Who could be German Emperor in a restoration after WWI

So if Weimar Germany fails and ends in a dictatorship under a monarchist Chancellor similar to Franco who could be his successor and new Emperor of Germany?
Are dynasties like the Wittelsbach or Wettin or even the smaller ones like Lippe possible or would a monarchist always choose a Hohenzollern as Emperor? Also is the title Emperor set in stone or could they decide to crown a king for a fresh start?
 
If there's a military takeover, its most likely linked to the Prussian junkers. Hohenzollern is the only way to go.
 
So you think there's no chance for the dictator to crown himself Emperor?
I seriously doubt it. It's easier to install a puppet emperor and rule de facto than it is to create a new dynasty from nothing. The days of monarchical legitimacy being derived solely from military might are basically gone, and it's really not going to fly when there's a dynasty with very valid claim with a whole lot of support.

What's been done sometimes, and what COULD happen, is that the dictator is married to a woman who has a decent claim to the throne, and they rule together. But that's about as likely to happen as a straight declaration of "I'm emperor now."
 
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If the Chancellor/Dictator wants a member of a Royal House of German descent that is used to quietly advising and being a unifying figurehead but doesn't want the potential challeges of a Hohenzollern or a Wittelsbach he could always look to the House of Windsor. It doesn't have to be the actual King. Post WWI there might be a little reluctance but a non-German-born monarch would be suitably pliable.
 

Kaze

Banned
The ex-Kaiser Wilhelm was alive until 1941. But let us ignore him for the moment - his son Crown Prince William was alive until 1951. I would go with the Crown Prince.

He was approached by those in the military and the diplomatic service who wanted to replace Hitler, but Wilhelm turned them down. After the ill-fated assassination attempt on 20 July 1944 G, Hitler nevertheless had Wilhelm placed under supervision by the Gestapo and had his home at Cecilienhof watched. Rumor even suggests that Hitler signed an execution order, that all it needed was the date added and it would be enacted in the former Crown Prince. The former Crown Prince died under house arrest.

The Crown Prince was much beloved by the German people - there was even times that the Nazis would trot him out for public appearances and would then put him back under SS guard at his home.
 
So if Weimar Germany fails and ends in a dictatorship under a monarchist Chancellor similar to Franco who could be his successor and new Emperor of Germany?
My suggestion would be Prince Wilhelm, son of Crown Prince Wilhelm and grandson of Wilhelm II. For the appearance of legitimacy it needs to be a Hohenzollern, the former Kaiser and the Crown Prince would simply be unacceptable to countries like France so why borrow trouble, and prior to 1927 Wilhelm would be below the age of majority allowing for a regency that lets the Chancellor retain a fair amount of power whilst making sure that he's 'correctly' educated in matters.
 
As others have said, you'd probably need a Hohenzollern for legitimacy purposes. In a situation with Hitler out of the picture, a military dictatorship legitimized through a restored Kaiser probably isn't outside the realms of possibility.
 

NoMommsen

Donor
Well ... the 'Crown Prince' being liked by the populace ... wonder where this comes from. During Nazi-times he was an at some times used/abused celebrity for show.
That's all he was : a celebrity, like Lettow-Vorbeck, Mackensen, Trotha and several other ex-imperial high-aboves.

Pre-Hitler he actually WAS pre-offered to become candidate for the presidency but ... daddy did not approve and lil' Wilhelm III. had the non-existent balls to nicely follow suit (put simply : he was quite sume dud(e) with his overruling 'thinking' membrum below his belt).
Ex-Kaiser Bill would NOT approve any Hiohenzollern to become some figure of the the republican German Empire (the term "Weimar Republic" was never an official name and contemporarly used only to offend the existing political system).
Something I doubt Wilhelm II would change at any point.

Therefore you would need a Hohenzollern to actually have the balls not caring about disinheritance by Kaiser Bill who was the acting juridical head-of-house Hohenzollern.
Or ... changing Germany back to an 'official' monarchy, 'offering' the House Hohenzollern it rightful crown back. ... IMHO the only way Kaiser Bill would have accepted any member of his house becomming the monarchical head of Germany again.

... or look for someone completly different I doubt you would find enough support(ers) for.
 
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