This is my first attempt at alternate history, so please be nice to the noob...
As a preface, while I probably know more about Austrian history than my average countryman, my knowledge is by no means detailed. Any suggestions about improving the historical accuracy, and especially about possible further developments is welcome.
But now... my story.
Chapter 1: Jump for your Life!
July 25, 1934
Engelbert Dollfuß, Federal Chancellor of Austria, knew something was amiss the moment the door flew open and a large group of men burst into the room. Going by their uniforms, they were policemen and soldiers, but he was not fooled for a moment: Nazis!
Before he could even finish thinking the word, he had reflexively jumped from his chair and overturned his table to take cover behind it. And not a second too early: The intruders immediately opened fire, riddling the wall and punching some holes through the desk uncomfortably close to the small, cowering man.
He had to risk it! With one giant leap, he was on the windowsill. Another leap, and he was out of the window, bullets whistling through the air just above his head. He hit the ground hard and grunted in pain; a twisted ankle, probably. No matter. He had to get out of there.
Luckily for him, two cars full of actual policemen came hurtling down the street just at that moment. Noticing their chancellor, the drivers came to a screeching halt. The men inside jumped out and pulled Dollfuß to safety.
He thanked his rescuers, then took a seat in one of the police cars and ordered the driver to take him to the nearby Stiftskaserne barracks, where he knew he would be safe for the moment.
An assassination attempt! That foul swine Hitler had actually tried to murder him! He was beside himself with rage, and he knew only one man could help him now.
As a preface, while I probably know more about Austrian history than my average countryman, my knowledge is by no means detailed. Any suggestions about improving the historical accuracy, and especially about possible further developments is welcome.
But now... my story.
Chapter 1: Jump for your Life!
July 25, 1934
Engelbert Dollfuß, Federal Chancellor of Austria, knew something was amiss the moment the door flew open and a large group of men burst into the room. Going by their uniforms, they were policemen and soldiers, but he was not fooled for a moment: Nazis!
Before he could even finish thinking the word, he had reflexively jumped from his chair and overturned his table to take cover behind it. And not a second too early: The intruders immediately opened fire, riddling the wall and punching some holes through the desk uncomfortably close to the small, cowering man.
He had to risk it! With one giant leap, he was on the windowsill. Another leap, and he was out of the window, bullets whistling through the air just above his head. He hit the ground hard and grunted in pain; a twisted ankle, probably. No matter. He had to get out of there.
Luckily for him, two cars full of actual policemen came hurtling down the street just at that moment. Noticing their chancellor, the drivers came to a screeching halt. The men inside jumped out and pulled Dollfuß to safety.
He thanked his rescuers, then took a seat in one of the police cars and ordered the driver to take him to the nearby Stiftskaserne barracks, where he knew he would be safe for the moment.
An assassination attempt! That foul swine Hitler had actually tried to murder him! He was beside himself with rage, and he knew only one man could help him now.