Sonderweg oder Anderweg? -- An interactive AAR in the Hohenzollerns megacampaign

[Avindian]

((Sorry I was playing C:S the Reichspräsident will have to offer the largest united number of seats the right to form a Goverment, with united number I mean a single party or a coalitions with a largest number of seats than the largest party or a smaller ruling coalition))

((Okay. Admin hat on.))

Here is my full digest of the Reichspräsident Law, as I intend to post it on the OP. Let me know if I've missed anything.

Article 1: The Reichspräsident is the Head of State for the Republic of Germany and exercises the ceremonial functions in keeping with such an office. He is the living embodiment of the Republic of Germany, and as such, represents the state in all diplomatic ceremonies and invests all civil servants and military officers formally with their offices.

Article 2: He is elected directly by the Reichstag after each general election. Up to two candidates from each party may run for the position. The candidate must be over 40 years of age and of good moral standing. If no single individual receives a majority vote, a second round will occur for the top three vote earners. They may serve a maximum of two consecutive four year terms. Once elected, he loses his rights and privileges as a member of the Reichstag and must renounce any and all other offices for the duration of his administration.

Article 3: The Reichspräsident, after his election, formally grants the winning coalition or, if one party has more than 50% of the vote, party the right to form a government. He may not have any role in the coalition building process, and if he is a party leader, he renounces that right upon his election. The Kanzler ((who will determine the ruling party)) must be able to command a majority vote in the Reichstag. The Kanzler continues to appoint all ministers, bearing in mind the party balance guidelines, but the Reichspräsident has the right to veto any one ministerial selection. All decrees must be signed by the Kanzler, Reichspräsident, and the minister or ministers that the decree involves. The Präsident has the right to dissolve the Reichstag and call for early elections, declare a "state of emergency", issue awards and honors, and pardon any individual except himself.

Article 4: A State of Emergency decree must be signed by the Kanzler and a majority of sitting ministers and takes effect for one calendar year. The State of Emergency may only be renewed if a majority of Reichstag members approves it, and then only for one additional calendar year. Under a State of Emergency, the Reichspräsident has the power to rule by decree until the crisis ends, or until the time limit expires, whichever comes first.

Article 5: Removing the Recishpräsident requires a vote of a 2/3rds majority of the Reichstag, unless he is accused of a crime. New ministries attached to the National Ministry require a 75% majority if they are to have legal force.

 

[NachoEater]

((I'm still not happy with this, because I see no use for the foreign ministry if the Reichsprasident oversees all diplomatic function. "The Reichspräsident represents the Republic of Germany in international relations. In the name of the Republic of Germany he makes the alliances and other treaties with foreign powers. He accredits and recieves diplomatic representatives. Alliances and treaties with Foreign states which relate to the subjects of national legislation require consent of the National Assembly."))

 

[PTSnoop]

Article 4: A State of Emergency decree must be signed by the Kanzler and a majority of sitting ministers and takes effect for one calendar year. The State of Emergency may only be renewed if a majority of Reichstag members approves it, and then only for one additional calendar year. Under a State of Emergency, the Reichspräsident has the power to rule by decree until the crisis ends, or until the time limit expires, whichever comes first.

Wait, WHAT?

Where on Earth has this State Of Emergency article come from? There was nothing about emergency powers in the bill that I voted upon. The very words "Emergency", "Crisis" or "Rule by Decree" appear nowhere in the Reichspräsident Bill. Such a clause has been apparently invented out of whole cloth! And a clause that would hand the Reichspräsident supreme dictatorial power over the whole Republic, no less!

I hereby call for the repudiation of this unelected and unconstitutional "Article", and the immediate resignation of whosoever was responsible.

 

[Avindian]

((I'm still not happy with this, because I see no use for the foreign ministry if the Reichsprasident oversees all diplomatic function. "The Reichspräsident represents the Republic of Germany in international relations. In the name of the Republic of Germany he makes the alliances and other treaties with foreign powers. He accredits and recieves diplomatic representatives. Alliances and treaties with Foreign states which relate to the subjects of national legislation require consent of the National Assembly."))

((This is why you ignore the original bill and pay attention to the one I just posted. We, obviously, aren't going to undercut the Foreign Ministry; the President's role will be purely ceremonial as far as foreign policy is concerned.))

Wait, WHAT?

Where on Earth has this State Of Emergency article come from? There was nothing about emergency powers in the bill that I voted upon. The very words "Emergency", "Crisis" or "Rule by Decree" appear nowhere in the Reichspräsident Bill. Such a clause has been apparently invented out of whole cloth! And a clause that would hand the Reichspräsident supreme dictatorial power over the whole Republic, no less!

I hereby call for the repudiation of this unelected and unconstitutional "Article", and the immediate resignation of whosoever was responsible.

((From the original bill: "declaring martial law with the consent of the Conclave of Stadtholders"

And from the first clarification post I did: "The distinction between a 'state of emergency' and 'martial law' is that the Minister of the Interior has the power to call [martial law], but only in a localized region. The Reichspräsident can declare one for the entire country. Although this isn't part of the original bill, I think it would be extremely wise to include either a definite time limit or some sort of limitation on such a power."

It met with no objection then. ))

 

[Michaelangelo]

I don't see a problem with Article 4. It clearly states that the Chancellor and a majority of the ministers must sign off on a state of emergency, so it's not like the Reichpresident can proclaim himself a dictator.

- Wilhelm von Vandenburg

 

[NachoEater]

((This is why you ignore the original bill and pay attention to the one I just posted. We, obviously, aren't going to undercut the Foreign Ministry; the President's role will be purely ceremonial as far as foreign policy is concerned.))



((From the original bill: "declaring martial law with the consent of the Conclave of Stadtholders"

And from the first clarification post I did: "The distinction between a 'state of emergency' and 'martial law' is that the Minister of the Interior has the power to call [martial law], but only in a localized region. The Reichspräsident can declare one for the entire country. Although this isn't part of the original bill, I think it would be extremely wise to include either a definite time limit or some sort of limitation on such a power."

It met with no objection then. ))

((Ahh OK, my bad.))

 

[Avindian]

((To let you guys/gals into my way of thinking: I'm trying to come up with a solution that makes the Reichspräsident meaningful without making him into a God-King. I'm working on a method to elect the Reichspräsident without making the Conclave meaningless -- if we need 50% of both houses, that is, or 50% of the entire Reichstag, which would effectively neuter the Conclave's right to participate, after a fashion. I'm willing to listen to discussion on this point.

LK, if you choose to mobilize our forces, please include "mustering centers" where the armies will form.))

 

[Avindian]

((24 hours are up. Revised "Reichspräsident bill" is now on the OP and is official. I've given him the same coup power as the Chancellor, for now -- we can re-balance if needed.

Now, if a certain Emperor of a now defunct Empire could get his military plans in...

If I can find some time, I'm going to do a serious overhaul of our OP and the rules. I want to try to make the AAR more accessible for new players. We can always use some fresh blood!))

 

[LatinKaiser]

((My internet has been down since Monday (using my phone currently). However, it shoupd be fixed by this afternoon. ))

 

[LatinKaiser]

Gentlemen of the Reichstag, here is my war plan for 1873:

- 2nd and 10th Armies will be redeployed to the Eastern Front against the Poles. They will move to Kattowitz, and from there they will join the Eastern offensive.
- 19th, 17th, and 12th Armies will, once the Western armies arrive commence an attack against the strongest Polish forces in the region. Once these forces have been defeated, the Armies will push on into Poland itself, and they should begin the occupation of that country.
- 1st Army will attack any smaller Polish or British forces that remain on German soil in the East. Once these forces have been dealt with, 1st Army will begin liberating German cities and twons from foreign occupation.
- 2nd and 10th Armies will assist in the liberation of Eastern Germany and the occupation of Western Poland.
- 13th Army will remain in Nuremburg to protect the capital from attack.
- Should France enter the war, then all available reserves will be mobilized. One quarter of these mobilized forces will be sent to Chaumont, one quarter will be sent to Verdun, one quarter will be sent to Regensberg, and the rest will be held in reserve in Berlin.
- The navy will repair and avoid any potentially costly engagements.
- The invasion of Ireland will not continue.
- The liberation of Plymouth will only be undertaken once the Poles have been driven from the East and the navy has once again reached full strength.
- Liberia will be liberated only once we have secured victory in the European theatre.
- The invasion of Tunisia will not proceed.

~ Friedrich von Hohenstaufen, Chief of the General Staff

 

[Sakura_F]

I am disappointed that we have abandoned the Tunisian and Irish campaigns, I just hope they may resume when Germany has driven back the enemy.

 

[Dr.Livingstone]

Rumors are swirling across Berlin of a new social club with political minded attendees joining. The club, officially known as the Society for Home Rule, was also going by another name, the Federalist club. Its founder, Emmanuel Victor, has stated that the club is merely a body for like minded politicians to meet, rather than a full fledged political party. Whether this Club will come to play a role in the national government, is yet to be seen.

~Excerpt from the Berliner Globe

 

[Avindian]

1873: The year of the Great Rebellion​

1872 ended with so much promise. As the Ambassador from Bulgaria was, sadly, informed that Germany could answer Bulgaria's call to arms, the Ambassador returned home, bitterly disappointed. While many Germans regretted the decision, the fact was that Germany was in a war, a war that Bulgaria refused to join.

Horst Steeb was appointed to lead 2nd and 10th Army east, to shut down Poland. Before he could even leave German soil, a British delegation arrived in Nürnberg, demanding immediate access to the Foreign Minister, Maximilian von Wittelsbach. They offered von Wittelsbach an amazing offer. They would agree to cede the formerly German pieces of North Africa in exchange for an end to hostilities. The Foreign Minister had formally called for the liberation of Ireland as well, but given the deplorable state of the German navy, a second invasion of Ireland seemed incredibly unlikely. After a conference with Hals Gutfreund, the Minister of War, and Friedrich von Hohenstaufen of the General Staff, the Foreign Minister accepted the British proposal. [1] Franz Meiningen was said to curse the very name of the Foreign Minister for days afterwards.

As a measure of good faith, those parts of Tunisia which had not been German in the past were graciously returned to Britain. Finance Minister Frederick Carile wasted no time in calling for the end to the tariff and the reduction of military expenses, later cutting taxes to 40% for all classes. [2]

The Minister of the Interior, Karl Adimari, sent a recruiter into Franche-Comte to help replenish the losses suffered by the Germans during the Anglo-German war. Yet the most troubling concern for Herr Adimari was repeated rebellions throughout the rest of 1872. As soon as the French were contained, the Bohemians rose up.

The Bohemians, unlike many other national groups, had both the training and weaponry necessary to give the weakened German army a good thrashing.

The Chinese and Koreans had a falling out over some Korean territory in China; the Foreign Minister refused to even hear of such an issue and, very quickly, the two sides agreed to respect the status quo. As 1873 began, there was another flare up in the former Netherlands.

The Bohemian and Dutch revolts were particularly alarming because these nationalities had been part of the German Republic for hundreds of years. They were not the recently added Italians or French. The Minister of War, meanwhile, announced that, perhaps as soon as 1874, construction of new and better equipped naval bases would begin. [3] The army was also to see some upgrades, with a new rapid-fire gun to be distributed throughout the army by early 1874.

Domestic concerns, however, continued to dominate the German press. A smallpox outbreak in the Rhone river valley claimed the lives of hundreds of peoples; Minister of the Interior Adimari immediately pledged the government's support, as hundreds of railcars full of medicine made its way west.

However, much of this precious medication was delayed as uprisings in Köln prevented goods from medical warehouses in Bremen and Hannover from making it to the southern regions where it was most needed.

The nation of Tver, unaware of the domestic difficulties Germany was undergoing, tried to seek Germany's aid in recovering still more of its territory; the Foreign Minister firmly but politely declined, saying that Germany could not afford yet another war.

Unfortunately, that decision did not sit well with some prominent liberals, who had applauded Germany's earlier decision to back Tver's campaign of freedom. They rose up and demanded the heads of the "reactionary cowards who would deny their brothers in Tver justice." The disappearance of Bulgaria from the map only exacerbated these concerns.

Yet by July of 1873, finally, all was at peace. For two precious months, people all around Germany had a chance to rebuild, to nurse the wounds the country had suffered, both from wars and disease. Then came one of the most horrible days in German history: 24 October 1873. A militant socialist group, calling itself "The Society of Equals," first announced a general strike around the capital. When the Gendarmerie predictably moved into to force everybody back to work, a small group of radicals within the strikers, each one of them a disgruntled veteran of Germany's wars, opened fire on the Gendarmerie. Soon, the entire city garrison was swept into the fray, as the conflict spilled out of the capital and erupted throughout Germany. An anti-slavery meeting went on as planned in November, but as the members of the Reichstag filtered south for the 1874 meeting, they found themselves blocked. Even members of the SP were not allowed into the capital.

The Nürnberg garrison did its best to break up the angry crowds and allow the Reichstag time to meet. That was Werner Trunk, a former Colonel in the German army, struck. Although the casualties on his side were horrific, Trunk's armed militia routed the army, who fled to nearby Stuttgart.

The capital was completely surrounded by enemy forces. A secondary location was set up for the Reichstag in Berlin, as yet unaffected by the uprising, where those individuals could gather who were not trapped in Nürnberg. The Commander of the Gendarmerie, Michael von Hohenzollern, was killed during the battle for Nürnberg; an urgent telegram informed Fritz von Hohenzollern that he was the new Stadtholder von Nürnberg; Fritz arrived in Berlin two hours before the Reichstag was scheduled to meet.



The 1874 election, just around the corner, had some serious consequences.

---

[1] That, and we couldn't add the wargoal anyway.
[2] I'm so used to seeing education/administration at 100% at all times that I never increased it, which I probably ought to have done instead of cut taxes.
[3] I couldn't find Jack LEagle's naval base plan, so I haven't started any yet.

As usual, you have 48 hours to submit constitutional amendments or reforms. We can also pass the Valley of the Kings decision, if somebody wishes to sponsor it. We must decide whether or not to negotiate with the rebels. ((If we decide to negotiate, I will play the rebels as an NPC.)) I suspect the Ministry of War will have some plans for 1874; it is also up to the Minister of the Interior to appoint a new Commander of the Gendarmerie. VOTE ON NOTHING UNTIL I GIVE YOU THE OKAY.

The next update will not be quite a full year, but we will have our first election for Reichspräsident. All party leaders are automatically entered as candidates unless they decline the nomination (except for Wilhelm von Vandenburg, who is just shy of 40 years of age). As a reminder, only two candidates may run from a given party; it is up to each individual party to decide how they want to decide who runs, if anyone. You do not necessarily need your party leader's approval to run for the office.

 

[Andre Massena]

We have failed, ladies and gentlemen! We have failed to liberate the people of Ireland. We have failed to help our allies in Tver and Bulgaria. We have failed to listen to the pleas of our workers, and Bohemnian, Dutch, and Colognian ((wtf???)) brethren. But most of all, we have failed the people of Italy.

Germany used to be a model of liberty to the rest of the world. That is why I joined the Reichstag many years ago. But does it still serve as a shining beacon of freedom? I do not believe so. Many of our citizens felt cornered like mice and felt that they had to resort to extreme measures because of the mistakes we have made. But the Republic can still rekindle the flame of liberty and find her path! That is why I am joining the Society for Home Rule. Freedoms must be restored to the people of Germany and the people of Italy must be allowed some forms of self-governance. For too long their voices have been ignored by the German parliament. Join us and help grant Home Rule to Italy!

-Herr Liberator

 

[Idhrendur]

Herren,

I have enjoyed my retirement from being the President of the State Planning Commission greatly. During some time spent visiting around the Mediterranean, I was able to see some amazing artifacts in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. These wonders should be placed in museums for all to see. I propose we send an expedition to Egypt to claim some of these artifacts for display.

FM

(( As someone rather for repatriation of archaeological artifacts, that was kind of horrifying to write. Still, it fits the period. ))

 

[Avindian]

((I have done a major overhaul of our rules, incorporating all the existing amendments [except for the Food Security Act, which had no actual power. ] Please review them (and the OP) carefully. I have clarified certain rules (in particular war and peace). Future constitutional amendments will be added directly to the rules, in bold print to make them easy to see.))

Herr Meier's proposal to send an expedition to the Valley of the Kings is accepted for the current ballot. Other proposals may be submitted until the 48 hour deadline has passed.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

 

[Jack LEagle]

From my post #4709:

"As we are at war, the Ministry will implement whatever military construction the Chief of the General Staff should declare to be necessary,
with the addition of construction of 4 lvl 3 bases as soon as Raider Group Doctrine has been researched

Hals Gutfreund "

I didn't bold the base construction direction; my apologies.

 

[Andre Massena]

The Liberator solemnly faces the rump Reichstag.

Gentlemen, I present to you a solution to many of our problems and a hope for the future:

Italian Home Rule Act​

I. The Italian Region shall be created. All lands that lie in the Italian peninsula shall be considered part of the Italian Region ((modern Italian borders)).
II. The Italian Region shall be granted its own parliament. This parliament shall represent the Italian people and respond to their needs in lieu of the Reichstag. Regional governments ((IG-states)) shall now answer to the Italian Parliament in lieu of the Reichstag.
III. The Italian Parliament shall seat one hundred members and will be unicameral.
IV. The Italian Parliament shall possess full legislative authority over affairs local to Italy and may pass laws pertaining to Italian affairs. The Italian Parliament may also pass budgets and levy taxes on the residents of the Italian Region ((won't change anything IG because that would be hard to work out)).
V. Over half the members of the Italian Parliament must vote aye on a bill for it to become law. Any member of the Italian parliament may propose legislation.
VI. All laws passed by the Italian Parliament must abide by the Constitution of the German Republic.
VII. The German Supreme Court has the final say over the constitutional legality over any bills passed by the Italian Parliament.
VIII. The court system within the Italian Region shall be maintained. However, the Italian Parliament is ultimately responsible for oversight over the court system within the Italian Region.
IX. Any residents living within the Italian Region or residents born in the Italian Region shall be eligible to vote in elections for the Italian Parliament.

X. The position of President of Italy shall be created ((should be a player character)).
XI. The President of Italy shall serve as the head of government for the Italian Region. He shall formally represent the Italian Region in the Reichstag and may appoint a liaison to the Reichstag in order to facilitate cooperation between the Italian Parliament and Reichstag and represent the Italian Region in the Reichstag on a day-to-day basis.
XII. The President of Italy shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Italian Region and may appoint administrative officeholders ((Italian President controls one National Focus and can choose where to put it)).
XIII. The President of Italy may appoint a cabinet to assist in the administration of the Italian Region.
XIV. The Italian Parliament may veto an administrative or cabinet appointment made by the president through a majority vote.
XV. The Italian Region shall possesses authority over law enforcement within the Italian Region. The President of Italy shall possess the authority to oversee law enforcement within the Italian Region.
XVI. The President of Italy may veto any bill passed by the Italian Parliament. However, the parliament can override this veto if over 2/3 of the parliament agrees.
XVII. The President of Italy may cast a tiebreaker vote in regards to pending legislation in parliament if both ayes and nays both have fifty percent.
XVIII. Any candidates seeking the presidency of Italy must be over 40 years of age, live in the Italian Region or have been born in the Italian Region, and of good moral standing.
XIX. Only two candidates may run, per party, per election. The party leader is always assumed, when eligible, to be a candidate for this office.
XX. The President of Italy is elected directly by the Italian Parliament after each general election. If no single individual receives a majority vote, a second round will occur for the top three vote earners.
XXI. The President may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms, totaling eight years.

XXII. Residents of the Italian Region shall maintain their citizenship within German Republic and their full, legal rights and protections as German citizens.
XXIII. The Reichstag may veto any laws passed by the Italian Parliament through a majority vote in both houses.
XXIV. The Reichstag may pass laws pertaining to local Italian affairs. However, these laws must be accepted by a majority of voters in the Italian Parliament. The President of Italy may veto the parliament's approval and the parliament can override the veto.
XXV.The Head of State for the Italian Region will be the Reichspräsident.
XXVI. The Reichstag is responsible for the foreign affairs and diplomatic activities of the Italian Region.
XXVII. No member of the Italian Parliament nor the President of Italy may partake in foreign diplomacy unless permitted by the Reichstag.
XXVIII. The Reichstag is responsible for the defense of the Italian Region and military matters. The Italian Parliament and President of Italy shall possess no authority over military matters.
XXIX. The structure of the armed forces shall be maintained and any soldiers of the armed forces of the German Republic may pass through or be stationed in the Italian Region at the discretion of the Reichstag or General staff.
XXX. Any resident of the Italian Region can serve in the armed forces of the German Republic.
XXXI. Residents of the Italian Region may not vote for members of the Reichstag since the Italian Parliament represents the residents of the Italian Region.
XXXII. Residents of the Italian Region shall maintain their citizenship within German Republic and their full, legal rights and protections as German citizens.
XXXIII. Private ownership of factories and railroads within the Italian Region shall be maintained.
XXXIV. The ownership of any government owned factories, railroads, and ports within the Italian Region shall be maintained by the Reichstag.
XXXV. The Reichstag may choose to subsidize or build factories within the Italian Region. The Italian Parliament may not subsidize or build any factories within the region.
XXXVI. The Reichstag may pass laws pertaining to local Italian affairs. However, these laws must be accepted by a majority of voters in the Italian Parliament. The President of Italy may veto the parliament's approval and the parliament can override the veto.

XXVII. The residents of the Italian Region shall be required to pay any taxes requested by the Italian Parliament.
XXVIII. The Italian Parliament is responsible for the collection of these taxes and may do what it sees fit with them, provided the activity falls within the boundaries of the Constitution of the German Republic and is not vetoed by the Reichstag.
XXIX. The residents of the Italian Republic shall pay a separate tax determined and collected by the Reichstag that shall cover defense expenditures related to the Italian Region ((won't change anything IG)).

((So basically nothing changes IG. IC-wise Italy will gain more autonomy as it will have its own parliament, president, and domestic laws. Germany will still control the army and foreign policy. Ideally a player character would be President of Italy.))

 

[Avindian]

From my post #4709:

"As we are at war, the Ministry will implement whatever military construction the Chief of the General Staff should declare to be necessary,
with the addition of construction of 4 lvl 3 bases as soon as Raider Group Doctrine has been researched

Hals Gutfreund "

I didn't bold the base construction direction; my apologies.

((That was a lot of posts ago! Did you have preferences as to sites for the bases?))

---

The Italian Home Rule Act will be placed on the upcoming ballot.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

 

[Michaelangelo]

We are fortunate that the British were willing to offer such a peace treaty before that war became an even bloodier affair.

I can't believe what I am hearing. We faced one of the most brutal rebellions in decades, one that claimed the beloved Michael von Hohenzollern, and there is already talk of weakening the state and leaving it crippled. Granting the Italians a form of self-government within Germany will solve nothing. All it will do is set a precedent where all cultural groups will demand similar treatment, creating a patchwork of small and useless provincial governments that interfere with the German state and its ability to function to its full extent. Then will come the inevitable demands for greater power and freedom at the expense of the German government. Once that is granted, they will clamour for independence and tear the nation apart. What we need is not devolution of power, but centralization. A strong central government can effectively handle any situation, such as the rebellions we just faced, and provide a unifying force for the entire nation. Power should be focused solely in the Reichstag. If the various cultural groups within Germany wish to be heard, then they have the same right as all their fellow Germans to bring their issues to the Reichstag and participate in their government. Instead of removing the problem by handing it to an inferior provincial government, we should deal with it here and now. Italy does not need a provincial government because all their problems and issues can be handled right here in the Reichstag. Perhaps all the minorities in Germany might consider that before rebelling next time.

- Wilhelm von Vandenburg