Decolonisation ITTL takes on an extra twist. Do you go for independence or incorporation into the main state? Pushing for statehood is certainly an option for Cuba and Puerto Rico, maybe even the Philippines. And with the Empire the colonies can push for Dominion status. Makes for an interesting set of potential choices.
Why the Chinese play cricket (an Imperial Federation timeline)
- Thread starter Miss Construction
- Start date
What was the reason why Guangxu was under the threat of being forced out? He seemed to have performed reasonably well and have approved reforms.
The basic problem was more widespread popular opposition to the 'foreign' Qing dynasty, than him himself. Some of the leading members of his own grand council (Sun Yat-sen and Huang Xing) wanted a republic. Yes he did damn well, held the fragile coalition of reformers (basically their only common ground was a belief 'things need to change'), he put in place a solid basis for democracy, he instituted some fundamental reforms. But the problem was his dynasty itself was deeply unpopular. And from a practical point of view with the Emperor becoming a ceremonial post, he's more effective out of that role.
Everything is threadmarked so should be easy to find, plus if you search the thread for =McUpdate= you'll find any previous content which has been updated
Not so much, there's the whole racism thing to deal with, but then again, the US will have the same issue regarding the Hispanic population of Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
With his reformist outlook and success, I think he could easily hold his ground against the so-called ‘democrats’. Do note that the Republican Revolution of 1911 was not really popularly supported and actually stems from outrage towards seizure of private property, continued corruption and frustration at it’s rate of reform. As long as he is throwing a bone at the democrats and actually performing well in terms of cleaning up the government, I don’t think the people would really care about ‘democracy’. Most people didn’t really care about democracy at that point in time and provably didn’t know a lot about it.I think he could easily rule as a kind of Wilhemite monarch, not necessarily a powerless one.I have strong reservations that people would want to trade a proven leader for someone who didn’t have a lot of credibility. I’m typically anti-Qing but I am genuinely impressed by the guy, I think a lot of Chinese in the timeline would as well.
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Just for information, China's population in 1905 breaks down to:
Zheng China = 232.22 million
Xianfa China = 185.45 million
Manchuria (technically under Zheng rule, but effectively controlled by Japan) = 32.22 million.
Zheng China = 232.22 million
Xianfa China = 185.45 million
Manchuria (technically under Zheng rule, but effectively controlled by Japan) = 32.22 million.
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An exceptionally good point (as usual). ITTL he's done an extremely good job, held the disparate reformers together, instituted a lot of fundamental reforms, avoided going under in the civil war. Part of the problem ITTL is he may be too progressive, especially with his wife. Mmmmm time for a rethink perhaps.
A minor change to China to allow for a more major potential change later. Plus some wording clarified. Big changes are the Emperor's role is no longer purely ceremonial, with him chairing the Grand Council and having a much stronger voice in government. And the change from a four year elected term to a six year one. This means the elections for Grand Chancellor, the Provincial governments (and consequently appointment of the upper chamber) and the lower chamber will all be held separately two years apart.
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December 1904: The Constitutional Commission established by the Guangxu Emperor presents its draft constitution for his approval. The proposed system of government draws from the Brazilian, British and US examples. Despite arguments for a republic by Huang Xing and Sun Yat-sen, the new government will be a federal constitutional monarchy, with the Emperor chairing the Grand Council and retaining limited reserve powers. However the Emperor is to be advised on the use of those powers by a nine member Supreme Court patterned after the Brazilian Constitutional Court. The reserved powers include the power to void the constitution and require the Supreme Court to draw up a new one to ratified by referendum within a year, as well as the more usual such powers. The executive branch will consist of a Grand Council led by an elected Grand Chancellor, serving a six year term. The other members of the Grand Council will be appointed by the Grand Chancellor subject to confirmation by a legislative branch known as the National Assembly. The National Assembly itself will be made of an upper Provincial Chamber with five members appointed every six years by each of the ten provinces and a lower Representative Chamber similar the British House of Commons, based on population and elected sexennially. The Grand Council will have the power to veto legislation, as will the Emperor, though in his case only if the legislation violates the constitution. Any veto by the Grand Council may be overturned by a two thirds vote of both houses, though an Imperial veto is final. The Emperor accepts the constitution without reservation. He dictates the first elections for Grand Chancellor will be held in June 1905, who will appoint an interim National Assembly pending the first Provincial government elections and appointment of the Provincial Chamber in 1907 and National Assembly elections in 1909. The constitution also adopts the Gregorian Calendar to replace the traditional Chinese Lunar calendar, declaring 1905 to be year one of the new Xianfa (憲法) or constitutional era.
=McUpdate=
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December 1904: The Constitutional Commission established by the Guangxu Emperor presents its draft constitution for his approval. The proposed system of government draws from the Brazilian, British and US examples. Despite arguments for a republic by Huang Xing and Sun Yat-sen, the new government will be a federal constitutional monarchy, with the Emperor chairing the Grand Council and retaining limited reserve powers. However the Emperor is to be advised on the use of those powers by a nine member Supreme Court patterned after the Brazilian Constitutional Court. The reserved powers include the power to void the constitution and require the Supreme Court to draw up a new one to ratified by referendum within a year, as well as the more usual such powers. The executive branch will consist of a Grand Council led by an elected Grand Chancellor, serving a six year term. The other members of the Grand Council will be appointed by the Grand Chancellor subject to confirmation by a legislative branch known as the National Assembly. The National Assembly itself will be made of an upper Provincial Chamber with five members appointed every six years by each of the ten provinces and a lower Representative Chamber similar the British House of Commons, based on population and elected sexennially. The Grand Council will have the power to veto legislation, as will the Emperor, though in his case only if the legislation violates the constitution. Any veto by the Grand Council may be overturned by a two thirds vote of both houses, though an Imperial veto is final. The Emperor accepts the constitution without reservation. He dictates the first elections for Grand Chancellor will be held in June 1905, who will appoint an interim National Assembly pending the first Provincial government elections and appointment of the Provincial Chamber in 1907 and National Assembly elections in 1909. The constitution also adopts the Gregorian Calendar to replace the traditional Chinese Lunar calendar, declaring 1905 to be year one of the new Xianfa (憲法) or constitutional era.
=McUpdate=
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The more I thought about it, the more it became blinding obvious @Avrorrange point regarding the Guangxu Emperor's abdication is not only a better option, it is in fact the only logical option for the TL to follow. There is simply no way the newly elected moderate reformist government in Xianfa China could look on his abdication with anything other than horror, especially given the republican faction is still determined to overthrow the monarchy entirely by any means possible. Coupled with the fact that though Qing Dynasty was divided into the traditionalists in the North and reformers in the South, not every single traditionalist up and migrated to the North, nor did every reformer shift South. Not insignificant support for both movements remains throughout China. And while Yuan Shikai's Zheng can resort to fairly draconian measure to suppress dissent, the far more liberal and democratic Xianfa can not. Thus it won't be too long before a traditionalist faction emerges in Xianfa Chinese politics. Keeping the existing Qing Dynasty and Emperor would on the face of it be an attractive sop to them. Unfortunately, the Emperor's modernist tendencies are likely to largely scuttle this hope in short order.
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Replace
July 1905: The Xianfa constitution includes a provision for the Emperor to end their dynasty by submitting their abdication to the National Assembly, appointing a regent pending the selection a new Emperor. If accepted, the Assembly is then empowered to select a new Emperor, beginning a new dynasty. Aware of the massive popular opposition to his 'foreign' Qing Dynasty and with an interim National assembly in place, the Guangxu Emperor submits his abdication, appoint Zhang Zhidong as regent. This move has been carefully planned and the Assembly votes unanimously to accept the abdication. With the abdication accepted Huang Xing, attempts to move an urgent motion in the National Assembly to call for Zhang Zhidong to void the constitution and establish a republic. Zhang disallows the motion on a point of order. With the republicans grandstanding over, Grand Chancellor Tan Sitong then moves the Assembly offer the throne to Li Jingfang, a well respected diplomat, known moderate with no political ambitions and adopted son of Li Hongzhang, one of the most prominent reformers until his death in 1900. This has been worked out well in advance and passes comfortably, with only the republicans voting against. Li thus becomes the first Emperor of the Xianfa Dynasty. In his first official act, Emperor Jingfang grants the former Guangxu Emperor and his descendants the title Duke Jin.
With
July 1905: Since the election of Tan Sitong as Xianfa Grand Chancellor, the Guangxu Emperor has been discussing the matter of his future position with the Grand Council, expressing his belief he should abdicate in favour of a Han Chinese candidate for Emperor to further increase stability in Xianfa China. However despite his argument regarding the supposed unpopularity of his supposed 'foreign' Manchu origins, the twelve members of the Grand Council almost unanimously utterly rejects the idea, stating clearly their horror at the idea of losing his proven abilities as a leader. Grand Chancellor Tan Sitong and Internal Affairs Minister Kang Youwei go as far as almost demanding he remains on the throne, claiming the stability of Xianfa China depends on retaining his steady hand as head of state to hold the various factions together. The only opposition to the Emperor remaining on the throne comes from the republican Minister of War Sun Yat-sen and Minister of Justice Huang Xing. Faced with such a response, the Emperor abandons his plans to abdicate, though stressing he wishes the monarchy to take on a more modern and pan sinitic face.
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Replace
September 1905: Unwilling to lose the former Guangxu Emperor's undoubted political skill and connections in Europe, Grand Chancellor Tan Sitong appoints him as roving ambassador extraordinary, with extensive plenipotentiary powers.
With
September 1905: In his first step to modernise and sinicise the institution of the Xianfa Emperor, the Guangxu Emperor formally changes his clan name from the Manchu Aisin-Gioro to Chinese Jin, in addition to ceasing the use of his regnal name for all but the most formal situations, instead taking the title Emperor Zaitian for almost all uses.
=McUpdate=
======/
Replace
July 1905: The Xianfa constitution includes a provision for the Emperor to end their dynasty by submitting their abdication to the National Assembly, appointing a regent pending the selection a new Emperor. If accepted, the Assembly is then empowered to select a new Emperor, beginning a new dynasty. Aware of the massive popular opposition to his 'foreign' Qing Dynasty and with an interim National assembly in place, the Guangxu Emperor submits his abdication, appoint Zhang Zhidong as regent. This move has been carefully planned and the Assembly votes unanimously to accept the abdication. With the abdication accepted Huang Xing, attempts to move an urgent motion in the National Assembly to call for Zhang Zhidong to void the constitution and establish a republic. Zhang disallows the motion on a point of order. With the republicans grandstanding over, Grand Chancellor Tan Sitong then moves the Assembly offer the throne to Li Jingfang, a well respected diplomat, known moderate with no political ambitions and adopted son of Li Hongzhang, one of the most prominent reformers until his death in 1900. This has been worked out well in advance and passes comfortably, with only the republicans voting against. Li thus becomes the first Emperor of the Xianfa Dynasty. In his first official act, Emperor Jingfang grants the former Guangxu Emperor and his descendants the title Duke Jin.
With
July 1905: Since the election of Tan Sitong as Xianfa Grand Chancellor, the Guangxu Emperor has been discussing the matter of his future position with the Grand Council, expressing his belief he should abdicate in favour of a Han Chinese candidate for Emperor to further increase stability in Xianfa China. However despite his argument regarding the supposed unpopularity of his supposed 'foreign' Manchu origins, the twelve members of the Grand Council almost unanimously utterly rejects the idea, stating clearly their horror at the idea of losing his proven abilities as a leader. Grand Chancellor Tan Sitong and Internal Affairs Minister Kang Youwei go as far as almost demanding he remains on the throne, claiming the stability of Xianfa China depends on retaining his steady hand as head of state to hold the various factions together. The only opposition to the Emperor remaining on the throne comes from the republican Minister of War Sun Yat-sen and Minister of Justice Huang Xing. Faced with such a response, the Emperor abandons his plans to abdicate, though stressing he wishes the monarchy to take on a more modern and pan sinitic face.
=====/
Replace
September 1905: Unwilling to lose the former Guangxu Emperor's undoubted political skill and connections in Europe, Grand Chancellor Tan Sitong appoints him as roving ambassador extraordinary, with extensive plenipotentiary powers.
With
September 1905: In his first step to modernise and sinicise the institution of the Xianfa Emperor, the Guangxu Emperor formally changes his clan name from the Manchu Aisin-Gioro to Chinese Jin, in addition to ceasing the use of his regnal name for all but the most formal situations, instead taking the title Emperor Zaitian for almost all uses.
=McUpdate=
A slight opps, forgot the Guangxu Emperor's wife,
======/
September 1905: In his first step to modernise and sinicise the institution of the Xianfa Emperor, the Guangxu Emperor formally changes his clan name from the Manchu Aisin-Gioro to Chinese Jin, in addition to ceasing the use of his regnal name for all but the most formal situations, instead taking the title Emperor Zaitian for almost all uses. In line with her Husband, the Empress Keshun adopts her personal name becoming Empress Ilha.
=McUpdate=
======/
September 1905: In his first step to modernise and sinicise the institution of the Xianfa Emperor, the Guangxu Emperor formally changes his clan name from the Manchu Aisin-Gioro to Chinese Jin, in addition to ceasing the use of his regnal name for all but the most formal situations, instead taking the title Emperor Zaitian for almost all uses. In line with her Husband, the Empress Keshun adopts her personal name becoming Empress Ilha.
=McUpdate=
I'm confused as to why the term lengths for the upper and lower houses of the National Assembly are different, six and five years, respectively.
Lol slip of the fingers when I checked for the correct term. It should be sexennial
Agree that this seems more realistic. He has weight and is known quantity, anyone replacing him will be a mystery as an emperor. It seems more stable this way.
It is better, makes far more sense. But also changes a lot going forward. A strong emperor in the south will change things.
Oct-Dec 1905: The world turned upside down
~Oct-Dec 1905: The world turned upside down
October 1905: Despite delays due to the use locally manufactured engines, the ships currently building for the Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Vickers are nearing completion. Seeking to keep the yard working, the company begins pushing for further orders. While the new Liberal Premier Wilfred Laurier is reluctant to allow further expenditure on naval expansion, his government is highly dependent on support from Quebec and the construction of six Cricket class coastal destroyers is eventually authorised.
October 1905: The British general election forced by Chamberlain's resignation is fought over the issues of women's suffrage and the power of the House of Lords. The election will see the Liberals narrowly lose their absolute majority, only taking 329 seats. Nevertheless the Conservatives, widely blamed for triggering the election, only increase to 230. The Federalist Party on the other hand increase from 74 to 82 members, though without the Gladstone-MacDonald pact, the Labour Party falls to 22 seats. However the Irish Parliamentary Coalition continue their decline, falling to just six MPs. Despite having lost his absolute majority, Chamberlain claims victory, declaring a mandate for universal suffrage suffrage and parliamentary reform. He forms a new government with the support of the Federalists, bringing William O'Brien, David Lloyd George and Robert Graham into cabinet as Secretaries of Ireland, Wales and Scotland respectively.
October 1905: With his failure to negotiate a change to the Imperial Common Market, Canadian Premier Wilfred Laurier open talks with the US regarding revitalising the 1893 Gresham-Thompson Free Trade Treaty. US Secretary of State Elihu Root agrees to push Congress to implement the treaty's rejected second round of tariff reductions as a first step to a new bilateral free trade agreement.
October 1905: With the unrest in Russia having reached the point of outright revolution, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Witte is able to convince Tsar Nicholas II to agree to publish what will become known as the October Manifesto as the basis for reform, though the Tsar's agreement is only given with extreme reluctance. The manifesto promises a guarantee of civil rights and representative assembly to be known as the Imperial Duma to give the people a voice in government. While the manifesto satisfies the moderates, it fails to meet the demands of the more radical elements in the Russian opposition, and though unrest begins to subside, the Tsar orders a brutal crackdown in response.
October 1905: British Home Secretary Charles Dilke introduces the revolutionary Parliament Bill. The bill proposes to limit the ability of the Lords to block legislations. It removes the ability of the Lords to block any finance legislation and includes a provision for any other bill passed twice by the Commons in the same parliamentary session to automatically become law without requiring approval by the Lords.
November 1905: After several months of strained negotiations mediated by Emperor Napoleon IV in Paris, Peruvian and Chilean representatives agree to Chile retaining the disputed province of Arica. With the disposition of Tacna to be decided by a plebiscite under French supervision in 1915. While far from satisfying either side, the agreement does allow the construction of the planned La Paz to Arica railway to begin.
November 1905: US Secretary of War William Taft and Japanese Prime Minister Katsura Tarō hold secret talks in Tokyo regarding the future of US and Japanese policy in the Far East. While considerable mistrust remains on both sides, both also agree their cooperation in the region has been productive. In an effort to maintain that cooperation, the two men attempt to find a mutually acceptable understanding regarding the Far East. For the Japanese part, with many in the US have expressing concern the Japanese will have designs on the Philippines after their victory, Katsura guarantees the Japanese have no intention to attack the Philippines stating the Japanese regard it as in their interests to have the archipelago controlled by a friendly power. For the US Taft agrees to Japan taking control of Korean foreign affairs to avoid a hostile power such as Germany attempting to expand their influence in the peninsular. Regarding China both agree the restoration of stability after the civil war is paramount. However Taft does raise the issue of US concerns over the recent expansion of Japanese influence into Manchuria. In response Katsura assures Taft of Japanese support for the US 'Open Door' policy, stressing their expansion is just in the commercial sphere. While the Japanese assurances fail to fully assuage US fears, the talks go a long way toward improving relations between the two powers. However perhaps most importantly, the talks are not revealed to the British, showing the first cracks in British, US and Japanese cooperation in Asia.
November 1905: At the end of the Chinese Civil War, the Xianfa fielded an army of nearly 450,000 men. Given the possibility of a renewal of hostilities, this level has been maintained since the armistice of September 1904, creating a considerable drain on the Xianfa finances as well as considerable disquiet in the army itself, with many volunteers now wishing to return to civilian life. With an immediate resumption of war with the Zheng now regarded as unlikely, the government of Tan Sitong begins to demobilise. The initial strength of the peacetime Xianfa army is set at just 130,000 professional regulars backed by 170,000 volunteer reservists. The scale of the demobilisation is highly controversial, with many feeling as the Zheng are still maintaining over 550,000 men under arms, the proposed army is far too small. However the plan is to gradual increase the army to 230,000 regulars backed by 420,000 reserves as funding allows.
November 1905: With US agreement for the establishment of a Japanese control over Korea having been secured in the Taft-Katsura Talks, the Japanese force the Koreans to sign the Eulso Treaty giving Japan control of Korean Foreign affairs and reducing the Korean Army to a 1,000 man guard in Seoul. While the Korean Emperor Gojong refuses to sign the treaty, but several other Korean officials do, reducing Korea to a Japanese protectorate.
November 1905: With European tensions soaring due to the Tangier Crisis, many in Denmark fear Great Power invasion to seize the Danish Straits in the event of war. These concerns lead Danish Prime Minister Iens Christensen to privately seek reassurances regarding Danish neutrality from the Great Powers. With the German government and military giving conflicting responses, Christensen suggests a defensive pact between the three Nordic nations. The Swedes, believing their own security under no threat, politely rebuff Christensen's overtures. However, the newly independent Norwegians are highly receptive. Talks in Oslo coinciding with King Haakon's arrival in Norway result in agreement to develop a common security framework, along with cooperation in military procurement to reduce costs with shared domestic production whenever possible. The German response will also allow Christensen to obtain an increase in military spending from the normally pacifist Danish Folketing.
December 1905: The revolutionary British battleship, HMS Dreadnought completes her trials and is accepted into service, though she was already formally commissioned on her completion in October for political reasons. While a few minor problems such as a poorly sited main mast are revealed, the ship is a resounding success, rendering every existing battleship obsolete and giving her name to entirely new kind of warship, the dreadnought or all big gun battleship.
December 1905: Though the publication of the October Manifesto and promise of a representative Duma has satisfied the moderates in Russia, the socialist revolutionaries continue to demand more fundamental change. In an effort to support their demands, the socialists arrange a mass strike in Moscow. The strikers are poorly coordinated and the authorities respond with a harsh crackdown, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. The Moscow uprising will mark the end of the 1905 Russian Revolution.
December 1905: To investigate the potential use of motor vehicles in war the British Army form the Experimental Motor Force. Consisting of two forty five man motor infantry platoons each to be transported by six Leyland lorries and a single 15 man troop of motor cavalry with five Rolls Royce cars armed with a single Maxim gun along with a ten strong command detachment in three further cars, the force is intended to operate for a year of extensive trials to determine if motorisation of some units is a viable proposition.
December 1905: While the presence of Great Power troops on Crete has prevented outright civil war, The small gendarmarie available to the Governor General Prince George has been unable to suppress the rebels who now control half the island. Realising the situation is getting out of hand, the Great Powers agree to institute substantial reform to the Island's administration in return for the rebels laying down their arms. Prince George is to be replaced as Governor General by former Greek Prime Minister Alexandros Zaimis, a new Cretan assembly is to be created along with an independent Cretan army, allowing the Great Power troops to be withdrawn.
October 1905: Despite delays due to the use locally manufactured engines, the ships currently building for the Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Vickers are nearing completion. Seeking to keep the yard working, the company begins pushing for further orders. While the new Liberal Premier Wilfred Laurier is reluctant to allow further expenditure on naval expansion, his government is highly dependent on support from Quebec and the construction of six Cricket class coastal destroyers is eventually authorised.
October 1905: The British general election forced by Chamberlain's resignation is fought over the issues of women's suffrage and the power of the House of Lords. The election will see the Liberals narrowly lose their absolute majority, only taking 329 seats. Nevertheless the Conservatives, widely blamed for triggering the election, only increase to 230. The Federalist Party on the other hand increase from 74 to 82 members, though without the Gladstone-MacDonald pact, the Labour Party falls to 22 seats. However the Irish Parliamentary Coalition continue their decline, falling to just six MPs. Despite having lost his absolute majority, Chamberlain claims victory, declaring a mandate for universal suffrage suffrage and parliamentary reform. He forms a new government with the support of the Federalists, bringing William O'Brien, David Lloyd George and Robert Graham into cabinet as Secretaries of Ireland, Wales and Scotland respectively.
October 1905: With his failure to negotiate a change to the Imperial Common Market, Canadian Premier Wilfred Laurier open talks with the US regarding revitalising the 1893 Gresham-Thompson Free Trade Treaty. US Secretary of State Elihu Root agrees to push Congress to implement the treaty's rejected second round of tariff reductions as a first step to a new bilateral free trade agreement.
October 1905: With the unrest in Russia having reached the point of outright revolution, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Witte is able to convince Tsar Nicholas II to agree to publish what will become known as the October Manifesto as the basis for reform, though the Tsar's agreement is only given with extreme reluctance. The manifesto promises a guarantee of civil rights and representative assembly to be known as the Imperial Duma to give the people a voice in government. While the manifesto satisfies the moderates, it fails to meet the demands of the more radical elements in the Russian opposition, and though unrest begins to subside, the Tsar orders a brutal crackdown in response.
October 1905: British Home Secretary Charles Dilke introduces the revolutionary Parliament Bill. The bill proposes to limit the ability of the Lords to block legislations. It removes the ability of the Lords to block any finance legislation and includes a provision for any other bill passed twice by the Commons in the same parliamentary session to automatically become law without requiring approval by the Lords.
November 1905: After several months of strained negotiations mediated by Emperor Napoleon IV in Paris, Peruvian and Chilean representatives agree to Chile retaining the disputed province of Arica. With the disposition of Tacna to be decided by a plebiscite under French supervision in 1915. While far from satisfying either side, the agreement does allow the construction of the planned La Paz to Arica railway to begin.
November 1905: US Secretary of War William Taft and Japanese Prime Minister Katsura Tarō hold secret talks in Tokyo regarding the future of US and Japanese policy in the Far East. While considerable mistrust remains on both sides, both also agree their cooperation in the region has been productive. In an effort to maintain that cooperation, the two men attempt to find a mutually acceptable understanding regarding the Far East. For the Japanese part, with many in the US have expressing concern the Japanese will have designs on the Philippines after their victory, Katsura guarantees the Japanese have no intention to attack the Philippines stating the Japanese regard it as in their interests to have the archipelago controlled by a friendly power. For the US Taft agrees to Japan taking control of Korean foreign affairs to avoid a hostile power such as Germany attempting to expand their influence in the peninsular. Regarding China both agree the restoration of stability after the civil war is paramount. However Taft does raise the issue of US concerns over the recent expansion of Japanese influence into Manchuria. In response Katsura assures Taft of Japanese support for the US 'Open Door' policy, stressing their expansion is just in the commercial sphere. While the Japanese assurances fail to fully assuage US fears, the talks go a long way toward improving relations between the two powers. However perhaps most importantly, the talks are not revealed to the British, showing the first cracks in British, US and Japanese cooperation in Asia.
November 1905: At the end of the Chinese Civil War, the Xianfa fielded an army of nearly 450,000 men. Given the possibility of a renewal of hostilities, this level has been maintained since the armistice of September 1904, creating a considerable drain on the Xianfa finances as well as considerable disquiet in the army itself, with many volunteers now wishing to return to civilian life. With an immediate resumption of war with the Zheng now regarded as unlikely, the government of Tan Sitong begins to demobilise. The initial strength of the peacetime Xianfa army is set at just 130,000 professional regulars backed by 170,000 volunteer reservists. The scale of the demobilisation is highly controversial, with many feeling as the Zheng are still maintaining over 550,000 men under arms, the proposed army is far too small. However the plan is to gradual increase the army to 230,000 regulars backed by 420,000 reserves as funding allows.
November 1905: With US agreement for the establishment of a Japanese control over Korea having been secured in the Taft-Katsura Talks, the Japanese force the Koreans to sign the Eulso Treaty giving Japan control of Korean Foreign affairs and reducing the Korean Army to a 1,000 man guard in Seoul. While the Korean Emperor Gojong refuses to sign the treaty, but several other Korean officials do, reducing Korea to a Japanese protectorate.
November 1905: With European tensions soaring due to the Tangier Crisis, many in Denmark fear Great Power invasion to seize the Danish Straits in the event of war. These concerns lead Danish Prime Minister Iens Christensen to privately seek reassurances regarding Danish neutrality from the Great Powers. With the German government and military giving conflicting responses, Christensen suggests a defensive pact between the three Nordic nations. The Swedes, believing their own security under no threat, politely rebuff Christensen's overtures. However, the newly independent Norwegians are highly receptive. Talks in Oslo coinciding with King Haakon's arrival in Norway result in agreement to develop a common security framework, along with cooperation in military procurement to reduce costs with shared domestic production whenever possible. The German response will also allow Christensen to obtain an increase in military spending from the normally pacifist Danish Folketing.
December 1905: The revolutionary British battleship, HMS Dreadnought completes her trials and is accepted into service, though she was already formally commissioned on her completion in October for political reasons. While a few minor problems such as a poorly sited main mast are revealed, the ship is a resounding success, rendering every existing battleship obsolete and giving her name to entirely new kind of warship, the dreadnought or all big gun battleship.
December 1905: Though the publication of the October Manifesto and promise of a representative Duma has satisfied the moderates in Russia, the socialist revolutionaries continue to demand more fundamental change. In an effort to support their demands, the socialists arrange a mass strike in Moscow. The strikers are poorly coordinated and the authorities respond with a harsh crackdown, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. The Moscow uprising will mark the end of the 1905 Russian Revolution.
December 1905: To investigate the potential use of motor vehicles in war the British Army form the Experimental Motor Force. Consisting of two forty five man motor infantry platoons each to be transported by six Leyland lorries and a single 15 man troop of motor cavalry with five Rolls Royce cars armed with a single Maxim gun along with a ten strong command detachment in three further cars, the force is intended to operate for a year of extensive trials to determine if motorisation of some units is a viable proposition.
December 1905: While the presence of Great Power troops on Crete has prevented outright civil war, The small gendarmarie available to the Governor General Prince George has been unable to suppress the rebels who now control half the island. Realising the situation is getting out of hand, the Great Powers agree to institute substantial reform to the Island's administration in return for the rebels laying down their arms. Prince George is to be replaced as Governor General by former Greek Prime Minister Alexandros Zaimis, a new Cretan assembly is to be created along with an independent Cretan army, allowing the Great Power troops to be withdrawn.