Russian Empire vs. United States, 1914

[Rex Romanum]

In 1914, Arch-Duke Franz Ferdinand was not shot. Instead a failed assassination attempt on the Tsar Nicholas II takes place in Moscow. This is traced back to a pro-democracy group backed financially by the US state department (Wilson got a little crazy stupid at some point). Outraged, Russia declares war on the United States. The rest of Europe decides to remain neutral as the US is not part of any alliance system. Germany expresses some willingness to help USA, but ultimately staying neutral our of fear of surprise attacks by Britain and France. War in Europe will not occur or is at least delayed several years. Similarly, Wilson declines any alliance with Japan because he is a horrible racist.

Russia's goals are to capture Alaska and defend Siberia. America's goals are more ambitious: defend Alaska and capture much of Siberia, hoping they can spark off a pro-democracy revolt in Moscow.

Who wins?

 

[Superman]

This likely belongs in ASB, since the USA and Russia actually had pretty good relations until the Red Revolution. Plus, why would Wilson be that stupid?

Also, with Canada in the way, Britain is likely to get involved.

 

[MikeTurcotte]

Neither.

Russia can't challenge the USA at sea, and America can't (in 1914) project power to Eurasia without Allies.

After a year or so, the war peters out, and a peace is negotiated; Russia cares about Europe, not America, and America is still isolationist.

Mike Turcotte

 

[Dain]

Yeah, I'd be surprised if this war is going to see any land battles. Both sides quickly realize that there's not much to be done. At most some symbolic actions to save face.

 

[pattersonautobody]

The side that goes on offense loses. Alaska is too big to conquer and the same with Siberia. Being that the US has the naval advantage and Japan is opportunist, you would see Japan allying themselves with the US and the war ends with slight territorial concessions to Japan and the US (giving the US its first territories on the Eurasian continent) and that's it. Neither can take the war far into siberia. WW1 era technology favors the defense and the Russian transportation network prevents them from being overwhelmed.