TL-191 Alt-A

All,

Ok - I'm going to put a 2 PODs in Turtledove's Southern Victory TL with a goal of reaching a different outcome in 1944.

The first is in 1937. Essentially, there is a succession crisis within the German Empire. Wilhelm II dies, and the son is considered too autocratic by many reformers within Germany. This leads to mass protests, the deployment of the army, and general unrest. The Germans focus inwards, which is too bad for them.

The second is in 1939. Essentially, US president Al Smith grows a brain. Reports from the CSA come in revealing a massive arms program emphasizing barrels. Although the parsimonious Socialist US Congress won't pony up for armor, they do agree to greater funding for the Army, and particularly anti-barrel guns.

1940: The British and French continue the arms programs, as do the CSA and Russia. The North American plebicisites go as they did 'historically' (i.e. in the books), with Kentucky and Houston rejoining the CSA, and Sequioa staying in the USA.

1941 May: As historical, the British, French, and Russia launch their war against Germany, Austria, the Ottoman Empire, and the various minors controlled by them. The offensive hits hard, and send the Germans reeling.

1941 June: The CSA attacks the USA. The USA is better prepared however. Dowling's army in Ohio is hammered by CSA air power, but CS barrels run into a buzz saw of anti-tank artillery.

1941: The US offensive in Virginia also fails, but US resistance in Ohio is much stiffer than historical. The Confederates surround Columbus, but Dowling entrenches in the city, and refuses to surrender. Additional US infantry hold northern Ohio. The CSA fails to reach Lake Erie. Utah rises in revolt.
In Europe, German resistance stiffens. The Germans have put aside their political differences, and unified in the face of the threat. The Germans are forced out of Alsace-Lorraine, and Holland is overrun. The Russians drive west, reaching Vilnius.

1942 Spring: Japan declares war on the US, works to isolate the Sandwich isles. The Confederates, unable to take Columbus by seige, attempt to storm the city. Morrell launches an armored counter-strike that cuts off the CSA 6th Army, as that Army tries to take Columbus. A CSA relief effort fails, and the 6th Army is taken - as is General Patton. Morrell drives south, and establishes bridgeheads over the Ohio river into Kentucky.
In Europe, the French drive on the Rhine river. A french barrel division, under the command of General Charles De Gaulle reaches Remegen - and to it's shock find an intact bridge over the river. De Gaulle is able to get an entire regiment over the bridge before German artillery can drop it. French Engineers build pontoon bridges over the river.

More to come...I do have a specific goal in mind.
 
What keeps Patton from sending a salient towards Pittsburgh, as in the original TL-191? Knocking out northern industrial capacity was always a priority of the Confederates.
 
Top