1920: The Window To Africa (IC)

by **New Tuva SSR** » Sat Jun 25, 2016 7:03 pm

1920: The Window to Africa

Co-OP: Sanabel

OOC

MAP

POD: 1884

1 PAGE = 3 MONTHS

The day is January 1st, 1920. The world is a changed place after the First Great War, where most of the fighting took place in Africa and France. Portugal, Belgium, and France come to war over the Congo in 1884, dragging their allies into it. Portugal and the United Kingdom, with the help of an empowered Germany, overtake northern and eastern France and pushing the French to the interior. Next, the Occitans declare their own state and join the Portugal-Britain alliance. The Russians, in the process of formulating an alliance with the French, are not pleased. They attack the Triple Alliance of Italy, Germany, and Austria-Hungary, taking modern Poland and the former Czechoslovakia, while also granting the Hungarians independence. This halts the German war machine in France, and they leave Paris and the Alps to defend Berlin, which is captured by the Soviets, causing the German Empire to topple and be recreated as the Prussian Empire (which is not truly Prussian, holding modern Germany). The French slowly regain territory, cultimating in the capture of Paris in 1888. The Treaty of Paris was signed, in which the French regain all captured territories. However, the treaty does not specify the Occitan issue, and they retained free reign over southern France for quite some time.

By then, Italy had left the alliance and was focused on carving out their own empire in Africa. But this was to be contested by the Ottoman Empire, who defended their territories in Tunisia and Libya, bringing them to a naval war in Greece. This war was declared by the Italians a stalemate despite the Italians suffering major losses. Elsewhere, Morocco had declared independence and was now a regional power, Sudan was ceded to the Ottomans, Somalia was united under the Majerteens, Ethiopia expanded into Kenya, West Africa was still a plethora of Kingdoms, and Germany has made a name for themselves as dominant imperial master despite losing key ground in Europe. The Russian Tsardom collapsed and gave way to a new Socialist union in 1905, paving the way for future leftist revolutions across Europe. Prussia has escalated world tension by taking back their name of the Second German Empire.

In 1910, the Union of States was founded in Zurich by France, Germany, Britain, Russia, Portugal, and Italy. It was aimed at stabilizing the damaged world after the death of millions, but it failed in 1919 when France occupied Occitania, a direct violation of UoS rules. It dissolved six days ago. The last relic of the UoS is Sweden's ownership of the Congo, deemed appropriate as it was the largest neutral power (other than Italy, which was deemed too imperialistic). Britain tried to revoke its ownership after it uncovered blatant human rights abuses in 1917, but the Swedens refused and currently occupying the Congo with an iron fist, now leaning torwards the "Triple Entente" of France, Russia, and Spain.

Now, all of Europe stands on the brink of war again after France occupied Occitania in 1919 and allied with Spain to create the ultimate alliance of powers between France, Russia, and Spain against Portugal, Britain, and Germany. In Africa, the Moroccan empire is becoming more and more territorial, engaging in small skirmishes with Spanish, French and Turkish forces on all sides of them. Germany is also readying to capture Alsace-Lorraine and Belgium by any means possible from the French.

Paris, France
January 1st, 1920,
9:00 AM

President Jean Jaures stands atop the podium in front of Élysée Palace,the official residence of the French President. He had designed a speech that laid out French interests in this year and the next decade. At the turn of 9:00 AM, he officially began to spoke at his third inauguration.

"Dear people of France,

Welcome to the 1920s. I am here today to tell you what I plan to do in these next four years. This will be a turbulent decade for all of us, what with world tension.

France is in a bright position in the world, and I wish to keep it this way. The greatest threat to our current sovereignty is Germany and Britain. Thankfully, we have allies in Spain and Russia."

The President continued, detailing how he will increase the defense budget. What the public didn't know was that he had already assigned the new Minister of War, André Maginot, to building a line of defence along the entire German border. He had also started mass production of the Fusil Automatique Modèle 1917, the first semi-automatic rifle placed in French hands. It would soon replace the Lebel. The Socialist Party of France had secretly abandoned anti-militarism, and was ready to launch a war.

by **Stadenwick** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 3:27 am

It was a nice day on the Plaza de Mayo today, sun was shining and people bring their family out to enjoy the start of the New Year. But behind the pink wall of La Casa Rosada, the Father of the Poor and the President Hipólito Yrigoyen was already at work, looking over reports and dealing with foreign affairs. He basically got no time to be diddly dawdling after all. He inherited a country that tired of war, undergoing industrial revolution, and troubling newly annexed regions as it's neighbor. The fact that he turned it into socialist republic the second he win the election and took office didn't help either...He already make his legacy and now he has to enjoy the responsibility that comes with it.

But that's not the problem of the 1st President of the Socialist Republic feeling hard to tackle. Yrigoyen basically spent his entire life doing paperwork when he was still just a leader of the Radical civic party anyway. No, it was Europe, specifically the motherland of peaceful socialist uprising, France. When he adopted a policy of nonviolence to took office, he felt nothing but sympathy and brotherhood toward the French Socialist Republic. But the way the French act makes it difficult to build a relationship with. It basically divided Europe into two polar alliance, and just 6 day ago, attack Occitanian, an action that makes UoS dissipate into thin air. Yrigoyen knew war will definitely come, this is no time for peace. The problem is, with the anti-war feeling so strong, can Yrigoyen make the Argentinian willing to intervene?

His train of thought is broken by the sound of knocking door, Yrigoyen raised himself from his chair, and the Foreign Minister appear before him as he open the door. The minister bowed a little and thank Yrigoyen, before excusing himself coming in to the room. Yrigoyen nodded and close the door just as soon as he properly inside.

"Did you called for me, Mr President?" The foreign minister asked.

"Yes, I called you to discuss something a little sensitive...,"Yrigoyen take a long breath before continue, "It's about France"

The foreign minister's eye widen in shock. He quickly stopped Yrigoyen from speaking and cutting in, "Sir, I have to interject. You came to this office as the father of the poor, anti-war activist. I cannot not suggest you to make Argentina not join this turbulent time."

"But I have to, sir." Yrigoyen answered, "I cannot let myself standing around doing nothing while one of Europe's great power, socialist one at that, burn under bourgeois and imperialistic heel of another. Should we let French faction lose, it may not be impossible to see the world led by capitalist agenda while Argentine alone and hated in it's struggle to create the worker's utopia!"

The foreign minister taken aback, he mumble something before diving into deep thought. 10 minutes later, he bring his head up and came up with something."Alright, if that how you wish sir. But I suggest you to take things slow. Let the people realize by themselves that France is a comrade that we need to help. For now, I simply will write a letter to start our diplomatic action with them under your permission." The foreign minister said. Yriyogen thought about it and nodded. For now, he need to make the giant awake from it's inside.

by **Pimps Inc** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 2:30 pm

Chronicle I: "Como duele, ser presidente"
Chapultepec Castle, Mexico City, Mexico

Inside the president's bedroom, in the east wing of the castle, there lay an old man inside a dark room lit up only by the sunlight entering through the edges of the window screen.

At the age of 90, General President Porfirio Diaz Mori was the oldest acting head of state in the world. Though most likely not for long. On his deathbed, a luxurious one at that, the despot was surrounded by his cabinet, both his official government one and the so called Cientificos. There were many things on many different people's minds, but one topic was on every single person's mind, not just in that room, but in the country. Who would replace Porfirio Diaz?

There were two possible successors, General Bernardo Reyes and Secretary of the Treasury Jose Yves Limantour. There was a problem with either of these two choices, however. Neither had both the charismatic leadership and economic smarts, they both had one or the other. Reyes was a charismatic general who gained power even when Diaz did not want him to and Yves Limantour was the Treasurer during most of the Porfiriato and key to the economic success of it.

The two sides abrasively but quietly argued on either candidate, with the technocrats believing that Limantour would be able to continue the Porfirian economy for the next decade while the cabinet insisted that Limantour did not have what it took to keep a nation of bandits and Revolution under control like Reyes did.

Finally, an old croaky but menacing voice filled the room with a powerful "Silence!".
Porfirio Diaz sat up in his bed, coughing into his handkerchief.
"You call cannot even wait for me to live my last day before already trying to smother Mexico back to the Era of Santa Anna's coups! I will not have another 50 years of international ridicule and oppression by those Europeans to the north. Hijos de la chingada."
At this, everyone looked down with guilt at their feet, as Diaz spasmed into his hand. Pneumonia was not being kind to the man, for Diaz could not Pan o Palo his way out of death.

"I. My coup against Lerdo in the 70s was just as destructive as Santa Anna's coups before me. But unlike him, I did it because Mexico could not hope to move forward with the same people who had failed it before leading it. While it was hypocritical of me at the time, I believe nobody, foreign or Mexican, can deny now that I've brought not just political, economical, and cultural stability to my dear Mexico, but strength. I've blood and dirt on my hands, yes, but at least we aren't laughed at no longer. It's just me with blood under my nails, not an entire generation of politicians. But while I made great strides in the economy, oh, I know how much I speak of the economy, I was blind to see that underneath the title of the second richest country in the Americas, lay millions of starving and uneducated Mexicans. Maybe I am no better than Santa Anna, but it is too late for me now. But not for Mexico. The only thing I can do now, I let go of my power and make you realize that this country is ready for true democracy. I've decided that before I die, I am now announcing call for general elections for the next president. This time, they will be legitimate, and from what we can see, Francisco I. Madero will no doubt be the next President of the Mexican Republic. I trust you, Limantour, that you will help guide the young liberal fool. After all, you're a close friend of the Madero family, helping to release him from prison in 1908. He'll develop the country, not just its industries, but the people. And you, Reyes, as Secretary of War and Navy, can keep him in authority. Should you plan I coup once he wins and I die, you will then understand that once cannot hope to win a war against the peasants once they rise up. Enough bread or a big enough stick do not exist to do so....."

[align=]Anenecuilco, Morelos[/align]
Huele a mierda.
Francisco Villa sat on his horse next to Francisco I. Madero. All around him, peasants worked the sugar cane fields. They were all dressed in rags, worn out sombreros, and many looked like they hadn't seen a hot meal in days. He felt for them. After all, it wasn't much different in Chihuahua. The Porfiriato's tentacles reached every corner of the Republic.

"Are you sure this is the place? These don't look like soldiers of an "Ejercito Libertador del Sur". This...Zapata, wants to beat the Federales with sticks and machetes? At least in Chihuahua we have Winchesters.", Villa mocked, knocking on the stock of his holstered rifle.

"Quiet, you. Numbers can beat quality. And at the moment we have neither. It's better than just being able to take over Chihuahua for a couple weeks before the Federales put us down. This will send a message all the way to Chapultepec Castle, and then hopefully the northern border with the US. From there, across the Atlantic.", Madero explained for the hundredth time.

"If you say so, señor Madero. Espero que tenga razón.."

The two men were lead into an old adobe house, inside where women tending to children, but in the back was a room with a man inside.

"Señor Madero, I've heard of your campaigns. The Apostle of Democracy. Politicians are funny people. Who's this?" Turning to look at Villa.

"I'm General Pancho Villa, leader of the Divison of the North and proud Chihuahuan. Madero tells me you have an army of peasants ready to take the Presidential Chair. Tell me, can your army fire a gun?"

"Callate, Villa. Now, Señor Zapata. I know you have been an advocate for land reform for some years now?", Madero immediately began to talk business.

"Yes, it is the purpose and goal of the Ejercito Libertador del Sur. And I hear you have been campaigning for it too."

"Of course I have. I believe that economic growth is the right of every Mexican, not just the elite. Everyone has the right to own and farm their own land, without having some rich landowner tell him what to do. I assure you, if you join our cause, I will redistribute the land that the Porfiriato promised and failed to do so and more, as soon as I become president of Mexico. Just have your men take up arms and we can march on to Mexico City from here, every peasant will join our cause until we outnumber the Federal Army 10 to 1."

Zapata thought for some time and chuckled.
"It is a good thing you are a politician and not a general, Mr. Madero. Or you'd be dead by now. Haven't you heard the news from the capital. They're calling for emergency elections. In the capital of every state and sorrounding municipalities. Anyone can vote, anyone can run, as long as they speak Spanish......"

by **Hetrica** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 3:27 pm

The Great Swiss Palace
King Helo sat upon his throne, listening to his trusted advisors. King Helo gave the signal for his economic advisor to silence. "Send a message to all European nations who haven't trusted their large reserves of gold within Greater Switzerland. Send a message enlightening them of our neutrality, and how we can be trusted with the gold of all nations. For we are the Swiss, Perfect, Neutral and worthy." The economic advisor Åland wrote a message to those without gold in Swiss territory.

(Sorry but as I am at school I cannot paste the official stamp for Greater Switzerland, just pretend that it is here)

Dear @@Leader@@,
We ask you to move your gold reserves to Switzerland, there it will be safe and free from all attacks. If you wish to accept this deal feel free to message us.

Thanks,
Åland, Economic advisor for King Helo I

by **Garwall** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 8:00 pm

Industrial Quarter, City of Munich
Commune of Bavaria, Second Confederation of Germany
January 3rd, 1920
Late afternoon

It was quitting time in Munich. The frigid January air pervaded the streets, and kept the post-factory shutdown mood grim and austere, as men and women alike shuffle back to their homes and families. All across Germany, this scene was repeated in many of the Industrialized cities that churn out massive degrees of machinery, goods and commodities; all destined for foreign markets or some other part of the Fatherland.

In the city of Munich, where Communist agitation has been felt the strongest, the many factories are mostly state-run and operated, producing vital equipment to keep the German government afloat: primarily, weapons and munitions, artillery and mining equipment, destined for the African provinces. However, one factory in particular was of major importance to the German Ministry of War. The Bergmann Waffenfabrik #4, guarded by a suspicious number of uniformed soldiers, was nestled deep in the Industrial quarter of the city. One of the few homes of the production lines for the Bergmann MP Model 1918; the secret weapon of the German infantry. Many boxes of finished product had detailed shipping information already stamped to the side, often to specific military units throughout the increasingly militarized German borders--both along the French and Russo-Polish lines. A collective outrage had been pooling in the German people, as the Prussian homeland languished under the tyranny of Slavs. Munich felt this divide in a unique way: as the homeland of the Socialist tide that held the sway of German politics since the foundation of the Confederacy, and yet every day members of the Old Guard are seen marching with Nationalists. The future was very much in doubt.

It was dark now, with the streets relatively calm and almost serene. The sudden crack of broken metal cut the silence, with the sudden march of footsteps. Dark-clad men entered the factory, home to so many pristine sub-machine guns, which quickly disappeared in to the night.

Reichstag Building, City of Berlin

"You know what will happen, don't you?"

The Premier eyed the Chancellor in a steely gaze. "The reign is over for your lot. You haven't got long at the helm, but prolonging the inevitable will simply damn us all." Friedrick Ebert, the Chancellor of Germany and leader of the Socialist Democratic Party eyed a grandiose map of the German Empire. He sighed. "I've had a career far too long" Ebert quipped. He stared at Franz von Papen, the elegant spymaster that had so elegantly schemed his way in to power. "Yes, I know what will happen. The people will put me down, and your kind will unleash blood across Europe. More Germans will die."

Papen tuts, and moves towards a small table along the wall, retrieving a small folder. He sets it in front of the Chancellor. "You can gather the votes, Chancellor. I will assure you that." He smiles, and walks away. The chancellor eyes the folder with a grimace, the bold-faced title reading "The German National Protection Act". He turned back, eyeing the map. The fine lines, the Prussian heartland, all of it. He sighed once more, and began to stand. "The things we do for Germany." He collected the folder in his arms, and prepared to call the National Diet to order. It would be some time before the bill would be voted upon, first it must be introduced--he could not fathom what von Papen had planned. And for once, Ebert felt strangely unsure of what would come next.

by **Wessexx** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 8:41 pm

Presidential Mansion, Athens
January 9th, 1920
The light of dusk filled Constantine's office. He had been filling out paperwork for the past hour has he had done for the past three months. The sheer repetitiveness of his was driving him insane he only had two dozen more pages to fill out and he was already procrastinating. All he had done for the past half-hour was staring at the piles of paper in front of him. Constantine felt like he was abut to throw his desk out the window and have a breakdown when the door to his office swung open. He expected it to be his wife about to plead to him to come to bed to rest and for "nigh-time activities" but instead by an old mustachioed face of is prime minister, Eleftherios Venizelos.

"Greetings, my liege. Doing your share of the paperwork I see", he jested.

"Indeed I am. Lately, it occurred to me I should be somewhat involved in the running of my people's country. But enough of pleasantries what bring you here," responded Constantine.

"I have received reports of the military's recent mobilization," said Eleftherios.

"Very well, go on then," he curtly responded.

"Ahem. Our number of infantry men has risen from 24,000 to 60,000 since last year. It expected to double by the end of the year and double again by the end of next year. 600 more cavalry have been trained and ready for combat. Seven coastal defense ships have finished construction and two destroyers are currently in construction. By the end of the month it is expected that 2,000 recruits will join various support corps. Unfortunately, there is bad news as well sir," commented the prime minister.

"And what might be this bad news?" questioned Constantine.

"Well sir, after speaking with the Treasurer. We likely won't be able to fund the military after this projected growth. After we hit this particular benchmark it will have to limit it's size unless we face considerable losses and have to recruit again," warned Eleftherios, wiping away the sweat of nervousness from his brow.

"Fucking hell, even with those numbers it will be nothing compared to the full force of the Ottomans," the king slammed his fists onto the cluttered desk in front of him flinging pares across the room, "Well there is always the Bulgarians. I'm sure they can make up for it, after all don't they have twice our population bu their under suzerainty with the Ottomans. There's always the Serbians, but those land hungry bastards can't be trusted with staying happy with whatever they get."

"Perhaps it would do benefit us well to join that alliance between Spain, Russia, and France. After all we've always had friendly relations with them," offered Eleftherios.

"Maybe, but I don't want this country getting involved with the political intrigue of larger nations," after a few seconds of deliberation the two grizzled men looked at each other in the eyes with a bizarrely childish glee, "Italy, my friend, Italy! They've hated the Ottomans ever since that colonial war of theirs. If we can convince them to ally with the Balkan states the would be the perfect buffer. And It's not like they have nothing to gain. We can just promise them all of the Ottoman's holdings in Africa. It's the perfect plan!"

Eleftherios interrupted him quite swiftly, "It would be sir, but they have to actually agree to an alliance. And we still don't have a response from the Serbian and Bulgarian leaders if they have even accepted our requests. And even if they agreed, Parliament would have to approve the alliance."

In the excitement of his idea Constantine had gotten up from his seat and was now practically in a half leaning-half standing position nut his prime ministers response had drained his enthusiasm. He quickly gathered his thoughts and responded back, " Very well. I shall start writing a letter to to them. Hopefully, they'll agree and we won't have to see flags with that damned Crescent on the streets of Athens."

by **Costa Fierro** » Sun Jun 26, 2016 11:09 pm

Dolmabahçe Sarayı, Constantinople.
January 9, 1920

Winter in Constantinople did not bring it's fair share of fine weather and so the days when it did rain or snow, when the palace was not closed off due to fog and when the clouds did not hang over the city were few. Today was an exception and the people of Constantinople were making the most of the fine weather, the sun beaming down over the magnificent ancient city, white clouds floating through the skies. On the shores of the Bosphorus sat the Dolmabahçe Sarayı, the imperial residence of the Sultan of the Ottomans. And standing at one of the windows, overlooking the waterways and watching the various watercraft pass by was the Sultan himself, Mehmed VI.

Although little had changed since he became regent a little under two years prior, much had changed since the First Great War. The Ottomans had fared reasonably well out of the conflict and had managed to expand the frontiers of their empire into Sudan, with Khartoum now under Ottoman control. The resulting annexation of the Sudan gave the Ottomans important control over the trade of the lower reaches of the River Nile and thus helped to secure the future for its African possessions. The war had also helped establish the Ottoman Empire as one of the predominant powers in the Mediterranean Sea, something which the powers of Europe were both wary of and keen to exploit.

Closer to home, the Greco-Ottoman War of 1897 resulted in the establishment of an independent Greek state, but once which was still vulnerable to Ottoman military and economic pressure. Although Europe welcomed this new nationstate into its bosom, the Ottomans watched diplomatic developments with a keen, if suspicious, interest. Instability in the Balkans after Greek independence lead to a rebellion in Bulgaria, which was swiftly and brutally crushed, much to the aggravation of Russia. In the east, plans for a pan-Turkic state which ran from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea were dashed with the loss of Azerbaijan to Russia in the recent Caucasian War between 1918 and 1920. The Ottomans since have turned their sights to more lucrative territorial prizes, with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina soon to become part of the empire.

Changes were also made at home, with the establishment of a modern, Western-style constitutional monarchy. The recent election of Mustafa Kemal to the office of the Prime Minister has ushered in a new wave of Western reforms, as well as the continued scrupulous foreign policy in which the Ottomans largely stayed out of European politics and political alliances, instead opening itself up to more European investment.

One of these investments was the Hispano-Suiza H6 that transported the Prime Minister between his official residence and the Dolmabahçe Sarayı, one of the weekly meetings the Prime Minister had with the Sultan. Although the French occupation of Occitania was to be discussed, it was of little concern to the Ottomans. Much of what was prepared was domestic policy, as well as military preparations for the annexation of the Holy Cities in Arabia.

The H6 passed through the Gate of the Sultan and entered into the sizable palatial grounds. It halted at the foot of the steps to the main entrance to the palace itself, with one of the Guards opening the doors. Kemal stepped out into a crisp winter breeze blowing straight up the Bosphorus before being shielded by the entrance to the palace. As usual, a protocol officer was present to perform the usual formalities, which were still necessary at this early stage in his premiership.

Mehmed VI was not a particularly tall man and at age 59, he was two decades older than the crisply dressed man who was escorted into the room. Kemal bowed slightly before approaching the Sultan and shook his hand. They were then both lead into one of the adjacent halls, known as the Pink Hall, where a table and chairs were waiting. As they walked into the Pink Hall, they both exchanged pleasantries.
"I haven't seen the city looking this radiant in days." Kemal said. The Sultan nodded in agreement.
"I have been watching the straits for most of the morning."
"How is your wife?"
"She is well." They both sat down at one of the solitary collections of furniture in the room, a small nondescript table and chairs. Mehmed requested that the palace servants bring them coffee.
"I trust that the conservatives are not giving you too much hassle?" Mehmed asked, in a somewhat light-hearted manner.
"No more what I have come to expect," Kemal replied. "But they have not managed to upset any of my plans or our policies."
"And how are your constitutional reforms faring?"
"Very well. We have a number of potential candidates for the roles in the future constitutional court. However, we have not yet been able to secure suitable offices. In addition, the Minister of Justice has given me a list of candidates for the vacancies in the Supreme Court." Kemal opened his briefcase and handed to the Sultan a small collection of papers. "I have circled my personal preferences with red ink."
"Are you going to be able to pass the budget?"
"Yes," Kemal said rather hesitantly. The servants returned with a collection of jugs and fine china cups and proceeded to distribute said cups and pour coffee. Both men took a sip before Kemal continued. "We've had to make a few concessions to the Conservatives. The good news is that we have increased the military budget by three percent. The bad news is that we are forced to cut back on transportation expenses. It means we cannot extend the Cairo-Khartoum railway past Luxor."
"How are the plans progressing for the capture of the Two Holy Mosques?"
"Very well," Kemal replied before taking another sip of coffee. "According to the war ministry, the Hejaz Corps is being reinforced with troops from Iraq which will give the initial invasion force a strength of around 63,000 soldiers." The Sultan smiled at this news.
"Now, with regards to Europe, with your permission, the government wishes to extend the military cooperation agreement with the Germans for another five years until we can renegotiate terms." Kemal handed the Sultan another sheet of paper. "In addition, the government is adopting a neutral stance on the French occupation of Occitania."
"Will it impact us in any manner?"
"I doubt it will. For all intents and purposes, any future conflict should likely be limited to Europe itself. I doubt the Germans would request our assistance and I have sent messages to my counterparts in Berlin reminding them that we are not going to help them in the event of war, especially if it puts us against the Russians. Also, the Foreign Ministry has brought up the issue of frontier security on our westernmost borders with the Moroccans. I have taken it upon myself to review security in that particular region and have already requested that the Spanish take charge in their area of influence for once." Kemal smiled slightly. "However, your highness, a strategically placed port near the Straits of Gibraltar would be immensely beneficial to us."
"Indeed it would," the Sultan replied. "Indeed it would."

by **Bahtar** » Mon Jun 27, 2016 3:44 pm

Sokoto
Sokoto Caliphate

Caliph Muhammadu Attahiru I was sitting on his throne when an adviser came into the room. He looked down at him and nodded. "You are here to report on the Caliphate's military, yes?" asked the Caliph in a deep, stern voice. The adviser nodded and handed him a piece of paper. "Yes my lord." he said. The Caliph examined the paper for a second before looking back to the adviser. "Currently, we are fielding a military of 20,000. Currently, 15,000 of which have guns and muskets, while the other 5,000 are armed with spears and swords. A few of our military leaders have proposed to open diplomacy with the Ottoman Empire to try and get more guns for our troops. We have a basic armored unit of 2 British Mark I "Female" tanks and a Mark I "Male" tank, all operated by mercenaries. Our newest edition is the Sokoto Air Force," said the adviser. Attahiru I smiled at the adviser. "I am pleased with the new Sokoto Air Force, they will be useful in my campaign against the western imperialists." said the Caliph. The Adviser smiled and nodded before continuing, "The Sokoto Air Force contains 3 Fokker Eindecker fighters and a single Blériot XI used for a light bombing role all operated by mercenaries. In the future, we hope to purchase more tanks and planes and train our own people to fly our aircraft and man our tanks and other armored vehicles." the adviser said. Attahiru I was grinning ear-to-ear with the mention of his growing army.

He was just about to dismiss the adviser before the adviser said something.

"My lord, do you think it is time to open diplomatic relations with fellow nations in Africa and other powerful Islamic nations in the world?"

The Caliph laughed, "Like who?"

"Well my lord, the Sultanate of Somalia is a fellow Muslim African nation that wishes to fight the Western Imperialism. We can have trade with the Ottoman Empire where we might be able to obtain more modern weapons."

The Caliph nodded, "Alright. I will ask my diplomats. You are dismissed."

TO: The Sultanate of Somalia
FROM: Sokoto Caliphate

Dear Friends of the Sultanate of Somalia,
It has come to our attention that there is a growing threat of western imperialists in Africa. I have notice many similarities between our two countries and wish that we can trade and maybe have an alliance in the future. We can unite against the Western imperialists and fight against them. We are both Islamic nations in Africa which wishes to fight against the Western Imperialists. I propose that our two nations trade and enter in an alliance, to unite against the imperialists of the United Kingdom and other European state.

Warmest Regards,
Caliph Muhammadu Atthiru I

by **Garwall** » Mon Jun 27, 2016 7:54 pm

Niger Delta Company, Survey Team Valkyrie
Somewhere along the German-Sokoto border Region
Mid-day, January 15th, 1920

The frontiers of the Niger Delta were one of the many bountiful claims the German people had managed to claw from the powers abroad following its catastrophic mainland defeat of the 19th century. Since establishing coastal settlements exploring inland, the number of German pioneers coming in search of scouting out new areas for mining, plantations and other profitable ventures has increased exponentially. It was not uncommon for border incidents to occur with the nearby nation of Sokoto, of which the German colonization of coastal Nigeria has caused a great tension in the region.

The soldier finished his cigarette, and tossed the small information booklet in to the truck. "It is time to go," he called to the caravan leader, several feet away who was digging deep in the nearby dirt. "There is nothing here, sir. We still have many miles to go," the soldier called once again. The man stopped, examined the ground once more before rising to his feet. He turned and nodded, "No gold," he turned and spat in a disapproving fashion. "But I guess if it was always gold, we would be out of jobs."

The two shared a laugh, before the man called out to the rest of the troop. Thirty-five in all, the German survey party set out further north. Their orders had come down from the upper departments of the Niger Delta Company, in search of new mineral deposits for the exploitation of the native wealth. The soldier drove the vehicle dutifully, as the man eyed a large set of maps of the region; some where crudely hand-drawn by local guides. "I do not understand these directions," he complained. "The demarcation is not fifty kilometers from here, and yet... These orders have us travelling well beyond that. Or so it seems, it's impossible to tell with these damn frontier roads." At this rate, they should be near Sokoto territory. He prayed they were alone on this particular day--interactions with natives never end well. He grimaced and peered in the distance, as the truck peaks over a small hill. Instinctively , the man reached down to the weapon between his legs. A Gewehr Model 1888, the same pattern rifle he carried during his tenure in the German army. Let's hope it doesn't come to that, the man thought as he slowly released his grip on the rifle.

The trucks continued north.

by **Altito Asmoro** » Tue Jun 28, 2016 10:45 pm

Queen Ranavalona III
Kingdom of Merina
January 1920

Queen Ranavalona looked on as she gazed down to her citizens. Her reign is still an eventful reign, especially after the last colonization attempt by the French. She had tried valiantly about the modernization of the military, but hampered by the lack of funds since most of her kingdom's treasury and even with the assistance of the royal treasury had been wasted with the efforts to fought off French.

It was a really bad war, and now even when the finance had been recovered, but what left is enough only for partial maintenance of the military, most of which directed for the wages and small maintenance of the ships. The biplanes are extremely obsolete, desperate in need of modernization. No armored corps as well, though it is mostly not needed for now.

South Africa is probably the potential ally they can have right now. Trading with them is enough, but more is even better. Alliance between the two will surely gives Merina the possibility of gaining a better military, of course in exchange of concessions, but it's a sacrifice that must be made of.

TO: Republeik van Zuid Afrika
FROM: Kingdom of Merina

Greetings, fellow African friend,

It is of our humbly welcome, to the South Africa. As we all know, Western imperialism is encroaching to us, and as the European politics turned to each other, it is so the same between the Franco-Russo-Spanish and Portugese-Anglo-Germano alliances. Considering our bitter past with the France, and the lack of modern and strong military and economy on our side, we will be crushed if they try once again.

And it will be a disaster for Africa, again giving rights of our people to the Europeans once again.

Therefore, I propose that our two nations enter a stronger and better relationship than our normal relationship now. It is perhaps, for the better of both of our two nations.

Sincerely yours,
Queen Ranavalona III of Merina

1920: The Window To Africa (IC)

1920: The Window To Africa (IC)

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