Teaching, Uncategorized

Weekly Update: Wrapping Up Module 8 The Muslim World, the Last Day of the World War I Simulation and Preparing for the Challenges Ahead

Hello,

As we return from a well-deserved Thanksgiving break, it’s time to dive back into the exciting world of our curriculum. This week, we’re finishing up Module 8: The Muslim World and preparing for the last day of our World War I Simulation in Modern World History 2.

Transitioning Back to School

I know many of us feel the post-break blues, especially when we have tests looming right after a holiday. In our case, we’re gearing up for the Module 8 Test on The Muslim World. To ease our students back into the swing of things, we’ll be reviewing with the video Secrets of the Koran before the test, which we’ll schedule for the following day. I always find it a bit tricky when a break falls at the end of a unit—ideally, we’d test first and then enjoy our time off. But, unfortunately, the calendar didn’t align this time!

Weather Challenges

To add to the mix, we’ve been battling a winter storm since Friday night. With over a foot of snow and strong winds, some local universities have already canceled classes for Monday. While the plows are working hard, the wind is picking up, and we’ve been snowed in since Friday. It’s anyone’s guess what tomorrow will bring!

Looking Ahead: New Units and Events

After we wrap up Module 8, we’ll jump into Module 9: Empires in East Asia, starting with the Tang and Song Dynasties. It’s a fascinating unit that will certainly engage our students! However, this week will be challenging as we also have a funeral on Wednesday and a Track Clinic on Friday to navigate.

Meanwhile, in Modern World History 2, we’re concluding our World War I Simulation. The students have truly risen to the occasion! There have been a few moments where I’ve had to threaten an F due to some outlandish ideas, but overall, their strategic sessions and negotiations have been incredibly insightful to observe.

A Week of Opportunities

Despite the challenges, I’m looking forward to an exciting week ahead. Both classes have shown remarkable resilience and creativity, and I can’t wait to see how they tackle the upcoming tests and units.

Stay warm and keep inspiring your students!

Best,

IMperialism Simulation, Teaching, World War One Simulation

Exploring Muslim Culture and Upcoming WWI Simulation

This week in my Modern World History 1 class, we will delve into the fascinating world of Muslim Culture. With Thanksgiving break approaching, we have a short week ahead, featuring just two days of class. On Tuesday, our school will experience a temporary internet outage due to construction, so we’ll need to adapt our activities accordingly!

Reflections on the Imperialism Simulation

In Modern World History 2, I recently graded the Imperialism Simulation Reports, and I was thoroughly impressed by the level of detail the majority of students provided. It’s always intriguing to witness students who initially feel lost- gradually find their footing and grasp the main concepts. While some may find this process challenging, it’s an essential part of developing critical thinking skills. Engaging with difficult material and persisting through challenges is what fosters growth!

The dice rolling and strategic elements of the simulation add an exciting layer to the learning experience. Students must carefully decide how to allocate their limited income for Research and Development, enhancing their critical thinking as they calculate risks and rewards.

Transitioning to World War I

As we move forward, our next unit will focus on World War I. We will kick off this unit with a World War I Simulation. To prepare, I review my list of participants and consider which students were most engaged during the Imperialism simulation, as well as the insights gleaned from their reports. This helps me assign major roles within the simulation thoughtfully.

On the first day, dubbed 1913, we will conduct a WWI Simulation Student Orientation. During this session, I’ll present a Keynote that outlines the simulation’s rules and scenarios. The highlight of this presentation is the shocking news of the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary! The looks on the faces of the Serbian and Austria-Hungarian leadership are priceless, as the stakes suddenly become very personal.

Engaging in Negotiation and Strategy

After the orientation, we’ll enjoy some compelling speeches to kick off the simulation. Students often ask questions like, “Can I deceive them and then change my strategy later?” I smile and remind them that while they can do whatever they want, they must stay aligned with their objectives to succeed.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see students immersed in the simulation, negotiating, conducting diplomacy, and developing strategies. The best compliment I can receive as a teacher is hearing students say, “This class goes by too fast!”

Stay tuned for next week’s update on how our simulation unfolds!

Follow Along with Our Simulations

Here are the links to the read-only maps of our simulations—feel free to follow along! Please note that these links will remain active only while the simulation is ongoing. I will take down the maps a week or two after the simulation concludes.

Period 5 WWI Simulation Map

Period 4 WWI Simulation Map

Teaching

Wrapping Up Trimester 1 and Exciting Plans for Trimester 2!

As we conclude Trimester 1 with finals on Friday, I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey so far and share what’s ahead. Students are required to take two trimesters of Modern World History, covering both Modern World History 1 and 2. This past trimester, I had the pleasure of teaching three classes of Modern World History 1. Looking ahead to Trimester 2, I will be teaching two classes of Modern World History 1 and two classes of Modern World History 2.

Exciting Simulations Coming Up!

Trimester 2 is particularly thrilling because we’ll be diving into History simulations! On Monday, we will kick off the trimester with the introduction and explanation of the Imperialism Simulation. This engaging activity will involve eight countries, grouped into teams, competing to achieve the largest income per capita within the simulation. The focus will be on understanding the motivations behind imperialism.

What to Expect:

  • Imperialism Student Orientation: We’ll begin with an orientation session to set the stage for the simulation.
  • Round 1: In this initial round, each country will allocate all their income to research and development in an effort to enhance their technology. This increase in technology is crucial, as it directly affects their industrial production—the capacity to produce goods.

How It Works:

  • For example, if a country has a starting income of 24 credits, they will need to strategically decide on their dice rolls based on their risk tolerance.
    • A strategy could involve rolling all 24 dice at a low number (e.g., rolling for a 1), which offers many chances to succeed but with a lower probability.
    • Alternatively, rolling fewer dice with a higher target (like a 3) can yield a moderate chance of success, as they would need to roll a 1, 2, or 3.

The variety of strategies and possibilities creates a dynamic environment for students to explore!

  • Round 2: In this round, countries will use their income to conquer nations in Africa and Asia, gaining access to valuable resources and opening new markets for their goods. It’s fascinating to observe students initially feeling lost as they navigate the simulation, only to gradually find their footing and develop effective strategies as they see their countries ranked on the online platform.

Modern World History 1 Curriculum

In our Modern World History 1 classes, we will start by reviewing class rules and procedures, followed by a brief lesson on the Religions of the World, including Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Our first unit will delve into Islam, exploring its rise, expansion, and rich cultural contributions.

I am excited to embark on this educational journey with the students and can’t wait to see their engagement and enthusiasm as we explore these important historical topics through simulation and discussion.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with simulations in the classroom!

Teaching, Uncategorized

Modern World History 1 Week: 11/10/25

This is the last week of Trimester 1 at IFAHS. We are finishing up our unit on the French Revolution & Napoleon. We won’t have time to take the unit test on Module 19, but it will be on the comprehensive final.

During this trimester we studied, religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism and followed that up with Module 8 on The Muslim World, Module 9: Empires in East Asia. Module 10/11: European Middle Ages/Power of the Church, Module 11: Church & Society in Western Europe, Module 12: Societies & Empires of Africa, Module 14/15: The Renaissance & Reformation and Module 19: The French Revolution & Napoleon.

We have a couple Micro Lessons to finish up and then students will have time to work on their Trimester test study guides. The final will be given on Thursday and Friday. The final is rather large and no matter how students have done, they can pass the class with a D if they can pass this assessment-so students always have a chance to pass. Even though its quite large the success rate for students that are failing is very high. Students are also guaranteed to pass the class even if you fail the final and were passing going into it.

Modern World History is taken by Juniors, which is our toughest year of high school. We have an emphasis on rigor but we also make it reasonable to pass with a C if you put in the effort.

Teaching

Enhancing Assessment Rigor in Modern World History

I’m trying to get ahead of the game! This year my improvement plan is to increase the rigor of my assessments by concentrating on the content tests, or multiple choice portion. In my class, Modern World History, 50% of the student’s grade comes from the content test and 50% comes from the essay assessment. The focus today was on Module 27 “Years of Crisis” and specifically on Lesson 1 Postwar Uncertainty. Step one: I go through my test- highlighting the information in the textbook that I already have in it. 2nd Step: I start at the beginning of the lesson and read through it carefully adding questions I think are important. In our system we grade 1-4. A 1 means you are working toward a passing grade. A 2 means you have a basic understanding or a C at 50%. A 3 means you are proficient: 83% or a B. This is not easy to achieve. A 4 means mastery at 93%.

World War Two Student Journals

WWII Simulation Student Journal: Italy

Italy 4 1938 –  WWII Simulation

The best thing for us to do is move our troops and Navy.  Our plan is to take over Greece, French North Africa, or Egypt.  We would like to attack French North Africa first because they have some of the resources we need, and it would also help us complete one of our objectives.  There is no point in having our navy in the Tyrrhenian, because it is helping no one.  We are going to move some to the East Mediterranean sea zone, and also the West Mediterranean sea zone. 

Italy 4 1939 –  

Without being able to move or do any military operations, our plan for 1940 is still the same as 1938.  Move our navy into the East and West Mediterranean sea zones, and attack French North Africa, so we can get some resources that we need.  After that we are going to try and attack Egypt, because it is one of the closer countries that we need to acquire to complete one of our objectives. Japan and Germany went to many battles this year, both of their troops were very strong so they just kept attacking and attacking to take over more and more territory.  They did very well this year and conquered many different territories. 

Italy 4 1940 –  

We noticed Great Britain moved their Navy towards Italy into the West Mediterranean sea zone, so our plans have changed.  Instead of trying to attack French North Africa we have decided to just stand our ground instead and wait to see if Great Britain attacks us first because, it is better anyways to be the defender instead of the attacker.  Great Britain and France started to attack in the Tyrrhenian sea zone that Italy owned, and won that Navy battle.  They then moved to Libya who Italy also owns and we only had 240 troops and they had 300 there was nothing we could do because they took out all of our Navy so we couldn’t move any more troops to Libya to help and no one else had Navy in that sea zone to send troops either, so they gained that territory as well. It was very devastating but unfortunately there was just nothing that we could have done. 

Italy 4 1941 –  

Our plan for this year is to take over Yugoslavia with the help of Bulgaria and Hungary.  If we end up getting the victory it will help us then take over Albania and Greece which is one of the objectives.  And we are victorious, with the help from other countries we conquered Yugoslavia, so now it will be easier to get Albania, and Greece.  We acquired Greece, and still have 164 troops leftover, so our next plan is to take over Albania.  Axis powers are pushing ahead, and claiming tons of territory.  It is not looking very hopeful for the Allies or Neutrals.  

Italy 4 1942 –  

This year’s plan is to take over France with the help of Germany because then we can use France’s Navy.  We also would like to conquer Albania to complete one of the objectives.  If we get France then we can use their navy which would be ours if we win, to attack Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and the rest of the countries down there. We have started a battle with Albania, and only sent four troops over, because no one can come and help them anyways. We gained Albania!  Next mission is for Germany to attack France first and then we will help.  Great Britain and the US both moved troops into France so we are guessing they are either going to try and go after Germany or us.  Germany just conquered F1 of France! It is now our turn to try and take over F2.  We sent over 3,000 troops and unfortunately that wasn’t enough.  That pretty much goes to show how weak Italy’s army is. 

Italy 4 1943 –  

Right now Italy is at a bit of a halt. There’s really not much more we can do with all of our navy gone and all of the places we need to conquer, we would need someone’s navy for.  The USSR has 20 navy in the East Mediterranean sea zone but that still wouldn’t be enough troops to take over the places that we need.  Germany acquired another part of France which is good for us, because if somehow the Axis powers could take over that last piece of France we might be able to use some of their navy to get the places we need.  But we only have a couple years left, so we’ll see what happens. We moved some of our troops into a part of France to help Germany take over that last bit of France that is  left. We got the last piece of France so we are going to ask France if we could use their navy. 

Italy 4 1944 –  

Italy is still at a halt, and now the USSR’s navy got wiped out so there is no hope.  There was talk to maybe ask the US if we could use their navy, but with them being a part of the Allies the chances are very low.  There is really nothing we can do.  1944 was not very eventful, there were not many wars, and if there were, the axis powers usually won.  There was one navy battle with Japan and the US and the US knocked out all of their navy.  The US also tried to get Norway back and won. That was not much of a loss for the Axis powers because of how much land we have already conquered. 

Italy 4 1945 – 

 The war is starting to slow down.  Battles are becoming less and less.  Italy is at a standstill because none of the Axis powers have any more navy to get anywhere, we just have to move from country to country if we want to get somewhere.   The US just invaded Hawaii which Japan owned, and the US won. The Allies are trying to get back places that the Axis powers took over, but there still isn’t a lot they can do because if they attack first we will just send more troops then them so that we will keep our territories.  The US and Great Britain just attacked F3 of France which the Axis powers had taken from them earlier in the war.  Italy and Germany just sent all of their troops into France to try and defend it but it was not enough and they got it back.  They went to war with Sweden as well because we took it from them, and they got that back too.  The Allies just got Finland.  It was a battle that was very close but the Allies won. Italy tried to get F2 back not knowing they could move two zones.  So they moved a lot of their troops into F2 to attack and we lost.  That ended the war, and it is still an Axis Power victory, so I’m happy with the outcome. 

World War Two Student Journals

WWII Simulation Student Journal: Finland and China

China 4 1938 WWII Simulation

We were going through a lot in our country before WW2 even started. We had a civil war going on between the communists and the nationalists, and that affected us in the war. Even though we had a decent amount of troops, we had no resources to develop a stronger military. Our plan was to get the US to give us resources, and gladly they said they would provide us resources.

Finland 4 1938

Finland is making their strategies and looking at every way they could possibly get hurt so they can have a plan to stop it. For example, the USSR could attack us. So our plan was just to defend because the USSR is very weak compared to our military. We don’t think Sweden is going to do anything because they barely have any troops. We would actually try to negotiate with them so we could protect each other and maybe in exchange I could get some Iron they have. We talked to Germany to see if they could defend us and they said they would, but they wanted us to join them. We were only going to join if there wasn’t anything else we could do. 

China 4 1939

Japan decided to attack North Central China. They were able to conquer it and they were heading to South Central China. We didn’t have the resources from the US yet and we weren’t going to be able to get them for a while. So, the Japanese finally attacked SC China and they took over as well. Now it’s just a matter of time when they decide to strike again. Hopefully we can get the resources before they do so that way we could actually defend ourselves better and fight back. 

Finland 4 1939

Our mindset is strong and clear, “Stay out of any affairs” We have a strong military and we are planning on making it even stronger. To do that we need natural resources. It doesn’t matter who we get it from as long as we get them. Right now everything up North is looking good except for the Germans that are slowly moving towards us. Gladly, I spoke with them and they won’t attack us. Maybe I would be able to get some natural resources from them. We’ll see…

China 4 1940

“Red notice” “Red notice”. China is under attack again and the Japanese were able to stop the resources transfer from the United States. That was our only hope to try and fight back the Japanese. Now, we are pretty much screwed. They took over North West China first. I sent troops from Tibet but they didn’t do anything. Just as I thought it would happen, the Japanese took over Tibet and that was the fall from China. Japan just kept going and no one could stop them. They took over India, the Thailand and just kept going.

Finland 4 1940

The USSR decided to attack us. We already had this in our minds, so we stood strong and we were able to beat them. We had 78 troops left and we saw that they were making some movements with their troops. Gladly, we came to an agreement to not attack each other and instead we should help each other out. Even though we came to an agreement, we talked to Germany to see if they would defend us. They said they would but they didn’t have any navy to move troops in case they needed to send some. So we just stayed like that and hoped for the best.

China 4 1941

We slowly watched Japan take over everything in our area, they started with us and now they were heading for The Philippines, then New Guinea. All of the sudden, they controlled everything in this area, even Australia. 

Finland 4 1941

The USSR broke their promise and attacked us in 1941. Unfortunately, the leader of Finland wasn’t in office and couldn’t do anything to try and stop the USSR. He couldn’t make an alliance with Germany to scare the USSR off, or have Germany convince them not attack me and instead we could all work together, but no, we were just taken over and we couldn’t do anything. You might be wondering why the leader of Finland wasn’t in office…  well it was because it had passed away 

China & Finland 4 1942

A lot of things were going on. The Allies tried to stop Japan with troops and navy but they were just very strong. They kept moving west taking over everything in their path. While the Japanese were doing that, the USSR was also expanding their territory. They started in 1941 with Finland and they kept going, taking over Sweden and Norway. Also, they took over Albania and Trans Jordon. One huge event was the fall of France. The Nazis attacked France in 1942 and so did Italy. The Axis powers controlled most of Europe at that time. 

China & Finland 4 1943

The Axis power made few movements and attacks during this year. Yet, the Allies started to be more aggressive and tried to take over territory. The United States attacked Norway and took over it and then proceeded to attack Sweden. Great Britain attacked the USSR navy in the baltic sea zone taking over that sea zone as well. Because the Axis powers controlled most of Europe, they couldn’t go and invade other areas that were from the allies, they just had to defend in case the Allies decided to make a strategy. 

China & Finland 4 1944

During this year, the Axis powers didn’t attack once, they were just defending and the Allies were the ones making all the moves of trying to take back what was theirs. 

China & Finland 1945

The United States and Great Britain started to be the most aggressive they’ve ever been during the war. They attacked France which was taken over by Axis Forces and they manage to capture back. They were also making moves on the North taking over Sweden and Finland against the USSR and the Japanese armies. The Axis powers took back F1 of France but the Allies took it back again. Overall the Axis Powers had the most land, but the Allies were slowly taking back what they lost. Great Britain took over the East Mediterranean Sea against the USSR. The US tried to take the Central Pacific but no one won that. So pretty much the Allies were getting their sea zones back and then they would proceed to attack land. The US took back ALASKA from Japan that had previously taken it.

World War One Student Journals

WWI Simulation Student Journals: Italy

Italy, block 4, 1914 WWI Simulation

Current thoughts, seeing as we are not able to mobilize in the year of 1914 and we must somehow gain control of part of Austria-Hungary. It also states that we need to make Alliances with France in secret but we also somehow need to be in alliance with Austria-Hungary and Germany at the same time. My thinking is that we need to speak with France and Austria-Hungary to ensure we can still do some things that our objectives say. For France I think we should form an alliance that states we will not take action in any wars on them if they do the same for us. For Austria-Hungary I think we should form an alliance that states in exchange for south Tyrol and Trieste we will help them in 2 wars of our choice. 

Italy, block 4, 1915

We have made a neutral alliance with France in secret of course. My next duty is to decide what alliance to form with the Central powers in order to secure South Tyrol and Trieste. That plan failed. Troy (AH) said he will never need our help so plan B is going to have to be Ally with France and the Allies and take Austria-Hungary with the help of the Allies. We were attacked in Libya by the Ottoman Empire but we were able to send troops and defeat the Ottoman Empire. Towards the end of the year Austria-Hungary tried to take a stab at Montenegro which failed as France and Italy sent troops to aid Montenegro troops. I think Italy is going to have to step it up if we wanna accomplish our objectives and we are going to need the help of the Allies. As Germany and Austria-Hungary thin their troops out we need to hit them while they are weak. If that doesn’t work Italy may need to try to ally with the central powers again to secure South Tyrol and Trieste to save our Itailians in these places. 

Italy, block 4, 1916

Although Russia seems to think Italy needs to take Egypt I don’t think it’s necessary right now to take it. The bigger thing the Allies need to accomplish is taking parts of Germany and Austria-Hungary. Russia is most likely going to be taken out by the Ottoman Empire but there is a chance that if Italy strikes we could take the Ottoman Empire. Russia wasted 3000 troops on O2 and I don’t know what we are going to do now. 

Italy, block 4, 1917

Several wars have gone on. Italy hasn’t really been able to take part in any other than the invasion of Serbia. Italy took over O1 and now we should be able to start on Austria-Hungary. The Allies are planning on taking G1 so we aren’t really able to do anything about that but I think as long as we stand our ground and eventually take the land we need from Austria-Hungary. I don’t think they have any plans on taking over Italy but we should be able to defend ourselves.  

Italy, block 4, 1918

The Central Powers want Italy to form an Alliance with them in order to be able to cross Italy and get my help with taking France. The way it’s looking, nothing is going to happen and therefore my objectives to claim part of Austria-Hungary are not going to be completed. It most likely will end up not going anywhere but I’m not sure how we consider it a victory or a loss. If I were to switch Italy and move to the Central Powers side, then Troy goes against his objectives but the way they make it sound I would get co-control of the land but then it technically is not in my full control. I think the whole point is that no matter what you do it’s the choices you make that are going to depend if you complete your objectives or not. If no one is going to attempt Italy there is nothing I can really do but if they choose to move into Italy then France really can’t help me either cause they’re defending their own lands too. Because I didn’t join them and lose my objectives I lose all of them and lose everything I could have to get points from. Looking back, I think Elise and I should have just tried to do as much as we could to complete our objectives even if that meant not making a secret alliance with France or an alliance in general with the allies in 1915. All in all, I think Italy did what we could by ourselves. We just sided with the wrong people who never were really going to help us complete our goals. 

World War Two Student Journals

WWII Simulation Student Journal: France

Me or I = the French or France WWII Simulation

France 4 1939 – The war in Asia had gotten worse for China, France, and Great Britain because China, France, and Great Britain lost a lot of troops. China also lost a lot of territory due to the Japanese invading and having many victories.France is the country that is protecting the British rubber that had originally been in Burma. Great Britain was going to try to send France some rubber and oil but the Japanese invaded Burma before Great Britain was able to get it sent to France.

France 4 1940 – Great Britain and I have moved our ships to the West Mediterranean Sea Zone so we can then attack the Italian navy. Great Britain and I attacked Libya and that was a successful mission. The naval mission against the Italian Navy was a success now the Germans and the Italians do not have a navy that they could use to move troops. Now that the Italians don’t have a navy they can’t help any of the Axis powers move troops across any of the oceans. 

Franc3 4 1941 – France put soldiers into Yugoslavia to try to help protect them from the Axis powers but that was an unsuccessful battel, and the Axis powers took control of Yugoslavia. The French soldiers are terrified because of the German forces that are in Belgium. The Germans have put more troops into Belgium, I am assuming that they are going to try and attack the French. The German Forces haven’t moved from Belgium to attack France, so now French Soldiers are starting to think that the Germans are waiting for me to attack them.

France 4 1942 – The Germans are still in Belgium, I am still thinking that they are waiting for me to attack before they will do anything. I am going to try to stall to allow more Allied Forces to help in France with fighting against the German Army. Great Britain is taking over Ireland. Germany finally attacked and we lost to them, now Italy is going to attack so hopefully we can beat them to keep more of France alive. The French soldiers killed all of the invading Italians. France is still alive.

France 4 1943 – My army only has 298 soldiers left. Hopefully, Germany and Italy don’t attack until I can get more troops from Great Britain. Now I only have 4 French soldiers that are alive, and they are in Africa, but the French Navy is alive. I am allowing the British and the Americans to use my navy for whatever they need to use it for. The reason why France lost so many soldiers is that Italy and Germany tried to invade France, but only Germany was able to defeat the French Army. The Axis powers also were able to gain complete control of France. The 4 remaining French soldiers and the British troops that are in Libya have to move to the French North Africa zone to protect it from the Japanese who are trying to invade and conqurer French North Africa. That battle was a success for the British troops and my 1 French soldier that is still alive.

France 4 1944 – The Allies that still have troop are still using the Frenchg ships to use in battles or to use as transportation.The Americans and the British were victorious in Norway. The Japanese invaded Hawaii, but the Americans weren’t able to stop the Japanese from winning that battle for control of Hawaii. The Japanese want to keep control on Hawaii so that way they can then have a chance to attack the Western United States and Alaska.Great Britain and the Americans sank all of Japan’s Navy. 

France 4 1945 – The French Navy is still being used by the rest of the Allies. The Americans retook Hawaii from Japan. The Axis powers don’t have any navies, so the only way that they can attack is on land. Great Britain and the United States. The Axis powers are doing a lot of movement with their troops. The Allies went to attack the Germans and the Italians that were in France, and the Allies were victorious. France now has at least a little bit of hope that the Allies will help get back a lot of French territories. The Allies also are invading Sweden and Finland. Both of those battles were victorious for the Allies. The Allies were not able to win the war. One of the main reasons is that the USSR joined the Axis powers in the middle years of the war.

World War One Student Journals

WWI Simulation Student Journal: Germany

Germany 4 1913 WWI Simulation

Serbia has gained more territory during the Balkan wars, which is threatening Austro-Hungarian supremacy. This is terrible, as we have an alliance with Austria-Hungary. I’m not looking for war, but we might be pulled into one. Additionally, Russia and France have formed an alliance, no doubt against us. If things keep going down this path, the next few years are going to be very tough. 

Germany 4 1914 

This is war, and it’s about to get ugly. If we don’t hit the Russians hard, they might be our biggest threat. I want to move some troops into their territory, as well as some of Austria’s. They are our biggest ally, and if we want to win this war, we have to work together. I just hope Russia doesn’t send in more troops, because I don’t want to start this war with a loss. Actually, nevermind. No matter what happens, Russia will not get the last laugh. If they beat us, I’ll send more troops. I’ll keep sending troops until that territory is mine!

Germany 4 1915 

Bulgaria has joined the Central Powers. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about their decision, so I’m glad they partnered with the right side. With their help, we might be able to protect the Ottoman Empire from the Russian’s. They might also help in taking over Serbia and Montenegro. I hope the Ottomans attack Egypt. It’d be an easy win for them and a way to boost troop morale. Additionally, it would get some troops away from Russia, in case they try something. I just hope they stay away from Libya.  I really want Italy to join us, but Libya is their territory and attacking them would throw any chance of that out the window. I don’t think I’ll attack anyone this year. It would be suicide to move deeper into Russia, and I don’t want to force Belgium to let us through. We’re kind of stuck right now. I want to do something with our Navy, but we’re surrounded by Allies. Luckily we have U-Boats, and I feel like sinking some ships. Speaking of which, our U-Boats sank a British ocean liner carrying 170 tons of war mution for Britain. While I don’t feel good about killing over 1,000 civilians, I’d rather it be them than us. I just hope that the United States doesn’t join this war. The last thing Germany needs is another country to worry about fighting. 

Germany 4 1916

We ended 1915 with a few losses. The Ottomans, Bulgarians, and Austrians were all defeated in various battles, Italy and Romania joined the Allies, our Navy was obliterated, and Serbia is stronger than ever. The Allies now have the momentum and I can feel my confidence slipping away. If 1916 doesn’t go well for us, we might as well surrender. I have a feeling Russia is going to attack the Ottomans. Their troops significantly outnumber them. If we lose the Ottomans, this war is over. However, if Russia does push the Ottoman Empire, that will move troops out of Russia and allow us to attack. Either way, the Russian’s are going down. 

Germany 4 1917

Just like I had predicted, Russia collapsed. The only sad part was that it was from a Civil War. I would have prefered to take them by force, but a win is a win so I can’t complain. Especially since now we only have to worry about the West. Before it felt like we were being sandwiched. Due to this, I think we can move back and keep France, Great Britain, and the United States in line. This year, there are only a few things I want to do. First, I want the Central Powers to take Romania. We’ve tried negotiating, but they haven’t budged and leave us no choice. After we take Romania, I want Serbia and Montenegro. It’d also be nice to take Italy but I think there’s a chance that they jump ship and join us, so it’s best to hold off for now. 

Germany 4 1918

The end is near, I can feel it. The Allies have been piling troops into Belgium, and I know they’re going to attack. The good news is that I think we can take them. After Belgium is cleared out, I want to send every last soldier we have into France. I know it’s probably pointless and the chances of us winning are slim, but I don’t care. I want the Alsace and Lorraine provinces back, no matter the cost. Regardless of what happens, the Central Powers have won this war. The remaining Ottomans and Austrians are taking back the Ottoman Empire and Montenegro as we speak. Additionally, Austria-Hungary is in a position to take Northern Italy. I can’t believe the Allies thought they could take us!