Germany 1936. Game Setting Hard / Aggressive.
History of Germany from 1936 to the End.
This is a detailed history of my current game, I thought I’d post it!
The build up to War.
Prologue.
In his book Mein Kampf (1926), Hitler outlined his political goal - to undo the 'injustice' inflicted upon Germany by the Treaty of Versailles and he was well aware that this goal could only be reached through another War.
In 1933 Hitler became the German Chancellor with the help of the former Nationalist Chancellor Von Papen and the agreement of the very old German nationalist president General Feldmarschall von Hindenburg who had been the most famous general of World War I.
Only a few months later Hitler was the Dictator of Germany, he ruled Germany alone and had banned all political parties except his own NSDAP.
By the summer of 1933, the Nazi Party was in complete control of the country.
Hitler solved the economic problems of the early 1930's by having the Reichsbank print money. As the prices were under strict control, the money available ballooned and a bubble economy was the result, a bubble expected to burst in about 1940. Starting in 1933, Hitler began the process of German rearmament and militarization, the state invested heavily in armament, and infrastructure projects such as the Autobahn which also had a military aspect: in case of another two-front-war, it would enable the German military to move columns quickly from one front to the other.
After Nazi power as consolidated, Hitler in 1935 focused on expansion. In 1935 he ordered small units to march into the demilitarized Rhineland and establish a fait accompli. The English were not prepared to react, the French did not want to go alone, Hitler had achieved his aim. Also in 1935 the population of the Saargebiet, hitherto administrated by the French, voted overwhelmingly to rejoin Germany. Germany also reintroduced General Conscription, another violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
This was the beginning of one of the worst times in German and World history. Under the rule of the tyrant Hitler and his followers, millions of people were to lose their lives in war.
German 1933 - 1938The year is now 1936: We now take up the story.
Hitler had put together, at the end of the previous year, his priorities for his technological research teams for the next year; this was to improve the industrial infrastructure and agricultural output of the nation.
To help achieve this end Hitler appointed a new member to his cabinet Konstantin Hierl replacing Werner Von Blomberg as Armaments Minister. Hitler informed him that his main priority was to increase Industrial Capacity through Industrial research.
Hitler's Cabinet Reshuffle January 1936.
Hitler informed Konstantin Hierl that he had three research teams at his deposal to devote to industrial research. One research team was prioritized to develop new Luftwaffe Fighters and Bombers; he had the resources for one more research team which he would give priorities to after meeting with the leaders of the armed forces.
To build up Germany's strategic reserve of resources Hitler instructed Foreign Minister 'Constantin Von Neurath' to trade surplus energy resources for hard currency, rare materials, oil and metals.
On January 2nd Hitler held a meeting with the leaders of the armed forces, present was Wehrmacht Headquarters (OKW) Chief of Staff 'Ludwig Beck', Luftwaffe Headquarters (OKL) Chief of Staff 'Hermann Goring', Heer Headquarters (OKH) Chief of Staff 'Werner Von Fritsch' and Kreigsmarine Headquarters (OKM) Chief of Staff 'Erich Raeder'
Hitler “Good day gentlemen, Ludwig current status of armed forces please”
Ludwig Beck then proceeded to give the current status of the armed forces.
Kreigsmarine January 1936Currently under construction was the Pocket Battleship 'Admiral Graf Spee' (Heavy Cruiser), due for completion January 7th 1936.
Admiral Graf SpeeAlso under construction three Transport Flotilla's, Destroyer flotilla and a U-boat flotilla due for completion March 1936.
Heer January 1936
Luftwaffe January 1936Hitler “Gentleman at this meeting we will concentrate on the future of the kreigsmarine. The primary enemy of the Kreigsmarine is the Navy of Great Britain; in any future war we must destroy it. The British navy must not and will not be allowed to blockade Germany and starve the people as in the Great War. Erich what plans are being made to increase the strength and ability of the Kreigsmarine?”
Erich Raeder “Mein Führer, both myself and Karl Dönitz have been formulating the concept of ‘Rudeltakik’ Carrier and U-boat group tactics.”
Erich Raeder handed Hitler a folder Stamped 'Top Secret'. Contained in the folder were papers describing in detail the concept of Rudeltakik ('pack/group tactics').
Erich Raeder “The Carrier Rudel” (carrier battle group) “will comprise of a permanent organization of surface ships comprised of a carrier, battleship or two heavy cruisers, four light cruisers and twenty destroyers with supporting ships to keep it supplied with replacement aircraft, fuel, ammunition and supplies whilst at sea. As a permanent organization, the men and ships will serve together and develop a level of expertise and tactics superior to that of any contemporary naval task force. I believe that the Carrier Rudel, when equipped with the latest German Aircraft, especially the BF109 fighters and new 'Stuka' dive bombers that the Luftwaffe have under development, will be a deadly opponent when commanded with skill and daring.”
Messerschmitt Bf109 Fighter.
Junkers Ju87 ‘Stuka’ Dive Bomber.Erich Raeder continued “The U-boat Rudel, 'wolf pack' as Karl Dönitz likes to refer to it, will comprise of ten U-boats, the tactics will be that one or two U-boats will lure the enemy vessels onto the rest of the rudel 'the pack' which will then destroy them. I propose to use the 'wolf packs' to attrite the British Navy, sinking Naval ships should be the priority and attacking convoys should be of secondary importance and then only if the escorting vessels have been sunk. I don't believe that we can afford the 'wolf packs' to suffer the heavy losses as experienced by the U-boats of the Great war, as the British are bound to re-adopt the convoy system in any future war.”
Hitler “I like what I'm hearing, how many of these rudels will you need to sink the British Navy?”
Erich Raeder “Mein Führer, at least four carrier rudels and twenty U-boat rudels, but we need the resources to refine our ideas and build the ships we need.”
Hitler “After we have defeated the British Navy it may be necessary to invade Britain itself. No nation has achieved this since 1066. Every nation that has tried to achieve equality with the British has failed - not because of the lack of will, not because of industrial inferiority, but only because they have failed to destroy the British navy and its power to blockage, we gentleman will achieve this, Erich you will develop a marine corps to lead any invasion and Hermann you will develop a air 'paratrooper' corps to support.”
Both Goring and Raeder nodded there heads in agreement.
Hitler “OK we will release the necessary resources as they become available, a research team will also be allocated to Naval Matters. Werner how is Heinz Guderian progressing with he concept of mobile warfare? ”
Heinz Guderian[Heinz Guderian was born in 1888 at Kulm. He was educated in Prussia and in 1908 gained a commission in the German Army. He served as an infantry officer. From 1914 to 1917, Guderian served in Flanders and would have experienced the lack of mobility first hand that existed on the Western Front. He would also have been acutely aware of the carnage that took place on the Western Front. Guderian joined the General Staff and by the end of the war, he had developed a specialized knowledge in motorized transport.
Guderian concentrated his idea on developing a highly mobile mechanized army. He wrote "Actung Panzer" which came to the attention of Hitler. This was Guderian's plan to make war mobile by having a force that was consistently moving forward, never giving the enemy the time to regroup etc. From July 1934, Guderian was given the task by Hitler of perfecting the fighting techniques of the Panzers - light tanks, supported by infantry and planes - which were to become the legendary Blitzkrieg mode of attacking an enemy.
Guderian faced numerous obstacles within the Wehrmacht's hierarchy. He was told that an attack on Belgium and France would falter because of the river systems that flowed through the region. How could tanks cross rivers - especially the wide River Meuse?
Guderian's plan included the use of specialist engineering units that could assemble pontoon bridges quickly that could take the weight of tanks and supporting vehicles. In this way, his Panzer units crossed rivers with ease - and those senior commanders who had failed to support Guderian in the development of his idea, had to admit that they were wrong. A Blitzkrieg attack could also include the use of paratroops]
Werner von Fritsch “Mein Führer, 'Heinz Guderian' is progressing well, we now have three Panzer Divisions which have been training and refining the tactics of mobile warfare, we are eagerly awaiting the new Stuka's, which Heinz refers to as flying artillery, so he can refine the communication links and tactics for close support and cooperation between the Luftwaffe and the Heer. Mein Führer we need to develop better Panzers as the Pzkfw I which equips the panzer divisions is only any good for training, not to fight a war.”
PzKfw I, equipped with two MG34’s machine gunsHitler “All in good time Werner, I do not expect to be fighting a war any time soon, we will build better panzers and more panzer division's, as soon as possible. Hermann you have been quit, we are interested to hear your ideas.”
Hermann Goring “Mein Führer, the Luftwaffe should be an independent force, able to attack an enemy ware it hurts strategically, bombing its factories and destroying its infrastructure, thus destroying its ability to wage war, ' bomb them into the stone age, that's what we should do'. We should be building bombers and escort fighters not close support aircraft for the heer, after all they have there own artillery, if there panzers move as fast as they say, then why don't they put there artillery on the back off trucks so it can keep up with there panzers, instead of leaving it pulled by horses or tractors.”
Hitler “No Hermann, the Luftwaffe will concentrate on supporting the Heer, with close support and tactical bombers. When we defeat an enemy we will need there factories and resources to expand our great and mighty nation, but you can develop defence fighters just in case! You never know someone else may take up on your ideas. Thank you gentlemen we will convene again soon, you can then update me on how things are going”
March 11th. Intelligence briefing concerning Italy. Italy have annexed Ethiopia which is now part of their nation.
April 23rd. Armaments briefing. I.G. Farden have completed their research into Agrichemistry. I.G. Farden given the research project of Agricultural Production.
June 22nd. Intelligence briefing concerning Guangxi Clique. Guangxi Clique have declared war on there enemies Nationalist China.
June 24th. Armaments briefing. New Technology Developed. Kriegmarinewerft have completed their research into Early Aircraft Carrier. Kriegmarinewerft given the project of researching Basic Aircraft Carrier.
July 18th. Intelligence briefing concerning Republican Spain. Republican Spain have declared war on their enemies Nationalist Spain.
July 18th. Foreign Office briefing. Our governor reports that the free people of Nationalist Spain have declared independence from there former oppressors of Republican Spain. We have established diplomatic relations with them.
July 24th Spanish Civil War Intervention.
July 24th, Hitler called a meeting with his Intelligence Minister 'Wilhelm Canaris' to discuss what the likelihood was of Great Britain, France or Russia intervening militarily in the war on the side of the Republicans, if Germany were to intervene militarily on the side of the Nationalists.
Hitler “Wilhem, if we were to intervene to help the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil war, what in your view is going to be the reaction of Great Britain, France and Russia?
Wilhem Canaris “Mein Führer, Great Britain does not have the stomach for a fight and will do nothing bar send a few volunteers to assist the Republicans. The French are stuck with the Maginot syndrome, defence is all they think about, and will do nothing bar complain about Germany having an ally on there southern border. Russia is determined to help, but all they will be able to do is send volunteers and arms and equipment to help the republicans. Stalin has started his purge of the Red Army, he's got a phobia about his Generals, thinks they might stab him in the back or something'.
Canaris continued “Mein Führer no one wants a war and they will do nothing to prevent Germany intervening in the Spanish Civil War.”
Hitler “Good, that's what I wanted to hear, we will be sending forces to help the Nationalists.”
Hitler instructed his Foreign Minister 'Constantin von Neurath’ to inform the Nationalists of his decision.
Hitler then instructed OKW to come up with a plan of intervention in the Spanish civil war, armed forces were to be sent to Spain to help the Nationalists in there struggle against the Republicans, they had 24hrs.
July 25th. OKW, Chief of Staff Ludwig Beck presented the plan to Hitler for his approval. Heersgruppe A, commanded by Field Marshal Von Rundstedt, totaling of eight infantry and three panzer divisions, supported by three Luftwaffe Tactical Bomber Geschwaders, to provide ground support and a Fighter Geschwader to provide air cover, would be sent. The Kreigsmarine would supply two Battle Groups to keep the sea lands open and two transport flotilla's (with one being added later) to transport the Heer Divisions. Ludwig Beck informed Hitter that he was confident that these forces would we enough to guarantee the defeat of the Republican Forces.
July 25th. Intelligence Briefing from Wilhelm Canaris, opposing forces in Spanish Civil War.
Opposing Armies.
Opposing Naval Forces.
Opposing Air Forces
Spain July 18th 1936.Upon receiving the plan on the morning of the 26th Hitler approved it and ordered the embarkation of the troops to begin on the 27th, he then instructed Constantin von Neurath to inform the nationalists of the good news.
The first troops were expected to land in Spain on July 30th.
History of Germany from 1936 to the End.
This is a detailed history of my current game, I thought I’d post it!
The build up to War.
Prologue.
In his book Mein Kampf (1926), Hitler outlined his political goal - to undo the 'injustice' inflicted upon Germany by the Treaty of Versailles and he was well aware that this goal could only be reached through another War.
In 1933 Hitler became the German Chancellor with the help of the former Nationalist Chancellor Von Papen and the agreement of the very old German nationalist president General Feldmarschall von Hindenburg who had been the most famous general of World War I.
Only a few months later Hitler was the Dictator of Germany, he ruled Germany alone and had banned all political parties except his own NSDAP.
By the summer of 1933, the Nazi Party was in complete control of the country.
Hitler solved the economic problems of the early 1930's by having the Reichsbank print money. As the prices were under strict control, the money available ballooned and a bubble economy was the result, a bubble expected to burst in about 1940. Starting in 1933, Hitler began the process of German rearmament and militarization, the state invested heavily in armament, and infrastructure projects such as the Autobahn which also had a military aspect: in case of another two-front-war, it would enable the German military to move columns quickly from one front to the other.
After Nazi power as consolidated, Hitler in 1935 focused on expansion. In 1935 he ordered small units to march into the demilitarized Rhineland and establish a fait accompli. The English were not prepared to react, the French did not want to go alone, Hitler had achieved his aim. Also in 1935 the population of the Saargebiet, hitherto administrated by the French, voted overwhelmingly to rejoin Germany. Germany also reintroduced General Conscription, another violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
This was the beginning of one of the worst times in German and World history. Under the rule of the tyrant Hitler and his followers, millions of people were to lose their lives in war.
German 1933 - 1938
Hitler had put together, at the end of the previous year, his priorities for his technological research teams for the next year; this was to improve the industrial infrastructure and agricultural output of the nation.
To help achieve this end Hitler appointed a new member to his cabinet Konstantin Hierl replacing Werner Von Blomberg as Armaments Minister. Hitler informed him that his main priority was to increase Industrial Capacity through Industrial research.
Hitler's Cabinet Reshuffle January 1936.
Hitler informed Konstantin Hierl that he had three research teams at his deposal to devote to industrial research. One research team was prioritized to develop new Luftwaffe Fighters and Bombers; he had the resources for one more research team which he would give priorities to after meeting with the leaders of the armed forces.
To build up Germany's strategic reserve of resources Hitler instructed Foreign Minister 'Constantin Von Neurath' to trade surplus energy resources for hard currency, rare materials, oil and metals.
On January 2nd Hitler held a meeting with the leaders of the armed forces, present was Wehrmacht Headquarters (OKW) Chief of Staff 'Ludwig Beck', Luftwaffe Headquarters (OKL) Chief of Staff 'Hermann Goring', Heer Headquarters (OKH) Chief of Staff 'Werner Von Fritsch' and Kreigsmarine Headquarters (OKM) Chief of Staff 'Erich Raeder'
Hitler “Good day gentlemen, Ludwig current status of armed forces please”
Ludwig Beck then proceeded to give the current status of the armed forces.
Kreigsmarine January 1936
Admiral Graf Spee
Heer January 1936
Luftwaffe January 1936
Erich Raeder “Mein Führer, both myself and Karl Dönitz have been formulating the concept of ‘Rudeltakik’ Carrier and U-boat group tactics.”
Erich Raeder handed Hitler a folder Stamped 'Top Secret'. Contained in the folder were papers describing in detail the concept of Rudeltakik ('pack/group tactics').
Erich Raeder “The Carrier Rudel” (carrier battle group) “will comprise of a permanent organization of surface ships comprised of a carrier, battleship or two heavy cruisers, four light cruisers and twenty destroyers with supporting ships to keep it supplied with replacement aircraft, fuel, ammunition and supplies whilst at sea. As a permanent organization, the men and ships will serve together and develop a level of expertise and tactics superior to that of any contemporary naval task force. I believe that the Carrier Rudel, when equipped with the latest German Aircraft, especially the BF109 fighters and new 'Stuka' dive bombers that the Luftwaffe have under development, will be a deadly opponent when commanded with skill and daring.”
Messerschmitt Bf109 Fighter.
Junkers Ju87 ‘Stuka’ Dive Bomber.
Hitler “I like what I'm hearing, how many of these rudels will you need to sink the British Navy?”
Erich Raeder “Mein Führer, at least four carrier rudels and twenty U-boat rudels, but we need the resources to refine our ideas and build the ships we need.”
Hitler “After we have defeated the British Navy it may be necessary to invade Britain itself. No nation has achieved this since 1066. Every nation that has tried to achieve equality with the British has failed - not because of the lack of will, not because of industrial inferiority, but only because they have failed to destroy the British navy and its power to blockage, we gentleman will achieve this, Erich you will develop a marine corps to lead any invasion and Hermann you will develop a air 'paratrooper' corps to support.”
Both Goring and Raeder nodded there heads in agreement.
Hitler “OK we will release the necessary resources as they become available, a research team will also be allocated to Naval Matters. Werner how is Heinz Guderian progressing with he concept of mobile warfare? ”
Heinz Guderian
Guderian concentrated his idea on developing a highly mobile mechanized army. He wrote "Actung Panzer" which came to the attention of Hitler. This was Guderian's plan to make war mobile by having a force that was consistently moving forward, never giving the enemy the time to regroup etc. From July 1934, Guderian was given the task by Hitler of perfecting the fighting techniques of the Panzers - light tanks, supported by infantry and planes - which were to become the legendary Blitzkrieg mode of attacking an enemy.
Guderian faced numerous obstacles within the Wehrmacht's hierarchy. He was told that an attack on Belgium and France would falter because of the river systems that flowed through the region. How could tanks cross rivers - especially the wide River Meuse?
Guderian's plan included the use of specialist engineering units that could assemble pontoon bridges quickly that could take the weight of tanks and supporting vehicles. In this way, his Panzer units crossed rivers with ease - and those senior commanders who had failed to support Guderian in the development of his idea, had to admit that they were wrong. A Blitzkrieg attack could also include the use of paratroops]
Werner von Fritsch “Mein Führer, 'Heinz Guderian' is progressing well, we now have three Panzer Divisions which have been training and refining the tactics of mobile warfare, we are eagerly awaiting the new Stuka's, which Heinz refers to as flying artillery, so he can refine the communication links and tactics for close support and cooperation between the Luftwaffe and the Heer. Mein Führer we need to develop better Panzers as the Pzkfw I which equips the panzer divisions is only any good for training, not to fight a war.”
PzKfw I, equipped with two MG34’s machine guns
Hermann Goring “Mein Führer, the Luftwaffe should be an independent force, able to attack an enemy ware it hurts strategically, bombing its factories and destroying its infrastructure, thus destroying its ability to wage war, ' bomb them into the stone age, that's what we should do'. We should be building bombers and escort fighters not close support aircraft for the heer, after all they have there own artillery, if there panzers move as fast as they say, then why don't they put there artillery on the back off trucks so it can keep up with there panzers, instead of leaving it pulled by horses or tractors.”
Hitler “No Hermann, the Luftwaffe will concentrate on supporting the Heer, with close support and tactical bombers. When we defeat an enemy we will need there factories and resources to expand our great and mighty nation, but you can develop defence fighters just in case! You never know someone else may take up on your ideas. Thank you gentlemen we will convene again soon, you can then update me on how things are going”
March 11th. Intelligence briefing concerning Italy. Italy have annexed Ethiopia which is now part of their nation.
April 23rd. Armaments briefing. I.G. Farden have completed their research into Agrichemistry. I.G. Farden given the research project of Agricultural Production.
June 22nd. Intelligence briefing concerning Guangxi Clique. Guangxi Clique have declared war on there enemies Nationalist China.
June 24th. Armaments briefing. New Technology Developed. Kriegmarinewerft have completed their research into Early Aircraft Carrier. Kriegmarinewerft given the project of researching Basic Aircraft Carrier.
July 18th. Intelligence briefing concerning Republican Spain. Republican Spain have declared war on their enemies Nationalist Spain.
July 18th. Foreign Office briefing. Our governor reports that the free people of Nationalist Spain have declared independence from there former oppressors of Republican Spain. We have established diplomatic relations with them.
July 24th Spanish Civil War Intervention.
Hitler “Wilhem, if we were to intervene to help the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil war, what in your view is going to be the reaction of Great Britain, France and Russia?
Wilhem Canaris “Mein Führer, Great Britain does not have the stomach for a fight and will do nothing bar send a few volunteers to assist the Republicans. The French are stuck with the Maginot syndrome, defence is all they think about, and will do nothing bar complain about Germany having an ally on there southern border. Russia is determined to help, but all they will be able to do is send volunteers and arms and equipment to help the republicans. Stalin has started his purge of the Red Army, he's got a phobia about his Generals, thinks they might stab him in the back or something'.
Canaris continued “Mein Führer no one wants a war and they will do nothing to prevent Germany intervening in the Spanish Civil War.”
Hitler “Good, that's what I wanted to hear, we will be sending forces to help the Nationalists.”
Hitler instructed his Foreign Minister 'Constantin von Neurath’ to inform the Nationalists of his decision.
Hitler then instructed OKW to come up with a plan of intervention in the Spanish civil war, armed forces were to be sent to Spain to help the Nationalists in there struggle against the Republicans, they had 24hrs.
July 25th. OKW, Chief of Staff Ludwig Beck presented the plan to Hitler for his approval. Heersgruppe A, commanded by Field Marshal Von Rundstedt, totaling of eight infantry and three panzer divisions, supported by three Luftwaffe Tactical Bomber Geschwaders, to provide ground support and a Fighter Geschwader to provide air cover, would be sent. The Kreigsmarine would supply two Battle Groups to keep the sea lands open and two transport flotilla's (with one being added later) to transport the Heer Divisions. Ludwig Beck informed Hitter that he was confident that these forces would we enough to guarantee the defeat of the Republican Forces.
July 25th. Intelligence Briefing from Wilhelm Canaris, opposing forces in Spanish Civil War.
Opposing Armies.
Opposing Naval Forces.
Opposing Air Forces
Spain July 18th 1936.
The first troops were expected to land in Spain on July 30th.
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