The Fatherland Shall Prevail! Germany's Rise to Power. A FTM AAR with the HPP mod

[jlin512]

NOTE: DUE TO A SAVE GAME CORRUPTION, THIS AAR HAS BEEN ABANDONED. HOWEVER, MY JAPAN AAR IS STILL GOING AND CAN BE FOUND HERE http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?615485-Greater-East-Asia-Co-Prosperity-Sphere-A-Japanese-AAR-with-HPP-mod


Game settings:
Hoi3+Semper Fi+For the Motherland (3.05) + HPP mod (2.6.71a)
Difficulty Level: Normal
Writing Style:Third Person Narrative
Goals: Try to stay within the boundaries of WW2 history without sticking just to it.
!This will be an image heavy AAR!

Note: This is my first AAR and a sort of test in AAR writing, if you have any suggestions or criticism please feel free to post a reply. Thanks :laugh:

Preview of First Update (Should come out Saturday):

Berlin, German High Command
Generalfeldmarschall Von Manstein quickly strode through the halls of the German High Command. He hated these big brass meetings as more and more bureaucrats would push around numbers as they fumbled with their papers. Despite how thankful he was to be promoted to feldmarschall, he still felt lost at Berlin. He needed to be back with his men. Yet, as commander of OB West, it would mean much more meetings in Berlin and satisfying idiotic bureaucrats. He turned into the meeting hall and took a seat. He watched as the army bureaucrats discussed industrial figures and proposed building plans. He shifted a piece of paper around the desk for several minutes. After five minutes of listening to the drone, Manstein finally stood up and addressed the meetings, “Look, I could care less about these statistics, I only have one concern, will I be getting my 3 infantry corps by the beginning of May?” The bureaucrats looked around nervously for a few seconds as they decided how to respond to their new boss. “I’m not getting my infantry corps am I?” Manstein said softly and watched as the bureaucrats slowly shook their heads. “Dammit!” Manstein shouted as he threw his folder into the air and showers of classified documents slowly fluttered to the floor, “How the hell can they expect me to win a war if all I’m given is several reserve infantry division? That pompous twit Goering gets his precious planes and I don’t even get a single infantry corps? What the hell is this?”

 

[Hughrocks123]

Seems like an interesting AAR, staying within WW2 Boundaries. Interesting opening too.

 

[misterbean]

subscribed.

 

[Baltasar]

Which HPP version are you using?

 

[jlin512]

Table of Contents

Buildup (1936-1937)
Happy New Year Manstein (January 1, 1936)
Goering Doesn't Get His Planes (January 1, 1936-August 1, 1936)
Ludendorff's Downfall (August 1, 1936-January 1, 1937)
Japan on the Rise (January 1, 1937-July 1, 1937)
OOB and Current Construction Plans (February 1937)
Hausser's Field Day (July 1, 1937-February 1, 1938)

Path to War (1938-1939)
The Tinder is Set (February 1, 1938-August 1,1938)
Hitler in China (August 1, 1938-March 1, 1939)
Let Loose the Hounds of War! (March 1, 1939-September 10, 1939)

War has Finally Fallen Upon Us (1939-?)
First Blood: Invasion of Poland (September 10, 1939-November 1, 1939)
Sitzkrieg and the Fall of Denmark and Norway (November 1, 1939-April 1, 1940)
Göring's New Toys: Invasion of France (April 1, 1940-July 1, 1940)

 

[jlin512]

January 1, 1936

25 miles from Leipzig, 1st Panzer Korps HQ
Major General Hoth shuffled back and forth as he waited outside the 1st Panzer Korps Headquarters. He constantly adjusted his uniform and checked for any bits of dirt. The ride over in the field truck had been bumpy and he was sure that a seam had split in his uniform. He had heard all the rumors about Lieutenant General Hausser and he didn’t want to be one of the many division commanders who were relived immediately for failing to live up to Hausser’s standards. When he finally decided he looked presentable, he took a deep breath and strode in.
“Major General Hoth reporting sir!” he cried as he entered the room. “Have a seat general,” Hausser replied without looking at Hoth. Still facing the wall, Hausser asked, “General, do you know that our corps is the only one that isn’t being reorganized as we speak?” Hausser was referring to the army reorganization that all the brigadier generals feared, none wanted to think of the possibility of being separated from their division, yet it was necessary, necessary to achieve victory for the Fatherland. Hoth gathered up his confidence and shouted, “Yes sir.” There was an awkward pause as Hoth tried to decide what to do next as Hausser remained quiet. Finally he realized and asked, “Why is that sir?” Turning around as he spoke, Hausser replied, “It’s because I run a tight ship. No division commander of mine makes any mistakes. Do you understand what I’m saying? Now I only have one question, will you always follow my orders to the letter? Major General Hoth thought for a second before answering, “With all due respect, I can’t possibly say yes. I still remember the Battle of Verdun sir, my entire battalion was slaughtered in front of my eyes despite my pleas to the commanders to call off the attack”
Hausser gave Hoth an amused glance and Hoth could see a slight twinkle in his eye. “You’re the first commander ever to tell me that. I like your honesty. You’re dismissed. Don’t disappoint me” Hoth let out a visible sigh of relief as he once again came to attention before slowly backing out the door.

Berlin, Reich War Ministry
Generalfeldmarschall Von Manstein quickly strode through the halls of the Reich War Ministry. He hated these big brass meetings as more and more bureaucrats would push around numbers as they fumbled with their papers. Despite how thankful he was to be promoted to feldmarschall, he still felt lost at Berlin. He needed to be back with his men. Yet, as commander of OKW, it would mean much more meetings in Berlin and satisfying idiotic bureaucrats. He turned into the meeting hall and took a seat.
He watched as the army bureaucrats discussed industrial figures and proposed building plans. He shifted a piece of paper around the desk for several minutes. After five minutes of listening to the drone, Manstein finally stood up and addressed the meetings, “Look, I could care less about these statistics, I only have one concern, will I be getting my 3 infantry corps by the beginning of May?” The bureaucrats looked around nervously for a few seconds as they decided how to respond to their new boss. “I’m not getting my infantry corps am I?” Manstein said softly and watched as the bureaucrats slowly shook their heads. “Dammit!” Manstein shouted as he threw his folder into the air and showers of classified documents slowly fluttered to the floor, “How the hell can they expect me to win a war if all I’m given is several reserve infantry division? That pompous twit Goering gets his precious planes and I don’t even get a single infantry corps? What the hell is this?”
The bureaucrats looked on in panic and shock as their boss wandered around the conference room and left a path of destruction behind him. “Collect yourself feldmarschall,” said a quiet voice from behind from, “I come bearing a compromise.” Manstein turned around and found himself face to face with the most powerful man in Germany, Adolf Hitler. Manstein came to attention immediately as his face turned red.

“I’m sorry to hear that you can’t get your three infantry corps, but I offer a compromise. The most I can offer is 6 infantry corps in a one year period. I understand your concern and why you need these infantry corps, but Admiral Raeder has informed me about the need to start our great naval buildup. After this infantry run, I can also offer you the resources needed to build seven armour divisions. I truly am sorry I can’t offer more, but our industry is currently a bit overextended. Oh, and you don’t need to worry about this all, I’ve already cleared this with Chief Ludendorff”

“Of course mein Führer. I completely understand. Thank you for your consideration.”

Manstein tried to apologize, but Hitler waved off all attempts. Manstein watched as Hitler smiled and slowly backed out of the room. Manstein still looked at the door in shock when Hitler poked his head back into the room and whispered, “and just between you and me, Goering won’t be getting his planes.”

10 blocks down, Department of Technology and Application.
Fritz Bauer sighed as he looked at all the patent, grant, and research applications. He slowly sifted through them, deciding which ones had promise and applications. Half the applications were never filed correctly and the cramped environment in which he worked wasn’t very encouraging. He had a small ‘office’ that he often called a closet that was lit by one dim lightbulb illuminating the room. His superiors had recently told him that military technologies were to be given priorities over civilian ones. He sighed and bent down in the dim light and slowly sifted through the applications. He then summed up which ones he approved and sent them to his superiors for review.

By order of the Generalfeldmarshall Manstein:
In order to further the aims of the German Reich, the Führer has deemed it appropriate to order the immediate strengthening of the Siegfried Line to defend our country from the French invaders. This move will take place effective immediately and you should order your divisions to move to their prearranged defensive positions.

Notice from Abwehr to all Active Field Agents
Due to major budget cuts and the intentions of the Führer that peace be maintained, all foreign agents are hereby requested to proceed to Germany at all possible speed. For the moment, except for raising party popularity in Austria, we will not engage in any foreign espionage missions
Wilhelm Canaris

From the Desk of the Führer:
As a sign of appreciation for your service to the Reich, I have reshuffled the positions of the Germany command and Reichstag. Congratulations on your promotion and new position. Seig Heil!

Summary:
Well, first off, thanks for reading my AAR, it really means a lot to me. Now there’s one thing I want to address as the writer. As an avid AAR reader, one of the things I love is learning so much while I read them. I often end up googling a lot of the people mentioned and finding out how they truly influenced the war. In this AAR, I try to use historical names, places, and army names. While most of these figures won’t do what they will do in my AAR (Manstein never commanded OKW, Ludendorff would have retired in 1928 and expressed his contempt for Hitler) I still will try to use real life figures. If anyone notices that there are any major factual errors that aren’t for the purpose of the story (idk, maybe I claim that Hitler came to power in 1936) that I’m making, feel free to comment on them where I’ll respond. Secondly, I will probably update my AAR every week, though the rest of May and the beginning of June will mark when I have to study for finals, so updates may be every other week until the 22nd of June of so (Finals week is over) I’m always welcoming to writing suggestions, tactical decisions, and criticism, just post a reply. Thanks for reading!

PS: is the quality of the images too low? I didn't want to use up too much bandwith and exceed my upload image on imageshack

 

[jlin512]

Which HPP version are you using?

I updated it in the description

 

[Hughrocks123]

Nice, I like how you incorporate stories into what you do on the map.

And the images are alright

 

[Cybvep]

You can use text instead of the web address by replacing the repeated content in the hyperlink, i.e. everything that is NOT inside the inverted commas, with whatever text you want.

Images are ok. However, IMO you should use bold text in some places in order to make everything easier to grasp and more readable.

 

[Ybakgibumpti]

Looking good so far.

 

[jlin512]

August 1, 1936
German Cabinet Meeting

Everyone was nervous as Hitler strode into the room. After all, it had only been a month since Hitler had shuffled the German cabinet. Those who kept their positions were scared they were next and those who got positions were scared they would go the same way as their predecessors. Hitler started the meeting by asking Foreign Minister Oskar Meissner what important events had occurred. Meissner fumbled with his papers, drawing a few bits of laughter from the cabinet.

“Well mein Führer, in January, we concluded a deal with the Swedish to trade energy and money for their metal. However, the freezing of the Baltic means we rely on our relations with Norway to keep this trade route open.”

“Umm, later in January, King George V died and his son Edward came to power. We have good reason to believe that his successor was a sympathizer to our cause. However, before we could take advantage of this, he…”

The Führer sighed in exasperation and finished, “abdicated because he got married to that harlot. You know I do read the news right?”

“Of course mein Führer! Then, you’ll know that Italy managed to subjugate Ethiopia on the 8th of February and the Japanese formed the nation of Mengjiang using their territories on the Chinese mainland.”

Hitler sighed in boredom and pointed at Admiral Canaris to begin his intelligence report.

“Well, the Abwehr has managed to scour enough resources to fund operations in Czechoslovakia to increase our Fascist brother’ s support there. Our intelligence reports that the NSDAP is slowly growing its foothold in Austria as well. We hope that by the end of the year we can sponsor a coup to place a more friendly government in control. That’s all.”

Hitler smiled at the thought of his native Austria once again being part of the Reich and asked Ludendorff, “And how is Manstein doing? Does he like his new infantry corps?”

Ludendorff grimaced, “As good as those corps are, we still lack armour. I hope that we can increase armour production in 1937 after the infantry divisions. However, the situation in Spain is critical. I think we all remember the support we gave to our Nationalist allies in July? Well, they’re not using it very well. While we have learned a lot of valuable lessons in tactics and weapons, the Nationalists are failing to use our tanks and planes very well. Their northern stronghold looks weak and like it’ll fall any minute. I’ve ordered some more reinforcements and assistance for them, but I’m not sure if the Nationalists can defend themselves.”

“However, we have learned several new warfare tactics. We’re improving the firepower of our infantry divisions to allow them to kill more of the enemy. We’re also focusing on making our tanks more mobile in order to break through enemy lines and encircle them.”

Hitler winced and nodded his approval of Ludendorff’s analysis.

Goebbels cleared his throat and everyone turned towards him. Goebbels smiled and began his quick analysis.

“As Minister of Security and Propaganda, I made sure that we are taking advantage of every opportunity to remind our people of the greatness of our nation. As such, I have arranged for a Party Rally to occur every year. I think we all remember the one held on June 12th? Well, I can only say next year’s rally shall be even more inspirational!”

Hitler smiled in approval as he remembered the Party Rally. He still remembered the pride he felt as he watched the military show off its glory.

Admiral Raeder stood up and announced, “Our ship construction plan is going ahead at all full speed. Our two battleship and battlecruisers will be the first step in challenging British naval supremacy. Mein Führer, I must congratulate you on the Anglo-German naval treaty that allows up to build and research these ships once again. I’m quite sure we all remember the launch of the Graf Spee in January?”

Goering jumped up then and interjected, “Mein Führer! I must protest! My Luftwaffe has not received a single new plane since the beginning of 1936! At this rate how can we possible expect to defeat the French and British?”

Hitler calmly addressed Goering, “Goering, are you saying that you can not defend Germany with 21 squadrons of planes? Are you saying that all the work I have put into your Luftwaffe is all for naught?” Goering stood there in silence, face reddening as Hitler continued, “Well, if there are no more concerns, this meeting is officially dismissed.” Hitler and his ministers quickly left the meeting room leaving a stupefied Goering staring at his plane figures.

March 2, 1936
2nd Panzer Division
Sergeant 1st Class Becker

Sergeant Becker peered through his binoculars at Saarlouis. He looked at the watch his grandfather had given him, it was exactly 1000 hours. He had been waiting for this day, to throw off the shackles of the Versailles Treaty and the Locarno Treaty that had for so long humiliated his country. He gave the forward signal and the rumble of the Panzer I’s Krupp engines roared to life. He lowered his combat tank googles and looked for signs of French opposition. He seethed at his inability to fire, only to withdraw if France appeared to resist. It struck him as a blow to the prestige of the 2nd Panzer Division.
Yet, the wind whipping his face as the panzers advanced forwards filled him with thrill and pride. He still remembered the years of 23 when he was a boy of 12 starving in Berlin. Back then, there was no prospects for him, he would probably end up a factory worker like his dad was before being killed at Somme. But now here he was, leading a squadron of four Panzers at the age of 25.
Sergeant Becker poked his head out of the tank to be greeted by the sights of large cheering crowds. It seemed as though the entire city of Saarlouis had arrived to greet and welcome him. He smiled and waved at the crowds as his blonde hair whipped with the wind. They were halfway through Saarlouis when his radioman Hans called him over.

“Sir, we just got a transmission from the Lieutenant. He’s telling us that there are no French movements in the vicinity and we’re clear to head towards Checkpoint Alpha and secure the border positions. He stresses that if the French start firing, we’re to immediately to withdraw to the town square for further instructions.”

OKW
Generalfeldmarshall Manstein

Manstein waited anxiously for news on the reoccupation of the Rhineland. He knew there was a catch when he got his 6 armeekorps. Despite the fact that the Führer and Chief Ludendorff had constantly reassured him that the French would never be stupid enough to respond to such a minor provocation, he was still unconfident. He sat there staring at the operation map. He had committed 4 infantry and 1 panzer division to this remilitarization. If the French were to respond, they wouldn’t be defend Germany, much less hold the Rhineland. Manstein sat there in thought when one of his staff officers came running in, “Sir, our scout planes and advance battalions report no hostile contact and that the French are not responding.” Manstein let out a huge sigh of relief. He then turned towards the staff officer and ordered, “Tell the 1st Armee to set up defensive positions along the French border.”

Well, thanks for reading my AAR. I managed to finish my term paper relatively quickly so i was able to quickly finish the chapter i've already started. Jeez, doing the screenshots are tedious! :blink: I keep on forgetting to do them, but whatever. Feel free to add any comments or concerns. Btw, @Cybvep, i couldn't decide where to put bold in. It just looked so awkward:sad: So i just decided to put more pictures in to make it 'less' reading. Anyways, thanks for the tip on the table of contents. Btw, if anyone has a good title for this section, feel free to post it. I can't think of one:blush:

 

[Hughrocks123]

Nice update. I doubt the the French will even think of to resist

 

[schuyguy]

Good AAR! I like your style.

 

[misterbean]

interesting start. I like it.

 

[jlin512]

July 16, 1936
Dear Mother,
How are you? Have you been receiving the money I’ve been sending? Everything’s fine here in Spain. Our panzers are advancing quickly through the Spanish countryside and everyday we capture another hundred Spanish Communists. They fight like babies and they’re no match for the might of the Condor Legion and our panzers! I'm proud to say that I have been awarded an Iron Cross for my service to the Fatherland.

As we cross these seemingly endless farms, I think of home. Tell father I wish him well and that we are so close to saving enough money to buy our family farm back. Make sure he doesn’t lose hope. I really do miss home, but victory is almost within sight and once it is achieved, I can return home to help you and father at home. Tell Frank not to do anything rash and help at home. If he really wants to help the Fatherland in achieving greatness, it all starts at home. That Hitler Youth group is only bad for him, it only serves to separate him from his you. Never mind those fanatic youth who will accuse you of being traitors, you can tell them that you’re the proud parents of a decorated panzer commander.
From your son with love
Lieutenant Dietrich Kluge
2nd Panzer Division

To my dear friend:
I’m happy to announce, that today we have finally crushed the last bits of Communist resistance! Spain is once again free from communist oppression. The Spanish people revel in freedom and happiness and they send their deepest thanks to you and the German people. Without you, the road to victory would not have been so easy and successful. We are indebted to Germany for your assistance to our nation. While it is only a small gesture, I hereby award you the Laureate Cross of St. Ferdinand for services to our nations. May we unite together as brothers to a common cause.
Your dear friend,
Francisco Franco

German Foreign Office
Ribbentrop was giddy with excitement. It had always been a dream of his to head the Foreign Office and here he was! The Führer was most impressed with his work on the Anti-Comintern Pact and had replaced Meissner. As good of a boss as Meissner was, he simply lacked the audacity needed to head the Foreign Office. He was simply too concerned with what other nations thought of Germany, he didn’t realize Germany’s new place in the world. Ribbentrop smiled as he thought of all the changes he would make to the Foreign Office

October 1, 1936
To the Führer:
I do hope that the Olympic Games were to your satisfaction. Despite the disappointing race held by our great Aryan team, we still managed to take most of the gold medals. From what I hear, the opening ceremony was well received by the crowds and many nations were astonished by the great glory of our nation.

As all Germans, I am very proud of the achievements of our Condor Legion. Generalissimo Francisco Franco sends his regards and wishes us the best of luck in our endeavors. He says that Spain is in great debt to Germany and that he will never forget us. As a sign of our close relationship, he even seeks to join our faction! I’m currently planning a large welcome home ceremony which I’m coordinating with Chief Ludendorff, Admiral Raeder and Goering. The ceremony should take place some time in December.

On a slightly more negative note, I must mention that several oppositions groups attempted to come together and form a coalition. I can report with satisfaction that we managed to crush the coalition. However, they managed to publish certain inflammatory articles that I fear will increase the resistance to our regime. There may be several days of increased revolt risks before we manage to get the situation under control. I will keep you further updated.

Minister of Security and Propaganda,
Joseph Goebbels

October 28, 1936
Meeting of the German High Command
Chief Ludendorff seethed with rage. When were mere politicians allowed to command the army? Hitler might be the Führer, but he was chief commander of the army. No one ordered him around. He was the hero of the Great War. He still remembered the glory days of the beginning of the war with the Battle of Tannenburg, the pride he felt when he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class. Now here he was, taking orders from an incompetent politician.
“Chief Ludendorff, should we take a break?” Hitler asked sarcastically. He was exasperated at his general’s lack of audacity. After all, wasn’t this the man who won the Battle of Tannenburg? What happened to his willingness to take risks? He thought that when he appointed Ludendorff, he would be willing to take risks to restore Germany to its former greatness. Yet here he was resisting the move for an Anschluss with Austria. “Chief Ludendorff, all I request is around 5 divisions of infantry and maybe 1 motorized division. You’re divisions will be returned immediately and the rewards are great. You’ll be given full control of the Austrian army. I understand that you dislike the inherent gamble of the situation, but I give my full assurance that no foreign nation will intervene.”
Ludendorff shook his head and refused once again. “I will say this once more. The German Herr is not ready for such an operation and I cannot and will not approve of such an organization. If there is any resistance, we will be forced to retreat with our tails behind our legs.”
“Everyone, get out now.” Hitler seethed with anger as the rest of the ministers slowly poured out the room. Ludendorff’s expression was steely and his eyes burned with passion. He did not plan on stepping down on this issue. “Ludendorff, you gave me your support during the 20s and for that I’m forever thankful. But you’re position here is thanks to me. There are many more qualified generals that should be Chief of the Army, but I gave that position to you. I ask that you remember that. Now, once again, will you devote the 6 divisions I ask for?”

Ludendorff stood up and grabbed his hat. “I’m retiring effective immediately. I will not go down in history as the man who helped start World War II”
“This operation will go on with or without you. You are nothing but a coward! What happened to the Ludendorff of Tannenburg?” Hitler cried as Ludendorff stepped out of the meeting room. Hitler sighed and picked up the telephone. “This is the Führer. Chief Ludendorff has resigned and for the moment I’m taking command of the army. Commence the Anschluss immediately.”

To the Reader
Wow, these updates just make themselves. Once you get the hang of it, it really isn't that hard to write these. Oh, if anyone wants to suggest a name for a seaman who'll be on board one of the Kriegsmarine's ships, feel free to post a suggestion. As always, all critiques and suggestions are welcome

 

[Hughrocks123]

Good update.

At least someone knows what going to happen. Very smart of him.

 

[TheBromgrev]

Ooh, you're doing the Anschluss by force? You probably should've waited until early '38, though the forceful option is more interesting to read about. Especially since I'm pretty sure I know what's going to happen

 

[jlin512]

Ooh, you're doing the Anschluss by force? You probably should've waited until early '38, though the forceful option is more interesting to read about. Especially since I'm pretty sure I know what's going to happen

nah, i did it through diplomacy. after reading it over, i did make it sound like i did it through force. but no, i spent a whole year raising my party popularity in austria and i finally got it over 35 so i enacted the decision.

 

[Ybakgibumpti]

Holy moly, Spanish civil war was really quick.

 

[jlin512]

Holy moly, Spanish civil war was really quick.

i know, at first it seemed like Franco was going to get his ass kicked and suddenly he pulled off this amazing comeback and managed to take over all of Spain