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Description
As 1911 turned into 1912, the United States began preparations for entering the war, ramping up her factories, and mobilizing the army, every railroad in the Union was busy with life. Finally after a near year since the war's begun America joined into the fray on July 5th- after a day of jubilation and several months of prep work to ready the nation for war- the Union has now declared she'll stand firm with her allies across the seas. The Central American Federation followed suit about 38 hours after Washington declared war, and Costa Rica wouldn't join until August. Following the Unions declaration, American Shanghai was overrun within 50 hours and the Pingtan Islands were harassed by French and Spanish cruisers, placing the 200,000 or so people under siege. Meanwhile across the waves, Fredonia was invaded as French troops launched 2 offensives across Carter Territory in an effort to push through to British Soudan. Whilst the southern offensive was halted by local militias, the northern offensive cut off American access to Lake Tchad and has encircled the 14th Fredonian Division, much in the same manner as how the French encircled the Belgians in early 1911- with their backs to the water. With no way out, the 14th has been ordered to wreak havoc to the French- gracefully earning their nickname of "The Sahellraisers".

However America hasn't been idlily standing by watching as American soil is overrun, Operation Long Jump has so far been a success, with America capturing Guam- the stepping stone needed to finance and support a long-term invasion of the Philippine archipelago. Together with the British Far Eastern Command and the small Russian Pacific Fleet, the Pacific Squadron has been able to nearly box in the islands, all thats needed now is to land and liberate the Philippines. Meanwhile back to Africa, an invasion of French Nigeria has put pressure off Douala, and has captured Calabar and are now at the gates of Port Havro. Further up north, the Atlantic War has been somewhat smooth sailing, while the French navy was easy to dispose of on the surface, the French have unveiled new weapons of war- a submersible craft. Now even as the seas are clear and American troops begin to trickle in to Europe, the French menace still lurks, snatching unsuspecting prey and dragging them to the bottom of the ocean.

In Europe, the armies and states that be are quick at work innovating and attempting to find new ways to break the stalemate. British and French engineers and designers have studied Italian dirigibles and have tested them on Paris and London respectively. Automobiles meanwhile are also innovating- faster, deadlier, and bulkier each time they're tried and tested. Aircraft soar the skies looking for holes in the enemies lines. But the most deadly weapon of all has been nearly invisible- save for a faint smell and a light yellow-ish tint, mustard gas has crept into the minds, hearts, and lungs of soldiers across Europe. Whilst thousands have died from bullet wounds or being torn to bits, nearly double have now fallen to the deadly chemicals that wander the Rhineish and Romanian countryside.

Now as Christmas rolls around once again, there seems to be no signs of comradery between the trenches. No sounds of football, singing, nor anything of the sort between both sides. While there were some instances of "merriment", it was merely to allow both sides to throw away cadavers and give their fallen brothers a proper memorial. There'd be no holly or jolly this year.

As a new year once again rolls around, the nation-at-arms now faces new dilemmas and new problems, things aren't looking swell for the Germans or the Russians as they're bombarded with artillery and noxious poison. And the people were told this'd be a quick war, and war weariness has started to creep its oily hands across the nation as news spread of deadly weaponry and dead men. We joined this war in jubilation, and we must keep spirits high or else we may start to falter.

(A) New Weapons of War- as the French and British have a fast-paced arms race to the first place of a pile of bones, perhaps we too should take up arms and find ways to surpass them both in the art of war. Let us bring death untold to the battlefield with such beauty we will astonish our enemies and put fear into their eyes as they surrender hoping they don't get sent out to die! For if there is one way to win- sometimes its better to scare them, than to attack them.
You may pick two, or one. But no more than that.

Armor Research- as we've seen from reporters, generals, and other intel, the newly minted armored automobiles have proven themselves in the few battles they've been in- able to crush the enemy beneath their tires and crashing through machine gun nests. But one problem exists with them- their ill-suited for off-road or rough-terrain warfare. Perhaps if we designed something with the speed of say the Peugeot and the all-terrain capabilities desperately needed for this new kind of warfare, it could turn the tide?

Aerial Research- dirigibles and airplanes have limited uses, and are seen as mere trinkets. But just as the car was seen as a trinket for the wealthy, so to shall the airplane. Aircraft has caught the attention of many military enthusiast- particularly the younger ones. And many have though of whole aerial operations that'd require new technologies that could be made much more available if we funded them. These new "Airheads", have argued that airplanes would make travelling across the seas and mountains much easier and quicker than traditional methods today as well for the possibility of 'aerotroopers', daredevils who'd commit sabotage behind enemy lines.

Chemical Research- fight fire with fire! If those French wish to play rough, then we'll play rough as well. They'll have wished they'd never unleashed the horrors of Pandora's Box. As it stands, the French are the only ones who've unleashed such horrors, and as such they'll take the brunt of "testing" these new experimental weapons. Sometimes you must break a few eggs to make an omelet, and hopefully by causing so much damage in such a small amount of time, the French will be forced to negotiate.

Artillery Research- artillery as it stands can fire far and fire big. But for the purposes of say- clearing out trenches, or hitting speedy little Peugeots? Terrible. If we specialized in artillery, perhaps say for instance anti-infantry artillery, or anti-vehicular artillery, we'd be able to shock the French and the Danubic armies by shaking and shaping the Earth. Imagine fighting a war where you cannot see your enemy, but can only anticipate as a faint whistling sound plummets towards you.

Infantry Research- as it stands infantry ahs been left alone for the last several decades, but now as the Great War has shown us- everything is slowly being mechanized and the infantryman is weak. But say if we added some extra armor, more powerful firearms, or perhaps even new tactics, we could make of the average American soldier equal 2 or even 3 Entente soldiers in power. If we made the job of being a lowly soldier more survivable and powerful, we might not need to mobilize millions upon millions, and instead only mobilize only a few hundred thousand.

(B) Alliances and Agreements Untold- new allies would allow us to further burden the Entente and put strain on their slowly whittling logistics lines. Though the same could be said for other nations too. Japan and the Boers sit at a crux between our allies dominions, should they attack it may cost us the war! However with new allies we could bring in more men and resources to throw at the enemy, and possibly bring the war to a close by our sheer combined powers.
Dotted line indicates you may pick one or the other. You may pick two, but you cannot pick 2 connected by a dotted line.

Encourage the Mediterranean Powers- Italy, together with Greece, and the British presence in the Ionians would be able to completely box in the Danube, and slowly let her starve. Plus combined with the extra two fronts from Italy and Serbia, we might be able to crush Vienna within the year!
or
Discourage Japan- Despite the increased American presence in the pacific, Japan seems to not have been deterred one bit. If Japan declares war, it could throw off Operation Long Jump, and possibly endanger Hawaii. If we perhaps bribe Japan or threaten them we could nudge Japan in the right direction of neutrality.

Encourage Latin America- Untapped resources and untapped greatness lies within the Sothern half of the Americas. While their armies would be insignificant, Chiles navy would help clean up the Pacific and Brazils large pool of resources could help fuel the Germans and Russians in their battles.
or
Discourage the Boers- The Boers have always held animosity towards the British and the Germans and vice versa. And while we may not be fond of them, it'd be a shame to see a flourishing republic get crushed and involved in such a deadly war...

(C) American Nationalism- America- even if she's only been in for half a year has started to lose traction. And if we've learned anything from the War of Northern Aggression its that we must keep our citizens happy, lest they revolt and attempt to bring the war to a close too early. America must provide for her citizenry just as her citizens provide for her.
You may pick two, or one. But no more than that.

Hasten American Culture- Many areas against the war across the seas are those not really 'American', particularly in Tamaulipas, Baja, Quebec, and Louisiana. Those states have proven to be 'difficult' to manage throughout our time in the war. Perhaps if we put a dampener on them, the war effort might be able to keep going for a bit longer and silence those who are a bit too sympathetic towards their old homelands.

Use Hollywood- Hollywood, newly minted, and newly made in the city of Santa Maria, just a couple miles from the old Mexican border- now sits as the hub of American cinema. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to take a 'proper gander' over there and see if we could work out a deal?

Promote Patriotic Businesses- War is bad for business, but don't let anyone let you hear that or else you might not get newly minted 'liberty bonds'. We should encourage American patriotism in these times to keep peoples hopes and spirits up, or else we may slump and fail our allies in a desperate hour.

Encourage Unity- Whites, Negros, Orientals, and Redskins all make up our nation in some fashion, perhaps we could encourage a common American spirit across all walks of life, that to be American is not limited to one race, or one place. Its an idea- an idea every man, woman, and child in the Union should have!

--------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile the War Cabinet has come into a bit of an issue. America is currently stretching herself across three fronts on three continents across the globe. In Europe, she defends her allies but no territory of her own. And in Africa and Asia she defends her own territory- though the War Cabinet has said that the loss of the treaty ports and the Carter Territory are 'acceptable losses'. Though that would still put nearly one million American citizens at the mercy of the enemy. Time is running out, and America cannot weakly devote herself to everywhere across the globe- or at least not yet, and now it must be decided to where should America focus fire?

1. To Europe- the heartlands of our allies, and arguably the most important theater of war- if we could knock out Vienna and Paris the Entente would crumble! But at the same time, the American people might not like the loss of nearly a million citizens to the hands of the French.

2. To Africa- it could be argued the African theater could be used- if successful and we drive the French out of Africa- to open up the Mediterranean and possibly put pressure on the rather soft and doughy Spanish coast. Plus this would still save a good chunk of American citizens in peril and hopefully not receive too much flak from our allies.

3. To Asia- we've not come this far to give up on the Philippines. A half-assed invasion of the islands would disappoint the British and possibly humiliate our standing in the area. Plus with the conquest of the Philippines we'd be able to further box in Japan and possibly take control of French Vietnam.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Congress meanwhile has passed around the question of changing the flag. As one could see, the Union has 74 stars, and we've not even filled up the mainland. If we're expected to win the war, and grab new territories from France in both the Caribbean and Africa- and combined with the already combined territories we have now, experts predict 90 stars by the 1950's. As the number of stars has exceeded 60, numerous attempts have been made to change the flag over the years. Something hopefully less 'cluttered'.
(If you vote to change the flag, provide a flag or details of what you think the new flag will be with your comment. I'll collect the flag designs by Friday and put them up for vote on Saturday, should we get enough votes to change the Stars and Stripes.)

Description
As 1911 turned into 1912, the United States began preparations for entering the war, ramping up her factories, and mobilizing the army, every railroad in the Union was busy with life. Finally after a near year since the war's begun America joined into the fray on July 5th- after a day of jubilation and several months of prep work to ready the nation for war- the Union has now declared she'll stand firm with her allies across the seas. The Central American Federation followed suit about 38 hours after Washington declared war, and Costa Rica wouldn't join until August. Following the Unions declaration, American Shanghai was overrun within 50 hours and the Pingtan Islands were harassed by French and Spanish cruisers, placing the 200,000 or so people under siege. Meanwhile across the waves, Fredonia was invaded as French troops launched 2 offensives across Carter Territory in an effort to push through to British Soudan. Whilst the southern offensive was halted by local militias, the northern offensive cut off American access to Lake Tchad and has encircled the 14th Fredonian Division, much in the same manner as how the French encircled the Belgians in early 1911- with their backs to the water. With no way out, the 14th has been ordered to wreak havoc to the French- gracefully earning their nickname of "The Sahellraisers".

However America hasn't been idlily standing by watching as American soil is overrun, Operation Long Jump has so far been a success, with America capturing Guam- the stepping stone needed to finance and support a long-term invasion of the Philippine archipelago. Together with the British Far Eastern Command and the small Russian Pacific Fleet, the Pacific Squadron has been able to nearly box in the islands, all thats needed now is to land and liberate the Philippines. Meanwhile back to Africa, an invasion of French Nigeria has put pressure off Douala, and has captured Calabar and are now at the gates of Port Havro. Further up north, the Atlantic War has been somewhat smooth sailing, while the French navy was easy to dispose of on the surface, the French have unveiled new weapons of war- a submersible craft. Now even as the seas are clear and American troops begin to trickle in to Europe, the French menace still lurks, snatching unsuspecting prey and dragging them to the bottom of the ocean.

In Europe, the armies and states that be are quick at work innovating and attempting to find new ways to break the stalemate. British and French engineers and designers have studied Italian dirigibles and have tested them on Paris and London respectively. Automobiles meanwhile are also innovating- faster, deadlier, and bulkier each time they're tried and tested. Aircraft soar the skies looking for holes in the enemies lines. But the most deadly weapon of all has been nearly invisible- save for a faint smell and a light yellow-ish tint, mustard gas has crept into the minds, hearts, and lungs of soldiers across Europe. Whilst thousands have died from bullet wounds or being torn to bits, nearly double have now fallen to the deadly chemicals that wander the Rhineish and Romanian countryside.

Now as Christmas rolls around once again, there seems to be no signs of comradery between the trenches. No sounds of football, singing, nor anything of the sort between both sides. While there were some instances of "merriment", it was merely to allow both sides to throw away cadavers and give their fallen brothers a proper memorial. There'd be no holly or jolly this year.

As a new year once again rolls around, the nation-at-arms now faces new dilemmas and new problems, things aren't looking swell for the Germans or the Russians as they're bombarded with artillery and noxious poison. And the people were told this'd be a quick war, and war weariness has started to creep its oily hands across the nation as news spread of deadly weaponry and dead men. We joined this war in jubilation, and we must keep spirits high or else we may start to falter.

(A) New Weapons of War- as the French and British have a fast-paced arms race to the first place of a pile of bones, perhaps we too should take up arms and find ways to surpass them both in the art of war. Let us bring death untold to the battlefield with such beauty we will astonish our enemies and put fear into their eyes as they surrender hoping they don't get sent out to die! For if there is one way to win- sometimes its better to scare them, than to attack them.
You may pick two, or one. But no more than that.

Armor Research- as we've seen from reporters, generals, and other intel, the newly minted armored automobiles have proven themselves in the few battles they've been in- able to crush the enemy beneath their tires and crashing through machine gun nests. But one problem exists with them- their ill-suited for off-road or rough-terrain warfare. Perhaps if we designed something with the speed of say the Peugeot and the all-terrain capabilities desperately needed for this new kind of warfare, it could turn the tide?

Aerial Research- dirigibles and airplanes have limited uses, and are seen as mere trinkets. But just as the car was seen as a trinket for the wealthy, so to shall the airplane. Aircraft has caught the attention of many military enthusiast- particularly the younger ones. And many have though of whole aerial operations that'd require new technologies that could be made much more available if we funded them. These new "Airheads", have argued that airplanes would make travelling across the seas and mountains much easier and quicker than traditional methods today as well for the possibility of 'aerotroopers', daredevils who'd commit sabotage behind enemy lines.

Chemical Research- fight fire with fire! If those French wish to play rough, then we'll play rough as well. They'll have wished they'd never unleashed the horrors of Pandora's Box. As it stands, the French are the only ones who've unleashed such horrors, and as such they'll take the brunt of "testing" these new experimental weapons. Sometimes you must break a few eggs to make an omelet, and hopefully by causing so much damage in such a small amount of time, the French will be forced to negotiate.

Artillery Research- artillery as it stands can fire far and fire big. But for the purposes of say- clearing out trenches, or hitting speedy little Peugeots? Terrible. If we specialized in artillery, perhaps say for instance anti-infantry artillery, or anti-vehicular artillery, we'd be able to shock the French and the Danubic armies by shaking and shaping the Earth. Imagine fighting a war where you cannot see your enemy, but can only anticipate as a faint whistling sound plummets towards you.

Infantry Research- as it stands infantry ahs been left alone for the last several decades, but now as the Great War has shown us- everything is slowly being mechanized and the infantryman is weak. But say if we added some extra armor, more powerful firearms, or perhaps even new tactics, we could make of the average American soldier equal 2 or even 3 Entente soldiers in power. If we made the job of being a lowly soldier more survivable and powerful, we might not need to mobilize millions upon millions, and instead only mobilize only a few hundred thousand.

(B) Alliances and Agreements Untold- new allies would allow us to further burden the Entente and put strain on their slowly whittling logistics lines. Though the same could be said for other nations too. Japan and the Boers sit at a crux between our allies dominions, should they attack it may cost us the war! However with new allies we could bring in more men and resources to throw at the enemy, and possibly bring the war to a close by our sheer combined powers.
Dotted line indicates you may pick one or the other. You may pick two, but you cannot pick 2 connected by a dotted line.

Encourage the Mediterranean Powers- Italy, together with Greece, and the British presence in the Ionians would be able to completely box in the Danube, and slowly let her starve. Plus combined with the extra two fronts from Italy and Serbia, we might be able to crush Vienna within the year!
or
Discourage Japan- Despite the increased American presence in the pacific, Japan seems to not have been deterred one bit. If Japan declares war, it could throw off Operation Long Jump, and possibly endanger Hawaii. If we perhaps bribe Japan or threaten them we could nudge Japan in the right direction of neutrality.

Encourage Latin America- Untapped resources and untapped greatness lies within the Sothern half of the Americas. While their armies would be insignificant, Chiles navy would help clean up the Pacific and Brazils large pool of resources could help fuel the Germans and Russians in their battles.
or
Discourage the Boers- The Boers have always held animosity towards the British and the Germans and vice versa. And while we may not be fond of them, it'd be a shame to see a flourishing republic get crushed and involved in such a deadly war...

(C) American Nationalism- America- even if she's only been in for half a year has started to lose traction. And if we've learned anything from the War of Northern Aggression its that we must keep our citizens happy, lest they revolt and attempt to bring the war to a close too early. America must provide for her citizenry just as her citizens provide for her.
You may pick two, or one. But no more than that.

Hasten American Culture- Many areas against the war across the seas are those not really 'American', particularly in Tamaulipas, Baja, Quebec, and Louisiana. Those states have proven to be 'difficult' to manage throughout our time in the war. Perhaps if we put a dampener on them, the war effort might be able to keep going for a bit longer and silence those who are a bit too sympathetic towards their old homelands.

Use Hollywood- Hollywood, newly minted, and newly made in the city of Santa Maria, just a couple miles from the old Mexican border- now sits as the hub of American cinema. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to take a 'proper gander' over there and see if we could work out a deal?

Promote Patriotic Businesses- War is bad for business, but don't let anyone let you hear that or else you might not get newly minted 'liberty bonds'. We should encourage American patriotism in these times to keep peoples hopes and spirits up, or else we may slump and fail our allies in a desperate hour.

Encourage Unity- Whites, Negros, Orientals, and Redskins all make up our nation in some fashion, perhaps we could encourage a common American spirit across all walks of life, that to be American is not limited to one race, or one place. Its an idea- an idea every man, woman, and child in the Union should have!

--------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile the War Cabinet has come into a bit of an issue. America is currently stretching herself across three fronts on three continents across the globe. In Europe, she defends her allies but no territory of her own. And in Africa and Asia she defends her own territory- though the War Cabinet has said that the loss of the treaty ports and the Carter Territory are 'acceptable losses'. Though that would still put nearly one million American citizens at the mercy of the enemy. Time is running out, and America cannot weakly devote herself to everywhere across the globe- or at least not yet, and now it must be decided to where should America focus fire?

1. To Europe- the heartlands of our allies, and arguably the most important theater of war- if we could knock out Vienna and Paris the Entente would crumble! But at the same time, the American people might not like the loss of nearly a million citizens to the hands of the French.

2. To Africa- it could be argued the African theater could be used- if successful and we drive the French out of Africa- to open up the Mediterranean and possibly put pressure on the rather soft and doughy Spanish coast. Plus this would still save a good chunk of American citizens in peril and hopefully not receive too much flak from our allies.

3. To Asia- we've not come this far to give up on the Philippines. A half-assed invasion of the islands would disappoint the British and possibly humiliate our standing in the area. Plus with the conquest of the Philippines we'd be able to further box in Japan and possibly take control of French Vietnam.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Congress meanwhile has passed around the question of changing the flag. As one could see, the Union has 74 stars, and we've not even filled up the mainland. If we're expected to win the war, and grab new territories from France in both the Caribbean and Africa- and combined with the already combined territories we have now, experts predict 90 stars by the 1950's. As the number of stars has exceeded 60, numerous attempts have been made to change the flag over the years. Something hopefully less 'cluttered'.
(If you vote to change the flag, provide a flag or details of what you think the new flag will be with your comment. I'll collect the flag designs by Friday and put them up for vote on Saturday, should we get enough votes to change the Stars and Stripes.)