The Cold War: A Collaborative Timeline

[Nazi Space Spy]

Basic Rules
1. The timeline will go month by month, with the goal of covering as many days as possible. I am aiming for this to be one of the most comprehensive collaborative timelines ever, so I’d love to see this packed full of detail.

2. Due to the detailed nature of the timeline, there will be days when multiple events occur. The formatting of the timeline will be conducive to this. I’d prefer to see as many detailed entries that don’t end in “…” as possible. We will go one month at a time.

3. One thing that a lot of these past projects lack is pictures – feel free to include them, but remember that forum rules limit posters to three images a day. Try and keep the size of the image limited as to avoid stretching the page.

4. Elections are tricky; therefore, results of major elections in ATL – such as UK General Elections or US presidential races – will be determined by consensus after weighing what events have transpired and how they’d affect the timeline's politics. I will not consider any posts that contain election related items until we've reached the actual election period.

So, with that in mind, here we go! Anyone/Everyone is welcome to make a contribution. Up first is the month of May 1945. Once the month has been filled out, we'll move on to the next one.

Monday, April 30th, 1945:

Adolf Hitler (1889-1945)​

• As the Red Army storms the Reich Chancellery in embattled Berlin, German Fuhrer Adolf Hitler and his wife Eva Braun commit suicide, by cyanide and gunshot to head respectively in the Fuhrerbunker below. Afterwards, their bodies are taken by top aides in the bunker, dumped in a crater, doused in gasoline, and set ablaze. As per the Fuhrer’s will, Admiral Donitz is named head of the Nazi regime.

Tuesday, May 1st, 1945:

• German radio announces the death of Adolf Hitler, claiming he was killed fighting against the invading Red Army in the streets. Admiral Donitz addresses the German people by radio, praising his predecessor’s legacy and urging the German people to continue the fight against the Allies on both the Eastern and Western fronts. Unknown to the public is the fact that Donitz is strongly considering making a separate peace with the Americans, British, and French to end the war on the western front. Likewise, the Admiral had dispatched General Hans Krebs to seek a ceasefire with the invading Soviet Red Army. These efforts hit a wall after the Soviet’s demand unconditional surrender, which Krebs is not authorized to accept.

• Shortly after the death of Hitler, Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels takes his life by cyanide alongside his wife. The couple had murdered their children with the same poison in the hours before their deaths. Hitler’s successor as head of the Nazi Party, Martin Borman, is also discovered dead in the streets of Berlin. It is unknown if he was killed by the Red Army as he attempted to flee Berlin or if he took his own life.

• Thirteen hours after Hitler’s death, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin is informed of his demise. He immediately orders his army to continue the fight in the streets of Berlin until the city completely falls into the hands of the Soviet Union.

• News of Hitler’s death reaches Allied forces on the western front, who break into spontaneous celebration as the German government and their remaining forces crumble rapidly.

• Klement Gottwald, the head of the Czech Communist Party, is assassinated by a former German soldier in Prague minutes after his secret return. This enrages Communist partisans, who rise up in revolt against the German occupation forces remaining in the city. The revolt starts with small run and gun attacks on occupying troops, but will grow in intensity over the coming days.

Wednesday, May 2nd, 1945:

• The Soviet forces capture the Reichstag in Berlin and raise the Hammer and Sickle flag over its ruins. Meanwhile, Admiral Donitz orders the surrender of all German forces active in Italy to the Allies.

• The key northern port city of Hamburg is occupied by British forces, who face no resistance from the German garrison in the city. With his government under increased pressure to surrender, Admiral Donitz agrees to send a delegation to meet with British Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery to negotiate the complete surrender of Germany.

Thursday, May 3rd, 1945:

• German leader Admiral Donitz selects small party of trusted officers for the planned meeting with Field Marshall Montgomery the following day in Luneberg Heath, a small town just a few miles outside of British controlled Hamburg.

Friday, May 4th, 1945:

Marshall Montgomery greets the German delegation.
​

• Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery accepts the German delegation's notice of surrender, resulting in a ceasefire going into effect on the western front at 8:00 AM the following morning. The announcement is made on German state radio, and soon after German troops in the Low Countries and southwestern Germany begin surrendering in mass numbers to the Allies.

• The remaining German holdouts in Norway surrender to the Allies in the wake of the surrender at Luneberg Heath. Meanwhile, in Prague, German troops come under attack from communist partisans in the wake of Gottwald's assassination.

 

[SpaceMarathon]

Friday, May 8th, 1945: President Harry S. Truman issued a proclamation declaring May 13 to be a national day of prayer. "I call upon the people of the United States, whatever their faith, to unite in offering joyful thanks to God for the victory we have won and to pray that He will support us to the end of our present struggle and guide us into the way of peace," the proclamation read. "I also call upon my countrymen to dedicate this day of prayer to the memory of those who have given their lives to make possible our victory.

 

[Nazi Space Spy]

Friday, May 8th, 1945:

• The German High Command, under the control of Admiral Donitz, sign the German Instrument of Total Surrender. The final German surrender sparks mass celebrations in major cities across the world, particularly in London, Paris, and New York where millions of jubilant citizens take to the streets in pure jubilation as "V-E Day" is finally upon them. The street parties last well into the night, and even continue as the sun rises the following day. On the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the Royal Family, Prime Minister Churchill declares "this is your victory!"

Prime Minister Churchill joins the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.​

• President Harry S. Truman issued a proclamation declaring May 13 to be a national day of prayer. "I call upon the people of the United States, whatever their faith, to unite in offering joyful thanks to God for the victory we have won and to pray that He will support us to the end of our present struggle and guide us into the way of peace," the proclamation read. "I also call upon my countrymen to dedicate this day of prayer to the memory of those who have given their lives to make possible our victory."

Saturday, May 9th, 1945:

• Though "V-E Day" celebrations continue as the sun rises, the war with Japan is still underway in the Pacific. In another radio address to the British people, Prime Minister Churchill notes: "Our gratitude to our splendid Allies goes forth from all our hearts in this Island and throughout the British Empire," continuing on to remind the public that "we may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead. Japan, with all her treachery and greed, remains unsubdued. The injury she has inflicted on Great Britain, the United States, and other countries, and her detestable cruelties, call for justice and retribution. We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad."

• Joseph Stalin, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, announces the "victorious termination of the Great Patriotic War" as party organizers begin preparations for a massive victory parade to be held in Moscow. In the interim, the victorious Soviets celebrate in Moscow by firing thirty salvos from over a thousand guns in and around the city.

• Herman Goering is captured by American forces in Austria as he attempts to flee; after his arrest, an amicable Goring poses for photos with his American captors and even drinks champagne with them. A furious General Eisenhower responds to his "reception" by ordering Goring to be held in a house in Augsburg with minimal luxury, where he is interrogated by Allied officials about his alleged involvement in Nazi atrocities.

• In a covert and incredibly lucky operation, most of the uranium supply at Neustadt-Glewe can be transported to Haigerloch. Werner Czulius, Heinz Pose and Justus Mühlenpfordt manage to escape to the western occupation zone, where they are taken into Allied custody. The news sends Stalin into a rage, as his own atomic project was hoping to use captured Nazi scientists to assist them in their efforts. As a result, Stalin orders his intelligence agents operating in the United States to work even harder in their efforts to obtain nuclear secrets.

Sunday, May 10th, 1945:

• With the help of communist partisans, Prague is liberated by the Red Army. German troops in the city do not offer resistance as Soviet tanks roll into the capital of liberated Czechoslovakia.

The USS Bunker Hill following the attack.​

• As the Battle of Okinawa continues, a kamikaze attack by a Japanese plane on the USS Bunker Hill aircraft carrier results in the deaths of over 600 men. General Eisenhower, in his capacity as Supreme Allied Commander, orders that no veterans of the war in Europe be deployed to the Pacific.

Monday, May 11th, 1945:

• The United Nations War Crimes Commission indicted Herman Goering, Joseph Goebbels, and Fritz Sauckel for war crimes. Little do they know, Goebbels - still believed to be on the run - had already committed suicide.

• The provincial government of Austria votes to reestablish independence after repealing the legislation that enforced the Anschluss.

• Following Klement Gottwald's demise at the hands of a German soldier upon his attempted return to Prague, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia elects Rudolf Slanksy as General Secretary. Slansky is committed to establishing a socialist, Soviet aligned government in Czechoslovakia but his political clout is lacking compared to the late Gottwald.

 

[FillyofDelphi]

Wednesday, May 13th, 1945

• News of the unconditional surrender of German forces cause a great deal of worry in Tokyo; the Japanese leadership worrying that despite reports of a tenacious defense their position on Okinawa was tenuous at best and that, combined with the final "re-repression" of the Philippines by the Americans, they would soon be facing waves of fresh airpower and veterans of amphibious operations being poised to strike at the Home Islands themselves. Faced with this prospect, there is serious consideration to begin a full withdrawal by China, but the idea faces serious resistance from army commanders who fear that such a knee-jerk reaction without at least making a major show of force would, far from convincing the Americans and Soviets that the spirit of resistance in the Sacred Yamoto was fading and thus embolden them to launch relentless attacks for "unconditional surrender" rather than allow for a negotiated surrender with terms.
• Britain; partially as a response to what they perceived as broken promises by Stalin and public pressure over the Trial of the 16 and their unilaterial action to establish a government in Austria, tries to retake the diplomatic initiatives by accepting the surrender offers by the retreating forces of the Independent State of Croatia; the ceasefire giving right of occupation to the Commonwealth forces. Tito and his allies are handed over administration as a matter of course, but informed that London does intend to exercise the right to conduct the war trials and help political parties organize on the center and right to insure a "responsible and representative government" is elected in November.

 

[Nazi Space Spy]

Wednesday, May 13th, 1945

• News of the unconditional surrender of German forces cause a great deal of worry in Tokyo; the Japanese leadership worrying that despite reports of a tenacious defense their position on Okinawa was tenuous at best and that, combined with the final "re-repression" of the Philippines by the Americans, they would soon be facing waves of fresh airpower and veterans of amphibious operations being poised to strike at the Home Islands themselves. Faced with this prospect, there is serious consideration to begin a full withdrawal by China, but the idea faces serious resistance from army commanders who fear that such a knee-jerk reaction without at least making a major show of force would, far from convincing the Americans and Soviets that the spirit of resistance in the Sacred Yamoto was fading and thus embolden them to launch relentless attacks for "unconditional surrender" rather than allow for a negotiated surrender with terms.
• Britain; partially as a response to what they perceived as broken promises by Stalin and public pressure over the Trial of the 16 and their unilaterial action to establish a government in Austria, tries to retake the diplomatic initiatives by accepting the surrender offers by the retreating forces of the Independent State of Croatia; the ceasefire giving right of occupation to the Commonwealth forces. Tito and his allies are handed over administration as a matter of course, but informed that London does intend to exercise the right to conduct the war trials and help political parties organize on the center and right to insure a "responsible and representative government" is elected in November.

One of the more interesting aspects from the first Cold War Collaborative timeline (started by TNF if I recall) was a divided Austria that straddled the East and West. It could be an interesting concept if that is something you wanted to explore it more? I'm also extremely interested in where you're taking Yugoslavia!

As for the POD, I expect there to multiple small PODs that balloon in effect as time goes on. Great work @FillyofDelphi.

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

May 1, 1945: Klement Gottwald is killed by a remnant Nazi-aligned soldier/partisan while trying to flee into the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

@Nazi Space Spy , is there a POD involved already? Or have I brought the first POD in now?

 

[Nazi Space Spy]

Friday, May 15th, 1945:

• After a meeting with King George VI, Prime Minister Churchill reaches out to Labour Party leaders Clement Atlee and Herbert Morrison on the prospect of continuing the National Government as the reconstruction of Britain and Europe commences and as the war with Japan still rages. Morrison is supportive of the idea, but Atlee is more dubious and wants to put the question to the test at the upcoming party conference in July.

@Nazi Space Spy , is there a POD involved already? Or have I brought the first POD in now?

There will be multiple small PODs, but the one you posted is the first one considering the date. Great contribution!

 

[Leon Trotsky]

@Nazi Space Spy , is there a POD involved already? Or have I brought the first POD in now?

The Soviets are apparently taking the WHOLE of Berlin by now, as Nazi Space Spy stated this quote:
"He immediately orders his army to continue the fight in the streets of Berlin until the city completely falls into the hands of the Soviet Union."
Meaning that there won't be any West Berlin in this TL and all Berliners will have to languish in total poverty, destitution, and repression, since as we all know, communism by the USSR = Ruined economies, corruption, and decay. Not to mention rigid antireformist stalinist apparatchiks.

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

Can we bring in a specific POD in February 1945 - I want it to significantly change (West?) Germany by having a specific person survive, @Nazi Space Spy ?

 

[Leon Trotsky]

Can we bring in a specific POD in February 1945 - I want it to significantly change (West?) Germany by having a specific person survive, @Nazi Space Spy ?

Who would it be? A remnant of the former Nazi Regime or a certain Democratic Socialist? Cause you do realize Rosa Luxembourg is long dead since the 1910s, so she cannot be brought back, obviously. Or Stauffenberg?

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

Who would it be? A remnant of the former Nazi Regime or a certain Democratic Socialist? Cause you do realize Rosa Luxembourg is long dead since the 1910s, so she cannot be brought back, obviously.

I know when Rosa Luxemburg died, but who do you mean with a "specific Democratic Socialist"? No, I thought of somebody far-right, a high-ranking Nazi.

 

[Leon Trotsky]

I know when Rosa Luxemburg died, but who do you mean with a "specific Democratic Socialist"? No, I thought of somebody far-right, a high-ranking Nazi.

Heinrich Himmler, then?

 

[Nazi Space Spy]

I know when Rosa Luxemburg died, but who do you mean with a "specific Democratic Socialist"? No, I thought of somebody far-right, a high-ranking Nazi.

I think a POD in February would be sort of random, and I don't think a far-right state in Germany could survive with that POD in particular. With the start being in April/May, I think West Germany will develop as OTL, though the internal politics will certainly evolve in a manner that could make a right-of-center/nationalistic (but not National Socialist) government in a matter of a few years.

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

I think a POD in February would be sort of random, and I don't think a far-right state in Germany could survive with that POD in particular.

Don't plan a full survival of a far-right state, to be honest. And if we get such a POD, any POD could date back to February. Defeat was of course inevitable, and I also don't think of any Werwolf-like movement.

But I did think of West Germany going significantly downhill down the line...

The man I want to survive is Roland Freisler.

 

[Nazi Space Spy]

Don't plan a full survival of a far-right state, to be honest. And if we get such a POD, any POD could date back to February. Defeat was of course inevitable, and I also don't think of any Werwolf-like movement.

But I did think of West Germany going significantly downhill down the line...

The man I want to survive is Roland Freisler.

I don't see a participant in the planning of the Holacaust surviving long; he'd probably have been hanged at Nuremberg in the event he survived. He's simply too deply involved in the regime to have been able to make it back into politics.

I am considering a potential Churchill continuation, by preserving the National Government (which to my understanding would require the Tories to embrace the Beveridge report) as well as Herbert Morrison making a successful appeal for Labour to remain part of the coalition until at least 1947-48ish. But actual election results will be arbitrated once we've laid out the details of the campaign, with a consensus of contributor opinions.

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

Early May 1945: In a covert and incredibly lucky operation, most of the uranium supply at Neustadt-Glewe can be transported to Haigerloch. Werner Czulius, Heinz Pose and Justus Mühlenpfordt can escape to the western occupation zone, too.

 

[Pragmatic Progressive]

May 24, 1945: Robert Ritter von Greim is desperate, but sees no reason to end his life.

 

[Nazi Space Spy]

April 27, 1945: Benito Mussolini narrowly manages to escape into Switzerland.

The POD is April 30th. That has to be firm. Mussolini is dead.

May 24, 1945: Robert Ritter von Greim is desperate, but sees no reason to end his life.

This is fine, as Ritter was captured after the POD. I'll reformat this to include more information as to why he doesn't commit suicide and other details once we complete and put together the month of May.

 

[Nazi Space Spy]

The Soviets are apparently taking the WHOLE of Berlin by now, as Nazi Space Spy stated this quote:
"He immediately orders his army to continue the fight in the streets of Berlin until the city completely falls into the hands of the Soviet Union."
Meaning that there won't be any West Berlin in this TL and all Berliners will have to languish in total poverty, destitution, and repression, since as we all know, communism by the USSR = Ruined economies, corruption, and decay. Not to mention rigid antireformist stalinist apparatchiks.

Actually, I worded that poorly. Berlin was completely liberated by the Soviets, but the occupation zones may or may not occur. We haven't reached the Potsdam agreement yet.