United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland

The United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Commonwealth is a is a European nation located on the British isles. Britain serves as the throne from which the Royal family Saxe-Coburg-Gotha rules a vast empire on which the sun never sets. Great Britain today has a presence on every continent in the known world. The mighty Royal Navy secures Britain's place as an undeniable global power. Boasting the largest capital city on Earth, London, the Island Nation seems certain to continue its hegemony over the world. However, with the rise of Britain's eternal enemies, only one thing is certain. Britannia rules the waves!

## Rule Britannia!

January first, 1936, and the United Kingdom of Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth has never stood taller. The British Lion has dug its' claws into every continent. But from the factories of Manchester to the reefs of New South Wales and to the wide open prairie of Kansas, the British Empire faces enemies new and old. The resilient Spaniards to the south still eye the bountiful British North American colonies, and the ancient enemy in Gaul hopes to end the Empire once and for all. The Dominions face considerable unrest as the recently squashed "2nd American Revolt" stays fresh in the minds of the Anglos in Boston and Chicagoland. The political parties face a major upheaval as PM Stanley Baldwin faces off against the new King-Emperor Edward VIII. Even now, vultures circle around the glorious British Empire, and the colonies awaken. Britain will have to choose whether it will reclaim its rightful rule as Protector of Liberty or fall into a new Dark Age headed by the twin threats of Gaul and Hispania.

### The Imperial System

   The British Empire is composed of a series of Dominions, Colonies, Provinces, Constituencies and others. There are 6 key Dominions in 1936, those being the recently crushed Dominion of New England, long-since pacified Dixieland, ever-faithful Canada, far-flung New Zealand, bustling New South Wales, and the endlessly flat but promising Dominion of Louisiana. Each of these Royal Dominions elect to the same Imperial Parliament as the British and Irish do. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected from all (Dominion) corners of the Empire, including the Homeland, and are the representatives of the People of Britain and the Commonwealth. The Prime Minister is elected by the party(s) controlling the most seats in the Imperial Parliament. While the King-Emperor must appoint the new PM, this is just a formality. In cases where the parties cannot form a government, the task will fall to the K-E to create one.

## Starting Situation

In 1936 the British Empire has three major political parties. The current MP, Stanley Baldwin, is head of the Conservative Party, colloquially known as the Tories. While he enjoyed a stable government for several years, the ascension of King-Emperor of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Commonwealth Edward VIII has thrown a wrench into his government. Baldwin is strongly opposed to the marriage of the King-Emperor to a Pennsylvanian, but his political influence is dampened by the K-E's support among the North American Reconciliationists. The K-E has already gathered wide support, and his German allies have offered support should he want it. The population has already sided with the K-E, and poor Mr. Stanley is already feeling the heat.

### Conservatives/Tories

The Conservatives look to replace Baldwin, and to regain the support of the growing New England voter base. With the current PM failing to create a crisis, the party will need a either a strong new face or a more moderate approach. The leading figure as of 1936 to replace Baldwin is Neville Chamberlain, but Lord Halifax is gaining support. They hope to retain a hold of parliament and maintain the current Imperial System, much to the chagrin of the New Englanders. They also support increased military spending and the re-alignment of Britain to its' old ally in Germany.

### Labour

The Labour Party is led by the pragmatic and popular Clement Attlee. In 1936, the party is gaining in popularity every day. Polls suggest in a snap election, they would gain the critical number of seats to take Parliament, but face opposition in the form of the Liberal Party. To counter this, the party has taken a Pro-Dominion approach, hoping to sway voters to their side by proposing closer political/economic ties to their cross-Atlantic partners. While they oppose colonialism, Labour also supports the internationalism of the Empire. They also hope to create an Imperial Health Service, nationalize the railways, and reduce tensions in the Colonies.

### Liberals

The third major British party is the Liberal Party. They enjoy considerable support in Scotland, New England, and many of the other Crown Dominions. The Liberal party is the party of free trade, inter-imperial trade, and libertine values. The party is led by the New Englishman Frank Knox, and is the hope of many New Englanders and Dixielanders whom wish to see the creation of an Imperial Atlantic Trade Commission. The Liberals support an end to Imperial tariffs, the strengthening of the Imperial navy, and the decentralization of the empire.

### The Military

Should any party create a crisis by allowing the revolt of one of Britain's most powerful Dominions, or fail to form a government by the end of the snap elections in 1937, the military will step in and establish a Junta. The military is fiercely loyal to the Crown, and will do anything so long as it supports the king. This will deeply trouble Britain's Dominions, however, and may provoke the very thing the military wishes to avoid..

## Final

While the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Commonwealth has many parties, factions, enemies and friends, the Empire stands strong, highest among many. 1936 will prove to be a challenging year, with many more ahead. Only time will tell whether the Empire's greatest days are ahead, or behind it. London is calling!