HEARTS OF IRON HEARTS OF IRON

Technical Support Table of Contents

Even though this CD-ROM has been conscientiously manufactured and carefully
tested, it is possible that problems may occur, depending on the user platform. If this Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
is the case, and the Readme file is not helpful to you, you can turn to our technical
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
support. We will be able to process your query more quickly if you have the following
information ready for our team: System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
– The manufacturer and speed of your processor (CPU).
– The random access memory (RAM) capacity of your computer. Building Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
– The operating system you are using, as well as its exact version number. Diplomacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
– The exact name of your graphics card and sound card. Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
– And, of course, the most precise description you can give of the error or problem The Costs of Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
that is occurring. The End of the Beginning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Opening Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Scenario Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
The Warriors of Hearts of Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Land Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Damage Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Air Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Tactical Bombardment Combat Round . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Naval Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Strategic Bombardment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Naval Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Shore Bombardment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Intelligence and the Fog of War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Assigning Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Army Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Air Flotilla Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Fleet Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Supply and Isolation Effects on Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Loyalty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Operational Commanders and HQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Leadership Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Land General Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Admirals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Air Marshals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Production Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Diplomacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
2 3
HEARTS OF IRON HEARTS OF IRON

Diplomatic Influence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 1931 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 1932 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
The Alliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1933 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
The Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
The Allies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1935 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
The Communist International (Comintern) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1936 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Diplomatic Effects of War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1937 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Allied against Neutral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 1938 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Allied against Allied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 An Evolution of War Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Neutral against Neutral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Outbreak of War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Diplomatic Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 America on the Brink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 War Begins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Internal Politics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 1939 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Loyalty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 1940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Minister Personalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Battle of France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
The Opposition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Battle of Britain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Cabinet Positions and Minister Personalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Japan and the Far East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Head of State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The Mediterranean and Near East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Head of Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 1941 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Foreign Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Japan Prepares for War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Minister of Armament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 1942 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Minister of Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Battle of Midway Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Head of Military Intelligence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Battle of the Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Chief of Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Battle for Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Chief of Army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 North Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Chief of Navy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Russian Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Chief of Air Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 1943 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Dissent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Allied Success in the Mediterranean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
The Effects of Dissent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Soviet Counterattack and the Sea War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Multiplayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The Air War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
World War II: Its Origins and Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 1944 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
The Path to Global War: A Time Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Soviet Advances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
1919 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
1920 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Normandy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
1921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Germany’s Last Gasp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
1922 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 1945 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
1923 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Defeat of Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
1924 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Appendix A: The Units of Hearts of Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
1925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Land Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
1926 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Basic Stats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
1927 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Air Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
1928 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Naval Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
1929 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
1930 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 License agreement and limited warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

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HEARTS OF IRON HEARTS OF IRON

After the Hearts of Iron intro plays, you’re taken to the opening screen. Select Single
Introduction Player to display the Scenario Screen. There are a multitude of choices here, but you
Hearts of Iron is the strategy game we have all been waiting for. Perhaps the defini- don’t need to worry about that right now. Click 1936 under the Scenarios pane, and
tive game of World War II strategy, Hearts of Iron allows players to completely manage choose the German flag (it’s red, white, and black).
the country of their choice. You can launch devastating offensives, form alliances, Feel free to browse through the information displayed to the left of the red eagle.
research new technology, hire and fire diplomats... the options are nearly limitless. It’s good historical background for what is happening.

But limitless options bring complexity. Certainly not needless complexity, but rather a Note: Your choices are not limited to the eight countries whose flags are displayed on
complexity born of rich gameplay and depth of design. Nevertheless, it will take more the Scenario Screen. Right-clicking on any of the flags pops up a scrolling menu that
than a casual look at the game to become familiar with it. You need a thorough user allows you to select from numerous other countries. In fact, you can play one of eight
manual. So, without further preamble, let’s get into the job of explaining Hearts of Iron. major powers or any of the minor powers.

Once you are finished browsing Germany’s historical information, click the Start but-
System Requirements ton in the lower-right corner of the screen.
To play Hearts of Iron, you’ll need the following hardware: When your scenario loads, you’re taken to the Main Screen. It’s from here that
• Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP • Pentium II 300 • 64 MB RAM • 120 MB Hard Drive you’ll fight your battles and make the decisions that will dictate the future of the
Space • 16 bit Graphics Card with 2mb of video RAM • DirectX 8.1 or Higher • DirectX world. To learn more about the Main Screen, refer to the Interface section.
Compatible Sound Card • 4x CD-ROM A pop-up box initially dominates the Main Screen. It tells you that if you score the
most victory points by December 30th, 1947, you’ll win the game. You earn victory
points by conquering countries and, to a lesser extent, forming alliances. The number
Installation of victory points that are awarded for each province appear inside the star in the top-
Place your Hearts of Iron CD in your CD-ROM drive. This should trigger your computer’s
right corner of the Province Menu. Click Start Game at the bottom of the pop-up box.
autorun function, which displays the Hearts of Iron installation screen. Follow the
At its core, Hearts of Iron is a game of global conquest, and to conquer, you must be
prompts to install the game.
able to fight. Let’s learn how to do that by invading Poland. First press Pause on your
If the autorun doesn’t work, click Start>Run> [the letter of the CD-ROM
keyboard or click the small bronze clock on the right side of the status bar at the top
drive]>Setup.exe. That should do the trick.
of the page. Now hold down the left mouse button and pull a box around your units
Once the game is installed, you can play by selecting Programs> Paradox
(which consists of two infantry and three armored divisions) in Berlin. Right-click on
Entertainment>Hearts of Iron.
Stettin and they will move to that province when you un-pause the game again.
Installation under Windows ‘95
After the divisions arrive in Stettin, pause the game. Left-click, and drag a box
Hearts of Iron uses Winsock 2.0. This must be installed on your computer for the game
around your newly arrived troops and the three infantry divisions already waiting
to function properly. If you get an error message when starting the game this may be
in Stettin. This brings up the Military Screen. At the bottom of this panel, click on
the cause. You can install Winsock 2.0 from the CD. The installation file is located in
Merge Units. This forms a new army out of your eight divisions. Click on the army. A
the folder x:\accessories\win95 where x is the drive letter of your CD-ROM reader.
list of the divisions that comprise the army can be found in the right-hand panel.
Running the game in Windows XP
Each division has its own statistics listed beside it. We’ll explain these statistics in
In some cases the Bink movie player used to play the intro movies may hang when
the Interface and Military sections, but for now, keep an eye on the two numbers on the
starting the game under Windows XP. If the game seems to have crashed when start-
first row of statistics. The top-left number is the unit’s strength, and the top-right number
ing it then open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Find and select
is the unit’s organization. Strength reflects the unit’s men and material. Organization
Binkplay.exe under the Applications tab then press the End Task button. You may have
indicates the unit’s combat readiness. Both may fall during combat. You may replenish a
to do this twice.
unit’s strength by clicking on the unit and then choosing Reinforce to Maximum Strength
at the bottom of the Military Screen. Organization increases as long as an in-supply unit
does not move or engage in combat. Strength and organization are a good indication of
Getting Started your unit’s ability to wage war.
Hearts of Iron is a complex game, but we know you want to jump right into changing At the top of Military Screen, you’ll see a leader’s portrait. Hold your cursor over
history. Hence, we’ve put together this section on getting started. It won’t give you a the portrait to display a pop-up box with the leader’s statistics. You’ll quickly see that
complete understanding of the game, but just enough information to get you fighting your leader can’t control all your divisions, and although you can still give orders to
for control the whole world. Follow along as we show you how to crack the ice with Hearts the divisions, they will not function efficiently in such a state. Let’s replace him.
of Iron. Left click on the leader. This displays all your available leaders in the right-hand

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panel. Select General Rommel. He’s a leader’s leader and can control up to 9 divisions with- statistics is a row of four icons. These icons represent the brigades that may be
out penalty. attached to the division. Click on the artillery icon to attach an artillery brigade, and
Click on the Luftflotte II (in Halle) and the Luftflotte I (in Mannheim) and order then click OK. When the armored division is ready (it takes about 210 days to form
them to Berlin. When they arrive, merge the four squadrons. this division), you may click the Deploy button and then place it in any province in
Okay, now you’re ready to start your invasion of Poland. Click the Diplomat Screen your home country.
button at the top right of the screen (it’s the button with the envelope inside). Click
on Danzig and then choose Declare War from the Diplomacy Menu displayed in the Note: It takes both Industrial Capacity (IC) and manpower to build military units.
right-hand pane. Confirm the action, and you are now at war with Poland. Click Back The IC is lost during the time the unit is being built. The manpower is a permanent
to Main at the bottom of the Diplomacy Menu to return to the main screen. Next, left- deduction from your manpower pool. That’s the bad news. The good news is that
click on your army in Stettin, and right-click on the province of Danzig. This pops the your manpower pool is constantly gaining new recruits, so it doesn’t take long to
Combat Control Box, which we will discuss in great detail later in the manual. For replace the manpower that’s been used.
now order the army to arrive in Danzig at 0800 on January 4th. Click Okay to close the
box. You can change the time at which your troops will arrive by clicking on the plus
and minus signs adjacent to the hour, day, or month. Diplomacy
At some point in the war, you may want to turn your eyes to the west. After all, war
Note: By default, Hearts of Iron uses animated figures to depict your forces. You can with France is inevitable. Nevertheless, attacking the French provinces of Colmar,
change these figures to standard NATO symbology by clicking the Game Settings Strasbourg, and Chaumont is tough. All three provinces have extensive fortifications,
icon in the Quick-Nav panel. Then select Options>Use Counters and click the ‘On’ called the Maginot Line. On the other hand, Belgium and the Netherlands have no such
radio button. fortifications. Wouldn’t it be easier to attack through those small countries to get into
France? We’re going to show you how to do just that.
Select your Luftwaffe squadrons in Berlin and order the planes to also attack Danzig. Bring up the Diplomacy Screen by clicking the envelope icon in the bank of circular
Direct them to begin their attack at 0700 on the same day that your army attacks the icons at the top-right of the Main Screen. Click on Arnhem and then choose Declare
province. War from the options presented in the Diplomacy Screen. Click on one of Belgium’s
states (it doesn’t matter which one) and declare war on Belgium. Now you can send
Tip: The tactical bombers might not reduce the strength of the Polish units. On your Panzers through the Low Countries and march behind the French troops guarding
the other hand, the bombers will reduce the target units’ organization, which will the Maginot line.
make them susceptible to your troops’ follow-up attack.
Technology
Unpause the game. Very soon, your bombers will attack the Polish forces in Danzig.
To win a war, you must have not only good leaders, but also troops that are using the
Immediately after the bombers begin their run, your land forces will join the fray. The
latest technology. To access that technology, you must research it. Let’s take a look at
two attacks will most likely defeat the Polish. You’ll receive a message saying so, and
how to do that.
the Poles will retreat. With your first victory under your belt, let’s look at some of the
Bring up the Technology Screen by clicking the gear icon at the top-right corner
other aspects of the game.
of the main page. You can bet that we are going to discuss the Technology Screen in
great detail, but for now, let’s just look at how to research a single technology.
Building Units A bank of icons is lined up across the top of the Technology Screen. These icons
Let’s build another armored division to help with our assault on Poland. Once again, are the available research categories. Under each category are numerous research
bring up the Military Screen by clicking on the circular tank icon. At the bottom of projects. Click on the leftmost icon. This is the Infantry Research technology. Click
the Military Screen are three choices: Set up a new division, Commission a new ship/ Early Infantry Research in the middle panel and click Start Project at the bottom of
flotilla, and Build a new aircraft squadron. the screen. Light Mortar joins the queue at the bottom of the Technology Screen on
Click ‘Set up a new division’. This brings up a screen with all your available land the right side of the page. Notice that the light mortar research uses 5 ICs for 90 days.
units. Click on the icon of the tank. This displays the statistics for an armored divi- This brings us to the next topic...
sion. Below the statistics is another box that tells you how many Industrial Capacity
(IC) points the division will cost, how much manpower it costs, and when it will be
ready. You authorize the division’s construction by clicking OK at the bottom of the pane. The Costs of Things
But let’s not do that just yet. Everything in Hearts of Iron costs something, and it’s up to you to make sure that you
have the money to fund it. You can increase your country’s IC by both conquering
Hearts of Iron lets you build different divisions, and you can also attach additional provinces and upgrading your own. On the other hand, the only way to increase your coal,
brigades to those units. Between the name flag for the division type and the division’s

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oil, steel, supplies and rubber production is by capturing provinces that produce those Game settings: This window displays any options you may have changed such as dif-
commodities. You can trade some material for others, but otherwise, capturing new ficulty, AI aggressiveness etc.
provinces is the only way to increase your raw goods.
You can adjust where your IC is spent, however. Left-click on the Production Screen Setting Up a Scenario
icon (it looks like a factory) on the top-right corner of the Main Screen. From the Setting up a scenario is a straightforward process. First, click on the scenario in
Production Screen, you can adjust where your IC emphasis will be. There are four the Scenario Window that you want to play. Then it’s time to choose the country
areas of IC: Consumer Goods, Supplies, Research, and Production. Slide the production that you want to play. There are eight major powers-United Kingdom, France, Soviet
slider to the right to increase the amount of your IC that is dedicated to the production Union, Germany, USA, Poland, Italy, and Japan-represented by the eight flags above
of military units. the Information Window. There are also numerous minor countries that await your
Note that the amount of IC allotted to production does not increase the speed with leadership. Select one of the major powers by left-clicking its flag. You can browse
which divisions, ships, and squadrons are completed. Instead, it increases the number the flags of the available minor countries by right-clicking one of the flags above the
of items that may be constructed simultaneously. Information Window. When you decide on the country that you want to play, left-click
on the country’s flag, and the country’s information fills the information box.

The End of the Beginning Click on the Options button below the Information Window to set the scenario options.
This section will by no means make you a Hearts of Iron expert. It only demonstrates This pops up a submenu with the following choices:
the basics of play. Now that you are up and running, you can learn by playing. Or if you Difficulty: There are five levels of difficulty: Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard, and Very
prefer, explore this manual further before you begin playing. The choice is yours. Hard.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Aggressiveness: A more aggressive AI is more likely to
attack. There are five levels of AI aggression: Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard, and
The Interface
Very Hard.
To play any game well, you must first understand the interface. This section will
Game Speed: This sets the game’s speed. You can also increase or decrease the speed
examine the Hearts of Iron interface in detail.
by pressing Ctrl and + or -. There are five speeds: 1 minute = 1 month, 1 minute = 2
months, 1 minute = 4 months, 1 minute = 8 months, and 1 minute = 1 year.
Fog of War: This refers to the inherent confusion on the battlefield. In Hearts of Iron,
Opening Screen turning on the Fog of War hides enemy units unless your own troops can see them.
After Hearts of Iron’s opening movie completes, you’re taken to the game’s opening The default position is ON.
screen. This screen displays five buttons: Autosave: This option allows you to designate whether you want to Autosave your
Tutorial: This button opens the tutorial. We recommend playing through the tutorial game, and if so, how often. The options are Never, Monthly, Once every three
before you play a single-player scenario. months, Once every five months, and Once every ten months.
Single Player: Clicking on this button brings up the Scenario Screen (see below).
Multiplayer: This button brings up the multiplayer submenu, which is detailed in the Note: You can change any of these choices by clicking on it and then choosing from
section on multiplayer gaming. the options.
Credits: This button scrolls the credits of the fine people who created Hearts of Iron.
Exit: Clicking this button is not recommended because you will once again be released Click Accept to accept your options, and click Back to return to the Scenario Screen.
into the real world of chores, little brothers, and bad news. The final two buttons in the bottom of the Scenario Screen are Back and Start. Back
returns you to the Opening Screen, and Start begins the scenario.

Scenario Screen Main Screen

Clicking on the Opening Screen’s Single Player button whisks you away to the The Main Screen is divided into six separate parts, as shown in the following picture.
Scenario Screen, where you select the scenario and country that you will play. Four
windows divide the screen:
Scenarios: This window, on the left side of the screen, contains the scenarios awaiting
your selection. Choose a scenario by left clicking on it.
Saved Games: Located below the Scenario Window, the Saved Games Window lists the Status Bar
games that you have saved. Left-click a saved game to select it. The Status Bar provides valuable information for your war campaign.
Information: This window displays various information about the selected scenario or Coal: The top-left icon and the number beside it represent your country’s coal supply.
country.

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HEARTS OF IRON HEARTS OF IRON

Coal, steel, oil, and rubber are the building blocks of your country’s IC. One IC point nology in depth later in this manual, but let’s briefly
uses 1/2 rubber, 1 steel, and 2 coal every day. More information is available on the touch on it here. If you’re a beginning player, you need
section on production. Suffice to say that the more resources you have, the more IC only concern yourself with the technology suggested
points you’ll have. That is, until you reach your IC limit, which can only be expand- in the far-right panel. If you want to research a sug-
ed by increasing a province’s IC (an option in the Province Menu) or by conquest. gested technology, click Begin Research. Note that all
Steel: To the right of the coal readout is the steel icon and the amount of steel that research uses some of your country’s IC. The top of the
your country has. Technology Submenu (on the far side of the screen) lists
Rubber: Continuing right, we find the rubber icon (it looks like a little tire) and its how much IC you need to fund your current research and
readout. If you lack rubber, the game automatically converts oil to rubber. how much you currently have allocated.
Manpower: This is used to staff your military units.
Diplomatic Influence: This is the amount of influence that you have with other Military Screen: Click on the tank button to bring up the Military Screen. From here
nations. The more influence you have, the better. you can build a new division, commission a new ship or flotilla, con-
Dissent: The higher the level of dissent in your country, the worse things will go for struct a new aircraft or squadron, and deploy units that have been
you. Not providing your people with adequate consumer goods can raise dissent, as constructed. To construct a new unit, be it land, sea, or air, click on
can the personalities of your cabinet ministers. the appropriate button at the bottom of the Military Screen. Select
Oil: This is the bottom left icon and readout. Not only does oil contribute to your IC, the exact unit that you want to build from the subsequent submenu
but it also powers your ships, tanks, and planes. Without oil, they cannot move. If and click OK. Once the unit is ready to deploy, the Deploy button
you have no oil, the game automatically converts some of your coal to oil, but this is lights up. Click the button. Eligible deployment zones are shaded
inefficient. green. Left-click on the zone to which you want to deploy the unit.
Supplies: To the right of oil is the supplies readout. Supplies are used to keep your (Consult the Military section for additional information.)
military units up and running. When a unit is out of supplies, its organization and
strength will decrease. If a unit cannot trace a line through friendly provinces back
to a friendly port or its capital, it is out of supplies.
Nukes: This lists the number of nuclear weapons you currently own. You must
research nukes before you may produce them. Once nukes are researched and pro-
duced, they may be loaded on strategic bombers, rockets, and flying bombs. Click Government Screen: Click the flag in the center of the submenu
on the Division Sub-menu then click the atomic icon in the top-right of the menu. To buttons to bring up the Government Screen, which lists the cabinet
access the Division Sub-menu click on the Air Flotilla, and then click the unit you posts in your government and who occupies them. Click on the name
wish to load the nuke on. of a position to see more information about that person. You can
Industrial Capacity (IC): IC is a key concept in the game (it’s completely explained in change who sits in a cabinet post by clicking on his portrait and
the section on production). The number to the right of the slash is your total capac- then selecting a replacement. Not every minister can be replaced.
ity. You can increase it by building more industries in a province or capturing a Consult the section on Internal Politics for additional information.
province. The number to the left of the slash is the amount of IC currently available.
You can increase this number by increasing the amount of raw materials (oil, rub-
ber, steel, and coal) that are available.

Submenu Buttons
Immediately to the right of the Status Bar are the four submenu buttons, two on either Production Screen: Click the third button from the left (the
side of your country’s flag. They, along with the flag, one with a factory) to display the Production Screen. From this
provide a wealth of information. screen, you can manage how much of your economy is dedicated to
Let’s take a look at them: consumer goods, supplies, research (technology), and production.

Technology Screen: Click on the first button on the left

to bring up the Technology Screen. We will cover tech-

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To increase the amount of IC allotted to a section of your economy, number by clicking Construct AA at the bottom of the menu.
move the slider to the right.The quantities of raw materials in storage Size of Fortifications: This is an indication of the size and strength of the province’s
are listed in the panel beneath the sliders. Also listed are the storage fortifications. Larger/stronger fortifications provide greater defensive bonuses to the
locations. troops stationed there.
Province Infrastructure: The higher the province infrastructure, the more efficiently
Below this panel are two buttons: Manage Convoys and Trade on the it will use the materials within the province. You can increase this by clicking the
World Market. Click on the Manage Convoys button to bring up the Improve Infrastructure button at the bottom of the menu.
Convoy Menu. From here, you can manage your convoys and lay out Daily Rubber Production: The amount of rubber the province produces daily.
new convoys. Convoys are covered in great detail in the section on pro- Improving the province infrastructure will raise this, if the resource is available.
duction. Click on the Trade on the World Market button to allow trad- Daily Coal Production: The amount of coal the province produces daily. Improving the
ing on the world market. From here, you can trade a resource that you province infrastructure will raise this, if the resource is available.
have in surplus for one that you need. Again, we’ll look at this in more Daily Steel Production: The amount of steel the province produces daily. Improving
detail in the section on production. the province infrastructure will raise this, if the resource is available.
Daily Oil Production: The amount of oil the province produces daily. Improving the
Diplomacy Screen: Click on the far-right icon with an envelope inside it to display the province infrastructure will raise this, if the resource is available.
Diplomacy Screen. We will discuss diplomacy in greater detail later, but let’s take a Manpower: The amount of manpower the province produces daily. It takes manpower to
brief look at diplomatic relations here. Not only does clicking on the button pop up the man and refit divisions, aircraft squadrons, and ships.
Diplomacy Screen, but it also changes the provinces’ colors on the main
map. Each country’s provinces are color-coded. Note that this color code At the bottom of the Province Menu are five buttons: Build More Industries, Improve
is dictated by the original geographical boundaries of the country, not Coastal Fortifications, Improve Land Fortifications, Construct AA, and Improve
its conquests. Hence, although Germany may have conquered the Polish Infrastructure. Let’s take a look at what they do:
province of Poznan, the province will still display the color code of a Build More Industries: Clicking on this button increases the province’s IC.
Polish province. When the Diplomacy Screen is active, clicking on the Improve Coastal Fortifications: Clicking here improves the province’s coastal fortifica-
province of another country displays numerous options. These options tions, which increase the province’s resistance to amphibious assaults (as well as the
are covered in the section on diplomacy. Keep in mind, however, that units garrisoning it). This option is available only in provinces that are adjacent to the
most of these diplomatic overtures require you to send a diplomat to the ocean.
country... an endeavor that takes a bit of time to accomplish (usually a Improve Land Fortifications: Clicking here improves the province’s fortifications,
week). Now that we have covered the submenu buttons, let’s look at the which increase the province’s resistance to assaults (as well as the units garrison-
main map, where you will often direct your forces. ing it).
Construct AA: Click this button to increase the province’s anti-aircraft defense. The
Map better the anti-aircraft defense, the more casualties enemy planes will suffer and
The map spreads across most of the Main Screen. It’s divided into provinces and the less damage they will do when attacking the province.
sea areas. In these provinces and sea areas are the military units that you control. Improve Infrastructure: Improving the infrastructure increases the province’s productivity.
Clicking on a province displays information in the screen’s right-hand Productive or not, remember that the province can only produce raw materials that
panel. Clicking on a unit displays information about that unit in the are inherent to the province. In other words, if the province has no oil-producing
right-hand panel. capability, it will never produce oil.

Province Information: Clicking on a province pops up the Province Also indicated on the map are country capitals, rivers, ports, fortifications, borders, and
Menu on the right side of the screen. At the top of the Province Menu airfields:
is the name of the province, the flag of the controlling coutry, and the Capital Cities: A nation’s capital city/province is depicted as a red circle. These capi-
number of victory points awarded to the controlling country. The menu tals may award victory points when captured. To determine how many victory points
includes the following information: a capital province is worth, click on the province. The victory points appear with in
Industrial Capacity (IC): Increase the province’s IC by clicking the the star in the upper-right corner of the Province Menu.
Build More Industries button at the bottom of the menu. Note that this Rivers: Rivers are thick blue lines that overlay a province’s borders. They impose
only increases the province’s IC, not the amount of industry capacity movement penalties on units that are moving across them.
that’s available. Ports: A port is depicted as an anchor inside a circle. Ship squadrons may dock at
Anti-Aircraft Batteries Available: Below the province’s IC is the num- ports. Ports are also used as supply heads. Units may trace supplies to a port, which
ber of antiaircraft batteries available. The more batteries available, the in turn can trace a convoy back to a friendly port, which can trace the line of sup-
more costly it becomes for the enemy to bomb the province. You can increase this
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plies to the friendly capital. area that you want the unit to move into.
Fortifications: Depicted as an eight-sided star. Fortifications add a defensive bonus to
the troops occupying the province. Note: Units are a broad category that includes land armies, air squadrons, and ships/flotillas.
Borders: Borders are, well... you know, the geographical limits of a country. They are
depicted as dotted red lines. Strategic Movement: You can also strategically redeploy a division or aircraft squad-
Army Menu: Clicking on an army, fleet, or air flotilla displays the Army Menu in the ron. To do so, select the division in the Military Screen and click the Strategically
Main Screen’s right panel. This panel is divided into three sections. In the top sec- Redeploy Division button at the bottom of the menu. The unit will be removed from
tion is listed the commander of the formation, special formation attributes, the num- the map. When it’s ready for re-deployment, it will appear in the Force Pool. Such
ber of units in the formation, their strength and current orders. Passing your cursor units can be redeployed to any province in the owning player’s home country.
over formation attributes and orders displays a pop-up describing the attribute or Cycling, Merging, and Forming Units: When multiple units occupy the selected prov-
order. Left click on the formation’s commander to display a list of replacements. ince, you can cycle through them by left clicking on the selected unit. If you want
Left-click on the replacement to replace the commander. The middle pane displays to merge several units into one army, hold down the left mouse button and drag a
the units in the formation. Left-click on a unit to display the Division Sub-menu. box around the units in the province. This will pop up the Army Menu. Click on the
Division Sub-Menu: The Division Sub-menu displays the selected unit’s parameters Merge Units button on the bottom of the menu to merge the units in a single army.
and provides three options: You can also create a new unit by selecting an existing unit and then clicking the
Strategically Re-Deploy Division: Clicking here transfers the division to your Force Create New Unit button on the bottom of the Army Menu. This displays a panel that
Pool. After a short time it will be ready to redeploy anywhere within your home places the units in the currently selected army on the left side. Click on the plus
country. Access the Military Screen to deploy it. sign beside any division to form a new unit/army/corps with it.
Reinforce to Maximum Strength: Click this button to reinforce the selected ship/ Map Modes: There are several map modes that can be accessed from the QuickNav
squadron/ship to maximum strength. Ships must be in port. menu at the bottom-right of the Main Screen. From top to bottom, they are Terrain,
Upgrade to Latest Model: Applies latest technological upgrade to the unit. Political, Weather Information, Economic, and Day/Night Mode.
Nukes: Once nukes are researched and produced, they may be loaded on strategic Terrain: The Terrain Mode displays the dominant terrain in each province. There are
bombers, rockets, and flying bombs. Click on the Division Sub-menu then click the numerous types of terrain:
atomic icon in the top-right of the menu. Swamp: Swampland that degrades mechanized movement.
Forest: Lots of trees. Again, this degrades mechanized movement and gives defending
The bottom panel on the Army Menu allows you to create a new unit. Click the button, infantry a bonus.
and then click “+” next to the unit that you wish to transfer out of the current army. Jungle: This is even heavier vegetation than Forest, slowing mechanized movement by
approximately 70% and providing infantry with a large defensive bonus.
Movement: The actual movement of a unit on the map is determined by its Speed Hills: Depicted as gentle green mounds, hills slow mechanized movement.
characteristic, the province terrain type (for land units), the Road Coverage (seven Mountains: Displayed as steeply sloped gray mountains on the map, these slow down
levels, including non-existent), weather, and time of day. Movement occurs between mechanized movement as much as jungles do.
province center points. The distance is the actual distance in pixels (translated to Frozen: Frozen terrain slows all movement. It’s depicted as a white terrain with in the
kilometers) between these points. Some provinces look larger than they should, due province.
to the map projection. In these cases, the translation from kilometers per hour to Muddy: Muddy terrain slows movement roughly twice as much as frozen areas. It’s
pixels per hour is modified. Speed modifications are done per division in an army, depicted as tan-brown terrain within the province.
and then the slowest-moving division sets the speed for the entire force. The excep- Political: Click on the Political Mode to color-code the provinces according to owner.
tion is that each mechanized or armored division can carry one-fourth of a non- However, you can see which country was the original owner by momentarily holding
mechanized division. That is, if an army consists of two mechanized divisions, two the mouse over the province. Each province that your units can actually see is shaded
armored divisions, and one regular infantry division, it can move at the speed of the a lighter version of its owner’s color.
slowest of the mechanized and armored divisions. The non-mechanized division is Weather Information: Clicking on the Weather Information Mode displays the weather
carried. in each province. Weather can have a profound effect on a unit’s ability to move
Left-click a unit, and then right-click the province or sea area that you want to move it through the province and an aircraft’s ability to conduct raids on the province. The
to. Ctrl+right-click the area to which you want to move. This brings up the Combat effects are outlined below:
Coordination Box (CCB). We will cover this box in great detail later in the manual. Storm: A storm is depicted as a cloud with flashing lightning. Storms slow movement
For now, it’s enough to know that you can use the CCB to designate when units will through a province by 10-20%.
arrive in a province and what they will do when they get there. You can plot a unit’s Snow: A snowing cloud depicts a snowstorm. (That makes sense, doesn’t it?) Snow
movement through several provinces by Shift+right-clicking on each province or sea slows movement about twice as much as a storm.

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Blizzard: A cloud snowing heavily depicts a blizzard. Blizzards drastically slow move- and supplies the convoys are carrying. The bottom of the screen displays the total
ment through a province. for all convoys. The convoys can be sorted by column. For example, if you want to
Clear: If there is no weather icon over a province, the weather is clear. Clear weather sort your convoys by the amount of coal they are carrying, click on the coal column
has no effect on movement. Aircraft capability is degraded in all conditions except header. Refer to the convoy section of this user manual for more information.
clear skies. This degradation can be lessened by technological advancements such Current Point Allocation: This screen provides an overview of the current victory
as radar. points possessed by each country and block of allies (Axis, Allies, Communists, and
Neutral). Specifically, this screen lists each province that has a value, its value, its
Note: The Weather Information Mode can be displayed simultaneously with the controller, and which block of allies reaps the victory point reward of controlling the
Terrain Mode. This is handy when you’re planning attacks. For example, you’ll province. The bottom row supplies the totals of each column. Again, the information
have a tough time of it if you are planning to attack a mountainous province that is cur- can be sorted by column. For example, if you want to see precisely which victory
rently in a blizzard. point locations are controlled by Austria, double-click the Controller head. This
sorts the controllers alphabetically, which places Austria at the head of the class.
Economic: The Economic Mode shows the primary resources in each province. Be Land Commanders: This ledger displays your land commanders. Shown are each
aware that not every province has a primary recourse. This map is useful when commander’s name, rank, skill, experience, and commission. We’ll take a harder look
you’re considering your global strategy. A quick look at the Middle East shows that at this in the Military section. The commander’s rank determines how many units
many of the provinces are oil-rich – a necessary commodity for a highly mechanized the person can command. For example, a German Field Marshall can command
army. 12 divisions, but a Lieutenant General can only command three. You can assign a
commander more than his allocation of divisions, but the extra divisions receive
The icons represented are: no bonus from the commander’s skill. His skill determines how well he commands
Coal: Depicted as a coal cart, this denotes a province rich in coal. those units (the higher the better), and he gains experience by winning battles.
Industrial Capacity (IC): Represented by a factory, this denotes a province with a high IC. Once a land commander accrues enough experience, he can be promoted. His com-
Oil: Represented by a drop of oil, this represents a province that is rich in oil. mission is the army that he currently leads.
Steel: Depicted as three steel bars, this indicates a province rich in steel. Sea Commanders: This ledger displays your sea commanders. Shown are each
Show Day/Night: Clicking this button shows the day/night patterns of the province. commander’s name, rank, skill, experience, and commission. As with the land com-
Day and night are more than cosmetic touches in Hearts of Iron. They profoundly manders, a sea commander’s rank determines how many units he can command. For
affect the game play. For example, until night radar technology is developed, air- example, a German Grand Admiral can command 12 flotillas, but a Vice Admiral
craft are darn near useless at night. can only command three. You can assign a sea commander more than his alloca-
tion of flotillas, but the extra flotillas receive no bonus from his skill. His skill
Quick-Nav Window: The Quick-Nav Window is located at the bottom-right of the Main determines how well he commands those units (the higher the better), and he gains
Screen. It provides an overview map of the entire experience by winning battles. Once a sea commander accrues enough experience,
world. You can center the main map view on he can be promoted. His commission is the fleet that he currently leads.
any location in the world by left clicking on the Air Commanders: This ledger displays your air commanders. Shown are each com-
location in the overview map. On the left side of mander’s name, rank, skill, experience, and commission. Once again, the command-
the Quick-Nav Window are the five map modes er’s rank determines how many units he can command. For example, an American
discussed above. At the bottom of the Quick-Nav Lieutenant General can command three squadrons, but a Major General can only
Window are four buttons that perform the follow- command one. You can assign an air commander more than his allocation of squad-
ing functions: rons, but the extra squadrons receive no bonus from his skill. His skill determines
Zoom: The first button zooms the map. There are five zoom levels in Hearts of Iron. how well he commands those units (the higher, the better), and he gains experience
Ledger: Clicking on the second button from the left calls up the ledger window. From by winning battles. Once an air commander accrues enough experience, he can be
this window, you can get a quick view of your empire, its armies, and how it com- promoted. His commission is the air wing that he currently leads.
pares to the other empires. Let’s look at the screens accessible from the Ledger Land Divisions: This ledger provides information on all your land divisions at a
Screen: glance. Included on the ledger are the division’s name, the type of division it
Territorial Information: This screen lists the territories that you currently control, and is, the unit that it’s a part of (3rd Army, for example), its geographical location,
their industry, coal, steel, rubber, and oil-producing capability. its divisional strength, and its location. Note that its strength is based on a 100
Convoy Summary: This provides data on your current convoys. Each line lists where scale. You can bring weaker divisions up to strength by selecting them on the Map
the convoy originates, where it’s headed, and how many transports and escorts are Screen and then clicking Reinforce to Maximum Strength on the Division Submenu.
included. Additionally, this screen lists how many units of coal, steel, rubber, oil, Organization is a reflection of the organization and morale of the troops. A unit’s

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strength and organization dictate its effectiveness in combat. Totals are provided at Window. There are eight game speeds in Hearts of Iron, from 5 minutes of real time
the bottom of the page. Each column can be used to sort the data. equaling 1 month of game time (this is very slow) to 1 minute of real time equaling
Ships: This ledger is similar to the ledger for land divisions. Heck, what am I saying? 2 years of game time (this is really fast). Of course, you can always pause the game
It’s exactly the same. It lists the name of each ship or flotilla and defines the type with your keyboard’s Pause key.
of ship, the units it’s a part of, and its location, strength, and organization. Ships Fog of War: This refers to the inherent confusion on the battlefield. In Hearts of Iron,
are different from land divisions, however. Before you can repair a ship or flotilla, it turning on the fog of war hides enemy units that your own troops cannot see. The
must be in a friendly port. As with the other ledgers, this one can be sorted by any default position is ‘On’.
of its columns. Use Counters: By default, Hearts of Iron displays your charges as animated soldiers,
Air Wings: This ledger is similar to the ledger for land divisions. It lists the name tanks, ships, planes, etc. You may prefer to view them in the NATO symbology that’s
of each squadron and defines the type of plane, the unit it’s a part of, and its loca- popular in many board war games by setting the Use Counters switch to ‘On’.
tion, strength, and organization. You can bring weaker squadrons up to strength Autosave: This option allows you to designate whether you want to auto save your
by selecting them on the Map Screen and then clicking Reinforce to Maximum game, and how often you want to auto save it. The options are Never, Monthly, Once
Strength on the Squadron Submenu. Organization is a reflection of the organization every three months, once every five months, and Once every ten months.
and morale of the squadron. A unit’s strength and organization dictate its effective- SFX Volume: Clicking here displays the SFX (sound effects) volume slider. Moving the
ness in combat. Totals are provided at the bottom of the page. As with the other slider to the left lowers the sound effects volume, and moving the slider to the right
ledgers, this one can be sorted by any of its columns. raises it.
National Army Comparison: This ledger is a very useful screen that allows you to Music Volume: Clicking here displays the music volume slider. Moving the slider to
compare the armies of different countries. It lists each country’s name and includes the left lowers the music volume, and moving the slider to the right raises it.
columns for infantry, cavalry, motorized, mechanized, armored, paratroopers, Message Settings: Clicking on Message Settings at the bottom of the Options Window
marines, mountaineers, and militia. Each column lists the strength points of that shows the Message Settings Box. From this box, you can set which messages you
type of unit. The information can be sorted by column. Hence, if you want to know want Hearts of Iron to display. Simply select a message and then select one of the
who has the strongest armored forces on the map, click the Armored header. four options: Do not display this message, Display this type of message in the game
National Naval Comparison: This ledger allows you to compare the navies of differ- log, Display this type of message in a message box, or Display this type of message
ent countries. It lists each country’s name and includes columns for battleships, in a message box and pause. Then click OK. Alternatively, you may Ctrl-Right-Click
cruisers, destroyers, carriers, submarines, and transports. Each column lists the each message as it appears during the game and set its visibility parameters from
strength points of that type of unit. Note that the columns for both destroyers and the pop-up box.
submarines represent flotillas, whereas the columns for the other ships represent
individual ships. As you have probably guessed, this data can be sorted by column. Note: You don’t need to set each message option individually. You can also click
National Air force Comparison: This ledger allows you to compare the air forces of Default to use the settings that the game shipped with.
different nations. It displays each nation’s name and includes columns for fight-
ers, strategic bombers (StrBomber), tactical bombers (TacBomber), dive bombers Cancel/OK: The final buttons on the Option Window are Cancel and OK. Click Cancel
(DivBomber), naval bombers (NavBomber), torpedo planes, transports, flying bombs to return to the Game Management Window without saving your changes. Click OK
(FlBombs), and flying rockets (FlRockets). Each column lists the strength points of to save your changes and return to the Game Management Window.
that type of unit. This data can be sorted by column. Hints: The fourth button from the top of the Game Management Window is Hints.
Click here to pop up the Hint Box. You can cycle through all the available hints in
Game Settings: The third button from the left at the bottom of the Quick-Nav Window the Hint Box by clicking Next or Previous. Then click the Close button.
is the Game Settings button. Click on it to set the following Surrender: Beneath the Hints button is the Surrender button. Click it to display a con-
game settings: firmation box, and then click Quit in that box. This exits the scenario and displays
Save: Clicking here pops up the Save Game Window. Click OK the Victory Screen, which we will cover in greater detail later in the manual. Click
at the bottom of the window to save your game with the default OK to exit the Victory Screen and return to the Opening Screen.
name presented in the window. Or, type the name you want to Return: Click this button to go back to the Main Screen.
use and then click OK. Zoom Out: This button zooms out your view of the main map.
Load: Clicking here pops up the Load Game Window. Click on Game Log: The window at the bottom of the Main Screen is the Game Log. This log
the game that you want to load and then click OK. displays the messages that you chose to display in the Message Settings of the
Options: Clicking this button pops up the Options Window, Game Management Screen’s Options Window.
which allows you to adjust the following options:
Game Speed: Displays a menu at the bottom of the Options

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research topics that lead to the development of better fighters and tactical bombers.
Technology Land Warfare Doctrine: The study of land warfare doctrine improves your land unit’s
Technology is the heart of any country’s war basic organization (among other things). Topics include Motorize Headquarters and
effort. Without armies that field the latest Encirclement-Destruction Doctrine.
weapons, you cannot hope to win battles. Air Warfare Doctrine: This field of research leads to improved air unit performance.
But to field those weapons, you must first Advancements here will increase your air unit’s organization.
research them. You must reserve some of your Naval Warfare Doctrine: This field of research leads to improved naval unit performance.
IC for research in the Production Screen. This Advancements here will increase your naval unit’s organization. Topics include Great
amount is then divided among a number of War Analysis and Sea Lanes Denial Doctrine. Clicking on a technology category flows
specific research projects in the Technology text into three of the other four panels of the Technology Screen. Let’s look at these
Screen. There is no upper limit to the number panels and what they allow us to do:
of research projects a player can have in prog-
ress, but you’ll want to concentrate heavily in Research Requirement Panel: After a project is selected, this panel displays its research
certain areas. requirements. If the panel remains blank,
There are two types of research, and there- the project has already been researched. If
fore two types of projects: Theoretical and Applied. Theoretical research is level-based you select a project that has not yet been
(1-10) and does not necessarily provide any immediate benefits. However, each new researched, its requirements will be displayed
level opens up new possibilities for applied research projects. The applied research here. Displayed requirements that have been
projects that are opened up by each level of theoretical research are semi-random. researched will be illuminated and identified,
Some key applications will always appear, but others may never be researched by that with white lettering. Projects that have not
nation during that particular game. (Which is not to say that they cannot be shared by been researched will be shaded out, with their
an ally or stolen from the enemy). See the section on Intelligence Events. research IC and time requirements high lighted
Relevant military units completed after a new discovery will be equipped with the new in blue text.
tech, but older units must be refitted using some of the IC. Research Projects Panel: The Research Topics
Click on the Technology submenu button to bring up the Technology Screen. Panel lists the research projects available
The Technology Screen is divided into five sections. Across the top of the screen are in the currently selected technology category. Projects are coded with four colors.
several icons that represent the broad categories of technology that you can research: White-lettered projects have already been researched. Green-lettered projects meet
Infantry Research: This research area covers things that enhance the performance of all research requirements and are ready to be researched. They will also appear in
your infantry. the Technology submenu on the right side of the page. You can research one of these
Armored Vehicle Research: Under this topic are research projects that enhance the projects by clicking Start Project under its name in the Technology submenu, or by
performance of armored vehicles, whether they’re tanks or armored personnel carriers. clicking Start Project under the project’s picture in the Project Information Panel at
Electronics Research: The research of all things electronic, from radar to radio to magne- the bottom of the screen. Each project requires a specific amount of IC for a set time.
trons. For example, if the Germans want to research Light Mortar, it costs 5 units of IC
Industrial Research: This encompasses research that increases your IC. Included are for 90 days. The cost of each project is shown in both the Project Information Panel
topics such as Assembly Mass-Production and Rocket Assembly Construction. and the Technology submenu. The third type of projects that appear in the Research
Rocket Research: Encompasses the research that’s necessary to start your own rocket Projects Panel are those that are not yet ready to be researched. These are shaded
program and keep it growing. out. Clicking on them will show which projects need be researched (in the Research
Nuclear Research: Research that leads to the development of nuclear weapons. Requirement Panel) before they can be researched. Projects that are being researched
Includes Isotope Separation Process and Fission Bomb (ouch!). are indicated with yellow lettering.
Naval Research: This research focuses on the navy and methods of enhancing its per- Research Allowed Panel: The Research Allowed Panel displays the research that the
formance. Ruling the seas starts here. Emphasizes surface vessel research. completion of the currently selected project will allow. You can click on any of the
Submarine Research: Obviously, this is where you study submarines and their deploy- allowed projects to see what they will require for completion.
ment. Research topics include Mini-Subs and Steel Periscope. Project Information Panel: The bottom pane of the Technology Screen is the Project
Artillery Research: Researches artillery and its deployment. The research of infantry Information Panel. Clicking on a research project in Research Requirements, Research
guns, artillery, and anti-tank guns is part of this category. Projects, or Research Allowed Panel displays information about the project in the
Heavy Aircraft Research: This leads to heavy bombers, which are a must if you hope Project Information Panel. This panel shows a description of the project, a picture, the
to attack your enemy’s economy from the air. IC cost, and build/research time.
Light Aircraft Research: This focuses on the study of light aircraft. Included are

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Technology submenu: When you click the Technology submenu button, the panel on Organization/Morale (%): This value represents the overall organization and morale
the right side of the screen displays all the projects that you can currently research. of the troops. It is boosted by victories and good leadership, but is reduced by bomb
raids and lack of supply. The organization value is also lowered by reorganization, rein-
These projects are grouped by research cat- forcement and refitting of armies. The organization value is of vital importance for
egory, such as Infantry Research, Submarine an army, and the main purpose of tactical bombing is to lower this value.
Research, etc. You can research any of these Operating Strength (%): This is, simply put, the measure of how many men, planes,
projects by clicking the Start Research button vehicles, or gun tubes (on a ship) are still in fighting shape. Operating Strength
under the project listing. The top of the panel does not automatically replenish, rather the player has to select the army, fleet or
displays the amount of IC that you have cur- squadron (or its constituent divisions) for reinforcement. Reinforcement throws the
rently allocated to research, and the amount army into temporary disorganization, reserves ICs, costs manpower and takes time
that you are using. You can allocate more IC to to complete.
research by clicking on the Production Screen Ground Defense: This is the defense value against attacks by other land units. The
button and moving the Research slider to the value is modified by terrain and weather.
right. Air Defense: This is the defense value against air attacks. (Air attacks reduce
Organization for infantry, but can severely deplete the Operating Strength of
The Military Dimension armored, mechanized, naval or air units.)
In the final analysis, Hearts of Iron is a game of conquest. In fact, it’s a game of global Soft Attack: This is the basic attack value against “soft” ground targets like infantry
conquest. The globe has never been conquered without a fight, though, and so it is and cavalry. It is modified by terrain and weather.
in Hearts of Iron. The Second World War is a time of epic conquest. To win, you must Hard Attack: This is the basic attack value against “hard” ground targets like tanks
learn how to fight, and that is what this section of the user manual will teach you. and ATVs. It is modified by terrain and weather.
Combat is initiated when hostile units meet in a province or sea zone, or when an Transport Weight: This value determines how much transport space a unit requires.
air flotilla performs an attack or intercept mission. Land combat is the first type of Air Attack: Attack Value against air targets.
encounter that we will examine. As a precursor to combat let’s explore the param- Supply Consumption: The rate at which supplies are consumed (drawn from the national
eters of Hearts of Iron’s military units. pool). This is 0 if the unit is out of supply.
Fuel Consumption: The rate at which fuel is consumed. (drawn from the national
pool). This is 0 if the unit is out of supply.
The Warriors of Hearts of Iron Spotting Capability: This value represents the ability of an Air Flotilla or fleet to dis-
Every unit in Hearts of Iron possesses some, if not all, of the following characteristics. cover enemy ships in a sea zone. It is high for all types of aircraft except transports.
Clicking on the army, fleet, air flotilla and then clicking an individual division, ship, Surface Defense: A squadron’s defense ability against AA fire.
or squadron display most of these. The build cost, build time, and required manpower Strategic Attack: The ability of an air division to damage enemy industries, cities and
can be seen in the Building Sub-menu [Military Screen>Setup New Division (or port facilities. Modified by weather and time of day.
Commission New Ship/Flotilla/ Build New Aircraft Squadron)]. These characteristics Tactical Attack: The ability to destroy enemy tanks, vehicles and forts, and to disorga-
are combined into averages for whole armies. nize enemy armies. Modified by weather and time of day. This value is used against
Build Cost: This is the number of ICs that must be reserved in order to build the unit. both soft and hard ground targets, but is by nature more effective against hard targets.
Build Time: This is the time in days it takes to complete the unit. Naval Attack: The ability to damage and sink ships. Ordinary tactical bombers have a
Required Manpower: How much manpower is needed to man the unit. low naval attack value, but the specialized Naval Bombers rule this type of mission
Speed: Each unit has a maximum speed, which is modified by the terrain and weather. Range: Specifies how far the unit may fly or steam without running out of fuel.
In forests, but especially swamps and mountains, armored and mechanized divi- Visibility: Denotes how visible a ship is.
sions become a liability, and even regular infantry is slowed down in mountains
and swamps. If the supply level (or fuel level, if oil is used) is sufficiently depleted,
armies, ships and planes can no longer move.

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– There is a -15% penalty to all combat values for units that are more than three prov-
Land Combat inces away from the nearest HQ.
Land combat covers all types of attacks by land units and defense from such attacks. Calculate Unit Experience modifiers (optional rule):
The central concepts of land combat are the attack type (assault, blitz, Para drop, or – All combat values are raised by XP / 2.
invasion), the unit attack values, the unit defense values, and the various modifiers Calculate Envelopment modifier for defenders:
(organization level, operating strength, fortification level, terrain type, river cross- – Defenders get a -10% modifier to all combat values for each direction (province
ing, surprise factor, envelopment factor, weather, and time of day). Remember, this is borders and sea zone borders; Para drops count as one direction) above the one that
a real-time game. A battle may not be decided in one round, but there will be a new the attackers are coming in from.
round each day at noon until one side or the other breaks or withdraws. This is what Calculate Encirclement penalty for defenders:
happens in each round of combat, in the order in which it occurs: – If enemy-held provinces encircle the defenders, they get a -20% penalty to their
Check for surprise (only during the first round): Surprise is most likely to occur if the attack values. An encircled pocket can consist of up to two small provinces (size 1-
attacking commander is a Trickster (see section on Leaders below) and the enemy 3) or one large province (size 4-6).
has not detected several attacking units. Surprise forces any defending units to take Calculate “dug in” modifier for defenders:
losses (see below) before firing back. Surprise also eliminates negative river cross- – If the defending units are dug in, they get a 20% modifier to their defense values.
ing and Para drop modifiers (see below). The base chance for surprise is 10%; for Calculate Fortification modifier for defenders:
a Trickster general it is 50%. Each division that is unspotted by the enemy when – This value depends on the fortification level in the province. The ratio is 1 to 3: 50%
combat starts adds another 10%. fortifications gives +150% defense bonus to all defenders.
Calculate river crossing, Para drop, or invasion factor (only during the first round): Each attacking unit fires: Once all bonuses have been calculated, the attackers fire.
Unless the leader of the army is an engineer, Para drop, or invasion specialist, each The available soft and hard attack points [SAP and HAP (see unit characteristics
of its divisions’ combat values will be modified as follows: below)] are calculated, modified by the unit’s operating strength, organization level,
River crossing: -50% (-20% for divisions with an engineer brigade) and the above modifiers. Attack values cannot fall below 1 unless the unit is retreat-
Invasion: -50% (-20% for Marine divisions) ing (in which case it is 0). Next, each attacking unit fires once at the province
Para drop: -30% (Can only be done by Paratrooper divisions) fortifications, reducing its level by 1 for each mHAp (mHAp = modified Hard Attack
Calculate Terrain modifier for each side: points). If the division has and engineer brigade, the damage is tripled. Finally, each
– Jungle: -50% for attacking armored/mechanized, +30% for all defenders attacking unit targets one enemy division (using random targeting) and fires once
– Forest: -25% for attacking armored/mechanized, +10% for all defenders for every modified hard attack point or soft attack point that the firing division has.
– Swamp: -50% for attacking armored/mechanized, -25% for other attackers Against defending mechanized infantry, the less favorable of the two is used.
– Hills: -10% for attacking armored/mechanized, +10% for all defenders
– Mountains: -80% for attacking armored/mechanized, -10% for Mountaineers, -40% Note: Hard attack points (HAP) are used against armored targets, such as armored
for other types of attacking divisions and mechanized divisions. Soft attack points (SAP) are used against infantry-type
– Urban: -50% for attacking armored divisions, +30% to the defense values of the divisions, such as infantry, paratroop, mountain, and marine divisions.
defenders
Calculate Weather modifier for each side:
– Frozen: -20% for attacking infantry, -30% for attacking armor/mechanized (nullified Damage Assessment
by winter specialist leaders) The damage that each division inflicts is calculated as shown below. In addition to the
– Rain: -10% for all attackers previous modifiers, the damage inflicted is dependent on the type of attack. Note that
– Snow: -30% for attacking inf., -50% for attacking armor/mechanized (-10% / -20% there are three types of attacks: Assault, Feint, and Blitz.
for winter specialist leaders) Assault: This is the standard attack and the default setting in the Combat
– Storm: -40% for all attackers Coordination Box (CCB). To assault a province, click on a friendly land unit and
– Blizzard: -60% for attacking inf., -90% for attacking armor/mechanized (-45% / - then click on the province that you want to assault.
60% for winter specialist leaders) Feint: This is a probe. The attacking armies initiate combat, but with draw quickly.
– Muddy: -20% for attacking inf., -50% for attacking armor/mechanized Blitz: You can only blitz if 75% of the divisions in the attacking army are armored or
Calculate Night modifier for each side (only during the first round – subsequent mechanized. The attacking units try to break through the enemy lines and roll on to
rounds will be fought at noon every day): another province. If the blitz is successful, units in the targeted province will break
– All attackers take -40% and all defenders take -25% at night, but these modifiers (organization will fall below 30%) and most likely retreat.
can be reduced by research.
Calculate Leader bonuses: Assault – Armored versus Soft Target: Each attack point of an armored division has
– Some leaders (and ministers) give various bonuses to their troops. a 95% chance of inflicting a 2-6% loss in Organization and 1-2% damage on Operating

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Strength on a soft target (non-armored or defending mechanized). The remaining 5% If surprised, the defending units take losses.
chance causes a “critical hit” of 12% Organization loss and 5% Operating Strength Each defending unit fires: The defending units fire exactly like attackers using the
damage. Additionally, if it is the first combat round, the target takes a 5-15% loss in assault formula delineated above.
Organization due to “armor shock.” This is not regarded as a “hit,” and the target can- Attackers defend: Attackers defend exactly the same way the defenders initially
not avert it with its defense. defended.
Both sides take losses: Note that these losses are in addition to any losses dictated
Assault – Armored versus Hard Target: Each attack point of an armored division has by the attacker’s surprise. All units now get their Organization level and Operating
a 95% chance of inflicting a 1-3% loss in Organization and 1-3% damage on Operating Strength modified according to the hits they have taken, as explained above.
Strength on a hard target (armored or defending mechanized). The remaining 5% Damage to Operating Strength also reduces Maximum and Remaining Fuel and
chance causes a “critical hit” of 15% Organization loss and 10% Operating Strength Supplies accordingly (as well as the consumption rates).
damage. Fortification level decreased in province: Fortification level in the province is reduced
according to the number of hits taken.
Assault – Non-armored: Each attack point of a non-armored division has a 95% Collateral damage calculated: The transportation network, manpower, and industry
chance of inflicting a 1-3% loss in Organization and 1-3% damage on Operating in the province receive collateral damage. For each attacking division, each of these
Strength. The remaining 5% chance causes a “critical hit” of 10% Organization loss three province values incurs a 1-2% loss.
and 10% Operating Strength damage. Check supply status: Each attacking unit now loses 3-10% supply, and each defending
unit loses 2-7%. If the oil rule is active, each attacking unit (that uses fuel) also
Blitz – Armored versus Soft Target: Each attack point of an armored division has a loses 3-10% fuel. Defending divisions lose 2-7% fuel. If a unit is out of supplies or
95% chance of inflicting a 3-9% loss in Organization and 0-1% damage on Operating fuel, losses will be incurred on organization instead.
Strength. The remaining 5% chance causes a “critical hit” of 20% Organization loss Check each defending unit for surrender or broken status: At 30% organization or
and 3% Operating Strength damage. Additionally, if it is the first combat round, the below, units will “break.” At 15% organization or below, they will surrender. Broken
target takes a 5-15% loss in Organization due to “armor shock.” This is not regarded units retreat from the battlefield. Units that surrender cease to exist.
as a “hit,” and the target cannot avert it with its defense. Check each attacking unit for broken status: At 30% organization or below, attacking
units will “break.” Attacking units do not surrender.
Blitz – Armored versus Hard Target: Each attack point of an armored division has a Check for retreat: If the majority of the attacking units are broken, the attackers will
95% chance of inflicting a 2-6% loss in Organization and 1-2% damage on Operating retreat and combat will be over. If not, a check is done for the defenders. If most of
Strength. The remaining 5% chance causes a “critical hit” of 20% Organization loss the defenders are broken, they will retreat to a random neighboring controlled prov-
and 5% Operating Strength damage. ince, and the province will fall to the attackers. If there is no neighboring province
under the control of their side, they will all surrender. If exactly half of the units
Blitz – Non-armored: Each attack point of a non-armored division has a 95% chance are broken, the retreat check is made on their average operating strength instead.
of inflicting a 2-6% loss in Organization and 0-1% damage on Operating Strength. If the average operating strength is low (5% or below), all the units will retreat.
The remaining 5% chance causes a “critical hit” of 20% Organization loss and 3% Check for breakthrough for attackers (blitz attacks only): If the defenders retreat,
Operating Strength damage. Remember, at least 75% of the attacking divisions must the attackers break through and continue to their designated target. If the target
be armored or mechanized to conduct a blitz. province is the same as that which the enemy is retreating to, chances are good
that the attackers will arrive there first. (If there are enemy units present there, the
Feint: In a feint attack, all types of attacking units inflict a 0-3% loss in Org. and a 0- attack type will be assault.) Even if the enemy is not retreating, there is a chance
1% loss in Operating Strength per hit. (The same goes for the defenders.) of breakthrough, calculated by the number of broken enemy divisions divided by the
total number of enemy divisions. If both sides remain in the province, another round
After the attackers attack, the defenders defend using the following sequence and of combat ensues the next day.
parameters:

Units Defend: For each point of ground defense – modified by the unit’s operating
strength, its organization level, and the cumulative modifiers listed above (but
never, ever less than 1) - the unit has a 66% chance of nullifying the effects of a
random enemy hit (see above).

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reduces Maximum and Remaining Fuel and Supplies accordingly (as well as the
Air Combat consumption rates).
Air combat covers all types of attacks by air units and the defense from such attacks. Check withdrawal:
Thus, air-to-sea and air-to-land attacks are also discussed here. Air combat is quite The attackers withdraw, returning to base for refueling and repairs. The defenders can
diverse, and the combat resolution mechanisms for the various types of air missions now be forced to abort their mission depending on the losses they have taken.
are quite different.
Air-to-Air Combat Round Tactical Bombardment Combat Round
Air-to-air fights are quick affairs, requiring but a single combat round. Here is the Aircraft are an integral part of the combined armed forces of all the major WWII pow-
sequence of events: ers. Although they attack land units primarily to disorganize them, planes also make
Check for surprise: impressive fortresses and tank busters. Like all types of air combat missions, air-to-
This works like land combat and is influenced by the Spotter leader trait and the num- surface combat lasts a single round. Here’s how it goes:
ber of unspotted attacking units. The base chance for surprise is 10%; for a Spotter Check for surprise:
it is 50%. Each squadron that is unspotted by the enemy when combat starts adds The chance of surprise depends on the number of undetected squadrons in the attack.
another 10%. The base chance is 10%, and another 10% is added for each undetected squadron (up
Calculate weather modification: to a maximum of 100%).
– Rain: Both sides operate at -30% efficiency. Calculate Weather modifier:
– Snow: Both sides operate at -50% efficiency. During Storms and Blizzards, no air – Rain: Attackers attack at -30% efficiency.
missions can be flown at all. Note, however, that technological advances can influ- – Snow: Attackers attack at -50% efficiency.
ence these percentages. During Storms and Blizzards, no air missions can be flown at all. Note, however, that
Calculate Night modification: technological advances can influence these percentages.
Night conditions modify combat based on the relative technological levels of the two Calculate Night modifier:
combatants. At base level, no air missions can be flown at night. Subsequent discover- As with the other types of air combat, this depends on the research level. The proper
ies allow more efficient night missions. research into night-fighting techniques can increase your chances here.
Calculate Base Proximity bonus: Calculate Terrain modifier:
This is an abstraction representing the advantage of short transit times to the combat – Jungle: -80% for attackers
zone. If the base from which the air flotilla started is in a neighboring province or – Mountains: -50% for attackers
sea zone, it gains a +15% modifier to its attack value. – Forest: -25% for attackers
Calculate Leader bonuses: Calculate Leader bonuses:
Some air marshals give various bonuses to their air divisions. You can determine Some leaders give various bonuses to their units. You can determine which bonuses
which bonuses your air marshal provides by clicking on your air flotilla and then your air marshal provides by clicking on your air flotilla and then right clicking on its
right clicking on its leader’s portrait. Consult the Leader section for additional infor- leader’s portrait. Consult the Leader section for additional information.
mation. Calculate Fortification modifier for defenders:
Each attacking unit fires: This value depends on the fortification level of the province. The equation is simple:
Each attacker randomly targets an enemy air division. For each air attack point 50% fortifications give a 50% air defense bonus to all defenders. So, if you are defend-
remaining after modification (operating strength and the above modifiers), the defend- ing, the more fortifications, the better.
ing unit takes 1-20% damage (with a chance to defend, as specified below). Anti-Aircraft (AA) Guns fire:
Defenders defend: The province AA guns now fire. For every 10% of the AA gun level in the province,
For each air defense point remaining after modification, the defending unit has a 66% each attacking unit sustains one hit causing 1-10% damage to Operating Strength.
chance of nullifying one random enemy hit. Attackers defend:
If surprised, defenders take losses now: For each modified air defense point, every attacking squadron has a 66% chance of
If the defenders were surprised, they take their losses now rather than after they fire. averting a random AA gun hit.
Each defending unit fires: Attackers take losses:
Defenders fire in the same manner that the attackers previously fired. See above. Each attacking squadron now takes the remaining damage from the AA gunfire.
Attackers defend: Attackers fire:
For each air defense point remaining after modification, the defending unit has a 66% First, each attacker fires once at the province fortifications and once at the AA gun
chance of nullifying one random enemy hit. emplacements, reducing their level by a percentage in proportion to the attacking
Both sides take losses: unit’s modified Tactical Air Point. Next, for each modified Tactical Air Point, every
Losses are now taken on both sides. Note that damage to Operating Strength also

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attacking unit fires once at one enemy division, targeting armored divisions first, leader’s portrait. Consult the Leader section for additional information.
mechanized divisions second and other types third. These priorities can be altered if Attackers fire:
the tank or mechanized divisions have already sustained enough hits by prior attacks For each modified naval attack point, every air squadron fires once at one enemy naval
to be likely to break them. Each hit against hard targets causes 1-10% damage to unit. Each hit causes 1-10% damage to Operating Strength.
operating strength and a 5-15% reduction in organization. Each hit against soft targets Defenders defend:
causes 1-5% damage to operating strength and a 5-15% reduction in organization. Defenders now use their air defense value to nullify each hit they’ve received. There is
Defenders defend: a 66% chance of nullifying each hit per modified air defense point – as with all other
Defenders use their air defense value to attempt to nullify the hits inflicted by the air- combat types.
craft. For each modified air defense point, every defender has a 66% chance of averting a If surprised, defenders take losses now:
random hit. If the defenders were surprised, they take their losses now, before they fire back. If
If surprised, defenders take losses now: not, they take their losses later in the combat phase.
If the defenders were surprised, they take their losses now. Losses received in this Defenders fire:
phase cannot return fire, as described below. Using their air attack value, each ship or flotilla fires at one attacking squadron once
Defenders fire: for every modified Air Attack Point (mAAp). Each hit reduces the air unit’s operating
Using their air attack value, each defender fires at one attacking air division once for strength by 1-10%.
every modified air attack point (mAAp). Each hit does 1-10% damage on the air unit’s Attackers defend:
Operating Strength. Attackers now use their air defense value to nullify each hit they’ve received. There is
Attackers defend: a 66% chance of nullifying each hit per modified air defense point.
For each modified air defense point, every attacking squadron has a 66% chance of Both sides take losses:
averting a random hit. The attackers now take their losses, as do the defenders unless they were sur-
Both sides take losses: prised (in which case they have already sustained their losses). Note that damage to
The attackers now take their losses, as do the defenders unless they were sur- Operating Strength also reduces Maximum and Remaining Fuel and Supplies accord-
prised (in which case they have already sustained their losses). Note that damage to ingly (as well as the consumption rates).
Operating Strength also reduces Maximum and Remaining Fuel and Supplies (as well Attackers withdraw:
as the consumption rates). The attacking air flotillas now withdraw to a designated controlled province within
Attackers withdraw: their range. Note that capital ships at 30% operating strength or less can be
The attacking air flotillas now withdraw to a designated controlled province within destroyed. That’s not a good thing for the sailors.
their range.

Strategic Bombardment
Naval Attack Strategic bombardment is used to attack the IC, infrastructure, and resources of a
Planes are a deadly tool when used against naval vessels. For example, Japanese province. Although this is a simple type of combat, it can cripple an enemy’s IC.
Kamikazes did more damage in the later stages of the war than their surface fleet did Calculate Weather modifier:
the entire four years. Here’s how that combat routing works in Hearts of Iron. – Rain: Attackers attack at -30% efficiency.
Check for surprise: – Snow: Attackers attack at -50% efficiency.
The chance of surprise depends on the number of undetected air divisions in the During Storms and Blizzards, no air missions can be flown at all. Note, however, that
attack. The base chance is 10%, and another 10% is added for each undetected air technological advances can influence these percentages.
division (up to a maximum of 100%, of course). Calculate Night modifier:
Calculate Weather modifier: As with the other types of air combat, this depends on the research level. The proper
– Rain: Attackers attack at -30% efficiency. research into night-fighting techniques can increase your chances here.
– Snow: Attackers attack at -50% efficiency. Calculate Leader bonuses:
These modifiers can be changed by the attacker’s technology level. Some leaders give various bonuses to their units. You can determine which bonuses
Calculate Night modifier: your air marshal provides by clicking on your air flotilla and then right clicking on its
As with the other types of air combat, this depends on the technology level. leader’s portrait. Consult the Leader section for additional information.
Calculate Leader bonuses: Anti-Aircraft (AA) Guns fire:
Some leaders give various bonuses to their units. You can determine which bonuses The province AA guns now fire. For every 10% of the AA gun level in the province,
your air marshal provides by clicking on your air flotilla and then right clicking on its each attacking unit sustains one hit causing 1-10% damage to Operating Strength.
Attackers defend:
For each modified air defense point, every attacking squadron has a 66% chance of

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averting a random AA gun hit. Attackers fire:

Attackers take losses: Each attacking unit fires at one enemy unit once for every modified Sea Attack point.
Each attacking squadron now takes the remaining damage from the AA gunfire. The target is normally selected in this order: Aircraft Carriers, Battleships, Cruisers,
Attackers fire: Transport Ships, and Destroyers. If a defending unit has already taken enough hits to
Each attacking unit fires once for every modified Strategic Bombardment point at the destroy it, the next attacker fires at another unit. Each hit causes 1-10% damage to
specified target type (industry, anti-aircraft guns, transportation, manpower, or fortification). the Operating Strength of the defender.
Attackers withdraw: Defenders defend:
The attacking air flotillas now withdraw to a designated controlled province within The defenders now try to lessen the potential damage inflicted by the attackers. Each
their range. modified defense point has a 66% chance of nullifying a random enemy hit.
If surprised, defenders take losses:
Naval Combat As in all other forms of combat, if the defenders were surprised, they now take losses.
Naval operations played a huge role in World War II. German U-boats nearly strangled Otherwise, they take their losses only after they fire, as explained below.
Great Britain’s lifeline to North America, while the Americans’ aircraft carriers wrest- Defenders scramble air flotillas:
ed control of the Pacific from the Imperial Japanese Navy. Equally important were Any available air flotillas carried by the defenders now scramble to add to the defensive
the war’s amphibious operations. From the Germans’ invasion of Norway to the Allies fire. (Note that a corresponding phase does not exist for the attackers; they have to
landing in Normandy, the ability to place men and machines ashore – in the face of launch their aircraft in a specific naval bombardment mission.) Each scrambled air
hostile fire – was critical to victory. Hearts of Iron does a good job of re-creating naval division now acts as a defending unit, using its naval attack value to fire at the attackers.
operations. Defenders fire:
Each defending ship now fires on the attackers exactly as the attackers fired on it.
Sea-to-Sea Furthermore, each scrambled air division fires once for every modified naval attack
This is where fleets face off against each other. You know, the whole In Harm’s Way point, causing 1-10% damage to the Operating Strength of the enemy naval unit.
routine. Remember, however, that it is not enough for two opposing fleets to be in the Attackers defend:
same sea zone for combat to occur; they must spot each other and maneuver into com- Fortunately for the attackers, not every hit is really a hit. The attacking naval units
bat positions. Once they do, here’s what happens. now use their modified sea defense points, each one having a 66% chance of deflecting
Check for surprise: a random hit from an enemy naval unit. The same goes for air defense points against
The chance of surprise depends on the number of undetected attacking naval units. enemy air units.
The base chance is 10%, and another 10% is added for each undetected naval unit Attackers fire on enemy aircraft:
(up to a maximum of 100%, of course). Note that submarines are very hard to detect, Using their modified air attack points, each ship fires once for every remaining point
making the chance of surprise much greater if a large number of submarine units par- at one scrambled enemy air unit, causing 1-10% damage to operating strength.
ticipate. Defending aircraft defend:
Calculate Weather modifier: For each modified air defense point, each air squadron has a 66% chance of nullifying
– Rain: Both sides suffer -10% to attack values. a random hit.
– Snow: Both sides suffer -25% to attack values. Both sides take losses:
– Storm: Both sides suffer -50% to attack values. Attackers now take their losses, as do the defenders unless they were surprised (in
– Blizzard: Both sides suffer -80% to attack values. which case they have already sustained their losses). Note that damage to Operating
Calculate Night modifier: Strength also reduces Maximum and Remaining Fuel and Supplies accordingly (as
Both sides suffer -40% to attack values, subject to further modification by research. well as the consumption rates).
Calculate Leader bonuses: Combat ends:
Some leaders give various bonuses to their units. You can determine which bonuses Combat ends and both sides remain in the sea zone.
your admiral provides by clicking on your fleet and then right clicking on its leader’s
portrait. Consult the Leader section for additional information.

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Shore Bombardment Assigning Tasks

Shore bombardment is an important part of an amphibious operation. This type of com- In addition to setting the time of arrival the Combat Coordination Box also allows you
bat can only occur when capital ships use their guns to support an invasion. Thus, it to choose various tasks that your units may perform when they arrive in or enroute to
is appropriate to regard it as an addendum to the Land Combat round. During the first a province. These tasks are specific to the unit types selected. For example, a squad-
combat round, each capital ship unit can use each modified Shore Bombardment point ron of aircraft cannot Blitz, nor can an armor unit Patrol.
to fire on one enemy division, causing 1-5% damage to Operating Strength and 1-8%
damage to organization. The enemy units defend using their ground defense value and
cannot target the naval units when they return fire. Army Tasks
These are tasks that only a land unit may accomplish. They are Assault, Blitz, Feint,
and Move. Okay, any unit can move, but you know what we mean. Units, which do not
Intelligence and the Fog of War move, will slowly fortify their position, gaining a small bonus to assaults and bombard-
War is confusing. Your enemies don’t want you to know what they are about, and will ment.
do their best to hide their actions. The confusion and uncertainty generated by this Assault: This is the standard, straight-up attack. Armies are selected, a target prov-
lack of knowledge is called the fog of war. Hearts of Iron depicts this fog by providing ince is clicked, and Assault is chosen. Assaulting units will attempt to destroy or
limited/partial information on enemy units that have not been engaged by friendly drive out all enemy units of the target province and occupy it.
troops. Although you will always see armies, fleets, and air flotillas in adjacent prov- Blitz: In essence this is an overrun attack that may only be attempted if more than
inces, you will not know their strength until you attack. Hence, it’s a good idea to 75% of the units in the army or armies are Armored or Mechanized Infantry divi-
for armies to Feint into an adjacent province to discover the exact composition of the sions. The attack will strive to punch a hole through enemy lines and drive through
enemy forces located in it. it. If successful it will devastate enemy organization and allow the Blitzing units to
Remember, enemy units that are not in provinces adjacent to friendly units will immediately continue to a province of your choice behind enemy lines. The enemy
not be spotted. By the same token, you may scout enemy territory with squadrons of units will not be destroyed or take heavy losses, but will break (devastated organi-
planes. zation) and possibly run. A successful Blitz attack should be followed by an Assault
Coordinating Attacks and Assigning Tasks: to crush the disorganized enemy and occupy the province, possibly driving them
The Combat Coordination Box Now that you straight into your armored units that have blitzed to the province behind them...
understand the Hearts of Iron combat routine, Blitz attacks are not allowed into very large provinces.
it’s time to look into how to coordinate your Feint: This attack is a probe used to discover enemy troop compositions and lure them
attacks and assign your troops’ tasks. Both into believing it is a regular assault. Feinting armies do initiate combat, but attempt
coordination and task assignment is accom- to keep it light and withdraw before taking (or inflicting) serious losses.
plished through the Combat Coordination Box.
To display the Combat Coordination Box select
a unit and then Ctrl Right-Click on a province Air Flotilla Missions
or the unit. These are the missions performed by air squadrons.
The Combat Coordination Box displays the Re-base: Moves the squadron or Air Flotilla to another airfield. To rebase to an air-
time that your unit will arrive in the selected craft carrier fly from a coastal province to an aircraft carrier in an adjacent sea
province. You may adjust this time, but may not order the unit to arrive in less time province. Fleets that have planes embarked have a small plane icon in the bottom
than it takes to travel to the province. Choosing the arrival time is a powerful tool. left of their square NATO icon. Each carrier may embark one fighter or tactical
By wisely choosing the time of arrival you may order units from different provinces to bomber squadron. The number of squadrons that may be based in a province is
attack one province, from different sides, at the same time. Whenever you simultane- dependent on the terrain in that province. Clear provinces allow an unlimited or
ously attack from more than one direction your attackers receive a bonus. By the same very large number of air divisions; mountains allow only two or three, the other ter-
token you may order bombers to bomb the target province an hour before your attack rain types somewhere in between. You may not re-base a Storm or Blizzard in either
begins. This will disorganize the defending units and render them ripe for ground the province of origin or the target province.
assault. Also note that some troops are ineffective at night, don’t order them to attack Intercept: This mission orders the air units to remain alert for enemy air raids. If an
when the sun is down. Technological advances can improve your troop’s night-fighting enemy air unit is sighted within range, the air flotilla will scramble and intercept it.
ability. This mission is only available if the air flotilla consists solely of fighter air divisions.
Not possible during Storm, Blizzard or Snowing. Not possible at night unless the
tech “Night Interception” has been researched.
Tactical Bombardment: Tactical bombardment disorganizes enemy units prior to

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assaults or blitzes. However, it can also devastate the operating strength of the
enemy; particularly armored and mechanized infantry divisions. Not possible during Supply and Isolation Effects on Combat
Storm, Blizzard or Snowing. Not possible at night unless “Night Bombing” has been Units that are forced to retreat as a result of combat, yet have no adjacent friendly ter-
researched. ritories in which to retreat will surrender (i.e. be eliminated) instead. Units that can-
Naval Bombardment: This is a type of tactical bombardment that targets fleets vice not trace a line of supply through friendly controlled provinces to their capital or to a
land units. Not possible during Storm, Blizzard or Snowing. Not possible at night port with an active convoy that traces to their capital are considered out of supply and
unless “Night Bombing” has been researched. Note that if the target fleet is in port, it fight at a greatly reduced capability. This also applies to pockets of troops. In other
enjoys protection from the provincial flak coverage. words, if there is a three-province pocket of troops that cannot trace a line of supply
Strategic Bombardment: This attack mission targets strategic assets such as as indicated above, they are all considered out of supply.
Industry, Manpower (terror bombing), and Fortifications. Only the AA level of the
target province is relevant for the defense (unless the strategic bombing mission is Leaders
intercepted). Not possible during Storm, Blizzard or Snowing. Not possible at night Leaders are as important in Hearts of Iron as they were in real life. A competent leader
unless “Night Bombing” has been researched. This command is used to drop nuclear can get the most out of the divisions under his command, but incompetent buffoon can
weapons. lead his men to ruin. Hearts of Iron includes leaders for armies, fleets, and air flotillas.
Para drop: This mission may only be flown by transports. You must have an army To examine your unit’s leader click on the army, fleet or air flotilla. Doing so displays
consisting of paratrooper divisions in the same province as the air flotilla. A target is detailed information on the group of units in the right-hand panel. At the top of the
specified, a time of arrival chosen, and the paratroopers loaded. Para drop missions panel the leader is shown. The commander’s rank determines how many units the per-
are subject only to enemy provincial AA fire. Not possible during Storm, Blizzard or son may command. For example, a German Field Marshall may command 12 divisions,
Snowing. Not possible at night unless “Night Bombing” has been researched. but a Lieutenant General may only command three. More than the leader’s allocation
Patrol / Reconnaissance: Assign an Air Flotilla to patrol over a sea zone or province, of divisions may be assigned to his charge, but the divisions above the number that the
return to base, refuel and then begin patrolling again. Helps discover especially enemy general is capable of commanding receive no bonus from the general’s skill. The skill
fleets and ground units. Not possible during Storm, Blizzard or Snowing. Ineffective at determines how well he commands those units (the higher, the better); experience is
night. gained by winning battles. Once enough experience is accrued, the commander may be
promoted.
Fleet Tasks To replace a leader left click on his portrait in the Army Menu. This
These are tasks that may be assigned to a fleet. From naval engagements convoys, displays the Leader Sub-menu. This menu shows the leaders eligible
there is a wide range. Fleet tasks are perhaps the most complex, since they include to replace your leader. Additionally the sub-menu displays the leader’s
setting up convoys. name, rank, skill, and experience. Left-click on a leader to replace
Invade/Transport Armies: Move a transport into a coastal sea zone adjacent to a land your current leader.
unit, and direct the land unit to move into the sea zone to load the unit onto the trans-
port. Then a target coastal province is selected and a desired time of arrival specified.
When a fleet is invading, it may employ its shore bombardment value to assist, but
this is the only time when shore bombardment can be used in the game. You may also
unload the troops by moving into a friendly port. Fleets that have troops embarked
have a small stick-man icon in the bottom left of their square NATO icon. Each trans-
port may embark one division.
Hunt/Patrol: Great task for a submarine fleet. The player sets way points and the
fleet will patrol those sea zones until an enemy fleet is spotted, at which time it will
attempt to destroy it.
Loyalty
Note: A unit’s currently assigned task is displayed beneath the army/fleet/air flo- All leaders have a secret loyalty value that increases with promotions and decreases
tilla leader’s picture in the Army Menu. The Army Menu is displayed by clicking on with rising national dissent. Disloyal leaders decrease the effectiveness of their troops,
the units. might not always arrive at their targets on time and may even cause treason events.
The careful player should observe the performance of his generals carefully and have
them replaced if they start to perform badly.

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Operational Commanders and HQs Admirals

Not only do divisions and lower echelon units need a leader to guide them in battle, Sea wolf: Submarines under this commander are harder to detect and gain an attack
but larger formations of units also need leadership. Hearts of Iron depicts this need as bonus.
follows. Leaders, except for air marshals, of the highest possible rank (for example, Blockade-runner: Fleets under the command of a Blockade Runner admiral are much
German field marshals) are considered “Operational Commanders”. This places them harder to detect, especially for submarines. Useful for convoys.
in charge of a large section of a front or all naval forces in an ocean. For an army offi- Superior Tactician: Leaders with this trait gain attack and defense bonuses in all sea
cer, this means that he becomes the commander of an army group. The army he per- battles.
sonally commands becomes an HQ unit. This status is displayed at the top of the Army Spotter: The fleet gains a large detection bonus, discovering enemy fleets more easily.
Menu, beside the picture of the leader. You may have as many headquarters in play as
you have available Field Marshals. Headquarters have the following effect: Air Marshals
Land units get a -15% modifier if more than 3 provinces away from the nearest HQ Tank Buster / Tactical Bombing Ace: Large bonus on tactical bombing value.
unit. Superior Tactician: This Air Marshall provides bonuses to air-to-air values.
Units in the same sea zone or province as the HQ get to share the Operational Spotter / Reconnaissance Ace: Detection bonus. Useful to discover enemy army/fleet
Commander’s bonuses from special characteristics. However, these bonuses are not movements and to gain a surprise bonus when attacking other aircraft.
cumulative if a regular army commander has the same skill. Carpet Bomber: This Air Marshall gives his squadrons a strategic bombing bonus.
Units in provinces or sea zones bordering the HQ’s province get halved bonuses from Night Flyer: As the name would indicate, this skill provides large bonuses when flying
the Operational Commander’s skills. missions at night.
HQs are considered to be a secondary supply source as long as they can trace a path Fleet Destroyer: Provides a bonus when attacking ships.
to a primary supply source.

Economics
Leadership Skills There is more to Hearts of Iron than a straight up military simulation. Armies need
In addition to their experience and ability to command troops, some leaders have spe- oil to fuel their tanks and the population needs food in their stomachs. All this is well
cial skills that infuse the soldiers they command with special talents. Below is a list of depicted by the economic and production model within the game.Industrial Capacity
these skills. They are divided into Land General, Admiral, and Air Marshall skills. is the cornerstone of the Hearts of Iron economic system. Building military units, sup-
plying them, feeding your population, and researching new technologies all require
Industrial Capability. Your Industrial Capacity is displayed in the Status Bar at the top
Land General Skills of the Main Screen. It is displayed as a pair of numbers in the form xx/yy, where xx is
Logistics Wizard: If a leader has this trait, the units under his command consume the unused Industrial Capacity and yy is the total Industrial Capacity. As mentioned
supplies and oil at a slower rate than normal. before, you may increase your Industrial Capacity by upgrading provinces (by Building
Defensive Doctrine: Leaders with this trait get a bonus to their defense values. More Industries), capturing new provinces, or increasing the number of available raw
Offensive Doctrine: Leaders with this trait get a bonus to their attack values. Common materials. On the other hand you may only increase the number of available raw mate-
among German generals such as Mannstein, Guderian, Rommel, etc. Other exam- rials by capturing provinces that have those raw materials (such as oil). Each province
ples would be Patton and Zhukov. contributes to your overall economic well-being. How much it contributes is available
Winter Specialist: Units may move and fight without penalty in winter. An uncommon by clicking on the province, which pops the Province Menu.
skill; usually found in Soviet, Finnish and Swedish generals.
Trickster / Camouflage Expert: The army under a trickster leader is invisible to Province Information: Clicking on a province
enemy intelligence, gains a large bonus to air defense, and always gains the sur- pops the Province Menu on the right-hand side
prise bonuswhen attacking. Rommel would be the prime example. of the screen. At the top of the Province Menu
Engineer: Moves and attacks across rivers without penalty. is the name of the province. To the left of the
Fortress Buster: Reduces the effectiveness of enemy fortifications. name is the flag of the controlling country. To
Panzer Leader / Blitz Specialist: Blitz attacks are more likely to succeed for this the right of the province name is the number of
leader, even with the odds stacked against him. Also gains a significant bonus to victory points awarded to the country currently
movement speed. controlling the province. It includes the follow-
Commando: Mountaineers, paratroopers and marines under a leader with this skill get ing information:
a large bonus to attack and defense. – Industrial Capacity: The province’s industrial
capacity. Clicking the Build More Industries

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button at the bottom of the menu can increase this. Note that this only increases the Capacity is allocated to producing military units. Obviously, the more Industrial
province’s industrial Capacity, not the amount of industry capacity available. Capacity earmarked for production, the more military units you can simultaneously
– Anti-Aircraft Batteries Available: Below the province’s industrial capacity are listed build.
the number of anti-aircraft batteries available. The more batteries available, the more
costly it becomes for the enemy to bomb the province. You may increase this number Your quantities of stored raw materials and their storage locations are listed in the
by clicking the Construct AA at the bottom of the menu. panel beneath sliders. Below this panel are two buttons: Manage Convoys and Trade
– Size of Fortifications: This is an indication of the size and strength of the province’s on the World Market. Clicking on the Manage Convoys button brings up the Convoy
fortifications. Larger/stronger fortifications provided greater defensive bonuses to the Menu.
troops stationed there.
– Province Infrastructure: The higher the province infrastructure, the more efficiently Your number of convoys running and the total number of convoys
it will use the materials within the province. You may increase this by pressing the are listed across the top of the Convoy Menu, as are your number
Improve Infrastructure button at the bottom of the menu. of transports and escorts. Below this information are your convoys.
– Daily Rubber Production: The amount of rubber the province produces daily. Each convoy lists its anchor ports. The small box on the left indi-
Improving the province infrastructure will raise this, if the resource is available. cates the number of escorts and the box on the right is the number
– Daily Coal Production: The amount of coal the province produces daily. Improving of transports in the convoy. You may increase/decrease the number of
the province infrastructure will raise this, if the resource is available. escorts and transports by clicking the “+” and “-” next to the correct
– Daily Steel Production: The amount of steel the province produces daily. Improving ship icon. You must have at least one transport for each sea zone the
the province infrastructure will raise this, if the resource is available. convoy traverses. Convoys listed in red do not have enough transports
– Daily Oil Production: The amount of oil the province produces daily. Improving the assigned to them. To assign more transports click the “+” next to the
province infrastructure will raise this, if the resource is available. right-hand box. To establish a new convoy click the port of origin and
– Manpower: The amount of manpower the province produces daily. In takes manpower then click the port of destination.
to both man and refit divisions, aircraft squadrons, and ships. At the bottom of the To manage the convoy left-click on the convoy you wish to modify.
Province Menu are five buttons: Build More Industries, Improve Coastal Fortifications, From the Convoy Modification Screen you may alter the number of
Improve Land Fortifications, Construct AA, each of which we previously covered in the transports, add escorts and designate what the convoy may carry. In
manual. the middle of the Convoy Modification Screen are the buttons for adding/subtracting
escorts and transports. The minimum number of transports needed is indicated to the
right of the slash in the transport row.
The resources available for transportation are located in the bottom panel. The
Production Screen number to the right of the slash is the daily production of those resources while the
Click the Production Screen button (the third button from the left at the top right of
number to the left are the resources carried by the convoy. The more transports in
the main screen) to display the Production Screen. From this screen you can manage
the convoy, the more resources you can carry. Click on the resources that you wish to
how much of your economy is dedicated to consumer goods, supplies, research (i.e.
carry.
technology) and production. To increase the amount of industrial capacity allotted to a
section of your economy, move the slider to the right. The specific areas to which you
Clicking on the Trade of World Market button
may allocate your Industrial Capability are as follows:
Displays the World Market Menu and allows
Consumer Products Slider: This is the top slider. To keep your citizens happy you
trading on the world market. From here you
must give them food to eat and an acceptable standard of living. If you fail to do so,
may trade a resource that you have in excess
dissent may rise. If dissent rises your general’s loyalty may decline and, if dissent is
for one that you need. Resources available on
widespread, partisan armies may spring up. Democratic societies require lots of con-
the World Market are listed across the top of
sumer products to keep down dissent, Fascist societies require less, but still quite a
the World Market Menu. Below that are cur-
bit, and Communist societies are the least dependent on this.
rent offers on the market. Further down the
Supplies Slider: The second slider from the top is the Supplies Slider. Your armies
menu is the offer panel. You may adjust what
need food, bullets, blankets, and whatever else to fight. This is where you designate
you wish to offer and how much you wish to
how much of your Industrial Capability goes to supplies.
offer by clicking on the icons and the “-” and
Research Slider: The Research Slider is where you designate how much of your econ-
“+” signs. When you are satisfied with your
omy goes to research. The more industrial capacity you pump into research, the more
offer, click the Offer Deal button. This posts your offer on the world market. You’ll be
research projects your economy can support.
notified when/if it is accepted.
Production Slider: The Production Slider designates how much of your Industrial

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Diplomacy The Allies

Not everything in Hearts of Iron is resolved by military might. There will be times when Democratic nations may only join the Allies, which are headed by the UK. A nation is
it is important to influence countries with your diplomatic prowess. There are three considered Democratic if its alignment is close to the democratic point of view.
political blocs (Democrat, Fascist and Communist), seven major powers (UK, USA,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Soviet Union) and numerous minor powers (all The Communist International (Comintern)
other nations). Diplomacy is centered on the efforts of the major powers to align minor The Comintern alliance is led by the Soviet Union. However, should the Soviet Union
powers with their political bloc, and on persuading allies to perform certain tasks. choose to join the Axis or Allies, the Comintern will cease to exist. If the Comintern is
Most diplomatic actions cost Diplomatic Influence (DI). All nations start the game active, Communist nations may only ally with that, but if it is not active, Communist
with a set amount of Diplomatic Influence and slowly gain more as explained below. nations may ally with either the Axis or the Allies.

Diplomatic Influence Diplomatic Effects of War

Diplomatic Influence (DI) represents the political clout of a nation. It is much easier The basic concept in Hearts of Iron is that it is impossible for a country to remain
for nations rich in DI to get their political way. Major nations accumulate one unit of DI neutral if it is at war with an alliance that is, in turn, at war with another alliance.
every month; minor nations get one unit of DI every second month. Furthermore, DI can Specific instances are explained below.
be gained by performing diplomatic actions, such as Annex Nation and Install Puppet
Regime, by conquering key points (yields three DI), and by winning large (more than 10 Allied against Neutral
enemy divisions) battles (yields three DI). If an allied nation declares war on a neutral nation, the latter will immediately join
the opposing alliance closest to its own alignment that is at war with the aggressor. If
there is no opposing alliance at war with the attacker, the neutral nation will stay neu-
Alignment tral and fight on its own; unless its independence has been guaranteed by a member
Each nation has alliance tendencies. From joining one of the three factions to being of another alliance, in which case that nation will have to decide on whether it wishes
only slightly influenced, nations are never completely neutral. The major powers nor- to honor its guarantee by declaring war on the aggressor alliance. If at any time the
mally cannot change their alignment, the exception being if the regime should fall in neutral nation joins another alliance, that alliance will declare war against the aggres-
a coup, civil war or as the result of foreign intervention (e.g. Vichy France). The minors sor alliance.
however, constantly move about on the alignment triangle. All other neutral countries will be upset to some degree (1-10 alignment points
In the case of minor nations, the alignment should not simply be regarded as the away from your ideology), but bordering neutrals will be completely horrified (10-30
actual policy of the government (although that sets the “baseline”), but also how alignment points away from your ideology).
frightened and pressured the nation feels by the three political blocs. Thus, minor
nation alignment tends to lean towards the bloc with the strongest presence near its Allied against Allied
borders as well as to the side that appears to be winning the war. If a member of one alliance declares war on a member of another alliance, those two
The major powers will attempt to influence key minors by using their Diplomatic alliances will be at war with each other. Neutral countries will react with worry, but
Influence to change minor countries’ alignment. Let’s take a look at the three alli- the effect on their alignment will not be great (1-5 alignment points away from the attacker’s
ances. ideology).
The Alliances
There are only three possible alliances in Hearts of Iron: Axis, Allies, and Communist Neutral against Neutral
International (Comintern). At the start of the game in 1936, Germany alone consti- A neutral nation may declare war on another neutral nation. If the aggressor is a
tutes the “Axis” alliance, Britain the “Allies”, and the Soviet Union the “Comintern” minor power, there will be no global political repercussions, but if it is a major power,
alliance. the alignments of neutral countries will shift away from its alignment (just as in the
“allied against neutral” case above). If the defender has its independence guaranteed
The Axis by a member of an alliance and they choose to honor their commitment, the attacker
Fascist (in game terms, that also includes Japan) nations may only join the Axis alli- will join an alliance at war with the other one, if such an alliance exists. In fact, if at
ance, which is headed by Germany. A nation is considered Fascist if its alignment is any time one side joins an alliance, the other will immediately seek to join an alliance at
close to the Fascist point of view. war with that one.

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Diplomatic Actions possible unless your ally is in very dire straits. If you are both human players, you
You may perform a variety of diplomatic actions in Hearts of Iron. From declaring war will have joint control over the units, but the owner must keep them in supply.
to suing for peace, if the leaders of the Second World War could do it, so can you. Send Expeditionary Force: This is an offer to grant control over one of your task
To access the diplomatic actions click on the Diplomacy Screen icon/button. It is the forces to one of your allies, or to a neutral country. It will still be considered one of
right-hand button in the bank of four buttons at the top right of the main screen. Once your units, and you will have to supply it. If you are a human and you grant control
you have clicked on the button the map’s provinces will color code to indicate their to another human player, you will both have joint control over it. Right clicking on
owner. Click on a province of a country you wish to interact with and the Diplomatic it and choosing “Reassume Control” can reassert full control. Granting control of a
Actions Sub-menu will appear. Depending on the circumstances the following actions task force has a positive effect on the alignment of the receiving nation, balanced
are available: by a corresponding negative effect for reassuming control over it. Examples of this
Declare War: The effects vary depending on the alliances: If not a member of any alli- from real history would include the German task force sent to help Franco, and the
ance, the attacked nation immediately joins the opposing alliance at war with the Italian units fighting in the Soviet Union.
attacker closest to its own alignment, if such an alliance exists. If the defender is Annex Nation: Nations with all of their key points occupied by you or your alliance
part of an alliance, that alliance declares war on the attacker. If the attacker in will accept annexation by the invading power(s). Clicking on a province may identify
turn is neutral, it joins any possible alliance that is at war with the defender’s alli- key points. If the Province Menu displays a Star in the upper righthand corner with a
ance. So, if Sweden, being neutral, attacks Poland, which is Allied, Sweden would number in it, the province contains a key point. For example, Germany’s key points
join the Axis, if Axis and Allies were at war. are Berlin, Königsberg, Kiel, Ruhr, and München.
Bring into Alliance: This attempt is not a sure thing. The action is only available if If the occupied nation was the leader of an alliance, another member of the alliance
you are part of an alliance and the target nation is both neutral and close to your own will be considered the new leader. If there are no more members in the alliance, it has
alignment; the closer the alignment and the greater the gap between you in power, been defeated, and the game may end depending on these conditions:
the better the chance of success. If the action succeeds, the nation immediately If the Soviet Union was on the winning side as a member of the Axis or Allies, it will
joins your alliance. automatically withdraw from that alliance and reform the Comintern. The game will
Join Alliance: Only available to neutral countries and the Soviet Union. It is a request not end unless the players choose to end it at this point.
to join the alliance of the target nation. Somewhat unrealistically, that nation alone If the Soviet Union is the last surviving member of the Axis or Allied alliance, it will
will then decide whether to accept the request or not. If the alliance is at war, the withdraw from that alliance and reform the Comintern. The game will not end, and the
joining nation will also join the war. Allies are always dear, so this action never Comintern will be at war with the other surviving alliance.
fails. If there is now only one alliance left in the game, it will end in victory for that alli-
Leave Alliance: Only available to members of alliances. This is quite unusual, and ance.
possible only if the alliance (and therefore you) is not at war. Once the alliance goes
towar, you must sue for separate peace with the enemy in order to leave the alli- Annexation of nations has tremendous impact on the political views of other nations.
ance. It awards much DI and tends to pull nations already aligned towards you even
Influence Nation: This is an attempt to pull the alignment of the target nation closer to closer, while further alienating those who are already your enemies.
yours. If successful, the target country’s alignment moves closer to yours.
Stage Coup d’etat: Attempts to overthrow the government of another nation. Only Liberate Nation: If you control two thirds or more of a previously annexed nation’s
possible if the government of the target nation is not of the same type as yours key points you can choose to liberate that nation. Any units you may have inherited
(Communist, Fascist or Democrat). A coup is much less likely to succeed if it from that nation (usually fleets) will immediately revert to its control, as will all of
requires that the Head of State be replaced, which is the case if his personality does its provinces under your control. The rest will remain occupied. The liberated nation
not allow any form of your ideology. If successful the government switches sides. If will join your alliance and be of its general alignment prior to annexation, but pulled
unsuccessful there is a slight chance that a civil war will break out in the country. a good deal towards your alignment.
Trade Agreement: If successful (alignment check), the target nation agrees to provide Install Puppet Regime: A nation with more than two thirds of its key points occupied
you with all its surplus raw materials (raw materials it does not need for its own indus- may have its government replaced with a puppet regime by the aggressor. The pup-
tries). You still need to transport these to your industries though (but you may now pet regime will be aligned with the occupier, will immediately cede any natural
enter their ports with convoys). territorial claims to the occupier and join his alliance. (Its units will remain under
Transit Agreement: Transit agreement allows troops to move through a neutral country its own control however.) Fleets at sea will randomly join either the puppet regime
between two controlled territories. You may not end your move in neutral territory. or a member of its former alliance. The owners of the ports will control fleets in
Assume Military Control: You ask an ally for military control of their units. If success- ports. The same goes for armies and air flotillas on foreign ground. Colonial territo-
ful, you get to control the military units of your ally (but not his production, diplo- ries (physically separated from the motherland) will randomly go to either the new
macy or research efforts). This requires a great amount of DI, and is usually not regime or the other members of its former alliance.

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Demand Territory: Some nations have territorial claims on other nations. These are all Click your country’s flag in the top right of the Main Screen to access
hardwired special cases (for example Germany claims Austria, Czechoslovakia, Polish your Government’s Screen. The Screen displays a list of your govern-
corridor, Elsass, and Lothringen) that correspond to historical claims. If you have such ment’s ministers.Click a minister’s portrait to bring up the Minister Sub-
a claim on another nation, you may demand that territory. If the nation refuses, this menu. Under the minister’s information on the Minister Sub-menu are
diplomatic action will result in war. However, this type of war is a little special, since alternate ministers eligible for the minister. Click on an eligible replace-
the defending nation has the option of giving in to your demand at any time, ending ment to replace the current minister. Click the Back button to return to
the war (see Sue for Peace below) and automatically withdrawing from any alliance it the Government Menu.
was a part of. Naturally, the nation you demand territory from is not going to like you
better for it, regardless of whether it chooses to defend its own claim or not.
Share Research: Using this action, a player can hand over his discoveries in a given There are two factors that affect a minister’s performance:
research area to another nation, usually an ally. It is of course a very friendly action,
and will no doubt pull the receiving country closer to your own alignment.
Loyalty
Sue for Peace: This is always an option, but is usually unlikely to be accepted. If
This hidden value represents the minister’s loyalty towards the present Head of
the war was a result of a claim on some of your provinces, you can opt to give them
Government and works almost exactly the same way as for military leaders. It does
up, which will automatically result in peace and kick you out of your alliance (if
not apply to the “ministers” Head of Government and Head of State.
you are a part of one). However, in regular wars, the other side will have to decide
Very high values indicate that the minister never takes individual action.
whether to accept your peace offer or not. If the enemy accepts, peace will be restored
High values indicate that the minister seldom takes individual action.
between your enemy (and his alliance) and you (and your alliance). You can also go for
Medium values indicate that the minister is individualistic and sometimes acts on impulse.
separate peace, which will kick you out of your alliance and return you to a state of
Low values mean that the minister often ignores directives from the player, and if the
peace.However, alliance leaders cannot sue for separate peace.
government form is democratic he might attempt to bring about a new election.
Very low values mean that the minister might resort to desperate and treasonous acts
such as defection, sabotage or staging a coup d’etat. With each minister is listed his
Variables personality trait. This trait affects how he (or she) does his or her job. Left click on
Each of the above diplomatic actions is influenced by several factors. This includes any minister to call up the Minster Sub-menu read a briefing on the minister.
the ideology difference of the respective heads of state (different ideologies are
National Socialist, Fascist, Paternal Autocrat, Liberal-Conservative, Centrist, Reformed
Socialist, Left Wing Radical, Leninist, and Stalinist). The closer the ideologies are on Minister Personalities
this list, the more likely the heads of state will see eye to eye. The number of friendly Note that there are a plethora of personalities. Each serves its purpose. This is similar
and enemy divisions on the border of your target state also affect you diplomatic action. to the military leaders’ special abilities, but usually with negative aspects tied to the
The more friendly divisions there are, the more likely that you will achieve the result positive. E.g. a minister might be highly biased and very good at his specialty, but at the
that you are looking for. Some Foreign Minister Personality types (see Internal Politics) cost of neglecting other areas. We’ll look at each below as we examine their respective
get bonuses and penalties for interacting with minor countries, major countries, coun- cabinet positions.
tries of the same ideology or different ideology, etc. This bonus or penalty is always 5%.

The Opposition
Internal Politics No Leader is loved by all. Although all Hearts of Iron nations have a government, they
There is more to politics than the interaction of also have two or three sets of dissidents: Fascist countries have hidden Democrat and
countries. Also important are the internal politics Communist movements, Communist countries have Democrat and Fascist movements,
of a country. The key concepts of internal politics and Democratic countries have Fascist and Communist movements and a Democratic
are Ministers, Government Forms and Dissent, opposition of a different political leaning.
which all affect the efficiency of the state appara- These dissident movements have their own sets of ministers that the player cannot see...
tus in more or less subtle ways. Whether replacing at least as long as they remain nothing but dissidents. However, these ministers may be acti-
ministers, or interacting with shadow cabinets, vated as a result of Civil Wars, Coups, and Installation of Puppet Regimes or lost Elections.
Hearts of Iron’s internal politics engine will draw Which dissident group becomes active depends on the present political Alignment in the
you into the game. case of Civil Wars and Coups, and the Government Form of the occupier in the case of
Puppet Regimes.

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bonus and a positive interaction bonus with all countries belonging to an ideology
Cabinet Positions and Minister that is not the same as his country.
Personalities – Iron-fisted Brute: The Iron-fisted Brute is a simple man who has risen in rank either
Below is a list of the cabinet positions. Additionally, we list the various personalities thanks to the military or the party. He views the world in black and white: those
that may be associated with the post. who eat and those who are eaten. Often very brutish and sometimes a sociopath,
the Iron-fisted Brute makes policies without remorse. This minister gets a positive
interaction bonus with all countries smaller or weaker (in military units) than his
Head of State own. However, every time his country makes a Declaration of War, Annexes Country,
The Head of State is the symbol of the Nation and the People. He can only be removed Installs a Puppet Regime, or launches a Coup d’etat; all other countries will be
by natural death or a successful coup. He does not have a skill, loyalty or a personal- more upset than usual.
ity. Instead his sole function is determining which ideologies his country may belong – Great Compromiser: The Great Compromiser is an easy-going and amiable fellow
to and of what shades they may be. Within the Fascist ideology the different shades liked by most. Often he is a sage-like old man and a professional diplomat with
are Paternal Autocrat, Fascist and National Socialist. The Communist ideology has many years of service, tactful and experienced. He has the ability to forge lasting
Left Wing Radical, Leninist and Stalinist, while the Democratic ideology has Reformed friendships and to bind the wills of many into one, striving towards the same goal.
Socialist, Centrist and Liberal-Conservative. Both the Government and the Opposition This minister gets a large positive interaction bonus when his country performs:
must be of ideological subtypes acceptable to the Head of State. Ask to join Alliance, Bring into Alliance, Trade Agreement, Lend-Lease Agreement
and Share Research. His country can also perform ‘Leave Alliance’ without any negative
effects.
Head of Government – General Staffer: An ex-military man or teacher at the war college, the General
The Head of Government directs the overall war efforts of your country. He does not Staffer has resettled in the field of Foreign Affairs; a subject that was always his
have a skill or loyalty. Instead his personality determines the behavior of his country if ‘hobby’. The General Staffer most likely follows his old military notion of politics
it is a computer controlled nation, as well as the ideological subtype of the nation. Thus and is focused on diplomacy through military might. However, by doing that, the
for every Head of Government there is an AI file based on his historical personality. General Staffer is often deemed a simpleminded man, lacking in imagination and
extremely boring. This minister gets a price reduction (DIs) when performing:
Request Specific Attack, Assume Military Control, Send Expeditionary Force,
Foreign Minister Guarantee Independence, and Declare War. However the price is raised (DIs) when
The Minister of Foreign Affairs is your head diplomat. The effects of a disloyal Foreign performing Influence Nation, Trade Agreement, Annex Nation, Install Puppet
Minister are increasingly important autonomous diplomatic actions followed by pos- Regime, and Lend-Lease Agreement.
sible defection or even a coup d’etat. – The Cloak-n-Dagger Schemer: The Cloak-n-Dagger Schemer is a very secretive
Foreign Minister Personality Types person. He prefers unorthodox plans and constantly seeks weaknesses to exploit
– Biased Intellectual: The Biased Intellectual is a refined academic intellectual, among his slower victims. Often the Cloak-n-Dagger Schemer has got a back-
whose scholarly work has biased his judgment of other countries and people. The ground in the Secret Service and that experience makes him sly and uninformative.
Biased Intellectual is often arrogant and witty against those of his dislike and Basically the Cloak-n-Dagger Schemer is not a great diplomat but he is so unpre-
overly fawning and ingratiating towards those he likes. dictable that in the end he often gets what he wants. This minister gets a negative
– Ideological Crusader: The Ideological Crusader views himself as a devoted propo- interaction bonus with all major powers, and a slightly negative bonus when making
nent of his political system, but to others he is an extremist. If a fascist, he judges ‘Influence Nation’ attempts. However he gets a bonus when performing Coup-d’etat and
all non-fascist as weak and decadent. If a democrat, he would rather lose a war at a price reduction. He can also Install Puppet Regimes without negative effects.
than complying with any demands from a non-democrat. If a communist, he views
democrats as evil capitalists and fascists as evil pseudo capitalists. When it comes Minister of Armament
to ideology it is impossible to argue with him since he has already found his salva- The Minister of Armament directs production and research (though NOT the three
tion. This minister gets a basic positive loyalty bonus, a positive interaction bonus doctrine areas). The Minister of Armament is typically biased towards one of more
with all countries of the same ideology, and a negative bonus with all countries of cherished areas of research. The effects of a disloyal Minister of Armament are
different ideologies. increasingly autonomous research settings (he may not change the total amount of IC
– Apologetic Clerk: The Apologetic Clerk is often a brilliant man, but either lacks allocated to research however).
inner strength or is so filled with doubt over the political system of his own country
that he is inconsistent to a fault. An Apologetic Clerk might also be a man that truly Minister of Armament Personality Types
believes in the righteousness of his political system, but unfortunately also believes – Administrative Genius: The Administrative Genius is an ardent laborer, who uses
that the other side will win the war. This minister gets a basic negative loyalty his personnel and modern techniques to the utmost to improve the war effort. The

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Administrative Genius is often a young engineer or scientist, freethinking and research category Aircraft Propulsion and Design. Applied research projects that
innovative. He always tries to be ‘objective’ and ‘impartial’ to further the common are made eligible for choosing are more likely within air-to-air and air-to-ground
good. This minister gives a significant bonus to the total Industrial Capacity of his improvements than other types.
country. – Air-to-Sea Proponent: This minister gets a large bonus to the theoretical research
– Resource Industrialist: The Resource Industrialist is usually a civilian from the category Aircraft Propulsion and Design. Applied research projects that are made
heavy industry that has been appointed to govern the industrial efforts of the eligible for choosing are more likely within air-to-air and air-to-sea improvements
nation. He always tries to run the country as the coalmine back home, improving than other types.
and expanding its base. As such he is great, but he sometimes tends to neglect the – Strategic Air Proponent: This minister gets a large bonus to the theoretical
finer points of armament industry. This minister gives a small bonus to the total research category Aircraft Propulsion and Design. Applied research projects that
Industrial Capacity of his country, and a large bonus to some Industrial Technology. are made eligible for choosing are more likely within air-to-air and strategic bomber
Many projects that are made eligible for choice are more likely within Industrial improvements than other types.
improvements than usual.
– Laissez-Faires Capitalist: The Laissez-Faires Capitalist is a specialist on market
economy. It is his firmest opinion that no changes are needed, but that the good old Minister of Security
invisible hand will best direct the resources of the Nation, war or no war. This min- The Minister of Security directs the secret police and propaganda machine (dampens
ister gives a bonus to the total output on the Consumer Products slider. the effects of dissent). As with most Ministers he might act on his own and without
– Theoretical Scientist: The Theoretical Scientist is a brilliant old professor picked your consent, and this is proportional to his loyalty value. A disloyal Minister of
out from the nations leading university. He is of course a specialist in science -both Security is a very dangerous thing; he is the most likely to attempt a coup d’etat and
theoretical and applied. However he sometimes has a hard time giving priority assassinations as well as the most likely to succeed...
tomilitary matters, especially when great exploits in the civilian sectors can be
attained. This often makes him a proponent of the more neutral areas of Electronics Minister of Security Personality Types
and Communication, but sometimes if he is eccentric enough, Secret Weapons is – Silent Lawyer: The Silent Lawyer directs his department with little imagination and
his preferred field. This minister gets a bonus to Electronics and Communications creativity, but he is just. This minister gets slightly decreased dissent levels and
and secret weapons. Applied research projects that are made eligible for choice are slightly decreased resistance levels in occupied provinces.
more likely within Electronics and Communications than other. – Compassionate Gentleman: The Compassionate Gentleman is a jovial man who wishes
– Military Entrepreneur: The Military Entrepreneur is a former military man, pos- to please all. The population regularly likes him, but he is known to be soft on
sibly an old fighter from the Great War. He knows his priority and that is to get crimes and terrorism. This minister gets moderately decreased dissent levels, but
the guns and the butter to the troopers on the front. This priority often neglects slightly increased resistance levels in occupied territories.
the finer points of science. This minister gets a bonus to the total Transportation – Crime Fighter: The Crime Fighter has devoted his life to combat crime wherever it
Infrastructure and to the output of Supplies. shows its face. However, sometimes the law needs some bending for the common
– Battle Fleet Proponent: This man is not only an able administrator and politician; good. This minister gets slightly increased dissent levels, but moderately decreased
he is also a meddler in Grand Strategy. He is biased for one branch of the Armed resistance levels in occupied territories.
Forces. This might come from having belonged to it for a long period of time or – Prince of Terror: The Prince of Terror lives by the rule: it is better to be feared than
from being sure that only if this branch is well developed enough will his homeland to be loved. However, extreme amounts of violence may actually increase dissent,
win the war. This minister gets a large bonus to Warship Design research. Applied a factor the Prince of Terror is unable to see. This minister gets slightly increased
research projects that are made eligible for choosing are more likely surface ship dissent levels, but substantially decreased resistance levels in occupied territories.
improvements than other types. – Back Stabber: The Back Stabber uses his position to root out dissent and disloyal
– Submarine Proponent: This minister gets a large bonus to Warship Design research. elements within the elite, but he is unable to cope with occupied territories because
Applied research projects that are made eligible for choosing are more likely subma- of his untrustworthiness. This minister doubles his chances of knowing the loyalty
rine improvements than other types. of ministers and military leaders. However he will sometimes randomly assassinate
– Tank Proponent: This minister gets a large bonus to Armored Vehicle Design personal opponents.
research. Applied research projects that are made eligible for choosing are more likely – Man of the People: The Man of the People knows how to talk to both low and high
armored vehicle improvements than other types. in society. For him it is a crusade to ease the burdens of the poor people. However,
– Infantry Proponent: This minister gets a large bonus to the theoretical research he is in an awkward position when trying to help people in the occupied zones, and
category Infantry Equipment. Applied research projects that are made eligible for his hands are bound by the Military. This minister gets substantially decreased dis-
choosing are more likely infantry improvements than other types. sent levels, but substantially increased resistance levels in occupied territories.
– Air-to-Ground Proponent: This minister gets a large bonus to the theoretical – Efficient Sociopath: The Efficient Sociopath has no remorse and uses any means nec-
essary to further his goals. However, he always works in the shadows, trying to hide

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his personal perversions and the excess violence of his minions from the population Maneuver and Speed is the essence of modern warfare. This minister gets a bonus
and his fellow ministers. This minister gets substantially decreased dissent levels, to the speed value of all land units, and a small bonus to all blitz attacks.
and substantially decreased resistance levels in occupied territories. However, he – School of Fire Support: This Chief of Staff belongs to an educational tradition called
also decreases the loyalty of all military leaders and fellow ministers. the School of Fire Support that teaches and regulates strategy and tactics where
Fire Support is the essence of modern warfare. This minister gets a bonus to the theo-
retical research category Artillery and Rocketry. He also gets a slight price reduc-
Head of Military Intelligence tion for the artillery components of the army units.
The Chief of Military Intelligence directs your efforts in the realms of intelligence. – School of Mass Combat: This man belongs to an educational tradition called the
As most Ministers he might act on his own and without your consent, and this is School of Mass Combat (or People’s War) that teaches and regulates strategy and
proportional to his loyalty value. A disloyal Head of Military Intelligence might leak tactics where mass formations and guerrilla tactics are the essence of modern
information to the enemy and decrease the chance of success for your spies and agents warfare. This minister gets a bonus that increases the manpower level of the home
abroad. provinces every quarter (year). He also significantly increases the guerrilla activity
level of every national province that is occupied by another country.
Military Intelligence Personality Types – School of Psychology: This man believes Morale and Small-unit leadership are the
– Technical Specialist: The Technical Specialist concentrates his efforts on the study essence of modern warfare. This minister gets a bonus to the Organization value of
of modernization of foreign equipment and units to draw conclusions on how to best all land units, but a penalty to all blitz attacks.
defeat him. This Minister increases the chance of stealing enemy applied research – School of Defense: This Chief of Staff believes Militia and Strategic Depth are the
breakthroughs. essence of modern warfare. This minister gets a very large cost reduction to rush-
– Logistics Specialist: The Logistics specialist uses the old General Staff technique of produced units. However, rush-produced units may never be upgraded. He also gets
monitoring the movement of supplies to learn where a new threat is mounting. This the bonus that all land units in national provinces are always considered ‘dug-in’.
Minister reports large concentrations of enemy supply points from time to time, as
well as increasing the chance of tracking enemy land units.
– Political Specialist: The Political Specialist uses his ‘technical embassy personnel’ Chief of Army
to fight a secret war of counter-intelligence with the enemy. This Minister gets a The Chief of Army directs your Army Doctrine efforts. A disloyal Chief of Army is very
subtractive bonus when Enemy Nations stage coup d’etats in a third country, and dangerous; he will issue commands of his own to the armies and might start a civil
gets a positive bonus when his own country stages a coup d’etat. war.
– Dismal Enigma: The Dismal Enigma is a man of secrets, and if he were not able to
produce an Ace of Intelligence from time to time he would have lost his job ages Chief of Army Personality Types
ago. This Minister increases the chance of stealing technology from other nations. – Elastic Defense Doctrine: This Chief of Army believes that deploying a thin defense
Sometimes, but very rarely, he manages to acquire complete knowledge of all enemy line with heavily armed infantry and deploying replacements and assault teams in the
forces. second lines are essential for wearing down the enemy and for winning the war. This
– Industrial Specialist: The Industrial Specialist concentrates his efforts on the open minister gives a 10% defense modifier to Mechanized Infantry divisions that defend
industrial and economic sources of the enemy and thus often learns what will come and slightly decrease Build Costs and Build Times for anti-tank components.
by analyzing what they are producing at the moment. This Minister reports enemy – Static Defense Doctrine: This Chief of Army directs the utilization of the Ground
country production plans from time to time. forces by the doctrine of Static Defense. This means that deploying several defense
– Naval Intelligence Specialist: This character specializes in naval intelligence. He lines with fortified infantry and substantial artillery assets in the rear is essential
gives a significant bonus to the detection of enemy naval units, including subma- for wearing down the enemy. This minister gives a 10% defense modifier to Regular
rines. and Motorized Infantry divisions that defend and slightly decreased Build Costs and
Build Times for artillery components and fortifications.
Chief of Staff – Decisive Battle Doctrine: This Chief of Army believes that concentrating large
The Chief of Staff directs your Armed Forces. As all Ministers he might act on his own amounts of superior attacking troops and forcing the enemy to commit inferior
and without your consent, and this is proportional to his loyalty value. A disloyal Chief troops is essential to wear down the enemy and win the war. This minister gives
of Staff typically begins demoting, promoting and firing military leaders on his own. In a 10% bonus to the attack value of Mechanized Infantry, Infantry, and Armor that
the worst possible scenario, he might initiate a civil war. attack, but increased dissent for units of these kinds that are destroyed and for lost battles
in general.
Chief of Staff Personality Types – Armored Spearhead Doctrine: This Chief of Army directs the utilization of the Ground
– School of Maneuver: This Chief of Staff belongs to an educational tradition called forces by the doctrine of Armored Spearheads. This means that spear heading speedy
the School of Maneuver that teaches and regulates strategy and tactics where offensives with tank units followed up with encircling infantry are essential for wear-

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ing down the enemy and for winning the war. This minister gives a 10% bonus to the
attack and defense values of attacking mechanized and armored divisions, slightly Chief of Air Force
decreased Build Costs and Build Times for Engineer components, but slightly The Chief of Air Force leads your air force and sets its doctrine. As all Ministers he
increased Build Costs and Build Times for Artillery components and Infantry. might act on his own and without your consent, and this is proportional to his loyalty
– Guns and Butter Doctrine: This Chief of Army directs the utilization of the Ground value.
forces by the doctrine of Guns and Butter. He feels that it is best to allow the opera-
tional commanders to command and focus his energies on ensuring the best possible Chief of Air Force Personality Types:
logistical support for the army. This minister grants a large bonus to the theoretical – Air Superiority Doctrine: This Chief of Air Force believes that to win the war it is
research category Logistics and Engineering. AR projects that are discovered are essential to control the skies above the battlefield. He gets slightly decreased Build
more likely logistics and engineering improvements than other types. Costs and Build Times for Fighters and Anti-Aircraft components of army units,
but slightly increased Build Costs and Build Times for Strategic Bombers, Ground
Bombers and Naval Bombers.
– Naval Aviation Doctrine: This man orders his pilots to work closely with the Navy
Chief of Navy and destroy the enemy Navy, preferably by bombing it into metal shards. This minis-
The Chief of Navy directs your navy and Naval Doctrine. Like all Ministers he might ter gets substantially decreased Build Costs and Build Times for Naval Bombers,
act on his own and without your consent, and this is proportional to his loyalty value. but slightly increased Build Cost and Build Time for Ground Bombers and Strategic
A disloyal Chief of Navy might issue independent orders to his subordinate admirals. I Bombers.
hate it when that happens. – Army Aviation Doctrine: This Chief of Air Force directs the utilization of the Air
forces by the doctrine of Army Aviation. This means that in order to win the war it
Chief of Navy Personality Types is essential to work closely with the Army and destroy the enemy land forces, pref-
– Open Seas Doctrine: This Chief of Navy believes that the control of sea-lanes to erably by bombing them to pieces. This minister gets slightly decreased Build Costs
far-flung resources is essential for winning the war. This minister gets slightly and Build Times for Ground Bombers, but slightly increased Build Cost and Build
decreased Build Costs and Build Times for Convoys, Transports and Destroyers, but Time for Naval Bombers.
slightly increased Build Costs and Build Times for Submarines. – Carpet Bombing Doctrine: This Chief of Air Force directs his generals to grind down
– Decisive Battle Doctrine: This man believes that in order to win the war it is essential the enemy transportation network and industrial plants, and to demoralize the
to amass a large battle fleet and destroy the enemy’s force on the High Seas. This enemy population by terror bombing. This minister get substantially decreased Build
minister gets slightly decreased Build Costs and Build Times for Battleships and Costs and Build Times for Strategic Bombers, but slightly increased Build Cost and
Cruisers, but slightly increased Build Costs and Build Times for Aircraft Carriers Build Time for Naval Bombers, Ground Bombers and Transports.
and Naval Aircraft. – Vertical Envelopment Doctrine: This Chief of Air Force believes that to win the war
– Power Projection Doctrine: This Chief of Navy directs the utilization of the Naval it is essential to seize strategic terrain or bridgeheads by air to quickly enable the
forces by the doctrine of Power Projection, which means that by concentrating all Army to achieve a breakthrough. This minister get slightly decreased Build Costs
power from aircraft, torpedoes and artillery fire into a suitable area a good chance and Build Times for Airborne units and Transport Aircraft, but slightly increased
for winning the war is ensured. This minister get slightly decreased Build Costs and Build Costs and Build Times for Strategic Bombers.
Build Times for Aircraft Carriers and Naval Aircraft, but slightly increased Build
Costs and Build Times for Battleships and Cruisers. Dissent
– Indirect Approach Doctrine: This Chief of Navy thinks that to win the war it is essen- Dissent is an insidious killer that will plague all Hearts of Iron players. Dissent can
tial to avoid decisive battle and instead destroy the enemy’s convoys and warships turn the head of the most loyal general or even spark a rebellion. The current dissent
piecemeal. This minister gets slightly decreased Build Costs and Build Times for level is displayed on the Main Screen Status Bar. There are several keys that affect
Submarines, but slightly increased Build Costs and Build Times for Destroyers, dissent.
Transports and Convoys. Consumer Goods: Hungry people are unhappy people. Make sure that you feed your
– Base Control Doctrine: This Chief of Navy believes that in order to win the war people well. You can ensure your population receives enough consumer goods by check-
it is essential to strike directly at the enemy bases (ports and islands), and take ing the Consumer Goods slider on the Production Screen. The amount of consumer
control of them with air and land forces. This minister get slightly decreased Build goods needed to satisfy the population is indicated under the slider.
Costs and Build Times for Amphibious units, Transports and Naval Bombers, but The Winds of War: Military victories decrease dissent. Great victories decrease it
slightly increased Build Costs and Build Times for Destroyers, Cruisers and Ground greatly. Conquer a country, and your people will love you. Lose a province and they
Bombers. will be less thrilled. The rule of thumb is simple: winning lessens dissent, losing
increases it. If an ally is defeated your dissent will also increase, but by how much
depends on the type of government. The more open the government (read democ-

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racy) the more dissent will be fostered by an ally’s ill fortune. On the other hand, Below the Channel Select drop down menu is a list of the players in the current chan-
annexing a neutral country will increase dissent in a democracy and decrease dis- nel. On the top right of the screen is a list of current games in the channel. Click on
sent in a fascist or communist government. a game and its information will pour into the Game Info box. Click Join to join your
selected game. Click Host to start your game. Press Back to return to the previous
menu.
The Effects of Dissent Clicking Internet from the Multiplayer Screen pops up the Internet Menu. Click
Dissent is a bad thing. As dissent rises, production and research falls. Rising dissent Host and enter your IP address to host a game. Run Winipcfg.exe from your Windows
also keys unrest in occupied countries, which in turn may trigger the appearance of Run menu to display IP address. You may already enter an existing Internet game’s IP
small, weak, yet troublesome guerrilla armies. Your cabinet ministers will become less address and click Join. Click Back to return to the previous menu.
cooperative as their loyalty fades. If dissent reaches catastrophic levels civil war could
ensue. World War II: Its Origins and
Dissent affects the government types differently. Democracies are the most sus-
ceptible to dissent. Accordingly, they must keep an eagle eye on its level and keep a Conclusion
healthy supply of consumer goods flowing to their citizens. Fascists are not as suscep- The Second World War, which lasted from 1939 until 1945, touched virtually every
tible, and communists are the least susceptible of all. Conversely the frequent commu- continent. The two sides in this far-reaching conflagration were the Axis powers (major
nist purges thin their leaders’ ranks and make for inefficient production. nations: Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allies (major nations: France, Great Britain,
the U.S., the Soviet Union, and, to a lesser extent, China). In many ways, this great
conflict picked up where World War I had left off 20 years earlier. Between 40 and 50
million people died, which makes World War II the bloodiest war in human history.
Multiplayer Together, the two World Wars represent many great 20th-century turning points. As
Make no mistake, Hearts of Iron has a strong arti- a result of these upheavals, the Soviet Union extended its power into Eastern Europe,
ficial intelligence, but even the strongest AI can’t the foundation was laid for a powerful Chinese Communist movement, and world power
match a human opponent. That’s where multiplayer shifted away from Western Europe towards the U.S. and U.S.S.R.
gaming enters the scene. Click Multiplayer on
Hearts of Iron’s opening screen to see the Multiplayer
Screen. The multiplayer screen has the following
options: The Path to Global War: A Time
Line
Local Area: Play a multiplayer game on your local The treaty that marked the end of the Great War represented a French, British, and
area network (LAN). American attempt to create a stable world order. France wanted to modify German
Valkyrienet: Play a multiplayer game on the Paradox boundaries drastically, but it settled for familiar guarantees of continued British and
game server, Valkyrienet. American military support. In the end, such support failed to materialize. France’s
Internet: Play a multiplayer game over the Internet. proposal of a worldwide police force was rejected. The U.S. and Great Britain satisfied
Back: Return to the previous screen. themselves with the league’s creation and never really invested anything in enforcing the
Enter Your Game: Enter your gaming name. You know, something snazzy, like Joe or treaty.
Elmer. Although the boundaries that the treaty stipulated were awkward, Germany was
able to recover. True, the treaty’s reparations clauses were unrealistic and went far
Clicking Local Area pops up a screen that allows you to either choose to Host a game, to promote German inflation and economic collapse, but in the end, Germany paid
choose to Join an existing game or return to the previous screen by pressing the Back less for reparations than it received in the foreign loans it never repaid. The German
button. middle class, embittered by their nation’s damaged economy, turned against its govern-
ment and put Hitler in power. Hitler used the treaty’s harshness to gain power at home
Clicking Valkyrienet displays the Valkyrienet and to generate sympathy abroad. He pointed to it again and again as he precipitated
Connection Screen. political crises after the war.
No real justification existed for Germany’s move toward war, and it always had the
The Chat Panel on the left side of the screen dis- power to avert it. By failing to enforce the treaty and to make economic concessions
plays current channel members’ chat. To chat, type early enough to prevent war, the Allies made Hitler’s way easy.
your message and hit enter. Next to the Chat Panel
is the Channel Select drop down menu. Select the
channel you wish to join by double-clicking on it.

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1919 1921
Delegates from 27 victorious nations attended the Versailles Peace Conference, held This year saw numerous political upheavals and assassinations. Portugal had a revolu-
near Paris in January 1919, where the League of Nations was born by unanimous reso- tion when a founder of its young republic was assassinated. In Japan, a fanatic assas-
lution. Its members pledged to protect each other against aggression and to devote sinated Prime Minister Takashi Hara. Russia gave up special rights in Persia after a
themselves to issues of disarmament, labor legislation, and world health. The Treaty bloodless coup there, and V.I. Lenin gave Persia joint command of the Caspian Sea.
of Versailles, signed on June 28, stipulated that Germany accept sole responsibility In Morocco, Rifs defeated Spanish forces – killing 12,000 of Spain’s 20,000 men – at
for having caused the Great War. It forced Germany to give back territories it had the Battle of Anua. The Spanish general committed suicide and news of the disaster
claimed in past conquests, including the Alsace-Lorraine (representing most of its iron caused a crisis in Madrid. An anarchist assassinated the Spanish prime minister.
ore reserves) to France and other areas to Belgium and Poland, and to relinquish its To prove that a strategic air force could render large navies obsolete, American
colonies to the Allies. The treaty demanded that Germany pay billions of dollars in war general William Mitchell sank a former German battleship with Martin M-2 bombers,
reparations, hand over merchant and fishing vessels, and deliver large quantities of twin-engine biplanes with a top speed of 98 m.p.h. The first U.S. aircraft carrier, the
coal to Belgium, France, and Italy over a 10-year period. U.S.S. Jupiter, made from a converted coal ship, was unveiled.
Germany established a new republic at Weimar and adopted a new constitution in As the Russian economy collapsed, Russian sailors mutinied at Kronstadt.
July, but communist and monarchist uprisings continued to rock the nation. In Russia, Bolshevik authorities put down the mutiny after much bloodshed. Bolshevik authori-
Moscow held the Third International and founded the Comintern to unite Communist ties opened the Holmoger concentration camp at Archangel. It was the first such camp
groups all around the world and produce global revolution. However, the country since the end of the Boer War in 1902. (Moscow would establish many more; 10 mil-
remained embroiled in a civil war between the Bolshevik Red Army and the (Allies- lion prisoners died in them over the ensuing 32 years.)
supported) White Army. Romania annexed Transylvania. Bolsheviks overthrew the 1922
Hungarian government, but monarchists regained control. Romanian forces invaded The year 1922 saw new treaties, new violence, and continued political and economic
Hungary, took Budapest, and plundered the country, but finally were induced to with- convulsions in the wake of the Great War.
draw. Montenegro deposed its king and joined Yugoslavia. France gained control of Japan returned Shandong province to China, where rival warlords engaged in civil
Syria from Turkey and of Togo and Cameroon from Germany. war. A Washington conference on naval arms limits ended with a treaty stipulating
The U.S. Senate rejected both the Versailles Treaty and membership in the League that Britain, France, Italy, Japan, and the U.S. would build no new ships heavier than
of Nations. President Wilson, who suffered a stroke in October, was too feeble to fight 10,000 tons with no guns larger than 8 inches wide for 10 years. Submarine warfare
the isolationists. The nation was plagued by labor unrest, and four million workers and poison gas were restricted as well. The Permanent Court of International Justice
went on strike or were locked out. opened at The Hague. Germany recognized the Soviet Union in the Treaty of Rapallo
and resumed relations with the Lenin government. Nationalist reactionaries murdered
German foreign minister Walter Rathenau. Germany ceded Upper Silesia to Poland.
1920 In Italy, a fascist dictatorship began. Its king, Victor Emmanuel III, called Benito
The world’s struggle to recover from the Great War continued. The League of Nations, Mussolini to Milan to form a ministry and gave him dictatorial powers so he could
absent membership by both the U.S. and Soviet Russia, held its first meeting in restore order and institute reforms more effectively. Mussolini organized the Fascio di
Geneva, Switzerland. Civil war continued in Russia, but the defeat of White Army Combattimento, and, with the support of Italian business interests who feared communism,
forces finally ended the counterrevolution. A right-wing Putsch seized Berlin: wearing marched his black-shirted Fascisti into Rome.
swastikas on their helmets, irregular troops aided American-born journalist Wolfgang On the economic front, Moscow signed commercial treaties and trade agreements
Kapp in his bid to restore the monarchy. Kapp was made chancellor, but his govern- with Italy and Sweden. The German stock market collapsed, and the mark’s value fell
ment never gained foreign recognition. He lost military and police support and eventu- from 162 to the dollar to 7,000 to the dollar. In the U.S., an automobile industry-led busi-
ally fled the city. ness revival began a seven-year period of prosperity. Henry Ford became a billionaire.
Hungary lost almost three-quarters of its territory and two-thirds of its popu-
lation this year after the Treaty of Trianon was signed. Austria gained western
Hungary, Czechoslovakia acquired Slovakia, Yugoslavia gained Croatia-Slavonia, and 1923
Romania and Yugoslavia received portions of the Banat of Temesvar. Romania also In this year, French troops occupied Germany’s Ruhr Basin. Germany defaulted on its
got Transylvania and part of the Hungarian plain. Greek forces defeated the Turks at treaty-mandated coal deliveries and its inflation soared out of control. Adolf Hitler
Alashehr and accepted their surrender in Adrianople. staged a “Beer Hall Putsch” in Munich as the mark fell to below one trillion to the
Britain accepted a mandate over Iraq in Mesopotamia, except for the sheikdom of dollar. His National Socialist Workers’ party (founded by Munich locksmith Anton
Kuwait on the Persian Gulf. An Arab insurrection against the British was finally sup- Drexler in 1919), which was neither socialist nor representative of workers, capital-
pressed in December. Lebanon, with Beirut as capital, was created by Parisian procla- ized on social unrest. Hitler seized the Munich city government, but the Nazis finally
mation. were ousted and Hitler was sentenced the following year to five years in prison. (He
served nine months.)

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In Italy, Mussolini dissolved other political parties and secured his fascist dictator- In recognition of the fact that Germany never bound itself against aggression to the
ship. A coup d’etat in Bulgaria overthrew its prime minister, who was shot dead as he south and east, France began constructing heavily fortified defenses along the Franco-
fled. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, comprising Russia, the Ukraine, White German border, dubbing it the Maginot Line after French politician Andre Maginot.
Russia, and Transcaucasia, which had been established on paper the year before, In the U.S., President Coolidge told Congress he opposed canceling Britain and
became a reality in July of this year. The treaty of Lausanne returned eastern Thrace, France’s war debts. The foreign press began calling Uncle Sam “Uncle Shylock” for
Imbros, and Tenedos to Turkey, gave Greece the other Aegean islands, and gave the refusing even to reduce the debts.
Dodacanese Islands to Italy. Britain kept Cyprus. Constantinople became the capital 1926
of the Turkish Republic. After a mutiny at the Spanish garrison at Barcelona, Spain’s Josepf Stalin began a 27-year rule as virtual dictator of the U.S.S.R., and his rivals
constitution was abolished and a directorate under the control of army and navy offi- Leon Trotsky and Grigori Zinoviev were expelled in October. Mussolini assumed
cers was set up. Martial law was proclaimed. absolute power in Italy the same month, and his Fascist party became the only one
The British prime minister resigned, and general elections gave the Labour Party its permitted. Revolutionary leader Chiang Kai-shek began unifying China under the
first great victory. V.I. Lenin established the first Soviet forced-labor camp. Over the Guomindang. Japanese emperor Yoshihito died in December; his son Hirohito would rule as
ensuing 30 years, slave labor built nine new cities, 12 railway lines, six heavy industry emperor until 1989.
centers, three large hydroelectric stations, two highways, and three ship canals. Also
in Russia, Aeroflot began operations and became the world’s largest airline, providing 1927
rapid access to areas of Russia that once took weeks to reach over land. Chiang Kai-shek continued his drive for a unified China. In February, the Chinese
Municipal markets closed in Berlin following a strike against high prices, and food city of Hangchow fell to combined Guomindang (Nationalist) and Gungchantang
riots ensued. The German mark fell to one million to the dollar; 1.5 million people (Communist) forces, who moved on to conquer Shanghai, Ghangzhou, and Nanjing.
there were unemployed, and prices continued to rise. This ended China’s warlord era. Shanghai money interests offered Chiang millions of
1924 dollars to break with Moscow. Reversing his earlier philosophy, he overthrew the left-
In Russia, V.I. Lenin died of sclerosis at 53. New leader Josepf Stalin found himself in ist government and established the right-wing National Revolutionary Government
a power struggle with Leon Trotsky. In China, Sun Yat-sen admitted Communists to at Nanjing. He crushed Communist Mao Zedong’s “autumn harvest uprising” that
the Guomindang, or Nationalist Party. Germany ended its disastrous inflation, issuing September, and expelled Russians from Shanghai in December.
the Reichsmark, imposing new taxes, and curbing the credit available for new busi- In May, Britain ended relations with Russia after a series of episodes involving
nesses. espionage and subversion. In June, Russia executed 20 alleged British spies. Also in
Mussolini’s Italian Fascists gained control of electoral machinery and got 65 percent May, Britain recognized an independent Saudi Arabia in the Treaty of Jedda. In the
of the vote in April elections. France’s president Millerand resigned in June and Gaston U.S., Coolidge removed himself from electoral contention.
Doumerge became president, with Radical Socialist Party leader Edouard Herriot as
prime minister. In the U.S., President Calvin Coolidge was reelected on a platform of 1928
“Coolidge prosperity.” Chiang Kai-shek took Beijing (which he dubbed “Peiping”) and became president of
China. After having been elected to a second term, Mexico’s president Alvaro Obregon
was assassinated in July; former president Plutarcho Lias Calles assumed control until
1925 1935. In the U.S., voters elected Herbert Hoover president.
In China, republican leader Sun Yat-sen, whose Guomindang army controlled Italy ruled out the vote for women and imposed voter restrictions on males, reduc-
Guangzhou (Canton) and surrounding areas, died of cancer in March. In September, ing its electorate from almost 10 million to only three million. The British Parliament
the Guomindang appointed General Chiang Kai-shek commander in chief. He made a granted women the vote that July. In the U.S.S.R., Josepf Stalin launched his first Five-Year
Soviet general his unofficial chief of staff, and by the end of the year he had brought Plan, which imposed exile on millions of wealthy landowners who resisted agricultural col-
Gwangdong and Gwangxi provinces under Guomindang control. lectivization.
Japan recognized the U.S.S.R. in January. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan became
Soviet Socialist republics. The first part of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf was published.
After six years of fighting extremists from all sides, Friedrich Ebert, first leader of the 1929
German Reich, died in February. The Conservative government in Britain rejected a In May, the Labour Party won British general elections. Britain resumed diplomatic
Geneva protocol for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Britain declared relations with the Soviet Union in October. Japan held what would be its last parlia-
Cyprus a crown colony. mentary election for five years (militarists soon put an end to elections there). Stalin
In June, world powers signed a treaty not to use poison gas in war, and an arms expelled the last of his rivals and began his rule as undisputed dictator.
traffic accord to oversee international trade in arms and munitions. On October 29, the Dow plummeted, forcing margin stock speculators to sell. $30
billion disappeared and the Great Depression began.

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to serve under von Papen, and Nazi leader Hermann Goering was elected president of
1930 the Reichstag (parliament). Von Papen resigned in November.
In January, Britain, the U.S., France, Italy, and Japan agreed to limit submarine ton- Britain abandoned free trade and imposed a 10 percent tariff on most imports, later
nage and gun caliber and to scrap certain warships, in a treaty signed at the London exempting Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth nations. In the
Naval Conference. Military factions in Japan attacked the treaty. Spain’s dictator U.S. that year, 1,616 more banks failed, 20,000 business firms went bankrupt, and
Migual Primo de Rivera resigned for health reasons and died in March. Mussolini 21,000 Americans took their own lives. Germany had 5.6 million unemployed, Britain
pushed for revisions to the Versailles Treaty. The last Allied troops left the Rhineland 2.8 million; unemployment in the U.S. reached almost 17 million by the end of the year.
at the end of June, a year earlier than the date the Versailles Treaty had set. More than 34 million Americans had no income at all, and breadlines formed in many
Chinese Communist forces attacked Hankow in China. Nationalist troops there cities.
launched campaigns in parts of three provinces. In Japan, a right-wing militant shot In Britain, scientists split the atom for the first time.
Japan’s Prime Minister Yuko Hamaguchi in November; Hamaguchi died six months
later.
In the U.S., Wall Street prices broke again in June after a spring rally, beginning 1933
a prolonged descent. More than 1,300 banks closed that year. President Hoover In January, Adolf Hitler became German chancellor. Fire destroyed the Reichstag in
announced that 4.5 million Americans were out of work. Berlin in February. The National Socialist (Nazi) party won 44 percent of the vote
in Reichstag elections that March, and Hitler proclaimed the Third Reich. German
Nationalists gave him their support, and his regime received dictatorial powers. In
1931 March, the Nazis established the first concentration camp at Dachau for Jews, gypsies,
After a 45-year reign, Spain’s Alphonso XIII left his country in April. Republican candidates and political prisoners.
did well in ensuing elections. Royal property was confiscated, and a republic was born that Austrian chancellor Engelbert Dolfuss also proclaimed a dictatorship that March.
lasted until 1939. Rebels in China split with Chiang Kai-shek and took Guangzhou. In June, Austrian Nazis rioted when the new government prohibited the wearing of uniforms
British authorities in China arrested Vietnamese Communist leader Ho Chi Minh. Angered by by political party members, and Hitler got even, taxing German visitors to Austria and
China’s boycott of its cotton goods, Japan used insignificant incidents as excuses to occupy killing the Austrian tourist trade.
Manchuria, and later took Harbin and three eastern Chinese provinces. Struggling to cope with In the U.S., Franklin Roosevelt was inaugurated president in January.
Mao Zedong’s Communist forces and disastrous Yangtze floods, Chiang Kai-shek was unable to Japan announced it would withdraw from the League of Nations in 1935. Germany
mount a military response to Japan’s aggression. followed suit. Washington and Moscow established diplomatic relations for the first
In Europe, Paul Doumer succeeded Gaston Doumerge as France’s president. Britain’s time since the revolution of 1917.
Labour Party resigned in the face of disputes over economic remedies, but Prime
Minister Ramsey MacDonald remained to head a coalition cabinet. 1934
Most of the world was now swallowed up by economic depression. Banks throughout Turmoil in the wake of political scandals put France on the brink of civil war. February
Europe closed and Japan abandoned the gold standard. In the U.S., automobile sales riots in Paris preceded a general strike. The republic was saved when a new coalition
collapsed and the industry laid off another 100,000 workers; 2,294 more banks failed. government was established.
Unemployment there topped eight million. Austria’s Dolfuss dissolved all political parties except his own Fatherland Front.
Nazis there entered the chancellery and shot Dolfuss dead. Berlin disavowed knowl-
edge of the coup attempt; Italy and Yugoslavia concentrated troops on the frontier.
1932 Bulgarian fascists staged a coup in May. Nazis killed 77 party members in a purge
China continued its boycott of Japanese goods. Japan’s troops attacked Chapei, the to eliminate suspected plotters against Hitler. Germany’s president von Hindenburg
Chinese district of Shanghai, and planes bombed the district in the world’s first ter- died August 2 and a plebiscite gave Hitler the presidency. Yugoslavia’s Aleksandr I
ror bombing of civilians. Japan let it be known that it would consider any attempt by was assassinated in Marseilles, along with the French Foreign Minister Louis Barthou,
the U.S. to interfere with its “destiny” as grounds for war. Japan’s Prime Minister Ki by a revolutionist headquartered in Hungary. The League of Nations averted war between
Tauyoshi Inukai was assassinated in May; Viscount Makoto Saito succeeded him. Yugoslavia and Hungary.
In Britain, former Labor Party M.P. Sir Oswald Mosley founded the British Union of In China, Guomindang armies pursued Chinese Communist forces under Mao Zedong
Fascists; Mosley went on to become a supporter of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, and out of Kiangsi. Mao lost 68,000 of his 90,000 men in the ensuing Long March, which
to demand that Great Britain expel its Jews. French president Paul Doumer was assas- covered 6,000 miles over the next 12 months.
sinated by a Russian émigré in May. Albert Legrun succeeded him, and leftist parties In Germany, Heinrich Himmler was appointed Head of German concentration camps in
won a majority in that year’s elections. July.
Also in May, Germany’s president von Hindenburg asked Prime Minister Franz von The Swiss Parliament enacted a Bank Secrecy law to protect the accounts of Jews
Papen to form a government, which he did – excluding Nazis. In general elections that in Nazi Germany.
July, the Nazi party became the largest in Germany. Vice Chancellor Adolf Hitler refused

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and Americans. On April 26, German Junker and Heinkel bombers annihilated the
1935 Basque town of Guernica, dropping thousands of explosives and incendiary projectiles
A League of Nations plebiscite showed that voters in the Saar Basin preferred reunion and strafing fleeing civilians for three hours.
with Germany 9 to 1 over continued rule by the League, and the Saar was returned to British prime minister Stanley Baldwin retired this year, and his successor Neville
Germany on March 1. Hitler denounced the Versailles Treaty’s disarmament clauses, Chamberlain attempted to appease Hitler.
but Germany promised to limit the size of its navy in an agreement signed in London. Japan’s new Prime Minister Prince Fumimaro Konoye launched an undeclared war
Hitler created the Luftwaffe this year, with Hermann Goering as Reich minister for air on China; Japanese forces invaded in July. The conflict would last until 1945. Japan’s
forces. massacre of 200,000 civilians at Nanking and its ruthless bombing of Chinese cit-
The U.S. got its first independent strategic air force this year. ies aroused the world’s anger against Japan. Japanese bombers attacked British and
Italian troops invaded Ethiopia in October and received part of French Somaliland, American ships near Nanking, but turmoil in Europe distracted the world powers from
ceded from France. Mussolini’s troops seized the Ethiopian capital on November 8, and Japanese aggression.
the League of Nations imposed economic sanctions on Italy 10 days later. In November, Italy joined the German–Japanese anti-Comintern pact and withdrew
from the League of Nations on December 11. Germany opened the Buchenwald con-
1936 centration camp in July. Most of the 238,980 inmates who died there in ensuing years
British king George V died this year on January 20. His son David took the throne were Jews.
as Edward VIII, but he abdicated on December 10 to marry an American divorcee; his
brother Albert succeeded him, reigning as George VI. 1938
Japanese army officers mutinied in Tokyo February 26 and assassinated former Vowing to protect the 10 million Germans who lived outside the Reich, Hitler annexed
premier Saito, finance minister Takahashi and others in a failed attempt to set up a Austria on March 14. Nazis deprived Austrian Jews of civil rights and livelihoods, and
military dictatorship. plundered Jewish shops and homes. Britain and France protested the Anschluss, but
Exploiting the Ethiopian crisis, Hitler reoccupied the Rhineland in March. A Rome– tried to appease Hitler the following September by giving Germany the Sudetenland,
Berlin Axis was formed in October, and Japan signed an anti-Comintern pact with which covered nearly a third of Czechoslovakia and contained a third of its inhabit-
Germany in November. Heinrich Himmler took over the German Gestapo (secret police) ants. In November, Germany began its worst pogrom, looting, demolishing, and burning
and combined it with the regular police force. Jewish shops and homes and sending 20,000–30,000 to concentration camps.
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan became Soviet Socialist Republics. In France, the Chautemps government fell on March 10. After a failed attempt to
Hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian warriors were killed by Italian bombs and mus- form a new Popular Front cabinet, Leon Blum resigned on April 10, and Edouard
tard gas when Italian forces took Addis Ababa on May 5. Rome annexed Ethiopia and Daladier headed a new Radical Socialist cabinet that leaned farther right.
joined it with Eritrea and Italian Somaliland to create Italian East Africa. In December, Mussolini demanded the French colonies of Corsica and Tunisia. Italy
France’s government fell in January and a stopgap government took over, headed by enacted anti-Jewish legislation.
Albert Sarraut. After parliamentary elections in May, the first Popular Front ministry
took over in June with Socialist party leader Leon Blum as premier. An Evolution of War
On July 18, the Spanish civil war began. Most of the military supported insurgent
generals Francisco Franco and Emilio Mola. German and Italian “volunteers” joined Technology
their junta. Moscow equipped and supplied the loyalists. Britain, France, and the U.S. World War I seemed to demonstrate the superiority of defensive action. At that time,
did nothing to intervene, but an international brigade of anti-Fascists rallied to the it was believed that a successful offensive required superior numbers of at least three
cause. By February 1937, several thousand Americans were fighting in the Lincoln to one. But by the end of that war, the emergence of two offensive tools – tanks and
Brigade. By April 1939, 3,100 American had fought, and half that number had died for planes – began to change that thinking, at least to the Germans.
the Loyalist cause. French and British armies were slow to introduce new weapons and ideas, however.
Josepf Stalin began liquidating his political enemies. Over the next two years, Thus, in 1939 the British Army had not a single armored division, and what French tanks
almost 10 million people died in the Great Purge. existed were clustered here and there in the infantry. When they resumed arming
Also this year, Franklin Roosevelt won reelection to the U.S. presidency, with 61 themselves in 1935, the Germans began developing massive tank contingents.
percent of the popular vote. Air technology changed radically between 1918 and 1939. Aircraft got bigger, fast-
er, and could fly farther. Aircraft carriers were developed that could keep up with the
fastest ships. The dive bomber made accurate low-altitude bombing possible. All coun-
1937 tries developed fast monoplane fighters that served as flying platforms for the machine
General Mola died in a plane crash as the Spanish civil war continued. Ten thousand guns installed in their wings. Light and medium bombers could be used to bombard
Germans and more than 50,000 Italians supported Franco against the Republican cities and military strong points. In Britain, the threat of bomber attacks led to the
Army, which included an International Brigade of Russians, Britons, other Europeans development of radar; it became possible to fix the location, distance, height, and

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speed of approaching aircraft in any weather. By the end of 1938, the coast of Britain more large surface warships than Germany.
boasted five radar stations, with 15 more underway. Germany’s conquest of Poland in September 1939 was the first demonstration of the
power of high-speed armored warfare. Poland’s frontiers were about 3,500 miles long.
Germany’s recent occupation of Bohemia-Moravia and Slovakia rendered Poland
The Outbreak of War vulnerable to both the north and south.
By early 1939, Adolf Hitler was determined to invade and occupy Poland. First,
Although it managed to mobilize about a million men, the Polish Army was hope-
though, he had to ensure the cooperation of its neighbor to the east, the Soviet Union.
lessly outdated, with virtually no tanks, armored personnel carriers, or antitank and anti-
That August, after secret negotiations, the German–Soviet Nonaggression Pact was
aircraft guns. Worse, many Polish military leaders persisted in believing their horse-
signed in Moscow. The Germans and Soviets agreed to divide Poland between them:
mounted cavalry could take on German mechanized forces. And they vastly underesti-
Germany would take the western third, and the U.S.S.R. would take the rest.
mated Germany’s air advantage: its air force was nearly 10 times more powerful than
Hitler was convinced he could attack Poland without risking Soviet or British inter-
theirs. Poland concentrated a third of its forces at the Polish Corridor (in northeastern
vention, and planned to launch Germany’s invasion on August 26. But on August 25,
Poland), which exposed them to envelopment from east and west. In the south, facing
Great Britain and Poland signed a formal treaty of mutual assistance; Hitler postponed
the main avenues of a German advance, they spread their forces thin, and they massed
his attack for a few days. But on August 31, 1939, Hitler issued orders to begin the
another third in the north-central part of the country, between Lódz and Warsaw. This
invasion at 4:45 the next morning. Great Britain and France responded on September
arrangement rendered impossible any strategy that involved delaying actions. Before
3 by declaring war on Germany. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Union of South
the infantry could retreat to or take up defensive positions in the rear, Germany’s
Africa, and India joined with Great Britain within a week.
mechanized columns had overrun them.
At that point the Allies (Great Britain, France, and Poland) had superior industry,
Germany attacked with about a million and a half troops. Their mechanized forces’
numbers, and armed forces. But German armaments, training, discipline, and zeal
deep, rapid incursions backed up from the air (the Luftwaffe wrecked the Polish
made its army (or Wehrmacht) a remarkably efficient force. In September 1939,
railway system and destroyed most of its air force while it was still on the ground),
Germany’s 100 infantry divisions and six armored divisions pitted themselves against
decided the issue. The air bombing of cities, bridges, roads, rail lines, and power sta-
the following opposing forces:
tions disorganized Polish defenses.
1. France – 90 infantry divisions
2. Great Britain – 10 infantry divisions
3. Poland – 30 infantry divisions, 12 cavalry brigades, one armored brigade, and 30 America on the Brink
slow-to-mobilize reserve infantry divisions The U.S. remained isolationist, and although Nazi aggression in Europe and Japan’s
military expansion in Asia increasingly aroused American sympathy for the victims,
German infantry firepower by far exceeded that of its enemies. The standard German its people believed they were safely removed from these events. After Poland’s defeat,
division included 442 machine guns, 135 mortars, 72 antitank guns, and 24 howitzers. however, Congress repealed American arms embargoes and authorized the cash sale of
Allied firepower was only slightly greater than it had been in World War I. Germany armaments.
had six armored divisions that September, but although the Allies had almost as many
tanks as the Germans at that point, the Germans had organized their 2,400 tanks into War Begins
six divisions, and that made all the difference. German forces deployed their tanks 1939
en masse with motorized artillery support to penetrate enemy lines and segment the The Poles were easily defeated by Germany’s blitzkrieg, or “lightning war.” The
opposition. Motorized German infantry then surrounded the isolated fragments while first day, the German Luftwaffe destroyed Poland’s airfields and bases. Within a
the tanks moved on to repeat the process. Mechanized infantry and foot soldiers fol- week, it had crippled the lines of communication. At the same time, German Panzer
lowed deep panzer forays into enemy territory, with support from dive-bombers that (armored and mechanized) divisions encircled the Polish armies. The Germans then
disrupted enemy supplies and communications and created chaos, further paralyzing concentrated their attack on the main Polish forces around Warsaw. The Soviet Union
defenses. invaded eastern Poland on September 17, and Poland was finally forced to surrender.
In 1939, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) was the best of its kind. Intended to On September 28, Germany and the Soviet Union signed a treaty in Moscow dividing
support the Wehrmacht, the planes were superior to virtually all those of the Allies. Poland between them.
Standardized engines and frames gave the Luftwaffe the advantage. Although the The Western Front saw little fighting. The French were confident that the Maginot
Allies had more planes than Germany did (Germany had 1,000 fighters and 1,050 Line could not be broken. The Germans had similar fortifications on their Siegfried
bombers in operation), they included many different types, some obsolete. Great Line, which paralleled the Maginot Line.
Britain’s Hurricane was its sole modern fighter in 1939. Its Spitfire didn’t enter the The war at sea saw more action. Great Britain used its navy to blockade Germany in
air war in significant numbers until 1940. And so many French aircraft were obsolete an attempt to starve it out. Germany launched a counter blockade against the British.
- 131 of its 634 fighters and almost all of its 463 bombers – that it was desperate to Nazi submarines, mines, and depth bombs sank numerous Allied merchant and passen-
purchase aircraft from the U.S. ger ships. The Germans scored a sensational sea victory on October 14 when a German
The odds against Germany were much greater at sea. In 1939, the Allies had far

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U-boat made its way into the British naval base Scapa Flow and torpedoed the battle-
ship Royal Oak. Battle of Britain
The Soviet Union invaded Finland on November 30. Finland had repeatedly refused Expecting Great Britain to surrender in the wake of the fall of France, Hitler urged
Soviet demands for military bases. Although the large Soviet army expected a quick Britain to make peace with Germany. Churchill refused even to consider it. Starting in
and easy victory, the Finns held off the Soviets for several months. The Soviets finally August, hundreds of German planes swarmed across the English Channel almost daily
broke through Finland’s Mannerheim Line early in 1940. On March 12, Finland signed from bases in occupied France, bombing Britain from end to end. Hermann Goering,
a treaty granting important Finnish territory to the Soviet Union. World War I air ace and commander of the German Luftwaffe, had convinced Hitler
they would drive the Royal Air Force (RAF) out of the skies. But the RAF destroyed
German bombers at a crippling rate, and the Battle of Britain became one of the most
1940 important battles in the world’s history. After September, Hitler never again consid-
Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in early April. Denmark accepted German ered invading Great Britain.
“protection,” but Norway declared war immediately. The British troops that landed in
Norway couldn’t halt the German advance. The British evacuated their forces in May,
and Norway fell on June 9. Japan and the Far East
In May, Winston Churchill succeeded Neville Chamberlain as prime minister of Germany’s conquest of the Netherlands and France left the Netherlands Indies and
Great Britain after Chamberlain’s resignation. On May 10, German forces invaded French Indo-China undefended. After Japan threatened in September to invade French
Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Luxembourg was occupied without resis- Indo-China, the Vichy government granted it ports and airfields there to use in its
tance. Belgium and the Netherlands declared war. The Allies sent troops into the Low ongoing war against China. Japan seized ports, roads, and railroads, isolating Chinese
Countries, but on May 14 the Dutch army surrendered. The French cities of Amiens forces led by General Chiang Kai-shek.
and Arras fell to the Germans on May 21, Belgium capitulated on May 28, and the On September 27, Japan signed a pact with Germany and Italy in Berlin, and the
French and British began evacuating their troops on May 29. The Netherlands was Axis was born. The 10-year military and economic alliance joined the three nations in
quickly brought under the rule of German forces of occupation. an effort to create a new order. Under this agreement, Germany and Italy would con-
King Leopold of Belgium surrendered his army on May 28. Between May 29 and trol Europe and Japan would control Greater East Asia.
June 4, the Allies were forced to evacuate 340,000 troops by sea from Dunkirk ahead To check Japanese expansion, the U.S. kept its fleet in the Pacific and imposed eco-
of the advancing Germans. Ships, boats, and small vessels of all kinds were used in nomic sanctions banning shipments to Japan of scrap iron, oil, cotton, and metals. And
the frenzied attempt to ferry the troops across the Channel to Britain, but 30,000 men Great Britain held strategically located Singapore, the key to power in southeastern
were killed or taken prisoner. Asia. On September 3, the U.S. transferred 50 overage destroyers to Great Britain.
In return, the U.S. got 99-year leases on sites for air and naval bases in the British
possessions of Newfoundland, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua,
Battle of France Trinidad, and British Guiana. The U.S. sped up its rearmament, planning a two-ocean
On June 5, the Germans attacked along a 100-mile front from near Laon to the English navy and starting work on an air force of 50,000 planes. In October, it adopted peace-
Channel. They smashed through French forces and headed for Paris. On June 10, Italy time compulsory military service for the first time in its history.
declared war on Great Britain and France.
On June 11, the French government moved to Tours and later to Bordeaux. Germans
occupied Paris on June 14. The French cabinet voted in favor of an armistice on The Mediterranean and Near
June 16, and the Franco-German armistice was signed on June 22 in the forest of
Compiègne, in the same railway car where France had dictated its terms to a defeated East
Germany 22 years before. The Franco-Italian armistice was signed on June 24. By then In the winter of 1940–41, Germany and Italy started a campaign against British power
German troops occupied more than half of France, including France’s entire Atlantic in the Mediterranean. The British position there relied on its control of the two bottle-
coast and its northern area from Geneva almost to Tours. neck passages to the sea – Gibraltar at the western end and the Suez Canal in the
The new French premiere Marshal Pétain built a fascist state with headquarters at east. The Axis launched its campaign against Suez. To drive the British from the east-
Vichy in unoccupied France. The Vichy government collaborated with the Germans. ern Mediterranean, the Italians coupled an attack in North Africa with a German drive
Free French fighting forces carried on against Germany from Britain (with secret sup- through southeastern Europe, but by early 1941 almost all of Mussolini’s East African
port from loyal French partisans), under the leadership of the French general Charles empire was in British hands.
de Gaulle. A number of French ships joined the British, and others were interned Germany, however, overran Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Greece.
in British harbors. The British fleet destroyed some resisting French ships at Oran, Then it turned to assist Italy, driving British forces out of Libya, and began a cam-
Algeria. The Vichy government broke off diplomatic relations with Britain. paign for the rich oil fields of Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

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as he spoke, Japanese forces were attacking Americans at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, in

1941 the Philippines, and elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean area.
In early 1941, Britain warned the U.S. that soon it would be unable to pay for the war Without warning, Japanese submarines and carrier-launched bombing planes
materials it had been buying. The U.S. Congress passed the Lend-Lease Act in March, attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing more than 2,800 Americans. Eight battleships
giving the president authority to lend or lease arms and supplies to countries whose were sunk or damaged. Many cruisers and destroyers were hit. Six air bases were
defense he thought important to American security. U.S. assembly lines generated a heavily damaged. Most of the U.S. planes were destroyed on the ground. Japan lost
steady stream of planes, tanks, guns, and other materials, but getting the supplies into 55 men, three submarines, and 29 of the 353 attacking aircraft. The Japanese also
British hands became a major problem. Roosevelt announced he would take any attacked Midway Island, the Philippines, British Malaya, Hong Kong, and the islands
measures necessary to ensure their delivery, and on April 9 the U.S. took Greenland of Guam and Wake. Japanese troops occupied Siam with the consent of that govern-
under its protection. On July 7, the U.S. landed naval forces in Iceland. ment. Two-and-a-half hours after the attack at Pearl Harbor, the Japanese foreign min-
Both Germany and the Soviet Union considered their 1939 non-aggression pact tem- ister informed the U.S. embassy in Tokyo that a state of war existed between the U.S. and
porary, but it gave the Soviets time to manufacture defenses against potential German Japan. Britain declared war on December 8. The U.S. Congress declared that a state of war
attack and gave Germany peace along its eastern frontiers during the war in the west. had existed since December 7.
Germany invaded the Soviet Union at dawn on June 22. Other nations quickly took On December 9, China issued a formal war declaration against Japan, Germany,
sides. Italy, Hungary, Finland, and Romania declared war on the Soviet Union. Britain and Italy. On December 11, Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S., and the U.S.
pledged aid to the Soviet Union, and the U.S. promised war goods. Congress voted declarations in return. That week Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican
The front extended from the White Sea to the Black Sea, a distance of 2,000 miles. Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Panama entered
Germany struck its heaviest blows on three sectors: the war against the Axis powers. Bolivia declared war against Japan. Most other Latin
1. From East Prussia through the Baltic States toward Leningrad. American nations either broke off diplomatic relations with the Axis countries or sup-
2. From northern German Poland through White Russia toward Moscow. ported the U.S.. Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania declared war on the U.S., Japan and
3. From southern German Poland through the Ukraine toward Kiev. the Soviet Union carefully avoided war with one another.
On January 1, 1942, the 26 nations then at war with the Axis powers pledged united
Strong Red army resistance and guerrilla warfare behind German lines slowed the efforts and no separate peace until victory was gained.
German advance. As they retreated, the Soviets destroyed crops, factories, railways,
and utility plants -- anything that might be of value to the Nazis. The German assault
had peaked by the end of November. In December, the Germans halted their offensive 1942
in the face of snow and cold weather, and the Soviets launched a counteroffensive that The Allies were on the defensive in all the theaters of war. In the Pacific, Guam and
drove the Germans back from Moscow and Leningrad. Wake islands had fallen to the Japanese in December 1941. The Japanese had also
As Germany attacked the Soviet Union, British troops struck Axis forces in Libya in taken Hong Kong from the British, and much of the American fleet lay in ruins at
hopes of eliminating the Axis threat to the Suez Canal. The attack relieved a besieged Pearl Harbor. Filipino and American forces, commanded at first by General Douglas
British garrison at Tobruk on December 11 and drove the Axis from Bengasi on MacArthur and later by Lieutenant General Jonathan M. Wainwright, made heroic
Christmas Day. stands in the Philippines at Bataan and Corregidor. MacArthur was appointed supreme
commander of the southwest Pacific in March. The Philippines fell in May, as had
Singapore, the Netherlands Indies, Burma, and parts of New Britain and New Guinea.
Japan Prepares for War Darwin in northern Australia was heavily bombed, and Australia was under seri-
The Japanese believed a German victory was certain. They immediately tried to profit ous threat. In Burma, a small group of American volunteers called the Flying Tigers
from it. In July, the Vichy government gave Japan bases in French Indo-China. Japan shot down hundreds of enemy planes. On April 18, carrier-based Army aircraft led by
moved in and massed troops against Thailand (Siam). This and other aggressive moves Brigadier General James H. Doolittle bombed Tokyo.
by Japan brought strong protests from the U.S. and Great Britain.
General Hideki Tojo became premier of Japan in October. In November, he sent a Battle of Midway Island
special envoy, Saburo Kurusu, to seek peace with the U.S. (and gain time for Japan to In June, a strong Japanese invasion force moved directly against the Hawaiian Islands.
position its forces to attack). On November 26, American Secretary of State Cordell American ships, Navy planes, and Army planes from Midway Island fought a four-day
Hull announced that the U.S. would give full economic cooperation to Japan, but insist- battle, losing the carrier Yorktown, a destroyer, and 150 planes, but defeating Japan’s
ed Japan withdraw from China and stop collaborating with the Axis. forces. Japan lost four aircraft carriers, two heavy cruisers, three destroyers, and 275
In answer to a plea for peace from President Roosevelt, Kurusu and the Japanese planes.
ambassador accused the U.S. of standing in the way of the “new order in East Asia”. A Japanese force occupied the islands of Kiska, Adak, and Atka in the Aleutian
Secretary Hull said the statement was filled with “falsehoods and distortions”. Even Islands, but the battle of Midway put an end to any serious threat of Japanese expan-

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sion. American counterattacks began forcing them back. U.S. Marines attacked the Aleutian Islands. In November, a Marine–Army force invaded the Gilbert Islands. A
Solomon Islands in August, and a month later American and Australian forces began Marine division stormed ashore on Tarawa, and 3,000 Marines were killed during the
driving the Japanese out of New Guinea. capture of this island.

Battle of the Atlantic Allied Success in the

By 1941, the Allies had lost more than 3.5 million tons of shipping to German subma- Mediterranean
rine attacks. In March, Adm. Ernest J. King was named U.S. Chief of Naval Operations. In February, General Eisenhower was appointed commander-in-chief of the Allied
Admiral King led Allied efforts to win the battle of the Atlantic. armies in the North African Theater of Operations. By May, his forces had eliminated
the enemy from North Africa. The Allies invaded Sicily in July. On July 25, Benito
Battle for Egypt Mussolini was forced to resign as premier of Italy. King Victor Emmanuel appointed
Axis aircraft in the Mediterranean had blocked British use of the Suez Canal, which Marshal Pietro Badoglio successor. The British 8th Army invaded southern Italy on
forced the shipment of supplies for the British forces in Egypt, the Near East, and September 3, and Badoglio’s government surrendered unconditionally on September 8.
India to take a route around Africa. In January, Germany’s Field Marshall Erwin German troops continued fighting in Italy, which forced the Allies to battle their way
Rommel started a new drive to seize the Suez Canal. The British lost Bengasi but held up the Italian mainland through the fall and early winter.
the Nazis in check until May, when a powerful attack engulfed most of the British
tank force, took Tobruk, and moved into Egypt. The British halted the drive in May
at El Alamein, and on October 23 started a devastating attack from there that routed Soviet Counterattack and the
Rommel’s tank force and drove the Germans from Egypt by November 6. Sea War
By January, the Soviet counterattack had gained full power, and Soviet forces trapped
Nazi armies before Stalingrad, Kharkov, and Smolensk. By the end of the year, they
North Africa had reached the Polish border of 1939.
American forces under the command of Lieut. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower landed in Wolf packs of 500 to 700 German submarines prowled Atlantic sea lanes and sank
French North Africa on November 8, quickly capturing strategic points in Algeria and about 700 merchant ships before the Allies developed good defenses – first relent-
Morocco. The Vichy government denounced the attack, and the Nazis occupied all of lessly bombing German submarine bases, and then convoying ships with long-range
France. The French fleet at Toulon was scuttled to keep it out of German hands. The bombing planes. The submarine menace in the Atlantic was virtually eliminated by the
Allies captured the French naval commander in Algiers, and the French quickly ended end of the year.
all resistance in Africa.

The Air War

Russian Front The Germans had introduced strategic bombing – the mass bombing of targets deep in
By the spring of 1942, the Soviet Union had regained one-sixth of the territory it had enemy territory – early in the war. Now the Allies turned that strategy against them.
lost in 1941. Warm weather brought a new German assault, however; Sevastopol fell RAF Hurricane and Spitfire fighter aircraft had proved superior to German fighters,
to the Germans in July, and they advanced to within 100 miles of the Caspian Sea. In but the first U.S. planes were less effective. Later Thunderbolt (P-47) and Mustang
August, the Germans attacked Stalingrad, but intense Red army resistance halted (P-51) craft were excellent fighters. British bombers (Lancasters and Halifaxes) could
them. In November, the Soviets counterattacked. carry one- and two-ton blockbusters.
Having suffered tremendous losses during daylight bombing raids early in the war,
the British turned to night raids. The American Eighth Air Force preferred daylight-
1943 bombing raids, however, because targets could be hit more effectively. Americans in
This year the tide was turned against the Axis. Flying Fortress (B-17) and Liberator (B-24) aircraft flew in large numbers and in tight
U.S. Marines and Army infantry forces took Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands formations, and at first they suffered serious losses. The introduction of the Mustang
in February. This ended six months of bloody jungle warfare. During the fight for fighter plane into the theater, however, enabled the Eighth Air Force to combat
Guadalcanal, a large part of the Japanese fleet was destroyed. Over the spring and Messerschmitt (ME-109) fighter attacks. Because it could carry more fuel than other
summer, forces led by General MacArthur and Admiral W. F. (“Bull”) Halsey worked fighters, the Mustang could escort bombers deep into enemy territory. With the British
closely to drive the Japanese out of eastern New Guinea, the Solomons, and the bombing by night and the Americans bombing by day, the Allies took a heavy toll on
Bismarck Archipelago. By early fall, the Allies had cleared a ring of enemy positions German industry.
covering Australia, while Americans and Canadians eliminated enemy forces in the The U.S. Navy flew 420 planes along 65,000 miles of routes. In the China–Burma–
India Theater, the Tenth Air Force carried supplies over the Himalayas from India

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to China. The Ninth Air Force used Marauders (B-26s) for low-level ground-support positions on July 25. Armored columns headed inland, and Paris fell to the Allies on
bombing on the Italian islands and mainland. C-47 transports dropped paratroops over August 25.
their objectives and towed glider-borne troops.
Germany’s Last Gasp
1944 Germany launched robotic bombs (V-1s) against Britain from bases in France, and
In February, U.S. forces advanced more than 2,000 miles from Hawaii to seize the launched ballistic missiles (V-2s) against Britain from the Netherlands. The V-bombs
Kwajalein atoll and Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands. The next advance was some injured and killed thousands of British civilians and inflicted tremendous damage.
1,200 miles to the Marianas. By mid-August, the Allies had taken Saipan, Tinian, East of the Rhine, the Germans battled to keep the Allies from entering Germany.
and Guam, and were using long-range Superfortress planes (B-29s) to bomb Japan. Allied troops crossed the German border east of Aachen in September. With the
MacArthur’s forces invaded the Philippines at Leyte Island in October, and completed Allied drive slowed down in the face of cold, wet weather, the Germans launched a
the conquest by Christmas Day. surprise counterattack on December 16. The main attack came south of Aachen in
the Ardennes, and the Germans surrounded the American 101st Airborne Division at
Bastogne, but the Battle of the Bulge saw defeat for the Germans in this region.
As 1944 drew to an end, Allied forces to the west and east prepared to throw their
Soviet Advances weight into the drive that would crush the Nazis.
Soviet attacks were inflicting the greatest pressure against the Germans at this point.
Soviet armies reached the Baltic States by spring and drove deep into the Ukraine in
the southwest. Other drives neutralized Finland, took Minsk and Pinsk in Poland, and 1945
forced Romania to surrender. Romania declared war on Germany on August 24, and Allied armies advanced into Germany in 1945. By the end of March, Allied forces had
after its September defeat by the Soviets, Bulgaria did the same. Soviet forces entered hacked their way halfway across Germany. Budapest fell to the Soviets in February,
Yugoslavia, joined Yugoslav partisan forces under Marshal Tito, and captured Belgrade and Vienna fell in April. In Italy, partisans captured and shot Mussolini on April 28.
on October 20. The next day, the Germans in Italy surrendered unconditionally. Hitler remained defi-
ant in his underground bunker in Berlin. The Soviets attacked Berlin on April 21, and
Hitler committed suicide the night of April 30.
Italy Germans in Denmark, the Netherlands, and northwestern Germany surrendered to
General Eisenhower was named supreme Allied commander in Western Europe, and General Montgomery on May 4. General Alfred Jodl signed the surrender documents at
Britain’s General Alexander was made commander of the Allied Forces in Italy. The Reims on May 7. On May 8, President Harry S. Truman, Prime Minister Churchill, and
Allies landed at Anzio in January. They remained pinned on the beachhead, and matters Premier Josepf Stalin announced that General Keitel, head of Germany’s supreme
looked hopeless. After heavy assault broke through south of Cassino in May, however, the command, had surrendered unconditionally the day before.
attackers joined the forces at Anzio and swept on to take Rome.
The Allies now invaded France. The Italian campaign became a containing opera-
tion. Holding forces were charged with diverting German troops from the main theater Defeat of Japan
in Normandy. MacArthur landed an invasion force at Lingayen Gulf in Luzon. U.S. forces quashed
resistance in Manila in late February, but it took months to eliminate the last pockets
Normandy of Japanese resistance in the Philippines. Admiral Nimitz’s forces seized Iwo Jima and
Early on June 6, an invasion fleet of 7,000 ships landed 176,000 Allied troops on Okinawa. Marine casualties at Iwo Jima – almost 20,000 – were the heaviest of any
beaches at Normandy. Airborne divisions dropped behind the German lines. In the air, island invasion. Japanese kamikaze bomber pilots crashed planes into American ships
the Allies had complete command. The outcome of the war in Europe hinged on the during the course of this invasion. On July 26, the Allies demanded that Japan surren-
success of this invasion. In the first week, the Allies established beachheads between der immediately or face utter destruction, but Japan continued to fight. On August 8,
Cherbourg and Caen along a 60-mile-wide strip, and within a week they’d driven the Soviet Union attacked the Japanese in Manchuria.
20 miles inland. Casualties for the landing were about 15,000 out of some 150,000 American scientists successfully detonated an atomic bomb in New Mexico in July.
engaged. On August 6, a B-29 dropped another on Hiroshima, Japan, destroying three fifths of
Although a German spy had stolen Allied plans for Operation Overlord – the land- the city, and a more powerful version was dropped three days later on Nagasaki. The
ing at Normandy – at Istanbul and delivered them into Nazi hands, the German High Japanese accepted Allied surrender terms on August 15. On September 2 (September
Command was led to believe the landings were planned as a diversion to draw German 1 in the U.S.), Japan formally surrendered aboard the battleship Missouri, anchored in
panzer divisions away from a strike at Calais. Thanks to conflicting information and a Tokyo Bay.
split in German thinking, Rommel never received the support he needed to drive the General MacArthur accepted the surrender as Supreme Commander for the Allied
Allies back. Powers and immediately began establishing military occupation of the empire.
The British captured Caen on July 9. The Americans broke out of their beachhead American troops went ashore to liberate war prisoners and enforce the surrender’s

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terms. Japanese military forces were disarmed and sent home, and the emperor and Mountaineer Corps / Bergsjaeger
other government officials agreed to answer to General MacArthur and follow his Like paratroopers and marines, these troops are lightly armed, but they suffer a much
orders. Japan’s war leaders were arrested and held for trial. smaller penalty when moving and fighting in mountains.

Militia Units
Appendix A: The Units of Hearts Cheaper units that can be built quickly. Militia can’t stand up to regular units in
of Iron a fight, but they are just what the doctor ordered if you need many divisions very
quickly.
Land Units

Infantry
These are the poor, bloody infantry. They move by foot and use horses and occasionally Basic Stats:
trucks to carry supplies and heavy equipment. They are good against other infantry, Enhanced (Reinforced) Divisions
mechanized infantry and forts. Slow moving. Require no or very little fuel. When an infantry or armored division is first constructed, the player will get to choose
if he wants to reinforce it with a larger than normal, brigade size (3000-5000 men)
Cavalry component of artillery, engineers, anti-tank or AA (instead of the normal battalion).
Some countries start the game with a number of cavalry divisions; some might even Each division may only have one such specialty. Below is what those brigades will add
choose to build more. Cavalry is fast and moderately cheap, but useless against mecha- to the division.
nized and armored divisions, and the horse soldiers don’t get any improvements from
research. Artillery
Artillery adds significantly to all the attack and defense values of a division, but is
Motorized Infantry quite expensive to build. However, an artillery brigade is a thing to fear! (Self pro-
Motorized infantry moves faster than their foot-bound brethren. Otherwise, they are pelled artillery is more expensive, of course.)
the same animal. Motorized infantry moves faster in provinces with good roads, and of Build Cost: +10
course, uses fuel. Most base values are similar, but the road modifier is much higher Build Time: +4 (weeks)
for motorized infantry. Manpower: +3
Soft Attack: +2
Mechanized Infantry Hard Attack: +1
Infantry carried in all terrain vehicles like halftracks and jeeps. Has slightly better
attack and defense capabilities than regular infantry (although more vulnerable to air Anti-Tank Guns
attacks), is much faster moving, but very expensive. Fuel hogs. Cheaper than artillery, but almost useless against soft targets, anti-tank guns raise
the hard attack value of a division. (Self propelled anti-tank guns, tank destroyers, are
Armored / Panzer Armored divisions excel in fighting other armored divisions and more expensive, of course.)
mechanized infantry, but aren’t slouches against regular infantry either. They are very Build Cost: +5
fast, but highly vulnerable to air attacks. Also, they don’t work well in rough terrain Manpower: +3
such as swamps and Hard Attack: +2
mountains. They do use a lot of oil.
Anti-Air Guns
Paratroopers Like anti-tank, but raises the air-attack value instead. Especially useful if the enemy
Lightly equipped and slow moving on ground, these units with their special training has air superiority.
nevertheless have high fighting values. They are the only units that may be dropped Build Cost: +5
from the air. Manpower: +3
Hard Attack: +1
Marines Air Attack: +3
Like paratroopers these are well-trained troops, but these troops are trained for inva-
sions from the sea. Other units may also invade, but marines get almost no attack Engineers
penalty when doing so. Engineers add to the attack rating against fortifications and reduce the penalties of
crossing rivers.

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HEARTS OF IRON HEARTS OF IRON

Destroyers
Air Units These fast warships are mainly used as escorts in convoys and to hunt submarines.
Fighters They have a high spotting ability (at least against submarines).
These have shorter range than the bombers and have no real bombing capability, but
are used to destroy other fighters and bombers and fly escort missions. Aircraft Carriers
Aircraft carriers enable air flotillas to land in sea zones – a vital ability for operations
Strategic Bombers far from friendly territory. I.e. they act as mobile airbases. They are highly visible and
These mammoth planes have very long range and can carry massive amounts of vulnerable and must be escorted by more powerful vessels. These units should also be
bombs. They are mostly useful against industries, ports and cities, but may also be named with historical names as long as possible, then with the names of ships planned
used against fleets and armies with limited effect. or in construction, then with plausible but invented names. Each Carrier unit in Hearts
of Iron represents 2 actual vessels.
Tactical Bombers
Smaller and faster than the strategic bombers, the tactical bombers are best employed Submarines
against mechanized armies and forts, but may also be used to disorganize all army Submarines are stealthy units that may lie hidden beneath the surface even though
types and damage ships. enemy units are in the same sea zone. They work best against transport ships and air-
craft carriers since their defense is low once discovered.
Naval Bombers / Torpedo Planes
Naval bombers are specially modified tactical bombers and long range fighters Transport Ships
designed to damage ships. Typically carrying a load of torpedoes, they are lethal These are used to carry supplies and raw materials across sea zones. Vital for coun-
against fleets but not very useful against other types of targets. tries like the UK to keep its industries running. Transport ships may also carry land
units for invasions and redeployment.
Transport Planes
Transport planes are used to keep land units in supply and to carry paratroops. They
have lousy defense values and lack offensive capability.

Night Fighter Divisions

Regular Fighter Divisions can be upgraded with night fighting equipment and spe-
cial training for the pilots. This works exactly like the enhanced division concept for
ordinary divisions. Without this upgrade, fighter divisions cannot intercept bogies in
darkness.
Spotting: +1
Air Attack: -1
Build Time: +4 (weeks)

Naval Units
Battleships
These floating fortresses are extremely powerful and may even bombard coastal areas,
but are vulnerable to air attacks and have a high visibility. These units should be
named first with historical names as long as possible, then with the names of ships
planned or in construction, with plausible but invented names.

Cruisers
In reality, cruisers come in many sizes and classes. E.g. a large battle cruiser might
be considered a small battleship, whereas a small light cruiser resembles a heavy
destroyer. In Hearts of Iron, cruisers should be constructed in squadrons consisting
of two or three historical vessels, named for the most famous. Cruisers are excellent
escort vessels and have a small shore bombardment value.

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MUSIC SELECTION
Credits Fredrik Malmberg
Paradox Entertainment
CEO MANUAL
Theodore Bergquist Mark H. Walker

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER BETA TESTERS

Fredrik Malmberg Aaron Seltzer, Adam Donaldson , Alan Allport, Alexander Ignatiev, Andrew C
Taubman, Anthony Ashbery, Bill Thomas, Birger Fjällman, Bruce Durham, Casey
PRODUCER / LEAD PROGRAMMER Malosh, Chad Olson, Christian Benz, Christopher King, Daniel Clark, Derek Pullem,
Johan Andersson Evan Flower, Fleming Nielsen, Jacob Kjærsgård Lester, Jacob Lundgren, Jarrod Allen,
Jean-Philippe DUFLOT, Jeff Burton, Jeff Heidman, Jérôme Ouellet, John Bounds,
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER John Slogick, Jonathan Fox, José María Aguirre García de la Noceda, Kacper van
Patric Backlund den Heuvel, K.C. Komosky, Kevin Simmons, Maarten Smit, Marcelo Junqueira, Mark
Johnson, Markus Herrmann, Mathias Forsberg, Mathias Fritzson, Matt Sanchez, Matt
GAME DESIGN Weisner, Matthew Adams, Matthieu Vallée, Maxime Penen, Mikael Hagman, Mikael
Henrik Fåhraeus, Joachim Bergqwist, Johan Andersson Olsson, Mike Magee, Nicholas Malouin, Nicolai Thorning, Ole Bergesen, Ossi Toivonen,
Peter Doran, Peter White, Petter Carnbro, Piotr Wroniecki, Rajeev D. Majumdar,
PROGRAMMING Ratbag, Rick McGregor, Sascha Tesch, Scott Johnson, Scott Schaffer, Scott Vibert,
Johan Andersson, Henrik Fåhraeus, Patric Backlund Simon Oechsner, Stefan Huszics, Stefan Kreuger, Steven Lee, Thomas Johansson,
Timothy Linden, Wesley Ferris, Zachary Bunch
ARTISTS
Dick Sjöström, Stefan Thulin. Marcus Edström Uses Bink Video Technology. Copyright (C) 1997-2000 by RAD Game Tools Inc.

SCENARIO DESIGN SPECIAL THANKS

Johan Andersson, Joakim Bergqwist, Henrik Fåhreaus All the people at our forum.
Mikael Segernäs
HISTORICAL EVENTS DESIGN
Joakim Bergqwist, Henrik Fåhreaus

EVENTS SCRIPTING
Joakim Bergqwist, Henrik Fåhreaus

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT WORK

Ole Bergersen, Max Penen, Markus Herrmann, Matthew Adams, Christopher
King, Sascha Tesch, Alan Allport, Bill Thomas, Simon Oeschner

TUTORIAL DESIGN
Björn Raunio

FMV SEQUENCES
BOB 601

ORIGINAL MUSIC
Under Licence from Naxos

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HEARTS OF IRON HEARTS OF IRON

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HEARTS OF IRON

Notes:

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