AHC/WI Germany dismantled after WW1

Is there any possibility for Germany to be broken up following WW1? Something like split into smaller countries like Bavaria Prussia etc. How likely is it that there is a serious movement to reunify?
 
Vengeful allies might insist on breaking Germany into the dozens of counties, duckies, principalities, monarchies, etc. it was before 1848. I doubt if the most powerful Germanic kings would be allowed to retain their thrones.

Since the Prussian Kaizer was seen as a/the major instigator of WW1, he would be forced into exile and his former kingdom broken up into minor principalities, duchies, etc.

It is debatable whether the Kingdom of Bavaria would be broken up. Other Germans see Bavarian as a bumbling bunch of catholic hillbillies who drink too much beer. Since Bavaria did not start any wars during the 20th century, it might become a confederation of loosely related principalities, duchies, counties, etc. paying - quiet - homage to a ceremonial monarch.
For example, the Bavarian King might attend major parades, ceremonies, etc. but he would sit in the second row, behind the Prime Minister/Chancellor and major ministers. Like the modern British monarchy, he would have the final veto on legislation, but rarely use it.
 
Is there any possibility for Germany to be broken up following WW1? Something like split into smaller countries like Bavaria Prussia etc. How likely is it that there is a serious movement to reunify?


Of course there'd have been a serious movement to reunify. Just like other provisions of Versailles, splitting up the country is obviously intended to keep the Germans weak.
 
Easiest way is to let it happen naturally: strengthen various leftist and reactionary uprisings by weakening central German provisional government (e.g. Through demanding disarmament of retreating German units or else chasing after them and invading Germany in Winter 18/19).

You can't exact reparations from such a checkerboard. But e.g. French interests to dismantle the German menace could be served well in a framework in which irreconcilably different republics (and other kinds of states) coexist on German territory. (Like the Russian Civil war ending in a stalemate betwen Reds, Whites, and Blacks. And minorities. Only in Germany.)
 
Of course there'd have been a serious movement to reunify. Just like other provisions of Versailles, splitting up the country is obviously intended to keep the Germans weak.
Problem is, well, I'm sure that they totally won't remember exactly who helped split them up, and now have a vendetta against them.

And oh look, Russia's also been screwed over by them. Sure, they're Commies, but maybe we can work out some deal....
 
Top