Crumbling Reich: A Weimar Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

HITLER IS DEAD: NAZI PUTSCH CRUSHED


After days of combat in Berlin, and in all the regions of the Reich, an attempt to seize power by the National Socialist German Worker's Party was thwarted by the Reich government and a broad anti-Nazi coalition ranging from reactionary monarchists to hardline Marxist-Leninists. In Berlin the SA and SS attempted to assault the city by marching on the government center and seizing key strategic points, but despite initial successes (with the key support of mutinying fascists in Der Stahlhelm), the Brown Army was ultimately repelled by a united front of soldiers, police, and Republican and labor paramilitaries. The Reichswehr in particular proved itself in its first major engagement since the Silesian revolts. National Socialist Führer Adolf Hitler was reported dead by the NSDAP Party Chancellery in a statement released on the airwaves saying he was shot dishonorably by a sniper (who they claimed was Jewish) and then died of his wounds surrounded by loyal comrades, they then declared him a martyr for the Reich and the German race. But rumors of Hitler's death were already commonplace, and numerous newspapers had already claimed he was dead.

While National Socialist resistance is still occurring in some parts of Brandenburg, and in Königsberg, and in the Rhineland, the putsch as been all but squashed. The death of the Führer led to a mass rout of remaining Nazi forces. This was followed up by reports of the death of SA Commander Ernst Röhm, the arrest of Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess, and the surrender of Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler. But there are some worries about the escape of SS General Reinhard Heydrich, and if he might organize some kind of future resistance. Many Nazi leaders, such as Gregor Strasser, Baldur von Schirach, and Hermann Göring are still unaccounted for. However Chancellor von Papen has acted swiftly, declaring with the support of the President that the NSDAP is now a criminal organization, and that their various media outlets are also outlawed. Interior Minister Hugenberg has also moved to stop Nazi leaders from escaping the country, and to arrest those still out in the streets.

One of the greatest questions is what is next for the far-right politics of Germany. The NSDAP was only held together by the cult around Adolf Hitler, and without him there is no way a replacement party could survive. Many may flock to the reactionary DNVP, but they may be upset on how hard he has cracked down on Nazism. The left of the party is certain to find a willing home in Otto Strasser's PRNS, while it is unknown what the others will do. For now at least the Reich government is cleaning up the last remnants of Nazi resistance, and restoring order to the countryside and the city streets.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

Order Restored: Countryside Pacified


After the initial attempt to bring down the government in Berlin, Nazi resistance across the whole of Germany has been suppressed. Nazi uprisings in East Prussia were brought under control by Reichswehr units, who defeated undisciplined SA units without much trouble. In Bavaria, forces loyal to the Staatskommissar suppressed surprisingly large Nazi units. The Rhineland was more troublesome, due to the demilitarization clause of the Versailles Treaty, but ultimately paramilitaries and local police brought down the rabble. After two weeks of continued unrest, the entirety of the nation is returned to order, or at least as much as order as can be accomplished.

However, the government now must deal with a large volume of Nazis who have been arrested, and must sift from those who must be punished, and those who may be let free. There is also the continued threat of SS figure Reinhard Heydrich, who remains at large. Local authorities have posted rewards for his capture, in the effort that the nefarious and ruthless Nazi militant may be apprehended.

On the political front, new elections are expected soon to restore stability and constitutional government. There also remains the question of what will happen to the over a hundred NSDAP members of the Diet, and where the Nazi voter base will go. The KPD is expected to make gains in any new elections, but also governing parties who have become quite popular with some in the middle class. As for the Nazi vote, many in the working class, so called "Beefsteak Nazis" may back Otto Strasser's PRNS, others may back the Communists, more establishment Nazis may back Hugenberg's DNVP. Some believe in the aftermath of his proclamation that he is the DNVP Führer that he is the true savior of Germany they were looking for. Some former Nazis who have renounced their membership, but oppose left wing economics have formed the National Party of Germany (Nationale Partei Deutschlands or NPD). On the whole there will be much in the way of political interest in the coming months.

[KaiserDave]

Wikimedia Commons

Office of the Reichpräsident

By the powers invested in me by the German constitution of 1919, and at the advice of the Reich Chancellor I hereby declare that national elections will occur for the 143 seats of the Reichstag previously occupied by the illegal organization known as the National Socialist German Worker's Party. I hereby utilize Article 48 of the German constitution to enforce these extra-constitutional measures needed in these extraordinary times.

To that end I schedule these elections for either the 6th of February or the 15th of February, with the digression on which date left to the state governments in the interest of safety and stability.

Cordially Signed,

Paul Ludwig Hans Anton von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg

President of the German Reich

[KaiserDave]

Federal By-Election Election of February 1933


Custom

Campaign Season


Much has changed since the last election, only four months ago. The insurgent National Socialists are broken, their beloved leader dead, buried at an unknown location. Their paramilitary wings shattered, and their leadership behind bars after a failed attempt to remove the government. The government is stronger than before, its most powerful opponents erased from government. Now the German people will decide who will take their place. In a special election called for through Article 48 of the constitution which provides a pathway for extra-constitutional action, an election based on proportional representation will decide who will make up the 143 seats formerly belonging to the Diet's largest party. But these are indeed extraordinary times? Will the government triumph, perhaps bringing the restoration of the dynasty closer? Will a red tide make the KPD the largest party? Or will a pan-Republican front led by the Social Democrats lead a red, gold, and black wave to power? Here below are the major parties, and noted by if they support the von Papen ministry or not.


Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands (KPD) Nein!
Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD) Nein!
Deutsche Zentrumspartei (DZP) Ja!
Bayerische Volkspartei (BVP) Ja!
Deutsche Staatspartei (DStP) Ja!
Vaterländische Union (VU) Ja!
Deutschnationale Volkspartei (DNVP) Ja!
Partei der Revolutionären Nationalsozialisten (PRNS) Nein!



New parties such as the Strasserist Revolutionary National Socialists could make things interesting, and many are asking how the public will perceive the coup, and who will they reward? These questions can only be answered at the ballot box.

Federal Elections: 6th and 15th February

Federal elections result will probably be posted Thursday evening, until then, campaign campaign campaign! Intrigue intrigue intrigue! Remember to try and appeal to a broad base if you want to win more seats, coalition building is everything. Results will be determined by a dice roll, quality of posts, historical precedent, and in game political alliances and maneuvers. Best of luck!

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

The Campaign Trail: Peaceful?


The German people will once again have a say in their own government, though this time in a unique manner, as instead of the entire Reichstag being up for election, only a pool of 143 seats are subject to popular modulation. These seats, formerly occupied by the NSDAP may prove crucial in Reichstag control. Will the SPD regain its majority? Will the DNVP lead a right wing nationalist wave to a majority? Or will it be the unthinkable only a few years ago, the Communist Party winning a majority of seats in the Reichstag?

The campaign trail so far, while very short has been marked by one unique thing. It has been quite peaceful. No Brownshirts on the streets harassing Jews, no pitched battles with the Red Front. Only a year ago the cities were running red with blood, only four months ago a Brown Army marched on Berlin, but now there is more peace on the streets. The Red Front hasn't carried brass knuckles and revolvers, but instead have plastered entire streets of Berlin with posters calling for German socialism. The Iron Front isn't carrying clubs to defend against potential assassination attempts, instead they have launched a unique propaganda campaign emphasizing the SPD's role in crushing the fascist coup. With Der Stahlhelm largely dissolved, roaming Freikorps are less common. Will this peace reward the government on von Papen who has done much to improve the domestic situation of the Reich? Will the recent acquisition of Eupen Malmedy be rewarded by voters? We will see.

However some point out a darker underside to the campaign. In Essen a left wing journalist wrote an extensive article on voter suppression that has been proliferated nationwide. He claimed that the Interior Ministry has ordered polling places to be relocated, the number of ballot boxes reduced, or polling places entirely removed from the map in left leaning areas. He claimed there is a reactionary conspiracy to rig the election and bring about the return of the monarchy. He did make some outrageous claims on the Interior Minister, claiming that he funded the Nazi Coup attempt to make himself look good, but his claims about the election have been repeated by many leftist voters in the KPD and SPD who worry that the conservative establishment will do anything to restore monarchy.

In Bavaria, the Staatskommissar has rumored to be working with Arthur Mahraun on the drafting on a monarchical constitution, indeed a throne may come to Munich before it comes to Berlin...

[KaiserDave]

NOTE: You can still campaign, and it will be counted but over the next 24 hours results will be released

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

Election Day


Voters are going to the polls as this edition of THE REICH goes to print. Lines wrap around street blocks as party activists watch to measure turnout, and party activists desperately court undecided voters headed to vote. So far things have appeared to be the most peaceful yet, with the exception of some markedly bloody clashes between the RFB and the AK Stahlhelm in Berlin. As for turnout is appears high, if not as high as the last federal election. The unique nature of the election, with only 143 seats up for grabs make it more interesting. It's very possible that the party that gets the most votes will not be the largest party in the Reichstag.

As the voters have begun to cast their ballots there have been scattered reports of voters being denied a ballot due to inadequate registration status, as well as polling places simply being unmanned, or moved to another town. While these reports are rare, and could simply be marked down to happenstance, they are more common than any previous election. However, this election has been far more peaceful than previous elections, and violence has been largely avoided between warring paramilitaries.

The results are expected soon.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

Federal By-Elections: The Results



From every corner of the German fatherland the votes have been counted. From Stettin to Munich, from Cologne to Königsberg, from the mountains of Bavaria to the soft banks of the Rhine, the German people have made their final decisions. The 143 seat pool formerly held by the illegal Nazi Party have been reallocated, and an all new Reichstag of 646 deputies with a majority of 323+1 has been convened. The result of the by election and the composition of the Reichstag are listed below.


By-Election Results (of 143)

Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands (KPD): 35
Deutschnationale Volkspartei (DNVP): 27
Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD): 24
Deutsche Zentrumspartei (DZP): 15
Deutsche Staatspartei (DStP): 14
Vaterländische Union (VU): 13
Partei der Revolutionären Nationalsozialisten (PRNS): 9
Bayerische Volkspartei (BVP): 5
Nationale Landbund (NLB): 1




Full Composition

Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD): 149 (+24)
Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands (KPD): 132 (+35)
Deutschnationale Volkspartei (DNVP): 122 (+27)
Deutsche Zentrumspartei (DZP): 93 (+15)
Deutsche Staatspartei (DStP): 59 (+14)
Vaterländische Union (VU): 41 (+13)
Bayerische Volkspartei (BVP): 28 (+5)
Partei der Revolutionären Nationalsozialisten(PRNS): 9 (+9)
Nationale Landbund (NLB): 7 (+1)
Deutsche Volkspartei (DVP): 4
Deutsch-Hannoversche Partei (DHP): 1
Sozialistische Arbeiterpartei Deutschlands (SAP): 1



The nature of this election is fickle. Because only 143 seats are up for grabs, the party that gets the most votes may very well not receive the largest share of the seats. That is exactly what has happened. Despite the Communist Party winning a comfortable plurality, winning by our 6% over the DNVP, they are only the second largest party, trailing the Social Democrats by almost 20. However tonight is an unquestioned triumph for the left, especially the Communists who have easily one a plurality of votes, and if this was a normal election would have a comfortable plurality of seats. However it is not a normal election. The von Papen Ministry has suffered a blow, but it has been in much, much worst straits before. The government has a comfortable majority of seats. Powered by a growing loyalty of the middle class, the German State Party, the Patriotic Union, and the Zentrum all secured gains for the government. However Zentrum performed badly in terms of the popular vote, with the German State Party peeling off several Catholic voters due to their commitment to the Vatican Concordat and support for the Wittelsbachs, and the BVP peeling off Catholic voters due to their steps towards a Bavarian monarchy. Zentrum Chair Ludwig Kaas has stepped down and he has already announced he wants former Chancellor Brüning to succeed him as chair of Zentrum. The Strasserist PRNS did well, and some believed that they took some left-NSDAP votes from the KPD, although that is not clear. The DNVP performed well, coming in second in the popular vote and third in seat total. They did well with farming constituencies, and in the non-Berlin Brandenburg area. On the whole this election makes the Reichstag whole again, but also opens up more questions on the future of German politics. Reports of election misconduct existed (mostly in SPD leaning areas), but they were not as uproarious as earlier predicted. Here is a breakdown of the results by popular vote percentage, and a breakdown of political alliances.



Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands (KPD): 24.67%
Deutschnationale Volkspartei (DNVP): 18.54%
Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD): 16.51%
Deutsche Zentrumspartei (DZP): 10.78%
Deutsche Staatspartei (DStP): 10.01%
Vaterländische Union (VU): 8.33%
Partei der Revolutionären Nationalsozialisten(PRNS): 6.1%
Bayerische Volkspartei (BVP): 3.33%
Nationale Landbund (NLB): 0.63%
Deutsch-Hannoversche Partei (DHP): 0.42%
Sozialistische Arbeiterpartei Deutschlands (SAP): 0.31%




German Rebirth League
Deutschnationale Volkspartei (DNVP)
Nationale Landbund (NLB)
Deutsch-Hannoversche Partei (DHP)

Vorbeck-Kaas-Held Pact
Deutsche Zentrumspartei (DZP)
Vaterländische Union (VU)
Bayerische Volkspartei (BVP)

Mahraun List
Deutsche Staatspartei (DStP)
Deutsche Volkspartei (DVP)

[KaiserDave]

Game is GOOOOOOO

Major Reichstag Vote: Nazi Suppression Act and Volunteer Support Act

Result: Ja!




Majority is 323+1



Communist Party of Germany - 132 seats

Vote: Ja!

Party of Revolutionary National Socialists - 9 seats

Vote: Nein!

Socialist Workers' Party of Germany - 1 seat

Vote: Ja!

Social Democratic Party of Germany - 149 seats

Vote: Ja!

German Centre Party - 93 seats

Vote: Ja!

German State Party - 59 seats

Vote: Ja!

German People's Party - 4 seats

Vote: Ja!

German-Hanoverian Party - 1 seats

Vote: Ja!

Patriotic Union - 41 seats

Vote: Ja!

Bavarian People's Party - 28 seats

Vote: Ja!

National Rural League - 7 seats

Vote: Ja!

German National People's Party - 122 seats

Vote: Ja!

[KaiserDave]

Major Reichstag Vote: Farm Relief

Result: Ja!




Majority is 323+1



Communist Party of Germany - 132 seats

Vote: Ja!

Party of Revolutionary National Socialists - 9 seats

Vote: Nein!

Socialist Workers' Party of Germany - 1 seat

Vote: Ja!

Social Democratic Party of Germany - 149 seats

Vote: Ja!

German Centre Party - 93 seats

Vote: Nein!

German State Party - 59 seats

Vote: Nein!

German People's Party - 4 seats

Vote: Nein!

German-Hanoverian Party - 1 seats

Vote: Ja!

Patriotic Union - 41 seats

Vote: Nein!

Bavarian People's Party - 28 seats

Vote: Nein!

National Rural League - 7 seats

Vote: Ja!

German National People's Party - 122 seats

Vote: Ja!

[KaiserDave]

Major Reichstag Vote: KPD Recovery Plan

Result: Nein!




Majority is 323+1



Communist Party of Germany - 132 seats

Vote: Ja!

Party of Revolutionary National Socialists - 9 seats

Vote: ?

Socialist Workers' Party of Germany - 1 seat

Vote: ?

Social Democratic Party of Germany - 149 seats

Vote: ?

German Centre Party - 93 seats

Vote: Nein!

German State Party - 59 seats

Vote: Nein!

German People's Party - 4 seats

Vote: Nein!

German-Hanoverian Party - 1 seats

Vote: Nein!

Patriotic Union - 41 seats

Vote: Nein!

Bavarian People's Party - 28 seats

Vote: Nein!

National Rural League - 7 seats

Vote: Nein!

German National People's Party - 122 seats

Vote: Nein!

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

The Worst is Over


As the summer approaches and the spring comes to an end, the temperatures are up, and the cities are buzzing with activity, experts, observers, and Reich officials have noted that things are looking up. While the nation is by no means prosperous, things are better than they were a year ago. Unemployment has dropped substantially, crime has dropped, and the nation is more stable, the government in particular. Chancellor von Papen has lasted for over a year, far more than many expected. The consensus is clear, the worst of the Depression is past.

While the nation is definitely not prosperous, nor the common people that well off, the country is certainly in a better position than it was just a year ago. The German farming sector has been brought back from the edge of oblivion, and the end of the strikes have returned blood to the arteries of the nation.

However, the nation still has many questions to answer. A referendum on the monarchy seems inevitable. It is a only question of when it will be held. Then if it succeeds, who will take the throne? Will it be the Kaiser-in-exile? His son? One of the Crown Prince's own children? Or will the Republic survive? And what of the Communist Party, what action will they take? These questions swirl in the beer halls and streets of the Reich.

Meanwhile, there are still some sources of concern. The Communists, despite attempts to hide it, are increasingly militant. Some say they are far more armed than the Nazis ever were. The Nazis, still exist yes. Just yesterday there was a bombing in Cologne at a local Synagogue, and a wood thatch-work of a swastika was burned on the front steps. Reinhard Heydrich remains at large. And despite the economy's recovery, millions remained with a job, begging for their daily bread on the street.

Germany goes on.

[KaiserDave]

Major Reichstag Vote: Referendum on the Monarchy

A nationwide referendum on the status of the monarchy asking: "Would you support the return of a monarch to the German throne?" with options of Ja! or Nein!

Result: Ja!




Majority is 323+1



Communist Party of Germany - 132 seats

Vote: Nein!

Party of Revolutionary National Socialists - 9 seats

Vote: Nein!

Socialist Workers' Party of Germany - 1 seat

Vote: Nein!

Social Democratic Party of Germany - 149 seats

Vote: 108 voting, Ja!, 41 voting Nein!

German Centre Party - 93 seats

Vote: 59 voting: Ja! 34 voting Nein!

German State Party - 59 seats

Vote: Ja!

German People's Party - 4 seats

Vote: Ja!

German-Hanoverian Party - 1 seats

Vote: Ja!

Patriotic Union - 41 seats

Vote: Ja!

Bavarian People's Party - 28 seats

Vote: Ja!

National Rural League - 7 seats

Vote: Ja!

German National People's Party - 122 seats

Vote: Ja!

[KaiserDave]

Wikimedia Commons

Office of the Reichpräsident

By the powers invested in me by the German constitution of 1919 and Article 48 of the German constitution, I hereby declare that on the Saturday, the 19th of August 1933 a non-binding national referendum shall be conducted on the status of the government of the Reich in the manner outlined by the Reichstag. Until that point, I order the Reichstag temporarily adjourned.

Cordially Signed,

Paul Ludwig Hans Anton von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg

President of the German Reich

[KaiserDave]

Referendum on the Monarchy


Custom

Campaign Season


In a legally unprecedented move, the country will vote on whether or not the government as it stands will continue to exist. Will the Republic continue, or will a monarch return? Ultimately this decision will up to the German people. The vote is legally non binding, but it will likely be followed. The left and the right are scrambling to take up their positions. The Communists, Social Democrats, Zentrum, Revolutionary National Socialists, and Socialist Worker's Party have all declared opposition to monarchy, and all the other parties declaring their support. The battle lines have been drawn.

A vote for the monarchy could spawn even more questions? Who would take the throne? What will the constitution look like? A vote against it could strengthen the Republic, but also encourage the far right to take...extra legal action. Again, the choice belongs to the people.

Referendum: 19th of August

Referendum result will probably be posted around a week from now, think Wednesday-ish, until then, campaign campaign campaign! Intrigue intrigue intrigue! Remember to try and appeal to a broad base if you want your side to win, coalition building is everything. Results will be determined by a dice roll, quality of posts, historical precedent, and in game political alliances and maneuvers. Best of luck!

[KaiserDave]

Custom

The Monarchy Debate: The Berlin Sportspalast

The nation faces a question fundamental to its future, and to the composition of the nation. In the Berlin Sportspalast two titans of the national debate engage in verbal combat. Otto Wels, Republican icon and leader of the SPD, and Alfred Hugenberg, nationalist firebrand and Führer of the DNVP. In the presence of a large audience, these men will debate the question facing the nation. A Crown, or not? These are the questions posed to these two men.

1. Has the Republic failed the German people?
2. Did the monarchy fail the German people in 1918?
3. Will each side respect the results of the referendum?

To Hugenberg,
Who should take the German throne should you succeed?

To Wels,
What is the future of the German republic should you succeed?


Rebuttals may be held after

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

JA! To the Crown


After a nervous election day, the votes have been tallied and in the early hours of the morning the results, fully tabulated have been released to the press by the Reich government. However they have not been without trouble. Rumors of ballots being burned in the countryside were abound, street clashes broke out between Interior Ministry employees and Iron Front men. Some ballot boxes had to be transported by soldiers. Ultimately however, when the results were released, these were the results.

Ja!: 51.2%-19,687,266
Nein!: 48.7%-18,725,974

As soon as the results were officially posted rioting commenced in many of the main cities of the Reich. Angry Republicans and Communists marched into the streets waving the national flag and the red flag. The Imperial Banner was burned in many places, along with the effigy of the exiled Kaiser. In Berlin, the mass of Republican protestors was historically large. Additional soldiers had to be called in to control the chaos in the capital. The chaos subsided over the course of the day after the vote, but has not entirely ended as waves of protestors continue in the biggest cities of the nation.

Electorally speaking the monarchist victory came from the countryside, the north east, East Prussia, and southern Germany. However the Republic was ultimately done in by oddly small turnout in areas that had been home to the strongest Communist areas in the last election. The referendum is over, but the future is unclear.

More chaos in Germany.

[KaiserDave]

Wikimedia Commons

Office of the Reichpräsident

In recognition of the voice of the German people, I hereby order that the Reichstag reconvene for the express purpose of passing a measure for the convening on a constitutional convention. After a convention is convened the Reichstag will be dissolved once again to allow the convention to proceed without undue political interference.

Cordially Signed,

Paul Ludwig Hans Anton von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg

President of the German Reich

[KaiserDave]

Major Reichstag Vote: Constitutional Convention

Result: Nein!





Majority is 323+1



Communist Party of Germany - 132 seats

Vote: Nein!

Party of Revolutionary National Socialists - 9 seats

Vote: Nein!

Socialist Workers' Party of Germany - 1 seat

Vote: Nein!

Social Democratic Party of Germany - 149 seats

Vote: Nein!

German Centre Party - 93 seats

Vote: 51 voting Nein!, 42 voting Ja!

German State Party - 59 seats

Vote: Ja!

German People's Party - 4 seats

Vote: Ja!

German-Hanoverian Party - 1 seats

Vote: Ja!

Patriotic Union - 41 seats

Vote: Ja!

Bavarian People's Party - 28 seats

Vote: Ja!

National Rural League - 7 seats

Vote: Ja!

German National People's Party - 122 seats

Vote: Ja!

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

Chaos in the Capital!


The Reichstag has defied the referendum and voted down a proposed constitutional convention. The vote was close, but not that close. The Reichstag left unanimously opposed the proposal, and the right unanimously supported it. Ultimately it came down to Zentrum. The party had opposed monarchy in the referendum, but it was split on whether or not the vote was legitimate. Party Chairman Brüning couldn't enforce one vote or another and let the party's individual Reichstag deputies make up their minds. Ultimately the Zentrum left and right split. Adam Stegerwald led the faction voting no, declaring that the referendum "was a cruel ploy, with the result decided before any Germans had even voted." Ultimately the Zentrum left carried enough votes to kill the proposal.

Jubilant Republicans paraded through Berlin and other cities of the Reich, waving the flag and burning effigies of the Interior Minister. The Interior Minister has become the most hated man in Germany for German leftists. However, angry monarchists and nationalists also marched into the streets, burning red flags and angrily chanting. In some parts of the cities, violence broke out between different groups of rioters and protestors. General von Schleicher (pictured) has been directly ordered by the Reich President to restore order in the capital, as political tensions rise to a level not seen since January.


BREAKING EVENING PRINT:

von Papen has fallen! The Reich Chancellor has resigned after falling to convene a constitutional convention! While he was already planning on resigning, this brings even more chaos to the Reich.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

Chancellor von Schleicher


The Reich President Paul von Hindenburg has appointed General von Schleicher as Chancellor. Chancellor von Papen resigned amid the government's failure to convene a constitutional convention. The vote, largely viewed as a confidence vote, was brought down by the left wing of the Zentrum. The new Chancellor is unlikely to survive a confidence vote, as the Zentrum left is somewhat skeptical, and the far right is as well. However, he may take routes outside of the Reichstag to achieve his goals, that he professed were to "bring peace and stability to the realm, and bring about the monarchical restoration demanded by the German people."

General Kurt von Schleicher is a military man and a protege of Hans von Seekt and Wilhelm Groener has a reputation as shrewd pragmatist, and a skilled political dealer. He is a monarchist without a doubt, but his primary focus is empowering the German state and army. Already, leftist protestors from the KPD and SPD are protesting the appointment of a "fascist sympathizer" to the Chancellorship, demanding that a Zentrum left, or SPD chancellor be appointed. The government remains in inertia.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

SHOCK: von Schleicher SACKED, Hugenberg IN


In a shock the nation, there was a disturbance out of Neudeck in East Prussia. The country estate of the popular Reich President and Field Marshal Hindenburg is usually quiet. Even during the Nazi coup, the only action in the town was a few drunken Nazis quickly shot outside the estate's walls.

But yesterday the sounds of soldier's boots breaking dead leaves on the ground was broken by a disturbance. Details are scant, but onlookers report troop transport trucks marked with the Reich Police emblem and several grizzled men with army helmets approached the estate in the late afternoon bearing rifles and carrying machine guns. Events that occurred on the property are not yet public, but listeners reported to reporters that a few gunshots were heard, as well as the inaudible shouting of military men.

Later in the day trucks of soldiers left the property. Nothing more was detected. However, this morning a decree from the Reich President has turned the nation on its head.

The decree announced that Chancellor von Schleicher, who was still assembling a cabinet was "with a view of course to his long service to the Reich, kindly dismissed effective immediately." It further declared that "in the interest of security and continuing stability, Alfred Hugenberg is appointed Chancellor of the German Reich effective upon my signature." The decree, signed by the President was published first by the main DNVP newspapers, and then by the wider press.

In the immediate aftermath, protestors again took the streets. Crowds of leftists, liberals, and all those opposed to the notorious ultra-nationalist marched into the streets, declaring that a coup was occurring. Despite the lack of evidence, prominent leftists said that Hugenberg had overthrown the new government by force and made himself Chancellor. The national flag was waved yet again, and effigies of the new Chancellor burned in the streets. Nobody can say what will happen now.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

GENERAL STRIKE: COUNTRY IN CHAOS


In the aftermath of the shocking events in Neudeck, the country has been brought to a halt by a general strike. All unions loyal to the SPD and KPD have begun a general strike to bring down the Hugenberg Ministry they view as illegitimate. Rail cars sit useless at rail hubs, carts of coal sit idly near depots, ships creak beside empty docks, and packs full of cold beef are left to rot. In the streets, the national flag is waved with the red one as workers sing the song of the United Front. Protests and riots are in every major city. The Reich Police, increasingly empowered by Herr Hugenberg are setting up checkpoints armed with rifles, but the protests persist. Catholic Trade Unions have yet to join the strike, but Adam Stegerwald is rumored to be considering joining the strike action.

The Communists and Social Democrats are demanding Hugenberg be removed and elections be held. Liberals demand the Reichstag be reconvened, even moderate conservatives are asking Hugenberg to at the very least let the Reichstag deliberate. Many in the officer corp have hesitated to back the government, believing that General von Schleicher is the legitimate Chancellor. Von Schleicher is still missing. Paul von Lettow Vorbeck, leader of the VU declared that, "the Chancellor cannot act without the Reichstag or the army, or else he will plunge this great country into the dark pits of violent despotism."

Meanwhile, there is no word from Neudeck, beyond a short decree using Article 48 to schedule a constitutional convention for late November.

[KaiserDave]

Note: RGM has left the game for RL reasons, I will act as Hugenberg, but this will obviously reduce that character's power levels. Many thanks to RGM for his active gameplay

The Reich



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Hugenberg Forms Government as Havoc Ensues


Even as trade unions bring down order in the country, and regional governments struggle to decide if the government is legitimate, and the former Chancellor remains missing, the Hugenberg Ministry has attempted to form a function government. With the support of the still loyal Reichspolizei and AK Stalhelm, the Chancellor has moved most of government administration to Rostock, as Berlin remains filled with protestors, and the Chancellor plans to restore order and organize a constitutional convention. The Hugenberg Ministry is as follows.

The Alfred Hugenberg Cabinet -

Chancellor - Alfred Hugenberg (DNVP)

Vice Chancellor and Transportation Minister - Franz Seldte (DNVP)

Foreign Affairs Minister - Ulrich von Hassell (DNVP)

Finance Minister - Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk (IND)

Interior Minister - Franz Gurtner (DNVP)

Reichswehr Minister - Werner Blomberg (IND)

Economics and Agriculture Minister - Reinhold Quaatz (DNVP)

Postal Affairs Minister - Johannes Popitz (IND)

Justice Minister - Franz Bracht (IND)

Labour Minister - Johannes Popitz (IND)

Education Minister - Ewald von Kleist Schmeizen (DNVP)

The cabinet continues to work on restoring stability to the country, preserving the economic recovery, winning over neutral army officers, and organizing the constitutional convention. The convention is to occur in East Prussia within weeks. The plan is to transport DNVP members, members of the dynasty, major Junker personalities, the cabinet, and various monarchist and conservative figures to draft a new constitution. However this has proved challenging with the ongoing general strike, meaning the strike breakers have had to be transported around the country.

Meanwhile, there is little word from Neudeck, or word on the whereabouts of Oskar von Hindenburg or Kurt von Schleicher. The Interior Ministry has also released a few thousand ex-SA members, presumably for the purpose of extra muscle in the cities overrun by left wing protestors.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



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MILITARY FACTION ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE HUGENBERG


A counter coup has slammed Germany and many key sites and cities in the Reich. As Hugenberg's reactionary clique, and several Hohenzollern princes, including son of Wilhelm II reactionary Prince Eitel Friedrich, military elements loyal to General von Schleicher, with the support of major Republican parties have launched a putsch. Events spiraled after the Reichspolizei, seemingly tipped off the coup arrested Major General Henning von Tresckow and searched the Bendlerblock, arresting several senior officers. The putschists responded, first with Reichsbanner volunteers flooding the streets with the national banner, joining strikers in obstructing the police.

Officers loyal to the putsch seized key installations in Berlin (the government quarter in particular) and other major cities, including in Rostock where the convention was being held. Der AK Stalhelm soldiers were disarmed by loyal putschists, the police (who have been thoroughly loyal to the Interior Ministry) were largely obstructed by the continuing general strike. Reichswehr elements loyal to the Chancellor began to exchange fire with putschists in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Cologne. However, the crux of the coup attempt came with the re-appearance of von Schleicher and Oskar von Hindenburg, who declared Hugenberg an enemy of the state. DNVP elements led by Carl Goerdeler declared Hugenberg deposed as DNVP Führer, while Artur Mahraun delivered an address from Berlin.

At Neudeck, fire was exchanged around the President's manor between loyalist police and paramilitaries and putschist forces. The Reich President was eventually secured by forces loyal to the putsch, but not after hours of fighting occurred around the estate. The President reportedly locked himself in a room to avoid potential assassination. After being secured, the President declared a state of exception and ordered troops to restore peace in the country. He declared his support for von Schleicher as Chancellor and dismissed Hugenberg.

In Rostock, the Chancellor attempted to organize a response, but was hamstrung by the continuing chaos of the general strike. He was unable to manage the logistics of a response. He has since delivered a written statement to the press asking von Schleicher and his allies to negotiate. Hugenberg has declared the need for "peaceful resolution to preserve the national-monarchist cause."

Loyalist Reichswehr elements led by Werner von Blomberg have continued to resist putschist forces, and the chaos in the country goes. As the strike continues, and coups grip the country, the German nation is gripped by violent chaos.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



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Chancellor von Schleicher Charts New Course


The counter coup is concluded. The plot, organized by a clique of Reichswehr officers, Oskar von Hindenburg, Artur Mahraun, and with the support of the SPD has succeeded in securing Paul von Hindenburg, isolating Alfred Hugenberg in Rostock, and restoring a legitimate government. "Chancellor" Hugenberg has reached a peaceful settlement with von Schleicher, allowing Hugenberg to retain his freedom, but be demoted to a regional position governing Brandenburg's cornfields, and allow Dr. Carl Goerdeler to take over the day to day running of the DNVP, making his title as "Führer" naught but a formality. He has also agreed to sell some of his media empire to the state. Werner von Blomberg has resigned his post, and agreed to a premature retirement. Von Schleicher has been relatively lenient with Hugenberg's clique, though several Stalhelm figures have been handed lengthy prison terms, and most of the leading Reichspolizei officers have been imprisoned or consigned to irrelevant posts.

The new Chancellor however still faces a nation in disarray. He has to build a cabinet, which will have Artur Mahraun as Vice Chancellor, and will be likely made up of right wing independents, right wing Zentrum figures, a few moderate DNVP figures, and German State Party leaders. Von Schleicher delivered a radio address where he promised "peace, bread, and the restoration of German glory." He has dissolved the Rostock convention, though he has said he is planning a "swift convocation of a representative assembly for the construction of a monarchist constitution." He additionally declared that "it is the irrevocable will of the German people that the crown return to Berlin." The Reich President backed up the Chancellor. However, the Reich President is rarely seen these days. Even before Hugenberg's coup, the President's health is rumored to be in decline.

The general strike remains in effect among Communist unions, and bread, beef, coal, and beer remain in short supply. Bread and soup lines wrap around the streets of Germany's cities, with the exception of Bavaria, which has been remarkably stable. The SPD unions have largely returned to work, as the Reichstag is scheduled to be reconvened before Christmas, though the country remains unstable, and shaky. Nobody knows what will come next.