A War of Blood and Steel [Althis|PT|OOC|Ended]

[Arvenia]

I see that there are currently no fascist states in this RP right now.

[Tracian Empire]

I see that there are currently no fascist states in this RP right now.

Italy should be one, but Elerian still has to work on his app. The Danubian Confederation has a pretty strong fascist party, and I'd assume that a conservative monarchy like France should also have such a movement.

[The Imperial Warglorian Empire]

I see that there are currently no fascist states in this RP right now.

You’ll be surprised

[Arvenia]

I see that there are currently no fascist states in this RP right now.

You’ll be surprised

But you're a socialist Germany.

[The Traansval]

Wait, is Gibraltar available?

I forgot to add it on the map, but I think that it should be included in Britain's reservation alongside Malta.

Indeed, I'll add it

I see that there are currently no fascist states in this RP right now.

Italy should be one, but Elerian still has to work on his app. The Danubian Confederation has a pretty strong fascist party, and I'd assume that a conservative monarchy like France should also have such a movement.

Damn I guess a Military Junta controlling a pervasive reactionary nationalist party in Britain doesn't count as fascist

[Tracian Empire]

I forgot to add it on the map, but I think that it should be included in Britain's reservation alongside Malta.

Indeed, I'll add it

Italy should be one, but Elerian still has to work on his app. The Danubian Confederation has a pretty strong fascist party, and I'd assume that a conservative monarchy like France should also have such a movement.

Damn I guess a Military Junta controlling a pervasive reactionary nationalist party in Britain doesn't count as fascist

It depends, do they have fancy uniforms?

[The Traansval]

Indeed, I'll add it


Damn I guess a Military Junta controlling a pervasive reactionary nationalist party in Britain doesn't count as fascist

It depends, do they have fancy uniforms?

They're British it's illegal for them to have drip

[Elerian]

Nation Application

Full Nation Name: Regno d'Italia

Short Nation Name: Italy

National Symbols: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/Flag_of_Italy_%281861-1946%29_crowned.svg/1280px-Flag_of_Italy_%281861-1946%29_crowned.svg.png

Capital: Roma

Territory: Already on the map, but more of Yugoslavia would be cool too

Form of Government: Constitutional monarchy with a fascist one-party totalitarian dictatorship

Head of State: Victor Emmanuel III

Head of Government: Benito Mussolini

Ideology: Fascist

Population: Cores: 42.4 million
Colonies: 18.25 million

Military Description:

Regio Esercito, "Royal Army"
Manpower: 470,000
Armored Vehicles: The Italian Army possesses 1,200 L3/33's, 500 L3/35's, and 150 Fiat 3000's
Arms and Armaments: The main infantry weapons are Carcano rifles, Beretta M1934 and M1935 pistols, Bodeo M1889 revolvers, Breda 30 light machine guns, Breda M37 and Fiat–Revelli Modello 1935 heavy machine guns, and Beretta Model 38 submachine guns.

Regia Marina, "Royal Navy"
Ships: The Regia Marina has four battleships, 19 cruisers, 56 destroyers, 67 torpedo boats, and 122 submarines. A further two aircraft carriers and three battleship are under construction.

Regia Aeronautica, "Royal Airforce"
The Italian Airforce has 1,760 aircraft of various types.

Tech Tree: Italian

Economic Description: The Kingdom of Italy ended the first World War in a rough state. Following a prolonged further period of social unrest, Benito Mussolini came to power at the head of the National Fascist Party. In the intervening years between Benito's ascension to power, and the Great Depression, the Government began transitioning its economic policy away from free trade and towards protectionism. When the Great Depression came, Italy's Minister of Economy and Finances Paolo Thaon di Revel, by large fiscal stimulus involving deficit spending; and second, by devaluing the currency. Di Revel used the Bank of Italy to sterilize the deficit spending and minimize resulting inflationary pressures. The devaluation of the currency had an immediate effect. The deficit spending proved to be most profound and went into the expansion of industry for the armed forces. Without the similar abundance of resources when compared to Britain or Germany, Italy has transitioned its foreign policy towards acquiring resource rich lands in order to fuel its transition to heavy industry.

Goals: Exert more control over the Mediterranean.

Point of Divergence: Italian Defeat at the 2nd Battle of the Piave

History: Following the start of the First World War Italy had a major dilemma deciding which side of the conflict to join. In the end, and in part due to strong nationalist support, the Kingdom of Italy joined the Entente and entered the war against Germany and Austria-Hungary. The outset of the campaign against Austria-Hungary looked to initially favor Italy, with Austria-Hungary spread thin over several fronts already. Additionally, Italy held numerical superiority in their front with Austria-Hungary. Yet, these advantages were never fully utilized because the Italian High Command insisted on a number of rash and ill-planned assaults on the Austrian positions. These offensives culminated in the disastrous defeat at the 2nd Battle of Piave, in which the Italian command made a number of severe blunders and forced the Kingdom of Italy negotiate an armistice with Austria-Hungary.

The Kingdom of Italy ended the first World War in a rough state. Following a prolonged further period of social unrest, Benito Mussolini came to power at the head of the National Fascist Party. The Great Depression was damaging for the Italian economy, but it bounced back within a few years due to the crafty oversight of the Minister of Economy and Finances Paolo Thaon di Revel. These fiscal decisions had the side effect of a rise in the military's dominance in the government, and in turn, government spending.

In the years following the Great Depression, the Kingdom of Italy set its sights on Africa as a source for resources to bolster its growing industry. With much of the continent already carved up between the other major powers, and a foothold already in place in East Africa, Abyssinia was ripe for conquest. In order to avenge their defeat almost 40 years earlier in the first Italo-Ethiopian war, the Kingdom of Italy once again went to war with the Ethiopian Empire. This time, the Ethiopian's poorly armed soldiers were ill-prepared against the modern weapons of the Italians. Mussolini appointed Pietro Badoglio as the commander of the Ethiopian campaign who employed the use of chemical warfare to score quick victories against the Ethiopian forces. By Spring of 1936, Badoglio defeated Emperor Haile Selassie commanding the last united Ethiopian army, and captured Selassie as he tried to flee his Empire. Marshal Badoglio led the victorious Italian troops into Addis Ababa, and King Victor Emmanuel was then declared to be the Emperor of Ethiopia.

Sporadic revolts and unrest have continued in the newly annexed territory of Italian East Africa, yet because Haile Selassie is in captivity, much of the protest is conducted as passive resistance. Although many soldiers remain in Italian Africa to ensure pacification of the region, with the Abyssinian war concluded, Mussolini is surely looking for other opportunities at conquest in the near future.

Have You Read, Understand, and Agree with the OP Posts & Rules In Detail?: Y
#JDMZVUM1QC (do not delete this, it's for keeping track of the apps)

[The Cascade and Saint Islands]

Alright, since the original player dropped out, I've got an idea for a semi-industrialized Egypt. Basically, after the Strategos of Egypt successfully revolts against the Romans in 1821, Muhammad Ali leads a successful Islamic revolt against him in 1827, becoming the Sultan of an independent Egypt. Muhammad Ali successfully implements his modernization reforms and the country begins to rapidly westernize and industrialize, and he also leads a campaign to conquer Sudan. In the 1870's, the Sultanate is reformed into the United Kingdom, and becomes a secular constitutional monarchy. The United Kingdom sides with the winning side of WW1, and afterwards occupies the northern portion of Palestine in a bid to restore order in the region in the midst of the Palestinian Civil War. The Ghassanids would be seen as a menace by Egypt, likely provoking future "peacekeeping operations" in the region.

Also, is there a Discord yet?

Reservation

Nation Name: United Kingdom of Egypt and Sudan
Territory: Egypt, Sudan, Northern Palestine
Tech Tree: Sweden
#JDMZVUM1QC (Do not delete this, it is used to keep track of the apps)

*Note: Reservations will last for 48 hours. The OP board reserves the right to be subjective in regards to accepting and removing reservations.

This actually fits pretty well with my Ghassanids' history. The two thing that are kind of weird is that you invaded Northern Palestine instead of Southern Palestine (Southern Palestine is closer to the Suez; it would have made more sense for the French to invade Northern Palestine since they control Lebanon), and that you see the Ghassanids as a menace. I mean, yes, we would love to invade you if we could, but I'm pretty sure our military tech is worse than yours and we have less than a sixth of the population. It makes a lot of sense that you would hate us (we have accepted more than 10,000 Coptic refugees), but "menace" is just... I feel like "inconvenience" would be a better word.

Also, (this is not a problem, I just thought I'd let you know) the UK invading Northern Palestine would cause tension with the original European power that Palestine was awarded to (unless they are the original power), so you might want to take that into account when writing your history.

[The Traansval]

Not gonna lie, the conversation here is easier to follow than on a discord lol

[The Orson Empire]

Alright, since the original player dropped out, I've got an idea for a semi-industrialized Egypt. Basically, after the Strategos of Egypt successfully revolts against the Romans in 1821, Muhammad Ali leads a successful Islamic revolt against him in 1827, becoming the Sultan of an independent Egypt. Muhammad Ali successfully implements his modernization reforms and the country begins to rapidly westernize and industrialize, and he also leads a campaign to conquer Sudan. In the 1870's, the Sultanate is reformed into the United Kingdom, and becomes a secular constitutional monarchy. The United Kingdom sides with the winning side of WW1, and afterwards occupies the northern portion of Palestine in a bid to restore order in the region in the midst of the Palestinian Civil War. The Ghassanids would be seen as a menace by Egypt, likely provoking future "peacekeeping operations" in the region.

Also, is there a Discord yet?

Reservation

Nation Name: United Kingdom of Egypt and Sudan
Territory: Egypt, Sudan, Northern Palestine
Tech Tree: Sweden
#JDMZVUM1QC (Do not delete this, it is used to keep track of the apps)

*Note: Reservations will last for 48 hours. The OP board reserves the right to be subjective in regards to accepting and removing reservations.

This actually fits pretty well with my Ghassanids' history. The two thing that are kind of weird is that you invaded Northern Palestine instead of Southern Palestine (Southern Palestine is closer to the Suez; it would have made more sense for the French to invade Northern Palestine since they control Lebanon), and that you see the Ghassanids as a menace. I mean, yes, we would love to invade you if we could, but I'm pretty sure our military tech is worse than yours and we have less than a sixth of the population. It makes a lot of sense that you would hate us (we have accepted more than 10,000 Coptic refugees), but "menace" is just... I feel like "inconvenience" would be a better word.

Also, (this is not a problem, I just thought I'd let you know) the UK invading Northern Palestine would cause tension with the original European power that Palestine was awarded to (unless they are the original power), so you might want to take that into account when writing your history.

You make some good points. Seeing as the French would control Lebanon, it would make more sense for them to control Palestine (or perhaps another power like Britain), as a means of extending their influence in the Middle East.

I didn't invade southern Palestine since you already established it as being apart of the Ghassanid Kingdom. However, an invasion early in the RP would almost certainly be occuring (unless the Italians hit us first, as they are a much bigger threat).

[Deblar]

Meh, I don’t really want northern Palestine

[Tracian Empire]

Meh, I don’t really want northern Palestine

A bit odd that a France led by Napoleon III's son wouldn't want Palestine or Jerusalem, seeing how focused Napoleon III was on proclaiming himself as the protector of the Christians there. Interesting.

[The Orson Empire]

Meh, I don’t really want northern Palestine

I see...In this case, nevermind then- I'll keep it.

[Deblar]

Meh, I don’t really want northern Palestine

A bit odd that a France led by Napoleon III's son wouldn't want Palestine or Jerusalem, seeing how focused Napoleon III was on proclaiming himself as the protector of the Christians there. Interesting.

…now that you mention it..

Mm, nah, while the premise is very tempting…

*looks at Germany*

We kinda have bigger fish to fry

[Wansul]

A bit odd that a France led by Napoleon III's son wouldn't want Palestine or Jerusalem, seeing how focused Napoleon III was on proclaiming himself as the protector of the Christians there. Interesting.

…now that you mention it..

Mm, nah, while the premise is very tempting…

*looks at Germany*

We kinda have bigger fish to fry

Are you not going to fight the righteous Bonapartist crusade? It's 1937, the perfect time for a 1090s-style crusade!

[Deblar]

…now that you mention it..

Mm, nah, while the premise is very tempting…

*looks at Germany*

We kinda have bigger fish to fry

Are you not going to fight the righteous Bonapartist crusade? It's 1937, the perfect time for a 1090s-style crusade!

Nah, it’d just be Napoleon IV’s Mexico equivalent, and he’s trying not to be the incompetent buffoon that his father was. Speaking of ol’ number four, with Britain being a republic, I’m gonna have to make him marry into a different house. Maybe the Habsburgs?

[Tracian Empire]

Are you not going to fight the righteous Bonapartist crusade? It's 1937, the perfect time for a 1090s-style crusade!

Nah, it’d just be Napoleon IV’s Mexico equivalent, and he’s trying not to be the incompetent buffoon that his father was. Speaking of ol’ number four, with Britain being a republic, I’m gonna have to make him marry into a different house. Maybe the Habsburgs?

Could be pretty interesting. There would certainly have been plenty of Habsburgs available for marriage at the time.

[Tracian Empire]

Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, Archduchess Maria Annunciata of Austria or Archduchess Elisabeth Amalie of Austria could be interesting choices, since they'd be the aunts of Karl. And having a Habsburg Archduchess as a the wife of a French field marshal could mean that Prince Sixtus of Bourbon-Parma, who attempted to contact the Allies on Karl's behalf in order to negotiate an armistice, could have much better luck than in real life.

[Tracian Empire]

The map has been updated, and a few of the expired or withdrawn reservations have been removed from it. A lot of territory in Eastern Europe is free - so we're still looking for player for Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Lithuania, Belarus, or nearly any combinations of them if anyone is still interested.

And as for players who have WIP apps, you shouldn't worry about making them too large. We'd much rather have people focus on IC posts. So as long as you feel like your concept is properly detailed, you can submit them for review. And if anyone needs any help with their apps, feel free to ask xD

[Deblar]

Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, Archduchess Maria Annunciata of Austria or Archduchess Elisabeth Amalie of Austria could be interesting choices, since they'd be the aunts of Karl. And having a Habsburg Archduchess as a the wife of a French field marshal could mean that Prince Sixtus of Bourbon-Parma, who attempted to contact the Allies on Karl's behalf in order to negotiate an armistice, could have much better luck than in real life.

Who to pick? Jeez, I feel like Lord Farquaad

[The Imperial Warglorian Empire]

A bit odd that a France led by Napoleon III's son wouldn't want Palestine or Jerusalem, seeing how focused Napoleon III was on proclaiming himself as the protector of the Christians there. Interesting.

…now that you mention it..

Mm, nah, while the premise is very tempting…

*looks at Germany*

We kinda have bigger fish to fry

*whistles happily while wiping sickle*

.....what?

[Wansul]

Nation Application

Full Nation Name: República Argentina

Short Nation Name: Argentina

National Symbols:
The flag of the República Argentina
Argentinian Naval Jack
The symbol of the rapidly-ascending Justicialist Party of Juan Perón

Capital:
Buenos Aires

Territory:
Argentina

Form of Government:
While nominally a presidential democratic republic, Argentina's recent history has been marred by semi-legal acts of repression against political opposition by military and paramilitary forces. Because of this, the political system has become dominated by cliques of bureaucrats and caudillos, and the pretense of democracy ready to shatter. The Argentine Republic’s democracy is not representative or open, and prone to authoritarian decrees from the government and civil unrest.

The executive branch holds increasing power over the whole government, enforcing their policies directly on provinces rather than through the legislature. Since the coup of 1930, a return to stability has reduced the rate of turnover in the federal government. Slowly, the administration has fought corruption and restored trust, making true public servants out of the ministries. The wishes of generals and bankers are always put over the popular will or election integrity. In summary, Argentina’s government is an autocratic junta, with the facade of a democratic republic.

Head of State: President Agustín Pedro Justo

Head of Government: Vice President Julio A. Roca Jr.

Ideology:
While dabbling in tenets of economic liberalization, the Argentine Republic under Agustín Justo remains a firmly authoritarian state, with socially conservative restrictions.

However, the growing Justicialist Party of Juan Perón has grown more vocal and influential in the government. Espousing strong nationalism against the selling out of the nation to foreign interests and strident support for labour, Perón’s populist chimera is building a bigger ideological presence in the Argentine people and government.

Population: 13,610,000

Military Description:

Out of all Latin American nations, Argentina has, thanks to its economic robustness, a more advanced military than many of its neighbors. This includes aviation schools and branches for both the Navy and Army, a navy built to match both of its two biggest neighbors, Chile and Brazil, and an Army capable of defending its long borders with rivals. Since 1930, the spectre of military coups and caudillos seizing power from their support in the army has worried many democratically-inclined Argentine politicians and people. But, under the presidency of General President Agustín Justo, who rose to power through a coup, that is unlikely to change. In this century, efforts to modernize have been consistent and successful, resulting in efficient and well-trained officers and divisions.

The Argentine Army contains 5 infantry divisions, 1 cavalry division, and 2 elite mountaineer brigades. They are spread out across the country, but concentrated in the north and towards borders. 60k men are in these divisions, with a few more serving as garrisons in troubled parts of the interior, most notably Patagonia, bringing the total fielded manpower to around 70k not including support roles.

The Argentine Navy is its pride. The ARA Rivadavia, its flagship was built during the South American dreadnought race early that century, a spat that Argentina emerged proudly from as a prememeient naval power in the South Atlantic- second of course, to the British Empire. The ARA has 27 total ships, 5 of which are capital ships. None are especially modern, with many focused on coastal defence. With 3 around-Great War era models, the Navy boasts a small submarine arm too. Around 30k Argentines are a part of the Navy, both at sea and in support roles on land. While capable of besting any regional fleet on the high seas, Argentina’s navy is woefully underprepared to defend against a Great Power’s fleet, unless it receives foreign design help or large investments.

In the air, outdated fighter models are found on a few bases. More modern but still widely-outclassed naval bombers assisted in naval operations, and land-based bombers work directly with ground troops and their generals. Each part is under their respective branch instead of being their own air force, and all together Argentina's air power is under 50 planes, with any expansion requiring significant R&D research or foriegn purchases.

On a final note, labour groups and nationalist league each have their own paramilitary units. Exact numbers differ, but both hold units throughout the country, mostly in the capital of Buenos Aires. Left-aligned paramilitaries have around 30k members nationwide and Far-right-aligned paramilitaries have around 10k members nationwide, but sympathy from a few military units make up the balance in fighting effectiveness. Many members are informal and not ready for proper warfare and their numbers change regularly. While command of them is split between ideological factions and personalities, they remain a strong force within the country. Thankfully for President Agustín Justo, they remain as opposed to each other as they are to the government- although the populist appeals of Juan Perón might unite them.

Tech Tree: Argentine Tech tree

Economic Description:
While hurt by the ongoing global depression, the Argentine economy remains one of the strongest in the southern hemisphere, heavily reliant on exports. The GDP per capita is higher than some highly developed nations, but Argentina remains behind in industrial capacity. The economy is split into 2 vastly different sectors, inside and outside Buenos Aires.

Inside the city, a burgeoning industry is growing within the “Paris of South America”. And just like Paris, the city has seen it’s history of red revolts and strong labour unions. Argentine industry is by no means world class, but is leading in South America and rapidly growing and modernizing. Argentina still lacks a strong steel industry, and many consumer goods are purchased from abroad.

Outside the capital, a predominantly and healthy agro-export economy exists. Cereal crops and meat especially are places where Argentines are big on the world stage. Recent political instability and aging infrastructure is slowing growth, and the brewing storm of a new Great Power war could see exports dry up. Mineral reserves are being increasingly explored, but foreign imports often dominate the market, and force Argentine miners to be layed off or work in worse conditions.

Overall, the descamisados, “shirtless ones”, whose work keeps both sectors running have largely benefitted from their growth. However, as the global depression decreased exports, workers have felt their paychecks grow smaller and bills get bigger, sparking discontent against the current holders of the means of production. The rich- Argentine ranchers, bankers, and foreign merchants- are still very rich, and increasingly seek to keep Argentina open to global trade, often at the cost of the workers and domestic development.


Goals:
For the government of President Agustín Justo; improving economic growth, infrastructure development, securing better trade rights, and getting recognition for claimed lands(Antarctic claim, the Falkland, South Georgia, and South Sandwich islands)

For Perón’s Justicialist Party; social justice, economic independence, political stabilization, and securing control over their claimed lands

Point of Divergence: 1930- José Felix Uriburu is assassinated before his inauguration

History:
As Argentinian exports, especially beef, sharply declined due to the Great Depression, the political situation in Argentina rapidly fell into disorder. The reform-minded President Yrigoyen was ousted in a coup on September 6 by Army generals and officers. The leader of this coup, the fascist-aligned José Felix Uriburu, was killed on September 8 by a car bomb from an unknown assassin before his inauguration. Aided by the efforts of the then-unknown officer Juan Perón, whose ties with labour and the military let him calm both, order and peace reigned in Buenos Aires long enough for the Army leaders to meet and choose a new President.

The coup’s remaining organizers offered the presidency to the much less nationalist, conservative-liberal, General Agustín Justo, who was inaugurated on September 10, 1930. While nationalist groups grumbled at the loss of their shot at power, they did not have the strength to contest it. Radical student and labour groups opposed the coup, but after unlikely but successful mediation by the officer Juan Perón, a few concessions kept them from violent opposition.

In 1932, Agustín Justo won reelection to the office of President, in what was an undeniably unlawfully conducted election. Rampant suppression, fraud, and intimidation kept socialist and nationalist candidates from winning, and a media crackdown kept from reporting on marches and petitions from both groups. Now, as the election of 1938 draws near, the cogs of the junta’s political machine begin to turn, as Agustín Justo contemplates running for a third term or handing the reigns of state off to a loyal underling.

The 1933 Roca-Runciman Treaty, between Agustín Justo’s government and the United Kingdom, secured some relief from the Depression. By giving benefits and special exceptions to British companies, beef exports were able to pick up and investments in Argentina picked up. The promise to only buy British coal and impose no duties especially angered coal miner unions, while the perceived selling out of the country to foreign bankers and interests turned the nationalists from annoyed to angry with the administration of Agustín Justo. While some Senators and establishment officials have pushed privately for changes to Argentina's trade arrangements, President Agustín Justo has not tolerated showing disunity within the cabinet.

That policy led to the dismissal of the once-rising star Juan Perón from the cabinet. His work calming labour from strikes and revolts eventually led to the position of Secretary of Labour in 1931, where he toured the country and vocally supported the rights of unions, worrying some in President Agustín Justo’s government. After an attempted coup by nationalist and pro-Uriburu Minister of War Franciso Medina in 1934, Perón found himself as the chosen replacement, partially to put someone much less pro-labour in the Ministry of Labour. In late 1936, after 2 years of friction-filled coexistence with the much less radical President and his cabinet, the dam burst. Open and violently bitter criticism of the Roca-Runciman Treaty was given by Perón on a radio segment, from a station partially owned by the recent star Eva Duarte, which led to Perón being sacked, and banished to a remote military command in northwestern Argentina.

Demonstrations in Buenos Aires followed, with marches from nationalist leagues and protests from labour unions whirling around the Casa Rosada. Military units ordered in refused to fire, and a few even took up cries of “Perón!”. Perón was quickly recalled before he had even arrived at his command, and asked to tell the people to disperse and not storm the Casa Rosada. He did so, but not without thanking them and promising to lead this new movement. Juan Perón resigned from the army the following day, and began building his Justicialist Party, also referred to as the Perónist Party, into a storm of populism to bring down the President and government that had wronged him, the workers, and Argentina itself.



Have You Read, Understand, and Agree with the OP Posts & Rules In Detail?: Yes
#JDMZVUM1QC (do not delete this, it's for keeping track of the apps)

Note: I am not a Spanish speaker, native or otherwise. I will do my best to not misspell or mistranslate words. If anyone sees that I do, in either OOC or IC posts, please send me a telegram and I'll fix it!

[Deblar]

…now that you mention it..

Mm, nah, while the premise is very tempting…

*looks at Germany*

We kinda have bigger fish to fry

*whistles happily while wiping sickle*

.....what?

Oh, nothing. Go back to your ‘socialism is when the government does stuff’ shtick

[Northern Socialist Council Republics]

Oh, nothing. Go back to your ‘socialism is when the government does stuff’ shtick

“Hey, that’s our thing,” protested the Northern European ‘socialist’ country with an open market economy and a healthy capitalist class