People already mentioned, once france loss WW1 and is unable to get Eltass-Lothringen and rhineland resource they might get forced out their great power status, why we don't make the opposite? france just become a minor actor is start to crumble as their colonies rebel one by one
The German Century
- Thread starter Joriz Castillo
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The Domino Effect Part 5: Saladin's Revenge
Saladin's Revenge
With all fronts in Europe having been won, the Central Powers begin transporting divisions to Anatolia along the halfway-built Berlin-Baghdad railway. Austria-Hungary sent a unit composed entirely of Bosnian Muslims, Bulgaria sent an entire volunteer brigade and Germany sent its most battle-hardened divisions to the aid of the Ottomans.
Since 1914, the Sick Man of Europe was being battered by both the Russians and the British. Having nearly taken the Suez Canal, the Ottomans lost ground in Palestine and Mesopotamia. This became acute with the loss of Jerusalem, Baghdad, and Damascus. Not to mention, Lawrence of Arabia was wreaking havoc with an Arab revolt behind their lines. The Sublime Porte knew that if the British reached the edges of Anatolia, the empire was finished. To help keep the Turks in the fight, the Germans set up the ‘Asien Korps’ under Liman von Sanders. Their job was to train, support, and advise the main Ottoman armies in the field.
Ottoman troops mobilizing for an upcoming offensive, December 1918
The first reinforcements arrived at Aleppo station in late November, with more coming later. Initially, their orders were to hold their positions if the British attack which only resulted in a few minor skirmishes. As more and more arrived, von Sanders began making preparations for an offensive across Syria.
For the British, they lacked the men and equipment to advance any further all the while their enemy was growing in strength. The high command redeployed them to France where the Germans launched their grand offensive. Now those forces are stuck in Britain in case of an invasion, which would never come.
This proved to be a huge boon for the Ottomans as they took this time to recover and reorganize their forces with German help. The Germans introduced the Turks to the stormtrooper tactics that had won them victories on every single front. They were even provided tanks for this operation.
***
On January 2nd, 1919, the Central Powers launch ‘Operation Saladin’. The Ottomans swiftly advance down on Syria, taking back Damascus and Beirut. In Mesopotamia, the Turks go on the offensive and retake Kirkuk. All across the two fronts, the British struggle to hold their ground. But without the men and equipment, they were left with no choice but to retreat.
In Palestine, Allenby’s forces were rapidly losing to the advancing Turks who were using the same tactics the Germans had used in Europe. While T.E Lawrence tried his best to delay and harass them, it was no use as the Ottomans had tanks and planes that could mow down the Arab tribesmen.
Austro-Hungarian troops marching into recently recaptured Jerusalem, January 1919
The same could be said in Mesopotamia when they lost Baghdad to the advancing Ottomans. The city was captured with the help of the Germans where they breached the defenses. Things were becoming bleak for London.
By the beginning of February, all of Palestine and Mesopotamia were retaken. The British by now was being holed up in Kuwait and were retreating through the Sinai desert. Having done this before, the Central Powers march across the harsh desert until they were in sight of the most important waterway in the world.
With the enemy at the canal, the British geared for one last battle. If they managed to cross it, the war is over. For the first few days, the Ottomans did nothing. But one evening, the Germans, Turks, and Austrians crossed the canal under the cover of darkness. While the British were enjoying the night, the combined force attacked. Soon after, a pontoon bridge was built for transporting men and horses across the water. By the time the Sun rose over Egypt, the Ottomans were well on the other side.
An Ottoman pontoon bridge built across the canal
In London, the government was under huge pressure from parliament and the public. Fearing a no-vote like in Italy, Lloyd George had no choice but to seek an armistice. On March 1st, Britain asked for an armistice with the Dominions following soon after.
The ‘War to end all wars’ had finally come to an end.
Monitor
Donor
Well, now comes the peace. That will be the important part, honestly... Let’s see how that is handled
Indeed some commanders will be surely end to martial trial. Not way that battalions of enemies just cross canal midst of night without anyone noticing.
Given that the Palestine front was less a military disaster and more political failures to send enough men and equipment, I wouldn't be surprised if T.E. Lawrence ends up as one of the revenchist politicians that crops up in the UK after the war. If anything, it would be unique
And if those trials target some scapegoats rather than those who were actually asleep at the wheel, because the true culprits have friends in high places, then the truth inevtiably leaks out via word of mouth over the next years.........
I was hoping for one last battle and a surrender by the remaining defeated British forces . A night crossing pretty anticlimactic but I guess the local British commander were think it pointless to keep fighting by then.
Lawrence beeing a extremist Political in post war Britain may be interesting to watch but for me the Central powers side is more interesting How they change after winning this war what Land they take at the Peace table Germany using France as its Punching back for the next generation and so on.
A Place in the Sun
A Place in the Sun
It was over. The carnage was finally over.
The German Empire and its allies had come out on top against some of the most powerful nations in the world. Despite having large empires behind their back, the British and French were beaten into seeking negotiations while their Russian ally collapsed into civil war. It was clear to everyone that size doesn’t matter.
Across Germany, people celebrated their victory with fireworks and ticker tape. Military parades were conducted and the marching bands played iconic songs. At the royal palace, the Kaiser and his family waived in front of a gigantic crowd. All across the frontlines, Germans, Austro-Hungarians, Swedes, Bulgarians, and Turks celebrated with joy with the end of the fighting and dying. Everyone was just lucky they were alive.
German soldiers parading in Berlin, 1919
In the other victorious nations of the Central Powers, the same story was repeating. For the Ottomans, they no longer felt they were the sick man any longer. For the Swedes, their country had come out of its neutrality bubble and took revenge against its old enemy. For the Bulgarians, their country had achieved national glory and were confident they would regain its lost territories from the Balkan wars. Finally, for Austria, victory had strengthened the unity of the various ethnic groups under the Hapsburg crown.
With victory finally realized, the German government decides that the peace negotiations should take place in Berlin with Central Powers dictating terms. To make sure this succeeds, the Germans decide to make separate peace treaties with each Allied nation.
As Wilhelm looked on to the fireworks lighting up the dark sky, he knew that his father would've been proud of him.
***
Munich, Bavaria
With the war over, Adolf Hitler now thought of what he should do next. Should he continue his architectural job? Perhaps follow his interest in politics? Only in the beer halls was where he could find his future. When he went there, he drank and chilled. For now, he must continue his life just as before. But he and many veterans would soon find out that was easier said and done.
The only thing he needed to do right now was to find a job.
So now how bad wil the Work situation get in Germany? I mean the Army and Navy are stil there as is the pretty large Millitary Industrial Complex to support it. That allone is gigantic number of Jobs that ittl still exist. Getting reparations from the loser Nations will help and Germany should concentrate on Rebuilding and expanding its Road and Railway infrastructure giving them again more jobs, The Merchant Marine is now again able to drive anwhere on Earth that are also a few extra Jobs for Germans. Is the German Navy still expanding?
BlackDragon98
Banned
Will Hitler get married ITTL?
I can just picture an army of little Adolfs all saying "Nein" in unison.
A truly terrifying sight indeed.
I can just picture an army of little Adolfs all saying "Nein" in unison.
A truly terrifying sight indeed.
Man the victory parties are going to be epic. I hope Germany takes another bite of France and puts some limits on the British military.
Can't have them rearm for the next round too fast.
Can't have them rearm for the next round too fast.
The British Empire is going to be in some trouble for sure after their loss in WW1. I could see rebellions sprouting up in India and Egypt with nationalists taking advantage of Britain's weakness. This could also lead to potential fascists taking over London to help keep "control" of their empire.
Britain won't lose more than a few colonies, while France will lose a lion's share. The Ottomans would be smart to seek only reparations as well as Kuwait, for they need to modernize what they have. Austria... they really should try and get Libya from Italy rather than Venetia.
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