A Different British Side

Anaxagoras

Banned
The PODs can be that the Von Schleefen Plan was never thought of and that France couldn't care less about invading Belgium.

That would introduce so many butterflies into the TL that there would either never have been a war or it would have started for very different reasons and at a different time.
 
Italy's in the CP in this scenario, and aims for Tunisia, Corsica, Nice & Savoy - and will probably get some of them in the peace.

Greece + Turkey also in the CP powers if Britain/Germany want them.
 
I'd see the US as being neutral. Either to the end, or the near end. At the end or nearly at the end, they pick up some French colonies in the Caribbean and Pacific.
 
I realize we're a few months deep into this TL, but one comment on fundamentals: was not Britain committed to preserving Belgian neutrality and independence? And therefore would not Britain intervene, however reluctantly, in opposition to whomever invaded Belgium?

Note that in the debates in Parliament in early August 1914 in OTL, there was considerable sentiment to stay out of the conflict, the German actions within the von Schlieffen plan notwithstanding. It looked like that might actually transpire, causing (I think) Lord Derby to comment, "…they're going to betray Belgium!" But commitment to the treaty that formed Belgium in the first place carried the day, with the BEF going to the continent.

My sense is that something similar would have happened here; i.e., a somewhat reluctant British vote to intervene against France in retribution for the violation of the Belgian independence/neutrality treaty. Thus, elimination of the von Schlieffen plan is not a prerequisite.

You want real fun? How about if both France and Germany invade Belgium simultaneously (well, essentially), each trying to steal a march on the other? Then you'd definitely have British neutrality and a war in which it would be highly unlikely the US would get involved. Ultimately you'd probably have the English-speaking powers picking up the pieces of a devastated Europe and associated colonial empires.
 
The French knew that keeping Britain onside was job number 1. So you need something other than 'the French changed their minds."
 
You want real fun? How about if both France and Germany invade Belgium simultaneously (well, essentially), each trying to steal a march on the other? Then you'd definitely have British neutrality and a war in which it would be highly unlikely the US would get involved. Ultimately you'd probably have the English-speaking powers picking up the pieces of a devastated Europe and associated colonial empires.

That is fun.

You might also get a joint nonvoluntary offer of arbitration from the US and the UK when it looks like one side is going to win big (probably Germany). Your scenario probably requires more success from Russian in the early goings than in OTL.
 
The French knew that keeping Britain onside was job number 1. So you need something other than 'the French changed their minds."

Alright, Okay. Challenge accepted.

IGNORE THE FOLLOWING - NO LONGER VALID

October 21st 1911 - King George arranges to vist France.
November 1st 1911 - George vists France. He arrives in Calais today.
November 3rd 1911 - George vists Paris today. While entering Paris, French rasicts throw eggs at the King's car, and hold a sign mocking England.
November 12th 1911 - A second attack on the King, involving destroying his car and graffiting the mansion where he is staying (with anti-English slogans) makes him furious, he leaves France.
December 13th 1911 - The King influences Parliment to lessen the UK's support of France.
January 17th 1912 - The UK leaves the Entree. The next day all of the Domininions except New Zealand leave as well.
October 14th 1913 - New Zealand leaves the Entree.

Does it sound too ASB. I mean we all have moments of over the top craziness. Im sure it could happen like this. If its too ASB, ill make another story.
 
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Alright, Okay. Challenge accepted.

October 21st 1911 - King George arranges to vist France.
November 1st 1911 - George vists France. He arrives in Calais today.
November 3rd 1911 - George vists Paris today. While entering Paris, French rasicts throw eggs at the King's car, and hold a sign mocking England.
November 12th 1911 - A second attack on the King, involving destroying his car and graffiting the mansion where he is staying (with anti-English slogans) makes him furious, he leaves France.
December 13th 1911 - The King influences Parliment to lessen the UK's support of France.
January 17th 1912 - The UK leaves the Entree. The next day all of the Domininions except New Zealand leave as well.
October 14th 1913 - New Zealand leaves the Entree.

Does it sound too ASB. I mean we all have moments of over the top craziness. Im sure it could happen like this. If its too ASB, ill make another story.

You'd be better off with an Anarchist attack but for the King's views to have any impact the actions of the protestors would have to be condoned by the French government (which they won't be).
 
I love the maps!

I've heard a number of "Britain stands aside" scenarios but this is the first serious "Britain sides with the Central Powers" that I've seen.

The POD for this timeline would have to be quite a long way before the Archduke's assassination, probably the latter half of the 19th century.

Maybe something different happens prior to the Franco-Prussian War? Alternatively, colonialism happens differently. As I understand it, WW1 was partly the result of simmering colonial tensions and conflict over far-flung resources (e.g. Mesopotamian oil fields). Maybe Britain gets more obsessed with her rivalry with Russia over central Asia?
 
Okay, how's this as an explanation:

Now towards the end of the Franco-Prussian War, IOTL Prussia and the German Confed. united. In this timeline, Prussia remains independent, but it is strongly influenced by Germany and vis versa. Effectively in the way it was before the FP War. To go with that, the province of Posen, declares independence. With most of the army’s troops in France, Prussia allows this. Poland is formed as a result in 1893. (SEE BELOW MAP) Poland is almost entirley dependant on Germany, as Prussia and Russia will not do anything to help the nation.

Meanwhile Britain is distracted with the Second Boer War in 1898 through to 1902. Germany offers Britain assistance in the war, however the Brits refuse. The British and Germans start to warm up to each other.

Because of a more friendly Germany, Britain is more afraid of France as a threat. In response the Entrée pact is formed to try and quell relations between France, The UK and Russia. However, despite France and Russia growing closer and Russia and the UK growing close, the UK still feels wary of France.
France is still quite upset over the Franco-Prussian War, and holds a grudge against Germany and Prussia. The Maginot Line is constructed early, around 1909. It is named the Franco-Defence Fortress. Britain sees this as an act of war with Germany and leaves the Entree Pact.


Then France asks Britain to rejoin the Entree Pact, while at the same time, Germany offers Britain a place in the Quad Alliance (TTL version of Triple Alliance (CP)). Britain refuses both offers. Instead Britain signs a mutual interest pact with Belgium, named the Channel Pact. Germany asks to join the Channel Pact, but Belgium refuses. Britain sends apologies to Germany.


Then in 1912, Germany seeks to buy British New Guinea. After much debate, half of the British colony will be given to Australia, half to Germany.

Explanation 1.PNG
 
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Here is a Timeline of all events so far:

7th December 1870 – Duchy of Posen gains independence from Prussia.
17th January 1871 – Most of Prussia and the German states unify to became the German Empire. Only East Prussia remains independent.
11th May 1871 – End of Franco-Prussian War.
7th October 1879 – Triple Alliance signed between Germany, Prussia and Austria Hungary.
20th May 1882 – Italy joins the Triple Alliance, creating the Quad Alliance.
3rd October 1893 – Posen is renamed The Republic of Poland. The day becomes a national holiday in Poland.
1st January 1901 – The Federation of Australia is formed.
8th April 1904 – Entree Pact signed between France and Britain. The Kingdom of Prussia, becomes a Republic.
1905 – Russo-Japanese War
12th May 1906 – Russia and Serbia join the Entree Pact.
5th May – 17th June 1909 - Franco-Defence Fortress constructed.
4th July 1909 – Britain leaves the Entree Pact.
14th July 1909 – Britain is offered a place in the Quad Alliance. It refuses two days later.
5th August 1909 – Channel Pact signed between Britain and Belgium. The main purpose of the pact is for the UK and Belgium to remain neutral in any European conflicts.
2nd February 1911 – Australia voices its desire to have British New Guinea.
4th May 1911 – Germany also voices desire over the New Guinea territory.
12th January 1912 – Britain sells New Guinea east of Port Moresby (and Port Moresby) to Australia for two million pounds and West of Port Moresby to Germany for fifteen million pounds.
28th June 1914 - Franz Ferdinand assassinated in Bosnia.
22nd July 1914 - Austria-Hungary blames Serbia for the assassination.
23rd July 1914 - World War One begins, Austria declares war on Serbia and all the OTL alliances fall in place. Italy leave the Quad Alliance, it is once again the Dual Alliance.
3rd August 1914 - The French take the offensive against Germany, French troops cross through Belgium to attack Germany.
14th August 1914 - After much debate in Parliament, British troops will be sent to France, TO INVADE.
16th August 1914 - The Royal Navy Bombards French Coastal Cities.
17th August 1914 - The Islands Offensive is a colossal failure. The Royal Navy barley destroyed French Fortifications and British and Empire Troops are massacred.
18th August 1914 - Russia invades Prussia. Poland declares neutrality.
23rd August 1914 - Britain reluctantly signs a treaty with Austria-Hungary and Germany. Austria-Hungary invades Russian held Poland. Russian invaders are pushed back in Prussia.
24th August 1914 - French Forces march towards Siegen and Marburg, these towns will become the host of some of the fiercest fighting of the war.
26th-30th August 1914 - Battle of Tannenberg, the first of many German victories on the Eastern Front.
27th August 1914 - Trenches are built either side of the towns of Marburg and Siegen, the French advance has come to an end. Beginning of the First Battle of the Siegen-Marburg Line.
29th-30th August 1914 - British Forces that landed near Calais now advance into Belgium.
1st September 1914 - French Forces invade the Jersey and Guernsey Islands. The invaders are met with little resistance.
2nd September 1914 - French troops are pushed back in Siegen, however they make ground at Marburg.
3rd September 1914 - The French capture all of the Channel Islands.
4th September 1914 - The Belgian Army manages to regroup and advances into its own country. The Belgians dig trenches from Charleroi to Hasselt, creating the Belgian Line (nicknamed "The Waffles Front" by other Central Powers).
7th September 1914 - The Royal Navy sends an expeditionary force to Belgium.
9th-14th September 1914 - First Battle of Masurian Lakes, another German victory on the Eastern Front. The Russians have yet to claim victory. Soon German soldiers or officers who behave badly are threatened with being sent to the dreaded Waffles Front or the Marburg Line.
11th September 1914 - British Forces advance towards Paris.
13th September 1914 - France attempts to invade Britain, however, Austrian spies managed to steal the invasion plans and hand them to the British. The Royal Navy sails out and ambushes the invading French Fleet. The Royal Navy's kill-to-death ratio is over 14:1. The entire invading French Fleet is sunk, none of the ships return to France.

Map Below is dated August 1913. I may have missed some colonies, but it shows a basic Idea of what's going on.

July 1914.PNG
 
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Your POD is incredibly stupid. There is no 'East Prussia' there is only Prussia. Take a look at a historical atlas. Do you know that the Kings of Prussia became the German Emperors?

"The Islands Offensive is a colossal failure. The Royal Navy barley destroyed French Fortifications and British and Empire Troops are massacred."

First off, I'm not sure why the Royal Navy is dealing with grains. It is unlikely that the Royal Navy would make an immediate attempt to seize any and all of the Channel Islands. They can be starved and taken once an effective blockade is in place, which should be easy since the French Navy is concentrated in the Mediterranean. It is also unlikly that Empire troops would be involved given the distance from Europe of those colonies.

I think you better rework your ATL from scratch.
 
It is difficult to take some of the POD seriously.

Why does Posen become independent?

Why isn't Prussia part of Germany?

Why is there an alliance named entree?

Why is Australia independent?

The RN is good but launching an amphibious invasion of France in 3 weeks is pretty spectactular. Launching two inside 6 weeks is miraculous.

Does UK really overrun Belgium in TWO DAYS!

Why is France invading the Channel islands if Britain has landed in Belgium?

Why on earth are the French invading Britain when faced by the two largest navies in the world (actually just the British navy makes this impossible)? Particularly as British troops are advancing on Paris?!!!

How do Austrian spies communicate in real time to RN and allow the invasion forces to be ambushed? (To be honest they wouldn't need to as the RN would simply blockade France as per Napoleonic Wars)

Oh - forgot one. Why is the UK invading Belgium when it was the only nation it had a treaty with at the start of the war?
 
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If you want to have Britain fighting alongside Germany in WWI, you have to nip the Entente Cordiale in the bud. The best way to do this is escalating the Fashoda Incident.

1898
The French do not relinquish their claims in southern Sudan and instead of retreating they reinforce Fort Saint Louis at Fashoda to complete their belt of colonies from Dakar to Djibouti. The Anglo-Egyptian Commander sends gun-boats and after an ultimatum to abandon Fort Saint Louis is not met by the french forces under the command of major Jean-Baptiste Marchand he orders the shelling of said fort. Major Marchand and a couple of his tirailleurs d'Afrique are killed and the french dreams of a belt of colonies from the west to the east coast of Africa are destoyed. The french press blows the small shoot-out completely out of proportion and there are attacks on british travellers in France.

1899
The second Boer War starts. With the goal to destabilize the grip of the British over their African colonies France starts to covertly aid the Boers by selling them weapons and military instructors.

1900
The covert french aid for the Boers becomes public and instead of denying the undeniable the french government goes for broke and does not only recognize the Boer republics diplomatically, but declares them to be under french protection. Out of protest over this act Britain first retreats from the 1900 World Fair in Paris and then even recalls its ambassador. Open war between France and Britain seems increasingly likely.

1901 - 1902
A German and American attempt to mediate the ongoing crisis is finally successful. The French are forced to withdraw their military instructors and the Boer republics become parts of the British Empire. The Americans were in favour of an independence for the 2 republics, but Germany sided with Britain and the result was a dominion status of the Orange Free State, Transvaal and Natal within the British Empire.

1902
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance is signed.

1904 - 1905
The Russo-Japanese War ends with the Japanese victory and the Peace Treaty of Portsmouth.

1907
France and Russia sign the Entente Cordiale. The great game between Britain and Russia continues over the control of Qing China.

1911
After a rebellion in Morocco french forces occupy the cities of Fez and Rabat, officially to protect life and property of french and other european citizens, but plans become public that France intends to force Morocco to become a french protectorate. Britain and Germany, not willing to accept a french encroachment of Morocco send gunboats of their own. The United States mediate and Morocco becomes a united Anglo-German protectorate.

1912
The french general staff is aware that Germany significantly outproduces France. A plan is prepared to strike at the heart of german industrial production in the Ruhr region. The plan is to coerce Belgium and if necessary the Netherlands into letting the french forces march through and to occupy the territory between Aachen, Cologne and Duisburg, then to cross the Rhine and conquer and hold as much of the Ruhr Region as possible, at least up to Hagen and Dortmund, if possible up to Unna and Hamm. If the territory connot be held later, the industrial capacity is to be destoyed.

1914
Archduke Franz Ferdinand is severely wounded, his spouse Sophie Chotek killed when a bomb, thrown into their car detonates during a visit to Sarajevo. When it's found out, that the Serbian Secret Service aided in this assasination plot and Serbia, backed by Russia proves intransigent to Austro-Hungarian demands, Austria Hungary declares war on Serbia, Russia thereafter declares war on Austria Hungary, Germany declares war on Russia and France declares war on Germany. When Belgium proves intransigent to french demands to let french forces march through, France occupies the south-eastern part of Belgium and attacks Germany. Britain issues an ultimatum to France to withdraw its forces from Belgium within 48 hours or a state of war will exist between the United Kingdom and the French Republic ...
 
Hey, IOTL Australia federated in 1901, Posen tried to become independent all the way up to 1918, East Prussia does exsit if I was to say I invade America I would name a REGION of the contry, also sorry my phone changed Entete to Entree. I never said the British overan Belgium. I did say the Brits overran the FRENCHIES in Belgium. The BEF was sent to SAVE Belgium. The Frenchies are invading Britain to capture London and broker a peace. As for the spies, there is a miraculous invention called the Radio.
 
I like the idea of a central powers aligned Britain, and if I remember correctly Once the British realized the arms race would lead to war, popular opinion was that it would more likely be with France than Germany. But this was well before the start if the war. In your scenario it seems that the obvious German/British Naval superiority makes it unlikely the French will be very successful. An earlier POD would probably make more sense for a German-British alliance versus France to emerge.
 
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