Uswan Logistical Crisis of 1909-1911

The Uswan Logistical Crisis was a severe nationwide logistical collapse that took place between 1907 and 1914. The timing of the Logistical Crisis varied across the nation; it began much earlier in rural areas compared to urban ones. It was the longest, deepest and most widespread logistical collapse of the 20th century. The Uswan Logistical Crisis is commonly used as an example of incompetent military and government leadership and how not to handle a national crisis.

The Logistical Crisis had devastating effects on both the military and civilian population.

Start
It is considered by many that the first signs of a logistical breakdown occured in 1907. The first symptom of the crisis was the lack of essential supplies (such as ammunition, kit cleaning supplies and new equipment) being delievered to more remote detachments of infantry. After 3 months of lacklustre supplies, the alarm was raised that the remote logistical chain wasn't coping with the amount of different calibers and pieces of equipment in circulation. The issue was brought to the War Cabinet's attention but was quickly dismissed as 16 out of the 20 members said the supply chain was up to date and functional. In reality, the only part of the supply chain that was up to date and functional was the areas in and surrounding major cities and logistical hubs.

In 1908, a proposal to at least semi-standardise equipment was shown to the War Cabinet. However, due to a minor recession, the idea was shelved as it would require a reallocation of resources and regearing of factories which could be better used for helping lessen the economic fallout. The main reason for the dismissal of the idea was the large overestimation of the severity of the recession.

Causes
The primary causes of the Logistical Crisis were an ineffective logistic network which was put under immense strain due to non-standardised equipment. This was further exacerbated by the Uswan Revolution of 1909-1911.