[Forum Game] - Crisis in the Reichstag

*Radio speech to the German people "On the Economic Situation of the Fatherland", delivered on 9 February 1914 by Erich August von Hohenzollern*

"I read the news today, about the unlucky, indeed precarious, situation our great Fatherland is in today, concerning the economy; let me begin by saying that Germans are best able to progress and innovate when left to their own devices and having control of their own money. I have firmly believed that all my life, and hope to champion that in the Reichstag, not as a junior partner in a fragile coalition, but as a leader in a bond wrought of German steel!

The goals of the Liberal Party are different from almost all the other parties, something that has proven itself time and again in Britain, the United States, and across the Earth; freedom. Under the National Liberal Party, the markets will be freer than ever before, and our German worker, proud and duteous, noble and pragmatic, a symbol of our nations ingenuity and greatness, will be freer as well! Under the National Liberal Party, our trade with other nations will become freer, and you will gain access to foreign goods that you would never see under a Socialist or Reactionist government; only under the Liberals will the freedom of the markets, and the freedom of the people, be placed above the partisan politics that pervade our policy-makers so perfidiously! Only under the National Liberal Party will both our army and our people be defended! Only under the National Liberal Party will Germany and his people be strong, safe, and free! Only under the National Liberal Party will the Reichstag finally gain a shred of vitality, of the action and energy that feel he people of Germany, the children of the Fatherland!

Join the National Liberal Party for a freer People! For a Brighter Future! For a stronger Germany! FOR THE FATHERLAND!"

The liberal party has tried to work for the peolple of our nation, often wth guidance, a luadable realization, yet one lacking of convictions. It is the inability of government to agree to its divisiness that has defeated the will of our nation! A fact neatly forgotten by those who wish to blame the faillue of the previous legislation on other parties as opposed to their own devisiveness! People of germany remember those true servant of our nation and its people, Zentrum and its union of a diverse spectrum of platforms! All tha sekk to help the German people.

~Chancellor Reinhart von und zu Birkenfelt, National Address

"The former Chancellor addressed the the critical divisiveness that led to the downfall of his government, a coalition that the National Liberal Party supported; he is correct that the inability of the Reichstag to pass any meaningful legislation stems largely from that divisiveness. However, he is mistaken at where the source of it lies; it did not, or did not come in any substantial amount or level, from the members of the coalition government; rather, it was borne out of the radicalism of the Reich's Party and the Social Democrats, who combined could block almost any moderate, meaningful piece of legislation proposed by the last government, and their own proposals, especially concerning economic matters, were both too extreme and would have no real positive impact on the German worker.

When you hear the Social Democrats say that they tried to proposal a budget, remember this; their radicalism makes almost anything economic they propose a mess of Marxist radicalism, the complete and polar opposite of what is needed in the Fatherland now; strong, noble, honest leadership; Zentrum can say what they will, but what was the result of their most recent government? For the first time in the history of the Fatherland, no budget was made, and no meaningful legislation passed; they can claim, to a degree rightfully so, that divisiveness brought down the Centrist government; however, the Reichstag suffered from a near total lack of leadership, of strong, forceful, but moderate and reasonable, leadership.

Only one Party can provide Germany with the leadership that the German people rightfully deserve; the National Liberal Party!

Join the National Liberal Party for a freer People! For a Brighter Future! For a stronger Germany! FOR THE FATHERLAND!"

*"Concerning the Failure of the Centrist Government" 14 March 1914, delivered by Erich August von Hohenzollern*

Farmers Of Germany!

All of the other parties claim that they will be able to improve the situation of the German Farmer, but their claims are lies! The National Liberal Party only wants you to become a slave for the entrenched elites, working for long hours and little to no pay. And the Reich party is no better! They only wish for you to have to face a greater and greater tax burden, in exchange for little or no economic development in rural areas, as well as limiting your rights and forcing you to labor for the Kaiser's benefit, not your own. Finally, the Social Democrat Party only wants to set up a Socialist State in Germany, nationalizing the farms that you, the farmers deserve to own and use to your own benefit. Vote for the only party that has your interests at heart: The Farmers League.

I must disagree with our former chancellor, sons and daughters of the Vaterland! The Volk shall not be deceived in this election, for we shall indeed set you straight with the truth. I was there. I participated in the Legislative sessions of the Reichstag. I was a WITNESS to the incompetency of not only the Social Democrats although they were very competent at attempting to drive our nation to Ruin and Chaos, but also the incompetency of the government! A measly 2 bills were passed! Although we must thank them for the naval bill that has been such a boon, they have done nothing, NOTHING, about the economy. The government was a minority government of a dozen different ideologies under a single banner, and we know all too well that such a diverse coalition can never work, especially when not guided by a strong hand.

Although I respect the former Chancellor greatly, although I admire his achievements and skills, I am afraid he simply didn't keep the control over the Reichstag that he needed to! He failed in his duties, however wonderful a person he may be, and that has to be unforgivable to you, the voters.

We in the German Reich tried our best. We very nearly brought legislation to bear! But no, the Social Democrats defeated it, and for letting that happen, I apologize. But it is inevitable that the Social Democrats will be able to ruin everything we try to do should they be elected in such numbers! Vote for the German Reich, ensure we have a strong position in the Reichstag, and we shall reward you with a government that can provide for the Fatherland and its empire!

*"Address on the French Menace" 17 March 1914, by Erich August von Hohenzollern at Eleass-Lothringen*

"Friends, Countryman, True Germans, forty-four years ago, we rightfully retook German lands from the vile French! Today, Eleass-Lothringen is a thriving part of the Fatherland, a testament to Germany glory and superiority! However, these lands are always under the risk of invasion from our western neighbours. Some have proposed building fortifications, whilst others maintain that only a standing army will protect or border. What I propose we do is the best of both world; we both build fortifications, and maintain a strong garrison to defend the people from French tyranny! The fortifications would ensure that the French are slowed in any assault they make, and would naturally take heavy losses (and one less Frenchman in the world makes the Earth a little better); then, while our brave garrisons are whittling away at the French 'army', our glorious Imperial Army, well funded and supplied due to a Liberal Government being in place, would steamroll over into the Frenchlands, and once again, Paris will be occupied by the Kaiser!

Only under the National Liberals will the German border be protected! Only under the National Liberals will the threat of French invasion be kept in check! Only under the National Liberals will our Armed Forces become an unshakeable, unbowed force, stronger than any other nations puny, pathetic force!

Join the National Liberal Party for a freer People! For a Brighter Future! For a stronger Germany! FOR THE FATHERLAND!"

How I so love political debate, particularly debate that ignores basic fact. True only two bills were passed, but that was caused in lare part by both te inactivity of the those elected. A quorum had to be called to pass some pieces of legislation, and often times many elected officials would not vote (check the voting rolls and remove aome inactive members). Adiitionally,I must point out that the accusations that the government did nothing to improve the economy or anything to improve the nation are patently false. In the budget, 12 million reichsmarks were appropriated for business development projects around the country, and 5 million reichsmarks were appropriated for the betterment of our naions schools. To call this inaction is farcial. Furthermore, I feel I must remind the nation that under my administration, not only was the budget balanced but the nations national debt wiped clean.

These demagogs speak of thier parties' ability to bring to legislation to the reichstag and to pass bills, yet they neglect to mention that the floor of the reichstag has been open for the proposal of bills from all members, regardless of party. Indeed, the much vaunted SPD never offered a single bill in the last two years, instead they largely worked to block every peace of legislation proposed. I would also like to point out the communist party is currently outlawed in Germany, due to the groups disgusting and violent actions including the murder of a member of the reichstag during this session!

People of Germany what we need are not radicals from either the right or the left but the center! We have always worked for the best for the German nation and its people! A rare sentiment when most try to aggrandize political power. For Germany, you must vote, for your beliefs, you must vote, and for your livelihoods, you must vote! A vote for center is a vote for progress in our nation!

~Chancellor Reinhart von und zu Birkenfelt

KeldoniaSkylar said:

For Germany, you must vote, for your beliefs, you must vote, and for your livelihoods, you must vote!

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"The Chancellor has said many wise and prudent things, this included; however, he was mistake in who you should support. The National Liberal Party has the best plans for protecting Germany, both from invasion and from economic mayhem the Socialists would bring us! The National Liberals, the true protector of the worker, the party of freedom, the party of defence, the party of growth, can lead Germany out of the malaise of 1913, and into a glorious new year! We cannot do it alone, though; vote for the National Liberal Party this election for a better Germany!

On military matters, we will improve our army and navy, and protect our borders from the French Menace!

On economic affairs we will pass a budget and keep the Fatherland solvent!

What will the Socialists give you? Misery and bankruptcy! What will the Reichs Partei give you? War and tyranny! Only a moderate coalition led by the National Liberal Party will keep Germany and the German People strong, free, and secure!


Join the National Liberal Party for a freer People! For a Brighter Future! For a stronger Germany! FOR THE FATHERLAND!"

*Erich August von Hohenzollern, to a crowd in Cologne, 19 March 1914*

((Welcome, Riccardo!))

I declare my support towards the Reich Party, and one of its notable members, Graf Von Urlich. I wish them the best!

~ His Imperial and Royal Highness, the German Crown Prince and Crown Prince of Prussia, Wilhelm

The need for national security is another sector that my government was successful. The Naval Bill not only removed my aged and decrepid ships from our navy, but replaced them with newer, more powerful modern designs! We also see in this bill a savings as older craft were decommissioned.

Finally, I feel I must point out that armies are maintained by the seperate Laender in the German Empire. A situation that would have been streamlined if the military amendment had been passed. Instead, we have a very decentralized command structure.

People of Germany see now that Zentrum has always served your interests and the interests of our nation. You must vote in this election, an election that will not only determine the composition of the next government, but also the future of our nation! Give Zentrum a strong electoral mandate and Germany will be the city on the hill, the envy of nations and peoples!

~Chancellor Reinhart von und zu Birkenfelt

[Excerpted from Friedrich von Wilhelm's speech to the people of Munich, March 24 1914]

"It is truly an honor to speak to those gathered before me today in this great city.

People of the Reich, we face grave times. With the failure of the passing of legislation in the Reichstag, the Kaiser has dissolved it and called for reelections. The failure for a new budget to be passed - a budget that would lower expenditure and raise income - means that the Reich will still be in debt, and with a lack of an annual budget, our economy is starting to show signs of strain. The Social Democrats are gaining power and influence by the minute. We cannot allow this to happen.

The conservatives of the Reichstag - no, of the entire Reich - must rally to defend the people and the tradition of this great nation in the face of the growing Socialist threat. True conservative policies - traditionalism - shall win in the end of the day.

The lack of an effective Reichstag these past several years - of which I was a part of - is sad indeed, as it shows that a majority must be achieved for the conservatives in order to first prevent socialist legislation from being passed, and two, to effectively uphold conservative and traditionalist values, both of which are vitally important to this nation and its people.

In the end, the economy is the most important for the people, the nation, and the Reichstag. Government spending must be cut, but the economy must be stabilized. National security is indeed important, but it must not be pursued in a fashion that may provoke nearby nations into an aggressive stance. Government-funded education must also be invested in, but not to the point of breaking the budget of the Reich. The same goes for welfare.

So, people of Munich - people of Germany - rally with the right! The Socialists gain power and votes every minute, but they cannot be allowed to win. A Socialist victory will mean the end of the Reich as we know it. A victory for the conservatives will mean an effective budget will be passed, a powerful Reichstag will be in place, and Socialism shall be denied the majority once again.

Do not give in to the socialists. The socialists must not achieve victory during this election. It is up to you, people of Germany."

Brilliant speeches by all politicians, I applaud you all!

~ His Imperial and Royal Highness, the German Crown Prince and Crown Prince of Prussia, Wilhelm

"Since the time of our most esteemed Chancellor, von Bismarck himself, the National Liberals have been the chief force for progress in Germany! Germany was unified with the help of the National Liberal Party! The German Military grew strong with the help of the National Liberal Party! And given the chance to lead, the Liberals will bring German to a Golden Age of prosperity!

The German Military must remain strong; under the Socialists, our security and strength will be abandoned! Vote for the National Liberal Party to keep our Fatherland safe!

The German Economy must be free; under the Reich Party, our economic liberties and our industrialization will falter, and our workers will slave for only wars and unwise policies! Vote for the National Liberal Party to keep our Workers and Businessman free!

Combined with our Centrist and Conservative allies, and led by our strong and noble leader, Erich Thaumen, Germany will be wealthier and more secure!

Join the National Liberal Party for a freer People! For a Brighter Future! For a stronger Germany! FOR THE FATHERLAND!"

*Speech to Hamburg students, 21 March 1914, delivered by Erich August von Hohenzollern*

People of Germany, we have seen the retoric and obstructionism brought about by partisan bickering. Bickering that has paralyzed the reichstag into inaction, a truely deplorable state of affairs, one that has hindered the government's attempts to better our nation. May our great nation not fall into the hands of those that would bankrupt us and leave our nation undefended, nor those that would merely focus on military expenitures to the detriment of the people! May instead it be lead by those that would see to find balance and work to holistically solve our nations problems! It is for our nation and its people, not the interests of a few men, thatI ask you, people of Germany, cast down the shackles of radicalism that has so posioned the past legislative session and embrace the Centre! With a strong electoral mandate Zentrum can bring the necesary reform, carefully steward the economy, protect our nation, and make Germany the envy of all the world!

So vote, people of Germany, vote for our nation, vote for your beliefs, vote for your livelihoods, vote for Zentrum!

~Chancellor Reinhart von und zu Birkenfelt

"The German worker can only be safe if he is free; the National Liberal Party is the champion of economic freedom in the Reichstag! It is there natural and decent for the German worker to consider legislation in his own interest, and cast a vote for the National Liberal Party! A vote for the National Liberal Party is a vote for the Worker!

The immigrant, the Pole, the Jew, and all minorities too can find themselves supporting the National Liberal Party, which stands for more liberalized immigration policies, and for more equality for the newest or most oppressed members of German society; a vote for the National Liberal Party is a vote for Social Progress!

The Navy has always been a source my interest, but look at its detestable state! Look at the general weakness and poverty the Army is in! We need a stronger force to protect our borders and our Fatherland! Do the Liberals want war? Of course not! We follow the Bismarckian principle of avoiding war and supporting alliances; but for the Germans to be truly secure, the Fatherland needs a strong army, a navy to be proud of, and strong fortifications along our borders! A vote for the National Liberal Party is a vote for Security!

Join the National Liberal Party for a freer People! For a Brighter Future! For a stronger Germany! FOR THE FATHERLAND!"

Radio address to the German People, 27 March 1914, delivered by Erich August von Hohenzollern*

Apparenty, the distinguished member form the national Liberal party forgets his party's role in the Kulturkampf. A policy that Zentrum has aways opposed, as it breeds disunity and radicalism. The very radicalism that has soon paralyzed the most recent reichstag. We should not look to the continued hunting of boogeyme but instead towards progress, progress thus far hindered by radicalism.

The navy has been criticised and called decrepid, with the recent naval bill that is no longer true! Our navy is among the most modern andpowerful in the world, but most importantly is now one alligned with the needs of our nation, as opposed to a white elephant.

Similarly the army has been critisd as under-funded a criticism that rings false when expenditures on the armies form the single largest expenditure of any kind in the budget! However, that is not to say that reform is not needed, as the current command structure of the army is divided amongst the constituent Laender, a situation that leads to many redundacies and inefficiencies. Yet, the army is perhaps the strongest institution in the entire nation, to call it weak, underfunded, or decrepid is laughable.

People of germany we must vote vote for our nation, for progress, for our beliefs, and for our livelhoods!

~Chancellor Reinhart von und zu Birkenfelt

My friends! My brothers and sisters! Germany is under threat, both external and internal. We face division, we face warmongering, we face those who would take advantage of you for their own means, right here in Germany! It is shameful. There are even those, even of the National Liberal Party that I have a certain respect for, that are trying to rally fear of the French in order to win your vote. Now, as a former man of our military, and a former man of our foreign affairs ministries, I must say these claims are patently false. The French have neither the manpower nor the tactics nor even the raw military strength to launch an offensive against our well trained forces.

We of course have our problems. Due to the fact that the Leftists in the Reichstag prevented the Militarism amendment from being passed, our army is decentralized. That can be fatal. Please, vote to the right of German politics in this election! That is the only way we will be able to right that wrong, and centralize the command of our Army.

But make no mistake, France has allies. While the enmity between our two countries is overstated, as surely Germany does not WANT war, but should it come to it they have friends. Russia to the east, and they are also friends with our economic partners in Britain. Now tell me, if we are going to run up a debt creating forts on the french border and then raise the deficit to maintain a solid army at the same time, all for the French, who will cover the east? No I tell you, Forts are not the answer. To stay on the defensive is to lose a war! Did our grandfathers in 1870 sit back and stare timidly at the French across a series of Forts? NO! They used their ARMY to establish why it is that the German Army is to be feared, and the French army is not. Forts are merely expensive money wasting slabs of concrete and labor intensive trenches. We do not have the money for that. What we already have money for, is a strong army! NO forts can hold back a well trained, well disciplined force of arms. Surely you will believe me over those leftist fear mongers?

The mere fact that my opponents propose such a series of forts is proof of their incompetence.

The Center wishes for you to support them in their bid for power again. A coalition of moderate and greatly differing ideologies that avoid the radicalism that they pin on the far right and far left. But how has that worked out for us Germany? We have already seen what 2 years of that does for us! Do we need to see more? Do we need to see our country fall to ruin? I have fought on your behalf, and I very nearly won the battle. But make no mistake, it was not just the Social Democrats that stood in the way of the German Reich party. It was the centrists and the moderates who supported such bickering as they now condemn!

The only way to vote for a strong government who will provide for Germany is to vote overwhelmingly for the right, for the German Reich! We have seen the Center try for 2 years now. It has not worked. The Social Democrats are a large reason for that as well though. They block everything they can, and only prolong the inactivity.

You see, they claim that I speak of being able to put bills on the floor, but they claim I did no such thing. I did! I did on behalf of the German Reich Party, and the German Volk that we represent. I fought tenaciously for them as well, but unfortunately the leftist leaning moderates and the social democrats shot them down. The only way we can ensure bills will be passed is to reduce the representation of the left! They must be reduced so that they can be prevented form delaying and stopping important legislation.

Not only will our military be protected, for I promise that myself so that you may sleep safely and securely, but I will personally guarantee an up swing in industry, farming, and the German Economy! I will fight for subsidies to be given to farmers, and an increase in said subsidies if a bad year comes across certain regions. I will impose higher import tariffs on foreign goods, and subsidize any business and industry owners that fill the gap like capitalists must! We will increase our reliance on home made goods, and decrease our reliance on foreigners, and increase our output of exports at the same time! We will develop our colonies so that we may receive worthwhile resources from said lands, and they will stop being a drain on the fatherland. But most important, i will ensure that if you vote the German Reich to power in these troubled, partisan, times, then I PROMISE on my honor I shall do my utmost to see every German employed that I can so that all Germans may provide for their families.

That is what you vote for when you vote for the German Reich party.

Security.

An economic up swing.

Prestige.

Employment for the Volk.

But most important, you vote for those people who truly represent what YOU want to be done!

VOTE for the GERMAN REICH! Surely if the German Empire's Crown Prince Wilhelm can lend his support to our cause, surely you can too?