thesmellypocket

OUTRAGE – The British Reply The Right Honourable David Lloyd George, representative of His Majesty’s Gov’t. ’To the Portuguese people, Do not listen to the lies of the Spanish king. If he wanted to embrace his Iberian brothers, he could have just done so: Portugal is a free country and you have allied to us of your own will. Instead, he invaded you. He raped your land, murdered your people and betrayed his supposed brotherhood. Are these the acts of a brother, a friend, a comrade? They seem more to me more than of a gangster. And look at the contempt with which he holds Portugal. He thinks you will surrender after 6 months of fighting. He does not at all recognise the Portuguese national spirit that fought the might of Habsburg Europe and Napoleon. He thinks he can manipulate you with kind words – when both you and I know he is a man who inflicted a war of aggression onto you. Frankly, if I were Portuguese, this letter of his would give me only yet more will to fight: this insulting, absurd and hypocritical tract would only serve to inspire me to fight the enemy who thinks me unmanly, cowardly and stupid. We in Britain know better: that Portugal cannot be cowed by mere Spanish arms. Forever your friend, D.LG.’

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_rPSVEe7TEQuVFsS38-W1ZMoM4AiI4bVAEFrxcpUSoc/edit Old format!

HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE TRANSCRIPTS. ‘A BILL FOR THE CONSCRIPTION OF MEN AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 35 INTO THE ARMED FORCES (EXCL. IRELAND.)’ LLOYD GEORGE: I WOULD ASK THE HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF THIS HOUSE TO SUPPORT THIS BILL ,WHICH WOULD ENTAIL CONSCRIPTION FOR YOUNG MEN. THE PRESSING NEED ON THE FRONT MEANS I MUST EARNESTLY ENTREAT YOU, MY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN, TO SUPPORT THIS ACT, WHICH WOULD EXCLUDE IRELAND AND THE COLONIES, AND COULD PROVIDE ANOTHER 2 MILLION MEN, TO PUT OUR FIELD STRENGTH ON THE FRONT AT AROUND 4.5 MILLION. CHURCHILL: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER IS QUITE CORRECT. VICTORY ON THE RAGING SEAS MAY BE ONE THING, BUT IF WE ARE TO DEFEAT GERMANY, A LAND POWER, WE MUST DO SO ON LAND. LIKE SPOILING THE SOUP OF A MAN WHO HAS BEEF APLENTY – THE SPOILED SOUP WOULD ATROUBLE HIM BUT LITTLE – SITTING BACK AND FIGHTING AT SEA IS NOT AN OPTION. IT IS TIME FOR BRITAIN TO BECOME A MAJOR LAND PLAYER. IT IS TIME TO GO FORTH AND, WITH EVERY CAPACITY IN US, FIGHT WITH EVERY FIBRE IN THIS LIFE AND DEATH STRUGGLE. MR. SPEAKER: ARE THERE ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS BILL? NO OBJECTIONS RAISED. THE BILL STANDS. Within a week, the Conscription Bill had received royal approval – it was now the Conscription Act of 1916. It was a commitment to raise yet another great wave of troops to fight, and a statement to the Central Powers that Britain was willing to give everything to turn the tide. Passed in June 1915, it is hoped that these planned 2 million conscripts – drawn first from the youngest and unmarried men and then progressively older, will be ready for war by the same time next year. (June 1916) OTHER ACTIONS -Britain further develops tank technology, hoping to have a working prototype within six months, and to have tanks on the battlefield by late 1916. -Britain focuses still her naval production on capital ships, hoping to build 6 more Queen Anne class dreadnoughts. This new dreadnought class embodies the lessons learned from the naval battles of 1914, including much better armour, and are reckoned to be the most advanced dreadnoughts ever built. Shipwright specialists are exempt from conscription. -Britain doubles the size of the work-force by starting organisations like the Women’s Land Army and other women’s organisations which try to push women into the workforce using propaganda. -Jan Smuts is asked to raise around 20,000 South Africans for an elite division of commandos, mostly drawn from Boer , but also some British volunteers. Many of these men would never think of fighting under the British but they are offered an elite status and Smuts’ charismatic influence should make it simple to raise such a number. -Australia and New Zealand are asked to raise a similar division of mounted infantry. Or rather, two divisions of 15,000 each. These again have an elite status and only the toughest recruits are accepted. These hardy aussies are thought of as ideal. -Meanwhile, new Charlie Chaplain films are sent to the front to increase morale, as well as films highlighting the ‘barbarity’ of the ‘Hun.’ One film ends poigniantly with the wholesale destruction of a Belgian village by barbarous Germans with a British observer shaking his head and having a monologue saying: ‘What if this were Somerset, Shropshire, Ayrshire or Monmouthshire…etc?’ The idea is to get British soldiers aware to the urgency of the situation and that by holding every inch of ground, they are defending their own homes.

Great Britain (Sorry For Rushed Nature of Post) -Propaganda: more efforts are made to draw the US public onto Britain’s side. New films focus on the ‘barbarity’ of the Hun, horrifying American audiences with depictions of atrocities against civilians in Belgium. The Anglo-French army is shown as an heroic, outnumbered army standing against the enormous force of the Hun. -Response to letter: The King comes out in full force in response to the letter, declaring his unreserved loyalty to the United Kingdom and its system of government. He makes an heartfelt, patriotic speech and, in response to the letter, changes the royal house’s name to the more British-sounding ‘Windsor.’ -Production: Britain needs a vast army, fast. For now, she draws from volunteers, but plans are made to conscript should the volunteers run out. In the years 1914-15, Britain attempts to raise up to 3 million volunteers. Britain uses those professional soldiers – several hundred thousand – still in Britain to train up the new recruits, hoping to increase the speed and quality of training by integrating these experienced and elite soldiers into ordinary units, with many taking NCO roles in the so-called ‘Kitchener Army.’ British India also attempts to raise 2.5 million by the end of 1915, and Britain’s imperial allies such as New Zealand are also requested to raise volunteer forces. Around 50,000 ANZAC troops are sent to Egypt, and told to hold every inch with a fierce determination. Britain meanwhile raises taxes to full, wartime levels unseen before in her history, ship and arms production is centralised and streamlined, with a Ministry of Munitions created. Britain now attempts to heavily out-pace Germany in the naval race. All Indian forces recruited are dispatched to Egypt to reinforce it as quickly as possible. Britain’s 25 pdr field gun, researched before the war, is pumped out as quickly as possible. -Indian Ocean Patrols: The Indian Ocean is locked down with destroyers and patrol craft. British ships attached to the Japanese navy join the British Indian Ocean fleet. Anti u-boat doctrine used before the war is developed to be put into action here. The aim is to have safe troop transport from India to Egypt and the Middle East, allowing the British to reinforce it, easily. -Labourers swarm onto the western front to attempt to build impregnable fortifications near Paris as a final stand. -Jan Smuts is appointed in South Africa, and asked to mop up German South-West Africa as soon as he can. -Technology: a new ‘light machine gun’ is attempted to be invented. These guns will be lighter than the standard Vickers machine guns, and will be carry-able by an infantry soldier. The idea is to have units of men equipped with these machine guns kept in the reserve line, so that they will be able to drop into the front line quickly and reinforce key points from German attacks.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zL9MpipZUhXUZ7lkIYarWguLVyFW2pVOLpQne8hRIZA/edit

Application 1. The District you are applying for: Argos 2. Your Archon's (leader) name and history: Andronikos Mourtzouphlos or Andronicus the Bushy-Eyebrowed. A man of very unusual appearance. He has a limp, a stutter, very bushy eyebrows as his nickname suggests, and was known universally as a fool and an idiot. That was, until he started writing his history...'Here Andronikos presents his inquiries...' he began, unveiling the 12-book masterpiece as one of the greatest historical works ever written. Certain circles started to take more seriously this laughing stock of a nobleman, one going so far as to call him the Father of History, until the previous Archon himself, a veteran of the Civil Strife, an hardy warrior called Alexios began to groom the boy as his successor, recognising his intelligence and potential in spite of his obvious flaws. Such was Alexios' respect among the people that he was able to persuade the electorate to vote for Andronikos on his retirement from politics. Thus someone who would usually be regarded as something as a joke candidate became Archon. Now Andronikos must guide his district to glory and prosperity in these uncertain times. It is worth mentioning that there are some rumours that Andronikos is overcome by Eros or erotic love for his beautiful wife, Zoe, and that she is the real power behind the Archonate. But in a republican, democratic system such a rumour is unlikely, for the business of state is done in public, and not in privy chambers where who is in power can be far less certain. 3.Argos represents one of the intellectual heartlands of the world. Fiery debate is everywhere, and elections are harshly contested. But there is more than just a civic side to be an Argive. An Argive must be an hoplite in battle and without his shield and spear he is no citizen at all. Thus, the intellectual, civic and military duty of every Argive is drilled into each and every free adult male. This culture of civic service does not just extend to the middle class citizenry, but to the upper classes to, who feel a strong sense of public duty. They build great public works as opposed to closed-off private estates, and take up position on the battlefield alongside their less wealthy fellows. Law in Argos is harshly dealt. The most horrific punishments can be dealt for what other districts might consider minor crimes. The civic duty of the armed citizenry to enforce the law, and their willingness to be ruthless in doing so, mean the streets are well-ordered. Argos does not suffer from much hooliganism. The flowering of intellectual life has led to a recent religious revival. The purpose and meaning of the Gods are discussed daily, and the people tend to be pious and observant of religious practices. However, with the free-flowing nature of these debates dangerous new religions and ideas can emerge that could be the source of strife. 4. Unique unit (military). The Sacred Band of Argos represents fully the kind of civic duty embodied by the wealthier parts of Argos. Encased in bronze or iron and trained from a very young age, these represent some of the finest hoplites around, preferring to fight on foot alongside their fellow citizens rather than atop a horse as some other nobles might. As such, they have plenty to shell out on gear - making them exceedingly well-equipped. 5. Thesmellypocket #3901 6. None

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NO-Ylg9qlbC6ccIMuzrKWgNz3mtJWoPbqkm6bqu-Bf4/edit ((LET'S GET THIS HUUUUGE POT NOODLE SNACK.))

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11MoL-zIKrK-RhglnlJsz4ddMVmgvincFNol6mAKSDFA/edit ((Not as A E S T H E T I C but I was busy.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GIowCwy1uh_DN7iUwRFXZhVfr8SK23lBEIARMrWiCek/edit ((AESTHETIC POST

Discord Name: Thesmellypocket no.3901 Nation of Choice (and why?): United Kingdom. To build a new Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land! Nation’s historical background leading up to 1912 (Would like a paragraph + here giving a full account of your nation's state at the moment. Particularly important if you want to apply for one of the Greater Powers): The Liberal Party is in power with the help of the Irish Nationalists, having pushed for a number of Liberal reforms including a basic welfare state, they have now begun to out-pace Germany in the so-called naval arms race, ensuring British naval supremacy for at least the near future. However, Asquith suddenly resigned for undisclosed reasons, although it is speculated that he was caving into pressure from the incredibly popular David Lloyd George, a maverick working class Welshman with an active mind and a reputation as something of a rabble-rouser. The Welsh Wizard also gained credibility for his principled and early opposition to the Second Boer War. Now, the Liberal Party stands at a fork in the road. Demands for women's suffrage, the rise of the Labour Party, and the political fall-out from the Budget of 1909 could threaten Liberal dominance. It is therefore Lloyd George's job to steer Britain to stability and prosperity, uniting the country behind a popular set of policies and improving the quality of life in the country. Britain's industrial and naval dominance is threatened by emergent Great Powers such as Germany and the USA. Although Lloyd George is no Cecil Rhodes, with no desire to 'paint the map Red' any more than is necessary, he knows that maintaining the Empire and the Royal Navy make up the absolute bedrock of gaining public respect, and so that is what he shall attempt to do. Britain must modernise and keep pace, whilst shrewdly making the right calls at the international level in order to maintain what is her's. Britain maintains an highly-trained, well-equipped and professional army as a result of lessons learnt in the Second Boer War. Britain allocates more than double the yearly rounds for live fire training than any other country: 250 to Germany's 100, for example. This ensures a high standard of accuracy and quick fire with the Lee Enfield rifles. Nation’s Government Type and Leader/Party: Constitutional Monarchy under PM David Lloyd George of the Liberals. Any special characters you made and want to introduce?: I would just request that I can start with DLG as Prime Minister of GB. In reality he was the most influential member of the Liberal government anyway. If I can't I will just edit my application to Asquith being PM. Nation’s relative army/navy statistics (If you can’t find any pm me): https://spartacus-educational.com/FWWnavy.htm This may be useful. https://spartacus-educational.com/FWWnavy.htm By August 1914, Britain had 247,432 regular troops. About 120,000 of these were in the British Expeditionary Army and the rest were stationed abroad. There were soldiers in all Britain's overseas possessions except the white dominions of Australia, New Zealand and Canada. They also had available 224,223 reservists and 268,777 Territorials. https://spartacus-educational.com/FWWbritain.htm Did you read all the information?: yes Suggestions or feedback?: Nein

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q2n0fByCV7W7vPrbzbS1tTTPTvtq8Dl2Wopjc3Cmgq8/edit ((East India Company, early 1750. Ravl wishes his posts were as A E S T H E T I C and A V T H E N T I C as mine.

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE BREAKING NEWS FROM THE VERSAILLES TIMES AN ATTEMPTED COUP by forces loyal to HUEY LONG has failed, but it has started a Civil War that may tear America apart for a long time. Forces loyal to the President Elect and Congress found themselves firing on Minutemen loyal to Long, as well as military units commanded by Vice President MacArthur attempting to seize the capital. Long and MacArthur failed and there would be no quick victory. What followed was stalemate. Over the next 12 hours Congressmen, generals, officers, magistrates and individuals picked sides. 'The Constitutionalists,' 'Blues,' or 'Warrenists' took control of much of the East Coast and Rural South, whereas the West Coast and Industrial South fell into the hands of Long's 'Anti-Congress,' 'Red,' or 'Longist' forces. The Longists are known as the 'Judas' forces to the Blues, who try to paint their enemy as traitors going to war for benefits and pensions, rather than principle. Immediately before the coup, Long railed at Congress and called the election 'rigged', whilst a Republican journalist proved this not to be the case, in another early victory on the propaganda front for the Blues. Map: (Will have a map up soon)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14UORqOLOF9fsCstW27Df8zjBSEXrl1QbZSJkFdv_5QI/edit

-Country name: The Honourable East India Company -Head of State: Major-General the Right-Honourable Lord Clive. A brilliant politician and general who rose from a minor gentry family, he is a controversial figure back in Blighty for his often ruthless tactics and insatiable hunger for enlarging Britain's Indian possessions. He often acts independently of London and is not afraid to do so. After all, if he and the Company were restricted in every step by fat old Tories and whiny Whigs in Parliament, they wouldn't have conquered so much as an acre of Indian land. -Flag/Portrait: -Country description: The East India Company, with ruthless force and financial genius, has secured control over a number of ports in India, along with most of Bengal (Excepting Plassey and Chandernagore.) But, whilst having secured a strong foothold on the subcontinent, Britain is just one power among many in the land. The talking heads in the Commons may be content for this to remain so - so long as the tea and textile imports continue, trade flourishes - but for Clive, that is not the case. The Company, to secure Britain and the Company in the land, must focus on building an Indian Empire - a vast territorial expansion secured through the military genius of Clive and his lieutenant, Stringer Lawrence, a man with a wealth of experience who knows the ways of India... -Character description: See 'Head of State.'

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_1OkDXU8ER7pFnaS98wQLMA2t7SwnFZAjVsQ0q0aFPs/edit

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cNaMyTqbEu5m-_Xm6AHi_GOUHWUtAIxhOi3nt_xD0Ms/edit

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Etgw1iJecHpfDGldWysjHRnWNLxbTLEjVnTRzwziCJU/edit Early 1947

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xB7lkB275Izwh7dPS7sqnxrXX7PtJdS0c3kLsknbZhM/edit early 1946

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lPHgQcmmADs7ypuhG9g2VKDN6q0WCqrni3XbcTSIHlY/edit sorry for delay, late 1945

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BmWNrqI0lZZ1mLZnQPcuC0Vpe6j9oqp_z2BDUWWJX4k/edit Early 1945. Slightly below par post, rushed out a bit.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k3s0zjeLsC2-YpZWAelmc9SsAvnNfCYVxlTbvzJy950/edit late 1944

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IQaanmE4XWCx5OLN_9VwgbrcFYwLgxwWfNr9bXB73A0/edit ((Exams ahoy, but late 1944 for now

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LnGHrhfw_m-bT3M4G8MTwISduxmO1z8esi4QW0iUWfs/edit

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14L_a9ki7M316G6PyVQeSje2qhssDWqQZ5rd6iPcgWXE/edit

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gAo1OByWHGUJv--MZhC92MXkt67ftIu1CcV8iYAsQqk/edit very sorry for lateness. Internet died, I have returned. Next mod post is on sunday next week, as usual. Early 1943.