I would greatly enjoy this being continued, so few good interactive AAR's as of yet. 
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The Election of 1903
In the years since the end of the Great War, Europe and Germany had changed beyond recognition. With the great Republican coalition the founded the Weimar Republic following electoral victory in 1898 held together just a few short years before the ‘bourgeois’ Centrists and Liberals abandoned their rather more radical partners in favour of alliance the Monarchist right. With the bad blood flowing freely throughout German politics the elections of 1903, the first after the adoption of the Weimar Constitution in 1898, represented a valuable opportunity to decisively alter the political landscape for all parties.
German Centre Party (Deutsche Zentrumspartei)
- DZP or Centre/Centre Party
- DZP or Centre/Centre Party
Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Christian Democracy / Political Catholicism
Party Leader: Konstantin Fehrenbach
Perhaps the most successful politician of the first years of the Weimar Republic, Fehrenbach had been plucked from pre-war obscurity (with only limited ministerial experience) to the highest office in the land – that of President – and a position of great importance within German politics.
Description:
The mid-1890s were dark times for German Centrism. For decades the most powerful political force in the land, frequently leading governments and providing Chancellors to post-unification Germany, the party experienced an existential crisis in the years before during and after the Great War. In office as Germany threw itself headlong into disaster the party fractured with its proletarian left leaving to form the Free People’s Party and elements of its right supporting counter revolutionary and Monarchist movements. However, from 1898 it began to recover. An impressive electoral showing – in which the Centre had secured almost ¼ of the Reichstag (admittedly a significant drop in its pre-war results) and remained, narrowly, the largest party in the assembly – was built upon by the election of its leader as the first President of Germany. In 1901 things grew even better as the governing coalition dropped its leftist allies in favour of a coalition with the DNVP that was happily greeted by the increasingly influential Austrian branch of the party – whose membership prominently featured Habsburg restorationists. For Zenturm, the future appears bright.
Foreign Policy:
Germany must continue to stand strong as the greatest bulwark against Communism in Europe. We shall continue to oppose the influence of the revolutionary governments of Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam and Helsinki and shall provide unlimited backing to strong governments in Central and Eastern Europe resisting Marxist subversion. At the same time, Germany must exert herself as the protector of this region from Russo-Italian influence. A new century brings new opportunities for Germany to restore herself to significance.
In Bohemia the situation is more significant. Here Czechs and Germans have lived in harmony for centuries – sadly in recent years the spectre of inter-communal violence has threatened this ancient unity. Germany must ensure that a satisfactory regime is in place in this sensitive region that protect the lives of Germans and Czechs equally Germany will aim to establish a puppet regime in Bohemia.
Internationally a close relationship with the British Empire is very advisable. We shall inevitably be drawn into conflict with the French over their annexation of German territory, the Russians over a likely desire on their part to restore their dominion over Eastern Europe with the Communist powers due to their expansionist and revolutionary goals and likely even with the Italians should they attempt to push their influence ever further. In this situation an ally in direly needed – Britain shall support us as the only effective counter to international Communism.
Economic and Social Policy:
The Centre Party continues to support the institution of a flat tax rate that shall ensure that all social classes share the burden of taxation equally. The Party is also willing to accept the limited use of tariffs in order to keep the state budget in balance. The state should also aim to continue to provide assistance for the further investment in industry so that Germany’s re-exertion as an economic power might continue.
The Centre Party shall defend all existing social reforms; however it shall stand in opposition to their extension.
German National People’s Party (Deutschnationale Volkspartei)
- DNVP
- DNVP
Political Position: Hard Right
Ideology: Reaction / Monarchism
Party Leader: Bernhard von Bülow
Bülow came to the head of the DNVP in 1899 promoting a more moderate position that accepted the existence of the Republic and aimed to make cooperation with Liberals and Centrists possible. The new leader’s turn achieved rapid success as Bülow led the DNVP into government in 1901, forcing the left from the ruling coalition.
Description:
The DNVP emerged out of the chaos of the German Revolution and the Ludendorff dictatorship as the champions of reaction. They were radically anti-democratic and regarded force as the only means capable of protecting Germany from social revolution. As the threat of revolution subsided, so too did the policies of the party – the DNVP’s moderating turn at the very end of the century leading them into government and the political mainstream. Having managed to secure close to ¼ of the vote in the politically charged atmosphere of 1898, many Monarchists are hopeful of an even larger vote in 1903 and the advance of the DNVP from government partner to government leader.
Foreign Policy:
Germany must show herself to be the only force capable of defeating international Communism. We shall not allow for another single state to fall to the Communists, using military force if necessary. Moreover, whilst we cannot act unilaterally, we should look to oppose existed Communist ruled states – with the support of fellow powers we may be able to restore the rightful governments to Belgium, the Netherlands and the Scandinavian nations.
Substantial German populations have fallen under the rule of foreign powers in Elass-Lothringen (annexed by France), South Tyrol (annexed by Italy), Memel (annexed by Russia, now under Lithuanian occupation) and Bohemia (forcibly separated from Germany by the Russians). Germany must pursue a foreign policy that aims for the reunification of these German populations with the German nation as soon as possible. Where immediate unification cannot be achieved Germany must seek to support the interests of Germans abroad through all available means.
Internationally the unjust annexations of German lands by the French and Italians have made any rapprochement with the Latin powers near unfathomable. However, Britain has already extended the hand of friendship whilst the Russians will not be of any threat for some time to come. Our position is therefore noticeable improved from the years before and after the Great War – despite the emergence of revolutionary movements across the continent. The continued strengthening of ties with Britain and the isolating of potential enemies from one another shall therefore be the central goal of German foreign policy.
Economic and Social Policy:
The state must do all it can to support economic growth and the return of prosperity. Tax exemptions for entrepreneurs shall be coupled with financial support for new projects – ensuring that the economy continues to steam forward and make up for lost time. Tariffs should also be used to both balance the budget and provide protection for domestic industry and agriculture. The German economy shall be the envy of the world once more.
Existing social reforms should be protected as far as possible. To remove them would only inflame tensions between different social groups and play into the hands of Jewish controlled Communist and Socialist organisations of demagogy.
Constitutional Change:
The DNVP supports the immediate reinstating of all aristocratic titles and properties confiscated in 1898. The party calls for the restoration of the German monarchy, our deposed Kaiser shall be invited to return to retake his throne, should he refuse the invitation shall be extended to his Crown Prince. The party calls for the Upper House to be restored and repopulated with notables and the best citizens of the Empire and endorsed with political power once more.
All Communist, Socialist, and otherwise revolutionary political groups shall be immediately banned alongside all trade unions as a threat to the German nation and state. Limited censorship laws must be left in place in order to guard against a future slip towards degeneracy.
However, should it prove impossible for the programme of restoration to be achieved, the DNVP would support the empowerment of the office of President – a strong and central figure shall be invaluable for ensuring political and social stability.
Free People’s Party (Frei Volkspartei)
- FVP
- FVP
Political Position: Moderate Left
Ideology: Radical Christian Democracy / Christian Socialism
Party Leader: Adam Stegerwald
Still the youngest of the major party leaders, Stegerwald rose to prominence in the young Free People’s Party as a confident and effective revolutionary – playing a major role in the overthrow of the Ludendorff dictatorship and the subsequent formation of the Weimar Republic. The collapse of the Weimar coalition in 1901 was a major blow, yet the FVP leader is widely regarded as a potential leader of a new progressive government.
Description:
In 1898 the FVP had stood on a united electoral list with the SPD in the Democratic People’s Front. The combined list won by far the largest share of the vote with 36.2%, leaving each party with just shy of 100 seats. On the back of this triumph the FVP entered into government, however the refusal of the Liberals and Centrists to back the FVP and SPD’s demands for social reform led to the collapse of the governing coalition as the ‘bourgeois’ parties aligned themselves with the Monarchists. Since going into opposition the FVP has campaigned ceaselessly for their progressive image of the German Republic.
Foreign Policy:
Germany should continue to support the limitation of the spread of social revolutionary and anti-democratic movements across the continent – but should encourage movements towards democracy in all regions. We must adopt a hostile, although not militantly so, stance towards the Communists states – preventing them from spreading their ideas and influence to German lands and beyond.
In Bohemia the situation is more significant. Here Czechs and Germans have lived in harmony for centuries – sadly in recent years the spectre of inter-communal violence has threatened this ancient unity. Germany must ensure that a satisfactory regime is in place in this sensitive region that protect the lives of Germans and Czechs equally Germany will aim to establish a puppet regime in Bohemia.
Elsewhere a close relationship with the British Empire is very advisable. Germany is in dire need of a major ally and the British have already shown a willingness to rebuild ties with our nation and pursue friendship. We must continue on this course.
Economic and Social Policy:
We must institute a progressive system of taxation that shall ensure that the wealthiest bear the heaviest burden and the poor the lightest. The state should play a strong role in the economy in supporting projects aimed at industrial expansion financially. We should oppose the use of tariffs in any but the most extreme circumstances.
All existing social reforms must be protected and a limited programme aimed at their expansion pursued.
The Free People’s Party shall guarantee a minimum of two social reforms if elected
Social Democratic Party of Germany (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands)
- SPD
- SPD
Political Position: Left
Ideology: Social Democracy
Party Leader: Viktor Adler
The Prague born socialist leader became a key figure in the SPD in the aftermath of the Great War as he forged a close knit alliance with the FVP – leading to the two parties’ impressive performance in the 1898 election and subsequent entry into government. The ejection of the SPD and their Populist allies from government three years later hit Adler and his party hard. Increasingly alienated from the left and finding it a struggle to work effectively with any parties to the right of the FVP, Adler is hoping that a strong showing might ensure that Social Democracy stand on its own feet without the need for close cooperation with unreliable allies.
Description:
In the decades before the Great War the SPD’s level of support among German workers fluctuated significantly – despite a high level of repression prior to the repeal of the Anti-Socialist Laws the party survived, yet its movement never became hegemonic in the German working class. The horrors of the Great War years and the social collapse that followed massively strengthened Socialism in Germany – benefitting both the SPD and the more radical groups. In alliance with Populists and other democratic forces the SPD played a major role in the overthrow of the Ludendorff dictatorship in 1898, going on to secure its largest ever share of the vote in alliance with the FVP under the Democratic People’s Front shortly thereafter and entering government for the first time. The SPD adapted to being thrown into opposition reasonably well as it quickly attempted to put itself forth as a clear and effective counterpoint to the bourgeois parties on one hand and the Communists on the other. Bolstered in numbers by the defection of the right wing of the USPD (which refused to dissolve into the KPD) the party was buoyant entering the new elections.
Foreign Policy:
The Communists states of the Low Countries and Scandinavia are clearly here to stay. Barring another bloody conflict and potentially the outbreak of widespread political violence within Germany once more they cannot be opposed by military means. With our Republic bordering three of the four Communist ruled states and having in the past been economically integrated with these nations it is advisable that the German governments provides recognition and offers herself as a trading partner. All the same, we must stand against Communist subversion in other countries and oppose any attempts to overthrow existing, democratic regimes. Germany should also provide political support to any movements abroad striving towards democracy.
It is important that the German Republic seeks friends on the international stage. The new Republican regime in Moscow will likely be amiable to our friendship if a settlement over influence in Eastern Europe can be reached that ensures the independence of former Russian territories. The British have already shown a willingness to improve relations with our nation, whilst we might ensure peace on our Northern frontiers with a moderate stance towards the Communist powers. Italy and France will likely be more resistant to rapprochement – especially in light of the looming issues of their unjustified annexations of majority German lands in South Tyrol and Elass-Lothringen.
In Eastern Europe Germany should look to be a leading force supporting national independence and democracy. In Bohemia German mediation is urgently required in order to avoid bloodshed! A moral victory in ensuring social peace in Bohemia will greatly enhance German prestige across the continent and the world.
Economic and Social Policy:
Now as our economy begins to prosper once more it is time for the fruits of the German economy to be passed down to all her people. We should seek the implementation of a heavily progressive system of taxation – reducing taxes on the poorest as much as possible and avoid all tariffs. These measures alone should noticeably improve the standards of living of the majority of the populace. Beyond this, the state shall play a prominent economic role – performing limited nationalisations where possible and investing the construction of new industries across the land with an emphasis on supporting the development of the poorer regions of the Republic.
We must also strive to significantly expand the network of social reforms, further improving the lives of our citizens. The SPD shall secure a minimum of 4 social reforms .
Communist Party of Germany (Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands)
- KPD
- KPD
Political Position: Far Left
Ideology: Communism
Party Leader: Clara Zetkin
Ever the bombastic political organisation, the KPD elected Clara Zetkin as its leader following its foundation in early 1902 when the left wing of the USPD and several smaller revolutionary groups were fused into the Communist Party of Germany. Involved in socialist politics since her youth in the 1870s, Zetkin had endured hardships – being imprisoned and even tortured by the Imperial authorities during the days of the Anti-Socialist Laws and later campaigning ferociously against the Great War and subsequent Ludendorff dictatorship during the 1890s, all the while maintain her revolutionary politics. Her history made her an icon on the revolutionary left, but she was anything but an obvious choice to lead the new Communist Party, many favouring more prominent male politicians. None the less, Germany’s first female party leader seemed poised to continue to struggle for socialism.
Description:
An amalgamation of the larger part of a mass party in the USPD and a collection of pitifully small sectlets, the KPD was still taking its first steps on the national stage. With the fading possibility of revolution many commentators believed that the Communist Party would struggle to maintain a hold on the minority of the working class that already supported it, never mind extend its influence to a larger part of the population. However, the moral and indeed financial backing of the neighbouring Communist powers and the absorption of the national infrastructure of the old USPD the party was well placed to make an impact.
Foreign Policy:
Germany must show solidarity with all people’s struggling for democracy and socialism. An immediate alliance with Scandinavia, Belgium and the Netherlands should be pursued whilst German support for democratic and proletarian elements in all neighbouring states must be guaranteed. The International is based only provisionally in Copenhagen – it is destined for Berlin! Let our Republic become the incubator for the international struggle of working people against their masters.
Down with capitalism, imperialism and war!
Internal Policy:
It is time to begin the construction of socialism at home!
All means of production in Germany are to be placed under collective ownership through their nationalisation with immediate effect and without compensation. All industries are then to be placed under joint worker-state management and the entire nation geared towards economic expansion and progress so that the lives of our people might be endlessly improved.
We must build a vast network of social security to ensure the highest standards of living achievable are met all social reforms shall be gradually introduced.
It is clear to all the bourgeois democracy is irrevocably corrupt, serving the interests of only a tiny elite and not the working masses of Germany. Let us construct a proletarian democracy that shall stand for the working classes and not their exploiters!
The KPD calls for the reintroduction of the Räte. These organs of people’s democracy shall become a permanent facet of the German state acting as organs of local governance – likewise these organs of worker, peasant, soldier and sailor democracy shall be required to send delegates to a Grand House of People’s Councils which shall act as the Upper House of the Reichstag – providing the labouring classes with a permanent veto in government.
Let us build a new world.
German Democratic Party (Deutsche Demokratische Partei)
- DDP
- DDP
Political Position: Centre-Left
Ideology: Progressive Liberalism
Part Leader: Eugen Richter
Eugen Richter had been a driving force within German Liberalism for decades. Serving as Chancellor during the Kaiserreich and then again from 1901 he is the only man to have held the highest of offices in both Imperial and Republican regimes. A strong supporter of the shift away from the FVP and SPD towards the DNVP he represents a right wing of the DDP whereas not so long ago he was amongst the most left leaning of German Liberals.
Description:
Through most of the latter 19th century Liberalism was, if not always the single strongest, one of the dominant political tendencies in Germany. Frequently achieving power in one guise or another during the last years of Prussia, the North German Confederation and then the Kaiserreich. In the 1898 election the DDP won less than 9% of the vote and became the Reichstag’s smallest party – securing one seat fewer than the USPD. It was a harsh decline, yet the Liberals retained a great deal of significance in German politics as an invaluable lynchpin in the governments that ruled after 1898. Hopes of a revival remain strong; few believe that a repeat of the electoral disaster of 1898 is on the agenda.
Foreign Policy:
Germany must fulfil the role expected of her and lead all those nations that seek to oppose the autocracy of reaction and Communist Revolution. It is to Communism that we must look to regard the greatest threat to Western civilisation and to democracy at home and abroad. Germany should therefore take any necessary measures to oppose the advance of Communist influence and power.
Alliance with Great Britain is an immediate necessity in order to ward off any advances against us by the Italians and French on one hand and the Communist powers on the other. The expansion of German influence across Eastern Europe, replacing Russian hegemony in the region. However, a restoration of friendly relations with our former enemy to the East, now that the Tsardom has been brought down, may prove advantageous. We might therefore be inclined to seek an arrangement over influence in the East. In Bohemia we should pursue integration between our two nations – including a customs union and the right to free movement between Bohemia and Germany so that ancient ties might not be severed between our two countries.
Economic and Social Policy:
The Democratic Party supports the restoration of economic freedom in this country that shall provoke the economic revival and modernisation that we all seek. Although recovering our industry remains decrepit and in places archaic and even unprofitable. A return to policies of laissez faire shall facilitate the construction of a 20th century economy, not a mid-19th century one.
In order to achieve this we must maintain a total opposition to any and all tariffs, tax cuts to investors, guarantees of all private property and the offering of the promise of a rollback of constricting social reforms.
The DDP shall seek the repeal of at least two social reforms.
All reader must either vote for:
DZP
DNVP
FVP
SPD
KPD
DDP
! You may write the full name, shortened name or the German name of any party, so long as it is clear to me who you are voting for!
Please place your vote in a separate post or bold it within your post so it is easier for me to keep a tally.
Once again, spamming is not tolerated, you may not campaign outside this thread and I ask that you remain civil with each other.
Voting will close on Monday at 10:30AM, I will post in this thread to officially close the polls and return with the results shortly later.
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It's back? Divine grace and angelic joy are the only words fit to describe the sheer glory of that announcement!
Enthusiastic is an understatement.
Now let me catch up.
EDIT: Difficult..
Enthusiastic is an understatement.
Now let me catch up.
EDIT: Difficult..
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Freie Volkspartei
Für die Reform!
(Which in English would, rather obviously, be "for reform!")
Für die Reform!
(Which in English would, rather obviously, be "for reform!")