At the end of the Ausgleich thread, it says the finished product is posted -- but I can't find it? I'd love to review it and possibly use it for this AAR, if I can find it.
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I´m currently bugfixing new event chain for Ausgleich, tomorrow it should be ready, if you are interested I can send those files to you......
Black Monday: February 1936
The Empire's Economic Collapse
The Weltkrieg had proved, among other things, that Austria was not the dominant power that it had perhaps aspired to be, and that the Empire was worryingly reliant upon the aid of Germany. It was for this reason that it stung young Kaiser Otto's pride for Austria's economic attachment to Wilhelm's empire. It was key trade agreements with Germany that allowed Austria to import the large quantities of rare materials, energy, metals, and cash required to sustain the Austrian industrial base, at the cost of a heavy export of supplies and oil.
For Otto, it was an unfortunate necessity -- but for others in the Austrian cabinet, it was a prudent decision, supplying Austria's material needs while fostering continuing relations with the German Reich. Chief among those holding favorably to German relations was Minister President Mendsdorff-Pouilly.
Portrait of Albert Mendsdorff-Pouilly, Minister-President of Austria and member of Otto I's regency council.
But the month of February of 1936 would be a rude wake-up call not only for Mendsdorff-Pouilly and the Austrians, but for every country with economic ties to Germany, as the Black Monday crash of the Berlin stock market threw Germany and, by extension Austria and the Reich's other trading partners, into economic disarray. With unemployment rising and the industry operating at a fraction of its full capacity, the young Kaiser had a great challenge ahead of him.
The Kaiser and the Regent
Emperor Otto stared out the window of one of his personal office in Vienna, hands resting atop the back of his desk chair, fingers clenching the leather in an exercise of his frustration.
"What was it that you said to me, Albert? 'Germany is a rock to build the foundation of the Empire'?" the young Kaiser questioned, still gazing away and out the window at the streets of the Imperial capitol, "And now the German markets crash, and Austria's economy falls with it?"
Behind him, standing on the other side of the Kaiser's polished wooden desk, Minister-President Albert Mendsdorff-Pouilly stood still, his formal posture offering no glimpse into his demeaner before Otto's criticisms.
"The German market crash was unfortunate, Kaiser..." he answered, only the slightest hint of uncertainty in his voice, "But it was hardly forseeable."
"What is unfortunate," the Otto replied quickly, finally turning to face the Minister-President, "Is that everything we've planned is now limping along one-legged. The expansion of the military, our economic initiatives, everything -- the Ausgleich is only a year away, and we are the weakest we've been in a decade."
Otto walked around from behind his desk, pacing slowly past Mendsdorff as he shook his head slowly.
"If we ever plan to stand on our own feet apart from Germany's involvement, we can't afford to be in such a week position entering the Ausgleich, Albert. I'm sorry if I've been terse with you, but it weighs heavily on me."
Albert nodded his head in understanding. He might not always see eye to eye with his young ruler, especially when it came to his philosophies of government, but he understood the burden that Otto carried for restoring his empire. He had experienced the rigors of rulership for himself when he had served on Otto's regency council, and now he saw the young Kaiser struggling with the same pressure.
"This may yet work in our favor, Kaiser," he said after a moment, turning to follow Otto's pacing movements, "Austria will not be the only country to suffer from Germany's economic lapse. I have no doubt that Hungary will feel its effects as well, and the smaller constituents perhaps even more. Each constituent of the Empire largely handles its own finances -- this economic crisis could give us a strong case for centralizing imperial affairs back in Vienna. Arguing for the consolidation and central administration of -all- the empire's resources could be a compelling case at the Ausgleich."
"And do you believe that will work?" Otto stopped back at his desk, hands resting gently down on its surface as he leaned forward. "Some of the smaller constituents may agree to that, but what about Hungary? I'm sure that the Magyars are discussing this very same topic, and concluding that Hungary's continuing reliance on Vienna is precisely the cause of their own economic shortcomings. You might convince the Croats or the Slovaks that they need our direct rule, but that same line of argumentation will probably only serve the Magyars' push for independence."
Albert sighed, looking down for a moment.
"Convincing the Magyars of anything at this point is a challenging task. Their nationalism is at an all-time high... If anything is going to make them submit again, it would only be something that would convince them of the absolute necessity of transferring more power from Budapest to Vienna."
"A plan will come together in time, I suppose... We will pray for it, at least. Please leave me for now, Albert; I have a lot to think about."
With a humble nod and a bow, the Minister-President turned and left the Kaiser's office. Whether he or Otto had the better grasp of the situation, both men could agree on one thing -- Austria was not in good health.
The Empire's Economic Collapse
The Weltkrieg had proved, among other things, that Austria was not the dominant power that it had perhaps aspired to be, and that the Empire was worryingly reliant upon the aid of Germany. It was for this reason that it stung young Kaiser Otto's pride for Austria's economic attachment to Wilhelm's empire. It was key trade agreements with Germany that allowed Austria to import the large quantities of rare materials, energy, metals, and cash required to sustain the Austrian industrial base, at the cost of a heavy export of supplies and oil.
For Otto, it was an unfortunate necessity -- but for others in the Austrian cabinet, it was a prudent decision, supplying Austria's material needs while fostering continuing relations with the German Reich. Chief among those holding favorably to German relations was Minister President Mendsdorff-Pouilly.
Portrait of Albert Mendsdorff-Pouilly, Minister-President of Austria and member of Otto I's regency council.
But the month of February of 1936 would be a rude wake-up call not only for Mendsdorff-Pouilly and the Austrians, but for every country with economic ties to Germany, as the Black Monday crash of the Berlin stock market threw Germany and, by extension Austria and the Reich's other trading partners, into economic disarray. With unemployment rising and the industry operating at a fraction of its full capacity, the young Kaiser had a great challenge ahead of him.
The Kaiser and the Regent
Emperor Otto stared out the window of one of his personal office in Vienna, hands resting atop the back of his desk chair, fingers clenching the leather in an exercise of his frustration.
"What was it that you said to me, Albert? 'Germany is a rock to build the foundation of the Empire'?" the young Kaiser questioned, still gazing away and out the window at the streets of the Imperial capitol, "And now the German markets crash, and Austria's economy falls with it?"
Behind him, standing on the other side of the Kaiser's polished wooden desk, Minister-President Albert Mendsdorff-Pouilly stood still, his formal posture offering no glimpse into his demeaner before Otto's criticisms.
"The German market crash was unfortunate, Kaiser..." he answered, only the slightest hint of uncertainty in his voice, "But it was hardly forseeable."
"What is unfortunate," the Otto replied quickly, finally turning to face the Minister-President, "Is that everything we've planned is now limping along one-legged. The expansion of the military, our economic initiatives, everything -- the Ausgleich is only a year away, and we are the weakest we've been in a decade."
Otto walked around from behind his desk, pacing slowly past Mendsdorff as he shook his head slowly.
"If we ever plan to stand on our own feet apart from Germany's involvement, we can't afford to be in such a week position entering the Ausgleich, Albert. I'm sorry if I've been terse with you, but it weighs heavily on me."
Albert nodded his head in understanding. He might not always see eye to eye with his young ruler, especially when it came to his philosophies of government, but he understood the burden that Otto carried for restoring his empire. He had experienced the rigors of rulership for himself when he had served on Otto's regency council, and now he saw the young Kaiser struggling with the same pressure.
"This may yet work in our favor, Kaiser," he said after a moment, turning to follow Otto's pacing movements, "Austria will not be the only country to suffer from Germany's economic lapse. I have no doubt that Hungary will feel its effects as well, and the smaller constituents perhaps even more. Each constituent of the Empire largely handles its own finances -- this economic crisis could give us a strong case for centralizing imperial affairs back in Vienna. Arguing for the consolidation and central administration of -all- the empire's resources could be a compelling case at the Ausgleich."
"And do you believe that will work?" Otto stopped back at his desk, hands resting gently down on its surface as he leaned forward. "Some of the smaller constituents may agree to that, but what about Hungary? I'm sure that the Magyars are discussing this very same topic, and concluding that Hungary's continuing reliance on Vienna is precisely the cause of their own economic shortcomings. You might convince the Croats or the Slovaks that they need our direct rule, but that same line of argumentation will probably only serve the Magyars' push for independence."
Albert sighed, looking down for a moment.
"Convincing the Magyars of anything at this point is a challenging task. Their nationalism is at an all-time high... If anything is going to make them submit again, it would only be something that would convince them of the absolute necessity of transferring more power from Budapest to Vienna."
"A plan will come together in time, I suppose... We will pray for it, at least. Please leave me for now, Albert; I have a lot to think about."
With a humble nod and a bow, the Minister-President turned and left the Kaiser's office. Whether he or Otto had the better grasp of the situation, both men could agree on one thing -- Austria was not in good health.
The Death of A Pope: July 1936
The Holy Father Falls
The summer of 1936 claimed the life of Pope Pius XI, whose health had long been in decline. The Holy Father, not only of the Church but of the Italian Federation itself, passed into the next life on July 5, just one month after Spanish pretender Xavier de Bourbon-Parma had rallied the Catholic nations of Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Austria into a mutual economic bloc.
Pius XI would be succeeded, after a relatively short conclave, by Achille Lienart, who took for himself the name John XXIII. The ecumenically-minded Pope would open new doors with the Federation's radical neighbors to the south, and within a month of John XXIII's coronation and the victory of the Christian Democratic Party in the Socialist Republic of Italy, the peninsula would be reunited into a single Italian Federation ruled over by the Holy Father.
The situation had presented an opportunity of Austria to press the claims of Archduke Josef von Osterreich-Toskana to the Italian throne -- a move strongly supported by right-wing Austrian politician Kurt Schuschnigg, one of the Austrian parliament's more outspoken advocates of a more centralized political structure for the Dual Monarchy.
Kurt Schuschnigg, member of the Christian Social Party and strong supporter of increased Austrian authority in the Dual-Monarchy.
Inside Or Out?
The death of a Pope was no small affair. The Pontifical High Mass to mourn the loss of Pius XI was an occasion of great pomp and ceremony, from the masterful choral pieces of the various liturgical prayers, to the lengthy homily given by Theodor Cardinal Innitzer, the Mass's celebrant. Scores of the faithful flocked to Rome, making a pilgrimage of their journey to see their beloved Pius XI off into the afterlife.
But not among the faithful gathered for the event was the young Austrian Kaiser, who had remained in Vienna, distraught over the ever-nearing Ausgleich and the state of his Empire. Earlier in the year, he had had a brief clash with his Minister-President, Albert Mendsdorff-Pouilly; on the day of Pius XI's funeral, he was joined by Kurt Schuschnigg, a premier Austrian politician and outspoken proponent of the centralization of power in Vienna.
"I do wish I could have been there," Otto said quietly, walking alongside Schuschnigg as the two left daily Mass, which had been offered for the deceased Holy Father's repose, "But with barely more than a half-year until the Ausgleich, I simply can't bring myself to leave Austria."
Schuschnigg smiled softly, bowing his head in a gesture of understanding. "The Austrian delegation will certainly make your sentiments known, Kaiser."
"Isn't it a sad thing," said Otto, moving past the topic, "That there are two delegations attending the funeral? The Austrian and Hungarian sides of the Dual Monarchy have both sent separate representation to Rome. This can't bode well for the Empire's image."
"Perhaps not," Schuschnigg answered honestly, "But their trip there could serve us well, if we position ourselves properly."
Otto did not reply, but simply looked quizzically to Schuschnigg.
"I mean," he continued, "That there is now a vacuum of power in Italy. The conclave will take some time to elect a new Pope, and in the meantime we have an opportunity to move. If we ask them to, our delegation to Rome can easily put pressure on the Italians to enforce the claims of Archduke Josef. With the Italian Federation off balance, it might not be impossible to see a Habsburg ruling over Italy once again."
Otto was quick to shake his head, his expression showing his immediate disapproval.
"Such political posturing is inappropriate, Mr. Schuschnigg," he reprimanded the older man, "Not the least reason being that to take advantage of the death of a Pope is a very distasteful course of action.. But we have enough to deal with trying to hold our Empire together in the face of the Ausgleich -- we don't need to be meddling in the affairs of other countries while we are in such a struggle to manage our own."
"I understand your objections, Kaiser," Schuschnigg replied, his tone softer after his swift rebuke, "But our internal situation is precisely why I suggest this... The Italian Federation is not large or extremely powerful, but its presence would be substantial enough to act as a counterbalance to Hungary. If Italy supported us, the Magyars might be more hesitant to make bold moves at the Ausgleich; it may even give us leverage toward centralization."
The two men entered the palace at Vienna, where they would finally part ways after the celebration of the liturgy.
"I understand your motivations, and respect them, Mr. Schuschnigg," the Kaiser said as he turned to leave, "But while you have only the good of Austria in mind... I cannot justify taking advantage of the Vatican to further our own political agenda. Despite the benefits that may come from Italy's support, I will not condone your ideas. Please insist that our delegation offer Austria's most heartfelt sympathies and prayers, and then be sure that they leave promptly and without incident."
Schuschnigg could only nod quietly, accepting his Kaiser's instructions. Italy had presented Austria with an opportunity -- but he would simply have to continue his work without Josef's support from the Italian throne.
The Holy Father Falls
The summer of 1936 claimed the life of Pope Pius XI, whose health had long been in decline. The Holy Father, not only of the Church but of the Italian Federation itself, passed into the next life on July 5, just one month after Spanish pretender Xavier de Bourbon-Parma had rallied the Catholic nations of Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Austria into a mutual economic bloc.
Pius XI would be succeeded, after a relatively short conclave, by Achille Lienart, who took for himself the name John XXIII. The ecumenically-minded Pope would open new doors with the Federation's radical neighbors to the south, and within a month of John XXIII's coronation and the victory of the Christian Democratic Party in the Socialist Republic of Italy, the peninsula would be reunited into a single Italian Federation ruled over by the Holy Father.
The situation had presented an opportunity of Austria to press the claims of Archduke Josef von Osterreich-Toskana to the Italian throne -- a move strongly supported by right-wing Austrian politician Kurt Schuschnigg, one of the Austrian parliament's more outspoken advocates of a more centralized political structure for the Dual Monarchy.
Kurt Schuschnigg, member of the Christian Social Party and strong supporter of increased Austrian authority in the Dual-Monarchy.
Inside Or Out?
The death of a Pope was no small affair. The Pontifical High Mass to mourn the loss of Pius XI was an occasion of great pomp and ceremony, from the masterful choral pieces of the various liturgical prayers, to the lengthy homily given by Theodor Cardinal Innitzer, the Mass's celebrant. Scores of the faithful flocked to Rome, making a pilgrimage of their journey to see their beloved Pius XI off into the afterlife.
But not among the faithful gathered for the event was the young Austrian Kaiser, who had remained in Vienna, distraught over the ever-nearing Ausgleich and the state of his Empire. Earlier in the year, he had had a brief clash with his Minister-President, Albert Mendsdorff-Pouilly; on the day of Pius XI's funeral, he was joined by Kurt Schuschnigg, a premier Austrian politician and outspoken proponent of the centralization of power in Vienna.
"I do wish I could have been there," Otto said quietly, walking alongside Schuschnigg as the two left daily Mass, which had been offered for the deceased Holy Father's repose, "But with barely more than a half-year until the Ausgleich, I simply can't bring myself to leave Austria."
Schuschnigg smiled softly, bowing his head in a gesture of understanding. "The Austrian delegation will certainly make your sentiments known, Kaiser."
"Isn't it a sad thing," said Otto, moving past the topic, "That there are two delegations attending the funeral? The Austrian and Hungarian sides of the Dual Monarchy have both sent separate representation to Rome. This can't bode well for the Empire's image."
"Perhaps not," Schuschnigg answered honestly, "But their trip there could serve us well, if we position ourselves properly."
Otto did not reply, but simply looked quizzically to Schuschnigg.
"I mean," he continued, "That there is now a vacuum of power in Italy. The conclave will take some time to elect a new Pope, and in the meantime we have an opportunity to move. If we ask them to, our delegation to Rome can easily put pressure on the Italians to enforce the claims of Archduke Josef. With the Italian Federation off balance, it might not be impossible to see a Habsburg ruling over Italy once again."
Otto was quick to shake his head, his expression showing his immediate disapproval.
"Such political posturing is inappropriate, Mr. Schuschnigg," he reprimanded the older man, "Not the least reason being that to take advantage of the death of a Pope is a very distasteful course of action.. But we have enough to deal with trying to hold our Empire together in the face of the Ausgleich -- we don't need to be meddling in the affairs of other countries while we are in such a struggle to manage our own."
"I understand your objections, Kaiser," Schuschnigg replied, his tone softer after his swift rebuke, "But our internal situation is precisely why I suggest this... The Italian Federation is not large or extremely powerful, but its presence would be substantial enough to act as a counterbalance to Hungary. If Italy supported us, the Magyars might be more hesitant to make bold moves at the Ausgleich; it may even give us leverage toward centralization."
The two men entered the palace at Vienna, where they would finally part ways after the celebration of the liturgy.
"I understand your motivations, and respect them, Mr. Schuschnigg," the Kaiser said as he turned to leave, "But while you have only the good of Austria in mind... I cannot justify taking advantage of the Vatican to further our own political agenda. Despite the benefits that may come from Italy's support, I will not condone your ideas. Please insist that our delegation offer Austria's most heartfelt sympathies and prayers, and then be sure that they leave promptly and without incident."
Schuschnigg could only nod quietly, accepting his Kaiser's instructions. Italy had presented Austria with an opportunity -- but he would simply have to continue his work without Josef's support from the Italian throne.
Just introducing some of the characters I want to focus on... Two more flavor updates, one for the military, and one immediately before the Ausgleich, and then it's war time! XD
So you won't push for the Austrian King on Italian Throne...then you really have hard time I believe, if Italy joins in the fight to regain Venice etc. 
...nice work on the conversations between Schuschnigg and the Kaiser. Good Luck with preparing for war...
Tim
...nice work on the conversations between Schuschnigg and the Kaiser. Good Luck with preparing for war...Tim
September 1936: War Games
Guns and Armor
The Austrian army had showed in the Weltkrieg that it was not the dominant force it would have hoped to be -- and entering into 1936, much of the Austrian army's equipment was highly outdated, with very little substantial new equipment produced since 1918. At Otto I's request, Chief of Staff Wilhelm Zehner was tasked with overseeing the modernization of the Austrian military.
In July of 1936, Austrian arms manufacturer Steyr completed its research and development on new infantry equipment, including new rifles, grenades, and sidearms to deliver to the Landwehr's 15 infantry divisions. The peacetime situation made a real military field test impossible, but Zehner still wanted to keep his officers sharp and prepare them for any eventuality of war. It was with this in mind that he received Otto's permission to hold a war games engagement in September 1936, to put some of Austria's new tactics and vehicles to the test.
A Test of Maneuvers
Though it was the highest ranking officers who made their administrative decisions from cabinet positions in Vienna who shaped the overall direction of the Austrian army, it was Field Marshall Eugen Beyer who actually functioned as the commander of the Landwehr on the ground level and got things done. From his command unit, the entire Landwehr took its orders, and it was to him that their officers reported.
But today, Beyer was not atop the chain of command -- but his superiors had demanded an exhibition of the Landwehr's new equipment and tactics, and so Beyer found himself serving more as a master of ceremonies than an officer that September.
"Field Marshall," Beyer said in greeting, snapping to a salute as Zehner approached him. The two stood atop a makeshift command tower, a simple structure put in place to give both men an aerial view of the fields that stretched out before them. The Chief of Staff returned the salute, and then walked to the ledge of the tower to look out over the soldiers preparing below.
"Will Marshall Gleissner be joining us soon?" Beyer asked, Zehner's back now facing him as he looked out over the field.
"Marshall Gleissner will not be joining us today," Zehner replied calmly, hands clasped behind his back and his posture at ease, "But he sends his best regards, and asked me to tell you that he will be eagerly awaiting a full report of today's exercises."
Beyer laughed lightly, but quickly caught himself so as not to appear too casual. He walked alongside Zehner, placing his hands on the railing of the tower as he joined his superior in looking out over the troops preparing their weapons.
"In other words," said Beyer, "He's still upset about the modernization program."
"It was a rather transparent message, wasn't it?" said a somewhat amused Zehner, "I imagine that Marshall Gleissner is back in Vienna brooding over a glass of liquor and dreaming up his own fantasies of the Landwehr. Gleissner is stuck in the Weltkrieg; all he can think about is troops and cannons, troops and cannons, more troops and more cannons. The only thing that will ever change for him is that both the troops AND the cannons will both shoot bigger guns."
Beyer looked down to a small squad of soldiers as they made their way through an artificial roofless 'house' designed to sharpen their indoor combat skills. The men were armed with carbine rifles, their stocks shortened to allow for easier movement -- just one of the advances afforded by Steyr's new weaponry.
"I have to say that I'm glad you're calling the shots, and not him," said Beyer, "I see a lot of potential in the battle plans you've drawn up... And those armored cars have been a big hit with the troops."
Off to one side, one of the armored cars was making a test run through a course of targets, driving at full speed while the gunner atop the vehicle fired its mounted machinegun at a series of wooden targets. It mowed down several of them, but the gunner's inexperience and the vehicle's speed left many bullets buried in nearby trees and the dirt.
"Selling Gleissner on a mobile army was difficult," said Zehner, watching the soldiers test-drive the armored cars he had helped secure the funds for, "But at this point I'm really not seeking his approval. The future of the army is in a mobile, combined-arms force, not in the walls of humanity that fought the Weltkrieg."
He lowered his head for a moment, as if to collect his thoughts.
"Anyway... How is the equipping of your men progressing?"
Beyer pointed to one large formation of men undergoing inspection by their superior officer.
"The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Corps have all been equipped to the new standard," he answered Zehner, "And we expect that all five corps will be properly equipped by winter's end... Armored cars, engineers, all of it, as you ordered."
"Very good," said Zehner, turning expectantly to his subordinate, "Now, why don't we watch their mock skirmish together?"
Guns and Armor
The Austrian army had showed in the Weltkrieg that it was not the dominant force it would have hoped to be -- and entering into 1936, much of the Austrian army's equipment was highly outdated, with very little substantial new equipment produced since 1918. At Otto I's request, Chief of Staff Wilhelm Zehner was tasked with overseeing the modernization of the Austrian military.
Austrian Chief of Staff, Field Marshall Wilhelm Zehner, the man responsible for Austria's military modernization.
In July of 1936, Austrian arms manufacturer Steyr completed its research and development on new infantry equipment, including new rifles, grenades, and sidearms to deliver to the Landwehr's 15 infantry divisions. The peacetime situation made a real military field test impossible, but Zehner still wanted to keep his officers sharp and prepare them for any eventuality of war. It was with this in mind that he received Otto's permission to hold a war games engagement in September 1936, to put some of Austria's new tactics and vehicles to the test.
A Test of Maneuvers
Though it was the highest ranking officers who made their administrative decisions from cabinet positions in Vienna who shaped the overall direction of the Austrian army, it was Field Marshall Eugen Beyer who actually functioned as the commander of the Landwehr on the ground level and got things done. From his command unit, the entire Landwehr took its orders, and it was to him that their officers reported.
But today, Beyer was not atop the chain of command -- but his superiors had demanded an exhibition of the Landwehr's new equipment and tactics, and so Beyer found himself serving more as a master of ceremonies than an officer that September.
"Field Marshall," Beyer said in greeting, snapping to a salute as Zehner approached him. The two stood atop a makeshift command tower, a simple structure put in place to give both men an aerial view of the fields that stretched out before them. The Chief of Staff returned the salute, and then walked to the ledge of the tower to look out over the soldiers preparing below.
"Will Marshall Gleissner be joining us soon?" Beyer asked, Zehner's back now facing him as he looked out over the field.
"Marshall Gleissner will not be joining us today," Zehner replied calmly, hands clasped behind his back and his posture at ease, "But he sends his best regards, and asked me to tell you that he will be eagerly awaiting a full report of today's exercises."
Beyer laughed lightly, but quickly caught himself so as not to appear too casual. He walked alongside Zehner, placing his hands on the railing of the tower as he joined his superior in looking out over the troops preparing their weapons.
"In other words," said Beyer, "He's still upset about the modernization program."
"It was a rather transparent message, wasn't it?" said a somewhat amused Zehner, "I imagine that Marshall Gleissner is back in Vienna brooding over a glass of liquor and dreaming up his own fantasies of the Landwehr. Gleissner is stuck in the Weltkrieg; all he can think about is troops and cannons, troops and cannons, more troops and more cannons. The only thing that will ever change for him is that both the troops AND the cannons will both shoot bigger guns."
Beyer looked down to a small squad of soldiers as they made their way through an artificial roofless 'house' designed to sharpen their indoor combat skills. The men were armed with carbine rifles, their stocks shortened to allow for easier movement -- just one of the advances afforded by Steyr's new weaponry.
"I have to say that I'm glad you're calling the shots, and not him," said Beyer, "I see a lot of potential in the battle plans you've drawn up... And those armored cars have been a big hit with the troops."
Off to one side, one of the armored cars was making a test run through a course of targets, driving at full speed while the gunner atop the vehicle fired its mounted machinegun at a series of wooden targets. It mowed down several of them, but the gunner's inexperience and the vehicle's speed left many bullets buried in nearby trees and the dirt.
"Selling Gleissner on a mobile army was difficult," said Zehner, watching the soldiers test-drive the armored cars he had helped secure the funds for, "But at this point I'm really not seeking his approval. The future of the army is in a mobile, combined-arms force, not in the walls of humanity that fought the Weltkrieg."
He lowered his head for a moment, as if to collect his thoughts.
"Anyway... How is the equipping of your men progressing?"
Beyer pointed to one large formation of men undergoing inspection by their superior officer.
"The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Corps have all been equipped to the new standard," he answered Zehner, "And we expect that all five corps will be properly equipped by winter's end... Armored cars, engineers, all of it, as you ordered."
"Very good," said Zehner, turning expectantly to his subordinate, "Now, why don't we watch their mock skirmish together?"
Rather than build new infantry units (I'm playing with a sightly shortened version of DH's build times, so an infantry division would take in the neighborhood of 200 days to build), I opted to kit all my existing units out with brigades. Out of the box, each of Austria's five corps has three divisions each, and one division in each corps has an artillery brigade. I added an armored car and an engineer brigade to each corps, so -every- infantry division will be equipped with a brigade, while the two Mountain divisions both have artillery.
I'm going for the quality over quantity approach against Hungary... Though even though I'll have new brigades, only 3-4 divisions will actually make the upgrade to 1936 in time for the war...
I'm going for the quality over quantity approach against Hungary... Though even though I'll have new brigades, only 3-4 divisions will actually make the upgrade to 1936 in time for the war...
That's quite difficult then, but I believe the build times for such divisions are quite long though...
Ahh, Timmie, my one reader Yes, the build times are long, but the AI is also playing by the same rules.. So Hungary won't have too much of a chance to build up units on their side, either -- so my goal is to have the bigger, badder OOBs
Yes, the build times are long, but the AI is also playing by the same rules.. So Hungary won't have too much of a chance to build up units on their side, either -- so my goal is to have the bigger, badder OOBs
Good luck, friend. I'll be paying close attention.
For the centralization of the empire!
For the centralization of the empire!
I'm reading too. As this is the Balkans, I hope your armies are prepared enough for the inevitable fustercluck.
Use the terrain to your advantage and encircle them! Also, try to get Germany's help - after all, you are quasi-german, while they are barbaric Slavs (and Magyars). Also, I do have a question: Do you have cores on Slovenia, Istria and Venetia? After all, those areas are not ethnically German (but that can be changed...)
I'm not sure about the cores -- I haven't changed any of the default KR cores, so... Whatever Austria normally has, I have.
Looking forward.. It's time to start pondering the goals of the Ausgleich! Are we moving toward the Danubian Federation and the cultural integration of all the empire? Or are we moving toward a restoration of the Dual Monarchy, with power firmly and eternally concentrated in the Imperial Capitol at Vienna? Opinions are welcome!
Looking forward.. It's time to start pondering the goals of the Ausgleich! Are we moving toward the Danubian Federation and the cultural integration of all the empire? Or are we moving toward a restoration of the Dual Monarchy, with power firmly and eternally concentrated in the Imperial Capitol at Vienna? Opinions are welcome!
Mwah, I favor the Dual Monarchy more cause I like the flag . Yeah I forgot that the rest also had not much time for build up and Hungary has a lot less than Austria so that wouldn't be your biggest problem.
@GulMacet: Yes Austria has cores on Venice and Slovenia etc. They also control Kefalonia (well they called the islands west of Greece/Albania different now) but I don't think that last one is core.
Tim
cause I like the flag . Yeah I forgot that the rest also had not much time for build up and Hungary has a lot less than Austria so that wouldn't be your biggest problem. @GulMacet: Yes Austria has cores on Venice and Slovenia etc. They also control Kefalonia (well they called the islands west of Greece/Albania different now) but I don't think that last one is core.
Tim
Restore the Dual Monarchy and revive Austria as the true ruler of the Balkans and Danube. Don't let those sniveling Mygars and Slavs tell you what to do when it's your empire!
