Crumbling Reich: A Weimar Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg makes statement on the recent economic developments

My fellow Germans,

After years of failed leadership by the Weimar usurpers, by the Republican incompetents and filth of the society, we were on the verge of ruin. We had nothing to feed our children with anymore, no house to live in, no basic necessities available. Businesses were closing down one by one and the streets were governed by mobs more than by the actual government. Germany was on the verge of breaking up, falling into civil war or becoming an anarchic mess.

In only a year of government, Von Papen and the DNVP have turned things around. We have saved our farmers, our workers and all German people from devastation. Germany confidently moves forward, knowing that there is sunshine at the end of the road. We have much left to do, and we will get to it, I promise. However, we have a choice - move forward with a competent government, or move backwards to ruin and anarchy with the Socialists and Communists.

[NewYorkExpress]

Von Papen

I've been Chancellor for a year now. In that time, we've survived a coup, come partially back from the worst economic depression Germany has ever seen, and scored foreign policy triumphs the likes of which we haven't achieved in thirty years. However, we aren't done. I'm aware that President von Hindenburg's time is growing short, that he is in his twilight years. The SPD is backing a refrerendum on the monarchy returning to Germany. It would give me great pleasure to support the Kaiser, or one of his Children resuming the throne of Germany in a Constitutional Monarchy similar to the British model. That way, everyone, from Herr Hugenberg, to Kaiser Wilhelm II, to the British and French, to even the SPD are satisfied.

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels to the Reichstag

"In politics, one must never be petty. One must congratulate the other side when they are rewarded with results. I see no point in being petty towards the Chancellor today. Sir, we thank you for your service.

With the worst over, we must begin to look to the future. The SPD campaigned on a referendum to decide the fate of the monarchy, and we remain committed to it. Let it never be said that the SPD ignored democracy.

I formally propose a referendum on the status of the monarchy.

[NewYorkExpress]

Von Papen

I'm interested in your proposal, and I look forward to campaigning for the Kaiser's return.

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg to the Reichstag

This is truly an extraordinary time, for I must praise a proposal by the Social Democrats too! The referendum on the status of the monarchy is truly the best option to solve this difficult issue in a fair way - by going to the people and ask them about it. It makes no sense for my party and me to shout about it while campaigning and then ignore a chance to get it done. I trust that the German people will clearly and confidently vote for the Monarchy at the referendum and choose a better life for themselves, their children and their grandchildren!

[GoTfan]

Proposal for Referendum on the Status of the Monarchy

1) That a referendum on the status of the mnarchy be held within 3 months of this proposal passing.

2) That the question on the ballot be "Do you support a restration of the German monarchy?"

3) That in the event of the referendumvoting in the affirmative, a Transitional Government be established, headed by the Chancellor

4) That in the event of the result being in the affirmative, a Constitutional Convention be held to determine which member of the Royal Family would assume the throne, and the powers of the Kaiser. .


"My preference for the Republic is known, but it cannot be overstated just how desperately this question needs to be put to rest. We submit the above proposal to the Reichstag for debate."

[NewYorkExpress]

Von Papen response

This proposal is acceptable to me. I will see to it that the referendum be held as soon as possible.

[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!

[Devout Centrist]

Betrayal! Ernst Thalmann Speaks on the Reichstag's Decision

Today’s vote by the Reichstag is nothing short of a complete betrayal of the working man in this country. I am shocked that so many of this democratically elected body are willfully entertaining the thought of inviting the Kaiser’s son back into our Republic!

Have you men lost your minds?! The old Kaiser led us down the path of national humiliation. He and his capitalist cronies robbed the working man of their bread for over thirty years! I have no doubt that his son would mean more of the same.

The Social Democrats, in particular, should be ashamed. They have, once again, chosen wealth and privilege over the working men of Deutschland. If this referendum passes, Otto Wels will be the man responsible for a national tragedy.

Nevertheless, the Reichstag has made their decision and we must respond. The KPD will join the Social Democrats in urging that the people of Germany vote Nein in this referendum. Say no to the Monarchy! Say yes to Democracy!

[GoTfan]

Wels addresses supporters in Berlin

"It has been of greatest neceseity to settle the issue of the monarchy once and for all. Tnis question cannot hang over our heads forever, and this referendum will see to that.

My support for the repiblic is known, and today I am ann9uncing the formation of the cross-party prganisation Behalte Die Republik (Keep The Republic). BDR is formed to coordinate the campaign for the republic, and I am pleased to announce that our brothers and sisters in Zentrum are joining us in this endeavour. Welcome, brothers and sisters.

Let us fight for the republic! For democracy!"

[NewYorkExpress]

Franz Von Papen

My feelings on the Monarchy are well known. I support restoring the Imperial Throne to Germany. However, how that throne is arranged still needs to be determined, and as per the SPD's referendum proposal, that would be the purpose of our Constitutional Convention.

I believe that when the monarchy is restored, Germany will be brought into a bright new future.

[NewYorkExpress]

Franz Von Papen, Cologne

Now, I am a man of faith, and in Catholic School, we got taught about the Divine Right of Kings. So, when I note that my former Party is supporting a flawed Republic such as this one, it occasionally makes my blood boil.

Now, there are some decent things about the Republic. The people are more involved and informed than they ever were. But that doesn't change the fact that making decisions is now as slow as molasses. Bringing back the Kaiser, or one his heirs will fix this. This is what we need. We have made great strides in fixing our economic situation, but until we have a monarchy, and a monarch who is able to make the tough decisions the Government cannot, we will never truly recover.


Franz Von Papen, Dusseldorf

The SPD is responsible for much of the problems that have plagued us during this period of financial uncertainty. It was a SPD Government, in which the economic crisis started. An SPD Government was in place when the Diktat of Versailles was signed. Why should we trust the SPD to be trustworthy regarding the return of the monarchy?

[NewYorkExpress]

Franz Von Papen, Frankfurt

The SPD is responsible for the economic catastrophe we find ourselves in. It was an SPD Chancellor who presided over our economy's collapse. An SPD Government signed the Diktat of Versailles. Only the return of the Monarchy can truly fix the ills of Germany, and bring us back to our former glory.


Franz Von Papen, Hanover

I think having a monarch again will give us the opportunity to rebuild stronger ties with countries that still have a monarchy, like Britain. It will also allow for more decisive decision-making, both in foreign and domestic affairs, something we have badly needed ever the birth of the Republic.

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels speaks in Dresden

"Many criticise this republic as an abject failure. That is has turned us into a failed state. I would argue that a failed state comes into existance when a supposedly all-powerful monarch cannot rely on the support of his own army, which of course is what caused the Kaiser to abdicate in the first place. This is also without mentioning that instead of standing and fighting like a man, he fled. His family fled.

Those of us who stayed and supported the republic fought. We were the ones who called in the Freikorps to defeat the Spartacist Uprising of 1919. We were the ones who led the strike that defeated the Kapp Putsch in 1920. We have endured. We have endured much, and by God's good grace, will endure once more."

Speech in Cologne

"The Chancellor says that seeing his party side with us in BDR makes his blood boil. I would encourage him to speak with Ludwig Kaas, who has described him as 'The Ephialtes of Zentrum'. It was indeed Ephialtes who betrayed the Spartans at Thermopylae in the hopes of a reward from the Persian invaders. I would invite the comparison as the Chancellor betraying his party in hopes of a reward from the far-right.

I ask you, my Catholic brothers and sisters, do you desire a return to the days of the  Lutheran supremacism espoused by the Vice-Chancellor?

This Republic gives all the chance to worship God in their own way, to follow their own religion. Religious freedom, an ideal cherished by all of us who favour keeping the republic. I ask you, who will protect your rights better; a monarchy with a history of elevating Lutheran supremacy, or a republic that stands for freedom of worship?"

Speech in Hanover

"We all saw the extralegal action that was taken by the government in areas dominated by the Social Democrats in the by-election. It was taken specifically to deny Social Democratic voters the right to vote.

It is simply not enough to march in the streets waving the flag of the republic this year. You must vote in droves. Vote for those who cannot. Vote despite the threat of thugs threatening you to not vote. Stand with your brothers and sisters of the republic."

Speech in Berlin

"Under the monarchy, the rights of women were nonexistent. Under the republic, the rights of women are many. We believe that women are entitled to the same rights as men. The right to vote, the right to work, the right to join a union, the right to stand for office.

These are the rights of the woman under the flag of this republic. Under a reactionary monarch, there will be no further rights for women, but a slow regress to the days when women had no rights at all.

I would ask that, to protect the rights of the woman in Germany, you vote in in the millions to keep this republic. To keep the torch of freedom and liberty held aloft amid a darkening continent."

[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

[NewYorkExpress]

Franz Von Papen, Munich

A victory for the Republic in the Referendum dramatically increases the chances of a Communist Coup. We've already seen the the Nazis attempt to overthrow our government. Why wouldn't the Communists attempt to overthrow our government too?

Franz Von Papen, Nuremburg

The Republic's win would dramatically increase the chances of a coup by the Communists one day. Already, like the Nazi's before them, they are stockpiling weapons to overthrow the government, regardless of the result of the referendum. It would be even easier to overthrow this government if the Republic is still alive and well.

[Devout Centrist]

Let me be clear: The KPD supports the Republic! The KPD supports democracy! We believe that, through socialism and marxism, we can build a true democracy that protects the working people of Deutschland from capitalists, militarists, and monarchists.

The monarchy would put the workers of Germany back in chains. We cannot allow the crowned heads of old to return to our Republic under any circumstances.

[NewYorkExpress]

Franz Von Papen, Munich

So, Ernst Thaalman says that the KPD supports Democracy. Need I remind him, that when the Communist Party in Russia overthrew the Czar, they established a dictatorship under Vladimir Lenin! Marxism and Democracy are simply incompatible, and you should not listen to the lies of the KPD!

[RGM2609]

Outside of his debate with Wells, Vice Chancellor Alfred Hugenberg has not campaigned at all for the Monarchy and has reduced public appearances to a minimum. The famous rallies of the DNVP in reactionary northern cities have not happened so far, and many began to wonder where is the Vice Chancellor.

Instead, the DNVP has sent Justice Minister Franz Gurtner as its top surrogate. He gave speeches at rallies, attended meetings wuth voters and focused time on big Bavarian cities. He formed an organization called "Catholics for Monarchy" to fight Zentrum's republican campaign, and invited many public figures, including the Chancellor, to join it.

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels at the Debate

"I would like to thank the Vice-Chancellor for agreeing to this debate, the audience for attending and ur moderators for facilitating the debate this evening.

It can get lost  in the partisan rancor, but I do believe that we have one common goal: the creation of a strong Germany. We merely have different ways of going about it. Tonight, I hope to make the case that the republic represents our best way forward."

 Has the Republic failed the German people?

"Our republic undoubtedly has issues. We have concentrated far too much power in the hands of a few people at the very top of our social hierarchy. Our electoral system creates deadlocks in the Reichstag, contributing further to our issues.

It has been said that the monarchy's return will resolve these issues. I disagree completely. It will concentrate even more power in an even more select group of people who in the past have wielded their power to benefit themselves as the expense of the people of this nation.

There have also been powerful displays of unity in this nation. I remember in 1920 when the far-right Freikorps attempted to seize control in the Kapp Putsch. We united against them in a general strike, and they fell apart instantly. We can overcome our issues if we have the strength to do so.

I do not believe that the republican experiment has failed. There are issues with it, but they are issues that can be solved."

Did the monarchy fail the German people in 1918?

"Undoubtedly. The royal family made the decision to flee instead of stand when it became apparent a communist uprising was happening, no doubt in an attempt to leave the republicans with the blame for allowing an uprising. We republicans made the decision to send in forces to counter the communists.

The Kaiser's was a warmonger. He desired to go to war to make up for his personal failings and then, when the Americans began t arrive and when the blockade started taking effect, he and his whole family fled rather than admit to their failures. These were not the actions of a pro-German strongman who would keep us a powerful nation, but of a coward, unable to admit to his own failings."

Will each side respect the results of the referendum?

"The word 'democratic' is in our name. We have always stood for the ideals of liberty and democracy. Of freedom and humanity. The Social Democratic Party will always respect the wishes f the people, and will work to ensure a fairer system for everyone regardless of the outcome.

I must express my doubts as to whether the right will however. Voter suppression was recorded in SPD-leaning areas during the federal by-elections, and the preference of this government for extralegal action is well-known."


What is the future of the German republic should you succeed?

"We must immediately introduce electoral and political reforms. The current system for electing representatives is incapable of producing a stable government. One must nly look at the current government, a chaotic mix of far-right authoritarians, conservatives, centrists and liberals, all at war with each other for influence within the government.

We must also look to reform the presidency and repeal Article 48. The president currently possesses far too much power and that stems from Article 48. We have a Constitution, and we shoul take it seriously, and as long as an article permitting extra-constitutional action remains, the president is not in fact a president, but an elected monarch.

We must make our system more stable and more democratic.

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg at the Debate

1. Has the Republic failed the German people?

Yes, it has. I do not believe that anyone can reasonably disagree about this, besides all campaign rhetoric.

Think about where we were in 1914, or even in 1918. If you would have told anyone back then what would have happened in the following years, that the German economy would collapse multiple times, that there would be chaos and disorder on the streets, that there would be extremist mass organizations trying to organize coups, that there would be millions of beggars on the streets, that Germany would be the laughing stock of Europe, that millions of Germans would be taken out from their homeland, they would have told you that this will absolutely never happen.

And yet, this Republic has managed to bring all of these to us. It is easy to lose perspective now that the von Papen government has been so successful, but we have achieved things despite and not because of this Republic.

Germany used to be great, strong and prosperous. And yet during just 15 years of the Weimar Republic, with the Republicans and Social Democrats ruling over us, we have signed the Crime of Versailles, in which we have lost millions of our Germans and our national dignity with them, we have had our economy collapse, losing our prosperity and throwing millions into a life without hope, we have allowed mobs to rule our streets. It did not have to be this bad.

If only we had a strong, orderly and functionable government led by competent men, we would have avoided the National Catastrophe we now have to fight our way out of. And on Election Day, a vote for the Monarchy will bring just that. A vote for the Republic will bring more chaos and incompetence from those who should not have lead us in the first place.

2. Has the Monarchy failed the German people in 1918?

The German Empire has made mistakes, like all countries do, during the Great War. There is no question about it. That was an winnable war if the Jews and Bolsheviks would not have rebelled behind our lines, but that is another question. But remember where we were in 1913. We had the greatest economy in Europe, our country was peaceful, orderly and prosperous. Our military was as great as ever, and the strength of Germany was unmatched. When you compare this with the record of chaos, corruption, poverty and weakness of the Republic, the choice could not be more clear.

And, of course, the Republicans will try to manipulate their way out of this, but the truth is that, just like in most other areas, it did not have to be this bad after the war was over. They were the ones to actually negotiate the Versailles Treaty, the horrible crime that still haunts us. With their chaotic leadership, incompetence and lack of patriotism, they allowed the Western Allies to walk all over our country. An orderly government would have not gotten such a horrible treaty, and would have spared us of much trouble. The Republic is, in reality, more responsible than the Monarchy for the Crime of Versailles.

3. Will each side respect the result of the referendum?

The DNVP will respect the results. If the Republic wins and the German people want another referendum after some years, we will be the first ones to grant them their right, but we shall not take any actions to replace the Republic if it wins.

Nevertheless, fear not, German patriots, for this Republic will not win. Because everyone knows what it brought them. Despair, humiliation and disaster. And this legacy is too visible all around us for the historical spin that my opponent on the stage, among many others, attempted at creating to work. Herr Wells, you may paint the Republic as free and democratic, but everyone knows that until the Monarchists came along to fix it, you could have gotten killed for a disliked political view. Everyone knows what your beloved Republic and your party have given back to their voters - the economic depression that starved them to death. And everyone knows that a vote for the Republic is in fact a vote for Thalmann, as a Bolshevik revolution would be imminent without an orderly government. So no, the Republic can not, at this point, win.

4. Who should take the German throne shall you win?

Both the former Kaiser and the Crown Prince are strong patriots and great men who would make amazing Monarchs. However, I would leave the decision between the two to the Constitutional Convention that would happen after the election. I will strongly support to take the preferences of the people into consideration, and whoever will become Monarch will be a great leader and patriot who will restore the greatness of Germany, that I can tell you.

And I can also tell you that the Monarchy will fix the country. Not immediately, like a miracle, but it will. We will craft a balanced but strong government protecting the rights of the people and also giving the government enough stability to act quickly to fix the mess of the Republic. The competence of the Monarchists has already been proven by the von Papen government, and in a few years, Germany will be much better off. With the Republic, however, we will get years of chaos and weakness and then, most likely, a Bolshevik dictatorship like in Russia. The choice is clear, and Germany will move forward on Election Day. And I want to add something. When you vote, for those old enough to take such a judgement, ask yourself if our country is better off than 15 or 20 years ago. That should tell you enough.

[GoTfan]

"There you go again, blaming others for our failings in the war. Vice Chancellor, we were not defeated by a shadowy conspiracy that pledged allegiance to that rag known as The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, we were defeated by the naval blockade, which caused the price fo food to skyrocket. We were defeated by the tank. Above all, we were defeated by the Americans, whom it was simply not possible to defeat. We were defeated by the collapse of Bulgaria, the Ottomans and Austria-Hungary

The Jewish population in the world numbers 16 million, or less than 1% of the world's population. Of that, 500,000 live in Germany. 500,000 out of 67 million. That is less than 1% of the population of Germany. Do you truly believe less than 1% of the population caused us to lose the war, despite all of the external factors I mention? You think we could have defeated the blockade? Prevented the Bulgiarians, Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians from signing a peace with the Allies? Do you honestly believe that we could have defeated the Americans?

[RGM2609]

Herr Wells, you can not deny that rebellions behind the lines did play a part in the defeat of Germany or at least in the extent of it. It is absurd to claim that better national unity would not have helped in winning the war, a war that we came close of winning despite your claims. Would we have won without the agitators spreading chaos behind the front? Maybe, maybe not, we have no way of knowing, but it is undeniable that our defeat was caused by an combination of internal and external factors.

But of course you would much rather steer the conversation towards anything other than the true issue at hand here - the utter failure of the Weimar Republic to ensure a decent and safe life for its citizens and a strong showing of the country on the world stage. By every metric possible, the Republic and your party have ruined our nation and broken our spirit. You may not want to discuss it, but it is a fact known by the entire country.