WWI Simulation Student Journals: Romania and Japan

Romania Journal

Romania, Period 8, 1913

I fear for the events to come as countries are beginning to turn their backs on one another. Divided in two, the Allies are determined to overtake the Central Powers and vise versa. However, I side with neither. My small size army is no match for those such as Russia and the Ottoman Empire who bear great numbers of troops. With the location of my country as a barrier between Russia and it’s remaining allies, I worry they will try to either invade or negotiate for our sacred land. Although, due to the lack of numbers, it is safest for my country to avoid conflict with either side and will choose to remain neutral. The last thing we need is to be stripped of even more land after already having Bessarabia taken from our hands…this war might be the perfect distraction for us to claim what was once ours. 

Romania, Period 8, 1914

Tensions are beginning to fume all across Europe, making it difficult for me to remain neutral. Just in case, I’ve mobilized troops in the scenario anyone challenges our peace. Several negotiations with great benefits have been proposed, however I must respectfully decline for now. Germany has thrown a curveball, messing up my plans to retain land that was once mine. This calls for a new plan of action. When the time is right, Russia’s large numbers in troops combined with mine will be extremely vital. They help me to recapture land, as I provide them with new blood and territory. 

Romania, Period 8, 1915

Another year of avoiding conflict down. My ultimate goal of retracting old land is slipping further and further away from our fingertips as the Central Powers are moving too close to comfort. Their large numbers paired with their outrageous ability is intimidating as they could easily conquer Romania, leaving us with nothing. I can’t do this war alone. I predict my time of peace is coming to an end. I will need the help and protection of the Allies to remain in this war. 

Romania, Period 8, 1916

New year, and a new stance in this war. I have strategically become one with the Allies for the greater good of my country. Talk of our country back-stabbing peace with the Central Powers lingers. I fear this anger may result in war between Romania. In defense, we have called for reinforcements. Our good ally, Great Britain, has agreed to station troops within Romania, creating a fear factor. This must’ve worked as the Central Powers backed down. Romania stands tall and even more powerful than before with additional help from Great Britain, as well as  the mobilization of our army. Even though we bear numbers, we lack strength which will prevent us from establishing A3 from the all mighty German forces. Hopefully with a little convincing and planning, the rest of the allies will back me up to retain this land. 

Romania, Period 8, 1917

As the war has continued on, our outlook as a country has evolved. Suddenly, it’s about more than just Romania; it is about working together to defeat the Central powers and restore order in the world. Our initial goal of using the neighboring countries to achieve what we want, land, has become more. As we’ve gotten closer to our allies, we’ve formed a bond. Therefore we are willing to provide assistance in any way for the good of the group. In addition, we’ve distributed troops to territories as needed or requested, and have been active in the planning process. We’ve captured the coast so our next move as allies is to work our way inward. We have them surrounded. 

Romania, Period 8, 1918

Game over. Let this be a learning experience for those of the future: The only person you can truly trust is yourself. I had an uneasy feeling from the start about Russia…and I should’ve trusted my gut. “Just wait,” they said. “We’ll succeed together,” they said. Waiting is a fool’s game. I should’ve shoot my shot for R3 when I had the chance, but instead I was too loyal to my alliance. Although my military may lack in power, we had them taken in numbers. I would have rather died trying rather than die from a back-stabbing. Good luck to the remaining allies, and rest in peace to those troops that gave their lives. Romania forever. 

Japan Journal

Japan, Period 8, 1913

After defeating Russia already, I feel we have gained their respect. Therefore, while still keeping a watchful eye on them, I feel it should be safe enough to side with them for the common goal: Germany. While we may lack in numbers of military aid, I feel our naval support will be of great assistance. With joined Navy forces, the Central Powers are no match for our fleet. They’ll never see it coming. 

Japan, Period 8, 1914

The stakes are high as the Germans overthrew the Russian Navy. This makes my alliance with the allies even greater as they are now down Navy troops. However, we are able to make up for their loss. Although small in numbers, our navy will be a force to be reckoned with. Often overlooked and forgotten, it is the perfect opportunity for a sneak attack if it comes down to it…

Japan, Period 8, 1915

Victory is ours! Just as I suspected, our naval forces played a powerful role in defeating Austria-Hungary’s fleet. We couldn’t have done it alone: Combined forces with Great Britain, we annihilated the Central Powers Navy. Now, with complete control over Zone 2 of the Mediterranen Sea, it sets us up for success in the future. Germany and the remaining Central Powers can enjoy it now, but they won’t suspect us coming from the coasts. 

Japan, Period 8, 1916

Although our part this year was slow, it doesn’t mean the rest of the action of the war has slowed down too. If anything, it’s picked up dramatically. After our victorious win over the Mediterranen, the waters have been at peace with no more naval battles. With no marmy to provide help on land, our country has been busy guarding the seas. I feel our great performance during battle has scared the Central Powers away from our navy indefinitely. However, we will still keep a watchful eye from the water, and are prepared for anything. 

Japan, Period 8, 1917

The power in this war has taken a drastic turn. The once dominant Central Powers appear to be losing their drive as the Allies are beginning to occupy more land, due to their successes in battle. It appears that us Allies have the coast locked in. Our next plan of action will be to begin moving inward. Unless they call in reinforcements of the navy, I feel our role in this war is winding down as we have no army service to provide help on land. But we are still armed and ready for duty calls to help in any way to win this war. 

Japan, Period 8, 1918

At last! This drawn-out war has finally come to an end! It’s tough to say who’s coming out of this with a victory under their belt as it appears the Allies and Central Powers are neck and neck. It’s safe to call this a draw. While we were obviously hoping to come out victorious, at least it’s better than coming out with a loss. I see this new balance of power as both a good and bad situation. Good in which hopefully our nations can come together on agreements for a more peaceful world. However I fear this balance will turn into an even worse scenario as nations seek it as an opportunity to prove dominance and break the balance. Whichever way this goes, Japan is optimistic for the future and will be prepared. Meanwhile, we shall celebrate these long-waited times of peace!