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Reforms in the Reichstag and re-election of 1855
  • Alright folks, here it goes:

    after several reforms the Reichstag and King have decided to hold reelections with the new system in place to properly represent the interests of the people of the North German Federation.

    However these reforms have cause discord among the FKP members with many of the reactionary wing leaving and founding their own party to represent their ideals:

    Prussian Fatherland Party (PFP)
    Preußische Vaterlandspartei

    Current Leader:
    Magnus von Klopp
    Founding Year: 1855
    Ideology type: Reactionary

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy:
    Protectionism
    Economic Policy: State Capitalism
    Religious Policy: Moralism
    Citizenship Policy: Residency
    War Policy: Jingoism
    Welfare: No State Interference

    History:
    Formed in 1855 by the members of the reactionary wing of the FKP after tensions between them and the conservative members, the Prussian Fatherland Party seeks to ensure the strength of the king and of true Prussian conservatism throughout Germany. The party believes in the power and divine right of the monarchy, and seeks to restore its glory throughout Europe.


    The Norddeutscher Bundes-Anzeiger publishes his latest issue with the reelection speeches of all the parties:

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    The Neu Preußische Zeitung also releases an edition about the first tumultuos Reichstag session:

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    The Rheinische Zeitung also releases a paper:

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    Polls are now open and will close on Thursday (May 28th 2020) on 2 PM CEST

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    Last edited:
    Election Results of 1855 (re-election results)
  • Everywhere in the North German Confederation the citizens of the nation went to the ballots and have chosen their representatives for the Reichstag. The reforms, which were the reason for the re-election, have had a profound impact on the election results, which the Norddeutscher Bundes Anzeiger has just released. May the North German Confederation prosper under its new, future government.

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    1855 formation of a government and cabinet
  • Update Chancellor election and cabinet appointments:


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    After intese negotiations between all parties a liberal coalition emerged and elected Orlan von Hammerstein, leader of the LV, to be Bundeskanzler of the North German Federation!

    Many remain skeptical as von Hammerstein is not only the leader of the smallest party in the Reichstag, but also not the most popular figure among his peers, it is hence suspected that he may have blackmailed his way into power and forced his fellow liberal parties to elect him over other candidates.

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    Orlan von Hammerstein, elected Bundeskanzler

    Kanzler von Hammerstein then proceeded to advise the King on the cabinet appointments.

    Afterwards the following people were appointed to serve in the Cabinet and aid the King and Kanzler:

    Ministry for Foreign Affairs: Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm von Hoth (FKP)
    Ministry of Interior: General der Artillerie Gerhard zu Muskau (FKP)
    Ministry for War: Konteradmiral Jan Staudenmaier (PKW)
    Ministry for Trade and Commerce: Ruprecht Birnbaum (NLP)
    Ministry of Finance: Alexander Braun (NLP)
    Ministry of Justice: Leopold von Hofmeinster (NLP)

    This government under his majesty King Wilhelm I. von Preußen will be instrumental in shaping the policies for the next 5 years!
     
    1855-1857 Gameplay Part I: The Franco-German War
  • 1855-1857 Gameplay Part I: The Franco-German War
    1855 would prove a vital year for the North German Federation, but it began with Russia advancing further into the Ottoman Empire from three sides.

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    In February, however, the Russian war effort would be shaken up by a major revolt in its Polish holdings. It turns out that over the past few years, Polish nationalists had organized and set up a temporary government to declare their independence from Russia. Congress Poland, as the new independent country was called, approached the NGF government with a formal request for support against the Russians. The Bundespräsidium saw this as the ideal moment to enact his plans to expand Prussia's sphere of influence among the German people of Europe. Financial support was soon sent to the Polish government and a formal alliance was signed between the NGF and Congres Poland.

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    Using this moment to his adventage, the King of Prussia declared war on France to liberate the Germans of Elsaß-Lotharingen, calling in the allies of the NGF for support in this war of unification. The Franco-German War soon turned into a major European conflict when Britain, Spain and Russia joined their respective allies.

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    The first engagement of the war was reserved for the British, who engaged the French fleet in the Bay of Biscay. The superior British navy was easily able to overwhelm the French and the first battle of the war was won.

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    On the Eastern Front with Russia, North German troops took a passive stance. With no Russian troops on the horizon, it was better to hold the line to prevent any nasty surprises like encirclements or being flanked. The South German states, however, took the Russian absence as a sign that occupying Lithuania was safe and moved into the region.

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    On the Western Front with France, a French absence did not keep the NGF forces from entering Elsaß-Lotharingen to occupy the region. The main objective was to keep the frontline relatively narrow, but work towards the French capital of Paris. As German forces occupied Elsaß-Lotharingen, native Germans volunteered to help them against the French. Never before had there been such a true German brotherhood across borders.

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    On the Southern Front, in Spain, the situation was looking less good for the NGF's ally. French and Italian troops poured into Catalonia, while the bulk of the Spanish army was pre-occupied in a battle in Southern France. Though, intel from the Spanish still proved valuable to the NGF which now knew that France was focussing on the Southern Front.

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    In May, another front was opened by the Italians. This time, an invasion occurred on German soil as Piedmontian troops poured in from Austria into Bavaria. The treacherous Austrians had given military access to France and its allies and the NGF soon found out that Baden did the same thing. Such treason would have to be punished!

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    While the Italians were invading German soil, the Belgians were abandoned by their British allies and saw how well the NGF was doing in the war against France. In a clear stroke of brilliance, the Belgian President approached the NGF with a request for a military alliance. The Bundespräsidium recognized the strategic importance of Belgium as a gateway to the English Channel, but also as a way to invade France from the north, and accepted the Belgian request.

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    On the Eastern Front, Bavarian troops had fallen into a Russian trap. Luckily for them, the NGF's armies stood on stand-by nearby and intervened on behalf of the Bavarian army. In the first military confrontation on the NGF's side of the war, the Russians were defeated at the Battle of Siauliai.

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    In the meantime, the Southern Front in Spain looked increasingly bad for the NGF's ally. More and more French troops crossed the Pyrennees, while Spanish forces were cut off in Bordeaux. Catalonia was completely occupied by Italian forces, an act which would horrify the 16th century Habsburg Kings of Spain.

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    Fortunately for the NGF, the advance into Northern France was continuously going without any real opposition from the French. The first military encounter between the French and the Germans was an ambush of levied forces by the NGF. An easy victory. It seemed as if nothing could stop the German advance towards Paris.

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    The first real costly encounter on the Western Front occurred in Bavaria when troops from Württemburg and the NGF confronted the Piedmontian invaders. While the battle was won by the Germans, they lost almost three times more soldiers than the Italians.

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    While in Europe the war was still raging, German diplomats and archaeologists in Egypt were able to gain exclusive rights to the Valley of Kings. Tales of discoveries soon inspired many across Germany to dream of uncovering the secrets of the pharaohs of old. Perhaps one day, the King of Prussia could claim his rightful place next to the sun god Ra as ruler of Egypt.

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    By the end of July, the first big contingents of French troops arrived at the front. The NGF's armies quickly began engaging them when it was deemed that victory was almost certainly guaranteed.

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    On the Eastern Front, the NGF secured military access from Poland to defeat a Russian army that was lurking in Polish borders, waiting to strike in the flanks of the German forces. It was easily defeated at the hand of the combined armies that were stationed in the East.

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    The situation in Spain now looked dramatic, as French forces completely outnumbered Spanish troops. Soon, Madrid would fall and the image of the Spanish Monarchy would be hurt significantly. Once again, France led by a Bonaparte conducted a successful military campaign on European soil.

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    By early October, the tide of the war would turn, however it was unsure in which direction. With Spain almost certainly defeated, more French troops arrived on the front with the NGF. While those forces might rival the Germans in numbers, they certainly did not in discipline and professionalism. At the Battle of Lons, Wilhelm von Hoth was nearly defeated at the hands of the French, but reinforcements from Marienburg's army proved vital to push back against the French.

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    Hoth's near defeat was compensated by a devestating blow to French manpower. In the Battle of Chalons, Heidelberg proved his worth and inflicted 30 275 casualties on the French, while only sustaining 1 999 within his own ranks.

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    The successes of the NGF's armies in Northern France inspired the Bundespräsidium to press further claims on France by demanding the French Ivory Coast as additional compensation for war damages. The NGF supported this additional claim with another decisive battle. Once again, Heidelberg inflicted many casualties on the French, while keeping his own losses limited.

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    On November 9 1855, Louis Napoleon sued for peace with the British, who mediated a peace treaty between the NGF and France. Elsaß-Lotharingen would be annexed as a Reichsland into the NGF and control over the French Ivory Coast would be transferred to the Federation as well. In the aftermath of their defeat, the French population was upset with Louis Napoleon and voted him out of office, replacing him with a Liberal Prime Minister instead.

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    1855-1857 Gameplay Part II: The Austro-German War
  • 1855-1857 Gameplay Part II: The Austro-German War

    While France and the North German Federation had fought hard over the region of Elsaß-Lotharingen, military confrontation with the Russians had remained relatively limited. This was mainly due to the fact that the majority of Russia's forces was pre-occupied with invading the Ottoman Empire. Almost the entirity of the Ottoman Balkans was now occupied by Russian forces. While the NGF had seemingly succeeded in its pan-German ambitions, it seemed that Russia was now pursuing a pan-Slavic policy to liberate the Balkans from Turkish oppression.

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    Much of the year 1856 seemed uneventful, but against the background of continued economic prosperity, a diplomatic scandal was brewing. NGF diplomats in Vienna demanded an explanation for the fact that Austria-Hungary had allowed Italian troops to invade Bavaria. Outrage from the South German states about this blatant crime reached a new boiling point when a Bavarian diplomat was killed in Baden. With the murderer still at large, Bavaria urged the NGF to intervene and conduct a formal investigetion. However, Baden refused to allow NGF representatives into the country due to pressure from Austria. The NGF's Bundespräsidium responded by sending an ultimatum to Baden. When time ran out, the NGF had no other option than to declare war on Baden, once again triggering a war between the North German states and Austria, yet this time the South German states were all but one on the side of the NGF.

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    In the opening stages of the war, the NGF's armies focussed on dealing with Baden as fast as possible. Three armies moved into the region to occupy it, while a defensive line was drawn on the border with Bohemia. In the meantime, Austrian forces invaded Bavaria.

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    The first big confrontation between the Germans and Austrians occurred at Kattowitz in Silesia, where Krüger defeated an Austrian army, sustaining a relatively large amount of casualties in the process however.

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    By August of '56, the defensive line on the border with Bohemia had been abandoned and a full offensive had commenced with one major goal: getting to Prague and then getting to Vienna as quickly as God allowed it. In Bavaria, Austrian troops continued to siege down several provinces, while Baden's resistance was still not broken.

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    In the Battle of Augsburg, Heidelberg, hero of the Franco-German War, dealt a major defeat to Austrian forces. The battle marked the beginning of the retreat of Austrian forces from Bavaria.

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    At Regensburg, the Austrians were dealt another blow by war hero Heidelberg. In the meantime, German forces continued to advance towards Prague and soon also Vienna.

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    October 18, the Austrians stood defeated at the Battle of Teschen and the siege of Prague would soon commence. In the meantime, the Austrians put up a last effort to break through in Bavaria, but ultimately failed due to superior German numbers.

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    By November 11, Prague had been occupied and the Austrians were almost completely pushed out of Bavaria. The Germans would soon set their sights on Vienna to end the war.

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    At the Battle of Landshut, Heidelberg finally got rid of the Austrians on German soil. While some smaller Austrian garrisons remained in Munich, any sign of Austrian armies in Bavaria were now gone. At the same time, von Langendorf was sieging Vienna in hopes of ending the war.

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    On January 9, German forces finally broke through the Austrian lines in Vienna and entered the capital of the Habsburg Empire victoriously. Langendorf immediately sent a message to King Wilhelm of Prussia to invite him to Vienna and inspect the troops.

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    By the time of the King's arrival, Austria-Hungary had agreed to signing a peace treaty, ending the Austro-German war and putting Baden firmly into the NGF's sphere of influence. Wilhelm I led a triumphunt parade in Vienna to celebrate the NGF's victory over its Austrian rival.

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    Humiliation for the Habsburgs was even more complete when King Wilhelm I was crowned Emperor of Germany in Schloss Schönbrunn, the prestigious palace that housed the Austrian dynasty. Germany had finally united into an Empire worthy of an Emperor.

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    The Coronation of Wilhelm I, Emperor of Germany, in Schloss Schönbrunn, Vienna, 12th of January 1857.
     
    1857 Newpapers
  • 1857 Newpapers

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    • 1Like
    Reactions:
    1857-1859 Gameplay
  • 1857-1859 Gameplay

    With the unification of Germany complete, German politics looked to new horizons for ambitious projects. When in April the British East India Company had to deal with the Great Mutiny, the United Kingdom decided to formally integrate the last remnants of the Mughal Empire in Delhi into its Indian possessions. Inspired by this act of colonialism, German politicians lobbied with the Kaiser to expand Germany's own colonial holdings in Africa. A plan was soon devised and the I. Kolonial Korps was levied to prepare for the agreed upon expansion. In the meantime, good news arrived from Denmark which would further facilitate Germany's overseas expansion. In a wise decision motivated by ideals of free trade and liberalism, the Danish government lifted the Sound Dues Toll, meaning that foreign ships no longer had to pay toll to pass through the Øresund.

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    In August, German diplomats informed the Kaiser that Spain had succumbed to a liberal revolution in the aftermath of their occupation by France. King Carlos VI was forced to adopt a Constitution, turning the Kingdom of Spain into a constitutional monarchy. With Spain's army weakened, the Kaiser feared for French expansionism in the region. Therefore, Wilhelm I offered Carlos VI an alliance again to extend German protection to the country again. Carlos VI happily accepted and Germany gained access to valuable ports along the way to Africa again.

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    Once the Kaiser had secured access to ports along the West-African coast, both from the British and the Spanish, he initiated the plan that he had agreed upon with Chancellor von Hammerstein and Minister of Foreign Affairs von Hoth. With the I. Kolonial Korps completed and the German navy expanded so that it could transport a force of 10 brigades, the King started justifying a war for Warri. Warri was agreed upon as the perfect entry point for German expansion into the Niger Delta.

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    In the meantime, Russia was successful on each and every front it was engaged in. The Polish Rebellion, despite German help, was almost completely dealt with and the Turkish were beaten back far into the Balkans. All across the region, the Russians were being hailed as liberators of the Slavic people. Perhaps the time of Ottoman hegemony in the Middle East was finally coming to an end as well.

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    In December of 1857, an outbreak of typhoid fever in several regions in Germany led to those regions being put under quarantine. The population did not support those measures and in some towns riots were reported. Nonetheless, the measures are seemingly paying off as less and less cases are being reported. In January of 1858, a debate about colonialism in the Reichstag erupted into chaos as a supporter of a chartered company lunged at a vocal supporter of free trade. The debate has initiated further cross-party talks about the role of such chartered companies in expanding and exploiting Germany's colonies in Africa.

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    In the meantime, business regulations were being implemented and harmonized all across the German Empire. Its history of separate nations with each different laws made it sometimes difficult for businesses to operate in different states of the German Empire. Yet with this process of harmonization, several new companies have announced their ambition to operate in several different regions of the nation.

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    On the 1st of March, the next stage in the invasion plan of Warri was completed when the I. Kolonial Korps led by General Carl Helmke arrived at the port of Groß-Bassam in the German Ivory Coast. The Kaiser deemed the Ivory Coast as the safest place to launch an invasion from, yet the natives were not so happy with the arrival of so many German troops and Governor Volker von Geishof would soon have to deal with their unrest.

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    Throughout March and April, Germany gained two new allies. One in Africa and one in Europe. As part of the Empire's colonial strategy, diplomatic relations with Morocco were improved to the point that they offered the Kaiser an alliance. Eager to have another ally against the French, Wilhelm I accepted the Moroccan offer. In Europe, Serbia sought protection against the Austrian menace and approached the Kaiser with a similar request. The Kaiser, wishing to keep Serbia from falling into the Russian sphere of influence, accepted their request and began the process of influencing the small Balkan country. By June, the policy towards Morocco was paying off and Morocco was integrated into Germany's sphere of influence.

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    In July, the natives of Groß-Bassam increasingly became hostile to the German forces led by Carl Helmke. Governor von Geishof did not give in to their anger and remained calm, hoping that the unrest would eventually blow over. Later in that same months, the German troops left anyway as the invasion of Warri could finally begin. By the 1st of August, the I. Kolonial Korps was making a landing in Bonny to invade Warri, while the Navy led by Admiral Jan Staudenmaier blockaded the coast.

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    On September the 18th, the Kolonial Korps engaged with the enemy in the Battle of Warri. The enemy army led by Dibia Onyeso stood no chance against German rifles and was utterly devestated. By October the 10th, the siege of the Warri capital was successful and Warri sued for peace. The newly acquired region was quickly reorganized into the territory of German Nigeria. At the same time, the Imperial Geographical Society in Berlin outfitted an expedition to find the source of the Nile. Many excited adventurers set off to Egypt, hoping to claim a prestigious price and find the mythical source of Africa's longest river.

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    By October of 1858, the Polish revolt in Russia was finally put down and the Russo-Turkish War had ended in a Russian victory. The Tsar stood triumphant as ever, slightly worrying the Kaiser that the powerful enemy in the East could throw a wrench in Germany's plans for continental domination. In response to the Russian revival, Kaiser Wilhelm I accepted a request from the Ottoman Empire to establish an alliance. In addition, diplomatic efforts to further draw the Ottomans closer to Germany were increased.

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    In July of 1859, it seemed like the sun was smiling upon the Kaiser and his people. The Zulu granted extraterritoriality to the Empire, probably pressured by other Great Powers such as the United Kingdom. With it came the possibility of German businessmen increasing their influence in Southern and Eastern Africa without having to fear backlashes from native governments. By the end of July, a government program was also initiated to integrate the recently conquered region of Elsaß-Lothringen and to get rid of any French influences that were still present.

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    However, in October of 1859, the diplomatic mission to Morocco was abruptly ended after the local elite managed to expell the German mission from their country. Angered by this new development, the Kaiser had no other choice than to sent a military force to the country and force it back into the German sphere of influence. By the 11th of November, the I. Kolonial Korps arrived from German Nigeria to land at Casablanca. After successfully laying siege to the city, Helmke ordered his troops to move down south to engage with a Moroccan army in Sawira. Led by Umar ibn Ishaq, the Moroccans were dealt a devestating blow and forced to rethink their strategy against the Germans. However, due to bad communication between their different armies, another force tried to go behind Helmke's back to take back Casablanca and cut off the Germans from a valuable supply port. However, their leader did not count on the speed at which Helmke's forces would be able to return to the city. The Battle of Casablanca, still ongoing, will most likely lead to another blow to the Moroccan army. Many diplomats in Germany now wonder whether or not Germany could enforce more than simply adding Morocco back to their sphere of influence and if maybe a treaty port could be acquired from the current war.

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    1857-1860 Newspapers

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    Elections of 1860
  • The 1860 Elections:
    It is once again the time to elect a new Reichstag! Much has happened since then and the political landscape has once again shifted with the emergence of socialist and communist movements across Europe, one side effect is the ascension of two new political parties to the political stage of Germany:


    Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)
    Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands



    Current Party Leader:
    Lutz von Sommer
    Founding Date: February 2nd 1860
    Ideology: Socialist
    Motto: "Einigkeit macht stark"

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy:
    Free Trade
    Economic Policy: Planned Economy
    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 Landtag and gaining reforms especially when it comes to voting rights for women and poorer men.


    The Communist party of Germany (KPD)
    Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands


    Current General Secretaries:
    Paul Müller/Franz Goldberg
    Founding Date: 1860
    Ideology: Communist

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy:
    Protectionism
    Economic Policy: Planned Economy
    Religious Policy: Atheism
    Citizenship Policy: Full Citizenship
    War Policy: Pro-Military
    Welfare Policy: Welfare State


    Description:
    Was formed in 1860 when young communist thinkers came together to get their thoughts into Reichstag and do many social reforms to help the common workers of Germany.If they get a chance then they will have a revolution because they will do everything in their power to help the Workers of Germany and give them the rights they deserve and stop the bourgeois oppressors and seize the means of production.


    When Germany unified the FKP also reorganized to better reflect a unified German Empire and reformed itself into the DkP:


    German Conservative Party (DkP)
    Deutschkonservative Partei



    Current Party Leader:
    Wilhelm von Hoth
    Founding Date: 1st January 1860
    Ideology: Conservative
    Motto: “In Treue Fest”

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy:
    Free Trade
    Economic Policy: Interventionism
    Religious Policy: Secularized
    Citizenship Policy: Limited Residency
    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.

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    As the political landscape ever changes, so too adapt the parties within the Reichstag. That is why all parties have startet to adopt flags to identify themselves and their supporters:

    Flag of the DkP:
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    Flag of the PKW:
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    Flag of the SPD:
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    Flag of the KPD:
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    Flag of the NLP:
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    Flag of the LV:
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    Flag of the PVP:
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    The Deutscher Reichs-Anzeiger also releases its election special edition containing all the speeches of the party leaders:

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    The Elections are now open and will remain open until Friday (June 5th, 8:00 pm CEST)!
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    Election Results, Government Coalition and Cabinet Appointments of 1860
  • Election Results, Government Coalition and Cabinet Appointments of 1860:

    The election is over and the votes have been counted and are published in the Deutscher-Reichs-Anzeiger:

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    A more detailed look at the seat distribution within the Reichstag:

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    Shortly after the results were announced representatives of the NLP, PKW and DkP met and negotiated a coalition to form a Government.
    Soon after the leader of the DkP, Wilhelm von Hoth, was elected as Reichskanzler. Reassuming the roles he held beofre the last Chancellor, Orlan von Hammerstein.

    Von Hoth then met with Kasier Wilhelm I. von Preußen and advised him on who to appoint for the different ministries, soon after the Cabinet Appointements were published:

    Ministry for Foreign Affairs: Leopold von Hofmeinster (NLP, former minister of Justice)
    Ministry of Interior: Alexander Braun (NLP, former Minister of Finance)
    Ministry for War: Friedrich Krüger (DkP)
    Ministry for Trade and Commerce: Ruprecht Birnbaum (NLP)
    Ministry of Finance: Wilhelm von Rotstein (PKW)
    Ministry for the Military and construction commission: Wilhelm H. Von Donnersmarck (DkP)

    The remaining posts are occupied by apolitical individuals (NPCs)


    The Rheinische Zeitung has also released a new edition during this time:


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    Gameplay 1860-1862
  • Gameplay 1860-1862

    After the 1860 elections, Chancellor Wilhelm von Hoth finally came back to the forefront of the nation. His first act of governance was to task the scientific institutions of Germany to adopt Empiricism, in line with the Logical Research Act of 1850. Germany's scientific institutions, which had been sitting on their research for the last couple of months of the Hammerstein administration, finally had something to use their research for.

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    Not much later a major war broke out on the European continent. The former German enemies, Russia, France and Austria-Hungary now faced off against each other in the War of Piedmontian Liberation over Lombardy. Apparently the idea of a united Germany had inspired the Italian people to unite their own peninsula. The Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, a buffer-state between France and Austria, sought the help of the former to kick the latter out of Lombardy. France called in its ally Russia and soon Europe found itself in a major conflict again. Germany stood on the sideline and watched as Italian nationalism was finally directed at Austria, which for far too long had interfered in the affairs of the minor Italian states. As part of a policy to improve relations with the Russian Tsar, the Kaiser of Germany allowed Russian troops to pass through Germany to invade Austria-Hungary. What the cowards in Vienna had once done to the Germans in their war against France, Germany now did to the Austrians in return.

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    In the meantime, the war in Morocco was still ongoing. After the victorious Battle of Casablanca, the German ranks were shaken up however due to the actions of its general. General Carl Helmke left his troops behind in Casablanca to depart on a scouting mission in Rabat. Now, what he did in Rabat is unknown, but rumours range from selling the enemy information, to eating couscous at a local market. Upon his return, General Helmke was arrested for unauthorized removal and reckless endangerment of the war effort. He was replaced by one of his subordinates, Detlev Felsenbaum, who continued the war effort while Helmke was court-martialed back in Germany. One of Felsenbaum's first actions was to deal a final blow to the Moroccan Army in Rabat, reportedly with intel from Helmke's scouting mission. By April, the Moroccan fleet was detected off the coast of Spain, and defeated by Admiral Jan Staudenmaier. The Admiral was reportedly very pleased with the very first naval victory since the inception of a formal German Navy.

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    While the war with Morocco was raging on, sad news arrived from Brussels when a newly elected Belgian President canceled the alliance with Germany. Nonetheless, the war effort in North Africa continued and with major cities such as Casablanca, Rabat and Fez occupied, it was now time for the important port of Tangier.

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    By May 30th 1860, Germany's educational and scientific institutions had all adopted the ways of empiricism for gathering scientific data and knowledge. With this new advancement, work soon began on improving Germany's mines by introducing more mechanization. By improving the efficiency of the mines, the output of raw resources was thought to exponentially increase and resolve the lack of iron that the market had been faced with.

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    Leading up to Summer, Governor of the German Ivory Coast, Volker von Geishof, was finally able to end tensions in the region. No doubt the introduction of new farming technologies helped a lot to improve living standards for the natives in the region. By August, the war on the European continent had not ended yet. While the French and Italians were able to make major gains in North Italy, the Austrians made use of Russian weaknesses and occupied parts of Poland. The war in North Africa on the other hand finally came to an end on August 13th 1860. The results of months of fighting was a new loyal Moroccan government and a treaty port in Tangier. Supply lines to the German colonies in West Africa were now finally secured.

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    Much of September remained calm, but in October, things started heating up again. While Germany was able to establish an alliance with both Morocco and Greece, further giving Germans presence in the Mediterranean, the British arrived in Nigeria by establishing a trading post in Lagos. Surprised at first, the local governor, Franz von Stockbrünn, continued diplomatic efforts to put the African tribes in the Niger delta under the German sphere of influence.

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    Not much later, French nationalists rose up in Elaß-Lotharingen in defiance of the local policy of assimilation. One of their biggest complaints was the fact that German traders enjoyed a much more preferable status, leading to French traders going bankrupt and being jailed in debtor's prisons. Generals Wilhelm von Marienburg and Gerhard zu Muskau made quick work of the rebels and peace soon returned to the region.

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    In December, research on Mechanized Mining was completed and work started on a new Battleship Column Doctrine. Expanding the naval bases in the Baltic, the North Sea and on the African coast was vital to improve Germany's capability to deploy a strong navy and to establish a colonial empire across Africa.

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    That same month, the nation of Serbia was added to Germany's sphere of influence, in an effort to bring the Balkans under German control. In fact, the Balkans formed an ideal point for German traders to conduct business in the Mediterranean. As part of this increasing presence, the Tunisians even granted Germans extraterritoriality in June of 1861.

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    By July of 1861, the new naval doctrine was finished and Germany began investing in better rifles for its soldiers. If the German army wanted to keep its dominance on the European continent, modernisation was the only way of ensuring that France, Austria and Russia wouldn't eclipse German military might.

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    In October of 1861, shocking news arrived from across the Atlantic. A civil war had broken out in the United States of America over the issue of slavery. The slave states in the south declared their formal independence and grouped together in the Confederate States of America. At the same time, Mexico saw its opportunity to take back its former territories in Rio Grande. The US now not only faced its own brothers, but also the Mexicans in what would surely become a prolonged conflict. Debate has already arisen in Germany's political classes on which side to support. One of the most vocal supporters of recognition of the CSA is Alexander Hartmann, a man whose father once led the NLP but had moved to North Carolina. Voices within the DkP also call for a supportive stance on the CSA, putting forward a bill to officially recognize the CSA and start trade relations with the new nation.

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    Not much later, shocking news came from Berlin as well. Chancellor Wilhelm von Hoth, a widely beloved man, suddenly passed away due to a mysterious illness which had affected his longues. An emergency session of the Reichstag was called and two candidates put themselves forward: Friedrich Krüger of the DkP and Ruprecht Birnbaum of the NLP. After a close vote, Ruprecht Birnbaum was elected into office with the support of 252 members of the Reichstag, a majority of only two seats and composed of members of the NLP, SPD, KPD and PKW. Krüger could rely on the support of his own DkP and the PVP and the LV abstained on the matter after a weird intervention by von Hammerstein who tried to put the SPD's Lutz von Sommer forward, even though von Sommer was not running for office. For the remainder of 1862-1865, Ruprecht Birnbaum will lead Germany and its Reichstag.

    1862 Newpapers

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    Gameplay 1862-1864
  • Gameplay 1862-1864

    Early on in 1862, news reached Germany from the Far East. In Japan, the time of the shoguns was over as Imperial authority was re-established. However, tensions on the island are not over yet, as several provinces have made it clear that this Meiji Restoration will have to be enforced upon them. Whatever will happen in Japan, it surely will change the course of history in the region.


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    By May, the army had completed its effort to upgrade its arsenal with breech-loaded rifles. Work soon began on the revitalization of the German economy by encouraging organized factories across the country. Part of the reasoning behind this was to increase steel production and thus increasing the steel per iron ratio.

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    In September, news arrived from the US that the Civil War had ended in a status quo. It seemed the armies of the CSA were able to drive Union forces completely from their territory. A peace treaty was soon signed and the US now focussed on the war with Mexico. Despite the fact that the vote on official recognition of the CSA had failed in the Reichstag during the Civil War, Chancellor Birnbaum now saw no point in not recognizing the CSA, if even the US recognized them. And so Birnbaum started to work on relations with the Dixie states. A German native, Alexander Hartmann, was appointed as German ambassador in Richmond. The Chancellor reasoned that if he were to apply diplomatic pressure on the CSA, he could convince their leadership to eventually abolish slavery.Abolitionists in the Union had tried to abolish the institution by force, that had failed. By holding trade as a bargaining chip, Birnbaum believed he could be far more effective than the Yankees.

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    The Organized Factory Act of 1862 led to an economic boom in the Ruhr Area, with new factories popping up like mushrooms the Ruhr became the industrial heartland of West Germany. Work soon began on an improved curriculum in Germany's schools as the ideas of positivism were introduced.

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    In November of '62, Sweden offered Germany an alliance, which the Chancellor and the Kaiser happily accepted. Sweden proved a valuable strategic ally and work soon began on adding them to the German sphere of influence. Across the ocean, the US war effort against Mexico wasn't going too great as the Mexicans occupied all of California. In addition, internal pressure on President Lincoln by abolitionists led to the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery across the Union.

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    Not much later, Karl Marx published Das Kapital from his residence in exile in Brussels. The new book inspired socialists across the continent to further organize and strengthen the international brotherhood of workers. The time for international comradery from below had to wait though, as in June of 1863, the question of the Ottoman Empire was once again raised on the highest levels of European diplomacy. From the 10th to the 16th of June, the Congress of Berlin was held to decide the fate of the Ottoman holdings in the Balkans. As the Ottomans' ally, Germany wanted to keep the Empire strong to keep Austria-Hungary and Russia from further extending influence across the Balkans. However, not everyone shared that view and a compromise was made. Ottoman rule over much of the Balkans would be recognized, but Bulgaria, Bosnia and Montenegro would all be granted independence, while Britain was granted considerable influence in Cyprus. The Ottomans accepted the outcome of the Congress as they had no other choice.

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    Soon after, research began on Naval Professionalism to further strengthen the capabilities of Germany's navy. Admiral Jan Staudenmaier personally oversaw the improvements that were being made to several manuals and handbooks which were being used in naval academies across the country. Soon, he would be able to put his tactics to use.

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    Across the ocean, ambassador Hartmann informed the German government that the American-Mexican War had completely turned around and that within a matter of months, the US was able to liberate California and advance into Rio Grande, re-establishing contact with the former Rio Grande government.

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    While research soon continued on Naval Plans, Chancellor Birnbaum received shocking news from several African explorers who had told him brutal tales of slave traders affiliated with the Sultan of Zanzibar. The Chancellor saw it as his personal duty to end the slave trade in East Africa and ordered Admiral Jan Staudenmaier to deploy his fleet off the coast of Zanzibar in order to blockade any and all trade coming and going from the island. War with Zanzibar officially started on the 23rd of March 1864.

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    On March 31, more shocking news arrived from Africa as Christian missionaries had been slaughtered in Aro, bordering German Nigeria. The Chancellor and the Kaiser agreed that action needed to be undertaken to protect Germans in the region and show the native tribes that executing missionaries is a crime against God. Governor von Stockbrünn soon received the order to organize a military expedition into Aro to punish the brutal barbarians.

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    By the 8th of April, the blockade of Zanzibar had become unbearable for the Sultan, who accepted the peace offer with open hands. Part of the peace condition was that he was allowed to remain in Zanzibar to rule over his remaining holdings on the African coast, but this was just another way for Germany to keep an eye on the Sultan and his affairs. As German bureaucrats arrived in the region, they soon began with the dismantlement of the slave trade on direct order of Chancellor Birnbaum.

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    In German Nigeria, the war against Aro had grown to include several more African kingdoms. Yet, none of them could stand against the technological and tactical superiority of the German army. In two consecutive battles, more than 30 000 African warriors were captured, wounded or killed. However, despite their losses the Africans continued the war and refused to sign a peace treaty.

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    From across the Atlantic, more news arrived from ambassador Hartmann. The war between the US and Mexico had ended in a US victory and Rio Grandese sovereignity was re-established. Despite losing the Civil War, the Union seemed to be back in action. Ambassador Hartmann was now worried that once the peace treaty between Washington DC and Richmond ended, the US would once again invade the South to unify the Union. Chancellor Birnbaum hoped that further violence would be prevented and urged ambassador Hartmann to increase pressure on the CSA.

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    Good news arrived from Zanzibar on May 21 as all remnants of the Zanzibari slave trade empire were gone from the island and the German holdings in East Africa. While slave traders were still active in the unexplored regions of East Africa, a major hub had been closed and the Chancellor was confident that his crusade against slavery would soon penetrate the Heart of Darkness.

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    In August of '64, research began on Functionalism to further increase the efficiency of Germany's education system. In September, several more battles occurred in German Nigeria, all of them decisive victories, but none of them drew the Africans to the peace table.

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    By November of '64, Belgium realized its mistake in abandoning the alliance with Germany and requested that the military partnership between the two nations was re-established. Chancellor Birnbaum, who had spent some time in Belgium in his youth, gladly accepted as Belgium was a strategic place between France and Germany. By December 11, the African kingdoms in Nigeria had had enough of German troops walking over their land and officially surrendered to Governor von Stockbrünn. The Chief of the Aro tribe was replaced by a more loyal one and German officials oversaw the establishment of several tradeposts in the region. While still independent, Aro was now firmly under control of the Governor of German Nigeria.

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    Despite the fact that Chancellor Birnbaum had seen another violent conflict resolved, his time as Chancellor came to an end when on the 26th of December 1864 a severe and lingering disease finally took his life. In a letter written on his deathbed, Chancellor Birnbaum urged the Kaiser to call for elections several months earlier than usual to ensure a smooth transition of power and to prevent the need for another vote for Chancellor before the elections. Not long after Birnbaum's death, Governor von Stockbrünn died in German Nigeria in January of 1865 as the result of an unknown tropical disease. The two men who had worked closely together (albeit via mail) to spread German civilization in Africa were no more.

    1865 Newspapers

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    Elections of 1865
  • Elections of 1865
    It is the time again, the parties are campaigning and the elections are starting once again.

    During the last five years the LV has experienced many changes and has now chosen to reform itself under a new name:

    German Democratic Party (DDP)
    Deutsche Demokratische Partei

    Current Leader:
    Orlan von Hammerstein
    Ideology: Liberal
    Founded: 1865

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy:
    Protectionism
    Economic Policy: State Capitalism
    Religious Policy: Secularized
    Citizenship Policy: Full Citizenship
    War Policy: Jingoism
    Welfare Policy: Welfare State

    Description:
    Founded in 1865 by Orlan von Hammerstein, out of the old Liberale Vereinigung, the German Democratic Party is a left wing nationalist liberal party commited the state led development of Germany and the pursuit of Hegemony in Continental Europe. It's economic policy shift from the old LV is rooted in the aftermath of the 1850s Iron shortages, which led many liberals to believe in the value of state direction of industry in the name of preventing future shortages, while still recognizing the importance of private industrial leadership.

    Despite it's shift towards command on the economic front, the DDP is a party in favour of social and civil liberty, including the adoption of a "one man, one vote." electoral system. The DDP see's Germany's potential in leading a Europe of fatherlands, standing in opposition to the very existence of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian multinational empires as unwield, liberty crushing tyrannies.

    Flag of the DDP:
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    The Deutscher Reichs-Anzeiger also releases its regular election special:
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    Election polls are now open and will remain so until Friday (8:00 pm CEST)
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    Election Results, Government Coalition and Cabinet Appointments of 1860
  • Election Results, Government Coalition and Cabinet Appointments of 1865:

    The normal election and its results were overshadowed by a failed Revolution by the KPD and its sympathizers.

    This is what happened:

    In the early morning hours on election day Inspektor Ulrich Schweig of the Berlin Police gets approached by one of his contacts, he has information that is vital to the security and stability of the German Empire. What an exaggeration, he thinks as he makes his way to the Elbmetall factories outside of Berlin. Once arrived his contact leads him to several workers, they look scared, why Ulrich cannot tell. The leader of the group, a contact of his within communist circles begins his story:

    On the campaign trail Paul Müller of the KPD and many leading members of his party were holding speeches and rallies in factories across the nation, many of the owners did not let them inside, so the rallies were held outside. During those rallies they talked about the “glorious social Revolution”, the usual talking points of the Communists. However what happened after the rally was over, is what led his contact to reach out to the inspector. After the rally Paul Müller and company stayed behind to talk with their supporters and the factory workers, in these conversations Müller advocated for the destruction of the royal family, the murder of its members, the dissolvement of its titles. He said that capitalists and landowners had no right to hold their positions and should be murdered. He mentioned that his views were held by all the other members of the communist party, and that they were in the process of plotting the revolution. From the Elbmetall workers in particular he was inquiring about weapons, as they worked in an arms factory.

    The Inspektor could see why the workers were scared, they got mixed up in the planning phase of a violent Revolution to overthrow the government and the Kaiser! He calms down the witnesses and takes them to the station to make their statements, then he contacted the Gendarmerie and Generalfeldmarschall Krüger of the I. Korps in Berlin to be ready, this could get ugly. He assembled his men and went to the Party Headquarters of the KPD, where the Gendarmerie was already waiting. Together they raided the building securing documents and suspects who will later corroborate the story of the factory workers. Warrants were swiftly issued and the entire KPD leadership put under arrest. The charges: High Treason against the Empire under §80 and §81 of the penal code. The Kaiser is informed and issues orders for the army to be ready, these events will cause an uproar in the political landscape of Germany.

    All members of the KPD are now under arrest for High Treason


    This is what the Deutscher Reichs-Anzeiger had to say about it:

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    Following these events an emergency session of the Reichstag was called and they passed the follwoing constitutional amnedments unanimously in response:

    Protection of Germany Act - proposed by Hans von Klopp (PVP)

    The communists have proven themselves to be a danger to the people, the state, and the social order. They have voiced openly their wishes for violent revolution and the destruction of every institution of the nation. They should be banned from the Reichstag, they should be banned from the nation. Their corruption of our people and our country must end. We must take great and immediate action.

    Effect : ALL COMMUNIST INSTITUTIONS ARE DECLARED ILLEGAL, AND ASSOCIATING WITH THEM BECOMES A CRIME. A COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL ORDER COMPRISING ONE MEMBER SELECTED BY THE CROWN, ONE SELECTED FROM BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND ONE SELECTED FROM THE OPPOSITION WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY TO DETERMINE WHICH INSTITUTIONS ARE ‘COMMUNIST’. AN INSTITUTION IS OUTLAWED BY THE CONSENT OF TWO MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, AND WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE KAISER. ANY INSTITUTIONS DECLARED COMMUNIST WILL HAVE TO BE CONFIRMED BY A DECISION FROM THE COURTS.

    Amendment to Part 2A of the Constitution - proposed by Karl Birnbaum (NLP)

    As there is currently no clausule in the Constitution about what happens to permanently vacant seats in the Reichstag, a new clausule should be added to allow for snap elections in those districts which are not being represented. The clausule will read as following:

    If a seat in the Reichstag were to become permanently vacant, because of the fact that its elected representative is no longer able to serve during the term he was elected, for example because of his imprisonment or his death, then elections will take place in the district represented by the vacant seat.

    Effect: the vacant seats will be redistributed proportionally to the parties of the Reichstag, along the percentages of the most recent elections, while also giving a 15% boost to the party which is ideologically closest to the previous holder of the vacant seat.



    The Neue Preußische Zeitung had this to say about the events:

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    After the elections in the districs in question the Reichstag looked like this:

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    A coalition of DkP-NLP-PKW-SPD emerged from this distribution and Generalfeldmarschall Friedrch Krüger was elected Reichskanzler of Germany.

    The Kaiser appointed the following Cabinet to assist him:
    Ministry for Foreign Affairs: Karl Jürgen Krieger (PKW)
    Ministry of Interior: Heinrich Berg (NLP)
    Ministry for War: Gerhard zu Muskau (DkP)
    Ministry for Trade and Commerce: Karl Birnbaum (NLP)
    Ministry of Finance: Wilhelm Henckel Von Donnersmarck (DkP)
    Ministry of Justice: Gustav Schwarzmann (SPD)
    The remaining posts are occupied by apolitical individuals (NPCs)

    Furthermore in accordance to the Amendments the following persons are appointed to the Komitee für Zivile Ordnung:
    Representative of the Crown. Crown Prince Friedrich von Preußen
    Representative of the Government: Alexander von Hoth (DkP)
    Representative of the Opposition: Hans von Klopp (PVP)



    Stay tuned: Next up Gameplay and summar of Reichstag (1865) as well as the official ban on the KPD!
     
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    Gameplay 1865-1867
  • Gameplay 1865-1867
    With the exclusion of the Communists from the 1865 Reichstag, the stage was set for unrest spanning across Germany. As early as January, there were signs of unrest when workers at the artillery factory of Elbmetall KG in Brandenburg went on strike. By March, unrest had reached new proportions when all over Germany rebels revolted calling for universal suffrage. Several garrisoned units of the German Army were attacked in their barracks by an angry mob. It took several months before the army could finally deal with the rebels across the country. Especially in North Germany, they set up more resistance and were even able to occupy some territory. While unsuccessful in their attempt, the rebels still caused many casualties among the ranks of the military. By June, the last pocket of resistance was dealt with in Kiel. Still, the call for universal suffrage remained in the heads of many German peasants.

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    By the end of June, research into Functionalism was completed and work soon began on researching the Compound Steam Engine, in accordance to a bill passed during the 1865 Reichstag session. Better steam engines would slightly improve the situation of the iron shortages, but more advanced metallurgy technologies would be required to obtain an iron surplus once again.

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    On the 7th of July, a commissioned warship arrived from our Swedish allies. The SMS Arminius, an ironclad named after the Germanic chieftain who destroyed three Roman legions in the Battle of the Teutoberg Forest, soon joined up with the frigates of the German navy who were soon to be united with the rest of the German fleet in Nigeria.

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    Several more months passed by as unrest further increased in Germany. All across the country, workers became agitated by their living conditions and the lack of political freedoms. In December, this unrest once again erupted into all out rebellion, putting even Berlin under a state of siege.

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    Chancellor Krüger, who was leading the defences of Berlin, called an emergency meeting of the Reichstag. In an unexpected move, the Reichstag approved an amendment which granted universal voting to all males regardless of class. One man one vote had become a reality, to the detriment of many within Germany's aristocratic circles. After the reform was passed, the revolts died down in most areas, and it took until mid-January before the last remnants of revolt were dealt with. The Reichstag had once again prevented the country to fall apart.

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    Even though unrest in Germany had died down, unrest in the colonies was once again on the rise in February of '66. In German Nigeria, Governor von Geishof failed to keep the natives calm and assumed more power in response to be able to deal with uprisings. As a result, an inquiry was later established by Kaiser Friedrich III in 1867, which would lead to von Geishof's dismissal as governor of German Nigeria.

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    In March of 1866, research into Compound Steam Engines came to an end and the government now shifted its focus towards Raider Group Doctrine in an effort to further strengthen Germany's naval capabilities. Germany's military strength did not go unnoticed as in August, ambassador Hartmann in the CSA notified the German government that the leadership of the breakaway state wished to enter a formal military alliance with Germany. Ambassador Hartmann was in favour of an alliance, but ultimately the Chancellor and the Kaiser decided against it to honor the policy that had been envisioned by the late Chancellor Birnbaum. Allying the CSA would only embolden them in their outdated views on slavery and would allow the CSA to use their alliance with Germany as leverage against US pressure. Without an alliance with Germany however, both the US and Germany could keep applying diplomatic pressure on the CSA to abolish slavery without having to resort to violence.

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    On December 1st, Germany declared war on Egypt. Among the reasons to go to war was the idea that Sudan had replaced Zanzibar as a way station for Arab slave traders who operated in the Great Lakes area. However, ideas of a canal connecting the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean were also a motivation for some to push for this war. Soon after the declaration of war, Germany called its allies, the United Kingdom and the Ottoman Empire, both bordering Egypt, into the war.

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    By December 31st, the I. Kolonial Korps arrived from German Nigeria and began landing in Alexandria. In the meantime, Egyptian forces were occupying British Egypt. The Egyptian Army seemed to consist of a large number of troops, but with German forces landing in the north and British and Ottoman forces arriving in the area, the Egyptian army would soon be defeated at the hands of the Europeans.

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    Less fortunate news arrived in January of 1867, when news arrived from the Imperial Palace that Kaiser Wilhelm I had passed away in his sleep. The Kaiser, often described as the father of the nation will leave a void that may never be filled and he will be sorely missed by all. Crown Prince Friedrich, soon to be crowned Kaiser Friedrich III, held a speech to honor his late father:
    "My fellow Germans, today we all may mourn the death of not only my father, but the father of Germany itself. Under his stern leadership did we ascend from a regional backwater country to a truly Global German Empire! I may never live up to the legacy he leaves behind, however, I will do my best! It is my duty to live up to his ideals, not only as his son and heir, but also as German! As Germans we have to look at him and how he shaped this nation as the ideal to strive towards, otherwise none of us are worthy of its legacy and its fruits we enjoy on a daily basis! This is why I urge the Reichstag to come together and ensure that his deeds and his legacy, our heritage as Germans, may never be forgotten and may be honored in a worthy manner in form of memorials and statues! I for one also decree that a new ironclad warship is to be constructed and named in his honor, SMS Wilhelm I.! It shall be the flagship of our navy and its pride, showing the glory of our Empire’s father to the entire world! As to the future: I am to be crowned Kaiser today. As your Kaiser I solemnly swear, that I will do the utmost best, to represent you and lead you to the bright and shining future we as Germans deserve! We shall enjoy more prosperity, more scientific advancement and more enlightenment than ever before! Let us shatter the chains of the past, without forgetting our roots, building a free and just society under god as my father always envisioned! We shall not rush into things as the French, but contemplate and deliberately advance our Government with meaningful Reform, that will benefit all! Let us not fall prey to demagogues and anarchists! Let us be guided by rational discourse and faith in God! Gott mit uns! Gott mit dem Deutschen Vaterland!"

    Kaiser Wilhelm I was later laid to rest at the Mausoleum at Park Charlottenburg on January 17th 1867.


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    1867 Newspapers


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    1867-1869 Gameplay
  • 1867-1869 Gameplay
    By the end of January, the German I. Kolonial Korps had landed in Alexandria and started to besiege the ancient Egyptian port. In the meanwhile, Egyptian forces had invaded British territory. In early February, research into Raider Group Doctrine was completed and Germany soon began investing in Regenerative Furnaces to resolve the issue of the iron shortages. By May of 1867, the I. Kolonial Korps had completed the siege of Alexandria and had moved further down towards the Egyptian capital of Cairo. At the same time, reinforcements arrived in the form of the II. Kolonial Korps from German Nigeria.

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    In Ziqaziq, Ottoman forces were pinned down by an Egyptian army. It took 30 000 German soldiers to reinforce the Ottomans and throw the Egyptians off guard. After the Battle of Ziqaziq, the remaining Egyptian forces retreated into Cairo where they were ultimately captured by German forces.

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    In the meantime back in Germany, an anti-colonial league was founded by intellectuels with ties to International Socialism. The Anti-Colonial League was heavily criticized by pro-colonial politicians who saw Germany's rise as a colonial power intimately tied to spreading civilization and ending slavery across the African continent.

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    By August of 1867, most of coastal Egypt and the capital region was occupied by Germany and the Ottomans, while Upper Egypt was occupied by a British expeditionary force. With the capture of Suez, German engineers arrived to oversee the possibility of building a canal that would support even the largest of ships of that time.

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    By October, the Egyptian war effort had crumbled completely and the Egyptian Khedive soon sued for peace. Egypt remained nominally independent, but the Egyptian government was almost completely replaced by German advisors. As soon as the government was replaced, work began on the Suez Canal with workers being brought in from Egypt, Sudan, but also from Nigeria and Germany itself.

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    By November of '67, research into regenerative furnaces was complete and a new effort was made to increase the military strength of the German Empire by investing into Army Decision Making. In February of 1868, the German expedition that was sent to search for the source of the Nile returned without results. A new expedition was immediately outfitted to claim the prestige that was bound to such a discovery.

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    Not long after that, in May, Sokoto was finally brought into Germany's sphere of influence when the Sokotan Caliph took in several German advisors in his court. On May 16th, news arrived from ambassador Hartmann that war had broken out once again between the USA and the CSA. He asked what Germany's position would be in the conflict and got the answer from Chancellor Krüger that Germany will not interfere in internal American matters. Hartmann was ordered to move to stay put in Richmond until further notice.

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    In August of '68, research began on Organic Chemistry, that same month, von Moltke's reforms of the army went through and further strengthened the chain of command under the Kaiser. In the meantime, the 2nd US Civil War was going in the Union's favour. Even though Richmond itself remained safe, ambassador Hartmann was ordered to move to Washington DC and make clear to President Lincoln that Germany was willing to act as a negotiator between the USA and the CSA. In May, President Lincoln took Hartmann up on his offer. The Treaty of Richmond formally ended the 2nd US Civil War and saw the CSA reintegrated into the Union. Slavery in the South was abolished. However, not everyone was happy with the outcome and on May 15th, both ambassador Hartmann and President Lincoln were assassinated by a Confederate loyalist while enjoying a play in DC.

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    The assassination of President Lincoln, German ambassador Alexander Hartmann died not long after, trying to apprehend the President's killer.

    In the meantime in Germany, the Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD) was rocked by scandal, sending shockwaves throughout the Reichstag. In other news, a Regional Trade Fair held at the capital attracted international attention from many people who were interested in the wonders of German engineering and crafting.

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    In the African colonies, a new education policy was set up to improve literacy and increase the bond with Germany. Education was one of the strongest tools in nation building and the colonies formed an important part of the effort to establish the identity of Germany as a colonial Empire. In July of '69, Military Statistics were introduced to further boost the army's capability to operate on several continents at the same time. That same month, a minor rebellion occurred in Schleswig, but was easily put down.

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    In November of '69, agitation among the population increased a new boiling point when thousands of militant socialists rose up across the country. Inspired by examples such as the martyr Paul Müller, they sought to overthrow the government. In December however, Friedrich Krüger, Chancellor of Germany, died as a result from health issues, being the third Chancellor since Wilhelm von Hoth to die in office. Luckily, the army was easily able to defend against the peasant mob and by January of 1870, the uprising was over. By then, socialists from all over the world had gathered in Quebec to form the First International, an international organization that would fight for the rights of workers all across the globe.

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    On January 28th 1870, constructions at the Suez Canal were finally complete and in an astonishing three years of blood, sweat and toil, the first ships could finally cross through the Canal. The honor was reserved to Admiral Jan Staudenmaier of the German Navy, who steered the SMS Arminius personally through the small canal connecting the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. Staudenmaier was followed by the first British merchant vessels on their way to India. The Suez Canal marks the centre piece of German engineering and will certainly further contribute to the good relations between Germany and the United Kingdom, the two defenders of Free Trade and Liberalism in the world.

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    Opening of the Suez Canal, 28th of January 1870.


    1870 Newspapers

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    1870 Election
  • 1870 Election
    The time has come once again, and elections are upon us. The last five years were a turbulent time for Germany seeing the end of two major parties with the KPD being banned after their attempted revolution and the DDP desolving itself after its leader Orlan von Hammerstein retired from political live.

    Now five parties remain and are vying for domination in the Reichstag:

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    National Liberal Party (NLP)
    Nationalliberale Partei

    Current Leader: Leopold von Hofmeinster
    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: Populist Welfare

    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.

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    Party for Economic and Colonial Prosperity and Development (PKW)
    Partei für wirtschaftlichen und kolonialen Wohlstand und Entwicklung

    Current Leader: Karl Jürgen Krieger
    Ideology: Market Liberal
    Founded: 1852
    Motto: “Von hier ins himmlische Königreich”

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Free Trade
    Economic Policy: Laissez Faire
    Religious Policy: Secularized
    Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
    War Policy: Jingoism
    Welfare Policy: No position set

    Description:
    The PKW represents the interests of the PCOK (Preußische Creditanstalt & Osthandelsgesellschaft für Kolonien und territoriale Sicherheit) - yet it is independent and acts according to that. The PKW supports reasonable laws and those that improve the future and that of the colonies, and ultimately leading to a greater wealth for the whole of Germany. It gladly supports its interest and spending for a place in the sun for our mighty empire! Long Live the Kaiser, Long Live the Empire! Gott Mit Uns!

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    Prussian Fatherland Party (PVP)
    Preußische Vaterlandspartei

    Current Leader: Volker von Geishof
    Founding Year: 1855
    Ideology type: Reactionary

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Protectionism
    Economic Policy: State Capitalism
    Religious Policy: Moralism
    Citizenship Policy: Residency
    War Policy: Jingoism
    Welfare: No State Interference

    Description:
    Formed in 1855 by the members of the reactionary wing of the FKP after tensions between them and the conservative members, the Prussian Fatherland Party seeks to ensure the strength of the king and of true Prussian conservatism throughout Germany. The party believes in the power and divine right of the monarchy, and seeks to restore its glory throughout Europe.

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    Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)
    Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands

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

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Free Trade
    Economic Policy: Planned Economy
    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.

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    German Conservative Party (DkP)
    Deutschkonservative Partei

    Current Party Leader: Alexander von Hoth
    Founding Date: 1st January 1860
    Ideology: Conservative
    Motto: “In Treue Fest”

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Free Trade
    Economic Policy: Interventionism
    Religious Policy: Secularized
    Citizenship Policy: Limited Residency
    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.

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    The Deutscher Reichs-Anzeiger publishes speeches of all the party leaders in its latest edition:
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    Polls are now open and will remain open until Saturday June 20th 8:00 PM CEST!
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    1870 Election Results and Cabinet Appointments
  • 1870 Election Results and Cabinet Appointments
    The election results are announced:
    • SPD: 139 Seats
    • NLP: 129 Seats
    • PKW: 57 Seats
    • DkP: 98 Seats
    • PVP: 77 Seats
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    Without much discussion the former Coalition of NLP-PKW-DkP-SPD chose to remain united to form a Government underthe experienced law maker Leopold von Hofmeinster, leader of the NLP.

    He then advised the Kaiser on the Cabinet appointments, with the following result:
    Minister for Foreign Affairs: Karl Jürgen Krieger (PKW)
    Minister of the Interior: Alexander von Hoth (DkP)
    Minister for War: Gerhard zu Muskau (DkP)
    Minister of the Treasury: Karl Birnbaum (NLP)
    Minister of Justice: Gustav Schwarzmann (SPD)
    Minister of Education: Jakob Ferdinand Leibl (NLP)
    Minister of Labour: Benedict Eichwald (SPD)

    In 1870 the Government of the German Empire looks like this:
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    Stay tuned: Next up, wild court cases and Reichstag session!
     
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    Gameplay 1870-1872
  • Gameplay 1870-1872

    After the 1870 elections turned into a major victory for both the SPD and the NLP, the previous government chose to continue its unity to benefit the country and its economy. The threat of militant socialist and communist revolts still remained and would soon show its ugly face once again, despite the many progressive bills that were passed in the 1870 Reichstag session. Right after the Reichstag session, an assassination attempt failed to kill PVP member Hans von Klopp. Yet, the first sign of true unrest in the 1870s would, however, not occur in Germany itself, but abroad in one of its many colonies. In March of 1870, the local German administration in Tangiers reported an increase in militancy among the native Moroccans after German police officers had trespassed on a holy site of local importance. The Colonial Office in Berlin ordered the situation to dealt with and called upon the administration in Tangiers to approach a local imam and amend the situation. While most unrest has now faded away, the Moroccans have now experienced that the German authorities are not completely a unified block.

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    In April of 1870, the Ministry of War completed its effort in coordination with the Imperial Statistical Office to create an overview of Germany's military might. With a bureaucracy for Military Statistics now in place, any future reforms or campaigns would be much easier to conduct. Not long after, research into Screw-propelled Steamers begun as the Kaiser ordered a refitting of the Kaiserliche Marine. Germany's frigates were to be put on reserve while newer Steam Frigates would replace them. In addition, the old clipper fleet was also put on reserve to be replaced by more modern steam powered transport ships. In May of 1870, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karl Jürgen Krieger (PKW), went to London to discuss a deal with PM William Gladstone to discuss the status of British Egypt. Minister Krieger agreed on a deal that would see British Egypt and Lagos transferred to the German Empire in exchange for free shipping for the British through the Suez Canal. Upon being informed about this deal, the Kaiser, however, sacked Krieger and appointed Admiral Staudenmaier in his stead, while Krieger was promoted to Admiral of the Kaiserliche Marine. The Kaiser then personally went to the United Kingdom to renegotiate the deal with Gladstone. Instead of free passage, only a set amount of ships would be allowed to apply for a special status. This special status would grant them a discount on the tolls for passing through the Canal. The Kaiser thus succeeded in obtaining British Egypt and Lagos for the German Empire.

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    In July of 1870, a strike led by the communist Josef Müller at an Artillery Factory owned by Elbmetall K.G. in Brandenburg escalated into a general strike affecting most factories across the country. Müller, who was under police surveillance ever since he had distributed blackmail letters to leading capitalists, was arrested promptly. The general strike, however, only turned more violent and in August it devolved into open revolt by Militant Socialists. With the economy almost completely paralyzed, it was up to the German army to bring back order to the nation.

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    The effort of the army to put down the revolts was not without casualties. At the Battle of Aachen on August 16th, Generalfeldmarschall Gerhard zu Muskau fell victim to skirmishers. The skirmishers which attacked the artillery position from which he commanded the freeing of the city of Aachen took them by surprise. While they could throw the enemy back the badly wounded Generalfeldmarschall stayed behind the artillery fortifications. He died shortly after 12:10 PM at the age of 60 years. After a period of mourn, Generalfeldmarschall Heinrich Berg of the NLP was instated as Minister of War to replace zu Muskau. Berg continued zu Muskau's effort of dealing with the insurrection and by October of 1870, the Militant Socialists were put down. It would take several more months to repair the damages they did to the economy however.

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    In January of 1871, the General German Women's Association (ADFV) came into the spotlight after several incidents. Previously, their youth wing had organised a march which had escalated into minor street violence, now the association came under scrutiny when one of its members had tried to attend a lecture at university. The woman was thrown out by university officials, but the issue haunted local press for several days. Should women be allowed to enroll into university programs? And if so, should they be kept separate from their male counterparts? These issues dominated debate for several days, until a new issue arose. This time, the ADFV held a campaign for property rights for married women. The ADFV's leader, Elouise von Märchenlied, known for her brief presence at the Royal court, was herself an unmarried woman and thus allowed to legally own property. Yet many of her fellow suffragettes were married and had no legal recognition. The ADFV thought it was time to bring change to this situation. As of yet, none of the parties in the Reichstag have shown interest in married women's property rights.

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    In February of 1871, a brief insurrection in Kolmar by French patriots was easily dealt with by the army stationed in Straßburg. By the end of the month, the constant threat of insurrectionist violence had prompted the Ministry of War to invest in better equipment and research into Iron-breech Loaded Artillery began. In October however, war would once again errupt on the European continent when Italy and Russia went to war with Austria-Hungary. To many, the alliance between Italy and Russia came as a surprise, as both countries had little in common and Russia had held a strong connection to France in the past. Yet, their shared envy of Asutria-Hungary had seemingly brought them together in an alliance. Italy on its part wished to liberate its brothers and sisters in Veneto, while Russia always had an eye out for Galicia-Lodomeria. The initial stages of the war looked promising for Italy, but the same could not be said for Russia.

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    In November, the effort of the War Ministry to upgrade its weaponry was almost complete and the last part of the job was ultimately outsourced to companies such as Elbmetall KG and the Krupp family. The military industrial complex in Germany had once again proven its efficiency. That same month, government contracts were written out to invest in a new kind of gun: the machine gun. Part machine, part gun, it would literally transform the way that warfare was going to be done in the future. In the meantime, the war between Italy-Russia and Austria-Hungary was still raging as Germany got a request from the Italian government for military access. Looking to weaken their southern neighbour, Germany accepted and Italian troops would be allowed through Germany.

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    At the end of 1871, Germany would be triumphant on almost all fronts. Diplomatically, the German sphere of influence reached from Sweden, to Belgium, Serbia, the Ottoman Empire and Spain in Europe, while Morocco, Egypt and the Nigerian kingdoms and chiefdoms were firmly under German control. Economically, the Suez Canal and the strong German industry were bringing a continuous stream of wealth to Germany and its population. Germany also sat safely within Europe as it has remained out of major European conflicts for several years now, the last conflict being the war with Austria which ended in 1857. As Germany's neighbours exhausted themselves, Germany only grew stronger.

    1872 Newspapers

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    Gameplay 1872-1874
  • Gameplay 1872-1874

    As the world entered 1872, a relatively large revolt occurred in German Egypt when reactionary forces who wished to re-install some sort of Ottoman-alligned government, rose up in Northern Egypt. Egyptian forces were quick to act and in the end, German help was not needed as the brave soldiers of the Khedive set out to fight against these Ottoman-alligned reactionaries.

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    In October of 1872, a minor Militant Socialist rebellion occurred, partly as a reaction to the global economic downturn which had arrived on the European continent. A huge influx of Ukrainian and American wheat had crashed the German markets and turned many farmers against the government who clung on to its policy of free trade. Against the backdrop of this 'Agricultural Invasion', an organisational split occurred in the General German Women's Association between the old guard led by Elouise von Märchenlied and a younger, more leftist group led by Beatrix von Hammerstein.

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    By November of '72, the small Militant Socialist revolt had been put down. While the economy had still not completely recovered, the government was doing all it could to relief the poor and needy. Later that month, government efforts to start a Counterrevolutionary movement resulted in the creation of Abteilung V, a branch of the Gendarmerie that would deal with insurrectionist movement such as the Voices of Müller. Cases brought up by Abteilung V would gain priority in the courts to allow for an effective end to the Revolutionary movements in Germany.

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    In the Summer of 1873, Italy and Russia had to concede victory to Austria-Hungary. Even though the Italians had been more than successful in their liberation of Veneto and even made it into Austria proper, the Austro-Hungarian invasion of Poland and the Ukraine put the Russians apparently on their knees. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was clearly back on the rise. Not long after, the Russians were dealt another prestige blow when their navy was heavily damaged off the coast of Germany by the Romanian fleet. The Russians would soon occupy most of Romania to cope for this embarrassing naval defeat.

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    By the end of August, bad news arrived once again when Militant Socialists rose up all over the country. More and more politicians started realizing that perhaps it was time for some social reform. During the fighting, General Wilhelm von Marienburg died in battle, yet another eminence grise in the German army had been lost to rebels. As fresh blood entered the higher army ranks, so did a more subversive movement, however. By November, all rebels had been crushed and relative peace returned to Germany.

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    In November of '73, the German Suffragette Movement once again kicked into action, campaigning again for married women's property rights. Yet again, none of the parties took any interest in their demands, as the Militant Socialist threat was still looming. More worryingly than last revolts, the next uprising took place in the form of a mass scale mutiny in February of 1874. Militant Socialists within the army ranks had gathered enough support to instigate a mutiny, the largest Germany had ever seen. Even the overseas Kolonial Korps were plagued by revolt within their own ranks.

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    If the peasant uprisings didn't already scare the political elite, a mutiny in the army definitely did the job. The old saying that Prussia is an army with a state was doubted for the first time since Prussia had successfully unified Germany. But in the end, the mutiny was short lived as the loyal elements within the army swiftly dealt with the traitors and desertors. More damaging was the fact that Germany now had to begin a massive recruiting effort to reinforce its armies once again. An effort which allowed more Militant Socialists to enter the ranks of the army. In April of 1874, an effort was made to increase the efficiency of Germany's education system by investing research into Analytic Philosophy.

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    In July of 1874, Carl Hagenbeck held one of his first shows about 'exotic' people in Germany. His enterprise would later grow into showing off more of these human zoos. While at the time, this seemed like an innocent event to get Germans interested in other parts of the world, today we know human zoos to be inhumane, racist and an outright horrendous practice indicative of the mindset of the 19th century European.

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    In August of 1874, Germany looked once again overseas to expand its colonial holdings in East Africa. As war was declared on Zanzibar to obtain Lindi, an army moved in to siege their new capital in Mombasa. As Zanzibar had no major forces, it was a relatively bloodless war and by September, the Zanzibari's sued for peace.

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    In October of 1874, as election season was once again on the horizon, a scandal rocked the NLP as some of its members had been involved in smuggling illicit goods, mostly opium from India. Apparently they had used government funding to do so. Minister of Treasury Karl Birnbaum, a member of the NLP himself, quickly set out to investigate the matter and delivered a list of culprits to be banned from the party.

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    1875 Newspapers


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    Elections of 1875
  • Elections of 1875:

    Much has happened over the past five years and once more all elegible voters go to the polling stations to elect a new Reichstag to represent them in Berlin.

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    National Liberal Party (NLP)
    Nationalliberale Partei

    Current Leader: Leopold von Hofmeinster
    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: Populist Welfare

    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.

    They were the leading party in the most recent coalition and their leader, Leopold von Hofmeinster was chancellor. Shortly before the elections they were rocked by a scandal, where some members of their party were found to be operating an Opium smuggling operation, while also abusing government funds to do so. These members were swiftly banned from the party, with the party stating, it would not affect their work in the Reichstag.

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    Party for Economic and Colonial Prosperity and Development (PKW)
    Partei für wirtschaftlichen und kolonialen Wohlstand und Entwicklung

    Current Leader: Karl Jürgen Krieger
    Ideology: Market Liberal
    Founded: 1852
    Motto: “Von hier ins himmlische Königreich”

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Free Trade
    Economic Policy: Laissez Faire
    Religious Policy: Secularized
    Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
    War Policy: Jingoism
    Welfare Policy: No position set

    Description:
    The PKW represents the interests of the PCOK (Preußische Creditanstalt & Osthandelsgesellschaft für Kolonien und territoriale Sicherheit) - yet it is independent and acts according to that. The PKW supports reasonable laws and those that improve the future and that of the colonies, and ultimately leading to a greater wealth for the whole of Germany. It gladly supports its interest and spending for a place in the sun for our mighty empire! Long Live the Kaiser, Long Live the Empire! Gott Mit Uns!

    The PKW is currently recovering from the loss of their oldest member, the former Foreign Minister Jan Staudenmaier, who replaced his predecessor and friend Konteradmiral Karl Jürgen Krieger, who is expected to take over the PKW once more in the hopes of redeeming himself after the failed negotiations with Great Britain several years ago.

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    Prussian Fatherland Party (PVP)
    Preußische Vaterlandspartei

    Current Leader: Hans von Klopp
    Founding Year: 1855
    Ideology type: Reactionary

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Protectionism
    Economic Policy: State Capitalism
    Religious Policy: Moralism
    Citizenship Policy: Residency
    War Policy: Jingoism
    Welfare: No State Interference

    Description:
    Formed in 1855 by the members of the reactionary wing of the FKP after tensions between them and the conservative members, the Prussian Fatherland Party seeks to ensure the strength of the king and of true Prussian conservatism throughout Germany. The party believes in the power and divine right of the monarchy, and seeks to restore its glory throughout Europe.

    The PVP is one of the very few parties calling for swift and merciless action against the socialist threat, such as the “Voices of Müller” (“Stimmen von Müller”), as their leader was victim of an assassination attempt connected to the communist cult of personality surrounding the deceased traitor Paul Müller.

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    Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)
    Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands

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

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Free Trade
    Economic Policy: Planned Economy
    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 SPD is currently in a minor crisis, as many of their founding members have recently died, such as Gustav Schwarzmann, the former Minister of Justice and even their leader Benedict Eichwald is thinking about retirement. This combined with ever more militant socialists is increasingly hurting the image of the party as their future course remains unknown.

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

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Free Trade
    Economic Policy: Interventionism
    Religious Policy: Secularized
    Citizenship Policy: Limited Residency
    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.

    With moderate policies and a strong upcoming second Generation to carry the torch and continuing the legacy of their founder Wilhelm von Hoth, the DkP has some bright years ahead of itself. His brother Generaloberst Alexander von Hoth is the prime example of that, continuing his brothers philosophy of moderation and calm rational politics.

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    Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany (USPD)
    Unabhängige Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands

    Current Leader: David Blaustein
    Ideology: Socialist
    Founding Date: 1875
    Motto: “Freiheit ist immer Freiheit des Andersdenkenden”

    Ethics:
    Trade Policy: Protectionism
    Economic Policy: Planned Economy
    Religious Policy: Secularism
    Citizenship Policy: Full Citizenship
    War Policy: Anti Military
    Welfare Policy: Free Healthcare+Pension

    Description:
    Freedom, equality, justice and solidarity are not mere slogans for this party, but unalterable basic values. They are convinced that everyone benefits if each individual is doing well and each person can lead an independent, meaningful life. Their task as social democrats is to create an offer: To offer a policy with which they can together make the world in which everyone live more just and shape it positively.
    That is why the USPD chooses social democracy!

    The USPD is new comer to the political stage, being more radical than the SPD and even going as far as calling the SPD a bourgois joke of a “workers party”.


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    The Deutscher Reichs-Anzeiger publishes its election special:
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    The Polls are now open and will remain so until Saturday June 27th 8:00 PM CEST
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