Rule Britannia!

[fhaessig]

Originally Posted by G.Bone

Wait a minute -

When did Indochina become French?

Thought it was Dutch...

I may have forgotten something, but Indochina was french befofre the PoD.

Are you sure you're not mixing it with Indonesia?

[Anaxagoras]

Just like IOTL: Indochina is French, Indonesia is Dutch.

The French are fighting hard to maintain control over Indochina, while the Dutch are trying to follow the British example and introduce self-government to Indonesia.

[Anaxagoras]

1961:
In Armenia, a protest against encroaching Russian influence over their country turns into a violent riot, with police barely able to prevent the mob from attacking the Russian embassy. The protesters denounce the de facto control over Armenian foreign policy possessed by Russia and are outraged that the economy of Armenia is dependent almost entirely upon trade with Russia. The Armenian Democratic Party, which has a generally pro-British outlook, calls in parliament for a trade treaty with the British Empire.

Similar demonstrations have become increasingly common in Armenia, as well as Kurdistan, Iraq and Persia (except in southern Persia, where the British are seen as the negative influence due to their control over the Persian oil economy). Russia demands that the governments of these countries crack down on the anti-Russian elements, while the British have begun covertly providing funds to sponsor such political parties.

Prompted by the new political power of black South Africans, as well as the Indian National Congress (always eager to reduce the power of the “White Dominions” within the Imperial Parliament), government reforms in British African territory accelerate. In Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania, advisory councils elected by the local population are brought into being, serving to assist the local administration, which is still in the hands of the Colonial Service of the Imperial Parliament. At the same time, South Africa is pressing for the territories on its northern border, Bechuanaland and Rhodesia, to be incorporated directly into the Dominion of South Africa.

Racial tensions are on the rise in the American South, as black militants demanding the right to vote clash repeatedly with police and white vigilantes. The Democratic Party, which controls the political apparatus in the South, becomes increasingly hard-line in its opposition to black suffrage, while the Republican Party, still holding most power in the North, is moving towards a position more supportive of black voting rights, seeing an opportunity to break the Democratic hold on larger Northern cities such as New York and Chicago.

In India, a dissatisfied faction of the Indian National Congress, unhappy with the economic performance of the party, walk out and form a new organization, the Indian Populist Party. Whereas the Indian National Congress is Hindu-dominated, the Indian Populist attempts to gain an image as an “all-India” party and is successful in attracting some Muslim and Sikh members.

King Edward VIII is killed in a helicopter accident. Conspiracy theories claim Russian involvement, but these are dismissed by all except a few eccentrics. No evidence is ever found to suggest it was anything other than an unfortunate accident.

Prince Andrew, then staying at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, is immediately proclaimed King Andrew I. His official title is His Britannic Majesty Andrew I, By the Grace of God King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, King of Ireland and the British Dominions Beyond the Sea, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India.

A period of mourning is declared for King Edward. Although he was never regarded as a particular dynamic monarch and was known for his extramarital affairs, his reign had seen the complete transformation of the British Empire.

King Andrew’s twelve-year old son, Robert, is proclaimed Prince of Wales.

[Constantinople]

Give us more!

Are the French and Italians currently Europeanizing their colonies> (Algeria and Libya respectivly)

[Anaxagoras]

1962:
On March 7, the Russian embassy in the Armenian capital of Erzurum is destroyed by a massive car bomb. Over fifty people are killed, including the Russian ambassador. The Russians blame the British for the attack, with the British truthfully claim they have no idea who was behind it. (In later years, it would be revealed that Russian intelligence agents carried out the attack themselves, so as to blame it on the British.)

In response to the Erzurum attack, as well as the “series of provocations from the British over the last several years, aided and abetted by the countries of the Middle East,” Russia issues what would become known as the “Three Demands” to Armenia, Kurdistan, Syria, Iraq, Persia and Afghanistan. First, it demands that all six states break diplomatic relations with the British Empire and end all trade with it. Second, it demands that all six states sign a treaty of alliance with the Russian Empire that will give Russian de facto control over their foreign and defense policies. Third, it demands that each state host a Russian military garrison in its capital.

The world is stunned by the Russian announcement and the British Empire immediately declares that the Russian action is unacceptable. Immediately, an emergency meeting of the Imperial Defense Committee is called in London.

The threat to the British Empire is very grave, for Russian control of the six threatened states would pose a direct threat to the oil fields of the Persian Gulf. Indeed, most British military planners believe that Russian occupation of the six states would be followed immediately by an offensive into the Persian Gulf region. The only major force in the region are two British regiments in Kuwait.

The European Defense Organization and the United States send protests to Russia but otherwise take no action. As the countries of the EDO import most of their oil from French and Italian African territory, and the United States produces most of its own oil (and imports the rest from Western Hemisphere sources), the Russian move is not as direct a threat to them as it is to the British, who are entirely dependent upon Middle East oil.

Japan, which is also dependent on Middle East oil, informs the British that they be willing to assist the British in the event of any war with Russia. The Persian Gulf States themselves are terrified at the possibility of a Russian attack and appeal for British help.

The Imperial Defense Committee decides to reinforce British troops in the Persian Gulf, as well as dispatch an aircraft carrier battle group to the region. At the same time, the Dominion of India mobilizes additional troops to defend the Northwest Frontier.

When the six threatened states prevaricate in responding to Russian demands, Russia begins moving troops into their territory on May 14. The conventional armies of the invaded states fall apart almost immediately, although some put up minor resistance. Within weeks, hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers are occupying strategic positions in Armenia, Kurdistan, Syria, Iraq, Persia and Afghanistan.

Puppet governments are installed, which immediately accede to Russian demands. The British Empire demands that Russian forces withdraw to their own territory. At the same time, representatives from the original governments arrive in London or (in the case of Persia and Afghanistan) Delhi and set up governments-in-exile.

On June 1, Russian troops exchange fire with British forces along the Kuwaiti border as well as in the Khyber Pass. Declaring that they have been attacked by British forces, the Russians declare a state of war exists between the Russian Empire and the British Empire.

Throughout June, Russian forces drive into Kuwait and move down the coast of the Persian Gulf. Outnumbered, British forces retreat slowly. As reinforcements arrive, the retreat slows but continues. The Royal Navy makes great use of naval gunfire support and carrier air strikes to inflict damage on the Russians and attack their supply lines.

On the Northwest Frontier, Russian forces attempt to punch through the Khyber Pass but are stalled by Indian regiments facing them. The Sikhs in particularly fight tenaciously, as their homeland is directly threatened by the Russian offensive; the Russians come to greatly fear the Sikhs. Over the course of a month, the Russians gradually push out of the pass, suffering heavy casualties while doing so.

In the east, the Japanese fulfill their pledge to the British and attack Russian positions in Manchuria. Te Russians, for reasons never fully explained, did not expect this and are taken by surprise. Still, the Russian army in Manchuria is still large and fights with determination.

At sea, Russia submarines from Murmansk sortie to attack British shipping around the United Kingdom. Although the submarines are rather primitive, their cheapness has allowed very large numbers to be constructed. By the summer, they are wrecking havoc on British shipping.

In general, the fighting on all fronts is characterized by superior British technical and tactical skill being set against Russian numerical superiority. Russia, having become a largely militarized society, has a vast army, but it is already being said that the average Imperial regiment can take on a Russian unit two or three times is size.

Throughout the fall and into the winter, Russian forces continue to push down the Persian Gulf coast and pour troops through the Khyber Pass into the Northwest Frontier. In Manchuria, Russian reinforcements stall the Japanese offensive. Russian submarines continue to attack British shipping around the British Isles. At the same time, British intelligence operatives and special forces begin organizing guerrilla resistance movements within the six occupied countries.

[Anaxagoras]

Originally Posted by Constantinople

Are the French and Italians currently Europeanizing their colonies> (Algeria and Libya respectivly)

They are trying to. Whether they will be successful remains to be seen,

[DAv]

Interesting turn of events. Does Britain have any prospective allies as the war drags on?

[Anaxagoras]

1963:
The war between the Russian Empire and British Empire dominates the event of the day. The economy of the British Empire is under heavy pressure, with oil in short supply despite the willingness of the French to sell their oil at decent price. With Russian submarine attacks sinking many ships around the United Kingdom, the Westminster Parliament is forced to enact rationing on many products.

Concerned about the possibility of a long war with the Russian Empire, the Imperial Defense Committee, in strict secrecy, launches a program to explore the possibility of atomic weapons, which have thus far been only theoretical.

In the Persian Gulf, with the Russians on the verge of occupying the vital Arabian oil fields, the Imperial forces embark on a daring ploy. Under the guns of Royal Navy and protected by jet fighters flying from the carriers Formidable and Courageous, Royal Marines make an amphibious landing at Khafji, far north of the front lines on March 1. The attack takes the Russians completely by surprise and places British troops squarely along the Russian supply lines. At the same time, Imperial forces to the south, strongly reinforced by South African units (many of them being new all-black impi regiments) launch a counter attack.

The Russian army in the Persian Gulf turns north and attempts to fight its way out of the British trap. In a series of confused battles over the next several days, the Russian army becomes disorganized and is forced to abandon most of its heavy equipment. Although many of the Russian soldiers find their way past British lines, most are forced to surrender. The Khafji Campaign goes down in history as one of the triumphs of British arms.

The news on the other fronts is equally good for the British. With the Indian Army full mobilized, several set-piece battles take place along the Northwest Frontier. Although the Russians do fairly well when resisting counter attacks, they are unable to advance further. Air attacks on the supply line through the Khyber Pass greatly weaken their supply situation. It is a source of pride to the Dominion of India that the campaign sees the Indian Air Force operate largely on its own, with only marginal support from the Royal Air Force, which is deployed mostly in the Persian Gulf.

In Manchuria, Japanese forces continue to make gains, as Russian troops are withdrawn to reinforce the collapsing Middle Eastern front.

Around the British Isles, the Royal Navy has gradually developed new anti-submarine tactics and begun to design new anti-submarine vessels. This, combined with a series of major carrier air strikes against Russian submarine bases around Murmansk, begins to reduce the effectiveness of the attacks.

By July, in scorching heat, a large Imperial army is advancing into Iraq, while anti-Russian uprisings are taking place throughout the six occupied nations. On August 7, British troops march into Baghdad. Persian oil installations are being occupied by Australian and New Zealand troops, who successfully prevent Russian effort to destroy them as they retreat.

In late summer, after more than a year of fighting, a large Royal Navy task force, including two carriers, moves into the Baltic Sea, preparing to attack Russian facilities and perhaps even St. Petersburg itself. With its forces in retreat everywhere, the Russian government sues for peace on September 7. The Russo-Imperial War has ended.

The world is impressed both by the cohesiveness displayed by the British Empire during its conflict with Russia and by the performance of its military. Repeatedly, Imperial troops defeated Russian forces which greatly outnumbered them, through a combination of superior technology, superior training and superior tactics. What most impresses military observers, however, is the high level of morale and élan displayed by the Imperial regiments.

The war has a number of important diplomatic impacts. Russian influence in the Middle East is severely curtailed. In response to the Russian aggression, the British Empire signs security treaties with the six occupied nations: Armenia, Kurdistan, Iraq, Syria, Persia and Afghanistan, forming the Middle Eastern Security Area. While all remain independent, the treaty pledges the Empire to defend them and stipulates that none of them will sign similar treaties with other nations unless Britain agrees to it. The rest of the world considers them to have become, in effect, British protectorates.

The Royal Geographical Society protests the name of the treaty, claiming that Afghanistan is in “South Asia” rather than the “Middle East.” No one pays much attention, though.

In the east, with Japanese support having been invaluable to the British, a treaty of alliance and mutual defense is concluded between the British Empire and Japan. Russian influence in Manchuria is virtually eliminated and the territory returned to China, although Japanese commercial interests are protected and certain other rights reserved.

Although the European Defense Organization did not intervene in the war, it did provide intelligence support to the British, prevented Russian vessels from passing through the Baltic to attack British shipping and allowed the Royal Navy to enter in the Baltic in the latter stages of the war. The French were also generous in providing emergency oil to Britain when their Persian Gulf supplies were under threat. Relations between the EDO and the British Empire are therefore quite cordial, although there is no suggestion of an alliance between them.

Relations between the United States and the British Empire are not improved by the war. American newspaper editorials during the conflict, while far from pro-Russian, expressed some pleasure at the initial reverses suffered by the British, insinuating that they deserved to be taught a lesson and that the world might be better off had British power been reduced. While official ties remain friendly and a strong minority of the people remain pro-British, there is a distinct resentment of British power among the American population.

In Russia, even more so than in the aftermath of the War for Polish Independence, a conservative and xenophobic reaction takes hold of the country. The Czarist government is attacked for incompetence and Anglophobia sweeps the country.

[Alratan]

Edit: Written before the preceding post

If the Russians are going for unrestricted submarine warfare in the North Atlantic, the USA and the other Western European countries are going to be dragged in sooner or later.

With regards to the submarine threat. There is a very tight bottleneck that all the submarines have to pass through, and it would be easy for the Danes to seal it. I imagine the diplomactic pressure on them is very heavy, from both sides, and this issue could be what widens the war. The submarines also have quite a lot further to travel than German ones did in WW II, so they need longer range subs than the Germans did from bases on the North Sea coast.

Another thought, in the absence of the devastation of OTL World War I, the British presumably contined to expand their rail network. This means there is probably less costal shipping to sink, so the economy is less disrupted than it could be.

Further thoughts. Britain retains its bases in Ireland, so can perform aerial ASW over a greater part of the Atlantic than OTL. If Portugal remains within the British sphere of influence, then it may well be possible to bribe them to allow the basing of British aircraft on their coast, providing cover almost all the way to Gibralter, meaning that convoys to the bulk of the Empire, via Suez, remain essentially safe.

[Anaxagoras]

Originally Posted by Alratan

With regards to the submarine threat. There is a very tight bottleneck that all the submarines have to pass through, and it would be easy for the Danes to seal it.

The Russian submarines came from Murmansk, not the Baltic.

[Alratan]

Originally Posted by Anaxagoras

The Russian submarines came from Murmansk, not the Baltic.

Apologies. Still, that's a long and nasty trip to make in a primative submarine, and it's still quite a narrow gap between the ice and Norway.

[Anaxagoras]

Originally Posted by Alratan

Apologies. Still, that's a long and nasty trip to make in a primative submarine, and it's still quite a narrow gap between the ice and Norway.

True, but one thing which remains true in any imaginable timeline is that Russians don't particularly care about the lives of their submariners.

[G.Bone]

Several questions -

Does the EDO hold the Czechoslovakia? Austria? What about the other states in the continent?

Sounds like the US is sort of seeing green....

Great installment though - will there be something of *Communism* coming about? I foresee a Russian-USA alliance coming about...

What about Finland?

[Tyr]

This really should be posted to the TL thread.
I'd like to read it (Britain doing well is always good ) but this thread is too long for me to sift through.


...

err...

Hint hint.

[Anaxagoras]

Originally Posted by G.Bone

Sounds like the US is sort of seeing green....

What do you mean?

Originally Posted by G.Bone

will there be something of *Communism* coming about?

Socialism is a major political force, but Communism is not. There was never a Russian Revlution ITTL, and Marx is read only by quirky political philosophy professors.

Originally Posted by G.Bone

What about Finland?

Still Russian, although there may be trouble there soon.

[G.Bone]

US is not liking England with all that power...

[luakel]

Who have the US presidents been the past decade or two?

Originally Posted by G.Bone

US is not liking England with all that power...

And that might worsen relations with Japan as well...

[birdy]

another good installment

is the US going to be coming out of isolation at some point?

[Anaxagoras]

Originally Posted by birdie

is the US going to be coming out of isolation at some point?

Why should it?

[birdy]

Originally Posted by Anaxagoras

Why should it?

Just asking is all.