Battle of Anchorage

The Anchorage Reclamation is the colloquial name applied to a decisive push by American Power Armor combat units into Chinese-controlled areas of Alaska between 2067 and 2077. The operation is ultimately successful.

World Conditions (2059)
In 2059, the government of the United States, seeking to secure American energy interests in the dangerously-exposed areas of Alaska, established the Anchorage Front Line. The military presence in Alaska had two primary tasks: protect the Alaskan oil fields and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline from harm. Although deployed on American soil, the mere presence of combat units, even in a defensive stance, raised concern and fueled tensions in the international community.

The Oil Crisis of 2060
As the Oil Crisis of 2060 escalated into true collapse, security of Alaska was a critical issue, and the US military remained deployed to guard American energy infrastructure throughout the crisis. Amid the turmoil of the collapse of the global oil economy, China became increasingly belligerent in trade talks with the United States over the sale of Alaskan oil, serving to further underscore the need for an American military presence in Alaska.

China Invades, Canada Intervenes (2066)
Then, in 2066, China launched a full-scale invasion of the state of Alaska. The Anchorage Front Line, up to that point a front line in name only, became a full-grown battlefield, with Chinese and American forces clashing for control of Alaska and its oil.

Meanwhile, Canada, though which American ground and air forces had to pass to reach the Alaska battlefields, became increasingly resistant to the passage of American war materiel. Although Canada briefly became diplomatically combative with America over the use of its highways and airspace, Canada ultimately backed down in the face of veiled threats of military action.

Anchorage Reclamation Begins (2067)
In 2067, with American and Chinese forces slugging it out at a near standstill in the frozen north, the first Power Armor units are shipped to Alaska. These initial versions of Power Armor are the distant cousins of the famous T-51b Power Armor. Less maneuverable, larger, heavier, and less mobile than Power Armors to come, these early Power Armor soldiers nevertheless proved instrumental in blunting the Chinese thrust into Alaska.

From their first engagements, Power Armor proved itself as being extraordinarily effective against Chinese armored and infantry units alike. Thanks to its ability to carry large and varied loads of ordnance, Power Armor first stalled, then began to reverse the Chinese assault.

The Reclamation Continues (2068-2076)
Power Armor continued to improve, incrementally, throughout the duration of the conflict. Fed by Canadian raw materials (much to the ire of many in Canada), the American war machine continues pushing the Chinese back. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is recaptured around the turn of the decade. The problems inherent in harvesting resources from Canada, plus an attempted act of sabotage against the Pipeline ultimately led to the country's annexation by American forces in the late 2070s.

In 2076, the famous T-51b Power Armor is unveiled. Although most units are sent into China itself, some are deployed to further hasten the Reclamation.

Victory in Alaska (2077)
With the Chinese army slowly grinding to a halt thanks to the combined effort of grueling weather, relentless American assaults on their front lines, and disruption of supply lines thanks to American Power Armor units operating in China, the Chinese lines in Alaska collapse. On January 10, 2077, American military units, spearheaded by Power Armor, retake the Anchorage Front Line, and Alaska is formally, and completely, reclaimed from Chinese occupation.

Aftermath
With victory achieved and Alaska secured, most Power Armor units are recalled. A significant percentage are redeployed within the borders of the United States, however, to quell rioting and other domestic disturbances. The appearance of Power Armored soldiers on city streets became commonplace, especially in riot-wracked areas like Denver and annexed Canada. News footage from early 2077 showed captured Canadian partisans executed by Power Armored soldiers.

This state of affairs continued for much of the year until, on October 23, 2077, the Great War renders all such concerns moot.