Country Backgrounds
Posted: 05:49:53 Monday, 19 November, 2018
The mad orgy of ruins, entangled wires, twisted corpses, dead horses, overturned parts of blown-up bridges, bloody hoofs which had been torn off horses, broken guns, scattered ammunition, chamber pots, rusted washbasins, pieces of straw and entrails of horses floating in muddy pools mixed with blood, cameras, wrecked cars and tank parts: They all bear witness to the awful suffering of a city
—Tamás Lossonczy, Budapest, 1945
Past 1946 games have simplified the governments of Europe and Asia. The Eastern bloc states were not yet monolithic Communist entities at this time. Many of them were coalition governments with socialist, agrarian, and liberal elements having relative autonomy. It was only after several years of parliamentary politics and straight coercion that the Communist came to dominate eastern Europe. Likewise, Communist governments played roles in several western states until the ouster from power in 1947.
I have written some quick country descriptions to get everyone up to speed. Please note that these descriptions blend history with the altered timeline.
Poland
Poland is current ruled by a provisional government, whose members come from several left-wing parties. The President is Boleslaw Bierut, a member of the Polish Worker’s Party, a Communist party. The Prime Minister is Edward Osobka-Morawski from the Polish Socialist Party, a moderate socialist party. One deputy minister, Stanisław Janusz, is from the People’s Party, an agrarian populist party. The government has not held elections. It is not recognized by the Polish Government in Exile, and likewise it does not recognize it.
Kingdom of Romania
King Michael remains the head of state of Romania, but he is little more than a figure heard after recent protests. The Prime Minister is Petru Groza an agrarianist turned communist governing with no sitting parliament.
Kingdom of Bulgaria
The Kingdom of Bulgaria is currently ruled by the coalition Fatherland Front. The Coalition rose to power after a coup overthrew the Axis regime as the Western Allies advanced on the region. The current Prime Minister is Kimon Georgiev, from the militarist-corporatist Zveno movement. Other members of the Fatherland Front include the communist Bulgarian Workers Party, the Bulgarian Agrarian National Union and the Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers Party. An election in 1945 gave the coalition total control but no faction controls a majority of seats. Tsar Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is just a child. Bulgaria is helping to stabilize Macedon.
Second Hungarian Republic
The monarchy has been abolished. In fair elections in 1945 the Independent Smallholders’ Party, an agrarian conservative party won a majority of seats. The Soviet occupiers forced them into a coalition with the Communist Party. The President is Zoltan Tildy, a Smallholder, and the prime minister is Ferenc Nagy, also a Smallholder. The communist Mátyás Rákosi holds the deputy prime minister position.
Third Czechoslovak Republic
The President of the republic is Edvard Benes, who was Prime minister before occupation. The Prime Minister is Klement Gottwald, a communist. During the May elections the communist won the most seats but not a majority. They rule as part of the National Front, which is a grand coalition of all major parties.
Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
Each of these countries share a similar fate. The Administration is currently a Soviet military administration with assistance from the local communist party. The Soviet leadership has yet to make any formal statements on the fate of Austria and Germany.
The Dutch government remains in exile in London, claiming sovereignty over its territory. Using a few volunteers and colonial auxiliaries it is attempting to retake Indoneisa. The Dutch are currently undergoing a famine due to a collapse of farming production.
Most of the Belgian government is also in London. However, King Leopold III is still in Belgian under house arrest. Because Leopold surrendered his army to the German invaders without consulting his ministers there is great mistrust between him and the government in exile. How the Soviets decide to handle the low countries remains to be seen.
France
After the failure of the Normandy invasion, allied forces launched a smaller invasion into Southern France in late 1944, as part of operation Dragoon. The initial assault was successful, and the allies were able to capture much of Southern France. The Free French forces were able to establish a government, led by Provisional President Charles De Gaulle, in Marseille. They were bogged down, however, by fierce German resistance and a German counter-assault during the winter. Likewise, the Anglo high command and the French government clashed over policies and questions of sovereignty.
As Soviet forces swept into Western Germany at the end of 1945 a massive uprising was launched by the French resistance against the demoralized German occupiers. Paris was liberated. What at first looked to be a united uprising by the whole French nation was soon seen as a factionalized affair. The French Communist Party quickly declared a Communist led Coalition government that was recognized by a few leftwing parties and by the Soviet Union. The party’s grip on power is tenuous, though, as many have suggested that the supposed collaborators the party has been targeting are really class enemies.
France has two governments, both of which have critics. Many see the Southern government as a client of the Anglos and a tool of foreign capitalists. Likewise, the Northern government are seen as lackies to Moscow and power-hungry communists. Across France independent socialists, liberals, and conservatives ponder which government to serve, if any. Skirmishes between all these groups have become commonplace as they fight for territory and security.
Italy
Italy is currently in a state of transition. A recent referendum vote on June 2nd 1946 voted to end the Monarchy and establish a Republic. The government is currently a national unity government with the Christian Democrats, Socialists, and Communists governing together. The Christian democrats have the largest share of seats. The Republic is currently in disputes with the Soviet government over the fate of South Tyrol and with the new Yugoslavian regime over the border in the Julian March.
Greece
Greece is currently in a state of civil war. On the one side is the government of the Kingdom of Greece, a rightwing parliamentary government. On the other is the Greek People’s Liberation Army and the Greek Communist Party. In response to the White terror that has purged many communist, the communist refused to participate in government. The Communists are supported by Yugoslavia and Albania, while the Republican-Monarchist government is supported by the United Kingdom.
Denmark
An allied assault liberated Denmark in the Middle of 1945. German forces eager to surrender to the West gave up with little fight. The Soviet Union currently occupies the island of Bornholm. The Danish government is currently led by a liberal minority government. The Danish government is pushing for the return of Southern Schleswig.
Macedon
Allied forces from the Mediterranean advanced into Macedon after liberating Greece and moving into Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s government switched sides and helped the Western allies defeat any remaining Nazi forces. America has set up a temporary military administration in the region as it tries to decide what to do with the region. The Yugoslavian royal family in exile has lobbied the British government to restore the land to the crown. Elements of the Bulgarian government have sought a union with the region either under the banner of pan-slavism or arguing that Bulgarians and Macedonians are the same ethnicity. Internally some Macedonians want to establish an independent state, others want to unite with Communist Yugoslavia, and a few seek union with Bulgaria.
Korea
After the surrender of Japan, Korea passed into the United State’s hands. The USA has established a military administration ignoring the several Korean governments both in the peninsula and in China. The US government has stated that the Korean people aren’t ready for independence. This clashes with the viewpoint of the Chinese government. Ill-equipped for this occupation, the government is widely unpopular. It is actively opposed by the Communist Party and the Korean Patriotic corps. Likewise the People’s Party of Korea and the Korean Products Promotion Society, remain ill-disposed towards the government.
China
The KMT rules China. A few warlords retain some nominal independence, but they all follow the dictates of Chiang Kai Shek. Conflicts with the communist party have resurfaced however. China has been able to reoccupy all conquered Japanese territory. At the encouragement of the West, Japan still maintains an army in Manchuria to guard against a potential Soviet incursion. Likewise China is currently occupying Northern Vietnam as part of an agreement with the West. Nanjing is currently in heated discussions with the West over the fates of Indochina, Korea, and Japan. Some in the West have advocated for China to establish a partial mandate in Vietnam and Korea. Others fear that China will rise as a new tiger in the East.
Vietnam
Southern Vietnam has been occupied by a British-French task force that is attempting to reestablish French rule over the colony. Northern Vietnam is occupied by a Chinese force that was sent to disarm and repatriate the Japanese force in the area. The Chinese support the local Việt Nam Quốc Dân Đảng. France claims all of Vietnam as its colony. The Chinese goal is ambiguous. Opposing both sides is the Vietminh, which had established a proto-state during Japan’s surrender.
Indonesia
With the surrender of Japan, Indonesia has been a hotbed of conflict. During the final days of the war the Australian forces invaded and occupied the Less Sunda Islands, and the American forces took the Island of Northern Maluku. The surrender of Japan ended efforts to liberate the archipelago by force. Australian and American forces started to disarm the Japanese forces and return control to members of the Dutch Colonial government. British forces arrived in Java to also disarm the Japanese. However, the Indonesian Revolutionaries have grown strong, sometimes being aided by the disarmed Japanese, and sometimes clashing with them. The British have fought with the Indonesian in several skirmishes, including the large Battle of Surabaya. The Dutch government in exile claims sovereignty over the Island, but the lack any real might to reestablish it.
—Tamás Lossonczy, Budapest, 1945
Past 1946 games have simplified the governments of Europe and Asia. The Eastern bloc states were not yet monolithic Communist entities at this time. Many of them were coalition governments with socialist, agrarian, and liberal elements having relative autonomy. It was only after several years of parliamentary politics and straight coercion that the Communist came to dominate eastern Europe. Likewise, Communist governments played roles in several western states until the ouster from power in 1947.
I have written some quick country descriptions to get everyone up to speed. Please note that these descriptions blend history with the altered timeline.
Poland
Poland is current ruled by a provisional government, whose members come from several left-wing parties. The President is Boleslaw Bierut, a member of the Polish Worker’s Party, a Communist party. The Prime Minister is Edward Osobka-Morawski from the Polish Socialist Party, a moderate socialist party. One deputy minister, Stanisław Janusz, is from the People’s Party, an agrarian populist party. The government has not held elections. It is not recognized by the Polish Government in Exile, and likewise it does not recognize it.
Kingdom of Romania
King Michael remains the head of state of Romania, but he is little more than a figure heard after recent protests. The Prime Minister is Petru Groza an agrarianist turned communist governing with no sitting parliament.
Kingdom of Bulgaria
The Kingdom of Bulgaria is currently ruled by the coalition Fatherland Front. The Coalition rose to power after a coup overthrew the Axis regime as the Western Allies advanced on the region. The current Prime Minister is Kimon Georgiev, from the militarist-corporatist Zveno movement. Other members of the Fatherland Front include the communist Bulgarian Workers Party, the Bulgarian Agrarian National Union and the Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers Party. An election in 1945 gave the coalition total control but no faction controls a majority of seats. Tsar Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is just a child. Bulgaria is helping to stabilize Macedon.
Second Hungarian Republic
The monarchy has been abolished. In fair elections in 1945 the Independent Smallholders’ Party, an agrarian conservative party won a majority of seats. The Soviet occupiers forced them into a coalition with the Communist Party. The President is Zoltan Tildy, a Smallholder, and the prime minister is Ferenc Nagy, also a Smallholder. The communist Mátyás Rákosi holds the deputy prime minister position.
Third Czechoslovak Republic
The President of the republic is Edvard Benes, who was Prime minister before occupation. The Prime Minister is Klement Gottwald, a communist. During the May elections the communist won the most seats but not a majority. They rule as part of the National Front, which is a grand coalition of all major parties.
Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
Each of these countries share a similar fate. The Administration is currently a Soviet military administration with assistance from the local communist party. The Soviet leadership has yet to make any formal statements on the fate of Austria and Germany.
The Dutch government remains in exile in London, claiming sovereignty over its territory. Using a few volunteers and colonial auxiliaries it is attempting to retake Indoneisa. The Dutch are currently undergoing a famine due to a collapse of farming production.
Most of the Belgian government is also in London. However, King Leopold III is still in Belgian under house arrest. Because Leopold surrendered his army to the German invaders without consulting his ministers there is great mistrust between him and the government in exile. How the Soviets decide to handle the low countries remains to be seen.
France
After the failure of the Normandy invasion, allied forces launched a smaller invasion into Southern France in late 1944, as part of operation Dragoon. The initial assault was successful, and the allies were able to capture much of Southern France. The Free French forces were able to establish a government, led by Provisional President Charles De Gaulle, in Marseille. They were bogged down, however, by fierce German resistance and a German counter-assault during the winter. Likewise, the Anglo high command and the French government clashed over policies and questions of sovereignty.
As Soviet forces swept into Western Germany at the end of 1945 a massive uprising was launched by the French resistance against the demoralized German occupiers. Paris was liberated. What at first looked to be a united uprising by the whole French nation was soon seen as a factionalized affair. The French Communist Party quickly declared a Communist led Coalition government that was recognized by a few leftwing parties and by the Soviet Union. The party’s grip on power is tenuous, though, as many have suggested that the supposed collaborators the party has been targeting are really class enemies.
France has two governments, both of which have critics. Many see the Southern government as a client of the Anglos and a tool of foreign capitalists. Likewise, the Northern government are seen as lackies to Moscow and power-hungry communists. Across France independent socialists, liberals, and conservatives ponder which government to serve, if any. Skirmishes between all these groups have become commonplace as they fight for territory and security.
Italy
Italy is currently in a state of transition. A recent referendum vote on June 2nd 1946 voted to end the Monarchy and establish a Republic. The government is currently a national unity government with the Christian Democrats, Socialists, and Communists governing together. The Christian democrats have the largest share of seats. The Republic is currently in disputes with the Soviet government over the fate of South Tyrol and with the new Yugoslavian regime over the border in the Julian March.
Greece
Greece is currently in a state of civil war. On the one side is the government of the Kingdom of Greece, a rightwing parliamentary government. On the other is the Greek People’s Liberation Army and the Greek Communist Party. In response to the White terror that has purged many communist, the communist refused to participate in government. The Communists are supported by Yugoslavia and Albania, while the Republican-Monarchist government is supported by the United Kingdom.
Denmark
An allied assault liberated Denmark in the Middle of 1945. German forces eager to surrender to the West gave up with little fight. The Soviet Union currently occupies the island of Bornholm. The Danish government is currently led by a liberal minority government. The Danish government is pushing for the return of Southern Schleswig.
Macedon
Allied forces from the Mediterranean advanced into Macedon after liberating Greece and moving into Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s government switched sides and helped the Western allies defeat any remaining Nazi forces. America has set up a temporary military administration in the region as it tries to decide what to do with the region. The Yugoslavian royal family in exile has lobbied the British government to restore the land to the crown. Elements of the Bulgarian government have sought a union with the region either under the banner of pan-slavism or arguing that Bulgarians and Macedonians are the same ethnicity. Internally some Macedonians want to establish an independent state, others want to unite with Communist Yugoslavia, and a few seek union with Bulgaria.
Korea
After the surrender of Japan, Korea passed into the United State’s hands. The USA has established a military administration ignoring the several Korean governments both in the peninsula and in China. The US government has stated that the Korean people aren’t ready for independence. This clashes with the viewpoint of the Chinese government. Ill-equipped for this occupation, the government is widely unpopular. It is actively opposed by the Communist Party and the Korean Patriotic corps. Likewise the People’s Party of Korea and the Korean Products Promotion Society, remain ill-disposed towards the government.
China
The KMT rules China. A few warlords retain some nominal independence, but they all follow the dictates of Chiang Kai Shek. Conflicts with the communist party have resurfaced however. China has been able to reoccupy all conquered Japanese territory. At the encouragement of the West, Japan still maintains an army in Manchuria to guard against a potential Soviet incursion. Likewise China is currently occupying Northern Vietnam as part of an agreement with the West. Nanjing is currently in heated discussions with the West over the fates of Indochina, Korea, and Japan. Some in the West have advocated for China to establish a partial mandate in Vietnam and Korea. Others fear that China will rise as a new tiger in the East.
Vietnam
Southern Vietnam has been occupied by a British-French task force that is attempting to reestablish French rule over the colony. Northern Vietnam is occupied by a Chinese force that was sent to disarm and repatriate the Japanese force in the area. The Chinese support the local Việt Nam Quốc Dân Đảng. France claims all of Vietnam as its colony. The Chinese goal is ambiguous. Opposing both sides is the Vietminh, which had established a proto-state during Japan’s surrender.
Indonesia
With the surrender of Japan, Indonesia has been a hotbed of conflict. During the final days of the war the Australian forces invaded and occupied the Less Sunda Islands, and the American forces took the Island of Northern Maluku. The surrender of Japan ended efforts to liberate the archipelago by force. Australian and American forces started to disarm the Japanese forces and return control to members of the Dutch Colonial government. British forces arrived in Java to also disarm the Japanese. However, the Indonesian Revolutionaries have grown strong, sometimes being aided by the disarmed Japanese, and sometimes clashing with them. The British have fought with the Indonesian in several skirmishes, including the large Battle of Surabaya. The Dutch government in exile claims sovereignty over the Island, but the lack any real might to reestablish it.