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Congressman never said it would work, did he? Between the various purges and the lack of a Winter War to figure out the problems, a Soviet Barbarossa is probably as successful as the Nazi one.
My guess is that it would get bogged down in Posen and Danzig, while Warsaw is Kiev and Konigsburg is the Leningrad analogue.

They then launch a "Case Blue" against the Danube Federation and Vienna becomes Stalingrad
 
A Storm of Steel
A Storm of Steel
On the morning of May 10th, 1940, the German and Flandro-Wallonian border guards woke up to the sound of artillery shells falling all across the landscape. Before they could even get their defenses ready, French tanks stormed across the border followed by infantry. In Berlin, there was panic in the government as the inevitable has happened. A war between France and Germany has begun for the 3rd time in history.

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Chancellor von Papen addresses the German people on the radio, May 1940

Across the Reich, mobilization orders were issued and all the factories began transitioning from manufacturing cars and commercial goods into tanks, guns, and planes.
Various common goods and items started to become the subject of a rationing system. In every home, families contemplated in horror at the thought of their sons going to fight and die in huge droves just as in the last war. Despite the outbreak of war upending people’s lives, they were nevertheless determined to see that it would not be their country being defeated and ruined.

The Opening Moves
Unsurprisingly, the French attacked through Flanders-Wallonia instead of Alsace-Lorraine due to the lines of bunkers straddling the border. The Germans thought that they were making a boneheaded mistake and so deployed most of their forces into Belgium. What the OHL didn’t realize was that they had unknowingly walked into their trap.

Turns out, the attack on Flanders-Wallonia was nothing but a diversion while the skirmishes on the Ludendorff Line were meant to keep whatever German divisions there in place for an expected attack. The real focus of the offensive was somewhere in the middle, the Ardennes forest. Long thought impossible for tanks to move through, the French shattered this myth by building pontoon bridges across rivers and their armor sped across the forest in just 4 days. This took the Germans by surprise as the French advanced their way towards the city of Liege.

As a result, the German army in Flanders was facing a dire threat of being cut off and encircled. To salvage the situation, General von Rundstedt pulled his forces back towards Antwerp and the Dutch border. While he was there, Von Rundstedt requested the High command to order an evacuation otherwise his army would be wiped out.

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German troops being pinned down while fighting the French in Flanders, May 1940

This unexpectedly placed pressure upon the Netherlands as Germany requested that they let their army move through the country while the British and French put pressure on them not to open their borders. The entire fate of an army now rested on Dutch neutral hands.

Oh God, Not Again
On the evening of June 1st, 1940, the British ambassador to Dublin presented the Irish foreign minister an ultimatum. Their demand was simple: Surrender the country for protection against a potential German invasion. After a few minutes of deliberation with Prime Minister Eamon de Valera, the Irish unanimously rejected their terms.

Later that same evening, British warships sailed towards the cities of Dublin, Wexford, Belfast, and Derry. It didn’t help matters for the Irish as their army wasn't in the best shape while mobilization orders were only issued by mail and not by radio. As the British troops landed ashore, the Irish government fled towards Gallway and debated whether to negotiate or just flee the country.

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British troops landing on the beaches of Ireland, June 1940

After 2 months of grueling fighting across the Emerald Isle, the Irish government had no choice but to negotiate with the British for an armistice. Despite that, several military men and politicians left the country to form a government in exile.

In the resulting Irish armistice of 1940, the British would occupy most of Ulster county and Dublin while the rest of Ireland would be left as a ‘free zone’ for a puppet government to be set up. In that same free zone, the British sponsored a local Communist to be the new Taoiseach and a Socialist to be the President, Sean Murray, and James Larkin respectively. When Murray’s government was set up, he proclaimed the Irish Socialist Republic and began implementing a socialist command economy just like the other Communist countries. He also assumed emergency powers from the parliament, thus making him a dictator in all but name.

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The new map of Ireland after the British invasion


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Flag of the Irish Socialist Republic

The Global Sideline
Across the world, several countries proclaimed their neutrality in regards to the war in Europe. In America, President Hoover wanted no part in any war that Europe’s been up to. In Canada however, King Edward saw an opportunity to join in the fight but the Canadian government didn’t have a good casus belli at the moment to justify going to war. For now, the Commonwealth would have to wait. The French were now itching for a way to start their long hoped 'Reconquest' of France but didn't have enough ships needed for such an undertaking. For the Spanish nationalists, however, there was lots of worrying that the Republican government could join in the war and attempt to land on the Moroccan protectorate. Because of this fear, Franco contacted the Germans about any possible support from a Communist invasion.

In Africa and Asia, Germany’s empire mobilized as the colonial governments began recruiting natives into military service in the fight against the Comintern. Japan refused to get into the fight after having engaged the Soviets in Khalkhin Gol, preferring to focus on their war in China while the Italians said to the Germans that their army wouldn’t be fully ready until 1943.

For now, the battlefield would only be confined to Western Europe in a titanic struggle between two old rivals. In the east, a giant beast was slowly waiting to be awakened.
 
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ferdi254

Banned
As long as the army escapes nothing has happened that can make the French win. Germany has all of its industry and population intact and still a formidable defensive line.
 
And now it is begins. Just wondering when Soviets step to the war. Probably soon when German situation is not looking so great on that point. Amazing that Britain didn't annex Ireland.
 
And now it is begins. Just wondering when Soviets step to the war. Probably soon when German situation is not looking so great on that point. Amazing that Britain didn't annex Ireland.
Annexing the whole island takes up a whole chunk of the army. Plus, they knew what it was like having to face the IRA in the 20s.
 
Vignette 9 - Messages of Hope
Messages of Hope

Chancellor von Papen knew this day would come. He hoped it wouldn't come but yet it has happened. Europe is now at war. As the Chancellor, he must now make the fateful broadcast that thrust his country into years of warfare and survival. In another room, all the government ministers sat in anticipation of the radio broadcast. Among them, Adolf Hitler walked back and forth waiting to hear the Chancellor's voice. After a few minutes, everyone fell silent as the speech began.

Declaration of War, Reich Chancellor Franz von Papen

I am speaking to you from the Reich Chancellery at Wilhelmstraße. This morning the German ambassador in Paris handed the French government a final note stating that unless we heard from them by 11 o'clock that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Flanders-Wallonia, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently, this country is at war with France and Britain.

You can imagine what a bitter blow it is to me that all my long struggle to maintain peace has failed. Yet I cannot believe that there is anything more, or anything different, that I could have done and that would have been more successful. Up to the very last, it would have been quite possible to have arranged a peaceful and honourable settlement between Germany and France. But Deat would not have it. He had evidently made up his mind to attack us whatever happened, and although he now says he put forward reasonable proposals which were rejected by the Belgians, that is not a true statement. The proposals were never shown to us, and though they were announced in the French broadcast on Thursday night, Deat did not wait to hear comments on them but ordered his troops to cross the Belgian frontier the next morning.

His action shows convincingly that there is no chance of expecting that this man will ever give up his practice of using force to gain his will. He can only be stopped by force.

We have a clear conscience. We have done all that any country could do to establish peace. But the situation in which no word given by France's ruler could be trusted, and no people or country could feel itself safe, had become intolerable. And now that we have resolved to finish it, I know that you will all play your part with calmness and courage.

767703

Hitler listens to Von Papen's speech on the radio

***

The Kaiser wasn't thrilled at his country going to war for the 2nd time, having seen his people become exhausted back in 1919. 21 years later, it was looking to be the same but he knew that this time, it was going to be a righteous war. A war to save Europe from the Red plague on both sides of the continent. With his speech prepared, Wilhelm got on to the radio

Speech by Kaiser Wilhelm III, May 1940

In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself.

For the second time in the lives of most of us, we are at war.

Over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies. But it has been in vain. We have been forced into a conflict. For we are called, with our allies, to meet the challenge of a principle which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any civilized order in the world.

It is the principle that permits a state, in the selfish pursuit of power, to disregard its treaties and its solemn pledges; which sanctions the use of force, or threat of force, against the sovereignty and independence of other states.

Such a principle, stripped of all disguise, is surely the mere primitive doctrine that "might is right"; and if this principle were established throughout the world, the freedom of our own country and of the whole of Europe would be in danger. But far more than this -- the peoples of the world would be kept in the bondage of fear, and all hopes of settled peace and of the security of justice and liberty among nations would be ended in Marxist bondage.

This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. For the sake of all that we ourselves hold dear, and of the world order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet the challenge.

It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and my subjects across the seas, who will make our cause their own. I ask them to stand calm and firm and united in this time of trial. The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God.

If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God's help, we shall prevail.

May He bless and keep us all.

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Germans listen to the radio for the Kaiser's speech


***


Although he fled his country during its darkest hour, Michael Collins vowed that the Ireland he struggled to liberate 20 years ago wouldn't die in vain. Having sailed past the British all the way to Germany, Collins met with the Irish ambassador in Berlin with plans to form an organization solely to take back the island from the British. But before any of that could happen, he must first make a radio broadcast through Deutscher Rundfunk (DRF).

The Appeal of 18 August, Michael Collins

"The Irish Government, after requesting the armistice, has now full knowledge of the conditions dictated by the enemy.

As a result, the Irish Army, Naval, and Air Forces would be completely discharged, our weapons laid down, the Ulster territory occupied and the Irish Government under the control of Britain entirely.

One can say that this armistice would not only result in capitulation but also in slavery.

However, a large number of Irish people do not accept the capitulation or the enslavement for reasons that are called honor, common sense, and the higher interest of the Nation.

I am talking about honor! Indeed, Ireland is committed to not laying down its weapons unless its allies agree to do so. As long as its allies continue fighting, our government does not have the right to capitulate. The Portuguese Government, the French Government, the Belgian Government, the Dutch Government as well as the Government of the United Kingdom, although evicted from their own countries, have understood their duty.

I am appealing to your common sense! It is absurd to consider the fight as over. Yes, we have been heavily defeated. A bad military system, the mistakes made in conducting the operations, the government's spirit of abandonment have all made us lose the Battle of Ireland. But we still have a large diaspora, an intact fleet, a lot of gold. We still have allies with immense resources who dominate the oceans. We still have the gigantic potential of the American industry. The same war conditions which led to our defeat by 5,000 aircraft and 6,000 tanks can, tomorrow, lead to victory with 20,000 tanks and 20,000 aircraft.

I am talking about the higher interest of our Nation! Because this war is not a war between Ireland and Britain that can be decided by a battle. It is a world war. Nobody can predict if the countries that have taken a neutral stand, will do so tomorrow, nor can one predict if the Comintern’s allies will remain forever its allies. If the forces of freedom finally prevail over those of slavery, what would be the fate of an Ireland which submitted to the enemy?

Honor, common sense, and the superior interest of the Nation command all the free Irishmen to continue fighting wherever they are and however they can.

I, Michael Collins, am starting this national task here in Germany.

I invite all Irish soldiers of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, I invite the engineers and workers specialized in armament that are on German soil or could go there, to join me.

I invite the leaders, the soldiers, the sailors, the pilots of the Irish Army, Navy, and Air Force, wherever they may be, to get in touch with me.

I invite all the Irishmen who want to remain free to listen to me and to follow me.

God save the Irish people & God save Ireland!
 
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Michael Collins becoming the ITTL version of Charles De Gaulle is kinda cool, to be honest.

Since the Commies don't have access to Africa, seeing Askaris fighting in Europe against the French or Russians would be surreal.
 
The French could be looking for breathing room here. Beat the Germans back, go on the defensive, and use the time to invade Northern Italy

How? The Alpine border make a direct assault to the OTL Maginot line armed only with a swiss knife look like a more reasonable option and i don't take even in consideration the fortification
 
How? The Alpine border make a direct assault to the OTL Maginot line armed only with a swiss knife look like a more reasonable option and i don't take even in consideration the fortification
A Swiss Army Knife? The Maginot line? MacGyver could do it, no question 🥳
 
How? The Alpine border make a direct assault to the OTL Maginot line armed only with a swiss knife look like a more reasonable option and i don't take even in consideration the fortification
A Swiss Army Knife? The Maginot line? MacGyver could do it, no question 🥳
It's specifically stated that the Italian army isn't ready
while the Italians said to the Germans that their army wouldn’t be fully ready until 1943.​

A quick paratrooper drop, naval assault on Genoa, and quick armored blitz would be just bold enough to work while the Italians are unprepared
 
It's specifically stated that the Italian army isn't ready


A quick paratrooper drop, naval assault on Genoa, and quick armored blitz would be just bold enough to work while the Italians are unprepared

To launch an offensive, a defensive war on an extremely favorable terrain is another thing.

Armor in the Alpine border is not only useless but even an hindrance and before landing in Genoa there is the Italian fleet to take in consideration as La Spezia is one of their main base and so the French Navy will be forced to fight the Italian one on her hometurf and near their coastal defence and air support, not the optimal situation.
You can drop the paratrooper sure but unless you can relieve them quick they will not last long and an attack in that zone will not be quick, the italian brass know it and the also the French one
 

Pangur

Donor
Michael Collins becoming the ITTL version of Charles De Gaulle is kinda cool, to be honest.

Since the Commies don't have access to Africa, seeing Askaris fighting in Europe against the French or Russians would be surreal.
And from I have read and heard about Collins its quite likely that under those circumstances he would have do just that
 
After 2 months of grueling fighting across the Emerald Isle, the Irish government had no choice but to negotiate with the British for an armistice. Despite that, several military men and politicians left the country to form a government in exile.

My ancestors would take that as an excuse to go on a piracy spree against the UK. (I have ancestors that were successful privateers against the British in the American Revolution and the War of 1812; both were driven out of Ireland for causing trouble to the Crown)
 
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