alternatehistory.com

Introduction
First, I would like to thank EcoBoom and Hrvatskiwi for their assistance and encouragement on this project, I could not do this without them. The premise is simple, yet unique, with many implications, what if Georgy Malenkov succeeded Stalin? This timeline follows his ascension and ambitious plans. I hope you enjoy. In the future I may experiment with or be inspired by other writing styles, we shall see.
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Chapter I: Death of a Statesman
“Love, friendship, and respect do not unite people as much as a common hatred for something”-Anton Chekov

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March 1, 1953
Outside Moscow, the cold of the Russian winter was far from breaking, but something else had. Malenkov was nervous, midway between total dread and jubilation, as were all others, he was second to arrive at the Kuntsevo dacha, Lavrentiy Beria was first.
He was pacing, sweating, he was relieved Malenkov got there before everybody else “It’s a good thing you got here first”
“I arrived as fast as possible”
“The old bastard is dead, we have plans to make”
“They said he had a stroke, this wouldn’t be the first, he could pull through”
“He won’t, that’s been seen to”
“I see, but after that we have a deluge of worries, we’ll have to prioritize, of course, we can’t be unsubtle”
Beria stated the obvious “No, but Molotov will be our biggest issue, and Khrushchev has men everywhere”
“I am the appointed, rightful, and logical successor, if I get my job, you can keep yours”
“A fine deal!”

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March 4, 1953
Of course Malenkov had long-since planned on using Beria as a pawn in his game, the plan was, clear the board, and then clear him out. Of course to do this, he would need the support of man who commanded an army of his own, Marshall Zhukov. That day he made a telephone call to him, promising to end the terror, and give him a job. He laid forth a fragment of the plan “The plan is simple, the NKVD will remove Molotov, and then you remove Beria”
“What’s to say you won’t sweep me aside too?”
“I intend to finally restore sanity to this land, I want peace and prosperity, I would hope you want the same things, Beria has the tools I need, not the character”
“Once you have me in, I won’t be swept aside, but I think we share the same hopes, yes, I suppose we shall work together on these things”
“Don’t speak of our plans to anyone, just do your part”

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March 5, 1953
Despite Malenkov's dislike for Khrushchev, he knew his roots ran deep into the Soviet apparatus and that he would be a necessary ally in the coming struggle. He summoned Bulganin and Khrushchev to a meeting, where he revealed another fragment of his plan. They all agreed Beria had to go, but they disputed when…since the others considered it a priority to remove Beria, not Molotov. Nonetheless they struck a deal.

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March 18, 1953
The troika urges North Korea and China to end hostilities in Korea promptly. Molotov and hardliners are opposed to this, but Malenkov and Beria overrule him.

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June 11, 1953
The uneasy troika comes crashing down when the NKVD arrests Vyacheslav Molotov on charges of being a British spy. Bulganin assumes the position of Molotov on the troika. The brief show trial finds Molotov guilty, and sentences him to death.

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June 12, 1953
The new Soviet government expresses serious interest in a reunification of East and West Germany and Austria. They East German politburo is given a contingency plan, in the case Germany is united they can stay or take asylum in Russia. The Soviets offer to begin earnest talks in Vienna.
They offer put forth emphasizes the following points, a radical plan! But Malenkov can see the great potential to the deal that the hardliners cannot.
• A united, capitalist, democratic, and internationally neutral, Germany and Austria.
• Military limitations on the Bundeswehr
• Guarantees of Germany and Austrian sovereignty by both the United States and Soviet Union
• German military operations of abroad are subject to both Soviet and American approval and veto.
• Germany will be constitutionally unable to declare war.
• The withdrawal of all foreign troops.
• Guarantees on freedom of speech, association, and press.

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June 13, 1953
Talks on German-Austrian reunifications immediately stall as the US lumps peace in Korea into the talks. The USSR insists that Asian affairs are a separate matter.

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June 15, 1953
Malenkov is confident he has his enemies in zugzwang. Lavrentiy Beria is arrested by the military police of Marshall Zhukov, Ivan Serov becomes head of the new NKGB. Beria is implicated as being a separate ‘cell’ of the ‘British Plot’ that Molotov was supposedly involved in, and is also sentenced to death.
As reward for Zhukov’s help he assumes Molotov’s seat on the Presidium. Malenkov trusts Zhukov has little interest in heading the country, and that having him will serve as deterrent and countermeasure against any usurpers.

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Meanwhile…
April 16, 1953
President Eisenhower makes his famous ‘Chance for Peace’ speech. Malenkov, interested in deescalating the Cold War, plans to see just how serious this offer for peace is, or, call his bluff.

May, 1953
Henri Navarre assumes command of French troops fighting the Vietminh in Indochina. French troops have recently suffered a defeat at Muong Khoua in Laos. Navarre would be prudent at preventing such a strategic mistake in the future.

May, 1953
Chinese forces in Korea begin massing for an offensive operation against the Kumsong salient.
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Comments and suggestions are much appreciated. Also, if you are interested in providing any sort of assistance, such as proofreading drafts, or helping me with parts of the world I lack expertise in, please don't hesitate to PM me.
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