I think that once KGB involvement in the election comes out (if it comes out that is), it will destroy any credibility the leftists have.
Freedom Dies in Darkness: The Story of the 1968 Election and Beyond
- Thread starter 20thCenturyBoy
- Start date
I think that once KGB involvement in the election comes out (if it comes out that is), it will destroy any credibility the leftists have.
I find it interesting to see France slowly drift towards communism. Of course, aid from the US will help, but with the US in its own set of troubles and the Soviet Union possibly becoming a stronger nation with Kosygin's reforms, the left could succeed. Of course, if it comes out they were funded, a possible Red Scare could happen and the Soviets would need to cash in on their investment before it's wasted. Perhaps a civil war?
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
Don't rule a coup
Plus the UK, Spain, and p o r t u g a l all have means to overthrow a potential communist government anyway
The CIA interfered in Italy’s elections for the longest time. I can possibly imagine the KGB having France to do their thing. Speaking of Italy... let’s just say this was part 1 of the chapter.
Stuff gon b gud.
Chapter 40: European Eccentricities (Part 2)
Chapter 40: European Eccentricities (part 2)
Across the English Channel from France was the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom, unlike many of it’s Cold War contemporaries, was never particularly threatened by communists. They never established a strong foothold anywhere in the country. However, the United Kingdom had a completely different problem altogether. One of a more homegrown nature.
“Good evening. Tonight, the BBC presents a presentation about the infamous Northern Ireland Army and the troubles which faced England.”- The IRA: Episode 1
The Northern Ireland Army was a paramilitary group which wanted the goal of independence from the United Kingdom. Because of this, violence would befall the United Kingdom. Bombings and other forms of violence were frequent occurrences. It would eventually become so volatile that eventually XXXXX was assassinated in a bombing attempt.
“The death of XXXXX was a turning point in the conflict and would lead to many more troubkes for Britain in the decade .” - The IRA: Episode 3
Prime Minster Edward Heath had to face the issue along with Home Secretary James Callaghan. There weren’t any real plans but the army would be in Northern Ireland and had orders to shoot at people who used to violence. This wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things but Britain had other issues to deal with. Beyond its islands. The problem was decolonization.
Edward Heath
“The Decolonization of England, although peaceful, was bad on British morale. With less influence on the global stage, what was once the empire where the sun never set was slowly just becoming a tiny island nation just off of Europe.” - The Age of Desolation Episode 7: The Forgotten Front
Decolonization proved a tricky issue for the politicians. With all the colonies abroad wanting independence, it was difficult to handle the issue. But politicians tried and tried to work it out. Some people didn’t want to decolonize believing an empire was good but it was all for naught. As many colonies went out, so did Britain’s presence in the world stage.
Britain due to troubles in Ireland and with its colonies was another victim of the worldwide malaise. But compared to its other allies, it eventually was able to get better later on.
Across the English Channel from France was the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom, unlike many of it’s Cold War contemporaries, was never particularly threatened by communists. They never established a strong foothold anywhere in the country. However, the United Kingdom had a completely different problem altogether. One of a more homegrown nature.
“Good evening. Tonight, the BBC presents a presentation about the infamous Northern Ireland Army and the troubles which faced England.”- The IRA: Episode 1
The Northern Ireland Army was a paramilitary group which wanted the goal of independence from the United Kingdom. Because of this, violence would befall the United Kingdom. Bombings and other forms of violence were frequent occurrences. It would eventually become so volatile that eventually XXXXX was assassinated in a bombing attempt.
“The death of XXXXX was a turning point in the conflict and would lead to many more troubkes for Britain in the decade .” - The IRA: Episode 3
Prime Minster Edward Heath had to face the issue along with Home Secretary James Callaghan. There weren’t any real plans but the army would be in Northern Ireland and had orders to shoot at people who used to violence. This wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things but Britain had other issues to deal with. Beyond its islands. The problem was decolonization.
Edward Heath
“The Decolonization of England, although peaceful, was bad on British morale. With less influence on the global stage, what was once the empire where the sun never set was slowly just becoming a tiny island nation just off of Europe.” - The Age of Desolation Episode 7: The Forgotten Front
Decolonization proved a tricky issue for the politicians. With all the colonies abroad wanting independence, it was difficult to handle the issue. But politicians tried and tried to work it out. Some people didn’t want to decolonize believing an empire was good but it was all for naught. As many colonies went out, so did Britain’s presence in the world stage.
Britain due to troubles in Ireland and with its colonies was another victim of the worldwide malaise. But compared to its other allies, it eventually was able to get better later on.
Last edited:
Yeah. I didn’t know what to do but I’ll try to edit in a few minutes to clarify stuff.
Chapter 41: European Eccentricities (Part 3)
You know, that last chapter was disappointing. Here’s a better chapter to make up for it.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
Chapter 41: European Eccentricities (Part 3)
Germany was often thought to be ground zero of Europe. Being it was in the center of Europe and split east and west by the Soviets, it was thought that should a conflict ever break out, it would happen there. However, only one other country could prove to be the true breeding ground for such conflict and it was Italy.
“Italy was invested in heavily throughout the Cold War. The CIA had a long history of intervention in the country’s elections. Dating back to 1948. The KGB also funded communist organizations in the country. While Germany geographically was the ground zero for the Cold War, politically, it was Italy where the two powers would truly meet.” - The Age of Desolation Episode 7: The Forgotten Front
Italy had a long history of flirting with communism but the CIA made sure to quell the communists before they could get big. Covert aid was offered until the early 60’s. But with the success of the KGB in France, they decided to give Italy more funds. The KGB however, worked to halt this plan.
Vote or he will be your master
“The KGB has managed to have even more influence in France. This success motivated them to move onto Italy. So the KGB decided to fund left wing military groups. However, the CIA said no to that and funded right wing groups. With all this funding to two sides os opposite of each other, what could possibly go wrong? Actually, quite a lot.” - Oversimplified: The Years of Lead
This time period was known as the Years of Lead after the turmoil which followed the decade. As the CIA funded right wing forces, the KGB funded the left wing ones. This lead to some clashes between two ideologies. In elections and in the streets. Elections were international events with the Soviets and Americans sending their best men to get their candidates in.
As a result of all this interference, Italy became a violent country and was became yet another victim of the Cold War. Out of all countries, it would leave off as one of the countries worst affected by the whole time period and didn’t even get any of the spoils that certain other countries got later on.
Average day in Italy at this time
“I believe that the interference into Western European countries elections and the funding of other groups was a shameful element of our past. One I regret immensely and was glad to stop on day 1.”- Mikhail Gorbachev interview, 1994.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
Chapter 41: European Eccentricities (Part 3)
Germany was often thought to be ground zero of Europe. Being it was in the center of Europe and split east and west by the Soviets, it was thought that should a conflict ever break out, it would happen there. However, only one other country could prove to be the true breeding ground for such conflict and it was Italy.
“Italy was invested in heavily throughout the Cold War. The CIA had a long history of intervention in the country’s elections. Dating back to 1948. The KGB also funded communist organizations in the country. While Germany geographically was the ground zero for the Cold War, politically, it was Italy where the two powers would truly meet.” - The Age of Desolation Episode 7: The Forgotten Front
Italy had a long history of flirting with communism but the CIA made sure to quell the communists before they could get big. Covert aid was offered until the early 60’s. But with the success of the KGB in France, they decided to give Italy more funds. The KGB however, worked to halt this plan.
Vote or he will be your master
“The KGB has managed to have even more influence in France. This success motivated them to move onto Italy. So the KGB decided to fund left wing military groups. However, the CIA said no to that and funded right wing groups. With all this funding to two sides os opposite of each other, what could possibly go wrong? Actually, quite a lot.” - Oversimplified: The Years of Lead
This time period was known as the Years of Lead after the turmoil which followed the decade. As the CIA funded right wing forces, the KGB funded the left wing ones. This lead to some clashes between two ideologies. In elections and in the streets. Elections were international events with the Soviets and Americans sending their best men to get their candidates in.
As a result of all this interference, Italy became a violent country and was became yet another victim of the Cold War. Out of all countries, it would leave off as one of the countries worst affected by the whole time period and didn’t even get any of the spoils that certain other countries got later on.
Average day in Italy at this time
“I believe that the interference into Western European countries elections and the funding of other groups was a shameful element of our past. One I regret immensely and was glad to stop on day 1.”- Mikhail Gorbachev interview, 1994.
Incoming Transmission from the Big Giant Head
MAJOR UPDATE. YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE.
Hello everyone. I have been in internal thought and in external conversation with my co writer discussing the future of this timeline. What I’ve concluded is quite simple. This timeline has failed in its current state. The lack of updates have killed off all but a few fans. The increasingly deteriorating writing is removing those fans as well. Frankly, I’ve found it too difficult to do what I want to do and its simply a matter of dragging on at this point. So last night, me and @Gentleman Biaggi has a discussion on the timelines future and we came to an agreement:
We will begin an effective retool of this timeline.
Now what does this mean? Well let’s go over this:
1. Instead of story quote story quote like I’m currently doing, I feel as if we will change to more of a news coverage style. Instead of describing events in detail, we will just go over news coverage of a huge event and perhaps branch off into a tiny bit of story just to clarify what reports can’t to give some perspective.
2. Hopefully with an easier format, I can focus on less things at once. The Nixon, Kennedy, and Kosygin arcs are no longer a thing but news coverage will be given on events and there will be a better storyline at the expense of less developed characters.
3. Going off this easier format, hopefully I’ll want to work on it more and get it better.
I’m not sure when the next update will be or if we continue from this point or whether we restart and work back here (probably the former but still) but there will be a new format to hopefully jump start the story (again).
Now I should take some time to say something’s about myself. I am lazy. I am sort of depressed most of the time. I can’t get motivated to do anything really. This probably more than anything explains my terrible story. I’m not using this as an excuse. But you deserve to hear this as readers. I’m sorry that you have me as your writer. The story really is a good idea. Later on as more butterflies occur, the story will get incredibly interesting. But right now, you simply have the boring early chapters to wade through and someone who cares as little about them as you probably do.
But most importantly, I’m sorry. Sorry for all the above reasons. Sorry for my constant neglect. Sorry for deteriorating writing. You as readers deserve so much better and that is my fault entirely. I am very sorry. I know that my sorry means nothing when nothing changes but I truly feel bad deep down. But hopefully a new start with a new format can bring this timeline back into a better state.
Thank you for your continued support.
TLDR Retool and a lot of self roasting.
Hello everyone. I have been in internal thought and in external conversation with my co writer discussing the future of this timeline. What I’ve concluded is quite simple. This timeline has failed in its current state. The lack of updates have killed off all but a few fans. The increasingly deteriorating writing is removing those fans as well. Frankly, I’ve found it too difficult to do what I want to do and its simply a matter of dragging on at this point. So last night, me and @Gentleman Biaggi has a discussion on the timelines future and we came to an agreement:
We will begin an effective retool of this timeline.
Now what does this mean? Well let’s go over this:
1. Instead of story quote story quote like I’m currently doing, I feel as if we will change to more of a news coverage style. Instead of describing events in detail, we will just go over news coverage of a huge event and perhaps branch off into a tiny bit of story just to clarify what reports can’t to give some perspective.
2. Hopefully with an easier format, I can focus on less things at once. The Nixon, Kennedy, and Kosygin arcs are no longer a thing but news coverage will be given on events and there will be a better storyline at the expense of less developed characters.
3. Going off this easier format, hopefully I’ll want to work on it more and get it better.
I’m not sure when the next update will be or if we continue from this point or whether we restart and work back here (probably the former but still) but there will be a new format to hopefully jump start the story (again).
Now I should take some time to say something’s about myself. I am lazy. I am sort of depressed most of the time. I can’t get motivated to do anything really. This probably more than anything explains my terrible story. I’m not using this as an excuse. But you deserve to hear this as readers. I’m sorry that you have me as your writer. The story really is a good idea. Later on as more butterflies occur, the story will get incredibly interesting. But right now, you simply have the boring early chapters to wade through and someone who cares as little about them as you probably do.
But most importantly, I’m sorry. Sorry for all the above reasons. Sorry for my constant neglect. Sorry for deteriorating writing. You as readers deserve so much better and that is my fault entirely. I am very sorry. I know that my sorry means nothing when nothing changes but I truly feel bad deep down. But hopefully a new start with a new format can bring this timeline back into a better state.
Thank you for your continued support.
TLDR Retool and a lot of self roasting.
Listen, if you want to change this story, by all means, do. You're the creator of this, and you have every right to, especially if you feel it will help improve it. And I'm sorry to hear about your depression. If you feel like taking a break, by all means, do. Your mental health is much more important than what you're writing. And if you feel like you need help, don't be afraid to ask. I'm not experienced in this sort of stuff, but a lot of people are, and I think they'll gladly help you if you just ask.
Don't be sorry. Don't regret. We'll gladly stay and see this journey through, even if we have to go back at the start.
Don't be sorry. Don't regret. We'll gladly stay and see this journey through, even if we have to go back at the start.
Chapter 42: The Meeting
Chapter 42: The Meeting
The Nixon meeting with Kosygin was here. In Moscow, much was to be determined. Who was Kosygin? Was he a reformer like he wasn’t known to be or was he truly someone else. That is why Nixon was looking forward with excitement and nervousness to this meeting. Much was on the line and it would determine the next few years of foreign relations.
Good evening I’m Chet Huntley. Today, in Moscow, President Nixon met with Soviet premier Alexei Kosygin. A meeting which has been very significant as its the first contact Nixon has had with the Soviets since his installation into the presidency last March. With more on this story, we have John Chancellor.
John Chancellor: Well thank you Chet, today was a significant day. Nixon and the Soviets have met to discuss potential reductions of their nuclear arsenals. Both sides want to maintain peace and with conflicts such as those in Vietnam and elsewhere, it’s crucial the two understand each other. Both sides actually have made a statement which we shall play right now.
Nixon: I want to thank premier Kosygin for welcoming me here today. This meeting has been a longtime in the making. But I believe premier Kosygin is a reasonable, smart, and good leader who will help be a partner for peace in the modern world.
Kosygin: (translated from Russian) I want to thank President Nixon for his arrival to Moscow. He is the leader of the other biggest power in the world and his arrival here shows us his commitment to working on change for peace. We hope that U.S. Soviet realations can improve for human betterment.
Chancellor: This is a generic statement I’d say just to sort of have something for people to report on but this doesn’t take away from the fact this meeting is significant for the sheer meeting of the two leaders.
Chet: Do you think that there will be a big development from the summit?
John: Possibly. Kosygin as far as we can tell has reformist tendencies and is open to some changes to the Soviet system. I think anything is possible here at this summit. (Tape cuts off)
- Surviving clip of a Huntley-Brinkley episode from 2/16/1970
Nixon had sat down with Kosygin and learned much about him. Kosygin did agree to some systematic reforms of the communist system. He wasn’t nearly as authoritarian as Brezhnev before him or even Khrushchev. He was a different type of Soviet leader. However, Nixon in his diaries noted strange things:
“The meeting I had today with premier Kosygin was an interesting one. He was intelligent, and reasonable. He seemed as if he was willing to work for peace and detente. But something was off about him. He looked kind of suspicious. Always looking around, particular attention was paid to Andrei Gromyko and Nikolai Podgorny when they were in the room. I don’t know the cause of this. Strange person. But then again, every Soviet is usually strange.”- Richard Nixon’s private diaries
“Kosygin often showed signs of being nervous and feeling watched and this was a feeling I frequently felt when I was premier. He was probably being supervised by Gromyko and if he didn’t comply with what he said, he’d disappear or resign under mysterious circumstances.”- Mikhail Gorbachev speaking about Alexei Kosygin in Leaders of the Soviet Union
No problems here. Nothing at all suspicious about Kosygin or his lack of smiling.
Kosygin was in no better position than when he started his leadership. Still heavily hunted down by his foes and still trying to pass reforms. Some of these happened. The economy would soon experience the eighth five year plan. This would introduce the first of a series of reforms. Including some elements of market economy while still being socialist. This was now Kosygin’s country and he ruled it his own path despite the threats leveled on him. No matter what, the country would move forth.
The summit ended with no significant achievements but the two certainly increased relations with one another and took some of the heat off the Cold War. Many felt at ease that the two nuclear powers were willing to find ground with each other. However, soon, things would get needlessly hot again. When people thought the worst was over, they found out it was only taking a break.
The Nixon meeting with Kosygin was here. In Moscow, much was to be determined. Who was Kosygin? Was he a reformer like he wasn’t known to be or was he truly someone else. That is why Nixon was looking forward with excitement and nervousness to this meeting. Much was on the line and it would determine the next few years of foreign relations.
Good evening I’m Chet Huntley. Today, in Moscow, President Nixon met with Soviet premier Alexei Kosygin. A meeting which has been very significant as its the first contact Nixon has had with the Soviets since his installation into the presidency last March. With more on this story, we have John Chancellor.
John Chancellor: Well thank you Chet, today was a significant day. Nixon and the Soviets have met to discuss potential reductions of their nuclear arsenals. Both sides want to maintain peace and with conflicts such as those in Vietnam and elsewhere, it’s crucial the two understand each other. Both sides actually have made a statement which we shall play right now.
Nixon: I want to thank premier Kosygin for welcoming me here today. This meeting has been a longtime in the making. But I believe premier Kosygin is a reasonable, smart, and good leader who will help be a partner for peace in the modern world.
Kosygin: (translated from Russian) I want to thank President Nixon for his arrival to Moscow. He is the leader of the other biggest power in the world and his arrival here shows us his commitment to working on change for peace. We hope that U.S. Soviet realations can improve for human betterment.
Chancellor: This is a generic statement I’d say just to sort of have something for people to report on but this doesn’t take away from the fact this meeting is significant for the sheer meeting of the two leaders.
Chet: Do you think that there will be a big development from the summit?
John: Possibly. Kosygin as far as we can tell has reformist tendencies and is open to some changes to the Soviet system. I think anything is possible here at this summit. (Tape cuts off)
- Surviving clip of a Huntley-Brinkley episode from 2/16/1970
Nixon had sat down with Kosygin and learned much about him. Kosygin did agree to some systematic reforms of the communist system. He wasn’t nearly as authoritarian as Brezhnev before him or even Khrushchev. He was a different type of Soviet leader. However, Nixon in his diaries noted strange things:
“The meeting I had today with premier Kosygin was an interesting one. He was intelligent, and reasonable. He seemed as if he was willing to work for peace and detente. But something was off about him. He looked kind of suspicious. Always looking around, particular attention was paid to Andrei Gromyko and Nikolai Podgorny when they were in the room. I don’t know the cause of this. Strange person. But then again, every Soviet is usually strange.”- Richard Nixon’s private diaries
“Kosygin often showed signs of being nervous and feeling watched and this was a feeling I frequently felt when I was premier. He was probably being supervised by Gromyko and if he didn’t comply with what he said, he’d disappear or resign under mysterious circumstances.”- Mikhail Gorbachev speaking about Alexei Kosygin in Leaders of the Soviet Union
No problems here. Nothing at all suspicious about Kosygin or his lack of smiling.
Kosygin was in no better position than when he started his leadership. Still heavily hunted down by his foes and still trying to pass reforms. Some of these happened. The economy would soon experience the eighth five year plan. This would introduce the first of a series of reforms. Including some elements of market economy while still being socialist. This was now Kosygin’s country and he ruled it his own path despite the threats leveled on him. No matter what, the country would move forth.
The summit ended with no significant achievements but the two certainly increased relations with one another and took some of the heat off the Cold War. Many felt at ease that the two nuclear powers were willing to find ground with each other. However, soon, things would get needlessly hot again. When people thought the worst was over, they found out it was only taking a break.
Update (not intentional ghosting):
Well I doubt this needed to be said but I’ll say it. This timeline is dead. It is an ex timeline, bereft of life. Pining for the Fjords. It has ceased to be. If anyone wants to ask questions about what would have happened, ask me in a private message and I’ll answer (along with my co-writer Gentleman Biaggi)
Some messages though:
Thank you to @Gentleman Biaggi Biaggi for great ideas for this timeline
Thank you to the handful of fans who stayed through it all. You suffered too much for so little. Sorry guys.
Thank you to all of you on this website. While I may appear occasionally, I probably won’t be on here much anymore.
So start asking questions if you have any and tonight and tomorrow I’ll answer as many as I can.
Well I doubt this needed to be said but I’ll say it. This timeline is dead. It is an ex timeline, bereft of life. Pining for the Fjords. It has ceased to be. If anyone wants to ask questions about what would have happened, ask me in a private message and I’ll answer (along with my co-writer Gentleman Biaggi)
Some messages though:
Thank you to @Gentleman Biaggi Biaggi for great ideas for this timeline
Thank you to the handful of fans who stayed through it all. You suffered too much for so little. Sorry guys.
Thank you to all of you on this website. While I may appear occasionally, I probably won’t be on here much anymore.
So start asking questions if you have any and tonight and tomorrow I’ll answer as many as I can.
