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North America
Canada
Official Name: Dominion of Canada
Ruling Party: Liberal Party
Ideology: Market Liberalism
- Rising Empire: With the conclusion of the Second Weltkrieg, Canada has ascended to become the new rival superpower to the German Empire, eclipsing the old mother country Great Britain (still recovering from the war and the nuclear bomb dropped on Portsmouth).
Mackenzie King
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government
Party: Liberal Party
Ideology: Market Liberalism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: December 17th, 1874
Berlin, Ontario, Dominion of Canada
King is a man of irony and contradictions.
Someone who shouldn't be yet is. A man that leads a country on a collision course with Germany yet is born in a town named Berlin. The grandson of the rebel leader who fought against the British Empire yet commands the most powerful country in the Entente. A man of no charisma and zero affection yet is Canada's longest-serving Prime Minister with a record of achievements.
King proved himself in his second tenure when he faced the challenge of leading the country through the Second Weltkrieg. Under King, Canada became a modern industrial nation, making immense sacrifices to the war effort that taxed the country's resources to the limit in its fight against the Third Internationale. Canadians commanded an Entente whose influence even feared Germany, who feared the resurgence of the faction. Throughout all of this, national unity was King's most important goal, his handling of conscription prevented a national divide. King had a nation entirely dedicated to defeating the enemy once and for all.
With the victory unshackling Canada from the colonial era, the post-war prospects look promising as the economy booms, and Canada reasserts its independence ready to lead the free. All of which carefully curated by a cabinet of talented men and his carefully molded Liberal Party. While King's political acuity and faultless judgement have made him a strangely potent figure, the Germans' aggressive posturing against the Entente and their bomb will test the ageing King whose stamina is drained. Perhaps it's time for a new ambitious face for this Canada. A Liberal face, of course.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: King will step down from the leadership of the Liberal Party for the 1949 election (a year after game start) due to his age, letting Louis St. Laurent replace him.
Louis St. Laurent
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (1949 election)
Party: Liberal Party
Ideology: Market Liberalism
M.J Coldwell
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (1949 election)
Party: Co-operative Commonwealth Federation - Farmer-Labour
Ideology: Social Democracy
George Drew
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (1949 election)
Party: Conservative Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
John Diefenbaker
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (1953 election)
Party: Progressive Conservative Party
Ideology: Market Liberalism
W.A.C Bennet
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (1953 election)
Party: Unionist Party
New England
Official Name: Commonwealth of New England
Ruling Party: Republican Party
Ideology: Market Liberalism
- Let No Crisis Go to Waste: Despite declaring neutrality in the Second American Civil War, New England took advantage of the Combined Syndicates' weakness in its last days to conquer as much territory as it could before the American Union State would.
- Team Switzerland: The state of New England declared neutrality at the outbreak of the Civil War, placing themselves under Canadian protection to guarantee it.
Raymond E. Baldwin
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Republican Party
Ideology: Market Liberalism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: August 31st, 1893
Rye, New York, United States of America
The former governor of Connecticut, Raymond Baldwin was an unlikely victor in the 1945 New England presidential election. Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was seen as a shoe-in to replace David Walsh as president, but when Kennedy was implicated in a bribery scandal, Baldwin was barely elected. With New York City not yet a state, the Republicans were able to squeek into the presidency on the back of Upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Baldwin's home state of Connecticut. Faced with a hostile congress, Baldwin's austerity economic policies are not popular. With the new states of New York City, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey added to the union, they tip the scales even further away from his reelection.
Regardless, the economy is booming, and if he can harness it he may serve 8 years yet. Baldwin has had a relatively scandal free presidency, at least compared to his predecessor Walsh, and his former opponent Kennedy. Perhaps New Englanders will prefer a calm presence at the helm.
- Dark Horse Victory: Baldwin's election victory was the result of a bribery scandal implicating his oppponent, the much more popular Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., causing a backlash against the candidate and barely giving Baldwin his victory.
William Averell Harriman
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1949 election)
Party: Democratic Party (Liberal)
Ideology: Social Liberalism
Thomas Dewey
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1953 election)
Party: Republican Party
Ideology: Market Liberalism
- Allohistorical Allusion: Dewey is the Republican candidate for the 1953 election, which he was also OTL for the 1944 and 1948 US elections (which he both lost).
Herbert Lehman
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1953 election)
Party: Democratic Party (Liberal)
Ideology: Social Liberalism
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1957 election)
Party: Democratic Party (Liberal)
Ideology: Social Liberalism
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1957 election)
Party: Republican Party
Ideology: Market Liberalism
Great Lakes Government
Official Name: Great Lakes Government
Ruling Party: Reconstruction Government
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
- Emergency Authority: The Great Lakes are under the Reconstruction Government, an authority ostensibly existing to provisionally administer the region until democracy can be restored.
Jacob Viner
Role: Head of State
Party: Reconstruction Government
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: May 3rd, 1892
Montreal, Quebec, Dominion of Canada
Born in Canada to Romanian immigrants, Jacob Viner is the textbook definition of a technocrat. A professor of economics at the University of Chicago starting from 1916, Viner was part of a group of economists who advocated a fringe policy known as 'Keynsianism'. While not a hardliner, he did believe that the solution to economic depression was increased government spending. When the US did not heed the advice of the Keynsians, he returned to Canada just before the 2nd American Civil War.
Viner's expertise was heeded by the King government who used the Chicago school of economics' advice in order to grow the Canadian economy by huge amounts to wage the War of Reclamation. Now, Viner has been put in charge of the Great Lakes Administration, leading the civilian government in charge of the occupied American states. His clique of economists is aiming to pull off an economic miracle to get the Great Lakes Government up to the level needed.
American Union State
Official Name: American Union State, United States of America (Third Civil War victory)
Ruling Party: America First Party - Orthodox Factionnote When Huey Long became the first President of the American Union State, America went through a political revolution. No longer would the will of the politician or bureaucrat be the law of the land, as they had been. Now, the people, the working men and women, be the true rulers of America. From the core decree, "Every man a king, yet no one wears a crown", Longism was founded. Longism is a mix of populist and nationalist policies combined with the democratic traditions of the former United States of America.
Orthodox Longism is best described as a strict adherence to the policies and ideology of former President Huey Long, at least in spirit and rhetoric. Orthodox Longists are usually socially conservative and fiscally progressive, pushing for far-reaching economic reform while attempting to keep the status quo. Orthodox Longists are also typically pro-economic reform and neutral towards the Civil Rights Movement, with internal groups both backing and opposing it.
Ideology: Orthodox Longismnote Authoritarian Democracy
- Assassination Attempt: Huey Long was mysteriously assassinated in May 1943, thrusting Earl Long into the presidency.
- Balkanize Me: If the AUS loses the Third American Civil War, it will be provisionally divided between the victors (Pacific States, Great Lakes and New England) then all three will merge to reform the United States of America.
- Fallen States of America: What was once the United States is devastated after more than a decade of constant conflict. Much of the workforce lies buried in the Midwest or Great Plains, while most of the military seemingly want nothing more than to lay down their arms and go back home.
- Hereditary Republic: The Long family is very influential in the American Union State due to its President Huey Long, with Earl Kemp Long succeeding his brother and it might see Huey's son Russell Long become president as well in 1952.
- We ARE Struggling Together: The America First Party is a den of underhanded deals and backroom backstabbers.
Earl Kemp Long
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: America First Party - Orthodox Factionnote When Huey Long became the first President of the American Union State, America went through a political revolution. No longer would the will of the politician or bureaucrat be the law of the land, as they had been. Now, the people, the working men and women, be the true rulers of America. From the core decree, "Every man a king, yet no one wears a crown", Longism was founded. Longism is a mix of populist and nationalist policies combined with the democratic traditions of the former United States of America.
Orthodox Longism is best described as a strict adherence to the policies and ideology of former President Huey Long, at least in spirit and rhetoric. Orthodox Longists are usually socially conservative and fiscally progressive, pushing for far-reaching economic reform while attempting to keep the status quo. Orthodox Longists are also typically pro-economic reform and neutral towards the Civil Rights Movement, with internal groups both backing and opposing it.
Ideology: Orthodox Longismnote Authoritarian Democracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: August 26th, 1895
Winnfield, Louisiana, United States of America
As President of the American Union State, Earl Kemp Long's journey to the top was anything but smooth. As America burned, and political games commenced in New Orleans, President Huey Long appointed his ideologically-parallel younger brother as his Vice President. It was an episode of clear nepotism, but in a time of paranoia Huey had few others he could reliably trust. As Vice President, Earl Long worked diligently to put the Share the Wealth programme in place across America, living seemingly permanently in his brother's shadow. He cultivated a reputation as a down-to-earth, relatable politician, helped in part due to the America First Party's enormous propaganda machine, and seemed content to remain close under the Presidents thumb.
But then everything changed.
With the mysterious assassination of Huey Long in May 1943, Earl Long was thrust into the spotlight. In a nation coming apart at the seams, Earl was able to navigate the shark tank that is the AFP and unify the Union State once again, before continuing to pursue Huey's eponymous ideas. However, Earl never could step fully into the shoes of his brother. Starting his tenure off with a promising flurry of emergency legislation and a series of impassioned speeches, Earl's presidency has gradually plateaued. Underhanded deals and backroom backstabbers within the AFP have made Earl increasingly apathetic, and a worsening mental state has made him increasingly ineffective. With the weight & stress of tens of millions of Unionists on his shoulders, and with political crows beginning to circle, can the Longist dream of "Every Man a King" really flourish into the future?
- Inadequate Inheritor: Earl Long never managed to step fully into the shoes of his brother Huey, no matter how hard he tried. After a promising beginning, his presidency has plateaued off into malaise and stagnation.
- Nepotism: Earl Long's appointment to Vice President by his brother Huey is a clear example of nepotism.
- Reluctant Ruler: Earl Long has grown apathetic due to the cut-throat politics of the America First Party and will not seek re-election in 1948.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: Earl Long will soon after game start be replaced by the victor of the 1948 election.
Rush Holt
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1948 election)
Party: America First Party - Conservative Faction
Ideology: Conservative Longismnote Social Conservatism
Sid McMath
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1948 election)
Party: America First Party - Progressive Faction
Ideology: Progressive Longismnote Social Democracy
Russell Long
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1952 election)
Party: America First Party - Orthodox Factionnote When Huey Long became the first President of the American Union State, America went through a political revolution. No longer would the will of the politician or bureaucrat be the law of the land, as they had been. Now, the people, the working men and women, be the true rulers of America. From the core decree, "Every man a king, yet no one wears a crown", Longism was founded. Longism is a mix of populist and nationalist policies combined with the democratic traditions of the former United States of America.
Orthodox Longism is best described as a strict adherence to the policies and ideology of former President Huey Long, at least in spirit and rhetoric. Orthodox Longists are usually socially conservative and fiscally progressive, pushing for far-reaching economic reform while attempting to keep the status quo. Orthodox Longists are also typically pro-economic reform and neutral towards the Civil Rights Movement, with internal groups both backing and opposing it.
Ideology: Orthodox Longismnote Authoritarian Democracy
Strom Thurmond
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1952 election)
Party: America First Party - Conservative Faction
Ideology: Conservative Longismnote Social Conservatism
Ellis Arnall
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1952 election)
Party: America First Party - Progressive Faction
Ideology: Progressive Longismnote Social Democracy
Pacific States of America
Official Name: Pacific States of America
Ruling Party: Progressive Party (Moderate)note The Progressive Party of the Pacific States of America was formed in the wake of the opening shots of the Second American Civil War through a union of progressive Republicans, Democrats, and members of minor third parties who maintained both a strict commitment to democracy and a fundamental understanding of the present system as flawed and in need of reform. This philosophy, already popular on the American West Coast in the face of the rising Syndicalist and Longist forces centralized more to her East, led many politicians on both sides of the main partisan divide to join Hiram Johnson and his nascent Progressive movement. In this early form, political factionalism was largely put aside in favor of a 'United Front' policy, particularly in terms of enacting reform policies on the homefront to stave off revolutionary tendencies.
Now an established, dominant force in Pacific politics, the 'Moderate' camp of the Progressive Party has had its goals and ideology further crystallize around several core tenets. These include a prioritization of social welfare policies, institutional reformism, moderate economic liberalism, and devout adherence to democratic principles in civic life. In regards to foreign policy, the Progressives are more factionalized, with some camps seeking strong cooperation with the Accord and the non-Longist American successor states while others promote a more balanced policy emphasizing cooperation with democratic states more broadly.
Ideology: Social Liberalism
- Enemy Mine: The Democratic Party has seen major backsliding since the failures of President John Nance Garner to keep their party and the country together. Progressive Democrats, already strong on the West Coast, defected to the rising Progressive Party, while moderates either joined them, joined the Republicans, or only remain tepidly within the Democratic Party. Though they start in a weak state, they hope that they can attempt to regain some of their old power with the upcoming 1948 election in a strategic alliance with the Republicans.
Earl Warren
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Progressive Party (Moderate)note The Progressive Party of the Pacific States of America was formed in the wake of the opening shots of the Second American Civil War through a union of progressive Republicans, Democrats, and members of minor third parties who maintained both a strict commitment to democracy and a fundamental understanding of the present system as flawed and in need of reform. This philosophy, already popular on the American West Coast in the face of the rising Syndicalist and Longist forces centralized more to her East, led many politicians on both sides of the main partisan divide to join Hiram Johnson and his nascent Progressive movement. In this early form, political factionalism was largely put aside in favor of a 'United Front' policy, particularly in terms of enacting reform policies on the homefront to stave off revolutionary tendencies.
Now an established, dominant force in Pacific politics, the 'Moderate' camp of the Progressive Party has had its goals and ideology further crystallize around several core tenets. These include a prioritization of social welfare policies, institutional reformism, moderate economic liberalism, and devout adherence to democratic principles in civic life. In regards to foreign policy, the Progressives are more factionalized, with some camps seeking strong cooperation with the Accord and the non-Longist American successor states while others promote a more balanced policy emphasizing cooperation with democratic states more broadly.
Ideology: Social Liberalism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: March 19, 1891
Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Earl Warren, for all intents and purposes, is a figurehead for all that the Pacific States stands for: democracy, civilian rule, and the vestiges of the American Dream as it was before the Second American Civil War. Born to an immigrant family in Los Angeles, California, Warren managed to attend the University of California, Berkeley, the university trial law. The work he found seeking a degree in trial law. The work he found after schooling would be for the Associated Oil Company, rather than trial law, and it would be this work that turned him towards the kind of progressivism that him and the Progressive Party encapsulate. During his work, he would come to know the sort of corruption and graft big business had come to infect every form of life in San Francisco with, and he would commit his life and career towards combatting this—a career that would bring him to one of two highest offices in what remains of America.
When the Second Civil War came to America, Warren was a fairly popular Attorney General, having received nominations from the Republican, Democratic, and Progressive parties for that position. His popularity and commitment to anti-crime efforts would bring him into direct contact with Senator (soon-to-be President) Johnson, who would tap him for his cabinet and to lead matters on the West Coast. This position brought him into the national spotlight, tackling crime and anti-government organizations with significant zeal, much to the public's approval. Upon Johnson's retirement, Warren would be endorsed by him to replace him as President of the Pacific States, winning handily and coming to rule the peacetime nation.
Warren's first term as President has seen rebuilding, reconciliation, and the restructuring of Pacific society, in order to bring about the late President Johnson's dream of the 'Pearl of the Pacific'. He has reinstated civilian governments along the Rockies, tackled large corporate interests, and begun large economic projects order to bring about a return to civilian life. These projects, while decried as overreach by Republicans and Democrats alike have proven successful laying the foundations for a postwar boom, provided all goes according to plan. As Warren's administration reaches his last year, seems as if nothing can keep him and the Progressives out of the spot of leadership—and the Pacific from reaching its destiny as the torchbearer of the American Dream.
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1948 election)
Party: Republican Partynote The remnants of the pre-Second American Civil War Grand Old Party, the Republican Party on the West Coast remains the other of the two largest parties, having weathered the storm of the Second American Civil War better than its former counterpart. While it found itself struggling to secure an identity following the defection of major politicians from its ranks such as Earl Warren and Goodwin Knight, the existing moderate pro-business wing of the party found purchase amidst the necessities of war and the need for the industries of the West Coast to support the war effort. Republican efforts during the war were primarily spent acting as a check on Progressive influence and as a voice for the center-right of Pacific society, particularly as the war dragged on.
Now, the Republican Party has reoriented in the post-war to an advocacy for prioritizing economic growth and prosperity via the deregulation of business, the reduction of government controls, and the dissolution of 'temporary' wartime measures. Internally, the party remains nearly as factionalized as before the war, with the 'Moderate' wing of the party supporting the continuation of some Progressive policies, particularly social ones, while emphasizing a move to 'sane-and-sensible policy' in the direction of economic liberalism while the 'Conservative' wing of the party advocates for a softer protectionist attitude alongside more broadly conservative social policies.
Ideology: Market Liberalism
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1952 election)
Party: Progressive Party (Moderate)note The Progressive Party of the Pacific States of America was formed in the wake of the opening shots of the Second American Civil War through a union of progressive Republicans, Democrats, and members of minor third parties who maintained both a strict commitment to democracy and a fundamental understanding of the present system as flawed and in need of reform. This philosophy, already popular on the American West Coast in the face of the rising Syndicalist and Longist forces centralized more to her East, led many politicians on both sides of the main partisan divide to join Hiram Johnson and his nascent Progressive movement. In this early form, political factionalism was largely put aside in favor of a 'United Front' policy, particularly in terms of enacting reform policies on the homefront to stave off revolutionary tendencies.
Now an established, dominant force in Pacific politics, the 'Moderate' camp of the Progressive Party has had its goals and ideology further crystallize around several core tenets. These include a prioritization of social welfare policies, institutional reformism, moderate economic liberalism, and devout adherence to democratic principles in civic life. In regards to foreign policy, the Progressives are more factionalized, with some camps seeking strong cooperation with the Accord and the non-Longist American successor states while others promote a more balanced policy emphasizing cooperation with democratic states more broadly.
Ideology: Social Liberalism
- Allohistorical Allusion: Stevenson is a candidate for the 1952 election, which he was also for OTL the US election (and lost).
George Marshall
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1952 election)
Party: Republican Partynote The remnants of the pre-Second American Civil War Grand Old Party, the Republican Party on the West Coast remains the other of the two largest parties, having weathered the storm of the Second American Civil War better than its former counterpart. While it found itself struggling to secure an identity following the defection of major politicians from its ranks such as Earl Warren and Goodwin Knight, the existing moderate pro-business wing of the party found purchase amidst the necessities of war and the need for the industries of the West Coast to support the war effort. Republican efforts during the war were primarily spent acting as a check on Progressive influence and as a voice for the center-right of Pacific society, particularly as the war dragged on.
Now, the Republican Party has reoriented in the post-war to an advocacy for prioritizing economic growth and prosperity via the deregulation of business, the reduction of government controls, and the dissolution of 'temporary' wartime measures. Internally, the party remains nearly as factionalized as before the war, with the 'Moderate' wing of the party supporting the continuation of some Progressive policies, particularly social ones, while emphasizing a move to 'sane-and-sensible policy' in the direction of economic liberalism while the 'Conservative' wing of the party advocates for a softer protectionist attitude alongside more broadly conservative social policies.
Ideology: Market Liberalism
Pat G. Brown
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1956 election)
Party: Progressive Party (Moderate)note The Progressive Party of the Pacific States of America was formed in the wake of the opening shots of the Second American Civil War through a union of progressive Republicans, Democrats, and members of minor third parties who maintained both a strict commitment to democracy and a fundamental understanding of the present system as flawed and in need of reform. This philosophy, already popular on the American West Coast in the face of the rising Syndicalist and Longist forces centralized more to her East, led many politicians on both sides of the main partisan divide to join Hiram Johnson and his nascent Progressive movement. In this early form, political factionalism was largely put aside in favor of a 'United Front' policy, particularly in terms of enacting reform policies on the homefront to stave off revolutionary tendencies.
Now an established, dominant force in Pacific politics, the 'Moderate' camp of the Progressive Party has had its goals and ideology further crystallize around several core tenets. These include a prioritization of social welfare policies, institutional reformism, moderate economic liberalism, and devout adherence to democratic principles in civic life. In regards to foreign policy, the Progressives are more factionalized, with some camps seeking strong cooperation with the Accord and the non-Longist American successor states while others promote a more balanced policy emphasizing cooperation with democratic states more broadly.
Ideology: Social Liberalism
Thomas Kuchel
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1956 election)
Party: Republican Partynote The remnants of the pre-Second American Civil War Grand Old Party, the Republican Party on the West Coast remains the other of the two largest parties, having weathered the storm of the Second American Civil War better than its former counterpart. While it found itself struggling to secure an identity following the defection of major politicians from its ranks such as Earl Warren and Goodwin Knight, the existing moderate pro-business wing of the party found purchase amidst the necessities of war and the need for the industries of the West Coast to support the war effort. Republican efforts during the war were primarily spent acting as a check on Progressive influence and as a voice for the center-right of Pacific society, particularly as the war dragged on.
Now, the Republican Party has reoriented in the post-war to an advocacy for prioritizing economic growth and prosperity via the deregulation of business, the reduction of government controls, and the dissolution of 'temporary' wartime measures. Internally, the party remains nearly as factionalized as before the war, with the 'Moderate' wing of the party supporting the continuation of some Progressive policies, particularly social ones, while emphasizing a move to 'sane-and-sensible policy' in the direction of economic liberalism while the 'Conservative' wing of the party advocates for a softer protectionist attitude alongside more broadly conservative social policies.
William Knowland
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (1956 election)
Party: Republican Partynote The remnants of the pre-Second American Civil War Grand Old Party, the Republican Party on the West Coast remains the other of the two largest parties, having weathered the storm of the Second American Civil War better than its former counterpart. While it found itself struggling to secure an identity following the defection of major politicians from its ranks such as Earl Warren and Goodwin Knight, the existing moderate pro-business wing of the party found purchase amidst the necessities of war and the need for the industries of the West Coast to support the war effort. Republican efforts during the war were primarily spent acting as a check on Progressive influence and as a voice for the center-right of Pacific society, particularly as the war dragged on.
Now, the Republican Party has reoriented in the post-war to an advocacy for prioritizing economic growth and prosperity via the deregulation of business, the reduction of government controls, and the dissolution of 'temporary' wartime measures. Internally, the party remains nearly as factionalized as before the war, with the 'Moderate' wing of the party supporting the continuation of some Progressive policies, particularly social ones, while emphasizing a move to 'sane-and-sensible policy' in the direction of economic liberalism while the 'Conservative' wing of the party advocates for a softer protectionist attitude alongside more broadly conservative social policies.
South America
United States of Brazil
Official Name: United States of Brazil
Ruling Party: Partido Liberal/Partido Republicano Autonomistanote Liberal Party/Autonomist Republican Party
Inaugurated in 1943, after years of warfare and Republican authoritarianism, the new Paulista-dominated Liberal political order seemed fragile at best. President Altino Arantes knew that the survival of the regime depended upon bringing the maximum number of states into the sphere of influence of São Paulo and the PL, and that would inevitably have to include Minas Gerais. Being a traditional bastion of the PR, however, the whole Mineiro establishment was implicated in the Vargas government and unwilling to cooperate. Lacking better alternatives, the Paulistas were forced to forget the grievances of the Interstate War and turn to their former enemies, the old PRM. The disgraced Bernardista wing of the old Bernardistas, in turn, preferred to keep their separate identity and founded the Autonomist Republican Party, despite the party being little more than a local satellite of the PL. While the PL-PRA alliance has successfully managed to hold together for now, some Autonomist Republicans, members of the younger cohort of the party, have shown worrying inclinations towards the PSR.
Ideology: Social Conservatism
Francisco Solano da Cunha
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Partido Liberal/Partido Republicano Autonomistanote Liberal Party/Autonomist Republican Party
Inaugurated in 1943, after years of warfare and Republican authoritarianism, the new Paulista-dominated Liberal political order seemed fragile at best. President Altino Arantes knew that the survival of the regime depended upon bringing the maximum number of states into the sphere of influence of São Paulo and the PL, and that would inevitably have to include Minas Gerais. Being a traditional bastion of the PR, however, the whole Mineiro establishment was implicated in the Vargas government and unwilling to cooperate. Lacking better alternatives, the Paulistas were forced to forget the grievances of the Interstate War and turn to their former enemies, the old PRM. The disgraced Bernardista wing of the old Bernardistas, in turn, preferred to keep their separate identity and founded the Autonomist Republican Party, despite the party being little more than a local satellite of the PL. While the PL-PRA alliance has successfully managed to hold together for for now, some Autonomist Republicans, members of the younger cohort of the party, have shown worrying inclinations towards the PSR.
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: March 20th, 1887
Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Republic of Brasil
Scion of a wealthy usineiro family from Pernambuco, Francisco Solano Cameiro da Cunha became involved in politics from an early age. Having spent most of his adult life in Rio de Janeiro, however, first as a manager of Caixa Econômica, then as a congressman and speaker of the House, Solano da Cunha has hardly any political ties left with his home state. Perhaps it was his closeness to central power that preempted the Liberal Party to nominate him in 1947 to succeed Altino Arantes as President of Brazil, expecting him to rely on the Paulista caciques of the federal PL rather than let him have an independent power base in Pernambuco. Despite being known to have an agenda of his own, such as trying to reconcile the PL and the Evolutionists, one must be a fool to believe that Solano da Cunha can act independently in any matter of serious political importance, for every step he takes must first be approved by São Paulo's Liberal establishment.
Paraguay
Official Name: Republic of Paraguay, Revolutionary Paraguay (Abrillist Rebellion)
Ruling Party: Colorado (GR)
Ideology: National Populism
Higenio Morinigo Martinez
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Colorado (GR)
Ideology: National Populism
Rafael Franco
Role: Head of State (Abrillist Rebellion)
Argentine Republic
Official Name: Argentine Republic
Ruling Party: Liga Patrióticanote Patriotic League
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Manuel Domecq García
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Liga Patrióticanote Patriotic League
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Manuel Savio
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (Revolución Libertadora)
Eduardo Lonardi
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (Revolución Libertadora)
Angel Solari
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (Revolución Libertadora)
Chile
Official Name: Republic of Chile
Ruling Party: Junta Nacionalnote National Junta
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Bartolomé Blanche
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Junta Nacionalnote National Junta
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Europe
Ireland
Official Name: Ireland
Ruling Party: Sinn Féin
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
Richard Mulcahy
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Sinn Féin
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
- Emergency Authority: If Gearóid Ó Cuinneagáin wins the election, Mulcahy and the Sinn Féin may choose to declare a state of emergency and dissolve the Dáil to prevent the avowedly anti-democratic candidate from taking power.
- Well Intenioned Extremist: If Mulcahy declares a state of emergency, he does so to protect Irish democracy from the explicitely anti-democratic Ó Cuinneagáin and his ANH.
Gearóid Ó Cuinneagáin
Role: Presidentnote Head of State (Election)
Party: Ailtirí na hAiséirghenote Architects of the Resurrection
- Democracy Is Bad: Ó Cuinneagáin is explicit in his opposition to democracy and his intention to turn Ireland into a dictatorship if he comes to power.
United Kingdom
Official Name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Ruling Party: National Government
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
- Assassination Attempt: During the Second Weltkrieg, a conspiracy led by Tom Kennedy attempted to assassinate dictatorical Chairman Oswald Mosley with a bomb but failed due to the explosive not activating properly. All of the plotters were arrested and tortured, fully cementing Mosley’s total control and killing any chance of a negociated peace with Germany for the Union of Britain.
- Dirty Communists: Oswald Mosley's Maximists, who led the Union of Britain for 11 years until its dissolution.
- Fun with Acronyms: The acronym of the British Loyalists Uncovering Extremism is B.L.U.E, by opposition to Syndicalist red.
- The Remnant: Syndicalist armed resistance remains active after the surrender of the Union of Britain, forming the BPLA and the Maximist Front.
- Run for the Border: Oswald Mosley attempted to flee the Union of Britain as its defeat became certain but was ambushed and killed by anti-Maximalist partisans.
- Shout-Out: The United Kingdom's first focus is titled "[1]" but refers to one given by Edward rather than his brother and after the end of the war rather than at its beginning.
- State Sec: The B.L.U.E (British Loyalists Uncovering Extremism) is a volunteer law enforcement agency supporting the army and intelligence services in vetting and finding syndicalist elements.
- Vestigial Empire: The British Empire has broken up, and the former dominions are independent and equal, sharing the King as head of state and not much else. Even though the monarchy managed to defeat the Union of Britain and return home, Britain is such a mess that when they are able to recover, their puppets and allies will have eclipsed their global influence.
Edward VIII
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
- Allohistorical Allusion: Edward creates a scandal due to stating his intention to marry a twice divorced woman, only in this timeline this woman is American film star Constance Bennett. Unlike OTL however, Edward doesn't have to abdicate to marry and the mariage eventually becomes accepted by the people.
- Historical Hero Upgrade: Edward VIII is never even suspected of Nazi sympathies due to fascism never arising at all in this timeline. Instead, he becomes known as "The Liberator", the King who led Canada and the British Exiles to defeat the Union of Britain and restore the United Kingdom.
- Rightful King Returns: Edward VIII and Canada successfully reclaimed the throne of Great Britain, restoring the United Kingdom.
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government
Party: National Government, Tories
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy, Social Conservatism
Herbert Morrison
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (1950 election)
Party: Democratic-Labour
Ideology: Social Democracy
Netherlands
Official Name: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Wilhelmina
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Belgium
Official Name: Kingdom of Belgium
Albert I
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
- Rightful King Returns: Originally forced in exile by the creation of the Kingdom of Flanders-Wallonia, Albert returned after the restoration of the Kingdom of Belgium, reigning as their king once again.
North France
Official Name: Militärverwaltung Nordfrankreichnote Military Occupation of Northern France, Kingdom of France (End of German occupation)
Ruling Party: Ministerium für Nordfrankreichnote Ministry for North France: The true power within the Occupation, von Bock's administration has slowly transformed since 1945 from a large occupation force to an increasingly depleting garrison due to the war on the Eastern Front. With the ceasefire with the Russians now in effect, both Bock and Berlin now have the opportunity to focus efforts on establishing a French "ally" against the Windsor lackeys of the south and end the aging occupation regime.
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
- Allohistorical Allusion:
- The paternal autocrat path for the kingdom includes forming a party named the "Front National".
- The Gardes-Frontières, a military force created to guard the border with South France is analogous to the OTL Bundesgrenzschutz established in West Germany after WWII.
- Les Collaborateurs: The Conseil d'État is the main French organization helping the German occupation administration in exchange for ruling France in the future.
- Defector from Decadence: The Left/Planners faction of the Conseil d'État defected from the Commune during the Second Weltkrieg.
- Historical Villain Upgrade: Similar to Charles De Gaulle in Kaiserreich, Philippe de Hautecloque is a rabid monarchist and leader of the national populist Extremiste faction of the Conseil d'État in Kalterkrieg.
- Opportunistic Bastard: The Pétaintist faction of the Conseil d'État are a group of discredited generals who fled the French Republic after the power struggle there turned to Mordacq's advantage, abandoning the government to join North France.
- The Pardon: The Occupation administration can choose to give amnesty to former Commune officials.
- Puppet State: The Kingdom of France is a puppet state set up by the German Empire after ending its occupation of Northern France.
- La Résistance: The French Resistance continues to exist, ready to exploit any weakness to expel the Germans from Northern France.
Fedor von Bock
Role: Militärbefehlshaber in Frankreichnote Head of State
Party: Ministerium für Nordfrankreichnote Ministry for North France: The true power within the Occupation, von Bock's administration has slowly transformed since 1945 from a large occupation force to an increasingly depleting garrison due to the war on the Eastern Front. With the ceasefire with the Russians now in effect, both Bock and Berlin now have the opportunity to focus efforts on establishing a French "ally" against the Windsor lackeys of the south and end the aging occupation regime.
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: December 3th, 1880
Küstrin, Brandenburg, German Empire
Field Marshal Fedor von Bock always believed that it would be his greatest glory if he died for the Fatherland. While Bock still has his life, thousands of young men under his command during the war can no longer say the same.
Born in the province of Brandenburg, Bock is just as Prussian as the Kaiser. A monarchist, militarist, and decorated veteran of the First Weltkrieg, it's no surprise that Wilhelm III handpicked the Marshal to surprise be the one to capture Paris in 1945. However, the great honor of capturing the heart of Syndicalism turned into Bock's curse, as two years later he still leads the Militärverwaltung von Nordfrankreich. Bock's army of soldiers and officers are now replaced with an army of bureaucrats and garrison troops. It's lucky the Marshal is able to speak fluent French, since it seems everyday more and more of his loyal men are replaced with collaborators itching for a spot in whatever state succeeds the occupational government.
Fedor Von Bock spends his days in his office and Parisian cafes, counting the days until the military occupation of Northern France ends and he may return to Germany and receive his hero's welcome. But until that day, the aging Field Marshal must sign paper after paper, one after the other, to rebuild this Godforsaken country he is forced to call home.
- Reluctant Ruler: Bock counts the days until the military occupation of northern France ends, so he could return to Germany and receive a hero's welcome. Before that, however, he has to sign paper after paper and reconstruct the country he's forced to call home.
- WarHero: Fedor von Bock is a decorated First Weltkrieg veteran and the the Field Marshal who took Paris in 1945 during the Second Weltkrieg.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: Bock will retire by the end of 1948, the game's first year.
Henri VI
Role: Monarchnote Head of State (End of German occupation)
Henri d'Orléans is the Orleanist claimant to the throne of France who will be installed by the Germans as king of their northern puppet state.
- Awesome Moment of Crowning: Henri d'Orléans is crowned King of France during a grand ceremony held in the Reims Cathedral.
- Rightful King Returns: Henri VI, great-great-grandson of King Louis Philippe I of France and the Orléanist pretender to the French throne, will be crowned King of France after the Germans turn their military occupation of North France into a client state.
South France
Official Name: French Republic
Ruling Party: Parti Radicalnote Radical Party
Ideology: Social Liberalism
- The Assimilator: If France chooses to reform its colonial empire into the French Union, Africa will continue to be Francified through religious missions, expanded French schooling and collaboration with the elites.
- Occupiers Out of Our Country: Nationalists across France's colonies in Africa are ready to revolt against their masters. If France fails to reform the empire, its colonies will begin to declare independence.
- Pragmatic Villainy: Recognising that continuing to try to assimilate Africans is an outdated and aggressive mode of colonialism that will likely anger natives and lead to revolts, the Radical Party seeks to preserve France's empire by keeping all colonies nominally part of the French Republic, but granting them significant autonomy in their internal affairs.
Albert Sarraut
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Parti Radicalnote Radical Party
Ideology: Social Liberalism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: July 28th, 1872
Bordeaux, France
First elected in 1902, Albert Sarraut made a name for himself with his advocacy for laicite and adherence to negotiation in the face of crisis. His pre-Weltkrieg career took him quite literally across the world, from a series of minor cabinet posts to two largely unremarkable terms as the Governor of French Indochina. Recalled at the end of the war, Sarraut initially sympathised with the strikers. But he remained loyal with the Republican Government, trying fruitlessly to open up dialogues to calm the revolution. Fleeing to Algiers, he continued to take up increasingly important posts as the Republic fell into deeper and deeper crises. First Colonial Minister twice, and then Interior Minister in the fateful final government before Pétain's coup, something he supported to save the nation.
His political apex came in 1937, when he served as Mordacq's Minister of State to check the influence of the ambitious PSF. In this post, he helped Mordacq stabilise the nation and though he resigned before the war began, he was still heavily respected for his efforts. Thus, the even-handed minister was a logical choice for the ascendant Radical's Presidential Candidate, winning narrowly and further driving the reactionary right towards Germany.
Since reaching the largely ceremonial post, Sarraut has remained a steady hand. He's lobbied for reconciliation with former Communards, supported the broad alliance marshaled by Mendès France, and has quietly rivaled Colonel De La Rocque. But he proudly refuses to overstep his boundaries. If something is the will of Parliament, then it is the will of the French.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: Sarraut proudly refuses to overstep his boundaries as a mostly ceremonial President, letting parliament handle most of the affairs.
Pierre Mendès France
Role: President of the Council of Ministersnote Head of Government
Party: Parti Radicalnote Radical Party
Ideology: Social Liberalism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: January 11, 1907
Paris, France
Born Pierre Isaac Isidore Mendès France to a family of Judeo-Portuguese origin, he has slowly become a trailblazer in French politics. After becoming the youngest lawyer in the French Republic at the age of 21 in 1928, he established himself as a force in a force in the political world by writing his thesis on the Franc Recovery Policy under the Presidency of Raymond Poincaré. As the Pétain regime tried to consolidate itself through the early 1930s, PMF would become an outspoken critic of the regime.
During the Second Weltkrieg he was drafted into the Air Force where he served as an aerial oberver for the early campaigns. During Operation Pegasus he was called back into service and his intelligence helped secure the Entente's victory on the first day.
Following the collapse of the Commune and the establishment of the Provisional Government he returned to civilian life as a member of the National Assembly. By mid-1947 he had established himself of as one of the most ardent supporters of French Republicanism and of the current French government. Having served a key role in the writing of the new constitution and his popularity among National Assembly members, it was almost certain that he would run for the Premiership.
Now serving as both Prime Minister of the Republic and President of the Parti Radical, the young PM has much to prove to the more wary members of the electorate while still ensuring that France doesn't lose any prestige or credibility even as a shell of its former self.
François de La Rocque
Role: President of the Council of Ministersnote Head of Government (1950 election), Presidentnote Head of State (Presidential Republic)
Party: Parti Social Françaisnote French Social Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
Jean Mermoz
Role: President of the Council of Ministersnote Head of Government (1954 election, Radicals won 1950 election)
Party: UDR
Ideology: Social Conservatism
Michel Clemenceau
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (De La Rocque cabinet), Presidentnote Head of State (De La Rocque succession)
Party: Parti Social Françaisnote French Social Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
Portugal
Official Name: Portuguese Republic
Ruling Party: ULD
Ideology: Revolutionary Republicanism
- Abdicate the Throne: King Duarte II was forced to abdicate after the Republican Revolution against the Integralist government.
- Pet the Dog: Portugal continues to maintain colonial rule on lands across the globe but its more lenient Republican constitution has succesfully placated many native intellectuals, for the moment.
- The Remnant: The monarchists continue to organize under the leadership of the exiled king Duarte II against the Republic.
José Mendes Cabeçadas
Role: Head of State
Party: ULD
Ideology: Revolutionary Republicanism
Spanish Republic
Official Name: Spanish Republic, Kingdom of Spain (Juan III)
Ruling Party: Partido Socialista Obrero Españolnote Spanish Socialist Workers' Party
Ideology: Social Democracy
- Occupiers Out of Our Country: Galician nationalism is strong as the Galicians see the Republican government as no different from the previous ones mistreating them.
- The Remnant:
- The Spanish right has remained active after their defeat in the Civil War, spreading their influence in the rural areas with the aid of the Catholic Church, which retains enormous influence over the population. If left unchecked, they will overthrow the ruling left-leaning government.
- Spain is, with Norway, the last European country where socialists remain a significant political force and can take over the country.
- We ARE Struggling Together: The Spanish government is divided between reformists and radicals, with the President and the Prime Minister reflecting this division as well.
- We Used to Be Friends: Radical President Juan Negrin and reformist Prime Minister Indalecio Prieto used to be friends but have split due to a widening rift between their respective factions.
Indalecio Prieto
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of State
Party: Partido Socialista Obrero Españolnote Spanish Socialist Workers' Party
Ideology: Social Democracy
Julio Álvarez del Vayo
Role: Head of State (Spanish Commune War, Negrino victory)
Party: PSU
Ideology: Radical Socialism
José María Gil-Robles y Quiñones
Role: Head of State (1950 election)
Party: UCE-C
Ideology: Social Conservatism
Juan III
Role: Monarchnote Head of State (UCE restores monarchy)
Swiss State
Official Name: Swiss State
Hans Bandi
Role: Head of State
Kingdom of Italy
Official Name: Kingdom of Italy
Ruling Party: Partito Popolare Italianonote Italian People's Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
- Allohistorical Allusion: The Institutional Referendum was organized as OTL to decide wether Italy would be a monarchy or a republic after the Second Weltkrieg (WWII IOTL). Unlike OTL, monarchy won.
- Pacifist: The end of the Second Weltkrieg gave way to the Spirit of '45, a strong pacifist sentiment among the Italian population that will guarantee in-game that Italy will not be able to declare offensive wars until it is dealt with.
- Warrior Prince: The Duke of Aosta, Umberto II's predecessor, led the Third Army during the Second Weltkrieg.
Umberto II
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: September 15th, 1904
Racconigi, Piedmont, Kingdom of Italy
When his father abdicated for both himself and his son in 1919, Umberto had thought everything was lost. With the country in heavy turmoil and Emanuelle Filiberto rising to take control of Sardinia, Umberto chose to lay low in the new Italy; though he didn't follow his father in exile, he went on to serve in the military and avoided the press and courtly life. Anexception was his marriage to Marie-José, Princess of Belgium, in 1930, the he effectively disappeared from the public eye afterwards.
Recalled into active service in 1939, he went on to command a number of defensive coastal installations in northern Sardinia; in this capacity he led the Royalist forces in the Battle of Santa Teresa in June 1940, earning a commendation for his bravery and ending any Red hope of taking Sardinia and Corsica, this, coupled with his low profile and apolitical position propelled him to the forefront of Italian politics in the summer of 1941.
With the fall of the Integralist dictatorship in the Two Sicilies, the various White governments of Italy had agreed to form a united government to coordinate the war effort, headed by Marshal Caviglia; though they could not agree on a Head of State. The deadlock was broken when Caviglia proposed Umberto take the throne at least temporarily, with a referendum to be held on the issue once the war was won. As such, Umberto ascended to the throne in September 1941.
Becoming the subject of much propaganda, Umberto became legitimately popular; and he gained the goodwill of the political forces when he appointed the radical Nitti to head a government once Caviglia had resigned, in spite of pressures in favour of Marshal Badoglio, at a time in which a military takeover seemed inevitable.
At this, coupled with the Duke of Aosta's own feats leading the reborn Third Army, gave the Monarchy a lot of much needed support; when the Institutional Referendum eventually came in 1946, the Monarchy won a confortable majority.
Still, for all his popularity, Umberto must not grow complacent - as he himself said. "The Monarchy must be a beloved symbol, otherwise it is nothing".
- Abdicate the Throne: When Umberto's father abdicated, he also did it for his son. However Umberto would still become king years later to solve a deadlock between the White governments of Italy trying to unite against the Syndicalists and was confirmed in his position by the Institutional Referendum.
- Rightful King Returns: The kingdom of Sardinia successfully reclaimed Italy, leading the House of Savoy to once again assume the title of king of Italy.
- Warrior Prince: Umberto served during the Second Weltkrieg, fighting against the Reds' attempted landing on Corsica and Sardinia.
Giuseppe Pella
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government
Party: Partito Popolare Italianonote Italian People's Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: April 18th, 1902
Valdengo, Piemont, Kingdom of Italy
Affiliation: Rightist PPI
A son of tenant farmers, Pella became an expert monetarist economist in the interwar; originally working in Turin, he fled to Switzerland along with his former professor Luigi Einaudi in 1927, and later defected to the Republic in Milan, where he joined the PPI and was later elected to the Milan Parliament in 1936.
During the War, he joined the Catholic resistance in northern Italy; in 1944 he returned to White territories, and from there started a meteoric riise in the political sphere thanks to the support of his former professor Einaudi, by then Governor of the Bank of Italy.
Appointed National Councilor, then Minister of Finances in Segni's third executive, he was recommended to succeed him in late 1946.
Though formally neutral, Pella clearly sympathises for the right-wing faction of the PPI; in addition to his monetarist policies he remains an outspoken nationalist who has criticized the Montreal Agreement on multiple occasions, in spite of the wider PPI's wishes to build a new friendship with the Danubian monarchy.
Germany
Official Name: German Empire
Ruling Party: Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfrontnote The Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfront (German National Unity Front) is not a political party in the traditional sense, but rather a political experiment by Ferdinand von Bredow to essentially redraw German Politics. Combining a broad united front of conservative & anti-democrat military and civilian officials, the DNE's ultimate aim is the 'Zentralisierung' of Germany: to supplant the traditional, multi-party Prussian Constitutional system and replace it with an efficient, centralised dictatorship acting in the 'imperial interest above partisan politics'. Nationally conservative, monarchist and statist, their overarching ideology is directly informed by the Reichskanzler, and by a lesser extent the Kaiser himself. As such they can be somewhat ideologically fluid, but always absolutist in nature. The DNE enjoys the direct support of the Kaiser, and many of the most politically influential groups in the Empire. It can be likened to a modern incarnation of the functionally defunct DVLP, though with völkisch elements sidelined.
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
- The Empire: The German Empire, hegemon of the world order and the first nuclear superpower, stands above all in the world.
Wilhelm III
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Party: Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfrontnote The Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfront (German National Unity Front) is not a political party in the traditional sense, but rather a political experiment by Ferdinand von Bredow to essentially redraw German Politics. Combining a broad united front of conservative & anti-democrat military and civilian officials, the DNE's ultimate aim is the 'Zentralisierung' of Germany: to supplant the traditional, multi-party Prussian Constitutional system and replace it with an efficient, centralised dictatorship acting in the 'imperial interest above partisan politics'. Nationally conservative, monarchist and statist, their overarching ideology is directly informed by the Reichskanzler, and by a lesser extent the Kaiser himself. As such they can be somewhat ideologically fluid, but always absolutist in nature. The DNE enjoys the direct support of the Kaiser, and many of the most politically influential groups in the Empire. It can be likened to a modern incarnation of the functionally defunct DVLP, though with völkisch elements sidelined.
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: May 6th, 1882
Marmorpalais, Potsdam, German Empire
From a young age, Kaiser Wilhelm III was a militarist. While his father saw the Weltkrieg as a chance for vengeance against his personal enemies in Britain, the Kronprinz saw it as the formative experience of a superpower. He would lead troops in Verdun and Amiens, and though his victories were average, it would be on the battlefields where Wilhelm would meet a young Major named Kurt von Schleicher.
The Weltkrieg's successes vindicated the Kronprinz, while the subsequent stagnation of Germany turned him fully against democracy. When Black Monday plunged Berlin into darkness, and the SPD dominated the elections, Wilhelm protested his father's decision: he claimed an SPD government would and a Red Berlin would lead to imperial ruin, and a Red the decade. But the aging Kaiser ignored the protest, turning his own son against him. When the Second Weltkrieg broke out in 1940, Wilhelms fears were validated, but it'd be another year before his father would die, and he could ascend to the throne.
Within days, his plan was in action. The SPD were ousted, and Kurt von Schleicher was promoted to Reichskanzler. Together, the two men instituted militaristic policies that transformed their collapsing nation into the empire of old; a true military powerhouse. When Schleicher died in 1945, Wilhelm promoted the loyal Ferdinand von Bredow in his place. Keenly interested in the power of the atom, Wilhelm witnessed the Heimat Test in Windhoek, and pushed relentlessly for Heimdallr to be unleashed on his enemies.
Now, those enemies lay destroyed, and the Kaiser stands victorious. An avowed autocrat, Wilhelm has joined Reichskanzler Bredow in planning for a 'Zentralisierung' of the government, though the growing domestic troubles need to be dealt with before any change can be implemented. On the world stage, Wilhelm's opinion of the liberal superpowers is plummeting. Thinking nothing of his so-called 'equals' in France and Canada, he sees them as naive and weak, led by idealists who don't understand the modern world. His world. The Kaiserwelt.
Wilhelm IV
Role: Monarchnote Head of State (Wilhelm III succession)
Ferdinand von Bredow
Role: Reichskanzlernote Head of Government
Party: Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfrontnote The Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfront (German National Unity Front) is not a political party in the traditional sense, but rather a political experiment by Ferdinand von Bredow to essentially redraw German Politics. Combining a broad united front of conservative & anti-democrat military and civilian officials, the DNE's ultimate aim is the 'Zentralisierung' of Germany: to supplant the traditional, multi-party Prussian Constitutional system and replace it with an efficient, centralised dictatorship acting in the 'imperial interest above partisan politics'. Nationally conservative, monarchist and statist, their overarching ideology is directly informed by the Reichskanzler, and by a lesser extent the Kaiser himself. As such they can be somewhat ideologically fluid, but always absolutist in nature. The DNE enjoys the direct support of the Kaiser, and many of the most politically influential groups in the Empire. It can be likened to a modern incarnation of the functionally defunct DVLP, though with völkisch elements sidelined., DNE (SB) (Schleicherist path)
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Herbert von Bose
Role: Interior Minister (Bredow cabinet), Reichskanzlernote Head of Government (Schleicherist Bredow succession)
Party: Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfrontnote The Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfront (German National Unity Front) is not a political party in the traditional sense, but rather a political experiment by Ferdinand von Bredow to essentially redraw German Politics. Combining a broad united front of conservative & anti-democrat military and civilian officials, the DNE's ultimate aim is the 'Zentralisierung' of Germany: to supplant the traditional, multi-party Prussian Constitutional system and replace it with an efficient, centralised dictatorship acting in the 'imperial interest above partisan politics'. Nationally conservative, monarchist and statist, their overarching ideology is directly informed by the Reichskanzler, and by a lesser extent the Kaiser himself. As such they can be somewhat ideologically fluid, but always absolutist in nature. The DNE enjoys the direct support of the Kaiser, and many of the most politically influential groups in the Empire. It can be likened to a modern incarnation of the functionally defunct DVLP, though with völkisch elements sidelined., DNE (SB) (Schleicherist path)
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Graf von Blumenthal
Role: Reichskanzlernote Head of Government (Schleicherist Bredow succession or Constitutionalist/Goerdeler succession)
Party: Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfrontnote The Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfront (German National Unity Front) is not a political party in the traditional sense, but rather a political experiment by Ferdinand von Bredow to essentially redraw German Politics. Combining a broad united front of conservative & anti-democrat military and civilian officials, the DNE's ultimate aim is the 'Zentralisierung' of Germany: to supplant the traditional, multi-party Prussian Constitutional system and replace it with an efficient, centralised dictatorship acting in the 'imperial interest above partisan politics'. Nationally conservative, monarchist and statist, their overarching ideology is directly informed by the Reichskanzler, and by a lesser extent the Kaiser himself. As such they can be somewhat ideologically fluid, but always absolutist in nature. The DNE enjoys the direct support of the Kaiser, and many of the most politically influential groups in the Empire. It can be likened to a modern incarnation of the functionally defunct DVLP, though with völkisch elements sidelined., DNE (SB) (Schleicherist path), Deutschkonservative Parteinote The Deutschkonservative Partei (German Conservative Party) was formed in 1876, and ever since has been either the ruling, or one of the most important, parties in Germany. That was until the end of the Weltkrieg. With the liberal March Constitution and the rise of the DVLP, the future of the DkP saw an all time low, but now they have since recovered under Schleicher's wartime government. The aftermath of Red government. The Brunswick saw Kuno von Westarp jettisoned as party chairman, being succeeded Carl Friedrich Goerdeler. After the DRP collapsed, many of her former members joined the DkP as a more moderate, pragmatic faction, led by Robert Lehr. They're avowed monarchists, nationalist conservatives, and economic interventionists. Many of them are also pretty non-committal on the stance of democracy, and if the DNE experiment succeeds many, but not all DkP politicians and voters will form the new political base. (Constitutionalist path)
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy, Authoritarian Democracy (Constitutionalist path)
Johannes Popitz
Role: Economic Minister (Bredow cabinet), Reichskanzlernote Head of Government (Schleicherist Bredow succession)
Party: Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfrontnote The Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfront (German National Unity Front) is not a political party in the traditional sense, but rather a political experiment by Ferdinand von Bredow to essentially redraw German Politics. Combining a broad united front of conservative & anti-democrat military and civilian officials, the DNE's ultimate aim is the 'Zentralisierung' of Germany: to supplant the traditional, multi-party Prussian Constitutional system and replace it with an efficient, centralised dictatorship acting in the 'imperial interest above partisan politics'. Nationally conservative, monarchist and statist, their overarching ideology is directly informed by the Reichskanzler, and by a lesser extent the Kaiser himself. As such they can be somewhat ideologically fluid, but always absolutist in nature. The DNE enjoys the direct support of the Kaiser, and many of the most politically influential groups in the Empire. It can be likened to a modern incarnation of the functionally defunct DVLP, though with völkisch elements sidelined., DNE (SB) (Schleicherist path)
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Eugen Ott
Role: Reichskanzlernote Head of Government (Popitz succession)
Party: DNE (SB)
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Eberhard von Mackensen
Role: Reichskanzlernote Head of Government (Schleicherist Bredow succession)
Party: Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfrontnote The Deutsche Nationale Einheitsfront (German National Unity Front) is not a political party in the traditional sense, but rather a political experiment by Ferdinand von Bredow to essentially redraw German Politics. Combining a broad united front of conservative & anti-democrat military and civilian officials, the DNE's ultimate aim is the 'Zentralisierung' of Germany: to supplant the traditional, multi-party Prussian Constitutional system and replace it with an efficient, centralised dictatorship acting in the 'imperial interest above partisan politics'. Nationally conservative, monarchist and statist, their overarching ideology is directly informed by the Reichskanzler, and by a lesser extent the Kaiser himself. As such they can be somewhat ideologically fluid, but always absolutist in nature. The DNE enjoys the direct support of the Kaiser, and many of the most politically influential groups in the Empire. It can be likened to a modern incarnation of the functionally defunct DVLP, though with völkisch elements sidelined., DNE (SB) (Schleicherist path)
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Carl Friedrich Goerdeler
Role: Reichskanzlernote Head of Government (Constitutionalist Bredow succession)
Party: Deutschkonservative Parteinote The Deutschkonservative Partei (German Conservative Party) was formed in 1876, and ever since has been either the ruling, or one of the most important, parties in Germany. That was until the end of the Weltkrieg. With the liberal March Constitution and the rise of the DVLP, the future of the DkP saw an all time low, but now they have since recovered under Schleicher's wartime government. The aftermath of Red government. The Brunswick saw Kuno von Westarp jettisoned as party chairman, being succeeded Carl Friedrich Goerdeler. After the DRP collapsed, many of her former members joined the DkP as a more moderate, pragmatic faction, led by Robert Lehr. They're avowed monarchists, nationalist conservatives, and economic interventionists. Many of them are also pretty non-committal on the stance of democracy, and if the DNE experiment succeeds many, but not all DkP politicians and voters will form the new political base.
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
Denmark
Official Name: Kingdom of Denmark
Frederick IX
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Norway
- The Remnant: In Norway, the socialists were not installed in a revolution but elected. They remain the only country in Europe with a socialist government after the fall of the Third International.
Trygve Lie
Role: Head of State
Sweden
Official Name: Kingdom of Sweden
Gustaf V
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Kingdom of Finland
Official Name: Kingdom of Finland
Vaino I
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Estonia
Ants Oidermaa
Role: Head of State
Latvia
Janis Kurelis
Role: Head of State
Kurland Administration
Official Name: Kurland Administration
Helmuth Wielding
Role: Head of State
Lithuania
Official Name: Kingdom of Lithuania
Vytautas II
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Poland
Official Name: Kingdom of Poland
August IV
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Danubian Federation
Official Name: Danubian Federation
Ruling Party: Christlichsoziale Partei-Keresztény Nemzeti Egyesülés Pártja (Federalist)note Christian Social Party-Christian National Union Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
Karl I
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: August 17th, 1887
Persenbeug-Gottsdorf, Austria-Hungary
When he was coronated Kaiser in the heart of the Weltkrieg, few expected much from Karl von Habsburg. Thrust into a position he wasn't supposed to be in, the masses believed the inexperienced noble was massively out of his depth, and would lead Austria-Hungary to ruin. And people have never been more wrong.
Starting with the Volkermanifest of 1918, Karl worked tirelessly to save the Empire. His plans were thought to be insane, impossible in the face of rising nationalism. But he persevered, for the sake of his people. Cisleithania would be federalised in the late 20s, though the Hungarian nationalists almost derailed everything. But in 1939, after the F 48 P fell and Hungary finally recognised the need for reform, his mission would be complete. The proclamation of the Danubian Federation, a nation built on equality, democracy and pluralism, validated his every wish.
Despite being a man of peace, the threat of Savinkov and the Internationale would drive Karl to intervene in the Second Weltkrieg, saving the German Empire in their time of strife. Together, the "brothers" beat back the invaders, and in military victory Danubia would truly rise to a superpower, surpassing even Karl's wildest dreams. To everyone in Danubia, Karl is beloved, hailed as a hero, a savior, even a saint. His hatred of political parisanship has helped shape a moderate nation, where all voices are heard in equal measure. But the Reformer is ill. An extended history of stress and health problems over his 32 year reign has turned the once ambitious young man into an old, frail one. Now, all of the people of Danubia are asking themselves a punishing question...
What happens when their founding father is gone?
Otto I
Role: Monarchnote Head of State (Karl I succession)
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: November 20th, 1912
Reichenau an der Rax, Austria-Hungary
Born to the palace, Otto has been brought up to be a Catholic Monarch by his mother, and a good man by his father. He has strived to be both, whilst also developing an interest in Pan-Europeanism as a panacea for the continent's two plagues, war and poverty.
War has been the backdrop to his life, first the Weltkrieg which swirled through the first decade of his life, and now as an adult the second one, so recently ended prior to his ascent to the throne. All of this war has borne within the young Kaiser a deep and abiding interest in peace. His desire for peace has not lead him to seek to control others however, rather he is patient, thoughtful and attentive. He listens, and seeks compromises acceptable to both parties.
His education was not simply in Saints, morals and manners. He speaks almost every language of Danubia fluently as well as French and Latin. He also went to university and attained a Doctorate in Political and Social Sciences from the University of Louvain in Belgium. His thesis was on 'the right, born of usage and of the peasant law of inheritance, of the indivisibility of rural land ownership in Austria'.
Well travelled, and since his father's last health scare, increasingly well prepared to rule, Otto looks to set Danubia on a course that is determinedly pointed toward Peace.
The question is whether his popularity will persist and allow him to pull Danubia along behind him.
Wilhelm Miklas
Role: Minister-Presidentnote Head of Government
Party: Christlichsoziale Partei-Keresztény Nemzeti Egyesülés Pártja (Federalist)note Christian Social Party-Christian National Union Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: October 15th, 1872
Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria-Hungary
Born as the son of a post official in Krems, in the Cisleithanian crown land of Lower Austria, Miklas graduated from high school at Seitenstetten and went on went on study history and geography at the University of Vienna. From 1905 to 1922, Miklas was headmaster of the Federal Secondary School in Horn, a small town in the Lower Austrian Waldviertel region. In 1907, Miklas was elected to the Imperial Council (Reichsrat) parliament as a member of the Christlichsoziale Partei. Re-elected 1911, Miklas held a parliamentary seat for the CSP for the next three decades, serving as state secretary when appointed in 1919 and from 1923 to 1928, he was the speaker of the National Council (Nationalrat).
Finally in 1939 after the first Danubian Federal Election, Miklas became CSP chairman when Otto Ender refused to work with the SPAPD to form the Grand Coalition against the wishes of his party, and was so forced to resign.
Nine long years later, the strain of the Second Weltkrieg has left this politician now looking eagerly to his impending retirement. He lead the country to victory, through the fires of war. He gave many stirring speeches about the need to bend their backs to win a victory, not for imperial nor adventure or vendetta, but for the chance of lasting peace in Europe. Now he'll shape that peace, at least in Danubia, and then he'll probably let someone else take on the hard work of managing it, while he retires to enjoy the fruits of his labours.
Engelbert Dollfuss
Role: Minister-Presidentnote Head of Government (Miklas succession)
Party: Christlichsoziale Partei-Keresztény Nemzeti Egyesülés Pártja (Hardliner)note Christian Social Party-Christian National Union Party
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: October 4th, 1892
Texingtal, Niederösterreich, Austria-Hungary
Engelbert Dollfuss was always destined to serve his country. When he was at university when the First Weltkrieg broke out, he was rejected by the Wien draft due to his height. Undeterred he went to Sankt Pölten and insisted on joining the war effort. The draft board recruited him and he served in the Kaiserschützen, since as a volunteer he could choose his regiment.
After the war ended he returned to University, where he was involved with the Niederösterreichischer Bauernverband. His organisational skills soon marked him out for a full-time role working for the Christian Bloc, studying Christian Principles in Economics at the Technische Universität Wien before graduating. He then ran for political office and gained a Federal Diet seat for his trouble. His organising talent was put to work, as the Federal Minister for Railways his purview extended across the entire Danubian railway network.
He has been involved there since 1933, whilst occasionally filling other minister portfolios when the incumbent has retired or stepped aside. After a decade and a half of work, there is no joke when people comment that 'Dollfuss makes the trains run on time'. Using extraordinary measures during the Second Weltkrieg he was able to temporarily assume full control of the Federal and state railways, which some credit to helping play a role in the Danubian victory.
Such a man is known for his liking of order, simplicity and predictability in all things. He Zagreb loathes the hand-wringing, complex positions of the Social Democrats, and he believes that God lights the path that he must follow to preserve the country he loves.
Julius Raab
Role: Finanz Ministernote Economic Minister (Miklas cabinet), Minister-Presidentnote Head of Government (Miklas succession)
Party: Christlichsoziale Partei-Keresztény Nemzeti Egyesülés Pártja (Federalist)note Christian Social Party-Christian National Union Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: November 29th, 1891
Sankt Pölten, Niederösterreich, Austria-Hungary
Julius Raab is the son of a middle-class Catholic family, and a master builder. Following in his father's footsteps he enrolled at the Technische Universität Wien to study civil engineering. Drafted to fight in the First Weltkrieg in 1914, he served as a pioneer officer and returned to university after the war, engaging in politics at the same time. However he dropped out after his father died in 1925 and went into politics full time.
He immediately joined up to run for a diet seat as a member of the Christian-Bloc, in the same electoral intake as Engelbert Dollfuss and Kurt Schussnigg. Since then he's proven to have a head for figures despite his lack of a completed degree, and served first as Commerce and Trade minister, and then was promoted to the Finanzamt when his predecessor retired. Wilhelm Miklas took a personal shine to his Finanzminister and gave him the advice and guidance that polished the rough edges off him.
Raab is in some respects Wilhelm Miklas's protege, and represents a continuation of his political legacy. Raab will manage the peace that Wilhelm Miklas envisioned, no doubt.
Alcide de Gasperi
Role: Speaker of the Federal Diet, Minister-Presidentnote Head of Government (Miklas succession)
Party: Christlichsoziale Partei-Keresztény Nemzeti Egyesülés Pártja (Federalist)note Christian Social Party-Christian National Union Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: April 3rd, 1881
Tesin, Trentino-Südtirol, Austria-Hungary
Alcide Amedeo Francesco De Gasperi grew up in the South Tyrol, and while he was anti-Germanisation he was never pro-reunification, which made him somewhat unique amongst his contemporaries. He spent some time editing the Italian language newspaper La Voce Cattolica before going into politics in 1911. He lead the Unione Politica Popolare del Trentino, which merged into the Christian-Bloc in December 1920.
His agenda has always been to improve the opportunities for those minorities unrepresented by the Staatsrecht system, within that system. He was also involved in Kaiser Karl's attempts to find Honorable Peace in the First Weltkrieg.
A man of peace, with strong Christian Democratic credentials, in the years between the Weltkriegs he rose as far as the Speaker of the Federal Diet. During the war he made sure the Diet functioned smoothly and helped the government pass legislation effectively and quickly when needed.
He has a reputation of a pragmatic statesman, and represents a steady pair of hands to manage Danubia now that the storm of war has passed.
Zoltán Tildy
Role: Minister-Presidentnote Head of Government (Miklas succession)
Party: Christlichsoziale Partei-Keresztény Nemzeti Egyesülés Pártja (Federalist)note Christian Social Party-Christian National Union Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: December 24th, 1875
Losonc, Mittelslowakei, Austria-Hungary
Zoltán Tildy was the son of a Hungarian official in the local government. He took a degree in theology from the Reformed Theological Academy in Pápa, afterwards spending a year studying at Assembly's College, Belfast, in Ireland. Tildy served as an active minister of the Reformed Church beginning in 1921, and edited the daily paper of the Reformed church in Hungary, the Keresztény Család (Christian Family), as well as other periodicals. In 1929, Tildy joined the Keresztény Nemzeti Egyesülés Pártja and soon gravitated to the leadership of the party through his strong personality and his organisational talent. By 1948 he was the spokesman of the informally referred to 'Minority Bloc' in the Federal Party.
A strong proponent of Christian Democracy and Christian economic values through the lenses of big business and also with close ties to the Hungarian Agrarian movement, a Tildy government will probably see more prominent politicians who are not of German stock, and close ties between the industrial combines and the state apparatus.
Kingdom of Serbia
Official Name: Kingdom of Serbia
Ruling Party: SRSD
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
- The Dictatorship: The regime installed by Petar Živković is explicitely known as the November 6th Dictatorship.
Peter II
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: September 6th, 1923
Belgrade, Kingdom of Serbia
To say Petar II Karađorđević had an eventful childhood would be an understatement. Whisked away away to Canada in the wake of his father's assassination and the subsequent Serbian Revolution, Petar's early life revolved around tutelage from his uncle Pavle, instilling the cosmopolitian, yet revanchist ideals of the British Nobility at the time in the young prince. Another paradigm shift would occur in 1936, following Petar Živković's bloody coup. Restored to the throne, Petar was a puppet of the November 6th Dictatorship from the very beginning; excluded from national and military affairs with few powers of his own. Petar served as a unifying symbol of the reclaimed Serbian state, one much more palatable than his abrasive, incendiary father.
Today, Petar remains just that, merely a legitimising symbol. His liberal, anglophile sympathies are well known within the autocratic government, and his frequent protestations about their conduct go completely ignored. The little influence he has is used on international affairs. The transition of the Belgrade Pact from its revanchist foundations following the victory over Bulgaria, to entrench the new political system, was largely Petar's Marrying into the Greek royal family in 1944 only served to strengthen Serbia's bonds to the region. Nethertheless, the young king is barely respected by his own government, and is almost powerless to save a kingdom from a regime he believes is eating the nation alive.
Almost.
- Puppet King: Petar II is a puppet of the November 6th Dictatorship, excluded from national and military affairs with few powers of his own.
- Rightful King Returns: The Karađorđević dynasty was restored ot the Serbian throne by the coup.
Petar Živković
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government
Party: SRSD
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
- The Coup: Petar Živković made a coup against Serbia's republican democracy in 1936, creating the November 6th Dictatorship.
- Evil Chancellor: Petar Živković is the true ruler of Serbia, with the king being merely a powerless puppet of his regime.
Bogoljub Jevtić
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (Živković succession)
Party: SRSD
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Albania
Official Name: Kingdom of Albania
Teodor I
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Kingdom of Greece
Official Name: Kingdom of Greece
Ruling Party: Kómma Philelefthéron/Demokratikó Sosialistikó Kómma Elladosnote Liberal Party/Democratic Socialist Party of Greece
Ideology: Social Liberalism
Aléxandros I
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: August 1st, 1893
Tatoi, Athens, Kingdom of Greece
The second son of King Constantine I and Queen Sophia, Alexander grew up alongside his older brother George who was quite different to the young prince. George was a deep thinker and took his education seriously, whereas Alexander was boisterous and reckless. A large portion of his teenage years were spent in search of chasing desirable girls: wall jumping and sneaking out of the house included.
At the age of twenty-three, Alexander was thrust onto the throne by the Entente powers - bypassing his older brother who had sided with his pro-neutrality father. When the rest of the family were filing out of the palace, Alexander could only weep as he was left alone in the palace surrounded by a court who openly talked of him as "the son of a traitor".
When the monarchy was abolished in 1919, Alexander fled Greece first staying in England and after the revolution, Canada. Mingling with contemporaries including the heir to the British throne Edward. And in 1947, seven years after the restoration of the monarchy in Greece, the Diadochos (crown prince) was yet again back on the throne following his brother's death at age fifty-seven.
King Alexander, simply put, could not care less for the quarrels of party politics nor the stresses of government interactions. Whenever he can, Alexander will be mending vintage cars, for which he has a great love, and taking, typically with visitors and friends, the same cars down the winding roads of his private estate of Kifissia just north of Athens. Alexander is often met by his premier still in his oil-splattered overalls.
Bulgaria
Official Name: Tsardom of Bulgaria
Boris III
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Romania
Official Name: Kingdom of Romania
Carol II
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Ukrainian State
Official Name: Ukrainian State
Pavlo Skoropadsky
Role: Hetmannote Head of State
Russia
Official Name: Russian State
Ruling Party: Soyuz Zashchity Rodiny i Svobody - Hardlinernote Union for the Defense of the Motherland and Freedom
Ideology: National Populism
- Civil War: Vozhd Savinkov's death leads to the Russian Winter, a civil war between three factions of the NRPR: reformists, hardliners and revisionists.
- The Empire: Russia is a far-right, belligerent, militarist dictatorship, which Boris Savinkov turned into a full-fledged war machine. It is unwilling (and sometimes outright refuses) to negotiate with other nations, seeing military action as the only rule of engagement.
- Irony: In this timeline, Russia fought a Great Patriotic War with Germany, like what the Soviet Union did in real life. However, while the real Great Patriotic War was fought to protect the USSR from Nazism, this Great Patriotic War was instigated by a far-right Russia to reclaim the lands lost after the Brest-Litovsk Treaty.
Boris Savinkov
Role: Vozhdnote Head of State
Party: Soyuz Zashchity Rodiny i Svobody - Hardlinernote Union for the Defense of the Motherland and Freedom
Ideology: National Populism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: January 19th, 1879
Kharkiv, Russian Empire
The Commander-in-Chief. The Pale Horseman. The Vozhd.
Boris Savinkov goes under many names, but he is known by all. Once a terrorist and anti-Bolshevik, who solidified as a nationalist demagogue during the Kerensky Government, Savinkov became known as leader of the peasants. Penning the ideology of 'National Renewal' with his '18 Demands', the SZRS began to gain masses of ground in the 1930s, at one point becoming the outright largest party in the State Duma. With crisis wearing on, it appeared the next election would be a formality for the 'Vozhd'.
However it would be a gun, rather than the ballot, that would change the course of Russia. The death of Kerensky caused untold chaos in the nation, and Savinkov served as a unifying figure in times of trouble. By 1937, he had secured absolute authority, and his mission could begin. Rapid industralisation would follow, with the goal of turning the flagging Russian economy into fully-fledged war machine. Leftist politicians would be purged, 'German Organisations' were crushed, and widespread land reform would bolster industrialisation efforts.
Revanchism ran high, and the conquests would quickly follow. Central Asia and the Cossacks were easy to crush, and then came the biggest gamble of his life: War with the Reichspakt. The Great Patriotic War started strong, with Russian forces marching through Eastern Europe. The tide would turn at Köningsberg and Odessa, and the later years of the war would become a grinding defence, with Savinkov throwing away millions to halt the German comeback. In the end, a ceasefire on the Dnieper in early 1947 would end the war for Russia, and Savinkov's authority was greatly weakened.
Russia's war economy might be on the verge of collapse, and political discontent against the regime is growing fast, but the Vozhd's personality cult has held everything together. However, secretly, Savinkov is falling apart. Every day his mind fades, his demands become more ridiculous, and his health declines. To his closest advisors, the truth is obvious. Savinkov will be lucky to reach the next decade. But to everyone else:
The Vozhd is Eternal.
- King on His Deathbed: By 1948, Savinkov has been ill for a long time. All of his close advisors know that the Vozhd is not long for this world. Although Savinkov's health is officially a state secret, many military officers seem to know of it, and actively plot in preparation for his death.
- Plot-Triggering Death: Savinkov's death leads to a power struggle within his government to succeed him.
Yuri Shirinsky-Shikhmatov
Role: Tysyatskynote Deputy Head of State, Vozhdnote Head of State (Savinkov succession)
Party: Soyuz Zashchity Rodiny i Svobody - Hardlinernote Union for the Defense of the Motherland and Freedom, Soyuz Zashchity Rodiny i Svobody - Revisionistnote Union for the Defense of the Motherland and Freedom (Civil War)
Ideology: National Populism
Dmitri Shepilov
Role: General Secretary of the SZRS
Party: Soyuz Zashchity Rodiny i Svobody - Hardlinernote Union for the Defense of the Motherland and Freedom
Ideology: National Populism
Georgiy Vernadsky
Role: Foreign Minister (Savinkov cabinet)
Party: Soyuz Zashchity Rodiny i Svobody - Hardlinernote Union for the Defense of the Motherland and Freedom, Soyuz Zashchity Rodiny i Svobody - Reformistnote Union for the Defense of the Motherland and Freedom (Civil War)
Ideology: National Populism, Authoritarian Democracy (Reformist)
Nikolai Vatutin
Role: Field Marshal, Vozhdnote Head of State (Military coup)
Party: Soyuz Zashchity Rodiny i Svobodynote Union for the Defense of the Motherland and Freedom, Komitet Oborony Revolutsionnoy Armiinote Defense Committee of the Revolutionary Army (Military coup)
- Action Politician: Nikolai Vatutin is a field marshal (including in-game) and can become Vozhd after a military coup.
- Military Coup: In case of the overthrow of the SZRS’s civilian government and the violent quashing of the protests, a military junta led by Vatutin will seize power.
- WarHero: Vatutin is a hero of the Great Patriotic War.
Pavel Gorgulov
Role: Commissar of the Natsgvardianote National Guard of the SZRS
Africa
Kingdom of Morocco
Official Name: Kingdom of Morocco, Moroccan Federation (Amezian), French Protectorate in Morocco
Ruling Party: JLMD
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
- The Exile: The Spanish Army of Africa continues to exist in exile in Morocco.
Mohammed V
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Party: JLMD
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
Sellam Amezian
Role: Head of State (Successful Moroccan Revolution)
Party: HSA
Ideology: Revolutionary Republicanism
Deutsch-Mittelafrika
Official Name: Deutsch-Mittelafrikanote German Central Africa
Ruling Party: KR-Konservativen
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Fritz Thyssen
Role: Statthalternote Head of State
Party: KR-Konservativen
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Theodor von Hippel
Role: Statthalternote Head of State (Thyssen succession)
Joachim von Ribbentrop
Role: Statthalternote Head of State (Thyssen succession)
Party: KR-Berliner
Ideology: Social Conservatism
Alfried Krupp
Role: Statthalternote Head of State (Thyssen succession)
Party: KR-Konservativen
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Mittelafrika Dissolution
Südwestafrika
Official Name: Deutsch-Südwestafrikanote German South West Africa, Volkstaat Südwestafrikanote People's State of South West Africa (Independence)
Ruling Party: SWAKG
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
- Allohistorical Allusion: The Volkstaat Südwestafrika's establishment as a German white settler state in Africa and the Bush War the colonists are involved in are reminiscent of OTL Rhodesia.
- Deadly Euphemism: The suppression of native fighters opposing German colonialism in Africa is termed "bandit-fighting".
Hans-Bogislav Graf von Schwerin-Löwitz
Role: Statthalternote Head of State
Party: SWAKG
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: July 12th, 1883
A man with a history in Sudwestafrika that is almost as long as his name, Hans-Bogislav Georg Victor Graf von Schwerin-Löwitz, Statthalter of Deutsch Südwestafrika is regarded by almost all as a sensible, respectful and rational pair of hands. A member of the Schwerin noble family, Hans-Bogislav became a Doctor of Law before joining the Foreign Office and travelling to Windhuk in 1909. At the time, he worked as adjutant to Statthalter Theodor Seitz, and those early years in the colony had a deep effect on the young man. He would relocate permanently in 1913, living in the castle-like Schwerinsburg mansion from then on.
After the Weltkrieg ended, Hans-Bogislav remained a busy man; a cog in the colonial bureaucracy, conductor of business ventures to mixed success while also chairing the Landesrat (a position he held numerous times from 1913). During the 1930s he also used his wealth to assist struggling German farmers in the region.
It was no surprise then that the Count was appointed Statthalter to deal with the aftermath of the Rossing Dossier, the perfect man to clean up Kirchheim's mess. By all accounts, Hans-Bogislav has done an excellent job running the colony, but now he finds himself in uncharted waters. The breakup of Mittelafrika has put immense strain on the aging bureaucrat, and now Hans-Boglsiav must negoiate a new government for his chosen homeland lest it be burnt away by the raging inferno of Pan-African revolution.
Hans von Bach
Role: Chancellornote Head of Government (Elections)
Party: Konservativenote Conservatives
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: January 4th, 1904
Detmold, Principality of Lippe, German Empire
Hans Wilhelm Sartorius von Bach is a tall though not outstanding man, but he is a calm and collected figure who pledges to lead Südwestafrika with steady hand. Born in Germany, von Bach found himself inspired by the "place in the sun" that Germany bled so much for during the Weltkrieg. A graduate of the Colonial School for Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Bach moved to Südwestafrika at the age of 21 and never looked back.
Starting a career in agriculture, Bach took a pseudo-Junker path into settler politics. In 1935, following the acquisition of a sprawling farmstead of his own, Bach was elected to the Landesrat, standing as a trustworthy agrarian and conservative voice, with the legitimacy of nob heritage to back him. Since that venture into politics, Bach has remained prominent among the German community. It was Bach that helped form the Conservatives, first as an informal political club of the German community and later as a formal political party to contest the new elections, and it was Bach that led them to victory despite accusations of elitism and cronyism.
The inaugural Chancellor of the new Volkstaat, Hans von Bach has a lot of work to do. The nation is young and unstable, but his true job is to protect the lives of the German citizens living under his rule. Südwestafrika is their place in the sun, and Bach is damned if they'll lose it to anyone.
Erich von Zelewski
Role: Chancellornote Head of Government (Elections)
Party: Konservativenote Conservatives
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: March 1st, 1899
Lauenburg, Province of Pomerania, German Empire
The nephew of Schutztruppe commander Emil von Zelewski, Erich von Zelewski has run the socio-economic gauntlet of Germany. Born under impoverished nobility, Zelewski quickly worked to dig himself out of his economic situation from day one. Volunteering for the Weltkrieg underage, he served throughout the war with zeal despite being injured several times. Post-war, as the German Golden Age beckoned citizens to migrate to the colonies, Zelewski answered the call.
Scraping through the Colonial School for Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Zelewski migrated to Windhuk in 1923 and quickly joined up with the provincial Schutztruppe. For the next twenty years, Zelewski served part-time as a soldier, part-time as a farmer, and became connected to the secretive Lion Society (though it's unclear if he's a member). Under the command of Theodor von Hippel, Zelewski became experienced in "Bandit-Fighting", though he was often criticised for absurdly harsh conduct and other atrocities.
Though he didn't serve on the front lines of the Bush War, Zelewski helped defend the newly independent Südwestafrikan state in its embryonic days. Respected by the settler community, but disliked by Germany proper for his unsavoury beliefs, Zelewski has finished his climb from poverty to prosperity by being elected the inaugural Chancellor of the People's State of Südwestafrika. How the radical will guide the Volkstaat remains to be seen...
Wolfgang Schenck
Role: Chancellornote Head of Government (Elections)
Party: Volskparteinote People's Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: February 7th, 1913
Windhoek, German South West Africa
A flying ace four times over. The first man to fly a jet-powered aircraft into battle... and subsequently the first man to get a victory in one too. The leading man of the People's Party, Wolfgang Schenk is a man known by all in Südwestafrika. The handsome, charismatic pilot is fawned by women everywhere, but those of a political persuasion question how apt Schenck is for his posiiton. He's not a politician but a celebrity, but one that has nonetheless risen to the top.
Born in Windhuk, Schenck was a proficient pilot by the age of 20 (no small feat in the early 1930s). Moving to Germany in 1936 and enrolling in the Luftstrieke, Schenck quickly became known for in specialising fighter-bomber combat, helping develop the doctrine of the heavy fighter and pioneering the jet-powered Me 262 during the Second Weltkrieg. By war's end, he'd racked up 23 victories and had flown some 450 combat missions, 110 of which were in jet aircraft.
Returning home in 1948 to a hero's welcome, Schenck advised the Mittelafrikan administration on the rapidly-evolving school of aerial warfare throughout the Bush War. But when Mittelafrika fell, he got involved in the new Südwestafrikan state. Brushed aside by the clientist, old-fashioned Conservatives, Schenck decided to join up with the People's Party to run for office, something they reciprocated with by making him their Chancellor Candidate. Now, Schenck has parlayed his celebrity status into an electoral victory, though the question marks over his political credentials have already started to show.
- WarHero: Schenck served in the Second Weltkrieg as a fighter pilot and received a hero's welcome when he returned to German South West Africa.
Southern Africa
Union of South Africa
Official Name: Union of South Africa
Ruling Party: United Party (Smuts)
Ideology: Social Conservatism
Jan Smuts
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government
Party: United Party (Smuts)
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: May 14, 1870
Bovenplaats, Cape Colony
Commando. Statesman. Veteran of both Weltkriegs. Philosopher. Academic. Botanist. Field Marshal. Prime Minister. All terms that describe Jan Christiaan Smuts, though the last one describes his present occupation the most accurately.
Born to a wealthy Afrikaner farming family in the Cape Colony, Jan Smuts first distinguished himself in his education, studying at first Victoria College in Stellenbosch, then Cambridge, before eventually returning to South Africa to practice law. Smuts would go on to be involve on to be involved in both the Second Boer War and the peace talks, which would allow him to propel himself through careful negotiations into the head of the Union Defence Force in the First World War. While South Africa would find itself defeated indirectly during the war, losing all her gains, he would keep the Union together through a number of crises after being selected as her Prime Minister. However, due to his handling of these crises, he would be removed for a period of five years, before coming back to politics in 1929 and cementing his position.
In this place he has dominated South African politics for twenty years, initially under the South African Party before uniting with J.B.M. Hetzog to form the United Party (which Hertzog would promptly leave due to South African entry into the Second Weltkrieg). During his tenure he has overseen a number of reforms, both regarding the slight loosening of racial politics and the modernization of South Africa's economy, creating a South Africa truly ready to enter the modern era. Despite this, while it was spared the horrors of the Weltkrieg, South Africa has begun to tire under Smuts, and it is not an uncommon belief that change must come. Many still, though, believe he is the only thing holding everything together. Regardless of opinion, however, all can agree on one question that must be asked...
What happens when Smuts is gone?
D.F. Malan
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (1948 election)
Party: Reunited National Party/Herenigde Nasionale Party
Asia
Syria
Official Name: Republic of Syria
Ruling Party: Military Junta
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
- Military Coup: A military coup overthrew the democratically elected government of Syria and installed Sami Al-Hinnawi as president in 1941.
Sami Al-Hinnawi
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Ruling Party: Military Junta
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: 1898
Aleppo, Ottoman Empire
Born in Aleppo in 1898, Sami al-Hinnawi studied at the Ottoman Military Academy in Istanbul, graduated with distinction in 1914, and joined the Ottoman Army in World War I. He defected from service in 1916 to become an officer in the rebel army of Sharif Husayn, who was leading an Arab Revolt against the Ottomans. When the Ottomans defeated the Arab Revolt, Sami Al Hinnawi fled to Egypt in 1920 and continued to fight relentlessly for the Arab cause from the underground. From the underground, Sami Al Hinnawi became acquainted with figures like Antoun Saadeh, Adib Shishakli and Husni Al Za'im.
When the Desert War began, Hinnawi illustrated himself by leading the Syrian front in Palestine against the Ottomans, the Zionists and the International Gendarmerie. In 1939 Sami al-Hinnawi earned himself the nickname "The Lion of Al Quds" after inflicting a severe and humiliating defeat on the Ottomans in Jerusalem. In 1941, Sami Al Hinnawi and a clique of military officers overthrew the democratically elected president Shukri Al Quwatli and declared a state of emergency. Despite having been one of the most reluctant officers of the coup, Hinnawi was chosen to be the face of the new military government thanks to his distinguished status as a war hero and dedication to the Arab cause.
- The Exile: He fled to Egypt in 1920 after the defeat of the Arab Revolt and remained there until their victory over the Ottoman Empire during the Desert War.
- Red Baron: He became known as "The Lion of Al Quds" after inflicting a severe and humiliating defeat on the Ottomans in Jerusalem in 1939.
- Reluctant Ruler: Hinnawi was chosen to be the face of the new military government despite having been one of the most reluctant officers of the coup.
- Tyrant Takes the Helm: The military coup overthew the democratically elected president of Syria Shukri Al Quwatli and replaced him with a military junta.
- WarHero: He is a famed hero of the Desert War.
Union of India
Official Name: Union of India
Ideology: Radical Socialism
- The Remnant: The Union of India is one of the last socialist countries in the world with the defeat of the Third International.
Jawaharlal Nehru
Role: Head of State
Ideology: Radical Socialism
Bhutan
Official Name: Bhutan
Jigme Dorji
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Japanese Protectorate of Malaya
Official Name: Japanese Protectorate of Malaya
Malaya has been under Japanese rule since its conquest from German East Asia, establishing a protectorate controlled by the Imperial Japanese Army.
Imamura Hitoshi
Role: Head of State
Imamura Hitoshi is the general placed in control of Malaya by Japan.
- Action Politician: Hitoshi is an IJA general and leader of their military administration in Malaya.
Ibrahim al-Masyrhur
Role: Head of State (Elections)
Empire of Japan
Official Name: Empire of Japan
Ruling Party: People's Government Associationnote The People's Government Association, also known as the Minseikai, is a syncretic political party aiming to remove the inefficiencies of the Democratic processes by creating a large, diverse coalition of representatives who aim to preserve the National Polity and the interests of the Empire. In actuality, it is a front to ensure the monopolization of political power towards the overall aristocracy. A coalition of Reform Bureaucrats, Party Democrats, Kazoku, the Control Group, and the so-called "Konoe Clique", the Minseikai is often riddled with political gridlock as factions battle for policy.
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
Hirohito
Role: Monarchnote Head of State
Party: People's Government Associationnote The People's Government Association, also known as the Minseikai, is a syncretic political party aiming to remove the inefficiencies of the Democratic processes by creating a large, diverse coalition of representatives who aim to preserve the National Polity and the interests of the Empire. In actuality, it is a front to ensure the monopolization of political power towards the overall aristocracy. A coalition of Reform Bureaucrats, Party Democrats, Kazoku, the Control Group, and the so-called "Konoe Clique", the Minseikai is often riddled with political gridlock as factions battle for policy.
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: April 29th, 1901
Tōgū Palace, Tokyo, Empire of Japan
For the citizens of Japan, the Emperor isn't an ordinary man, nor a simple monarch. He is, put simply, no less than a god, and the living embodiment of the Japanese nation. His Imperial Majesty represents a divine dynasty that has lasted for over two millennia, acting as a universally-respected figure of national unity, irrespective of the viewers ideology or belief.
When Hirohito assumed the Chrysanthemum Throne following the Emperor Taishō's death in 1926, there were many uncertainties. The days that followed the May 15th Incident would end them, as democracy fell to pieces and Hirohito approved a coup to restore order to the National Diet. In the Showa era, the National Defence State would rule.
With Hirohito's silent approval, Japan marched to war on every front. Against the soft underbelly that was the aging German East Asian fleet, the IJN would provide the total victory that Hirohito could be proud of, liberating South-East Asia from the imperialist yoke. But their counterparts in the IJA would more than disappoint. Unprecedented guerilla warfare destroyed overstretched supply lines, and the recapture of Beijing cracked the facade of Japanese invincibility. Eventually, Hirohito couldn't remain silent any longer, and thus he requested a ceasefire be pursued.
The Emperor's word is gospel, and with it the National Defence State collapsed.
In its place, Hirohito would oversee a new, civilian-led government to ensure Japan and its Kokutai could survive; the People's Government Association. Having overseen two seismic regime shifts in two decades, the Emperor's true views remain as opaque and mysterious as ever. As the years wear on, many politicians ask. Who really is Hirohito? Only the Imperial Majesty could answer that, something he'd never do.
Yoriyasu Arima
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government
Party: People's Government Associationnote The People's Government Association, also known as the Minseikai, is a syncretic political party aiming to remove the inefficiencies of the Democratic processes by creating a large, diverse coalition of representatives who aim to preserve the National Polity and the interests of the Empire. In actuality, it is a front to ensure the monopolization of political power towards the overall aristocracy. A coalition of Reform Bureaucrats, Party Democrats, Kazoku, the Control Group, and the so-called "Konoe Clique", the Minseikai is often riddled with political gridlock as factions battle for policy.
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: December 17th, 1884
Shibuya City, Tokyo, Empire of Japan
Politics is a crude business, especially in the Empire. Regardless of how benevolent one's ambitions may be, they must be ready to cease any semblance of integrity or morality to achieve their visions. That's where Yoriyasu Arima comes in.
One of Konoe's finest lieutenants, Arima is a product of the statesman's strategic political maneuvers, ensuring that he and his clique will not be left in the dust of the New Order. A revolutionary noble like Konoe, he has endowed himself with the works of Marx and Stimer and an ardent supporter of the People's Rule Movement, believing that such archaic systems eventually bring about resentment and suffering - something that the Empire is currently beset by.
While a supporter of People's Rule, he is no saint or blinded by naivety. His stint in both chambers of the Diet has taught him that revolutions require dirty hands - hands which he shall provide. Through a mixture of showering Yen to his rivals and stacking his cabinet with unsavory personalities, he has maintained near-absolute control over the Minseikai, ensuring he has enough ammunition to implement his reforms.
Yet, the throne he sits on is nothing but a house of cards. His facade may be clean, but the skeletons remain. The crude tactics that Arima insisted on using incur a debt - one that is awaiting its payment. Eventually, one day or another, his debt will be too much to pay. Yet, at the end of the day...
The people will decide his fate. After all, the people rule, right?
China
Guangzhou Government
Official Name: Guangzhou Government
Ruling Party: China Zhi Gong Partynote Literally the Public Interest Party of China, the CZGP had always stood at the forefront of the federalist movement. Its unyielding social democratic views and dedication to a western-style, multi-party democracy had won the support of the progressive bourgeoisie, enlightened gentry, and westernized Chinese diaspora elites.
Formed in 1925 by Governor Chen Jiongming following his rebellion against Sun Yat-sen, the CZGP had a tense relationship with the KMT throughout the 1930s. The National Resistance War would prove to be almost catastrophic for the CZGP, due to the betrayal of its allies, Hong Zhaolin's Old Guangdong Clique, and Chen Lianbo's Merchant Corp. Retreated to Chongqing, Kuomintang and CZGP reluctantly reconciled under Japanese pressure.
The aged Chen Jiongming retired from political life and participated in social activism among Chinese expatriates, raising funds and goods for the war. Now, Chen Qiyou, Jiongming's former secretary, and second-in-command had taken charge of the CZGP. This time, there wasn't concessions to local patronage and warlord legacy, no compromise to the old establishment. Becoming the backbone of the civil service and cracking KMT dominance in the National Revolutionary Army, the CZGP had the institutional freedom to put real democratic ideals to practice - the untainted, earliest vision of Jiongming.
Ideology: Social Democracy
- The Remnant: The remains of the Left-Kuomintang joined the Federalists in order to see to the defeat of the Fengtian Government.
Chen Qiyou
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: China Zhi Gong Partynote Literally the Public Interest Party of China, the CZGP had always stood at the forefront of the federalist movement. Its unyielding social democratic views and dedication to a western-style, multi-party democracy had won the support of the progressive bourgeoisie, enlightened gentry, and westernized Chinese diaspora elites.
Formed in 1925 by Governor Chen Jiongming following his rebellion against Sun Yat-sen, the CZGP had a tense relationship with the KMT throughout the 1930s. The National Resistance War would prove to be almost catastrophic for the CZGP, due to the betrayal of its allies, Hong Zhaolin's Old Guangdong Clique, and Chen Lianbo's Merchant Corp. Retreated to Chongqing, Kuomintang and CZGP reluctantly reconciled under Japanese pressure.
The aged Chen Jiongming retired from political life and participated in social activism among Chinese expatriates, raising funds and goods for the war. Now, Chen Qiyou, Jiongming's former secretary, and second-in-command had taken charge of the CZGP. This time, there wasn't concessions to local patronage and warlord legacy, no compromise to the old establishment. Becoming the backbone of the civil service and cracking KMT dominance in the National Revolutionary Army, the CZGP had the institutional freedom to put real democratic ideals to practice - the untainted, earliest vision of Jiongming.
Ideology: Social Democracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: 1892
Chen Qiyou was a young man studying medicine when China flared up in revolution. An early member of the KMT, Qiyou would serve as Chen Jiongming's secretary and close confident, though he would step away from politics during the KMT-Jiongming schism that ripped apart Guangdong. After several years working in as a low-level bureaucrat, Chen would return to politics, joining the CZGP in 1931, being elected to the Provincial Assembly later that year and quickly regaining the favour of his former mentor. When the League collapsed, Chen would be instrumental as a diplomatic negotiator, forging ties with other newly-independent provinces and being largely responsible for the southern alliance that would become the Guangzhou Government.
The Japanese invasion of Guangzhou threatened to undo everything the Federalists had created, and the retreat to Chongqing was costly. But Qiyou saw an opportunity to bury the hatchet with the resurgent, recently unified KMT, and combine their forces against the invaders. Working alongside Madame Soong to persuade his mentor to step down for the good of China, the initially shaky alliance between the KMT and CZGP proved to be just strong enough to stabilise the front. It was no surprise then that Qiyou was selected the new Chairman of the CZGP, to be the Federalist torchbearer into the future.
As President, Qiyou oversaw the expulsion of the Japanese hordes, and the triumphant return to Guangzhou. His rule has seen the entrenchment of the federalist, pluralist values the Constitution was built on, and the expansion of democratic institutions to fulfill Jiongming's vision of a free multi-party democracy. As the area controlled by Guangzhou continues to prosper, and Federalist thought is disseminated throughout the provinces, many have come to see Chen Qiyou as the perfect leader of China: A diplomatic, altruistic statesman, forever willing to serve the people.
Beiyang Government
Official Name: Beiyang Government
Ruling Party: Staff College Cliquenote After the demise of the old warlords such as Wu Peifu and Zhang Zuolin, Beiyang's fragmented political patronage system based on region, family, or education also disintegrated. Traditional ties gradually give way to personalistic authorities of charismatic leaders with clear agendas.
Zhang Xueliang's faction is known as the Staff College Clique. Most members were not graduates of the Army Staff College in Beijing. Instead, it includes his inner circle of cronies, bureaucrats loyal to Zhang's father and son, and oligarchs in Zhang's spoil network. Their influence and unity relied heavily on the political legacy of the deceased Zhang Zuolin. Lacking his father's political maneuvering and authority to control the rising military and political strongmen, the Young Marshal struggles to control this increasingly diunited camarilla. Faced with gradually depleting political capital and the increasing popularity of Yang Yuting, Zhang had found a way to maintain his authority without relying on the military or his father at all costs.
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
- Hereditary Republic: Zhang Xueliang replaced Zhang Zuolin as President of the Beiyang Government by virtue of being his son.
Zhang Xueliang
Role: Presidentnote Head of State
Party: Staff College Cliquenote After the demise of the old warlords such as Wu Peifu and Zhang Zuolin, Beiyang's fragmented political patronage system based on region, family, or education also disintegrated. Traditional ties gradually give way to personalistic authorities of charismatic leaders with clear agendas.
Zhang Xueliang's faction is known as the Staff College Clique. Most members were not graduates of the Army Staff College in Beijing. Instead, it includes his inner circle of cronies, bureaucrats loyal to Zhang's father and son, and oligarchs in Zhang's spoil network. Their influence and unity relied heavily on the political legacy of the deceased Zhang Zuolin. Lacking his father's political maneuvering and authority to control the rising military and political strongmen, the Young Marshal struggles to control this increasingly diunited camarilla. Faced with gradually depleting political capital and the increasing popularity of Yang Yuting, Zhang had found a way to maintain his authority without relying on the military or his father at all costs.
Ideology: Authoritarian Democracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: June 3rd, 1901
Haicheng, Fengtian, Qing Empire
There's an unspoken rule in many Asian societies - only the most powerful positions are reserved for elders and elders alone. That is until Zhang Xueliang was born. Known to many as the "Young Marshal", he is one of the youngest generals that ever walked the Earth. Born to a military family, it was no coincidence that he decided to follow the footsteps of his father, Zhang Zhoulin, to become a soldier, a particularly competent one at that. He was a rising star, the perfect successor to take his father's place on the pedestal.
Yet, even a soldier can break in an instant.
Guo Songling, Zhang's mentor and friend, was executed by Yang Yuting. The "Young Marshal" was gone. He succumbed to a life of booze, whores, and opium. What was once China's youngest and most successful general is seemingly lost, replaced by a man who can't face his fear and his inner demons, who decided to drown himself in phantom pleasures in an effort to escape his true destiny.
Fortunately, redemption is ripe for the taking.
As Japan sent its waves of soldiers to punish the so-called "rebellious state" of Fengtian, Xueliang saw an opportunity to redeem him. With the help of his adjutant, Lu Zhengcao, he was able to free himself from the from the chains of vices. One by one, the Japanese fell as they witness the return of the "Young Marshal", bolder and fiercer than ever. When his father died, he inherited the position that he was destined to hold - leader of the Beiyang Government. But the newly minted Xueliang has a troubled time ahead.
The Guangzhou Government, led by the Kuomintang and the Federalists, have called our rule as nothing but autocratic and corrupt, seeing it as unworthy to lead China. Negotiations are underway, but that is just the exterior. Many factions want Zhang out of the picture, with Generals already plotting under his shadow. Many things can happen, but one thing is certain:
Fortune favors the bold, and bold action is needed.
- Red Baron: The Young Marshal, due to his youth while most other Chinese political and military leaders are much older.
Ma Clique
Official Name: Ma Clique
Ruling Party: Xining Military Administration
Ideology: National Populism
Ma Bufang
Role: Governornote Head of State
Party: Xining Military Administration
Ideology: National Populism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: 1903
Hezhou, Gansu, Qing Empire
Where does one start with Ma Bufang? A moderniser who has brought Qinghai into the modern age. An islamist militarist who has managed to balance out the old Hui-Han ethnic divide, and saved his lands from the brink of defeat. A centralising general who has begun to alienate his own people. Bufang is all of these and many more.
Usurping Qinghai from his uncle Ma Lin after the loss of Yushu to the Tibetans, Ma Bufang quickly got to work consolidating his power over the other Ma provinces. The recapture of Yushu was a cause for celebration, even if it was mostly thanks to the forces of Sichuan. His heavily criticised Suiyuan Deal, where Shanxi was permitted to re-occupy the region in exchange for military support, could have ended in disaster for Bufang. But instead, it sent the Mongolian troops into chaos, and ultimately ended the war in the Chinese's favour.
When the war was won, Bufang's work wasn't over. Ending the rivalry between Ma Hongkui and Ma Hongbin wasn't easy, but by playing them off eachother Bufang was able to secure his position at the top of the clique. With industrialisation campaigns paying dividends, and strict policies on left-wing revolutionaries keeping destabilising influences at bay, the Ma Clique has flourished under his rule. However, his lack of commitment to the Beiyang Government during the Second Sino-Japanese War angered many, and his hardline positions are beginning to cause political stagnation. With Bufang setting his sights on expansionism to reinvigorate faith in his administration, anything but absolute victory is likely to bring the knives out once again.
Xinjiang Clique
Official Name: Xinjiang Clique
Ruling Party: XCG
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
Liu Wenlong
Role: Governornote Head of State
Party: XCG
Ideology: Paternal Autocracy
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: 1871
Yueyang, Hunan, Qing Empire
Governor Liu Wenlong never wanted the spotlight. Beginning his career as a prefect of various cities throughout Xinjiang, Liu made a name for himself as a competent administrator and bureaucrat, though even he was tainted with the corruption that collapsed the Great Qing. Eventually, his skills were noticed by Governor Yang Zengxin, and Liu was appointed Commissioner for Education in 1922.
Liu would diligently continue in his role, before being transferred to Xinjiang's representative in Beijing. This was an important role, but his 'promotion' was really to keep him out of domestic affairs; his policy of conciliation with the Ugyhurs was unpopular, and deemed to be potentially dangerous to the Xinjiang administration.
When Zengxin disappeared in 1936, Jin Shuren was promoted to Governor. The two disliked each other, but Liu's competence in Beijing ensured his position was protected. Shortly before the Xinjiang War, Liu attempted to advise Jin to have a softer touch on the Uyghurs. This, of course, fell on deaf ears, and Xinjiang ignited into civil war. Jin's armies would be victorious, but at the cost of a lengthy partisan campaign stifling administration.
Jin's growing unpopularity, mainly over the lingering Uyghur unrest, made Liu unexpectedly popular. Upon Jin's sudden death in 1941, Liu was backed by many elements within the government to become his successor. Though he holds the position of Governor, Liu is really just a civilian figurehead for the military administration. Many would consider being a near-puppet a bad thing, but the elderly Liu is perfectly content to remain in his post, diligently working to keep the fragile peace in Xinjiang.
- The Dissenter Is Always Right: Liu Wenlong advised Jin Shuren to enact softer policies towards the Uyghurs but was ignored. Jin Shuren's harsh rule was directly responsible for the civil war in Xinjiang.
- Internal Reformist: Liu pursue a policy of conciliation with the Ugyhurs, originally unpopular but seemingly vindicated by their continued resistance to Jin Shuren's harsher rule against them.
- Kicked Upstairs: Liu was transferred to Xinjiang's representative in Beijing, a nonetheless important role, to keep him out of domestic affairs.
- Puppet King: Governor Liu Wenlong is the civilian figurehead of the military adminsitration holding the real power in Xinjiang.
Tibetan Authority
Official Name: Tibetan Authority
Gendun Chompe
Role: Head of State
Oceania
Australasia
Official Name: Australasian Confederation
Ruling Party: United Australasia Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
- The Coup: The Australasian Guard attempted a coup against the government but was defeated.
Henry, Duke of Gloucester
Role: Governor-Generalnote Head of State
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: March 31st, 1900
York Cottage, England, United Kingdom
Born to the late King George V and Queen Mary of Teck on March 31st, 1900. Due to his status as a royal, Henry grew up in a privileged lifestyle. Like his brother Albert however, Henry had many medical problems. As his father ascended to the throne in 1910, he became third in line to the throne, a position he would never reach. While not as bright as his brothers, he became known for his lively attitude and enthusiasm.
Due to his studies and his lineage, Henry joined the Royal Armed Forces soon after leaving university. Instead of joining the Royal Navy, he instead joined the Royal Army. He was soon commissioned a second lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps on 16 July 1919. He was soon deployed to the Western Front Front, seeing combat for the first time. Each day seemed to be worse and worse as the Allied forces got pushed farther and farther back. A few months later, Henry's father and the rest of the Allies pressured France to sign the Peace with Honor, ending the Weltkrieg.
Henry was sent home where he stayed within his military post until the British Revolution when he fled to Canada with the rest of the Royal Family. Once in Canada, he took up the position as a major-general in the Canadian Army. After the Second Weltkrieg and Reclamation of Britain ended, he took up the position of Governor-General of the Australasian Confederation where he stands as the leader.
Sidney Holland
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government
Party: United Australasia Party
Ideology: Social Conservatism
In-Game Biography Click to ShowBorn: October 18th, 1893
Greendale, New Zealand
Unlike his contemporary, Sidney Holland was not born into royalty and instead was born to a merchant and later Reform Party MP. Sidney was the youngest of a family of eight children. He enlisted in the ANZAC after the Weltkrieg broke out in 1915 first serving as a territorial. Henry would see combat on the Western Front. He would rise to the on: he would rise to rank of second lieutenant. However, during the Battle of Messines, he would experience extremely fierce combat. Due to the mutinies within the French Army, the British and Commonwealth forces had to fight on their own. After a rather decisive victory, he contracted an unknown illness and was sent home to New Zealand.
Once he was back in Christchurch, Sidney was known for playing with New Zealand's national hockey team but soon got into politics after the Melbourne Commune and the merging of New Zealand and Australia. Sidney took his father's seat in politics after he was injured in an accident. Soon after he took his father's seat he soon joined the United Australasia Party.
After the coup attempt, he fled to New Zealand. Once the Guard had been defeated, Sidney took up the position in the Federal Council. In the years following the Second Weltkrieg however, the UAP government has been in a state of disarray with the resignation of Stanley Bruce. Sidney had soon taken up his position as Prime Minister, hoping to lead Australasia into a golden era.
- The Exile: Holland fled to New Zealand after the Australasian Guard's coup but came back after their defeat.
Jack Lang
Role: Prime Ministernote Head of Government (1951 election)
Party: Lang Labor Party
Ideology: Social Liberalism
