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Student Journal: Cold War, United States

United States 2 Orientation Day: 

Initial Thoughts: A full on nuclear war would mean the death and destruction of both sides of the war. There would be no winner and everyone would be dead, it would be a catastrophe. I want to avoid escalation as much as possible. I will only escalate if they make an aggressive move against NATO. I fear that this war could end in disaster. My objectives are to not let them gain any territory. I will defend West Germany because I feel they will attack them first. 

Strategy: I am going to stay at defcon 5 and avoid any battles unless provoked by the enemy. I am going to defend any territory that does not already belong to them. I will avoid escalating this war and only react to what they are doing. I don’t want to fall behind while they escalate and attack us. However, I don’t want to be the one increasing the intensity of our defcon levels. This could lead to a nuclear strike from both sides. I am going to work with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to ensure that the Warsaw Pact doesn’t gain any more power or territory. 

United States 2 Day 1:

Thoughts: The USSR is moving tanks towards West Germany. I fear that an attack on West Germany is imminent. This is what I predicted because that is where the dividing line is between the Warsaw Pact and NATO. I need to prevent them from gaining territory that they don’t possess. The goal of NATO is to prevent the spread of communism, this means not letting them gain territory. We need to take action to prevent their attack on West Germany. 

Strategy: I am sending tanks into West Germany to help defend against the Warsaw Pact. Canada is joining me in placing artillery in that area, I believe this will help deter the enemy from attacking. My hope is that we do not have to take further action against the USSR. However, we will do so if that is necessary for the greater good. If escalation does take place, that could lead to a nuclear war that will change the whole world. We will remain peaceful to prevent the escalation of war. 

United States 2 Day 2:

Thoughts: The Warsaw Pact used their tactical nuclear weapons to take out all of our armour in West Germany. They have also sent forces into West Germany to take control of that territory. Both sides are increasing the intensities of their defcon levels very quickly. This war is escalating at a very terrifying pace. I am trying to slow down the aggressive movements of the Warsaw Pact by trying to stay defensive. They are escalating very quickly and this is forcing us to escalate… We have imputed our nuclear launch codes in order to launch our nuclear warheads at the enemy. The opposing forces will send their nuclear weapons at us within a matter of minutes. It is a truly sad day for the world. It will take years for humanity to recover from this day… Strategy: We are using our tactical nuclear weapons against their tanks in the countries that can be reached from Italy. We are only doing this in response to their attacks on our tanks in West Germany. We are going to continue to increase our defcon so that we’re prepared for war. The Warsaw Pact is gaining control of most of the European countries, our ground forces are no match for theirs. They continue to use their tactical nuclear weapons against us and we are suffering numerous casualties. There is only one thing we can do in order to stop the spread of communism throughout the entire globe. We are going to activate our nuclear missiles and launch them at the enemy. A full on nuclear strike is going to happen, humanity will suffer massive casualties…

World War Two Student Journals

World War 2 Simulation Student Journal: Bulgaria, Rumania, Hungary and Italy

Small Class: Students had to do multiple parts

Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, and Italy 3, 1938

This is the start of it all. I think that Great Britain and France are going to try and start a war with Germany. My first thoughts are that Japan will remain neutral. Being part of the axis I do know that we will attempt to somehow get them to ally with the axis. Even though Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania all lie very close within the axis powers but will most likely remain neutral for as long as possible just to see if siding with one alliance will actually be beneficial. I will do my best to help my allies with resources and try to take new land for better resources and gain a surplus of resources to help my axis friends. Also being neutral countries as well  I will really try to be patient with allying with a side because I need to see how everything plays out.

Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, and Italy 3, 1939

A year went by and not a lot has been accomplished by the Axis like I was hoping. It helps me because it would help me do better in the long run. Bulgaria, Hungary, and Italy couldn’t do anything during this year at all so all I had was Rumania. Rumania didn’t need to do anything because we didn’t need to at first. But next year will be different. The Axis took over Japan and Norway. Next year I will ally with Germany as Rumania. I can also begin to use Italy’s military in 1940. I understand that this year was not the greatest year but trust me when I say that this is only the beginning and it’s not even close to being over. 

Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, and Italy 3, 1940

With lots of retaliation from the allies my current plan for Italy is to utilize my navy to the south and take Egypt and push as far east as possible to gain lots of resources. As for Hungary, and Rumania, I need to wait until 1941 or later to see if it would be beneficial to side with the axis and let them use my troops to turn the tides. However I fear that if I do not help them they will just eliminate me. I can see that at the moment if I don’t make a move soon great britain and France will conquer the counties I have. So far they have taken Libya and if I don’t act fast Hungary, Rumania, and Bulgaria will be taken out right under me. Next year will be my year. I can use troops that I haven’t gotten the chance to and get what I need. I didn’t get to taking Egypt this year like my plan was but I will next year, plus so much more like Iran, Ariba and hopefully everything around it. Next year will be my time to shine and really show everyone what I can do.

Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, and Italy 3, 1941

This is not what I was expecting. A lot of my Italian troops have been lost. There were a lot of battles that were happening that I had to defend and with my army rating being low I had to put a lot of troops up to defend in order to make sure I kept my land. I had a lot of dreams and wishes for this year thinking that I could do it, but it was very difficult to get anything accomplished and the Axis don’t want to help me. I felt all alone and was fighting by myself so I started thinking about having Italy and Hungary switch to the allied side but I am not for sure yet. This year was not great for any of my countries and really all I did was lose a lot of my troops. I tried to attack France to make sure that they wouldn’t come for Italy for Germany but unfortunately I didn’t win the battle and lost pretty close to all of my troops. It is going to be a struggle next year but I am trying my hardest to hold on with the little troops that I have. 

Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, and Italy 3, 1942

I thought last year was tough, well this one was even worse. I lost Italy. The allied powers invaded and won. I am very close to losing Bulgaria, Hungary, and Rumania. Thankfully I had just enough troops to win back Italy but this is a time where I really need to side with the allied powers if I want any chance of winning. Next year will be it, Italy and Hungary will side the allied powers and now I just have to hope that they won’t attack Rumania or Bulgaria. I need to try and keep my counties for as long as possible but if it does come down to me losing Rumania and Bulgaria I won’t go down without a fight. Those are my counties and I will be right for them until the end. On the other hand with Italy and Hungary, people may say that I am taking the easy way out, but it not only helps me it also helps France and the other countries take over and conquer Germany. The Axis will be mad at me for switching but if I am not getting any help then I will move in order to get the help I need. Next year once I ally with the Allied Powers will be so much easier for Italy and Hungary. I will get what I need done and get the helped that I want! For Rumania and Bulgaria, well lets just say who knows what will happen. We just have to wait and find out!

Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, and Italy 3, 1943

This year I switched and joined the allies. Everything that I needed was now finished because of me switching. One thing that I was hoping for was that they would not take over Bulgaria and Rumania, but they did right away. They took over and I could do anything about it. All of my troops were too far away to help and I didnt even have that many. So Rumania and Bulgaria were no longer mine. All I had left was Italy and Hungary. Everything looked great this year until the end when the Axis started pushing their way into our land and took all of our resources so our military rating went down. They started taking over our countries one by one. At this point I really thought that no matter what side that I am on I was just going to cause bad luck. 

Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, and Italy 3, 1944

This year I lost Italy and Hungary. I used everything of my own to try and stop them but nothing worked. I was a goner. Axis were just too strong for us and there was no stopping them. After they took Italy and Hungary they started going for more of the USSR. At this point we saw that there was pretty much nothing we could do. We just had to try our hardest and hope for the best. This all came out of nowhere and I did not see it coming at all. When I switched with them last year I was not planning to lose everything that was mine. Nobody ever plans that but that is exactly what happened. At this point I was way past hope. I knew what they were going to do and that was to take over everything, and because of them being so strong that is exactly what happened. We were done for..

Bulgaria, Hungary, Rumania, and Italy 3, 1945

This is it, it is the end of the war. The Axis had officially won, even though we already knew that. In the end the only thing that the Allies had left was 19 counties, the rest were all of the Axises. It was sad to see how the war ended and I really thought that once I switched sides that we were going to win. That was not what happened at all obviously. It was a hard loss but the one good thing I can say about it was that we tried our hardest. We fought as hard as we could and used everything that we had to try and win and keep what was ours. This war was a big eye opener for me because it showed me that just because things look good for you doesn’t mean that they would stay that way. World War 2 Simulation

World War One Student Journals

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!