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Title: Ardian Continental Conflict 1914-1918: A summary
Post by: Kopsje on November 25, 2021, 07:30:09 AM

Ardian Continental Conflict 1914-1918: A summary

By Manius Brusco
In association with the 14-45 Historical Society, Vrusa Institute & International Partners


The most widely known and perhaps impactful of the Waring Era conflicts, is that of the Ardian Continental Conflict lasting from roughly 1914 to 1945. Though it should be noted, that while the Ardian Continental Conflict is recognized as lasting for the duration of the Era fighting between the belligerents did not last the entire consecutive three decades of the Era. The belligerents of this war are often categorized as Pro-Ardia or Anti-Ardia in nature, though allegiances have been recorded to change due to events both as a result of and independent of the conflicts greater consequences. Chronologically the Ardian Continental Conflict can be divided into two segments, these being the 1914-1918 period and the 1932-1945 periods. This Conflict would officially end in 1945 with peace negotiations between the Ardian Coalition and Allied Powers following the usage of nuclear weapons by the Achkaerinese Empire against the Ardian Empire. The following exposé will briefly cover the First phase of the Ardian Continental War, commonly known as the First Ardian war or First World War, lasting form the years of 1914 to 1918 CE.

NOTE: Due to the chaotic nature of this period in Mundus’ history and the often scarce or, as of this writing, uncovered information this exposé will very briefly summarize the conflict with available information as of this time. It should be understood that while this work is an attempt to give structure and organization of the events, there may be pieces regarding unmentioned involvement or little coverage of countries or factions missing from this work. The 14-45 Historical society in association with our partners are currently working to uncover more information about the various conflicts of the time period. As such, subsequent exposes may be released to cover topics not mentioned in this work.   

Background
Prior to the outbreak of the war in 1914 the Ardian Empire had become a Regional Power, influential through out the Cross Straits, Daunutal, and Kyne maritime regions as well as enjoying the status of the preeminent power within the Ardian Peninsula. The Empire also held overseas territories such as that of  Djabidjan (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=2313.msg21060#msg21060) and benefiting from positive relationships with the Kingdom of Rhand (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=2380.msg21727#msg21727), the restored Grimaldi Dyansty of the Heyran Kingdom (https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=667209) and the Kingdom of Samantra (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=2418.msg22087#msg22087). The Ardian Empire was also politically active in the region having hosted the exiled Tytorian Royal family from 1873 to 1909, and holding territory in what is now western Daito (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1822.msg15955#msg15955).  Despite this, by the late 19th century the Ardian Empire was growing stagnate with numerous historical conflicts with its neighbors and domestic troubles causing a gradual weakening of the Empires once believed undefeatable hegemony.       

It is still unclear what exactly started the first period of the Continental war though it has been speculated that antagonization by the Empire against its neighbors, be it intentionally or indirectly, is a pivotal reason as to the cause. The Empire’s eastern territories of what is now Nueva Ardia (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=446.msg2844#msg2844) has been noted to be a point of contention with its neighbor the  Toshikawa Shogunate (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=447.msg2845#msg2845) itself a notable power within the Peninsula boasting a powerful military and warrior culture. Meanwhile in the north the Empire of Daito a notable rival of Ardia, and one which lost territory to the Ardians in a previous conflict, would seek to reclaim its territories west of the Idai Mountains under the Reign of the Keiyo Emperor, lastly the overseas territory of Gowu, of  Holy Empire of Achkaerin (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=140.msg502#msg502) would prove to be a point of contention between the weakening Southern Empire and the growing Northern Empire.

Rokkenjiman Political Crisis
One year prior to the outbreak of the Greater Conflict, a political crisis would strike Rokknejima (then known as The Royal Provinces of Rokkenjima) in which financial polices enacted by Queen Rachel would prove unpopular and used as a political tool by Radical Republican elements against the Rokkenjiman Crown. Tensions within the country would boil over into an all-out civil war in pitting Royalist forces against Revel Republican Forces. The Defections of General Allen Smith and Admiral Pearson from the Royalist forces to the Republicans would come to play a pivotal role in the countries conflict securing a Republican Victory in 1915 and allowing the formation of the Federal Republic of Rokkenjima. Though it is speculated that various countries may have involved themselves, indirectly, in the Rokkenjiman civil-war for various reasons the conflict would be notable in the context of the region as a whole by changing the political landscape of the region and threatening maritime trade & security within the Ardian Gulf (now the Rokkenjiman Sea) and Daunutal Sea. Additionally the victory of the Republicans would see the formation of the First Republican state in the Region by popular revolt.


Belligerents & Theatres of War
The culmination of the geopolitical fallout of the Rokkenjiman civil-war and the grievances of the Ardian Empire with its neighbors is generally regarded as the cause of the Ardian Continental War, and the first phase of 1914-1918. This phase of the war can be divided into four theatres of war these being the Peninsula Theatre, the Daito Theatre, the Kyne Theatre and the Northern Ocean Theatre. While the respective alliances of the war are generally categorized into The Ardian Coalition(AC), and The Allied Powers(AP). Respectively, the following countries are recorded as being apart of each alliance; Ardian Empire (AC), Nueva Ardia (AC), Kingdom of Tytor (AC), Kingdom of Heyra-Bellefaye (AC), Kingdom of Samntra (AC) Emirate of Royal Seleucid (AC)*, Empire of Achkaerin(AP), Empire of Daito (AP), Toshikawa Shogunate (AP), and Cassiopeia (AP)*.

In the Daito Theatre of War The Keiyo Emperor (personal name Shigenori) would oversee his forces against the Ardian Occupation Force stationed in the regions west of the Idai Mountains. (A personal account has been submitted to The 14-45 Historical Agency recounting the story of Daitojin soldier Haruto Kimura which can be found here (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=2374.msg21702#msg21702)). In the Peninsula Theatre the Toshikawan Army and Ardian Army would find themselves in a fierce stalemate along the Nuvea Ardian-Toshikawa border. This front alone is speculated to be one of the most violent and brutal owning to accounts of prolonged trench warfare that would last throughout the entirety of the conflict even into the second phase lasting until 1945. The peninsula theatre is said to have the most belligerents present in land warfare with the AC receiving assistance from the Kingdom of Tytor, the Empire itself and Nueva Ardian Auxiliaries, among others, while the Toshikawan army formed the backbone of AP forces, supported by Achkaerenese forces via Gowu. Though fighting in the Peninsula theatre was relatively contained to the Nueva Ardian-Toshikawa land border, there have been some accounts of naval engagements in and around the waters surrounding the peninsula.

The Kyne Theatre and North Ocean Theatre’s are primarily understood to be naval centric in fighting with the AC forces comprised of the Samantran navy overseen by King Vladislav Godunov, the Heyra-Bellefaye navy overseen by King Charles VII, and the Ardian Navy. In contrast the AP Naval forces were primarily formed from Achkaerenese Navy led by Empire Henry Azurewind in the Northern Ocean, while the Daitojin Navy is said to have assisted in the Kyne Sea. Additionally, the Emirate of Royal Seleucid (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=348.msg2024#msg2024) is known to have supported the Ardian Empire in Naval engagements primarily in securing sea lanes and access between the Kremeon and Kyne seas while securing the Matilda channel and overseeing their colonies in what is now the Andean Peninsula.

(*Though Casseopiea and the Emirate are known to have been associated with the AP and AC, respectively, little information is known about the two countries contribution or overall relationship with their alliances as of this writing.) 

Tytorian Withdrawl
The end of the first period of the Ardian Continental Conflict (1914-1918) is generally marked with the gradual decline of the AC’s power capabilities. The first of these events, and perhaps the most impactful, is that of Tytorian withdraw from the conflict in 1917 due to political Turmoil and a Revolution. Prior to the conflict the policies of King Richard III would include the formation of a strong alliance between the Kingdom and the Ardian Empire. This alliance would come into play with Tytor providing much needed support for Ardian operations around the Cross Straits region and within the Peninsula theatre. Following the relative stalemate of the AC and AP along the Nueva Ardian-Toshikawa front, having devolved to trench warfare in all but name, and its heavy casualty rate for both sides would prove to be widely unpopular both among the general populace and the higher circles of Tytorian military leadership in disagreement with King Richard III’s policies and continued support for the Tyto-Ardian alliance.

Thusly in 1917 members of the Tytorian Military Leadership would enact a discreet coup against King Richard III forcing him to abdicate in which his son, King Christian II, would succeed him. This change in leadership would effectively end the Tyto-Ardian alliance with King Christian II, supposedly pressured by military Elements, officially withdrawing Tytor from the conflict. Five years later Chrstian II would also be the victim of a Coup led by Tytorian general Josiah Granger and the formation of the Second Federal Republic. The Withdraw of Tytor and the support it provided for Ardian Forces would increase pressure on the Empire to handle the Toshikawa front alone causing a further drain on resources, manpower, and morale.

Victory in Daito
The second event that would promulgate the end of the first period, would be the success of Daitojin and allied forces against the Ardian Coalition forces in the Daito Theatre. By 1917 AC and AP forces within Daito had become deadlocked in a stalemate similar to that of the Toshikawa-Nueva Ardian Front. The Central piece of this stalemate was the city of Saito a hotly contested economic and logistical center previously captured by Ardian forces in the First Battle of Saito of 1916.

A grave consequence of the Withdraw of Tytor from the conflict would see Ardian forces stretched increasingly thin with soldiers and equipment often exchanged between the Peninsula and Daito Theatres, while increased pressure to maintain Naval capabilities in the Kyne to secure logistical and deployment routes further drained resources. In 1917 Daiotjin forces led by Marshal (Gensui-Rikugun-Taishō in the native Daito language) Daisaku Higasayama would lay Siege on the city of Saito initiating the Second Battle of Saito. The longest battle of the Daito Theatre it would be fought from 1917 until 1918 when Daito Forces would overwhelm the Ardians and retake the city. A victory for the Daito and AP forces the battle would prove to be decisive in the Daito theatre.

Due to the high concentration of AC forces and equipment dedicated to the cities defense, its fall to Daito forces would result in the Ardians incapable of recovering or mounting an effective resistance. In a matter of months, the remaining territories of the Sagami Region under Ardian control would capitulate. Following an Armistice between Daito and the Military Leaders of Ardian Coalition the Daito Theatre would officially end in 1918 with a Daito/AP victory. Despite their victory and the full withdrawal of Ardian forces out of Diato, it is recorded that various regions would attempt to secure independence from Daito in the power vacuum left by the Ardians and the war weary Daitojin forces, leading to a continuation of fighting for two more years in what is called by some as the “Western Rebellions”. Though it has been alleged that the Ardian Empire or its allies played a role in these rebellions, these claims cannot be confirmed and have been disregarded as purely speculation derived from anti-Ardian Sentiment.

Conclusion
These two events are considered key elements in the ending of the first Period of the Ardian Continental Conflict. Though it has been recorded  that fighting would continue following the year of 1918, often in the form of sporadic naval skirmishes and border brawls along the Nueva Ardian-Toshikawa front, it is generally agreed upon by scholars that the official end of this first period of conflict, sometimes called World War I, the First Great War, or the First Ardian War, is dated as 1918 through a series of Armastice and Ceasefire Treaties between AC Forces and AP Forces. Though the fighting may have ended the fallout of the 1914-1918 period would see a politically turbulent and tense atmosphere In Mundus. 

Despite outright fighting between Ardia and the AP ending during this period and not resuming until 1935, it is recorded that other conflicts would erupt or continue, sometimes involving belligerents of the two Alliances, despite the ending of the first period of Ardian Continental Conflict. Due to the chaotic nature of this period in history, records of these subsequent conflicts are scarce or not yet uncovered. The 14-45 historical society, in association with the Vrusa Institute and International partners will continue to search for more information on these subsequent conflicts. This ends this exposé covering the Ardian Continental Conflict of 1914-1918.