By Iron and Blood: A Prussian-German AoN AAR

[C.V. Mannerheim]

By Iron and Blood :
The Story of the Unification to the Rise of German Nationalism
A Prussian-German AAR using AoN, and later TGW Mod for HoI
​

The sun rose over a snow draped Schönhausen on January 1st, 1820. Inside the halls of the Old Junker Estate, a small boy, no older than 5 years of age, stares a map of Prussia adorning his father’s den.

“Kommen Sie Otto, es ist Zeit für Frühstück.”
“Ja Vater, Ich komme.”

On his fathers command, the young Otto von Bismark takes one last look at the map, and proceeds to the dining area.

Prussia found itself in a precarious situation in 1820. The War for liberation had been won several years ago, and Prussia found itself beginning to challenge Austria for dominance of the German people.

With the new year, came orders from Friedrich Wilhelm III to begin to create ‘an alliance of Northern German States’ in order to challenge Austrian Political dominance of the area.

The King’s Diplomats worked quickly, by the end of the month Prussia had become the leader of an Alliance of German States including: Itself, Oldenberg, Saxe-Weimar, Hamburg, and Saxony, and had convinced Hannover, a British Vassal to allow Prussian troops to pass through their lands.

Next came the allocation of Prussian Military Forces. Although the smallest of the Great Powers, the Prussian army was still a formidable force, der Königsliche Armee, von Wartemburg commading, and numbering 41,000 Infanty, 10,000 cavarly, and 50 cannon, commanded by Junker Officers, was based in the province of Brandenburg. Der Ost Armee, Commanded by General Forst, moved into camp in Silesia.
The Third major Prussian Force, under General von Gneisenau was based in Danzig. Looking to protect Prussia’a Rhine holdings, Friedrich also ordered the conscription of 7000 men from the Köln area. Work began in ernest to strengthen the Fortresses in the Rhineland as well.

It was unclear who Prussia main enemy would be. On one hand, Prussia had to combat the Dominance of German Politics by Austria. It seemed this ‘front’ would be more diplomatic than Military. On the Other hand, Prussia’s age old enemy of France might again decide to impose its rule on the German peoples. Yet another threat came in the form of Russia. Would their former ally, the Tsar, decide to expand his realms into the Rich pastures of the Silesian Junker estates?

Only Time would tell.

There was no denying it, the differences between the Prussian Dominated North of Germany, and the Austrian Controlled south of Germany were more than Political. Certainly Austria’s years of conquest had taken their toll on Relations, but there was something more. The Northern German States were largely Lutheran, while the Austrian lands were most definitely Roman Catholic. To some Germans this meant nothing, but to Others it meant everything in the world. However Prussia’s Rhineland provinces were also largely Catholic. Prussia tolerated all religions, there was no reason to risk internal stability when there were so many threats beyond their borders.

In Early September Wilhelm received word that the Austrians had entered an Entente with Sweden and Norway. This was cause for alarm in the Prussian court, for Prussia’s long Baltic coastline was completely devoid of ships. Soon after Wilhelm ordered the founding of der Kriegsmarine Prussia’s naval arm.

By Mid May 1821 the situation for Prussia was improving. The New Ships were almost complete, the fortresses in the Rhineland had been upgraded, and Saxe-Weimar became a Vassal of Prussia. The First step toward German Unification had began.

But another Germanic Nation was at war. Hannover, the vassal of Britain, was in a fight for survival with Denmark. This Troubled Friedrich Wilhelm, perhaps Denmark would be Prussia’s next enemy.

Or Perhaps not, in Mid 1823, while still at war with Hanover, Sweden Declared War upon Denmark.

By the fall, Holstein had fallen to Hanoverian and Swedish Troops, and the Danes began looking for a way out. By Mid 1824, the Danes had bought off the Swedes, and turned their attention back to Hanover.

In Mid 1824, Austria declared war upon the Italian Principality of Modena. The poor Italians were quickly crushed by the Austrian Onslaught.

In December 1826 the Hanoverian-Danish war ended. With the entire Danish Peninsula being ceded to Hanover.

Prussia, and Friedrich Wilhelm III had their enemy.

 

[nalivayko]

I wish to see the screenshot Can't see it as of now. I haven't read any AON aars and would like to see what is going on. Otherwise, a very good start, looking forward to reading the rest.

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

try right clicking the 'show picture'. i know, this isnt my usual image hosting site. But it will have to do for now.

Expect update within 10 minutes

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

Chapter Two: The Unification Begins

“Your Highness, our sources tell us that the Hanoverian Army Numbers no more than 25 thousand. Our troops would have no problem defeating them.”

Friedrich knew that the Well-trained Citizen Soldiers of Prussia would have no problem defeating the Hanoverians. The only thing holding him back from putting Hanover back in its place was the threat of Prussia losing face amongst the North German states.

In Order to nullify this as much as possible, Hamburg was made a Prussian Vassal in June 1827, and Oldenburg as well in May 1829.

In Early 1830, General von Wartenburg Died quietly in his sleep. The Main Prussian Army was now without its commader.

Later in the year, on October 6th, the Peoples of the new nation of Belgium declared independence from the Netherlands. The map of Europe was constantly changing. On May 26th, 1831. A pact of unity was signed between Saxe-Weimar and Prussia. For the first time in a long time, two German nations unified under peaceful circumstances.

The Prussian Army suffered another blow in October 1831 when General Gneisenau passed away. Two Weeks later, Karl von Klauswitz also died, leaving behind only his texts ‘On War’ to guide his successors The leaders from the War of Liberation continued to die off. How would the Prussian Soldiers fair on the field without their leadership?

On January 4th 1833 the Zolverein, the first economic union of the German states which was to last longer than two weeks was signed in Berlin. Now the Northern German states were tied together economically, with Prussia being their center. Friedrich was quite pleased at how this event lead to much better relations with his German Neighbors.

This of course, did not include the Austrians.

The Next few years passed peacefully in Germania. Friedrich Wilhelm Kept his fellow northern Germans
close. In early 1837 the populace of Holstein revolted against their Hanoverian occupiers. On July 1st 1837, a pact of unity was signed between Prussia and Hamburg. Another German city-state joined the Prussian Realm. This was a key step towards the unification of Germany, however relations with Oldenburg and Saxony were slightly tarnished by this annexation.

Relations with the other members of the North German Confederation were quickly mended, and in May 1839 Würtemberg joined the alliance. This was a critical political victory against Austria, as Würtemberg lies in the Southern, Catholic area of the Germanic lands.

On February 7th, 1840, Oldenburg became part of greater Prussia. Joining though diplomatic means.
Emperor Friedrich Wilhelm III had become one of the most popular German leaders in History. Prussia was now almost on equal footing with Austria, and was no longer the least of the Great Powers.

This was to be the last great achievement of Friedrich Wilhelm III, on June 9th, 1840, The Emperor of Prussia passed away in his sleep. The Following Morning, his son, Friedrich Wilhelm IV, became the leader of Prussia. Present at the coronation, was a good friend of Wilhelm IV, a man by the name of Otto von Bismark, of Junker Background. Following the ceremonies, he accompanied Wilhelm back to his study.

“My father did much for the German Peoples,” said Friedrich Wilhelm, “I only hope I can continue his work. To Unify the German peoples.”

Bismarck nodded, and the two of them gazed upon the Prussia The new Emperor had inherited.

 

[nalivayko]

Nice going and, hurra, I can see the pictures

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

Chapter 3: From Defeat to Hollow Victory

(Prussian Troops during Winter of 1846)​

The first two months of Emperor Wilhelm IV’s reign passed peacefully, it seemed the threat of revolt that always comes around during the procession of rulers. At least this seemed to be the case. Unbeknown to Wilhelm IV, trouble was brewing in the former Principality of Hamburg. On August 2nd, 17,000 men of the former Army of Hamburg rose up against the 5,000 men of army of Hamburg that were loyal to the union with Prussia. The Garrison fought bravely, and by September 17th, all the rebels were defeated. Out of the original garrison of 4,000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, and 10 cannon, only 2,500 infantry, 996 cavalry, and 6 cannon remained.

In Berlin, the news came as a rude shock to Wilhelm IV. There had never been a revolt under his father’s rule. It was decided that 3,000 more men be raised to bolster the garrison at Hamburg.

Meanwhile, in the south of Germany, Bavaria ended its war with Hesse-Darmstadt. Bavaria, as the victor, forced Darmstadt to pay large sums of money and grant them Military access. This would not be tolerated in the Prussian court. Plans were immediately drawn up for a war to castrate the Bavarian threat.

In late August 1841, the Königsliche Armee received order to proceed to the Saxe-Weimar region in preparations for an attack on Bavaria. While the movement was underway, another revolt took place just outside Hamburg in the province of Mecklemburg. The newly bolstered garrison, managed to fight them off.

By May 1842, the Königsliche Armee was in its position along the Northern Border with Bavaria, and the newly raised Leibgarde was prepared to enter Pfalz as soon as the declaration of war came. This move would be a serious one for Prussia. As Bavaria lies within the traditional Austrian sphere of Influence. However Austria as of late had been more concerned with the Ottoman threat in the Balkans. Bavaria had very good relations with both Austria and France, making this move even more dangerous for Prussia.

Then, it came, on May 17th the Prussian diplomat handed King Ludwig of Bavaria a final note, stating that due to Bavaria’s incursions into Northern Germany, Emperor Wilhelm IV had been forced to commit the Prussian armed forces to protect the German states. To stress this reason, Prussia did not call upon it’s allies of Saxony and Würtemberg to aide them in their fight.

(Situation upon Outbreak of War Between Prussia and Bavaria)​

Immediately looking for a way out, Bavaria offered a white peace of June 8, 1842. This of course was declined. The Bavarian army was the only German army other than Prussia that was capable of possibly matching the Prussian army in the Field.

On June 13th the Königsliche Armee began the siege of Würzburg and quickly began an assault of the fortifications there.

The day after, the Prussian Government received terrible news, Belgium had entered the war alongside Bavaria, along with France! By Mid August Prussia reached a white peace with Bavaria and her allies. This had been a severe blow to Prussian Military prestige. Almost half of the Königsliche Armee had been lost in combat.

With Prussia’s incursion into southern Germany a failure, the Emperor began to look toward Hanover as Prussia’s greatest threat. In February 1844 Wilhelm sent a note to Ernest Augustus that if he did not return the Jutland Peninsula to Denmark, that Prussia would be forced to declare war on Hanover. With no response forthcoming, Prussia, along with its new ally Denmark, declared war upon Hanover.

The first engagement came on May 1st, when the Kriegsmarine had its baptism of fire, intercepting Hanoverian ships in the Skageback along with Danish Vessels. On May 4th, the Königsliche Armee made contact with the main bulk of Hanoverian troops in Holstein. The Hanoverian forces, lacking Cavalry and artillery support, were easily defeated. The cities of Bremen and Hanover itself were soon after put under siege by Prussian Troops. Soon after the siege of Hanover had to be lifted in order to win battles elsewhere.
A month later, as the Hanoverian cities buckled under the siege, the People of Oldenburg revolted against Prussian Rule. The Rebels managed to take contol of the Fortress, causing the Prussians to commit the Königsliche Armee to suppress this rebellion as soon as Holstein had been wrested from Hanover. Soon after, Prussian troops regained control of the province.

With actions against Hanover starting up again, Prussian troops marched on Hanover itself. With the war in its 2nd year, all Prussia had to show was the control of Holstein.

Soon after, the siege of Bremen began, Troops were quickly being raised throughout Prussia. These troops were desperately needed at the front. Hanover quickly send 7,000 troops in an attempt to lift the siege. This attack was easily beaten off by Prussian troops. On May 4th, the third anniversary of the beginning of the war, Hanover send all its remaining troops to Bremen in an attempt to lift the siege. It was a long, hard battle, but the entire Hanoverian force was destroyed, however, only 5,000 of the original 24,000 Prussian troops were left. On August 22nd, 1847, a Peace was signed between Prussia and Hanover, with Holstein becoming part of the Prussian Realm.

In Berlin, Wilhelm was alone in his study, ashamed of the performance of the Prussian Armies in the last 2 wars.

“Things would need to change.” He thought. “Or else when the time comes to defend ourselves from another Major Power, we will not be able to defend ourselves.”

 

[Valdemar]

Grat, another AoN AAR, I haven't read one of those since Emporor Copernois (Or something like that ) abandoned his CSA AAR,

Great going, I like that you add more thna just screenshots of the game

V

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

Chapter 4: First Attempt at Unification​

As the year of 1848 dawned on the Germanic peoples. Few realized the revolution which had been brewing for several years would soon boil to the surface. The age of Liberalism was about to explode into German Politics. On January 7th Saxony Became part of the Prussian empire. On the upside, more German peoples were united under one banner. On the other hand however, Prussia was running out of allies.
In early March, Austria granted its people a Liberal Constitution. Soon after, all of the Minor German states obeyed the will of their people to support the revolution of 1848 to establish a unified Germany under a Liberalist Constitution.

(Portrait of the Constitution of Frankfurt)​

The members of the Liberal Constitution convention met at Frankfurt in Late April. They originally offered the crown of a united Germany to the Arch Duke of Austria, which was absolutely REJECTED by Prussia.
In response to this, the crown was offered to Friedrich Wilhelm IV, but it was turned down. After this the unification fizzed out. Although this would have established the Unified Germany under the Prussian banner that Wilhelm wanted, it was by means that would limit his power. Amongst the opposition of this new constitution, was a Upstart German Diplomat by the name of Otto von Bismark.

Upon the onset of the revolution, Bismarck ventured to Berlin demanding that the Prussian Generals stage a counter-revolution. This attempt succeeded, and the Prussian Army put down the uprisings in Brandenburg.

Trouble again struck Prussia in January 1849, when Belgium, along with their Allies of Bavaria, Baden, and France declared war Upon Prussia. Seeking to protect their allies, Prussia did not call upon them to help in their defense. Cologne was quickly captured by the Belgians, and the Bavarians began an offensive from the south. By Early May, the situation was desperate for Prussia, and they were forced to cede Cologne to Belgium.

This was Prussia’s worst defeat since the Napoleonic wars. And on that Day Wilhelm vowed to Liberate Cologne as soon as possible. Prussia immediately began a Crash program to expand their military power. The people of Cologne must be liberated.

In Mid August 1850, a council of war was called for in Berlin. Inside the Prussian Parliament, debate raged as to whether or not Prussia should risk war with the Western Alliance in order to regain Cologne.
The Liberals sought to create a Prussian constitution to make them more powerful, instead of this massive armament. Then, a member of the council which rarely rose to speak took the floor. It was the Junker Otto von Bismarck.

“Germany, does not look to Prussia’s Liberalism, but to her military strength. The Great questions of the day, will not be decided by speeches and the resolutions of majorities- that was the great mistake from 1848 to 1849- but by Iron and Blood.”

The Liberals sought to unite Germany by ‘morale conquests’ but up to this point all this strategy had yielded was the loss of Cologne.

There would be war. There would be revenge.

 

[unmerged(16363)]

Well going... I like it!

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

Chapter 5: Prussian Army Resurgent

(Prussian Troops Celebrating the Victory of the Battle of Brussels)
​

January 9th, 1852:

The Prussian army had it’s new leader: General Karl von Bittenfeld. He was in command of the Königsliche Armee based in Kleves. He would be tasked with the Liberation of Cologne.

Prussia had several things they had to do before they could launch their offensive. The first was to gain good relations with Bavaria. This way, when faced with the choice of declaring war on Prussia, or dishonoring their military alliance with France and Belgium, they would be forced to avoid war with Prussia at all costs.

The buildup continued for the next 2 years. Slowly but surely the Prussians began to overtake the Belgians in military numbers. In January 1854 Price Frederick Charles took command of a portion of the army in Kleves. More men were added to this force. Now numbering almost 80,000.
On July 11th, 1854, the guns of war sounded over the Rhine. The Army’s of Prussia surged forth to reclaim their lost land. Unfortunately for Wilhelm, Bavaria did go to war against Prussia. To counter this, men of the Army of Silesia moved into Wurzburg in an attempt to bully the Bavarians into peace. Bavaria quickly agreed, and Prussia’s southern flank was secure.

Crossing the Rhine, the 80,000 men of Prussia ran into 67,000 Belgian troops. In a broad flanking maneuver, Prince Frederick Charles lead him cavalry into the Belgian rear. A massive frontal assault followed and the Belgians fled from the field.
By Mid August, the Prussians had recaptured Cologne with only the loss of two thousand men. And two months later, on October 9th, Prussian troops entered the vicinity of Brussels. 30,000 men defended the city, but were no contest for the Prussian cavalry. On October 11th, the Prussian Forces under Prince Frederick Charles captured Brussels. Belgium quickly agreed to cede Cologne to Prussia.

The Prussians had had their revenge.

Now foreign Policy took a back seat to increasing relations with the other German states. Over the next several years, relations between Prussia, Bavaria, Hanover, and Baden greatly improved. Hesse-Darmstadt even join the Northern German alliance.

In January 1858 Generals Falkenstien and Moltke were Given command of Prussian Armies. The Prussian armed forces now consisted of 4 large Field Armies, and a 20 ship Navy. In May, Hanover even entered the North German military alliance.

By 1860 The Northern German Alliance was stronger than ever. The Prussia army had been reborn from the ashes of the defeat of 1849. While the Alliance of German States grew stronger, the world was constantly changing. In The election of 1860 the United States Elected Abraham Lincoln as President, not too long after, the Southern Cotton States Seceded from the Union. In Europe, The Netherlands was engaged in a fight for it’s life against the Western Alliance.

Then, in January 1861, Kaiser Wilhelm I Rose to the Prussian throne.

But there were other administrative changes brewing in Prussia. There was talk of who should become the new Prime Minister. He was a relative upstart still, and had no Political experience other than representing Prussia in the Frankfurt Diet, and ambassador to France and Austria. However on January 8th, 1861, Otto von Bismarck Became the Prime Minister of Prussia. Two weeks later, he also became the Prussian Foreign Minister. This man with little experience had now become the most powerful man in Germany.

Little did anyone in Berlin know just how much he would shape the future of Prussia, and Europe.

(The Prussia that Wilhelm I, and Otto von Bismarck Inherited
*Red Marks indicate members of Norther German Alliance)​

 

[Machiavellian]

Very enjoyable to read so far. I can't see the Maps for some reason, but can see all the other pictures.

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

is anyone else having trouble seeing the maps?


CvM

 

[unmerged(18330)]

no.

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

Here's a preview of what on tap for tomorrow:

Chapter 6: ThE Iron Chancellor:

.......................One year later, in 1863, Austria went to war with the Ottoman Empire, again trying to gain ground in the Balkans. Almost 2 weeks into that conflict, Bismarck lost his Patience. He instigated a war with Austria on the grounds of a ‘border violation’ With that, what was to be known as the ‘Seven Weeks War’ Began.

Tune in next time...

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

Chapter 6: The IronChancellor

Dealing with Austria​

Along with the new Prussian Prime Minister came a new foreign Policy. One that was decidedly anit-Austrian. During his service in the Frankfurt diet, Bismarck had come to hate the Austrians in every respect. However what truly set him apart from other Prussian Diplomats of his time what that he was not anti-French, and was almost Pro-French. As soon as Bismarck took control of Prussia’s Foreign Policy, he ordered the border with Austria to be fortified and manned with troops.

By the Middle of the year, the World situation was changing still, The third Franco-Dutch war was in full swing, and the United States was embroiled in a great Civil War.

And at home, a civil war of sorts between Germanic Peoples was brewing.

In January 1862, Austria, along with Tuscany, was thrust into war against Wallachia, Bulgaria, and Russia. This was an interesting situation for Bismarck. With Austrian attention drawn toward the Balkans the Prussians could secure more land to the south. Austria intended to once again to reach its borders to the Black sea. Bismarck decided not to engage in hostilities against Austria yet, now was not the time. In November 1862 the Russo-Austrian Balkan war concluded with Galezien being ceded to Russia. Also the Franco-Dutch war ended with Rotterdam being ceded by the Belgians back to the Netherlands

One year later, in 1863, Austria went to war with the Ottoman Empire, again trying to gain ground in the Balkans. Almost 2 years into that conflict, Bismarck lost his Patience. He instigated a war with Austria on the grounds of a ‘border violation’ With that, in Late March 1865, what was to be known as the ‘Seven Weeks War’ Began.

Prussia’s strategy was simple, and so was their goal. The region of Erz, which lies just south of Brandenburg, was ethnically German. Most of the other regions close to the Prussian border where Czech in ethnic nature. Bismarck, only wanting to unite the Germans, not deal with rebellious Czechs, send Prussian armies in the Erz Province. By Late May, the Prussians had attained their objective, capturing Erz, and had begun a march farther south in an attempt to bring the Austrians to the peace table.

(Portrait of Climactic battle of Erz in the 7 Weeks war, Prince Frederick Charles leads his men into battle)
​

On May 25th , Austria became Austria-Hungary. Whilst their enemy was caught in internal upheaval, the Prussians offered peace in exchange for Erz.

The peace was accepted.

With the attainment of Leibenstraum for Berlin complete. Prussia was faced with another issue. Throughout the last few years in Europe, beginning with the French revolution of 1848, a wave of ‘Nationalism’ was sweeping Europe. In the early 1860’s, the City-States of Italy United under one banner. The only principality that did not join the unification was Tuscany. Later on in the decade, after the transformation of Austria into Austria-Hungary, again a great cry for Unification of Germany Began.

In Early 1866: Bismarck Addresses the Reichstag:

​

"We had to avoid wounding Austria too severely; we had to avoid leaving behind in her any unnecessary bitterness of feeling or desire for revenge; we ought rather to reserve the possibility of becoming friends again with our adversary of the moment, and in any case to regard the Austrian state as a piece on the European chessboard. If Austria were severely injured, she would become the ally of France and of every other opponent of ours; she would even sacrifice her anti-Russian interests for the sake of revenge on Prussia. . . .The acquisition of provinces like Austria Silesia and portions of Bohemia could not strengthen the Prussian state; it would not lead to an amalgamation of German Austria with Prussia, and Vienna could not be governed from Berlin as a mere dependency. . . .Austria's conflict and rivalry with us was no more culpable than ours with her; our task was the establishment or foundation of German national unity under the leadership of the King of Prussia. "



With Austria sounded Defeated, Prussia became the predominant nation of Germany. With this, Threats from non-German nations arose. In the east, Russia loomed as large as Ever, always threatening that back door action against Prussia in the event of War. But the new major enemy, with Austria gone, was France. The age old enemy of the German peoples. The Prussian army would certainly face a good fight should Prussia ever go to war with France.

However this was not the Prussian army of 1848, now the Prussians had much better leadership. Some of the Generals prepared to lead the Prussian armies west were; Moltke, Bittenfeld, Falkentien, and Price Frederick Charles. Along with this, General Blumenthal commanded the armies of East Prussia, as a guard against any Russian Aggression. For the time being, the Prussians also kept a sizable force in the recently aquired Erz, just in case the still loyal Austrian populous decided to act up. These troops, numbering about 15,000 were commanded by General von Manteuffel.

Field Marshall Moltke
​

Just in case a war with France ever came, Prussia acquired military access through Baden, along the German-Franco Border, and through Luxembourg.

Luxembourg would be the key to a Prussian victory against France. A vassal of Baden ,Luxembourg lies just on the northern flank of any Defensive line the French could place against invading Prussian Armies.

In April 1867, Austria-Hungary entered another war with Russia and Bulgaria. Another war for the Balkans. Some thought that Bismarck might again use this opportunity to declare war on the Austro-Hungarians, however far unknown reasons, he decided against it.

​

In March 1868, the Northern German Confederation was established in Berlin, consisting of Prussia, Hannover, and the other states that supported Prussia during the war with Prussia. With this Germany solidarity against foreign threats was established.


But what about the south? Should Prussia go to war with France, Baden, and Bavaria, both situated on Prussia’s southern flank were allied with France. Would these German states declare war on Prussia if war came? The only words that could provide the Prussians with any help were the words of Bismarck more than 10 years ago, when he said the great questions would be answered “By Iron and Blood.”

By September 1869, Prussia had acquired military access through Belgium as well, another French ally. Should any of these French allies brake their military access, and neutrality agreements, their national stability would plummet.

The Franco-PrussianWar
​

Then, in February 1870, the Spanish throne was offered to a Prussian Prince. Worried about the growing power of Prussia, France cried foul. Bismarck’s response was to compose the ‘)Ems Dispatch ' which was worded so carefully that it would turn this dispute between France and a Prussian family into an international dispute between Prussia and France. One week later, France declared War upon Prussia.

Now the real test for the future of all Germanic Peoples began.

Much to the Prussians regret, Belgium, Baden, and Bavaria joined France in their struggle against Prussia.
Many in the Prussian Parliament knew that this conflict would truly decide the fate of Germany, and as to whether or not it would become united.

The Prussian goal for this war was a simple one. Territorially they wished to acquire the region of Alsace, which was ethnically German.

To guard against the southern German threats, the Prussian 3rd army under General von Manteuffel was sent to Sachsen to guard against the Bavarian border.

The Prussian 1st army under Field Marshall Helmut Moltke advanced through Luxembourg into Lorraine, in an attempt to cut off French reinforcements from reaching Alsace. Meanwhile, the Prussian 2nd army under Karl von Bittenfeld was to pass through Frankfurt and enter into Alsace. Should this 2 pronged offensive not convince the French to surrender, the two armies were to advance together on Paris.

(Prussian Troops advance into France)
​

The first battle of the Franco Prussian war came in Mid April 1870, where the Prussian 1st army of 40,000 men faced off against 41,000 French troops in Lorraine. The Prussians used full advantage of their cavalry, and managed to rout the French from the field. By May 1st, Lorraine fell to Prussian troops, and the 1st army began its march on Paris.

Meanwhile, the Prussian 2nd army under Bittenfeld entered Alsace via Frankfurt, the area was undefended, and quickly fell, soon after they two began their march on Paris.

In the south of Germany, the Army of Manteufful entered Wurzberg in an attempt to silence the southern German coalition. In a sound defeat, Prussian forces were forced to withdraw.

Back in Lorraine, the Prussian 1st Army faced a fierce counter-attack from Belgian forces. The fight was fierce, but the Prussians held on. During the battle of Metz, the Prussian army lost most it’s strength, and its leader, Field Marshall Moltke to a horrid chest wound as he was rallying his men crying,
“Rise Up! Rise Up Germans! Stand up you men, stand up you free men, Stand up Germans!”
As he lead his men into a Cavalry charge a bullet struck him in the heart.

(Prussian Charge in which Moltke was wounded)
​

In the ensuing weeks the Prussian withdrew back to the Alsace-Lorraine region and in a series of horrific battles just managed to Beat back the French. In one of these battles, General von Bittenfeld also fell in combat. With the Prussian Armies freshly reinforced, the advance West began again.

In Early 1871, the Bulk of the Prussian Army engaged the Bulk of French forces in the Franche-Comte. In this decisive battle of the Franco-Prussian War, the Prussia won a resounding Victory over French Forces. After this battle, a peace offer was sent to Paris, demanding the secession of Alsace to Prussia. The peace was rejected, and the Prussian advance west continued. A month later, as the Prussian army reached the outskirts of Paris, the French surrendered, ceding Alsace to Prussia.

Thus ended the great Franco-Prussian War. And with it the ascension of Prussia as Europe’s dominant Military Power.

With France defeated, and all immediate foreign threats dealt with, the German Parliament met in Germany. He the conclusion was reached that now was time for the Unification of the German Peoples.

On that day, September 23rd , 1871, The Empire of Germany was declared.

Within the week, all of the Germanic Principalities had joined the United German nation.

Germany was a reality, and Europe would NEVER be the same.

(The German Empire)​

 

[unmerged(18330)]

nice!

 

[unmerged(16363)]

Great one. Nice wars! I like it.

What's up to you know? Some colonization? And won't you take your polish cores from Russia? A war against the Romanovs would be interesting...

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

Well, as of now, i have 43 years left in AoN. Heres what i might do:


1)Force Russians to cede Polish Provinces with German Cores.
(My only problem with this is that these Provinces are not German.)

2) Colonize; Most likely pick on a helpless African Country (Somalia.)

3) Defend Borders of the German Reich.
(France has a tendency to strike as often as possible after they cede Alsace.)


O, and in several years, I'll get an event which offers the founding of a large Blue water Navy, which i will accept.

Also, create an alliance Between Myself, and Austria-Hungary,


Any other Ideas?

 

[unmerged(16363)]

Fund the independence of a german Texas!

 

[C.V. Mannerheim]

Actually, here's an update on America:

As usual, the CSA gained its independece (AI US Sucks in Civil war) however it only consists of the DEEP South.


In the mid 1860's Texas seceeded from the CSA.


So yea, texas is there.


I also kinda wanna play historically, as the TGW Mod for HoI will start with a historic 1914.


CvM