The Darkest hour of the Russian Empire 2
Chapter Four: 1939-1941
Part XX: Vae Victis
When France was defeated, Hitler didn't have any serious rivals in Europe, which was very useful for him to expand his empire. The Third Reich became a reality...
Hitler and Petain in German Paris
Both members of the Axis - Germany and Italy - had certain claims and targets in Europe, and when France was defeated, they had no more reasons to avoid invasions and agression - Hitler and Mussolini became allies officially. German Wehrmacht attacked little Denmark, while Italy - little Greece.
Hitler attacks Denmark
Columns of Wehrmacht army corps, being redeployed to Denmark
Italians thought that their war against Greece would be as simple and fast as Italo-Abyssinian conflict. But they didn't know how brave the Greek soldiers will be. Royal army of Greece didn't wait until the Italian invasion - Greeks defeated Italian border troops and started preparing a counter-invasion into Albania!
Greece knows how to defend her land
Meanwhile, in Russia political situation became frightening. The Parliament was full of intrigues, scandals and hysteria, ministries were under double pressure from militarists and pacifists, members of different parties couldn't understand what they were fighting for. Pepelyaev suggested an anti-military law, but the Emperor vetoed it personally (which made Alexis II a bit more popular in the eyes of conservatives). Pro-militarist conspirators realized - that was their chance. On 13 of March Grand Dukes Andrew Vladimirovich, Boris Vladimirovich, Vladimir Kirillovich and Dmitry Pavlovich signed so-called "Grand Dukes' pact", in which they promised to support all pro-Militarist forces. Now militarists had the support of the ruling family (except pro-Republican Romanovs like HM Alexander Mikhailovich or HM Sergey Mikhailovich). Tsar's uncle HM Michael Alexandrovich was neutral. The Militarists started their operation...
HM Vladimir, one of new generation of Romanovs (born in 1917), was one of the pro-Militarist Grand Dukes
In the early morning of 15 of March Imperial Guard Corps under command of general Mikhail Drozdovsky left the barracks. Without any official order three elite infantry divisions took the sleeping St. Petersburg under control.
Drozdovsky, general-of-guards
General-governor of the capital was arrested, but the guardsmen said that it was "only for his security". Streets of the city were controlled by the soldiers, while special squads were heading for State Duma and Government centers.
Guards cavalry in Petersburg, March of 1940
The Emperor was informed about strange actions of the Guards at 7:35,and Alexis II tried to prevent the aggression, but he got a message from the Grand Dukes that the operation is not a revolt and not against the Imperial House. Alexis decided to wait for any proper information. Meanwhile, the leaders of Militarists had a briefing in Guards' barracks - general Wrangel ordered to take State Duma, Senate, and all ministries together with telegraph station.
The Black Baron without his usual Cossack outfit, a photo made in the Guards barracks - Wrangel likes how the things go on
At 8:00 telegraph station (without any bloodshed) was under revolters' control. The putschists made an official statement:
To all citizens of the Russian Empire. Now, when our Motherland is in danger and is going to face the most aggressive enemy in her history, elected Government, being a coward band of fools and traitors, showed its full incompetence. We, the National Salvation Council, led by real patriots of Russia, officially call the Government disbanded. His Imperial Majesty Alexis II is not under any suspicion and he will continue his reign without any changes. Our Council is supported by all progressive members of the Russian society, including politicians, generals, admirals, journalists, economists and members of the Royal House. National Salvation Council will be ruling country until the threat of war will be destroyed. Glorious Russian generals and admirals, call your troops to arms, the incompetent government of liberal provocateurs should be defeated! For Russia, for the glory!
General Kutepov, an official propaganda advisor of the NSC and the author of the proclamation
Wrangel, supported by hundreds of different generals, had a lot of troops in his hands, and the government was doomed. At 9:20 War Ministry was taken, Kornilov and Denikin with their advisors had to peacefully resign, Wrangel became a provisional chief of army, his adjutant Harzhevsky was appointed as new chief of staff.
Harzhevsky, new head of the General Staff
At 9:50 general Wrangel attended Winter Palace and met with the Emperor. The Baron, generals Kutepov, Harzhevsky, Drozdovsky and Biskupsky, Bermondt-Avalov, politicians from centrist and right-wing parties (including one minister, Swieatopelk-Czetwertynski) were going to explain their plan to the Tsar. Wrangel said:
- Your Imperial Majesty, today Russia gets her national government, liberal traitors from the Cabinet and Duma soon will be under arrest. Your crown is safe, your Empire will be safe soon, if you'll let us make our country ready for the war.
The Emperor answered:
- My father created the Constiution and the elective Parliament... - he took a long pause - for the peace-time. Now we're too close to the war-time. As the Emperor of Russia I understand that our current government won't be able to get our Motherland prepared. Baron, promise me that you'll not cause the bloodshed and none of my ministers will be executed.
- I promise if they don't resist, Your Imperial Majesty, - nodded Wrangel.
- Then I support your National Salvation Council.
At 10:30 Radio of St. Petersburg said:
"Emperor Alexis II officially supports the putsch. National Salvation Council is going to storm the building of the Parliament - now they have the Tsar's permission and any resistance will be considered as anti-Tsar action. Pepelyaev's government is in extremely difficult position".
Denikin resigns from his post "with honor"
At 11:25 all ministries were under NSC control. Only State Duma was in hands of Pepelyaev's supporters and the Prime Minister tried to contact loyal army units and move them into the city, but he didn't get any answer - all networks were cut by the putschists. In a few hours Imperial capital became occupied by the coup supporters.
Wrangelists' propaganda poster
By 12:00 Pepelyaev and his ministers were arrested and the coup was triumphantly finished. New Imperial Government was appointed directly from National Salvation Council. The Parliament was dissolved until the end of military preparations and military conflict. All elections and political opposition were banned. NSC promised to self-dissolve when the war will be finished. Emperor officially appointed Baron Wrangel as a new head of provisional military government.
New government of the Empire.
While the domestic situation in Russia was changing dramatically, Europe was shaking in the tremors of war. Netherlands were fully occupied by the German army.
Netherlands are conquered
In Africa the things were better for the Allies - they managed to stop the Italian advance and even performed a good counterattack, taking one of Libyan provinces.
Situation in the North Africa
Australian troops attacking their enemies. Libya, 1940
On 21 of March British India officially joined the war. The conflict became more than 4-fronted...
Indian step to the flames of war
On 3 of April two interesting events occurred in the world politics - general Charles de Gaulle created an exile government of "Free France", while the Germans invaded Spain, which became their only enemy in the continental Europe...
One more invasion and de Gaulle's government
Charles de Gaulle
To be continued
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Next update: January, 29
