Hearts of Iron: The Soviets

[klayman]

HOI(1.05c): The Soviets

I’ve been playing a lot since the 1.05 patch and decided to do another dynasty. Some might remember my Japanese HOI dynasty that got stopped in its tracks by a very poor AI. I think it’s safe to say that the game has been considerably improved since then.

Game settings:
Difficulty: Hard
AI Aggressiveness: Normal
Fog of War: On

As always feel free to post comments, questions and criticisms.

[klayman]

Prelude

Soviet Union History

No other nation suffered such domestic political turmoil as Russia during the Great War which saw the ancient throne of the Romanov Tsars toppled and the vast empire of Peter the Great and Alexander II fall into the hands of a mass revolutionary movement, the Bolshevik Marxists of Vladimir Illych Lenin. Renamed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) the country was rededicated to the spread of revolutionary communist ideology across the world making it a pariah amongst the decadent capitalist economies of Europe. After Lenin’s death and a series of behind-the-scenes intrigues his lieutenant, Josef Stalin, emerged as the heir to the Bolshevik legacy. By a ferocious policy of industrialization and an equally uncompromising attitude towards political foes Stalin has by 1936 consolidated his position as supreme ruler of the USSR and returned the once-battered and ignored Russian state to the diplomatic table as a major power. But many strategic dilemmas haunt him. Should Russia seek to expand into the lost territories of Eastern Europe or strike southwards to the blue waters of the Indian Ocean? Can a deal be brokered with the British and French - or even Hitler and Mussolini? What of the Japanese and their designs?

Soviet Government @ January 1st 1936

Head of State: Mikhail Kalinin

Head of Government: Joseph Stalin

Foreign Minister: Maksim Litvinov (Ideological Crusader)
Influence Nation 2(3) DI, Share Research 0(1) DI if country shares same government type.

Armaments Minister: Lazer Kaganovich (Resource Industrialist)
+5% IC, Industrial Research +10 %

Minister of Security: Genrikh Yagoda (Back Stabber)
+1% Dissent

Minister of Intelligence: Yan Berzin (Technical Specialist)
+5% Research

Chief of Staff: Michail Tuchatjevskij (School of Maneuverability)
Land unit speed +10%

Chief of Army: Klimant Voroshilou (Guns and Butter Doctrine)
Supply Consumption -15%

Chief of Navy: Vladimir Orlov (Indirect Approach Doctrine)
Destroyers Construction -10%, Transport Construction -10%, Submarine Construction +15%

Chief of Air: Yakov Alksnis (Air Superiority Doctrine)
Fighters construction +10%, Anti-air Brigade Construction +10%, Strategic Bombers Construction – 10%

[klayman]

Armed Forces @ January 1st, 1936

National Army Comparison
Soviets (rank 1st): 75 Infantry Div, 4 Cavalry Div, 3 Motorized Div, 5 Armor Div, 4 Mountain Div = 91 Total divisions.
Top 5(total Divisions): Soviets (91), Italy (66), Japan (57), Nationalist China (54), France (46)

National Navy Comparison
Soviets (rank 6th): 3 Battleships, 4 Cruisers, 8 Destroyer Groups, 17 submarines flotillas, 1 transport flotilla.
Top 5(total Ships): UK (114), USA(111), Japan(90), Italy(65), France (65)

National Air Force Comparison
Soviets (rank 3rd): 8 fighter squadrons, 4 tact bomber squadrons
Top 5(total Planes): UK(14), Germany(13), Soviets(12), Italy(12), France (8)

Economic Information
Total IC: 363.0

Daily Production for:
Coal: 1322.0 units
Steel: 720.0 units
Rubber: 0.0 units
Oil: 238.0 units

[klayman]

Chapter One: The Road to War (1936)

As 1935 came to a close, Stalin was beginning to realize the dreams of a great Soviet State. As mass industrialization projects had pushed the Soviets from the brink of ruins to a leading industrial power, the Soviets were keen on not only expanding the communist sphere of influence but also reclaiming previously lost Russian territory. The rise of fascism and anti-communist ideologies in Europe and the Far East, stressed that now was the time for the Soviets to build and consolidate their power base before seemingly the entire world was against them.

Hitler, however, had other plans as he pushed Europe closer and closer to war. Under the threat of an eventual war with Germany, the Soviets looked to the west for assurances of assistance as a German deterrent, but none was forth coming; Churchill was decidedly anti-communist, the French had no desire to be drawn into another costly war against Germany, and the Americans were committed to non-intervention in European affairs. Add the constant border clashes with Japanese forces in the Far East, and the Soviet Union was in a difficult position.

If war was inevitable, which certainly seemed to be the case to the Soviet high command, now was the time to prepare.

[klayman]

The long term goal of the Soviets remained the spread of the communist ideology throughout the globe, a task made difficult by the anti-communist leanings of both democractic and fascists alike. Only 4 countries leaned towards a communist ideology; Mongolia, Tannu Tuva, Ethiopia, and Communist China. The first two were puppet states of the Soviet Union, while the later two were currently at war with opposing factions; Communist China against Nationalist China, and Ethiopia against the Fascist Italians, and neither war was turning out favorably to the communists.

Foreign Minister Maksim Litvinov was in favor of allowing all four countries access to Soviet technology; the Chinese and Ethiopians to help in their struggle, and the Puppet states to hopefully serve as a buffer against Japanese incursion. In January the Soviets started sending research advisors to all for countries to upgrade their technology, and found that although the Soviets were hardly a technologically advanced nation in their own right; these four countries were considerably behind even the Soviets in research. The USSR would help where they could, but it was likely that neither Ethiopia nor Communist China would survive the year.

The Soviets would also try to influence more nations towards communism. Turkey, Persia, and Afghanistan were the selected targets for fear that any type of serious influence into Eastern Europe would only aggravate the Germans into a war. Still, the short term goals of the Soviet command in the event of any hostilities would be to retake Eastern Poland and reclaim Finland back into their empire.

While it was true that the Soviets controlled the largest army in the world, they were inadequately equipped compared to other nations, and a large portion of the Industrial Capacity was geared toward improve the ground forces throughout the year. The Air force also received considerable attention, while no plans were made to address any improvements within the Navy. Stalin also continued modernizing the Soviet landscape by improving the industrialization of several provinces.

[klayman]

Early in the year, the Soviets started reorganizing their armed forces to better suit their needs. While a vast number of divisions were sent to the Western Border, several were also strategically placed in the Far East to deter the Japanese from any aggression. Armor units, which were mingled along with regular infantry units (as was the norm for most nations), were separated out and formed their own Panzer groups, allowing tanks to become a force of their own rather than a tool employed by the infantry.

The Chinese Excursion
It was obvious that Japan had their eye squarely on the conquest of China, and a Japanese controlled China was not in the interest of the Soviet Union. A Nationalist Chinese victory was only somewhat more comforting to the heads of state however. A much better solution would be a friendly Communist China that could help repel any Japanese aggression, but the war was going very badly for the Communists, and Soviet intervention was needed if there was any hope of seeing that goal. Instead of actively declaring war against the Nationalist or bringing the Communists into the Comintern for fear of being drawn into another war at a later date, the Soviets put an Expeditionary Force together under Communist Chinese colors that would hopefully turn the tide of the war.

On January 20th, under the command of General Romaneko, a Chinese Expeditionary Force, consisting of 4 Calvary Divisions and 1 Armor division, was loaned to the Communist Chinese and engaged in border skirmishes along the Mongolian-Chinese border. On February 4th, claiming Chinese aggression, they crossed the border and faced 2 Nationalist Chinese Militia divisions in Hohhot. Four days later, after inflicting over 50% casualty rate upon the N. Chinese, the border excursion turned into a full blown offensive as they pushed south into Datong.

[JeffNights]

this is some cool ass shit i gotta say. onward! Slaugter the nationalist swine!

[Blade6119]

Hell yah...ive missed your writing, and am glad to see you didnt go the traditional way of U.S.A or europe. Kick some democratic ass!

[Godzilla Blitz]

I'm reading! Great start!

Have you found the game a worthy challenge now? I've been thinking about reinstalling and trying it again, as each patch seems to get better reviews.

[The Afoci]

Down with Hope, Up with Communism.

I am still working on a slogan, hopefully it will improve.

[Fritz]

Mr. President, you can't just let the Russian Ambassador in the war room! He-he might see the Big Board!

[Havok]

is Hearts of iron alot like EU2???

Cause i was extremely unimpressed him EU2. Boring as hell, Medievil Total War was 20 times better. Im hoping HOI is better cause im kind of a WW2 buff.

[The Afoci]

It is WW2 on the EU2 engine.

[klayman]

Thanks for the replies guys.

GB, I'd say the game is not too bad on the difficulty. There is still ways around things, and of course a superpower is a lot easier than a small country, but it's all fun.

Afoci: How about: Communism! There's nothing wrong with it that a little capitalism can't solve. er...maybe not

One note, I made a mistake in the opening chapter when I claimed one of the reasons the Soviets couldn't get any help from the west was Churchill's anti-communism stance. Historically, of course he was, but Baldwin is still PM of England in 1936, so I can't rest all the blame on Churchill's shoulders. More or less the refusal of the English to help the Soviets was based more on apathy, suspicion of communism, and the desire to not get drawn back into a conflict.

Now back to your regularly schedule programming...

[klayman]

Chinese Civil-War
The quick offensive never materialized as Nationalist forces overran the Communist Garrison in Xianyang, forcing Romaneko back into Hohhot to try to hold on to the Communists tiny gains. Unable to reach the Communist forces in the Qin Ling Mountains for supplies and due to the poor infrastructure around the Mongolian border preventing Soviet supplies from reaching them, the CEF slowly ran out of oil and supplies and ground to a halt.

While the KMT had the upper hand however, a group of generals conspired against Chiang Kai-shek, kidnapping him and forcing him into reconciliation with the Communists in order to deal with the impeding Japanese threat towards the end of March. (N. China goes with ally with Commies in the Sian incident). Territorial gains were returned to their respectful owners, and with the civil war put on hold, the Soviets recalled their Expeditionary Force (who lost more men to lack of supplies than to Chinese gunfire) and set about building up the defense of both Chinese Factions against the Japanese.

Italia-Ethiopian war
When Mussolini opened his Ethiopian Campaign in an attempt to avenge the defeats suffered by the Italians in 1896, he did not expect Soviet intervention. However, thanks to Soviet advisors and technology, the Ethiopians were able to make a successful stand against the fascists, and the 6 month conflict looked to be deadlocked. The Italians needing a victory to restore national pride would have to reinforce their army. The pleas by the Ethiopians for Soviet troops to beat back the invaders did not fall on deaf ears; however the logistics of sending an expeditionary force made it virtually impossible for the Soviets to comply. Towards the beginning of March, they commissioned 4 submarine flotillas toward the Red Sea, under the command of Admiral Marinesko, and were put under the direct control of the Ethiopians to combat the Italians.

By mid March, Marinesko was successful in disrupting Italian shipping in the area, but quickly found himself understaffed against the full force of the Italian Navy. As the Italians had captured all of Ethiopia’s ports, Marinesko had to supply from the closest Soviet port in the Black Sea, some 2000km removed from the battle. After heavy bombardment from Italian bombers stationed in Ethiopia, and a damaging run-in with the Navy in the Southern Red Sea, Marinesko was forced to remove the Ethopian colors and limp back home to Stevespool at the end of the month.

Reinforced from the motherland, the Italians quickly broke the deadlock and overran the Ethiopians in Harar and Magalo, putting them within striking distance of the Ethiopian capital by the end of March. It was certain that no amount of casual interference from the Soviets could save the Ethiopian nation now.

Events in Europe
As Hitler continued to stand defiant in the face of the Versailles treaty, the rest of Europe did nothing. He had already defied the treaty by reconstructing his submarine force, advancing both his army and navy aviation programs, and breaking the limits imposed on Germany’s military and naval strength. On March 8th, 1936 Germany boldly remilitarized the Rhine and Europe continued to sit on their collective hands to do nothing about it.

By the end of the month, Soviets scientists made their first war-time breakthrough, developing the application of Binary Coded Machine Language. Added with the development of Basic Electromagnetic Computers four and half month later, they greatly reduced their research and development costs and times.

[klayman]

Originally posted by Havok
is Hearts of iron alot like EU2???

Cause i was extremely unimpressed him EU2. Boring as hell, Medievil Total War was 20 times better. Im hoping HOI is better cause im kind of a WW2 buff.

I'd think you'd like if you are a WW2 buff like myself. It's only 10 years playing time (in the longest campaign) so there is always something going on. In the 36 campaign, it might take awhile to get into the action, but if you know what you are doing you can zip through those years fairly quickly. It's WW2 in EU2, but the research and combat are fairly different. Like you I didn't enjoy EU2 all the much either.

You can check out my first dynasty in which I tried to explain the layout of the game to Bucc (he didn't like EU2 either). Ignore the horrible AI found in that thread, that's been vastly improved.

[sachmo71]

Klayman...I'm watching with keen interest. I was thinking of starting a dynasty myself, but I don't seem to have the time these days. I can still read, though, and I'll be here to support you. BTW, have you read "Where the Iron Crosses Grow" on the official HOI AAR board? Excellent stuff. Good luck, and remember...keep writing!!!


EDIT: Here is the link to the story I mentioned. Anyone interested in alternate history should check this story out. Good stuff.

http://www.europa-universalis.com/fo...s=&forumid=126


Also...Klayman, I didn't realize that the Ruskies started with so many sub flotillas. Did you build them, or are they in the starting OOB?

[Godzilla Blitz]

Originally posted by sachmo71
BTW, have you read "Where the Iron Crosses Grow" on the official HOI AAR board? Excellent stuff.

Wow. That is one hell of a good dynasty. Raises the bar. And 87,000 views? Man. Very impressive stuff. Thanks for the link. Lots of good ideas in there.

[klayman]

I second sach's recommendation of Where the Iron Crosses Grow. A very excellent AAR.

As for the sub's, no I didn't build any, they're all in the starting OOB. Maybe they changed the starting OOB in one of the 1.05 patches?

[sachmo71]

What really got my attention in "Where the Iron Crosses Grow" was toward the end when Yogi had some guest writers add some flavor to the story. If you need anything like that, Klayman, just let me know. I'd be happy to help out!

[klayman]

Originally posted by sachmo71
What really got my attention in "Where the Iron Crosses Grow" was toward the end when Yogi had some guest writers add some flavor to the story. If you need anything like that, Klayman, just let me know. I'd be happy to help out!

By all means, feel free to contribute at anytime. Let me know if you need anything (maps, info, etc)

[klayman]

Italia-Ethiopian War
On the 19th of April, Jimma fell to the Italians leaving the Ethiopians in dire straits. Support continued to arrive from the USSR, but it would provide no effect on the outcome. 3 Days later, the Italians overran the capital Addis Abeba and on the 25th overcame Ethiopian resistance and Ethiopia was annexed into Italy.

By June, the Soviets had replaced their aging pre-war Renault Ft-17 tanks with improved T-26 models which included a 30mm cannon, providing them with now the world’s largest and most advanced armor divisions. That was quickly followed by the theory of Mass Production being adapted to Military construction by mid June, and by late October Vehicle Assembly Mass Production applications had been worked into the industry providing cheaper and more quickly built Armor and Motorized Infantry divisions.

Spanish Civil War
In early 1936 after the electoral victory of the Socialists popular demands for social equality evolved into a virtual revolution against clerics, landowners, and monarchists. Mobs attacked churches and tried to collectivize farms. Unions started strikes and anarchists assassinated ‘enemies of the people’. The newly installed government was unable to restore order. The Spanish army joined the Conservatives and Catholics to put down the social revolution and they thus styled themselves the Nationalists. The government facing an army rebellion styled themselves Republicans and decided to fight joining in with the forces of revolution. The Spanish Civil War had begun! Many countries like Germany Italy and the Soviet Union intervened with forces in the conflict.

The Spanish Civil War threatened to break the balance of power currently held in Europe. Another fascist country boxing in France could provide Hitler and Mussolini with all the backbone they need to start a European war, and both countries sent men and supplies to Franco’s Nationalist troops. A democratized Spain would give the Allies an upper hand in any such hostilities, but France and England were unresponsive in recognizing such an advantage, and refused to pledge support to either side in the conflict. The Soviets, having badly faltered in supporting the Ethiopians, rushed to the aid of the Republicans supporting the socialist revolution, under the pretense that they would be able to install a communist regime when the conflict subsided. That might prove difficult, but anything that helps stop the spread of fascism was good in the long run (Soviets choose Spanish Civil War Intervention -30 Manpower, -2500 Supplies)

[klayman]

Spanish Civil War
The Republicans made the early gains capturing Pamplonia, Zaragoza and Granada in the opening week of the conflict, before the Nationalists were able to organize and mount counter-attacks. By the end of July the counter-attacks had destabilized the Republican front, and by mid August, Franco had pushed through most of Republican territory. On August 18th, Nationalist forces entered Madrid in hopes of capturing the capital, but were defeated by the Republican forces, thanks in large part to serious Soviet support only days before the attack, who not only advised and consulted the Republican troops, but supplied with more modernized weaponry that turn the course of the battle. From there the Republican’s went back on the offensive and by the end of August had reclaimed the territory lost in the Nationalist offensive.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Excellent start. I love the maps! I'm going to have to reinstall this game...

[klayman]

Research
Weapons development became the key for the Soviets in the last part of 1936. In September they developed Modern Flamethrowers to help their infantry in fort attacks, and rolled up new Basic Halftrack Troop Carriers which allowed their armor divisions to carry a supporting infantry, improving their attack against soft targets. By December, the infantry was refitted with modern Effective Land Mines, improving their attack and defense.

Spanish Civil War
While it looked like the Republicans were in control by the end of August that was certainly not the case. The better equipped Nationalist forces regrouped after their setbacks in August and launched another offensive at the Republican strongholds. By the 20th of September they were back at the gates of Madrid, and by the 24th had liberated the city. They continued to march forward scoring victory after victory against the Republican troops. The Soviets, fearing complete Republican destruction, began planning on joining the war with the Republicans, and the Navy was dispatched to the Mediterranean, although strictly on an observer basis.

By the 6th of October, the Nationalists had captured Zaragoza and Badajoz as well and nearly pushed the Republicans into the Balearic Sea, before a victory at Albacete in late October broke the Nationalists offensive and opened the south of Spain to the Republicans. Despite breaking the offensive, however, the Republicans needed more than just advisors and technology from the Soviet Union. On November 15, the Spanish Expeditionary Force, commanded by Lt. General Malinovskij, left Sevastapool and headed for Spain. Under the authority of the Spanish Republic they invaded Palma on the 22nd and secured the island with little resistance from the Nationalist. The Soviets reinforced the SEF with 2 more divisions in Palma, including a division of T-26 tanks fresh off the assembly lines, an before the new year launched an offensive into Nationalist held Mahon.

World News
On November 2, 1936, the Americans returned from the polls to elect their 33rd President of the United States, Alf Landon (Rep) (US goes with elect Landon in US Presidential election 1936 – Alternative Outcome). The Soviets were confident that they would receive no support from Landon’s government, as they were clearly more anti-communist then their predecessors; however that was offset by the fact that it was more likely that US would now enter a war in Europe against German aggression.

[klayman]

Chapter Two: The Road to War (1937)

The Soviets left 1936 on the verge of becoming a superpower nation of the world. Their industrialization policies increased their Industrial Capacity nearly 10%, and the Red Army proved victorious in the two planned operations it embarked on during the year. Stalin had increased production to the armed forces, allowing their amour and infantry divisions to both swell in numbers as the Soviets found themselves the lone policemen against Fascist expansion.

1937 Almanac

In January, Stalin replaced his Chief of Staff Michail Tuchatjevskij, with Boris Shaposhnikov (School of Mass Combat) Manpower x2, Infantry Construction +5%

National Army Comparison
Soviets rank 1st, 78 Infantry divisions, 4 Cavalry Div, 3 Motorized Div, 6 Armor divisions, 5 Mountain Div, 96 Total divisions.
Top 5: Soviets (91), Italy (66), Nationalist China (65), Japan (57), Germany (57)

National Navy Comparison
Soviets rank 6th, 3 Battleships, 4 Cruisers, 8 Destroyer Groups, 17 submarines flotillas, 1 transport flotilla.
Top 5: UK (115), USA(112), Japan(90), Italy(66), France (43)

National Air Force Comparison
Soviets rank 12th, 8 fighter squadrons, 4 tact bomber squadrons
Top 5: Italy (19), Germany (18), UK (17), Japan (16), USA (15)

Economic Information
Total IC: 409.0
Daily Production for:
Coal: 1322.0 units
Steel: 720.0 units
Rubber: 0.0 units
Oil: 238.0 units

Manpower: 341.0 units

Spanish Civil War
By the New Year the Republican forces were in serious trouble. Down to just 13 scattered divisions and outnumbered 2-1, they ceased all offensives and dug-in for the Nationalist attack. The Soviets pledged more support and on January 1, 1937 commissioned 4 armor divisions, 1 mountain division, and 3 infantry divisions for support. In late December the Soviets had started transporting raw materials and supplies to the Spanish Mainland and by mid January the 2nd SEF was assembled and ready to arrive in Spain.

Meanwhile the Soviets continued to support the other communist countries with technology throughout the year.

[klayman]

Spanish Civil War OOB (Soviets) @ Jan 1, 1937
Spanish Expeditonary Force under General Rokossovsky based at Sevastapool, including
- 1st Armor Group with 4 divisions (4 Armor) under direct command of Rokossovksy
- 1st ArmyCorps with 3 divisions (2 Infantry and 1 Armor)under Lt. General Malinovskij in Palma
- 2nd ArmyCorps with 3 divisions (3 Infantry) under Lt. General Primakov
- 1st Mountain Corps with 1 division (1 Mountain Infantry) under Mj General Osade

[klayman]

On January 7th, the 1st Mountain Corps of the SEF under Mj. General Osade landed in Tortosa and broke a Nationalist offensive against the province, which allowed the other divisions of the SEF to land safely in Valencia and begin operations there. On January 20th, the Republican government and the USSR signed the Treaty of Valencia, in which the USSR guaranteed the sovereign right of the Republic over Spain and vowed to protect in by any means necessary against any threats to that sovereignty. The Republic of Spain vowed friendship and trade with the USSR, and allowed the Soviets to set up permanent Army and Navy bases in the country.

On January 27, after a over a month of fighting, Malinovskij’s 1st Army Corps finally seized control of Mahon forcing Lt. General Bautista’s surrender and removing the Nationalists from the Mediterranean. The Nationalist offensives that had come so close to eliminating the Republican forces only a month before now stalled and were forced back into a defensive posture due to the Soviet intervention.

[sabotai]

Sweet dynasty you have going here. I'll definately be reading this one. (And, like all good dynasties do, will probabl ylead me to buying HOI myself...)

[illinifan999]

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Buy.

[Alf]

Alf Landon president of the USA. Too bad he is a bloody Republican...

[sachmo71]

Originally posted by illinifan999
Must. Resist. Urge. To. Buy.

Don't fight it. It's a great game.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Originally posted by illinifan999
Must. Resist. Urge. To. Buy.

There was a post on Gone Gold where someone mentioned that Walmart (store, not online) is selling the game for $19.99.

I think the info is a couple of weeks old now, but it might be worth a check.

[klayman]

Spanish Civil War
In February, the advantage had swung to the Republican side. Fresh with troops from the Soviet Union and supplies being shipped daily from Sevastapool, they held back the Nationalist onslaught that looked to crush them in December. Much to the chagrin of the Soviets, however, the Republicans refused to push the advantage. Rokossvksy was still in Sevastapool waiting for deployment to Spain (cuts in the Navy funding left the Soviets with a very small transport fleet), and the Republicans did not wish to go on the offensive until Rokossvksy’s tanks divisions were on the Iberian Peninsula. Realistically, that wouldn’t happen until late March, and the Soviets wanted the Republicans to push west from Valencia into the heart of Spain to secure their landing beaches. The Republicans were more concerned however about moving north into the Pyrenees Mountains where the Soviets tanks would be ineffective. The impasse between the two nations lead to a rebuild-up of the Nationalist forces, and by mid February any tactical advantage gain in the previous month by the Republicans was lost.

By late February the Nationalists were ready to resume their offensive by moving into Tortosa, threatening the Soviets landing beach at Valencia. Once again the 1st Mountain Corps of the SEF moved into Tortosa and was able to break the offensive by the first week in March, despite being outnumbered two to one. To try to remove the Soviet threat, the Nationalist Navy moved past the Straits of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean. They were soundly defeated by a combined Soviet and Republican Spanish Navy however and limped back to the port in Vigo on February 30th, broken and disenchanted. The 2nd ArmyCorps of the SEF counter-attacked the Nationalist offensive pushing north into Huesca on Feb 28th. They were met there by 6 Militia units under the direct command of Franco himself. The ill advised counter-attack proved costly to the Soviets, and by March 5th they pulled back to Barcelona to reorganize.

The Republicans finally caved to Soviet pressure, and on March 6th they launched a two prong attack on Nationalist forces west into Cuenca and south west into Albacete. The 1st Mountain Corps of the SEF moved into Cuenca where they met the remnants of the Tortosa offensive. Boosted by Rokossvksy arrival on March 13th, they quickly overran the disorganized Nationalist force and secured the province on the 15th. Rokossvksy then turned south into Albacete and joined the Republican forces to secure the province by the 17th.

[klayman]

Research
In late January, the Soviets adapted a motorized HQ principle to their armed forces, removing the static command post headquarters. This improved the organization of all their land forces but the biggest gains were felt by the speedy armor divisions who now had mobile HQ following them and directing them into combat. By late March they had fully adapted the Mass assembly process to their Aircraft industry as well, providing cheaper and quicker air force construction.

Soviet Events
As Stalin grew older he became more paranoid about his power base. Fearing the same tactics he himself used to achieve power might be used against him, he became increasing suspicious of those around him. On March 2, 1937 he ordered a great purge of ‘communist traitors’ which included several high ranking officers in the Red Army and thousands of civilians. (Soviets go with ‘Purge the traitors’)

[klayman]

To anyone who's reading and is graphically talented...could someone draw me up a little explosion icon to use in the maps to indicate battles. I tried tonight and just made a mess of things. I'm not an artist at all. Thanks in advance.

[PsychoCop]

Question: When sending an Expeditionary force to attack a country that it is at war with, do you get drawn into their war?

[klayman]

Originally posted by PsychoCop
Question: When sending an Expeditionary force to attack a country that it is at war with, do you get drawn into their war?

No. I am slightly taking advantage of the interface in doing this, in that I could send my entire armed forces into Spain without a formal declaration of war. They are under Republican control, although I still maintain some control over the forces. The attack into the Pyrenees was not my doing, it was the Republican AI, but after I saw the damage they were taking I was the one that pulled them out. Since we both have control over my forces there is often a tug of war going on with the AI to put my forces where I want them to be.

I could declare war on the Nationalists, and with military access through Spain have no problem liberating Nationalist territory for the Republicans. However that would cause a 10% dissent modifier which would affect my production, since I have no claims on any Spanish territory. I think I'd also get a bad boy point even though the Nationalists are fascists. Historically, Germany sent forces into Spain to fight for the Nationalists (which is only represented in the game by a manpower loss I think) so I'm not completely out of context, I just don't think the developers had what I'm doing in mind when they designed the feature.

[klayman]

Spanish Civil War
The arrival of Rokossvky had turned the tide of the war in the Republican’s favor for good. Although they were supported by German and Italian forces, they were not equipped to deal with the onslaught the new T-26 tanks brought with them. By April, Rokossvky’s Armor Group had captured Zargoza and was knocking on the gates of Madrid itself. On April 23rd the Soviet T-26 tanks would roll through a liberated Madrid amongst the jubilation and cheers of onlookers.

Rokossvky wasn’t the only commander having success, as Malinovskij’s 1st Army Corps successfully invaded the Nationalist capital of Burgos on the 13th of April. Primakov once again engaged Franco in the Pyrenees with the 2nd Army Corps and engaged in fierce fighting on the 24th, finally securing the province of Huesca on May 3rd and capturing Franco.

With the capture of their commander the Nationalist forces quickly fell apart and Rokossvksy’s tanks rolled through the Spanish country side making it secure for the Republican forces behind him. While pockets of resistance remained, there was no more threat to the Republican government, and on June 4th, 1937 the Republicans declared the Civil War over.

[klayman]

Effects of the war
Although long term effects of the Spanish Civil war would not be felt for years to come, the Soviets gained a remarkable advantage. The Valencia Treaty allowed Soviet troops free movement throughout Spain and the use of Spanish ports for the Soviet Navy. The Spanish country side proved a worthy testing ground for their Soviets separate tank groups, and the T-26’s excelled beyond their expectations against Nationalist forces. The military access also provided an easy route to Portugal, and with the balance of power saved in Europe, the Soviets looked to upset the fascist government in place there as well.

While the treaty provided the Republicans from outside threats against their government, it failed to mention any protection from the Soviets themselves, and in late June Soviet advisors were already drawing up plans for a communist coup. The Republicans would, no doubt, come to have serious misgivings about their deal with the ‘devil’.

Soviet Events
On June 2nd, the officer purges continued as Stalin ordered more ‘traitors’ executed. This seriously left the Soviet leadership undermanned, demoralized and desperately short of experience.

The Soviets began active trading with the Nationalist Chinese forces as well. Intelligence out of the east pointed to a Japanese Invasion of mainland China in the coming months, and the Soviets wanted the Nationalists to hold off the Japanese as long as they were able to. They also had no intention of entering a war against Japan until they were well prepared, despite what assurances they gave to their communist counterparts in China.

[klayman]

Research
In June, the Soviets developed a new long-range reconnaissance doctrine for the army, which improved organization of the infantry and cavalry. With lessons learned in the Spanish Civil War, by early July they had refined their Combat Unit Transport Procedure, allowing more organization of merchant ships converted into military transports. In August the Red Army developed Basic Wading Equipment allowing armor and motorized units to cross rivers and minor water obstacles while attacking, and in September added the 70mm Infantry Gun to their arsenal. By early October the Red army and air force had developed improved theory levels; the army with Early War Experience Analysis, and the air force with Pre-War Field Testing. Both theory levels opened new theories and applications available for the armed forces.

Soviet Events
On August 2nd Stalin initiated another officer purge further diminishing the ranks of the Red Army. Included in Stalin’s latest executions was Lt. General Primakov, hero of the Spanish Civil War, whose brave exploits into the Pyrenees captured Franco and helped bring about a quick end to the war with minimal Soviet losses.

After the bloody Spanish Civil War, events in Europe remained at least civilized, if not tense, for the rest of the year. By mid September, Rokossvksy had been recalled home, and his 1st Armor Group swelled to 6 divisions of T-26 tanks taking residence along the Polish border. Lt. General Malinovskij and Mj General Osade (promoted to Lt. General) remained in Spain.

The Far East was a different story however. On October 20th, the army led a coup of the Japanese government and with little effort or resistance, they quickly seized control and set their plans in motion. 2 days later, they declared war on Communist China. The Chinese called for Soviet intervention, but it was an obvious rouse by the Japanese to get the Soviets to react. Communist China was separated from Japan by a large Nationalist Chinese force, so the Soviets offered assistance, but no allegiance in the conflict. Failing to arouse the Soviets to act irrationally, Japan fell back on its original purpose, the invasion of China, and 5 days later declared war on Nationalist China to no-one's surprise.

[klayman]

Stalin continued to try to consolidate his power, and on November 2, the 4th such office purge occurred. Stalin had now become confident in his leaders loyalty, and although he had stripped them of much of their experience, he was left with loyal determined generals that he had handpicked himself. No longer fearful of an outright army coup, the major officer purges subsided, although some minor purges continued throughout Stalin’s reign.

The efforts to overthrow the Spanish government were not met with much success, mainly in part to the interference from the United Kingdom. The Soviets decided to bide their time until they could assert more influence on the Republic. Instead they looked back to the Western powers in hopes of developing a German understanding treaty, but none was forthcoming. With war now a fact in the east, the Soviets didn’t want to be drawn into a conflict in China and still defend their borders alone against possible German aggression. But in fact the west hardly seemed interested in the surprising rate of German military build up. Disappointed with their attitudes, the Soviets nonetheless continued to press their concerns, but secretly opened a path of communication with the Germans themselves.

The Sino-Japanese War
The influx of Soviet technology to both the communists and Nationalist forces caught the Japanese by surprise. An early invasion of Shanghai was repulsed by the Nationalist forces, and several other attempts to land in the port city continued to fail through to the end of the year. The Japanese only major victory came in the north with the invasion of Hohhot. The Nationalist forces quickly counter-attacked Hohhot, and although they proved ineffective at reclaiming the province, they managed to stop the offensive from moving forward. The Japanese were also forced to recognize a large Soviet build up in the north and east, and needed to divert several divisions away from their main offensive to cover their borders. Although the Soviets pledge non-allegiance in the war, their actions were definitely helping the Chinese.

Research
The Soviets continued with several breakthroughs before the end of the year. In November the air force developed Basic Short Range Fighter Engines, and by late November the Red Army had concluded tests on an Improved Light Tank Prototype. In December, the Soviets added a Rangefinder Radar to their arsenal, and scientists had discovered new uses for Improved Plastics theories. By the end of the year the discoveries had turned into an Anti-Tank rifle and a Basic Amphibious Tank for use in the armed forces.

[klayman]

Chapter Three: The Road to War (1938)

The Soviets made no industrial or infrastructure improvements during 1937. Therefore their economy stagnated and remained level. This was due largely in part to their involvement in the Spanish Civil War, since they wanted to keep their economy both suppling the army and material, while still developing and improving their technology. 1938 marked the same situation for the Soviets due to the Sino-Japanese War, but it was likely that their involvement would be on a lesser scale and therefore they could plan on making some small improvements throughout the year.

1938 Almanac

Despite Stalin's growing paranoia during the year, his staff remained the same for 1938 with no executions of traitors high in the government.

National Army Comparison
Soviets rank 1st, 89 Infantry divisions, 4 Cavalry Div, 3 Motorized Div, 9 Armor divisions, 7 Mountain Div, 112 Total divisions.
Top 5: Soviets (112), UK (83), Germany (80), Nationalist China (78), Italy (72)

National Navy Comparison
Soviets rank 6th, 3 Battleships, 4 Cruisers, 8 Destroyer Groups, 17 submarines flotillas, 2 transport flotilla.
Top 5: UK (115), USA(114), Japan(87), Italy(66), France (43)

National Air Force Comparison
Soviets rank 7th, 8 fighter squadrons, 4 tact bomber squadrons
Top 5: USA (26), UK (26), Japan (26), Germany (25), Italy (23)

Economic Information
Total IC: 409.0
Daily Production for:
Coal: 1322.0 units
Steel: 720.0 units
Rubber: 0.0 units
Oil: 238.0 units

Manpower: 341.0 units

[klayman]

Sino-Japanese War
The Japanese invasion continued to falter through January. Once again the Nationalist were able to repel an invasion at Shanghai, and the northern offensive had stalled to a standstill. Meanwhile, border clashed continued between Japanese and Soviet troops, and the threat of invasion from either side was all too real. The Chinese Expeditionary Force stood ready to help the Nationalists, but with the war so far in the Nationalist favor, the Soviets erred on the side of non-intervention.

Research
The air force continued its research into small fighter craft developing Basic Airframes in January. February saw a large number of breakthroughs, with the Army developing a Basic Signal Command System, a Long Range Recon Battalion, 90mm+ Howitzer, and an Improved Light Tank (30mm Canon). The Basic Signal Command System improved the defense efficiency of all divisions, while the Long Range Recon Battalion improved the Soviets intelligence on other countries divisions. The 90mm+ Howitzer was a mobile gun that added to the attack value of divisions, while the Improved Light Tank was the T-60 model. It was a slightly improved version of the T-26 which provided a better attack against hard targets and in April the last T-26 rolled off the assembly lines, although they would remain the backbone of the Soviet Armor Corps for several years.

[sachmo71]

Here's my favorite Russian tank


http://www.onwar.com/tanks/ussr/profiles/fpt35_38.htm


It didn't stand a chance on the battlefield, but it sure had some teeth!

[klayman]

Originally posted by sachmo71
Here's my favorite Russian tank


http://www.onwar.com/tanks/ussr/profiles/fpt35_38.htm


It didn't stand a chance on the battlefield, but it sure had some teeth!

Here's a sweet little encyclopedia of warfare weapons, with brief descriptions and pictures, if you are interested.

http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/war.htm

[klayman]

Sino-Japanese War
The war continued to go poorly for the Japanese as the modest Nationalist forces were able to once again hold off an invasion of Shanghai in February. The Japanese turned farther south in an attempt to penetrate the Chinese mainland and successful established a beach head in Kowloon on March 5th. A fierce resistance and counter-attack however, drove them back and by the start of April the province was back in Chinese control. The Japanese finally took the city of Shanghai on March 11th, gaining a foothold on the China mainland. That was quickly followed by a successful invasion of Baotou on the 17th. Protective of its Soviet compromised supply lines, the invasion slowed as the Japanese reinforced their positions, but by early May had launched a surprising offensive that caught the Chinese off guard, and Beijing and Tianjin fell to Japanese control within days of each other.

Events in Europe
On March 25, after a relatively peaceful couple of months in Europe, Hitler raised the tension level. He pressed Austria for Anschluss and the Austrian government ceded to his demands and joined the German empire. The next day he started making demands on Czechoslovakian territory. While the Czechs held off his advances, the European governments scrabbled in attempt to avoid war. The Soviets offered protection to the Czechs and once again requested a treaty of German understanding, but were flatly denied by the democratic powers.

[illinifan999]

Well I went out and got the game. (Damn you people, gonna put me in a cardboard box soon) After reading the manual, I feel like I'm gonna get my assed kicked a few times.

[klayman]

Originally posted by illinifan999
Well I went out and got the game. (Damn you people, gonna put me in a cardboard box soon) After reading the manual, I feel like I'm gonna get my assed kicked a few times.

Sorry


I think a lot has changed from what little I remember of the manual. (I've lost mine in 3 moves since I bought the game *shrugs*)

Update: Saw a flyer for the Canadian Youth Socialism and Communist party (or something like that) outside my comp arc and low-level programming course today. Spent the rest of the class thinking about this game

[sachmo71]

Avoid the manual. It's more than useless...it's misleading.