Keep with the political updates. I find them as interesting as battles. Good AAR, by the way.
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Exactly as jeeshadow said. I know it sounds strange, but no one refered to Germany as the German Republic or something similar, it´s a name given by historians later.
And thanks, Somedude, I did not comment as you posted it while I was writing this.
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Chapter IX: The Axis
The year 1935 would be marked by the beginning of the reorganization of the Luftwaffe and the Reichsmarine, of vital importance for the future German Army. The first squadrons of dive bombers had been already delivered by Henschel, and after an analysis of the available officers the command of the new airplanes was entrusted to Hugo Sperrle, a relatively young General who easily understood the importance of aviation in the new military doctrine and the use of combined attacks. While the submarines commissioned by Admiral Mootz were still being developed, the Reichsmarine performed a small effort to improve their surface fleet, and although no new units were being created, the existing ones were improved by providing them with new floatplanes and torpedoes. For its part, the first Army Mobile Headquarters were organized, and were assigned with cavalry units to be at the forefront of the fight.
Modernization of the Luftwaffe and Reichsmarine
But the modernization of the army did not stop there, and achieved new successes such as specific equipment for mountain troops or the new and improved magnetic torpedoes. Similarly, the High Command asked Rheinmetall to redesign the existing artillery pieces, while also started to investigate a new tank model faster and more capable in the offensive than the existing ones. For its part, the Reichsmarine started to develop depth charges useful against enemy submarine attacks, and also engaged in some naval exercises testing the Task Force doctrine, recently discovered by the German secret services in England.
By mid-year, a series of regional elections were won by the Social Democrats and the Zentrum, but the centrist party managed to increase its support and even snatched the Government of several cities to the SPD. The Nazis would take the opportunity to declare that the Wels Ministry was losing the support of the German people, but the chancellor answered to that provocation by asking the Reichspräsident to call for new general elections to the Reichstag. This decision was welcomed by the German people, and while the Nazis lost another 34 seats that were divided among the Zentrum and the DNVP, the Social Democratic Party increased its popular support with another 11 seats from former communist voters. Once the result was public, the Chancellor stated that "the German people had clearly shown their support to the government and its political allies", and later he decided to keep the cabinet intact after being appointed chancellor once more by President Marx.
The SPD won the elections once more
With the domestic situation firmly stabilized, the government could finally forget about the domestic problems and focus on expanding their diplomatic influence. According to Crispien, it was necessary, first, to achieve better relationships with the allies, and secondly to create of a network of pro- German allied countries to defend the interests of the Reich. After a series of diplomatic contacts, the Minister managed to convince the allied governments and Italy to travel to the city of Frankfurt for a "friendly meeting among equals", and after several days of lectures and discussions the "Frankfurt Protocol” was signed , stating the need to resolve conflicts peacefully and within the League of Nations. This treaty contained no reference to the Treaty of Versailles, but the allies, at least informally, had finally understood that Germany had given sufficient guarantees to be considered as a friendly country and not as an old enemy.
Following the signing of these protocols, Wels and Crispien met to discuss the options available. While the idea of a plebiscite in Austria was gaining strength day by day, Germany was surrounded by fascist or authoritarian countries with which a warm relationship existed but without any apparent chance of a true alliance; such was the case of Hungary, Bulgaria and Italy. For its part, the government of the young Czechoslovak Republic refused to favor any of the great powers and remained isolated, but the governments of Romania and Yugoslavia did not seem so reluctant to enter the German sphere. After several meetings with its ambassadors, the Yugoslav government declared its willingness to "come closer to Germany in the near future", but so far declined the offer until they have solved their internal problems. The answer of the Romanian government would be warmer, since after agreeing on a series of technological and commercial exchanges with the Reich, announced its entry into the German alliance. Exultant, the Chancellor stated that such act was the beginning of the "Axis of European Democracy."
Romania joins the "Axis of European Democracy"
Finally, new news came from the Heer, who was now able to start training the modern infantry divisions. Equipped with new rifles and assault rifles, as well as new and portable hand grenades, such troops would be excellent in the tactical effort, and the coordination capacity by radio stations and the new Army doctrine made them a lethal force capable of defending the nation from any external or internal harm. Similarly, the High Command reported that the new logistics system had been successfully tested, increasing the army's ability to move units and supplies through large parts of foreign territory. The first recruits begin to be trained immediately, and the three branches of the military had a clear idea of the path towards modernization. 1936 arrived, and the Wehrmacht began its journey.
The Wehrmacht has been born
Chapter X: War in the South
1936 would be another important year for Germany, since the Summer Olympics were going to be held in Berlin. Selected in 1931 as the 1936 Olympic venue in front of the city of Barcelona, the capital of the Reich would welcome more than 3,900 athletes from all around the world, and would witness the practice of new Olympic disciplines such as handball and basketball. The Wels ministry quickly realized that it was a great opportunity to show to the World the incredible economic and social progress achieved by the nation as well as a mean to strengthen ties with all the participating nations, and so a large amount of state funds were devoted to the preparation of this event.
Citius, Altius, Fortius
However, that did not stop the research carried out by various state agencies that were working on new projects, either to improve and modernize the different branches of the military or to increase the country's industrial capacity. The Luftwaffe, determined not to become outdated, continued to improve the latest models of the revolutionary dive bombers and interceptors, giving them greater range of action and a completely renewed aerodynamics and speed capacity. For its part, the Reichsmarine accepted the ideas stated by Blohm & Voss and began to investigate a new model of highly improved submarines, with incredible navigation capacity both in surface and submerged. Finally, the visionary Heinz Guderian decided to start putting his ideas into practice, and organized a program of massive training and war games to teach all officers the concept of "Armoured Schwerpunkt". Soon, the Reich would begin manufacturing its first armored divisions, and it was necessary that each tank leader knew perfectly what was expected of him and his unit.
New projects for the Wehrmacht
On the industrial aspect, IG Farben was taking once again the initiative and surpassed its competition by presenting a program of "Agrochemistry", in which the company claimed to have found an amazing way to increase agricultural production in the country, while a young engineer from Berlin convinced the government to obtain a scholarship to investigate a strange machine which, according Zuse, all current research tools would soon become obsolete. Both developments were complemented by the implementation of the penultimate phase of industrial expansion planned by the Government, and it was estimated that in the summer of 1937 all the state budget could be fully dedicated to the country's comprehensive rearmament.
Companies kept investing in new technologies
The Foreign Ministry did not stop working neither, since Arthur Crispien convoked his ambassadors and consuls in order to plan how to extend German influence in Europe and in South America, closing trade agreements with Yugoslavia, Greece, Brazil and Argentina. Diplomatic relations with the USSR continued to improve, especially after the signing of the Treaty of Smolensk, by which Germany gave military equipment and foreign currency in exchange for a significant amount of steel, oil and tungsten.
The Smolensk Agreement
But the big news occured in southern Europe. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, Spain had lived in a scene of great social conflict, with constant political instability and a poor economy that none of the governments could solve. After the end of the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera and the fall of Monarchy, the 2nd Republic had tried in vain to modernize the country and calm the population, but the volatility of the various governments and the total lack of any agreement between the left and right forces deemed any efforts useless. The recent victory of the Frente Popular had only increased the social division, as instead of trying to achieve a broad consensus among the different political forces, various socialist measures were adopted to nullify what the previous right-wing government approved.
The leftist parties won the last elections in Spain
Political violence dramatically spread throughout the country, and members of all political beliefs were murdered almost every week. The situation come to dead end with the assassination of the monarchist politician Calvo Sotelo, causing the binding of most right-wing parliamentarians around the figure of General Mola. His intention was to launch the coup to end the leftist government and restore order in the country, and had the complicity of other relevant army commanders such as Sanjurjo, Cabanillas or Franco. The situation definitely exploded in July 18th, when the military launched their coup but failed to achieve complete control of the country and only managed to secure in Northern Castille, Galicia and broad sectors in Andalusia. Refusing to surrender to the military, the Republican government reacted by arming some popular militias, and what had begun as a simple military coup turned into a civil war. After receiving the news, the Wels Ministry convened an emergency meeting to decide the official German position on this conflict.
The Spanish rebels managed to seize power in several areas of Castille and Andalusia
A nation divided
With Europe still waiting for the development of the Spanish Civil War, the Berlin Olympics began, and after the opening ceremony chaired by Wilhelm Marx the athlete Fritz Schilgen lit the Olympic flame. These Olympics would be remembered as an example of the famous German organizational efficiency as well as a great hope of union between the different nations of Europe and the rest of the World. After fifteen days of uninterrupted competition, Germany won 33 gold medals and stood as leader in the medals chart, followed only by the United States with 24. The German dream was revealed to the world.
Germany won 33 gold medals
Germany is certainly prospering. I am looking forward to seeing what stance you take in Spain. Zentrum are likely to take a pro nationalist stance, perhaps looking for neutrality, whilst the SPD will be pro- republican but again erring towards neutrality in light of the fear of revolutionaries. The communists are going to be furiously trying to offer themselves up as allies to the government to get some support for Spain. Look forward to seeing how things develop.
A pretty accurate analysis, although the SPD has the upper hand there (both because of their electoral majority and because I am the one who will have the ultimate decision :laugh
. And thx for commenting, it is really encouraging to listen to the oppinions of readers.They don't call it a Popular Front for nothing, eh?
Yes, in almost all DH mods I always get a little angry to see that Rep.Spain is portraited as Social-Liberal or Market Liberal, when it is clear that it should be Social-Democrat or even LWR, specially after the victory of the Frente Popular. But there is nothing I can do there.
I also wanted to have the oppinion of all readers regarding 2 issues:
- Yugoslavia: One day or another, Yugoslavia will enter the Axis, and unless I´m wrong there is a high chance that the event that makes them abandon the Axis will occur. Taking into account that I am not a nazi Germany and have perfect relations with them, I would say that it would be rpg-wise to use the console in order to bring them back to the alliance via acceptall or by a coup. Do you agree with me?
- Czechoslovakia: In my current playthrough (1 year after the last update), there is an 83% chance of Czechoslovakia joining the Axis. I have taken a look into the events files and being allied with them prevents the "Munich Treaty" events to fire, so I am doubtful of what to do. From an rpg perspective, it seems to me more logical than a democratic Germany would allow Czechoslovakia into the Axis with good relations and some sort of agreement regarding the German minoritires in the Sudetenland, but I don´t know if avioding the Munich agreements would totally break the game. I would like your oppinion about this, both from an rpg perspective and from a game perspective from someone who knows for sure if it would or would not break the next years of gaming.
They don't call it a Popular Front for nothing, eh?
As nacho says, the Popular Front was between SD and LWR. And the government of Largo Caballero was definetly LWR.
A pretty accurate analysis, although the SPD has the upper hand there (both because of their electoral majority and because I am the one who will have the ultimate decision :laugh
Yes, in almost all DH mods I always get a little angry to see that Rep.Spain is portraited as Social-Liberal or Market Liberal, when it is clear that it should be Social-Democrat or even LWR, specially after the victory of the Frente Popular. But there is nothing I can do there.
I also wanted to have the oppinion of all readers regarding 2 issues:
- Yugoslavia: One day or another, Yugoslavia will enter the Axis, and unless I´m wrong there is a high chance that the event that makes them abandon the Axis will occur. Taking into account that I am not a nazi Germany and have perfect relations with them, I would say that it would be rpg-wise to use the console in order to bring them back to the alliance via acceptall or by a coup. Do you agree with me?
- Czechoslovakia: In my current playthrough (1 year after the last update), there is an 83% chance of Czechoslovakia joining the Axis. I have taken a look into the events files and being allied with them prevents the "Munich Treaty" events to fire, so I am doubtful of what to do. From an rpg perspective, it seems to me more logical than a democratic Germany would allow Czechoslovakia into the Axis with good relations and some sort of agreement regarding the German minoritires in the Sudetenland, but I don´t know if avioding the Munich agreements would totally break the game. I would like your oppinion about this, both from an rpg perspective and from a game perspective from someone who knows for sure if it would or would not break the next years of gaming.
I think that democratic Germany would be content with Czechoslovakia being in their sphere of influence ( and maybe later alliance - any kind of agreement regarding German minority in Czechoslovakia is not needed since they had full rights in era 1918-1939 ).
Yugoslavia & Czechoslovakia
You have a problem here with a conflict between democratic politics & nationalist-ethnic politics. As far as Yugoslavia goes: yes it is reasonable to think that Yugoslavia remains in the Axis because it no longer has a conflict with fascism. But only if you think the reason Yugoslavia left the Axis was because of a fascist-democratic rift. If you think Yugoslavia left the alliance because of ethnic politics, that's something altogether.
This has more to do with Czechoslovakia than you would like. A Germany that demands the Sudentenland is more arrogantly German on ethnic grounds (and thus more dangerous to states with large German minorities in key cities, like Yugoslavia). Depending on how you view history, a Czech Sudentenland may be the price you pay for a non-Axis Yugoslavia. Or, to put things another way, a Czech Sudentenland may be the price you pay for willing democratic allies like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. Allies that, remember, you are counting on to honor a defensive AND OFFENSIVE alliance, not just be friendly nations. Remember, plenty of Czechs lived in the Sudentenland too! And (admittedly a small point) the Germans in the Sudentenland who wanted to join Germany are just the sort of nationalist fanatics who are your domestic political opponents.
OTL Prince Paul signed the Tripartite treaty and joined the Axis only under heavy pressure. Is your Germany willing to use the kind of heavy handed tactics needed to bring Yugoslavia into the fold in the first place? How will you respond to events like the Croats' attempt to move towards independence? (OTL, the Nazis supported the Croats in setting up an autonomous regional government, joining the Axis was probably in part a Yugoslavian attempt to get Germany to stop meddling.)
Most of Yugoslavia hated the Tripartite Treaty. You're either going to have to appease ethnic nationalists (not sure there's a breakup of Yugoslavia event chain in DH, as I pretty much only play KR) and win over the country piecemeal if you want an allied Yugoslavia, or you're going to have to strongly support a central government against ethnic rivalries. Which would be very much against the kind of ethnic-based philosophy that brings Austria and the Sudentenland into Germany. Austria could be forgiven, but probably not the Sudentenland. Not if you want to keep the democratic, centralist population of Yugoslavia friendly. There's also further problems as, OTL, those in favor of a unified Yugoslavia were usually either monarchists or communists.
If I were you (and you might do something totally differently within reason), I'd say encourage Czechosolvakia to join the Axis, with the only concession needed for the Sudentenland being reduced border controls (those nationalistic Germans can, you know, move to a more homogenous Germany or just visit family across the border easily if they're less racist). Then, with Yugoslavia, I'd probably suggest that Fascist Italy is actively encouraging (and arming!) Croats and other separatists. Yugoslavia stays (or returns to the Axis) only after Germany forces the monarchist central government to radically democratize by offering armed aid to put down separatists and pointing out that Yugoslavia needs a strong patron to put the fear of bullets into the separatists. Basically, that's the only way I can see a democratic Yugoslavia willing to stand by Germany: some sort devil's bargain that forces the existing order to pretend they're democrats. If you have a decent intelligence service, you might also decide to roleplay a fixed election or two (the coup option) like the good 'ole U.S. of A. did in Greece and Italy right after WWII.
You have a problem here with a conflict between democratic politics & nationalist-ethnic politics. As far as Yugoslavia goes: yes it is reasonable to think that Yugoslavia remains in the Axis because it no longer has a conflict with fascism. But only if you think the reason Yugoslavia left the Axis was because of a fascist-democratic rift. If you think Yugoslavia left the alliance because of ethnic politics, that's something altogether.
This has more to do with Czechoslovakia than you would like. A Germany that demands the Sudentenland is more arrogantly German on ethnic grounds (and thus more dangerous to states with large German minorities in key cities, like Yugoslavia). Depending on how you view history, a Czech Sudentenland may be the price you pay for a non-Axis Yugoslavia. Or, to put things another way, a Czech Sudentenland may be the price you pay for willing democratic allies like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. Allies that, remember, you are counting on to honor a defensive AND OFFENSIVE alliance, not just be friendly nations. Remember, plenty of Czechs lived in the Sudentenland too! And (admittedly a small point) the Germans in the Sudentenland who wanted to join Germany are just the sort of nationalist fanatics who are your domestic political opponents.
OTL Prince Paul signed the Tripartite treaty and joined the Axis only under heavy pressure. Is your Germany willing to use the kind of heavy handed tactics needed to bring Yugoslavia into the fold in the first place? How will you respond to events like the Croats' attempt to move towards independence? (OTL, the Nazis supported the Croats in setting up an autonomous regional government, joining the Axis was probably in part a Yugoslavian attempt to get Germany to stop meddling.)
Most of Yugoslavia hated the Tripartite Treaty. You're either going to have to appease ethnic nationalists (not sure there's a breakup of Yugoslavia event chain in DH, as I pretty much only play KR) and win over the country piecemeal if you want an allied Yugoslavia, or you're going to have to strongly support a central government against ethnic rivalries. Which would be very much against the kind of ethnic-based philosophy that brings Austria and the Sudentenland into Germany. Austria could be forgiven, but probably not the Sudentenland. Not if you want to keep the democratic, centralist population of Yugoslavia friendly. There's also further problems as, OTL, those in favor of a unified Yugoslavia were usually either monarchists or communists.
If I were you (and you might do something totally differently within reason), I'd say encourage Czechosolvakia to join the Axis, with the only concession needed for the Sudentenland being reduced border controls (those nationalistic Germans can, you know, move to a more homogenous Germany or just visit family across the border easily if they're less racist). Then, with Yugoslavia, I'd probably suggest that Fascist Italy is actively encouraging (and arming!) Croats and other separatists. Yugoslavia stays (or returns to the Axis) only after Germany forces the monarchist central government to radically democratize by offering armed aid to put down separatists and pointing out that Yugoslavia needs a strong patron to put the fear of bullets into the separatists. Basically, that's the only way I can see a democratic Yugoslavia willing to stand by Germany: some sort devil's bargain that forces the existing order to pretend they're democrats. If you have a decent intelligence service, you might also decide to roleplay a fixed election or two (the coup option) like the good 'ole U.S. of A. did in Greece and Italy right after WWII.
I just want to say great AAR! I've just finished reading and will keep my eye on it
I second this. I don't see a democratic Germany taking the Sudetenland - Its an act of aggression that i just don't see a democracy doing. Like SomeDude says all Germany will get out of Czechoslovakia it reduced border checks for those areas. You can't have a Romania-Hungary type thing that occurred in WW2 when Romania was forced to give Northern Transylvania to Hungary in order for German protection, because i am sure Czechoslovakia have been playing the Isolationist game for a while and they will be just as happy to keep playing that Isolationist game (even more so if war breaks out)
Again like SomeDude said A democratic Germany would ally with the centralized government (basically the serbs
) but force the King to implement democracy - Of course Italy would be arming the Croats etc. So this could lead to like a mini cold war over Yugoslavia ultimately leading to a German Win there if it all goes well. Also like someDude said you could like RP the Germans "ballot stuffing" in Yugoslavia :rofl: so nationalist parties don't game too many votes and democratic parties who aren't affiliated with just one ethnic group win. Also don't get rid of the king there
I have no idea how to do that, and I fear that if I start modding those files I will probably mess up my game
.I second this. I don't see a democratic Germany taking the Sudetenland - Its an act of aggression that i just don't see a democracy doing. Like SomeDude says all Germany will get out of Czechoslovakia it reduced border checks for those areas. You can't have a Romania-Hungary type thing that occurred in WW2 when Romania was forced to give Northern Transylvania to Hungary in order for German protection, because i am sure Czechoslovakia have been playing the Isolationist game for a while and they will be just as happy to keep playing that Isolationist game (even more so if war breaks out)
Again like SomeDude said A democratic Germany would ally with the centralized government (basically the serbs
- Czechoslovakia: Yes, as I wrote my first idea was to have them in my sphere as a friend and allied country, since Germany is revealing itself as the true beacon of democracy without the hipocresy of the so called allies, and I can picture nations as Czechoslovakia trusting in our leadership. As for the Sudetenland, mind that in the game Germany IS NOT claiming that zone, and so there is no need to renounce to it and there is no conflict with that country. My main worry is if that would break the game, but if it does I could always reload a save and play on my own until I get to the point of the update where I noticed the bug. So, let´s welcome the eternal and true friendship between the German, Czech and Slovak people,
- Yugoslavia: I appreciate the intense analysys made by all of you (specially the one by Somedude), but unless I´m wrong the event states that Yugo leaves the Axis because the nazi politics of Germany. However, your idea of restoring order in Yugoslavia because of the ethnic tensions is very good, and will give me lots of writing possibilities if such an event happens. But if I manage to bring Yugo to the Axis and they don´t quit, I will not meddle in their politics; if the allies can have dictatorships as allies, so does the Axis (Hungaria, Bulgaria...).
I just want to say great AAR! I've just finished reading and will keep my eye on it
Thanks man, it´s a pleasure to hear that from a fellow AAR-writer!
The Czech and Yugoslav events won´t happen at least until the next update, so feel free to speak your mind since I only wanted to answer the posts, not to close the issue for further oppinions.
I have no idea how to do that, and I fear that if I start modding those files I will probably mess up my game
you can change the ai_chance to NOT let it happen without any problem
\Darkest Hour\Mods\Hydra Mod\db\events\Germany.txt
at event 2021002 chance ai_chance in action A to 100 and 0 at action B
Yeah, it's usually not too dangerous to do little changes like that. Deleting an event (or temporarily moving it to a backup folder) also works well if you don't want it to fire. Though that last can shut down an entire event chain if there are other dependent events...
The key thing to remember is changing things like AI_Chance will affect future games if you plan on any!
The key thing to remember is changing things like AI_Chance will affect future games if you plan on any!
Yes, that is why I won´t change it as I am running a paralel game with the same mod. Besides, not knowing if they will quit will add flavour to the game, as thinking how to make them return and how to explain it. But thx for your help, lanodaka!
Democratic states are perfectly capable of working with authoritarian ones. Germany doesn't need to play Neocon.
Regarding the Sudetenland: Actually, the German population of that area (over 90%!) tried to join the new democratic Austrian republic (which itself tried to join Germany) after WWI, with Woodrow Wilson himself in favor, but the Czechs opposed it. Since repealing the injustices of the Versailles treaty are a major goal of the new German Government, I think a plebiscite regarding the German areas is a reasonable compromise.
Read more here!
Read more here!