[Forum Game] World in Revolution: 1900 Mk. II

[aedan777]

The position of the Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Empire is in opposition to basic logic and the principle of free navigation. The free navigation guaranteed in prior treaties and agreements was not limited to select environs of the Danube, but the entirety of the river. That trade along the Danube may be conducted either above or below the dam is irrelevant to the lack of possibility of trade through the dam. A merchant based in Bucharest or Galati was previously able to travel along the Danube to reach distant markets such as Budapest, Vienna, and even Ulm. The reverse was also true. With the construction of the dam on the Danube, this would no longer be possible. The principle of free navigation along the Danube is inherently infringed by the construction of a dam along its course.

Further, the continued insistence by the Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Empire that there would be no adverse environmental side effects to the lower reaches of the Danube if the dam is constructed is in opposition to the findings of Romania's best engineers and experts. The Danube past the dam would be denied vast quantities of water, used by many long its banks as a source of irrigation and personal use. Contrary to the claim that such a dam would end the threat of starvation in dry years, it would in fact greatly amplify such a threat, for those downriver from the dam.

The accusation that Romania is out of line and acting in a belligerent manner is fundamentally untrue and lacking any basis in fact. The outbreak of the Twelve Month War was due to a collective failure of diplomacy, and Romania remains as regretful as it was when the war began that the violence of warfare became necessary to resolve the crisis. And in this matter, Romania has in no way acted out of line, it purely seeks to protect and enforce long standing diplomatic agreements regarding the Danube, as well as protecting its citizens.

The Kingdom of Romania maintains its suggestions made prior to the Austro-Hungarian-Croatian response.

-Ioan Lahovary, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania

 

[Dadarian]

"Part of the Danube Dam includes a series of locks in which to allow movement of ships from above the Dam to below the Dam. The Romanian Kingdom is reminded that just because the Dam is being built does not mean that Romania is going to suffer."

~ Agenor Graf Gołuchowski, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the K.u.K.u.K Franz Joseph

 

[Olligarchy]

 

[Dadarian]

Treaty of Fiume; 1909
​

1. Honouring the Pact made between the Italian and (previous) Austro-Hungarian offices, the Kingdom of Dalmatia (hereafter Dalmatia) and the Corpus separatum of Fiume (hereafter Fiume) shall be transferred to Italy.

2. In acknowledgement of the place of Croatians within the Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Empire (hereafter AHC), all Croatian citizens are free to move from Dalmatia and Fiume into the Crown of Croatia for a calendar year following the signing of this treaty.

3. The Kingdom of Italy and the AHC Empire shall endevour to work together in which to advance and apply medicine in both nations to the benefit of both the respective crowns and the respective populations.

4. The Kingdom of Italy shall gift the AHC Empire $30,000,000 in honour of the pact of friendship seen between these two neighbouring powers and the contribution of Austrian doctors to the wellness of His Majesty the King of Italy.

 

[MastahCheef117]

The Sultanate of Morocco
​

I assure the Spanish government that my Royal Army is fully capable of restoring order to the Rif tribes. His Majesty the King of Spain may rest assured that peace will continue to flourish so long as Allah sees to it that the traitors to His people do not go unpunished.

The declaration by His Majesty's government over a direct intervention by the Spanish military is most worrisome to me. While I cannot allow a Spanish violation of Moroccan sovereignty, I can promise that security and peace will be most quickly restored to the region, and trade soon allowed to continue uninterrupted by petty and godless tribesmen and thieves.

Most honorably,
Abdelhafid
Sultan of Morocco
​

​

 

[MastahCheef117]

An Empire Reborn
​

Spain's escapades in Morocco and the Rif in the 1890s were not entirely settled with the Treaty of Fez of 1894. The Rif rebellion against Morocco that broke out in late 1908 ignited fears in Spanish Melilla about a disruption of cross-border trade, a spillover of violence into Spanish colonial possessions, and a total destabilization of the Moroccan government. Despite reassurances from Sultan Abdelhafid that the Rif tribes would be put down, Moroccan army units continued to suffer at the hands of the rebels, and by May over 1,000 soldiers had died in combat. The government in Madrid turned its eye toward remedying this problem permanently, and to the benefit of Spain.

When several Rif tribe leaders send messengers across the border to the colonial overseer of Melilla asking for a direct intervention, he sent word to Prime Minister Álvarez. After several days of debating what to do, after being influenced by parliamentary Conservatives, Álvarez issued deployment orders to units of the Royal Army. Three divisions' worth of men were sent to Melilla for purposes of "fortifying the border" and heading-off potential incursions by the Rif tribes. On 17 May Spain suddenly issued a declaration of war against Morocco, and on 18 May Spanish troops began operations.

A squadron of the Royal Navy, headed by the the famous armored cruiser Emperador Carlos V, bombarded Moroccan positions at Ksar es Seghir and Asilah, to the east and south of Tangier, respectively. Spanish Marines offloaded at these locations and quickly brushed past hastily-gathered militiamen and the few units of the Moroccan army that were in the region. The city fell on 24 May after little resistance, save a minor battle at Bni Wassine where troops under Brigadier General Dámaso Berenguer evicted a heavily-entrenched Moroccan army battalion. Simultaneously to the east, Spanish troops, under the overall command of Lieutenant General Antero Rubín, rushed across the border, coming to the aid of their new Rif allies.

Spanish troops celebrate the successful landings at Asilah.
​

Major General Manuel Silvestre made an ambitious push to Fez, and the troops of his 8th Infantry Division encountered heavy resistance near the city of Taza. Colonel José Sanjurjo led a concerted effort around Moroccan lines but was wounded after taking several companies prisoner; with two of his immediate subordinates wounded, command passed to the young Major José Millán Astray, who bravely led his unit forward and cracked the Moroccan right flank, shattering it to pieces. Fez fell the next day with almost the entire garrison surrendering. Astray was awarded the Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand for his daring and his role in the capture of the city.

Spanish troops shortly after the capture of Fez.​

Newly-promoted Major General Miguel Primo de Rivera replaced the insolent previous commander of the 22nd Infantry Division on 28 June after he had refused to follow orders at the Battle of Kenitra. Rivera oversaw the push toward Rabat, the Moroccan capital and seat of the throne of Abdelhafid, and after the bloody Battle of Rabat, which lasted until 7 July, Rivera led the victory column into the city. General Berenguer coordinated with Rivera in the advance toward Casablanca; meanwhile, Silvestre took the lead in the push toward Marrakesh. With Moroccan lines collapsing and the army providing little, if any resistance, the Sultan sued the Spanish for peace. An armistice was agreed to as Rivera and Berenguer were just a day's march from Casablanca. The resultant Treaty of Marrakesh resulted in the deposition of the three-century-old Alaouite dynasty and the end to almost 1,300 years of independent rule in the country. The country was thus quickly annexed and made a part of the Spanish colonial empire, but the question remained: were Spain's colonial ambitions sated? Was this the rebirth of the Spanish Empire? [-7,859 soldiers to Spain, +2% political support to Spain, Morocco annexed by Spain]

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

Treaty of Fiume; 1909
​

1. Honouring the Pact made between the Italian and (previous) Austro-Hungarian offices, the Kingdom of Dalmatia (hereafter Dalmatia) and the Corpus separatum of Fiume (hereafter Fiume) shall be transferred to Italy.

2. In acknowledgement of the place of Croatians within the Austro-Hungarian-Croatian Empire (hereafter AHC), all Croatian citizens are free to move from Dalmatia and Fiume into the Crown of Croatia for a calendar year following the signing of this treaty.

3. The Kingdom of Italy and the AHC Empire shall endevour to work together in which to advance and apply medicine in both nations to the benefit of both the respective crowns and the respective populations.

4. The Kingdom of Italy shall gift the AHC Empire $30,000,000 in honour of the pact of friendship seen between these two neighbouring powers and the contribution of Austrian doctors to the wellness of His Majesty the King of Italy.

[X] ~ Tommaso Tittonim ~ Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Italy

 

[Nax24]

The "Hard No" is a No to Prosperity and a No to Care​

The Spanish government has of recently tried to enact a new policy to try and save its political face against Portuguese industrial opposition. Dubbed the "Hard No" policy, the Spanish government has made it necessary to engage itself in a taxation war by brutally raising taxes on Portuguese industry within its borders in response to Portuguese subsidies and tax alleviation to its own businesses. As a result, businesses in Spain have foreclosed or are on the verge of bankruptcy. Many citizens of both Spanish and Portuguese descent have been removed from employment simply because the Spanish government wants to make itself look good for elections that are to be upon them soon. Spain has shown no care to the plight of the Portuguese citizens and has demonstrated that it does not care about even its own people when it comes to "getting back" at Portugal for minor tax reductions. It has happily thrown away the welfare of its own people in pursuit of some revenge narrative that it believes should be inflicted on the Portuguese people. It has tanked the prosperity of both nations by forcing closure of many industries that have given both Iberian nations much in terms of wealth.

The list of grievances brought about by Spain vigorously undermining the prosperity of Iberia for the sake of some petty political agenda should be seen as a slap in the face for both the people of Portugal, and Spanish casualties brought about by Spain's insistence for engaging in some trade war. Like throwing away lives in annexing some barren desert and risking international repercussions for doing so, Spain is willing to throw away the lives and well-being of her people to achieve her political goals. This cannot be allowed to continue, and Spain must be taught that the agendas of defaming Portugal and invading nations should not come before the well-being of its people.

-A Socialist Paper

 

[Rolman99]

A few days after his coronation, the Baotian Emperor addressed the court with a short before he returned to his post as a commander, now over every soldier and general in the empire.

“My ministers, my dearest family and my venerable elders, eunuchs, all in this court:

The ancestors saw it fit to send the Jing Emperor to Heaven much too early, and to leave me, his brother, to head our Golden Empire and the Middle Kingdom through its darkest hour. If all-powerful father Shangdi and the other gods and all the Sons of Heaven before me saw this fit, so be it. I admit that I may as well be a boy, fresh back from wondrous, alien France, who has been plunged into this precarious situation of ours, where the fate of four hundred and twenty million souls now lies in my hands. It is needless to say that I pray quite frequently, all the help of the great ancestors of old must come upon us now should the Celestial Qing survive. Now, I trust in the divine, I trust in their guidance and wisdom, I do not doubt that Heaven will make my reign greatly auspicious and usher in a new dawn for our troubled empire. But, action too must be taken here in the world of men and material things and, sadly, that action is war. We must never cease to hammer blows upon the traitorous armies whenever we can, we must always resist, we will not, and cannot, surrender. I echo my dear brother’s request of us all, to both soldier and civilian: ‘give them not one inch’.

Now, I must return to the front to uphold my dear Jing Emperor’s wish, not one inch shall be lost, and I shall not rest until peace comes to China again. My crown shall be my officer’s cap, my palace the command tent. I refuse to don the robes of the Son of Heaven until I may sit upon the Dragon Throne in the Forbidden City, and I refuse to take a wife and consorts until I may be wedded in the courtyard of the great palace. The splendors of this Golden Empire may come later, for now I must fight. And if I must fight and die for this empire and the ancestors and Heaven above, then let me bleed.

Take care, my honorable friends. Live long, my venerable elders. You won’t see much of me til this land has become serene once more. Pray for victory, pray for the lowliest soldier and the great general alike, pray for me. Lose not an inch, take not a single step back. Heaven’s blessings on us all.”

 

[oxfordroyale]

Republican Propaganda during the Chinese Civil War​

On the eve of the first decade of the 20th century, the Republic of China sought to open a new front in the bloody civil war which had been raging for years and showed no signs of soon abating. This front was not to be military in nature but rather an informational and ideological offensive; it was to be waged not with conventional weapons but with words, pamphlets and posters intended to achieve a very specific effect. The objective was not to gain territory or secure strategic geographic positions, but rather to win the hearts and minds of the Chinese people. While this could be seen as less important than matters of military strategy, as a new state born not from ancient tradition, wealth or power, but from popular uprising, the Republican leadership understood that if the people did not continue the collective struggle then the Republic would die on the vine, having never fulfilled its aspirations of a free and democratic China. They realized that, if the successes of the previous year were to be replicated, then the inhabitants of their newly-won lands would have to be firmly in their camp and passionately devoted to their cause, or else all would surely be lost.

The revolution which had begun on Taiwan and then in small cells across the mainland had since been transformed into a nation with armies, borders and taxes, and as such its revolutionary rhetoric needed to be molded into an organized tool which the state could wield. This called for the Republican government to embark on a massive propaganda campaign aimed at shoring up and expanding popular support, which they believed would translate into political and military capital. While the primary target of their armies was constantly shifting between the Qing and Yuanist forces as circumstances demanded, both were the enemy and as such it was decided that both would be the subjects of this propaganda. Republican leaders quickly agreed that their best ammunition lay with the fundamental differences between the Republic and these two factions; both were absolute monarchies (albeit one much more recent than the other) who aspired towards modernization, and both had made at least superficial movements towards implementing democratic reforms, but neither could compete with the ideals that the Republicans espoused. The Qing were backwards and failing, crumbling relics of a bygone era fast fading into obscurity, and Yuan Shikai was a ruthless, conniving warlord who liked to play at emperor. Both had a history of suppressing their citizens through brute military force, and both were directly responsible for the years of bloody warfare which had ravaged the country.

Yuan Shikai depicted dressing himself in the trappings of a Chinese Emperor, obsessed with his own reflection.​

It was theorized that highlighting the Republic’s hopeful and positive message would provide a powerful and convincing contrast to the petty squabbling of kings who sought only the growth of their own power and prestige, their subjects more like pieces on a game board than living, breathing people. Republican propaganda would aim to delegitimize not only the two emperors and their ideologies, but also to promote the righteous cause of Republicanism by portraying the nobility of fighting for the common man. While the revolution might have grown beyond the scale of localized rebellion, it was important still to paint the war as a national, populist struggle against the status quo, and as such images of downtrodden and outnumbered peasantry revolting against a sophisticated and oppressive enemy were to be heavily utilized – ‘images’ being the key word. The vast majority of the Chinese population, and especially those whom the Republic sought to appeal to in massive numbers, were partially or completely illiterate – pamphlets were to be circulated, but the main methods of propaganda would be posters whose meaning and message were simple and easily understood without written explanation. More nuanced propaganda would have to be spread verbally by criers in village squares, city taverns and town squares, carried by word of mouth.

The people of China rebel against the army, fighting for freedom, democracy, and National Liberation.​

However, the motivations behind such a propaganda campaign can be attributed to much greater reasons than a desire to promote Republican ideology and discredit the other factions. By 1909 it was becoming more and more clear to Republican leaders that time was not on their side – while they had managed to make major territorial gains in a relatively short period, this had been a consequence of the unpreparedness of the Qing and Yuanist forces, as none had expected the Orchid Revolution to spread to the mainland so soon. This, they knew, would not remain the case for long: as the war dragged on and all parties grew accustomed to the new reality, the inherent advantage of the Republicans would be lost and the fate of the country would be settled through brute strength alone. Despite their weariness, the Republic’s enemies were hardened by years of fighting and as more of China became a war-ravaged landscape less Chinese would be so easily swayed by political messages. It was necessary to energize as much of the country as possible, as soon as possible, in order to bolster recruitment efforts and expand the size of the army. The more soldiers that marched for democracy, the quicker the war would end – such was the thinking of the Republican high command. It was hoped that through widespread and effective propaganda that this might be more readily accomplished, though whether this strategy would prove successful was another matter entirely.

A Republican soldier standing courageously, ready to fight for his country (Caption: "Return our mountains and our rivers").​

 

[Olligarchy]

Victory in Morocco​

Towards the end of 1909, with the situation in the now Spanish Morocco mostly settled and the major population centres having been secured, King Alfonso XIII took the opportunity to visit Tangiers which was being set up as the colonial capital. This was mostly in due to the city's convenient location and harbour facilities which meant that holding it was both easy and convenient for the navally minded Spanish. The King arrived to port aboard the Battleship Pelayo with a full military band playing Marcha Real, the national anthem in what a visiting Portuguese dignitary called 'ostentatious manner'. This military victory, first in many, many years was clearly going to be milked for all it was worth.

King Alfonso XIII dressed as a Spanish Admiral.
​

The King himself was dressed up in Spanish naval uniform with opulets of an Admiral, which at first confused many in the crowd given that whilst the contribution of the Emperado Carlos V had been crucial for the capture of Tangiers, it had been the army and marines that really bled for the Spanish conquest. These doubts were quickly put aside as royal advisers and ministers explained that the King wished to express his support for the military, but had refused Army or even Marine uniform on the basis that he had not been in command during the operations leading up to the annexation of Morocco and hence did not wish to appear as though he was putting himself on par with the 'New Conquistadors' that had led the way.

With the formalities out of the way, the King made his way through the city, stopping to visit the wounded at the military hospital, as well as visit the famed Medina and the old Spanish churches and cathedral before making his way to the awards ceremony held in the Mendoubia Gardens.

King Alfonso XIII in his Awards speech at Tangiers.
​

The speech itself was fairly standard for the still relatively young King, emphasising the courage and unity of Spanish soldiery, as well as the victory in Morocco as proof that the century of humiliations was truly over and done with, and that Spain could now look within and without her borders with confidence. Though the King was sweating uncomfortably from the dry heat he kept his voice firm and elated, and by the time the he capped his speech with the words 'Plus Ultra' (Further Beyond, the Spanish Motto) the General staff and military officers present arose to give raucous applause.

What followed was the giving of numerous awards ranging from Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand awarded to young Major José Millán Astray; whom the King took quite a shine to, to more humble Crosses of Military Merit handed to those showing bravery and initiative during the war. The King also took the opportunity to visit the troops in barracks and the various military Hospitals and even pitched the idea of going on a Whistle Stop tour similar to the one he'd done earlier in Spain, but that idea was denied; mostly due to the military not wishing to risk the person of the monarch in what could yet be a dangerous and violence prone region.

After two more days of celebrations and ceremony, King Alfonso XIII returned to Spain, confident and elated that the victory had been so quick and total.​

​

 

[sealy300]

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE OCCIDENTAL ARMENIAN REPUBLIC
​

We, the Armenian people of Asia Minor, do hereby declare our right to sovereignty, self determination and liberty. After centuries of oppression at the hand of the Ottoman Turks, we proclaim the right to the formation of our own state, independent of any power, in the region of Asia Minor. We dedicate ourselves the establishment of a free, democratic republic in the east of Anatolia, a state for the Armenian people, but respectful of the other natural people's of the region. We seek not war and conflict, but to be free and to decide our own destiny. However, we shall defend our rights and peoples, and we shall not allow our nation to be subjugated and abused for any longer.

Thus, in the city of Kars on the day of Murç, in the month, Hoṙi in the year 1357: we the undersigned, on behalf of the Armenian people, do hereby proclaim The Occidental Armenian Republic.

- Andranik Ozanian, Commander-in-Chief of the Armenian Fedayi
- Stepan Zorian, on Behalf of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation [Dashnaktsutyun]
- Avetis Nazarbekian, on Behalf of the Social Democratic Hunchakian Party [Hanchak]
- Mackertich Portukalian, on Behalf of the Armerenakan Party

 

[Stormbringer]

Xibei San Ma

The Ma clique traces its origins to the officers of the Qing general Dong Fuxiang. Dong led Qing Hui troops in crushing the Muslim Durgan Revolt in 1895 and then in the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 where his cavalry proved to be the most effective Chinese troops against western armies. After Dong’s death his senior commanders continued to maintain the large Hui force in the western provinces.

The three senior Ma commanders are Ma Anliang, Ma Fuxiang, and Ma Qi. Ma Anliang is the most senior Muslim leader in the northwest and the de-facto ruler of Gansu. He is considered a reactionary who has sought to eradicate new Muslim sects that have appeared in China in recent years. Ma Qi is the commander of the Hui forces in Xining and he has been at odds with Ma Anliang over his support for the Muslim Brotherhood and their efforts in China. Ma Fuxiang leads a large cavalry force in Ningxia where his patronage of the local opium trade has contributed to his large wealth.

Until 1906 the Ma commanders have remained loyal to Qing, maintaining order in the west and fighting against Uighur and Turk insurrections. When fighting broke out between the Qing, the Yuanists, and the Republicans the Ma, along with Yang Zengxin, agreed to keep their territories out of the war. They made an agreement with local Uighurs and Turks to preserve stability in exchange for greater autonomy.

The Qing saw the agreement between the Ma and the locals as a betrayal and sent Lu Rongting and his army against the Ma. The attack pushed Yang into the hands of the Yuanists, although the Ma have remained wary of all the factions fighting for control of China, even after defeating Lu in 1908. They have, instead, sought the help of other local generals and governors to preserve order, and their own power, in the northwest.

Following Lu’s failure the northwest appears to be large secure in the hands of the Ma. The only thing the Qing have succeed at is alienating a group of commanders who have for decade loyally fought for the defense of China against both domestic and foreign threats. Should the Qing move against the Ma once more the Hui will have no choice but to join one of the rebel factions, for their own survival.

 

[Ranger900]

Companions of the United Balkan Revolution carrying posters to put up in the backstreets of either Thessaloniki, Sofia or even as far east as Burgas and Edirne. Adept at dodging Ottoman patrols they tended to operate at night so citizens would see the posters when heading to work in the mornings.

The Paper and Song Revolution

The United Balkan's Poster and Message campaign was a rather massive endevour. The revolutionary state having devoted a not insignificant amount of effort into the program. While many in the Balkans were illiterate thanks to poor Ottoman programs in the region. The messages were mostly directed toward more literate members of local society, which it was hoped would be able to lead the masses into joining the Revolution. Many posters were also designed with the intent of not being read in mind. Hoping to rally people to the cause with imagery alone.

Still, to combat the problem with local literacy. The Revolution began to put orators within its own ranks to work. Creating songs for the Revolution, along with further messages, to be spread by word of mouth. Revolutionary Speakers could be found on the streets of towns with Macedonia trying to stoke the fires of revolution the hearts of the local populace. Others spoke in Ottoman Macedonian territories, to the local areas around Skopje, Kumanovo and Bitola. Others still, versed in the local languages, could be found in Ottoman Greek territories, and East Rumelia.

The songs of the Revolution meanwhile, tended to remain within Macedonia. Meant to help reinforce the sense of camaraderie among the rebels both local and foreign. Though some would spread out by word of mouth they were mostly written in Macedonian or Bulgarian. Generally focusing on the small tales of valour that had come out of driving back the Ottoman forces over the last year.​

 

[Nax24]

Portuguese Reds
The Partido Popular Socialista Português/Portuguese Popular Socialist Party
​

The Socialist movement in Portugal has never really become powerful. Prior to the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon in 1900, the Portuguese Socialist Party (the only socialist party in Portugal at the time) was a rather fractured and disorganized party with various factions vying for power within. It was not until the effects of the 1900 Treaty of Lisbon set in that socialism found a new purpose. Following the 1905 snap elections, a new party was formed, the Portuguese Popular Socialist Party. The major platform of the PPSP was simple; reject the Treaty of Lisbon and the encroaching Spanish threat. To many whom lost a job to a Spanish industry, the PPSP allowed a sort of outburst to the governments on Iberia that the Treaty was flawed. It was this belief that led the socialists to a handful of seats in the 1905 elections. It is predicted that the PPSP will win even more seats in the Chamber of Deputies this election due to the recent "Hard No" policy of the Spanish crippling Portuguese industry abroad and causing large amounts of unemployment for the people of Portugal. As such, many are expected to side with the PPSP in proclaiming an end to the Treaty of Lisbon, something that the Conservatives have failed to do with dire consequences...

(PPSP Leaders at a rally)​

 

[Julius Maximus]

The Ottoman Empire

A public address was made by Grand Vizier Ziya Gökalp heard across the Empire

My brothers, sisters, men-at-arms, I call upon you to revive this once great nation again! No more shall the Ottoman Empire be left behind by the Europeans, used like a plaything to their benefit and ambitions. The results within the Balkans were mixed, we defeated one enemy, yet were pushed out by another! Never again I say! For us to survive we must unite as one for then no enemy shall defeat us! A strong, disciplined military should be created to fend off all threats to our humble people, and project our true power for all to see!

Even as I speak, traitors within our borders plot to dismantle our most cherished Empire, and destroy the tranquility we have had for centuries! These so-called Armenian "nationalists" are simply men hungry for power, willing to throw away lives for their benefit, even using children as shields and soldiers! This will not and cannot be tolerated, order shall be restored and these murderers be brought to justice for their crimes.

In the Macedonian regions, vile atheists under the socialist banner attempt to run rampant across the Empire's European borders. These men, from official reports in the region show that they have slaughtered any non-socialists in their path, even women and children! Any mention of their "cause" or attempts of recruitment should be immediately reported to the authorities. I call on all good men of the faith to rise up, avenge your brothers and destroy the parasite within Macedon!

Remember, together we are undefeatable, divided we shall fall. Band together and may God be with us all during these times.

​

 

[Ranger900]

A Response To The Vizier's 'Grand Address'
This message was spread in multiple ways, though unlike previous campaigns, it was spread by word of mouth primarily with message posters being a supplement. The following is a transcription of a rally in the streets of Skopje. Before Ottoman security forces dispersed the crowd.

Men of the Balkans, the recent message you may have heard from the Sultan's lapdog is so full of falsehood and lies that it seems impossible that any may believe it. It seems filled with a fundamental misunderstanding of the current situation that can only be caused by the warped prospective of those desperately trying to cling onto power. The United Balkan Revolution stands for all people of the Balkans. Indeed, before you right now stands a man of the Revolution! If I was as they claim, one intent to slaughter all the 'non-socialists.' Why would I stand before you today. I could just as easily be standing from the nearest building to wreak as much havoc as I could before the Sultan's men caught me.

No, the United Balkan Revolution cares not about your political affiliation, nor about your Religion or Nationality. The United Balkan Revolution only cares that you have the fire in your hearts. That you carry the flame of independence within you. That you are willing to stand up and fight for a better future for the Balkans. One where we are free from the oppression of the Sultan and his elites. To throw off the shackles of those that have dominated and oppressed us for hundreds of years. Those that we have seen killing our own time and again over the decades.

All the United Balkan Revolution asks of you is that you stand up and fight. Join shoulder to shoulder to drive the Sultan from our lands, so we may all forge a new future. One of our own choosing.

For Freedom, For your Families, For a Better Future!
For the United Balkan Revolution!​

 

[Sneakyflaps]

Private telegram to the Tsar​

Dearest Nicky,

The events that has unfolded in Russia has most disturbed me and my peace of mind, to think that your loyal subjects would be led to such wrong doings by dangerous socialists is most disturbing and only shows what true a threat they really are. To think that the actions of a few deranged men forces your guard to have to open fire to protect you is truly disturbing, I can only pray that this situation has not brought you too much worry, or that of your family.

Not to even mention the actions of your sailors who should be so grateful to you for your care and good being in taking care of them, and guiding them to victory against the Japanese. As your friend I share your horror, I cannot fathom as to why they would act in such a way after all you have done for them, no doubt that such evil thoughts no longer occur and that your sailors have put it behind them and strive to earn your forgiveness.

Give my love to Alex and the children,

Willy

 

[Maxwell500]

French Republic
République française​

The Lorraine March​

The events that have unfolded in Morocco can only be viewed with extreme concern by the government: not only has an independent state's borders been violated by the Kingdom of Spain, the latter has - perhaps in a vainglorious pursuit of past glories - annexed the Sultanate, in a manner that can only be described as "devious and underhanded".

Whilst the government will not take direct action at this time - atleast until further consultation with the President - we do issue a statement of condemnation, and authorize our minister in Madrid to give an official complaint to the Spanish government on our behalf.

Joseph Marie Philippe Thierry
President of the Council of Ministers​

 

[Olligarchy]

Kingdom of Spain​

The Spanish foreign ministry thanks the French Republic for its feedback, and its points brought will be considered under a special session of the Cortes so that in the future these sorts of misunderstandings can be avoided.

El Rey de Espana and the Alvarez Ministry have both sought to act in accord with the rules and strictures of war, but aims to strengthen its commitment to said in future endeavours.

Si vis pacem, para bellum​

The sudden victory in Morocco and the continued unrest in Europe and abroad forced the Alvarez Ministry and the Spanish armed forces to take a long hard look at their current strength both at land and at sea. Though victory over the Moroccans had been surprisingly painless and quick, it had highlighted some of the Spanish army's weaknesses: namely the poor training and heavy reliance on outdated shock and awe tactics based around the idea of having heavy artillery or naval support available. The Marines and Army had dealt with the Moroccan units in the coasts decently enough, but as soon as they'd entered the rough, mountainous terrain they'd been entirely reliant on their Riffan scouts and auxiliaries to not get ambushed and destroyed piecemeal.

With the war won however, the Alvarez Ministry had to consider its implications. The Spanish landmass has just double and with that the commitments Spain was expected to maintain too had increased. The limited disarmament undertaken roughly half a decade ago was no longer viable with Europe ever at the edge of its seat, ready for war. To that end, the Cortes was authorised to undertake the Defence Review of 1909, in which it became apparent that to secure Spain and her interests the armed forces would need a substantial boost in both funding and size.

At the core of the Spanish idea of their present problems was the sheer lack of competent junior officers and NCO's in all branches of the armed forces. The Cortes agreed to roughly double the funding of the Spanish Land-warfare Academy in Zaragosa, as well as establishing of formal Naval and Air-warfare schools around the country. All new officers and NCO's wishing to enter the rapidly increasing armed forces would need to go through several courses and graduate from said academies to gain positions, with even presently serving officers having to go through refreshers in due time.

Though much of the Defence Review dealt with the nitty and gritty of armed force details, it also couldn't help itself to a few luxuries... namely the re-establishment of Spain as a first rate naval power. Having seen the naval race fever overtake much of Europe, the Alvarez Ministry authorised the new-fangled naval yards to construct a series of three new Dreadnoughts to be entitled the 'Espana-class'.

The tale of Espana-class would become something of an amusing legend for navies worldwide, as the eager and possibly somewhat naive Alvarez ministry sought to do all the right moves in manufacturing 'Spanish ships with Spanish yards', denying the contracts to yards in Great Britain, Germany and Italy even if they might've constructed said ships remarkably quicker and possibly cheaper. Their ideological desire to have these behemoths constructed by Spanish to create more jobs caused numerous problems both, during the construction process itself and even after deployment, with the final 'bugs' being ironed out as late as 1922.

Regardless of its problems however, the Defence Review of 1909 largely achieved its aims in revitalising Spanish armed forces, and once again making them a continental player and a power to be kept an eye on.