[center][h1][color=a187be][b]Volæria Lore Wiki[/b][/color][/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/gTdlvdI.png[/img] Map of Europe, 1922. Made by FoxFire. [/center] [color=gray][indent][sub]C U L T U R A L M O V E M E N T S[/sub][hr][/indent][/color] [indent][indent] [h3][b]Introduction[/b][/h3] There are four major cultural movements during the Age of Volæria, some of which being quite parallel to that of our own. Think of it as a Neo-Victorian-inspired setting for now, a world which has gotten stuck to this movement, but still undergoing some form of transition and social change. As the theme is for most Steampunk stories, most revolve around what is known as the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_era]Victorian Era[/url] though that term usually refers to the social movement of the United Kingdom that takes place roughly around the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_music]Romantic[/url] and [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impressionism_in_music]Impressionistic Eras[/url]. The western world of Volæria in Europe and United States are in a mix of several cultures which include both [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-romanticism]Neo[/url] and [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-romanticism]Post[/url] Romanticism as well as Impressionism, often praising the works of early Romantic artists such as Eugene Delacroix, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, etc to also being introduced to Impressionistic artists such as Claude Debussy, Vincent van Gogh, Joseph Conrad, and many more. Many philosophers, writers, artists are all differentiating in their own subcultures, it's all roughly could be categorized as a late Neo-Romantic period all while common folk music is also rising in popularity as the invention of the Phonograph with people finding it simpler to listen to music rather than playing on their own. The United States, as Mark Twain coined, called this era the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilded_Age]Gilded Age[/url] as queen Victoria had no reign over America, which would technically defeat of purpose of being a Victorian-themed setting in that country. Nonetheless, these cultures should remain somewhat similar as they did mutually during that time period where industry was heavily leaning towards its technological peak and thus reaching a second Industrial Revolution. Volæria, in this case, is at a high peak of industrialization in our setting, even more so than in our world and since Volæria has the invention of Aerovehicles as well as other machinery, it obviously differentiates it from our own. It is in this time that transcendentalists such as in the time of the early 19th century are being admired once more as access to buying your own air vessel was becoming notably tangible which subsequently began inspiring those who wanted the chance to explore the world and live a life of stoicism and self-sufficiency. The price of buying an Aethership was not nearly as expensive as originally thought as companies were building a notable amount of these vessels to fill the needs of many companies sought to use them for shipping purposes as Airplanes were not yet tested to travel long distances safely and Cargo airplanes not yet invented. Buying an moderately-sized Aethership was probably almost the amount for buying a large house and by 1907, there were many who lived in such "Cloudhouses" as later coined by the [i]New York Times[/i] in 1909, and many more who would try to undergo adventure and choosing to live on the outskirts of civilization among the natural surroundings they believe to be a transcending experience and many of which would later take occupations as part-time cargo holders for companies. Volæria shares almost the same artists, philosophers, historians, etc. at during the first half of the 20th century. Almost any man or woman of historical significance during those times is for the most part the same with of course the exception of a few additional members who helped pave the way for our setting as well as modifications to certain historical figures and how this setting changed their own experiences. In order to grasp a better understand, there will be a time-line provided below. It is not until the later half of the 1920's was when this story's history truly and significantly differs from that of our own. Volæria for the most part seems to be rather stuck during this time era through the many decades (and centuries) which then decided to take precedence after that time. Even the language relatively stayed the time, a tone and use of formality being the obvious indicator of this world. Language/Dialect for the most part stayed the same, or at least respective, with formality. It was during this time that a revival of form of 'formal speech' was implemented which was similar to that of the 1860's and during the time of transcendentalists. In essence, think of it as a similar dialect of movies such as [url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348914/]Deadwood[/url], [url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106226/]The Age of Innocence[/url], [url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/]Pride and Prejudice[/url], and other examples of movies portraying those eras - it is obvious that the language the writers have used is more of a modernized version of how people spoke during those times and the same could be said about the language used in Volæria. It is a language which had predominantly taken hold of the early 20th century and proceeded to stay for the rest of the time afterwards. Regardless of what age it is in Volæria, the culture relatively stayed the same, almost seemingly stuck in a trance of a Neo-Victorian/Romantic-Inspired setting, only differentiating slightly throughout with such social movements like the Early, Modern, Late, and Survival Volærian eras. [h3][b]Early Volærian Culture, 1890 - 1930[/b][/h3] It is not necessarily wrong for one to suggest that this era culturally resembles that of the 1860s as many of the early Volærian seek to revive an earlier era (being traditionalists) as well as mixed it with their own version of Impressionism. This was the first social movement of the Volærian Renaissance with the building of the Aethership, a vessel with much more capacity and efficiency their it's airship counterpart and thus changing the world forever. Technology during this time was rampantly changing and an era of science completely mystified those who lived during this time as many took to the skies in an age of wonder and ingenuity. Science fiction had now become a reality despite the only thing which seemed to not be able to evolve is fashion and style - this if of course with the exception of the Flapper, the modern woman of the 1920s. Boulder hats, high collars, ascot, cravats, and puff ties are still being worn through this time as it did during the ages past, at least with men. With the rise of the woman's rights suffrage movements as well as the rise of prohibition, the world seems to be rather parallel to that of our own if one were to completely ignore the other underlying presence of Aetherium-powered ships as well as the wars which took place during this time. [h3][b]Volærian Modernism, 1932 - 1948[/b][/h3] A strong culture rising from the precipice of disaster that abruptly plunged the entire world into economic catastrophe had taken a turn for the better. A new era had risen, a brave new world crafted from the corrosion of a former and strong culture that had been perpetrated by the Great Depression, an era which left many desperate and hungry for opportunity and survival. More to be written soon... [h3][b]Late Volærian Culture, 1948 - 1970[/b][/h3] To be written soon... [h3][b]Volærian Survivalism/Stoicism, 1970[/b][/h3] To be written soon... [/indent][/indent] [center][img]http://www.essential-humanities.net/img/art/sculpt6_03.png[/img][/center] [color=gray][indent][sub]L O R E B Y S T O R Y[/sub][hr][/indent][/color] [indent][indent] [h3][b]An Explanation[/b][/h3] It would be almost unnecessary to write all of the countries which have ever existed in this world - it would take far too much of both of your time. So I've simply decided to spit up each country/nation/state and their status depending on their time of origin (ie the story they happen to be taking place in). I do apologize if it does not have much detail for I lack a bit of historical knowledge though given this is an alternative setting, it doesn't have to be precise anyway. [h3][b][color=ed1c24]A Red Rose in November[/color][/b][/h3] [hider=Nations During this Time:] [hider=The Nordic Confederation] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_the_Kalmar_Union.svg/1200px-Flag_of_the_Kalmar_Union.svg.png[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1919 [b]Capital:[/b] Copenhagen [b]Parliamentary Leader:[/b] Sebastian Larsson of Sweden [b]Info:[/b] The Nordic Confederation (also known as the Neo-Kalmar Union or Baltoscandia) is a collaborative of countries united together in attempts to combat communism and unify the Northern Peoples. Shortly after the ceasefire of the Great War, the Nordic Confederation sought to unify to which it successfully did around 1919. Many of its people hold a tight sense of pride of racialism as northerners and together have banded a relatively strong military. In recent events, this strong country has mined Aetherium and honed their engineers to building the new Aetherium-based aircrafts, almost being on the same level of competition as Italy and Spain. No one can predict how far the newly advanced country will go to, only that it will far succeed in his own goals in becoming a superpower. [/hider] [hider=Finland] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Flag_of_Finland.svg[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1917 (Independence from Russia) [b]Capital:[/b] Helsinki [b]Prime Minister:[/b] Rafael Erich [b]Info:[/b] Almost four years since claiming its independence from the Russian Empire shortly after their dissimulation during the February and October Revolutions, this country has strongly held its own. Rumors of joining the Nordic Confederation circulate with almost surety though in reality has done nothing as of yet to do so. Like Poland, Finland is a border country between both the Soviet and the rest of the Western World and devotedly denounces Marxism. Both countries are financially backed by the west should the Soviets choose to ever invade which the German Empire almost undoubtedly predict it might perhaps in the next ten years. Although not as paranoid as Germany, Finland predicts no such invasion but however in recent events have argued over border disputes between themselves and the newly formed Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic which might soon turn sour and at worst into another war. [/hider] [hider=Great Britain] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ae/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1497? (date debated) [b]Capital:[/b] London [b]Prime Minister:[/b] David Lloyd George [b]Sovereign:[/b] George V [b]Info:[/b] One of the greatest superpowers in the entire world, the British Empire still rules over much of the world and is still considered a mighty power. Between the British Empire and the United States, both countries are enormous superpowers but in recent events, the Empire has made one more close ally, the Nordic Confederation which was mainly bonded mostly due to trade rights and setting mining ports in British-owned Canada. Though a relatively strong empire, the nation is constantly dealing with uprisings, more particularly in countries like Ireland and India. Perhaps it is not inaccurate to say that the year 1921 is going to be the peak of the empire before it falls downhill. [/hider] [hider=Spain] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Flag_of_Spain_%281785-1873_and_1875-1931%29.svg[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1492 (unified from Moors) [b]Capital:[/b] Barcelona [b]Prime Minister:[/b] Antonio Maura [b]Sovereign:[/b] Alfonso XIII [b]Info:[/b] Like Italy, Spain has grown into a powerful military power though to say that the nation has a thirst for getting into a war is quite laughable. Unlike Italy, Spain chose to stay out of the war as it has developed the true isolationism as the United States prior to them going to war. Though some say this won't last as Spain has revitalized itself, formed a powerful military with an aerial fleet which can compete with Italy and swearing an alliance with of course the very same Italians. Many conspiracy theorists and political activists choose to believe this is a call for a reformation of the once great Roman Empire in a moment they call "Nova Roma" which they have used to justify their alliance with Italy. Spain is not a country to be reckoned with and despite their defeat to the Americans in their own last Great War, there is a reputation which is awaiting to be redeemed. [/hider] [hider=The Ottoman Empire] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/Flag_of_the_Ottoman_Empire.svg[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1299 [b]Capital:[/b] Istanbul [b]Sovereign:[/b] Mehmed VI (Sultan) [b]Info:[/b] A fragmented country which can no longer truly be called the great empire of its former day, the Ottomans are a simply disabled countrymen though sprouting a political revolution from within their own country. Ideas of a Republic are in the works as Mehmed VI stands as possibly the last emperor of the one great empire as a growing number of members of the Turkish National Movement attempt to take over its fragmented remains and attempt to change it into a more prosperous country. Time will only tell how long or when this will happen. [/hider] [hider=France] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/MarquePresident.svg[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1870 (Third French Republic) [b]Capital:[/b] Paris [b]President:[/b] Paul Deschanel [b]Prime Minister:[/b] Alexandre Millerand [b]Info:[/b] Being almost devastated by the Great Wars, France has progressively managed to repair itself after serving as one of the main battlefields during that time. Despite its technical defeat, its people are ever so prideful and hopeful to what the future might hold to them. In retaliation to the growing Nordic Confederation, Belgium split its predominately French-speaking Wallonia joining its side and served as a new region for the French. France has also gained in its finances and is building a military with new aircraft to help defend itself and possibly conquer should it decide to do so. With new domains in the middle east after their loss to the Italians in North Africa, France attempts to reclaim its former glory. [/hider] [hider=Second Polish Republic] [center][img]http://www.loeser.us/flags/images/poland/republic_of_poland_lublin_daszynski.png[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1918, 1921 [b]Capital:[/b] Warsaw [b]President:[/b] Józef Piłsudski [b]Prime Minister:[/b] Antoni Ponikowski [b]Info:[/b] Just a few months after the Soviet - Polish war, the Polish finally gained a country of its own after being backed by the German Empire and later England, France, the Nordic Confederation, Italy, and the former Ukrainian People's Republic which fell at the hands of the Soviets. Both Poland and Finland serve as a border country between the communist nation and the rest of the western world and has backing by many of the western countries. Despite being a relatively new country, its people have a long and history as well as a strong military. [/hider] [hider=Yugoslavia] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Flag_of_the_Kingdom_of_Yugoslavia.svg[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1919 [b]Capital:[/b] Sarajevo [b]Prime Minister:[/b] Milenko Vesnić [b]Info:[/b] Quite arguably the cause of the Great War, Yugoslavians under the domains of the once Austro-Hungarian Empire have finally developed their own nation just after the end of the stalemated cataclysm. Once backed by the former Russian Empire, Yugoslavia has succeeded in creating its own nation but just for how long is not clearly determined. With the end of the Russian Empire, many have thought of joining the Red Army though has been interrupted by the Yugoslavian nationalists, the United States, and Italy. Allied with Romania and Bulgaria, the new nation located on the eastern Adriatic has little to fear its larger neighbors and attempts to prosper despite not getting the lands it truly wanted after the war. [/hider] [hider=Dutchland] [center][img]https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/attachments/nederlandse-scandinavische-vlag-png.135893/[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1648 [b]Capital:[/b] Brussels, Amsterdam [b]Prime Minister:[/b] Charles Ruijs de Beerenbrouck [b]Sovereign:[/b] Wilhelmina [b]Info:[/b] After constant raids from the German army during the Great War the Dutch population of Belgium along with being backed by the Netherlands, supported a union between both nations. The mostly French and Romance speaking Wallonia chose to join France. Dutchland is heavily allied with the Nordic Confederation and like Finland, abstains from joining but still holds a tight grasp on friendship and clearly protected. Both Dutchland and the Nordic Confederation have a strong bond in not only its military but in its trade, having rights to share Aetherium mines with each other, both making a decent amount of income. [/hider] [hider=Austria-Hungary] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Flag_of_Austria-Hungary_%281869-1918%29.svg[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1867 [b]Capital:[/b] Budapest [b]Sovereign:[/b] Charles I of Austria [b]Info:[/b] After losing its lands to the Yugoslavian separatists shortly after the Great War, Austria-Hungary, like the Ottomans are no longer considered the great empire of time's past though is not completely dismantled. The country still holds a powerful military and its people consider themselves far from being defeated. With migrants from the Ukraine, its culture is constantly changing and is roughly peaceful despite its growing multi-ethnic state. Like the German Empire, there is a constant shift of politics as many Social Democrats gain influence over the majority of its habitants. However, unlike Germany, any form of violence is yet to be seen as most forms of protest are relatively peaceful. Time can only tell when that will last... [/hider] [hider=Ireland] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Flag_of_the_Lord_Lieutenant_of_Ireland.svg[/img][/center] [b]Info:[/b] Civic unrest is constant in this island with both Pro and Anti Treaty affiliates scaling themselves to yet again another confrontation which is undoubtedly about to turn into another war. Though not technically considered yet an independent nation, it is Irish Free State still under the dominion of the British Empire. Once a Gaelic-speaking country, many of the country's people have claimed its culture as well as its language are slowly withering away and in fear attempt to conserve these ancient traditions by any means possible and a civil war is said to be brewing in the works. [/hider] [hider=Italy] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Flag_of_Italy_%281861-1946%29.svg/1500px-Flag_of_Italy_%281861-1946%29.svg.png[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1861 [b]Capital:[/b] Rome [b]Prime Minister:[/b] Ivanoe Bonomi [b]Sovereign:[/b] Victor Emmanuel III [b]Info:[/b] The head of the technological world and having one of the greatest military in the world, Italy is changing once more. With fascists attempting to take over its government in a political revolution after the failures of winning the Great War, many arise in a endless retaliation against the failure of its liberal government. One man in particular, Benito Mussolini, who was responsible for creating I Fasci di Combattimento, is rising in the political ranks and bringing hope to the eyes of his fellow Italian brothers and sisters. Though condemned by Giovanni Giolitti, prime minister until July, it was quite possibly the only way to combat the rising tide of socialists in Italy and by adding the fascists to the next electoral vote would inevitably end such a threat. Knowingly beginning to diverge into Fascism, the world has yet to see what one of the world's greatest military superpowers has yet to venture to in the next few years. [/hider] [hider=The German Empire] [center][img]https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/althistory/images/a/a0/Flag_of_The_New_Kaiserreich_of_Germany.png/revision/latest?cb=20110430100142[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1871 [b]Capital:[/b] Berlin [b]Parliamentary Leader:[/b] Wilhelm II [b]Chancellor:[/b] Maximilian of Baden [b]Info:[/b] Although still an Empire with a federal monarchy, many of the strong and intelligent German people vehemently abstain from such a government. With affiliates such as the Social Democratic Party and the more violent Independent Social Democratic Party gaining more influence, numbers against the Empire is expediting and a revolution is afoot. Many of the German people remain utterly disillusioned by the Imperial system which has failed to ensure a victory for its own country and rumors of a Weimar Republic are precedent. Support for such movements are elevated by the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic though many believe the Social Democrats not to divert to the totalitarian regime of that of Russia. [/hider] [hider=The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic] [center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Flag_of_the_Russian_Soviet_Federative_Socialist_Republic_%281920-1937%29.svg[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1917, 1922 [b]Capital:[/b] Petrograd, Moscow [b]Head of State:[/b] Mikhail Kalinin [b]Head of Government:[/b] Vladimir Lenin [b]Info:[/b] Shortly after the February and October revolution and along with the abdication of Tsar Nicholas the II, the Bolsheviks sought to unify the under the exponentially growing tide of Marxist thought. The failure of the Russian Provisional Government only proved to the Soviet's peoples its validation and so a strong sense of pride is formed through its communions. Russia finds itself however in a predicament of hostility as countries around them are constantly dubious, fearing the spread of their political influence over the world. Many Russians interpret this as fear and only hold themselves higher to recognition. Recent events in Manchuria and revolts against Soviet rule however show that not everyone fears this growing entity. [/hider] [hider=The United States of America] [center][img]http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/u/us-1912.gif[/img][/center] [b]Founded:[/b] 1776 [b]Capital:[/b] Washington D.C. [b]President:[/b] Warren G. Harding [b]Info:[/b] The most feared nation in the world, mostly due to its rapid growth and influence, the United States is obviously considered the land of opportunity, as it houses a myriad of reason to immigrate to such a country. Many of its people have however lost a sense of pride for their own nation as its former role isolationism is seemingly reinstated mostly due to the failures of winning the Great War. With the feminist movement finally allowing the women the right to vote and the start of prohibition, Americans hope to see a new light in the next few years. Crime, however, is on the rise and seemingly growing exponentially as illegal cartels and illegitimate businesses are not only conducting but influencing countries in Europe. Despite this, America has a huge reputation as an economic superpower and honing its military power to be an even greater threat to its foes than before with new innovations in technology. [/hider] [/hider] [/indent][/indent] [color=gray][indent][sub]T I M E L I N E[/sub][hr][/indent][/color] [indent][indent] [b]April 20, 1725[/b] - Sir Isaac Newton conducts research on Aetherium, though never being quite successful in his studies, Newton provided some insight on the substance itself to other scientists. [b]1820[/b] - [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphry_Davy]Sir Humphry Davy[/url] isolates Aetherium, being the first by record to do so and is later tasked with conducting research on this substance. [b]May 28, 1882[/b] - [i]The Age of Volæria[/i] begins when Italian inventor and engineer Vincenzo Buscemi later is able to construct the first known successful Aetherium-based platform later known as an 'Aeroplatform' though no real great inventions would come until years later. [b]January 2, 1883[/b] - Ferdinand von Zeppelin comes in contact with Vincenzo Buscemi and begin collaborating on a project in order to create the first Airship without the need of hydrogen or helium. [b]January 2, 1888[/b] - Ferdinand von Zeppelin and Vincenzo Buscemi create the first ever Airship without the need of hydrogen or helium and start a company known as "Aria" which would later assist countries from around the world build aircrafts similar to this one in order for combat purposes. [b]1890[/b] - "The Hot Cold Rush" begins when nations become aware that Aetherium is mostly founded in South Africa and Antarctica. Mining soon begins thereafter. [b]May 11, 1891[/b] - Italy is the first country to build a major mining colony on Antarctica known as the "Porta del Cielo", it facilitates around 5,000 inhabitants. [b]June 3, 1892[/b] - The United States pays 20 million dollars for Italian and Spanish Engineers to work in America. [i]The New York Times[/i] dubs Italy as the "Flying Empire" due to being the most technologically advanced nation in the world on terms of aviation with Spain being at number 2. [b]July 16, 1892[/b] - [i]New York Times[/i] releases a figure of the health and well being of miners and estimates that one of twenty people who mine and colonize in Antarctica die from either hunger, hypothermia, or other health related issues. Regardless of this fact, thousands begin to pour into the job sites as the pay rate is hardly anything to pass. As revenue expands however, colonies become more sophisticated and safer for miners. [b]April 21, 1898[/b] - [i]The [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish%E2%80%93American_War]Spanish-American War[/url][/i] begins, being the first war to ever make use of aircrafts designed for tactical purposes. [b]August 10, 1900[/b] - [i]The Spanish-American War[/i] is brought to an swift end with an American win, leaving 27,000 casualties. [b]July, 1900[/b] - The Luftschiff Zeppelin LZ1 makes its first flight, being the first Airship to fly without the need of Aetherium. Its demand, however, cannot compete with the Aetherium-based Aircrafts and is thus not as in demand. Zeppelin then coins the term "Aethership" in contrast to "Airship" which mostly consists without the need of Aetherium. Some today however, still often confuse both terms and are at times traded and/or confused with one another. [b]December 12, 1901[/b] - Guglielmo Marconi receives the first transatlantic wireless signals. [b]April 22, 1902[/b] - It is now estimated that now one in thirty people miners die in Antarctica due to hazards. [b]February 8, 1904[/b] - The start of the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Japanese_War]Russo Japanese War[/url] begins. [b]December 17, 1903[/b] - The Wright brothers invent the first ever self-sufficient flying engine that does no require any use of Aetherium, making it faster than any other aircraft in existence. This invention would be later known as the "Aeroplane". [b]February 26, 1906[/b] - Upton Sinclair writes his book, "The Jungle", a book depicting the poor environments of the food industry, the FDA is formed thereafter. [b]March 11, 1906[/b] - The Russian Empire wins the Russo-Japanese War and Manchuria is thereby annexed by the Russian Empire. [b]April 18, 1906[/b] - The famous [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1906_San_Francisco_earthquake]1906 San Francisco Earthquake[/url] occurs, leaving around 3,000 causalities. with recent contributions to technology, the city is rebuilt and restored in a relatively short amount of time. [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla]Nikola Tesla[/url], famous inventor and engineer reinvents the aeroplatform, though being modified for lifting tall buildings from the ground. This would later attract many visitors towards San Francisco and became an iconic city soon thereby being the pinnacle of technology (as seen [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1e/80/09/1e80097beddbe35c1ca24c1d399f773b.jpg]here[/url]). It is then that San Francisco's population booms in the later coming decades, becoming as equally as populated as Los Angeles and is known as the "City of Aether." [b]August 10, 1911[/b] - J. Frank and Charles Duryea, along with Nikola Tesla build the first successful, electric-powered hover car known at that time as a 'wheel-less carriage'. [b]September 17, 1915[/b] - Austro-Hungary declares a war on Serbia, just after a second assassination attempt on Franz Ferdinand who was riding in a aeromobile. This would later cause global tensions across Europe. [b]January 17, 1916[/b] - [i]The Schlieffen Plan[/i] goes entirely successful with Paris now under German occupation. [b]February 1917[/b] - [i]The February Revolution[/i] occurs as Finland dives into a civil war for independence from the Russian Empire. [b]February 17, 1917[/b] - Italy joins the Central Powers and invades French Tunisia. [b]April to October 1917[/b] - A significant number of French troops defect to Germany during this time period as morale spirals down with Germany's victory over the French. This time period was known to the French as "La Grande Trahison." [b]March 1917[/b] - Russian Provisional Government is formed shortly after Tsar Nicholas II's abdication from Russian Bolsheviks. [b]April 1917[/b] - The United States joins the Allied Forces. [b]October 25, 1917[/b] - The start of the Russian Civil War commences as Bolsheviks attempt to take Petrograd (modern day Saint Petersburg) in what was later known as [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution]The October Revolution[/url]. [b]November 7, 1917[/b] - The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic is formed. [b]December, 1917[/b] - Finland declares independence from Russia, thereby starting the Finnish Civil War. [b]January 1917 - December 1920[/b] - [i]The Spanish Flu[/i]. [b]March 1918 - 1919[/b] - [i]The Berbers Famine[/i] occurs, resulting in the deaths of millions of native born North Africans, many believe this to have been a deliberate plan by colonists to replace the North African populations. Spain, Italy, Great Britain, and France all state that the war had a significant impact on the food shortages. Constant rioting ensues while communist indoctrinators infiltrate the region, attempting to spark a revolution and tensions rise thereafter. [b]July 11, 1919[/b] - After years of bloodshed, all countries during participating in World War 1 call a cease fire and thus ended the war in a stalemate with an estimated 55 million causalities. [b]September 20, 1919[/b] - Leaders of Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway form the [i]Nordic Confederation[/i] as Social Democratic leaders fear the rising tide of communism. Finland abstains from the union yet remains an independent nation. Mining ports and trade rights between Canada and the newly formed Nordic Confederation shortly begins thereafter as large amounts of Aetherium is found in Canada's northern regions. America joins soon after. An alliance is formed between the British Empire and the Nordic Confederation. [b]October 1919[/b] - The United States Congress signs National Prohibition Act and many other countries choose to follow the idea of banned liquor. This inevitably would lead to higher crime rates as the illegal importation of alcohol became all the more rampant. [b]November 3, 1919[/b] - [i]The Treaty of Versailles[/i] is signed, no reparations are needed from other countries as the war is declared a draw. [b]December 1919[/b] - Social Democrats in Finland claim a unitary parliamentary republic and Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg is elected its first president after failure by the German Empire to install Prince Frederick Charles of Hesse as king of Finland. [b]1920[/b] - Fascism in Italy and Spain is on the rise. [b]March 1920[/b] - Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Jamaica contemplate a union between their countries and perhaps with Spain. Tensions between the United States and the Latin countries begin to rise. [b]April 1920[/b] - The ABAAT experiments official begin around this time when 12 volunteers offer themselves. [b]March 1921[/b] - Poland officially gains independence from the Soviets and form the Second Polish Republic. [b]November 1921[/b] - The plot of the RP [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/169093-open-vol-ria-a-red-rose-in-november/ooc]A Red Rose in November[/url] takes place during this time. [b]1937[/b] - Possible setting for an alternative World War 2 RP. [b]Post 1960's[/b] - Possible setting for a Cold War apocalyptic story. [b]Post 2000's[/b] - Possible setting for a post-apocalyptic story. [/indent][/indent]