The Long Peace: A Wikibox Timeline

From Germany with Love

Hunter W.

Banned
Hi everyone, yes this is my trillionth timeline. But as always back to try again until I get it right.
I will be writing about one of the biggest 'what ifs', what if the Second World War never happened?
As always I must warn about the grammar. I am awful, but am getting better.
Either way, you just have to put up or shut up. Yes, I know this may be a turn off, but all I ask is you give me another chance.

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The German economy had gone into a tailspin, with the communists and various right-wing gangs fought each other in the street, a political titan waited for his chance. This man was Adolf Hitler, the Austrian corporal, the socialist, the painter. His early life was defined by tragedy, whilst his character was developed from war and conflict he was considered a great orator. In his early political career, he was a member of various far-left political parties and organizations. Initially, he had joined the communist party, inspired by the ongoing revolts and revolutions exploding across Europe, and was thereafter imprisoned for seditious activities. However, upon his release, he moderated, as the 1920's progressed and the economy stabilized he saw no need for a proletarian revolution.

The onset of the Great Depression had a profound effect on the politician, soaring unemployment, coupled with violent budget cuts, led him to his supposed destiny. In 1932 he became leader of the then fledgling Social Democrats. Like the other mainstream political parties, it was associated with the depression itself. The KPD dramatically increased it's vote share in subsequent elections thereafter. Many aristocrats and business leaders were growing increasingly anxious about their surge in popularity, even with Hitler, without an election campaign to fight, his voice was worthless. The ailing President, Paul von Hindenburg appointed Franz von Papen as Chancellor, like his predecessors, he represented nothing more than the ruling elite. However, Papen quickly noted Hitler's rise in popularity, suggesting the SPD was more preferable to a communist dictatorship.

In an act of self-sacrifice Papen requested an election for March 1933, with the expectation the SDP would once more garner of a majority, if not a landslide. The election campaign was short but crisp, the charisma of Hitler and his followers amazed many observers, thoughout the election he rallied the left, centre, right, in spectacular political maneuvers. Whilst repudiating laissez faire economic philosophy, he also called for the need of co-operation in the work place, and "the conditions for prosperity, wherever possible."

"This requires healthy flourishing private sector, with the worker protected from it's self-destructive habits."

He also indicated a broad coalition could be formed to counter the increasingly militant communists.

The election of 1933 delivered a surprise, the KPD faced a catastrophic fall in support, whilst mainstream political parties had a surge in support. Hitler was thereafter sworn in as Chancellor of Germany.


Alternate German federal election of 1931.png


His first difficulties came from the state of the German economy. After years of hyperinflation and extremely high unemployment, along with a financial crisis. Quick action was required on the part of the cabinet. Whilst he initially embraced economic orthodoxy, his government lurched to the left, implementing work programs and strengthening the comprehensive German welfare state. In 1934 he promoted state ownership of railways, whilst supporting private ownership. In 1933 he appointed Hermann Dietrich Minister of Economics and Hjalmar Schacht as Minister of Finance, broadening the coalition. Other areas of focus included large government investments into education, health, and the creation of extensive state tenements for the homeless, and new government welfare benefits for veterans. However, Hitler was prone to mental outbursts, making it's headway into the newspapers. In July 1934 he denied these claims, but as his records were leaked, it became apparent he had frequently sought psychological help. Other rumours, such as his sexual life which he and his colleagues found distasteful.

Whilst this had a momentary effect on his popularity, a strong economy, coupled with falling unemployment allowed him to maneuver out of the accusations. His government also, in co-operation with the ailing communists. Introduced a 40-hour work week, to the ire of the business community. While Hindenburg expressed concern about the SPD-led coalition, his failing health led to his demise. In August 1934, aged eighty-six,he succumbed to a short aggressive form of lung cancer. This shocked the German people, as he was a renown military legend. Hitler, and other members of the Reichstag attended his burial with full military honours.

Nonetheless, debates began about whom should be his successor, rumours emerged that Wilhelm Groener, would be anointed as a caretaker President. But under the provisions of the Emergency Act 1932, Hitler would become acting President, pending new elections. While he now held all executive powers he notwithstanding, held his secondary title in a ceremonial role.

After organizing the conditions to hold a presidential election, another German war hero entered the fray. Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck announced his candidacy, the results were no longer in doubt, winning by an electoral landslide.

Alternte German presidential election of 1934.png
 
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Morning in Australia

Hunter W.

Banned
Similarly, elections were held in Australia. The collapsing Labor government, led by James Scullin was beset by economic crisis and chronic unemployment. By the middle of 1931, unemployment reached 27% as industrial production and productivity plummeted. That same year, the Premiers' Plan designed to control inflation, was universally rejected by Labor members. This ultimately led to a split within the Labor cabinet with the defection of Jack Lang from the Labor Party, thereafter forming the Centre Party with his right-wing mates. The rapidly deteriorating situation was further complicated by the demands of the banks in the United Kingdom. Most of whom, were planning to withdraw loans. The federal opposition, led by the former Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce after resolving ideological splits of his own, sought the job. Tasmanian Premier, Joseph Lyons negotiated a deal with the Nationalist Party on the basis he would be appointed Treasurer when in government. The Country Party also continued the tradition of the previous government, by aligning with the Nationalists thus forming a coalition. During the campaign, Bruce offered the sort of economic security enjoyed in the previous decade, lambasting what he considered Labor's poor stewardship in economic affairs.
Alternate Australian federal election of 1931.png

In policy, the Nationalist/Country government reflected fiscal conservatism, whilst promoting investment in state industry. Along with the bolstering of social welfare, and the continuation of the White Australia policy. His government also promoted the League of Nations as a means to prevent conflict in light of Japanese incursions into China, he also increased defence spending and lobbied London for more emphasis in the Pacific region. As the international economy recovered after 1933 his popularity benefited greatly, enabling him to enter the 1934 election campaign with his position strengthened. And thereafter won the 1934 election with the Nationalist/Country coalition's majority intact.
 
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