Trenacker
Margrave of the Transvaal
- Location
- Imperial Remnant
A question was asked previously why the rich nations of Shamash were not subjugated by the European imperial powers. I have given it some thought and have prepared an answer.
Several factors explain how the Shamash nations preserved themselves.
First, Shamash was generally united under three great kingdoms: Atria, Carmel, and Nod. These kingdoms possessed competent, centralized administration and seasoned professional armies. Both Atria and Carmel had great intellectual traditions that translated well into martial contexts. Shamashi officers were celebrated for their emphasis on personal initiative in the manner of Germans or Israelis. The Carmelite caste society, which took a meritocratic approach to education, meanwhile produced excellent sailors and artillerists.
Second, despite a steep numerical disadvantage, Shamashi kingdoms embraced revolutions in military technology ahead of Europe. In some cases, this helped them conduct imperial conquests of their own. Shamash was first to the ironclad, first to the armored railroad, and first to the armed airship. Liberal attitudes toward European immigration also meant that Shamash had access to a pool of Western talent and perspective.
Third, Shamashi powers cultivated specific Western powers as allies to balance potential threats. Despite recurring problems with Confederate filibusters, the Atrians exploited their commercial relationship with the American South to convince Richmond to intercede for them with London and Paris. Carmel similarly courted the Federal (American) and especially the Austro-Hungarian leadership.
Fourth, until the early twentieth century, "Old Worlders" suffered badly from Shamashi diseases to which they had neither immunity nor reliable remedy. This limited the extent to which would-be invaders could be successful.
Several factors explain how the Shamash nations preserved themselves.
First, Shamash was generally united under three great kingdoms: Atria, Carmel, and Nod. These kingdoms possessed competent, centralized administration and seasoned professional armies. Both Atria and Carmel had great intellectual traditions that translated well into martial contexts. Shamashi officers were celebrated for their emphasis on personal initiative in the manner of Germans or Israelis. The Carmelite caste society, which took a meritocratic approach to education, meanwhile produced excellent sailors and artillerists.
Second, despite a steep numerical disadvantage, Shamashi kingdoms embraced revolutions in military technology ahead of Europe. In some cases, this helped them conduct imperial conquests of their own. Shamash was first to the ironclad, first to the armored railroad, and first to the armed airship. Liberal attitudes toward European immigration also meant that Shamash had access to a pool of Western talent and perspective.
Third, Shamashi powers cultivated specific Western powers as allies to balance potential threats. Despite recurring problems with Confederate filibusters, the Atrians exploited their commercial relationship with the American South to convince Richmond to intercede for them with London and Paris. Carmel similarly courted the Federal (American) and especially the Austro-Hungarian leadership.
Fourth, until the early twentieth century, "Old Worlders" suffered badly from Shamashi diseases to which they had neither immunity nor reliable remedy. This limited the extent to which would-be invaders could be successful.
