Es Geloybte Aretz - a Germanwank

[Obfuscated]

Originally Posted by Jotun

Which side is going to discover first that plumed helmets and lots of "hardware" on shoulders and chest are not something you wear in times of war lest you make yourself a target?

The more "bling" on an officer, the bigger the bulls-eye, after all Just one or two "francs-tireurs" (for lack of a better term) in the vicinity of the celebration could thin out the higher leadership of the Russian army dramatically. I am hoping for something like that to spoil the celebration. 'Tis a bit premature.

Nah.

I'm betting that naturally, with all the brass assembled in one place and getting thouroughly plastered, the german army is finally starting a counter offensive.

[Jotun]

Originally Posted by Obfuscated

Nah.

I'm betting that naturally, with all the brass assembled in one place and getting thouroughly plastered, the german army is finally starting a counter offensive.

That would work for me, too.

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by Obfuscated

Nah.

I'm betting that naturally, with all the brass assembled in one place and getting thouroughly plastered, the german army is finally starting a counter offensive.

Not yet. Mackensen's move against the Army of the Narev has saved East Prussia, but it has also bolloxed up German supply lines in the Danzig corridor. As of right now, General von Bülow has enough troops in or near Königsberg to be confident of holding it. That's about it.

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by Jotun

Which side is going to discover first that plumed helmets and lots of "hardware" on shoulders and chest are not something you wear in times of war lest you make yourself a target?

Both sides know, but when Mikhail himself comes to town, you need to break out the bling. Unless you're an unlucky guy like Shtayger serving in an unfashionable arm. Then you just get to stand around and watch cuirassiers and horse artillery get all the girls.

[carlton_bach]

26 June 1906, Berlin

The strains of the Dessauer Marsch were drifting through the windows in the distance. That, too, had been a clever compromise. It was not owned by any of the regiments involved, but since it was the emperor's favourite – Ernst Ludwig despaired of his musical taste – it was acceptable to all without loss of face. Wilhelm had ordered the marching bands to stay in front of the Reichstag entertaining the spectators while the troops that had accompanied him rested in squads and platoons, supplied with rations of bread and sausage and – generously, if highly irregularly – with other things by the people of Berlin. Housewives and publicans from all along their route seemed to have taken it as a challenge to demonstrate their loyalty and joy by feeding the troops. police were largely conspicuous by their absence, and the relatively few men of the guards corps stayed well away from the building. A careful observer could have spotted a certain pattern emerging, with the guards getting their food more from the servant girls of the better-off while housewives and factory girls from as far as Wedding came to bring sausages, beer and cakes to the regulars.

Inside, on the gallery, people thronged to see the gaunt, slightly stooped figure standing at the lectern in front of the president's desk. Count von Ballestrem had taken his place to the right of the emperor, standing, as had the heads of the party factions. To his left stood Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, together with the Grand Duke of Baden and, visibly hastily dressed, Chancellor von Gerlach. Expectant silence rippled out through the audience of representatives, stenographers and spectators.

“Gentlemen,” Wilhelm began, his voice noticeably weakened, but strong enough to carry. “I have come to speak to you today, in this dark hour, as I would to my entire people, whose representatives you are. I must apologise for being brief, as my strength still is not entirely recovered. But speak to you I must. My silence and long absence through the days of my recovery have caused many worries, and today, I wish to lay these, at least, to rest. I am restored, and the exigencies of the situation demand that I place my comfort below the duty I owe the fatherland, just as every German today is asked to do.“

He paused, sipping from a glass of water placed within easy reach. Ernst Ludwig gently touched his shoulder, whispering to slow down. “They can hear you fine, but they can't follow if you talk too quickly.”

“These,” the emperor continued, “are dark times. Amid peace and tranquility, a ruthless enemy has assaulted us. Hoping to find us weak, and gambling on our confusion, he thrust the treacherous dagger into our back. But he has already failed, gentlemen. I know that the enemy's design has failed as I see you here, as I see my people in the streets and my army on the march. He has failed though he may not yet know it, because he has not reckoned with the sagacity, the courage and the discipine of the German people, and however long and hard the struggle to come may yet be, I know we will not be found wanting in those qualities.”

Deafening cheers erupted through the hall. The emperor wiped his brow and swallowed. Raising his voice enough was visibly straining him. After the noise had died down, he was able to go on.

“We did not seek this war. Heaven is our witness that we neither wished to fight it nor hope to profit from it. Our intentions towards our neighbours are peaceful, and they continue to be so even as our own goodwill is so poorly answered. But in equal measure let the world know: He who attacks us shall perish. As Germany takes to the field, the Czar of Russia must already be troubled by the knowledge that though we were not the first to take up the sword, we shall not be the first to lay it down. In this cause I call on each and every one of you, every German man, to lay aside our differences and come together in patriotic resolve. Today, we are brothers in arms under the same flag. Let there be no faction or divide among us, no disagreement that cannot be resolved as brothers may, in amity and understanding. And let our friends and our enemies know that Germany shall prevail.”

The cheering seemed to take forever now. Ernst Ludwig guided Wilhelm to the president's seat, and while the Reichstag delegates, led by a DKP man with a particularly fine baritone, began singing the national anthem, the emperor collapsed into the chair.

“Nice speech.”, he whispered. “Thanks for helping me with it.”

[carlton_bach]

26 June 1906, near Tarnopol

“Company, Attention!”

The ragged ranks jerked to a semblance of alertness. Feet in felt boots, rags and torn, ragged shoes shuffled into what their owners thought was a parallel line. Hats wobbled perilously. A rifle crashed to the cobblestones, quickly picked up by an apologetically smiling man. Sergeant Moses Zorn groaned. “Oy, gevalt.”

“All right, you schmucks!”, he shouted, reverting to the command voice he had acquired before passing into the reserves and, he found to his satisfaction, never entirely lost in his year of teaching primary school. “You think you're big because we gave you guns. Well, think again! out there, the Russians also have guns. They know how to use them, too! Not like you! So, let's try this again. Company, Attention!!”

All hats stayed on this time. Nobody dropped his rifle. You had to consider it a victory of sorts, but it was going to be a long day. Zorn wondered if his colleagues in the other refugee camps had it as bad as he. Of course it made sense – any Jew with an ounce of martial spirit had long ago been recruited by the National Army across the border. What he had left to work with – yeshivah bokhers, tailors, klezmorim and pedlars – would maybe make soldiers in time. He had always been surprised how well recruits had turned out when he was in the regular army. But it would take a lot more time than he had. And with an allocation of twenty bullets per man, not much shooting practice was possible, either. He had thought twenty bullets a day for training purposes a bit stingy, and said so to the superannuated lieutenant who ran the improvised landwehr in the refugee camp. The idea that he had actually meant twenty bullets per man, total, ever, still had not completely registered. They would have to hope some friendly regular army units would give them some of theirs.

“To the left, Turn!” Again, nobody confused left and right. Nobody did an about-face. No rifles dropped, though a bayonet clattered to the cobbles. Better – not good, but better. You had to take what you got. Anything was better than nothing when the cossacks came.

[mikegold]

Originally Posted by carlton_bach

26 June 1906, near Tarnopol

Tarnopol! In Hapsburg Galicia, right? This is VERY interesting. An empowered Jewish minority may actually be one of the biggest advocates of maintaining a federalized Hapsburg empire.

[Athelstane]

Originally Posted by mikegold

Tarnopol! In Hapsburg Galicia, right? This is VERY interesting. An empowered Jewish minority may actually be one of the biggest advocates of maintaining a federalized Hapsburg empire.

Tarnopol was just about 10km inside the Austrian border. Big Jewish population in those days.

I find this development entirely believable, if the Austrians are at all willing to take advantage.

[mikegold]

Originally Posted by Athelstane

Tarnopol was just about 10km inside the Austrian border. Big Jewish population in those days.

I find this development entirely believable, if the Austrians are at all willing to take advantage.

Oh, I have no doubt that the local Jews prefer Austrian rule to Cossack devastation, and there is a lot of advantage to be had for the Empire, and not only the temporary military advantage. Unlike local Poles or, depending on how the war develops, Ukrainians and Rusyns, the Jews will strongly prefer the Austrians, a multiethnic empire without strong preference for linguistic or cultural conformity, to an independent and nationalist (and very Catholic) state. If their brethren in Congress Poland are willing to fight for a national state, then certainly the local Galizianers will fight for a pluralistic empire with a pretty strong recent track-record on Jewish rights.

It's just interesting to see the Austrians take advantage of the situation. I reiterate - this is a self-reinforcing good for the Empire and the Jews, bad for the Russians, and bad in the medium term for Polish and Ukrainian claims on Galicia and Lodomeria. It's also good for pluralism in Eastern Europe generally. Starting to wonder about that Geloybte Aretz thing... rather than a world where Ashkenazi Jews have a strong preference for self-determination, you're creating a world where Jews have a strong stake in the nation-states of Eastern Europe. Maybe the Geloybte Aretz, depending on who is speaking, is Germany, Poland, Austria, etc. - not some sort of Ashkenazic homeland, as I first assumed.

I wonder what you have planned for Romania and Bessarabia? Both have very large (something like a million total) and relatively educated and prosperous Jewish communities. They may form something of a "hawk" lobby to bring Bucharest into the war, and a very supportive population once Romanian forces cross the Prut.

Edit: "In 1924, there were 796,056 Jews in enlarged Romania (5% of the total population): 230,000 in the Old Kingdom, 238,000 in Bessarabia, 128,056 in Bukovina, and 200,000 in Transylvania.... The Jewish population of Old Romania was for the most part an urban one. According to the 1899 census, 79.73% of the Jews lived in cities, forming 32.10% of the whole urban population of the country." In other words, enough to matter. Source: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/...w/romania.html

[Athelstane]

...and bad in the medium term for Polish and Ukrainian claims on Galicia and Lodomeria.

Assuming there will *be* a Ukraine to claim it. It's not improbable, of course, if things go as badly for the Russians as I think they will. But even then, the question is whether ethnicity will trump religion, since most Ukrainians in Galicia were Greek Catholic, not Orthodox (who formed a majority only in Bukovina).

I've always had the impression that an independent Poland would exert too strong a pull on Galicia for Vienna to resist, especially if Austria were weakened by a lengthy war. It's hard to imagine an independent Poland without Krakow, for example. Of course, Vienna could always let them have only Krakow....

[Monty Burns]

Originally Posted by Athelstane

...and bad in the medium term for Polish and Ukrainian claims on Galicia and Lodomeria.

Assuming there will *be* a Ukraine to claim it. It's not improbable, of course, if things go as badly for the Russians as I think they will. But even then, the question is whether ethnicity will trump religion, since most Ukrainians in Galicia were Greek Catholic, not Orthodox (who formed a majority only in Bukovina).

I've always had the impression that an independent Poland would exert too strong a pull on Galicia for Vienna to resist, especially if Austria were weakened by a lengthy war. It's hard to imagine an independent Poland without Krakow, for example. Of course, Vienna could always let them have only Krakow....

Question is whether central Europe would evolve in any way close to OTL. This is a TL where AH will be victorious at war and seems to be more accepting toward the Jews and where Germans and Poles would be friends.

One easy solution for AH could be to give up Western Galicia to Poland and take some Russian lands instead?

[Zmflavius]

Originally Posted by Monty Burns

Question is whether central Europe would evolve in any way close to OTL. This is a TL where AH will be victorious at war and seems to be more accepting toward the Jews and where Germans and Poles would be friends.

One easy solution for AH could be to give up Western Galicia to Poland and take some Russian lands instead?

I doubt they'd want Russian lands, the last thing they need is adding more minorities to the Empire, even if they'd just turned some loose.

[Arrix85]

Originally Posted by Zmflavius

I doubt they'd want Russian lands, the last thing they need is adding more minorities to the Empire, even if they'd just turned some loose.

What about the idea of the United States of Greater Austria? It's an idea born in 1906 (so possibly butterflied), but some federalist project could take off...

[Athelstane]

Originally Posted by Arrix85

What about the idea of the United States of Greater Austria? It's an idea born in 1906 (so possibly butterflied), but some federalist project could take off...

More likely might be Polish and Ukrainian Kingdoms under Hapsburgs or at least monarchs with some relation to the House of Hapsburg Lorraine (Prince Sixtus of Bourbon-Parma comes to mind), with all of the above in a trade/customs union (and defensive alliance) led by Germany.

But I could see Krakow and some of the adjacent Galicia given over to Poland, with Austria compensated by some equivalent annexations in the Ukraine, preferably areas with higher numbers of Greek Catholics and ethnic Poles.

[Monty Burns]

Originally Posted by Zmflavius

I doubt they'd want Russian lands, the last thing they need is adding more minorities to the Empire, even if they'd just turned some loose.

They shouldn't, but I doubt that they'd see it in the same way. Many were in favour of annexing Venice IOTL, and Italians were far more problematic than Ruthenians, or rather a region of Ruthenians with large Jewish population. Even more would follow those crazy ideas if AH is victorious.

Anyway, giving up Cracow and Western Galicia without taking something else might be possible if Poland gets a Hapsburg king? Even if ITTL Germany will be much more democratic and the Kaiser actually relies on moderates and even socialists, I think that the Germans, even including SPD, will support a monarchy in whatever state will be carved out of Russia.

[carlton_bach]

26 June 1906, Berlin

General von der Goltz was used to secrecy from his long service with IIIb, but at his age he preferred not to skulk in corners. The hurried ride in an unofficial (but clearly diplomatic) carriage through the twilit streets of Berlin, the back stairs to Charlottenburg and the confusion that had reigned in the general staff all day were enough to put him off his cigars. Rumours had bveen flying since the morning, with the news of the emperor decamping for Sanssouci and commandeering, it seemed, an entire regiment for his bodyguard. General von Bock und Pollach, enquired about by telephone, was unreachable, his deputy Vietinghoff audibly panicked and his chief of staff more or less taking charge on his own account. And Schlieffen had not reported for duty. It had taken half the morning to find out he was on his way tro Sanssouci – whyever – and by the time the full picture had emerged, von der Goltz had thrown a full-size tantrum. He was about ready to personally shoot the Berlin corps commander. The gnawing guilt of not having noticed came later. Now, the valets having shownn him to an anteroom outside an office overlooking the inner courtyard, he quietly awaited his master's displeasure.

The conversation carried. Von der Goltz felt half sure it was meant to, but he could not be certain. Straining his ears, he recognised the voice of Alfred von Schlieffen, strained and subdued.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”, he said resignedly. “All I can say is that I acted in good faith.”

“I do not doubt that, General.” Wilhelm sounded tired, slightly slurred. If it was true he had spoken before the Reichstag, he must have strained himself enormously. “Believe me, I am grateful. But there is no other way. I can offer you a front command – I know your value. The Northern Front is yours if you want it. Otherwise, it will need to be retirement for health reasons.”

A shock went through the general's body. Schlieffen was being fired in the middle of a crisis. If Wilhelm was willing to go that far, what would be in store for Bock und Pollach? What for him? He straightened his back, smoothed his moustache and strained to hear again.

“I am sorry to hear this, General. Believe me, I genuinely am. But I suppose it may be for the best. Your health is precious to the country.” So, Schlieffen had opted for retirement. From the heights of the OHL to a mere front command would have been more than his pride could bear. And Alfred had looked sick, some to think of it. An adjutant opened the door. “Sir, the emperor will see you now.”, he announced.

His heart pounding, General von der Goltz stepped into the room. Seated – half reclining in ann armchair – Wilhelm awaited. His face was pale, one eye covered by a black patch, the other almost burning in its sunken, hollow socket. He was a changed man, aged a decade.

“General, welcome.”, he said. “Thank you for coming. I assume you have heard?”

“Your Majesty.” Von der Goltz was not going to presume on earlier familiarity. This was not the same man he had taken brandy and smokes with in the days of Videant Consules. “I regret that I have.”

“You disapprove?”

The general spotted two figures in the background: Duke Ernst Ludwig and Secretary von Ammersleben. What was their function? Hell, he could not go much wrong with honesty. what were they going to do, send him packing to Turkey again? “Your Majesty, General von Schlieffen was acting in as good faith as all of us on the general staff. And I do not think you will find a replacement for him easily.”

Wilhelm smiled. “You don't think Moltke is up to it?”, he asked with a hint of a challenge.

“No, Sire. He is excitable and emotional. A bright man, for sure, but not really suited to this position.”

“That is what I thought.”, the emperor stated baldly.”I am sorry to see Schlieffen go, believe me. But under the circumstances, there was no other option. I am sure you understand that consequences had to be seen to be taken.” A brief pause, the single eye focusing. “That is why I called you here.”

Von der Goltz stiffened. This was it.

“You have done an exemplary job at IIIb and in the Third Department, but you cannot stay. I hope you have trained a capable successor?”

“Yes, Sire. It was to be Falkenhayn, but now it is to be Roeder.” The general waited. He knew that Wilhelm enjoyed playing with people on occasion. This was the first time he had felt strong enough to play with his closest military advisor.

“Very good.” Wilhelm said tonelessly. “Tomorrow, you may notify him of his advancement and take up your duties as chief of the general staff.”

The general blinked and stayed silennt for a long second. Then he looked his emperor directly in the eye. “Your Majesty?”

Wilhelm shook his head. A glint of his old mischief briefly shone in his eye. “General – Colmar – you are the only man in Berlin who has the qualifications for the jobv. even if I wanted to bec rid of you, I hardly could. And honestly, I see no reason to. You acted in good faith and no blame attaches.”

“Thank you, Sire.”

“Don't thank me for dropping that job in your lap, general.”, he said. “You will have a hard time. I will trust you to so the right thing, but there is one thing I will require of you.”

Von der Goltz nodded.

“General von Bock und Pollach will keep his command. I cannot spare him, and the guards love him, whyever they do. But the Corps of Guards will deploy to Königsberg immediately. What troops are on their way there now will instead be sent to reinforce XVII Corps in the south. Let the men prove themselves. Some redemption is in order.”

The general smiled viciously. That made sense, in a cruel fashion. He relished the thought of seeing some of those guards officers getting themselves muddy. An encounter with real war could be a sobering experience. Then he checked himself. “What of his Highness, Sire?”, he asked.

“Eitel Friedrich can deploy. I am sure his brother officers will take good care to keep him safe.”

The bitter tone left unspoken words hanging in the air. “Not 2 Samuel 11?”, von der Goltz asked guardedly.

“No.”, Wilhelm said. “I guess I am my brother's keeper after all. He can't be trusted on his own, but he means well.”

[Dathi THorfinnsson]

Originally Posted by carlton_bach

26 June 1906, Berlin

Wow. More mercy than many have the right to expect.

[Faeelin]

Originally Posted by Dathi THorfinnsson

Wow. More mercy than many have the right to expect.

I don't know. They were dumb, but not evil. They didn't imprison any socialists.

[Zmflavius]

Originally Posted by Faeelin

I don't know. They were dumb, but not evil. They didn't imprison any socialists.

Bebel did mention that there was a possibility a few updates back, if the army and conservatives were suitably pissed.

And at the very least, they were certainly a nasty bunch, load of national conservatives and hard-right anti-semites.

Well, Von Bock und Pollach and his cronies at least. Schlieffen looks mostly innocent.

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by Faeelin

I don't know. They were dumb, but not evil. They didn't imprison any socialists.

Not for want of trying. But it's true, Wilhelm would have preferred to be a bit nastier. If you've just held a grand speech about unity and forgiveness and the nation coming together, it's not a good idea to end the day by punishing your political opponents.

I'm pretty sure the guards will come to see that putting von Bock und Pollach behind bars would have been preferable. Those that survive Königsberg, anyway.