Crumbling Reich: A Weimar Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler responds to Otto Wels

Otto Strasser was no member of my party. Need I point out that he abandoned the party to form his own organization? His brother, at least has common sense, and knows what this party is about.

I am astonished that you would suggest that Otto Strasser remains a Nazi to this day.

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg gives speech on the shooting at League rally

My Fellow Germans,

My speech given a few days ago against Hitler and his thugs was very controversial, however now, I am being proven right! What kind of a party leader sends a drunk thug in another country to try and kill one of his opponents in a full, crowded room? An irrational, potentially psychotic one does, that much I can tell you! This election is a chance to fundamentally change the course of our nation for the better, to end the republicanism and weakness that plague our country! And we can not waste it by voting for someone who would do such an idiotic plan, who is surrounded by thugs, immoral people, addicts and homosexuals! We must vote for the only list that is both sane and effective, that can rebuild Germany to its former glory and ensure law and order instead of fighting it!

[Lumine]

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.

[Lumine]

(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."

[Devout Centrist]

We Stand Together: Ernst Thälmann Kicks Off the Campaign in Hamburg

Courtesy of http://vanguard-cpaml.blogspot.com/

Comrades, brothers and sisters, I am addressing you today from the Kammerspiele in Hamburg!

Today, we begin a month long effort to revitalize the German working class and fight for the cause of German socialism! I am proud to start this campaign with representatives of the dockworkers of Hamburg. These hard working men have earned a living toiling for hours on end in the hot summer day, laboring to earn a wage to support their families. Their struggle is our struggle, brothers and sisters. We stand in solidarity with them as they strike for better pay and better working conditions.

This election comes down to a defining choice for the German people. Do we accept the failed leadership of monarchists and capitalists? Do we allow ourselves to be led astray by the bloodthirsty militarists and their imperialists lapdogs? Or will the German people embrace freedom, brotherhood, and worker's liberation?

That, comrades, is the decision that lies before us. I don’t need to tell you that the politics of the past has failed our nation. The working class of this country lies prostrate before the capitalist class, who have robbed them of all dignity and all purpose. Anti-worker mobs brutalize our brothers and attack small storefronts in the name of fascist barbarism. Our ‘war hero’ President oversaw some of the worst austerity measures in our nation’s history, stripping untold working men of their jobs and tearing the fabric of our society in half. Our so-called allies supported the Hunger Chancellor and left millions of our brothers to fend for themselves when their unemployment benefits were cut to the bone.

Comrades, this grave situation requires fresh leadership and a Chancellor who will protect the German working class. I have devoted my entire life advocating on behalf of the German worker. I have made the cause of socialism my life’s work because it is a cause worth fighting for! This moment marks just another step in the fierce contest between the industrialists and the workers of Deutschland. Under my leadership, the German working class would go back to work, for honest pay in safe working conditions. We will end the national humiliation of mass poverty and mass starvation. The oppressed shall be liberated! The unemployed shall become employed! And the hopeless shall become the hopeful!

We reject the stifling political climate that led our nation down the path of depression and ruination. Some men argue that their experience in the Great War or their experience in national politics makes them fit to lead the nation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let me remind you that these same men were the ones who led our nation into the Great War. They stood side by side with the monarchist, the militarist, and the capitalist in ensuring the destitution of Germany. They are chameleons, shedding their skin in one season so that they may hide their legacy of failure and mismanagement. We must reject their empty promises and their false hope. Our only hope lies through freedom, solidarity, and socialism.

Brothers and sisters, as we launch our campaign today, I ask you to stand with me against the capitalists, against the militarists, and against the industrialists. Together we will stand for worker’s liberation, peace, cooperation, and socialism. Brothers and sisters, stand together!

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg officially invites General Lettow-Vorbeck and the VU to join the German Rebirth League

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg's speech on the Von Papen Government (East Prussia)

My fellow Germans,

Today I would like to discuss with you the greatest government in the history of this accursed Republic. The Von Papen government. The accomplishments of the said government are undeniable and visible to all of our countrymen. After years of stagnation, austerity and poverty, the great economic recovery has begun. The Autobahn and the new police will hire tens of thousands, giving a massive boost to our economic activity and lifting many out of poverty. The worst legacy of Bruning's so-called government has started being eradicated, and that in a few months. And there is now law and order on our streets, no more violent mobs of communists or national socialists to harass the population and the electoral campaign is largely being orderly. Of course, what happened in Czechoslovakia is a sad attempt at ending said order, but we are working to prevent anything similar from happening in our Fatherland. And if you want 4 more years of economic recovery, law and order and patriotism you need to vote for the German Rebirth League on September 12th. We are the party of the Kaiser, the party of President Hindenburg and the party of von Papen. Because make no mistake, there has been no party more committed to the goals of this Ministry, then the DNVP! We are the guarantee of its policies continuing in the next Reichstag. Because unlike the Papist Zentrum who did nothing and the Mahraunist thugs who purposefully sabotaged this government, we fought tooth-and-nail for its preservation and success! The only reasom for which now we are having an election and not focus on the important issues of the country is that the Mahraunists made it impossible for us to govern. They treated their partners with arrogance, sabotaged the Ministry, committed high treason on a regular basis and wanted to take over the law enforcement with their Jungdo thugs. And the main priority of the League will be to kick them out of office, back into the political nothingness from which they came from.

And the opponents of this government are not better, believe me. Compare the Bolshevik revolutionary menace of the KPD, the snideness, cuningness and political incoherence of the Weimar-backing SPD and the insanity, ineffectiveness and division of the NSDAP with the competent statemanship of von Papen and the League. They are hungry for power, we are hungry for justice. Justice for Germany and its people, justice for the Kaiser, justice for the millions of men and women forgotten.

Thank you.

[Lumine]

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."

[GoTfan]

Wels speaks at a campaign rally in Berlin: The Siren Song of Radicals

"People of Germany, I come with a warning: Beware the siren song of the radicals.

The men of the Nazi and Communist Parties believe that they alone have the answers. That they alone can save Germany. That the other parties represent obstacles to the salvation of our great nation.

They also believe in their right to trample dissent.

You only need to witness what has happened. What was my penalty for pointing out that the associates of Herr Hitler leave much to be desired? A threat of death. A threat to take my life in the event he seized power. This is the man who would call himself our nation's last hope! A man who threatens his opponents with death if they speak against him!

To these radicals, I say, as the Spartans said to the Persians at Thermopylae, come and get us. You will most certainly not find cowering wrecks, but brave men and women, who will stand up for their beliefs!

The Nazis are naught but thugs! Thugs who attempt to assassinate their former colleagues! The Communists, or rather, the Stalinists, take thier orders from Moscow! And this government?! This government is so disjointed that the interior minister and foreign minister fight with each other like children!

They speak of the peace that they have created. A dictated peace is an inherently unstable one. A peace can only be created when all members of a society are given equal treatment, equal rights. These radicals would grant these basic human rights to some and deny them to others on a whim.

In these times, we must be aware of the siren songs of the radicals. Men who claims to be our last hope, but represent our destruction.

Wir stelhen als eins! Fur die Republik!

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

 Adolf Hitler campaigned across the length and breadth of Germany. He spent most of his time targeting Foreign Minister Mahuran, citing the negotiations he was involved in that would give away Danzig in perpetuity, and promising that Austria, Alsace and Lorraine, the Sudetenland and Danzig would be added to German territory.

He also made it very clear that while he admired the Hohenzollern monarchy on personal level, he did not support their return as Kaisers of Germany. Instead, he encouraged the remaining members of the Hozerhollern's to run for the Reichstag in the future.

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg addresses the statements of Otto Wells (East Prussia)

...and that I hear that Herr Wells has once again attacked this great government! The government that he himself put in place, make no mistake about that. He claimed that the peace established by this government is breaking civil rights! How so? Is it not a human right of the men to enjoy a crime-free, violence-free society, instead of being afraid of getting out of the house if some electoral campaign is happening or even when one is not? This terror endured by patriotic, good Germans was tolerated by the accursed Weimar Republic that Wells so enthusiastically backs, and even by all of the Social Democratic governments that failed to fix this during their year-long reigns! If not for Chancellor Von Papen and I, this campaign would have been similar to a civil war. But this is where the Social Democrats want to take us, a crime-ridden, police-free society. One in which the chaos of their beloved republic would be felt in all areas of society. I and the League, in contrast, are the toughest party on law and order. No party is tougher than we are or more enthusiastically committed to this cause. In just a few months, we have lowered the violence drastically. In 4 years we would eradicate it. We will refrain from nothing to prevent the rights of criminals and thugs from getting in the way of peace. If you want law and order, we are the party for you! FOR LAW AND ORDER!

(Hugenberg lets the crowd cheer and chant for a bit before moving on to other topics)

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler's response to Otto Wels

If Herr Wels wants to take my comments and make them a death threat, that's his right. I've never said I'd kill him, and there is a world of difference in my mind between him and Otto Strasser. I said I would "remember this insult and make you pay for it in blood". Does that mean that I, personally, intend to kill you? No. Does that mean that I intend to have you killed? Probably not. What it means, is I intend to leave you and your political ideals so powerless, that you wish that will be dead. That is what I meant by that statement.

[Lumine]

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.

[Devout Centrist]

Making Moves: Thälmann Hits the Road!

Courtesy of Me

With the campaign in full swing, Thälmann begins a fast paced tour across much of Germany. From Essen to Stettin, from Leipzig to Bonn, Thälmann makes the case for German socialism. Travelling by bus, by train, and even by airplane, the campaign seeks to make a favorable impression on as many onlookers as possible.

The campaign uses a variety of novel and unorthodox tactics. At campaign stops, visitors are given a free sandwich and a free can of Beck’s. Friends and well wishers are encouraged to recruit their neighbors and acquaintances to vote for the KPD. Radio is used to announce polling locations, right wing militia movements, and spread the KPD message. Telephones are used to ‘bank’ votes, by reminding voters of the upcoming election; volunteers attempt to persuade even the most stubborn of holdouts.

Speaking in Erfurt, Thälmann had this to say about recent attacks on marxist economics:

Some of my opponents claim that our economic policies pose an existential threat to Germany. They say that our policies will bankrupt the economy and leave millions without a job! To them I say, just take a look outside. Our nation is bankrupt! Our workers are jobless! The KPD programme is specifically designed to combat the failures of the capitalist system and replace it with a new economic plan. When the workers control their workplace, they will be the ones who benefit from production. This production will drive the economy and uplift the entire German nation. Lower interest rates will ease the burden on the working class and support a price recovery. State investment in mining, shipbuilding, farming, and other industries will promote more spending and boost economic activity.

The capitalists and the industrialists are afraid of the KPD.They know that our policies will render their class obsolete and eliminate their political stranglehold on Deutschland. Their failed leadership led Germany down this road. Socialism is the only solution to the current turmoil created by the capitalist system.

[KaiserDave]

Berlin

Otto Wels had just finished a brief meeting with party officials on the state of the campaign and was bounding down the stairs of the building which had the flat being rented by the party. The old stairs creaked as Wels walked with a brisk pace down the stairs. There was another meeting across town he had with Reichsbanner leaders he couldn't afford to miss. Opened the door and placed a bowler hat on his head. Wels nodded to the two Reichsbanner men at the door to the building who acted as his personal bodyguard. They began to walk to the car across the street, Otto waved to some of the pedestrians who recognized him and nodded with a vigilant look bringing a clenched fist to eye level as they waved back and then reciprocated.

Waiting by the car were two Reichspolizei officers on motorcycles who acted as his escort by order of Minister Hugenberg. As Otto reached the other side of the road he walked to the car but his attention was averted by man rushing towards him. He turned around to see him reaching into his morning coat, Otto ducked next to the car as his police escorts reached for their pistols and his bodyguards reached for their truncheons. Otto saw a glint of steel was the assailant reached for his weapon and shouted, "Jew lover!"

Two shots rang out. One struck a Reichsbanner man in the gut, the other banged off the car. The police officers fired next, sending the attacker to the floor bleeding from the mouth.

Otto slowly got back up and dusted himself off as a large crowd gathered and police sirens began to ring out. Which political leaders were safe from this new chain of assassinations?

[Lumine]

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.

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

I and my party did not authorize the attempted assassination of Herr Wells. We are seeking, at the moment, to earn the Chancellorship by legitmate means, and murdering opponents who have remained in Germany and continue to provide a valuable service, however distasteful it is to the fatherland would be counterproductive.  

Hitler purges SA leadership for unauthorized assassination attempt

Hitler has ordered SA commander Ernst Rohm to eliminate the local SA leadership in Berlin for carrying out an unauthorized assassination attempt on Otto Wells.  

[RGM2609]

Interior Minister Alfred Hugenberg gives speech on the latest shooting

My fellow Germans,

Today, we have witnessed yet another attempted breaking of good order in our society by an insane, out-of-control party. Regardless of my personal feelings towards Otto Wells, which are not pleasant, we can not live in a country where political leaders can be killed by a mob. As such, your Ministry has taken decisive action. We have decided to make police protection mandatory for all political leaders and grow its size, as it is only for the brave men in uniform that Wells so viciously fought against that he is still alive, as well as make police protection mandatory at all political rallies. If you want to use your constitutional right and go to rallies, feel free to do so as the police is only there to protect you and your fellow attendants from getting hurt. We will also find out who this shooter was and investigate his political connections, as I think we all know who ordered this. Which is why I have decided to implement a no-tolerance policy on the SA and the SS, illegal organizations. If any members of the said groups are spotted on the streets, they will be swiftly arrested. Thank you.

[RGM2609]

Interior Minister sends forces to establish control over Dresden

After making numerous statements supporting law and order, today Interior Minister Alfred Hugenberg has mobilized Der Stalhelm and entire Police Departments to enter the KPD stronghold of Dresden and arrest all RFB members they can find on charges ranging from being part of an illegal organization to owning firearms. Hugenberg also ordered them to avoid as much as possible a street war and rather use surprise attacks and enter their Headquarters to confiscate all documents that could be found. The sickle and hammer on all buildings were taken down and replaced by posters supporting LAW AND ORDER.

[Devout Centrist]

Statement on the Violence in Dresden

In no uncertain terms, I condemn the anti-worker, anti-labor attacks in Dresden. Let's not mince words: the von Papen Government is seeking to break the spirit of the German working man by any means necessary. They know they cannot win a fair and free election, so they are resorting to brutal repression of our brothers and sisters in a feeble attempt to suppress the will of the people. These acts of aggression will not deter us! The German working class will mobilize against the bloodthirsty militarists and capitalists who threaten our people with total annihilation.

I will be visiting Dresden in the coming days to march alongside our brothers and sisters. In the meantime, we will tend to the wounded and stand together against the vicious von Papen regime.

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

As much as I enjoy seeing Communists arrested, I'm astonished that Chancellor Von Papen is using the police to boost his chances of staying in office. We, the German People, will ensure that this tactic will not work.

As for Herr Thalmaan... even if the Government weren't arresting your peers, you are the last person President Hindenburg would ask to form a Government. He is terrified of Communists in general, and it long believed that you take orders from Josef Stalin himself. President Hindenburg will only appoint a Chancellor who's priority to make Germany the power it once was, and that candidate is not you.

[Devout Centrist]

As for Herr Thalmaan... even if the Government weren't arresting your peers, you are the last person President Hindenburg would ask to form a Government. He is terrified of Communists in general, and it long believed that you take orders from Josef Stalin himself. President Hindenburg will only appoint a Chancellor who's priority to make Germany the power it once was, and that candidate is not you.

I'm not the one trying to kill people in broad daylight, Herr Hitler.

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

Herr Thaalmann, the attempted assassination of Herr Wels was not sanctioned by me, and the SA members who authorized it are being dealt with. As for the attempted assassination of Herr Otto Strasser, that may have authorized by me, but I'm pretty certain I did not authorize attempting to kill Herr Strasser in broad daylight in front of a room full of people.

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg responds to the attacks:

"Just hearing these two raving lunatics boastful about sending thugs to murder politicians and patronaging illegal organizations should terrify all thinking Germans. When a country does not have laws abided to by everyone it falls into anarchy. For the past years the weak Republic has failed to enforce them but now your Ministry is here to protect you. What happened in Dresden was necessary to ensure stability, and this is a sober reminder that we may lose everything if on September 12th we do not vote for peace, stability and order."

[Devout Centrist]

Official KPD Campaign Schedule

August 12th-August 19th: Thälmann kicks off the campaign with rallies and marches in Hamburg, Bremen, and Kiel. Volunteers meet with local Union leaders and attempt to gain support from disillusioned Social Democrats and Liberals. Thälmann talks with striking dockyard workers and impoverished seniors in Bremen.

August 19th-August 26th: Thälmann turns his attention to the Ruhr, travelling by road and stopping in a number of small towns and mining villages on the way. Campaign stops are made in Essen, Dortmund, and Cologne. Thälmann mixes with coal miners and steel mill workers as he declares his undying support for the trade union movement.

August 26th-September 2nd: Thälmann starts a whistlestop tour across the industrial heartland of Deutschland. Erfurt, Leipzig, and Dresden are chief campaign stops. Supporters march with Thälmann in Dresden after the dastardly attack on German workers by the von Papen Government and his degenerate lapdog Hugenberg. Volunteers knock on thousands of doors and try to persuade ex-Social Democrats to support the KPD.

September 2nd-September 10th: Thälmann makes a number of flights across Germany, visiting Munich, Königsberg, and Frankfurt. Speaking at rallies held in airport hangers, Thälmann will emphasize tactical voting and support a variety of Anti-Papen, Anti-Nazi parties.

September 10th-September 12th: Thälmann flies back to Berlin to organize last minute election preparations. At Party headquarters, officials build a ‘war room’ to coordinate volunteers and resources across the final days of the campaign. Right wing militia movements are tracked and documented; volunteers rally voters to the polls and unarmed RFB agents oversee peaceful demonstrations in major German cities.