once again, with spacing-
Commentary end of 04:
Cracks begin to form in the stalemate lines as some big moves are made this year.
Austria: Austria’s big move of the year was to attempt a fall strike on the reeling Russian in the hopes that the Turk maintained a purely defensive posture that offered little assistance to his hard pressed ally. Austria’s successful move into Rumania cost Russia a center, but Turkish forces advanced into Serbia unopposed. While costing Russia an army, this gamble has allowed the Turk to build another army and make further inroads into the south. Russia’s offensive ability may have been undermined, but the Turk appears to be the more dangerous threat. The destruction of the Russian fleet has little strategic value for the Austrian as this fleet could not support inland advances. The new Turkish conscripts, on the other hand, can. While Russia has only two armies garrisoning the southern front, it will be difficult for the Austrian to mount an attack on Warsaw or Sevastapol with Turkey threatening Austria’s soft underbelly. There’s a lot at stake in the Balkans in the year to come.
Italy: Italy continues to hammer away at Greece. With Turkey’s move to Serbia, a successful attack on Greece is just that much more unlikely. While Italy has made headway diplomatically with both Austria and France, it remains to be seen if this will translate into any builds.
Turkey: Turkey’s attack on Serbia was the most critical Turkish move last season. I’m a bit surprised that Austria attacked from there rather than Galicia and would have expected, perhaps as the Turk did, that the attack on Serbia would have merely resulted in cutting support that would leave Russia in control of Rumania. As is, this center swap is rather helpful for R-T. Turkey has gained an army that can be utilized to expel Austria from the Balkans and Russia has a lost a fleet that had no anti-Austrian offensive capabilities. It will be interesting to see if the Sultan can maintain his momentum and force Austria to disband a unit next year. Such a development would likely lead to the collapse of the Hapsburg Empire.
Russia: Russia had some big losses last year and was forced to disband two units. Much of it was a matter of guess work which is hard to critique. Clearly the Russian was in a tough spot and was forced to gamble on multiple move options from his opponent. The only defensive move that he made that I would disagree with would be the move from Livonia to Prussia. That Germany would support Prussia to Warsaw with support from Silesia (a support which could not be cut) was a pretty safe bet. Utilizing this army in another manner could have possibly cut Russia’s losses down to one. As is, Russia has made some important strategic moves with his disbands. Firstly, he chose to disband his army in Livonia. With Germany under pressure from France and being forced to disband and Austria facing a Turkish threat to the south, it was reasonable to believe that less pressure would be placed upon his central boarders. Furthermore, his decision to eliminate the Black Sea fleet was the rather obvious second choice as this unit was useless in supporting operations deep into Austrian territory. Finally, Russia’s decision to retreat into the Baltic Sea and retain his northern fleet has put significant pressure upon the German. From this seas zone, Russia threatens four supply centers and will have many frontline German units looking over their shoulders. It will be interesting to see if Russia’s Tsar can once again turn the tide of fortune his way.
Germany: With Germany’s loss of Sweden and Belgium in the spring, it was imperative for the Kaiser to devise a plan to avoid the loss of two supply centers. Such crippling losses would have been devastating as the wehrmacht engages in a two front war. As is, Germany managed to limit his losses to one center. With Russia disbanding two units, the ground war will be cooling down in east. However, Russia fleet in the Baltic poses a number of problems for the German. Three unoccupied centers are within its grasp and the possibility of a Franco-Russian combined attack in the Fatherland is a possibility. While offensive opportunities are open to the German in north and central Russia, it will be interesting to see if Germany places his hopes on allied collaboration or pull back to stronger defensive positions.
England: England’s successful re-conquest of Norway and construction of a fourth fleet has revitalized this island power. Furthermore, the decline of Russia has removed much of the pressure on Norway and the potential is open for England to go on the offensive utilizing 3/4’s of his fleets. This opens the possibilities for a 5th build in the year to come. Last year’s moves seem to indicate that England is standing firm with the Kaiser. However, the French empereur has been making a number of overtures to England- perhaps the most significant being his army build in Brest. With no apparent threats to his current four centers and jingoistic calls for conquest rising out of parliament, this is a year of opportunity for her majesty’s royal navy.
France: France made a key play last year in seizing Belgium and rushing troops forward to secure it. With his one build, he chose to send a rather clear diplomatic message. An anticipated fleet build in Brest (that would be threatening to England) did not materialize. Instead he chose an English pacifying army build. Everything will depend on England’s response. In the north, three German units are securely dug into the Siegfried Line. To the east, Italy benevolently blocks the way, and to the northwest, Frances solitary fleet warily eyes the mighty British navy. Further advances for the French will depend upon diplomatic ties as much as tactics.
The weird ways of Johnny Foreigner
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