The Grand Germanic Empire; A Kaiserreich AAR

[TheSublimeGoose]

~~~
This will be a role-play set in the Kaiserreich universe (or at least, heavily inspired by it). The basics of the KR lore remain the same, although I may tweak details here and there for role-playing and story purposes.

Spoiler alert, this is my attempt at creating a realistic narrative surrounding a victorious Germany (in both the 1st and 2nd Weltkriegs), and as such, this AAR shall be heavily focused on Germany.

I'll try to post daily, or every other day.

Please let me know if you're interested in what mods I'm using. Mostly just some light map mods, along with some army/division/air force/navy icon mods (aside from KR, obviously). I use "Player-Led Peace Conferences" and the "State Transfer Tool" for role-playing purposes. ALL expansions are active.

It will be non-interactive. The 'chapters' shall be written from a post-war, pro-German (or at least, not anti-German) historian's perspective.

I hope you enjoy -- this is my very first attempt at an AAR. Please let me know what you think of my writing/narrative, etc. I'm an aspiring amateur author, so any and all critiques are welcome!

P.S. If you're fluent or at least good at writing German, PLEASE let me know how I am at it/correct me when I misuse Google Translate
~~~

​

The Grand Germanic Empire​

A KAISERREICH AAR

​

​

The German Empire is stirring once again. Syndicalist radicals, National-populist extremists, and even moderate social liberals clash in the streets. Clamoring for something, anything. The Kaiser, however, is not without his supporters. Indeed, it would appear that, despite the growth of the more radical elements of German society, the Kaiser's conservative supporters have flourished. According to many scholars and pollsters, Kaiser Wilhelm II hadn't enjoyed this level of popularity since the victory of the First Weltkrieg. This was Germany in 1936, the nation that determined the destiny of Europe for decades -- and perhaps even centuries -- to come.​

In an (ultimately successful) attempt to show a softer side to the German people, Kaiser Wilhelm II often posed for more casual photos in the latter years of his reign. Here we see him vacationing in the Netherlands, enjoying a cigarette, and -- according to some -- dressed in his favorite suit.
​

Since the early 1920s, with a victorious Empire at his command, the Kaiser began pressing his advisers for an answer to one question. "What is next for our dear Germany," was put to countless government executives and bureaucrats, generals and admirals; often by the Kaiser himself. Generalfeldmarshall Paul von Hindenburg would say shortly before his death that "The Kaiser wishes to lead Germany to a grand greatness. If only I could tell him the way. To serve my Prince and The Empire one final time..."

Apparently, Hindenburg may have been one of the men that first proffered the "Grand Idea" that the Kaiser would spend the last years of his life chasing. The Kaiser's personal diary shows that the day after Hindenburg's death, Wilhelm II wrote "...with the end upon him, he urged me to pursue not only further German unity, but a Germanic unity."

The Kaiser quickly dedicated himself to the idea of a grand Germanic Empire, an empire that would dominate Europe utterly. All Germanic peoples would be brought under the Kaiser's rule.

Wilhelm II ordered his command staff to begin planning for the invasion and annexation of the Netherlands, Flanders-Wallonia, Switzerland, and eventually... Austria itself. Obviously, such a highly contentious plan would be kept secret, and the Kaiser continued to outwardly call for peaceful relations across the world. However, he knew that the Syndicalist menace would need to strike at the heart of the old world -- Germany -- in order to complete a total Syndicalist revolution. The Kaiser meant to utilize such an "opportunity" to its fullest extent.

~

Berlin, 1936- Since a victorious end to the First Weltkrieg, Germany had dominated Europe, Africa, and even parts of Asia. Power was being centralized in Berlin, all the while foreign nationalists and syndicalists were attempting to tear apart the relatively fragile global-empire that Germany had built.
​

Europe in January 1936​

States under direct German control as of 1936:​

-The Kingdom of Flanders-Wallonia
-The United Baltic Duchy
-The Kingdom of Lithuania
-The Kingdom of White-Ruthenia/Byelorussia​

States under indirect German control as of 1936:​

-The colonial African super-state of Deutsch–Mittelafrika
-The colonial Asian quasi-naval state of Deutsch-Ostasien (German East Asia)​

States under German influence as of 1936:​

-The Kingdom of Ukraine
-The Kingdom of Finland
​

The colonial super-state of Mittelafrika along with Germany's other imperial colonies; Madagascar and Djibouti. The latter two, unlike Mittelafrika, are directly administered by the German Empire. As of 1936, the Statthalter (Steward or Governor) of Mittelafrika was Hermann Wilhelm Göring of the Mittelafrikan political party, the Deutsche Vaterlandspartei. While it provided a modest boost in manpower reserves, the primary function of Mittelafrika was to provide The Empire with precious and desperately needed resources. However, many contemporary political commentators and historians pointed out Mittelafrika's fatal flaw; She was simple too large. An attempt to homogenize such an incredibly vast number of culture, languages, and peoples would eventually plunge Mittelafrika into a desperate civil war, eventually leading to dozens of African states.

Germany's Asian possessions have been grouped together under a single state, Deutsch-Ostasien. Instead of reporting to the Reichskolonialamt (Imperial Colonial Office) it reports to the Reichsmarineamt (Imperial Naval Office) or RMA. While nominally independent in her day-to-day functions, the state's primary goal is to ensure the continued economic growth of the area for the Empire's sake. With the RMA at the helm, a strong "naval culture" has developed here. Most ground units of the state are designated as and fully trained & capable as Marines. The Navy itself is one of the strongest (or at least, largest) fleets in the region. The Air Force is entirely subordinate to the Deutsch-Ostasien fleet.​

German over-confidence in the late 1920s and early 1930s would help lead to one of the greatest finanical catastrophes in history; Schwarzer Montag or "Black Monday." Chasing the dream of a large, stable Empire, the Kaiser authorized virtually uncontrolled spending on both her colonial possessions, her European protectorates, as well as at home.
​

The Berlin stock exchange just hours before the crash of Black Monday. Note the large top-hats; this article of clothing would later be pilloried in uncountable cartoons and op-eds. Black Monday led to such a hatred of the top-hat wearing German investor around the world that it single-handedly eliminated the fashion.

​

Hapless officers of the Kaiserliche Berliner Polizei (Imperial Berlin Police; the only police force in Germany to hold the "Imperial" title) attempt to hold back the surging crowds of the German populace, making a run on their banks immediately after the crash of Black Monday.​

Black Monday came on 10 February, 1936, and would be utterly devastating to the German economy. All the while, her miraculous recovery would end in a massive net benefit for The Empire. Just how Germany would recover, as well as the events of the late 1930s will be discussed in our next lesson...​

 

[Nikolai]

Good luck!

 

[King Of Ice]

subbed!

 

[guillec87]

subbed!

 

[TheSublimeGoose]

With the catastrophic failure of the global -- and German -- markets, the Kaiser ordered His government to assume nearly direct control over the economy. Emergency measures were forced through both the Bundesrat and the Reichstag, albeit in relative secrecy. While many were concerned of the so-called "syndicalist" nature of these measures, the Kaiser forcefully shut-down any opposition personally.

German men eat at a government-sponsored soup kitchen. ​

The government began rapidly selling off its silver, gold, and other precious metals reserves. This, however, was quickly brought to a halt, as the German government single-handedly began crashing the precious metals market. Instead, the government began focusing on its Programm für öffentliche Arbeiten or Public-Works Program. Massive construction efforts were put forth towards mostly civilian-market manufacturing industry -- with the idea that such manufacturing facilities could be quickly turned around and converted into military-focused manufacturing, if and when the need arose.

German governmental construction efforts provided jobs for tens of thousands of unemployed men.​

Most private holdings of the middle and lower-class were guaranteed by the government, at great expense. These efforts provided a great boost in confidence for the average German citizen, while the public-works programs proffered benefits to both the public and the industrial base of Germany.

Meanwhile. unsettling news came from the Eastern chaos that was the Russian Republic. President Alexander Kerensky was assassinated while on his way to the Russian senate. While worrying for the sake of European stability, most analysts in Germany would assume that any chaos in Russia would make Germany safer. The "Menace of the East" had been rebuilding, re-arming, and growing in confidence throughout the 1920s and 30s, and anything that served to disrupt this would be a boon to The Empire.

As news of the assassination flashed across the world, most mourned. However, the mood was reportedly jubilant within the inner-circles of the German government.​

Still looking eastward, more negative news would come out of the relatively young Kingdom of Poland.

Newspapers reported the Polish seizure of German assets with great alacrity; while great strides had been taken in repairing Polish-German relations, the German media was quick to pounce on any chance to inflame the public's passions... and sell newspapers.​

The young Polish Kingdom was slowly entering the good graces of Germany, and, despite the asset seizure, the Kaiser sent a "Letter of Continued Friendship" to the Polish Regency Council. This was received with open arms, and shortly thereafter, the Council would -- in an attempt to further foster even closer German relations and possibly to make up for the aforementioned asset seizure -- elected King Friedrich Christian of Saxony as the new King of Poland. While he was already the nominal King of Saxony, The Empire had entirely centralized its power in Berlin, making the Dukes, Grand Dukes, and Kings of the constuent states of Germany little more than figureheads. Thus, the "King of Saxony" was eager to assume the new -- and sovereign -- title of 'King of Poland.' Taking the regnal name of 'Fryderyk Krystian,' he quickly moved into the Zamek Królewski w Warszawie -- the Royal Palace in Warsaw -- and, taking a page from the Kaiser's governance, assumed virtually absolute control over His new kingdom.

Then-King Friedrich Christian of Saxony, in one of his final official German portraits, shortly before his move to assume to Polish throne. Note the uniform; as Fryderyk Krystian of Poland, the King would work to introduce German-style uniforms much like this to the Polish army; along with other, more tactical, strategic, and meaningful reforms. Fryderyk Krystian would quickly become popular among the conservatives of Poland, the military, and even among Polish nationalists. The latter category believed -- somewhat correctly, as time would prove -- that their new King's move to sharpen Poland's teeth would only serve to guarantee her continued independence. ​

To the south, the crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire -- literally falling to pieces after Black Monday -- showed the world its growing weakness in an embarrassing move that would begin the chain of events which would lead to the German Intervention of 1940. The Austro-Hungarian Empire moved to sell its Chinese concession of the valuable and strategic port city of Tianjin.

The world reacted with an embarrassed awe on behalf of the Austro-Hungarian Empire as they learned of her sale of Tianjin to Imperial Japan. To think that a "grand & old Empire," in the words of Austro-Hungarian Ministerpräsident Karl Renner, could be forced to seek the assistance of an Asian empire was collectively embarrassing to Europe. Europe's racism towards Japan (among other nations) would lead to a vast under-estimation of her capabilities in the coming years.​

However much derided the Austrian Empire may have been, it proved to have been an intelligent move, as the Qing Empire imploded within weeks of the sale. While important in geo-political terms, Kaiser Wilhelm II had determined years before that China would not concern Germany; Instead, all German efforts and resources would be concentrated on Southeast Asia, and more specifically, Deutsch-Ostasien.

The various warlord-led "Cliques" of post-Qing China. While the empire held on in the north, the Fengtian Government, often referred to as "Manchuria," or the "New Chinese Empire," attacked the remnants. The Fengtian Government was a virtual puppet of Imperial Japan by 1936. The Japanese viewed this support as an easy way to gain a strong foothold in China; While a direct invasion would raise the eyebrows -- if not the hackles -- of Europe, an inter-Chinese squabble would not interest them.​

Meanwhile, in response to the rising instability of Asia, the leading body of Deutsch-Ostasien, the Reichsmarineamt (RMA; the Imperial Naval Office), requested that a unified colonial military command be formed. Berlin responded, authorizing the creation of the 1. Festungsarmee, which would be jointly controlled by the RMA and the Reichskolonialamt (RKA; the Imperial Colonial Office, the controlling body of all other German colonies aside from Deutsch-Ostasien). While the RMA had relatively substantial units of all-German infantrymen, their habit of insisting that all ground units be trained and designated as fully-capable Marines -- an obvious sign of the RMA's naval influence -- slowed the recruitment process. Due to their long training period, they were quality infantrymen and Marines, but their numbers were low. Thus, any measure that provided extra security was welcomed by the RMA. According to the agreement between the RMA and RKA, any troops of the 1. Festungsarmee physically in Deutsch-Ostasien would be under the control of the RMA, while all other units fell under the RKA's purview.

Here we see a contemporary tactical map, showing the deployment of one of the new units to Singapore, "...the Jewel of The Empire..." as the Kaiser called her. Many a German young man sprinted to the recruiting office when word went out that "Seekers of Adventure in the Orient" should enlist to serve in the new security units. While many were skeptical of Germany-proper providing additional resources to the colonial ventures that were supposed to be self-sustaining, they couldn't deny that it was good for relieving unemployment. ​

While the public was whipped into a frenzy by newspapers regarding the so-called "Halbstarke Terror," it was quickly resolved. This was due to the rapid deployment of the newly formed and highly trained military police units of the Deutsches Heer-- the Kaiserliche Feldgendamerie -- to all major cities. However, the new security units meant for Deutsch-Ostasien were a huge draw for many of these young men. The allure of adventure -- and the promise of a paycheck in the middle of one of the worst financial crises in history -- was too much for many of these young men to resist.​

In our next lesson, we shall cover the issue of law & order in a floundering German Empire and the Ukrainian Wheat Crisis of '36.

 

[guillec87]

Who was in charge of Mittelafrika? Not Goering... right?

 

[TheSublimeGoose]

Who was in charge of Mittelafrika? Not Goering... right?

Hermann von Göring indeed starts out in 1936 as the Statthalter of Mittelafrika! However, I've never seen a game where he lasts more than a few years in that position.

 

[Crimson Lionheart]

Subbed! Let's see a Pan-Germanic nation in all her glory!

 

[TheSublimeGoose]

While the Kaiser's government was handling the Great Crash remarkably well, flexing The Empires economic and industrial might in order to ease the impact of the crash on the nation -- as some historians succinctly put it, "Germany's economy was so big, that her economy could be sicced on her economy, in order to improve the economy..." -- things were not all rosy. Times were especially hard on the lower & lower-middle class Germans -- especially those of cities -- whom were increasingly drawn to leftist and far-left ideologies. In response to the increasing radicalism at home, the Imperial government took the rather extreme option of banning the FAUD -- a leftist-socialist political party born from radicalist unions -- and to immediately take her leading members into custody. While this was a rather radical move on behalf of a government that prided itself on maintaining a relatively open and free society, some say this order came directly from the Kaiser, although there is no concrete evidence of this.

Along with the silencing of the FAUD, the Imperial Government also approved the establishment of the Kaiserliche Geheimpolizei (KGP)-- the Imperial Secret Police -- which was the second national police force to be established in The Empire. The KGP was phenomenally effective in infiltrating virtually all political parties left-of-center, and had a hand in innumerable collapses of political parties, obviously orchestrated from within. Virtually all spezialagenten of the KGP operated in an undercover role, and their role in shaping The Empire up until their dissolution (or absorption, rather) cannot be understated.

Spezialagenten (Special agents; a term borrowed from American federal investigative law enforcement agencies) of the KGP gather outside of a post-ban secret FAUD meeting-house, preparing for a raid.
​

The KGP was only the second civilian national law enforcement agency to be established within The Empire; law enforcement was a task traditionally left to the constituent states. The KGP served as an undecover-complement to the Kaiserlich Deutsche Polizei (KDP; the Imperial German Police); a national uniformed police force. The KDP was originally constituted solely as an additional police force for Berlin as the Kaiserliche Berliner Polizei, but the Imperial governement quickly realized the benefit of having a national police force at their command, and changed the KBP's name and mandate.

NCOs and privates of the newly-renamed KDP perform ID checks and searches in a neighborhood known for its FUAD and even syndicalist sympathies and tendencies. ​

Between the establishment of the KGP and KDP and the banning of more radical political parties, the homefront, while still fragile post-Great Crash, was markedly more secure. While an aura of stern authortarianism seemed to descend upon Germany for those on the left, the center and right would laud these moves as necessary for the survival of The Empire.

Tensions remained high in the Rhineland, but after numerous crackdowns and shows of force by the KDP, Rhenish radicals fell to the wayside.​

While public safety and order may have been restored, the economic ramifications of Black Monday were continuing to ripple through Mitteleuropa and Germany proper. The German agricultural sector was especially hard-hit, with landed Junkers of the Kingdoms of both Prussia and Bavaria petitioning the Imperial government to place a heavy tariff on all foreign agricultural products, especially Ukranian wheat -- quickly becoming a staple in the homes of middle-class Germans. The Kaiser forcefully rejected such propositions, and offered only a stern rebuke to Prussian and Bavarian Junkers. The Kaiser made it clear that Germany would never risk her Mitteleuropa ties.

While tempting, the Kaiser turned down any proposals to place a tariff on Ukranian wheat, a move which ingratiated Ukranian farmers and her Royal government to Germany.

In lesson #4, we shall cover the Belgian Revolution of 1936!​

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Apologies for such a short entry, for those subscribed! However, I will be posting a longer and more interesting entry tomorrow! Cheers, and thanks for reading; I'm really enjoying doing this

 

[TheSublimeGoose]

Subbed! Let's see a Pan-Germanic nation in all her glory!

Thanks for the sub! I was typing out the third "chapter" as you left your comment

I've already played this game through, Germany does wind up as pretty heckin' chonky

 

[blitzthedragon]

Count me in as interested. While my sympathies will always be with the Syndies, watching Germany prosper can be entertaining as well.

 

[Crimson Lionheart]

Thanks for the sub! I was typing out the third "chapter" as you left your comment

I've already played this game through, Germany does wind up as pretty heckin' chonky

No problem! I love exciting new AAR material, and stuff revolving around Germany tends to never disappoint.
Also, another great chapter! Keep up the great work!

 

[TheSublimeGoose]

In September of 1936, the Kaiserreich would be tested more seriously than she had been -- at least in regards to her foreign policies -- since the First Weltkrieg. Funded, armed, and encouraged by French syndicalist-radicals, the Belgian center-left and left deposed the Kaiser's third son, King Adalbert I, in an armed revolution. Adalbert von Hohenzollern fled to nearby Luxemburg to monitor the situation and advise his Imperial father on further steps. Within hours of the King's deposition, the First Belgian Socialist Republic was declared -- stopping short of totally giving into the Syndicalists, in order to perhaps prevent the ire of The Empire -- and divisions of the new 'Belgian People's Army' rushed to the border to defend against German aggression. Indeed, the Kaiser had quickly responded, and had ordered the entirety of 2. Kaiserliche Armee to move from the French border to the Belgian border, and to immediately begin planning a 'quick invasion and an even quicker restoration of order.'​

2. Kaiserliche Armee troops arrange themselves on the Belgian-German border, preparing for the invasion. While the Armee was officially under the command of General Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb, the deposed King Adalbert made a show of assuming control of the Armee. His presence was enjoyed and appreciated by the troops, however, his rousing speeches and willingness to interact with the junior enlisted was noted.
​

The Empire did not stand entirely alone. Pan-Germanic unionists and traditionalist conservatives longed for the protection of Germany from radicalism. Thus, a relatively robust pro-German resistance was quickly established in various 'Belgian' cities. Pro-Germans living on the border flooded across, with many a young man offering to re-join the invasion. These men were placed into ad-hoc units under the 2. Armee's command, organized as Miliz (militia), and intended to be utilized as rearward security troops. Roughly half of the Royal Army of Flanders-Wallonia defected to Germany, variously crossing the border if close enough, or joining resistance cells in the cities. Virtually the entirety of the Royal Navy of Flanders-Wallonia requested to dock at Wilhelmshaven, the home of The Empire's primary high-seas fleet naval base. Naval and Army Air Forces primarily switched loyalty to the new Belgian government, although several light and heavy fighters were landed in Germany shortly after the revolution, carrying pilots requesting asylum. These pilots would quickly be integrated into the newly-independent German Air Force, the Kaiserliche Luftwaffe.

The Kaiser did not want any hesitation, and upon some completion of some curt and unsuccessful negotiations, the Kaiser issued a Declaration of War, and ordered the invasion to go ahead. Forces on the French border were placed on high alert, and the extreme tensions caused some minor incidents between Imperial Border Guards and Commune Border Patrolmen. Indeed, late on the 23rd of September, one nervous German Border Guardsman reported "an entire squadron of bombers" to be crossing the Franco-German border, and light, medium, & heavy AAA batteries all opened fire... on a flock of a geese illuminated by the moonlight.​

Medium and heavy AAA batteries of Strassburg open fire on the 'Mystery Formation' as it would come to be known. While the official explanation was that of misidentification of a flock of geese, this photo has fueled speculation that Imperial forced actually engaged a 'flying saucer' on that chilly night in 1936.
​

However, the resistance of the new Belgian Republic had been vastly overestimated. Most 'Belgian' citizens cared not to enter into a war with the greatest power on Earth, and only the most radical of radicals decided to defend this new nation. Early on the 24th of September, Imperial forces stormed the border, with relentless ground-attacks by the Kaiserliche Luftwaffe's new heavy fighters and dedicated ground-attackers supporting the ground troops surging forward. The Kaiser decided to spare his new motorized and panzer divisions from participating, as he wanted them on the French border in case the Commune took the opportunity to strike. The order had been passed down that any German soldier caught in the act of purposely vandalizing, looting, or assaulting any civilian would be executed immediately, and the German army found itself fighting its most well-behaved war.

Then again, 'war' is a stretch. Resistance quickly melted, and German cavalrymen were scouting the outskirts of Brussels on the 26th of September, with the city being taken in force the next day. The Belgian People's Government quickly offered their surrender to a triumphant King Adalbert. Most importantly, however, was the peace negotiations. Flanders and Wallonia would not be granted independence in any way, shape, or form. Instead, they would join The Empire as the constituent state of the Kingdom of Flanders-Wallonia, with King Adalbert as the head of their government. The peace treaty specified that it was time that "...it is time that the Fleming and Walloon peoples be brought into their proper place as members of our Germanic Empire..." clearly signing the intention to the world that the Kaiser was intent on pursuing the idea of pan-Germanic unity under his rule.​

A freshly-annexed Kingdom of Flanders-Wallonia takes her place as a constituent state of the German Empire. Troops of the 2. Armee were scattered throughout the Kingdom on peacekeeping duties. Full integration was relatively quick, as the Kaiser allowed the Fleming and Walloon peoples their cultural independence, as long as they acknowledged Imperial authority over their state.​

In our next lesson, the implosion of Mittelafrika!

 

[TheSublimeGoose]

While the German people were proud to see their nation grow with the addition of the Kingdom of Flanders-Wallonia to The Emprie, the conflict had distracted the government long enough for the collapsing Mittelafrika to implode in upon itself. While the precise factors are innumerable and beyond the scope of this lesson, suffice to say, the leading causes were rampant corruption, too many cultures under one umbrella, and, of course, Black Monday. In the early hours of the 22nd of October, 1936, almost 25 African tribes, kingdoms, sultanates, and collectives declared their simultaneous and unilateral independence. While many of these nations argue over whom first issued a declaration, it didn't matter; once one did, it emboldened every independence movement within the heart of Africa, and Mittelafrika disintegrated.

Africa as of October 1936. While many new nations have since developed, and some of these nations no longer exist, this was a momentous day for anti-colonialist movements around the world, and showed that even the most powerful European empires had their weaknesses.​

German-nationals and Mittelafrika-born Germans mostly fled to Sudwestafrika, the last bastion of African-territory that remained loyal to the Empire. While most of the Germans serving in the army, navy, and air force of Mittelafrika fled to Sudwestafrika as well, the original formations and units were gutted. Mittelafrika had largely counted on native Africans to fill the ranks of the junior enlisted and junior NCO ranks, with Germans serving as mid to senior-grade NCOs. Additionally, virtually all warrant & commissioned officers were of the German nobility. Thus, while the new Armee von Sudwestafrika were an experienced and highly-trained nucleus of NCOs & officers, it was a relatively small force. The provisional government would therefore once again call on locals of the area, with the intention of re-creating the famed Askari units of Ostafrika, who performed so valiantly during the First Weltkrieg.

Seeking to correct the mistakes of the backwards regime of Mittelafrika and keep the "Neuer-Askari" ever-loyal, pay equivalent to white Germans of the same rank was authorized. Furthermore, full German citizenship upon completion of a 12-year term of enlistment was offered to every Askari, along with their wives and children. Promises of full upward mobility were made, as well -- Askari could be selected for promotion beyond junior NCO ranks, and the most elite few could be sent to Germany to complete the new Offizierskandidatenschule course (Imperial Officer Candidate School; Recognizing mistakes from WWI and limiting the officer corps to only nobility, the OKS course was created for non-military college graduates and prior-enlisted personnel specially selected for advancement to the officer ranks).

A German Askari planting the flag of Ostafrika, now co-opted to be the flag of the new nation of Sudwestafrika.​

While Statthalter Hermann von Goring was pilloried in the German Press as "the man who lost Africa," the Imperial government took the situation far more seriously. An Imperial arrest warrant was issued, and agents of the KGP were scattered throughout Africa, in the hopes to capture the rotund and supremely corrupt Weltkrieg flying ace. While many sightings of him were reported throughout the years, no concrete evidence ever emerged of his escape from or demise in Mittelafrika. It is well-known that von Goring had secreted away vast portions of the treasury of Mittelafrika, and little to none of this wealth was ever recovered. The most persistent rumor is of a daring escape to Argentina, von Goring personally piloting a heavy fighter, specially modified with extra internal fuel tanks as well as external drop-tanks. While this rumor has been dismissed by the KGP and Imperial Government for decades, the discovery of a Second Weltkrieg-era German heavy fighter -- modified for extreme long-distance travel -- hidden on a remote airstrip recently would seem to partially confirm this rumor.

Regardless of the fate of von Goring, Mittelafrika was lost, although the Imperial Government -- along with the Kaiser -- seemed to take the news rather lightly. No blustery threats were made, no troops deployed, no cities bombed. Indeed, according to some Imperial Palace sources, the Kaiser merely nodded when he heard the news, and reportedly replied with "I cannot put into words how relieved I am that this African... adventure... is finally over." The budgets of Mittelafrika was consistently ballooning -- along with von Goring's waistline -- and could barely be sustained by a healthy German economy, much less one suffering the full brunt of Black Monday. While the Kaiser wished to maintain some level of direct presence in Africa, he and His government determined that a strong, stable, but much smaller state of Sudwestafrika was ideal.

While the majority of Sudwestafrika and her natives wished to join The Empire, the north now housed an independence movement for the African nation of Namibland. As a test of the new Askari army of Sudwestafrika, the Kaiser authorized a massive arms shipment to the new colony, and requested that they "return German order to the so-called Namibland, and We ask that you reclaim this rightfully German land." This mission was accomplished rather quickly, although irregular units of so-called Ruga-Ruga plauged the area of Namibland for years after its re-integration into Sudwestafrika.

Ruga-Ruga irregulars posing for a press photograph in the Namibland "Bush." This particular photograph was taken by a British syndicalist reporter. Both the Union of Britain and the Commune of France had a romantic view of the Ruga-Ruga, stalwart warriors fighting the oppressive German Empire. Indeed, there were many fundraising efforts withing both the UoB and the CoF to provide arms, equipment, and rations for the Ruga-Ruga. In reality, the Ruga-Ruga were little more than bandits, raping and pillaging their way through Namibland. Eventually, they turned even the natives of Namibland against them, and their movement was wiped out by loyal Askari troops within several years.​

Then-Fähnrich (officer candidate) Paul Schwarz -- an assumed name -- was the first Askari to be selected for the OKS course. He graduated in the top 3 of the class, and was personally handed his Imperial commission by Kaiser Wilhelm II himself. As a newly-minted leutnant (2nd lieutenant), Schwarz returned to Sudwestafrika and was assigned as a platoon leader. Schwarz would distinguish himself numerous times, and was awarded the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse and Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross Second and First Class, respectively), along with various awards commissioned by the local government of Sudwestafrika. Schwarz would go on to reach the rank of Oberst (colonel), and would serve in the reserve army of Sudwestafrika until his death. In 1946, then Major Schwarz was summoned to the Imperial Palace in Germany, and granted the Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Grand Cross of the Iron Cross) by Kaiser Wilhelm III personally. Wilhelm III and Schwarz became fast friends, and would write to one another for the rest of their lives. Schwarz was often considered Wilhelm III's most senior (if unofficial) advisor concerning Sudwestafrika and Africa in general. Schwarz would go on to become the commandant of the local OKS created in Sudwestafrika, and would oversee the training of an entire generation of officers in the army of Sudwestafrika. After his passing, Schwarz's family moved to Berlin at the express invitation of Wilhelm III, his wife was granted a townhouse and Imperial pension, and their descendants still live in the capital (along with some whom serve in the Imperial Army).​

In our next lesson; the integration of the Kingdom of Denmark into the Empire!

 

[Nikolai]

Quite some division going on in Africa and China.

 

[Crimson Lionheart]

Mittelafrika was bound to collapse sooner or later

 

[cybandeath]

honestly better an early collapse then a later one in my opinion as you don't have to worry about such suddenly happening on you and can instead work on supporting the reclaiming of territory right away.

 

[TheSublimeGoose]

~~

Just took a brief (unplanned) pause due to some heavy snowstorms + mild illness; AAR will restart within the next day or two, thank you all for your patience and for reading!

~~

 

[Magraev]

Good luck - never had much luck with Germany in Kaiserreich.

 

[TheSublimeGoose]

In the waning months of 1936, momentous events would shake Europe's already-fragile semblance of political balance. The Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway would both fall prey to syndicalist revolutions, severely jeopardizing Germany's northern flank. The new syndicalist nations vowed unyielding support of the "global revolution" and pledged themselves to support both the Commune of France and Union of Britain, come what be. The Kingdom of Denmark frantically tried to stem the tide of syndicalist agitators now flooding in from her Nordic neighbors. Danish reactionaries clashed with syndicalists in the streets, and the dominant Danish syndicalist party called for a "bloody revolution" that would "wash away the decadent monarchy and boot-licking conservatives."

Well-funded by both France and Britain, with additional manpower from Sweden and Norway, the Danish Crown and His Majesty's Government knew they were days away from a full-fledged revolution; one in which it was unlikely they would even survive, nevermind emerge victorious. The Danish military was undergoing an active modernization program, and her units were not prepared to engage in a full-scale civil war; apart from which, the Krigsministeriet (Ministry of War) felt that as much as 30 to 40 percent of all Royal Army enlisted personnel would feel compelled to desert and join a potential syndicalist revolution. The Marineministeriet (Naval Ministry) was proffering even more startling predictions, claiming the navy was a "hot-bed of working-class agitation" and that much as 80 percent of the Danish Royal Navy could defect to a hypothetical syndicalist army. The Crown and government felt that the situation was quickly spiraling out of control, and King Christian X, feeling his options were few, personally petitioned the Kaiser, asking for the protection of the Reichspakt.

King Christian X personally wrote a letter of request to the Kaiser, asking that Germany extend protection to her. According to the King's personal writings, he did not expect the Kaiser to accept his plea, and if he did, he expected that the Kaiser would demand Denmark's full annexation, along with his -- and his family's -- full abdication. The Kaiser's offer therefore surprised him; Christian X's writings show that he wasn't terribly reluctant to accept.​

The Kaiser, in his pursuit of Germanic-unity, issued King Christian X a counter-offer of sorts. The King could keep his throne, the current government would be supported by Imperial troops, and the full protection of the Empire would be extended to the Kingdom of Denmark... but only as a constituent state of the Empire. The offer was cordial, and included a guarantee of all rights enjoyed by Danes under their current laws, as well as a "cultural guarantee;" The Kaiser assured the King that no cultural infringements or impositions would be placed upon Danes, and their language would be protected by law. While the idea of surrendering their nation to the Germans didn't appeal to some, others in the Danish government rallied behind the offer. They pointed out how the Germans had handled the integration of the Kingdom of Flanders-Wallonia; the people were happy, and they maintained a degree of autonomy. Furthermore, the idea of falling to a syndicalist revolution appealed even less. So it was, that on 31 December, 1936, at the stroke of midnight in Copenhagen, the Kingdom of Denmark was officially integrated into the German Empire.

Denmark on a contemporary tactical map, just before the deployment of German Feldgendamerie units. The Imperial Navy also quickly took to the task of securing Danish nautical borders, ensuring that no more syndicalist agitators could covertly slip into the Kingdom.​

Seconds after midnight, Imperial Feldgendamerie units began crossing the former border; their more law-enforcement-centric training was to employed in the cities of the Kingdom. Regular German troops, joining with still-loyal Danish troops, began to scour the countryside. The integration sparked a minor, low-intensity partisan movement, primarily backed by syndicalists, although the occasional Danish nationalist group was arrested. For the most part, the Danish people, exhausted from the skirmishes in the city streets, were glad to see order restored, the partisans driven out to the countryside. Furthermore, Germany was recovering quickly from Black Monday, and many felt that Denmark could only prosper again, now that she had joined the Empire.

The Imperial government, shortly after the official integration, sent a message to the local Icelandic government, offering her a choice. She could either join the Empire outright -- and she would remain under the Kingdom of Denmark -- or she could could forge her own path, with a "guarantee of independence and protection" by the Empire. Under this latter offer, the Icelandic government was to allow the Empire to build a naval and military base in or near Reykjavík, and was to permit the free movement of Imperial Army and Navy units through these bases. The Imperial government, however, made it clear that German sailors and soldiers would only leave their respective installations for liberty in Reykjavík, and only at the discretion of the local government. Iceland quickly accepted the offer of independence, and within hours, a moderate democratic-socialist state was declared, one which still enjoys warm relations with the Empire today.

Greenland would be placed under the direct administration of the Reichskolonialamt (Imperial Colonial Office), although the local government was permitted to retain their autonomy. Plans were drawn up for a large naval base to be constructed near the capital, and a German convoy carrying the 500 troops of the 167. Gebirgs-Feldgendamerie Bataillon (167th Mountain Military Police Battalion; Imperial troops that were fully qualified military policemen who had also earned the coveted Edelweiß badge, indicating they were proficient mountaineers and cold-weather survivalists) were sent at full-steam to secure Greenland's place with the Empire.

In our next lesson; the Syndicalist Rebellion of Ukraine and German intervention.