Thalassan War

Thalassan War (1941-1947)
Part of Long War (1932-1956)
Date 18 November 1941 (1941-11-18) – 9 February 1947 (1947-02-09) (5 years, 2 months, 3 weeks and 1 day) Location Thalassa Result Allied victory Dissolution of Matroilan Establisment of Sunset Sea Islands Decolonisation in Orioni
Main Belligerents
Andalla Konalani (after 1942) Orioni Manamana Iverica	Giokto Selayar Mat Troi Lan
Commanders and leaders
President Lars Nedergaard King ʻIolani III Empress Owa Nabérrie $personName Primo $personName	$personName General Dharmasetu Sahaja Emperor Gabrielos Prince Zenos
Strength
$number 500–1,000 6,500,000–6,8000,000 $number 5,500,000	$number $number 9,800,000–10,000,000

The Thalassan War was a continental war that lasted from late 1941 to early 1947, although related conflicts began earlier and were, in some places, resolved later. It involved the vast majority of the Thalassan nations. The war was fought between two major alliances. The Allied Powers, consisting of Andalla, Orioni, Manamana, Iverica, and Konalani. The Matroilan Empire, consisting of Mat Troi Lan, Giokto, and Selayar.

The war began in 1941 when the Giokton Republic declared war on Andallan Commonwealth, and quickly escalated into a global conflict. The Matroilan Empire, under the leadership of Emperor Gabrielos, attempted to establish a “Greater Thalassan Co-Prosperity Sphere”, and conquered most of the continent. However, the late formation of Allies were able to turn the tide of the war in 1946, and defeated the Matroilan Empire in 1947.

The aftermath of the war was significant. The Matroilan Empire was dissolved, and the Kingdom of the Sunset Sea Islands was established. Orioni and Iverica emerged as the two major powers in Thalassa. Andalla was granted control over Giokto, while Selayar was plunged into civil war (1959-1974). The war also had a profound impact on the global geopolitical landscape, and led to the development of new technologies, including advanced aviation, rockets, and nuclear weapons.

Background

On 30 July 1926 the Treaty of Protiva is signed, formally ending the First Giokton-Andallan War (1923-1925), and granting Andalla control over the Giokton province of Liamchia (廉奢: Liâm-tsia). In 1939 a socialist-monarchist coup takes place in Selayar, with General Dharmasetu Sahaja ruling as absolute monarch.

Andalla

Warjunks in the Tiauhai Sea during the Second Giokton-Andallan War, c. 1928.

Andalla is a sovereign state located on the continent of Thalassa. It was founded on 28 June 1898, following the dissolution of the Kingdom of Andalla and its transition to the Commonwealth of Andalla. The Commonwealth was a federal union of several states, including Andalla, Giokto, and Selayar. The new nation of Andalla was a parliamentary democracy. It quickly established itself as a minor power in Thalassa. The new country became embroiled in a series of conflicts, including the First Giokton-Andallan War (1923-1925) and the Second Giokton-Andallan War (1927-1929).

Giokto

Giokton conscripts during the first war.

Giokto (玉島保國: Gio̍k-tó) was a sovereign state located on the island of Giokto in the Oriental Ocean. It was a parliamentary democracy, and its territory encompassed the island of Giokto and the Goa Archipelago off the northwest coast of Giokto. Prior to the Thalassan War, Giokto was a close ally of Andalla. However, the war strained relations between the two nations, and Giokto eventually joined the Matroilan Empire in 1943. The Giokto military was one of the most powerful in the Thalassan War, and its conquest played a significant role in the war.

Mat Troi Lan

The Greater Thalassan Co-Prosperity Sphere at its greatest extent.

  GTCPS

  Allies

  Neutrals

Prior to the war, the Sunset Sea Islands were known as the “Empire of Mat Troi Lan”, which roughly translates to “Empire of the Setting Sun”. It was a sovereign state located in the Oriental Ocean. It was an expansionist empire, which grew in power and territory throughout the 1940s. Furthermore, it was notorious for its ruthless exploitation of the nations it conquered, including the lesser developed island nation of Shurui. It also claimed the Dobbarier Reef, going on to mercilessly exploit the nation for material gain. Their lands were pillaged to feed the population of Mat Troi Lan and their resources were taken to fuel the Imperial war machine, which increased its production of war ships and weapons dramatically.

When the original war-faring parties in Thalassa, Andalla and Giokto, were exhausted by years of armed combat, Matroilan took its chance to strike. By attacking the destroyed and weakened nations, Matroilan managed to spread its rule throughout the entire continent of Thalassa. To establish a Greater Thalassan Co-Prosperity Sphere, Matroilan went after nations neighbouring the continent. “Co-Prosperity” was, naturally, not the goal of the campaign, but total economic exploitation of the continent for the benefit of Mat Troi Lan.

Selayar

Selayar is a country located on the continent of Thalassa. Prior to the 1939 coup, Selayar was a parliamentary democracy. However, the coup d'état led by General Dharmasetu Sahaja, a charismatic and influential military leader, was swift and decisive. Selayar's democratic institutions were dismantled, and the new socialist regime quickly consolidated its power. The government implemented ambitious nationalisation programs and Selayar underwent a period of rapid social and economic transformation.

War

Andallan-Giokton conflict (1941)

TL;DR: Andallan and Giokto are fighting it out.

Giokton soldiers attack an Andallan position at $place in $year.

The Empire of Matroilan began preparing for war in the years leading up to the Thalassan War. This included building up their military forces, expanding their territory, and developing alliances with other nations. Prior to the Thalassan War, the Empire of Matroilan also engaged in a series of small-scale conflicts with neighbouring nations, such as Shurui and the Dobbarier Reef, to enhance its military experience and capabilities. It also expanded its territory by annexing the Dobbarier Reef.

Teuvo Antonnen incident

In 1941, the Giokton submarine I-23 sank the Andallan troop transport SFS Teuvo Antonnen, killing 1,452 soldiers and crew. Following the sinking of the SFS Teuvo Antonnen, after a speech by Andallan President Lars Nedergaard, Andalla's Kongres declared war on the Giokto Republic, and Protocol Shadow was enacted. This marked the official beginning of the Thalassan War. However, this declaration did not deter Matroilan from its own expansionist agenda.

Battle of Liamchia

The first major engagement of the Thalassan War was the Battle of Liamchia, which began on 19 November 1941. Codenamed Operation Lyn, the battle began with a massive Andallan artillery barrage and air assault. An hour later, Andallan tanks and APCs charge into the buffer zone and assault the Giokton fortifications, amid heavy shelling. With assistance from the Andallan Commonwealth Army Airborne Corps' Luftbårnejaegeren (Airborne Rangers), the Andallan military was able to neutralise most of the Giokton border emplacements, albeit at a very high price. The battle resulted in a tactical victory for Andalla, despite heavy casualties.

This marked a turning point in the Matroilan's strategic calculus. This act of aggression provided Matroilan with the pretext it needed to intervene in the conflict between Andalla and Giokto. Despite the Battle of Liamchia, Matroilan saw the Andallan-Giokton War as an opportunity to expand its influence and power. The Matroilan empire's covert preparation for conflict paid off, as it seized control of much of Thalassa and established itself as the dominant power in the region.

Tiauhai Campaign (1942)

TL;DR: Tipping point 1 when Matroilan attacks and conquers both warring parties.

Preparations

Matroilan police in the occupied areas.

The Tiauhai Campaign (1942) marked a significant turning point in the Thalassan War. While the war had initially centred on the conflict between Andalla and Giokto, the Tiauhai Campaign expanded the war's reach and solidified Matroilan's dominance in the region. The Tiauhai Campaign was preceded by a series of local conflicts that had escalated into the Tiauhai Sea region. These conflicts had sapped the strength of both Andalla and Giokto, leaving them vulnerable to Matroilan's expansionist ambitions.

Sensing an opportunity, Matroilan intervened in the conflict, ostensibly as a peacemaker. However, its true intentions were to exploit the weakened state of Andalla and Giokto to expand its own territory. Despite the escalation of the conflict, none of the neighbouring Alharun and Aurealian states intervened militarily. This surprising neutrality can be attributed to a series of non-aggression pacts signed with Matroilan, motivated by fear or intimidation.

Invasion of Andalla and Giokto

Under the guise of peacekeeping, Matroilan absorbed both Andalla and Giokto, effectively neutralising its two main adversaries in the Thalassan War. This swift and decisive action demonstrated Matroilan's military prowess and its willingness to use force to achieve its objectives. Matroilan's expansionist ambitions did not stop at Andalla and Giokto. In the Autumn of 1942, Matroilan troops landed on and occupied Burkini. Matroilan's surprise attacks caught Orioni off guard, and the empire was slow to respond. This move further solidified Matroilan's control over the region and demonstrated its determination to establish itself as the dominant power in Thalassa.

The Tiauhai Campaign had a profound impact on the Thalassan War and the region as a whole. It marked the beginning of Matroilan's rise to regional dominance, with the empire absorbing Andalla, Giokto, and Burkini. The campaign also highlighted the vulnerability of the neighbouring states, who were forced to remain neutral for fear of Matroilan's aggression.

Matroilan offensives in the west (1943–1944)

TL;DR: Tipping point 2 when Matroilan attacks Orioni to the west.

Invasion of Orinese colonies (1943)

Orinese navy ship $shipName explodes after being damaged by a Matroilan air attack.

In 1943, Matroilan launched a series of offensives against Orinese colonies, taking advantage of Orioni's weakened state. They demonstrated Matroilan's military prowess, but they also alerted Orioni to the threat Matroilan posed. The Battle of the Burkini Triangle (June 1943) involved a naval clash between Matroilan and Orinese fleets. The battle was a tactical victory for Matroilan, as it managed to sink several Orioni warships and to seize control over much of the Burkini Triangle. However, the battle was also a costly victory for Matroilan, as it lost its flagship and over 3,000 sailors. Matroilan's western offensives had a significant impact on the course of the Thalassan War. They demonstrated Matroilan's military prowess, but they also alerted Orioni to the threat Matroilan posed. This incident served as a reminder that unchecked aggression could have serious consequences, and that regional alliances were essential for deterring future conflicts. By taking advantage of Orioni's weakness, Matroilan had provoked a strong response from the sleeping giant. The western offensives also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining peace and stability.

Lotus Sea Campaign

In the first half of 1944, the tide of the war turned when Orinese forces, having completed their long through journey via Manamana, launched a surprise counterattack from the Lotus Sea against Matroilan's eastern occupied areas. Orioni had already secretly providing military assistance to Andalla and Giokto through a long westward circumnavigation through the Manamana Canal. This aid was crucial to Andalla and Giokto's survival, as it allowed them to regroup and prepare for a counterattack. This Orinese attack, coupled with the growing resistance of Andalla and Giokto, marked the beginning of Matroilan's decline. Orioni's counterattack forced Matroilan to divert its forces from the west to the east, weakening its position in and around the Burkini Triangle.

Matroilan offensives in the east (1944–1945)

TL;DR: Tipping point 3 when Matroilan attacks Manamana to the east.

File:Map of the Thalassan War-$month-$year.png

Military situation in $monthYear:

  Andalla

  Matroilan

  Giokto

In the second half of 1944, Matroilan's expansionist ambitions reached the east, where it threatened to block Manamana Bay, a strategic waterway under the protection of Iverica. This direct threat to Manamana's security brought Iverica into the war, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The involvement of Iverica significantly altered the balance of power in the Thalassan War. Matroilan's offensives, which had been focused on the west, now had to contend with a new front to their east. Additionally, Matroilan's eastward expansion was driven by the presence of an ancient Orinese diaspora in the West-Aurelian region. This diaspora, which had been established centuries earlier, had maintained cultural and linguistic ties with Orioni.

The entry of Iverica into the war triggered an arms race between the three major powers: Matroilan, Orioni, and Iverica. Each nation sought to strengthen its military capabilities, resulting in a rapid increase in the number and sophistication of weapons deployed in the war. The arms race was accompanied by a series of Pyrrhic victories, in which the warring nations achieved short-term gains at the cost of severe losses. These costly battles further drained the resources of the combatants and prolonged the war.

• The Battle of the West Coast (July 1945) involved a ground offensive by Matroilan forces against Iverica's western territories. The battle was a costly victory for Iverica, as it lost over 10,000 troops and had to retreat from various strategic positions. However, the battle also prevented Iverica from repelling Matroilan's offensive, and it allowed Matroilan to consolidate its control over the Tiauhai Sea.
• The Siege of Manamana (August 1945) it involved Matroilan forces attempting to capture the key port of Manamana, which was under Iverican control. The siege was a stalemate for several months, and both sides suffered heavy casualties. In the end, Iverica managed to repel the Matroilan offensive, but at a great cost.

Matroilan's eastward offensives, and the subsequent entry of Iverica into the war, marked a significant turning point in the Thalassan War. Matroilan's expansionist ambitions had been thwarted, and the conflict became a three-way struggle for regional dominance. The entry of Iverica also highlighted the importance of regional alliances in maintaining peace and stability. By bringing a new major power into the war, Matroilan's aggression had inadvertently strengthened the forces opposing it. The Thalassan War continued for $number more years, but Matroilan's eastern offensives and the entry of Iverica were decisive moments that ultimately led to its defeat.

Beginning of the end (1945–1947)

TL;DR: Matroilan is overstretched, outmatched, and defeated by the allies.

Allied offensives

The final 18 months of the Thalassan War saw a decisive shift in the balance of power as the Allied forces, led by Orioni, Andalla, and Iverica, launched a series of coordinated offensives that effectively halted Matroilan's expansionist ambitions.

Stalemate

The war had entered a stalemate. Matroilan's internal divisions, overstretched by the strain of war and the introduction of new technologies, began to undermine its military capabilities.

Final stages

The Allied forces, particularly Orioni and Iverica, invested heavily in developing new technologies to gain a strategic advantage. Orioni focused on developing advanced rocketry, while Andalla concentrated on improving its airpower. Iverica, with its nuclear expertise, sought to co-develop nuclear weapons with Orioni. In 1946, all three nations had successfully developed advanced naval avionics. And by the end of 1946, Iverica and Orioni had jointly developed nuclear weapons. The introduction of these new technologies further escalated the conflict and intensified the pressures on Matroilan.

Orinese troops liberating Burkini in 1947.

Burkini

In January 1947, Orinese troops landed on Burkini, a strategically important island in the Oriental Ocean, to reinforce its defences and prepare for a possible Matroilan offensive. Orinese troops of the 6th, 10th, 101st and 102nd Infantry Division of the Imperial Orinese Army and 10th Marine Regiment of the Imperial Orinese Navy fought against the Matroilan forces during the Battle of Cronulla at the end of the Thalassan War. The Orinese lost 17 men, while about 250 Matroilan were killed. The Battle of Cronulla was a decisive victory for the Orinese forces, who repelled a Matroilan counterattack.

Operation Werewolf

Iverican bomber takes off from VRI Arethuse for the Operation Werewolf raid.

In an attempt to finish the war, the allies launched a nuclear attack on Matroilan. Codenamed Operation Werewolf, the raid targetted a major city, and causing widespread devastation and loss of life. This attack served to further mobilise the Allied forces and galvanise international support for a decisive end to the war. The nuclear attack on Matroilan marked a turning point in the war, and the Allied forces pressed their advantage.

Surrender

Matroilan, weakened and isolated, was forced to the negotiating table in February 1947. After negotiations, a peace treaty was signed, formally ending the Thalassan War. The treaty imposed strict limitations on Matroilan's military capabilities and territory, and it established an international peacekeeping force to oversee the region.

Aftermath

The Thalassan War had a profound and lasting impact on the region, and its effects are still felt today.

The Allied forces, led by Orioni, Andalla, and Iverica, occupied the territories of Matroilan and Giokto. The occupation was intended to prevent any resurgence of Matroilan's expansionist ambitions and to ensure that the peace treaty was implemented.

The Giokton military was forced to surrender in 1947, granting Andalla control over Giokto. The new government of Giokto began extensive projects to rebuild and modernise the island. By the 1970s, Giokto became an important financial centre. Today, Giokto is a highly-developed country, as evidenced by the bustling skyscrapers of its cities.

Matroilan was forced to surrender on 9 February 1947 after a series of crushing military failures. The victorious parties sentenced Emperor Gabrielos to a life in exile. He died five years later in a small lookout on an island off the eastern coast of Sunset Island. The Empire of Matroilan was dissolved, and the Kingdom of the Sunset Sea Islands was formed. The new kingdom was a constitutional monarchy, with King Tomasso on the throne; his older brother, Prince Zenos, had died during the war. The nation was reformed as an independent, constitutional monarchy, the Kingdom of the Sunset Sea Islands was born. Several government officials were replaced with international governors to ensure the SSI would turn into a modern society. The international governors were gradually replaced by locals, and the kingdom began to develop into a modern society.

For Andalla, the Thalassan War had profound implications, both domestically and internationally. The war tested the resilience and resourcefulness of the Commonwealth, shaping its national character and leaving an indelible impact on its collective memory. Andalla emerged from the war as a stronger and more unified nation. It also acquired valuable territory and resources from Matroilan, including the planes that had been deployed against it during the war.

Iverica emerged from the war as the dominant power in the region. The war had strengthened its position and had allowed it to acquire the nuclear weapons that had been dropped on Matroilan. Iverica used its newfound power to assert its influence over the region and to promote its own interests.

Orioni was reduced from a superpower to a regional power after the war. The war had damaged its military capabilities and had left it with a weakened economy. However, Orioni was able to rebuild and to regain some of its lost prestige. The war also spurred Orioni to develop a space program, which has become a source of national pride.

In Selayar, the outcome of the conflict indirectly led to the outbreak of the Selayari Civil War (1959-1974). The war was caused by a power struggle between rival factions, and it resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life.

The Thalassan War had a devastating impact on the region, leaving a trail of destruction and suffering in its wake. However, the war also created opportunities for new businesses and industries to emerge. In the aftermath of the war, foreign investors from countries like Orioni and Iverica poured into the region, eager to capitalise on its potential for growth. The regional governments, recognising the opportunity to transform the region into a prosperous hub, implemented reforms that encouraged free trade and investment. These reforms created a favourable environment for businesses, and the region's economy began to flourish. As a result, the Thalassan Tigers economic miracle transformed the region from a war-torn backwater into a vibrant economic powerhouse. The standard of living improved dramatically, and the region became a major centre for trade and commerce.