Honor through Blood

Will get back to you then.
Oh what the heck, give it too me now.

If I know what I'm doing wrong I won't do more of it.
Elfwine said:
I'm starting to wonder if the people concocting German strategy were high.
250px-Mitteleuropa_ENG_wielgórski.PNG

I'm serious! The purple bit in Crimea is the proposed state.
 
Oh what the heck, give it too me now.

If I know what I'm doing wrong I won't do more of it.

Okay, let's see. Keep in mind I'm not familiar with French and British politics, so what kind of peace Germany can get in a situation where it tries to end the war in 1917 will need to be answered by others.

First off, the casualties are probably low. But I don't know the specifics well enough to give you a better figure.

Second off, you may still have the attack taking place too soon, but I'll trust this as valid unless one of the other editors (critic is such a harsh word) rules on it.

Thirdly:
God Eater said:
After the the Somme ends significantly earlier than in OTL, the Battle of Verdun is commencing as usual, except for two crucial differences: The Germans assault on Souville is much better planned, and rather then pack together the road and get decimated by French artillery and machineguns, the Germans make their way through the shrub in loose groups before surrounding and assaulting the structure at the signal of the flare (effectively the Hutier tactics but a year earlier).

Okay, so how do they manage these tactics a year earlier than OTL?

But other than that? I think its solid. If you really wanted to cover the war part in more depth you probably could, which might address some issues on how things break down better, but I think this is sufficient for the task at hand - "the Allies collapse from sheer demoralization."

I would suggest having a few pro-war MPs (you could just make it a reference to "With some of the war's s staunchest proponents having fallen ill/been replaced" - hopefully worded better, I'm just suggesting scenarios) and loved/trusted generals ("With the few generals the army did trust replaced by the likes of Major General Paul Mireau*...") removed, just to emphasis how things are falling apart. Its up to you - it won't break the work to leave it out, but if you're editing it anyway it gives a sense of the Allied command being unable to address the problem and its efforts making it worse.

*: If you haven't seen Paths of Glory, you should. He's one of the...villains is probably the best term. Sufficient to say "If those little sweethearts won't face German bullets they'll face French ones!".

Because surely men retreating from an impossible attack need to be executed for cowardice. That'll sound morale soaring. :rolleyes:

So, that ought to take care of things.

250px-Mitteleuropa_ENG_wielg%C3%B3rski.PNG

I'm serious! The purple bit in Crimea is the proposed state.
What. What is even the point of such a state?

:eek:
 
A Guide to the New States

I quickly assembled a guide to the new states in this TL. It's not integral to the TL, it's just here for purposes of clarity. All of the state's "snapshot of opinion" is of early 1918.





The Free Lands of Lithuania​
200px-Flag_of_Lithuania_1918-1940.svg.png
Capital: Kaunas
Leader: President Peterlis Grybauskaite of the Lithuanian Nationalist Party
Political Standings:
  • Lithuanian Nationalist Party (56.12%)
  • Monarchist Movement (12.31%)
  • Poland-Lithuania Union Movement (10.19%)
  • Democratic Worker's Party (10.03%)
  • Lithuanian Communist Party (7.98%)
  • German Friendship Party (2.32%)
  • Other or Abstained (1.05%)
Sphere of Influence: German Empire
Political System: Parliamentary Democracy (under supervision from Germany of course)
Official Language(s): Lithuanian
Snapshot of Opinion: By and large, the people of Lithuania are among the most content with their government in Eastern Europe. With a native Lithuanian ruling and a democratic system, they really don't have much too complain about. The Free Lands of Lithuania look like they'll remain stable for a while at least.

Grand Duchy of Byelorussia​
200px-Flag_of_Belarus_%281991-1995%29.svg.png
Capital: Minsk
Leader: Grand Duke Stanisłaŭ I
Heir Apparent: Crown Prince Stanisłaŭ II
Sphere of Influence: German Empire
Political System: Absolute Monarchy
Official Language(s): Byelorussian, Russian
Snapshot of Opinion: The Byelorussians have mixed feelings about their government. Some are pleased with their new independence whilst others wish that they could remain as part of Russia. Another factor contributing to the unease of the people is their king, who is a Protestant, contrasting with Byelorussia's national religion of Orthodox Christianity. However, no signs of religious friction are present at the moment.

Kingdom of Poland​
200px-State_Flag_of_Poland.svg.png
Capital: Warsaw
Leader: King Paweł Fryderyk I
Heir Apparent: Crown Prince Bolesław IV
Sphere of Influence: German Empire
Political System: Absolute Monarchy
Official Language(s): Polish
Snapshot of Opinion: The Poles are very jubilant to be independent from the Russians, even if it under the stewardship of the Germans. However, there are some factors contributing to some unrest: the first being that the King of Poland, Paweł Fryderyk I, is a protestant, the second being that much of Poland's historical territory (such as Vilnius, parts of Galicia and Posen) are not within their control.

The Crown of Ukraine​
200px-Naval_Ensign_of_Ukraine_1918_January.svg.png
Capital: Kiev
Leader: Hetman Pavlo I
Heir Apparent: Prince Danylo I
Sphere of Influence: German Empire
Political System: Absolute Monarchy
Official Languages(s): Ukrainian
Snapshot of Opinion: While happy to be independent, many people within the Crown of Ukraine dislike Pavlo I's government. Many people sympathize with the Bolsheviks, the Anarchist movements and other left-wing movements, so Pavlo I's requisitioning of food stocks and restoration of land to the wealthy landowners does not come as welcome news. The Sich Riflemen, an important corp of soldiers, are especially despondent to Pavlo I's Ukraine. Whilst rebellion isn't exactly on the horizon, it could come as a threat if not adressed.
Note: This country only existed from the 19th of March, 1917 to the 21th of July, 1918.

The United Baltic Duchy​
200px-United_Baltic_Duchy_flag.svg.png
Capital: Mitau (Jelgava in Latvian)
Leader: Duke Adolf Friedrich I
Heir Apparent: Princess Woizlawa Feodora, whilst Woizlawa Feodora is Adolf Friedrich's only child, she is not the heir, owing to the House of Mecklenburg-Schwerin's Salic law of succession.
Political Standings:
  • Baltic Conservative Party (46.79%)
  • Democratic Party (36.90%)
  • Party for a True Monarchy (9.80%)
  • Other or abstained (6.51%)
Sphere of Influence: German Empire
Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Official Language(s): German (Baltic German dialect), Latvian, Estonian
Snapshot of Opinion: The political opinion of the United Baltic Duchy is divided. Almost all are glad about independence, however many are disillusioned about Baltic Union. Still others are skeptical about the monarchy, but others (mainly the Baltic German elite) are calling for an absolute monarchy.

The Khanate of Crimea
200px-Flag_of_the_Crimean_Tatar_people.svg.png
Capital: Bağçasaray
Leader: Khan Ğazı IV
Heir Apparent: Prince Bahadır II
Sphere of Influence: Ottoman Empire
Political System: Absolute Monarchy
Official Language(s): Crimean Tatar, Ukrainian (due to be phased out by 1940)
Snapshot of Opinion: Currently, the public opinion is mixed. The Crimean Tatars are pleased to have a homeland after almost two centuries of Russian abuse. However, ethnic Ukrainians and Russians are not so pleased. There is much social upheaval as Ukrainians and Russians migrate out of Crimea and Tatars from the Volga region and mainland Ukraine migrate in.

The Principality of Moldova​
200px-Flag_of_Moldavia.svg.png
Capital: Iași
Leader: Prince George I
Heir Apparent: Eduard I of Moldova
Sphere of Influence: Austro-Hungarian Empire
Political System: Absolute Monarchy
Official Language(s): Romanian
Snapshot of Opinion: As Romania is driven apart by Austrian and Ottoman interests, a new wave of Romanian nationalism has swept the small Principality. Many people are at unease, faced with a Catholic prince who is an ethnic Austrian, in stark contrast to a country that is traditionally Romanian Orthodox. However, many Moldovans are pleased with the return of Bessarabia to Romanian hands.

The Duchy of Flanders​
200px-Flag_of_Flanders.svg.png
Capital: Brussels
Leader: Duke Bartholomeus I
Heir Apparent: Prince Aloysius I
Sphere of Influence: German Empire
Political System: Absolute Monarchy
Official Languages: Dutch
Snapshot of Opinion: Many Flemish people are heavily disgruntled: both at the split of Belgium and at an ethnic German ruler. While rebellion is not an issue, it could very well become one in the near future.

The Wallonian Federation​
200px-Flag_of_Wallonia.svg.png
Capital: Liège
Leader: President André Coëme of The Nationalist Front.
Political Standings:
  • Wallonian Federal Party (42.50%)
  • The Nationalist Front (40.12%)
  • True Belgium Party (11.00%)
  • Party for Democracy and Socialism (6.79%)
  • Other or abstained (0.41%)
Sphere of Influence: German Empire
Political System: Parliamentary Democracy
Official Language(s): Walloon, French
Snapshot of Opinion: Being ruled by a democratic institution, the Walloons are not as disturbed by the German influence as the Flemish are. However, there is considerable unrest, especially among the lower classes, caused by the division of Belgium.

The Duchy of Wallachia​
200px-Flag_of_Wallachia.svg.png
Capital: Bucharest
Leader: Duke Constantin V
Heir Apparent: Prince Dragomir I
Sphere of Influence: Ottoman Empire
Political System: Absolute Monarchy
Official Language(s): Romanian
Snapshot of Opinion: The Wallachians are quite disturbed by the division of Romania at the moment. Another factor to Wallachian unrest is the fact that they have returned to the status of an Ottoman satellite, which is quite damaging to their national pride. However, their ruler is both an ethnic Romanian, but an adherent of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Rebellion, at least directed at the Ottoman troops occupying the country, is a foreseeable event in the future.

----------------
Elfwine said:
First off, the casualties are probably low. But I don't know the specifics well enough to give you a better figure.
Are they low on the German side, the Entente side or both?
Elfwine said:
But other than that? I think its solid.
Cheers, now I can begin on the next chapter.
Elfwine said:
What. What is even the point of such a state?
Honestly? I have no idea. Pressure from the Ottomans maybe...
 
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Stuff on nations that looks interesting but which I can't even begin to comment on.

As it says.

Are they low on the German side, the Entente side or both?

German more than Entente. This is for Verdun rather than the Somme.

Cheers, now I can begin on the next chapter.

Check with Hendyrk to check if he has anything to dispute too. But by all means yes.

Honestly? I have no idea. Pressure from the Ottomans maybe...

Maybe. It just sounds like an exercise in fantasy.

Then again, we are talking about Imperial Germany.
 
Chapter II: Birth of the Mitteleuropa Community


FUPcV.png

Flag of the Mitteleuropa Community, representing the nine members.​


-2nd of February 1918, München-Gladbach, the German Empire.

Männer der großen europäischen Kontinent, ich begrüße Sie in ein neues Zeitalter des Friedens, des Wohlstands und Glücks! Arbeiten Sie mit mir und ein besseres Europa! I propose a council of European nations: the Mitteleuropa Community, a mutually-beneficially economic union and mutual defense organization. Gentlemen, around us lies a broken Europe, broken and burnt from centuries of warfare and deceit. Together we shall rise, phoenix-like, from the ashes and claim a golden age of Europe!”, the Kaiser of Germany spoke with authority to the Council, which had assembled in München-Gladbach* specially to discuss the matter of the Mitteleuropa. The Kaiser had invited most of the states of continental Europe, though only a few which weren't puppet states of Germany had actually showed up.

"The Mitteleuropa Community shall have many unique features, many of which have never have been implemented in Europe. The first of which shall be that the Reichsmark shall be accepted in all countries in the union. The countries within the union will still be able to keep using their own currency if they wish, but the Reichsmark shall be made legal tender all!" he said to the council, but then Aalbert-Pieters te Winkel (representing the Netherlands) spoke up: "Ihre Majestat, why the Reichmark? Why not any other currency? Or a new Pan-European currency?",
"Because, my good man, the Reichmark is representative of the most powerful economy in Europe at the moment, so it only makes sense to adopt the most powerful currency!", Aalbert-Pieters te Winkel furrowed his brow at this comment, as did Magnus Nørgård of Denmark. The Kaiser paused before continuing: "The statesmen of Germany have prepared a short summary of what the Mitteleuropa Community entails. Of course, the legal details shall be worked over in due course, and tailored to make as many member states as happy as possible. I'll hand over to Max von Richdorf, who will discuss this with you"

A short, bearded man stood up and harrumphed, "Thank you, Ihre Majestat" he said while bowing respectfully to the Kaiser, who sat down subsequently, "Gentlemen, to the Mitteleuropa Community, the first point which I would like to discuss is that of the currency. As already aforementioned by the Kaiser, the proposed currency is the Reichsmark. I know many of you may find this unsettling, but this is for good reason, I assure you. The Reichmark is currently the strongest in continental Europe -" but he was cut off by Aalbert-Pieters te Winkel,
"What about the French Frank or the British Pound?" he shot the question at von Richdorf aggressively,
"The French Frank is in decline and will shortly be worthless! I assure you!" he said with an air of contempt,
"If you say so, Herr von Richdorf"
"As I was saying... The Reichsmark is an excellent choice for a Mitteleuropean currency. And, the member states will still be able to keep their own currencies. The Reichsmark shall be a trade currency if you will" said von Richdorf. There was a slightly awkward moment as von Richdorf shuffled through his notes, then he resumed: "The second point of the Mitteleuropa Community is it's mutually-beneficial defense pact. Every nation of the community shall protect the others. If any nation is attack by an aggressor, the community shall band together in order to vanquish their foe. Likewise, if a nation of the community necessitates a war for reasons of national security, the other nations of the community shall aid that nation. We shall stand together, or divided we will fall.
The third point of which I would like to discuss is the implementation of a plan that shall insure the free movement of all peoples, goods and capital within the community. Basically, any member of the community is able to travel, move goods or capital across the border of the another Mitteleuropean country without the hassle of border control. However, we must also be wary of non-Mitteleuropean countries, and border control of non-Mitteleuropean countries shall be strengthened considerably. This will not only aid the economy of all the Mitteleuropean countries, but it will be effective in allowing us to function as one."

Magnus Nørgård, speaks out suddenly: "Can we opt to join certain areas of the Mitteleuropa but not others? For example, are we able to become members of this free borders scheme but not adopt the Reichsmark?" Max von Richdorf regards Nørgård with cold, grey eyes that sparkle with dislike,
"No. You can either be with us or not" he says slowly, which sends murmurous ripples throughout the assembly.
"Anyway, as I was saying before I was - interrupted - by Herr Nørgård, the free borders scheme will create a stronger and united Europe. Those are the main arguments for the inception and subsequent joining of the Mitteleuropa Community. Gentlemen, it is a prospect well worth considering."

Max von Richdorf's speech was concluded by respectful clapping on behalf of those representing the German puppets, and not-so-respectful clapping from the Dane and the Dutch man. After due deliberation, the signatories of the Mitteleuropa Community Agreement were narrowed down to nine: Germany and her puppets.

The Signatories were:
  • The German Empire
  • The Kingdom of Poland
  • The Grand Duchy of Byelorussia
  • The United Baltic Duchy
  • The Free Lands of Lithuania
  • The Khanate of Crimea
  • The Crown of Ukraine
  • The Wallonian Federation
  • The Duchy of Flanders

The Mitteleuropa Community was chaired by Kaiser Wilhem II the Victorious (of course) and was due to be phased into effect by 1928. The creation of the community created considerable ripples throughout Europe, many (such as France and Italy) scoffed at the idea, and claimed it was imaginative and fantastical, but stupid and idealistic. This nay-sayers claimed it would crash as soon as it would take effect as they asserted that the German Empire was not as economically strong as they said they were and that they could not support the economy of the largely unindustrialized countries that made up most of the membership.

----------------

Meanwhile in the German Empire, things were seemingly going swimmingly. The recent victory over Germany's archrival, the French, had not only lifted the average German's morale, but sent a wave of monarchism through Germany. Staunch monarchists have been seen knowingly quipping the recently-popular phrase "Monarchie tötete die Republik" in a I-told-you-so manner. Kaiser Wilhelm II has been given the cognomen "the Victorious" which now appears frequently, both in every-day chit-chat and in literature. Indeed, the Reichsmark is becoming stronger, although wether is looks to be stronger than the Pound Sterling or even the Frank remains to be decided by the future. The losses at the Somme and Verdun have been forgotten for now (except for the Socialist parties) as people rejoice in the victories.

However, not all the Central Powers are doing so well. In Austria-Hungary, the Emperor is faced by an empire in rapid disintegration. During the war, the Hungarian Kingdom became de facto independent, and the Emperor is having trouble wresting the power back from the Hungarian nobles. In Serbian, a defeated people still doggedly continues an insurgence against the occupying Austrians, and while it isn't inflicting much casualties, it is breaking the morale of an already-humiliated empire. In Slavonia, Croats and Slavonian Serbs against the Austro-Hungarian Empire, albiet they are have a considerably smaller impact.

----------------

-4th of February 1918, München-Gladbach, Germany

The Kaiser was not pleased to be interrupted from a game of chess by one of aides, Falke Hussel, but needless to say, it happened anyway.

"Ich spiele Schach! I have told you Falke, don't interrupt me" said the Kaiser, quickly shielding his withered arm from the man,

"I know, Ihre Majestat, but this is important. It is concerning the Russians" Falke said. The Kaiser eyeballed his chess opponent, his son the Crown Prince Wilhelm III,

"Mein Prinz, listen in. Soon you'll be running this empire" said Wilhelm II to his son, and then he turned to Falke, "Well? What is it?"

"Well... The Bolsheviks"

"Yes, the Bolsheviks! I am perfectly aware there is a civil war in Russia"

"The Bolsheviks... They have made repeated incursions in the Ukraine, especially into the region around Rostov-on-Don"

"So? Can the Hetman not run his own country?"

"Well, that is the thing. They are not met with the resistance. Rather the Hetman allows them to stay and deliver their outrageous propaganda provided they do not cause to much of an uproar"

"What? Why on Earth? Durch Gottnamen..."

"Well, the political situation appears to be touchy. Recently a string of riots in the eastern areas of the Ukraine have caused the Sich Riflemen to go on strike"

"Riflemen on strike? Who ever heard of such a thing?"

"There is widespread support for the Bolsheviks, and also the Anarchists. The Hetman's recent strengthening of the Ukrainian aristocracy is not exactly welcome news. There is sporadic acts of terrorism committed by Ukrainian nationals. Albiet, they are sporadic, but they are becoming more and more frequent."

"Ach! So what? Is Pavlo blind?"

"He is just trying to stay in power..."

"So he allows the Bolsheviks in? I tell you what we'll do! Send a telegram to Herr Trotsky stating that if he allows more Bolsheviks into the Ukraine, we'll be forced to retaliate!"

"Sagen Sie das wieder? You'll go to war with Russia again?"

"Not war... Just an intervention or something. At least we shall set up a perimeter along the Ukrainian borders"

"That'll cause a great uproar amongst the people, these Bolsheviks are very good at propaganda, can convince the peasants of almost anything"

"Do you know what is also good at convincing people?"

"What, Ihre Majestat?"

"Guns"


* the city of München-Gladbach is now known as Mönchengladbach, as of 1960.









----------------
Elfwine said:
Check with Hendyrk to check if he has anything to dispute too. But by all means yes.
I have left the new chapter fairly editable, so if he does have any qualms, it won't be too hard to implement them.
 
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162px-DukeFRIEDRICHFERDINAND.jpg

Paweł Fryderyk I, King of Poland and the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein.​


-5th of February, Warsaw, Poland

"Dzień dobry, król" uttered Franciszek Pawłowski, aide to the King of Poland Paweł Fryderyk I. The king in question turned around to face Franciszek,

"Cześć Franciszek" replied the King, "What is it that you want?"
They were standing in a large sitting room in the Royal Castle, the residence of the historical monarchs of Poland. King Paweł Fryderyk I was still getting used to the place, and it showed in his lackluster command of Polish, albiet it was improving. A roaring fire burnt in the fireplace, and on the coffee-table a half-eaten bread-roll and what resembled the debris of an eaten soft-boiled egg lay dejectedly. Franciszek bowed his head respectfully before continuing:
"We have received a telegram for the Germans, sir"

"Proszę Franciszek, do not call them 'the Germans', it sounds... condescending. The Kaiser is my friend, Herr Franciszek, he is your friend too"

"Yes... Well the Kaiser sent through a telegram. It is warning us against the rising tide of Bolshevism, especially in regards to our neighbors in the east"

"Ah yes" said the King of Poland ponderously, "The Ukrainians. I thought the Hetman would have no trouble containing the Communists"

"Well, it appears that we were misinformed. The Kaiser warns that military intervention may be necessary if the rising tide of Bolshevism is not contained"

"Did we not just go through a war? The Kaiser is getting too headstrong for his own good"

"Yes... Well, he is considering sending in troops to 'clean up' the Bolshevik threat in Ukraine. Admittedly, this would cause problems within Ukraine. The Bolsheviks have a strong supporter base with within the Ukraine"

"I can see that. Want do they want? Surely it wouldn't hurt the Hetman in put in a constitutional monarchy. I mean, if the pressure is that strong"

"The Hetman isn't like that. He wants power over his country, and if that means appeasing the Communists, it means appeasing the Communists"

"Strengthening the Ukrainian aristocracy while allowing the Bolsheviks to exist in his country, am I the only one who sees the irony in this? So what is our involvement in this?"

"The Kaiser is asserting that Germany is too damaged from the war too involve their own troops unless absolutely necessary -"

"Ah. I see where this is going. Get the smaller guy to do it. Classic Wilhelm"

"Eh... Yes"

"Well, alert the Royal Armed Forces. Let's see how they fair in combat after..."

"...Six months..."

"Six months of existence"

" Dobrze, król" said Franciszek, bowing his head, "I shall see to it"

"I'm sure you will" replied King Paweł Fryderyk I, "I am really hoping that this 'Bolshevik revolution' Wilhelm is sweating about doesn't transpire in the Ukraine. I don't know what it'll lead to if we intervene"

"Indeed, król. I must go now, Do widzenia"

"Thank you Franciszek, Do widzenia"


----------------

And so an ultimatum was issued to Pavlo I on behalf of the Mitteleuropa Community: Crush the Bolsheviks, or have the Mitteleuropa Community do it. However, while this could be taken as an offer to help Ukraine, it was the opposite. If the Mitteleuropa Community (namely Poland, but later the German Empire if needed) had to get involved, they would not be so gentle with the Ukraine as Pavlo I might be. And an inability to crush the Bolsheviks (or as Wilhelm II called it: "running a country") would probably lead to a change in government if the German Empire was feeling mean.

Meanwhile in France, the situation was one of best described as angry. Angry at the government for their inability to win the war, anger at the generals for their inability to command their troops, anger at the Anglais for abandoning them. The political climate could not be described as calm in any way. Recently, on the 26th of January, a riot in the 5th Arrondissement gained over 1,500 followers. The riot in question didn't seem to be aimed at anything in particular, but slogans such as "Éliminez le gouvernement corrompu!" and "Nous n'avons pas besoin de Poincaré en France!" have been seen frequently.

The Action Française, a right-wing fringe party has recently been gaining traction. The angry, vehement speeches by Charles Maurras have recently been gaining more and more viewers. His calls for the restoration of a strong monarchy, a Roman Catholic state institution and an ultra-nationalist government were once considered fantastical, even crazy, but in a time of humiliating defeat, the people seem to want an organ through which to direct their anger. His claims that the Third Republic was unable and corrupted had, in the eyes of some, just been proven. While still a party with little influence, if left unchecked, the Action Française could become a force to be reckoned with.

A legislative election in approaching, and is too be held on the 16th of November, 1919. Some are predicting a defeat of the ruling Republican, Radical and Radical-Socialist Party and the ousting of President Poincaré, but the replacement is uncertain.

----------------

NA012293.jpg

Pavlo I of Ukraine conferring with General Paul von Hindenburg and General Kruber​


-8th of February, Luhansk, Ukraine

"Down with the monarchy!" a woman from the crowd yells. She is, like most of the others in the crowd, wearing a strip of red cloth as a headband, "Down with Pavlo the Corrupt!" Others from the crowd join her, yelling and chanting, while a string of policemen hold them back.

"Stij!" yells a blue-coated policeman at the crowd, "You are endangering the people of Luhansk"

But the crowd, continues forward down the dusty street. It budges the policemen, who reluctantly withdraw and re-form and few meters back. While not causing any injuries or damage, the procession is certainly causing a lot of noise. A wiry young man wearing a suit and spectacles steps forwards,

"Ahov you slave of Pavlo! Do you not see? Pavlo the Corrupt is using you, just like he is being used by the Imperialist Germans!" he calls in a snide manner and the others from the crowd cheer, "Do you not want a better Ukraine? A Ukraine of peace, harmony and wealth?"

"Stij!!" the policeman yells again, but to now avail. Just then a galloping of hooves is heard, and a government official rides up, armed with a piece of paper and a pistol.

"Down with the aristocracy!" the wiry, suit-wearing man yells at the official. The official promptly raises his gun and fires into the air. The surprised crowd quietens down for a moment in shock,

"I have here a telegram from the supreme Hetman Pavlo I, ruler of all Ukraine" he says in an matter-of-fact tone, "And I quote: "From this day forth (8th of February 1918) no Bolshevik, Socialist or otherwise Communist-related processions, protests or public disruptions shall be tolerated. Furthermore, any affiliates, members or people other connected with the aforementioned Bolshevik, Socialist or otherwise Communist-related political groups, parties, trade unions are any other organization shall not be tolerated. Any resistance to this order shall be met with force, lethal or otherwise."

The crowd quietened in awe and the government official continued: "Signed, Hetman Pavlo I, ruler of the Ukrainian peoples and of the great land of Ukraine. So I advise that you all retreat back home, or shall give the order to open fire"

The crowd is quiet for a moment, then the wiry man yells: "Down with Pavlo the Autocrat!" and the others join in.

The official raises his gun and points it at the man, "Stij! Heed my warning!", but they do not. Rather, they continue yelling anti-Pavlo slogans.

"I will shoot! Three!"

They push against the policemen, trying to break through.

"Two!"

Some are throwing punches, the confused policemen raise their rifles and pistols.

"I'm warning you!"

A woman pushes through the string of policemen, "Down with Pavlo the Bloodthirsty!"

"One!"

A series of bangs are heard, then screaming.

----------------

Any comments/criticism? Contrary to popular belief I do like/need them. :p
 
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Voyaky_unr2.jpg

Sich Riflemen engaging in combat.​


-10th of February, Königsberg, the German Empire

The eight delegates sat around a large mahogany table. Each with a glass of fine wine, they seemed to be quite content. Cigars where currently being distributed by the various waiters, and six out of the eight were partaking, blowing graceful plumes of smoke into the air. However while they all had the demeanor of a bunch of friends playing cards, the matter they had been brought together to discuss was really quite serious.

"Mag ich Ihre Aufmerksamkeit, Herren haben!" calls out Max von Richdorf to the delegates, who subsequently quieten down, "Now that I have your attention, I would like to first welcome you to Königsberg and thank you all for coming. It is a shame that the Ukrainian delegate could not make it."

The group nodded in agreement, it was indeed a shame that the Ukrainian delegate had not arrived. Funnily enough, the Ukrainians had not given any kind of explanation to the delegate's location.

"Anyway gentlemen, it is sad that the first official meeting of the Mitteleuropa Community is one of emergency, but it does emphasize the necessity of this community" said von Richdorf solicitously, "But we must discuss the matter of the Bolshevik troubles in the Ukraine. I have recently received news that an armed revolt is currently taking place in the Crown of Ukraine"

The delegates were silent is shock. Already, not even two years after the Great War, more strife had shown up the rader.

"The Sich Riflemen, an important corp of soldiers, have refused their disbandment after their notorious strike and have suddenly assaulted the port city of Kamianske*. The attack came at a complete surprise and the riflemen succeeded in capturing the city. As a result of Kamianske's strategic location on the Dnieper River, the rebelling Sich Riflemen have been able to blockade trade that passes through. The Hetman is responding with depaching an elite corp of Cossack cavalrymen to deal with the rebellious riflemen. We are sure that the cavalrymen will be successful."

The delegates clamored noticeably, but von Richdorf continued: "The German high command has recommended that the members of the Mitteleuropa Community shall send through economic aid to the Hetman, while the Kingdom of Poland dispatch soldiers to stabilize the western regions of the Ukraine. But since we are a community, we shall hold a vote. All those in favor of the German high command's plan, say aye!"

Everyone except for Casimir Zając, the Polish delegate, said "aye" with gusto. After an awkward moment, Zając said "aye" as well.

"Very well, it is decided!" said von Richdorf conclusively.

----------------

200px-Alex_K_Ukrainska_Derzhava.svg.png

The coat-of-arms of the collapsing Crown of Ukraine​

In the Crown of Ukraine, the status of the Hetman's rule was breaking down. Bolsheviks, Socialists, Democrats, anti-Monarchists, Anarchists and any other political ideal even slightly in conflict with Pavlo I was in rebellion. The Sich Riflemen, as aforementioned, had captured the port city of Kamianske, but that wasn't all that had happened. In the city of Luhansk, a massive uprising had occurred and Socialists had proclaimed a "People's Republic of Luhansk" after a slaughter of protesting Bolsheviks had happened in Luhansk's main street sparked the uprising. In Odessa, the mismanagement and corruption of the shipping industry on behalf of Ukraine's aristocracy had prompted angry dockhands to attack their former masters. Even in Kiev, the capital, riots had occurred.

With the Mitteleuropa Community refusing large-scale military intervention and an uprising on his hands, the Hetman of Ukraine desperately scrambles to rally what little supporters he has.

*The city of Kamianske is now known as Dniprodzerzhynsk, as of 1936

----------------

Short update yeah.

And that pretty much concludes chapter II.
Any thoughts? Any critique?

Any actually reading this? :p
 
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Chapter III: The One-Armed Revolutionary of Kamianske

Chapter III: The One-Armed Revolutionary of Kamianske


Propaganda_UPR.jpg

Propaganda poster extolling a democratic Ukraine.​


-15th of February 1918, Kamianske, Ukraine

"Kostyantyn, Hold still" said the doctor, holding a bloody arm, "It's infected badly, we'll have to amputate it" the doctor gently placed the bloody arm on the bedside table. Next to the doctor lay a wiry man wearing spectacles on a bed with white sheets to which the bloody arm is attached. The man, Kostyantyn Ostrovsky, grimaces with pain. In his left arm, between the elbow and the shoulder, there is a bullet-wound, gone a green-yellow tinge from infection.

"Damned Pavlo! This damned arm has been bleeding and bleeding and hurting the entire ride from Luhansk!" Kostyantyn grunted through gritted teeth, "Speaking of Luhansk, what news?"

"Very little" said the doctor calmly, "It is good you left before the fighting got intense."

"How goes the People's Republic?"

"Of what? Ukraine?" the doctor laughs, "The Hetman is not defeated yet, my dear Kostyantyn. But in Luhansk, he has not made any attempts to retake the city. Yet."

Just then, a woman carrying a bottle of medical alcohol, a knife and large pair of tweezers enters the room,

"Doctor, I have brought the supplies" she says, to which the doctor reaches out and places the items on the bedside table,

"Listen here, Aleksandreyeva, I'll need a bonesaw and a good, sturdy leather belt"

"Yes, doctor" she replies and hurridly exits the room. He turns back to Kostyantyn, "Look, I need to get the bullet out of your arm, understand? Settle down, or the job won't be clean."

Kostyantyn becomes momentarily still, and the doctor begins padding the bullet-wound with a alcohol-soaked cloth. Then the doctor takes the knife and begins rummaging around in the bullet-wound,

"Aaachh! D-doctor i-it h-h-hurts!"

The doctor does not heed Kostyantyn's cry of agony and continues pushing about until he has a good leverage on the bullet,

"I got it! Kostyantyn hold still!"

With a massive cry from Kostyantyn, the doctor reaches in the wound with his tweezers and begins pulling out the bullet.

"Haha! Here it is, the imperialist bastard! Probably designated by the Hetman himself to shoot you!"

The doctor gently places the blood-speckled bullet on the bedside table.

"Looking forward to the amputation?" he says in a mockingly macabre voice,

"Blyat! Am I ever!"

"Ah what a coincidence! Here is Aleksandreyeva with the gear!"

The doctor wasn't lying, and as he spoke, Aleksandreyeva came in the room carrying the bonesaw and the belt as she was instructed too, "Here you go, doctor" she says.

The doctor takes the belt and puts it on around Kostyantyn's upper arm, and then tightens it considerably,

"Ach! Doctor is there no end to the pain?"

"Not for now, Kostyantyn," and then the doctor turns to face Aleksandreyeva, "My dear child, I'll need to help. As I cut through his arm, dab the alcohol-soaked cloth on the bits that I cut through, get it?"

"Ah... okay doctor" she says nervously, and then kneels down next to the bed armed with the alcohol-soaked cloth.

The doctor tightens the makeshift tourniquet even further and then begins his gruesome work.

----------------

Little known to the doctor, the now one-armed Socialist leader Kostyantyn Ostrovsky would later achieve great things. On the 23rd of February 1918, not even a month after his amputation, Kostyantyn Ostrovsky would direct the Sich Riflemen (whose ranks had swelled from 1,500 to 13,000 since their rebellion against the Hetman) to launch an offensive against the nearby city of Sicheslav*. The offensive was met with little resistance from the Hetman's troops and as a matter of fact, when the Sich Riflemen met the Poltava Governorate Guard Corps on the field of combat, large sections of the Hetman's troops simply walked across the field, waving the red socialist flag, and joined the Sich Riflemen. Needless to say, the Poltava Governorate Guard Corps were a pushover for the Sich Riflemen, who commanded a seemingly indomitable morale, in contrast to the Hetman's soldiers, who were in disillusionment as too what exactly they were fighting for. When the Sich Riflemen did finally reach Sicheslav on the 1st of March, 1918, the little power the Hetman still commanded in Sicheslav was easily destroyed by the riflemen.

With Sicheslav under the control of the popular revolt, the steel-making city of Krivoy Rog throws off the chains of its capitalist oppressors and joins the revolt. On the 14th of March, a disgruntled steel worker beats a foreman to death with a lead pipe, and then manically proclaims a "Anarchist Free Territory of Poltavatsk Steel Factory". While the man is reputed to be in hysterics, his comrades-in-arms proceed to drive all the "conceited capitalist swine-filth" out of the city. The renown anarchist Nestor Makhno takes control of the revolters in Krivoy Rog and pushes westwards, proclaiming an anarchist state.

Now that the Ukrainian civil war unfolding at an unfathomable rate, the King of Poland barely has enough time to dispatch troops in the Ukraine. The Polish intervention forces promptly occupy the cities of Kovel and Rivne on the 17th of March and push towards the city of Zhytomyr, however they meet heavy resistance in the form of an insurgency. The King Paweł Fryderyk I is unsure about attempting a full-scale takeover of the Ukraine, and he is content with occupying the western areas of the Ukraine for the moment.

On the 24th of March, after long, protracted fighting, the Sich Riflemen make a massive push north towards the city of Kiev along the Dnieper River. Kostyantyn Ostrovsky accompanies the force, which is lead by Symon Petliura, and serves as a rallying point for the various rebelling factions. Nicknamed the "Little Lenin of Ukraine", Kostyantyn Ostrovsky proves able and capable in his position as a leader and allies himself with Socialist heavyweights such as Volodymyr Vynnychenko. As they make their way towards Kiev, the triumvirate of Ostrovsky, Petliura and Vynnychenko appear to many as the heir apparents to the dying Crown of Ukraine.

----------------

-6th of April, Berlin, Germany

"Mein Kaiser! Wir empfangen ein Telegramm von Ukraine!" calls out Falke Hussel, waving a bit of paper in the air. The Kaiser of Germany, Wilhelm II, looks up from his morning cup of coffee, "I'm sorry, Falke? Was sagten Sie?"

"A telegram, sir. We received one from Ukraine"

"Very well, Falke. Read out if you will"

"Okay, it says: 'Dear Kaiser. We are overrun. The Socialists have control of Kamianske, Odessa and Sicheslav. The anarchist control Krivoy Rog and the western peripherals. Need troops immediately. Please respond, the Hetman of all Ukraine, Pavlo I', and that is it, sir"

"Overrun? What! Damn, what has Paweł Fryderyk been doing this whole time! Verdammen Sie die Kommunisten zur Hölle!"

"Sir, calm down. It was bound to happen, the Bolsheviks and Socialists have had a power-base in the Ukraine -"

"Don't try and justify it! We didn't act fast enough did we? The high command wanted to hang back and send economic aid, not military intervention, but now it is too late! The high command should follow my orders, not the other way around! I am the king of Prussia and the Emperor of all Germany! I give the orders, and if I say we intervene in the Ukraine, we intervene! Now what? The Bolsheviks and those Anarchists claim the Ukraine? It is too late now, Falke! Scheiße!"

"Sir, you did agree with the high command"

"I agreed because I thought they were making the right decision, that is what they are there for, is it not? Maybe I should run the whole country by myself!"

"Sir please... Calm down..."

"Silence! Fluch, I need a strong drink"

----------------

So, chapter III. Any comments?

*The city of Sicheslav is now known as Dnipropetrovsk.
 
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With the Ukrainian revolutionary forces fast approaching Kiev, the diplomatic crisis regarding the Ukraine was intensifying. With the Bolsheviks in Russia emerging as the heir apparent to the Tsar's crown, rumors were circulating that once the Ukrainian revolutionaries ousted the Hetman, the Bolsheviks would attempt to incorporate the Ukrainians into their proposed Union of Soviet Socialist States. As the defeat of the Hetman seemed inevitable, the German high command was debating the German course of action once the Hetman was defeated. The Kaiser, as hotheaded as usual, advocated an immediate German military intervention, but the high command unanimously disagreed. Some thought that once the fighting died down, diplomatic maneuvers be undertaken to bring the Ukraine back into the Mitteleuropa, regardless of the government in power. Some thought that Germany should sign a secret deal with the Russian Bolsheviks, proposing that Poland, Byelorussia, Crimea and the USSR partition the Ukraine in a joint attack. A small minority thought that the Germans should simply leave the Ukraine to the Bolsheviks, hoping this would stem the aggressiveness of the Bolsheviks.

200px-Arab_Revolt_flag.svg.png

The de facto flag of the Arab Revolt​

In the Ottoman Empire things are not looking up. Mehmed V is dying, and his successor, Mehmed VI looks to be weak and passive, exactly what the fragmenting empire doesn't need. In the south of the empire, the Arab Revolt is in full swing, albiet it is stagnating for the moment because of the British withdrawal. The Turks are dedicating an increasing amount of troops to combat the revolt, however, the more troops the Turks send, the more dissatisfied the citizens of the empire become with the civil war. The Arab revolters have by now seized all of Iraq and all of Hedjaz up to Medina, were a furious siege is taking place. In the Transjordan and Palestine, a new front of warfare is being opened up, as revolters sieze the cities of Aqaba, Hebron and Amman. Meanwhile in Pontus and Asia Minor, the Greeks, who are angry at the mistreatment of Greece in the Treaty of Missolonghi, are rising up against their Turkish masters. While a minority in most areas, the Turkish are finding the Greeks both stubborn and troublesome. While Greek revolt is currently limited to civil disobedience and sporadic violent outbursts, for the most part they are not a threat. Like the Greeks and the Arabs, in the Caucasus trouble is brewing. The Armenians and the recently incorporated Azerbaijanis and Christian Georgians are fed up with centuries of imperialist rulership, and disillusionment is gradually turning into a feeling that is gripping the Ukraine, Russia, the Arabs, the Pontic Greeks and the Greeks on the Aegean Coast. That feeling is that of rebellion. While a strong Sultan could pull the ailing empire from the clutches of death, it remains to be seen whether Mehmed VI will be that Sultan.

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Okay that was really short. But it clears up some things at least. I am tired and I have the flu, so I can't write much at the moment. To those who actually read this (1.5 people is what it seems like) I'll write more when I'm not so sick.

Also if no-one tells me what I am doing wrong, this TL will eventually spiral out of control and Alien Space Bats will invade the thread and we'll see something monstrous like the Empire of Serbia and the People's Union of Quebec jointly invading a Neo-Syndicalist Greater Germany in the Fourth World War, 1932. Or something. :p
 
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so far I've only looked at the first page, but, so far, sweet


Interesting to have "Butcher" Haig dying as a POD in favor of the Germans and friends! (A favorite slogan, "It could always be worse.")


I'm subscribing.
 
so far I've only looked at the first page, but, so far, sweet


Interesting to have "Butcher" Haig dying as a POD in favor of the Germans and friends! (A favorite slogan, "It could always be worse.")


I'm subscribing.

Hey, thanks for the subscription and I am very glad you like it!

abc123 said:
Ihre Majestat, not Herr Kaiser.
Thanks, I'll edit it soon. As you can probably tell, German is not a language I know well.
 
unr_30.jpg

Sich Riflemen during a victory parade through the streets of Kiev.​

As the weeks turn into months, the Ukrainian Civil War looks like a definite victory for the revolutionary forces. In the south-west, Nestor Makhno, affectionately called "Daddy Makhno" by his followers, carves out a Anarchist state, de jure called the "Free Territory" but called by all except the Anarchists as "Anarchist Ukraine"*. The Free Territory allies itself with the Socialist forces led by the triumvirate of Kostyantyn Ostrovsky, Symon Petliura and Volodymyr Vynnychenko. Meanwhile, the north-west, the Polish detachment finally reaches the city of Zhytomyr, but an insurgency which has whittled the Polish troops down from 18,000 to 11,000 provokes the Polish general, Grzegorz Pawlak, to halt the advance.

Now that the Polish are halted and the Anarchist are proclaimed allies, Symon Petliura, the military leader of the triumvirate, decides that the final push for Kiev is now or never. The Sich Riflemen, with a total force of 20,000 men are supported by about 10,000 men and women in loose brigades and bands when they begin their advance from the small town of Pryluky on the 9th of July, 1918. The force reaches the city of Kiev on the 20th of July. Rallied outside the city of Kiev, the revolutionaries issue an ultimatum: The Hetman steps down and his is allowed free passage to the Polish-controlled Ukraine, or he is executed when the revolutionaries are victorious. With the army of the revolutionaries already marching into Kiev and with no real supporters, the Hetman steps down reluctantly, thus the Battle of Kiev ends without a drop of blood being shed.

With the Crown of Ukraine destroyed both de facto and de jure, the revolutionaries quickly take the rest of the Crown-controlled territories. By the 30th of July, the zones of control in the Ukraine looks like this:

MlGil.png

With the red being the Socialist revolutionaries, the green being Nestor Makhno's Free Territory and the pink being the territory under the control of the Polish military.​

The Hetman's reign is toppled, and most of the Ukraine is under the control of the Ukrainian revolutionaries. The Mitteleuropa Community is hesitant. The Kingdom of Poland advocates an annexation of the Polish-controlled territories and a treaty to the Ukrainian revolutionaries. They claim that this is the best way to insure that the Ukraine does not become part of Bolshevik Russia. Many of the Mitteleuropa Community members agree with the Poles, except the Germans are skeptical. Under the pressure from the Kaiser, the Germans hesitantly propose a plan to invade the Ukraine outright (a plan under consideration, assures Max von Richdorf) however, weather the Germans will seriously adopt this proposal as their official stance on the matter remains to be decided.

----------------

Country Profile: Ukraine.

The People's Republic of Ukraine
bQ0rO.png

Note: The flag is still under debate, though this seems to be the choice of the government.
Capital: Kiev
Leader: The triumvirate of Kostyantyn Ostrovsky, Symon Petliura and Volodymyr Vynnychenko
Sphere of Influence: None, though the Bolsheviks of Russia seem to be the most likely candidate for the future.
Political System: Revolutionary Council, due to be transformed into a democracy of some sort in the future.
Official Language(s): Ukrainian, Russian
Snapshot of Opinion: Many of the Ukrainians are very happy that the Hetman has been successfully ousted from power, although there is a split as to the future of the nation. Some wish to remain independent, whilst others wish to join the Bolsheviks in Russia. However, a point of unhappiness is the political representation in the new government. While the majority of the revolutionaries are socialists, there are a number of democrats and the like that do not agree with a socialist-dominated government.

the Free Territory
Mahno_banner.jpg

Note: The above flag is not the official flag of the Free Territory, which does not have a flag. However, the Banner of Makhno is a popular banner associated with the Free Territory
Capital: Krivoy Rog
Leader: de jure, there is no leader, but de facto, Nestor Makhno is the leader
Sphere of Influence: The People's Republic of Ukraine, which it is in de facto federation with
Political System: Stateless Anarchist Society
Official Language(s): Ukrainian
Snapshot of Opinion: Many members of the Free Territory are getting used to the constraints (and freedoms) of an anarchist society. However, gripped by a revolutionary fervor, they are very joyful about their new country.


*In OTL, Daddy Makhno carved his Anarchist state out of eastern Ukraine, but ITL, eastern Ukraine has already been seized by the socialist revolutionaries.
 
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Chapter IV: Żytomierz not Zhytomyr!

Chapter IV: Żytomierz not Zhytomyr!​
Polish_Voluntary_II_Death_Squad_in_Lviv_1920.PNG

Polish soldiers in Kowel*.​

-15th of August, 1918

In the Stadtschloss, the King of Poland sits on an ornate arm-chair nervously. In one of the many sitting-rooms, Paweł Fryderyk, a normally composed man is fidgeting with a cup of coffee, worried about the sort of reception (or lack thereof) he will receive from the Kaiser of Germany. Suddenly the doors open and Wilhelm II strolls in, donned in his characteristic imperial garments, complete with medals.

"Gutenabend, König Paul Frederich!**" says the Kaiser, "I am told you come bearing news I might not take kindly too" the Kaiser utters those last four words in a sickly-sweet voice.

"Grüße, Kaiser von Deutschland, I come bearing news that is necessary to bring" Paweł Fryderyk replies cooly, "and please, Kaiser, call me Paweł Fryderyk, as I am the king of Poland am I not?"

"Indeed. So any way, what is it you wish to tell me?"

The king of Poland hesitates for a moment. Paweł Fryderyk is wearing a simple suit, albiet well made. And the only symbol of his royalty is a single medal on his chest. On the other hand, Wilhelm II in full imperial splendor intimidates the humble Paweł Fryderyk, although this was probably what the Kaiser intended, "Well, the situation is thus: the revolutionaries in Ukraine have overthrown the Hetman, as you know. My troops are both reluctant to fight and tired of war. Most likely, they will not take to the idea of an invasion of the Ukraine kindly. However, I do not like the Bolsheviks but I do see the revolutionaries as something else, for the most part they are socialists and democrats, not communists and Bolsheviks. I do not think that they will let the Bolsheviks in Russia incorporate them into their motley 'USSR'. So I think that Poland should annex the territory we already control as a sort of insurance against the revolutionaries. In the future, if the situation between the People's Republic of Ukraine and the Bolsheviks in Russia heat up, we could also look into signing a non-aggression pack, or maybe re-incorporating them in the Mitteleuropa Community."

The Kaiser of Germany sat back in his chair for a moment before speaking again,
"You know Paweł Fryderyk, you should like my high command" he said ominously, "and at the moment, my high command annoys me greatly"

Paweł Fryderyk grumbled, this was the sort of response he had dreaded. But the Kaiser was not finished speaking,
"But you speak to me honestly, king-to-king. And seeing as you are the king of Poland, and I am not, I see that your point of view may be valid. More so than that of my high command"

Paweł Fryderyk let out a sigh of relief,
"So, what is the verdict, do you have my backing on this matter?"

"Yes, you do"

"Danke, Kaiser"

"Yes indeed. Now we shall inform the Mitteleuropa Community. Auf Wiedersehen"

"Auf Wiedersehen"

----------------

With the Kaiser's backing, King Paweł Fryderyk I issues a decree that declares the Polish-held in the Ukraine territory to be sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Poland. The Polish minority groups in the Ukraine rejoice, and immediately Polish Ukrainians outside of this area can be seen immigrating into the recently-annexed territory. The official response from the People's Republic of Ukraine hasn't been given yet, but weary of war and frightened of German intervention, the Ukrainians are unlikely to pull off an attack on Poland. For now, it seems the Ukrainians will simply brood in annoyance.

Now that the Ukrainian civil war is over, the attention of the Mitteleuropa Community turns to the Ottoman Empire, which is in fast decay. The Arab Revolt, is gaining more and more support, and the British have started "forgetting" depots of weapons and cash near the Egyptian border. Within the Turks of the empire is disconsent as well. Many young Turkish men, or Jön Türkler, see the empire as dead, if not dying. The Sultan Mehmed V is dead, and his successor Mehmed VI doesn't look like the strong, organized Sultan the Ottoman Empire needs if it will survive. In central Turkey, democrats and nationalists organize themselves in a temporary alliance with the revolting Arabs, and the Greeks of Pontus and Asia Minor receive goods and arms from Greece. With an empire in decay, the "Prussia of the Balkans", Bulgaria, sees an interesting opportunity, and in November 6th, 1918, the King of Greece, Alexander and the King of Bulgaria, Boris III "the Unifier", sign a secret agreement whereby Greece will help Bulgaria in an invasion of Turkey if the House of Osman collapses in exchange for Constantinople, portions of Asia Minor and Thessaloniki, if all goes well. Though not known by anyone outside of their respective governments the deal becomes known as the "Bitter-Sweet Alliance" among the government of Greece, reflecting Bulgaria's all-too-recent annexation of Greek provinces.

By the close of November, 1918, the Arab Revolters have seized the city of Medina and all of Palestine, the Transjordan, Hedjaz and Iraq. Sharif Hussein bin Ali, head of the Hashemite clan, dreams of a pan-Arabic kingdom, ruled by himself. For the most part, the house of Saud (which is ruling Najd under British protection) seems to be sidelined as Sharif Hussein bin Ali is regarded as the de facto leader of the revolution in the Ottoman territories. With the dogged Ottoman armies demoralized and in retreat to Syria, many Arabs wonder just how much longer the revolt will last...

----------------

*Kowel is the Polish name for the currently-Ukrainian city of Kovel. Likewise, Zhytomyr has been changed to Żytomierz, Lutsk to Łuck, Rivne to Równe, Khmelnytskyi to Chmielnicki et cetera.

**When translated into German or English, Paweł Fryderyk means "Paul Frederich", hence the king of Poland would be "King Paul Frederich I".

----------------

Thus begins chapter four. I've gotten into the habit of smaller updates, something which isn't good.

Anyway, I would really like comments, as I am unsure about this update, especially the part concerning the Arab revolt.
 
In response to the (immense) criticism I received, I heavily edited the original chapter.

snip

From the research I did, I found Kiggell as a Lieutenant General. Correct me if I am wrong.


He was promoted after the war OTL, at this time he is a Brigadier, and would merely keep things going for a bit and be replaced by Rawlinson who was senior. Rawlinson was the lead advocate of bite and hold, argued with Haig vociferously before the somme and would hardly throw good after bad. But it is your timeline.
 
He was promoted after the war OTL, at this time he is a Brigadier, and would merely keep things going for a bit and be replaced by Rawlinson who was senior. Rawlinson was the lead advocate of bite and hold, argued with Haig vociferously before the somme and would hardly throw good after bad. But it is your timeline.

This would have been much more helpful if you had told me this earlier, but as it stands, I don't really know what to do... :L

Seems like I shouldn't pick something as complicated as WWI to write my first TL.

Ah well, thanks anyway.
 
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