A World of WAARmongerers III
Players
USSR – Mr. Bigglesworth
USA – Darthmaur (Jan 1, 1936 – Feb 9, 1940), Snippah (Feb 9-Jun 21, 1940)
UK – Fort
France – GI Tom (Jan, 1936–Dec 13, 1939, Feb 9-Jun 21, 1940), Mauriantia (Dec 13– 25, 1939)
Nationalist China – Poki-Mo (Jan 1, 1936 – Dec 13, 1939)
Japan – Jokerswild (Jan 1, 1936-Sept 17, 1938), Mithrilmight (Sept 17, 1938-June 21, 1940)
Italy – Cfeedback (Jan 1, 1936-Sept 27, 1939), Patton (Oct 13-Dec 13, 1939)
Germany – DieFledermas
History of the World: January 1st, 1936 – June 21st, 1940
Germanic Perspective
1936
Africa
Ethiopian Conflict: November 8th, 1935 - January 27th, 1936
Italy, Ethiopia
Italian expeditionary forces engaged the bulk of the Ethiopian army at Harar on January 17th and defeated them after a quick but harrowing battle. The result was a fighting retreat across the East African steppe resulting in a final show down in the streets of Addis Ababa on January 27th. The Ethiopian king fled to London that night and his son abdicated the thrown to the Italian general. Ethiopia was official incorporated in Italian East Africa on January 28th.
Europe
Italian-Yugoslav War: February 7th - March 10th
Italy, Yugoslavia
Emboldened by his success in Africa, Mussolini declared war on Yugoslavia on February 7th. The French delegate to league of nations denounced this naked act of Fascist aggression but the Allies did little else. The first use of modern air war techniques were displayed in the Balkan Peninsula as Italian tactical bombers strafed the cities of Slovenia mercilessly for 3 weeks. By the time the Italian army marched into Rijeka on February 24th, little resistance was left. Fiat L6 tank divisions raced down out of the Alps until meeting resistance on the outskirts of Sarajevo. Italian bombers engaged in a brutal bombing campaign, leveling the city. Sarajevo and Belgorad both fell on March 10th. Yugoslavia was officially annexed by Italy the next day. France, once again, deplored the action.
Danzig Incident, February 24th
Germany, Poland
Polish destroyers attacked and sunk and unarmed German oil tanker heading to Stettin from Konisberg, all hands were lost. When the German diplomat made inquiries in Warsaw, he was informed that Polish territorial waters were "violated". In response the Koln was sent to escort the next convoy, which was attacked as well. In response Germany sent IX Panzer Korps to secure a land route to East Prussia. Poland responded by attacking the armor column. Germany had no choice but to declare war.
Polish Campaign: March 1st - March 30th
Germany, Poland
IX Panzer Korps under Rommel introduced the world to the "Blitzkrieg". Overrunning the Polish defenders in the central plains, the pzI's, supported by dive-bombers, were at the gates of Warsaw on March 5th. Danzig fell from siege that night. The New York Times broke the story that Hitler had agreed to "partition Poland" between himself and Stalin. Chamberlain and the French PM were speechless. Krakow fell on March 8th and it seemed the Polish Campaign would be over in a week. Not so, Polish irregulars in the "Poznan Pocket" rose up and cut off IX Panzer. The German Luffewaffe pounded the defender mercilessly and the Poles finally surrender after two entire army groups were poured into the province. Poland officially surrendered on March 30th and was incorporated in the Greater Reich. The Molotov-Rippentrop Pact was honored on April 3rd and the General Government was established on June 6th. France refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of both acts.
Albanian Conflict: March 17th - March 18th
Italy, Albania
Without even bothering to declare war, Italian forces already in theatre for the Yugoslav campaign, attacked Tyrel on March 17th and captured King Zog asleep in his bed at the royal palace. He was executed the next day and Albania was incorporated into new Italian protectorate of Balkania.
On April 29th the Belgians, in response the growing power of Germany, elected the conservative Nationalist Party to power. Every defiant, the Norwegians kept the Socialist Party in power on May 6th with French following suit, even though the polls suggested a more leftist outcome. On November 8th, FDR was re-elected on the promise of rebuilding America and pulling her out of the Great Depression.
Spanish Civil War: July 18th, 1936 – August 2nd, 1937
Republican Spain, Nationalist Spain, France (exp. forces), Italy (exp. forces & support), Germany (support), USSR (support)
On July 18th, General Mola attempted a military coup but was later assassinated by British SAS agents disguised as Portuguese sailors. His protégé, General Franco, assumed command of the rebels. French Foreign Legion troops and the Italian Condor Legion both entered the conflict under auspice of "volunteers". After almost 4 months of heavy fighting, Madrid fell to the Fascists on September 2nd. This was short lived, however, and the Republicans pushed the Nationalists back from everything except the city center. The siege of Madrid began on September is still going on as of June 1st, 1937. It is said the trapped civilian population is living on little more than rats and the flesh of the dead. The Condor Legion was decimated and ceased to function as a unit at the Rout of Tortosa on November 12th. With their supplies cut off somewhere in the mountain passes, the Italian armor was useless and abandoned. By Christmas, the Nationalists were pushed back to Barcelona.
On July 27th, Germany and Italy officially formed the Axis Alliance in response to growing Allied aggression and imperialism.
Swedish War of Liberation: August 18th - September 8th
Sweden, Germany
On August 10th, the Swedish government arrested 1000's of protesters in Stockholm demanding that the police release a dozen Fascist intellectuals held without trial who had been protesting the newly elected Communist government. On August 12th, Sweden closed its borders to German interests and nationalized the Rheinmetal Ironworks, a wholly owned German company. Unconfirmed reports suggested hundreds of suspected Fascist sympathizers were executed. Fearing the fate of their brothers Swedes, the Wermacht landed an amphibious assault outside of Malmo under Guderian. German spies had secretly landed several days earlier and organized the Swedish resistance. Rommel's Scandinavia Korps raced up the coast and took Stockholm on September 8th. FDR denounced this as "the Rape of Stockholm". A National Socialist government was installed on September 10th and welcomed with open arms into the Axis.
The Romanian Incident: August 20th - December 7th
USSR, Italy, Germany
Part of the Molotov-Rippentrop Pact from March agreed that Romania should fall under the sphere of Soviet influence. Unfortunately, no one had informed Mussolini of this. The Fascist Party of Romania had developed a strong following after witness German might during the Polish Campaign. Italy, desiring to further expand its influence in the Balkans began to aggressively support their fellow Fascists. The Bolsheviks attempted to influence the Romanian elections as well, but the population showed little interest. On September 3rd, the Romanian plebiscite carried the Fascists into power. Molotov personally delivered a commique to Hitler the next day, "What is you Neapolitan Dog up to?” The Germans had a problem. The new Romanian president was begging to join the Axis and promised free reign to the Romanian oil fields. Mussolini, drunk with power, believed the Soviets would cower before his legions. Rippentrop however, had reported that the new T-26 tanks on parade in Moscow could easily be turned west. Hitler told Mussolini to tone it down and focus on developing his new conquests. Molotov was assured that Romania was Stalin's to do with as he wished.
Asia
Chinese Civil War: 1922 -
Nationalist China, Sinkaing, Communist China
On March 4th, Chiang Kai-shek refused the olive branch from Mao in the Siam Incident and ordered his armies to attack Yanan. Yanan finally fell on April 6th. It is unclear exactly what US involvement was in the civil war, but US advisers were officially invited to Nanking on March 6th along with several air wings of American made P-40 Warhawks.
Mao and his Communist rebels played a game of cat and mouse with the Guomindang armies until he was finally captured 9 months later on December 4th and executed. Stalin is reported to have lost little sleep over the incident. The war with Sinkaing had been little more than infrequent border skirmishes.
1937
Europe
Second Romanian Incident: January 11th - March 12th
USSR, Italy, Germany
Elements of the Italian foreign ministry, unbeknownst to Mussolini, had never given up on Romania and began supporting "Romanian Storm troopers" in their crusade to harass Bolshevik elements in Bucharest. Stalin was made aware of this and became outraged, believing in his paranoia that Hitler had betrayed him. On January 11th, Molotov closed the Soviet embassy in Berlin and delivered the personal message of Stalin, "what is the point an embassy if fascists cannot be trusted?” The chimneys of the embassy burned black smoke as sensitive documents were burned. 2 Red Armies were moved to the German-Russian border. Outraged, Hitler sent his SS Reichsfurher to Rome to see just what was going on down there. Mussolini assured he had no foreknowledge of the events but once again suggested an all out assault on Russia. Manstein's III Panzer Korps was sent to Rome to "assist" in the inter-Fascist negotiations. A secret back channel was established between Wilhelm Frick and the infamous Beria in the city of Tallinn in Estonia. The Estonia Accords were signed there (of which the contents are unknown to this author). The Red Army groups were pulled back on March 12th and Mussolini ceased his grumbling about Romania. The Italian Foreign Minister was executed on April 1st.
On March 13th after many months of careful negotiation, Lithuania joined the Axis.
Spanish Civil War: (cont’d)
The Second Condor Legion landed in Barcelona, now under siege on February 2nd. They Nationalists broke out of the Barcelona pocket on February 17th. The Second Battle of Tortosa occurred on March 3rd with Nationalists defeating the Republicans soundly. Madrid was relieved on May 9th. On May 17th, Anarchists attempted to take over the Republican government now in Seville but were violently crushed. As of June 1st, the winner of the Civil War is still in doubt. On June 29th, the Fascist armies under Franco support by the Italian Condor Legion under General Abruzzi defeated the Republicans at Seville. This was the last major engagement of the Spanish Civil War. Only a ragtag force of scattered guerillas remained. On July 29th, the last Republican held province of Grenada fell and the French Foreign Legion was evacuated to Gibraltar. Franco was recognized as the legitimate leader of Spain by Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Lithuania on August 2nd. The rest of the world powers begrudgingly advocated their stand on the Republicans by the end of the year.
On March 2nd, Stalin initiated the Great Purges. So far, 150,000 Russians, Ukrainians, and Karelians have disappeared into the barren tundra of Siberia. Their fate is unknown. The Great Purges in the USSR continued with the officer corps of the Red Army being decimated in mass executions in the Polish Frontier.
With the Balkan crisis averted, the situation in Europe cooled from a potential hot war and settled into a cold war between France and Germany. The Soviet Union exploited the Western Power's distraction and set about promoting World Revolution via diplomatic means, particularly in the Americas.
Axis Rift
Germany, Italy
Mussolini publicly questioned the "Iron" of Hitler's regime and proclaimed himself the "Crusader against Bolshevism". Hitler responded by ceasing all iron shipments to Italy and cessation of their scientific exchange program. Mussolini responded by publicly stating the entire Balkan region was in the Italian sphere of influence. Stalin declared any Italian aggression would mean war with the Reich to which Hitler responded the Russian's would "regret any offensive moves towards the Axis". Forces were moved to the fronts and several over flights of me109's and Yak-1's into enemy airspace were reported. At this time the French took advantage of the situation and sent emissaries to Hungary and Romania suggesting the formation of a "Little Entente". Both Stalin and Hitler realized Allied exploitation of the situation and agreed to moratorium on the situation on August 15th. By October 8th, with the war raging in Asia, Germany proclaimed Mussolini the "betrayer of Fascism". Italy officially withdrew from the Axis 3 days later.
On October 16th, French courtesans unsuccessfully attempted to poison Franco in his bed. The coup put down, Franco moved his forces into the Pyrenees. Hitler and Franco began holding talks about a Germanic-Spanish Axis.
Bulgarian Conflict: October 21st - November 9th
Italy, Bulgaria
Mussolini, intent on keeping his promises of Balkan domination declared war on Bulgaria on Oct 21. Repeating their Yugoslavian tactics, the Italian air force engaged in a bombing campaign of Sofia on for 3 weeks until finally besieging the Bulgarian capital on November 6th. The demoralized population surrendered in 3 days and the victorious Italian legions installed Slodibin Chiceschu as the puppet fascist leader of Bulgaria. The Soviet Union was outraged vowed to kick "the little Italian" out of the Balkans.
A Ukrainian independent movement held an unauthorized plebiscite on November 2nd and voted to leave the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. Stalin responded by sending the Red Army and "purging" the entire city of Odessa. The League of Nation expressed utter shock at Stalin's brutality. Curiously, France stated it was an "internal Russian matter". Rippentrop expressed sadness for the people of Ukraine and offered refuge in the Reich to those Ukrainians who could make it across the Dnieper.
On November 5th, Finland, fearing the growing hostility of the USSR elected a leftist government on the premise of neutrality.
Romania
Ever the plaything of the world powers, The Romanian political parties of the left, right, and center all saw foreign currency and covert operations assist and hinder them. Hungarian separatists attempted provoke a Hungarian-Romanian conflict over Transylvania. Russia assisted the leftist-leaning army with Soviet doctrine and elite Italian mountain troops secretly crossed the border to assist the governments "protection police" By December, the Romanian president had caved to the militaries demands and began looking East.
Middle East
Saudi Arabian Conflict: September 16th - November 25th
Italy, Saudi Arabia
Italian forces landed in Bahrain on September 16th and fought a war of attrition through the desert until finally besieging Riyadh on November 16th. More soldiers were lost to dehydration and dysentery than actual combat with the Saudis. The city held for 9 days but finally surrendered on November 25th. Mussolini established Saudi Arabia, as Italian Asia Minor.
The Americas
On May 15th, in an event that shocked the world, the Labor Unions in the United States announced they were united under one banner and became the American Communist Party. Concerned about the fate of democracy in North America, both France and Britain lent their support to Right Wing elements of the United States.
On June 16th, the Columbian labor party took power ousting the military junta there.
The Americans hosted a public ceremony on June 23rd, in the Quincy, Massachusetts shipyards where the keel of the 33,000-ton USS Essex aircraft carrier was laid down in flagrant violation of the Washington Naval Treaty.
Asia
On July 2nd, the Japanese Empire officially declared martial law and disbanded the parliament. This was followed a fortnight later by the Siamese Conflict which touched off The War of Southeast Asia.
Siamese Conflict: July 16th - September 28th
Siam, Japan, Nationalist China
Japanese torpedo planes launched a surprise attack on the Siamese Fleet in the Gulf of Siam on the morning of July 16th. The entire fleet was sunk in a matter of hours. Japan officially declared war as Imperial naval infantry stormed the beaches north of Singapore and Bangkok. France, Britain, and Germany all expressed outrage at this flagrant expansionism while the USA expressed "grave concerns". Bangkok fell to the Japanese on July 20th. By the end of the month the Siamese were engaged solely in Guerilla warfare. The King of Siam fled to Indochina. On August 5th, with Japanese forces racing north, the Chinese declared war on Siam as well and crossed the border. The Washington Post ran a front-page headline, "Is China a democracy?" On September 12th, at the Battle of Khon Kaen, the Chinese defeated the Siamese and were face to face with the Imperial Japanese Army. The Siam Conference was held in Calcutta on the 28th with all major powers present. It was decided Bangkok and the Malay Peninsula would go to Japan while the rest would be incorporated into Greater China. The Japanese representative was not pleased.
The War of Southeast Asia: October 6th - December 2nd
Japan, France, UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Nationalist China, Manchucko
The Japanese, infuriated by the Siamese Treaty, declared war on France on October 6th in an attempt to bring Indochina into their Co-Prosperity Sphere. The Allies, obeying treaty stipulations with France, declared war on Japan the next day. On October 7th, Japanese Zeros from the Kaga and the Hosho in the Battle of Thailand Gulf attacked the HMS Hood and her battle group. The Hood escaped with heavy damage but the rest of the battle group was sunk, the harbinger of carrier warfare and the end of the "queen of the sea's" reign was apparent. On October 17th the Australian Navy with her sole carrier caught a Japanese assault force heading for Brunei. The Battle of the Singapore Sea saw the entire Japanese force sent to the bottom with 12 Japanese marine divisions. On October 26th, after heavy negotiations by France, China joined the Allies and sent 40 divisions into Manchuko violating the Sino-Japanese Non-Aggression Treaty of 1936. President Roosevelt proclaimed extreme concern for U.S. business interests in China. On November 1st, Japanese marines landed in the Caroline Islands quickly overwhelming the island chain's defenders. The retreating British general proclaimed, "I shall return!” On November 2nd, the Dali Lama of Tibet and Chaing Kai-shek proclaimed a desire for closer relations between the two nations in the face of Japanese aggression. The following day, Bangkok fell to Guomindang forces, which then turned east towards Indochina. On November 15th, the bulk of the Chinese and Japanese armies met at Phnom Penn. The Chinese were supported by irregular Viet Minh guerillas under the Ho Chi Minh. This did not sit well with the French governor. In a brilliant maneuver, the Japanese did an end-around on the 17th and landed an amphibious assault force near Bangkok surrounding the city. The siege lasted until November 20th when the city finally fell. The Philippines were evacuated of all American civilians under the cover of the U.S. 7th Fleet on the 19th. On November 22nd, the Australian Navy and the Yamato battle group fought an inclusive exchange in the Battle of the East China Sea. The Yamato was heavily damaged but not before leveling her guns on the Australian carrier, sending it to Melbourne for repairs.
On December 1st, the Royal Navy's India Station battled the massed Japanese Imperial Navy and was annihilated at the Japanese Trench. On the same day, the Indian Army attacked Japan's western Siamese holdings. Realizing they had lost the initiative, the Japanese ambassador in Paris offered to evacuate all forces from Indochina in exchange for peace. The German and US representatives at the talks both urged a return to the status quo. France agreed to peace and hostilities officially ended on December 7th, 1937. Chaing Kai-shek, who was not present at the peace talks and whose Guomindang armies were gobbling up Japanese territory was outraged. He publicly insulted the French as "cowardly weaklings" and was slow to withdraw his divisions from Japanese territory until the Royal Navy was dispatched to Kowloon.
1938
Europe
On January 3rd, Franco and Laval held the Spanish-French Summit in Barcelona. To the surprise of both Berlin and Rome, Madrid announced closer ties with the West. Over the course of the next six months, Franco loosened his iron grip and as of June 1st has even begun to suggest the possibility of allowing a parliament to be instated although his stand on Spanish neutrality seems assured.
Albert Speer announced the completion of the Ziegfried Line in the Rhineland to defend the Reich against French aggression. This seems to have been a wise investment. On February 5th, workers in Alsace-Lorraine demanded Paris allow their provinces to be returned to Greater Germany. The French responded by violently suppressing the protesters. The French premier announced war was inevitable but luckily cooler German heads prevailed and conflict was avoided.
On March 13th, the great German people of Austria demanded their president accept Anschluss with Germany proper and take their place with the Reich. The Austrian people were welcomed into Germany with open arms and the Austrian army, second only to Germany in discipline and prowess was easily folded into the Wermacht.
On February 18th, bowing to extreme pressure, the Romanians joined the Commintern. The honeymoon was extremely short as can be evidenced by the Romanian army being taken over by the Russians a short 2 weeks later with Commissars installed in every division. The Romanian army was sent to the Hungarian border on March 27th in what can only have been a precursor to invasion. Italy, seeing the potential to further expand its Balkan holdings, also moved its legions to the Hungarian border. The Hungarians, fearing imminent invasion, asked, and were accepted into the Axis on April 12th. The Wermacht's IX Korps was sent to Prague and both the Italian and Romanian armies moved away from the borderlands.
Despite the French's continued gifts, promises, and bribes to the Turkish Sultan, the fine Ottomans elected a Nationalist candidate to their governing body on April 11th.
As the spring of 1938 gives way to summer, the world is at peace although a cold war between France and Germany for the domination of Europe is fully engaged and the Russian Bear has been eerily quiet.
The summer of 1938 opened with the hope of peace. Throughout the world not one country was at war. Unfortunately this was not the dawn of a new era but the eye of the storm.
Turkey and the United Kingdom held talks about closer ties in view of the increasing hostilities of the Russian and Italian forces in the area.
On September 13th, fearing Soviet "cultural aggression", Estonia joined the Axis Powers at the urging of their Baltic sister nation, Lithuania.
Czechoslovakian Crisis
Germany, Czechoslovakia
On September 30th, the Germans living in the Sudetenland held a plebiscite and voted to leave Czechoslovakia (a bastard creation of the French) and rejoin the Reich. A firm German hand in Munich caused Chamberlain and Laval to acquiesce to this righteous demand. The Reich agreed to the independence of what remained of Czechoslovakia. The Russians and French released the usual diplomatic protests.
On October 20th, Rippentrop and Laval held the first French-German Summit in Geneva. Both sides re-affirmed their desire for peace between the two nations. France, once again, attempted to meddle in internal Reich affairs but Rippentrop waived this off as inconsequential.
On December 1st, after repeated threats of invasion, Afghanistan joined the Commintern. The United States publicly condemned Soviet imperialism.
Asia
On March 5th, proclaiming, "the French are bunch of worthless Frogs who are only concerned with women's underwear", Chaing Kai-shek announced China was unconcerned with European affairs and withdrew from the Alliance. France proclaimed, "Extreme sadness over Chaing's obvious lack of understanding of real politick" and closed its embassy in Nanking. The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and South Africa followed suit.
Second Sino-Japanese War: November 30th, 1938 -
Japan, Nationalist China, Manchukua, UK (exp forces), France (exp forces), USA (exp forces)
Nationalist China and Imperial Japan had been engaged in border clashes since the end of the first war between their two nations. On November 30th, elements of the Guomintang attacked Manchukuo forces the Japanese to respond by declaring war to defend their ally. The month of December was known as the "phony war" with no major actions between the two nations. France, the United Kingdom, and America all sent "volunteers" into the conflict.
The Americas
Bolsheviks in the Americas
On June 2nd, the Marxist-Leninist Party of Mexico, in control of the Mexican senate, passed the Mexican-Russian Friendship Treaty. On July 4th, the American Communist Party staged mass rallies in Los Angeles back by the AFL-CIO. America expelled all Soviet Citizens on August 22nd and banned Socialist Parties.
On November 3rd, the American Communist Party gained 5 seats in the Senate and 22 seats in Congress. FDR's control over his nation was brought into question.
On December 7th, the United States joined the Allies in hopes to protect its interests in the Far East and curb Soviet expansion
1939
The Americas
El Salvador and Mexico began discussing a mutual defense pact with the USSR against American aggression on March 6th.
On May 8th, Chile and Germany opened negotiations for greater trade relations. Both Chile and Argentina expressed concerns about the growing communist movements in Central and North America.
Europe
On March 8th, undersecretary of the interior in Germany, von Stupel, was uncovered as a spy for the French by the SS. He was executed in Berlin. Germany publicly denounced the French and their historically dishonorable tactics. France denied all responsibility. Germany offered to hold another peace summit to which the French but Laval, ever the warmonger, refused. As if to reinforce the French taste for dishonorable actions, they once again attempt to assassinate Franco, this time with an exploding cigar, on March 26th. Franco expressed complete shock considering the recent thawing of French-Spanish relations.
War of Bohemian Independence: March 15th - April 6th
Germany, Czechoslovakia
On March 15th, reports of Slovakian atrocities against the Czech minority reached Berlin. In attempt to prevent further bloodshed, Germany offered to take the Czechs under their protection and allow the Slovaks to govern themselves as they saw fit. The Czechs responded by imprisoning the German diplomat and declaring war on the Germany. Slovakian marauders attacked the undefended city of Katowice in the General Government and massacred the Polish citizens there. France demanded Germany sue for peace! Germany will teach any who dare declare war on the Reich that this brings a price. V, IX, and X Panzerkorps attacked Pizen along with XII and XV mechkorps on March 22nd. The Luffewaffe's bf109's cleared the skies while stukas reigned down hell. Czech LT 35 tanks proved completely inferior to the Wermacht's pzIII's and IV's. The Battle of Pizen was over in hours. The Panzers blitzed towards Slavkov. On March 8th, Slavkov fell to the Wermacht. Bratislava fell on April 4th. The Czech lands were incorporated into Greater Germany on August 6th and Slovakia was incorporated into the General Government.
Political Crisis over Czechoslovakia
The Soviets condemned German aggression and the French called up their reserves. Italy told France to mind its own business and Germany declared any assistance to Czechoslovakia would be interpreted as a declaration of war. On March 24h, Pope Pius XII called for a world peace summit at the Vatican. France declined. The Pope announced amnesty to all French Catholics and Italy announced open immigration to French ex-patriots. Revealing their true nature, the Bolsheviks granted refuge to Slovakian raiders within the USSR. The Kriegsmarine sailed to the Sund and announced the Baltic was closed to all shipping. On April 1st, desiring increased security, Latvia joined the Axis.
In the aftermath of the Czechoslovakian Crisis, France increased the Maginot Line. The Wermacht's elite Gerigsjager Korps was moved to the Ziegfried Line to counter this.
On June 8th, Swedish intelligence operative reported that French spies were instigating the Norwegian government to suppress Socialist political groups in Oslo. All German diplomatic envoys were turned away. It was decided that "occupied Scandinavia" needed to be liberated.
Operation Thor's Hammer: June 16th - July 5th
Germany, Sweden, Norway
On June 16th, Germany declared war on the Norwegian government and pleaded with the Norse to take up arms against their illegal government. On June 17th, the Kriegsmarine defeated the Norwegian navy at the Battle of Hardanger Fjord. The Gerigsjager Korps successfully committed an Amphibious landing in Tronheim on July 29th. The luffewaffe engaged in a bombing campaign against Oslo. On July 1st, elements of the Swedish Defense Forces occupied Roros. Kristiansand provincial citizens rose up on July 3rd and overthrew their oppressors. On July 4th, the Norwegian army committed a coup in Oslo and turned the capital over to the Gerigsjager. On July 5th, National Socialist Norway was welcomed into the Axis.
Netherlands Conflict: August 1st - August 13th
Germany, Netherlands
On August 1st, under French pressure, the Netherlands banned all Fascist parties and invited French "observers" to the German border. This affront could not be tolerated. Elements of X Panzers crossed the Ems River and overran Groningen by August 4th. Arnhem fell on the 5th. The Battle of Amsterdam raged from August 5th until the 13th when the besieged city finally fell. The Dutch government was evacuated to the East Indies. The immediate threat averted, the Germans were satisfied to let the Dutch live in their South Pacific holdings.
On August 3rd, Laval gave his famous "Not One Inch of French Soil" speech at the League of Nations and openly threatened Germany with war.
On August 21st, Finland, Norway, and Sweden held the Pan-Scandinavian Summit. Denmark refused to participate.
On September 10th, after a 5-day conference in Echternach, Luxemburg offered and was accepted into Greater Germany. The French went berserk. The Allies shrugged that Luxembourg was German soil after all.
On September 11th France withdrew from the Allies and massed troops on the German border. French fighters began buzzing German positions on the Maginot Line. The French fleet put to sea. Soviet armies in the East began to engage in maneuvers. It became apparent that a double-cross was in the works. With no other recourse, the Germans declared war.
Asia
Second Sino-Japanese War (cont'd)
On March 21st, the Japanese won the first major battle of the war at Xianyang. In communication SNAFU, American "Flying Tigers" based in Hong Kong strafed elements of the Soviet Fleet in the Tonkin Gulf. A Russian battle cruiser was damaged and diplomatic insults flew back and forth. On April 14th, under guidance of German advisors, Japan used the new "blitzkrieg" tactics and defeated the Chinese during the first tank battle of the war at Yanan. On May 20th, with Allies now fielding 20 "volunteer" divisions in China, Japan joined the Axis Powers. France once again protested this action even as their troops marched on Japanese occupied Kowloon. On June 27th, the bulk of the Chinese army was routed at Wudu. The Imperial Army had seemed to gain the initiative once again. On August 5th, fearing Chinese aggression, the Warlord Lee of Singkaing, brought his nation into the Commintern. For the next 4 months, the Sino-Japanese fronts settled into a protracted stalemate.
Africa
On August 5th, South Africa elected the Democratic-Republicans to power.
WORLD WAR TWO
September 12th, 1939 -
Axis vs. France & the Commintern (Allies enter war on October 7th, 1939)
Europe
Western Front
Germany, France
Swedish Kommandos informed the German High Command that the bulk of French forces were massed on their northern border in anticipation of a Wermacht offensive thru Belgium. Belgium, a neutral state, was assured by Germany that its territorial integrity would be honored. Operation Panzermaus was launched on April 12th. Elements of the Jagdverband with their bf109's quickly gained air supervisory over the Alsace-Lorraine theatre over the out-dated French air force. The luffewaffe then pounded the Maginot Line at Metz. The Karl rail guns were brought up and began shelling the Maginot Line at Metz with their 60 cm cannon.
On September 14th, Army Group Center spearheaded by Rommel's Totenkopf Panzer Korps attacked thru the breach in the Maginot Line. On the 15th, Army Group Center exploited the "Metz Gap" and overran Nancy. French Legion North attempted to move south to close the gap but were pinned down by the Luffewaffe. By September 18th, Rommel was besieging Paris. By the 20th, the Wermacht had reached the Atlantic at Brest and split France in two. Germany offered peace on September 22nd, in exchange for Alsace-Lorraine but Laval spit in Rippentrop's face and stormed out of the ceasefire talks screaming "Vive La France!” Attempting to exploit the ceasefire, the French launched a counter attack with 19 mechanized divisions against 6 German mechanized divisions in Nancy. The French were soundly routed once the Luffewaffe stukas pounded the French and turned them back. Paris fell on the 22nd. The French government was evacuated to the Riviera.
By September 27th, German panzers had reached Bordeaux, Cherbourg, and Clemont-Ferrand. Other than the southern portion of the cut off Maginot Line, France holds the Northeast and Riviera pockets. German victory is assured.
The Bulk of the French army had been evacuated from Cherbourg to England by October 1st. The Colmar Pocket of the Maginot Line was still in French hands but they were surrounded and cut of by the Wermacht. Aside from the eastern Riviera, all of France was under German control. 3rd Panzer Korps under Mannheim attacked Marseilles on October 5th. The city fell by the 7th. In a daring attack, LeClerc and the Divisionne Liberate crossed the Rhone and began a march towards the Pyrenees. Elements of 3rd Korps broke off from Marseilles attack and annihilated LeClerc's forces on the 7th. On October 5th, the French attempted a counter-attack from the Colmar pocket into Nancy. The battle raged between XXII Mechanized under von Rundstedt and DeGaulle's 2nd Army until the end of hostilities.
Eastern Front
Germany, USSR, Hungary (exp. forces), Sweden (exp. forces)
On September 14th, in an act of extreme betrayal, Stalin dishonored the Molotov-Rippentrop Pact and declared war on Germany. Four Army Groups (North, Center, South, and Baltic)
attacked the across the Plitch River on the 17th. Army Group Baltic overran Estonia and Latvia within a week and brutally annexed those Baltic Nations into the USSR. As of the 27th, the Lithuanians are holding out against a vast superior force. Possibly suggesting the lack of metal in the Soviet troops hearts. Army Group North broke through the front and overran defenders in Eastern Prussia on the 20th and have taken up positions outside Danzig were Field Marshall Von Brock is hurriedly organizing the German defenders. Army Group South routed the Hungarian expeditionary forces there are has advanced all the way to the province of Oppeln. Army Group Center overran the front forces and met the German Sixth Army at Warsaw on September 19th. Outnumbered 3 to 1 with no armor or heavy weapons, the Third Army held out for a full week until being forced to fall back on the 26th. As of the 27th, elements of the Sixth Army are still fighting hard in the "Lubin Pocket". In Berlin and all along the Elbe, elements of the German Third and Ninth armies are digging in building up defenses. On September 26th, the Swedish Nord Korps landed in Rostock to assist in the defense of the Reich. The world famous Regio Aeronautica and the Luffewaffe relocated to Berlin on the 27th.
With the bulk of the Wermacht fighting in the hedgerows and fields of France, the defenders of the Eastern Front fought a fighting retreat and by early October the whole of the General Government was under Bolshevik control. All that remained was the Lublin Pocket under von Brock. The city of Lublin fell on September 27th and the Sixth army, surrounded and out of supply, surrender in Poznan on September 30th. von Brock escaped vowing to liberate his men.
The Battle of Pommerian Bay occurred on September 28th between the Kriegsmarine and the Soviet Baltic Fleet. The Koln and the bulk of the German transport fleet was sent to the bottom. The Battle cruiser Nuremberg ran aground off the coast of Malmo to prevent sinking. By the dawn of the 29th, the Kriegsmarine had won the day but both fleets were decimated to the point of being combat ineffective.
Army Group North (Soviets) attacked Stettin on October 1st and overran the Lithuanian expeditionary force there. Danzig was cut off from Germany proper. The Red Army besieged the city, which finally fell on the 2nd. German Falschirm launched a raid on Danzig and liberated the city on October 7th. Army Group North attacked the city with 20 divisions. On October 9th, with defeat inevitable, Zhukov sent a commique to the German commander Reinhart for his surrender. Reinhart replied, "Nuts". The Germans were annihilated on the 10th.
Players
USSR – Mr. Bigglesworth
USA – Darthmaur (Jan 1, 1936 – Feb 9, 1940), Snippah (Feb 9-Jun 21, 1940)
UK – Fort
France – GI Tom (Jan, 1936–Dec 13, 1939, Feb 9-Jun 21, 1940), Mauriantia (Dec 13– 25, 1939)
Nationalist China – Poki-Mo (Jan 1, 1936 – Dec 13, 1939)
Japan – Jokerswild (Jan 1, 1936-Sept 17, 1938), Mithrilmight (Sept 17, 1938-June 21, 1940)
Italy – Cfeedback (Jan 1, 1936-Sept 27, 1939), Patton (Oct 13-Dec 13, 1939)
Germany – DieFledermas
History of the World: January 1st, 1936 – June 21st, 1940
Germanic Perspective
1936
Africa
Ethiopian Conflict: November 8th, 1935 - January 27th, 1936
Italy, Ethiopia
Italian expeditionary forces engaged the bulk of the Ethiopian army at Harar on January 17th and defeated them after a quick but harrowing battle. The result was a fighting retreat across the East African steppe resulting in a final show down in the streets of Addis Ababa on January 27th. The Ethiopian king fled to London that night and his son abdicated the thrown to the Italian general. Ethiopia was official incorporated in Italian East Africa on January 28th.
Europe
Italian-Yugoslav War: February 7th - March 10th
Italy, Yugoslavia
Emboldened by his success in Africa, Mussolini declared war on Yugoslavia on February 7th. The French delegate to league of nations denounced this naked act of Fascist aggression but the Allies did little else. The first use of modern air war techniques were displayed in the Balkan Peninsula as Italian tactical bombers strafed the cities of Slovenia mercilessly for 3 weeks. By the time the Italian army marched into Rijeka on February 24th, little resistance was left. Fiat L6 tank divisions raced down out of the Alps until meeting resistance on the outskirts of Sarajevo. Italian bombers engaged in a brutal bombing campaign, leveling the city. Sarajevo and Belgorad both fell on March 10th. Yugoslavia was officially annexed by Italy the next day. France, once again, deplored the action.
Danzig Incident, February 24th
Germany, Poland
Polish destroyers attacked and sunk and unarmed German oil tanker heading to Stettin from Konisberg, all hands were lost. When the German diplomat made inquiries in Warsaw, he was informed that Polish territorial waters were "violated". In response the Koln was sent to escort the next convoy, which was attacked as well. In response Germany sent IX Panzer Korps to secure a land route to East Prussia. Poland responded by attacking the armor column. Germany had no choice but to declare war.
Polish Campaign: March 1st - March 30th
Germany, Poland
IX Panzer Korps under Rommel introduced the world to the "Blitzkrieg". Overrunning the Polish defenders in the central plains, the pzI's, supported by dive-bombers, were at the gates of Warsaw on March 5th. Danzig fell from siege that night. The New York Times broke the story that Hitler had agreed to "partition Poland" between himself and Stalin. Chamberlain and the French PM were speechless. Krakow fell on March 8th and it seemed the Polish Campaign would be over in a week. Not so, Polish irregulars in the "Poznan Pocket" rose up and cut off IX Panzer. The German Luffewaffe pounded the defender mercilessly and the Poles finally surrender after two entire army groups were poured into the province. Poland officially surrendered on March 30th and was incorporated in the Greater Reich. The Molotov-Rippentrop Pact was honored on April 3rd and the General Government was established on June 6th. France refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of both acts.
Albanian Conflict: March 17th - March 18th
Italy, Albania
Without even bothering to declare war, Italian forces already in theatre for the Yugoslav campaign, attacked Tyrel on March 17th and captured King Zog asleep in his bed at the royal palace. He was executed the next day and Albania was incorporated into new Italian protectorate of Balkania.
On April 29th the Belgians, in response the growing power of Germany, elected the conservative Nationalist Party to power. Every defiant, the Norwegians kept the Socialist Party in power on May 6th with French following suit, even though the polls suggested a more leftist outcome. On November 8th, FDR was re-elected on the promise of rebuilding America and pulling her out of the Great Depression.
Spanish Civil War: July 18th, 1936 – August 2nd, 1937
Republican Spain, Nationalist Spain, France (exp. forces), Italy (exp. forces & support), Germany (support), USSR (support)
On July 18th, General Mola attempted a military coup but was later assassinated by British SAS agents disguised as Portuguese sailors. His protégé, General Franco, assumed command of the rebels. French Foreign Legion troops and the Italian Condor Legion both entered the conflict under auspice of "volunteers". After almost 4 months of heavy fighting, Madrid fell to the Fascists on September 2nd. This was short lived, however, and the Republicans pushed the Nationalists back from everything except the city center. The siege of Madrid began on September is still going on as of June 1st, 1937. It is said the trapped civilian population is living on little more than rats and the flesh of the dead. The Condor Legion was decimated and ceased to function as a unit at the Rout of Tortosa on November 12th. With their supplies cut off somewhere in the mountain passes, the Italian armor was useless and abandoned. By Christmas, the Nationalists were pushed back to Barcelona.
On July 27th, Germany and Italy officially formed the Axis Alliance in response to growing Allied aggression and imperialism.
Swedish War of Liberation: August 18th - September 8th
Sweden, Germany
On August 10th, the Swedish government arrested 1000's of protesters in Stockholm demanding that the police release a dozen Fascist intellectuals held without trial who had been protesting the newly elected Communist government. On August 12th, Sweden closed its borders to German interests and nationalized the Rheinmetal Ironworks, a wholly owned German company. Unconfirmed reports suggested hundreds of suspected Fascist sympathizers were executed. Fearing the fate of their brothers Swedes, the Wermacht landed an amphibious assault outside of Malmo under Guderian. German spies had secretly landed several days earlier and organized the Swedish resistance. Rommel's Scandinavia Korps raced up the coast and took Stockholm on September 8th. FDR denounced this as "the Rape of Stockholm". A National Socialist government was installed on September 10th and welcomed with open arms into the Axis.
The Romanian Incident: August 20th - December 7th
USSR, Italy, Germany
Part of the Molotov-Rippentrop Pact from March agreed that Romania should fall under the sphere of Soviet influence. Unfortunately, no one had informed Mussolini of this. The Fascist Party of Romania had developed a strong following after witness German might during the Polish Campaign. Italy, desiring to further expand its influence in the Balkans began to aggressively support their fellow Fascists. The Bolsheviks attempted to influence the Romanian elections as well, but the population showed little interest. On September 3rd, the Romanian plebiscite carried the Fascists into power. Molotov personally delivered a commique to Hitler the next day, "What is you Neapolitan Dog up to?” The Germans had a problem. The new Romanian president was begging to join the Axis and promised free reign to the Romanian oil fields. Mussolini, drunk with power, believed the Soviets would cower before his legions. Rippentrop however, had reported that the new T-26 tanks on parade in Moscow could easily be turned west. Hitler told Mussolini to tone it down and focus on developing his new conquests. Molotov was assured that Romania was Stalin's to do with as he wished.
Asia
Chinese Civil War: 1922 -
Nationalist China, Sinkaing, Communist China
On March 4th, Chiang Kai-shek refused the olive branch from Mao in the Siam Incident and ordered his armies to attack Yanan. Yanan finally fell on April 6th. It is unclear exactly what US involvement was in the civil war, but US advisers were officially invited to Nanking on March 6th along with several air wings of American made P-40 Warhawks.
Mao and his Communist rebels played a game of cat and mouse with the Guomindang armies until he was finally captured 9 months later on December 4th and executed. Stalin is reported to have lost little sleep over the incident. The war with Sinkaing had been little more than infrequent border skirmishes.
1937
Europe
Second Romanian Incident: January 11th - March 12th
USSR, Italy, Germany
Elements of the Italian foreign ministry, unbeknownst to Mussolini, had never given up on Romania and began supporting "Romanian Storm troopers" in their crusade to harass Bolshevik elements in Bucharest. Stalin was made aware of this and became outraged, believing in his paranoia that Hitler had betrayed him. On January 11th, Molotov closed the Soviet embassy in Berlin and delivered the personal message of Stalin, "what is the point an embassy if fascists cannot be trusted?” The chimneys of the embassy burned black smoke as sensitive documents were burned. 2 Red Armies were moved to the German-Russian border. Outraged, Hitler sent his SS Reichsfurher to Rome to see just what was going on down there. Mussolini assured he had no foreknowledge of the events but once again suggested an all out assault on Russia. Manstein's III Panzer Korps was sent to Rome to "assist" in the inter-Fascist negotiations. A secret back channel was established between Wilhelm Frick and the infamous Beria in the city of Tallinn in Estonia. The Estonia Accords were signed there (of which the contents are unknown to this author). The Red Army groups were pulled back on March 12th and Mussolini ceased his grumbling about Romania. The Italian Foreign Minister was executed on April 1st.
On March 13th after many months of careful negotiation, Lithuania joined the Axis.
Spanish Civil War: (cont’d)
The Second Condor Legion landed in Barcelona, now under siege on February 2nd. They Nationalists broke out of the Barcelona pocket on February 17th. The Second Battle of Tortosa occurred on March 3rd with Nationalists defeating the Republicans soundly. Madrid was relieved on May 9th. On May 17th, Anarchists attempted to take over the Republican government now in Seville but were violently crushed. As of June 1st, the winner of the Civil War is still in doubt. On June 29th, the Fascist armies under Franco support by the Italian Condor Legion under General Abruzzi defeated the Republicans at Seville. This was the last major engagement of the Spanish Civil War. Only a ragtag force of scattered guerillas remained. On July 29th, the last Republican held province of Grenada fell and the French Foreign Legion was evacuated to Gibraltar. Franco was recognized as the legitimate leader of Spain by Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Lithuania on August 2nd. The rest of the world powers begrudgingly advocated their stand on the Republicans by the end of the year.
On March 2nd, Stalin initiated the Great Purges. So far, 150,000 Russians, Ukrainians, and Karelians have disappeared into the barren tundra of Siberia. Their fate is unknown. The Great Purges in the USSR continued with the officer corps of the Red Army being decimated in mass executions in the Polish Frontier.
With the Balkan crisis averted, the situation in Europe cooled from a potential hot war and settled into a cold war between France and Germany. The Soviet Union exploited the Western Power's distraction and set about promoting World Revolution via diplomatic means, particularly in the Americas.
Axis Rift
Germany, Italy
Mussolini publicly questioned the "Iron" of Hitler's regime and proclaimed himself the "Crusader against Bolshevism". Hitler responded by ceasing all iron shipments to Italy and cessation of their scientific exchange program. Mussolini responded by publicly stating the entire Balkan region was in the Italian sphere of influence. Stalin declared any Italian aggression would mean war with the Reich to which Hitler responded the Russian's would "regret any offensive moves towards the Axis". Forces were moved to the fronts and several over flights of me109's and Yak-1's into enemy airspace were reported. At this time the French took advantage of the situation and sent emissaries to Hungary and Romania suggesting the formation of a "Little Entente". Both Stalin and Hitler realized Allied exploitation of the situation and agreed to moratorium on the situation on August 15th. By October 8th, with the war raging in Asia, Germany proclaimed Mussolini the "betrayer of Fascism". Italy officially withdrew from the Axis 3 days later.
On October 16th, French courtesans unsuccessfully attempted to poison Franco in his bed. The coup put down, Franco moved his forces into the Pyrenees. Hitler and Franco began holding talks about a Germanic-Spanish Axis.
Bulgarian Conflict: October 21st - November 9th
Italy, Bulgaria
Mussolini, intent on keeping his promises of Balkan domination declared war on Bulgaria on Oct 21. Repeating their Yugoslavian tactics, the Italian air force engaged in a bombing campaign of Sofia on for 3 weeks until finally besieging the Bulgarian capital on November 6th. The demoralized population surrendered in 3 days and the victorious Italian legions installed Slodibin Chiceschu as the puppet fascist leader of Bulgaria. The Soviet Union was outraged vowed to kick "the little Italian" out of the Balkans.
A Ukrainian independent movement held an unauthorized plebiscite on November 2nd and voted to leave the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. Stalin responded by sending the Red Army and "purging" the entire city of Odessa. The League of Nation expressed utter shock at Stalin's brutality. Curiously, France stated it was an "internal Russian matter". Rippentrop expressed sadness for the people of Ukraine and offered refuge in the Reich to those Ukrainians who could make it across the Dnieper.
On November 5th, Finland, fearing the growing hostility of the USSR elected a leftist government on the premise of neutrality.
Romania
Ever the plaything of the world powers, The Romanian political parties of the left, right, and center all saw foreign currency and covert operations assist and hinder them. Hungarian separatists attempted provoke a Hungarian-Romanian conflict over Transylvania. Russia assisted the leftist-leaning army with Soviet doctrine and elite Italian mountain troops secretly crossed the border to assist the governments "protection police" By December, the Romanian president had caved to the militaries demands and began looking East.
Middle East
Saudi Arabian Conflict: September 16th - November 25th
Italy, Saudi Arabia
Italian forces landed in Bahrain on September 16th and fought a war of attrition through the desert until finally besieging Riyadh on November 16th. More soldiers were lost to dehydration and dysentery than actual combat with the Saudis. The city held for 9 days but finally surrendered on November 25th. Mussolini established Saudi Arabia, as Italian Asia Minor.
The Americas
On May 15th, in an event that shocked the world, the Labor Unions in the United States announced they were united under one banner and became the American Communist Party. Concerned about the fate of democracy in North America, both France and Britain lent their support to Right Wing elements of the United States.
On June 16th, the Columbian labor party took power ousting the military junta there.
The Americans hosted a public ceremony on June 23rd, in the Quincy, Massachusetts shipyards where the keel of the 33,000-ton USS Essex aircraft carrier was laid down in flagrant violation of the Washington Naval Treaty.
Asia
On July 2nd, the Japanese Empire officially declared martial law and disbanded the parliament. This was followed a fortnight later by the Siamese Conflict which touched off The War of Southeast Asia.
Siamese Conflict: July 16th - September 28th
Siam, Japan, Nationalist China
Japanese torpedo planes launched a surprise attack on the Siamese Fleet in the Gulf of Siam on the morning of July 16th. The entire fleet was sunk in a matter of hours. Japan officially declared war as Imperial naval infantry stormed the beaches north of Singapore and Bangkok. France, Britain, and Germany all expressed outrage at this flagrant expansionism while the USA expressed "grave concerns". Bangkok fell to the Japanese on July 20th. By the end of the month the Siamese were engaged solely in Guerilla warfare. The King of Siam fled to Indochina. On August 5th, with Japanese forces racing north, the Chinese declared war on Siam as well and crossed the border. The Washington Post ran a front-page headline, "Is China a democracy?" On September 12th, at the Battle of Khon Kaen, the Chinese defeated the Siamese and were face to face with the Imperial Japanese Army. The Siam Conference was held in Calcutta on the 28th with all major powers present. It was decided Bangkok and the Malay Peninsula would go to Japan while the rest would be incorporated into Greater China. The Japanese representative was not pleased.
The War of Southeast Asia: October 6th - December 2nd
Japan, France, UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Nationalist China, Manchucko
The Japanese, infuriated by the Siamese Treaty, declared war on France on October 6th in an attempt to bring Indochina into their Co-Prosperity Sphere. The Allies, obeying treaty stipulations with France, declared war on Japan the next day. On October 7th, Japanese Zeros from the Kaga and the Hosho in the Battle of Thailand Gulf attacked the HMS Hood and her battle group. The Hood escaped with heavy damage but the rest of the battle group was sunk, the harbinger of carrier warfare and the end of the "queen of the sea's" reign was apparent. On October 17th the Australian Navy with her sole carrier caught a Japanese assault force heading for Brunei. The Battle of the Singapore Sea saw the entire Japanese force sent to the bottom with 12 Japanese marine divisions. On October 26th, after heavy negotiations by France, China joined the Allies and sent 40 divisions into Manchuko violating the Sino-Japanese Non-Aggression Treaty of 1936. President Roosevelt proclaimed extreme concern for U.S. business interests in China. On November 1st, Japanese marines landed in the Caroline Islands quickly overwhelming the island chain's defenders. The retreating British general proclaimed, "I shall return!” On November 2nd, the Dali Lama of Tibet and Chaing Kai-shek proclaimed a desire for closer relations between the two nations in the face of Japanese aggression. The following day, Bangkok fell to Guomindang forces, which then turned east towards Indochina. On November 15th, the bulk of the Chinese and Japanese armies met at Phnom Penn. The Chinese were supported by irregular Viet Minh guerillas under the Ho Chi Minh. This did not sit well with the French governor. In a brilliant maneuver, the Japanese did an end-around on the 17th and landed an amphibious assault force near Bangkok surrounding the city. The siege lasted until November 20th when the city finally fell. The Philippines were evacuated of all American civilians under the cover of the U.S. 7th Fleet on the 19th. On November 22nd, the Australian Navy and the Yamato battle group fought an inclusive exchange in the Battle of the East China Sea. The Yamato was heavily damaged but not before leveling her guns on the Australian carrier, sending it to Melbourne for repairs.
On December 1st, the Royal Navy's India Station battled the massed Japanese Imperial Navy and was annihilated at the Japanese Trench. On the same day, the Indian Army attacked Japan's western Siamese holdings. Realizing they had lost the initiative, the Japanese ambassador in Paris offered to evacuate all forces from Indochina in exchange for peace. The German and US representatives at the talks both urged a return to the status quo. France agreed to peace and hostilities officially ended on December 7th, 1937. Chaing Kai-shek, who was not present at the peace talks and whose Guomindang armies were gobbling up Japanese territory was outraged. He publicly insulted the French as "cowardly weaklings" and was slow to withdraw his divisions from Japanese territory until the Royal Navy was dispatched to Kowloon.
1938
Europe
On January 3rd, Franco and Laval held the Spanish-French Summit in Barcelona. To the surprise of both Berlin and Rome, Madrid announced closer ties with the West. Over the course of the next six months, Franco loosened his iron grip and as of June 1st has even begun to suggest the possibility of allowing a parliament to be instated although his stand on Spanish neutrality seems assured.
Albert Speer announced the completion of the Ziegfried Line in the Rhineland to defend the Reich against French aggression. This seems to have been a wise investment. On February 5th, workers in Alsace-Lorraine demanded Paris allow their provinces to be returned to Greater Germany. The French responded by violently suppressing the protesters. The French premier announced war was inevitable but luckily cooler German heads prevailed and conflict was avoided.
On March 13th, the great German people of Austria demanded their president accept Anschluss with Germany proper and take their place with the Reich. The Austrian people were welcomed into Germany with open arms and the Austrian army, second only to Germany in discipline and prowess was easily folded into the Wermacht.
On February 18th, bowing to extreme pressure, the Romanians joined the Commintern. The honeymoon was extremely short as can be evidenced by the Romanian army being taken over by the Russians a short 2 weeks later with Commissars installed in every division. The Romanian army was sent to the Hungarian border on March 27th in what can only have been a precursor to invasion. Italy, seeing the potential to further expand its Balkan holdings, also moved its legions to the Hungarian border. The Hungarians, fearing imminent invasion, asked, and were accepted into the Axis on April 12th. The Wermacht's IX Korps was sent to Prague and both the Italian and Romanian armies moved away from the borderlands.
Despite the French's continued gifts, promises, and bribes to the Turkish Sultan, the fine Ottomans elected a Nationalist candidate to their governing body on April 11th.
As the spring of 1938 gives way to summer, the world is at peace although a cold war between France and Germany for the domination of Europe is fully engaged and the Russian Bear has been eerily quiet.
The summer of 1938 opened with the hope of peace. Throughout the world not one country was at war. Unfortunately this was not the dawn of a new era but the eye of the storm.
Turkey and the United Kingdom held talks about closer ties in view of the increasing hostilities of the Russian and Italian forces in the area.
On September 13th, fearing Soviet "cultural aggression", Estonia joined the Axis Powers at the urging of their Baltic sister nation, Lithuania.
Czechoslovakian Crisis
Germany, Czechoslovakia
On September 30th, the Germans living in the Sudetenland held a plebiscite and voted to leave Czechoslovakia (a bastard creation of the French) and rejoin the Reich. A firm German hand in Munich caused Chamberlain and Laval to acquiesce to this righteous demand. The Reich agreed to the independence of what remained of Czechoslovakia. The Russians and French released the usual diplomatic protests.
On October 20th, Rippentrop and Laval held the first French-German Summit in Geneva. Both sides re-affirmed their desire for peace between the two nations. France, once again, attempted to meddle in internal Reich affairs but Rippentrop waived this off as inconsequential.
On December 1st, after repeated threats of invasion, Afghanistan joined the Commintern. The United States publicly condemned Soviet imperialism.
Asia
On March 5th, proclaiming, "the French are bunch of worthless Frogs who are only concerned with women's underwear", Chaing Kai-shek announced China was unconcerned with European affairs and withdrew from the Alliance. France proclaimed, "Extreme sadness over Chaing's obvious lack of understanding of real politick" and closed its embassy in Nanking. The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and South Africa followed suit.
Second Sino-Japanese War: November 30th, 1938 -
Japan, Nationalist China, Manchukua, UK (exp forces), France (exp forces), USA (exp forces)
Nationalist China and Imperial Japan had been engaged in border clashes since the end of the first war between their two nations. On November 30th, elements of the Guomintang attacked Manchukuo forces the Japanese to respond by declaring war to defend their ally. The month of December was known as the "phony war" with no major actions between the two nations. France, the United Kingdom, and America all sent "volunteers" into the conflict.
The Americas
Bolsheviks in the Americas
On June 2nd, the Marxist-Leninist Party of Mexico, in control of the Mexican senate, passed the Mexican-Russian Friendship Treaty. On July 4th, the American Communist Party staged mass rallies in Los Angeles back by the AFL-CIO. America expelled all Soviet Citizens on August 22nd and banned Socialist Parties.
On November 3rd, the American Communist Party gained 5 seats in the Senate and 22 seats in Congress. FDR's control over his nation was brought into question.
On December 7th, the United States joined the Allies in hopes to protect its interests in the Far East and curb Soviet expansion
1939
The Americas
El Salvador and Mexico began discussing a mutual defense pact with the USSR against American aggression on March 6th.
On May 8th, Chile and Germany opened negotiations for greater trade relations. Both Chile and Argentina expressed concerns about the growing communist movements in Central and North America.
Europe
On March 8th, undersecretary of the interior in Germany, von Stupel, was uncovered as a spy for the French by the SS. He was executed in Berlin. Germany publicly denounced the French and their historically dishonorable tactics. France denied all responsibility. Germany offered to hold another peace summit to which the French but Laval, ever the warmonger, refused. As if to reinforce the French taste for dishonorable actions, they once again attempt to assassinate Franco, this time with an exploding cigar, on March 26th. Franco expressed complete shock considering the recent thawing of French-Spanish relations.
War of Bohemian Independence: March 15th - April 6th
Germany, Czechoslovakia
On March 15th, reports of Slovakian atrocities against the Czech minority reached Berlin. In attempt to prevent further bloodshed, Germany offered to take the Czechs under their protection and allow the Slovaks to govern themselves as they saw fit. The Czechs responded by imprisoning the German diplomat and declaring war on the Germany. Slovakian marauders attacked the undefended city of Katowice in the General Government and massacred the Polish citizens there. France demanded Germany sue for peace! Germany will teach any who dare declare war on the Reich that this brings a price. V, IX, and X Panzerkorps attacked Pizen along with XII and XV mechkorps on March 22nd. The Luffewaffe's bf109's cleared the skies while stukas reigned down hell. Czech LT 35 tanks proved completely inferior to the Wermacht's pzIII's and IV's. The Battle of Pizen was over in hours. The Panzers blitzed towards Slavkov. On March 8th, Slavkov fell to the Wermacht. Bratislava fell on April 4th. The Czech lands were incorporated into Greater Germany on August 6th and Slovakia was incorporated into the General Government.
Political Crisis over Czechoslovakia
The Soviets condemned German aggression and the French called up their reserves. Italy told France to mind its own business and Germany declared any assistance to Czechoslovakia would be interpreted as a declaration of war. On March 24h, Pope Pius XII called for a world peace summit at the Vatican. France declined. The Pope announced amnesty to all French Catholics and Italy announced open immigration to French ex-patriots. Revealing their true nature, the Bolsheviks granted refuge to Slovakian raiders within the USSR. The Kriegsmarine sailed to the Sund and announced the Baltic was closed to all shipping. On April 1st, desiring increased security, Latvia joined the Axis.
In the aftermath of the Czechoslovakian Crisis, France increased the Maginot Line. The Wermacht's elite Gerigsjager Korps was moved to the Ziegfried Line to counter this.
On June 8th, Swedish intelligence operative reported that French spies were instigating the Norwegian government to suppress Socialist political groups in Oslo. All German diplomatic envoys were turned away. It was decided that "occupied Scandinavia" needed to be liberated.
Operation Thor's Hammer: June 16th - July 5th
Germany, Sweden, Norway
On June 16th, Germany declared war on the Norwegian government and pleaded with the Norse to take up arms against their illegal government. On June 17th, the Kriegsmarine defeated the Norwegian navy at the Battle of Hardanger Fjord. The Gerigsjager Korps successfully committed an Amphibious landing in Tronheim on July 29th. The luffewaffe engaged in a bombing campaign against Oslo. On July 1st, elements of the Swedish Defense Forces occupied Roros. Kristiansand provincial citizens rose up on July 3rd and overthrew their oppressors. On July 4th, the Norwegian army committed a coup in Oslo and turned the capital over to the Gerigsjager. On July 5th, National Socialist Norway was welcomed into the Axis.
Netherlands Conflict: August 1st - August 13th
Germany, Netherlands
On August 1st, under French pressure, the Netherlands banned all Fascist parties and invited French "observers" to the German border. This affront could not be tolerated. Elements of X Panzers crossed the Ems River and overran Groningen by August 4th. Arnhem fell on the 5th. The Battle of Amsterdam raged from August 5th until the 13th when the besieged city finally fell. The Dutch government was evacuated to the East Indies. The immediate threat averted, the Germans were satisfied to let the Dutch live in their South Pacific holdings.
On August 3rd, Laval gave his famous "Not One Inch of French Soil" speech at the League of Nations and openly threatened Germany with war.
On August 21st, Finland, Norway, and Sweden held the Pan-Scandinavian Summit. Denmark refused to participate.
On September 10th, after a 5-day conference in Echternach, Luxemburg offered and was accepted into Greater Germany. The French went berserk. The Allies shrugged that Luxembourg was German soil after all.
On September 11th France withdrew from the Allies and massed troops on the German border. French fighters began buzzing German positions on the Maginot Line. The French fleet put to sea. Soviet armies in the East began to engage in maneuvers. It became apparent that a double-cross was in the works. With no other recourse, the Germans declared war.
Asia
Second Sino-Japanese War (cont'd)
On March 21st, the Japanese won the first major battle of the war at Xianyang. In communication SNAFU, American "Flying Tigers" based in Hong Kong strafed elements of the Soviet Fleet in the Tonkin Gulf. A Russian battle cruiser was damaged and diplomatic insults flew back and forth. On April 14th, under guidance of German advisors, Japan used the new "blitzkrieg" tactics and defeated the Chinese during the first tank battle of the war at Yanan. On May 20th, with Allies now fielding 20 "volunteer" divisions in China, Japan joined the Axis Powers. France once again protested this action even as their troops marched on Japanese occupied Kowloon. On June 27th, the bulk of the Chinese army was routed at Wudu. The Imperial Army had seemed to gain the initiative once again. On August 5th, fearing Chinese aggression, the Warlord Lee of Singkaing, brought his nation into the Commintern. For the next 4 months, the Sino-Japanese fronts settled into a protracted stalemate.
Africa
On August 5th, South Africa elected the Democratic-Republicans to power.
WORLD WAR TWO
September 12th, 1939 -
Axis vs. France & the Commintern (Allies enter war on October 7th, 1939)
Europe
Western Front
Germany, France
Swedish Kommandos informed the German High Command that the bulk of French forces were massed on their northern border in anticipation of a Wermacht offensive thru Belgium. Belgium, a neutral state, was assured by Germany that its territorial integrity would be honored. Operation Panzermaus was launched on April 12th. Elements of the Jagdverband with their bf109's quickly gained air supervisory over the Alsace-Lorraine theatre over the out-dated French air force. The luffewaffe then pounded the Maginot Line at Metz. The Karl rail guns were brought up and began shelling the Maginot Line at Metz with their 60 cm cannon.
On September 14th, Army Group Center spearheaded by Rommel's Totenkopf Panzer Korps attacked thru the breach in the Maginot Line. On the 15th, Army Group Center exploited the "Metz Gap" and overran Nancy. French Legion North attempted to move south to close the gap but were pinned down by the Luffewaffe. By September 18th, Rommel was besieging Paris. By the 20th, the Wermacht had reached the Atlantic at Brest and split France in two. Germany offered peace on September 22nd, in exchange for Alsace-Lorraine but Laval spit in Rippentrop's face and stormed out of the ceasefire talks screaming "Vive La France!” Attempting to exploit the ceasefire, the French launched a counter attack with 19 mechanized divisions against 6 German mechanized divisions in Nancy. The French were soundly routed once the Luffewaffe stukas pounded the French and turned them back. Paris fell on the 22nd. The French government was evacuated to the Riviera.
By September 27th, German panzers had reached Bordeaux, Cherbourg, and Clemont-Ferrand. Other than the southern portion of the cut off Maginot Line, France holds the Northeast and Riviera pockets. German victory is assured.
The Bulk of the French army had been evacuated from Cherbourg to England by October 1st. The Colmar Pocket of the Maginot Line was still in French hands but they were surrounded and cut of by the Wermacht. Aside from the eastern Riviera, all of France was under German control. 3rd Panzer Korps under Mannheim attacked Marseilles on October 5th. The city fell by the 7th. In a daring attack, LeClerc and the Divisionne Liberate crossed the Rhone and began a march towards the Pyrenees. Elements of 3rd Korps broke off from Marseilles attack and annihilated LeClerc's forces on the 7th. On October 5th, the French attempted a counter-attack from the Colmar pocket into Nancy. The battle raged between XXII Mechanized under von Rundstedt and DeGaulle's 2nd Army until the end of hostilities.
Eastern Front
Germany, USSR, Hungary (exp. forces), Sweden (exp. forces)
On September 14th, in an act of extreme betrayal, Stalin dishonored the Molotov-Rippentrop Pact and declared war on Germany. Four Army Groups (North, Center, South, and Baltic)
attacked the across the Plitch River on the 17th. Army Group Baltic overran Estonia and Latvia within a week and brutally annexed those Baltic Nations into the USSR. As of the 27th, the Lithuanians are holding out against a vast superior force. Possibly suggesting the lack of metal in the Soviet troops hearts. Army Group North broke through the front and overran defenders in Eastern Prussia on the 20th and have taken up positions outside Danzig were Field Marshall Von Brock is hurriedly organizing the German defenders. Army Group South routed the Hungarian expeditionary forces there are has advanced all the way to the province of Oppeln. Army Group Center overran the front forces and met the German Sixth Army at Warsaw on September 19th. Outnumbered 3 to 1 with no armor or heavy weapons, the Third Army held out for a full week until being forced to fall back on the 26th. As of the 27th, elements of the Sixth Army are still fighting hard in the "Lubin Pocket". In Berlin and all along the Elbe, elements of the German Third and Ninth armies are digging in building up defenses. On September 26th, the Swedish Nord Korps landed in Rostock to assist in the defense of the Reich. The world famous Regio Aeronautica and the Luffewaffe relocated to Berlin on the 27th.
With the bulk of the Wermacht fighting in the hedgerows and fields of France, the defenders of the Eastern Front fought a fighting retreat and by early October the whole of the General Government was under Bolshevik control. All that remained was the Lublin Pocket under von Brock. The city of Lublin fell on September 27th and the Sixth army, surrounded and out of supply, surrender in Poznan on September 30th. von Brock escaped vowing to liberate his men.
The Battle of Pommerian Bay occurred on September 28th between the Kriegsmarine and the Soviet Baltic Fleet. The Koln and the bulk of the German transport fleet was sent to the bottom. The Battle cruiser Nuremberg ran aground off the coast of Malmo to prevent sinking. By the dawn of the 29th, the Kriegsmarine had won the day but both fleets were decimated to the point of being combat ineffective.
Army Group North (Soviets) attacked Stettin on October 1st and overran the Lithuanian expeditionary force there. Danzig was cut off from Germany proper. The Red Army besieged the city, which finally fell on the 2nd. German Falschirm launched a raid on Danzig and liberated the city on October 7th. Army Group North attacked the city with 20 divisions. On October 9th, with defeat inevitable, Zhukov sent a commique to the German commander Reinhart for his surrender. Reinhart replied, "Nuts". The Germans were annihilated on the 10th.
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