Earth 173

== Background ==
The great 20th century gunpowder shortage significantly changed the world wars.
The shortage began during World War 1. Because America entered the war late, they turned the tide with their gunpowder reserves. However, this was disadvantageous in the second World War, because American soldiers had less experience in melee combat.
Explosives other than gunpowder were still viable. 
== Tactics and Weapons ==
=== Polearms ===
Most soldiers were equipped with polearms 
=== Sharpshooting ===
Because of the expansive resources of the British Empire, Great Britain was the only country able to glean a worthwhile amount of gunpowder. However, the amount was still small enough that it was used exclusively by a small number of sharpshooters. 
=== Catapult Ships ===
Navies adopted catapults on all their ships
=== Lance Tanks ===
=== Planes ===
Without fighter guns, bombers were a lot more safe and needed less escorts. To threaten bombers, cities had to build massive land based Ballistas. 
Eventually fighters adopted long lances and began charging at each other in sky-jousts 
== People ==
A lot of leaders had really bad health, much like our timeline. 
=== Hitler ===
Combat Advantages
* Drugged up on Meth
Combat Disadvantages
* Drugged up on Meth
=== Mussolini ===
Combat Advantages
Combat Disadvantages
=== Stalin ===
Combat Advantages
* Experience from revolution and bank robbing
Combat Disadvantages
* Weak left arm
=== Churchill ===
Combat Advantages
* Stronger than he looks
* Actually trained in cavalry combat
Combat Disadvantages
* Obese
* Slow
=== FDR ===
Combat Advantages
* Inspirational speeches
Combat Disadvantages
* All of them