History is Written by the Winners

[RealityGuy]

Corsican Question​

For around 20 years now, Corsica is not French. That former province of Genoa, and a part of Metropolitan France was given to the Italians as a reward for their service in the Great War. We never gave up of it, although we never tried to get it back either. But now, as Deloncle irons his rule, time has come to do something about Corsica. Italy is friendly neighbor of ours, and Deloncle decides to call their leader, Balbo to the meeting to Paris.

In need for a strong ally as well, Balbo accepts to come to Paris and to have a meeting with our leader. Many problems between countries are to be discussed, but our priority is clear- get Corsica back. As a response to the Italian answer, High Command decides to dissolve the Ligurian Front and send its troops to the north, as a sign of good will.

Ajaccio, the biggest city in Corsica is a pearl of Mediterranean, with its worm climate, lots of hotels, developed tourism and beautiful environment. It will be French again.

As the meeting was coming to its start, news come from Spain about a wish of its leaders for a democratization and free elections. Nothing other than this proclamation happens but we have to keep a close look on Spain from now on.

Finally, meeting starts in a relaxed atmosphere. Balbo is happy to have same political goals as our leader Deloncle- to clean the world of a socialist threat.

Many issues between France and Italy have been resolved, and meeting is called a success. But most importantly, a referendum will be held in Corsica regarding its owner in a month. Balbo and Deloncle then go to walk in Paris greeted by the crowd.

Yet another civil war starts, and yet again it is the socialists rising to fight the government. This time, this happens in Mexico, far away. Surely USSA had something to do with this revolt. Our government is not too friendly with Mexico, and that is why there won't be an intervention this time.

Battle for Veracruz starts as government attacks this city which fell to the rebel hands. Socialists give it all to defend but they are quite weaker then their enemies. On other fronts, government starts their offensives.

Referendum was held and it was decided, Corsica will be part of France.

Yet another political victory of Deloncle is widely celebrated in France. He is already given the title "Deuxième Napoleon" meaning Second Napoleon.

And it was becoming clearer every day that new war with Germany and Britain is inevitable. That is why army has to be modernized and equipped for war. Deloncle is satisfied and now turns his attention to last remaining territory lost in Great War, Belgian occupied northern France.​

 

[SnichtheWalrus]

Csa

What are your relations with the Confederacy?

 

[RealityGuy]

What are your relations with the Confederacy?

negative, they are a democracy

 

[Deus Eversor]

wierd, but i'll sub

 

[RealityGuy]

World goes mad

Italy, China and Austria join Spain and France in anti-communist pact. These are truly our allies that will play a major role in the upcoming years. As this happened, our government decided to start improving relations with China.

Modernization of our army is going as planned, and now time comes for us to improve our navy. The question arises about what kind of fleet should we focus on. And after some discussion, government decides it is best to develop aircraft carriers as they are becoming more and more important. Due to treaty of Potsdam, we were unable to build carriers but Deloncle is to change that. Research and development of new carrier branch starts right away.

As well as carriers, other surface ships start being developed. Destroyers, new modernized transports and new line of heavy cruisers. French navy will crush the British.

Right now the flagship of our navy is the old Great War battleship Paris. It is expected to pass the flagship title to the new ships being built, but Paris will stay in active service, France still needs it.

In early May 1937 Salazar is victorious in Portugal as last socialist forts surrender. Now a time for rebuilding and modernization of a country has come. Strangely, even while our governments are quite friendly, our relations are negative. Deloncle orders our diplomats to improve them.

And the time came for troops to head home. Our volunteer corps played a huge role in the war, and didn't suffer many losses. This experience will surely play a big role in any upcoming conflicts.

Balkans explode. Balkan league attacks the weak Ottoman Empire. We will keep a close look on this war.

Turkish National Guard mobilizes in Istanbul, fearing attacks from air, many AA defenses are set up over the city.

Rearming continues with a beginning of production of armor divisions code named 'Charlemagne'. Tanks are expected to be a key in victory in this new warfare.

Back in Mexico government offensives continue as Veracruz comes under their control. Rebels are pushed north every day.

Mexican army continues their push north, all the way to the American border.

It was true, Spain did get a free elections on which Social Democrats got to power. We cant let this happen, something has to be done. Deloncle calls on emergency conference in Paris regarding Spanish problem.

In Balkan war, League is advancing. Thessaloniki is lost to Serbian forces. Seems like Ottoman army can't hold for long three enemies.

And they cant, only 10 days after the loss of Thessaloniki they offer a peace to the League giving up of entire Balkans expect the Istanbul district. Ottoman empire suffered a huge defeat which will surly isolate this old empire even more.

Deloncle came up with a plan for Spain. France will support Francisco Franco's coup to overthrow the government. It is planned to be staged in august, after enough weapons and equipment is sent to Spain.

Francisco Franco is a leader of Spanish fascists. He has been quite happy in the Monarchy, but as democracy was established a chance opened to take power. With help from France and Salazar from Portugal, he hopes to become Spanish leader.

As we wait for a revolution in Spain, new tanks arrive. They are put into service with 2 existing armor divisions and sent to Belgian border.

Most of those tanks are new Hotchkiss H-39 light tanks, hoped to archive a quick victory in combat. They are quite fast and powerful, surly better than any German tanks.

The motorway line is finished on the border, from Brest to Spanish border. And that is not all, a plan for new line of cars is finished as well.

Volture du peuple as they are called, or People's car are under production in factories all over France. They are cheap, people will be thrilled to have a chance to posses a family car.

The hard work in Sahara pays off as the railroad is finished. Dakar and Algiers are connected with a modern railroad system that will surly develop African colonies.

Transport through those two ports is tripled in first weeks after a railroad completion. We have to expand the port in order to keep on getting more money from them. Port of Algiers is among the best in Africa.

But all these good news are stopped by a bad one. Franco was unable to coup Spain. His troops were defeated in Madrid. Spanish government has publicly condemned France for this coup attempt. Deloncle is furious and decides to send more troops to the Spanish border. Surly Britain will now use the chance to get Spain into alliance. In any future war, we will have to fight Spain as well.​

 

[General_Hoth]

Second Napoléon? There already have been 3. It would be the fourth. And I don't understand how this is bonaparte legacy with a Bourbon on the throne?

 

[RealityGuy]

Second Napoléon? There already have been 3. It would be the fourth. And I don't understand how this is bonaparte legacy with a Bourbon on the throne?

Second Napoleon as in triumphs. Napoleon II and III are not known for much victories on field are they?

 

[NikephorosSonar]

"A Second Bonaparte" would be more fitting, although the other Napoleons were Bonapartes as well. Fitting though because Tukachevsky was often referred to as a "Red Bonaparte."

 

[Zzzzz...]

I love this! Subs!

Too bad with Spain. Just one country short of a Latin bloc

 

[Lucifer]

Finally, French soldiers can look at the river Moselle in Nancy, which flows into German-controlled Metz and then to the holy river of Rhine.

It is the Meurthe river in Nancy

 

[General_Hoth]

Second Napoleon as in triumphs. Napoleon II and III are not known for much victories on field are they?

Napoleon III won many wars (Crimea, reunification of Italy)

 

[Dofon]

Wonderful! I've never seen a Bonaparte Legacy AAR, so i'll be following eagerly.
One nitpick though; a certain Austrian dictator in update 4 "Back to reality" is wearing a +3 crooked cross of rule-violation. One should do their best to censor it, lest Entente inspectors cite you treaty violations.

 

[RealityGuy]

It is the Meurthe river in Nancy

thank you, fixed

Wonderful! I've never seen a Bonaparte Legacy AAR, so i'll be following eagerly.
One nitpick though; a certain Austrian dictator in update 4 "Back to reality" is wearing a +3 crooked cross of rule-violation. One should do their best to censor it, lest Entente inspectors cite you treaty violations.

didn't even pay attention. Thanks, censored!

 

[RealityGuy]

Road to War​

The world is changing. Democratic countries are weak and is time to make use of that and regain our former glory.

Ports of Algiers and Dakar are expanded which increases income in both of them. People start moving in and economy grows fast. New factories are opening across the colonies. Algiers really is among the pearls of Africa.

With the influx of masses, naval base of the French Navy, and a capital of Algeria colony, Algiers grows daily. This is good for our economy.

VdP factories are built and start working. It is a complete success as people buy these cars for private lives. But soon, government realizes the potential of these factories and starts using some of them in military service.

Cars are good in quality and easy to use. The Atlantic motorways network is used a lot and all the work pays off.

Communist governments of Soviet Union and USSA sign a treaty of friendship, which we don't like. Socialist states of the world are forming a counter pact, opposed to our Anti-Comintern Pact.

Then troubles come from Austria. Seems like Hitler wants part of Czech Republic for him, a part where Germans live. He has contacted Italy to help him archive this. However Italy asked us for a support in this crisis. Deloncle decides not to intervene, leaving Italy and Austria alone in crisis against Germany.

Just as we expressed our neutrality in this crisis, Germany uses a chance to annex Austria in August. Deloncle is furious and apologies to Balbo saying that he has made a mistake, that from now on Italy has our support in every conflict. Austria is gone, and French generals realized that Germans are using every chance to destroy French sphere of influence. That has to be dealt with.

Some were happy, some were sad, but the reality was that German troops passed into Austria unopposed and occupied it. Hitler fled to Italy and promised to return one day. Political situation will be calm for some 8 months on the world.

Bun in April 1939 Deloncle requests that a conference be held regarding the Belgian-occupied France, so called Pas-de-Calais. It consists of several big cities like Lille, Calais and Dunkirk that were handed to Belgium after the Great war. Now time has come to get them back. In Strasbourg a treaty is organized between Italy, France, Britain and Germany and it is decided Pas-de-Calais will be given back to France in exchange of Deloncle's promise to stop aggressive policy.

And a treaty is signed, without Belgians. When they find out for Entente's betrayal, they have no choice but to accept French claims and hand over the cities to France.

Our troops, that were ready to invade Belgium if negotiations break down, move into the region welcomed by French citizens. New-old border with Belgium is established.

Citizens of Lille celebrate 'liberation' of their city with newly arrived French troops to the city. Deloncle realizes that Entente is easy to push around and decides not to stop here. Considering most of Belgium speak French, he has plans of annexing entire Belgium into France, but not yet. Army is growing everyday, and could defeat German army now. But we are still not strong enough to fight British. That is why a decision is made to wait for a year or so before making a next diplomatic move. Hopefully by then, our troops will be ready, generals do promise that.

Encouraged by Deloncle's success, Balbo goes on expanding as well. Albania submits to Italy and becomes part of it.

All this however sets Brits moving. They start their diplomatic campaign to isolate France and Italy as much as possible, realizing for themselves war is around the corner. A secret alliance is signed between Britain and Spain, something we were fearing would happen. It is not publicly declared, but our spies in Madrid find out about it and inform Deloncle. Germany still hopes to avoid the war but not Britain. More troops are sent to Spanish border, who are building up their troops as well. We have 18 divisions in the South, while 9 divisions are sent in Africa on Moroccan border where fighting is also expected to escalate.

To get a better position in North Africa, British government requests Egyptian north coast, and when they get it Italians realize British will defend this area. Balbo sends two thirds of Italian army to Africa.

And the last British move, for now, is to officially enter into alliance with Germany and guarantee Belgium's independence. This worries us not, we knew British won't give up of their allies.

War approaches us every day and it was time Deloncle speaks with the Scandinavian government about a non-aggression pact. It is however declined.

And as our armies prepared for war, war in Mexico gets a turn of a tide. What happened to government forces we don't know. Mexico City has fallen into rebel hands.

Rebel socialists must be supported by USSA and that is how they advance. They are close to defeat the government troops.​

 

[Gukpa]

Go Deconcle!

 

[pafnus]

Very very good episode.. Go France GO...

 

[RealityGuy]

Another Great War​

French army is ready. During years of rearming, our troops have grew to around 100 divisions in size. 80 of them are on Belgium-German border ready to spread our ideologies to Europe.

Our navy is also ready for war. Surface fleet is massive, while our submarine fleet has just been completed. Admiral Esteva is commanding them.

Although development of navy did not go in direction of submarines, they were still being made. New Minerva class submarines are expected to patrol the Atlantic ocean bringing us many victories.

One last thing Deloncle wants to finish before going to war is form a alliance with China, ideological friend of France. Our relations are very positive, but China refuses alliance saying they are still not ready for war. Our diplomats will continue their battle to bring China into French alliance in upcoming months.

But then a time has come to send a ultimatum to Belgium, demanding their subjection to France's government. We knew this wouldn't happen, and when they declined France declared war. April 22 1940 will forever stay remembered as a day another Great war started.

The same day, a general mobilization is proclaimed, bringing more troops to our army who are now fully ready for war.

Invasion of Belgium starts, and Deloncle expects a fast victory.

Large colons of Renault tanks start moving into Belgium, destroying the Belgian army in the first days of invasion.

But on April 23 United Kingdom and Germany declare war on France. We were expecting this to happen, our troops were ready. It is time to go to war.

The next day news in London print their government's choice to go to war. Some say this was not needed, but no one can predict where will this action get them and Europe. Many in Britain and France expect war to be over in a month.

With a start of war in Africa, all the work is cancelled. Now is time to make weapons.

German offensive starts. City of Nancy is under attack from three sides by 17 divisions, which number soon grew to 28. Our 12 defending divisions will hold the line as long as possible, taking many German lives.

Huge German army is attacking Nancy, leaving space for our troops in Belgium to advance everyday.

Esteva sets off into Atlantic. Mission is to raid convoys for next couple of months. However, it was clear we did not invest in submarines. Within first month of his action, 9 of 10 submarine units were sunk by the British, and Esteva is called off, and replaced.

As the first week of the war was behind us, Italy decided to join the war on our side. They honored the anti-comintern pact with us.

Huge crowds of people gathered in Rome to listen to Balbo's declaration of war on the Entente.

Austrian front opens, Italy will have a chance to liberate Austria which they lost last year. German defenses in this area are not strong.

Brussels was captured and Bruges encircled. 4 Belgian divisions faced extinction now, when attacked from 3 sides. Fast armor divisions also captured Antwerp.

But then another front opens for Germany. Poland has just entered into our alliance, now called the Axis and starts attacking Germans aiming to unite all Poles. Germans were ready for this and troops in the area put up resistance.

But soon, Polish numbers start counting for bonus. German troops escape from burning Elbing on coast, leaving it open for Poles who capture it and set Koenigsberg under siege.

In Belgium, Mons and Bruges are taken, invasion is going better than planed.

Deloncle then announces the Rhine border law. France is to raise claims on all the provinces to the Rhine, which we lost in 1814.

More victories, Arlon and Namur are taken in early May.

Diplomats are trying but still have not brought China to our side. China uses occupation of Europeans to annex Tibet into their nation. Deloncle sends congratulations to Chinese government.

Another law is declared. France is to reclaim all of its lost colonies in Africa.

After 2 weeks of fighting, Nancy is safe. Only outskirts of the city are in German hands who lost 72 000 troops attacking the city. We lost 31 000 brave defenders.

Nancy lies in ruins, but we will repair it. Most important thing is that it is still French.

Now a discussion was held in high command regarding our next move. By May 7 Belgium was fully under our control. Now a time came to attack Germany itself. But how? Siegfried line to the east defends approaches into Germany from Swiss border to Cologne. That is why a decision is made to attack Holland as well, and occupy it, then continue attack into Germany from the north. Plan is simple, get to Muenster and continue south to Essen and then all the way to Bavaria and connect with Italians. If Germans hold their position on the border and don't fall back that plan will we a success as we will have them all encircled.

Attack on Holland starts and Deloncle waits, will the Germans take a bait. Even if they pull back, Rhineland is open, if the don't Germany is clear for taking.​

 

[Gukpa]

ONWARDS TO VICTORY!So you will have your vegenance!

 

[RealityGuy]

La victoire en Allemagne​

Invasion of the Netherlands starts, and it seams we will archive quick victories.

And we do. Eindhoven, the gate into Holland is captured, and our troops start moving to Arnhem, with 6 divisions splitting to go and capture Amsterdam.

By May 18 High Command changes the plan for invasion of Germany. Initial plan was to go through north Germany, but our armor divisions in Ruhr found the weak spot in German defenses and were able to cross through Siegfried line without resistance and have managed to take Cologne on May 17. Rhine is right ahead, and when high command have an order to continue into Germany tanks roll over Rhine. Germans however don't move troops from Alsace-Lorraine, this is the beginning of the end for Germany.

Our troops start massive offensive operations along the front. Saar and Rotterdam are taken with minimal losses. It is time to encircle German troops in Alsace-Lorraine.

By end of May, situation on three fronts of Germany is as follows. In the south Italians have made some advances, but German reinforcements into the area counterattack. In the east, Polish army is attacking Koenigsberg and is preparing a massive attack on Gdansk and Poznan. In the west, French have crossed the Rhine on multiple spots, and have also taken Wilhelmshaven. Battles of Biefield and Frankfurt are currently raging. Germany won't last a lot.

Final attack on Amsterdam also starts, 6 French versus 5 Dutch divisions. Battle is fought for every street, Dutch are giving strong resistance.

Street fighting in Amsterdam intensify as the French High Command orders the city to be taken within a week. French soldiers currently control some 40% of the city.

War started in North Africa as well. Italians have started moving toward Suez canal. For now they face little Anglo-Egyptian resistance.

British, however, prepare a strong defense of the town of El-Alamein, some 50km west of Alexandria. Our spy quickly informs Balbo's troops of this and they send reinforcements into Africa aiming to capture entire Egypt before fall.

In the Far East, there are battles, too. On Soviet-Chinese border a battle starts for Zhenbao island where Soviets attack the Chinese troops aiming of moving into Mongolia.

Massive Soviet army starts moving south, but are soon defeated by Chinese army. Soviets recognize Chinese gains and control of Mongolia as a treaty is signed. Our diplomats are still trying to get China into Axis, for now without success.

By June 8, war in Germany is coming to a close. Our armor divisions are some 100km from the Czech border, close to encircle entire German army. Poles made big gains, as well as French in the north. Even Berlin is taken.

But on June 10 history changes. Germans have had enough and offer a peace. It is time to start negotiations, but Deloncle still requests all territory to the Rhine and Ruhr as a protectorate as well. German government now has to respond, their army is losing positions all over the front.

In Aachen a peace treaty is signed between Germany, France, Poland and Italy. Peace is as follows: Poland gains everything east of the Sttetin-Breslau line, Austria is granted freedom, just like Ruhr. Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Alsace-Lorraine and Rhineland are handed over to the French government. Germany quits its alliance with the British and grants military access to the French army.

Just couple days after the treaty, a coup in Germany is staged by the German fascists. Herman Goering takes power, and a new government is formed.

Central Europe after the fall of Germany.

After the Fall of Germany, Serbia sees a opportunity in our alliance and decides to join the Axis. We accept, as Serbia will make our position on the Balkans much better.

Serbian government signing the pact in Paris, and thus becoming 7th member of the Axis.

Just like he promised, Hitler is back in Austria as its leader, much thanks to French army.

When Deloncle finds out socialists won the war in Mexico, he has no comment, later just states: ''One more enemy.''

Former pride of Germany, the Siegfried line is decided to be destroyed, so passage through these lands is much easier.

Goering informs us that general Erwin Rommel has formed so called Free Germany in Africa with aim of liberating Germany. Deloncle just smiles on these news saying that Germany is now protected by French army and needs no liberation.

Erwin Rommel, was a general in command of the German troops in Siegfried line during invasion on Germany, after the fall of Germany, he evacuated to Britain, from where he moved into Africa, declared Free Germany and took a command of Allied army in El-Alamein.

And finally, after months of trying, we manage to get China into Axis. 8th member of our alliance will have a huge role in this war, as Asian front opens in India and Indochina now.

And now, Deloncle decides for war to keep going. Two new operations are planned. One is to attack Spain, with 54 divisions, as well wit 9 divisions in Algeria. We also expect that Salazar will join the war later on, after we have taken Madrid.

Second plan is much harder- Invasion of Britain. During years leading to war, we built large amounts of transport troops, and now 51 divisions are ready to invade Britain from Brest. Deloncle is sure we can win. War goes on.​

 

[cloneof]

This is so cool!