World War III
World War III (otherwise known as the Great Nuclear Holocaust, and the War To End Everything) was a devastating global nuclear war which killed 600 million people. The war involved political, military, religious, and indeed corporate aspects, and even went into the cyberworld. The chief reasons for the war was the overriding desire by the nation-states for security and stability. Even nations who were by nature peaceful were drawn into the war, which developed into a multi-sided fight to the death, as regional warlords sought to consolidate their power following the collapse of the nation-states.
The Key Players
- North American Union - The North American Union came about in the late 2010s as a result of the economic unification brought about by NAFTA (North America Free Trade Area) The capital was located in Denver, which was centrally located. The Central American Free Trade Association (CAFTA) later joined NAU. However, due to their economic ties with South America, Panama refrained from joining NAU and left CAFTA upon its merging with NAU. The NAU was a democracy in which the constituent states (i.e. Canada, the USA, Mexico) were allowed self-government in their domestic matters, but were tied in a common economic, diplomatic, and military policy. The Chief Executive (or Chief for short) position rotated between Canada, USA, Mexico. Union relied on Canada's raw resources, Mexico's manpower, America's military might, and the markets of the former CAFTA nations for its strength.
- European Union - The European Union came into existence in 1992 BW as successor to the European Community (or the Common Market) which had been in existence since the 1950s. Originally an economic union of Western European states after World War II, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) expanded in the 1970s into the European Economic Community, then the European Community. Former Soviet bloc states Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic became the first Eastern European states to join the EC. In the 2000s, membership in the EU expands to include the Balkan states, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic states, and Georgia. It is the admission of Georgia, coupled with the rumored talks with Chechen officials to admit Chechynia that causes tension with Russia.
- Russian Consortium -The Russian Consortium came into existence when a union treaty was signed between Belarus and Russia. Belarus had maintained its links with Russia even after the fall of communism and the collapse of the old Soviet Union. Russia's government took a turn toward what was described as 'democratic communism'-meaning that while a central authority strove to gain ironclad control over free speech and even the military, a open-capitalist economy was maintained. Using this new form of ideology enabled Russia to reinvigorate its military, which it used to pacify the Central Asian states and the Caucasus (except Chechynia which gained associate status in the EU and NATO). Russia openly proclaimed an alliance with extremist Iran, and invaded Afghanistan, installing a puppet regime and ending the US/NATO sponsored government.
- Chinese Empire - The Chinese communist regime collapsed after demonstrations turned into riots and rebellions. The old communist political mechanism disintegrated with the lack of 'Old Guard' communists to maintain the Maoist system. The government was reformed into a new Chinese Empire, which set about modernizing its military and economy. The new empire vowed to reclaim all the lands once ruled by the Qing (Manchu) Empire, which put them at odds with the Russian Consortium, since Outer Manchuria and Kalmykia were Russian or Consortium territory. China has expressed their determination to reclaim those lands at any cost. China also claimed the land disputed with India and has set their eyes on Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Vietnam.
- Iran - The Islamic Republic of Iran had become increasingly isolated from the rest of the Islamic world as the continued nuclear crisis had gradually destroyed any credibility the Iranians had with the world. The clerics who were the real power in Iran fell back on the old Arab dream, evicting the Jews from Palestine by force. Once more, a nuclear attack was threatened against Israel. Iran soon gained an unexpected supporter as Russia openly declared alliance with the Islamic state. Further support came from the Chinese Empire-which was actually trying to counter Russia's support by giving her own support. As a first step in defying the West, and their pro-Israel policy, Iran invaded and conquered American-supported Iraq, which also allowed them to settle an old score with the Iraqis going back to the 1980-1989 Iran-Iraq War.
- Korea - The collapse of North Korea's communist regime following the death of Kim Jung-Il finally gave the North Koreans the chance they had cherished, to reunite with their kinsmen in South Korea. The old communist government was dismantled, and a vote for reunification was passed. However, the new, Democratic, Korea that came about now faced major challenges. The economy of the former North Korea was in need of revitalizing, military reunification was needed, as the Chinese Empire expressed their determination to reclaim Korea as part of the old Chinese Empire. Japan, too, had renewed interest in Korea as a buffer zone between them and China. Korea would need a strong navy to counter Japan, and a strong army and airforce to hold off China.
- Japan - Japan is the economic powerhouse of Asia. Having little military expenditures, Japan can devote its funds into technology. Soon after the Great Economic Collapse, however, Japan falls on hard times. With the militarization of the Chinese Empire, the reunification of Korea, and formation of the Russian Consortium, Japan's leaders see no alternative but to remilitarize the country. Japan asserts its claims to the Kurile Islands, which Russia refuses to recognize, leading to tensions between the two states.
- Islamic Caliphate - The Islamic Caliphate was formed as a result of major revolutions which swept across the Middle East, from Tunisia to Egypt, and from Syria to Somalia. While Somalia's revolution was short-lived, the remaining Islamic states voted to restore the old Caliphate, with its center in Mecca. The new caliphate faces a challenge with a militarist Iran, an anarchic Somalia, and both the EU and Russian Consortium. The old threat of religious terrorism also remains for the caliphate to deal with.
- European Union - The European Union came into existence in 1992 BW as successor to the European Community (or the Common Market) which had been in existence since the 1950s. Originally an economic union of Western European states after World War II, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) expanded in the 1970s into the European Economic Community, then the European Community. Former Soviet bloc states Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic became the first Eastern European states to join the EC. In the 2000s, membership in the EU expands to include the Balkan states, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic states, and Georgia. It is the admission of Georgia, coupled with the rumored talks with Chechen officials to admit Chechynia that causes tension with Russia.
- Russian Consortium -The Russian Consortium came into existence when a union treaty was signed between Belarus and Russia. Belarus had maintained its links with Russia even after the fall of communism and the collapse of the old Soviet Union. Russia's government took a turn toward what was described as 'democratic communism'-meaning that while a central authority strove to gain ironclad control over free speech and even the military, a open-capitalist economy was maintained. Using this new form of ideology enabled Russia to reinvigorate its military, which it used to pacify the Central Asian states and the Caucasus (except Chechynia which gained associate status in the EU and NATO). Russia openly proclaimed an alliance with extremist Iran, and invaded Afghanistan, installing a puppet regime and ending the US/NATO sponsored government.
- Chinese Empire - The Chinese communist regime collapsed after demonstrations turned into riots and rebellions. The old communist political mechanism disintegrated with the lack of 'Old Guard' communists to maintain the Maoist system. The government was reformed into a new Chinese Empire, which set about modernizing its military and economy. The new empire vowed to reclaim all the lands once ruled by the Qing (Manchu) Empire, which put them at odds with the Russian Consortium, since Outer Manchuria and Kalmykia were Russian or Consortium territory. China has expressed their determination to reclaim those lands at any cost. China also claimed the land disputed with India and has set their eyes on Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Vietnam.
- Iran - The Islamic Republic of Iran had become increasingly isolated from the rest of the Islamic world as the continued nuclear crisis had gradually destroyed any credibility the Iranians had with the world. The clerics who were the real power in Iran fell back on the old Arab dream, evicting the Jews from Palestine by force. Once more, a nuclear attack was threatened against Israel. Iran soon gained an unexpected supporter as Russia openly declared alliance with the Islamic state. Further support came from the Chinese Empire-which was actually trying to counter Russia's support by giving her own support. As a first step in defying the West, and their pro-Israel policy, Iran invaded and conquered American-supported Iraq, which also allowed them to settle an old score with the Iraqis going back to the 1980-1989 Iran-Iraq War.
- Korea - The collapse of North Korea's communist regime following the death of Kim Jung-Il finally gave the North Koreans the chance they had cherished, to reunite with their kinsmen in South Korea. The old communist government was dismantled, and a vote for reunification was passed. However, the new, Democratic, Korea that came about now faced major challenges. The economy of the former North Korea was in need of revitalizing, military reunification was needed, as the Chinese Empire expressed their determination to reclaim Korea as part of the old Chinese Empire. Japan, too, had renewed interest in Korea as a buffer zone between them and China. Korea would need a strong navy to counter Japan, and a strong army and airforce to hold off China.
- Japan - Japan is the economic powerhouse of Asia. Having little military expenditures, Japan can devote its funds into technology. Soon after the Great Economic Collapse, however, Japan falls on hard times. With the militarization of the Chinese Empire, the reunification of Korea, and formation of the Russian Consortium, Japan's leaders see no alternative but to remilitarize the country. Japan asserts its claims to the Kurile Islands, which Russia refuses to recognize, leading to tensions between the two states.
- Islamic Caliphate - The Islamic Caliphate was formed as a result of major revolutions which swept across the Middle East, from Tunisia to Egypt, and from Syria to Somalia. While Somalia's revolution was short-lived, the remaining Islamic states voted to restore the old Caliphate, with its center in Mecca. The new caliphate faces a challenge with a militarist Iran, an anarchic Somalia, and both the EU and Russian Consortium. The old threat of religious terrorism also remains for the caliphate to deal with.
The Opening Round
The tension between the EU and the Russian Consortium, which had always lay under the surface, came to the fore when Georgia, Armenia, and Ukraine were admitted into the EU. Russia still had an 'imperial sensitivity' to both the Caucasus region and Ukraine, which several years as both a communist state, and later a democracy had not done away with. Having annexed or cajoled the Central Asian states into the newly proclaimed Consortium, Russia set about on a new imperialist policy. Russia first conquered Georgia, Armenia and Chechynia. The European Parliament, in a unanimous declaration, condoned the Russian action as aggressive, and member states closest to Russia closed off their borders. Russia responded by having its Consortium puppets gather near the borders of the nearest EU states with their military forces, for a series of provocative military exercises. Tensions continued to escalate until it finally erupted into open fighting.
Russian and Consortium forces overran the border defenses of Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic states within days. EU forces were disorganized, due to the total surprise at the Russian advance. This lack of coordinated effort on the part of the EU allowed Russian/Consortium forces to move into Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Romania. Soon enough, though, EU forces were slowing the Russian advance, and finally stopped them just short of the Bulgarian border in the south, and the outskirts of Munich in the north. By then, however, the Russian/Consortium forces occupied nearly all the former Soviet bloc states-with the exceptions of Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia.
The Islamic Republic of Iran had long festered under the strain of economic hardship, internal disaffection with the regime in power, and foreign pressure. The clerics in power felt threatened by the calls for reform that were getting more numerous with each passing year, but they also saw threats from outside. With the admission of Georgia and Armenia into both NATO and the EU, Iran now had a common frontier with their European archrivals. Plus, the American-supported regimes in Iraq and Afghanistan served as a constant reminder of the only superpower still strong in the world. The Iranians saw only one power which had no malevolent intentions (real or perceived) on the nation, Russia.
Iranian troops started the countdown to World War III by supporting the Russian/Consortium advances which led to the capitulations of Georgia and Armenia, then moved on neutral Azerbaijan. In the Peace of Tiblisi, Iran turned over Azerbaijan to the Consortium in return for shares in the Caucasus oil revenues. In a secret protocol ensconsed in the treaty, Russia recognized Iran's claims on Iraq, which would be the impetus needed for the next phase of the opening round, the conquest of Iraq. In return, Iran would recognize Consortium control over Afghanistan, which allowed them a free hand in the east, in exchange for giving Iran a free hand in the west.
Russian and Consortium forces overran the border defenses of Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic states within days. EU forces were disorganized, due to the total surprise at the Russian advance. This lack of coordinated effort on the part of the EU allowed Russian/Consortium forces to move into Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Romania. Soon enough, though, EU forces were slowing the Russian advance, and finally stopped them just short of the Bulgarian border in the south, and the outskirts of Munich in the north. By then, however, the Russian/Consortium forces occupied nearly all the former Soviet bloc states-with the exceptions of Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia.
The Islamic Republic of Iran had long festered under the strain of economic hardship, internal disaffection with the regime in power, and foreign pressure. The clerics in power felt threatened by the calls for reform that were getting more numerous with each passing year, but they also saw threats from outside. With the admission of Georgia and Armenia into both NATO and the EU, Iran now had a common frontier with their European archrivals. Plus, the American-supported regimes in Iraq and Afghanistan served as a constant reminder of the only superpower still strong in the world. The Iranians saw only one power which had no malevolent intentions (real or perceived) on the nation, Russia.
Iranian troops started the countdown to World War III by supporting the Russian/Consortium advances which led to the capitulations of Georgia and Armenia, then moved on neutral Azerbaijan. In the Peace of Tiblisi, Iran turned over Azerbaijan to the Consortium in return for shares in the Caucasus oil revenues. In a secret protocol ensconsed in the treaty, Russia recognized Iran's claims on Iraq, which would be the impetus needed for the next phase of the opening round, the conquest of Iraq. In return, Iran would recognize Consortium control over Afghanistan, which allowed them a free hand in the east, in exchange for giving Iran a free hand in the west.
The Dragon Awakens
The 1989 Tiannamen Square pro-democracy demonstration showed the world that the youth of China had grown dissatisfied with the old-guard communist system. Though the demonstrations were put down brutally, the impetus for change had been set in motion. Further stimulus came from the restoration of two European enclaves, Hong Kong and Macao. Several days after the reunifications, a new policy was established, known as the 'One Government, Two Economies' system. This new system would serve as a catalyst for reform in the political apparati of the government. Within a few months, the government adopted a capitalist economic system which would enable China to keep up with the rest of the world. In fact, China became a serious rival to Japan in the economic arena. Discontent in the western lands (Xianjiang), in Tibet, and in the southern regions (Yunan) soon spread north to Beijing. A revolution would finally put an end to the communist regime that had existed since 1949. The question arose as to how China would now be governed. The leaders of the revolution which toppled the communist regime elected one of their own, Chang-Sun Lee, as the new emperor of a reborn Chinese Empire. Taking the title Chang Xi, the new emperor resolved to bring the economy back onto stable foundations, and pledged to reclaim those lands that had once formed the Manchu Qing Empire.
The first of those lands to be reclaimed was Outer Manchuria (Transamuria) and the city of Vladivostok. With Russia and its consortium distracted with the West, China seized those disputed lands with little opposition. China next cajoled Mongolia into signing a treaty of Union, giving the empire the former Mongolian lands of the old empire. Korea, newly reunified under a democratic regime, grew fearful of their large neighbor and signed a treaty of alliance, which was hoped to guarantee the Korea-China border and thus remove any pretext for Chinese intervention. This move infuriated Japan, who now faced a challenge from the Consortium over the Kurile Islands, and disputed the Ryukyu Islands with the Chinese. In anticipation of an expected Chinese attempt to grab the Ryukyus, Japan sent a strong military force to fortify their holdings. However, China's next target was not the Japanese-held Ryukyus, but Taiwan.
Russia's invasion and occupation of Afghanistan provided the empire with an opportunity to assist the freedom fighters against this second attempt by Russia to impose its authority over them. Weapons, including biological and chemical agents, were sent to the Afghans, who put them into effective use on their Russian occupiers with brutal results. Soon after, Chinese and Consortium forces clashed in the Amur valley, Mongolia, and the Central Asian lands.
The first of those lands to be reclaimed was Outer Manchuria (Transamuria) and the city of Vladivostok. With Russia and its consortium distracted with the West, China seized those disputed lands with little opposition. China next cajoled Mongolia into signing a treaty of Union, giving the empire the former Mongolian lands of the old empire. Korea, newly reunified under a democratic regime, grew fearful of their large neighbor and signed a treaty of alliance, which was hoped to guarantee the Korea-China border and thus remove any pretext for Chinese intervention. This move infuriated Japan, who now faced a challenge from the Consortium over the Kurile Islands, and disputed the Ryukyu Islands with the Chinese. In anticipation of an expected Chinese attempt to grab the Ryukyus, Japan sent a strong military force to fortify their holdings. However, China's next target was not the Japanese-held Ryukyus, but Taiwan.
Russia's invasion and occupation of Afghanistan provided the empire with an opportunity to assist the freedom fighters against this second attempt by Russia to impose its authority over them. Weapons, including biological and chemical agents, were sent to the Afghans, who put them into effective use on their Russian occupiers with brutal results. Soon after, Chinese and Consortium forces clashed in the Amur valley, Mongolia, and the Central Asian lands.
The First Exchanges
Iran had conquered Iraq and Kuwait, giving them total control of the Tigris-Euphrates valley and the Persian Gulf. With the resources now available, Iran expanded its military and navy. Iran could now fulfill the dream it had cherished for years, the removal of Israel from the lands of Palestine. Hoping to pose as a champion of Islam against the Jewish 'infidels', Iran boasted of their ability to drive the Israelis into the sea and "liberate Jerusalem from the Zionist grip". Nations such as Iran's new neighbor, Syria, and Yemen sent contingents to fight under the Iranian banner. Israeli intelligence became increasingly aware of the new threat posed by Iran and Syria. That threat was further intensified when a coup d'etat in Jordan engineered by Iran placed a belligerent government in power. A similar move was being engineered in Lebanon, at which point Israel responded.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) moved into southern Lebanon first, securing the borderlands against any Hezbollah attempts to reach the heights and launch rocket attacks. At the same time, Israeli forces drove into the Golan Heights and fortified the highlands against a Syrian offensive, which initially was slow in coming. Hezbollah units, backed by Syrian and Iranian auxiliaries, moved into Beirut and fortified the capital. A stalemate ensued as both sides dug in, and watched the other warily. The stalemate didn't last long as Lebanese partisans rose up against the Syrian/Hezbollah occupiers, and Israeli armoured units were sent in to assist in the uprising. At the same time, the Israeli forces at the Golan Heights pushed the Syrian armies all the way back to Damascus. This turn of events convinced the Jordanian regime that opposition to Israel was futile and thus compelled them to sign a treaty guaranteeing their common borders. Israeli and Lebanese partisan units drove the Syrians out of Lebanon, and a new government was put in place that was friendly toward Israel. The Syrians, facing total collapse, called for Iran and Russia-newly declared allies-to intervene. The end result was a major Iranian nuclear launch, to which Israel was notified by Jordanian officials and US Intelligence. Israel countered with its own nuclear launch.
The Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Beersheba, Bethlehem, and Aqaba, killing thousands and leaving thousands more without homes. Ash clouds carrying radioactive fallout spread across Israel and into Syria, where both armed forces were exposed to radiation and soon after began experiencing various levels of radiation-sickness. Many parts of Israel were made desolate within seconds. Israeli morale was only boosted by the equal damage inflicted on Iran. Israeli missiles struck Esfahan, Tabriz, Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, Qazvin, Hamadan and Qom. The nuclear strikes killed millions in the cities and surrounding lands. The fallout spread into Consortium territory, killing thousands more.
The European Union, faced with the total collapse of its lines in Germany and the Balkans, resorted to tactical nuclear weapons (aka battlefield nukes) to finally put a halt on the Consortium advance. In The Battle of the Danube, 20 tactical nukes (US Pershing IIs under EU control) were launched at the advancing Consortium forces near Munich. With 90% of their military obliterated and the remnants fit only for holding actions, the Consortium called a halt on the advance through Germany, but switched their efforts to the Balkans. Resupplying their armoured units in Romania and Slovakia, they drove deep into the Balkans, threatening Belgrade, Zagreb, Budapest, and Sofia. Consortium air units made strikes as far as Greece and Turkey. EU forces were landed near Athens and Istanbul, fortifying a defensive position in expectation of a Russian advance.
Troubles in Afghanistan and Central Asia forced the Consortium forces to pull back half their military from the European front. This encouraged the EU military to begin a counteroffensive in the Balkans. EU forces met the now depleted Consortium force in the Battle of Nish, inflicting a total defeat on the Consortium with a loss of 870,000 while losing only 423,000. Gradually, the EU forces drove the Consortium from the Balkans, and after joining with the units in Germany, liberated Poland and the Baltic States, pushing the Consortium to central Ukraine and liberating Kiev. The Consortium, faced with an Afghan insurrection, Chinese invasions, and NAU pressure, signed a truce with the EU. Known as the Truce of Minsk, it called for both sides to hold the lands they held and set up a 10 mile wide neutral zone, the violation of which would be regarded by one side as an act of war by the other side.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) moved into southern Lebanon first, securing the borderlands against any Hezbollah attempts to reach the heights and launch rocket attacks. At the same time, Israeli forces drove into the Golan Heights and fortified the highlands against a Syrian offensive, which initially was slow in coming. Hezbollah units, backed by Syrian and Iranian auxiliaries, moved into Beirut and fortified the capital. A stalemate ensued as both sides dug in, and watched the other warily. The stalemate didn't last long as Lebanese partisans rose up against the Syrian/Hezbollah occupiers, and Israeli armoured units were sent in to assist in the uprising. At the same time, the Israeli forces at the Golan Heights pushed the Syrian armies all the way back to Damascus. This turn of events convinced the Jordanian regime that opposition to Israel was futile and thus compelled them to sign a treaty guaranteeing their common borders. Israeli and Lebanese partisan units drove the Syrians out of Lebanon, and a new government was put in place that was friendly toward Israel. The Syrians, facing total collapse, called for Iran and Russia-newly declared allies-to intervene. The end result was a major Iranian nuclear launch, to which Israel was notified by Jordanian officials and US Intelligence. Israel countered with its own nuclear launch.
The Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Beersheba, Bethlehem, and Aqaba, killing thousands and leaving thousands more without homes. Ash clouds carrying radioactive fallout spread across Israel and into Syria, where both armed forces were exposed to radiation and soon after began experiencing various levels of radiation-sickness. Many parts of Israel were made desolate within seconds. Israeli morale was only boosted by the equal damage inflicted on Iran. Israeli missiles struck Esfahan, Tabriz, Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, Qazvin, Hamadan and Qom. The nuclear strikes killed millions in the cities and surrounding lands. The fallout spread into Consortium territory, killing thousands more.
The European Union, faced with the total collapse of its lines in Germany and the Balkans, resorted to tactical nuclear weapons (aka battlefield nukes) to finally put a halt on the Consortium advance. In The Battle of the Danube, 20 tactical nukes (US Pershing IIs under EU control) were launched at the advancing Consortium forces near Munich. With 90% of their military obliterated and the remnants fit only for holding actions, the Consortium called a halt on the advance through Germany, but switched their efforts to the Balkans. Resupplying their armoured units in Romania and Slovakia, they drove deep into the Balkans, threatening Belgrade, Zagreb, Budapest, and Sofia. Consortium air units made strikes as far as Greece and Turkey. EU forces were landed near Athens and Istanbul, fortifying a defensive position in expectation of a Russian advance.
Troubles in Afghanistan and Central Asia forced the Consortium forces to pull back half their military from the European front. This encouraged the EU military to begin a counteroffensive in the Balkans. EU forces met the now depleted Consortium force in the Battle of Nish, inflicting a total defeat on the Consortium with a loss of 870,000 while losing only 423,000. Gradually, the EU forces drove the Consortium from the Balkans, and after joining with the units in Germany, liberated Poland and the Baltic States, pushing the Consortium to central Ukraine and liberating Kiev. The Consortium, faced with an Afghan insurrection, Chinese invasions, and NAU pressure, signed a truce with the EU. Known as the Truce of Minsk, it called for both sides to hold the lands they held and set up a 10 mile wide neutral zone, the violation of which would be regarded by one side as an act of war by the other side.
Situation at the Midpoint of the War
At the end of the first period of the Great Nuclear Holocaust, the world had been changed dramatically, setting the stage for the second, apocalyptic period.
The EU had driven the Consortium back to an area from extreme southeast Finland to eastern Ukraine. The EU force was still too short of supplies to launch an invasion of Belarus. Late in the first period, the EU receives supplies, money, and weapons from the North American Union-dominated by the United States of America-which had been neutral to this point. The NAU would play a critical part in the second period, acting as Israel's ally and supporter of the newly established Islamic Caliphate.
The Caliphate had rocky diplomatic relations with Israel from the beginning, as many of the Arab nations which made up the Caliphate had a long and oftentimes belligerent relations with the Jewish state. Both states, however, had a common enemy in Iran, which still held eastern Syria as well as southeastern Turkey and Iraq. Though the Consortium provided military supplies to Iran, it was clear that a stalemate in the Iran vs Israel conflict had ensued. Both countries were devastated from their initial nuclear exchange. Iran had new reason for belligerency with Israel as, on their eastern border, Afghanistan had won its freedom from Consortium control and the Afghans now dreamed of an empire of their own, balanced between the Consortium, Iran, and the Chinese Empire.
The Chinese Empire had already claimed Russian-held lands which had historically formed the Qing (Manchu) Empire in the Amur Valley and in the lands of Kalmykia, but now they began pressing claims on Korea, which had recently reunified under a new democratic government. The Koreans were not willing to allow their newfound unity be taken from them again by a foreign power, and though a treaty was in place between the two states, there were increasing signs that China would not abandon their claim to the Korean peninsula.
The EU had driven the Consortium back to an area from extreme southeast Finland to eastern Ukraine. The EU force was still too short of supplies to launch an invasion of Belarus. Late in the first period, the EU receives supplies, money, and weapons from the North American Union-dominated by the United States of America-which had been neutral to this point. The NAU would play a critical part in the second period, acting as Israel's ally and supporter of the newly established Islamic Caliphate.
The Caliphate had rocky diplomatic relations with Israel from the beginning, as many of the Arab nations which made up the Caliphate had a long and oftentimes belligerent relations with the Jewish state. Both states, however, had a common enemy in Iran, which still held eastern Syria as well as southeastern Turkey and Iraq. Though the Consortium provided military supplies to Iran, it was clear that a stalemate in the Iran vs Israel conflict had ensued. Both countries were devastated from their initial nuclear exchange. Iran had new reason for belligerency with Israel as, on their eastern border, Afghanistan had won its freedom from Consortium control and the Afghans now dreamed of an empire of their own, balanced between the Consortium, Iran, and the Chinese Empire.
The Chinese Empire had already claimed Russian-held lands which had historically formed the Qing (Manchu) Empire in the Amur Valley and in the lands of Kalmykia, but now they began pressing claims on Korea, which had recently reunified under a new democratic government. The Koreans were not willing to allow their newfound unity be taken from them again by a foreign power, and though a treaty was in place between the two states, there were increasing signs that China would not abandon their claim to the Korean peninsula.
The Incident That Triggered The Apocalypse
The American-dominated North American Union (NAU) provided humanitarian, military, and financial support to Israel in order to strengthen her against a renewed Iranian threat. Both the NAU and the Consortium wished to restrain their wayward allies and prevent another nuclear exchange. As another firebreak, the NAU sponsored an idependent effort by Arab monarchies to form a new Caliphate. The Caliphate would also serve to counterbalance Iranian power in the Persian Gulf region. The Consortium was in a major military recession following the Afghan War of Independence and the counter-invasions of the European Union. In Russia itself, the military hardliners overthrew the socialist regime and installed a imperialistic military dictatorship. Two brothers, Boris and Ivan Saganov vowed to take a more militant stance against the recent losses to the EU and Chinese. They also vowed to restore their Iranian ally to a position of strength by sending nuclear weapons and aircraft.
Iran becomes increasingly alarmed at the overt nature of NAU aid to Israel. Appeals were made to Russia for more assistance and airstrikes on Israeli shipping to slow down their rearmament. However, Israeli Intelligence learns of the planned airstrikes and under the military leadership of Baram Moshe Ben-Rabin launch their own airstrikes on Russian airfields in occupied Georgia, Armenia, and Russia itself. Iranian forces in Syria-with secret assistance from Russian pilots dressed as Syrians-launch an airstrike on the Israeli Golan positions, hoping to weaken them enough to allow a 'Syrian' counteroffensive. When it is discovered that the Iranians are using Russian weapons, and are expecting to receive Russian nuclear weapons, the IAF (Israeli Air Force) launches an attack on the Caucasus Mountains, using nuclear tipped cruise missiles. At the same time, Israel informs the NAU council of the belligerent nature of the Consortium aid to Iran. The NAU steps up its supply of missile-defense systems to Israel and sends a strong warning to the Consortium. President Billingsley later announces to the American (and also the NAU) people that support for Israel would be key to continued peace in the Middle East. Despite the fact the Israeli missile strikes on the Caucasus passes were not intended to destroy the Russian supply trains, 9,000 Russians are killed. Russia fiercely protests and threatens a nuclear attack, but is forced by both the EU and the Chinese Empire to pull back. Iran, however, views the NAU and in particular the United States, as the main instigator of conflict.
December 31st, at 11:59 pm, a suitcase nuke is detonated at Time's Square in New York City. Millions of New Year's revellers were killed instantly in the nuclear blast, which destroyed Time's Square and nearly all of Manhattan. Israeli Intelligence provided the United States government with proof of Iranian complicity, and this was further solidified by the detention of an Iranian who admitted under heavy interrogation (the United States never used torture...not officially) that the government had provided the funds, and indeed the nuclear material needed for the suitcase nuke. President Billingsley made an announcement to the NAU that "a state of war was imminent against the Islamic Republic of Iran." Plans were soon made to launch an invasion of Iran and "bring down the clerical regime which had harbored fanaticals intend on ending the peace of mankind."
Operation Eagle Claw was launched at the end of January. The operation called for landings in Kuwait and southern Iraq-then under Iranian occupation-and a drive northwards to Baghdad and Mosul, then a drive east, to Tehran, Tabriz and Qazvin. NAU forces began their landings on February 2nd, and within 3 days had liberated Kuwait City. The Iranian regime, hoping to draw Israel in, and thus win support from the rest of the Islamic world in a renewed jihad against both the United States and Israel, launched a second nuclear attack on Israel. Thanks to the US Patriot missiles supplied them, Israel was able to shoot down all but two missiles, which unfortunately struck Jerusalem and Haifa, killing 1,790,000 people. Israel did retaliate with their own nuclear strike, which ironically aided the US military effort in Iraq (they had just moved on Baghdad) by forcing the Iranians to concentrate on airpower. This, despite being modified by Consortium assistance, was no match for the US airforce, which managed to shoot down over 200 Iranian jet fighters. The Israeli nuclear strikes destroyed Tabriz (again), Isfahan (again), Shiraz, Bandar Abbas, and Ardabil. Inside Iraq, Iraqi Sunnis aid the US military in securing Baghdad and even seize control of Mosul.
The European Union (EU) had built up their strength during the Consortium's occupation with the events in the Middle East. They formed a Defense Treaty with the NAU in Venice, to provide mutual support in the event of war with the Consortium, which thanks to the US action against Iran, was looking more and more likely. In the east, the Afghans had invaded and conquered Pakistan, uniting them into a single empire ruled by the Taliban. They began receiving aid from the Chinese Empire, including nuclear weapons. As US and NAU forces closed on the Iran-Iraq border, the EU launched a major offensive in eastern Ukraine, southeastern Finland, and the first Consortium nation, Belarus. In the Battle of Minsk, 750,000 EU units defeated a larger yet more depleted 890,000 Consortium units. Russian lines collapsed, and the EU advanced deep into Consortium territory. Turkish, EU, and NAU forces moved into Georgia, assisting a rebellion against their Consortium overlords which saw them driven into Azerbaijan. It seemed as though the Consortium was having better luck defeating the Chinese armies than against the EU. US/NAU forces continued their advance deep into Iran, reaching Tabriz, Shiraz, and Isfahan by the end of March.
On April 1st, a nuclear explosion larger than had been seen (not since the 'Tsar Bomba' Soviet test of the late 1950s) occurred in Tehran. The entire city was turned into a wasteland within seconds. No explanation as to who had launched the attack was ever uncovered until many years after the war (it was the Taliban Empire, fearing Iran might invade the sparsely populated empire). Nevertheless, Russian premier Boris Saganov accused the United States, and in particular President Billingsley, of deliberately 'decapitating' Iran with a direct strike on Tehran. Ivan Saganov prepared to launch ICBMs at both Europe and North America, hoping both to eliminate the US ability to fight, and the morale of the EU general population. The sudden nuclear decapitation of Iran had one beneficial effect, however, as Iranian forces still active in Iraq, as well as the military in Iran itself, capitulated to the NAU in the Treaty of Fars. A provisional government was set up in the far east of Iran, which promptly demobilized the military.
By now, the diplomatic wrangling was getting heated as both the NAU and Consortium accused the other of a deliberate strike on a nation already on the verge of collapse. In the Consortium's military-dominated Duma, Ivan Saganov called for an immediate nuclear strike on North America, and on American assets and allies in Europe. Though there were a few who saw the danger of a full-scale nuclear war, they were overruled by the Saganov brothers, both desiring war as a means of saving the Consortium, after losing Belarus to the EU, and their Iranian ally to the US/NAU. In the NAU itself, a threat of nuclear war was all it took to cause dissention within the United States. Groups in the larger regions began preparing to secede as the economy, already under strain during peace, collapsed as a result of the Iran War. Several smaller polities began to coalesce, particularly in the Deep South, and in the Southwest. President Billingsley made several attempts to appease the secessionists by promising to bring the troops home from Iran. However, before such a move could be made, the Consortium launched a major nuclear attack on US bases in the EU, and Middle East. President Billingsley now had no choice but to retaliate in kind. The US and Canada launched several thousand nuclear ICBMs and SLBMs on targets inside the Consortium, including St Petersburg, Moscow, and Volgagrad. Islamic states also launched nuclear attacks on Consortium targets, striking cities such as Azov, Astrakhan, and Grozny. In minutes, nuclear missiles all over the world were launched at opposing targets. In North America, Washington DC, Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, St Louis, Denver, San Francisco and other Canadian and American cities were wiped nearly off the map. In the Middle East, bombs and missiles fell on Mecca, Riyadh, Amman, Aden, Cairo, Tripoli, and other cities. Paris, London, Rome, Berlin, Warsaw, Vienna, and Barcelona were turned into charnel houses.
Iran becomes increasingly alarmed at the overt nature of NAU aid to Israel. Appeals were made to Russia for more assistance and airstrikes on Israeli shipping to slow down their rearmament. However, Israeli Intelligence learns of the planned airstrikes and under the military leadership of Baram Moshe Ben-Rabin launch their own airstrikes on Russian airfields in occupied Georgia, Armenia, and Russia itself. Iranian forces in Syria-with secret assistance from Russian pilots dressed as Syrians-launch an airstrike on the Israeli Golan positions, hoping to weaken them enough to allow a 'Syrian' counteroffensive. When it is discovered that the Iranians are using Russian weapons, and are expecting to receive Russian nuclear weapons, the IAF (Israeli Air Force) launches an attack on the Caucasus Mountains, using nuclear tipped cruise missiles. At the same time, Israel informs the NAU council of the belligerent nature of the Consortium aid to Iran. The NAU steps up its supply of missile-defense systems to Israel and sends a strong warning to the Consortium. President Billingsley later announces to the American (and also the NAU) people that support for Israel would be key to continued peace in the Middle East. Despite the fact the Israeli missile strikes on the Caucasus passes were not intended to destroy the Russian supply trains, 9,000 Russians are killed. Russia fiercely protests and threatens a nuclear attack, but is forced by both the EU and the Chinese Empire to pull back. Iran, however, views the NAU and in particular the United States, as the main instigator of conflict.
December 31st, at 11:59 pm, a suitcase nuke is detonated at Time's Square in New York City. Millions of New Year's revellers were killed instantly in the nuclear blast, which destroyed Time's Square and nearly all of Manhattan. Israeli Intelligence provided the United States government with proof of Iranian complicity, and this was further solidified by the detention of an Iranian who admitted under heavy interrogation (the United States never used torture...not officially) that the government had provided the funds, and indeed the nuclear material needed for the suitcase nuke. President Billingsley made an announcement to the NAU that "a state of war was imminent against the Islamic Republic of Iran." Plans were soon made to launch an invasion of Iran and "bring down the clerical regime which had harbored fanaticals intend on ending the peace of mankind."
Operation Eagle Claw was launched at the end of January. The operation called for landings in Kuwait and southern Iraq-then under Iranian occupation-and a drive northwards to Baghdad and Mosul, then a drive east, to Tehran, Tabriz and Qazvin. NAU forces began their landings on February 2nd, and within 3 days had liberated Kuwait City. The Iranian regime, hoping to draw Israel in, and thus win support from the rest of the Islamic world in a renewed jihad against both the United States and Israel, launched a second nuclear attack on Israel. Thanks to the US Patriot missiles supplied them, Israel was able to shoot down all but two missiles, which unfortunately struck Jerusalem and Haifa, killing 1,790,000 people. Israel did retaliate with their own nuclear strike, which ironically aided the US military effort in Iraq (they had just moved on Baghdad) by forcing the Iranians to concentrate on airpower. This, despite being modified by Consortium assistance, was no match for the US airforce, which managed to shoot down over 200 Iranian jet fighters. The Israeli nuclear strikes destroyed Tabriz (again), Isfahan (again), Shiraz, Bandar Abbas, and Ardabil. Inside Iraq, Iraqi Sunnis aid the US military in securing Baghdad and even seize control of Mosul.
The European Union (EU) had built up their strength during the Consortium's occupation with the events in the Middle East. They formed a Defense Treaty with the NAU in Venice, to provide mutual support in the event of war with the Consortium, which thanks to the US action against Iran, was looking more and more likely. In the east, the Afghans had invaded and conquered Pakistan, uniting them into a single empire ruled by the Taliban. They began receiving aid from the Chinese Empire, including nuclear weapons. As US and NAU forces closed on the Iran-Iraq border, the EU launched a major offensive in eastern Ukraine, southeastern Finland, and the first Consortium nation, Belarus. In the Battle of Minsk, 750,000 EU units defeated a larger yet more depleted 890,000 Consortium units. Russian lines collapsed, and the EU advanced deep into Consortium territory. Turkish, EU, and NAU forces moved into Georgia, assisting a rebellion against their Consortium overlords which saw them driven into Azerbaijan. It seemed as though the Consortium was having better luck defeating the Chinese armies than against the EU. US/NAU forces continued their advance deep into Iran, reaching Tabriz, Shiraz, and Isfahan by the end of March.
On April 1st, a nuclear explosion larger than had been seen (not since the 'Tsar Bomba' Soviet test of the late 1950s) occurred in Tehran. The entire city was turned into a wasteland within seconds. No explanation as to who had launched the attack was ever uncovered until many years after the war (it was the Taliban Empire, fearing Iran might invade the sparsely populated empire). Nevertheless, Russian premier Boris Saganov accused the United States, and in particular President Billingsley, of deliberately 'decapitating' Iran with a direct strike on Tehran. Ivan Saganov prepared to launch ICBMs at both Europe and North America, hoping both to eliminate the US ability to fight, and the morale of the EU general population. The sudden nuclear decapitation of Iran had one beneficial effect, however, as Iranian forces still active in Iraq, as well as the military in Iran itself, capitulated to the NAU in the Treaty of Fars. A provisional government was set up in the far east of Iran, which promptly demobilized the military.
By now, the diplomatic wrangling was getting heated as both the NAU and Consortium accused the other of a deliberate strike on a nation already on the verge of collapse. In the Consortium's military-dominated Duma, Ivan Saganov called for an immediate nuclear strike on North America, and on American assets and allies in Europe. Though there were a few who saw the danger of a full-scale nuclear war, they were overruled by the Saganov brothers, both desiring war as a means of saving the Consortium, after losing Belarus to the EU, and their Iranian ally to the US/NAU. In the NAU itself, a threat of nuclear war was all it took to cause dissention within the United States. Groups in the larger regions began preparing to secede as the economy, already under strain during peace, collapsed as a result of the Iran War. Several smaller polities began to coalesce, particularly in the Deep South, and in the Southwest. President Billingsley made several attempts to appease the secessionists by promising to bring the troops home from Iran. However, before such a move could be made, the Consortium launched a major nuclear attack on US bases in the EU, and Middle East. President Billingsley now had no choice but to retaliate in kind. The US and Canada launched several thousand nuclear ICBMs and SLBMs on targets inside the Consortium, including St Petersburg, Moscow, and Volgagrad. Islamic states also launched nuclear attacks on Consortium targets, striking cities such as Azov, Astrakhan, and Grozny. In minutes, nuclear missiles all over the world were launched at opposing targets. In North America, Washington DC, Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, St Louis, Denver, San Francisco and other Canadian and American cities were wiped nearly off the map. In the Middle East, bombs and missiles fell on Mecca, Riyadh, Amman, Aden, Cairo, Tripoli, and other cities. Paris, London, Rome, Berlin, Warsaw, Vienna, and Barcelona were turned into charnel houses.
Eastern Holocaust
The Chinese Empire was under attack from all sides. Japan and Korea-having switched her allegiance from China to Japan as a means of maintaining its independence-launched invasions of Manchuria which were driven back with heavy losses to the Chinese. In the Kalmyk regions, Consortium forces had driven the Imperial forces out of Kazahkstan and confined the remnant armies in Kyrgyzstan. A rebellion broke out in Mongolia, which threatened to spread into the Chinese-held Mongol lands (Inner Mongolia). In the south, a new threat emerged when Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand joined to form the Angkor Union, as a means of protecting against a Chinese invasion and profit by China's occupation with holding off the Consortium and Japan. On February 15th, Angkor and Chinese forces clashed in Yunan province in a bloodbath that left 563,000 people dead in 4 hours of heavy fighting. Further invasions by both sides brought more destruction and death.
Korea nullified its earlier treaty with Imperial China in January and signed a defensive pact with Japan. Enraged by this act of betrayal, Emperor Chang Xi sent five divisions of Chinese troops and tanks into northern Korea, in an attempt to seize Seoul and knock the tiny country out of the war. Korean premier Kim-Yun San responded with a massive troop deployment, using Japanese forces which had been welcomed into the country as allies, as auxiliaries. Both armies met at the old 38th parallel which once separated North and South Korea. In the Battle of the 38, 355,000 Korean and Japanese troops defeated and put to flight a slightly larger force of 435,000 Chinese troops. Tactical nuclear missiles were used in this battle, as they would be used again at the Battle of the Yalu River, where 275,000 Korean/Japanese troops defeated and all but destroyed 325,000 Chinese troops, leaving Manchuria open to invasion. Emperor Chang Xi became distressed at the losses being inflicted on his empire, but continued to press on with the wars. When word reached him that the Consortium had 'gone nuclear' against their Western foes, Chang Xi was reported to have undergone a panic attack. He ordered a full nuclear strike, afterwards saying it was "the only choice left to my nation. If we are indeed doomed to fall, then we shall take our enemies with us." It would later be reported that between 3/4 and 1/4 of the entire population of Asia was killed in the major nuclear exchanges, major cities such as Pyongyang, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh completely leveled, and radiation spread around the world.
Korea nullified its earlier treaty with Imperial China in January and signed a defensive pact with Japan. Enraged by this act of betrayal, Emperor Chang Xi sent five divisions of Chinese troops and tanks into northern Korea, in an attempt to seize Seoul and knock the tiny country out of the war. Korean premier Kim-Yun San responded with a massive troop deployment, using Japanese forces which had been welcomed into the country as allies, as auxiliaries. Both armies met at the old 38th parallel which once separated North and South Korea. In the Battle of the 38, 355,000 Korean and Japanese troops defeated and put to flight a slightly larger force of 435,000 Chinese troops. Tactical nuclear missiles were used in this battle, as they would be used again at the Battle of the Yalu River, where 275,000 Korean/Japanese troops defeated and all but destroyed 325,000 Chinese troops, leaving Manchuria open to invasion. Emperor Chang Xi became distressed at the losses being inflicted on his empire, but continued to press on with the wars. When word reached him that the Consortium had 'gone nuclear' against their Western foes, Chang Xi was reported to have undergone a panic attack. He ordered a full nuclear strike, afterwards saying it was "the only choice left to my nation. If we are indeed doomed to fall, then we shall take our enemies with us." It would later be reported that between 3/4 and 1/4 of the entire population of Asia was killed in the major nuclear exchanges, major cities such as Pyongyang, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh completely leveled, and radiation spread around the world.
Aftermath
In the aftermath of the Great Nuclear Holocaust, nation-state governments were either destroyed in nuclear fire, swept aside by revolution, or reduced to mere shadows of their former selves. Many nations collapsed into mini-nations where generals became warlords. Some noted examples of where nation-states collapsed are:
EU - World War III was finally-and officially-ended with the Peace of Naples, signed here as Rome had been among the nuked cities. The EU and Consortium agreed to end the conflict between them. Soon after, the Consortium collapsed as regional warlords began carving mini-nations and feuding among themselves. The EU was in no better shape, having lost between 3/4 and 1/2 of its entire population through nuclear detonations, plague, and famine. The various nation-states in the EU fell apart as former monarchists, neo-communists, socialists and anarchists unleashed biological and chemical warfare agents upon one another. The days of the European Union were over.
Russian Consortium - The end of the war did little to calm the fears of many within the Consortium. Inflation, disease, famine, and social chaos rocked the Consortium. The Saganov brothers, who had led the Consortium into the Great Nuclear Holocaust, soon found themselves surrounded by enemies on all sides. The military despised them for leading the nation into a disaster, the people hated them for the way they callously sent men and women to die in the name of Imperial glory, and the religious establishment viewed them as the Anti-Christ incarnates. Many of the Caucasian and Central Asian states declared independence of the Consortium and struggled to gain worldwide recognition. In Russia itself, the Saganov government could do little in the face of factionalism and regionalism splintering the largest remnant of the Consortium. Boris Saganov committed suicide on 5th May. Two days later, Ivan Saganov was captured by US troops as he attempted to escape through occupied Iran. He died that night, from a poison pill. Russia fractured into several regional states, the largest being the Novgorod state and Siberia. Those states lasted little over three months before depopulation caused by the nuclear war finally brought them down.
Chinese Empire - The Chinese Empire survived past its primary opponent, the Russian Consortium, but even they experienced a population drop resulting from the nuclear holocaust. To further add to the chaos, Mongolia broke away, then laid claim to the Kalmyk region and Inner Mongolia. While Mongolia as a whole fared better than their Chinese neighbors, the famines and plagues brought on as a result of the nuclear war would bring down the newly independent state before they even had a chance to better organize and expand. Factionalism brought an end to the Chinese Empire as warlords soon carved off chunks of the empire to rule over themselves. Chang Xi was left ruling a China that had been diminished both in population and in territory. He was assassinated two months after the end of the war by a disgruntled military officer. Tibet and Xianjiang declared independence. Xianjiang's separate state did not last very long as Mongolia moved to fill the vacuum.
Islamic Caliphate - The nations of the Islamic Caliphate were devastated by the uncalled for nuclear attacks by Russia. With Mecca in ruins as was many other cities, the Caliphate collapsed into its constituent states. Many of them collapsed further as terrorists and others fought bitterly over the scraps. It would be many months before any semblance of the old caliphate was restored, as there would be no help from the outside world.
NAU - The NAU, though victorious, paid a heavy price for that victory. Cities in Canada and the United States were decimated by the nuclear exchange, and disease and famine were becoming a major issue. Plague, Tuberculosis, smallpox, and other pandemics spread like wildfire across the NAU. In the United States, the various regions now openly declared independence and began arming themselves in preparation to defend their new independence. The Republic of the Pacific (Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana), Rump USA (The Great Lakes States, Mid-Atlantic States and Northeast), Free Land of Dakota, the Rio Grande Commonwealth, and the Confederation of Dixie. Each separate state fought against each other using chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons remaining from the old US stockpile. Estimates range from 250,000 to 17,000,000 people killed in the second US Civil War.
EU - World War III was finally-and officially-ended with the Peace of Naples, signed here as Rome had been among the nuked cities. The EU and Consortium agreed to end the conflict between them. Soon after, the Consortium collapsed as regional warlords began carving mini-nations and feuding among themselves. The EU was in no better shape, having lost between 3/4 and 1/2 of its entire population through nuclear detonations, plague, and famine. The various nation-states in the EU fell apart as former monarchists, neo-communists, socialists and anarchists unleashed biological and chemical warfare agents upon one another. The days of the European Union were over.
Russian Consortium - The end of the war did little to calm the fears of many within the Consortium. Inflation, disease, famine, and social chaos rocked the Consortium. The Saganov brothers, who had led the Consortium into the Great Nuclear Holocaust, soon found themselves surrounded by enemies on all sides. The military despised them for leading the nation into a disaster, the people hated them for the way they callously sent men and women to die in the name of Imperial glory, and the religious establishment viewed them as the Anti-Christ incarnates. Many of the Caucasian and Central Asian states declared independence of the Consortium and struggled to gain worldwide recognition. In Russia itself, the Saganov government could do little in the face of factionalism and regionalism splintering the largest remnant of the Consortium. Boris Saganov committed suicide on 5th May. Two days later, Ivan Saganov was captured by US troops as he attempted to escape through occupied Iran. He died that night, from a poison pill. Russia fractured into several regional states, the largest being the Novgorod state and Siberia. Those states lasted little over three months before depopulation caused by the nuclear war finally brought them down.
Chinese Empire - The Chinese Empire survived past its primary opponent, the Russian Consortium, but even they experienced a population drop resulting from the nuclear holocaust. To further add to the chaos, Mongolia broke away, then laid claim to the Kalmyk region and Inner Mongolia. While Mongolia as a whole fared better than their Chinese neighbors, the famines and plagues brought on as a result of the nuclear war would bring down the newly independent state before they even had a chance to better organize and expand. Factionalism brought an end to the Chinese Empire as warlords soon carved off chunks of the empire to rule over themselves. Chang Xi was left ruling a China that had been diminished both in population and in territory. He was assassinated two months after the end of the war by a disgruntled military officer. Tibet and Xianjiang declared independence. Xianjiang's separate state did not last very long as Mongolia moved to fill the vacuum.
Islamic Caliphate - The nations of the Islamic Caliphate were devastated by the uncalled for nuclear attacks by Russia. With Mecca in ruins as was many other cities, the Caliphate collapsed into its constituent states. Many of them collapsed further as terrorists and others fought bitterly over the scraps. It would be many months before any semblance of the old caliphate was restored, as there would be no help from the outside world.
NAU - The NAU, though victorious, paid a heavy price for that victory. Cities in Canada and the United States were decimated by the nuclear exchange, and disease and famine were becoming a major issue. Plague, Tuberculosis, smallpox, and other pandemics spread like wildfire across the NAU. In the United States, the various regions now openly declared independence and began arming themselves in preparation to defend their new independence. The Republic of the Pacific (Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana), Rump USA (The Great Lakes States, Mid-Atlantic States and Northeast), Free Land of Dakota, the Rio Grande Commonwealth, and the Confederation of Dixie. Each separate state fought against each other using chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons remaining from the old US stockpile. Estimates range from 250,000 to 17,000,000 people killed in the second US Civil War.
Legacy
World population dropped by 300 million as a result of war, famine, and plague. Large parts of the world were made into wastelands which would take months-if not years-to return to anything resembling normal. The few remaining nation-states that survived the Great Nuclear Holocaust were plunged into a period of darkness and civil war. Technology devolved to pre-Industrial Age levels. To further add to the misery and suffering, climate changes brought on severe droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions devastated even more of the land. Warlords attempted to expand their power using stockpiles of remaining biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons.
The general legacy of the Third World War was the endurance of Humanity through its own worst demons. While nature recovered fairly quickly from the nuclear bombings, Man's recovery would take decades. Old institutions such as the European Union, the United Nations, and NASA disappeared as mere survival became the primary concern of the remnants of Humanity scattered all over the world. The lucky few who managed to survive the war would pass on their stories to the next generation, along with the technological knowledge necessary to rebuild and rebound. It would be the children of the survivors that would inherit and build upon the technology left as a result of the 'War To End Everything'.
The general legacy of the Third World War was the endurance of Humanity through its own worst demons. While nature recovered fairly quickly from the nuclear bombings, Man's recovery would take decades. Old institutions such as the European Union, the United Nations, and NASA disappeared as mere survival became the primary concern of the remnants of Humanity scattered all over the world. The lucky few who managed to survive the war would pass on their stories to the next generation, along with the technological knowledge necessary to rebuild and rebound. It would be the children of the survivors that would inherit and build upon the technology left as a result of the 'War To End Everything'.