Scandinavia abandons neutrality BEFORE WW1

zoomar

To follow on the other current Scandinavian WI's going around now, would anyone care to speculate on 20th century European history if Sweden, Norway, and/or Denmark elected to enter the First World War? It is my understanding Sweden gave some consideration to a German alliance, while one might imagine Denmark joining the allies to recoup territory lost to Prussia/Germany (nevermind they got it back anyway without doing this - but in 1914 whowuddaknown). Norway, who knows? Would this have had any significant effect on the ultimate outcome of WW1, postwar treaties, and subsequent Scandinavian/European history? Perhaps if Sweden had been allied with Germany and lost, Skane might go to Denmark or be given independence? Perhaps a Sweden allied with a victorious Germany would have assumed control over Finland? I have some ideas but am interested in the views of others, especially Scandinavians.

Oops, just realized this was posted in the pre-1900 area. So, let's make it "Scandinavia abandons neutrality BEFORE WW1"
 

Redbeard

Banned
After OTL 1864 it would be unthinkable for Denmark to join any alliance vs. Germany, Denmark was in effect a German vassal. Had Germany seriously wanted it, Denmark probably had joined her in WWI, but the Germans had more interest in a neutral Denmark keeping out the British.

For Denmark to plot vs. Germany/Prussia we need a different 1864, which must involve a Prussian defeat or at least a draw.

With that in place Danish foreign policy is likely to be very active and conflict seeking - I did not say it would necessarily be wise. Add in some sharpened conflict about Swedish rule in Norway and we might easily have the next great war involve Scandinavian countries on both sides.

If the PoD in 1864 is a succesful Swedish-Norwegian intervention on Danish side the Scandinavian neutralism is dead by the same action and Germany is likely to be less dangerous too, which in itself will increase the likelihood of Scandinavia following a non-neutrality policy. But even with Germany "neutralised" Russia and UK will be mightier great powers with interests in Scandinavia making the activist union a rather unstable oddity.

Regards

Steffen Redbeard
 

paxau

Even if the Germans could win the war against the western allies I'm not sure that they could beat Russia. So I'm not sure that Sweden could get Finland if you want do do this plausible.
 

Fabilius

paxau said:
Even if the Germans could win the war against the western allies I'm not sure that they could beat Russia. So I'm not sure that Sweden could get Finland if you want do do this plausible.
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Germany vs. Russia in 1914, if Germany would be alone fighting Russia it should be a walkover. Unless of course they invade, that´s when it gets tricky, invading Russia usually isn´t a good idea.
 

Chengar Qordath

Fabilius said:
Germany vs. Russia in 1914, if Germany would be alone fighting Russia it should be a walkover. Unless of course they invade, that´s when it gets tricky, invading Russia usually isn´t a good idea.
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Germany managed a fairly successful invasion of Russia historically, probably because the nature of World War I forced them to move slowly and build up a logistical base. Assuming that Germany does not get dangerously overconfident and try to win the war in a single campaign like they did in World War II they should be fine.
 
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