March of the Eagle: an interactive Victoria 2 Prussia AAR

[cybandeath]

oof one of the parties died?

 

[Namethatauserdoesnotuse]

oof one of the parties died?

Yes the FV leader retired and the rest of the party merged into the NLP, so they don’t exist any more.

 

[SibCDC]

1890 Election Results and 1890-1892 Gameplay​

With four parties remaining on the ballot, the Reichstag increasingly began to look like the Prussian Landtag of the 1840s. The SPD had its roots in the Radicals, the NLP in the Liberals and the DkP in both the Conservatives and the Reactionaries. Only Zentrum did not really fit into the comparison to the factions that made up Prussia's legislative body all those years ago. When the results came in, it was no surprise the Reichstag looked as it did.

​

With the merger of the FV into the NLP, every other party in the Reichstag benefitted from their electorate and gained seats in the 1890 elections. The final result was as following: 104 seats for the SPD, 129 seats for the NLP, 59 seats for the DZP and 208 seats for the DkP. As a result of a deal made before the elections between the NLP, DZP and DkP, these parties set out to form a coalition and announced this intent to the Kaiser in the palace. Chancellor Ernst Krüger was to remain in office, in return for concessions to the DkP. The Kaiser was sceptic about the need for Zentrum to be in the coalition, but he let the politicians go their way without much interfering. After Krüger was re-elected as Chancellor, the Kaiser decreed the following Cabinet of Ministers:
Minister for Foreign Affairs: Otto von Bismarck (Independent)
Minister of the Interior: Otto Hessler (DkP)
Minister for War: Elric Helmke (DkP)
Minister of the Treasury: Martin von Labiau (DkP)
Minister of Justice: Volker von Geishof Jr. (DkP)
The Kaiser's bias towards the DkP was clear, as none of the other coalition partners were able to secure a minister post. Unsurprisingly, this would cause some tension and led to the belief by some that the authority to appoint ministers would be better in the hands of the Chancellor.

Nonetheless, the coalition made an agenda for the 1890 Reichstag session, which under the guiding voice of Chancellor Krüger proceeded to be relatively calm and orderly. The opposition, being the SPD, sometimes got in a heated debate with members of the DkP, but no major incidents occurred (as in no one was dragged out of the Reichstag by soldiers). All in all, the 1890 Reichstag session was very short and avoided discussion on several important issues, such as women's rights and workers' rights. (The proceedings for this session will be in the next update)

And so Chancellor Krüger began his third term as Chancellor of Germany. One of the first questions that arose was an alliance with Cyprus. On the 1st of July, the German ambassador in Nicosia sent a telegram to Berlin with the message that he had been approached for a formal alliance between Cyprus and Germany. As Cyprus was positioned in a strategic location in the Mediterranean, the German Kaiser naturally accepted. In August, the Ministry of War would start the development of a new kind of ships to reflect Germany's naval power in the Baltics, Mediterranean and beyond.

​

In September, German archaeologists in Egypt stumbled once again on important artifacts from ancient times. The artifacts were packed up and sent to Berlin to be displayed to the wider public. Berlin soon became known as a center for Egyptian history museums and became home to many foreign scholars who wished to research the era of the Pharaohs.

​

As the Scramble for Africa further kicked in, German settlers had made their way inland in East Africa and had acquired treaties with the local population. In Kenya and Tanganyika, Germans moved further inland and settled new farming land which was previously home to tribes such as the Masai. This did not go without conflict and Protestant preachers would often write damning reports about the treatment of locals by German officials. Nonetheless, the natural beauty of the East African savannah continued to attract many more Germans.

​

In November of 1890, a prominent figure in the army published an article in a Berlin newspaper advocating for women's rights. While some call it the biggest blunder in his career, others point out how this is in fact an act of bravery, coming from a man who is surrounded by conservative militarymen. However, soon after the publication, his superiors discharged him from the army.

​

In April of '91, the Imperial Statistical Office reported a slight decrease in birth rates compared to previous decades. The Statistical Office contributed this to the fact that large portions of the German population had fully embraced an industrial lifestyle, resulting in fewer children per family. The Office also pointed out there was no need to worry, as Germany's population was still one of the largest in the world and its military and industrial might was unparallelled.

​

In May of '91, a delegation of prominent industrialists and merchants approached the Chancellor with an intriguing proposal. They proposed to hold a colonial exposition in Berlin to celebrate and encourage the Empire's expansion in Africa. Products from all over Germany's African colonies would be on display, and even elements from Germany's treaty port in Shanghai could be incorporated in an installation on the exposition. Chancellor Krüger agreed and the preparations for such an exposition were made.

​

In June of 1891, the colonization efforts of German explorers and settlers further paid off when a colony was established in Camerun, connecting German Nigeria with its protectorate in Egypt. At the same time, settlers in Tanganyika had moved even further inland, establishing a bigger presence on the border with the Congo Free State. The expansion of Germany's colonial empire led many investors to dream of a railroad connecting Suez to Zanzibar and Zanzibar to the estuaries of the Niger river. It seemed as if Germany was the biggest victor in this Scramble for Africa, with French presence being limited to North Africa and the British confined to South Africa and a couple of settlements in West Africa. Portugal remained in control of their historical trading posts in Mozambique and Angola and Sweden could rely on the Congo Free State. Unfortunately for the Italians, they were beaten back out of Ethiopia and thus no longer had a colonial empire to be proud of.

​

In July of '91, the Colonial Exposition in Berlin opened its doors to the public in all its splendor. Tapistry from Morocco interested houswives and weavers alike, exotic fruits vendors lured children to their stands to taste African flavors, famed big game hunters had given their taxidermy animals to put on display and even a live elephant from the Berlin Zoo was put on display to entertain the German visitors. However, there was also a dark side to the exposition, as native Africans were put on display as well in a human zoo. Common practice at the time, but highly controversial today.

​

August of '91 would see another ally for the German empire in the form of Lebanon. The nation in the Middle East had broken off of Russia during the Commune Revolt and had managed to remain independent ever since. But with the rise of colonialism and imperialism, they looked for an ally that could protect them against foreign invaders. Little did they know that by allying Germany, the Lebanese had essentially put themselves in a position where eventually they would be drawn into the German sphere of influence and forced to accept all kinds of interference in their governance.

​

As 1891 came to a close, German engineers began experimenting with combustion engines as a way of propulsion. The seeds for Germany's automobile industry were being laid. In the meantime, the British approached Germany with a proposal. The island of Heligoland had been in their possession since 1814, but now they wished to trade it for Kenya. Such an outrageous proposal was thrown right into the bin as the entirety of Kenya for a small little island was deemed as a ridiculous and stupid trade. Surely there will be another possibility in the furture to trade Heligoland for a more appropriate colony.

​

And with that, 1891 came to a close and the 1892 Reichstag session was on the horizon. The atmosphere in Germany was once again getting tense as militant socialists began to number in the millions to demand higher minimum wages. As Germany's industry could not keep up with the ever expanding work force of poor unemployed people who often migrated from rural areas to the city, unemployment in the country reached new heights. At the same time, the women suffragette movement was increasing its activities and demanding the rights that they rightfully deserved.

 

[Kaiser_Anthos]

Unofficial (and very incorrect) Map of the 1890 German Elections​

 

[SibCDC]

1892-1894 Gameplay​

The 1892 Reichstag session was immensily calm as only two bills had been proposed, both by Konstantin Brenner of the SPD and both social reforms. The majority in the Reichstag however dismissed both of these reforms as the coalition agreement of 1890 was built on the fact that no reform would be passed unless a rebellion would create the need for reform. You can read the Reichstag Proceedings here.

Konstantin Brenner of the SPD in his younger years.​

The year 1892 saw the last pieces of Africa carved up by the European powers. By March, Germany had colonized Gabon and Chad. On March 27th, the Germans signed a treaty with the Spanish over territory in the Bay of Biafra. A small chunk of land was granted to the Spanish and in return, the Spanish would give up all claims to the region that was now owned by Germany.

​

In April of 1892, a small Jacobin rebellion occurred, mostly concentrated in the south of the country. With minimal losses to the German ranks, the rebels were easily defeated and by the 5th of May, all traces of Jacobin unrest had been dealt with.

​

In July of '92, the phenomenon of the Ostflucht was widely reported on. Many Germans and Poles from Eastern Germany migrated to the Western, industrial parts of Germany in hopes of finding work and getting a better life for them and their families. Fearing a complete depopulation of some areas in the East and an overpopulation in areas in the West, several local governments started implementing measures to regulate migration. The federal government saw an opportunity and also started promoting migration to the colonies in East Africa.

​

In August, the Ministry of the Treasury implemented new theories of economics, such as the Collectivist Theory, in the management of several state owned companies, including Kaiserliche Werke which produced artillery and steamers for the German military. That same month a large parade was held in Mainz by socialists, communists and other workers' movements to commemorate those who had fallen for social reform. While the parade itself remained peaceful, tensions between workers and employers are on the rise as a result of the successful parade.

​

In November of 1892, the French Baron Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee to revive the Ancient Greek Olympic traditions. As a way to promote international peace, as well as encourage sport as an important part of the social development of people, the friendly athletic competition between nations was established. Germany gladly joined the Committee to organize the first modern Olympic Games in a few years.

​

On December 2nd, Germany 'bought' Sudan from its protectorate in Egypt. Several strategists in Berlin saw the Egyptian government as weak and unstable and feared that other powers might try to establish a foothold in Sudan. Therefore it was deemed necessary to pressure Egypt into handing over their possessions in the south to Germany. The Egyptians agreed, recognizing the fact that they would no longer have to deal with the constant Mahdist uprisings in Sudan.

​

In February, an international crisis erupted once again. This time it was a direct conflict between France and the United Kingdom over Southern New Guinea. Even though the region was mostly jungle and thus in most minds pretty useless, Southern New Guinea sat in a strategic location and could easily be used by the French to strike at Northern Australia. And thus the British and the French both scrambled their allies together to support them and their claims in the region.

​

With the prospect of a war between the French and the British, German politicians became restless as to be caught in the middle. Public opinion generally leaned in favour of the British, who despite breaking the alliance all those years ago, still had very positive relations with the Germans. But while the politicians were thinking about intervening on behalf of the British, the population became restless over the issue of higher minimum wages. Combined with colonial unrest in Nigeria and Morocco and speculative figures pointing to millions of militant socialists preparing to rise up, this led the Kaiser to call an emergency Reichstag session on the 24th of February to vote on higher minimum wages, the exact same thing that was proposed by Brenner in '92 but was then opposed by the coalition. With the backing of the Kaiser, a higher minimum wage passed and the unrest died down. Germany could now think about intervention without having to fear a massive revolt.

​

And so in March of '93, the Germans officially supported the British claim on Southern New Guinea, while the French claim was backed by the Austro-Hungarians. Should a war break out over this issue, Germany would find itself in a two-front war against both the French and the Austro-Hungarians. With the Italians and the Russians still on the fence, this conflict had the potential of turning into a Great War.

​

While the crisis still remained unresolved, the Serbian government approached Germany with a request. They wished German help in regaining their claims from the Ottomans. The Ottomans, who were allied with the Austro-Hungarians, were often called the Sick Man of Europe, and the idea of expanding Serbia, and thus expanding German influence in the Balkans, was certainly appealing. And so Germany agreed to Serbia's request, but would not act on it while the crisis between the French and the British remained unresolved.

​

By May of '93, the crisis finally came to an end when the French caved in to British and German pressure and abandoned their trading posts in Southern New Guinea. With East New Guinea now fully under control of the British, Northern Australia was safe from French raids in case of a war between the two. More importantly, with the crisis resolved Germany could fulfill its promise to the Serbians without having to fear a two front war. And so on the 10th of May, war was declared on the Ottomans to liberate Macedonia. The Ottomans soon called in Austria-Hungary and Germany once again found itself at war with their German-speaking cousins.

​

The first stages of the war consisted of the wellknown war plan that had been used several times now. German armies would form a front on the border with Austria and the main thrust of the attack would be focussed on Bohemia. Due to the fact that Austria-Hungary entered this war unprepared, Germany was easily able to advance to Prague and start a siege. By June, a battle between the Germans and Austrians occurred at Troppau and resulted in a costly German victory. On June 26th, another battle occurred between the two armies, this time at Ulm.

​

In July, the German ambassador in London reported that the British government sought to reinvigorate the Berlin-London Axis. With the Scramble for Africa over and German support during the New Guinea Crisis, the British realized that they would only benefit from an alliance with the Germans. And so a new pact was signed, aimed at containing the French and keeping a peaceful balance on the African continent, the Pact of London was signed, establishing a renewed defensive alliance between Germany and the United Kingdom.

​

On the 11th of July 1893 an invading Austrian force was driven away from Bavaria at the Battle of Augsburg. While costly for the Germans, the battle added further to the idea that Austria-Hungary could not win this war. By the end of July, two more defensive pacts were signed between Germany and other great powers. In the Treaty of Baltimore, US President Horace Porter signed a defensive pact with Germany and in the Treaty of Berlin, the Japanese ambassador to Germany did the same. Over the span of a couple of months, a large network of intertwining alliances had been set up, with Germany now being allied to the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Serbia.

​

Throughout August, the last battles of the war against Austria-Hungary (and the Ottomans) were fought. In the meantime, the Italians took advantage of Austria-Hungary's pre-occupation with the invading Germans and declared war to liberate Venetia. In Budejovice, General Elric Helmke defeated a 20 000 strong Austro-Hungarian force on the 10th of August. With Vienna now in sight, the German occupation started to have its effect on Austrian morale. And so, on the 20th of August, the Habsburg Kaiser sued for peace. Northern Macedonia was given to Serbia and not a single Serbian or Ottoman soldier had ever seen action in this war.

​

The remaining months of '93 remained calm, with new technological innovations being the main events occupying the minds of politicians in Berlin. Better weapons platforms and turrets would allow the German navy to improve its new battleships. By now, the German navy had in fact surpassed the British navy in size, but with the two countries now allied, control over the seas was undeniably in the hands of the Berlin-London Axis. This control over the sea would further be solidified when in April of '94 Naval Decision Making was improved. In November of '94, the navy was further improved when Naval Risk Management was incorporated into the curriculum at Germany's naval academies. In addition, several wargames between the British and the German navies would encourage both friendly relations between the two and their experience with large naval battles.

​

This naval build up was accompanied with a build up of German forces on the border with France. As tensions with the French were rising, Germany was once again preparing for war. This time, the German navy would finally get to meet a real challenge in the form of the French navy. As colonial armies were being transported to Morocco to prepare for French troops crossing from Algeria, the German army formed a line on the border with France from De Panne in Belgium to Altkirch in Elzaß-Lothringen.

​

 

[Crimson Lionheart]

This is my reaction every single time I see Austria-Hungary trying to fight against Germany.

 

[skagerakk]

Election of 1895:​

National Liberal Party (NLP)
Nationalliberale Partei

Current Leader: Wilhelm Braun
Founding Year: 1848
Ideology type: Liberal

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionist
Religious Policy: Secularism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Pro Military
Welfare: Welfare state

Description:
Formed In 1848 after the March Revolution from Many liberal Philosophers and economists wanting to start their own Party . It wishes to Pass liberal and Democratic Reforms to modernize Germany and is able to reach a compromise with the conservative elements within the Landtag and the royal court.

NLP from the last couple years has become the Home of German Liberalism and afternoon the FV merge has Fully embraced a more Social Liberal platform adopting Support for a welfare State and Economic Interventionism to Protect the People. NLP still Supports the Liberalization of the German Empire defending The People’s hard fought Civil Liberties and Freedom against Any Group that would wish to take Liberty away from the German People. NLP Chancellor Ernst Kruger is retiring, and a new Face for the Party Wilhelm is now the Leader of the NLP, The grandfather of the Founder. NLP and Braun see a bright future for Germany in the new Century and will Work hard to secure The People’s Liberty and Freedom in it.


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Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)
Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands

Current Party Leader: Konstantin Brenner
Founding Date: 14th of June 1860
Ideology: Socialist
Motto: "Einigkeit macht stark"

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: State Capitalism
Religious Policy: Secularism
Citizenship Policy: Full Citizenship
War Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Welfare State

Description:
The Social Democratic Party of Germany was created by Lutz von Sommer with the help of Gustav Schwarzmann and Benedict Eichwald to help move Germany towards a brighter, more equal future with its main goals being giving more power to the Reichstag and gaining reforms especially when it comes to voting rights for women and poorer men.

During the last five years the SPD has tried to improve the lives of the people in Germany by proposing social reforms and pushing for women’s rights. However all notions of them were blocked by the current coalition. Even when presented with the fact that the workers were growing restless it took an emergency session from the Kaiser to push a reform through.

The SPD has also formally announced its support for the ADFV, the women’s right organisation. They helped during one of their protests by keeping troublemakers at bay and ensuring the whole deal proceeded smoothly and without violence.

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German Conservative Party (DkP)
Deutschkonservative Partei
Current Party Leader: Volker von Geishof
Founding Date: 1st January 1860
Ideology: Conservative
Motto: “In Treue Fest”

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Protectionism
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Pluralism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Populist

Description:
The German Conservative Party, formerly known as the Free Conservative Party, has grown to a party of moderates who wish for extremism and far-left and far-right propaganda to be subdued. This party was renamed and reformed just before the 1860 elections.

The DKP over the past five years: In 1889 Hans Friedrich von Rohm died, and Volker von Gesihof assumed leadership of the party.
The 1890 elections saw a 4% increase for the DKP, leaving it as the largest party with 41% of the seats in the reichstag.
A pre-arranged coalition government was reached with the DZP and NLP under the terms of no reform, unchanged tarrifs,
and tax relief. This agreement was held up, until the 1893 emergency reichstag session, when a minimum wage reform was passed.

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German Center Party (DZP)
Deutsche Zentrumspartei
Current Leader: Adalwolf von Märchenlied
Ideology: Conservative
Founded: October 31st, 1875
Motto: “Deus lo vult”

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Moralism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Welfare state

Description:
The DZP is a christian, centrist party that aims to bring stability back to the Empire. The Center party aims to be pragmatic and moderate. Both of the extremes are against the interest of Germany and her people, the Socialists want a godless state, and the reactionaries want a feudal state unfit for the modern world. The center party aims to keep Germany great by not letting it fall to extremism.

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The parties have also held speeches to convince people to vote for them:

NLP:

Wilhelm Braun New Leader of the NLP stands for a speech outside his Home in Berlin to to people and workers of Berlin
“People of the Kaiserreich, Today is another historic day for our Reich, The NLP once again ask for your mandate to Govern Germany another 5 years of stability, to bring Freedom and Liberty again to you, expand our civil Liberties, The NLP has always fought for a better Germany, a stronger Germany.. Germany under the NLP has brought Germany to the status of World Power with our Beloved Kaiser! Liberalism has improved our living standards and Improved our social Programs! Reactionary forces now will try to take away our hard fought Civil liberties! We must not allow this!
People of the Reich Vote NLP!

Vote NLP for Prosperity!

Vote NLP for a Free Germany!

Long Live Deutschland and the Kaiser!"

DkP:

Volker von Geishof writes out a speech while in deployment on the Rhine.
"Good Germans. Give your vote to the DKP. In return, we will give you everything. We know that we have your support. You, the people, have made us the largest party in the Reich, and we have done all we can to serve your will. So give us your vote, give us your support, give us your confidence. We will not not fail you."

SPD:

Brenner holds a speech in front of the SPD building in Berlin, tied on his arm is a red piece of fabric that is of the same colour as the many Socialist flags being waved jubilee

“Friends and supporters alike, thank you for joining me here today as we begin our campaign for the next election!

The last few years have shown that the government without the SPD is unable to meet the demands of its citizens. It has shown itself more interested in sending its sons to die than to pull them out of starvation. It has shown itself in favour of pulling favourites with men sitting on their asses doing nothing than with women struggling to keep their family together.

NO MORE !

If the SPD is elected into government we will strive to make the will of the people be put into action without. No sharpening the bayonets and loading the cannons, but reforms and progress!

We will make sure that all citizens are treated equally, and I do mean ALL citizens! The SPD will fully supports the ADFV in their efforts to bring the daughters, mothers, and wives of the German Empire on equal grounds with the men!

Go to the voting booths now, let your voices be heard!

Vote for Progress!
Vote for Socialism!
Vote for the People!”

DZP:

Adalwolf von Märchenlied gives a quick speech
"Dear friends and fellow citizens, the DZP is here once again asking for your vote, for we represent a moderate voice in the Reichstag, a voice that cares about the people whom we are elected to serve, and together with your votes i know we can serve the empire best in the coming government."

A vote for Zentrum is a vote for Germany!

The Polls are now open and will remain so until Wednesday July 29th 8:00 PM CEST
​

 

[SibCDC]

1895 Reichstag Session and 1895-1897 Gameplay​

The 1895 elections were clouded by the impending declaration of war on France. During the campaing, Konstantin Brenner of the SPD would officially denounce any aggressive war without real provocation, but most other parties remained loyal to the Kaiser's intentions of going to war against France. When the results of the elections were in, it looked like the NLP and DkP had both lost seats, while the SPD and the DZP had both gained seats. Perhaps the SPD's anti-war message had earned them more votes than the NLP. But in the end, the seats were distributed as following: 131 seats for the SPD, 104 seats for the NLP, 82 seats for the DZP and 183 seats for the DkP. The coalition negotiations could begin.

Seat distribution after the 1895 elections.
​

A coalition was quickly formed between the NLP, SPD and DZP as the result of pre-election negotiations they had made with the leadership of the ADFV, Germany's largest suffragette organization. The policy outligned by the coalition mostly emphasized reforms to give women more rights and to give them an equal legal position in comparison to men. In addition, the coalition also agreed on pro-active reforms. During the 1895 Reichstag session (proceedings will follow in the next update), Wilhelm Braun of the NLP was elected as the new Chancellor. During the session, equal divorce rights for men and women were passed by the coalition, but vetoed by the Kaiser as the result of a letter from the DkP's most prominent members.

Reichskanzler Wilhelm Braun (NLP).​

And thus, as the Reichstag session had ended, many politicians returned to their position in the army and prepared for war. On January 17th, war was eventually declared on France and Spain was called in as an ally. The French would soon also call in their ally, the Netherlands, to help as a thorn in the side of Germany's defensive front, which was mostly focussed on France.

​

One of the first engagements with the enemy occurred in the Strait of Dover, where Konteradmiral Richard Guttman encountered a Dutch fleet led by Godfried Stuyvesant and sank it without losing any ships of his own as the Dutch fleet mostly consisted of transports. In the meantime, the German armies had crossed the border from Belgium into France and had started occupying everything from Duinkerke in the west to Nancy in the east. On February 13th, a battle occurred at Lille, where mobilized French forces were surprised and defeated by General Wilhelm von Knorr.

​

Two days later, a Dutch force was intercepted at Eindhoven and defeated by General Leopold von Reuter. In the meantime, a large Dutch force of around 90 000 men had crossed the border into Germany and was laying waste to the region. While another battle occurred at Lille between the German army and French conscripts, another engagement with Dutch troops in the Netherlands led to a German victory at Arnhem.

​

On March 1, General Elric Helmke died during an engagement with the French at Chalons. His army, now fighting without a leader, was quickly reinforced by the I. Korps under General von Labiau. The battle was eventually won before von Labiau even arrived in the region. On March 10, a battle occurred in Eindhoven, where a considerable force of Dutch conscripts tried to entrap the German armies in an attempt to keep them busy until the 90 000 men would be back from Germany to reinforce them. The conscripts would eventually be outsmarted and defeated at Utrecht a few days later.

​

By the end of March, the French had once again attacked the Germans, this time at Amiens. But as their army consisted of mostly inexperienced mobilized men, they quickly fell apart in the face of a professional German force. Around the same time, the large Dutch force had managed to ambush some German troops in Eindhoven, and an army Korps was quickly redirected from the French front to reinforce the Dutch front. In addition, a victory at the Battle of Cleves prevented further Dutch reinforcements to arrive in Eindhoven.

​

It was becoming ever more clear that this war would eventually be won by Germany, but the French and Dutch were not afraid to throw conscripted men against the rows and rows of professional German killer machines. At Laon, a French force of 63 000 men was completely overrun by a smaller German force led by Hermann von Heidelberg on April 6th. On April 7th, the Battle of Eindhoven was finally over and resulted in a Dutch defeat, despite a large amount of German casualties. By April 9th, the Germans had made considerable ground in France and were getting closer to Paris.

​

The last battle of the war would be fought in Besançon, where a German force led by Ludwig von Märchenlied defeated a French force more than double its size on April 11th. On April 12th, the German Foreign Minister, Hermann zu Muskau, would sent a telegram to Paris, urging the French to surrender and sit at the table in a peace conference. In the Treaty of Nancy, the region of the French Ardennes was ceded to Germany.

​

The war was won, but it came at a cost. Many young men did not return home, leaving a considerable amount of wives without a husband, and mothers without a son. The continued bloody wars Germany fought certainly had an impact on the activities of German suffragette movements such as the ADFV as more and more campaigns would be held in the following months to fight for more rights and equality for women. Throughout August and September of '95 alone, several campaigns were held, including a hunger strike and a letter campaign. In the meantime, the Ministry of the Treasury, led by Minister Martin von Labiau, continued to work on monetary reform by increasing the capabilities of Germany's central bank to print paper money.

​

In March of '96, the ADFV would follow up their earlier campaigns with a leaflet campaign in East Friesland, where the Dutch armies had caused considerable damage during the war with France. In June, the Ministry of the Treasury encouraged subsidized factories to adopt streamlined assembly lines in their means of production.

​

In November, the ADFV set up another leaflet campaign, this time in Upper Bavaria. But their campaigns would soon be overshadowed in December of '96 when French patriots rose up in the Ardennes and Elzaß-Lothringen. A considerable amount of former French conscripts rose up in resistance to German occupation, and most notably against the policy of Germanification.

​

In the wake of the French rebellion, the local administration in German Schleswig saw the opportunity to implement more pro-German policies. As the French resistance was being slaughtered, no Dane would have the guts to rise in opposition to the German government. By January 25th of '97, the French rebels were defeated.

​

As Germany entered 1897, the issue of women's rights was more prominent than ever and the question was whether the Kaiser and the DkP would continue to stand in the way of reform, or whether pressure from civil society would finally be enough to bring about change.

 

[SibCDC]

1897 Reichstag Session and 1897-1899 Gameplay​

The 1897 Reichstag session saw many bills proposed and as a result lasted longer than usual. Not only did the majority and opposition clash inside the Reichstag, but a fierce battle was also occurring outside of it, both sides of the political spectrum using their favors with the Kaiser to get certain bills passed or vetoed. In the end, two major reforms were passed. One which introduced improved healthcare and one which granted women property rights, among other things. The German suffragette movement had thus made a major victory and things started to rumble in the conservative wing of the Reichstag. Nonetheless, the first few months of 1897 would be dominated by a gulf of patriotism as Germany officially anounced that it would send athletes to compete in the very first modern Olympics, held in Athens, later that year.

​

By April, former governor of Shanghai Felix Staudenmaier had returned to Germany to fulfill his role as Minister of the Treasury. Employing some of Friedrich List's ideas, Staudenmaier started introducing the Historical Theory in the Ministry. Staudenmaier's work was mostly overlooked as the Olympics kicked off and the news was filled with stories of victorious athletes. Seeing Germany's success, many started campaigning to organize the next edition in Berlin.

​

By November of '97, Staudenmaier had continued his reforms at the Ministry of the Treasury, giving out research grants to economists and inventors who could scientifically improve efficiency in Germany's factories. Relatively quickly, numerous patents were filed for clocks that could measure how long each individual worker had worked.

​

In December of '97, the Republic of Bulgaria approached the Kaiser with a formal request for an alliance. The Kaiser, however, did not see Bulgaria as a necessary ally, especially not considering the social democrats ruled the country in the Balkans. In February of '98, Germany would intervene in Congress Poland as a small number of militant socialists had began an uprising in the capital against the local German King. The rebellion was short lived as the II. Korps arrived in Warsaw.

​

In May, several reformists politicians in the Reichstag across several parties organized themselves to campaign against the Jefferson system for a more proportional representation in the Reichstag. Proportional representation, they claimed, would allow smaller parties and even independents run in elections without having to fear a threshold.

​

At the end of May, a small amount of Communists rose up to protest the Kaiser's veto of the Labour Day Bill, which would have made May 1st an official holiday. Their strength was ignorable and even a Jacobin revolt in June couldn't keep them from being completely destroyed by the German army.

​

In June of '98, a new frenzy errupted throughout Germany. When everyone thought there was no place left on the world to discover, the Royal Geographic Society offered a large sum of money to whoever reaches the North Pole first. The Kaiser, looking for more prestige, sent Admiral Guttman to personally lead the expedition.

​

By July, the rebellions had been put down, but a new crisis was brewing, this time not in Germany itself, but abroad. The Bulgarians claimed that Northern Macedonia was rightfully their clay, but found the Serbians unwilling to give up their recently acquired territory. The Serbians promptly requested their German allies to back their rightful hold on Macedonia. After all, many German soldiers had died to liberate it from the Ottomans. Austria-Hungary, foolish and stubborn as ever, decided to back Bulgaria. However, the crisis would not last for long as the United Kingdom joined Germany's side and Austria-Hungary chickened out. War was prevented, for now.

​

In October, Guttman and his expedition returned without success. The North Pole still remained undiscovered. A cold winter had prevented them from going further north and there were no friendly ports which they could use. In November, this issue would be resolved as Norway became an ally of Germany. In combination with better naval technology, a new expedition was outfitted and sent to discover the North.

​

And so as 1900 approached, a new century lay ahead of Germany. A century with so much promises, but also with so much uncertainty. During the harsh winter of early 1900, King Friedrich III died, having suffered from illness for a while now. Crown Prince Wilhelm ascended to the throne as Kaiser Wilhelm II and immediately called for elections, dismissing the cabinet that his father had carefully groomed. The future was uncertain.

 

[skagerakk]

Elections of 1900​

New century, new Kaiser, new elections. The following parties compete against each other in these elections:

National Liberal Party (NLP)
Nationalliberale Partei

Current Leader: Wilhelm Braun
Founding Year: 1848
Ideology type: Liberal

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionist
Religious Policy: Secularism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Pro Military
Welfare: Welfare state

Description:
Formed In 1848 after the March Revolution from Many liberal Philosophers and economists wanting to start their own Party . It wishes to Pass liberal and Democratic Reforms to modernize Germany and is able to reach a compromise with the conservative elements within the Landtag and the royal court.

These Past 5 years NLP has fully adopted the social Liberal Ideology pushing for Democratic Reforms and reforms for better healthcare and women’s rights, successfully passing a Act giving women more rights of separate economy Hoping to expand women’s rights more in the coming years. The NLP will do anything to defend the people’s liberty and hard fought liberties of men and women of Germany, and hopes to continue the Reform, Reform, Reform Push it has been making

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Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)
Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands

Current Party Leader: Konstantin Brenner
Founding Date: 14th of June 1860
Ideology: Socialist
Motto: "Einigkeit macht stark"

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: State Capitalism
Religious Policy: Secularism
Citizenship Policy: Full Citizenship
War Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Welfare State

Description:
The Social Democratic Party of Germany was created by Lutz von Sommer with the help of Gustav Schwarzmann and Benedict Eichwald to help move Germany towards a brighter, more equal future with its main goals being giving more power to the Reichstag and gaining reforms especially when it comes to voting rights for women and poorer men.

The last five years the SPD and its coalition allies, the NLP and the DZP put their effort into passing much needed reforms and equality laws for the people of Germany. Despite DKP interference they did manage to succeed in pushing through several of these laws. However the Empire still has a long way to go before becoming the beacon of progress and social equality it has the potential to be.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

German National People’s Party (DNVP)
Deutschnationale Volkspartei
Current Party Leader: Volker von Geishof
Founding Date: 1900
Ideology: Conservative/Völkisch
Motto: “Deutsches Reich, Deutsches Blut” (“German Reich, German Blood”)

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Protectionism
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Moralism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Jingoism
Welfare Policy: Populist Welfare

Description:
In 1900, the DKP reformed their party into the DNVP, adopting the fledgling Völkisch Ideology, and reworking their party platform to fit Germany’s modern political landscape.

The 1895-1900 term was uneventful for the DkP, up until it ceased to exist in 1900 and became the DNVP. It started with another cabinet primarily made of DKP members, and another government coalition in the reichstag without the DKP. No significant DkP bills were passed in two reichstag sessions that term.
Due to this inability to have a larger impact on politics the DkP sought to reform itself and reorientate itself with more modern political ideologies. It found this in the newly emerging Völkisch movement within the Reich, which promoted German nationalistic pride and German Superiority. By incorporating this into its platform the DNVP hopes to gain a larger traction within the German population.

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German Center Party (DZP)
Deutsche Zentrumspartei
Current Leader: Adalwolf von Märchenlied
Ideology: Conservative
Founded: October 31st, 1875
Motto: “Deus lo vult”

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Moralism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Welfare state

Description:
The DZP is a christian, centrist party that aims to bring stability back to the Empire. The Center party aims to be pragmatic and moderate. Both of the extremes are against the interest of Germany and her people, the Socialists want a godless state, and the reactionaries want a feudal state unfit for the modern world. The center party aims to keep Germany great by not letting it fall to extremism.

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Christian Social Party (CSP)
Christlich Soziale Partei
Current Leader: Joseph von Klopp.
Founding Date: 1897
Ideology: Conservative

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Pluralism
Citizenship Policy: Residency
Military Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Populist Welfare



Description:
The Christian Social Party was founded in 1897 by conservatives who found themselves identifying with conservative values, but they did not align with either the increasingly reactionary Deutschkonservative Partei or the increasingly liberal Zentrum. They seek to uphold the social order and the monarchy, however they also believe that it is the right of the people to be represented in the government and thus believe in political reform to grant greater government power to the people; they believe wholeheartedly in social reform and intend to pass great social programs to benefit Germans.


The party leaders also hold speeches to convince voters to vote for them:

NLP:

Wilhelm Braun holds a speech in Berlin:

"People of the Kaiserreich, 5 years ago, I promised reform.... 5 years later NLP has provided you with Healthcare and Advancements in Women’s rights a monumental Reform for the People of this Nation, Germany will Catch up with our Brothers and Sisters from Europe and abroad! once again if you seek, REFORM REFORM REFORM, Vote NLP! Once again NLP has provided Responsible, Reformist Government to the Kaiserreich, and we will continue to do so for as long as we Can. VOTE NLP FOR LIBERTY, PROSPERITY, REFORM!
LONG LIVE THE KAISER AND DEUTCHLAND!"

CSP:

Joseph von Klopp holds a speech:

“We stand on the precipice of a new century, a new age in the sun for our great Empire. So, let me ask you, the people of Germany, whom the government is bound to serve:
What government do you wish to serve you?
Perhaps, it is the government, which is dedicated to ensuring that you, the people, shall have your voice heard.
Perhaps it is the government, which is dedicated to ensuring that you, the people, shall be the ones to select one of the most powerful men in the country, our great Reichskanzler.
Perhaps it is the government which believes not in absolutism, but in political freedom and the upholding of the social contract which is drawn between the people, and the government.
Perhaps it is the government which believes in the welfare of the people, which shall ensure healthcare, unemployment subsidies, and pensions for all Germans.

The Christian Social Party is dedicated to all these things. We are dedicated to our belief in your place in government. You shall not go unheard as you would be in different governments. This is a new century, and not one which calls for the endorsement of radical change. We have just lost a great Kaiser, a great man, a great leader. The very last thing that we need right now is great social upheaval. People of Germany, it is a new century. A new century calls for a new outlook, a reflection on our past and a plan for the future. The CSP shall provide that, and what we understand is that the plan for the future should not be one of drastic change, but one that shall call for us to stay the course and continue to progress into this bright future which we have built together. Our economic stance has always been as such: we have seen great economic growth, now is not the time to change that. The social systems of our nation and our people have long sufficed. What we need, is not to change these things, but allow our people greater rights in the political sphere and build socially upon what we know to work and what has served our people well in the past.

Our party denounces republicanism, our party denounces communism. These forces only serve to divide us, and not to bring Germans together.
Vote CSP for a strong, unified Germany. Vote CSP for a good Christian empire. Vote CSP to uphold the social order.
Vote CSP for a great new century.”


DNVP:

Volker von Geishof makes a speech in favor of the DNVP:

“The DKP was a party which lead Germany through the 19th century. We are in a new century now, and a new era. Bold new change is needed, to save Germany.
But who am I, to say Germany needs saving? German armies crush and conquer their enemies every time. We are the strongest nation in the world. But, something is wrong. Rotten.
Our grand armies are forced to crush and conquer their own people, when faced with rebellion after revolution after civil war.
This is the greatest tragedy.
And here, now, all of us, we stand on the precipice of a new epoch. Will Germany forge its own path in the annals or history, or fall like Russia into endless turmoil until it is naught but a withered husk.

Choose glory, eternal. Choose DNVP”

SPD:

Brenner climbs up the stage surrounded by the many SPD supporters out there to great him. They cheer loudly for him until he motions for them to quiet down. He puts a hand to his ear as if listening to something intently….

“Shhh my friends shhhh can you hear it?.....the silence all around us.
No men crying out in pain because there isn’t an affordable hospital nearby!
No artists begging in the streets because they cannot afford more paint and tools for their crafts!
No wives cussing in the middle of the night because they were denied the right to exercise a trade!

We have achieved many great things in the last years, making sure your cries for help and equality are heard and answers. We will continue on this same path and make sure you, the great men of women of the German Empire, will not have to shout until your throats are soar and aching! We will aim for a Germany where the only deafening sound to be heard is that of people clapping for the bright future they have won!
Lend me your hands in making sure all of Berlin hears this!

Clap for Reforms!
Clap for Equality between all!
And clap for the SPD, the voice of the people! The voice for you!”


Some parties also make use of pamphlets to advertise for their cause:

Pamphlets advocating people to vote for the DNVP start circulating in major cities, calling for the preservation of tradition even in the new century:

It's 1900: Remember '48, Remember '43, Remember '31.

A pamphlet is distributed in the weeks before the elections

The Elections are now open and will remain so until Wednesday August 5th 8:00 PM CEST
​

 

[cybandeath]

link is broken for me for the current vote.

 

[skagerakk]

link is broken for me for the current vote.

Thank you for telling me. It should be fixed now!

 

[SibCDC]

1900 Elections Results, Reichstag and 1900-1902 Gameplay​

The 1900 elections saw two new parties enter the game, the CSP and the DNVP, and saw an old familiar, the DkP, pass into oblivion. When the results eventually came in, it would be Wilhelm II's first real political test as Kaiser.

Results of the 1900 elections: SPD (127 seats), NLP (76 seats), DZP (55 seats), CSP (71 seats) and DNVP (171 seats).
​

The different parties immediately went into negotiation mode to form a new government. Several options were on the table, including a continuation of the previous SPD-NLP-DZP coalition, or a right wing alternative between the DZP-CSP-DNVP. In the end, the previous left wing coalition prevailed and the different parties agreed on voting in Ludwig von Märchenlied of the SPD as Germany's next Chancellor, much to the dismay of the Kaiser. Wilhelm II later invited the Chancellor to hear his advice about cabinet appointments. While allowing von Märchenlied to go over each of the ministries, the Kaiser did little to show his opposition to the Chancellor's advice. It was only when Wilhelm II announced the composition of the next cabinet that it became clear that the Chancellor had been deceived and that the Kaiser had paid little attention to his advice. The following cabinet was established:
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Hermann zu Muskau (DNVP)
Minister of War: Martin von Labiau (independent)
Minister of the Interior: Joseph von Klopp (CSP)
Minister of the Treasury: Felix Staudenmaier (CSP), replaced after his death in 1902 by Wilhelm Braun (NLP)
Minister of Justice: Maximilian von Schillig (CSP), replaced after his resignation in 1900
Minister of Education: Friedrich von Anthau-Kirstenberg (DNVP, independent in 1901)
In addition, a new ministry was created, the Ministry of the Chancellorship, headed by Volker von Geishof (DNVP), with the intent of leading cabinet meetings should the Chancellor be unwilling or unable to do so and informing the Kaiser on the various bills proposed to the Reichstag.

Chancellor Ludwig von Märchenlied.
​

The 1900 Reichstag session was marked with many bills, including a landmark agreement on a reform of the definition of 'ringleader' and a constitutional reform to change from the Jefferson system to proportional representation. In the end, many bills were passed, but two were vetoed by the Kaiser. One bill by the DNVP that sought to held parties accountable for the actions of their followers because it was too vague in its wording and one bill by the SPD that would recognize the college degrees obtained by women and would force cities to forsee in women's education at universities.

The landmark proposal to change to proportional representation passed with an overwhelming majority in the Reichstag.
​

The year 1900 thus began quite optimistically, with the passing of many reforms into law, including pensions, secret ballots and unemployment subsidies. But it would soon be clouded by unrest in German Sudan, where the local Arab tribes began a revolt against the German colonial presence. The V. Kolonial Korps was quickly dispatched from Nigeria to Khartoum to quell any major resistance before it could take hold of the city.

​

Around that same time, German influence in Norway had come to the point where the Scandinavian country could be considered as being firmly in the German sphere of influence. With Norway, Sweden and Denmark now all three within the German sphere, pan-German politicians in Berlin were calling for more economic cooperation with Scandinavia.

​

On the 19th of May 1900, sad news arrived from Switzerland. While on his first state visit to a foreign country, Kaiser Wilhelm II was assassinated in the Swiss city of Zurich. His killer turned out to be an anarchist and had links to the Swiss-German black shirts, a recently established branch of former Chancellor von Coesfeld's pan-German movement. Wilhelm II, who had no children (it has been rumored he was impotent), left the German crown to his brother, Heinrich, who was crowned Kaiser Heinrich I. Heinrich had always been kept away from politics by his brother and was much more interested in the navy, his yachts and the emerging car industry. As 1900 saw the passing of Kaiser Friedrich III and the assassination of Kaiser Wilhelm II, it would be known as the Year of the Three Emperors.

In the wake of the assassination, the new movement known as the Third Way, or fascism, would be discredited by Monarchists in Germany.
​

From May to October of 1900, German athletes also competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics held in Paris. While animosity between the Germans and the French was still high at the time, no major incidents were reported and German athletes were able to score some medals in various disciplines.

​

By June of 1900, the Ministry of War under Martin von Labiau implemented a law written by the DNVP that sought to modernize the German army's capabilities by integrating modern transport vehicles into the army ranks. In addition, research divisions were set up to experiment with various sorts of automobiles and armoured wagons to find solutions for future issues on the battlefield.

​

January of 1901 was marked with unrest incited by suffragette movements all across the country. Having earned the right to separate economy and after Wilhelm II's veto, they demanded voting rights and equality with men. That same month, Theodor Mommsen, a writer and historian with a strange resemblance to former Chancellor von Coesfeld, won the Nobel Prize for Literature, extending prestige to Germany.

​

In April, the Deutschnationale Volkspartei (DNVP) was rocked by scandal after it was revealed that party leaders were allegedly paid in secret by local landowners to tweak laws in their favor, that government positions were given to favorites and that goods were stolen from government warehouses, among other things. The scandal had major consequences for the party as it would lead to Minister Friedrich von Anthau-Kirstenberg's departure from the party.

​

The 20th century had started off on a rocky road, with a seemingly constant string of chaotic events and scandals. However, some sense of stability came in 1902 when Kaiser Heinrich I went on his first state visit abroad (not counting his attendance at Queen Victoria's funeral), to the United States. He was greeted by many German Americans and had constructive talks with the American leadership, including President Theodore Roosevelt, strengthening the German-American alliance and brotherhood. American newspapers praised Heinrich's down to earth personality, often referring to his emotional speech at the unveiling of a statue in the Capitol for Alexander Hartmann, who was killed while trying to apprehend President Lincoln's killer.

Kaiser Heinrich I.​

 

[SibCDC]

1902-1904 Gameplay​

As 1902 began, Germany found itself with another small mutiny by French troops in Straßburg. The revolt was quickly put down by General/Chancellor von Märchenlied and his troops.

​

Unrest continued through March when militancy among the native Africans in German West Africa grew as a result of colonial mismanagement. Instead of addressing the issues, or at least finding a scapegoat, the Colonial Office simply ignored the matter in hopes that it would soon blow over. However, by November, it had spread to the West African inland. Was a colonial revolt imminent?

​

In February of 1903, the Ministry of the Treasury under Minister Braun introduced several measures to increase the efficiency of the German Central Bank. A state bond monetary system was refined, as shares of Kaiserwerke, the state owned weapons manufacturer, were partly sold to private investors.

​

On May 1st of 1903, the very first Imperial Labour Day was organized throughout Germany. Many workers, socialists and non-socialists, paraded through the streets in celebration of German craftsmanship and labour. No major incidents were reported, however some more militant elements may have been inspired by the mass turnout.

​

At the same time, several prominent German investors announced their plan to connect Constantinople to Baghdad by railroad. While the Ottoman Empire lagged behind on the industrial revolution that had swept the rest of Europe, the construction of this railroad might kickstart some industry in Anatolia. In addition, it would immensily benefit German-Ottoman relations, which had been strained as the result of several wars in the recent past.

​

By the end of May of 1903, Russian explorers had reached the North Pole, leading to much dissapointment in Germany. Admiral Guttman's expedition was called back. Nonetheless, he did not come back empty handed as he brought with him Karl the polar bear, who he had defeated in battle. Karl soon captured the imagination of many Germans and attracted many visitors to the von Märchenlied Zoological and Botanical Gardens, where he was put on display.

Karl the Polar Bear.
​

In October of 1903, an international crisis erupted as the result of a popular revolt in the Kazakh provinces of Central Russia. Germany quickly took the side of the Kazakh rebels, recognizing this as another opportunity to balkanize the immense country on its eastern border. However, many other great powers were hesitant and it took a bit of German diplomacy to get Britain to support the Kazakh cause. With the promise of dismantlement of military installations in Ukraine, the British agreed and Russia soon caved in to foreign pressure.

​

In November of '03, Polish militant socialists rose up against the elected German monarch in the Kingdom of Poland. Loyalist forces were quickly able to put the revolt down and the 65-year old King Alexander remained firmly on the throne.

​

1904 remained mostly uneventful and only saw the German alliance system exand into Portugal and Romania and the adoption of better rifles by the army. And thus 1905 was at the doorstep and with it, new elections. Who would become the new ruling party? Which topic would dominate the campaign? And perhaps most important of all, can I vote for Karl the Polar Bear?

​

 

[SibCDC]

Elections of 1905​

The 1905 elections are here and the political landscape is yet again open for drastic change. Meet the parties who will represent the people of Germany:

National Liberal Party (NLP)

National Liberal Party (NLP)
Nationalliberale Partei

Current Leader: Wilhelm Braun
Founding Year: 1848
Ideology type: Liberal

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionist
Religious Policy: Secularism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Pro Military
Welfare: Welfare state

Description:
Formed In 1848 after the March Revolution from Many liberal Philosophers and economists wanting to start their own Party . It wishes to Pass liberal and Democratic Reforms to modernize Germany and is able to reach a compromise with the conservative elements within the Landtag and the royal court.

Speech:
Braun stands on a Platform in Berlin giving a speech to the masses of Berlin.
“People of Germany, once again it is time to choose our future, NLP will once again stand to let you choose Liberalism, Liberty and Prosperity, something we will stand to give the People always and will never fray away from, The NLP will always defend the people’s Liberty, Freedom and Prosperity, something we all have fought hard for. Once again we Ask you to vote to defend your freedoms from the Far-right and Extremist from both ends of the political spectrum, The NLP will defend your freedoms and Defend German Prosperity from all who would wish to end it! We will once again stand for a Reformist government to bring about the changes Germany still needs! Vote NLP! Liberty, Prosperity, Freedom!"

Propaganda:

​

Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)

Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)
Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands

Current Party Leader: Konstantin Brenner
Founding Date: 14th of June 1860
Ideology: Socialist
Motto: "Einigkeit macht stark"

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: State Capitalism
Religious Policy: Secularism
Citizenship Policy: Full Citizenship
War Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Welfare State

Description:
The Social Democratic Party of Germany was created by Lutz von Sommer with the help of Gustav Schwarzmann and Benedict Eichwald to help move Germany towards a brighter, more equal future with its main goals being giving more power to the Reichstag and gaining reforms especially when it comes to voting rights for women and poorer men.

Speech:
Brenner is once again on a podium, a sea of red in front of him as men an women have come waving red banners. A confident smile,reminiscent of a certain dashing politician, forms on his face as he begins his speech.
“Friends and supporters, what a time for us to be alive! We have accomplished so much in our lifetimes. All of us together dragged Germany from its ancient roots into the modern era through sheer force of will and dedication! While the counter blocks of reactionary politicians and insidious scheming tried to prevent us from achieving the equality and safety we all desired we did not give in! We as one pulled on the great chain of progress, one reform at a time! And it is this great chain that the SPD will keep pulling forward! But our fight is not an easy one brothers and sisters! Lest we fall back into the dark icy waters of exploitation and servitude we must keep struggling! I and my colleagues are but a small group, dedicated but in need of aid…of your aid! Therefor I ask you once again to lend me and all of the SPD your strong arms and fighting spirits! Once we ballots are open we hope you will all stand behind us, all of you grabbing on to promise of reform we have always preached and delivered! As one help us pull the chain! As one vote for the SPD!”

Propaganda:

​

German National People's Party (DNVP)

German National People’s Party (DNVP)
Deutschnationale Volkspartei
Current Party Leader: Volker von Geishof
Founding Date: 1900
Ideology: Conservative/Völkisch
Motto: “Deutsches Reich, Deutsches Blut” (“German Reich, German Blood”)

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Protectionism
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Moralism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Jingoism
Welfare Policy: Populist Welfare

Description:
In 1900, the DKP reformed their party into the DNVP, adopting the fledgling Völkisch Ideology, and reworking their party platform to fit Germany’s modern political landscape.

German Center Party (DZP)

German Center Party (DZP)
Deutsche Zentrumspartei
Current Leader: Adalwolf von Märchenlied
Ideology: Conservative
Founded: October 31st, 1875
Motto: “Deus lo vult”

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Moralism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Welfare state

Description:
The DZP is a christian, centrist party that aims to bring stability back to the Empire. The Center party aims to be pragmatic and moderate. Both of the extremes are against the interest of Germany and her people, the Socialists want a godless state, and the reactionaries want a feudal state unfit for the modern world. The center party aims to keep Germany great by not letting it fall to extremism.

Speech:
Adalwolf give a speech simply saying.
"Dear citizens, it is time again for me to ask for your votes, a job that I have never found easy, unlike many other parties I don't find it easy to simply say that voting for us will make all your problems go away, because that's simply not how life works, but what your vote will do will give you an ally, a voice in the upcoming government who will fight for the people, the silent majority who does not wish for our nation to fall to absolutism or communism. That's why I ask you all once again, the people, to give the DZP a chance to do good for our empire. Vote DZP and let your voice be heard."

Christian Social Party (CSP)

Christian Social Party (CSP)
Christlich Soziale Partei
Current Leader: Joseph von Klopp.
Founding Date: 1897
Ideology: Conservative

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Pluralism
Citizenship Policy: Residency
Military Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Populist Welfare

Description:
The Christian Social Party was founded in 1897 by conservatives who found themselves identifying with conservative values, but they did not align with either the increasingly reactionary Deutschkonservative Partei or the increasingly liberal Zentrum. They seek to uphold the social order and the monarchy, however they also believe that it is the right of the people to be represented in the government and thus believe in political reform to grant greater government power to the people; they believe wholeheartedly in social reform and intend to pass great social programs to benefit Germans.

Speech:
Joseph delivers a speech leading up to the elections.
“People of Germany, as we enter into the second election of this century, I ask of you to vote for the party which has delivered on our promise, which has delivered on the wishes of our constituents, and which has sought to serve Germany and Germans in the most democratic, most representative manner possible. While other parties fought to pass social changes which were not demanded by the people in the name of socialist fantasies, we have sought to further the freedoms of Germans who call out to be represented in government. This election shall be the first in the history of our empire to represent the votes of ALL Germans, to represent all parties no matter how small because every German voice must be heard in government! This shall be the first election in the history of our empire where every German can be assured that their ballot shall be kept safe, secret, and they may vote with the confidence that their vote shall not be infringed upon. We shall ensure that democracy in this empire is upheld! And, the program of the CSP is not yet fulfilled. We shall continue to fight in the Reichstag for a strong chancellor, one who shall not let the tragedies of our system continue. We shall fight for greater political freedoms. We shall fight for a stronger Constitution. We shall fight for the social programs that you wish to see enacted, and we shall ensure that the welfare of Germans is protected.”

The Elections are now open and will remain so until Saturday August 15th 8:00 PM CEST
​

 

[TheMysticalCow]

Für den deutschen Staat und Arbeiter!

 

[SibCDC]

1905 Election Results and 1905-1906 Gameplay​

The 1905 elections were the first elections to be held according to the principle of proportional representation. As a result, smaller parties gained the courage to stand in districts where they previously wouldn't have had any chance to compete for seats. Even independents now had a real chance of making it into the Reichstag. When the final results were revealed, it had become clear that one party in particular had profitted from this change: the German Centre Party (DZP). In addition, Herr Friedrich von Anthau-Kirstenberg was the first and only independent to be elected into the Reichstag.

1905 Reichstag: SPD (143 seats), NLP (70 seats), DZP (77 seats), CSP (52 seats), DNVP (157 seats), Independents (1 seat: Friedrich von Anthau-Kirstenberg).
​

After the results were made public, the parties of the Reichstag went into negotiation mode almost immediately. The big question, as always, was whether or not the previous coalition would continue their cooperation and who would lead them as Chancellor. The SPD, NLP and DZP met and discussed their future cooperation. There was some tension with the SPD's Konstantin Brenner, who felt he was being used by the DZP. Unsurprisingly, the DNVP met with the NLP, SPD, CSP and DZP in separate meetings to sway them away from each other and form a new coalition. In the end, the NLP, SPD and DZP stuck to each other and chose to elect the DZP's Adalwolf von Märchenlied, brother of the late Chancellor Ludwig von Märchenlied who had died recently. And so, Adalwolf was elected and became Chancellor, despite a last minute attempt by the CSP's Joseph von Klopp to divide the coalition by voting for the SPD's Konstantin Brenner.

Chancellor Adalwolf von Märchenlied (DZP).
​

The next step in forming a government was consulting with the Kaiser to appoint the Cabinet of Ministers. For both the Chancellor and the Kaiser, this was their first time doing this, so many expectations arose on all sides of the political spectrum over this event. People on the left hoped that Kaiser Heinrich was more open to liberal ministers, while conservatives on the right hoped that Heinrich would continue the long standing habit of the Kaisers of ignoring the Chancellor and appointing a conservative cabinet. In the end, both groups got partly what they wanted. While the Kaiser did listen to most of Adalwolf's recommendations, he still appointed a conservative to the Ministry of the Interior. The final cabinet looked as following:
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Christian Alexander von Berg (NLP)
Minister of the Interior: Adolf von Hoth (DNVP)
Minister of War: Richard Guttmann (NLP)
Minister of the Treasury: Wilhelm Braun (NLP)
Minister of Justice: Konstantin Brenner (SPD)
Minister of Education: Edel Mühlhausen (DZP)
Minister of the Chancellorship: Maximilian von Schillig (CSP)
To many people's surprise, the SPD, the biggest party in the coalition, only got one ministry, while the NLP, the smallest party in the coalition, got the most.

Nonetheless, 1905 began with much optimism about the new government and its relation with the Kaiser, as in the 1905 Reichstag session, a bill was able to pass which recognized the university degrees of German women, without opposition from the Kaiser. This optimism was carried further when Adolf von Baeyer, a German chemist, won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his discovery of the inert gaseous elements in air, and his determination of their place in the periodic system.

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Furthermore, the Arab Revolt which had been plaguing German Sudan came to an end as the ringleaders were finally arrested and a new colonial governor negotiated a ceasefire with the local population.

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But the optimism surrounding the first few months of 1905 quickly came to an end in early April of that year, when the Japanese had declared war on Russia and requested Germany's aid in their war. There was no doubt that Germany could easily win such a war, but as the pacifist movement had grown within the country since the beginning of the 20th century, the Kaiser had grown sympathetic to their endeavour to keep Germany out of needless wars. Still, an ally requesting Germany's help could not be ignored in order to cement the image of Germany as a reliable ally. And so Kaiser Heinrich had no other choice but to accept the Japanese call to war.

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In the early stages of the war, the German fleet was sent out into the Baltic Sea to prevent Russian ships from blockading German ports and raiding German trade convoys. At one point, it was rumoured that the Russian fleet was paranoid of a joint Japanese-German invasion of Petrograd through the Baltic, but for now the German war effort at sea limited itself to sinking the Russian fleet to assert dominance over the Baltic Sea. In two consequent battles, the entire Russian Baltic fleet was sunk.

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As the German navy moved in to blockade Petrograd, the German army crossed the border into Russian occupied Lithuania. At this moment in the war, the Kaiser called a meeting with the Chancellor and his Minister of War to discuss what Germany should try to get from this war. The Kaiser was hesitant to set any war goals that would unnecessarily prolong the war effort. While the Minister of War was set on pushing the Kaiser to liberate all of Eastern Europe by dismantling the Russian Republic, the Chancellor was much more moderate and suggested to give some more land to the Kingdom of Poland to strengthen them. The Kaiser himself did not like the jingoism displayed by his Minister of War, as it would upset the balance of power in Europe and certainly lead to an intervention against Germany. In addition, such a war goal would lengthen the war by several months, possibly even years, most likely costing the German Empire thousands upon thousands of lives. Heinrich himself was more in favour of liberating a friendly Lithuania, as he had heard stories about the local population's hospitality towards the German forces. In the end, the meeting was ended without a clear compromise and the Kaiser was left with the question of what this war should accomplish for Germany. The Kaiser had ordered Minister Guttmann, who also commanded the German fleet, to allow food and medicine through the blockade in Petrograd to prevent the Russian people from suffering from their government's stupidity. Not long after, the Kaiser personally went to the front in Lithuania to spent time with the soldiers, even spending a couple of days with them in the trenches. When he returned to Berlin, he was more adamant than ever to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

German Kaiser Heinrich I. visiting the troops in Lithuania during the Russo-Japanese War of 1905.
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By July of 1905, the German army had made considerable gains in Lithuania, while the Japanese had occupied the port of Vladivostok and most of the surrounding region. But while the previous months had seen no major confrontations between the Germans and the Russians, more and more mobilized Russians started pouring into the region, resulting in a surprise attack on the Germans in Jelgava.

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The element of surprise however did not last long for the Russians as German reinforcements from Ostpreußen quickly arrived to strengthen the ranks. By August 10, General Martin von Labiau was able to turn back the Russian conscripts. In the end, almost 30 000 German lives were lost, something which the Kaiser had wished to avoid.

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By August 16, the Russians realized that they could not win a two front war against the Germans and the Japanese without any real help from the outside world, and so they sued for peace. And thus, in the end the debates between the Kaiser, the Chancellor and the Minister of War did not really matter, as the Japanese did not consider any German demands at the peace table. The Russian Republic was left with an immense blow to their moral and to their prestige. They had just been defeated by a nation from Asia, a region often associated with the non-civilized world at the time. Several voices within the Duma started doubting the efficiency of the republican system in the Russian context, as it had clearly failed to mobilize its population against an incoming invasion. In the aftermath of the war, the Kaiser also visited the graves that marked the sacrifices of the thousands of soldiers who died in the war.

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By October, Germany's influence across Europe extended further into Romania, as Russian influence was dissapearing almost completely from the Balkans. The oil fields of Romania would prove vital for German industry in the near future.

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In March of 1906, a demonstration in Berlin by countless suffragettes was coined the Mud March, as rainy weather turned the streets into pools of mud. Despite the weather, their enthousiasm and strength filled the streets of the capital to the point where even the Kaiser could hear their chants from his office in the Berliner Stadschloß.

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By August, Germany had included another European country in its ever growing sphere of influence: Portugal. With Portugal at Germany's side, France was further encircled by hostile nations. Only the Netherlands resisted German influence and remained deeply invested in their alliance with the French.

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In November of 1906, the Kazakhs invaded neighbouring Kokand and Afghanistan and requested German assistance. Because of the nature of this attack and the distance from Germany and its colonial holdings, Kaiser Heinrich decided not to join the war. As Kazakh was in the German sphere of influence, they could afford to ignore their request.

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And so 1907 was at the doorstep and the optimism which had began in 1905 had somewhat returned. With the ever increasing rights for women and a continuing prosperity for the German economy, it was expected that Germany would soon be the number one power in the world.

 

[SibCDC]

1907-1909 Gameplay Part I: Prelude to the War​

1907 began peacefully as all sorts of new goods arrived to Germany from its colonies. In February a real banana frenzy took over the country as these weird yellow curved fruits found their way into the German kitchen. More importantly, the Reichstag had passed an amendment that gave the vote to women. Being the first major country in Europe, and in fact in most of the rest of the world to do so.

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In July, the first signs of trouble started brewing in Europe when Romania approached Germany with a request to aid them in their endeavour to take their core lands from Austria-Hungary. Germany, which considered the Habsburg Empire to be a relic of the medieval era, gladly accepted and promised the Romanian government that it would pressure the Austrians into making concessions to Romanian citizens in Transylvania.

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By October of 1907, the recent change in legislation which allowed for convicts to be sent to the colonies resulted in the establishment of a penal colony in German East Africa. With German colonization of Africa now at the point where hundreds of Germans emigrated to Africa, there were already areas with a considerable concentration of German settlers. With convicts now adding to those numbers, the German language and culture was almost omnipresent on the continent.

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In January of 1908, the German colonial administration in Egypt was faced with a rebellion. The revolt had started after a local imam in Cairo was killed by German soldiers, an event which sparked outrage against the foreign occupation. Soon, thousands of Egyptians rose up to claim back their independence from the Germans. The V. Kolonial Korps was quickly redirected from Sudan and travelled up the Nile to crush the rebellions in Egypt.

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By April of 1908, the Egyptian independence movement had been crushed and law and order returned to the colony. In August, the Royal Geographic Society announced that it would grant a reward to whoever reached the South Pole first. Excited by this challenge, German Kaiser Heinrich I put together a team of explorers, led by Nicolas Schmidt, an officer of the Imperial Navy. On August 20th, they set off from Hamburg to race to the South Pole.

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In December of 1908, an international crisis began brewing in the far away lands of the Ottoman Empire. While this crisis drew little attention when it initially arose, it would eventually lead to one of the bloodiest conflicts in European history. The Armenians had risen up against the Ottomans and demanded their independence. Prominent Armenian leaders approached the German Kaiser and spoke of terrible acts of violence committed by the Ottomans against their people. Convinced by their plea, Heinrich I officially backed their claim to independence. In the meantime, the Austrians had chosen to back their Ottoman allies.

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As the crisis grew, both the Germans and the Austrians started their diplomatic strategies to bring more great powers to their side. First of all, the German ambassador in London tried to get the United Kingdom to Germany's side. When pleading to their conscience didn't work, despite the stories of atrocities by the Ottomans, the German ambassador was left with only one option: making a promise so that the British would get something out of this crisis. And so a clause was agreed upon to cut down Austria-Hungary's size.

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As a reaction to the Anglo-German alliance, the French joined Austria-Hungary's side in the crisis. With the danger of a two front war now almost a reality, the German diplomatic machinery starting going in overdrive, sending a mission to Rome to convince the Italians to join their side. With the promise of their long desired Venice back, they easily joined the Anglo-German Axis. The Austrians, on the other hand, convinced the Dutch to join their side. The lines were drawn and the crisis further escalated, most of Europe now involved in some way or another.

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With the crisis further evolving, one of the government's most vocal pacifists, Konstantin Brenner, addressed the Reichstag with a long speech declaring his intention, and that of the government, to de-escalate the crisis and resolve it by diplomatic means. His speech was hailed with support from both sides, as Germany had always managed to resolve crises in a peaceful manner. Hope that a large scale European war could still be prevented almost grew simultaneously with anti-French and anti-Austrian sentiment.

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That hope almost completely disappeared on May 11 1909 when the German ambassador to the Ottoman Empire attended a summit while drunk. His jingoist language further escalated the situation and undid every effort of the German government to resolve the crisis by peaceful means. The Ottoman Sultan, personally attending the summit, was enraged and immediately signed the order to seize all German owned infrastructure throughout his empire, including the Constantinople-Baghdad railroad.

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In response, the German government sent an ultimatum to the Ottomans, demanding compensation for the seized assets. Insulted once again, the Sultan ignored the ultimatum and declared war on Germany on May 31, citing the recent revolt in Egypt as a reason to rid the Middle East of German imperialism. Austria-Hungary quickly joined and so did France, to take advantage of German confusion. As their armies mobilized, the mechanism of the Anglo-German alliance and the German-Italian alliance drew more European powers into the war. By June, most of Europe was at war with each other and the Great War had begun. Notably, the United States and Russia both chose to remain outside of the conflict.

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[Namethatauserdoesnotuse]

Let’s go A-H and France! Epic communist rebellion will take Germany and we can get German USSR. Jokes aside this looks as doomed for the French and A-H as our WW1 was for the Germans and A-H

 

[SibCDC]

1907-1909 Gameplay Part II: The Western Front​

When the war began, all sides were optimistic. Leaders promised their countrymen and soldiers their wives and children that the war would be over by Christmas. They had no reason to believe the war was going to last any longer, after all, the last European conflict to last several years were the Napoleonic wars. The early weeks of the war, however, saw a brutal and large scale invasion of Belgium by the French. The Belgians, having foreseen the possibility of an invasion by the French, had a system of defences aimed at slowing down any French invasion. When news reports came in that French troops had taken Nieuwpoort on the North Sea, a detachment of Belgian soldiers went behind enemy lines in the middle of the night to open the sluice complex known as the Ganzepoort. When the high tide came in, the Yser river that flowed through the region overflowed, inundating most of the Yser valley, effectively halting the French advancement in West-Flanders. While it did spare the historical city of Bruges from advancing French troops, it did not prevent the French from invading through Hainaut in the south.

The inundation of the Yser river flooded a large area of West-Flanders.
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In the meantime, two German army detachments were tasked with the invasion of the Netherlands. The Rhine was expected to be a natural barrier that could prove vital in halting the incoming French armies. However, the Dutch mounted a stiff resistance and mobilized their population, outnumbering the German forces. While Danish and Norwegian forces came to Germany's aid, the Dutch mounted an invasion into Cleves, on the German side of the border. The small force, however, was caught by surprise when a superior German force drove them away.

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By the end of June, the German fleet had been tasked with blockading the Dutch ports to prevent French supplies from reaching the relatively isolated country. There, they encountered the Dutch fleet and a small battle erupted. Admiral Guttmann was able to sink some Dutch transports, while losing a transport himself, before the Dutch eventually retreated to repair their fleet. The German fleet soon did the same, leaving the blockade to the British.

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By July 2 1909, the French had broken through in Tournai, Hainaut, while engaging with the Belgian army in Zeeland, the Netherlands. Dutch troops had moved south into Belgian Limburg while French armies were at the doorstep of Brussels. The German army held position at the fort belt of Liège, anxiously waiting for the inevitable French attack.

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At Munster, a small Dutch force consisting of mobilized forces was caught off guard and defeated. While Friesland was being occupied by the Danish and Norwegians, another minor Dutch force was defeated at Arnhem, the first German victory on the Western front on foreign soil. But while the Germans were toying with the Dutch, the French threat continued to advance through Belgium.

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In an effort to relieve the Belgian army at Brussels, the Germans launched an attack into Namur, which also had considerable fortifications which could provide the German army with an easily defendable position on the Meuse river. On July 14, General Hermann zu Muskau successfully took Namur and drove the French back.

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On July 21, the Germans suffered a humiliating defeat at Cleves at the hands of the Dutch army. It was the first time a German army was defeated on German soil since the Napoleonic wars. As a large Dutch force moved into Germany, it became clear how much they had been underestimated by their eastern neighbours.

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In the meantime, the French were pressing their advantage in Belgium by attacking the German defence lines on several places, including Namur and Arlon. In Arlon, they failed as reinforcements were able to lead General Adelbert von Moltke's forces to a victory. However, as troops were pulled back from other places on the French front, most notably from the southern Ardennes and Elzaß-Lothringen, French forces invaded the region. August 4, the French advance at Namur was halted by General Adelbert von Moltke, who reinforced the local garrison. Bad news arrived from Kaiserslautern, however, as French conscripts mutinied against their German general.

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The Germans were quick to respond to the French invasion of the southern Ardennes and drove them back at Verdun, taking advantage of French sloppiness when they left behind a minor force while advancing further up north through Belgium.

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On August 29 the French once again attacked the Belgian forts at Namur, where the Germans were stationed, forcing reinforcements from Liège to abandon their post and allowing the French through. As the continued battles with the French occurred, it became more and more clear that this war wouldn't be over by Christmas. As trenches were being dug and forts were being blasted to pieces. more and more battles saw only a few hundred meters gained or lost.

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The continued French assaults and German losses numbering to the thousands, eventually led to the German retreat from Belgium in September of 1909. The situation did not look good for Germany. Many of its army detachments were lacking their usual strength. Combined with the growing French presence in Belgium and on the border with Germany, this eventually led to the order of mobilization on October 7 1909, four months into the war.

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By Christmas 1909, the French had occupied all of Belgium. The Christian holiday did not provoke comradery between the opposing armies on the Western front, instead one of the bloodiest battles of the early war was fought at Épinal in the Ardennes. News of the victory on Christmas Eve inspired many Germans, who hoped that this victory marked the first step in the push back against the French.

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On January 1 1910, this hope was further inspired by the German victory at Straßburg, where the occupation was finally lifted.

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So far, the Great War had already made many casualties. With each battle, the number of hospitalized young men increased. With the order to mobilize, most civilians were someway or another involved in the war. As men left their workplaces for the front, their places were being taken by women, refugees from Belgium and Poland and anyone who found themselves able and willing to work. In the first few months of the war, the Western Front was characterized by a quick French advance through Belgium, despite the brave attempts of the Belgians and the Germans to keep them at bay. In the meantime, the Dutch were more conservative with their attacks, but were still able to keep Germany and its allies busy enough to keep them from giving their full attention to the French. One thing was sure, the Great War was not a 19th century conflict anymore, but a 20th century massacre driven by the forces of industry and perpetuated by the failure of politics and diplomacy.