Unbroken Chains- Time Line

A TL of mine, written in various formats. I'd like to thank the many people who have helped me with this project. Rast, Blairwitch, Lustaina, come to mind first, you all know who you are! This is quite long, and here is the first part. Comments welcome/needed/desperately asked for.

Edit: And Talkie Toaster of course. This is as much his as mine!
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American Lake, A Study of American Policy in the Caribbean. Dr. Steven Poitt, 2007. New York, Goldyn Publishing.

By 1900, it seemed that America's dominance in the Western Hemisphere would not be questioned, let alone challenged. The rapid pace of industrialization had transformed America. The combination of relative stability (with the notable exception of the Civil War), a large growing population, massive geographic size, and abundant resources, had produced a economic giant of no equal. The United States held 23.5% of the world's manufacturing output, compared to Britian's 18%. Even these numbers hide the true performance of America industry. The United States produced more steel then the next three powers (Great Britian, Germany, France) combined. This growth was driven by massive American companies. In one famous example the Andrew Carnegie steel company was producing more steel that all of England. Huge companies, like Singer, Rockefeller Oil, Colt, and International Harvester dominated the world market and often pushed European firms to the limit. These massive conglomerates also produced vast sums of money for America. With a national income three times higher then Great Britian, the United States produced more money then the next 4 powers combined. This cash was also produced by a large and rich population. With a urban population 14 million, American cities were booming. Despite the squalor that many urban dwellers lived in, per captia, Americans lived far better then any other nation.



Modern America


Despite this economic superiority, America's power was diffused. While being led by a increasingly vigorous government, its military power remained tiny. The long history of isolationism (while slowly being shaken off) retarded any creation of a large standing army. Indeed, its army was a minuscule 127,000, in a world where large conscript armies were the measuring stick of power. Even small states like Italy or Japan fielded army's many times the size of the United States. (see Figure 2.1) While this lack of force can be understood by many factors. Distance from other large nations, tradition of lazzie-faire, and isolationism all combined to create a dislike of large armies. But even more puzzling is the size of the American navy. For a nation that depended on naval trade, the USA still had a second class navy. Despite its build-up under the McKinley administration (which would be substantially increased during the Roosevelt), the US navy was still only a fraction of the Royal Navy, and much smaller then French or German forces.


Figure 2.1 Number of Military Personnel in 1900
Russia
1,162,000
France
769,000
Germany
694,000
Britain
571,000
Austria-Hungry
425,000
Italy
332,000
Japan
217,000
United States
127,000

Still, despite these numbers, in the Caribbean at least, it seems that America was unchallenged. Indeed, American troops intervened in Latin America on a regular basis, mostly in response to calls from American companies. The idea of a Central American canal was being pushed through, without consideration of Caribbean nations. American warships flitted back and forth across the water, a impressive sign of growing American strength. The America occupation of Cuba and Belize continued apace, with no signs of ending.
Against this background, and these impressive statistics, it seems hard to see any power(or combination of powers) challenging this behemoth. However, war is not fought by numbers, but by men. Germany was a rising power in its own right and the extension of its influence was taken by granted by its government. Due to the overblown nationalism of the day, some risks (that in hindsight are foolish) were taken. One was the challenge of American power in the Caribbean. Still, while the factors in the German example may be extreme, it was unavoidable that some showdown like it would occur. The Monroe Doctrine was declared in a world where global empires were on the march, and many factors pushed them to look to Latin America as yes another venue for conquest. Also, America's latent power was constantly underestimated by the Europeans of the time, doubly so when considering its army. The First Atlantic War was preceded by many issues, crisis, and conflicts, of various sizes, ranging from the Venezuelan border Crisis of 1895, to the Alaskan-Canadian border dispute . These were only the worst signs of a break in American- European diplomacy. Geopolitics virtually guaranteed a flash point, and Germany just had more factors going for it.
Before we discuss the First Atlantic War itself, a brief survey of the combatants (USA excluding, due to the previous chapter)might be in order.
Germany- a rising industrial power in its own right, it was the new force to be reckoned with. Its navy was going through a massive build up, its army was one of the largest and most professional in Europe, based on a rich, well educated middle class. Its industry was booming, while trade flourished. While a authoritative state, no could doubt its ability as a industrial war making state. Its successes in the Franco-Prussian War, and even the Danish wars, showed Europe its strength. Unlike America however, (which developed in a near vacuum) Germany was rising in area already dominated by European powers. No matter how strong its army, and no matter how clever its diplomacy, peace could not be maintained indefinitely. Still, most Germans wanted peace, and the war mongers were content to wait till better circumstances. But, all Germans agreed that they deserved a 'place in the sun'. Jealous of states like France, and Great Britian, Germany was demerited to play catch up in terms of Empire building. What better place to start then lush Venezuela, where they had legal claim anyway?
Its large navy, capable economy, and aggressive spirit made it a serious contender for the Untied States, and was not taken lightly by American planners. Indeed, many war plans at the time considered a war with Germany, although the danger (as had all dangers pre-1900)had always been considered quite abstract.

Britain: Four Centuries of Empire. Eric Hobsbawm, 1983.

Volume IV: The Sun Never Sets

Chapter X: The Unwilling Warrior


As we have seen, the period preceding the Venezuela War (also called the First Atlantic War) was without question the most successful period, in terms of expansion, in the history of the British Empire. In 1815 the Empire covered roughly 2,000,000 sq. mi. By 1902 it extended over 12,000,000 sq. mi., nearly a quarter of the globe.

The Royal Navy, larger than that of the two next greatest naval powers combined, was the still greatest navy the world had ever seen. It was used extensively, both in threat and in practice. The long period of relative peace arising from a balance of power between the major European states depended ultimately on the use of British maritime supremacy. It also served to assure that the population on the British Isles were confident that a foreign invasion was an impossibility. Similarly, the Armed forces of the British Empire were unparalleled. With soldiers on every continent, all dominions and territories contributed to its seizable manpower. While the contingent in Britain proper was smaller than other European Armies, the sheer weight of the Empire was enough to allow Britain to exert considerable diplomatic and military force.

This confidence and power allowed Britain to reach a state of unparalleled security and ability. A massive zone of 'informal' empire wrapped the globe, and reached into China, South America and even the Middle East. The “Sterling bloc' was perhaps the single largest economic entity in the world, and was the stable foundation upon on which all others rested. This immense supply of capital allowed British investment to be the most sought after goal for any nation intent on improving itself.


Bank of England, 1900

Combined with these cultural and financial advantages, Britain often translated them into pure force. The mere presence of a British fleet could overthrow governments and avoid wars. No nation on Earth, let alone Europe, could make a move without consulting the British reaction.

Britain was confident of its place in the sun. For who, besides possibly Russia (and even that threat was confined to Central Asia at worst), could even attempt to bring down this behemoth?

(The POD)

Please don't hurt me on my lack of knowledge..at least too hard.
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Shadow of Mahan: A Study of Naval Doctrine of the First Atlantic War. Bram van Heuveln, 1990. The Hague.

Chapter 3 War Plans

If nothing else, the German war plan was a simple one, if ambitious. Relying on its own fleet, combined with the Royal Navy, it would push open the sea lanes from Europe, sweep the American fleet out of the Caribbean and into port, and then proceed to land troops wherever required. This plan was based off the idea that Germany would be the major partner (at least in the Caribbean). While this plan was been ridiculed by historians and military strategists for nearly a century, perhaps looking at it with a fresh face might prove educational.

The plan fit perfectly with mainstream naval thought of the time. Massive battleships would fight a few decisive battles, where either the navy would win or be sunk. The Germans assumed (correctly) that combined with the Royal Navy they would win any single engagement and could easily secure the supply lines. This belief in battleships shows the power that Mahan still had. It was in this erroneous belief that battleships were the only ships worth counting that lead to the High Sea's Fleets demise, not the strategy. The German fleet was well prepared and was a fine example of a new 'high-tech' navy. Equipped with the finest materials, it was a fleet blessed with favor by Berlin. Eager to show it off, it is no surprise that the eventual plan was grandiose. While this hubris is often discussed, their were plenty of reason why they thought they could succeed in such daring.
The supply problem was not as a big of oversight as it may appear. For one thing,t he idea of supplying a modern, oil driven navy across the globe was still a new idea at the time. No one knew how reliant these ships were, in real conditions, on naval bases for upkeep and refueling. Most assumed that once they forced open the Atlantic (let alone conquer Venezuela) that supplies would be redundant. They could simple bring it all via ship from Germany, let alone adding in Britain's impressive sealift capabilities. This idea combined with the accurate summation of dozens of war games, led Berlin to think that any naval actions would be short, decisive and in their favor. Any other action would be undertaken by Imperial Troops, and would be fighting against the Venezuelan army, hardly a matter of worry. The original planned called for nothing more then some shelling of American cities and naval bases, no ground combat against American forces.

In short, the war against America was planned to be brief, professional, decisive, and naval in nature. What the war turned into was wholly different.

England on the other hand had a much murkier landscape to deal with. Its decision making processes was far more complex that Germany and had to take into account far more factors. War with America had been the worst case scenario for decades in Whitehall. Accordingly, the first order of business was to keep the war small and end it quickly, no matter the political or even territorial cost. This was in sharp contrast to Germany who saw the current war as a opportunity. Britain saw the newly evolving conflict as a lose-lose situation. They would do anything to avoid escalating it.

Political issues aside however, the military situation was startlingly the same. Britain was also in the grip of Mahan-ian thought. Massive battleships would steam across the Atlantic, face the American ships in true Nelsonioan fashion and would proceed to smash the American fleet. They had good reason to believe this. Not only was the British fleet superior in size but it was also far better in quality.

A Royal Navy Inspection as war was declared

The Majestic class was the world-wide standard for battleships at the time, and these provided the core of Britain main fleet. America's smaller, less trained, inexperienced fleet had little to stand against them. Everything else would be minor after these relatively few fleet actions, presumably involving only small amount of landing troops.

The main British commander, John Fischer, saw this war as an opportunity. A rising star for years in the Royal Navy Fischer had just been granted the valued Mediterranean command. The instant war looks probably however he was pulled from the Med. And taken back to the Atlantic. With years of experience in the area, he seemed perfect for the job. Fischer saw this a s a chance, not only for his own carrier., but as a 'stress test' to see where the Royal Navy needed improvement. Fischer had campaigned for re-form his entire life and he assumed that the upcoming war would vindicate him.


Fischer on the eve of battle.


Still, Britain was hopeful that the war would pass quickly without any large changes on the status quo. It was doubted that even TR would take the Monroe Doctrine as article of faith and would peruse a 'total war' because of it. And even if the war did become uncontrollable Britain still had the Royal Navy to fend off American predations and to keep supply lines open, and an Empire of resources to use. Also, politically they had much sway with Japan and Whitehall used its influence, hoping that Japan might do some of the fighting or even scare America off.







The First Atlantic war shattered both sides view of warfare. Both sides thought that the war would be short, limited to a few decisive battles, and would be light in cost. They could not have been more wrong however. The war opened with American ships firing on a small combined Anglo-German fleet off of Venezuela. Despite this bold attack, the American ships were soon faced with enemy re-enforcements and were force to withdraw. Soon, English and German ships filled the Gulf, and their superior numbers and gunnery soon forced American ships to harbors from Texas to Cuba. In only two months, the Germans (the Royal Navy was mostly absent as their government tried to keep the war small) have complete control of the Caribbean and the surrounding waters. As the High Command waited for the first wave of troops bound for Venezuela to arrive, German skippers were instructed to 'cause confusion' in the enemy. So in accordance with these vague (and frankly illegal) orders German ships began shelling American cities. Mobile, Miami, Corpus Christi all became battlefields as the helpless American Navy watched on. The only part of the US Navy that wasn't bottled up head north, to try and interfere with the Atlantic sealanes and the German logistic lines.

This looks good!
I like.

nice start

Very interesting, keep it up!

Chapter II
1903: The Fall of the Tories

The 1903 election, called in the midst of a war and during a party split, was one of the most one-sided in British history. Since the declaration of war in late 1902, the public had been uneasy. The Boer war only just over and the seeming lack of a great purpose were debated frequently in the commons. Many supporters of the Boer war now turned and deplored the “waste of human life”. The governmental response hardly helped. It is a popular legend that a Liberal MP said in the house “Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Prime Minister what benefit the continuation of the current war in South America will bring to the British People”, and was greeted with silence from the government benches. The first sign of trouble was when the Liberal Unionists, following the huge press and public reaction against the war, withdrew from coalition within the Conservatives. Within weeks, multiple backbench Tory MPs had formed a “Peace Coalition” with the Liberal Unionists. The final straw came with the calling of a motion of no confidence. The government was soundly defeated, and an election was called. The results were striking. The Liberals (excluding Unionists) gained 54% of the popular vote and 60% of parliamentary seats. The rump Tories, meanwhile, retained less than half their seats. However, nearly all the disloyal former Tory MPs and Unionists retained their seats. It was a heyday for independents and small parties, even Labour received double its previous share!

The Rising Sun

The winter of 1902-1903 was not a good one for the United States. The war had gone badly from the start. Well over a dozen ships had been sunk in the Atlantic and the rest had quickly headed toward port. The Royal Navy and High Seas Fleet owned the waves and they took full advantage of it. Landings in the Bahamas and Venezuela (the former by Britain, to re-enforce and the latter by German troops) were successful and America was on the defense.




Venezuelan President Castro and his cabinet before the German's dissolved it






British troops in the Bahamas


While the German fleet pushed forward to shell Southern cities like Miami and Mobile the Royal Navy hung back. Despite it all, London wanted to keep the war as low key as possible. Also, much of the fleet was concentrated in the North Atlantic, to keep American ships from interfering with supplies bound for Canada. This was an over exaggerated fear as America was hardly capable of coherent action, let alone a grand naval blow. To put it simply, they were outclassed.
In these early months rumors of a British-German landing on home-soil ran rampant. Gossip of troops landing anywhere between Galveston and Boston were common place but no invasion surfaced. Most credit this to German-British fear of mines and submarines, although new research has shown that even at this end, British diplomats discouraged the concept. But in other areas, British diplomacy was about to land a heavy blow upon America.

America had just started to step into the Asian sphere, and it was thought by many that this century would be the opening of China and Asia. The Philippines were in American hands and most Americans back home saw this as a great movement west, in grand tradition. The locals didn't agree. Open revolt had been burning on the islands for decades and had only recently been pushed into the background. As the war in North America heated up, fears of British or Japanese involvement in the Far East became acute but those voices were drowned out in calls for troops at home.
Soon, ships and men (the best of both) were pulled from their stations and sent to West Canada, to aid in conquering that vast land. Week by week the Philippines became weaker and many there feared the worst. The natives had become strangely quiet and rumors raged. Taft, American Governor in charge, did his best to keep the defenses up but he knew he was doomed if Japan would move.
The recent Anglo-Japanese Treaty, which had just been sign,ed provided the mechanism for the diplomatic 'understanding' between Britain and Japan. It is still debated weather Japan moved of its own violation or weather the British diplomats pressed hard for the Japanese to contribute.
Either way, America was ill-prepared to counter the blow. Britain supported the invasion of the Philippines with a few vessels in its Far East Squadron. While this fleet was small at the time, and ill-trained, its presence showed the extent of British power. These ships, combined with the formidable Japanese navy quickly gained naval access to the Philippines. The invasion was swift and effective. The Japanese had promised much to the Filipino natives and had been in contact for months. While most native fighters viewed the Japanese poorly, many thought that much power could be grabbed in the confusion of an invasion. In any case, with Japanese troops landings in the thousands, British guns guarding escape routes and Filipino rebels in the hills, most American troops surrendered quickly.
Deaths were surprisingly few, excepting the shelling of cities such as Manila. Indeed, William Taft himself was one of the causalities and he was one of the few Americans the Filipinos mourned. A personal friend of President Roosevelt, Taft's death was a personal loss for him,and rendered his speeches about the affair muted and quiet for months. In honor of this American, the Filipinos later erected a massive monument to him, which still stands to this day.




The Taft memorial tomb today



Despite this loss, American papers tried to hush this great defeat. Little was mentioned of the British ships present, or American troops surrendering in the thousands.
The invasion made many things clear. For one, America was not longer an Asian power, and Japan had taken its place. Second, Britain herself became wary of their new 'pet', as Japan had shown far more competence then had been expected of her in the invasion. Her political system was stabilized, and many Japanese saw the Philippines as a 'test model' for future conquests. In any case, things looked grim indeed for the USA.




A New Dawn

1903 was shaping up to be a bad year of President Roosevelt. The war was going badly and only seemed to be going worse. In the East, by May-June the Philippines had fallen to Japanese ground troops and the American Pacific fleet was being savaged by joint Anglo-Japanese attacks. Many feared an invasion of Hawaii and rumors of a landing in California were widespread.
To the south, the Bahamas had been built up greatly to British landings, while Venezuela was under the German boot. The German landings had went off smoothly inspiring many in the German High Command to consider more amphibious landings. The rise of German General Mackenson started here, as he quickly and vigorously put down any hints of a Venezuelan rebellion.
Many Southern cities had been shelled and the American fleet was either sunk or hiding in port. The American tactic of trying to harass the German-British supply lines had failed due to the sheer number of British escorts and a system of primitive convoying (which the Germans scorned).
Still, some hope remained, although the press and the average person was likely to see otherwise. The unpopularity of the war back home had built up by early summer and Britain had begun peace talks and were hoping to make a private deal. TR hoped that when Britain pulled out, it would change everything. Still, even now progress was made. Massive amounts of government hired 'workingmen' swarmed over war damage in the South, putting out fires, re-running water pipes, rebuilding whole blocks. Roosevelt pushed for these massive apportions of funds through a mostly stunned Congress.

In the midst of this political turmoil, anti-war activists began to gain center stage. As with the Spanish-American war many American politicians began to cry out against Imperialism. One of the strongest was 1900 Presidential nominee William Jennings Bryan, Sensing the political winds, Bryan made himself the center of all anti-war activity. He gave hundreds of speeches declaring Theodore Roosevelt to be the 'American Kaiser” and warning against 'American Empire'. His speeches gained him much attention and the general approval of many voters, who were wondering why American was fighting another war. While Bryan gained political muscle from his stance many others watched and learned from him.
Eugene V. Debs was one of the most prominent of the 'anti war' campaigners. Debs was famous for founding the American Socialist party, only a few years before. His following was growing rapidly and his new anti-war campaign only helped him. Many workers agreed with him as he spoke against a 'imperialist war' whose only victors are the businessmen'. While his speeches were incendiary, his politics actually drifted back more to center, as he garnered substantial support from the mainstream. Much of American agreed with them, especially when the war was going poorly.
Roosevelt hated both Bryan and Debs, and blamed much of what was 'wrong with America' on them. The President used his position to constantly further the war and make sure people saw its value. In effect he often pressed Bryan and Debs together (which would bear fruit in later years). TR even considered arresting Debs for 'sedition' but sided against it, as political opinion might sway against him.


Debs counting union memberships



While the cry of anti-war would subside as the war turned around, its memory still lingered and many future politicians got a taste of how to campaign for a cause.


Turning the Tide

Thousands of troops were hastily trained and sent to the fronts. While the training was poor, their numbers were huge as volunteers from the heady days of the start of the war were finally processed and sent to fight. Massive amounts of troops were sent to patrol the entire Gulf Coast, men that would in hindsight have been badly needed elsewhere.


American troops being trained



Still, despite this, many soldiers had been left in Cuba, and more were filtered in through blockade runners and massive convoys. Many American ships were building in ports, and with the vision of the Royal Navy leaving the war on the horizon, many American admirals were ready to regain their honor on the high seas.
General Wood, veteran of the Spanish-American war, military Governor of Cuba and close friend of President Roosevelt was one of the few who had confidence in the war. While he blamed all mistakes on the Untied States having such a small force, he had much faith in the American fighting man. Indeed, Wood was in charge of keeping Cuba safe and fighting. Popular with many Cubans, and worshiped by many American soldiers, he seemed like the one bright spot in an otherwise gloomy war.
Back-door negotiations with Britain continued, as American was desperate to rid themselves of the threat of the Royal Navy, and even land invasion. In July, the Treaty of Lisbon was signed, which ended the hostilities between America and Britain. The treaty re-affirmed the status quo, and no land changed hands. It did, however, tacitly admit American predominance in the Caribbean in exchange for no interference in Asia.
Japan also was involved but their negotiations were dragging on, in regards to the massive numbers of POWs in the Philippines. Still, all fighting had stopped between any Anglo-Japanese forces and American ones. The treaty was celebrated in the streets as American began to focus grimly on Germany.
As soon as the Royal Navy left the seas, the balance of power abruptly changed. With the removal of all the British destroyers and escorts, the German supply lines were left vulnerable. Ships from ports are varied as New York, Norfolk and Puerto Rico began to disgorge American ships. Soon the German High Seas Fleet found itself in trouble. Accustomed to having British help, they found themselves unprepared for the widespread fleet actions. Every attempt by German admirals to have a 'decisive battle' failed as American skippers avoided pitched battles.

The Last Blow

It soon became clear to the Berlin High Command that the war could not be 'won' in the current fashion. With each passing day the American's grew stronger and more numerous. While they were strongly entrenched in Venezuela it was feared that eventually America would land and free it. At sea the High Seas Fleet was suffering from over-work, short supplies, and illness from operating in a unfamiliar tropical environment. As these distressing reports came in, it became clear a change of strategy was needed if Germany wanted to humble America fully and emerge from the war untarnished by Britain bolting. It was in this atmosphere that a new plan was developed.
The new plan called for a massive blow against the USA. This thinking arose from the idea that if American had a huge setback the populace would end the war. Knowing that anti-war sentiment ran high, German leaders hoped to use democracy against America and use voter dissatisfaction to their advantage. Hoping that a massive victory would cement their 'victory' the Germans began planning for a great battle. Still, their options were limited.
No naval battle would have the scale necessary, and didn't have the same guarantee of victory. As fall went on, American ships grew more daring and rumors of American submarines filled wardrooms and command rooms alike. This fear, combined with a steadily degrading naval arm, led Germany away from a strictly naval approach.
A land invasion was seen as the only option but few places presented themselves. Further action in South America was considered (mainly Columbia) but it contained few American forces and its lack of transportation infrastructure hindered any decisive campaigns. One idea that was considered was a land invasion of the American homeland. This idea never went much farther then wishful thinking. No move would more unite the American people behind the war, and the logistics of any sustained assault were horrifying. With harried supply lines, an increasingly sophisticated enemy, and confused high level planning, any amphibious assault on America was ruled out.
No single man is credited with formulating the plan that was eventually carried out, and the High Command certainly didn't look for men after the war.. Sensing that had no other options, they proposed a massive attack against Cuba. The island was a keystone in American defense. Havana held many American ships, and the island held thousands of American troops. But most crucially Germany held command of the sea around it, therefore controlling any lines of retreat for the Americans. Any victory would be decisive and absolute.
The command was not given to General Mackenson, due to his illness at the time. Many observers (now and then) say his absence is what led to the mistakes in Cuba.


German landing plan. Red indicates minefields


Havana or Bust

The “Cuban Operation” began with a huge buildup of supplies and ships. Men were gathered from all over Venezuela to designated ports for loading. Despite the size and scale of the logistics the Germans did their very best to keep the operation a secret from the Americans. They did a surprisingly good job for all the technical and geographic handicaps they operated under. Indeed, Washington was plagued by a constantly blank idea of enemy plans.
No leaks informed Washington although process of elimination helped narrow it down. Most counted out an invasion of the mainland. Who would try something that crazy? Columbia was picked as the most likely target but it was hard to re-enforce. Still, as German ships were gathered together near Venezuela, blockade runners and small convoys had more luck. Troops were rushed to Columbia, Puerto Rico and Cuba. Cuba was second in priority and much entrenching was done, re-enforcing the old Spanish garrisons. With thousands of fresh troops pouring into Cuba, and American ships began to pressure the (now reduced) Atlantic supply lines. Germany was rolling the dice on this last operation.
Commander Wood was one of the few who foresaw an attack on Cuba. He personally helped re-build many fortifications. His own skill and daring would be needed, as the island was still a hodge-podge of men, material and ships. Disease and sanitation issues hit him hard, and Wood made many angry notes regarding the general lack of quality in the American military medical arm. He feared he would need every man if the Germans came.
In late October of 1903, Germany struck as hard as they could. German ships placed a strict blockade all around the island, hoping to cut off all re-enforcements and retreats. While the High Seas Fleet was able to blockade, it gave up strength everywhere else and began to pay for it as American ships began cutting the Atlantic supply lines, shell Venezuela and even land troops in Columbia. Still, these were all secondary to the huge operation in Cuba.
Thousands of troops were landed on landing sites. Only two had been selected, both on the south side of the island, to be closer to Venezuela depots. Still, despite picking the landing sites out with great care, problems began to pop up as soon as troops began landing. While American troops were limited in the area they fought tenaciously, slowly everyone down. And most German commanders felt that many more were on the way.
Wood reacted quickly and aggressively, trying to wipe them out at the beach heads. Lacking heavy guns, he tried to hinder them with rifle fire wherever he could. Wood's already bright star shone brighter as he was shown to be the “Hero of Havana”.


The Hero of Havana
Thousands of German troops, untrained in seaborne landings caused chaos behind lines. Supplies began to stack up on the beach as orders were lost, re-written or ignored. Men were ordered from one beach to another as they frantically tried to keep up with the stringent and aggressive orders from Berlin. Still, the fighting quality of the Germans shone through and they managed to take and hold beachheads. Aggressively attacking into dense forest and wetlands, they pursed America troops wherever they went and lugged heavy artillery through heavy underbrush.
In a fit of historical irony, many German troops were regulated to taking the highlands around San Juan Hill, site of the famous battle in the Spanish-American War. General Wood had chosen Santiago as his command post and soon found himself defending the same ground he had so gallantly taken only a few years before. With a wry grin he famously remarked, “I think we had an easier time of it.” Indeed, German causalities around San Juan Hill (and the nearby highlands) ran into the hundreds, as they pushed against heavy rifle fire.


Busted By God!

Despite this super human efforts however, the assault began to bog down. Supplies grew scarcer and scarcer as American resistance grew more formidable as re-enforcements were brought up. Tropical disease and unaccustomed heat took their heavy toll. After nearly two weeks of success, Germans troops had finally reached their limit. Malaria and yellow fever ran rampant, and many Germans were captured with bad cases of tropical fevers. German ships were weary and worn after spending so much time at sea, constantly on the lookout for the numerous American ships.


Captured German soldiers, with American nurse

American skippers became famous in papers as they 'ran' the German blockade, laying mines next to German beaches or bringing in supplies and men to the fighting forces. Far out in the Atlantic American ships had finally become numerous enough to attack German ships in full engagements and while most actually ended in German victories, the small but constant strain was wearing the German fleet out.
As this dismal naval news reached Berlin in mid-November another, an even more strategic piece news hit the papers. America and Japan had finally worked a treaty and the war in the Pacific was over! Dozens of fresh ships and thousands of men would soon be pouring into the last theater of war against the weary Germans. This grim news filled the hearts and minds of the men on Cuba and the already low morale plunged deeper as German troops were pushed back, now into shrinking beachheads.
For the first time, America was behind the war. TR, ever quick to gague opinion began campaigning with “The War is Won” everywhere, beginning to eye the election year of 1904. Anti-war figures like Eugene V. Debs and William Jennings Byran were pushed from the limelight for a period of time. With support behind him, a army growing more competent by the day and an aggressive Navy, Roosevelt found himself quite satisfied with the way thing were. Still, the war should be ended soon, while the current mood lasted, and the Germans were desperate for terms.

I just found this. Great stuff! I wonder, will the RN actually just back out of the war in the face of this German defeat? And can the USA strike back at JApan>? If both Germany and the British back out, then the USA does still have some power to turn against Japan. Is Hawaii still American?

Leistungsfähiger Amerikan said:

I just found this. Great stuff! I wonder, will the RN actually just back out of the war in the face of this German defeat? And can the USA strike back at JApan>? If both Germany and the British back out, then the USA does still have some power to turn against Japan. Is Hawaii still American?

Click to expand...

1. Well, the RN (as an organization) isn't too unhappy. I mean, they are fighting very well. But the populace back home doesn't want this war. As shown by the '1903 Parliament'. That makes any military gains rather unimportant.

2. Good question. We decided no, that America would just end it now. The Navy is battered, The army is in shambles. Not a good time to fight Japan (or bring the British back in!!) But that doesn't discount later...

4. Yes


Thanks for questions! Hope you keep reading!

Just read this, at the moment it's short but very, very interesting. Keep it up

The signing of the Treaty of Peace with Britain

Treaty of Peace Between the United States, Venezuela and the United Kingdom (February 21, 1903)
The United States of America and the Republic of Venezuela on the one part, and His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, on the other part, animated by a desire to restore the blessings of peace, have resolved to conclude a treaty of peace, and have for this purpose named their plenipotentiaries, that is to say, for the President of the United States of America, William R. Day, and Cushman K. Davis, citizens of the United States, The President of the Republic of Venezuela, Bernardino Mosquera, His Minister of Foreign Affairs, and his Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Herbert Henry Asquith, his Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who, after having exchanged their full powers, which were found to be in good and due form, and concluded the following articles:

ARTICLE 1.
There shall henceforth be peace between The United States of America, The Republic of Venezuela and The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

ARTICLE 2.
The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, acknowledging that the United States possesses in Venezuela paramount political, military and economical interests engages neither to obstruct nor interfere with measures for guidance, protection and control which the Government of the United States of America may find necessary to take in Venezuela. It is understood that British subjects in Venezuela shall be treated in exactly the same manner as the subjects and citizens of other foreign Powers.

ARTICLE 3.
The United Kingdom hereby waives all debts currently owed by the Republic of Venezuela, and relinquishes all claims to property or land within the Republic of Venezuela which were claimed as a result of said debts.

ARTICLE 4.
The United Kingdom agrees tosubmit to a renewed arbitration the current border dispute between the Republic of Venezuela and The United Kingdom, specifically the dispute concerning the western Border of the colony known as British Guyana. The award of the previous arbitration on this matter is considered void due to allegations of misconduct within the committee of arbitration, and the results of the new arbitration will be binding under the terms of this treaty and will be convened no more than two years from the signing of this treaty, with its results to be published no more than three years after the committee is initially convened.

ARTICLE 5.
The right of the United Kingdom to conduct financial affairs in the territories within and adjacent to the Caribbean Sea is reaffirmed, however the acceptance of any form of sovereignty over land as payment of debts or other financial obligations by the United Kingdom in that area is prohibited under the terms of this treaty. The creation of monetary or customs unions with any states or territories currently within or adjacent to the Caribbean Sea other than those which are the territory or dependencies of the United Kingdom at the time of the signing of present treaty is also prohibited.

ARTICLE 6.
As soon as possible after the present treaty comes in force all prisoners of war shall be reciprocally restored.

Article 7.
The present treaty shall be ratified by the President of the United States of America, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, by the President of The Republic of Venezuela and by His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; and the ratifications shall be exchanged at Washington within six months from the date hereof, or earlier if possible.

In faith whereof, we, the respective Plenipotentiaries, have signed this treaty and have hereunto affixed our seals.

Done in duplicate at Montreal, the twenty first day of February, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and three.

[Seal] William R. Day
[Seal] Cushman K. Davis
[Seal] Bernardino Mosquera
[Seal] Herbert Henry Asquith
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Politics and the First Atlantic War: An Analysis. Matthew Cowley (1996)
Chapter II: Britain



Britain is perhaps the easiest nation to examine in terms of the political after-effects of the War. After all, the major political change caused by the war occurred just before its end, that is, the election of 1903. Immediately following the election a quick peace was signed with the USA, the public demanded nothing less. Although an obvious defeat, the only real practical consequence of the peace treaty was the arbitration of the Guyana-Venezuela border, hardly an issue of great importance on the grand scale of things.

A far more serious consequence of the War was the near monopoly on power that the Liberal Party enjoyed. The Liberal Reforms of the following decade would hardly have been possible without it. Old-age pensions, reform of the House of Lords and the foundations of the social state are all direct result of the Liberal ascendancy following the War. Also of crucial importance was the change in foreign policy that historians today call the "New Empire" policy, the distancing of Britain from the European Alliance system and the expansion of the "Informal Empire" which made the pound sterling the most widely used currency in the world for three decades. Would Britain have been as unwilling to involve itself in European conflict without the spectre of their defeat in the First Atlantic War?

Treaty of Peace Between the United States, Venezuela and Germany (November 5, 1903)
The United States of America, The Republic of Venezuela and His Majesty The German Emperor, desiring to end the state of war now existing between the three countries, have for that purpose appointed as plenipotentiaries:
The President of the United States, William R. Day, Cushman K. Davis, William P. Frye, George Gray, and Whitelaw Reid, citizens of the United States;
The President of the Republic of Venezuela, Bernardino Mosquera, His Minister of Foreign Affairs
And His Majesty the German Emperor, Prince Bernhard Heinrich Karl Martin von Bülow, His Secretary of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs;
Who, having assembled in Paris, and having exchanged their full powers, which were found to be in due and proper form, have, after discussion of the matters before them, agreed upon the following articles:
Article I.
There shall henceforth be peace and amity between The United States of America, The Republic of Venezuela and The German Empire.
Article II.
The German Empire will, upon the signature of this treaty, end all naval operations in the Caribbean, including, but not limited to, the blockades of Cuba and Venezuela.
Article III.
a. The German Empire will relinquish all claims of sovereignty over the lands of the Republic of Venezuela in relation to repayment of that nation's debts.
b. The German Empire will also be bound by this treaty to never make similar subsequent claims of land, in exchange for payment of debts, or any other payment, and nor shall they ever enter into monetary or customs union with, any of the states of the Americas, including all land within the Western Hemisphere, defined as encompassing the area between the Twentieth Meridian West (20° longitude) and the One Hundred and Sixtieth Meridian East ( 160° Longitude).
Article IV.
The United States of America is recognised by all signatories as the sole independent arbiter through which all future disputes, monetary or otherwise, between the Empire of Germany and any state wholly within the Western Hemisphere (As defined in Article IIIb.) shall be judged and resolved.
Article V.
a. The United States will, upon the signature of the present treaty, send back to Germany, at its own cost, the German soldiers taken as prisoners of war by the American forces. The arms of the soldiers in question shall be restored to them.
b. Germany will, upon the signature of the present treaty, release all prisoners of war, and all persons detained or imprisoned for political offences, in connection with the insurrections in Cuba and Venezuela and the war with the United States.
Article VI.
The United States, Venezuela and Germany mutually relinquish all claims for indemnity, national and individual, of every kind, of either Government, or of its citizens or subjects, against the other Government, that may have arisen since the beginning of the state of war between Venezuela and Germany and prior to the exchange of ratifications of the present treaty, including all claims for indemnity for the cost of the war.
Article VII.
The present treaty shall be ratified by the President of the United States of America, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, by the President of The Republic of Venezuela and by His Majesty the Emperor of Germany; and the ratifications shall be exchanged at Washington within six months from the date hereof, or earlier if possible.
In faith whereof, we, the respective Plenipotentiaries, have signed this treaty and have hereunto affixed our seals.
Done in duplicate at Paris, the fifth day of November, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and three.
[Seal] William R. Day
[Seal] Cushman K. Davis
[Seal] William P. Frye
[Seal] Geo. Gray
[Seal] Whitelaw Reid
[Seal] Bernardino Mosquera
[Seal] Prince Bernhard Heinrich Karl Martin von Bülow

A History of German Socialism



The SPD at the turn of the century

At the turn of the century, the Social Democratic Party of Germany were in a strange position. Their party had been persecuted by the government until less than a decade ago, and yet they had grown in power immensely. They were the third largest party in the most democratic parliament in Europe, and yet that same parliament had little power over those that elected it. Power was still largely in the hands of the Kaiser. It was he who appointed the cabinets, he who appointed the Chancellor and he who initiated legislation. Nevertheless, as we will see, the Reichstag was to play an important part in the history of Germany.



Conflict in the Americas, Conflict in Germany


The outbreak of the of the Venezuela War[1] in November 1902 was met with cries of “Shame!” in the Reichstag and SPD meetings across the country. The first major conflict the German Empire had been involved in since its formation in 1871 was opposed by many Germans across the political spectrum, but the majority of the anti-war movement were socialist or pacifists. The anti-war movement within the SPD was headed by its Pragmatist[2] chairman, Hugo Haase[3]. His attempts to negotiate within the Reichstag for unity against the war initially met with little success. The largest party in the Reichstag, the Catholic Zentrum party, was uninterested in a deal with the socialists, and the Junker DKP was more likely to ally with Satan himself. Haase's overtures to the Liberal parties met with mixed results, but none would agree to any concrete agreement. The war was expected to end in a matter of weeks, and politicians assumed they would be able to exploit the wave of patriotism produced by the war for support.

However, as the war dragged on, more and more on the left of the Liberal parties made bolder speeches, skirting the party line by criticising the conduct of the war. Once Germany was fighting alone, the other parties became much more friendly. Within a week of the collapse of the Tory government in Britain, the German Anti-War Coalition was formed[4]. Its official members were the Social-Democrats, National Liberals, Freeminded People's Party, Freeminded Union and German People's Party. This gave the faction 38% of the seats in the Reichstag, with the explicitly pro-war parties holding 45% of the seats. However there were many dissenters from both sides, and a few votes from the single-issue regional party members could easily tip the balance in favour of the anti-war parties. It was not all in the SPD's favour, however, as several on the far left wing of the party cancelled their membership in disgust at their perceived “betrayal”, though none of the SDP MPs left the party.

Eventually, after two months of skilful negotiation and speech making (Haase was a trained lawyer), the Statement In Favour of Peace and Prosperity was proposed in the Reichstag by a low-ranking member of the Freeminded Union (so as to make the obvious dominance of the SPD less so). It was not a binding piece of legislation, it merely expressed it the “advice” of the Reichstag that the Kaiser should conclude immediate peace with America and call fresh elections to the Reichstag. Any more radical demands were expunged in the interests of holding the fragile coalition together. The vote was a tense one, and betrayals and last-minute deals were struck. In the end, the motion passed by one vote.

The Kaiser's reaction was one that can be politely termed “annoyed”. There are (probably apocryphal) tales of him tearing the telegram informing him of the vote into pieces in a fit of rage. Outraged at the very idea that the Reichstag would make such bold statements, he even considered ruling without it for the duration of the war. He was thankfully advised that this would be a terrible idea and only increase the tension on the streets of the nation. By the end of July, it had become clear that the military situation in the Caribbean was hopeless. Wilhelm's generals urged him to make peace now, while it might still be favourable to Germany, but the stubborn Kaiser refused to even consider it. It would be surrendering to the impertinent Socialist Reichstag, and that simply could not be allowed. It would be late October when a bitter and depressed Kaiser acknowledged the political and military situation as it really stood. Germany withdrew all forces from the Caribbean, its finances in ruins (even in this era two years without Wall Street was a long time) and with little to show for it, concluded peace with the USA and dissolved the Reichstag.



Ideological Implications of the Venezuela War


The experience during the war changed the political landscape of Germany a vast amount. After the 1903 election, the SPD became the second largest party in the Reichstag, winning 92 seats (compared to Zentrum's 100). The liberals also saw their fortunes increase. What the war did for the SPD's ideology was to cement its place as a party of the Reichstag, and demonstrate the advantages of collaboration with the liberal parties. Social Pragmatism, it has been said, was born in 1903, even if it would not grow up until an even more devastating war shook Europe to its core a decade later. The Kaiser became even more disillusioned with the Reichstag, and sought to impose further limits on its already scant powers. The war had begun the Social Democratic Party's long road to domination of German politics.



Footnotes

1. Also called the “First Atlantic War”
2. Social Pragmatism or Pragmatic Socialism is an ideology based on the idea that a Socialist movement must collaborate with a bourgeois democracy whenever it is in the interests of the workers to do so, and that through such means gradual reform of the capitalist system will be achieved. It is here applied to Haase retroactively.
3. The other chairman of the SPD, August Bebel, opposed cooperation with the other Reichstag parties on principle, but became more favourable to the idea after being persuaded that it would not be a long-term partnership, but rather a “pragmatic deal with the devil”.
4. Recent evidence suggests that it was perhaps not as friendly a cooperation as past historians had assumed. In fact, it has been suggested that the main reason for the collaboration of some Liberal parties was the explicit threat from Bebel that the SPD would call a General Strike should the parliamentary movement not be a success.

Good start my good man. I look forward to more

Bump, because i voted for you.

The Spirit of Bolivar

The Bolivian-Chile war is an event that was based nearly purely on chance and happenstance. While one might argue any event is merely a conglomeration of random factors, the Bolivian-Chile War makes it quite plain. The confluence of shaky political balances, rough tertian, confused small scale fighting. Brilliances and ideas on both sides, and curious malaise on neighboring nations led to some of the most outrageous outcomes known to modern warfare.
After bearing the humiliation of the Triple Alliance and the institution of the military coup, Bolivia was mentally ready for war, if not physically prepared. Still in the small scale fighting of South America, drive counted for much, particularly when such resolve was lacking. Chile had a kinda of panicked malaise on it, despite its recent victories. While the hold on the coast and other Triple Alliance victories were valuable, fortification had not taken place and the army had atrophied for years. The increasingly loud debate (then subsequent silence) about the treaty mandated railway for Bolivia only led to increasingly bad relations.
Indeed, the final treaty to work out the final details of the Triple Alliance had never been done and many Bolivian leaders (awash in the new “Spirit of Bolivar”) were ill-suited to accept them. While these issues swirled, the leaders in Peru were somewhat wooed by Bolivian promises and (bluffs of military strength). Peruvian leaders also hoped, in the case of any conflict, that they would be able to join late and pick up easy prizes. The major coup came when Peru announced that it would stay neutral in any war to its south, as long as its border remained involute. This so-called “Lima Declaration” of 1903 was basically a permission for a Bolivian-Chilean war, and Bolivia quickly took advantage of that.




Manuel Candamo, who saw the war as a great chance for Peruvian interests

Setting the Scene

The setting was quite different then the last war. Instead of Bolivia facing a collation of stronger powers determined to corral it, now Bolivia only faced one, weakened foe. Chile was in no position to put up as strong a fight. The investment into the Atacama region, ironically, had bankrupted the nation, and had left the military somewhat impoverished. More importantly, it had sapped much of the morale strength, which was most important despite its access to more foreign weaponry and supplies.


The Rapido Guerra



So when war was declared, Bolivia had a large ill armed, poorly trained but high spirited army. Such a force is often only good for one thing. A quick sharp blow to shatter the enemy. Luckily, the Bolivian war plan was base don this exact concept. As war opened on the distant and desolate border, the pattern that would be followed for the rest of the war was revealed. While on a tactical level Chilean troops often fought well, on a strategic level Chile began to suffer from the holes punched in their lines by thrusting Bolivian spearheads. This fast paced, often small scale fighting was new and well adapted to the harsh conditions. One Chilean observer, shaken when reports of how far the Bolivians had penetrated dubbed it “Rapido Guerra” or 'Fast War'.





Some of the hellish terrain the 1903 War was fought in.

While the Bolivians had not went into the war expecting this fast changing, small scale fighting conflict they adapted far quicker their their Chilean enemies. Also, while the Bolivian armed forces had only implemented a few changes since the Triple Alliance, those changes had been base don previous experience in the same region. The Bolivian military junta changed far faster which was a direct cause of their crushing victory over Chile. It is important to note that while Bolivian troops were successful, their goals were limited. As is shown when some Bolivian troops attempted to head south, they ran into trouble and many Chilean units scored victories in the end of the campaign. Despite this, as Peru entered the war late in 1903, Chile gave up any hopes of a decent peace and was ready to accept any peace that didn't shatter the nation. Chile's armies were beaten in the field, at home defeatism reigned and the arrival of Peru merely sealed a fate that had already been set as Bolivian troops won victory after victory. While the entry of Peru solidified Bolivia's position, it turned out to be a double-edged sword later.
The Bolivian-Chile war is a monument to the power of the unseen factors in war, and the ability of small units and single individuals to change the tides of politics and war.




Aftermath

The war changed the balance of power in West South America drastically. Bolivia, with its large population and natural resources, had regained a coast and port (not to mention significant minerals deposits). Chile was forced to 'look south' and had been humiliated. The biggest change was in Peru however.
Most Peruvian observers, in 'allowing' a Bolivian-Chile war had expected a far different outcome. In a worst case scenario, Bolivia and Chile would be locked in a long running and draining war among the inhospitable Andes for years, weakening both greatly, that might led to a marginal Bolivian victory. In this case, Peru would happily join in the later part of the conflict hoping for easy spoils. The more widely held view was that Chile would be the victor, keeping Bolivia in its place, and Peru would merely go back to Chile. The actual events however demanded immediate change.
Now, Peru and Bolivia found itself staring at each other over a bloody battlefield, trying to decide on who got what. The sharing of spoils led to much bad blood (which would be a cause for the next war) and military build-up. War almost started immediately after Chile backed out as Peru initially demanded much for its 'decisive entry into the war'. Luckily war was adverted as Peru began to see things in a new light.
Lima soon established a new system of dealing with Bolivia. Unfortunately it was based on two flawed concepts. The first one was the Bolivian-Chile War 'justified' the idea of a strong Bolivian military power even where it didn't exist. The war had greatly pushed Bolivia and its army was over burdened and greatly weakened. Still, the image of Bolivian troops wading into the sea and the propaganda of the 'Spirit of Bolivar” was hard to ignore. The second idea was that Bolivia was appeaseable if given small border corrections. For many Bolivian leaders however, these small changes weren't enough.

In 1904 Bolivia stood in a strong place, reaping the benefits of a victories war, a happy populace and rapidly increased resources. It's junta-led government already began to look to other areas (primarily feuding Peru) to advance their control. The 1903 War wasn't a permanent solution, even for the victors.



Bolivian troops in the conquered port of Antofagasta

mowque said:

The Spirit of Bolivar

The Bolivian-Chile war is an event that was based nearly purely on chance and happenstance. While one might argue any event is merely a conglomeration of random factors, the Bolivian-Chile War makes it quite plain. The confluence of shaky political balances, rough tertian, confused small scale fighting. Brilliances and ideas on both sides, and curious malaise on neighboring nations led to some of the most outrageous outcomes known to modern warfare.
After bearing the humiliation of the Triple Alliance and the institution of the military coup, Bolivia was mentally ready for war, if not physically prepared. Still in the small scale fighting of South America, drive counted for much, particularly when such resolve was lacking. Chile had a kinda of panicked malaise on it, despite its recent victories. While the hold on the coast and other Triple Alliance victories were valuable, fortification had not taken place and the army had atrophied for years. The increasingly loud debate (then subsequent silence) about the treaty mandated railway for Bolivia only led to increasingly bad relations.
Indeed, the final treaty to work out the final details of the Triple Alliance had never been done and many Bolivian leaders (awash in the new “Spirit of Bolivar”) were ill-suited to accept them. While these issues swirled, the leaders in Peru were somewhat wooed by Bolivian promises and (bluffs of military strength). Peruvian leaders also hoped, in the case of any conflict, that they would be able to join late and pick up easy prizes. The major coup came when Peru announced that it would stay neutral in any war to its south, as long as its border remained involute. This so-called “Lima Declaration” of 1903 was basically a permission for a Bolivian-Chilean war, and Bolivia quickly took advantage of that.

Manuel Candamo, who saw the war as a great chance for Peruvian interests

Setting the Scene

The setting was quite different then the last war. Instead of Bolivia facing a collation of stronger powers determined to corral it, now Bolivia only faced one, weakened foe. Chile was in no position to put up as strong a fight. The investment into the Atacama region, ironically, had bankrupted the nation, and had left the military somewhat impoverished. More importantly, it had sapped much of the morale strength, which was most important despite its access to more foreign weaponry and supplies.


The Rapido Guerra



So when war was declared, Bolivia had a large ill armed, poorly trained but high spirited army. Such a force is often only good for one thing. A quick sharp blow to shatter the enemy. Luckily, the Bolivian war plan was base don this exact concept. As war opened on the distant and desolate border, the pattern that would be followed for the rest of the war was revealed. While on a tactical level Chilean troops often fought well, on a strategic level Chile began to suffer from the holes punched in their lines by thrusting Bolivian spearheads. This fast paced, often small scale fighting was new and well adapted to the harsh conditions. One Chilean observer, shaken when reports of how far the Bolivians had penetrated dubbed it “Rapido Guerra” or 'Fast War'.

Some of the hellish terrain the 1903 War was fought in.

While the Bolivians had not went into the war expecting this fast changing, small scale fighting conflict they adapted far quicker their their Chilean enemies. Also, while the Bolivian armed forces had only implemented a few changes since the Triple Alliance, those changes had been base don previous experience in the same region. The Bolivian military junta changed far faster which was a direct cause of their crushing victory over Chile. It is important to note that while Bolivian troops were successful, their goals were limited. As is shown when some Bolivian troops attempted to head south, they ran into trouble and many Chilean units scored victories in the end of the campaign. Despite this, as Peru entered the war late in 1903, Chile gave up any hopes of a decent peace and was ready to accept any peace that didn't shatter the nation. Chile's armies were beaten in the field, at home defeatism reigned and the arrival of Peru merely sealed a fate that had already been set as Bolivian troops won victory after victory. While the entry of Peru solidified Bolivia's position, it turned out to be a double-edged sword later.
The Bolivian-Chile war is a monument to the power of the unseen factors in war, and the ability of small units and single individuals to change the tides of politics and war.




Aftermath

The war changed the balance of power in West South America drastically. Bolivia, with its large population and natural resources, had regained a coast and port (not to mention significant minerals deposits). Chile was forced to 'look south' and had been humiliated. The biggest change was in Peru however.
Most Peruvian observers, in 'allowing' a Bolivian-Chile war had expected a far different outcome. In a worst case scenario, Bolivia and Chile would be locked in a long running and draining war among the inhospitable Andes for years, weakening both greatly, that might led to a marginal Bolivian victory. In this case, Peru would happily join in the later part of the conflict hoping for easy spoils. The more widely held view was that Chile would be the victor, keeping Bolivia in its place, and Peru would merely go back to Chile. The actual events however demanded immediate change.
Now, Peru and Bolivia found itself staring at each other over a bloody battlefield, trying to decide on who got what. The sharing of spoils led to much bad blood (which would be a cause for the next war) and military build-up. War almost started immediately after Chile backed out as Peru initially demanded much for its 'decisive entry into the war'. Luckily war was adverted as Peru began to see things in a new light.
Lima soon established a new system of dealing with Bolivia. Unfortunately it was based on two flawed concepts. The first one was the Bolivian-Chile War 'justified' the idea of a strong Bolivian military power even where it didn't exist. The war had greatly pushed Bolivia and its army was over burdened and greatly weakened. Still, the image of Bolivian troops wading into the sea and the propaganda of the 'Spirit of Bolivar” was hard to ignore. The second idea was that Bolivia was appeaseable if given small border corrections. For many Bolivian leaders however, these small changes weren't enough.

In 1904 Bolivia stood in a strong place, reaping the benefits of a victories war, a happy populace and rapidly increased resources. It's junta-led government already began to look to other areas (primarily feuding Peru) to advance their control. The 1903 War wasn't a permanent solution, even for the victors.

Bolivian troops in the conquered port of Antofagasta

Click to expand...

Well found the TL and start to read, is interesting the POD( the venezuela scenario and the geopolitical consequences), again i will no comment because i don't read but give you a little aclaration:

it's 'Guerra Rapida' who will be literay Quick or Fast War and not Rapido Guerra” In Spanish that doesnt' have sense(unlike in English).

That is a little Advice, mainly because is mother language and notice that curious, well start with the tl, i wish succes