Crumbling Reich: A Weimar Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)

[GoTfan]

A Speech from Otto Wels

Needless to say, the attacks undertaken by the terrorists in Breslau show flagrant disregard for German citizens. The men of this Stahlhelm are not freedom fighters as they claim, but are nothing more than terrorists, and ought to be treated as such. They should be arrested and brought to trial immediately for these vile acts.

Yet, we now have the leader of a major party who openly condones terrorist acts! Who condones the murder of innocents! A man who describes such attacks a a step towards justice! And if that were not enough, he then asks these terrorists to give what they have stolen to his party!

These are not the actions of a member of this chamber, they are barely the actions of a human being! I am introducing a motion to formally censure and condemn Alfred Hugenberg for his support of domestic terrorism, and call on all supporters of our Republic to support it!

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels

Throughout the turbulent months, Wels remained a voice for calm and unity for the German people. He called for all Germans to set aside their differences and stand as one in order to revive their nation, and presented the plan of the SDP in order to restore the economy, based on a desire to put people back to work:

• Costruction of an Autobahn network to link German cities
• Modernisation of the railway network
• Food distribution centres across the country, paying farmers for crops donated
• Expansion of civilian industry to provide consumer goods
• Revival of angriculture through innovative policies feed the nation

Wels, disappointed by the defeat of his motion to censure and condemn Hugenberg, threw himself into campainging for the left. At the same time, he remained a staunch opponent of Thalmann's communists, deriding them as "Red-painted Nazis".

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels, on the Presidential Election

We face a dire moment.

On one hand, the Nazis. Agitators, anti-Semites, madmen who seek to plunge us into another war and destroy our Republic. On the other, the Communists. Other than their opposite politics and inherent Stalinism, they are the same as Hitler's Nazis.

Neither Hitler nor Thalmann can be allowed to become President.

With no alternative, the SPD supports the re-election of President Hindenburg to stop Hitler and Thalmann.

[GoTfan]

The SPDwill fontinue its support of Hindenburg. The Nazis and Communists must not be allowed to take power.

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels

March 15-25: Wels campaigned for Hindenburg in heavily SDP areas, attempting to counter Thalmann. He blasted the KPD as 'Red-painted nazis who'll sell us to Moscow and Stalin at the first chance.' He also notably went after Hitler's Nazis, declaring them to be the single greatest threat to Germany today. In quit, he also worked on the left of the SPD, pointing out that Hindenburg was the best of three bad options; at least they could be assured they wouldn't be hunted down and imprisoned

March 26-April 3: These days were seen to internal politics as well as those of the Reichstag. He formally appointed Kurt Schumacher, a champion of the party's left wing, as his Deputy Leader and Spokesman on Finance.

April 4: In response to Thalmann's appeal to Social Democrats, Wels slammed the KPD leader as a Stalinist and authoritarian:

What is the only difference between the Communists and the Nazis? They paint themselves different colours. They all believe in suppressing dissent. They all believe in destroying our country to suit their own form of egomania. They all believe that they and they alone have the only solutions to the Depression, and all others are traitors to be hunted down.

If we are to even have a chance of the future, we must stand against the ideas of radicals and egomaniacs.

April 5-10: Wels campaigned in SPD strongholds, attempting to drive up support for Hindenburg in those areas.

[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.

[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!)

[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!"

[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."

[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."

(I gave the speech at a private reception)

(The DNVP presented its plan for recovery early on)

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels adresses a Kundgebung für die Republik (Rally for the Republic)

[credit: Pinterest]
"What is patriotism?

It is pride in one's nation. And we can draw pride from our nation! The forces against democracy seek to destroy our republic and remake it in their image. They seek to trample on the right of the people to elect their leaders, their representatives.

I speak of course, of this oath of loyalty that has been proposed, and this insidious proposal that the Reichstag be suspended in favour of rule by decree. This is the most dangerous idea that has been proposed yet.

This oath of loyalty cannot be sworn to one man. It cannot be sworn to one party. When we supported the re-election of the President, it was done with the understanding that he trusted the German people to make their own decisions. No man is bigger than the republic!

This plan to suspend the Reichstag and rule by decree is not something that will not be allowed to pass. We have resolved to protect anyone caught in the crossfire between the forces of extremism, and to defend the democratic rights of the people. We will do what we must in order to ensure the survival of democracy in this country.

Wir stehen als eins! Für die Republik!

[GoTfan]

Wels speaks to the Reichstag SPD caucus

"Brothers and sisters, hear me now.

There are many divisions within our party right now. The result of the vote of no confidence has outraged many of you, and that is understandable.

I will ask however, that you look beyond the boundaries of our party. Our republic is in grave danger. Our task now is to act as a check on the power of this government. We cannot do that if we are not united.  We must now rally to the defence of our nation, of the constitution, of the republic.

A house divided against itself cannot stand. We must stand up for the Republic.

Wir stelehn als eins. Für die Republik."

[GoTfan]

With the situatin deteriorating, Wels hereby instructs the Reichsbanner to remain clear of gunfights between the communists and the right wing, focused instead of protecting civilians and providing for them.

[GoTfan]

Wels speaks on the Autobahn Act

"The SPD has long stood for the German worker. As opposed to the Communists, who seek to overthrow the government by armed rebellion, and the Nazis, who work with industrialists to subvert the rights of our workers, the SPD has achieved many rights for the people: The eight hour workday, public housing, disability, health and unemployment benefits, and universal right to vote.

We cannot deny that the economic crash has destroyed our temporary recovery in the 1920s.

However, the Autobahn Act, originated by our party, will form the crux of our permanent recovery. Our infrastructure will be repaired and modernised, and work relief will be provided for those seeking employment. The highways that connect our cities will also lead to an increase in internal commerce, as it becomes easier to transport goods within our nation.

Who do you stand with? The Communists, who at this moment, are seeking to launch a rebellion in Kiel? The Nazis, who feign support for the common man while dealing with industrialists behind their back? Or the Social Democrats, who have accomplished much for the worker?

Wir stelhen als eins! Fur die Republik!"

[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.

[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."

[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."

[GoTfan]

Wels speaks on the Autobahn Act

"The SPD introduced the Autobahn Act in order to provide work relief for our nation's unemployed and to improve our national infrastructure. This will provide thousands of good-paying jobs for people who need them, and the infrastructure created with it makes it easier to transport goods through the nation, thus enabling a revival of internal commerce.

It is of no discussion within our party. We introduced the bill, and we will support it."

[GoTfan]

Wels adresses supporters. Speech entitled: "On the Associates of Herr Hitler"

"Herr Hitler presents himself as the saviour of the German people, yet he makes a curious selection in associates to do so. It is these associates of which I speak of today.

Hermann Goering. Once a gifted pilot, one must grant that. Since 1923 however, he has been admitted twice to hospital for morphine addiction, and, I believe, only shares Herr Hitler's beliefs as long as they can restore his standing with the German populace. Can we trust a man like that with important ministerial positions? I do not believe we can.

Ernst Rohm. Apart from his morbid obesity, I believe we all know of his preference for the company of men.  Man of Rohm's statture, both physical and moral, cannot be allowed anywhere near the halls of power.

Joseph Goebbels. No man has proven so adept at appealing tothe base instincts of man. But he is naught more than a clubfooted demagogue. Tell me, Herr Goebbels, are you a part of the master race Herr Hitler wrote about in Mein Kampf?

Heinrich Himmler. This is a man who wanted desperately to serve in the army, and the desire to serve is an admirable one, yet instead of enlisting in the Reichswehr, he decided to create his own private army, so he could play at being general without attempting to climb the ranks on his own merit. I invite you to draw your own conclusions there.

Reinhard Heydrich. This is a man who was a promising Kriegsmarine cadet, but could not comtrol his base desires, engaged to two different women at the same time. He is little more than a rejected philanderer.

These are the men who would call themselves saviours. These are the men who say they are the only ones who can save Germany. Do you believe them?"

[GoTfan]

The Social Democratic Party launches its 1933 campaign: Wir Stelhen Als Eins! Fur Diea Republik!

The SPD officially launches its campaign for 1933, releasing a national manifesto developed around a plan for national recovery:

Economic Reforms:

-Creation of a Public Investment Corporation to oversee infrastructure projects
-Nationalisation of companies and banks that are beyond saving by conventional means
-A Banking Act, to prevent a run on banks that will further destroy the economy.
-Expanded government insurance for small businesses
-Reduced taxes for working and middle classes; raised taxes on upper class and corporations
-Liberalisation of trade laws to facilitate overseas commerce

Work Relief

-Modernisation and expansion of railways, dockyards and airports
-A Comprehensive Electrification Act, to provide power to farms and rural areas

Farm Relief

-A Farm Insurance Act, to ensure than farms are covered in the event of unforseen events
-Defence of small farms over large-scale industrial farms
-A Farm Support Act, to ensure farm stability and an increase in prices.

Social and Political Reforms:

-A Universal Vote Act, to ensure all Germans can vote
-A Religious Freedom Act, to make law the idea that people are free to worship who they like
-A Republic Act, to affirm that the democratic republic is our government, and any misguided idea to change it is prevented
-A National Food Act, to ensure that all people can eat, and that the government will purchase solely from small farmers

[GoTfan]

Otto Wels in Potsdam

"This is the hour of crisis for our young republic.

We face down demagogues of all all stripes this election. The Stalinism of the KPD, the ancient monarchism of the Chancellor, and the incredible danger represented by the Nazis.

Herr Hitler himself has threatened my life. If one needed any further confirmation that the Nazis are nothing more than a gang of thugs, one of whom recently attemptedthe assassination of their own party member, Otto Strasser. These arenot men of honour, these are men of thuggery, who seek to trample dissent.

But this must be said regardless: each of our opponents seeks the destruction of the Republic in their own way. The Social Democratic Party, at this historic time, omce again pledges itself to freedom and democracy, in the name of the constitutional republic. We are the only party pledged to the preservation of this republic.

This will be our greatest. You have a decision between reactionary, anti-democratic forces of all stripes, who seek to stifle dissent, ban opposition, and in the case of the Chancellor, take credit for our ideas.

We stand for our republic. We stand for democracy. We stand for the Constitution.

Wir stelehn als eins! Für die Republik!"

[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!

[GoTfan]

Wels on the campaign trail

August 12-19: Wels officially launched the SPD campaign in Berlin, releasing the SPD manifesto for all to see. The emphasis was on economic recovery, though he directly referenced the assassination attempt, decrying the political violence and labelling the Nazis as thugs and brutes, unsuited to political office and more of a street gang than leaders of a nation. The primary campaign vehicle would be the "Rallies for the Republic", organised nationwide.

August 20-September 1: Wels embarked on a whistle-stop tour across the nation from Berlin to Dusseldorf, making hay out of the assassination attempts on the way. Another attack was made, this time on the government, so disjointed that the Foreign and Interior Ministers fight with each other and a Chancellor incapable of exercising discipline over his cabinet.

In addition, He also took the time to meet with various women's groups, in an attempt to court the women's vote. To this end, he pointed to the fact that universal suffrage and relatively liberal social laws had stemmed from the SPD. As well as this, Wels also pointed to the other SPD achievements: unemployment insurance, and eight hour work day, and a 48-hour work week, all attained after the SPD proclaimed the republic.

The point of listing the achievements? To highlight tht the SPD, with its united front and ability to introduce reforms, is the natural party of government.

September 2-5: Wels sspent these days strategising with campaign leaders, with the focus being squarely on the SPD representing the last hope for the democratic republic. Again, major efforts are being focused on winning over the female vote, which has the potential to be a powerful voting bloc for the SPD.

September 6-10: Wels chartered several flights to areas that may be susceptible to SPD efforts, and as such, stopped in Aachen, Kassel, Darmstadt and Stuttgart, accompanied by high-ranking SPD local leaders at all major rallies. Fire was focused squarely on the Nazis by the SPD local leaders, who decried them as thugs; cruel, brutish, and ineffective at the business of leading. Wels himself focused his attention on the disjointed, disuntied government, with a chancellor unable to enforce discipline within his own cabinet.

September 11: Wels headed to Magedburg, where he held a massive rally with thousands of supporters. Much like a few weeks ago, protraits of the republic's founders and copies of Germania were held aloft, as Wels declared his intention to fight tooth and nail for the common citizen, man or woman, Jew or gentile, and workers of all stripes.

September 12: Election day. Wels made one final radio address from the party headquarters in Berlin, announcing that on this day, the German people must resist the call of radicalism and embrace the natural party of governance: the Social Democrats. Once again, he trained attacks on the Nazis, Communists and government, before concluding with his familiar sign-off: Wir stelehn als eins! Fur die Republik!

[GoTfan]

Wels' final radio address on election day:

"My fellow Germans,

Over the last few weeks, you have heard calls from all political leaders in this country. They have all attempted to make their case to you. on this, the day of the election, I make you this vow:

Under our leadership, the Republic will survive.

I understand many have the desire to replace the Repbulic. Too seek its abolition in favour of a stronger central authority. I ask you, what is to stop such an authority from suspending the consitution? What is to pevent it from clamping dwn on civil liberties? Your right to vote? Your right to freedom of speech? Or freedom of the press?

Some may call us Social Democrats naive idealists, but I will not apologise for being an idealist. Our goal must be simple: we must establish a progrerssive Republic, where all are welcome regardless of sex, religion or race. These are the ideals of the men who created our Republic. This year, we face its darkest hour, but I swear, the Social Democrats will never abandon the fight for our Republic.

We believe that all men and women have the right to vote. We believe that all people should be able to pursue their own happiness. We believe that all Germans deserve a country free of poverty, hunger and crime. We belive in a progressive Republic that will restore our honour on the world stage.

Ernst Thalmann, what does he believe? That we should be subordinate to Moscow and implement Stalinist rule here. Millions of Russian workers have died in the execution of Stalin's plans in Russia. Millions more have been massacred as political enemies. This is the future that Her Thalmann says he will fight for.

Adolf Hitler, what does he believe? He believes much the same things as the communists, ironically because he despises them. He belives that Jews should be massacred or sent to work camps. He believes in starting a war that we cannot hope to win. he belives in having men attack his political opponents. The attempt on my life was either authorised by him and he is now attempting to deny it, or he cannot control his own street thugs. This is not a man who should be allowed near power.

Chancellor Von Papen, what does he belive? HE believes in the restoration of a monarchy that will seek to trample over the rights that the republic has given you. A man who cannot control his own cabinet, and attempts to take credit for ideas that were proposed by us Social Democrats.

These are the men who present themselves as Germany's saviours. I ask that you do not listen to their siren somg.

Vote for the party of reform. Vote for the party who fights for progressive causes. Vote for the party that will protect our Republic. Vote for the Social Democrats.

Wir stelehn als eins! Fur die Republik!"

[GoTfan]

Wels addresses striking workers in Berlin

"The struggle against the forces of fascism, of Nazism, of Hitlerism, is the greatest of our time.

The Chancellor and his government are now dependent on those forces to stay in power. Indeed, the Chancellor has offered to reinstate Herr Mahraun as Foreign Minister in return for our support! Or so he says, for it was Herr Mahraun himself who approached us with this!

This only proves the cowardice of the Chancellor! A man who cannot even look us in the eye as he tramples over our workers! A man who is little more than the puppet of his Vice-Chancellor! So I say this to you know, Herr Kanzler, you shall not press down upon the brow of the worker this crown of thorns! You shall not crucify the republic upon a cross of tyranny!

I also have a message for Herr Mahraun: you must now decide, my friend. Do you stand with the republic? Or will you assist in its destruction?

The lord above knows we have our disagreements with the KPD, but we stand together in the face of this government. There are indeed times when sworn enemies must stand as one when faced with a common foe.

We must lose no more time! We must have only one goal! Only one objective: to crush fascism until it is completely wiped out!

Wir stelehn als eins! Fur die Republik!