like to think its a little bit more original than someone random being assassinated!

Originally Posted by Grand Prince Paul II.

Another armed Polish rebellion!

And this time it caused a major European war!

I hope all rebels will end up broken or at least killed.



I do not think France will side with any other major power, but try to support all kinds of nationalistic anti-establishment rebels.

Originally Posted by stevep

Interesting. An open supporter of imperialism. Don't see many of those.



I think they may feel the balance of power requires it. If Austria and Britain get defeated France is very, very alone.

Steve

Originally Posted by Grand Prince Paul II.

I do not support imperialism, but I certainly despise arrogant romanticists who endanger the good work of better people.



If a quick Russo-German victory seems likely and preventable by a French intervention.



Any longer war would weaken both belligerent sides, which is probably what the French leadership is hoping for because France's position is quite similar to the OTL USSR at the beginning of WWII and Stalin was hoping that Nazi Germany and the western status-quo powers would exhaust each other.

Originally Posted by stevep

Well the Romanov's can definitely be described as arrogant but I definitely won't call them romanticists.

Seriously, there are cases when relatively small groups in minority populations cause unrest but this only works when there is a general dissatisfaction with the way their governed. If Russian rule is anything like OTL then the Poles, along with other communities definitely have a case. [As do many people under other empires, most definitely including the British].



Given the forces involved a quick victory, at least on the continent, definitely seems likely. Therefore if France thinks it needs to intervene it will definitely want to get in early.



That is definitely an option but, like Stalin, Clemenceau needs to believe the two sides are reasonably balanced. Also don't forget that Stalin decided to aid the side he thought was weaker, only to find out he had made a near fatal mistake. Clemenceau needn't fear that as neither Austria nor Britain are as expansionist, let alone insane, as Nazi Germany but he does need to think over how balanced the conflict looks.

Steve

As I just posted, there are many countries that arent joining in immediately. France will be its own entity, working for its own interests, no the ones of the Russo-German alliance or the Anglo-Austrian one. By the way, any ideas for alliance names???

Also, although I would agree that right now Russia and Germany have the upper hand, remember how many fronts Russia will be tied down on. Also, the German military machine is not the one of OTL. So it may be a little more even than you think.

[stevep]

SilverSwimmer

I presume by "Germany followed with a similar statement" you mean Germany declared it would support Russia if it attacked Austria? [As it is it sounds like Germany is offering a guarantee of support to Austria if Russia attacks].

Hopefully it will be more balanced that it looks. However Russia is huge and somewhat more developed than OTL I think. [Although Poland might not be its only internal problem]. Germany might not be Prussian dominated and highly militarised but it is a powerful advanced economic state and probably the major industrial power in Europe. Austria is somewhat stronger than OTL A-H, including the addition of Bavaria but its no match against those two giants and while Britain has a strong navy and considerable economy its not a military giant in land terms.

At least Italy and the US are staying neutral, at least for the moment. Given the history of the former and recent tension in N America those were both matters of concern for the Anglo-Austrian bloc.

Not sure of names for either bloc. Could go for central or continental powers for Russo-Germany. Allies for Britain-Austria, as can't think of anything else. [Could have something like the Conservative or Fascist League, although given the radically different nature of fascism in TTL that might be rather misleading].

By Japan 'only offered a statement of support' after war was declared is it joining the conflict? Or supporting America's offer of negotiation?

Steve

[Herr Frage]

Well I am assuming this will be the shot in the arm for the Civil Rights movement. Which sadly implies ethnic atrocities on a large scale in the making.

Predictions for Great War:

Ottoman Empire: Declares war on Russia to aid its most important ally and punish Russia for its meddling in Arabia. War enters Balkans with Russian allies declaring war on Istanbul. No formal alliance with Austria.

Italy: Waits for French declaration of War on Germany then attacks Austria.

France: France declares war on Germany but does not join Vienna-London Pact. The Tiger stuns the world by then attacking Italy once it commits to its war with Austria. His goals are the restoration of France's European borders.

Catalonia: Allied to France it declares wars in a similar vein sending volunteers to the Fronts. The regime is challenged by Carlists, Republicans, and Catalan Nationalists resentful of the influence of refugees from elsewhere in Iberia and of course French influence. Spain seeing this weakness and France's distraction attacks.

Spain: Seeing an opportunity to reunite Spain Madrid orders an invasion of Catalonia. Quick victory does not occur as most factions oppose reunification or at least the Macias regime. Catalonia takes losses but rallies to defense with Clemenacu opening a minor from t in the Prynees to take the pressure off. The war meant to stabilize Spain makes it worse as offensives grind to a halt.

Portugal: courted by Paris and London to knock Spain out of the war. King is leery though that any gain would be offset by a revolution in Madrid.

[SilverSwimmer]

Warfare Technology

Although the Great War would be fought with many of the same actors as the German Wars, the way it would be fought would become drastically different as the war dragged on. During the Avant-Guerre years, advances in military technology brought new opportunities when it came to strategy in warfare. Although the old adage “A general always fights the last war,” was once again proven correct, twenty-four years of technological progress certainly changed the game.

Submersibles:

While submersibles continually showed promise throughout the 19th century, its full potential was not seen until the German Wars. The French were the leaders in this technology, and during the war had about five commissioned submarines in its service, all of whom were electric. They succeeded in sinking over ten British commercial vessels, and two British destroyers in the English Channel over the course of the war, but with a range of only about 75 miles, the submersibles were of little strategic use, and had little effect on the wars course.

In 1895, an Irish-American inventor, John Holland, used a diesel engine instead of just an electric one, making the range of the submarine far greater. Soon nations copied the designs and improved on them. As a large surface fleet was too expensive to maintain, the French focused on submarine technology and again became innovators. By the outbreak of the Great War, they had submarine models that had ranges of thousands of miles.

The French S-7 class submarine, 1912

Aeronautics:

The years before the Great War were marked by leaping strides in the concept of aeronautics. Partially fueled by the public’s fascination with the science, men known as “aeronauts,” preformed daily feats that amazed crowds, while money flowed into this new phenomenon.

While Albert Santos-Dumont, and the American “Cape Flyers,” made of up Orville Kolbert, Charlie Mattings, and Arthur Helmsford, were at the forefront of this technology, there were dozens of other inventors and engineers making their own models. In 1907, Otto Lillenthal, a German engineer who specialized in gliders, created the world’s first monoplane, and while he was judged too old to fly by his peers, his assistant, Ernst Heinkel, completed a 50-mile flight over the Baltic Sea from Kiel to Odense in Denmark. This proved to many that the monoplane was a viable model of aeroplane.

While many in Europe experimented, in the United States the “Cape Flyers” were hard at work trying to make a prototype for the Army. As Congress had diverted funds to make way for an Air Corps, much of that money saw its way into the trio’s hands. With the help of that money, they founded the New England Aeronautical Company, headquartered in Boston. Other aeronautical companies sprouted up elsewhere. In New York, Thomas Edison’s General Electric saw the potential in these machines, and created a aeronautical division. And in Dayton Ohio, the twins Wilbur and Madeline Wright began their work, eventually leading to Madeline becoming the first women pilot in history. The Wright company would eventually expand rapidly during the Great War, and become a leader in aeronautical engineering.

The first use of an aeroplane in war was during the horrors of the Iberian Civil War. Usually used as scouts alongside dirigibles, they eventually were equipped with small maxim guns in order to shoot the airships down. At the Battle of Braga, Natsy aeronauts used French made planes to drop incendiary bombs throughout the city. This new development in warfare was not overlooked, and the potential for aeroplanes became even greater.

Natsy aeroplanes leased from France take off in Northern Portugal, 1913

Boxes:

Developed in the United Kingdom, these machines were the answer to the death and destruction Europe had seen at the hands of trenches and maxim guns. Legend has it the term box was coined when an unnamed British General was first shown the machine and he stated, “I came all this way for you to show me…boxes!” Because of the men’s enjoyment of the scene, the name stuck. Either way, boxes would be an undeniable force in modern warfare.

While the early Armored Wagons were dragged down in the mud during the German Wars, testing was finally done with “caterpillars,” in the early 1900’s after being shown an American prototype for artillery pulled by these “tractors.” The tests were extremely successful. While quite slow, these boxes could still traverse across a trench. At first, these machines were fitted with a single machine gun in the front. But of course, war is the mother of all innovation. The Iberian Civil War became a testing ground for these boxes, showing that one box needed the ability to destroy another. Soon they were equipped with small artillery pieces, while others were made to carry actual artillery pieces. These Artillery Wagons were far from perfected, but during the Great War they would make a huge difference.

Boxes on the move in central Spain, 1914

Supertenders:

While aeroplanes were being developed, some began to wonder what potential they could have at sea. Before and during the Iberian Civil War, the British Navy, and many others, developed ships that could be used to fish seaplanes out of the water. These seaplane tenders were used extensively during the Portuguese blockade of Natsy occupied ports, using the seaplanes in order to scout out blockade runners headed to French ports for supplies. These tenders were extremely successful, enough so that some governments began testing ships that would solely be used as a kind of ocean-going aerodrome, or a “supertender,” as some would call it.

The HMS Ark Royal, under construction in 1918

[stevep]

SilverSwimmer

Interesting summary. So we have a significant submarine capacity with France as the world leaders, good a/c development with the US and Germany possibly as the leading powers and Britain as the world's leader in armoured warfare and working on early carriers. This is going to be weird.

Steve

[Archangel]

Keep it up, SilverSwimmer!

[SilverSwimmer]

The Summer of '19

With the speed at which the powers in Europe declared war, one would think they would be more aggressive in their tactics. This was not the case. Many Generals who remembered the German Wars knew that offense meant unsustainable casualties, and postponed offensive action. They were also waiting for reinforcements, the nations at war had to mobilize their conscripts.

The first action taken was by Russia. By the time war was declared, Russia had troops across the border, trying to capture Polish rebels. They were in the process of bombarding Krakow, which was right across the Russo-Austrian frontier, but this was just to keep the Austrians guessing. Russia was not really in a position to launch such a large sustained offensive at the moment. Many troops were still in Poland battling insurgents in urban combat. This was helped by an influx of German units in May and June, and allowed Russian troops to prepare for an attack.

On June 10th, Russia launched its first offensive, with the goal of disrupting Austria’s Galician natural gas and petrol production. Before the war, Austria was a world leader in the production of these two products, and if Russia could capture the fields and refineries it would be a large blow to the Austrian war effort. It was initially successful, the first battles at the frontier tilted in Russia’s favor, and the Austrians were sent reeling back towards the Carpathians. But it did not last long. Austrian troops stood strong at the Battle of Lemburg and Stanislow in late June and early July, and the Russian offensive quickly lost steam. While the front was not reduced to full-scale German Wars style trench warfare, the two sides dug in to await further developments elsewhere.

Russian troops in Galicia

Those developments came in the declaration of war on the Russo-German alliance, dubbed the Central Pact by many, by Japan on June 22nd , and the declaration of war on the British-Austrian alliance, eventually known simply as the Allies, by Italy a month later on July 27th. The declaration of war by Italy was not by chance. The announcement followed what seemed to be a successful start to the German invasion of Bavaria. In fact, it was going disastrously. Initially it was supposed to coincide with the Russian offensive into Galicia, but it was delayed by mobilization issues, caused by a few radical labor groups attempting a general strike in protest of the war…it did not go well. By the time the German attack was underway, the Russian one had stalled. German soldiers in Sudetenland found the mountainous terrain to be a poor place for combat, and in combination with the defense systems built there over the last decade, quite deadly.

German defeat in Bavaria was due to a whole different set of factors. During the interwar period, Bavaria had developed a defense plan using its motor artery system as a way to make up for its small military. When Bavaria united with Austria in 1918, the plans were adopted, and it became the official defense plan for a war with Germany. The plan relied heavily on Armored wagons and Motor infantry, both of which Bavaria had excelled at. Although Germany had numerical superiority in the region, it seemed as though there were just as many Austrians. All the while, a young Austrian General named Johann Hiedler took the tactics of the fighting in Bavaria and made it his own. This was much more offensive in nature, using armored wagons to quickly puncture a hole in the enemies lines instead of the normal infantry-support role the machines were made for. Infantry would then exploit the hole afterward. He first successfully used it at the Battle of Regensburg in early September, where Hiedler crushed a numerically superior force of Germans, effectively turning the tide in Bavaria and allowing Austrian troops to begin planning an invasion of Germany.

Famous Austrian General Johann Hiedler

Italy’s attack went just as unfortunately. They were unsuccessful in breaking out in Trentino, where mountainous warfare would continue for almost the rest of the war. Meanwhile the Italian Navy was worried about being swept from the seas; with good reason. While the Italian Navy was on par with the Austrian one, the British now something to hunt. Italian raiders bombarded many Austrian owned Adriatic islands, but large fleet actions were rare following the July declaration.

The summer of 1919 should that while Europe was ready to declare war, they were far less ready to fight one. This would all change in the fall, when the Russian Bear found new prey.

[SilverSwimmer]

The Bear Strikes South!

That cry could be heard throughout many European capitals. Indeed, the Russians had begun their invasion of the Ottoman Empire, until this time a neutral party to the war, or so they thought. It was of Russia’s opinion that the invasion indeed had a casus belli, that of British petrol production facilities, naval bases, and supply depots that dotted the Ottoman frontier, and that would no doubt be aiding British soldiers in Persia. And so the Russian army opened a new front in the Middle East.

In coordination of the invasion, the Russians also gave the go ahead to Mohammad-Vali Khan, the Russian backed Persian general who had his eyes on the throne. And so, as the first Russian aeroplanes dotted the Armenian skies, General Khan called in his reserve for what would be the quick, but bloody, First Battle of Tehran, also known as the Persian Coup. On the night of September 17th, the rebellious elements of the Persian Army took control of many of the cities communication centers and military bases, ending with the dramatic storming of the city palace. The next day, the Shah was paraded through the city to Maidan-i Sipah Square, where he was beheaded in front of a large crowd. Khan later pronounced the beginning of the Iranian Republic, but in reality, it was military rule with himself at the helm. The Shah’s followers escaped the city and began the trek south towards British controlled Persia, where they would begin forming units in order to topple the General.

"Iranian" soldiers show off for a photo

The British, while fully expecting a Persian Front, were not quite ready for a Russian attack through the Ottoman Empire. Much of the Ottoman forces already mobilized were busy in the Arabian Peninsula, doing what the British could only guess was occupying a hostile province. In reality, it was much worse, but whatever it was, it was taking up more soldiers than the Turks could afford. What little British forces could muster up were sent north in conjunction with Turkish garrisons in the northeast, to try and slow down the Bear before reinforcements could arrive. This met with very mixed results. The terrain was advantageous to the Ottomans, but sheer numbers overcame that advantage eventually. By the time winter fell and the offensive needed to stop, Russian forces had captured Erzurum, and advanced as far as Hakkari in the south.

Turkish troops at attention, October 1919

However, the biggest result of this invasion was not in the Middle East, but in the Balkans. While many expected them to hop on the bandwagon quickly after the initial declarations of war, instead, many chose to remain neutral. Romania was the only Balkan nation to join the fighting before the Russian invasion of the Ottoman Empire, declaring war on Austria-Hungary on June 10th, 1919. However its limited incursion into Transylvania is of little note, the Romanians did not have the equipment or size to advance very far, and the Austrians were too busy in more important places to truly commit men. This all changed on September 17th, when the Ottomans joined the war. Now the Balkan nations had incentive to join the fight. Bulgaria especially was willing to join the Central Pact in exchange for bits and pieces of the Ottoman carcass. They had been experiencing a bit of a National Revival, and the Tsar Alexander was riding the wave, promising the return of the old Medieval Bulgar Empire that had once defeated the Ottomans ages ago. But it wasn’t just Balkan nations looking to take a bite out of the Ottomans; they were also looking at each other. Serbia had longed to bring Bulgarian Macedonia into its little kingdom, a new step toward a Slavic Empire. For this same reason it also looked hungrily at Montenegro-Hergezovina.

These tensions erupted in late September and October. Bulgaria was the first to join, declaring war and joining the Central Pact on October 7th. Montenegro declared war on the Ottoman Empire on October 10th, invading the undefended Albania in conjunction with Bulgaria. These events shocked Austria, they was now almost completely surrounded. With this in mind, they made consul with the Serbian government. The two nations were not close, Serbia had always longed for the Serbian portion of Austria, and even the other Slavic territories under Vienna’s control. So when the diplomats met in the middle of October, Serbian demands were cold and clear. In exchange for an alliance of convenience, Austria would arrange a plebiscite after the war’s end to see whether the Serbian-majority portions of Austria would stay in the Empire or join the small Slavic nation. Austria never intended to truly have one, but they would deal with that when the war was over. The Treaty of Belgrade cemented the unnatural alliance between the two. Serbia would be the shield of Austria’s underbelly, and made good on that promise too; before the year was out, Serbia had forced Montenegro-Hergezovina to sue for peace. In the Treaty of Nis, signed on Christmas Eve, the tiny Adriatic kingdom was wiped from the mad and incorporated into the Serbian Empire.

[Lycaon pictus]

Originally Posted by SilverSwimmer

Much of the Ottoman forces already mobilized were busy in the Arabian Peninsula, doing what the British could only guess was occupying a hostile province. In reality, it was much worse, but whatever it was, it was taking up more soldiers than the Turks could afford.

Allow me to be the first to say… oh my god.

[jeckl]

Could we get a map?

What about Ottoman Libya?

Will France join the Allies? May be a good way to get land back off Germany and even Italy

[stevep]

Originally Posted by Lycaon pictus

Allow me to be the first to say… oh my god.

I agree. This sounds very ominous. I also suspect that it is rather unlikely if its what it sounds like. The Arab population of the peninsula are much larger than the Armenian one in Anatolia and far more widely spread. Also they are mainly Muslim and their historical role in Islam would make widespread massacres, if not outright genocide hugely difficult, both in practical and political terms.

Steve

[stevep]

SilverSwimmer

Apart from the query about the events in Arabia a few comments. Austria is holding up very well but now virtually surrounded and going to come under heavy pressure. Hopefully it can be supported soon.

Serbia actually had mixed relations with Austria OTL and at one stage was its main ally in the region. Also, given how much many groups, such as the Croatians and Bosnians distrusted the Serbs a set of referendums on what country they belong to is probably not a great danger for Austria.

I'm surprised that no one has commented on the success of a certain Austrian general.

Still unclear who's side Japan is on. Would suspect that rivalry with Russia would put it in the allied camp but don't think you have mentioned clearly.

Think if France is going to act it will have to be soon. Otherwise, between the weakening of Austria and the possible fall-out from suspected events in Arabia they might have missed the chance to have a real effect.

Steve

[SilverSwimmer]

Originally Posted by Lycaon pictus

Allow me to be the first to say… oh my god.

Yes. Ill be covering it later on, but I may do it in short stories from a more personal view. Not as much a regular update.

Originally Posted by jeckl

Could we get a map?

What about Ottoman Libya?

Will France join the Allies? May be a good way to get land back off Germany and even Italy

Ottoman Libya will be covered in a later update.

France is looking very closely at the map. If there is a possibility they may jump at it. But they may not have a true alliance with the Allies...there is no love lost with the UK, and there is Spain.

Here is the map:

Europe: January 1st, 1920.

[stevep]

SilverSwimmer

Very useful that map. Hadn't realised that Bulgarian had gotten that big. Which makes me wonder what Greece is thinking? It will probably have bad relations with both the Ottomans and Bulgaria but would it come in on either side?

Steve

[SilverSwimmer]

Originally Posted by stevep

SilverSwimmer

Very useful that map. Hadn't realised that Bulgarian had gotten that big. Which makes me wonder what Greece is thinking? It will probably have bad relations with both the Ottomans and Bulgaria but would it come in on either side?

Steve

To be honest I think they want nothing to do with it. They may want to expand along the Aegean at the expense of Bulgaria, or maybe try and get some more islands at the expense of the Ottomans, but there are also huge cons for both.

If they side with the Allies, they would have to ally with Turkey, which I dont think they really want to do. Although it may be a better case then allying with the Central Pact and exposing themselves to a British/Ottoman invasion.

Of course this all rides on whether all the nations respect Greece's sovereignty.

[SilverSwimmer]

China and the War of the Four Emperors

While the fighting in Europe only began in 1919, on the other side of the world, it was nothing new. Since 1915, China had been experiencing on and off fighting because of the 1913 overthrow of the young Emperor Puyi, thus ending the centuries long Qing Dynasty. What took its place was a battle between some of the more powerful warlords in the area, and Qing aristocrats who wanted to restore the throne. This was know as the War of the Four Emperors, a series of conflicts that ultimately melded into the global war in 1919.

The overthrow of Puyi did not lead to much change in the daily life of the peasants of China at first, most lived under the rule of local warlords when Puyi was still in power anyway. However the absence of an Emperor created a large vacuum, not of real power, but of influence and legitimacy. If someone new could in fact become Emperor and sell their case, they may be able to unite all of China once more.

This is how a man named Sun Deming began to gain influence among the people of China. He was born in the south of China an grew up there, learning English and converting to Christianity. However, he began to travel, first the Japan where he experienced first-hand the power of industrialization, and to Hawaii, where he experienced the coup d’état, and even fought in the Counter-coup to restore the Queen. Afterwards, he moved back to China, eventually settling outside European area of influence, and began organizing power. He watched the Vietnamese monarchy grow after winning their independence in 1900, and was impressed with the system. By the fall of Puyi, he had a sizeable amount of land under his thumb, with a small professional army to boot, some mercenaries from the Beiyang Army, others peasants that saw him as China’s savior.

Sun Deming

After the end of the Qing Dynasty, Deming made his move. He made alliances with many of the southern warlords, attempting to form an anti-Qing coalition which he called the Guójiā liánméng, or National Alliance. However, he was double-crossed in late 1914, by another warlord by the name of Lu Rongting. Rongting was an old general for the Qing Dynasty, but had lost faith and began making a claim for himself in the Guangxi province. He was worried about how much power Sun Deming was gaining for himself, and the British currency that was backing his finances made him quite confident he could take Sun down a peg. He was right too. The ensuing Guangxi war lasted a little over four months, but by the time it was over, the National Alliance was in tatters. Deming and his followers fled the South, eventually establishing themselves in Shaanxi after the “Long March North, which killed an estimated 10,000 people.

While this happened, another of the Qing’s old Generals, a man by the name of Yuan Shikai, attempted to create a new monarchy, starting with himself. The newly proclaimed Emperor had his influence in the north of China, around the former capitol of Peking. This was not taken well. While in the south, Lu Rongting declared the independence of Guangxi, in the east, around Shanghai and Annhui, a German-backed warlord named Duan Qirui established his own clique, and began his own on and off war with Yuan Shikai’s “Empire.” By the time the Great War was introduced to Asia, the Chinese had already had three years experience.

The Pacific: April, 1919

[jeckl]

How is the eastern Front shaping up?

And is France worried about the balance of power is the Central pact win?

[Herr Frage]

Clemanacu was not called the Tiger for nothing. Natsy France fought hard to retain each colony it could grasp and risked war to secure a vassal state in Iberia. Paris will enter this war, but it will do it for France.

They may justify it by aiding their Natsy brethren in Poland, but the fact is both the nations occupying the land they lost are engaged in a full scale war.

The Tiger smells blood, he will indulge, the only question is when. I imagine there are many in France calling for war already. If the Centrals win it means the lost territory is lost for generations.

France is for France, but it is against Italy and Germany I say.

For the British, what about an invasion of Corsica?

It seems to make sense. The island is new to Italian rule and restless. If the RN blockades it in conjunction with an invasion the italy will not be able to reinforce it. And its not beyond the realm of possibility that AntiItalian factions will rise up in support of invasion.

Then Corsica becomes a prize to offer France. Which will infuriate the Corsican Nationalists, but they count for little compared to drawing France into the war in London's eyes.

And from bases in Corsica and Malta the RN can tighten its hold on Italian waters.

As For Greece, I say Greece is also for Greece. Allying with Britain and Austria but not the Ottomans. The goal for them being to take Macedonia and other choice parts of Bulgaria. And perhaps persuade Britain to persuade the Ottomans to turnover some islands to Athens?

Caving into Greece would be humiliating, but letting Russian armies move through Balkan allies to the walls of Istanbul? Disastrous.

And Austria under the leadership of a misunderstood mustache seems ready to Blitz the former Catholic League. A lightning war into Germany just may bring the allies more popularity in the ally shopping.

[SilverSwimmer]

Originally Posted by jeckl

How is the eastern Front shaping up?

And is France worried about the balance of power is the Central pact win?

Originally Posted by Herr Frage

Clemanacu was not called the Tiger for nothing. Natsy France fought hard to retain each colony it could grasp and risked war to secure a vassal state in Iberia. Paris will enter this war, but it will do it for France.

They may justify it by aiding their Natsy brethren in Poland, but the fact is both the nations occupying the land they lost are engaged in a full scale war.

The Tiger smells blood, he will indulge, the only question is when. I imagine there are many in France calling for war already. If the Centrals win it means the lost territory is lost for generations.

France is for France, but it is against Italy and Germany I say.

For the British, what about an invasion of Corsica?

It seems to make sense. The island is new to Italian rule and restless. If the RN blockades it in conjunction with an invasion the italy will not be able to reinforce it. And its not beyond the realm of possibility that AntiItalian factions will rise up in support of invasion.

Then Corsica becomes a prize to offer France. Which will infuriate the Corsican Nationalists, but they count for little compared to drawing France into the war in London's eyes.

And from bases in Corsica and Malta the RN can tighten its hold on Italian waters.

As For Greece, I say Greece is also for Greece. Allying with Britain and Austria but not the Ottomans. The goal for them being to take Macedonia and other choice parts of Bulgaria. And perhaps persuade Britain to persuade the Ottomans to turnover some islands to Athens?

Caving into Greece would be humiliating, but letting Russian armies move through Balkan allies to the walls of Istanbul? Disastrous.

And Austria under the leadership of a misunderstood mustache seems ready to Blitz the former Catholic League. A lightning war into Germany just may bring the allies more popularity in the ally shopping.

Interesting speculation. I guess we shall see shant we? But youre correct about France and Greece; they are in (or out) for themselves, and they are calculating very quietly while the world goes to hell.

As for the Eastern Front, if you meant the Pacific, is here.