[Forum Game] - Crisis in the Reich

[Spectre17]

Name: Friedrich Wilhelm Victor Augustus Ernest, Crown Prince of the German Empire
Age: 36 (Born 1882)
Party: Independent
Birthplace: Potsdam, Brandenburg, German Empire
Biography: Wilhelm was born on 6 May 1882 in the Marmorpalais of Potsdam in the Province of Brandenburg. He was the eldest son of Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor (1859–1941) and his first wife Princess Augusta Viktoria of Schleswig-Holstein (1858–1921). When he was born, his great-grandfather, Kaiser Wilhelm I, was the reigning emperor and his grandfather, Crown Prince Frederick, was heir to the throne, making Wilhelm third in line to the throne. Despite being raised within militaristic circles, the Crown Prince had little command experience when he was named commander of the 5th Army in August 1914, shortly after the outbreak of World War I. He led the 5th Army until November 1916, a two-year period which included the battle of attrition known as the Verdun Offensive.

From April 1916 onward, he tried in vain to convince the supreme command that the Verdun offensive no longer made any sense, but the campaign continued until 2 September of that year. After the outbreak of the German Revolution in 1918, both Emperor Wilhelm II and the Crown Prince signed the document of abdication. On 13 November, the former Crown Prince went into exile and was interned on the island of Wieringen, in the Netherlands. The Crown Prince retainsthe hope that he may one day reclaim his birthright and return to Germany as Emperor.

 

[99KingHigh]

Arthur von Posadowsky-Wehner​

 

[firelordsky]

Karl Helfferich​

 

[Frymonmon]

Paul Ludwig Hans Anton von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg

 

[unmerged(718634)]

((I hope there's still time before the update because I'm throwing my hat into the ring))

Name: Bernd Gruenewald
Birth: 1 July, 1895; Torgau, Saxony
Party: Independent

Bio: Bernd was born into a moderately affluent family of doctors in the small city of Torgau. He himself would pursue a career of law although that pursuit was cut short by the Great War in which he would serve as a Medic on the Eastern Front. He would suffer a leg injury during heavy fighting in Râmnicu Sărat, Romania resulting in his discharge from the German Army. (He would retain a limp for the remainder of his life). Upon his return he would become further involved in local politics and as a strong political agitator would grow in influence leading up to the days of early 1919. Although he holds rather strong left leaning sympathies he prefers the freedom that belongs with standing as an independent.

((looking on this I realize the possible resemblance to a certain German. That wasn't intended and I don't find it to be too strong of a resemblance))

 

[Maxwell500]

German Federal Elections of 1919​

When elections were called for the National Assembly, many outside observers expected an easy victory for the Ebert's SPD, they were quickly proven wrong. As results came in, out of the 423 seats that were available the largest majority were the Independents, standing at 121 seats. Then followed the German National People's Party and the Communist Party of Germany, both holding 91 seats. Ebert's SPD mustered only 60 seats, a massive fall from what was expected. Finally, the Centre Party and Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany both mustered 30 seats. Two parties failed to receive any seats at all, that being the German Democratic Party and German People's Party.

If one thing was shown by this election, it was that a large percentage of the population was dissatisfied with all the parties and that those who stuck with them were starting to take a more radical preference, in opposition to the moderate policies of the SPD and Centre Party. It was now up to Ebert to appoint a Chancellor and for the Assembly to begin working on drafting a constitution for the nation.

 

[Bialaska]

Name: Anton Drexler
Birth: 13 June 1884 in Munich, Germany
Party: Independent (DAP)

Anton Drexler is the co-founder of the German Worker's Party, (Deutsche Arbeiterpartei; DAP), established January 5, 1919. A working man though his entire life, he has worked as both a machine fitter and later as a railway locksmith. He became active in politics during the great war, as part of the German Fatherland Party, which was dissolved in 1918.

His party is still small, rumoured to have less than 60 members, even though he claims that there is at least 550 members. The German Worker's Party is a far-right party strongly embracing German Nationalism.

 

[Maxwell500]

GM Note: So the first elections are completed, parties with more than one member may now decide amongst themselves, by election or however they see it, who will lead them. In regards to Independents, I have it so that of the five independents who are players, each of them has sway over 24 NPCs, with one independent remaining strictly as that. Lastly, new parties may be formed if at least two characters show interest in it.

 

[unmerged(271387)]

((Who decides about the Constitution?Do we players propose constitutions and change articles in the consitutions of others?))

 

[Maxwell500]

GM Note: You players will propose constitutions and modifications for them all you want, it is up to you guys.

 

[Frymonmon]

A Statement by Chief of the General Staff Paul von Hindenburg​

Germans,

I come before you all today, in the first of many Public Statements I shall make. I had, to the best of my abilities, worked with General Ludendorff in order to execute a favourable conclusion of the War which we have just lost. I can say, with absolute certainty, the German Army was able to bring a victory, and a conclusion to the war, in the Summer of 1918. It was due to the disloyalty of the politicians, many of whom seek to impose their influence upon the country today. It was this stab in the back that caused Germany to lose! As I have motioned before, I once thought that I shall commit myself to the removal of public life once again, unless called upon in a great time of need, and to retire to my home state, to Prussia, to whom I have served a lifetime to defend and protect. I am dismayed to believe that this is now that time to protect her. It is only these vial politicians, jealous of the success of Prussia and the German Empire, which caused them to surrender to the Allied Powers against us. It was Prussia, who has suffered the most from this peace deal.

As such, I shall answer no calls by the Reichstag to testify, nor shall I serve any time for the loss of Germany in the War. The Military High Command, nor the German Army, shall suffer the consequences, take any blame, or befall any hardship because of Politicians!

Should the Government be willing to work with the German Military, to accept their rightful blame for the stabbing of the Kaiser, the stabbing of the German Empire, and the revolution and unrest which we currently find ourselves in, then I should only find it fully right and proper to see to it such blame is delegated properly.

At this point I ask all members of the Freikorps, do not submit to the Government's control, for they are the ones who have caused your misfortune, and your troubles. I call upon the Vorläufige Reichswehr, the current military structure I command, to continue to follow the commands of your superiors, and to submit to orders by the Government only when approved by myself.

Für das deutsche Volk!

Berlin 1919.

 

[Imperator1993]

As we the members of the Reichstag gather to write the constitution of our Fatherland, the DNVP shall push for constitutional monarchy at all costs, we ask His Majesty, Kronprinz Wilhelm, to take the throne from which his father was forcibly removed from by wicked communists and other revolutionary scum. We also want to make sure the farmers and other rural folk of Germany, are represented as equally as the people in the cities.

Heil Deutschland

~Graf von Mudra und zu Hellefurst

 

[XVG]

Soldaten!

Despite of the backstab of November 1918, we must continue to do our duty for the Vaterland! The Red Menace, the Bolsheviks, they wish to push their way to the West, and link up with the traitorous backstabbers! We must not let this happen. It is our sacred duty, to defend the Baltikum, and its German inhabitants against the Red Horde! I am certain that we will be granted victory in this righteous battle!

I stand fully behind my commander-in-chief, His Excellency, Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg. To the Freikorps and Soldiers in our Vaterland's sacred territory; stand fast and loyal, and continue to observe the orders of the High Command.

Libau, Lettland, Februar 1919

~ Generalleutnant Rüdiger von der Goltz

 

[Noco19]

Paul von Hindenburg, our very own Chief of General Staff, has spoken, decrying our government as the reason behind our defeat, stabbed in the back by communists and cowards. He urges disloyalty, but truly, can we blame him for this sentiment?

As I served on the Western Front, I experienced the true might of the Deutsches Heer, a glorious beast of tactical brilliance and sheer firepower, more than enough to crack the Entente dogs wide open!. There is absolutely no doubt within my mind, that our downfall was not the product of military mismanagement. Nay, this leaves only ONE culprit, holding the proverbial bag of German disgrace - the government.

While von Hindenburg completes his duty of safeguarding the German people, we civilian Men who accept this fact must work together in opposition of any and all threats to this nation, be they within or without.

- H.F Hohlenberg

 

[Revan529]

Freiherr E.A. von Hohenzollern, recently elected to the Reichstag of this new Republic, was seen entering into the office of the editor of one of Germany's premier moderate newspapers; the following day, this appeared across its print.

NATIONALLIBERALE PARTEI REFORMEN!​

Freiherr Erich August von Hohenzollern, cousin of the former Kaiser, announces the reformation of the esteemed National Liberal Party, which at it its height was the Iron Chancellor's most loyal supporters; the idealistic young man, whose tour of duty for this nation was exemplary, along with twenty-some other like-minded members of the Reichstag, hopes that this party reborn will be able to lead Germany through these troubled times.

The young party leader has issued this as his party's platform during this session of the Reichstag and for any upcoming elections that may occur.

Manifesto of the National Liberal Party, 1919​

The National Liberals is committed to a free market economy to promote growth and better enable the entrepreneurial spirit and industriousness of every German to succeed; however, this party will support government aid in the rebuilding of cities and town damaged from this most horrific war.

The National Liberals will oppose any large increase to the tariff rate, so as to protect the consumers in Germany from unnecessarily high prices, and to allow the easier flow of raw materials to our industries.

The National Liberals stand in favour of a policy of religious tolerance; to that end we believe in a fully secular constitution and a generally pluralistic political structure.

The National Liberals strongly support the rebuilding of our military; this war may been lost, but we cannot allow ourselves to be unprotected whilst a revolution is being fought right across our border; the National Liberals desire the restoration and expansion of the Germany Navy.

The National Liberals however do not believe in an aggressive foreign policy; we should remain wary of the ongoing turmoil in Russia, and should actively seek to repair our relations with the United Kingdom and the United States, but we should avoid entangling ourselves in messy alliances and in minor conflicts in distant lands; we are only too aware of what doing otherwise will bring us.

The National Liberals desire a formal end to the Great War; however, we will not surrender the sovereign land of Germany proper, and we are reluctant to cede our colonies to the French, who have long shown their immense and devouring ambitions in regards to German lands. The German people were starved during the long blockade by the British, and our sons have either not returned home, or have done so crippled and damaged from this long conflict. The German State has suffered tremendously over the course of this war, and we hope that there is some amount of compassion left from Christmas Day, 1914.

Lastly, the National Liberal Party is now and forever will be staunchly in favour of restoring the monarchy. A constitutional monarch with clear, delineated powers is highly desirable, both due to German tradition and as a source of stability. We believe that the former Crown Prince is the best candidate for the throne, however, we are willing to accept an election for the esteemed position.

GOTT MIT UNS!​

We sincerely hope that the German people, particular those of the People's Party, which sadly failed to gain any seats in the recent election, to consider joining the reborn National Liberals.

 

[Bialaska]

Anton Drexler presents the agenda of the German Worker's Party (DAP)

Brothers and Sisters of the German people! For too long have the German people been exploited. Both from within our nation and from the outside, the corruption festers and threathens to destroy the hard working people of Germany! No more, I tell you! No more! We must purge this evil!

Hear me brothers and sisters. Germany must remain strong, and it will remain strong. Germany above everything! Politicians with their own self-serving agendas almost destroyed us, surrendering in a war that where we could once and for all have cut the head of those who tried to poison us, tried to make us weak. I tell you, hard workers of Germany. We should have fought on, we should have won. Because there is none beside or above a true German.

The honourable Generalfeldmarschall, Herr von Hindenburg is correct, the German Army was the strongest. Yet evil conquered good on that day, when politicians lining their own pockets by selling the German pride surrendered our proud nation, allowing foreigners to dictate our future.

No more! No more I tell you. As representatives of the hard working German people, will we no longer stand for such treatment. Germany above all! It is time to reclaim our pride, reclaim our right!

Stand with me, brothers and sisters. Stand with the German Worker's Party! The German spirit cannot be destroyed. I tell you this, we must work our way through the crisis, because that is the true soul of the German. We are the most hard working and persistent of all! And through our work, shall glory be returned to Germany!

 

[Dyranum]

OOC: Shynka's the Chairman? I didn't vote for him.

 

[Maxwell500]

GM Note: All those that joined parties first became their automatic heads, at least temporarily. You are welcome to contest the leadership from him.

 

[EasternBloc]

I, Friedrich Ebert, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party and Chairmen of the Council of the People's Delegates, choose Harald Lachenmayer as Chancellor and task him to form the new government with the belief that Lachenmayer will help bring Germany into a democracy.


As Chairman of the SPD, I offer the Centre Party, the German Democratic Party, and the Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany to form a political Centre-Left coalition, known as "The Weimar Coalition", to retain German democracy as without it, there is no freedom.

In response to the ongoing "revolution" in Germany, the SPD has announced it's intentions to task and work with our German military figures to end said revolution if the extremist communists and left-wing radicals do not soon realize they are not only killing German democracy, but also Germany itself.​

-Friedrich Ebert

 

[baboushreturns]

I Harald Lachenmayer, chairman of the Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany agree, to join this coalition.

Lastly I thank Chancellor Ebert for the offer I must refuse it, I believe I can best serve Germany as Chairman of the USPD.

-H. Lachenmayer