Rise of the Sun of May - Part 17: Las Malvinas Son Platenses (1918-1920)

We return to the Provinces as the rest of the world plunges into a war.

Italy and the United Kingdom are the Great Power backing for the small Banat Republic and their independence. Also involved are the UK's imperial holdings such as Canada, Persia, and most of the independent Indian nations.

Backing Yugoslavia and her sovereignty over the Banats are the Germans and our Dutch friends. Also involved on this side are Spain, Sweden, Bohemia-Moravia, Hungary, and the Ottomans.

This map highlights each side of the Great War.

Here is a little intro to the sides also: In Blue is the ABIP - Anti British Imperialism Pact; Led by Germany and the Netherlands in support of Yugoslavia, this pact seeks to halt further British imperialism and involvement in other world affairs such as the situation in the Balkans.

In Red is the Syndicate - Led by the United Kingdom and Italy in support of the Banat Republic, the Syndicate is a pact aimed specifically at improving the Balkans situation by earning independence for smaller 'oppressed' nations such as Banat.

The kickoff of the war has led to a sharp decline in the world's economy; an effect felt here in the Provinces.

In an effort to spread friendship and peace for the Provinces in this time of world war, Prime Minister Ortiz launches programs to improve relations with Ecuador (convenient possible ally), Guyana (also under Dutch influence and on our own continent), and Belgium (a clear choice after their strong growth following the German-French War; also they are under the Dutch).

Only a couple of months into the War, the Syndicate already appears to have a strong upper hand. Tens of thousands of soldiers are already dead from massive battles across Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Balkans.

The once friendly border of Calabar is now ravaged by war as the Spanish siege into British West African territory.

Meanwhile, it is suggested to switch some of the fruit growing business in South Madagascar to ranches in order to boost profits in the hard time.

Ortiz disagrees with market estimates, believing that prosperity for the Provinces is just around the corner- war or not. Therefore, the request to change the major economic output in the region is denied.

The Russian Empire attacks yet another country in Central Europe, this time it's a country that helped them capture territory in their last war.

With little intel flow from the war, it's hard for Ortiz to actually tell what is happening. Pictured is received intel from the Dutch; though it's not even a lot of land shown, there are thousands of men dying there by the day.

tech break mein dudes.

By October, the Prime Minister elections once again begin.

The Left Coalition, seeing soaring success and public approval ratings, easily back the now 34 year old Prime Minister Ortiz.

Ortiz continues his strong belief in peaceful growth, viewing the Great War and any other similar wars as an useless obstacle impeding human development in all areas.

However, the Prime Minister has been experiencing noticeable health issues revolving around his recent diagnosis with diabetes, with his future well being entirely unknown and unpredictable.

Taking yet another risk after an inter-party vote with very close results decided it, Partido Socialista has chosen not to run a candidate in opposition once again. They are most concerned with having a strong, validated, and peace loving leader in this time of world darkness.

The National Front back a much less hardcore candidate than last round.

The 54 year old José Figueroa Alcorta is chosen for the part. Alcorta, along with having a fine mustache, is a strong proponent Platense interventionism. Though definitely against European imperialism and Platense involvement in multi continental wars, Alcorta feels it is the Provinces duty to free the people from such South American countries as Brazil and the currently hectic Chile.

The Right Direction once again backs the mildly successful and now 44 year old Leopoldo Lugones.

Lugones has become a massive supporter of the idea that the Provinces should take the European war as a chance to regain it's place in the world. His plans include attacking the currently involved United Kingdom for land expansion in both Africa and the currently British Malvinas islands.

Meanwhile, after hearing feedback from the older generations of the country, Ortiz orders an expansion of minimum wage in order to allow the people a better way to save money to improve their later life.

Things in the war suddenly get real as shit by December.

Winning major battles in Italy, the Balkans, and on the sea, ABIP has managed to gain a massive upperhand in the war. The Germans, giddy with excitement at their successes, add a demand to their side of the war- the British must dismantle their empire.

It's still not over till it's over though.

Major victories also take place for ABIP on the Ottoman-Persian front.

In Africa, however, the British have managed to easily sweep across the West part of the continent, swarming out from their colony.

Shockingly, on January 8th 1919, the United Kingdom seemingly rushes at admitting defeat.

Perhaps they didn't want to end up like France, with both a dismantled empire and lost land on the home front, but regardless of the reason, the War is over!

Celebrations erupt across the ABIP nations; the world would no longer be subject to the strong arming of the British Empire. Peace talks begin in London.

The Great War has now ended, taking hundreds of thousands- if not millions- of lives with it.

March 13th 1918 to January 8th 1919 (302 days).

Most of the world completely ignores the still problematic situation in Yugoslavia, even though it was the reason for the start of the entire War.

All eyes are directed towards London.

Who would be invited to the peace talks? What would the result be? Will the British just accept defeat like that? Will there be more war?

On February 2nd, an invitation to join the peace talks arrives on Ortiz's desk.

The Dutch (whom I cannot love anymore) have invited the Provinces in order to offer a solution for the handling of at least some of the British imperial land. Meanwhile, in the Malvinas, a temporary provisional government is set up until the talks are finalized (really in game this government appeared as 'Argentina' so no they aren't ours yet and that isn't our color).

Ortiz, too far away and waning in health to feasibly make the trip, orders the Platense-Dutch Ambassador to attend the event.

The treaty is finalized with much haste after worries of the British 'taking the treaty back' spread across the delegation.

The following pictures are the results of the Treaty of London (1919).

Europe sees few changes, the largest and most shocking probably being the relinquishing of British control over Ireland. A new Irish monarchy is set up in the reborn nation.

Gibraltar is given to the Spanish, ending British control over the entrance to the Mediterranean.

Malta, though small and seemingly insignificant, is also released.

Morocco is freed from British influence as well.

Italy somehow eludes all aftereffects of the war, but surely they have learnt a lesson from the Treaty.

The Dominion of South Africa is released.

Mainline 'British Africa' is set to begin a transition to Dutch rule over the coming months.

Somaliland is also released in Kenya.

India is.. well... just a mess.

Tons of small Indian nations are released into independence (under Dutch influence). Direct British controlled Indian territories are also set to transition into Dutch rule.

The Dominion of Australia is released.

The Dominion of New Zealand is released.

British Guyana is returned to the native South American owned Guyana- good for them!

Jamaica is released into independence as the rest of the British Caribbean is slotted for Dutch control.

The Dominion of Canada is released.

Finally, joyously, and most importantly:

Las Malvinas Son Platenses!

The sent ambassador argued strongly for the Platense claim on the islands. Ortiz plans a visit to tour the islands in the coming months.

The British majority of the island don't mind the change, as they were too far away from the UK in the first place to feel any effect from their rule.

The new province of Islas Malvinas joins the State of Patagonia Meridional.

The Dutch in Africa, already expanding their territory, run into a bit of conflict with the Germans after they forget the exact borders.

Little bitty Militant Socialist rebellion back home.

At this point even the friendless Fascist Austria leaves their alliance with loser Britain.

Just like that, the UK has fallen from 1st to 4th within weeks.

By March, the British Caribbean is fully controlled Dutch territory.

As well as British New Guinea.

Also Malaysia got released.

Shanghai is also given to the Dutch, as Hong Kong is released as an independent nation controlled by the "Guangdong Clique".

Even the other South Atlantic islands are handed to the Dutch.

The success of the war for the Dutch sees surges in Platense patriotism.

In fact, many direct their patriotism towards Chile- the godless and anarchic land that once stole Patagonia now reigns hell over the Patagonian minority of the South and Aimara minority of the North.

Those rebels were E-Z.

By May 15th, British Africa is fully integrated as Dutch Africa. In the East, the Germans have decided to take British Kenya.

No longer does red submerge the continent.

The results of the election roll in by early June.

Ortiz easily wins once again in one of the most uneventful elections of the Provinces.

However, an interesting thing to look at is the effect of Ortiz's peace policies on the population- a majority of States have actually been allotted one or more electoral votes this round, adding 19 entire seats to Parliament without so much as lifting the big stick of war.

Weeks after the election however, Ortiz makes a public appearance where it is noticeable that he has gained weight. The Prime Minister looks pale and sickly as he announces to the press that he is losing his eyesight from his diabetes.

His announced plan is to "work until it's all gone", pledging that he won't let the Provinces down until he is physically incapable of leading. He also reveals that he has a pick to replace him in the event he becomes unfit to lead.

He immediately works with Parliament to pass further voting reform while he still can.

Here is an updated version of the previous map of Dutch influence made only 2 years ago before the war.

Meanwhile back here, Communist rebels rise in the newly acquired Southern Peru region.

Meanwhile back here, Communist rebels rise in the newly acquired Southern Peru region.

Ortiz also attempts to fix the cultural discrimination in the education system, believing an educated populace is a requirement for a great country.

Soon after spearheading this change, Ortiz quietly goes fully blind, though he doesn't give up the position yet, feeling still strong.

tech NOW

E-Z commies.

On November 3rd 1919, Prime Minister Roberto Marcelino Ortiz passes away in his sleep due to complications from diabetes.

At a massive funeral in front of the Unification Palace in Buenos Aires, Queen Manuela announces her plan to follow Ortiz's wishes and appoint his chosen successor as Prime Minister until the next election.

Ortiz's chosen heir is 56 year old Ramón Castillo, who acted as a mentor to Ortiz in his earlier years.

Castillo, similarly to many in the nation at the time, has fallen to the allure of successful war. After gaining Las Malvinas and watching as the Dutch practically doubled their influence in a few short years, Castillo and many others saw war as a boon for the Provinces.

After taking office as the third Prime Minister of the United Provinces, Castillo announces his plan to invade Chile in the coming days and relinquish them of their control over the Patagonian and Aimara minorities in the North and South.

So, on December 2nd 1919, Castillo officially declares war on Chile.

The troops, already in the North due to the previous rebel situation, quickly move into Chile.

Chile is obviously outnumbered by the large forces of the Platense-Dutch alliance.

In the coming weeks, Chilean troops begin moving into Platense Andes territory.

The Platense Parliament of 1920 is assembled.

The Left Coalition narrowly holds onto their lead as much the the vote is split between the ideological opposites of pacifism and nationalism/interventionism.

In January, perhaps seeing a chance as the war was on, small-ish groups of Bolivian Nationalists rise.

After sieging Chile's Northernmost province, General Mitre moves forth to quickly exterminate the rebels.

By March, as Chileans siege the Andes, Dutch troops are spotted moving in to siege Easter Island. Easter Island is included in the Southern Chile region so capture is important if the Platense were to show their legitimacy in integrating the lands.

Slow siege war North to South.

The Dutch, after finishing with Easter Island, land on the Chilean coast near Santiago by May.

Dutch sieged provinces are practically impossible to see due to the similar colors, but after sieging several provinces further South, they move on to the capital.

As Platense boots siege the North, the Dutch progress in the center after taking the capital and defeating a major Chilean force there.

Also noticeable is the unrest in the country due to the Chilean government's tyrannical overlordship.

On September 22nd, after weeks of status quo, a weak-and-dealing-with-an-already-massive-rebellion Chilean government agrees with peace offers from the Dutch.

The Dutch, bless their souls, manage to strike a deal handing over the Northern and Southern regions of Chile- their least populous and most discriminated against.

Patagonians in the South and Aimara in the North rejoice as the now exist in the same country as their brethren.

The new provinces require good ole Platense infrastructure so massive projects are started.

On October 20th, after a massive celebration parade in Buenos Aires, Prime Minister Ramón Castillo announces that he will be resigning in the following year, stating that he had fulfilled his duty and would feel another leader fit for taking his place in the coming future of integration, etc.

The next day, in a surprise event in the capital, all of Parliament, Castillo and Queen Manuela sign a new document.

What is this document? Well it's a fully fleshed Constitution directly laying out the rights of the people, focusing of course on the protection of voting rights that have been fought for ever since the Reactionary takeover in 1877.

The new elections are then announced to take place by May of next year.

Another provision of the new Constitution allows all citizens of Platense overseas territories a full vote- meaning no more half vote and seats for South Madagascar anymore!

Finally, the Provinces will experience a fully fleshed Constitutionalized election! (complete with the addition of two new states!)