Economic crisis

The execution of the plans was methodical and systematic. Germany, leveraging the economic turmoil, procured nearly all available machine tools and equipment from the U.S. market and amassed a significant stockpile of inexpensive rare metal materials. German businessmen, for a time, became synonymous with financial saviors, traversing the wealthiest nations of the world, purchasing anything that piqued their interest. In an effort to salvage its economy, the UK even traded shares of Saudi oil production in exchange for private financial aid from Germany. This allowed Germany to build its own submarine force, and while the German Air Force was being secretly expanded, the world turned a blind eye, similarly ignoring the growing number of German tanks, a move aimed at subtly restraining France.

The global economic crisis provided unprecedented opportunities for the Soviet Union, which exported substantial quantities of grain and raw materials either directly or through Germany. The grain was sourced from the tightened belts of its citizens, and the raw materials were freshly mined, including timber, ore, and oil, all listed for sale. Despite Germany's early preparations for the economic windfall, the full brunt of the economic crisis was felt when liquidity froze. Numerous domestic enterprises shut down, leading to widespread unemployment, and peculiar price trends vexed the German government. Unlike a few private conglomerates under the German Party's leadership, most Germans, much like American businessmen, struggled through the economic downturn.

France and the United Kingdom, meanwhile, were not idle. They were insistent on receiving war reparations from Germany, which the German government found increasingly difficult to pay due to the economic strain. Envoys were frequently dispatched by both sides to negotiate, but the funds involved were minimal. A vast fleet began shuttling between Europe and North America. Akado arranged for about 70 large-tonnage transport ships for Merkel, and also leased 20 giant freighters from Britain as per the assistance agreement, effectively doubling the estimated capacity. The Germans efficiently organized these freighters into ten large transport fleets, simplifying management and minimizing the risk of accidents. Money flowed like water, transformed into equipment and raw materials that were shipped back to Germany. However, the artificially suppressed production capacity couldn't immediately absorb such a massive influx, putting Germany's fragile economy at risk of collapse. When salaries were paid, people found they could no longer afford even potatoes due to shortages. Butter vanished from the shelves, replaced by margarine, causing panic among the citizens of Berlin.

Confusion fueled by propaganda led people to seek scapegoats for their hardships. At a bar, a speaker took to the stage, proclaiming loudly, "Only Mr. Hitler is your future! Those Jews are the culprits behind this economic crisis! They've made their fortunes here and spend it in the United States and Britain! They care only about their factories, not about your lives!" The crowd, stirred by these words, responded with fervent agreement, the atmosphere charged with blind obedience. "The Great German Party does not represent your interests! They're preoccupied with trivial matters!" the speaker continued, inciting the crowd further. "Think about it! What practical benefits have actions like liberating the Rhineland or expanding the National Defense Army brought us? None!"

In the background, Goebbels proudly pointed out the effectiveness of the propaganda to Hitler, boasting about their rising support among the populace. "The government is at a loss with the financial crisis, unable to counter our propaganda and expansion," he said. Hitler nodded, seeing this as a pivotal moment. "We have finally seized the opportunity! This time the Grand German Party can only watch as we rise," he declared, his confidence restored by this success against his longtime rival, Akado.

Goebbels, buoyed by Hitler's support, suggested further intensifying their tactics. "We can be irresponsible, we can escalate the conflict! Blame everything on the Jews!" Hitler, though in a good mood, was quick to anger at the mention of Jews. "It's not about blaming them—it's their fault! One day I'll eliminate all those beasts!" he exclaimed. The crowd outside echoed Hitler's sentiments, stirred into a frenzy by the brownshirts leading them. "Kill the Jewish dogs!" they screamed as they surged out of the bar and down the street.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Great German Party, Fanny reported to the president, "The economic crisis is eroding our support. This is a dangerous sign that we're losing the people's trust." Leuk Carter added that Jewish members of their party were increasingly harassed by Nazi followers, despite efforts by the SS to protect them. Fanny noted that the Nazi Party's strategy of fueling anti-Semitic sentiment was despicably effective. "If we don't regain the initiative before the next congressional election, we may lose seats," she warned.

Akado, tired and frustrated, disclosed his ongoing discussions with President Hindenburg and the Ministry of Defense about continuing the secret military expansion to alleviate unemployment. "I've also tasked Krupp and Mr. Gerin Nike with recruiting 500,000 skilled workers to bolster better companies," he revealed, hinting at the enormous financial and emotional cost these plans entailed.

The atmosphere in the room grew heavier as they contemplated their next moves. Leuker Carter suggested, half-seriously, adopting the Nazi tactic of scapegoating to redirect public anger, but Akado dismissed the idea with scorn, emphasizing the need for integrity in their approach.

Meanwhile, at Berlin University, a bastion of academic excellence and history, the situation took a dark turn. A group of aggressive protestors approached, causing the university guard to retreat hastily. Unseen by him, a professor absorbed in his chemistry book walked out, oblivious to the brewing storm. His Star of David ring glinted unnoticed until a soldier, spotting the imminent danger, rushed to intervene. But it was too late; the crowd, having identified the professor as Jewish, erupted in violence. The SS soldier's attempt to protect the professor ended in tragedy, with both the professor and the soldier overwhelmed by the mob.

An SS truck screeched to a halt, and reinforcements arrived to disperse the crowd, but the damage was done. The street was left in chaos, with bodies and the wounded as grim reminders of the day's events.