Who to attack
If you were to look at a map of Europe, you'd see that under the leadership of Head of State Akado, Germany resembles a colossal giant, its mouth agape, ready to engulf its smaller neighbor, Poland, from both sides. To the west, Germany has the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France—four neighbors closely watching its every move. This strategic positioning brings about a significant dilemma for the German leadership as the drums of war begin to sound. The nation has utilized its own resources to secure an advantage, but time is of the essence. The German leadership has successfully curtailed the influence of the Junker nobility and the monopoly conglomerates, boosting industrial output to exhilarating heights. Yet, they now face a critical decision: which front should they engage first?
Due to geographical constraints, Germany has historically been haunted by the specter of fighting a war on two fronts. To the east lies Poland, recently bolstered by British and French support, and to the west stands France, known as Europe's foremost military power. Complicating matters, France's alliance with Poland means that attacking one could quickly draw the other into the fray—a scenario that has long frustrated the Germans. This predicament has sparked a division within the German Wehrmacht, splitting the military leadership into two irreconcilable factions, much to Akado's chagrin.
Several high-ranking generals, including Manstein and Ronderstadt, advocate for a preemptive strike against France. Their strategy is to concentrate Germany's superior strength, swiftly overcome the French across the border, and then unleash the armored divisions to wreak havoc deep within French territory. This plan, appealing in its decisiveness, also carries the allure of avenging past humiliations dealt by France. However, such an action would undoubtedly trigger a global conflict. With Poland allied to France, a declaration of war against Germany would be inevitable, plunging the nation into the dreaded two-front battle immediately. Moreover, a direct assault on France would strain the German navy, ill-prepared for a large-scale conflict in 1935. The navy thus proposes postponing the war until 1937, allowing time to assemble a formidable fleet, including at least five aircraft carriers, to challenge the Royal Navy in the North Sea and disrupt Britain's critical maritime supply routes.
However, Air Force Commander General Catherine is skeptical of the navy's optimistic projections. He is aware that the British have been closely monitoring the German naval expansion and would likely intervene before Germany could gain the upper hand at sea. Catherine supports the army faction led by Manstein and Ronderstadt, arguing that a swift victory over France, achieved before Britain could effectively respond, is feasible. He assures the army generals that the air force could neutralize the French aerial capabilities within 72 hours of combat commencing. Promising substantial air support, including 300 Do-217 bombers and 670 Stuka dive bombers by 1936, Catherine argues that the French forces would be significantly outmatched.
This aggressive approach towards France could solidify the Axis powers—Germany, Italy, and Spain—enhancing control over the Mediterranean and giving the Italian navy the upper hand against the French fleet at the Strait of Gibraltar. However, the repercussions of a German invasion of France would likely provoke Poland into action, jeopardizing German-controlled territories such as Czechoslovakia and affecting critical oil supplies from Romania. Thus, the plan hinges on a rapid defeat of France within a few months, forcing Britain to reconsider its involvement in the war—a gamble that not all are willing to take.
An alternative strategy supported by another faction of the military, including Army Commander-in-Chief Brauchich and Generals Bok, Lutz, Guderian, and Rommel, focuses on Poland. They argue that by concentrating forces on an eastern offensive, Germany could secure a swift victory before Britain and France could effectively react. This plan benefits from the perceived weakness of the Polish military and the strategic deception of the Siegfried Line along the German-French border, which could delay French military actions and buy time for German advances in the east. Furthermore, attacking Poland aligns with the preferences of Britain and France, who have historically encouraged German expansion eastward, potentially leading to a delayed or muted response from them.
Despite the apparent advantages of targeting Poland, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautions that Britain and France might not remain passive if Poland were attacked, given their mutual defense agreements. Yet, this eastern-focused strategy is favored by the German navy, which seeks to avoid direct confrontation with the formidable British Royal Navy at the war's outset. The air force, although less enthusiastic about targeting Poland's inferior air force, does not oppose the plan, recognizing that their mobility allows them to support operations on either front as needed.
As Germany prepares for war, industries like Francis and Krupp ramp up military production, and companies like Mercedes-Benz and the Bailanhua Group begin round-the-clock manufacturing of aircraft and vehicles. The naval docks also operate tirelessly, aiming to complete two additional aircraft carriers before hostilities begin, bolstering the German high seas fleet for potential revenge against past defeats.
The German General Staff meticulously debates the timing and specifics of the battle plans, eventually proposing an initial war start in early 1937. However, Akado harbors reservations, aware that the looming Second World War might unfold differently from historical precedents which no longer offer reliable guidance. With British political dynamics uncertain—Churchill marginalized and Chamberlain not yet in power—the outcome of a German offensive remains unpredictable.
Akado is theoretically inclined to prioritize the Polish front, hoping to lure British and French forces into a strategic trap that could lead to their decisive defeat. This approach also grants the German navy additional preparation time. A key factor, unknown to others, is Akado's belief in historical destiny: Germany's path to victory in previous conflicts began with the conquest of Poland. Yet, the temptation to strike at France first remains strong, given the potential to preemptively neutralize a powerful adversary and reshape the strategic landscape before the Soviet Union can respond.
The decision on when to initiate the war also divides the German military leadership. Some advocate for an immediate start in 1936, capitalizing on current readiness, while others suggest a more cautious approach, waiting until 1937 or even 1938 to better prepare the navy and air force. Amidst these strategic deliberations, Akado postpones his decision on the war's commencement, focusing instead on diplomatic maneuvers involving Hungary. Following a non-cooperation movement supported by the Great German Party, Hungary descends into chaos, eventually voting to merge with Germany after several contentious referendums, expanding German territory further.
As international tensions escalate, Akado, proclaiming Germany's peaceful intentions, announces his upcoming marriage and commitment to contributing to global peace. The decision of whether to attack France or Poland first, and the timing of the war, remains pending until after his marriage, leaving the world in suspense about Germany's next move.
The annexation of Hungary by Germany stirred a sense of crisis in Italy, a neighboring country under the rule of Mussolini. Italy, long considering the Balkan Peninsula as its sphere of influence, harbored ambitions of reclaiming the glory of the Roman Empire. With Germany's recent victory in Hungary and the establishment of a transportation line to the Balkans, Italy felt its interests threatened. In response, an Italian envoy was dispatched under the guise of congratulating the German head of state on his recent marriage. However, the envoy brought no gifts, reflecting a stark utilitarian approach that, to some extent, relieved Akado, the German leader, as it saved him the hassle of ceremonial pleasantries.
Upon meeting Akado, the Italian envoy wasted no time, expressing his government's concerns. "The leaders are eager to know if Germany harbors interests in the Balkans. This matter pertains to the alliance and the foundational trust between our nations," he stated.
Akado, with a knowing smile, responded, "Germany indeed has interests in the Balkans..."
Before he could finish, the Italian, frustrated and anxious, attempted to interject. However, Akado raised his hand to stop him, adding, "But Germany's interests in the Balkans can only be secured through Italy. It is only when Italy controls the Balkans that Germany's interests can be guaranteed."
Relieved, the Italian envoy wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled, "Your words are wise indeed! But can Italy trust your assurances alone?"
Akado nodded, "Germany has been portrayed by Britain and France as deceitful, but we remain a nation of integrity. If necessary, we can formalize our agreement to ensure Italy's paramount interests in the Balkans."
"The leader Mussolini will appreciate your generosity," the envoy replied, visibly pleased. "Italy will safeguard Germany's interests in the region."
Akado suggested, "We should sign a treaty delineating the future authority over these areas and the obligations of both parties, to avoid any future misunderstandings or conflicts."
"Absolutely, my leader! Your foresight is commendable," the envoy exclaimed, overly flattering. "Germany's leadership under your guidance will surely shine. Italy would like to offer textiles and food as a token of gratitude."
Internally, Akado scoffed at the Italian's haste to divide responsibilities, recalling the historical failures of Italy in the Balkans that almost jeopardized Germany's military campaigns. Determined to prevent a repeat, Akado aimed to stabilize Mussolini's ambitions, at least delaying any rash military actions in the Balkans.
After the Italian envoy's departure, Akado met with German soldiers returning from Spain, awarding them Iron Cross medals for their valor. Among them was Adolf Gallander, a notable Luftwaffe figure. "I heard you downed numerous enemy aircraft?" Akado inquired, shaking hands with him.
Gallander, overwhelmed by the recognition, shared his experiences in Spain and praised the effectiveness of the ME-109 fighters that Akado had advocated for. "Tomorrow, your unit will receive the new FW-190G fighters, superior to the ME-109s. I expect great things from your squadron," Akado stated, clapping Gallander on the shoulder.
"Are you serious, my leader?" Gallander's excitement was palpable. "With these planes, will our air force not be invincible?"
"Exactly," Akado affirmed with a smile. "We aim to make you invincible. The security of German airspace rests on pilots like you."
Gallander, deeply moved, saluted, "I swear to defend every inch of German airspace! Long live the leader! Long live the great Germany!"
Despite his busy schedule, Akado then met with a Hungarian envoy, discussing the stabilization of Hungary and control over its oil resources. Afterward, he tried on the SS general's uniform tailored for his wedding the next day, barely glancing at the wedding preparations described by his fiancée, Mercedes, as "not bad."
The wedding, set in the Berlin Cathedral, was a lavish affair, though rushed due to Akado's commitments. The ceremony was attended by many, yet the couple's entrance was so striking that it momentarily silenced the crowd. After the church ceremony, the celebration continued at the state palace. Traditional customs were observed, including the throwing of dishes to symbolize future household harmony and the couple cleaning up as a sign of their future together.
As the day ended, Akado and Mercedes found a moment of peace, smiling at each other, relieved and content, ready to embrace their life together. The narrative of their wedding and the intricate political maneuvers surrounding it encapsulates the complexities of leadership and personal life intertwined.
As the story continues, the reader is reminded of the vast unfolding events, hinting at further developments, inviting them to stay engaged with the narrative, which promises to delve deeper into the intertwining of political strategies and personal stories in the tumultuous times of war and diplomacy.