Crumbling Reich: A Weimar Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)

[GoTfan]

The SDP continues its support of Hindenburg on the second round, mobilisjng efforts in areas usually favourable to their message. The overarching theme is that while Hindenburg is not ideal, he represents a far, far better option to Hitler or Thalmann.

Wels reportedly flew into a rage when Thalmann questioned his commitment to the working class of Germany, declaring that der kommunisten were only interested in allegiance to Moscow and suppressing anyone who disagreed with them. SDP members were encouraged to engage in social welfare actions for the benefit of the urban poor, with the message that Thalmann was a hardcore Stalinist being at the forefront.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

Hindenburg Re-elected!

The results of the first round of the German Presidential Election have been fully tallied. From Königsberg to the Rhine, the German people have put in their ballots, and the total votes are in. Not without instability it must be said. The final rallies of the election were marred with conflict and violence. DNVP counter rallies were stormed by Red Front Fighters, many of who were clutching rifles. Brownshirts and Red Front Fighters continue to brawl in the streets at an alarming rate, while reactionaries in Der Stalhelm continue to enforce their own rule over certain areas. Meanwhile, to the alarm of every established party, the KPD continues to gather arms and funds at an alarming pace. But in any case the votes have been counted.

Reichpräsident Paul von Hindenburg: 44.5%
Herr Adolf Hitler: 37.1%
Herr Ernst Thälmann: 18.2%
Others: 0.2%

President Hindenburg has won a plurality of the vote, with Hitler in second and Thälmann in third. Hindenburg has won the election, and he will serve again as President, but the margin is surprisingly close. Adolf Hitler has come within 8 percentage points of near supreme authority, and the Communists have leapt beyond any expectations of their performances. President Hindenburg has indeed won however, and despite the increasing chaos in the nation, the reactionary establishment of the Prussian elite has held onto the presidency. His voting coalition however was not very reactionary. Compared to the right wing coalition that propelled him into power in 1925, the coalition this time was more moderate. He may not have even won a majority of his 1925 voters. His coalition was made up of Catholics, Social Democrats, moderates and liberals, and other smaller factions. However it must be noted that there was a sizable right wing vote for the President, rallied by the DNVP which may very well have made the difference. Things are far from certain, with extremist parties such as the NSDAP and KPD winning a comfortable majority of votes. While the President has held onto power, and for now the country is safe from further instability, the future is anything but stable.

[Devout Centrist]

Ernst Thälmann Concession Speech

Thank you, comrades! Thank you! I am so humbled by your support and your faith in this campaign.

I have just sent a telegram to President Hindenburg to concede the Presidency and congratulate him on a well run campaign. We may have many disagreements, but it is important to show our solidarity against the Fascist menace posed by Herr Hitler and his ilk. President Hindenburg is no socialist, to be sure, but we extend our congratulations to him at this important hour.

Brothers and sisters, where do I begin? Your efforts throughout the past two months have not been in vain. The KPD has ascended to new heights on the backs of your labor. I am touched by the efforts of our organizers across Germany and the efforts of the RFB to protect the working class in this country. Six million of your countrymen, mostly members of the international proletariat, voted for our campaign. That is a remarkable achievement that would have been unthinkable just a year ago.

Comrades, there is still much work to be done. We must leverage our success in this election to our utmost advantage in the upcoming Reichstag election. We must ensure that the KPD becomes the standard bearer of the German working class. There can be no misapprehension as to which political party truly represents the working men of Deutschland. To that end, we will seek to make new inroads with people disaffected by the mainstream Weimar parties and organize the working class wherever they are found.

For everyone who has supported me in this campaign, let me end on this. Our work continues, our resolve is strengthened, and the dream of a socialist Germany shall endure! Thank you!

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg congratulates President Hindenburg on his victory during a speech in Berlin after the results came in, however he promised that the DNVP will make sure that his second term will be much more active than the first and will truly move the country in the right direction. He congratulated Herr Hitler for his very good result but dedicated much of his speech to Thalmann and his party, calling them a dangerous militia that is roaming free and terrorizing German cities. He called for an enforced ban of both the Red Front Fighters and the KPD.

[KaiserDave]

Character Dilemmas



Wikimedia Commons


The Presidential elections are over. But the questions on the future of Germany remained unanswered. The Nazis and the Communists have never been more powerful, and the Weimar coalition of Social and Christian Democrats more vulnerable. With a new government imminent, and perhaps federal elections, there are many questions and dilemmas for those steering Germany forwards, and decide its destiny.

Comrade Thälmann, your success in the presidential election is unprecedented, and you have both cemented yourself as undisputed leader of the KPD in the eyes of Germans and the Kremlin. Indeed the Great Stalin is impressed with your performance. The question is now whether you will put more resources into electoralism, or into revolutionary action. What will you do?

Comrade Leow, despite the Groener ban of the RFB the Red Front marches on regardless. With May Day approaching, the party has a chance to truly flex some muscles. Brandenburg party boss Walter Ulbricht has tasked to organize with you an event for the first of May to make Berlin a truly red city, but the decisions are up to you.

Comrade Frank, your presidential campaign has endeared you a large segment of Social Democrats estranged by the party's support for Hindenburg and opposed to the KPD. They are asking you to expand the SWP to more voters.

Herr Wels, the Republic is being tested. As one of the crucial vanguards of the Republic, the SPD has much to do in regards to the defense of the Republic. A new government is imminent, will the SPD seek new elections imminently, or try and influence the new government to achieve greater stability?

Herr Schumacher, the left of the SPD looks to you for guidance. Do you keep trust in Herr Wels' leadership, or do you attempt to change things within the party?

Herr Mahraun, word is is that you may be under consideration for the next government. In any case you have the ear of the President. Now...what to do with it?

Herr von Papen, the phone rings, you slip into your shoes, into your coat and out into your private car. It's the most important drive of your life, President Hindenburg has tasked you with forming a government, and when he meets you he appoints you Chancellor. Now, the job is yours to form a government.

Herr Schmitt, your support on the German right has grown considerably. Rumor has it that the President reads your every column, and Herr Göring in particular is a fan of your writings. But the question is now what to do with this wide readership?

Herr Hugenberg, despite the fact that Paul von Hindenburg dislikes you, he can only be grateful for the efforts you showed in the election. He is also angry that his voting coalition was mostly made up of Social Democrats and Catholics, and is likely to move to the right. He has even told Chancellor von Papen to appoint you to the government, but where, and will you accept?

Herr Hitler, your performance in the presidential election has smashed expectation, and your popularity has soared. However the National Socialist German Worker's Party remains fragmented. Gregor and Otto Strasser push for large scale nationalizations of industry, Ernst Röhm desires a "national socialist revolution" against the capitalist classes, but Thyssen remains one of your biggest financial backers, and many in the industrialist circles are supporters and you will need them for the wars to come. What will you do to mend these divisions, or will you root out dissent instead?

[LAKISYLVANIA]

send me a pm if i have to do something

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg makes big announcement at rally in Berlin

After the usual rhetoric against foreign countries, for the Kaiser and against communism and socialism, Alfred Hugenberg made a big announcement -

And I want to let you know that I will soon be Interior Minister! (pauses for applause) The German people will be able to sleep peacefully at night because they will know that law enforcement is there for them! This is my promise to you, Germans! (pauses for applause)

[KaiserDave]

Note: I am making von Papen an NPC unless the old rejoins, or I am successful in recruiting a new player
 In any case please react to the dilemmas and expect the cabinet and its first actions to come soon

[Devout Centrist]

Ernst Thälmann Speaks at the First Annual Red Front Banquet

Courtesy of Bundesarchiv, Bild

Comrades, members of the KPD central committee, protectors of the working class, I am honored to be addressing you today.

As we approach our most sacred of days, International Workers' Day, it is time to reflect on our performance this past year and on our dedication to the cause of worker's liberation. And now, with May Day on the horizon, I can safely say that 1932 has been a banner year for the cause of working class freedom in Deutschland!

This year has blessed us with a bountiful harvest. The KPD has made great strides in electoral politics. This past Presidential election saw our party earn the most votes in its history. With Reichstag elections in the near future, we have the potential to make major gains at all levels of government. Every seat we hold in the Reichstag is more power and influence in the hands of the working man! For that reason, I am setting a goal of 100 seats in the Reichstag for this coming election. If we manage to cross this symbolic threshold, we will be one step closer to being the most vocal member of the opposition to Hindenburg's incompetence and Hitler's capitalist brutality!

As the Vanguard Party of the German working class, we must make it clear that no other political party or coalition can adequately represent the workers of Germany. The SPD remains our biggest opponent in this regard. They have weaved a web of lies that has managed to trap many of our brothers and sisters in its sticky rings. We are told by Herr Wels and his colleagues that the SPD is dedicated to building a better future for German workers. In turn, he labels us as 'red painted Fascists', in league with Hitler and Stalin. Such slander hides the sheer scale of the SPD's failure to protect the working class in Deutschland.

I ask you, what has the SPD done for the working class of Germany? In 1914, Wels and his colleagues voted to support the Kaiser's imperialist war. Without their support, there would have been no Great War. And yet, they voted to send millions of our brothers to their deaths in the muddy trenches of the West. This original sin highlights the magnitude of their hypocrisy.

In 1919, they suppressed our brothers and sisters who rose up against capitalism. Rather than negotiate with Herr Liebknecht and Frau Luxemburg, the SPD had them murdered by the bloodthirsty proto-fascist Freikorps. They would sooner work with their arch enemies than their socialist brothers and sisters.

When Friedrich Ebert came to power, was the capitalist system dismantled? Were the landlords tossed out? Were the speculators banished from Germany? No! The SPD invited them into the government. They entrenched the very system they swore to destroy. And what do they say now, with our nation in the grips of a capitalist depression? "Invest in roads, Invest in bridges...but do not dare change the system that allowed the crisis in the first place!"

Let me be clear: I have no quarrel with the men and women who support the SPD. They are members of the German proletariat and they are our friends. But we cannot stand idly by while Wels and his cronies continue to spout baldfaced lies to the German people. It is our duty to call out the liars and charlatans who would lead our comrades astray. Unless Herr Wels sees the true nature of his words, there can be no collaboration with the SPD. We must supplant them as the largest party of the left as soon as possible.

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

While Adolf Hitler expressed disappointment in not being elected President or being named Chancellor, he sought to make lemons out of lemonade.

He sought a no-confidence vote against Chancellor Von Papen, and also began campaigning for the position of Chancellor in the future.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

The von Papen Ministry


The Reichstag is open again with a new head of government. Franz von Papen is now officially Reich Chancellor, and yet already he faces a vote of no confidence. While for now the vote is buried in procedure, it is expected that it will lead to new federal elections. Chancellor von Papen is expected to announce his first moves soon, likely through the support of President Hindenburg and his powers of decree, unless he can gather necessary support in the Reichstag. For now at least his cabinet has been published in the morning papers. The cabinet is listed below:


Reich Chancellor: Franz von Papen (Independent)
Vice Chancellor: Kurt von Schleicher (Independent)
Reich Minister of Foreign Minister: Arthur Mahraun (DSP)
Reich Minister of the Interior: Alfred Hugenberg (DNVP)
Reich Minister of Finance: Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk (Independent)
Reich Minister of Justice: Carl Schmitt (Independent)
Reich Minister of the Reichswehr: Wilhelm Groener (Zentrum)
Reich Minister of Economics: Joseph Joos (Zentrum)
Reich Minister for Food and Agriculture: Paul Freiherr von Eltz-Rübenach (Independent)
Reich Minister for Labour: Heinrich Brauns (Zentrum)
Reich Minister for Postal Affairs: Franz Bracht (Zentrum)
Reich Minister for Transport: Franz Seldte (DNVP)
Reich Minister without portfolio: Franz Gürtner (DNVP)
Reich Minister without portfolio: Fritz Schäffer (BVP)


The cabinet is right wing, more so than the Brüning cabinet. Especially with the stalwart reactionary monarchist Hugenberg at the Interior Ministry, and the Der Stalhelm bully Franz Seldte as Transport Minister. Carl Schmitt, who has so repeatedly called for the state of exception is now at the Justice Ministry with tremendous authority, reportedly at the direct request of the Reich President. Arthur Mahraun is a surprise to be sure, at Foreign Minister, although even he it is said wants a restoration of the Hohenzollern monarchy. Observers and experts agree, the von Papen ministry is certainly a swing to the right. With Hugenberg at the Interior Ministry commanding the law enforcement, it may be even by an existential crisis for some political factions. But as for the new conservative Reich Chancellor? We should find out his intentions soon.

Meanwhile, the streets are filled with red flags as the working classes celebrate May Day. The Communists in particular have filled the streets calling for the destruction of the capitalist system, and a few particularly petty landlords in some localities have found themselves beaten in the streets. The Social Democrats have also organized rallies and marches, waving the flag for the democratic left. Many Germans indeed have rallied around Herr Wels as the last hope for the Republic. There is also the fighting, with more leftists in the street there has been more conflict. Brownshirts fight the Iron Front, the Iron Front fights the Brownshirts, the Brownshirts fight the Red Front, and the Red Front, egged on by the latest speech from Comrade Thälmann fight the Iron Front. Der Stalhelm has also lept into the streets fighting communists, but this time the communists have also been armed, more and more Red Front Fighters carry a sidearm. Many some towns hear the din of rifle shots as they train. German is indeed about to boil.

Wikimedia Commons


By Invitation of the Reich President Generalfeldmarschall Paul Ludwig Hans Anton von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg,

You are invited to a reception hosted by the Reich President at the Presidential Palace at Wilhelmstraße No. 73 and where the Reich Chancellor will be present to eat, drink, and discuss political and social life.

Cordially Signed,

Oskar Wilhelm Robert Paul Ludwig Hellmuth von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg

(Invitations were messaged privately)

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg sends Police on the streets on May Day

Alfred Hugenberg has sent thousands of police officers on the streets to stop the celebrations of the communists. Reportedly they were there to keep the order, however in practice they joined the SA, Iron Front or Der Stalhelm whenever they fought the communists. Hugeneberg is decided to use the new tool at his disposal to finally defeat the communists.

[NewYorkExpress]

The NDSAP has sent the SA into the streets to fight the Red Front and cause general mayhem.

The plan is to force a no-confidence vote on Chancellor Von Papen by causing enough violence to make his position untenable.

[Devout Centrist]

Statement from Comrade Thälmann on the Suppression of Working Class Demonstrations

So it has come to this. The Fascist Thug Hitler is now openly using his dictatorial power to suppress the spirit of the working man in Germany. Such outright brutality brought down upon peaceful demonstrations...I've seen enough. I am ordering the RFB to let the marches go on. Any agent of the State or the SA who attacks peaceful demonstrators will be met with unrelenting force from the unified power of the German people.

In response to today's events, the KPD is endorsing a vote of no confidence in Chancellor von Papen. The German people must be allowed to go to the polls and condemn this blatant dictatorial show of force against the German working class.

[RGM2609]

Police, Der Stalhelm instructed to turn against the SA when necessary

According to new, secret orders by Alfred Hugenberg, whenever the SA steps out of line (i.e. does not just fight the communists but cause general mayhem) they are to be brutally and swiftly attacked to bring them to order

[GoTfan]

A speech from Otto Wels, given to supporters in Berlin and to be transmitted wherever possible

“At this historic hour, we the German Social Democrats pledge ourselves to the principles of humanity and justice, of freedom and democracy. No Law can give this government the power to destroy ideas which are eternal and indestructible. From this new persecution too, German Social Democracy can draw new strength.

We send greetings to the persecuted and oppressed. We greet our friends in the Reich. Their steadfastness and loyalty deserve admiration. The courage with which they maintain their convictions and their unbroken confidence guarantee a brighter future.

It is no secret our young Republic faces its darkest hour, but we Social Democrats stand firm in our belief in democracy, in our belief in the German people. We stand for democracy! We stand for freedom and justice! We will fight for these ideals, and not settle for less!

Wir stehlen als eins! Für die Republik!"

(We stand as one! For the Republic!)

[Kingpoleon]

Artur Mahraun stands at one end of the room. While it was expected that he might place himself to align with Zentrum and the more moderate members of the Cabinet, he appears to have aligned himself as “Hindenburg’s Minister,” conferring only with President Hindenburg and Minister Groener.

“Mr. President, I need the authority to begin negotiations with foreign countries. Chancellor Von Papen’s lack of a known mandate is why I need the authority to come from you, sir. The interests of the Reichswehr and all of Germany is at stake. I may be able to negotiate a better deal and secure our borders, which is necessary if these steps are to be taken.”

[KaiserDave]

Hugenberg sends Police on the streets on May Day

Alfred Hugenberg has sent thousands of police officers on the streets to stop the celebrations of the communists. Reportedly they were there to keep the order, however in practice they joined the SA, Iron Front or Der Stalhelm whenever they fought the communists. Hugeneberg is decided to use the new tool at his disposal to finally defeat the communists.

Note: You're not quite empowered to do so yet, but note that local police departments will usually side with Der Stalhelm against the RFB

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg sends Police on the streets on May Day

Alfred Hugenberg has sent thousands of police officers on the streets to stop the celebrations of the communists. Reportedly they were there to keep the order, however in practice they joined the SA, Iron Front or Der Stalhelm whenever they fought the communists. Hugeneberg is decided to use the new tool at his disposal to finally defeat the communists.

Note: You're not quite empowered to do so yet, but note that local police departments will usually side with Der Stalhelm against the RFB

Alright.

[KaiserDave]

ACHTUNG

We have a new Florida green avatar joining us! @Dereich will play as Von Papen, please direct or redirect any messages on FvP to him and please CC me. Thank you!

[KaiserDave]

Wilhelmstraße No. 73

Paul von Hindenburg leaned in to listen to Herr Mahraun who sat next to him across form the Reich Chancellor, the chair creaking as he did. He quietly nodded, and leaned back as the chair creaked again. Oskar leaned in to his father and whispered into his air, Hindenburg nodded and silently motioned for a pen and paper. Hindenburg began writing, his shaky hand leaving scratchy and somewhat disordered writing. He then signed it and gave it to his new foreign minister, authorizing him to act directly on the behalf of the Reich President.

Oskar then spoke, standing to the entire room.

"My father the Reich President has called you today to build plans for the formation of a strong, conservative government, and plans for the future. He is particularly concerned by the growing numbers of the Communist Party, and the training of Communists with rifles. The Reich President is keenly aware of the threat of a Bolshevik revolution, and seeks to do everything to protect the fatherland and the social system from this menace. It is for that purpose he has called you here."  Hindenburg quietly nodded as the floor opened to new voices.

[RGM2609]

What Hugenberg had to say at the reception -

Mr Reich President, I must first of all thank you for inviting all healthy political forces to this round table and for your service to our country, which is something all the people of our great land are grateful for. During the last few months, our movement has managed to win many battles. We re-elected the Reich President and prevented the proto-Bolshevik Hitler from taking power, we have created the first pro-German Cabinet in the history of this accursed Republic, we have stopped the violence and rampage of the communists. Right now, our great movement is leading Germany. However, we are obviously facing many opponents. Mr Reich President, esteemed guests, the best way to defeat the Communists is this - put food on the table for the German people. Our Cabinet must act swiftly to improve the social and economical conditions of the average German. We can do that by abolishing the Bruning austerity, which is keeping our economy on a tight leash, and allow ourselves to grow through investments in the military and in public works. We will pay for them by cancelling all so-called reparations to the French, British and all others. Once we do this, we will manage to solve the economic crisis and stop the average worker from being tempted by the Communist lies. We must also, in my view, keep the government for as long as possible. This is the only way to prevent new elections that will provide a boost to the accursed Bolsheviks and to the National Socialists. Thank you.

Later that evening, he will try to have one-on-one conversations with President Hindenburg and Prime Minister Von Papen, talking about the future and next plans for the conservative movement but also to get a sense of what they would like the Interior Minister to do.

[GoTfan]

An announcement from Otto Wels

"The people of this nation stand terrified of the future. Gunfights rule the streets, endangering the welfare of the common man. The communists fight the Nazis, the Nazis an monarchists fight each other. This is the state of our nation. One of despair and near-civil war.

Listen to me now.

Steady on. We are still standing. The Republic will endure.

The men of the Reich Banner have been directed to defend people caught in the crossfire of the street fighting. As I speak, Civilian Aid Shelters are being established across the country. You will be given food, medical treatment and a place to rest upon arrival.

Wir stehlen als eins! Für die Republik!"

[Devout Centrist]

May Day Violence: Thälmann Speaks

As the dust settles on a profoundly violent day, I want to extend my gratitude to the brave men and women of the RFB for keeping the peace and protecting their brothers from reactionary agitators.

The KPD renews its call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor von Papen. It is my hope that this crisis can be solved by using constitutional provisions and above all else, peaceful tactics. Only a durable left wing majority, composed of the whole breadth of the working class, can deliver a better future for the German people.  

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels to the Reichstag

"Today, I am introducing the Autobahn Act. This act provides the means to construct a national highway network connecting all of the nation's major cities. Aside from the benefits that comes with ease of transportation between major cities, this will generate thousands of jobs for men that are out of work.

If this government supports public works as its Interior Minister proclaims it does, then i assume that the government will give this bill its undivided support."