American Caesar: An United States AAR in Kaiserreich

[Bloodfelt]

Hi, I'm back! After almost finishing my exams and a very busy weekend working on a model of the European Parliament, I've started writing the next chapter of this story. But I doubt I'll have it until after next week.

Don't worry. Our General will be back soon!

That would be good for young Douglas and his supporters to become the next ruler once old Douglas is no longer around.

No doubt, unless Ike fixes this soon, a very angry young Caesar from his exile in the Third Army will take advantage of this.

He may become a bit of a problem down the line, he might be content with dictator of the FBI for now, but surely he'll covet the Presidency at some point?

Is Edgar J. Hoover ambitious? No way. He is surely only loyal to the American Caesar. Right? Right??

A screw up on Eiserhower's part does not bode well for his future "I like Ike" campaign!

After a brutal civil war and MacArthur's ambition, will be any elections in the new America?+

I don't think this war will be over by Christmas. But I don't see the fighting continuing past 1938. We will see.

Ike screwed up, but the PSA has little to defend the Bay Area or LA. Can he redeem his image?

Well, you never know. The Syndicalists have not launched any offensive for some time, despite the incredible number of elite units of the International. Can an offensive turn the tide of the war? And let's pray that Ike can make a quick attack on the Pacific forces before they reach Denver

These things happen But overall things had gone well in the west and a Federal defence will be scrambled no doubt.

As the world devolves into a mess of civil wars, distractions abound and something big will be triggered at some point. But for now, American focus is inwards and will remain so for some while yet.

Well, the civil war was certainly brutal and will plunge America into isolationism again. But is this MacArthur's plan?

 

[Chac1]

After some effort over time, I have finally caught up with this interesting newer work. So I actually welcomed your pause in writing. (Good luck with the finals.)

This is actually a bit scary to read for a variety of reasons. I am unfamiliar with this mod and do not play HoI, but a game that has Jack Reed running part of the U.S. certainly is interesting.

What you have so far is quite good.

 

[Bloodfelt]

Chapter 9: The End of the War in the West

"The supreme quality of leadership is integrity."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

Operation Freedom II penetrated deep into federal territory and captured many supply depots, allowing the advance to continue. In Denver, MacArthur's National Salvation Government was hastily assembled to deal with the situation. With no news from the front and no communication with Eisenhower's headquarters, Hearst greatly exaggerated the situation, trying to blame Eisenhower and even calling a court martial.

But after several uncertainties, a telegram arrived from the Pacific States. In it, the Pacific States proposed an armistice in which they would return to the borders from when the conflict began. Even to save face, the Californian potentates proposed to discuss rejoining the Union in a couple of years, under their own conditions. Since there are no records of this meeting and we only know of it from vague memoirs written long after the war, the exact position of the members of Caesar's Cabal on the matter cannot be established. But as J.P. Morgan's secret diary* says:

"No one wanted to say it for fear of being called a defeatist. But many of us looked at each other in silence, seeing if anyone dared to say what they thought. Were we willing to sacrifice the entire West to achieve peace? Some made economic calculations. Others tried to contact friends and relatives in the advanced zones to obtain information. But we all looked at a silent MacArthur in his chair, smoking his characteristic pipe. We never know what was going through his head at that moment.

At that moment, Hearst entered the room very quickly for his age, accompanied by Hoover. But to the surprise of many, Hoover did not show his characteristic smile, but a neutral facial expression. But his eyes showed fear. He crouched next to the General's ear and whispered a few words. While Hoover and Hearst sat down, MacArthur spoke calmly:

- A telegram has arrived from Virginia, from General Bradley. Apparently, the Syndicalist forces have broken the siege of Norfolk and are pushing Bradley's forces south. The First Army has also lost Charleston and at this rate, Cincinnati.

His tone left no room for doubt, the situation had also become complicated in the West. Using an excuse, the general left the room. At that moment, all of us began shouting at each other and taking sides. Hoover and Hearst wanted to impeach Eisenhower and replace him with another general. Frankfurter and the bureaucrats talked about the possibility of an armistice. Some, including myself, went so far as to call them traitors and that they were in league with the California elites to destroy the country. But as always when these great speeches occurred, MacArthur was not long in returning, accompanied by his biographer, William J. Prescott. The young man, beaten off the road and looking like he had just had an adventure, spoke in a halting voice:

- I'm coming from the Third Army Headquarters. General Eisenhower is fine and has given me a letter to read to you. We've been trying to get in touch with Denver for the last 72 hours, but it seems that some kind of saboteur is in one of our offices.

- I'll have Hoover do an extensive investigation into this**- said MacArthur, sitting back down in his seat at the head of the table. - Read us the letter, Mr. Prescott.

To President MacArthur, from General Eisenhower, head of the Second Army:

As the news must have reached Denver, rebel forces in the West have launched an unexpected offensive that has disrupted our defenses in depth, some of it reaching deep into our supply line. Although I could talk about responsibility and mistakes, the main one is mine, for not having foreseen the concentration of enemy forces. However, Operation Freedom II has been nothing more than a propaganda attack, intended to confuse us. McNair's 4th Army has almost finished reducing the last enemy redoubts in the north, which has helped the Second Army to position itself near San Francisco. Now, while their forces are weak, we must advance on their capital, following the coast. According to my calculations, it will not take long for them to retreat to their original positions.​

Those reassuring words from Ike were what we all needed. Now, already concentrated, the meeting turned to how to solve the Bradley´s problem"

* To this day, historians disagree whether the diary was actually written by J.P. Morgan. However, his knowledge of the goings-on within the Caesar Clique makes it quite clear that he was aware of the events that took place.

** J. Edgar Hoover never properly investigated rumors of traitors at headquarters. Some historians believe that the FBI was behind the general's Incommunication seeking to oust him from office and thus expand its influence.
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With a large number of fronts open, the forces of the Third International needed to end one of their wars quickly, with the European conflict looming. On the one hand, neither the Italian nor the Indian conflicts seemed likely to be ended quickly. Nor, it must be said, the American one. But Reed managed to convince Mosley and Valois that a major offensive would be able to maintain a stable front and link it to the coming world war against bourgeois capitalism. The main promoter of this theory was the young Gus Hall, leader of the Red Guards. He, ideologically much more related to European totalist tendencies than to Reed's syndicalism, established a five-part defensive plan. In this defensive plan, called Order 227, he would create strong defensive zones behind the mountains and rivers of the Northwest, forcing the federals to wear themselves out against the fortifications. Once one zone fell, the syndicalist troops would retreat even further inland, to a new line of fortifications. With this, Hall thought he could hold out for almost a decade, by the time the International had won in Europe and could join in overthrowing the bourgeois regimes in America.

One does not know whether Oswald Mosley or George Valois really intended to come to the rescue of a ruined America just after finishing off Germany, but they promised it to Hall. However, in order to start this line of fortifications, it was necessary to establish a protection zone. Therefore, almost at the same time as Operation Liberty II, the syndicalists began an offensive against Omar Bradley's first army.

Although they were elite troops, Bradley's forces were spread out and covered too much ground, which led to the fall of Charleston on October 27 and the release of the siege of Norfolk. However, Bradley established a magnificent defense in depth, outnumbered in many cases 3 to 1. He retreated in many useless areas while defending the large cities. This bought him time. Time in which the 2nd Army should be able to defeat the rebels in the West.

Eisenhower wasted no time. By the time the syndicalist operation ground to a halt in early December, the 2nd Army was perfectly positioned to launch a counterattack against George Marshall's weakened forces. The 2nd Army advanced along the coast, taking San Francisco after heavy fighting on December 21. With his forces deserting and a quarter of the army surrounded by federal forces, Marshall was dismissed as army commander.

But this decision was taken at the worst possible time. Thinking that his resignation was to blame for the fall of Los Angeles, the troops of the Army of the North surrendered en masse under the command of Hap Arnold. Among them were thousands of Irish volunteers. Now the 4th Army joined the coastal advance against General Doolittle.

But Eisenhower was not the only one to advance. To the surprise of the syndicalists themselves, Bradley counterattacked on the morning of January 6. Although he failed to retake Cincinnati, he did take Richmond for the first time. Norfolk also fall to the 1st Army Forces. The Washington Road was open.

On January 18, after fierce fighting between Japanese volunteer forces and the forces of the 4th Army, Los Angeles fell to the federal army. With it, a large part of the generals and politicians of the Pacific government were captured. Shortly afterward, the surrender was signed. Now federal forces headed east to end the war once and for all.

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After some effort over time, I have finally caught up with this interesting newer work. So I actually welcomed your pause in writing. (Good luck with the finals.)

This is actually a bit scary to read for a variety of reasons. I am unfamiliar with this mod and do not play HoI, but a game that has Jack Reed running part of the U.S. certainly is interesting.

What you have so far is quite good.

I'm glad you're enjoying this AAR! The world of Kaiserreich is complex, dark and deep. I hope that doesn't make it difficult to read. Anyway, there's a wiki and some Kaisercat Cinema videos that give a perfect summary of the world up to 1936. And about Hoi4, I tried not to limit myself to just the game. Especially in the future. It seems that the AI in Hoi4 doesn't understand that after losing millions in suicidal offensives it's not a good idea to declare war on other countries that are much more prepared

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

Now that the Pacific government has fallen, MacArthur can focus on the Syndicalists. Then he can continue his emulation of Caesar: Become dictator, knock up the leader of another country, get assassinated, etc. etc.

 

[jak7139]

One last foe to conquer.

Hoover, Hearst, and the others should save their scheming until after the war is won.

 

[son of liberty]

One last foe to conquer.

Hoover, Hearst, and the others should save their scheming until after the war is won.

Where's the fun in that?

 

[Nikolai]

Where's the fun in that?

No fun, only assured victory.

 

[Chac1]

Thanks for a chapter amidst the finals. Seems MacArthur and his generals are making quick work of this civil war. Not done by Christmas but changing direction quickly. The plans that Hall has hatched are too complex and time consuming for what his troops will be facing. I'd be surprised if this isn't wrapped up by summer.

Good luck on finishing the finals too.

 

[Bloodfelt]

Interlude 1: Hoover ´s Office

Hoover sat quietly smoking in his office, looking for something he could use against Eisenhower. He read through his file again, taking in all the details. Born in Texas, but raised in Kansas. Wife and two children.

These he had taken to the West. While he may have wanted to be with his family, the general did not want to leave any loose ends. Under the protection of the Second Army, the FBI had a hard time keeping an eye on them. But luckily, Hoover's network of connections extended across the US and beyond. And if MacArthur allowed it, soon the FBI would not only be keeping an eye on internal threats. Once the war was over (sooner rather than later, in Hoover's opinion), the FBI would also be in charge of keeping an eye on external threats.

Back to Eisenhower, he had an impressive career, almost always in MacArthur's shadow. Hoover hissed. If he accused Eisenhowerr of incompetence, I would also be accusing President MacArthur. His loyalty could not be judged either. His only blemish on his record was Operation Freedom II, but he had then resolved it perfectly. There was no criticism possible. He would have to find something to accuse Ike of if he wanted to have a weapon against him.

He had information on everyone. They were all under the sword of Damocles, his reports to the president. But there was nothing on Ike. Nor, of course, on President MacArthur.

Hoover was not an imbecile. As much as he was all-powerful, he would only be so as long as the president trusted him. Hoover admired the president, even if they did not agree on many things. He was intelligent and ambitious. But he was also paranoid, proud, and had quite a bit of a sense of superiority. Therefore, if one knew how to act, he was not difficult to manipulate. MacArthur did not seek allies, only flatterers. But now, as president, he was forced to choose members of his cabinet who held different views from him. So Hoover's flattery was much appreciated by MacArthur.

But not only by the President. Others also sought his support in the internal war that was raging in the federal government. The question on everyone's minds was: what now?

Once the socialist scum of Chicago surrendered, what would become of our United States? Some, like the other Hoover, Landon, or Wagner, only wanted to return to the pre-war system. Others, like Frankfurter, wanted to use the civil war to bring the United States out of political immobility and make reforms. And in turn, people like Hearst or the young MacArthur wanted to use this opportunity to strengthen America under a Caesar. Hoover smiled. And where did MacArthur stand? Even someone as good at reading people as Hoover didn't know.

But once someone comes to power, it is difficult for him to give it up. Only the deluded give up control completely. The stupid cling to power like madmen, letting it consume them. What would MacArthur be?

The president was certainly learning from what had happened in Germany. Having centralized power too much, too quickly, Bavaria had risen against the federal government and, with the help of other states, had brought down von Schleicher's government. Schleicher himself was missing, with a moderate cabinet taking over Germany. The new Bismarck, it seemed, was only an illusion. But the new cabinet had returned with a vengeance, re-conquering Belgium. Only time will tell what the new post-Schleicher Germany will bring.

But what would happen if MacArthur did not give up his power and remained in office forever? Then, the different sides would try to ally themselves with Hoover and his FBI. Thanks to Landon's wiretapping, he knew that there was a small group of members of the government willing to eliminate the President if he did not resign after the end of the war.

If he had wanted to, Hoover could have stopped them all in one fell swoop. But I knew it was better to play with all sides. He also knew that Hearst and Young MacArthur had attempted to disengage Eisenhower from Denver so they could try him in a military court. But as with the others' conspiracy, he decided to keep it to himself. They were aces that he kept up his sleeve.

At that moment, his young assistant Frank Wisner entered the room, his usual cold gaze on his face. Recently recruited by Hoover himself, Wisner was one of the new men loyal only to him. He did not even appear in the FBI records, since he received his salary from Hoover's pocket.
- Have you found anything interesting, Wisner? - asked Hoover.
- From General Eisenhower, nothing. But my visit to Los Angeles has been valuable, sir.
- Have you traveled to the West? You have not told me.
- I thought you would value my initiative. I have found several possible agents, young anti-syndicalists. I have sounded out several and they would be willing to work for the FBI.
- Any on the general staff?
- Two are low-ranking officers. One from the Third Army and one from the Fourth.
- None from the Second Army?

Wisner shook his head. Hoover motioned for him to sit down.
- Eisenhower has surrounded himself with a loyal staff. I'm having a hard time infiltrating anyone there.
- Why are you so focused on General Eisenhower?" Wisner asked.

Although the question was impertinent, Hoover did not correct his aide. Hoover asked himself. Why so obsessed with Eisenhower? Even though he could not explain everything to Wisner, Eisenhower was a vital piece in the federal government. He was MacArthur's only possible rival, as well as his successor in case of a plot. No one counted on Alf Landon. Hoover felt unprotected against Ike. If he could not blackmail him, nothing prevented Eisenhower from using his influence against him. But of course, Wisner was not ready to know the whole truth. He had much to learn.

- We, Wisner, are the FBI. We work for and by the federal government, headed by President MacArthur. My duty as head of the FBI is to look for potential threats to the stability of the nation. If that means investigating each and every citizen of the country, that's what we'll do.

Wisner seemed satisfied with the answer. At that moment, Helen Gandy, his secretary, entered the room. With one look, Hoover knew who his visitor was. He gestured to Wisner, who left through another of the doors of his office. Hoover put out his cigar. No doubt, the conversation could turn unpleasant.

Douglas MacArthur II entered the office of J. Edgar Hoover, the man in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But the FBI was now much more. With a man in charge like Hoover, young Caesar had to be very careful. Hoover greeted him with a smile.

- Mr. MacArthur, what a surprise. I wasn't expecting you today.

Hoover was lying. Young Douglas knew that one of his FBI informants must have warned them of the arrival of his flight.
- The 3rd Army was to send a delegation to Denver to discuss what the next steps are now that the traitors of the West have fallen.
- And how long will your stay last?
Hoover got straight to the point. MacArthur was forced to force a smile.
- Whatever the President considers appropriate.
- And do the rest of the members of the government know about your stay in the provisional capital?
- Of course not. I doubt they want to see me again after having exiled me.
- Exiled? - said Hoover mockingly. - Nobody exiled you, Mr. MacArthur. You and Commander Ridgway...

Hoover stopped talking at the young man's gesture.

- Let's be blunt, Edgar. We all know that Ridgway and I were exiled by Eisenhower and the rest of the generals.
- Well, - Hoover didn't understand what the young man was getting at. - Let's assume that's true. Why would you come to see me? Can I help you with something?

Douglas MacArthur II smiled.

- No, Mr. Hoover, I'm here to help you.
- I don't think there's much you can help me with, Mr. MacArthur.
- Please call me Douglas. I'm not my uncle. And I came here because I think we can benefit from each other.

Hoover looked into the man's cold eyes. He thought he could help him. Now he was intrigued.

- I'm listening.
- There's a German journalist. Wilhelm Weiss. He's a correspondent with the 3rd Army. I need him to disappear.
- You want me to kill a foreign journalist?
- For God's sake, Hoover! I said "disappear," not kill.
- Likewise. Why do you want to make him "disappear"?
- The bastard has been digging around and has information of dubious origin about me. Although it is false, it would certainly harm me in the eyes of my uncle. It could even harm the entire government. Isn't it your job to eliminate all threats to the government of our country?
- And why should I help you? I'm sure that if you explain it to your uncle, everything will be solved, Hoover said maliciously.
- No, this has to stay between us.
- Fine. I'll investigate it. And what do I get?
- I have an informant in the General Staff of the Second Army.

Hoover sat up in his chair.

- Who?
- A young man from Wisconsin. He was lucky enough to work in the 2nd Army, although he was of a lower rank.

Douglas MacArthur II, the young Caesar, slid a report across the table.

- I'd be happy to give you my man. But in exchange, I need that journalist out of my sight.

Now Hoover was anxious. Young MacArthur had brought him just what he needed. But he kept his eagerness hidden behind a certain coldness.

- Do you know that you couldn't stop me from finding out the journalist's information?
- I trust you, Edgar.- said the young man, rising from his seat.- I have no problem with you knowing the information. You're my ally.
- Don't think that's why I'm on your side. I'm only loyal to the president.
- And so am I! But Edgar, don't be deluded. You may keep reports on everyone in your safe. And you may think you're the only one who knows the password. But we all have secrets, even you.
- Are you threatening me, boy?
- Not at all, I'm just warning you. You are my ally, almost a friend. I was just warning you. - the boy looked at his watch. - I must go. It has been a pleasure.

After this, the nephew of the most powerful man in the United States left the room. Hoover wiped the sweat from his forehead. How could he sometimes feel so weak compared to the boy? Those cold eyes, that forced smile. No doubt, Hoover would have to be careful with the boy. At the moment, the MacArthurist faction was favorable to him. He even counted on him as an ally. But just in case, he decided to change his safe's combination.

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Well, since I'm on vacation for a few days without my usual computer, I've taken the opportunity to write this little story. I think adding little written excerpts, like the ones I'm doing with William Prescott, are important to understand the world of the AAR. Not all the important things are maps and battles. Many are little conversations between two individuals that have nothing to do IN THEORY with the original story. In this case, I think this little excerpt about Edgar Hoover and the FBI helps us understand what the internal struggles in the government are like. I learned this from Teivel's AAR "One and Indivisible". If you have time, read it.
P.D: I've learned how to add links! You can now jump directly to chapters from the prologue.

Ahora que el gobierno del Pacífico ha caído, MacArthur puede concentrarse en los sindicalistas. Entonces puede continuar su emulación de César: convertirse en dictador, derribar al líder de otro país, ser asesinado, etc., etc.

Where would be the fun in copying history exactly? Although I don't deny that it is tempting for MacArthur to have his own Ides of March.

One last foe to conquer.

Hoover, Hearst, and the others should save their scheming until after the war is won.

Where's the fun in that?

No fun, only assured victory.

Now, only Reed's government remains. And let us hope that this democratic conspiracy will await the end of the civil war. They would be very foolish to assassinate MacArthur so close to victory and without help from Edgar Hoover.

Thanks for a chapter amidst the finals. Seems MacArthur and his generals are making quick work of this civil war. Not done by Christmas but changing direction quickly. The plans that Hall has hatched are too complex and time consuming for what his troops will be facing. I'd be surprised if this isn't wrapped up by summer.

Good luck on finishing the finals too

Thank you! Final exams are over, although there are still several things to finish before Christmas. Regarding Hall's plan, it is true that it seems somewhat unrealistic. But hey, it wouldn't be the first time that this AAR has given us a surprise. Who would have thought that the AUS would fall in less than two months?

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

The elder MacArthur may have to purge some members of his administration if the factionalism within it intensifies. He needs a strong administration not prone to infighting for when the Second Weltkrieg happens.

 

[jak7139]

Hoover is probably the most powerful man in America, but he's not a politician or a general. Spies always stick to the shadows. Hoover needs to remember that, otherwise his ambition will draw unwanted attention.

This Frank Wisner is an intriguing character. I have a feeling we'll see more of him.

I agree with you that the written excerpts help flesh out the characters and setting. They're also fun to write. As you said, maps are not the only important thing.

 

[Chac1]

Have a good vacation and thanks for this chapter that gives us insights into the behind-the-scenes politics.

Basically Wisner is a private detective working for Hoover. It will be interesting if you get further into the intrigue here.

 

[Bloodfelt]

Chapter 10: The hero of Paris

"Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are fighting for the blessings of liberty."
-George Washington

Gus Hall did not consider himself a bloodthirsty person. He was a tough guy, someone who had lived a hard life to get to where he was now. But he was not someone who enjoyed violence. In his early service he had been a socialist and a syndicalist. He thought that revolutions like those in France and Britain were examples to follow. But even those nations had evolved towards socialist perfection: national syndicalism. Now, after seeing the chaos of his country over the past 20 years, Hall had joined Browder's faction in the Combined Syndicates of America. He had slowly risen to the top as head of the Red Guards. Even then, as a militia leader, he did not like violence much. But sometimes, men must sacrifice their principles to make their cause successful.

In front of him was a young man, not much older than himself. The boy had blood on his face and he was terrified. He was freezing cold, dressed only in a torn military uniform. He felt sorry for the boy. His Red Guards, along with some British Marines, had captured a small group of federal soldiers. They were now several miles from the front, in a bunker built during the war. The captured soldiers were not veterans of the First Army, but militiamen of the Third Army. They had been separated for interrogation. Hall, who remained close to the front because of Operation Hammer, had decided to visit a headquarters of RED, the secret service of the International. He did not regret it. The soldier tried to speak, but a Red Guard punched him, filling his mouth with blood. Hall was tempted to stop the interrogation. The boy would not have much to say that they could not overcome.

But the pity he felt for the boy dissipated when he saw the star-spangled banner on his uniform. That flag symbolized everything he hated: capitalism, elitism, class beliefs. Those ideas that the elites had implanted in the heart of the American nation. Those ideas that the MacArthur military regime now defended.

Hall could not forget that feeling of anguish when almost a year ago he found that military convoy on its way to his building. Reed had fled, but without warning them. He would never forgive the president for abandoning them, for fleeing without them. But without leadership, they were alone and surrounded by federals. So Hall and his loyal Red Guards fled through the sewers, as if they were rats.

Hall would never forgive what MacArthur had done to America. That gave him the courage to do what he had to do to the poor boy. The boy, in fear, begged him. Gus Hall was not a monster. Just a man willing to save the revolution. And if he had to kill for it, he would do it.

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The fall of the Pacific States was catastrophic news for the socialist government in Chicago. They were now the only government standing in MacArthur's way. Although they had the industrial power and the international volunteers, the Reed government feared losing. So, they had no choice but to follow Gus Hall's plan and begin to dig in.

Although it is not given the importance it deserves, one of the factors that allowed the federal victory was Admiral Hasley's maritime campaign. With the southern coast in their power, the federals destroyed most of the International's shipments to the port of New York. The strategy followed by the Admiral was to seek a decisive battle against the Red Fleet. Finally, both American fleets met 200 kilometers inside the Atlantic on New Year's Eve. The fog prevented both from firing at each other until they were very close. The fight was confusing, with many losses for both sides. Finally, when some of his subordinates thought of retreating, Admiral Hasley, who was very stubborn, ordered his ship, the USS Hoover, to advance into the thick of the fighting. Finally, when dawn came, the Syndicalist fleet had disappeared, at the cost of several Federal cruisers. The sea belonged to the Federals and MacArthur.

Photo taken on December 31, 1937, on the deck of the USS Hoover (formerly USS Indiana). Hours later, the fleets would fight the decisive naval battle of the war.

Land operations were halted during the first months of the year until all the armies were facing the Socialists. During this time, the Federal government had to choose what to do with the Pacific States. On the one hand, its soldiers were treated the same as those of the AUS: they were allowed to enlist or remain as prisoners of war. Most chose the former. The generals and politicians, however, were imprisoned in the refurbished Alcatraz prison. Finally, the revolting regions were organized as the 3rd Military Region, under the command of Edward H. Brooks. Fortunately, the western regions remained quiet for the remainder of the civil war.

A thorny issue was the question of foreign volunteers. The Pacific States had received help from the Japanese and the Irish. The former had signed the Osaka Agreement with the rebels, in which they ceded sovereignty of the Pacific to the Japanese in exchange for certain aid in the form of volunteers and military equipment. The first thing the MacArthur government did was to expose the agreements between the rebels and Japan publicly. This publicly discredited the Japanese government and made some powers think twice before allying themselves with Japan. Despite this, the government negotiated with Japan for the return of its volunteers. Soon, the Japanese troops returned home.

The Irish question was different. These volunteers were in a military camp in the interior of Montana and there was strong international pressure to release them. But finally, Michael Collins' government reached an agreement with MacArthur. Volunteers who wanted to could return home. But whoever wanted to could stay, enlisting as a federal soldier. Now the Irish had switched sides. However, international events caused MacArthur to lose the Russian legion in America. Without warning and under the pretext of protecting themselves from bandit attacks, the Russian National Republican Army entered Kazakhstan and the rest of the former Russian provinces. Despite international condemnation, no one moved.

On February 1, the order came from Denver to begin the offensive. Now, almost all the soldiers were veterans. And so, the federal attacks were no longer clumsy and careless offensives. The federal method was based on the use of firepower and tanks to open gaps, exploited by infantry. But the methods of the CSA have also changed. They did not care about losing lives or ground. They sought to hold out in advantageous positions until a counterattack from their reserves could surround and destroy the enemy. With these combat doctrines, the fighting began. The so-called Winter Offensive placed the entire weight of the attack on the First Army. While the Third and Fourth armies would support the West and try to seize territory, the veterans of the First Army would try to seize two vital points and encircle any CSA forces that could not withdraw in time.

One of the axes of attack was the Washington D.C. highway, which ran from Richmond to the capital. Quickly and with the help of armored forces, the federal forces began the siege of Washington, which would last for months. The fighting stalled and Bradley's forces had to fight house by house, office by office. The city was left in ruins.

Further west, the First Army had an easier time. After a hard fight, Cincinnati was recaptured, which was destroyed. From there, with the help of the Second Army, the capture of Indianapolis was planned.

The syndicalist forces in the sector were commanded by Campbell Carrington Johnson, general of the Second Continental Army. Although they were prepared for an attack, they were not expecting an offensive in the middle of winter. Furthermore, a disagreement between Red Guards and "regular" soldiers caused an angry Gus Hall to withdraw his men a few days before the offensive. In the end, it was retreating militiamen who had to defend Washington D.C. while the general was surrounded with his men south of Charleston. Unlike the respect for the Geneva Convention shown in the Second Army during the Western campaign, Bradley's soldiers were not as kind to their compatriots. Although Bradley himself punished this wanton violence against prisoners with a court-martial, President MacArthur issued a presidential pardon to those affected. General Campbell Carrington Johnson died on the way to the prison camp, according to soldiers' testimony while trying to escape.

In the West, the Fourth Army launched a limited offensive north from Minnesota. Snow and cold made the advance slow, but it was inexpensive in terms of casualties. Again, the use of veteran soldiers instead of militia was superior.

However, the militia of the Third Army was not so lucky. Of all the federal armies, it had been the least successful in MacArthur's eyes. All its actions had been defensive and always overshadowed by the successes of Bradley or Eisenhower. When the Winter Offensive began, its only achievement was to drive the Syndicalists out of the territory near St. Louis. With Bradley's victory, MacArthur increased the pressure on the Third Army and Kruger to take some important cities. That pressure greatly affected Kruger, a cautious commander by nature. On April 1, he ordered a pincer attack to encircle a large part of the syndicalist troops.

The attack was not coordinated with Eisenhower or the Second Army, which had just arrived from the West. This meant that the defense of Indianapolis resisted and Krueger was unable to enter the city. But the second pincer managed to advance northwards, threatening the city's communications. This pincer of 4 divisions advanced more than 200 kilometers inland, under the command of Major Herbert Rux. But on the 13th, a shell hit the command tent, killing the commander. Then, those 4 divisions suffered a strong counterattack by Red Guards, along with Mexican soldiers. This disorganization caused those 4 divisions to be surrounded, dozens of kilometers from the front.

This syndicalist offensive pushed the Third Army to the gates of Saint Louis. In turn, Red Guards began attacks on the positions occupied by the encircled divisions. According to witnesses, that night the division officers met in a hut, while bombs fell on the positions. These officers voted on who would be the commander until the front could be reestablished as usual. And in a strong speech, Douglas MacArthur II presented himself as temporary leader, accompanied by Ridgway as his second-in-command. The officers, who thought they needed a miracle, named him commander.For the next six days, the encircled troops held out bravely in their positions, including armored attacks on the small town of Paris. In these, Riggway and MacArthur II, now nicknamed "Doug," presented themselves as heroes and kept the soldiers' spirits up. Without the "MacArthur effect", those divisions would probably have been destroyed by the fanatical Red Guards. One of the most famous loses was the international correspondent Wilhelm Weiss, whose writings on the siege were published the following year in Europe. This helped improve the international image of both MacArthurs.

For the first time since the Pacific States Offensive, fear-filled Denver. But as many advisers told MacArthur, his fear was not the loss of men. MacArthur feared losing his nephew. In his plane, the President landed at St. Louis and dismissed Krueger. The command was given to Leonard T. Gerow, who commanded the federal army's only tank division. But the reality was that it was MacArthur himself, along with Eisenhower, who planned how to get those soldiers out of the encirclement. Using the reserves and the 2nd Army, the federal troops repulsed the syndicalists and began an all-out advance to reopen a corridor. On April 18, when the encircled soldiers were almost out of supplies, federal units arrived south of the small town of Paris. Within 24 hours, all four divisions were evacuated south. The crisis had been averted. But it had far-reaching consequences. On the one hand, it wore down the socialist units in the area, making a later federal counterattack easier.

On the other hand, MacArthur II rose as a national hero and was worshiped by the Third Army, as was Rigdway. As the hero of the Paris disaster, many people began to praise him. Many newspapers (some of them Hearst's) called for his appointment to a federal post. For the time being, he would remain in his post as commander of the 2nd Corps of the Third Army. Mattew Ridgway, wounded in combat, was admitted to a military hospital for the next two months on a well-deserved rest.

When it comes to talking about the near-disaster of the Third Army, historians are quite clear. Although part of the blame lies with Krueguer, the pressure exerted from Denver by President MacArthur was to blame for this unplanned offensive. And his subsequent reaction, which was to fire Krueguer, was completely illogical. He was only seeking to punish a scapegoat. Kruger was removed from public life. But according to the testimony of journalist William J. Prescott, the last thing the ex-general said before getting into the car was the following: "Our Caesar has two problems: his pride and his nephew."

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Hello again. I had a trip of several hours on Sunday and I was able to take advantage of it to write. So, since I want to finish the civil war, I'm releasing the next part. I have to thank you for the support and the comments. I didn't think we would get to Chapter 10 so quickly. If time is on my side, I might have the next part by the end of this week. It all depends on whether I get inspiration

When I played the game over a month ago, some incredible events occurred in the Far East, which made me leave America for what was three days in the game. When I came back, I had those 4 divisions surrounded. That's when I got the idea. What better founding myth for New America than a battle against the syndies, and in a city called Paris?

P.D: They just announced the new Russia Rework for Kaiserreich, which comes out this Friday. That will ruin my game, although it might encourage me to explain a bit more about Russia. I'll have to play MacArthur again. Have a good week!

The elder MacArthur may have to purge some members of his administration if the factionalism within it intensifies. He needs a strong administration not prone to infighting for when the Second Weltkrieg happens.

Well, I don't think purges would be a good idea. But who knows…

Hoover is probably the most powerful man in America, but he's not a politician or a general. Spies always stick to the shadows. Hoover needs to remember that, otherwise his ambition will draw unwanted attention.

This Frank Wisner is an intriguing character. I have a feeling we'll see more of him.

I agree with you that the written excerpts help flesh out the characters and setting. They're also fun to write. As you said, maps are not the only important thing.

Hoover is the SECOND most powerful man in America. It also depends on how you look at it. Even if they deny it, I doubt the Federal Goverment could hold it together during the civil war without MacArthur. Once it's over it's a different story... As for Wisner, I can't say what I have planned for him.

Have a good vacation and thanks for this chapter that gives us insights into the behind-the-scenes politics.

Basically Wisner is a private detective working for Hoover. It will be interesting if you get further into the intrigue here.

Without a doubt, with a turbulent period and the Cold War approaching, spies and secret plots are becoming increasingly important.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

The Irish question was different. These volunteers were in a military camp in the interior of Montana and there was strong international pressure to release them. But finally, Michael Collins' government reached an agreement with MacArthur. Volunteers who wanted to could return home. But whoever wanted to could stay, enlisting as a federal soldier. Now the Irish had switched sides.

Why is Ireland taking a side? What happened to our sacred neutrality?

 

[Chac1]

Thanks for the new chapter.

Interesting to see the heroic arc you have created for MacArthur's nephew. What does Krueguer know about the young MacArthur that the reader doesn't realize yet?

 

[Nikolai]

P.D: They just announced the new Russia Rework for Kaiserreich, which comes out this Friday. That will ruin my game, although it might encourage me to explain a bit more about Russia. I'll have to play MacArthur again. Have a good week!

Time to make a copy of your game, so your save is not ruined then.

 

[jak7139]

If Doug Jr. wasn't a household name before, he certainly is now.

Making a copy of your save would be a good idea if you don't want the new update to ruin things.

 

[Bloodfelt]

Interlude 2: The Internal and External Front.

Photo taken on May 22, 1938 at the remains of the Lincoln Memorial by journalist William J. Prescott. After more than 2 months of siege, the veteran forces of the First Army managed to cross the Potomac and establish a beachhead. Despite that, fighting in the city continued for more than a month. During this time, Red Guard units resisted in emblematic places such as the Capitol or the White House, which were destroyed during the fighting.


CSA mortars bombarded the position for the third time that night. Their nightly bombardments had become routine for the hardened federal soldiers. Many put cotton in their ears. Others, almost deaf, managed to sleep peacefully. William J. Prescott was not one of them.

The war correspondent and biographer of President MacArthur could not sleep and took advantage of the candlelight (for lack of another) to write his column for the following week, for the Washington Herald. A man should never rejoice in war. But without a doubt, the civil war had exalted his figure as a journalist. Not only did he have privileges that others did not have. He also had access to confidential information as much as he wanted. Thus, with his column in a newspaper and a book about the President, many looked at him with envy as he passed by.

He looked through the darkness to the other side of the Potomac. There, in the darkness, his enemies were hiding. Many of them were just children or teenagers recruited by the Red Guards. Or so the federal propaganda said. But if that were the case, the city would have long since fallen into their hands. And it wasn't. For almost a month, the forces of the 1st Army had tried everything to get across the river and into the city. Of course, this had had repercussions on the buildings, which had been on fire for days.

Even in the darkness, William could see the remains of the Lincoln Memorial, destroyed by mistake by federal artillery. Or what had once been President Roosevelt's Island, is now a mudhole in the middle of no man's land. Or so it was at the moment. Someone sat next to him.

Mike Caulfield, a veteran of the "Mobile Reserve Unit", converted into the 1st American Armored Division, was calmly smoking, looking at the river.

- Can't you sleep?- he asked the journalist.
- No. I'm nervous.
- You shouldn't be so worried. It's not your first fight
- No. But I'm still nervous.

Mike patted him on the back.

- We've stopped being tankers- said the veteran. - We're urban warfare soldiers.
- Can I quote you in my column? - joked the journalist.
- Stop the nonsense, asshole. Focus on not throwing up your breakfast when we attack. By the way, have you heard about Paris?
- Are you talking about the attack on "President" Valois?
- No, I'm referring to our Paris, the siege.
- Of course, I've heard about it.
- Isn't it incredible about young MacArthur? He's a hero.

William looked at him with some reproach.

- Don't believe everything the newspapers say.
- And the great American journalist tells me that!
- I'm not a star.
- For God's sake! Even an uneducated person like me knows that you will win the Pulitzer this year.
- You told me that you can't trust journalists.

Mike laughed.

- Of course not! But damn. Don't deny that he was a hero!
- I don't deny it.
- What's happening to you is that you're angry that you weren't with them.
- I don't know what to tell you. I don't want to die in a town in Indiana.
- It's better to die in the Potomac, right?
- Who knows?

They remained silent for a while, watching the fires in front of them, on the other side of the river.

- It's just a matter of time before we take the city.- William whispered.- And they know it.
- Yes. That's why they don't care about destroying it. It means everything they hate: freedom, the ability to express oneself, family...

William didn't answer and changed the subject.

- Which party will you vote for after the elections?
- Party? None.
- So?
- I voted for Long in last year's elections.

William couldn't believe his astonishment.

- And yet you fought with the feds?
- It's my country. Long and the AFP betrayed the nation, just like Reed. As much as I blame Reed and the Reds for the war, this is also the fault of the Republicans and Democrats. Have they offered alternatives to America's problems? No, they stayed the same. They are so stubborn that it is impossible for things to stay the same after the war.
- What if you had power after the war? What would you do if you woke up tomorrow as President?

Mike thought for a few seconds.

- Can I do whatever I want?
- Whatever, but make sure it's real.
- Well... I'd probably suspend the elections for the moment until America was healthy again. And I'd investigate the citizens. That way, we could lock up the syndicalists. Maybe I'd exile them.

William looked at him, horrified.

- So what would make you different from the Long or Savinkov Government?
- Do you think that after all the horror things will go back to the way they were before? People want change.
- Our fight is for freedom, for the Republic, for stability.
- Precisely, Will. If we're looking for stability, we can't continue as before, with the same two parties offering the same thing!
- I don't agree.

Silence fell between the two men, more distant than they had ever been.

- I'm just telling you what I see, Will. If President MacArthur doesn't make changes, we'll be back to square one in less than ten years.
- Let's pray that you are wrong.

Mike gave him a pat on the back.

- I have to go talk to the commander. There is one hour left before returning to the fighting. Take the opportunity to finish your text.

Having said that, Mike left the room through that broken door, in that abandoned building on the banks of the Potomac.

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Herbert Hoover was walking with Alf Landon, Vice President of the United States Government. If someone had told him a year ago that these two men would be talking together on a regular basis, he would have called them a liar.

They represented the two facets of the Republican Party. Landon was the New Republican Party, more liberal. Hoover was the Old Republican Party, the party of the conservative American elite. Landon himself had disparaged and criticized Hoover during his campaign in '36. But now these two figures, enemies in the past, were forced to ally themselves.

- Have you spoken to Edgar Hoover? - Hoover asked Landon
- Yes. But I doubt he will help us.
- Do you think "Doug" has spoken to him before?
- I don't know, Hoover. But I think he knows about our meetings.
- Shit.

They continued walking through the park. With the arrival of spring, the leaves began to come out, little by little. To a normal person, the arrival of spring would mean happiness. For Hoover, it was a reminder that for more than a year, America had been at war. But not a glorious war against the outside. What America was experiencing was a war against itself, for the ideals that built it. And Herbert Hoover, as former president of the United States, could not bear to see his nation in Flames.

- And if the FBI knows about us, why doesn't it do anything, Landon?
- I think it wants to know the outcome before it joins any of us. Hoover isn't going to risk stopping us.
- I don't know. And do you think the President knows?
- I don't think so. Otherwise we'd all be like Krueger.

The dismissal of General Krueger had been a shock to all members of the clique. The members of the cabinet had always acted under the authority of President MacArthur. But although that dismissal had been legal, it was unethical. Everyone knew that Krueger had not been to blame for the siege in Paris. The fault had been the ineptitude of Major Herbert Rux, who, following the advice of his officers, had continued without securing his flanks.

- And have you done anything about it? - asked the vice president.
- About "Doug"?
- Yes.
- I have hired a detective. He now works as one of his officers.
- Did you infiltrate an unknown person into the army?

No, Hoover had not infiltrated an unknown person. Frank Wisner was no longer an unknown person. He had become an ally and a very useful one. The young man had presented himself as a patriot, son and grandson of republicans. He was very worried about MacArthur's authoritarian drift and showed Hoover some letters from the young Caesar. In these letters, the young Caesar spoke openly about:

"continuing with my uncle's presidency once the war is over. And who knows if we will inaugurate a dynasty?"

This had worried the detective, who put himself at Hoover's service. And with his ample resources, the young man had managed to be enlisted as an officer in the Third Army. So no, Frank Wisner was no longer an unknown person.

- My source is not an "unknown person." And he has obtained the position of officer on his own.
- Doesn't that seem suspicious to you?
- I've looked at his FBI record. He hasn't lied to me and he's completely clean. I trust him.
- Let's pray that doesn't kill us. And how are you doing with the support?

Hoover sighed.

- The government bureaucrats don't plan to take sides, at least while the war lasts but Frankfurter is willing to hold a trial against MacArthur.
- How have you convinced him?
- I showed him MacArthur II's letters.
- And he didn't ask you if they are authentic? - Landon said strangely.
- No. And I didn't want to tell him. If MacArthur violates the constitution or rises as a dictator, the judiciary is willing to support us.
- But Hoover, they are useless to us without the support of the Army.
- Let's face it, Landon. It is unlikely that the Army will support us. No general will back us. Maybe Krueger, although now he has almost no influence.

Landon yawned.

- I'm exhausted. It's time for me to go home. Our main problem is that no one will want to ally with us until it is too late. And now that Young Caesar is a hero, the soldiers will choose him before us.
- Precisely. Our coup must be silent, bloodless. Or we will have begun the Third Civil War. And we will have everything to lose there.
- So, luck. I'll call you when we can speak again. My pleasure.

With that said, Alf Landon, the vice-president, left the way they had come. Hoover went a little further, to a lake. It was getting late for him too. But he was committed to saving America. And that took thinking. Everything was getting complicated. If only he had spoken to another general for the coup, perhaps Marshall...
This was not the time to blame himself. No one would have predicted the two MacArthurs. One was a big, authoritarian problem, a monster of Hoover's own making. But the other one was easy to silence, if necessary. People died in war, in the heat of battle. And if he didn't, Frank Wisner could always help the young MacArthur to die.
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Last Interlude until the end of the Civil War. Since I told you about the FBI and MacArthur II, I had to show you the Republican opposition. And William, who I haven't paid attention to for a while. I hope to have the next chapter ready by next Monday. I'm going to take advantage of it to get as much out as possible before Christmas.

Why is Ireland taking a side? What happened to our sacred neutrality?

Well, Collins seems to be a real anti-syndicalist. I don't understand either. I massacred 3 divisions of Irish volunteers and you send me more once the Pacific States have capitulated?

Thanks for the new chapter.

Interesting to see the heroic arc you have created for MacArthur's nephew. What does Krueguer know about the young MacArthur that the reader doesn't realize yet?

He is a radical officer who is willing to transform America into a dictatorship. Or, well, if possible, a monarchy, since he seems to have ambitions for power. It must also be said that he is a manipulator with something dark. Otherwise, he would not have killed the journalist.

Time to make a copy of your game, so your save is not ruined then.

If Doug Jr. wasn't a household name before, he certainly is now.

Making a copy of your save would be a good idea if you don't want the new update to ruin things.

You're late. I played the game in October, with some submods that help the story a lot. For example, they allowed me to rename factions... etc. But these haven't been updated since the last DLC. So I'll have to replay the game. But that's okay. I can manage the game to be similar to mine. That way, I can make another ending and choose which one I like.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

There's a storm brewing within the MacArthur administration, and the Second Weltkrieg approaches...

 

[jak7139]

I loved the two interludes. The perspective on the ground with William was great! D.C. will be rebuilt into the new Rome after the war. A new capital for a new America.