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12.04.1861

We simply couldn't tolerate any bases on our territory. So we bombed Fort Sumter to bits.
What will happen now? There's not much we can do yet. Considering what to do with the initial resources will lead to the formation of a pioneer unit.

If Virginia joins, we will have to protect it.

Otherwise, we can only consider what to do with the cotton. Sell it? Or use it to exert pressure on Europe? And if so, on whom exactly? England! We choose England.

04.05.1861

There is no longer any doubt: Lincoln is a diabolical aggressor. The Union marches into peaceful and neutral Missouri. We must act, but with what? The first two volunteer brigades are formed in Arkansas, at Little Rock, in response.
The aggression fuels the resolve of the freedom-loving people of the South. Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina break away from the oppressive regime.

Confederate militias secure the abandoned Forts in Indian Territory.
The men of the state regiment barricaded themselves in Jefferson City.
After much deliberation, we decide to "buy" two cavalry brigades.

Their scouting capabilities would prove invaluable.

Our spies report that the enemy has invested in research, among other things. But in what exactly?

26-05-1861

In Missouri, Bluecoats are advancing in all directions. Their main focus appears to be Jefferson City.
Our brigades from Arkansas are also heading towards Missouri. Let's not kid ourselves, we'll never be able to relieve Jefferson City in time. They're already engaged in skirmishes with Yankee cavalry.

But capturing the mine between Carthage and Joplin and securing it for as long as possible seems like a worthwhile objective.
For this reason, we're also dispatching General Sterling Price to Springfield. A risky operation.
In Virginia, the Bluecoats are also marching in. Fort Monroe is being seized in a surprise attack.

Nevertheless, our brave volunteers under General Bauregard are marching north, valiantly facing what they believe to be the main force.
We, too, are determined and not idle.

We're training two more cavalry divisions and a mountain division.

Unlike the Bluecoats, we can't muster the resources for research.

We relocate our government headquarters to Richmond; everything is temporary and hectic. But we also have to show courage and determination.

It works; patriotic fervor spreads everywhere, and numerous volunteer corps form in Arkansas, Texas, and Virginia. We also manage to capture a gunboat or two.

17.06.1861

General Price reaches Missouri.

The man is fired up, a bit overeager. Despite forced marches, the brigades are barely keeping up in the summer heat.

But he senses a tactical opportunity: to cut off the mine and the two adjacent towns from supplies. At the same time, he plans to establish strong defensive positions in Missouri and make the enemy pay for it there.

The regiment in Jefferson City needs to buy the time for this. The Yankees seem to be thinking similarly and are advancing further into Missouri rather than increasing the pressure on the regiment.
In Richmond, enthusiasm is high; additional brigades can be formed from numerous volunteers in Virginia. Truly impressive.

But the realists know the situation is also precarious. The Union can invest in troops and have already invested over 1,000 MPP in research. We haven't been able to raise a single penny.
At the same time, looking at our own feeble "navy," it becomes clear that our coasts and convoys are extremely vulnerable despite our many forts.

This leads to the realization that we can't defend everything at once. We have to work with probabilities and set priorities.

Because of this, we're taking a risk: the regiments in Texas are being sent on forced marches toward the Louisiana and Alabama coasts. Brigades are even being detached and dispatched to New Orleans and Jacksonville in Florida.

On foot, of course. Deploying trains is more expensive than shoe soles.

Not all of our volunteers even have shoes, which probably makes the whole thing even cheaper.

Our gunboats are to "secure" the coast along Florida and the Carolinas, always within range of our own forts and harbors.
In Virginia, the enemy is faster and more effective than we are. In the north, only one regiment is currently putting up resistance at Harpers Ferry and is under immense pressure.

An encirclement is imminent; the unit is battered. Should we retreat or reinforce and try to buy time?

Brigades are on their way, but without trains, they're moving slowly...

We're choosing to conserve resources and reinforce the unit. They're patriots; a Southerner can take on ten Yankees, right? What could possibly go wrong?
In the end, there's even some money left over to kickstart our own research.
We decide to invest in infantry and cavalry equipment, as well as corps organization.

05.07.1861

What could possibly go wrong...

And this guy claims to have been at West Point?

The regiment at Harpers Ferry is lost. Well done, gentlemen generals.

The enemy is advancing in Virginia from all directions, and we're struggling to get into position in time, even though the soldiers are being relentlessly chased across the country.

Well then, let's prioritize.

First, keep the enemy away from Richmond, or better yet, Fredericksburg. We can only take note of the situation at Fort Monroe for now.

Second, keep the enemy away from our mines in Shannondoah Valley. We don't have the Union's resources. What we do have, we must protect at all costs.

Third, defend West Virginia, or at least some of it. Just so we don't lose the whole state.
Alright, back to the agenda. What's next?

Jefferson Davis seems determined to work with great discipline and focus today.

Our spies report that the Yankees have invested in diplomacy, but they don't know where.
This information is very helpful...NOT!

What the hell are they planning? To get Kentucky to join?

This could get ugly for us. Currently, it's a nice buffer for our completely barren borders.

What else?

We were able to negotiate friendship treaties with the Native Americans. That in return could be really helpful. A few of these savages are better than no eyes or troops in the area at all.

More volunteers have formed brigades in Tennessee. This improves our troop situation in the area from pathetic to embarrassing...but at least it's something.

Then there's another decision that needs to be made. A few engineers have the idea of ​​converting the old frigate Merrimack into an ironclad and naming it Virginia. That's an idea! If we're so clearly outnumbered on the water, we should be more modern.
In Missouri, our plan seems to be working; our cavalry brigade reports that only a single Union regiment is securing the mine. We are preparing to attack it swiftly and decisively.

19.07.1861

In Missouri, we are finally going on the offensive. However, we are unable to completely encircle the Union Regiment at Carthage. A narrow passage through Fort Baxter, leading from Indian Territory, is providing them with supplies.
We are sending the volunteers in Tennessee west across the Tennessee River. Should Kentucky actually defect to the Union, they are to advance north from Dresden and secure Paducah.

This would split the river fork into two separate Union fronts. But the cost, or rather the risk, is high. They are currently the only troops securing Nashville.
In Virginia, the first heavy fighting is taking place near Winchester. General Bauregard is able to halt the numerically superior Union forces from advancing, at least for now.

Our first cavalry division, under General Johnston, is scouting Union troops further south. A Yankee brigade near Warrenton is isolated. Plans are being made to encircle and then destroy it.
In terms of research, we have even surpassed the Union in investment. 1750 MPP to 1600 MPP. This means, conversely, that we will have to face additional troops by autumn at the latest. Probably at division strength. They really intend to invade!

Furthermore, our spies report that the Union is also assembling troops in California. Our first forces have just arrived in Arizona. So we will have to face the Yankees there as well.

02.08.1861

With the information that troops from California are guaranteed to march eastward, it became clear to us that we need to reinforce our troops in Arizona. The decision to send reinforcements there under General Sibley was an easy one.
The mineral resources of the Chino Mine near Santa Riles are too lucrative a target for our strategy of acquiring and holding resources for as long and as often as possible.
Therefore, we are taking the risk of leaving Texas without significant defenses.

In western Missouri, Fort Baxter was captured in a swift attack, and the enemy regiment was completely surrounded and besieged.

In eastern Missouri, we are preparing a similar operation; the cavalry brigades assigned for this purpose have scouted out a seemingly favorable opportunity.

The prize would be a Union cavalry brigade. They are likely keeping a close eye on the area.
In Virginia, the newly appointed General Polk delayed the order to encircle the Union brigade at Warrenton. The reason given was uncertainty due to the outcome of the fighting General Johnston is waging with the Union further south.

As things stand, it's a classic draw, perhaps a slight points victory for us.

Our investments in research are maximized; we are again investing in training a pioneer unit.

16.08.1961

In Missouri, the regiment is putting up resistance in Jefferson City. In the eastern part of the state, we have struck and surrounded the Union cavalry.

In Tennessee, we are preparing to march toward Paducah Kentuck. The state leadership has indeed moved much closer to the Union.

But a preemptive attack on our part?
The pressure on our soldiers in Shannondoah Valley is increasing. However, the Yankees are underestimating the will to resist among the population in West Virginia. Militia units have formed and are resisting the invaders.
Our cavalry in Arizona has reached Santa Riles; the mine is within reach. Along the way, a Union regiment was also ambushed.

In Texas, we have established a unit of rangers that is to head toward Arizona. If necessary, they can supply themselves in enemy territory and sow discord.
We are investing in another ranger unit and in the Native Americans. In the hope that these savages might prove useful after all. If they can at least be somewhat controlled.

30.08.1861

Well, it's finally happened, Jefferson City has fallen.

Not without consequences, the ensuing chaos in the state has thrown our encirclement maneuvers into complete disarray, both in the west and the east.
I can vividly imagine the officers and gentlemen shouting at their subordinates, trying to restore order to the chaos.
They're having somewhat better luck in the west than in the east. It even seems the Yankees are able to capitalize on the situation. Supplies are arriving late for our cavalry units. The Yankees have the momentum and seem intent on using it to encircle us.
There's not much new to report in Virginia. Both sides have licked their wounds and are watching each other warily, apart from a few minor skirmishes.

Is there more to it than meets the eye?

The shrewd and distinguished generals, some of whom are also politicians, smoke their cigars, stroke their impeccably groomed beards...

Then one of them, not currently sipping whiskey, has a kind of epiphany.

"What if they come from the sea?"

"We're well-positioned. There's a brigade in Jacksonville, another in the fortifications near New Orleans, and we even have a regiment stationed outside Mobile. As soon as troops become available, we'll secure Wilmington."

"No, I mean right here..." General Jackson points to the map, to Richmond..."

The room falls silent.

Jefferson Davis is furious. "So none of you noticed that...?"

As a result of the scene, a regiment from Texas, which has now arrived in Louisiana via a rail line, is transferred to Petersburg. Then a unit still needs to be found for Richmond itself, but where will they come from?
The mine in Arizona has finally been captured, and its ore is now being used for our purposes.

13.09.1861

In eastern Missouri, the situation is "under control" again; in Indian Territory, a general is even being sent on a march eastward.
He was presumably meant to instill discipline and order in the Native Americans. But leadership is clearly lacking in eastern Missouri. The cavalry brigades are anticipating an invasion of Kentucky and plan to rendezvous with the infantry brigades near Paducah.

It's now an open secret that Kentucky will join the Union, and probably soon. But the Union also has troops in the area and is prepared.

They are even crossing the river in divisional strength. Perhaps it would be better to withdraw.
But what could possibly go wrong?

Licoln and his henchmen seem to have overextended themselves in Virginia. They were unable to capture West Virginia, nor could they advance along the coast. In the Shannondoah Valley, they even withdrew troops. Our cavalry, upon pursuing them, discovered a gap had opened up. Stuart's cavalry senses an opportunity to advance on Cumberland in Maryland.
But bad news from the East Coast. Union ships have begun a blockade. Their exact positions are unknown, and our gunboats are not venturing out.
The situation in Arizona remains unchanged.

27.09.1861

As the reports are read, the proud gentlemen of the South, in their truly smart uniforms, wear the same expression I had as a child when I was supposed to take a bath but didn't want to.
Union troops secure Fort Hatteras and the Outer Banks.

We can forget about the convoy route; blockade runners will now have to find another way.

Then Yankee troops occupy the east coast of Virginia.

In Missouri, they occupy the town of Girardeau.

And Union warships in Hampton Roads blockade Norfolk.

"Just for a change, any positive news?" The President sounds very, very, very cynical.

Well, in Missouri, a kind of civil war within a civil war has broken out. Neighbors are fighting each other. The Confederate population has formed militias, Bushwakers. They are disrupting Union supplies in the hinterland. But it's not exactly effective; it's more like chaos.

In Missouri, Illinois, Union troops crossed the river and repulsed our troops. The cavalry brigades retreated.

One of them to New Madrid.

"They're no use to us there; they should retreat further," came the order.

The room grew even quieter than it already was.

"The problem, Mr. President, is that the terrain around New Madrid is passable to the west and south. Strong Union forces are positioned to the north, and Kentucky remains neutral to the west."

The general swallowed hard and appeared visibly nervous, but then continued:

"That means the brigade is surrounded and has no way to escape as long as Kentucky remains neutral. Its supplies are inadequate."
"I asked for some good news, just in case you misunderstood me..."

General Bauregard steps forward, chest puffed out, his voice booming from the thicket of his beard:

"Mr. President, our cavalry has advanced north and captured the city of Cumberland in Maryland."

That's truly good news; it will fill the newspapers and show everyone that we are capable of action and can take the fight to the north.

However, the cavalry is still exposed and should proudly, but above all, quickly, evacuate the city...
Otherwise, we can only hope that Kentucky will soon enter the war. As silly as it sounds to hope the enemy will grow even stronger, at least then the cavalry brigade will have an escape route.

19.10.1861

First up is a decision: the people of New Orleans request that General Braxton Bragg take over the defense of New Orleans and its surrounding fortifications.

There's no lengthy deliberation, and the request is quickly approved. Anything that strengthens the defenses there is absolutely advisable.
"What's the news from Kentucky? What about our cavalry brigade? Did they manage to break away somehow, damn it?"

The situation is reminiscent of school days. The teacher asks precisely the questions you're unsure about, and you can only hope that the topic won't come up again until recess...

The general resigns himself to his fate.

"Mr. President, Kentucky remains neutral. The Yankees have advanced to the city limits of New Madrid and are besieging the city."

Everyone knows the soldiers there are as good as lost.

However, this drama might also offer an opportunity. If the Union forces concentrate on New Madrid in the area, our troops on the border can advance quickly north to Paducah as planned. Commander Johnsten is already on his way to his men. The notification of Kentucky's accession can be received at any time.
In Virginia, the situation is otherwise largely stable. However, we suspect that the Union is planning a larger operation, most likely a landing by sea. We don't know where or how many troops will be deployed.
Our few troops in Arizona are not exactly composed of hesitant tacticians; they are advancing relentlessly northward. Brave or reckless?

10.11.1861
As uneventful as everything in Missouri remains bogged down in rain and mud, the war is now hitting Kentucky and Tennessee hard.

The cavalry brigade in New Madrid was lost, as expected. As anticipated and prepared, our troops under General Johnsten advanced north, targeting Paducah.

There they encountered a Yankee cavalry brigade, which is clearly determined to prevent us from capturing this strategically important location. The fighting is fierce and ongoing.
In Virginia, the situation is similar to Missouri, rather calm. We've even managed to establish a second engineer unit, and Richmond and Petersburg are no longer unmanned. No matter where the Yankees intend to land, we're not completely unprepared, even if our defenses aren't comprehensive.
In Arizona, the absence of a capable gentleman and general to show our men how to slaughter the enemy in a civilized manner is keenly felt. They're advancing unchecked and have surrounded a regiment near Paraje, laying siege to the town.

Reinforcements from both sides are on their way; who will arrive in time?

02.12.1861

In Missouri, it's rained so much, there's so much mud everywhere. Nothing's moving for either side right now.

In Kentucky, we can't take Paducah. The Unionists are holding their own there, but they're also constantly receiving supplies because we can't cut them off.

General Longstreet has been tasked with defending Nashville. He's already there. The catch: it's just him and his staff.

At the same time, the Yankees have advanced in his direction by the shortest route and have already crossed the state line, capturing some towns upstream from the Tennessee River. So far, we know of one Ranger and one Mountain Infantry unit.

If there was any confusion about where fully trained units should be deployed first, that's now been resolved. Fortunately, this should be possible quickly; we haven't been idle.
In Virginia, they're working hard on defensive fortifications near Fredericksburg.
In Arizona, the question is whether our ring around Paraje will hold.
The first effects of the Yankee naval blockade are becoming apparent, even though blockade runners are still managing to circumvent it. Most recently near New Orleans.

24.12.1861

We'll all be home for Christmas.

That statement came from both sides.

Both sides were clearly way off the mark.

Instead, it's now a Merry Christmas in tents, trenches, or some kind of fortification. No fun in winter.

Okay, let's get to the facts:

As expected, the balance of power favors the Union.
In Missouri, the situation remains unchanged. It's astonishing how disciplined the savages on our flank are, holding their positions.

In Kentucky, Paducah is still fiercely contested, but we haven't won it. We even have to be careful—the Yankees are crossing the Mississippi and threatening our thin flank.

And in Tennessee, the Blues are advancing. Longstreet hasn't had time to get the newly formed troops into position. The enemy has also already invaded the state from the east.
In Virginia, there's heavy fighting near Warrenton, but no territorial gains. However, our losses are high; we've had to rotate brigades. The demoralized units could have held out against another attack like that.
In Arizona, the Yankees attempted to break through to the encircled regiment, but our ring held. However, we didn't achieve a breakthrough in the attack on the regiment itself.

04.02.1862

A decision is pending.

Should we send Major General Earl von Dorn to Arizona or have him and his troops deployed near Arkansas?

We're opting for Arizona. Missouri seems stable for the moment, guerrilla warfare on both sides aside.

We've also managed to persuade a few Native American tribes to send additional warriors in exchange for payment or "gifts." While they won't be comparable to regular troops in direct combat, their scouting capabilities can improve our ability to avoid dangerous situations.
But then there's an even bigger issue. On the agenda is nothing less than a complete change of strategy.

We know that the blockade will deprive us of a third of our income in the medium to long term if we don't take action.

We could follow the idea of ​​some of our engineers and build ships even more futuristic than the already extraordinary Monitors. The engineers are calling these monsters battleships. Since January, they've moved beyond the planning stage and could now actually be built.

For scarce resources that we desperately need for equipping and training our soldiers.

But the benefit is like striking gold. As if all, or at least many, worries would be solved at once. The blockade would be in dire straits, and who knows how the British would react if we showed strength here.

We dare. We will confront the Union at sea as well.

But it will take time, and the resources will remain unavailable to us for land defense, at least for the time being.
The situation is serious; the Union is increasing the pressure in Kentucky and Tennessee. We had to abandon the offensive on Paducah. Furthermore, only a forced march by our cavalry prevented Knoxville from falling to the enemy.
But the Union is also making massive inroads in Virginia. Our cavalry reports the deployment of divisions to the front, and siege weapons have also been sighted in the rear.

In contrast, we only have brigades.

We may have to fall back to the first fortifications. Our divisions are still in training and will not be deployed until next month.
In Arizona, we finally managed to overrun the Union Regiment and advance further north. The Navajo Indians seem to be thrilled about this; one of their chiefs has assured us that they intend to take up arms against the Bluecoats.

18.03.1862

"Mr. President, Mr. President..."

There's a vigorous knock on the door, and an equally vigorous reply comes:

"What the...? Can't we have a moment's peace...? What, what, whaaaat?"

"Mr. President, we've received a telegram. The Union has landed near Jacksonville. A briefing has been scheduled and has already begun."

"I knew it, I knew it all along. Everyone was laughing, but now it's my turn to laugh.HAH!"

The aide's expression is one of many question marks.

"Well, I'll be there in 15 minutes, tell them, keep your hands off the whiskey."

45 minutes later:

"So, what do we know?"

So far, only that a Marine division attempted a landing near Jacksonville, but our brigade on the ground repelled the attack, suffering heavy losses. The Yankees have retreated north to Fernandina.

"We need to send reinforcements, someone, somewhere. We can't let them gain the upper hand and establish a foothold. Luckily, they didn't get the port."

It's a shame we're under so much pressure in Tennessee and Virginia. Ultimately, a cavalry division will be sent by rail. At least they can scout the enemy strength. The brigade in Jacksonville needs immediate support and must not, under any circumstances, pursue the Yankees.
"Since we're all together, what else is there?"

Unfortunately, there's quite a bit:

One of our forts in Tennessee was destroyed, another was severely damaged. A fort near Savannah was also destroyed. Possibly in preparation for another landing.

The Union has enforced forced requisitions, which has led to unrest and even riots in New York.

Furthermore, we know that the Union can equip units with improved infantry weapons.

Our research should soon catch up, as should our cavalry research.

The Navajo have taken up arms, but fortunately, they're only attacking the Union. This should tie down Union units and relieve pressure on our troops in Arizona.

Oh, and our engineers have developed a... they call it a submarine prototype. We can deploy it immediately.

Frankly, not very impressive, and these are the same engineers who recommended we build ironclads...

As expected, the Union attacked in Virginia, but one of their divisions suffered such heavy losses that it was completely wiped out in the counterattack. Our newly formed divisions are rapidly advancing to the front lines.
In Missouri, the allied Native Americans have been scouting the North; it's teeming with Yankee regiments.

19.04.1862

"What's wrong with him?"

"Mr. President?"

Annoyed sigh:

"General Price, I can't recall a single situation report from him that didn't include: 'bad weather, rain, mud...' Does it rain nonstop in this state?"
"I don't know, Mr. President..."

"Every time I hear that phrase, I have a cigar and a whiskey, and I'm getting used to this office very quickly!"

"What do we know?"

Fort Henry in Tennessee was attacked again but, once again, could not be destroyed.
Fort Pulaski near Savannah was also attacked. The damage in the city is significantly greater than at the fort itself. As a precaution, a division that was en route to Jacksonville was sent back north, but not by rail. Resource conservation remains the order of the day.
It's becoming apparent that the Yankee troops now have improved weapons. We're catching up, but that also takes time. Time to get the units into position.
"Can this "A submarine, this marvel of engineering, can't do anything at Fort Pulaski?"

Honestly, I think that thing is only doing harm to its own crew.

11.05.1862

The war has been going on for a year now.

And what has happened since then?

"Heavy rain and bad weather are being reported from Missouri..."

Yes, exactly, that's what's happened since then!

"...which is making offensive operations more difficult..."

I can't take any of this anymore.

"...but the ever-increasing number of Native American groups seem to be preparing a raid."

Oh, this could get interesting.
"What else?"

Fort Henry in Tennessee has been destroyed.

Great, so the river routes there are open. What if they send landing craft through there? In the medium term, we need to get brigades to Memphis, Corinth, and Decator. Those would be the most "spectacular" targets.
We'll take the units for this from the Virginia front. The area is too important and should be held by the stronger divisional forces.
Blockade runners have gotten through again. This time near Mobile. It's surprising that the Yankee blockade is still so porous after a year. The British, as well as our revenue, were pleasantly surprised by this.

We are immediately reinvesting these revenues in research. With more resources, our engineers will undoubtedly come up with even more good ideas.

02.06.1862

The Union has evacuated Florida and called off its landing there.

At the same time, they are launching a summer offensive. Apparently, public pressure is mounting to finally show some significant successes.

Tennessee is so tightly squeezed that we have ordered our personified hope, General Lee, there.

If anyone can handle this situation, it's him.
It has been noticed that the Union infantry can now be augmented with scouts.

We can't afford that; we must continue to use the cavalry for scouting.
The Navajo have encountered Native Americans who are loyal to the Union?

How will they react?
In Arizona, we have adopted a defensive position because we know:

Union troops will soon arrive from California, and then we will have a two-front war there.