Crumbling Reich: A Weimar Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)

[Devout Centrist]

Incident in Kiel: The KPD Responds

Today's incident in Kiel is yet another example of this Reactionary Government's efforts to undermine the working men of Germany, This blatant act of tyranny caused more unrest than it prevented, and what's more, it completely ignored the anti-worker, anti-Republican militias of Der Stahlhelm and the SA.

The RFB will continue in its mission to protect and defend the working class of Germany. We have no interest in violence or bloodshed, but an attack on one of our brothers and sisters is an attack on all of us. I am once again calling on the von Papen Government to call off their depraved assault against the German people.

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

With the threat of a communist uprising in Kiel dealt with, the SA has again retreated into the shadows.

Hitler also spoke out on the Autobahn Act, originally proposed by the Social Democrats and now taken up by the Government. Citing the ability to move troops around, as well as the ability of public works to put Germany back to work, Hitler and NDSAP offer their support to the proposed Autobahn Act in the Reichstag.

[Dereich]

Wikimedia Commons


The Chancellor Addresses the Nation

My fellow Germans, we have peace! For the first time in months, or even years, a citizen can walk the length of the Wilhelmstrasse at night without needing to fear the sounds of gunfire or the depravities of criminal gangs. What a great thing it is! And yet how terrible! That the glorious and undefeated Army of the Reich was required to ensure calm in the streets is a travesty. That German arms, the finest in the world, needed to aimed at fellow Germans instead of the enemies of the Fatherland is shameful. It should not have had to happen and it is my Ministry's goal to see that it need never happen again.

But how to do this? The greatest failure in this epidemic of violence has been with local police forces. But who can blame the constabularies? They are asked to do the impossible! They are underfunded and undermanned. They are asked to handle ordinary crime as well as hordes of armed revolutionaries. It is an impossible task! Something greater is needed. Today, it was the Reichswehr. Tomorrow, I hope it will be the Reichspolizei. I am today introducing legislation to the Reichstag to create a national police force, one that is capable of supplementing overburdened the local and State forces when needed. A force trained to deal with violence and revolts, so that the local police can focus on ordinary crime and the Reichswehr can focus on the enemies of the Fatherland. Along with the Reichspolizei, my legislation will enable your Ministry to coordinate police action between the states and will ease barriers to joint law enforcement between jurisdictions.

Yes Citizens, the crisis of the moment has receded. The Reichswehr are returning to their barracks with thanks of the President and of the Nation for a job well-done. But we must be vigilant! Your Ministry is doing all it can to see that order and stability will remain permanently. Order and stability will give the German soul freedom to flourish and the opportunity for German worker and employer to work together to restore prosperity. I call on the Reichstag to support this legislation! Don't stand between the German people and a brighter future!

[RGM2609]

DNVP MP proposes alternative plan for police reform, Hugenberg reacts


After Franz Von Papen came forward with a police reform plan, a formerly unknown DNVP MP proposed an alternative one - The creation of a national police force with military grade armaments, placing the local police forces under the control of the Interior Ministry. The MP said in defense of his plan that the dissolution of the Police was made under French influence and should be reversed, and the local police leadership needs to be controlled by the government in order to prevent Bolsheviks from occupying top positions. He also said that with this reform, the police will act in unity and disorder can be prevented.

When asked about this, Alfred Hugenberg said that while he is loyal to Franz Von Papen and his government, he would like a plan similar to what the DNVP proposed, as the government-approved one was made under the influence of a narcissist wanting to replace our police force with his personal guards. However, he would still vote for the Von Papen plan as it would be an improvement.

Numerous forces, many of which powerful, are pushing for the DNVP plan to reach the floor first, before the Zentrum-Mahraun one.

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

At a speech in Frankfurt, Hitler gave the NSDAP's backing to both police "reform" plans, saying that a national police department would help him when he became Chancellor.

[KaiserDave]

Note to party leaders: PM me or post the vote you are instructing your Reichstag members to vote

Major Reichstag Vote: Confidence in Minister Groener

Result: Ja!





Dereich




Communist Party of Germany - 77 seats

Vote: Nein!

Socialist Workers' Party of Germany - 1 seat

Vote: ?

Social Democratic Party of Germany - 142 seats

Vote: Ja!
German Centre Party - 68 seats

Vote: Ja!

German State Party - 20 seats

Vote: Ja!

German People's Party - 30 seats

Vote: Ja!

German-Hanoverian Party - 5 seats

Vote: Ja!

Bavarian People's Party - 19 seats

Vote: Ja!

National Rural League - 9 seats

Vote: Ja!

People's Justice Party - 4 seats

Vote: Ja!

German National People's Party - 93 seats

Vote: Ja!


German National Socialist Workers Party - 107 seats

Vote: Nein!

[Kingpoleon]

I urge all good Germans to support Minister Groener. He is, almost without exception, an ally and friend of the military brass and the average soldier. He has battled thugs and criminals, suppressed the vilest elements of humankind, and stood by good and decent Germans through thick and thin.

Make no mistake: his opponents are quite literally mobsters, funded by those same foreign influences they claim to oppose. I am proud to work with Minister Groener, who has protected our churches and schools against street thugs who would murder men of God and butcher children like they were animals. His opponents are NOT good Germans, but men who wish to tear our country asunder.

[GoTfan]

Wels speaks in reluctant support of Groener

"it is no secret that I disagree with Minister Groener on almost everything.

However, we cannot forget the man the Nazis propose as his replacement: Hermann Goering.

Or, Herr Goering is indeed a gifted pilot, but what has he become since the Nazis' failed Putsch in 1923? I do not believe that we can trust a man twice admitted to hospital for treatment of addiction to morphine with a portfolio as important as defence.

We Social Democrats are resolved to prevent the Nazis from attaining power, and thus, support the Reichminister.

[KaiserDave]

Note: police reform proposals are next

Character Dilemmas



Wikimedia Commons


The government has survived-for now. But while the government prepares policy, politics moves anyways. There is new intrigue, new problems, and new dilemmas for the men who may very well decide the future of Germany.

Comrade Thälmann, revolutionary preparedness has had to go further underground but it still goes on. There are more arms caches, and more recruits. But on the political scene von Papen is settling in, if elections are not held soon he may become too popular, but what to do, what to do to make them happen?

Comrade Leow, there is building a split in the KPD. Factionalism has not develop but it threatens to. Is the time now for immediate revolutionary action to seize all state power, or should electoralism remain the path. Everyone is asking, what says Comrade Leow?

Comrade Frank, the question persists as to your next steps. Will you try and bridge the gap between SPD and KPD for a united anti fascist front, or embrace one side entirely?

Herr Wels, von Papen is settling in comfortably writing laws, empowered by an SPD faction which kept him in office. Despite the initial red, black, and gold excitement amongst your supporters due to the Republican movement, now people are asking for results. It is the near unanimous view that unless something is done to knock Papen down a peg, Wilhelm II is certain to return. What will you do?

Herr Schumacher, the police reform proposals are widely characterized as enhancing the central government and the reactionaries who control it, what says the fervent voice of democratic socialism?

Herr Mahraun, your foreign missions go on with great success, but the more time you are away from Germany the more rumors fester with or without basis in fact. One such rumor going about in the halls of power is that you have agreed to sign away control of Danzig in perpetuity. The Reich President has even heard such rumors, and is beginning to distrust his liberal Foreign Minister. What will you do to combat such rumors?

Herr von Papen, seeing how things were but a month ago, you are doing remarkably well. Your police reform proposals are about to appear in the Reichstag. But there is still trouble to deal with. There is a growing sentiment in Junker circles that their support for you is dependent on a restoration of the Hohenzollern monarchy. But which monarch? Surely Wilhelm II is the legitimate choice, but the French and British would never allow such a thing. What of the Crown Prince Wilhelm, he is popular with the landowners? But legitimists would never speak of it. Or perhaps Crown Prince Wilhelm's second son Louis Ferdinand, he is very popular with the Junkers. The fork in the road is growing.

Herr Hugenberg, there is a new quandary for you. Many believe that the Stalhelm is losing worth. Surely when police reform is established and you Herr Hugenburg are at the head of thousands of armed constables the "gang of angry veterans without a single skill but the rifle" will become obsolete, and nothing but an obstacle to power? There are rumors that Franz Seldte plots against you. Or...do they remain a useful club? It's up to you.

Mein Führer Hitler, the National Socialists remain excluded from power, while Chancellor von Papen proposes sweeping police reforms, the NSDAP remains angry backbenchers. Everyone from Goebbels to Speer agrees, the NSDAP must push for immediate federal elections, but how to do it?

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels on attempts to restore the monarchy

"There is no circumstance in which the SPD will accept the return of the monarchy. The Chancellor is deluding himself if he thinks he will keel our support if he does so. Has it not been clear that the British and French would intervene in the event of jis return? We merely wish to spare Germany an unwinnable war.

Our Republic has issues, but they are worth solving.

The Social Democratic Party is now the vanguard of our constitution. Of the rights of the people to enjpy freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the right to universal suffrage. It is this last point that we will make our stand on.

I intend to propose the Universal Vote Act, which will introduce universal suffrage to the entire nation and allow all men and women to vote freely."

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg protests Mahraun's alledged dealing

"If these accusations are true, he is a disgrace for our nation and its soul and should resign immediately. Our government was not appointed to further pander to our enemies, but to fight them. His dealings in Foreign Affairs have been a mystery to the Cabinet, as his only focus was to replace our police with his so-called paramilitary. I ask him to publicly inform the Cabinet and the country about his actions, or the DNVP will consider radical steps."

[NewYorkExpress]

Hitler

First, I must point out that war would come immediately should the Holzerhollen Monarchy be restored to Germany. While we may one day be able to beat France and Britain, this is not a war we can win right this minute, and as such, bringing back the monarchy would result in disaster.

Next, on the subject of Foreign Minister Mahuran attempting to give away German territory in the city of Danzig. This is affront to any German, and when I am Chancellor, I will reverse this and bring the City of Danzig back to Germany.

For this reason, I have called for a vote of no-confidence in Foreign Minister Mahuran.

[KaiserDave]

Note to party leaders: PM me or post the vote you are instructing your Reichstag members to vote

Major Reichstag Vote: Police Reform Plan A: Centralized Interior Control

Result: Nein!





Dereich




Communist Party of Germany - 77 seats

Vote: Nein!

Socialist Workers' Party of Germany - 1 seat

Vote: Nein!

Social Democratic Party of Germany - 142 seats

Vote: Nein!

German Centre Party - 68 seats

Vote: Nein!

German State Party - 20 seats

Vote: Nein!

German People's Party - 30 seats

Vote: Nein!

German-Hanoverian Party - 5 seats

Vote: ?

Bavarian People's Party - 19 seats

Vote: Nein!

National Rural League - 9 seats

Vote: Ja!

People's Justice Party - 4 seats

Vote: Ja!

German National People's Party - 93 seats

Vote: Ja!


German National Socialist Workers Party - 107 seats

Vote: Nein!: 69, Ja!: 38

[NewYorkExpress]

While Adolf Hitler personally supports the Police reform bill, he recognizes the impact on the SA.

The NDSAP will be "voting their conscience" and will not have a unified party line in this vote.

[Dereich]

It is the case that a proposal along these lines was at one point discussed within the cabinet. However, due to the need for cabinet consensus the proposal was tabled in favor of the current motion proposed by the Chancellor.

The Office of the Chancellor would support and adopt this version of reform if that was the decision of the Reichstag, but it is not the official policy of the Ministry. The Chancellor recommends that the parties in the government vote their conscience on this proposal.

[Kingpoleon]

Minister Mahraun Responds

Members of the Reichstag,

I write to disavow any and all such allegations of me “permanently handing over Danzig.” Having reaches out to my contacts at the German Embassy in Poland, I have been notified that several Germans, possibly members of the DNVP or the Nazi parties, have visited Warsaw and informally talked to the government there on behalf of those parties.

Whereas all travel is typically administered and recorded by the Interior Ministry, it is always registered with both the Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry, no German individuals disclosed such a trip. At least in documents made available to my Ministry. As such, I am formally calling for one thing.

I ask Minister Hugenberg to allow Foreign Minister officials to look for such records in the Interior Ministry. If there, we will copy them and record them. If not? We will recognize that this was suppressed, either purposely or accidentally, and proceed as such.

Any and all such rumors as this may be merely attempts to discredit me by my enemies. But I warn all of you: playing games with any other minister is one thing. But attempts to undermine German foreign policy abroad, to attack our national standing? This is very close to treason, if not outright so. It undermines the German government both at home and abroad.

Should such rumors spread again, I will formally advise the Justice Ministry to investigate their origin on grounds of: 1) disturbing the peace; 2) undermining the government; 3) sabotage and illegal interference in international negotiations; and 4) if necessary, treason.

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg publishes travel records of DNVP and Nazi leaders

After Mahraun's speech accusing the DNVP and NSDAP of conducting negotiations in Warsaw, Alfred Hugenberg published the travel records of all proeminent DNVP and NSDAP members, showing no trips to Poland at least since Von Papen took office. He then accused Mahraun of lying to benefit politically and calledon him to resign. When asked whether that means he supports the Nazi motion of no confidence, he said that he hopes for a resignation to come from the "disgraced Minister" as it would be a stretch for a government party to vote a motion of no confidence

[Dereich]

Minister Mehrun and Minister Hugenberg, just like all the members of the Ministry, are good German patriots. It is the Chancellor's belief that neither Minister acted in ways contrary to the interests of the Fatherland and both have the full confidence of Chancellor and President.

[Continential]

Nein

Karl Frank will try to bridge a anti-fascist front between the SPD and KPD.

[RGM2609]

Der Stalhelm organizes mass rally in Berlin against Minister Mahraun

Following the conflicts between Minister Hugenberg and Minister Mahraun, Der Stalhelm organized a mass rally in Berlin calling Mahraun a traitor and a power-hungry narcissist. Militiamen from all around the country as well as DNVP supporters came to the rally, and while neither Hugenberg nor other Ministers attended the rally, most of the DNVP Leadership went there and held fiery speeches, calling for Minister Mahraun to resign and accused him of sabotaging the government, being a spy of foreign powers and ruining the foreign policy of Germany, making it a slave to the French. Violence was not allowed at the rally, as its attendants peacefully marched to the Reichstag and the Foreign Affairs Ministry, chanting their demands.

[KaiserDave]

Note to party leaders: PM me or post the vote you are instructing your Reichstag members to vote

Major Reichstag Vote: Police Reform Plan B: von Papen Reichspolizei

Result: Ja!





Dereich




Communist Party of Germany - 77 seats

Vote: Nein!

Socialist Workers' Party of Germany - 1 seat

Vote: ?

Social Democratic Party of Germany - 142 seats

Vote: Nein!

German Centre Party - 68 seats

Vote: Ja!

German State Party - 20 seats

Vote: Ja!

German People's Party - 30 seats

Vote: Ja!

German-Hanoverian Party - 5 seats

Vote: Ja!

Bavarian People's Party - 19 seats

Vote: Ja!

National Rural League - 9 seats

Vote: Ja!

People's Justice Party - 4 seats

Vote: Ja!

German National People's Party - 93 seats

Vote: Ja!


German National Socialist Workers Party - 107 seats

Vote: Enthaltung!

[NewYorkExpress]

While Hitler personally supports this plan as well, he understands the threat to the SA.

The NDSAP will abstain on this vote.

[Kingpoleon]

A Statement to the Frankfurter Zeitung

“While we are considering our options for the police reform, I must restate my position: I do support the restoration of the monarchy, in the future, constitutionally, after a referendum, and with international negotiation. Those who support the Weimar Constitution must not support the wild, radical moves of our opponents. Many claim to be monarchists who want to be a dictator with a figurehead Kaiser.

“This is unacceptable. Support for the Constitution, the Kaiser, and President Hindenburg go hand in hand in my book. I encourage all members of the Jungdo and all my supporters to actively defend all three, against whatever attacks they face. Long live President Hindenburg, and long live German democracy!”

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg responds to Mahraun's newest attacks

"Even as the parliamentary debate is related to police reform and Mr Mahraun seems to be ignoring the option of his own government, he felt the need to attack the monarchists, despite claiming to be one himself. Needless to say, there have been no wild or radical moves from the monarchist movement and Mahraun is lying again. He really needs to choose a side. You can't be on both sides for long, Minister!"

[GoTfan]

On the current debate in the cabinet

"The Social Democratic Party stands in firm support of the Foreign Minister, and denounces the spurious and unfounded attacks made against him. They are plainly driven by the Nazis as an attempt to install themselves into power.

We stand against any misguided attempt to remove him."