Crumbling Reich: A Weimar Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)

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PRESS RELEASE
AUGUST 1932

From the home of
General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck

Following two years of political retirement, General von Lettow-Vorbeck is pleased to announce he will be returning to the political frontlines to be of service to his beloved nation, by standing as a candidate for the Reichstag on September 12th, 1932. It is the belief of the General that Germany stands at a crucial moment in history, and the results of the contest could very well define the fate of the nation and its chances to obtain its well-deserved prosperity in the years to come.

The Lion of Africa is well known to the German people on account of his record as an undefeated commander in the Great War, as well as for his selfless patriotism and his desire to see Germany restored to its rightful place amongst the leading nations of the world. He has been touched by the letters of countless Germans thanking him for his service, and inquiring whether he would indeed return to active politics to serve his nation in another front. In such a crucial moment, no man who calls himself a patriot could refuse a call from the people, and so the General will fight to enter the Reichstag and offer a fresh perspective, one not bound by the record of opportunistic politicians, the tales from extremist radicals or, god forbid, the dangers of reckless marxists.

It is the intention of the General to stand under the Patriotic Union (Vaterländische Union, VU for short) banner, a new political party of order, stability, progress and above all, common sense, with the purpose of appealing to the millions of voters tired and disappointed with the current party system. It is the VU's intention to denounce the extremists that would seek to impose economic marxism from the far left or the far right, as well as make the case against those incapable of restoring the prosperity of the Germany. It is also his intention of the VU to work alongside those with whom there are shared goals, and so the party will be open to electoral alliances for the coming election.

General von Lettow-Vorbeck will be formally launching the party at a rally in Berlin, which will serve as the starting point for the VU to contest the September election.

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(Original creation)

BERLIN RALLY
AUGUST 1932

PRESS RELEASE: Today, General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck launched his new Vaterländische Union (VU) at a rally in Berlin, thus confirming his intention to contest the September Election in full despite the limited time and resources available. Surrounded by old comrades from his days of military service as well as party volunteers and supporters, the General asserted that the VU would undertake every effort to contest the election across the whole of Germany, and announced his intention to stand as a deputy on his native Pomerania, within the Free State of Prussia. Here are some excerpts from his speech:

"We purport to represent the voice of countless Germans who are more than tired of endless promises, tired of failures, tired of corruption, tired of chaos and disorder. Even more, we seek to represent Germans who want progress, stability and security. Germans who believe in the importance of strong and vigorous institutions, including the Monarchy. Germans who want to see their nation no longer bound by the unfair punishments set by the victors. Germans who believe the solution to their hunger and despair does not lie in marxist economics, whether from the far right or far left. Germans who believe, above all, that we must have order."

"We salute those who have undertaken every effort to instill a sense of security and spare the people of Germany from chaos and anarchy. One man stands above all, however, one hero who, like Atlas, carries the weight of the German world on his ample, experienced shoulders. This man is President Hindenburg, whom we salute and wholeheartedly thank for his continued and loyal service to this nation. If elected to the Reichstag, we look forward to support the President on his task, as well as take a firm stand against the extremists who would cowardly attempt to besmirch the long record of sacrifice of this noble man. We will not have it!"

"Germans! It is time for you to say enough to the practices of old, outdated politicians who have lined up their pockets from the day they came into office. It is time for you to say enough to those radicals who would purport to replace them, only to repeat the same kind of disgraceful behavior. Germany needs men of honor, decency and integrity to lead, men who know the meaning of hard work, men who do not take their orders from foreign capitals, or foreign thinkers, men of actions instead of words. I promise you, on my honor as a soldier, that the Vaterländische Union will take a stand against corruption in our politics and our society, and allow for invigorated government that will govern in the best interests of the nation."

"Many are afraid today, particularly those who have lost so much due to economic hardships or the unfair restrictions still placed on Germany by the victors of the last war, the most unfair of punishments ever to be inflicted on such a noble people. They have every reason not only to be afraid, but to be angry at this turn to events, and to rightfully aspire to a better future for themselves, their families and their children. These are millions of middle and working class Germans led down by politicians, young and old, many - but not all - of whom have seemingly forgotten that their first duty is to Germany and the well-being of its peoples. To them we bring hope. Not the false hope of marxist economics from far left or far right, a deluge of lies that can only create a poorer society. No, the true hope of a vigorous, dynamic economy that looks forward, that promotes free enterprise, that supports those in need of support, that invests in the country, that promotes trade and prosperity. A common sense economy is what we demand for Germany, and the people need to know that their sacrifices can and must be rewarded!"

"In short, the Vaterländische Union aspires to work in the best interest of the German nation and the German people. We will fight for these goals just as hard as we fought for Germany in the battlefields of all, with the same spirit of sacrifice, duty and patriotism. We will promote the unity of the nation under common sense policies, so as to secure a better, more prosperous and more secure future for all."

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The Lion of Africa Speaks!

NATIONAL TOUR
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1932

PRESS RELEASE: Shortly after the launch of the Vaterländische Union, General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck threw himself into an intense tour of the nation, hoping to reach as many corners of Germany as possible by flying via airplane alongside a limited entourage of key advisers and a small group of former veterans to serve as his only protection. Whilst promoting VU pillars like the need for order, progress and common sense, the General additionally took the daring step of visiting some of the NSDAP and Communist strongholds despite his limited escort, arguing that only men of true courage were fit to govern Germany.

At each rally or campaign event copies of Lettow-Vorbeck's best selling book Heia Safari! were given out for free, and the General took extra time to speak to war veterans as well. Making a conscious decision to make an impact on the race despite his late entry, the General set out to create headlines for the party on a number of key issues. Here are some of the points touched upon by the General:

BAVARIA: "We support the restoration of the House of Wittelsbach."

General von Lettow-Vorbeck visited Münich and Nuremberg today, making the case for the return of the Monarchy not only across Germany proper, but also in Bavaria itself. Starting by paying tribute to the House of Hohenzollern and by citing the benefits to be gained by an eventual and responsible process of restoration of the national monarchy, the General then discussed local Bavarian Monarchism at length, expressing his great respect and admiration for Crown Prince Rupprecht on account of his military skill, personal qualities, and the contrast of his figure with career politicians. Von Lettow-Vorbeck pledged to support amending the Bavarian Constitution - via referendum if necessary - to restore Rupprecht as a constitutional monarch and a regional symbol of unity, and called upon other parties (particularly the NSDAP) to clarify their stance on the Wittelsbachs.

DÜSSELDORF: "The party is over for criminals."

General von Lettow-Vorbeck visited Düsseldorf today, citing the gruesome murders of Peter Kürten (The Vampire of Düsseldorf) and terrorizing of Düsseldorf until last year as an example of how crime had hit new heights under the last few years, just as proper German values like decency were on the decline due to an increasingly permissive society. The General made the case for the need to invigorate politics with positive and traditional values demonstrated by the vast majority of Germans, who - he argued - had enough of a society in which the rights of criminals seem to be more important than those of his victims. Whilst expressing his firm support for the death penalty, justice reform and for Chancellor von Papen's police reforms, the General then made a direct criticism of Thalmann's KPD, arguing a Communist victory would bring a weakening of the effort against crime and further deterioration of traditional Christian values. A vote for the VU - the General said - would send a clear message: "the party is over for criminals".

EAST PRUSSIA: "A vote for NSDAP is a wasted vote!"

General von Lettow-Vorbeck travelled across Mecklenburg, Pomerania and East Prussia today - regions in which the NSDAP had done well in 1930 -, hoping to convince voters that another vote to Hitler would be nothing but a wasted vote. Acknowledging the right of the voters to be utterly outraged at the behavior of many career politicians - and to be utterly afraid of the danged posed by the Communist -, the General argued the NSDAP was no better in light of its chaos, some of their most infamous characters, and, more importantly, Herr Hitler's willingness to target his own former colleagues for assassination. Von Lettow-Vorbeck then asked: "What has the NSDAP done for you?" Citing their defeat at the Presidential Election and their inability to work with other parties, the General stated Hitler was in no position whatsoever to deliver any of his promises, and a vote for him would not bring meaningful and necessary change to Germany.

ESSEN: "Beware marxist economics!"

General von Lettow-Vorbeck visited Essen today and toured some of the most important factories in the region, making an effort to visit both prominent industrialists and sympathetic worker groups. The General made reference to the spirit of selfless sacrifice shown by Germans since the World War, and argued that after so many years of struggles the German people deserved to be rewarded with years of economic prosperity and growth. The General, however, then criticized the NSDAP and the KPD over their economic beliefs and most of their proposals, arguing their "marxist economics" and the forced nationalization of industries would ultimately bankrupt most of Germany's most prosperous companies, and drive millions more out of work. Instead, Lettow-Vorbeck argued, Germans should rally behind "common-sense economics", and cited the need to lower taxes, expand trade, crack down on corruption, and invest in reasonable public works.

SILESIA: "A KPD triumph will be a national humiliation"

General von Lettow-Vorbeck toured Silesia today and emphasized visiting rural areas after a brief rally at Breslau, asserting his belief that rural voters had been led down by the current political system. Arguing in favor of rural development, necessary subsidies and the importance of upholding Christian values, the General then launched into renewed criticism of the KPD: "Comrade Thälmann has once again promised to end a national humiliation. But I say to you today, a KPD triumph will be a national humiliation, for we will be slaves to the masters from which Herr Thälmann receives his marching orders." In light of the KPD's remarkable growth at the last Presidential election the General wondered if some politicians had not become complacent regarding the dangers posed by political extremism, expressing his belief that a KPD government would, in all likelihood, represent the end for Germany. Finally, the General violently defended President Hindenburg from Thälmann's comments, by stating: "A man who takes his orders from abroad has no right to question the Hero of Tannenberg."

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PRESS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 1932

From the Vaterländische Union HQ

Party Chairman General von Lettow-Vorbeck is pleased to announce that the candidate lists of the party continue to grow in size, and it is his privilege to confirm that war heroes such as Ernst Udet, and men of political integrity such as Kuno von Westarp, Hans-Edrmann von Lindeiner-Wildau and Gottfried Treviranus will be standing under the VU banner. The General is also proud to count on the able services of Dr. Edgar Jung and Herbert von Bose, who will join Lettow-Vorbeck's personal office as speechwriter and head of press respectively.

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PRESS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 1932

From the Vaterländische Union HQ

Party Chairman General von Lettow-Vorbeck confirms the VU will be standing in a joint election list with Zentrum and the Bavarian People's Party, an electoral alliance which the General believes will be able to advocate for the values and ideals Germany is in great need of.

The General celebrates the accomplishments of Chancellor Franz von Papen in facing challenges such as the need to restore order and stability, and looks forward to supporting him to be returned into office.

Finally, the Vaterländische Union wishes to express his appreciation and gratitude towards other parties and leaders which have reached out in terms of potential collaboration. The VU is keen to be able to work with them in government.

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FINAL ELECTION RALLY - KÖNIGSBERG
SEPTEMBER 1932

PRESS RELEASE: General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck closed the Vaterländische Union campaign at a rally in Könisgberg, which closes a final campaign dash conducted across the Free State of Prussia. The General appeared on stage alongside Ernst Udet and Kuno von Westarp, calling on voters to support the VU to reinvigorate German politics and bring some much needed common sense into the new Reichstag. He also urged voters across the nation to support the party list including Zentrum and BVP, describing it as "the best bulwark against communism and chaos".

"Germans! We face a crucial decision ahead of us. Each and every one of you will hold Germany's fate into your very own hands when you step inside the voting booth, and your decision may very well determine whether we will be able to defeat chaos, anarchy and extremism, whether we'll be able to conquer unemployment, restore order in the streets, and bring much needed change into our tired and decadent politics.

During this campaign and during the last couple of years you have heard endless tales and wild promises from certain men. Men who take their marching orders from foreign capitals. Men who shield behind failed ideologies and who pretend to be a solution. Men who champion Marxism, whether from one extreme or the other. Men who promise change, but cannot deliver a single promise. Men who promise to lead, while being unable to work with anyone else. Where I come from, ladies and gentlemen, we call these men charlatans.

And in normal times, fellow Germans, these charlatans ought to be a subject of laughter. But these are not normal times, and the risk is very serious. This nation, OUR NATION, deserves strong and capable leadership, brave men and women willing to take a stand and battle the problems that you and your families face every day, as well as the problems that plague our politics. Today I ask you not to waste your vote on those who promise but can't promise. Not to waste your vote on men who would turn Germany into a vassal of the Reds. Not to waste your vote on those whom, despite their shiny promises, will never enact meaningful change!

My friends, these last few years have been dark times for most of us. But there is reason to be hopeful, and there is a road ahead of us. A road of hard work, a road of Christian values, a road of firmness against criminals, of economic prosperity, of a strong foreign policy, of a return to institutions that did so much for Germany. The Vaterländische Union and its allies are taking that stand for you, for your families, and for Germany. We stand today as the best bulwark this country has against communism and chaos!

And if you vote for us, we shall not waste your vote. We shall not sit around delivering speeches whilst doing nothing. We shall not be a divided mob, too busy shooting at each other. If you vote for the VU and we are elected to the Reichstag, we will go to Berlin, and we will work to support our Chancellor, restore order and prosperity, and change Germany for the better!"

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PRESS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 1932

From the Vaterländische Union HQ

Party Chairman von Lettow-Vorbeck celebrated the results of the electoral contest alongside candidates, staff and supporters, expressing his inmmense satisfaction at what he described as a "very successful performance". Citing the fact that the party was only formed a couple of months ago, he asserted that its 28 elected deputies represent an incredibly encouraging outcome, amplified by the colective gains reached by the so-called Vorbeck-Kaas-Held Pact.

Lettow-Vorbeck confirmed his intention to support Franz von Papen for Chancellor, as well as the willingness of the Vaterländische Union to enter the next government and serve the nation. Finally, the Party Chairman encouraged the different conservative political forces to put aside their personal differences to allow for "the formation of a sufficiently stable and appropiately strong government", arguing that Germany could ill afford personal rivalries at a time in which unity was of the outmost importance.

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MINISTRY OF THE REICHSWEHR
Official Announcement

The Minister of the Reichswehr has decided to conduct an administrative reorganization of current department heads, relevant commanders and heads of the current military branches. Having consulted and recieved the approval of President Hindenburg and Chancellor von Papen, it is the belief of this Ministry that these changes with further enhance the already remarkable efficiency of the Armed Forces at an important time, and the Minister pays tribute both to outgoing as well as incoming appointees on account of their dutiful and unyielding service to this nation.

Therefore, by a decree of the Minister of the Reichswehr - signed by President Hindenburg -, we announce the following:

-That Lt. Gen. Alexander von Falkenhausen is hereby appointed to lead the Office of Ministerial Affairs (Ministeramt), replacing Maj. Gen. Ferdinand von Bredow.

-That Maj. Gen. Walther von Brauchitsch is hereby promoted to Lt. Gen., and hereby appointed to lead the Troop Office (Truppenamt), replacing Lt. Gen. Wilhelm Adam.

-That Lt. Gen. Gerd von Rundstedt is hereby promoted to full General, and hereby appointed to lead the Army Command, replacing Gen. Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord.

-That Admiral Erich Raeder is to continue his duties leading the Naval Command.

-That Colonel Erwin von Witzleben is hereby promoted to Brigadier General, and is hereby appointed to lead Wehrkreis III (Berlin).

-That Lt. Gen. Ludwig Beck is hereby appointed to lead Gruppenkommando 1 (Eastern Germany).

-That Maj. Gen. Werner von Fritsch is hereby appointed to lead Gruppenkommando 2 (Western Germany).

Signed,

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck.

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MINISTRY OF THE REICHSWEHR
Official Announcement

The Minister of the Reichswehr wishes to praise the excellent performance by the soldiers, officers and staff of the Reichswehr in Berlin and across Germany, which has been instrumental in preventing the success of the treasonous National Socialist putsch. He also offers his sincere congratulations to the countless volunteers, police officers and paramilitary groups which fought alongside the Reichswehr, saving the capital from a raving maniac, whom we can confirm as having died of wounds sustained during the fighting at Berlin-Westend.

The actions of Herr Hitler and most of his leading lieutenants are an act of treason against the German state and the German people. In light of their failure to overthrow the government, their inability to defeat the Reichswehr and other loyal forces, and after the death of their would-be dictator, this nefarious plot against Germany stands no chance of success of any sort. On a personal basis, the Minister encourages all rebels still resisting to surrender before they inflict more damage on the nation than they already have, for any further efforts against the government will be dealt harshly.

The German soldier believes in loyalty, obedience and honor. The German soldier believes in Germany and its people. It is for these reasons that the Reichswehr stands in loyalty towards President Hindenburg, Chancellor von Papen, and the German people and state. We welcome and acknowledge Chancellor von Papen's latest decrees and the ban on the traitorous NSDAP, and shall endeavor to pursue the expansion of the Reichswehr as swiftly and efficiently as possible, so that treasonous adventures such as the one pursued by the late Herr Hitler never become possible again.

Signed,

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck.