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American Empire: Eagle's Talons

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Few imagined in the heady days following the Great War, the War to End All Wars, that the world would once again be plunched into the furnace of war. Even fewer, in light of new and closer ties with Great Britain, contemplated the inevitable clash that would occur between the New World and the Old.....
Doris O'Malley, America in the Global War

The United States Navy established itself as America's senior service during the Orson-Karloff hearings of the mid-1920s. Fear of foreign entanglements was skillfully manipulated by navy proponents and the public's unease with the growing might of Imperial Japan proved fertile ground. The turning point was the very public political war between Vice Admiral Theodore Orson and General Mark Karloff which began as a feud over defense funding. As friction between the two services worsened to the point where officers wouldn't speak to one another Karloff was killed in an automobile incident. Ruled as an accident rumor lingered for years that it was in fact arranged by the Senate's navy faction.

Thus America turned to its Navy to enforce its isolation from the world. A wall of steel and cannon was therefore built, designed to keep the outside world safely away from American shores. The Army was seen as largely obsolete and reduced to a tiny handful of active divisions, and its air corps disbanded entirely. The Great Depression only exacerbated the problem, as the dwindly defense budget forced many veteran officers into early retirement. Military R&D was focused almost entirely on naval affairs.

Enough exposition. On to the bloodshed.
 
The Road to War

1938
Fascist Dictator Mussolini is murdered during a royalist coup. Army officers loyal to the king stage an uprising, placing the king as pre-eminent power in Italy. Following this Italy follows the US example and remains neutral in the power struggles.

The Axis Powers - Germany, Slovakia, Spain, and Hungary declare war on the western Allies and Poland. Massive bombing campaigns by Great Britain prove largely ineffective against German anti-aircraft and fighter resistence. Opening attacks succed in over-running Poland, but affairs in the West drag to a bloody standstill.

Case Purple
The Far-Eastern War
This scenario assumes that the US takes no part in the great struggle between the Axis and the Allies. The Imperial Japanese Navy is superior to the US Pacific Fleet, therefore immediate and widescale refitting is urgently needed for the US Pacific Fleet. Intel reports that the Japanese Army is bogged down in China and is unlikly to prove a threat to US possessions. A remodelled American military machine should have little trouble in dispursing the Japanese Navy and invading the home lislands.

Case Purple was largely a failure. The Japanese declaration of war caught the US off guard and months before R&D produced the blueprints for upgrades to the fleet. While the submarine forces succeeded in blockading the Japanese Coast the American Main Fleet was several times driven back by concerted Japanese attacks.

Case Red
The European Option One
Despite heightening tensions between Great Britain and the US it is likely that America's best interests lie with the western Allies. We (War Department) are very concerned, however, by the British refusal to join in the war effort. At this time Canada and South Africa have taken a more active role than the Empire. The fearsome Royal Navy has destroyed the German Navy but has yet to land any troops on the Continent and has not reacted to the loss of Gibraltar. What madness has afflicted the Imperial General Staff we do not know, but it is very likely Britain could lose the war.

At this time the War Department is very reluctant to recommend joining the Alliance. The bloody stalemate on the Continent is reminiscent of 1917, and the German Army is a potent fighting force.

Case Black
The European Option Two
The Axis powers now rule central Europe and much of North Africa. Despite France's success in Central Germany it is the opinion of the War Department that France is incapable of maintaining the two front war for more than another year. Serious thought should be given to closer ties between Berlin and Washington.

War Department report on the state of the Global War
Published under the Freedom of Information Act.
 
1 January 1941
The news of war in the east has sent shock waves throughout America. Although the Japanese have remained strangely quiesent it can not be denied that America's long isolation was over.
In Europe the major powers remained locked in stalemate. Spain was hardpressed, however, by a French invasion. The the lines had finally solidified in across the northern reaches. Britian remained committed to non-commital, preferring occasional sorties against German fleets.

The Navy's enourmous Pacific Fleet Command, based out of San Fansisco activated its contingency plans. Scores of subs were sent out to the Far Eastern Foward Command: Attu and from their to stations along the Japanese coast. Similarly the 3 Mainforce Armadas were supposed to sorty as well. Unfortunately refits in progress delayed their deployment.

Closed Congressional Briefing
Washington DC, 7 October 1941

Admiral Nimitz is recalled from Attu to answer for a series of crushing naval defeats. Congressional leaders ask hard questions about the billions spent on naval R&D and refits for the near 200 warships of the Fleet. While the blockade is largely successful every engagement with the Imperial Japanese Navy ends in disaster for the Americans.

In the wake of the loss of thousands of American sailors the Far Eastern War is put on hold. No new ships or repairs for those battle damaged will be approved by Congress.

Chaos in the States
The Axis Powers Expanded!
German diplomats today claimed that US President Roosevelt had tentatively agreed to join the European war on the side of Germany and its partners. This in the wake of a massive government scandal has tripped off riots in a number of cities and caused civil disorder unseen since the dark days of the 1930 All States Riots. Condemened by the Allied Powers the US takes further shocks as vital goods are cut off from nations sympathetic tot he Allied cause. Economic woes threaten war preperations.

US INVADED!
CANADIAN TROOPS DESPOIL NEW YORK, MAINE
The US Army, still hamstrung by budgetary and politcal constraints is called upon to answer the threat of foreign agression. Canadian army troops have crossed the border in an apparent attempt to knock the US out of the war while it is still weak. A prostrate America looks to its handful of boys in green to hold off the British lapdogs.

Federal Fleets Engage the Allies
French, British Warships sent packing back to port!
The US Atlantic Command in Boston has released a press report stating that a massed battle in the North Atlantic has resulted in total defeat of Allied warships. The fighting men of the 5th Mainforce Armada has tacken up station off the British coast, placing England in a stranglehold.

In other news, General George S. Patton's newly formed I Combined Arms Group has defeated the Canadian invaders in Michigan and has begun preparations to cross into the Great White North. Recovering from earlier defeats the Army's two remaining infantry divisions have engaged the Canadians in occupied Maine.
 
Originally posted by Wagnaard
1 January 1941

US INVADED!
CANADIAN TROOPS DESPOIL NEW YORK, MAINE
The US Army, still hamstrung by budgetary and politcal constraints is called upon to answer the threat of foreign agression. Canadian army troops have crossed the border in an apparent attempt to knock the US out of the war while it is still weak. A prostrate America looks to its handful of boys in green to hold off the British lapdogs.
Click to expand...

How is this possible?
 
Originally posted by Grothgar
Im assuming that since he joined the axis, he was at war with the allies, which happen to include canada, so the canadians invaded. simple really
Click to expand...

You got it! One of my many excellent command decisions in joining the Axis before my troops were built up. My tech and my building were all concentrated on building a first class navy. What divisions I did have were in the Pacific garrisoning various rocks against Japanese ( never happens but why take the chance?) attacks.
 
1 January 1942
Closed Congressional Hearing
Washington, DC USA
The Admiral of the Fleet sat nervously before the most powerful men in the nation. Roosevelt himself was sitting in, albeit as an observer only.
"What we want to know, sir, is how this catastrophe has happened. The Navy had spent over a decade assuring us that it could not only defend this nation but take the fight to our enemies. What has gone wrong Admiral?"

Admiral Nimitz cleared his throat nervously, sweat beaded on his balding head. "Congressman, the Navy has been largely successful in all its endeavors, the -"

"Largely successful? Admiral, the Japanese government is claming that the 2nd Mainforce Armada was defeated utterly in the Sea of Japan. This comes on the heels of the losses in the Bay of Biscay from the Royal Navy. How can any sane man call this successful? For God sakes man. Hawaii has been attacked by ANZAC troops over a dozen times in the past year."

"Congressman Charles, while it is true that we have encountered unexpected difficulties in engaging the enemy surface fleets, to date hundreds of merchantmen have been sunk. Once we have reprovisioned the Mainforce Armadas and Submarine Squadrons will easily re-establish the total blockade of the Japanese Home Islands the British Isles -"

The ruckus eventually drowned out Nimitz quavering voice. Nimitz had aged 20 years in as many months. Although he continued to command the 1rst Mainforce Armada he was in many respects a broken man. Others like Halsey may have embraced the defeats as a chance to break hidebound tradition, but to Nimitz each cruiser sunk or battleship smashed was another nail on the coffin of his career.

"Nimitz, let us be clear. The Senate War Watch Committe will no longer tolerate the Navy's incompetence. The American people will no longer tolerate their sons coming back in coffins - being reduced to shark bate." Only in the secure meeting chamber would the popular senator dare speak so crassly. "So far as this committee is concerned the United States Navy is nothing more than a multi-billion dollar wreck.

In view of the worsening conditions of the Axis in Europe, the continued suffering of the people of China under the Japanese lash, and the growing influence of the communists here and abroad the United States Army will now have pre-eminence in all future operations."

"Nimitz... in your heyday you served the nation - and this committee well. For that you will keep your command. But make no mistake. We will maintain a close eye on you and your subordinates. Mr. Barclay of the Internal Security Agency will keep us well informed of how you are doing. You are dismissed Admiral."
 
Canada Falls!
Allies Decry US Brutality
Crushing sporatic resistance I Combined Arms Force rolled through southern Canada. Massive bombing runs by the US Army Air Corps succeeded in destroying several Canadian formations in the west. Just remembering the rush of combat and the incredible joy in paying back those bastards who burned Manchester and Detroit makes me proud that I joined the Army. Sure, I know what you're thinking. The Army? The road to success for nearly 20 years had been a few tours in the Navy. The Army has been a refuge for society's desperate and lost. Criminals, social misfits... I have heard it all.
But let me tell you. For us 'lifers' it was home. Hah, I'd say the Brits and the Japanese have done the Navy's swagger in for good. All those shiny metals and pretty unifroms are rotting in the drink. Now I'm a national hero! Capturing the fleeing Canadian Prime Minister.... killing a bunch of SAS goons. Glory! I'd give it all up to go back to the good old days.... passing the months in barracks and playing cards. We were buddies. Close knit, family even. Back before the Triple Thunder Bolts of the US Army were worn by kids on T-shirts. Before all these new guys came in.....

Col. Daniel Ratcliff (ret.) U.S. Army
Cmdr. 142nd Shock Armor Brigade
An Old Soldier Remembers Bradford Publishing 1976
 
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New Canadian Government Joins Axis
Axis Powers on the Rise?
Long after their names faded into memory, long after the mushroom clouds consumed such fabled cities as Berlin or Paris, the names of Patton, of Eisenhower, and of Clark graced the names of universities and sports teams throughout the American Empire. The Capitol Legion which defends Washington DC is commanded by a descendent of Douglas MacArthur. These men who led the crushed the serpent's head of the British Empire and fought back the Russian Bear best embody the American spirit....
Twenty-First Century: The New World Order

Senate Hearing on the State of the War
1 January 1943
"In conclusion Senators I feel that the Army is at last ready to take the war to the enemy. Our stooges in Ottawa have quieted down their masses. I think we can spare the occupation troops - certainly the Combined Arms divisions from securing our borders. "

"General Marshall, we are gratified that one branch of our armed forces, at least, is making positive gains. You've heard, I presume of the latest news from Europe? The Reds have broken the Siegmund Line. You know better than us that without help the Germans will collapse." Senator Charles' haggard face peered out from the dark recesses of the meeting chamber.

"Yes sir. Our first action should be driving the Allies out of Spain. We can open a second front on the French south and build up for an invasion. Franco's men are brave fighters, but I fear it will fall to our boys to do most of the work. Numbers alone you understand. " Marshall's voice was stone hard and his eyes cold. An embittered man some said. Scarred by years of losing political battles with the nation's senior service - the Navy - and the contempt of many of the citizens he was sworn to protect. That the people now proclaimed him and his soldiers heroes only strengthened the bitterness.

"General Marshall, the President has allowed me the honor of informing you that hense forth the United States Army will have pre-eminence in all decisions pertaining to the conduct of the war. The United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Corps will act at your descretion. Not once in American history has any single commander had such power."

German Offensive Stalls
Soviets Report Massive Losses in Western Poland
American Marines Land in Japan

Spearheaded by the 2nd and 5th Marine Divisions American Troops established a beachhead on the Japanese Home Islands. Although enountering severe resistance from the Japanese Imperial Navy, the transports succeeded in slipping through the defences. The Japanese fleet is now bottled up in Tokyo Harbor by the ships of the 2nd Armada and the US 19th Pacific Submarine Flotilla. Follow on units, including the III Infantry Corps, are expected to land within two weeks.

1 January 1944
Germany Invaded: Rommel Promises to Resist to the Last
Axis on the Wane: Slovakia collapses, occupied by Communists
Japan Surrenders, Provisional Government Joins Axis Cause
The tanks and half-tracks of II Combined Arms Force had at last driven the last French troops out of Spain. Despite his distaste at fighting for a fascist thug, General Eisenhower was glad at having completed his mission. Spain provided a decent base for the invasion of France. Although the continued erosion of Germany increasingly meant that it was simply pointless to continue. Why prop up murderous vermin like Franco or Hitler when the Comintern was devouring all of Europe? Surely it made more sense to come to an agreement with the Allies and then make war against the Russians than the democratic French.
 
"We have had many setbacks. Many terrible defeats. Gibraltar, Plymouth, London worst of all. But though England is conquered the Empire endures. India stands. The Commonwealth - yes even many in Canada still plot against the traitors there - will continue to fight. Until Britain is ours again. Until the Yankees are driven out. Until the Tower of London is rebuilt...."

Press release from Bombay
On the nomination of Field Marshall Montgomery as Prime Minister of Britain June of 1943

So....
The year is now 1944. The Axis is all but wiped out. The Reds have conquered most of Europe. Hitler's last troops fight a suicidal defence in a few rocky redoubts, but their time is numbered. I have taken Britain, but they refuse to negotiate a surrender, the French seem un-concerned with the massive USSR now ruling everything from the Dutch to the Yugoslavs to the Finns in the North. Their defense lines in the Pyrenees hold. Belgians continue to land division after division in single attack waves against the American forces in London and Portsmouth.

Japan and Canada are my only real conquests.

That's it for this game, I installed a mod and it corrupted the install.
 
I love it!!(as she said last nigth)
 
Originally posted by UberYuber
Two quick questions about the game:

How well did Japan do against China in your game?? and did Germany's offensive go anywhere against the USSR?

Very good AAR though.
Click to expand...

Well, from memory Germany wasn't even too well against France, it got pushed back and actually lost two or three provinces and never managed to cut off that salient. Nor nor did it strike through Belgium. So whne the time came to attack the Soviets Germany did make some headways initially, but got pushed steadily back after a year or two.

On Japan I don't remember too much. My invasion met some stiff resistance and its navy was first rate. It didn't annex China but made some gains.

I should try this again with Trip's mod.
 
Any ideas as to how to do another Berlin-Washington Axis without rolling over the Allies? I want a way to make America challenging. In another game I supplied Germany with every land tech I had and it did exceptionally well. Taking on the Ratzis then was a terrible endeavor.

How can I make France and Britain real players without crippling myself?
 
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