Vetren54

USSR The second half of 1947 The Death of Stalin The news was almost out of nowhere most most Soviet Citizens. The heavily censored press had made no mention of Stalin’s sudden illness. General Secretary Stalin, the leader of the USSR for over two decades was dead. This news, however, was no surprise to the politburo. The scheming had taken no pause to mourn for the dead glorious leader. Over the past spring months during Stalin's illness, it was no surprise to see one’s comrades turn up missing and stricken from official records. From the infighting, three clear candidates emerged: Gregorii Malenkov, Stalin’s deputy secretary, Lavrentii Beria, the head of the NKVD, and Nikita Khrushchev. Clearly though, the odds were stacked in somebody’s favor. Malenkov, as Stalin’s deputy arrived fashionably late to the part Congress convened nearly a day after Stalin’s death. Beria had already taken the stage, taking his prerogative to denounce Stalin and announce his own vision for the Soviet Union. He came to a stuttering halt as behind Malenkov, Red Army Guards stormed the Supreme Soviet. The room fell silent as Beria was dragged off by two particularly burly fellows. Select members of the crowd were picked out by the Guards and hauled out of the room, including Khrushchev. The stunned Supreme Soviet stood dead silent, the rustling of the Guards’ boots filling in the previously booming speech. Malenkov took the stage, surrounded by an escort. A stunned Supreme Soviet did the only thing they ever could do, with their subordinate attitudes from Stalin. They clapped and they cheered for half an hour until Malenkov waved them down. “There has been an attempted coup against the legitimate government of the Union of Soviet Socialist republics, by the traitors in the NKVD led by Beria. The enemies of the people have been apprehended across the USSR. I will lead this peaceful transition of power, but until I can be sure that these seditious influences have been entirely rooted out, I will enact a state of emergency in the USSR.” With the support of the Andropov and the army, Malenkov secures his position as Stalin’s successor and Premier of the USSR. Andropov is appointed to lead the new combined KGB, which immediately assumes directive over the NKVD to prevent any of Beria’s loyalists who may have escaped capture from taking power. Long live Premier Malenkov Malenkov’s New Course With the shakeups of the Stalin’s succession, there have been some shake-ups to Soviet Policy. Malenkov praises Stalin in his first official speech as Premier to the people of the USSR, and announces how far the country has come under his great leadership. He announces the successes of Stalin’s 5 year plan, and declares 1947 to be the start of his own 5 year plan. “Marshall Stalin has modernized our army, proving it to be a fearsome fighting force. He has placed our military industry number one in the world and made our education system world-class. He will be greatly missed by all.” “Today marks the beginning of the New Course. It is you, the workers of the Soviet Union, who I labor for! We must develop the rich lands of the Volga and the Ukraine to sustain ourselves. I will focus on raising standards of living within the Soviet Union. A washing machine and a dryer for every family by 1955,” declares Malenkov. “Like our nation’s eternal father, Lenin, I will embrace a a new economic program for the Soviet Union. We shall continue to grow our industry, but level off military investments in favor of consumer goods. The Soviet Worker is the most industrious, and for his efforts the motherland will reward him.” September 1947 marks the beginning of the second New Economic Policy, as pioneered by Vladimir Lenin decades past. The USSR now permits the operation of small scale enterprises, such as consumer goods stores, restaurants, etc. It is hoped that this limited private enterprise, with investment and limited oversight by the central government can develop consumer goods that can compete with foreign countries and drive forward the growth and efficiency of the Soviet economy. (mod) Under Malenkov’s new direction, the USSR marks a 50% tariff on all goods manufactured under foreign entities to allow their Soviet counterparts to compete with them. (mod) Malenkov adopts an ambitious goal for his 5 year plan. The reconstruction of Moscow. Now dominated by Stalinist architecture, Malenkov seeks to renew the city by building extensive parks, and greeneries, public monuments to the worker, and public services buildings. Libraries, new train stations, a renewal and expansion of the Moscow Metro are all on the list. Public transportation and urban renewal are an important part of a modern city, and will serve to increase the productivity of the Soviet worker. (mod) Also under Malenkov’s 5 year plan is the modernization of Soviet agriculture. A keystone of any nation’s success and prosperity, Malenkov declares his intention to put university students to work. Agriculture majors, engineering majors, etc. are sent on a year long postgraduate work experience to work in the new Soviet private industry. They will help Soviet farms expand and improve their yields. French methods are studied extensively, and foreign experts are brought in, after some heavy background checks, to teach agriculture. (mod) Malenkov declares his intention to continue the mechanization of the Red Army. Although expected to be a longer process, the latest APC design is worked on to be made cheaper with economies of scale and better component production methods so that it can be made more widespread throughout the army. (mod) The Space Program: The news of a German rocket going into Space shocked the Soviet Command. Even Malenkov, weary of large budget projects, doubled down and declared his unconditional support for Korolev and the space program. “We shall put a rocket into space, and then a satellite, and then a man!” declared Malenkov to thunderous applause. Extra funding is allocated for the development of the Soviet Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering University of Moscow, where specialist engineers for these kinds of cutting projects will be trained. (mod) It is hoped that the Soviet investment into science finally pays off, as graduates of this fantastic new system finally begin to make their way into the high tech Space Industry, enticed by good benefits. (mod for Space Program progress) Meanwhile, a certain star Russian soccer player enters the Soviet air force. Foreign Affairs: Foreign Minister Molotov, a rare retention by the new government, calls for mediation in the conflict between France and Spain. “Both nations must do their part to avoid a major escalation which puts our hard-fought for peace at risk. The USSR is willing to do its part to prevent a further escalation. We are willing to host a summit in Moscow to resolve differences.” The USSR agrees to cooperate with Greek scientists in their development of LASER and transistors. (mod / GREECE)

USSR The first half of 1947 The USSR begins a program to modernize its agriculture with the use of foreign companies, most specifically the French. With many of the USSR’s farms in Ukraine, it is hoped that the special economic zone can drive productivity to new heights in the region. Japanese Cars; Italian fridges, toasters, and hair dryers; and French tractors, farming experts, and equipment begin to make their way around Soviet circles. Domestically built under the supervision of these foreign countries, these new items will be built cheaper than their counterparts in their origin countries, but on a on a truly soviet scale. The state, buying from these companies at cheaper, bulk rates begins the distribution of these items at subsidized prices. Perhaps this is the beginning of a demand economy in the USSR. The USSR begins development of more advanced radar tracking systems, to extend operational range in excess of a thousand kilometers. These new Over-the-horizon radars are a theoretical possibility, proposed by military researchers, which work by reflecting radar waves across the Earth’s ionosphere. (mod) The USSR continues development on its oil transportation infrastructure to ensure reliable and efficient routes to major cities and refineries. (mod)

USSR The second half of 1946 “We are entering a new era,” remarks Stalin to the general assembly. “It is one driven by the promise of a better life from technological advancement. Our space program is truly a defining moment for us, and we shall not fall behind.” The USSR begins an extensive campaign to drive forward support for its space program and catch up to Germany and then the United States. A new T.V. show which debuted in September 1946, called “Ztar Trekke” details the adventures of the charming Captain Sergei Petrov and his crew, including women, and their exploits across the galaxy. (mod) New resources are allocated to the development of a new major, called aeronautical engineering. Universities receive grants to expand their labs and receive some opportunities to engage in model rocket developments. Experts in these fields are few and far between because of the truly cutting edge nature of these courses, and the USSR begins a drive to attract more attention to this major and train the next generation of engineers. Talent from the USSR’s world class universities is scouted to supplement the Space Program under Korolev’s discretion. (mod for Space Program and tech slot) The USSR begins construction of a major spaceport in Kazakhstan. It is colloquially referred to as the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and will support the infrastructure required to conduct space operations and realize the objective of putting a satellite into space. (mod) Construction moves on for the Baikonur Cosmodrome The USSR begins an expansion of its consumer goods production. Appliances, clothes accessories (Adidas tracksuit confirmed), and other luxuries in particular are set to development and then production. The committee of market affairs is created to manage consumer goods, and their development. The primary directives are to raise the quality of life within the Soviet Union, reduce the chronic shortages of consumer goods and other luxuries, and research and develop new consumer goods to ease the life of the Soviet working citizen. Soviet designs must be engineered to be reliable, and have a long lifespan. One of the first projects is the development of a new cheap family car. (mod) A second special economic zone is opened up in Kiev, especially to support the expansion of consumer goods. Foreign investment and operation of manufacturing and retail will allowed, under supervision and with extensive background checks. The Japanese offer for trade is cautiously accepted, and they are given rights to work with Russian government companies to develop the new car and sell it from Kiev. The Kremlin makes it clear that foreign nationals doing commerce in the USSR must abide by its laws and strict codes in order to do business there. Any merchant who commits espionage, sedition, or similar acts will incur the maximum penalties for this crime. They should not be surprised to be under close monitoring by the NKVD. (mod) The Crackdown Following the discovery of an American spy within the USSR, a widespread KGB search is initiated. High value locations are given additional scrutiny, and new security measures are added. CCTV cameras, a relatively new invention, are picked up on by the NKVD and begin to be rolled out en mass. They are installed around anywhere with the possibility of an espionage or sedition risk. (mod)

USSR The first half of 1946 The USSR begins to wind down its large military expansion and instead dedicates its resources to the Soviet Space Program. Production lines are trimmed down. The new additions to the red army reserves are demobilized in favor of the more quality troops trained earlier. (canceling out previous turn’s actions). Stalin picks a young and ambitious scientist, Sergei Korolev to lead this program. Korolev and his team are given access to existing research into missile programs. “We shall not fall behind in the exploration of what lays beyond our world!” declares Stalin. Such marks the beginning of the Space Race. (mod) An American spy is found by the KGB, working against the interests of the USSR. “Under ordinary circumstances, the penalty for sedition is death. But, given the thaw between the United States and the USSR, I am willing to send this man home to the U.S. on the condition that the U.S. agrees to stop spying on the Soviet Union,” declares Marshall Stalin. Development begins on a new APC, designated the Type 4. The new french Armored Personnel Carrier is equipped with a completely sealed carriage and a back door, it provides rapid deployment for infantry under fire. The chassis features a bulletproof cage designed to offer all around protection from hand-held arms and shrapnel. Although a mine would do a significant amount of damage and injure the men inside, the vehicle is designed to protect its inhabitants from instantly dying from at least one hit. A shielded machine gun sits on top of the vehicle, providing its operator with a 360 degree arc and suppression capabilities. It has a 10 man capacity, including its driver. Soldiers have the option of using firing ports located on the sides to engage in fights from the APC. On the inside, it features padded seats and air conditioning/heating to ensure soldiers remain comfortable in hostile environments such as the desert or tundra. (mod) Construction begins on a set of 10 new Chapayev class cruisers in a variety of Ukrainian shipyards. Accompanying this effort, an expansion of the Soviet Union's ship producing ability is pursued. New shipyards are queued to be built across Crimea and the black sea, near major ports. (mod)

USSR The second half of 1945 The year 1945 sees a series of political agreements, resulting in a stunning reversal to the tide of war. The USSR alongside Britain, has agreed to withdraw from Bulgaria. Stalin still seeks to reassure the Bulgarians that they are not alone, and this action was taken to prevent the utter decimation of Bulgaria by a broader conflict. (mod) It remains to be seen if the ceasefire holds between the two uneasy factions. In the east, the USSR begins to move its troops away from the Chinese border, up till the limited amount of 100,000. A large scale crackdown campaign begins in Mongolia of the communist rebels. KGB Agents scramble to track down the leader of the rebels before they realize the nature of the operation. The captured communist rebels are turned over to the Chinese authorities. “We shall not harbor terrorists,” declares Stalin. The USSR makes efforts to recover any supplies that may have fallen into the hands of the communists. (mod) The USSR begins to develop its oil fields in the caucuses to increase capacity. Work begins on a system of rail hubs between major refineries and extraction sites to better facilitate the transportation of this important resource. (mod) The USSR begins immediate efforts for the development of a tank destroyer with a 100mm gun capable of penetrating and neutralizing heavy tanks. It is designated the SU-100, and is built from the T-34 chassis and incorporates a 100mm field gun capable of firing AP and HE shells. (mod) In a parallel effort, the USSR begins the development of the SU-152, an SPG built from the KV-1 chassis. It incorporates a 152mm howitzer in its case mate, capable of firing high velocity HE or AP shells, though it leans towards the former. It is hoped that the Su-152 and Su-100 designs move forward quickly because of their nature as modifications to existing designs. (mod) The USSR begins a major production run of fighters, bombers, and close air support fighters to accompany a large expansion of the air force. Although the pilots performed admirably in the Bulgarian conflict, the modern planes of the USSR are few in number, and the older models must be replaced. The effectiveness of Soviet air power in Bulgaria remains a testament to the professional cadre of the Red Army. (mod) The Soviet Army is given boosted rations as units finally return to bases across the country. The situation is announced as a victory for peace and for the USSR to soldiers everywhere. Although the conflict was bloody, new Soviet doctrine had been tested in battle successfully and it is hoped command takes away from these developments. Skilled home cooks from the population are hired to prepare special meals for soldiers. (mod) ‘Victorious’ soldiers march home, 1945 As part of Vladimir Lenin’s legacy, Stalin begins the second iteration of the New Economic Program. In the coming years, Special Economic Zones will be set up in the USSR to allow for controlled outside investment. The first of such zones is set up in the Baltic city of Riga. (mod)

The Sofia Accords a dream that could've been

USSR The first half of 1945 A somber Stalin steps up before a crowd of press at the Kremlin. “I shall spare the pleasantries, and move on straight to the subject at hand. The Imperialist snake has shown its head once again, in Bulgaria. I have intervened in this conflict, not for the interests of the Soviet Union, as some would have you believe. To the people of Bulgaria, I pledge you this: You have made the choice to move away from the capitalist system on your own terms, and we will respect your sovereignty and the will of the people. After the legitimate government is firmly in place and the imperialists are driven from your borders, I pledge to withdraw and continue to provide the aid that the USSR has so graciously provided. Bulgaria shall decide her own course. We are brothers, my fellow Slavs, and in this moment of need, we are here.” Stalin takes a determined look at the cameras and moves on, “The British have invaded your lands! They seek to keep the status quo that has kept your people down, oppressed, poor! Will you let them do it all over again? Long live the proletariat! The USSR will never let our Slavic brothers be tread down!” “It seems that the the imperialists are determined to strike at the USSR and our way of life, which dwarfs that of the west. In light of the the current atmosphere created by British bellicose behavior, I have decided to mobilize the Red Army Reserves.” Red Army Reserves are mobilized. The USSR begins a surge of troops in Bulgaria, raising the current count to 600,000. Thousands of T-34-85 models are deployed alongside the regular forces. They are dispatched across the front lines and instructed to take up positions and respond to any British attack proportionally. Stalin offers for offensives to be jointly set up with Bulgarian communist party officials. Joint command brigades are set up, putting some Russian troops alongside Bulgarians, so they could fight side by side for the freedom of Bulgaria under Bulgarian officers. (mod) The USSR provides the latest equipment to the Red-Bulgarian army, outfitting them with modern infantry equipment such as assault rifles. (mod) Operation Balkan Bulwark: The USSR begins a massive investment into Red Bulgaria, providing funds to the fledgling Bulgarian communist state. The Red Army engineer corps begins a series of infrastructure projects to build roads and infrastructure across the country. Ports and airfields are set to be constructed to provide a steady stream of supplies to the Russian and Bulgarian soldiers at the front and civilians at home affected by the disruption of supplies. Cooperating with the communist government, the USSR seeks to set up a job program to give every man a job at a living wage. Word begins to spread that Bulgaria is one of the most modern states in the Balkans, boasting significantly higher standard of living than its neighbors as a result of the communist revolution. (mod)

USSR The first half of 1945 Internal: As the effects of the purge begin to die off, and Zhukov's new tactics come to be the dominant ideology, this marks a new beginning for the Red Army. Greater emphasis is put on quality and supply, as previous production and technology acquisition efforts finally come into full force. More weapons are stockpiled, and equipment production is ramped up to make sure every soldier is supplied with the latest in protection and infantry equipment. No soldier in Russia shall go hungry. (mod) The USSR begins investment into its agriculture sector, especially in Ukraine, to increase production with modern equipment and farming methods. Graduates of the Soviet University system are set to this task. (mod) Foreign: Soviet Intervention in Bulgaria: 200,000 Red Army forces enter Bulgaria under the pretense of ensuring a peaceful and bloodless transition from a free market economy to a planned one. “This is the will of the Bulgarian people, and the international community must respect this,” declares Marshal Stalin. “We stand behind our slavic brothers, no matter what happens, and will do our part to ensure that the revolution takes a moderate course.” The USSR deploys fighters and bombers across the northern black sea and over Bulgarian skies, declaring a restricted airspace. Air support is provided to land forces in the region engaged in combat and air patrols regularly begin to make runs over the black sea. Foreign aircraft that break the contained area will be escorted out by soviet fighters. The new Chapayev cruisers are deployed to the Black sea and form a protective barrier around Bulgaria’s coast and are ordered to prevent foreign vessels from delivering support to non-communist elements. (mod) With the support of the Red Army, Stalin announces a lenient policy in Bulgaria. The previous administration under the Tsar will be allowed to leave peacefully to Byzantium as well as any citizens uncomfortable with the new communist regime. For any that chose to stay and fight, they will face the might of the Red Army and the communist Bulgarians. As soon as the fighting ends, the USSR will make due haste in providing resources to the bludgeoned Bulgaria. “The capitalist world has ruined Bulgaria, and left our Slavic brothers impoverished, destitute, starving,” barks Stalin in a public announcement. “We will do our part to bring prosperity back to Bulgaria and will invest $1 billion into reviving the economy and rebuilding.” (mod) The USSR seeks to reassure its neighbors of its commitment to peace. A delegation is sent to the Sobieski pact offering a non-aggression pact. A summit is proposed between the USSR and the Sobieski pact to build lasting peace in Eastern Europe, whatever the cost. (mod) The USSR sends aid to Byzantium to rebuild, understanding the toll the civil war has taken on the country. “Solidarity with our friends is our ambition, not confrontation with our enemies,” proudly declares Stalin. Edit: "British imperialism shows no end! They threaten Spaniards for simply choosing their republic! The USSR stands against this blatant bullying by the United Kingdom." Stalin promises any military and economic aid Spain asks for, and offers to build military bases and house a limited number of troops. The USSR offers to bolster Spanish defenses and equip and train the Spanish army so that the nation can defend itself against any British threat. (mod)

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - USSR The second half of 1943 Internal: With the success of the previous academies of the Soviet Union, Stalin extends support to primary education. More resources are put towards expanding the role of STEM in primary education with labs and new equipment, and fostering creativity associated with the sciences and engineering to cultivate the next generation's intellect. (mod) The newly developed heavy bomber is put into production. (mod) The USSR, having rebounded from its disastrous fighter development program in 1941, begins once again under the direction of ministry of War. The new fighter is designated the La-7, with the following specifications. (mod) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavochkin_La-7 A prototype model is wheeled out for inspection. Another 10 Chapayev-class ships are commissioned. (mod) With the arrival of late 1943, Soviet technicians announce the final prototype AK-47. Stalin personally inspects the AK-47 prototype as it is brought to the field for testing. He remarks, “This gun is the embodiment of Soviet industry and progress!” The weapon is put to mass production and soldiers are instructed to begin training with it. (mod) Foreign: Recognizing the massive troop deployments by the Japanese and British in the East, Stalin orders the mobilization of the Eastern Forces, numbering around 500,000, as well as calling up the appropriate reserves. T-34 tank divisions are stationed across eastern military bases. Troops are stationed on the border with China, and sentries are activated on the Eastern coast. Air command would be put on alert, with sorties being flown over the Transarmor to protect the USSR’s sovereignty. “Any Japanese or British threats in the East towards the sovereignty of the USSR will be met with force,” declares Stalin.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - USSR The first half of 1943 Internal: The USSR begins development of a long-range bomber with four engines. It is expected to have a 8,000km range, similar to other contemporary bombers with a hefty bomb capacity. (mod) The USSR begins to put more resources into the Red Army reserve, giving additional training to the 4 million men that supplement the bulk force. In the event they are called up, it is expected that they should fare better in battle.(mod) To increase the fighting effectiveness of the New Red Army, more durable helmets and body armor is put on the assembly lines. It is hoped that every man can be outfitted with better survivability equipment by the end of 1943. (mod) The newly developed Il-2 is put on the assembly lines, with a production run designed to replace the former close air support fleet. (mod) Foreign : Russian personnel leave the embassy in Rio, clearing out the building within the specified time frame. Stalin orders the Brazilian embassy in Moscow closed.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - USSR The second half of 1942 Internal Affairs: 10 Chapayev-Class cruisers, freshly developed, are commissioned for construction in shipyards across the USSR. (mod) Construction of the Great Soviet Science Academy begins in Moscow. It is designed to be a leading center of science, with state of the art science labs and equipment. Bright young scientists would be scouted from across the Soviet Union to be educated here and do research under existing talent. The compound would feature heavy security around its walls and inside. (mod) Foreign Affairs: The Soviet Union reaches out to Spain, offering to establish an embassy in Madrid and allow for a Spanish one in Moscow as well as provide economic aid to the nominally socialist country. (mod) The USSR joins the Pan-Orthodox Union.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - USSR The first half of 1942. With the future of Europe in turmoil, the Soviet Union finds the enemies of the revolution all over. The rise of Grey Germany provokes many hardliners throughout the grand soviet, who seek to bolster Soviet defenses against hostile foreign apparatuses. “Communism is on the defensive,” announces Stalin to the assembly. "We shall take action to protect our sovereignty and we will watch the developments in Germany closely,” declares Marshal Stalin. Internal Affairs: The Soviet Union is a vast land, but such vastness poses problems for development. To better exploit its resources, a large scale infrastructure project is started. Modern railways are commissioned between major industrial centers and emerging technological and regional hubs. With the same line of logic, a national civilian aircraft transport program is founded to improve communications and operations in the USSR. (mod) The “Armament Renewal Policy” is instituted in the first half of 1942, aiming to update the aging weaponry of the Red Army. New factories are built to accommodate the rise in production. These factories are put to work to produce new artillery pieces, guns, planes, tanks, and infantry equipment to outfit the Red Army, which has been plagued with supplies shortages and old equipment that has reached the end of its service life. (mod) Work begins on the development of a new light cruiser to protect Russia’s inland coasts in the Baltic and Black Sea. It is designed to be small enough to navigate shallower waters in the region and is equipped with closer quarter equipment. It is designated the Chapayev-class. (mod) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapayev-class_cruiser ((my Chapayev-class design retains 2 seaplanes, a catapult, and the torpedo tubes)) A prototype ship is constructed in the Crimean dockyards. Foreign Affairs: The Soviet Balkan Expeditionary Force is mobilized, consisting of 100,000 infantry and 2,000 t-34 tanks of the New Red Army, under Zhukov. They are dispatched to assist Bulgaria. The USSR demands a withdrawal of Greek forces from Bulgaria and requests their participation in peace talks. Foreign Secretary Vyacheslav Molotov calls for the belligerents in the eastern Mediterranean to meet in Sevastopol to discuss a lasting peace in the region. Delegates from the Turkish guerrilla group, Bulgaria, Byzantium, and the HRD are invited. Self determination, a principal extensively supported by the late American President Wilson is cited as a reason for inviting the Turks to the table. At the conference, Foreign Secretary Molotov stresses the importance of Turkish self-determination and proposes a partition of Anatolia between Byzantium and the Turks. Other foreign powers are invited to observe. (mod for guerrillas and Bulgaria) Stalin congratulates Tito on his successful cause in Yugoslavia, and invites delegates from the dominion of Yugoslavia to Moscow. $10 million in economic aid is offered to rebuild the war torn region of Yugoslavia as well as promises of military aid. (mod) Stalin also offers to pursue closer ties with the broader Holy Roman Dominion in the mutual pursuit for peace in Europe and the near East. The USSR offers to establish an embassy in Rome and invites the Dominion to do the same in Moscow.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - USSR The second half of 1941. Internal Affairs: “Enough is enough,” proclaims Marshall Stalin, “The army is in a sad state of affairs. With the great purge finally behind us, we can make steps to reform the army under the doctrine of Zukhov. The soviet union embarks on a large scale program to modernize its army and orient it more around the German doctrines of shock attacks and high levels of army organization. The army is divided into two parts, one with conscripts and the other in the form of more professorial soldiers who have extensive experience with the army and may have seen action. The new officers trained within the new military academy system are tasked with leading the professional army and implementing effective reforms. (mod) “The progress made in the revolution has not come down to every Soviet citizen, we must double our efforts to bring education and work opportunities from the smallest village in Novgorod to the Vladivostok prefecture,” declares Stalin. The No Child or Man left behind act is instated in late 1941, setting about a series of construction projects to build new schools from elementary schools to universities in the less developed parts of the country. This includes trade schools to train the next generation of skilled laborers to provide jobs and stimulate economic growth. Thousands of new teachers are trained with modern education techniques to spread the Soviet ideology while providing modern education to peasant villages. (mod) Additional resources are dedicated to Kalashnikov's work to speed up the development of the AK-47. (mod) Seeking to update an aging air fleet, the Soviet War Ministry begins the Il-10 program. It seeks to develop a close air support bomber that can support infantry assaults as well as conduct targeted bombing runs within a theatre. The Il-10 is designed to be highly maneuverable, quick, and capable of delivering a payload of up to 600kg. It is designed as a successor to the Il-2. (mod) An Il-10 prototype is taken to the proving grounds in Moscow. Foreign Affairs: Stalin calls for a referendum to be held in Tannu Tuva, a small communist state surrounded by communist Mongolia and the USSR proper. Being a communist state with extensive sympathies with the USSR, it is expected that the referendum should pass and Tannu Tuva be formally encompassed into the USSR. The hard-line Stalinist leaders of Tuva know their duty to their people and the USSR. Tuvans are promised economic development and a special status as an autonomous state within the USSR. (mod) The USSR calls upon the Greek state to withdraw from Bulgaria and denounces its infringement of Bulgaria’s sovereignty. “We reaffirm our protection of the Slavic peoples in the east from imperialist tyranny,” declares the Kremlin.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - USSR The first half of 1941. Stalin declares the priority of the Soviet Union as overhauling its armed forces, and bringing its capabilities to a more similar manner possessed by its peers. “We must preserve our way of life through a strong defense of the motherland,” declares Stalin at the 1941 Moscow Soviet. Military Development Program (MDP): Fighter development Work begins on developing a new light fighter to replace the existing fighters and incorporate new technologies. Mikoyan is tasked with the development of this new versatile fighter plane. (mod) New Military Rifle The inadequacy of the current bolt-action Mosin-Nagant is clear in the face of its foreign competitors. A promising young mechanist named Mikhail Kalashnikov is recruited to begin the task of building a new infantry assault rifle for the soviet union. It is specified to have automatic and semi-automatic capabilities while retaining reliability. He is provided with the resources he needs to succeed. The prototypes are called the AK-47. (mod) Tank Modernization With the success of the t-34 tank program, military factories are set to make a record number of these new tanks to replace aging tanks. Educational Reforms To encourage the education of the next generation of scientific thinkers, a series of Polytechnic universities are founded across major industrial centers of the soviet union, called the Soviet Polytechnic Institutes. Existing major schools such as those in Moscow and Leningrad receive additional investments to be overhauled and outfitted with more capacity and the latest equipment. The General Directorate for the Protection of State Secrets in the Press along with the KGB is tasked with ensuring that the expansion of the university system does not allow for dissent to brew within the Soviet Union. (mod) Students fulfilling the physical education requirement in front of one of the newly constructed colleges. The inadequacy of the Soviet Navy is well documented, with only a few ships capable of blue water voyages. This pitiful state must be addressed to build a navy capable of defending Soviet shores from threats. 5 Soyuz Class battleships are commissioned at major soviet warm-water shipyards. They are fitted with Krupp cemented armor, a recent development in battleship defensive capabilities. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovetsky_Soyuz-class_battleship (mod) The keel of the battleship “Stalin” is laid. Diplomacy: The Soviet Union signs onto the Bern accords, ceding Poland the port of Klaipeda as well as a small land corridor.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - USSR The second half of 1940. The Soviet union tries a different approach at modernizing the army, instead starting with smaller battle groups and looking to make a few divisions that reflect modern tactics under the leadership of the new soviet general staff. (mod) The inadequacies of the KGB are felt throughout the Kremlin, as more foolhardy arrests are made, but also create more enemies. A priority this term is enhancing intelligence capabilities with better training from experienced officers. Merit is placed in heavy regard within the KGB, with the successful agents receiving better compensation and a more senior position within the agency. "We must protect ourselves from seditious outside influences," declares Stalin. (mod) The aging Russian light tank fleet must be updated, proclaims Stalin. The new T36 tank is put on the assembly lines to replace an aging tank fleet. (mod) Russia is a vast land, but its people still suffer extensive shortages. We must expand raw resource production to provide a better standard of living for our people, as well as have the capacity to produce more. Funds are allocated to the development of new mines and refineries across the Soviet Union to produce more raw metals, rare earths, oil, and the such. (mod) Foreign Policy: An envoy is sent to Iran asking for the right to establish a single military base towards the South, with limitations that can be discussed further. The Soviet Union offers a non-aggression pact as well as economic development plans for Iran if they were to accept this offer. (mod) Brazil - The Soviet Union accepts the trade offer and offers to establish a permanent consulate in Rio in the spirit of mutual cooperation.

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - USSR The first half of 1940. Domestic Affairs Marshall Stalin steps up before the grand assembly to undying thunderous applause. He signals with his hands to silence the crowd and begins his address. “Comrades, we stand in bleak times. The imperialists continue their unwavering assault on our way of life. France and Britain prepare to make war against our great Soviet Republic, supporting enemies of our revolution. It is clear that we must take greater action to protect ourselves and those who stand by us. We must focus on our own way of life, and for this reason I announce the end of the Comintern. The revolution abroad is foolhardy, and communism at home must be our prime policy. This being said, the Soviet Union will guarantee the independence of our allied communist states, and stands behind Germany’s actions in the Rhine." The class of ‘40 The next generation of Russian leaders graduate from the General Staff college at Leningrad. 1940 These men are the best military minds of Russia, picked for their merit in the understanding of military sciences. Among them are Georgy Zukov, Matvei Zakharov, and Aleksandr Vasilevsky. Many of these emergent leaders in the next generation of mobile warfare and combined arms are tasked with training the next generation of Soviet officers and the modernization of the mostly conscript forces of the Soviet Union. This is expected to be a long endeavor, and is one of the focuses of the 5 year plan from 1940 to 1945. Additional resources are dedicated to expanding the the soviet military academies and ensuring that the USSR’s army will have the finest officers in the field. Military factories hum to produce weapons so that no soviet soldier goes without proper equipment. (mod) Heavy investment is allocated for educational reforms across the Soviet Union, to ensure the education of the next generation in the maths and sciences. The USSR’s most talented scientists and mathematicians are recruited for the cause of bettering Russia and looking to expand the possibilities of science. The humanities are sidelined for the most part, and commissars responsible to the secretary general ensure that these pupils do not stray from the governing ideology of the Soviet Union. Intellectuals in STEM are “paroled” from the Gulags and sent to teach in the Moscow Institute of Science and Technology with a high degree of surveillance. They are not allowed to leave the campus without special circumstances and are subject to censors if they attempt to provoke dissent. (mod) The Soviet Union allocates another significant portion of its remaining resources to bolstering the power of the KGB to protect against threats from abroad and at home. The staunch Stalinist Vsevolod Merkulov, at the head of the KGB, is instructed to expand operations against enemies of the revolution with increased vigor. Soviet agents begin conducting counter-espionage operations. (mod) The final phase of the bi-yearly efforts are directed to spurring on the efforts of Mikhail Koshkin and the development of a more modern and capable tank. This successor tank to the protype A-20 is designated the T-34. (mod) Foreign Affairs: The Soviet Union propagates an offer of reconciliation with the West in the interest of peace and prosperity. At the same time, it reaffirms its commitment to Germany. It is prepared to agree to the Bern accords proposed by the Polish delegation, as it now stands. Information: Population: 170 million Standing Army: 1.8 million Recruitable manpower: 11 million Approx. 500 light tanks Approx 350 SPGs, towed artillery

You should mention that Canonism's most prominent figure is the High Pontiff, basically like your catholic pope.

((Hey there, I run the Adelburg tavern, which is located in a very active region. I'm sure if you come talk to my character in RP - Alfred Derst - we could work something out. I've got an empty 3rd story, and if that doesn't work there is a possibility of constructing a basement.))

Mattington smiles from the Heavens.