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**ChrisiusMaximus** · April 9, 2004, 04:01

An explosive start

Good top see you back Kaos, this looks like its going to be an excellent story

**Paddy** · April 9, 2004, 14:25

4.24am, that is what I needed to read

thanks mate

**SKILORD** · April 10, 2004, 13:34

It is a nice start, grabs yah and pulls yah in.

**unscratchedfoot** · April 11, 2004, 17:56

The Archduke now knows what it feels like to be an American contractor in Baghdad.

**Kaos XIII** · April 12, 2004, 23:57

Originally posted by ChrisiusMaximus
An explosive start

Good top see you back Kaos, this looks like its going to be an excellent story

Thank you.

**Kaos XIII** · April 12, 2004, 23:58

Originally posted by Paddy the Scot
4.24am, that is what I needed to read

thanks mate

I understand, 4:24am is the time I usually pull into the drive-way.

**Kaos XIII** · April 12, 2004, 23:59

Originally posted by SKILORD
It is a nice start, grabs yah and pulls yah in.

Thank you.

**Kaos XIII** · April 13, 2004, 00:01

Originally posted by unscratchedfoot
The Archduke now knows what it feels like to be an American contractor in Baghdad.

INDEED!!!

**Kaos XIII** · April 13, 2004, 00:04

Note: While the following story does contain some elements of truth, this story is above all, primarily fiction. Actions and conversations depicted here, are NOT an attempt to re-write history. I would also like to point out at this moment, that quotes within this story, containing negative remarks about people’s nationalities should be, for the most part, credited to Wilhelm himself. It was all researched.

Blank Cheque

1 Day ago:
It’s 2 PM on a Friday and the Imperial Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg is making his way through the front of the summer Royal Palace in Potsdam, outside Berlin. Upon learning of his arrival, Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert, the King of Prussia and German Kaiser (the ‘Dear Leader’) advances to meet him and says, “Afternoon Chancellor, please step into my private office.”

Once inside and after receiving a cup of coffee, Bethmann asks, “So, what is the latest news?”

Kaiser Wilhelm also drinking coffee, proceeds to put his cup down and grabs a paper document with his right hand, and proclaims, “I hold here in my hand a confidential, personal hand-written letter. The Austrian Ambassador handed it to me during our lunch. It’s from the Austro-Hungarian Emperor, Franz Josef. It depicts the present situation from the Austro-Hungarian point of view, and describes the measures which Vienna has in view.”

“What are the measures?”, asks Chancellor Bethmann.

Wilhelm now places the letter on the table and proceeds to scratch an itch he has on the back of his right ear and says, “they will send an ultimatum to Serbia. The demands among other things include; creating a joint Austro-Serbian commission to investigate the murder and ordering the Serbian government to condemn any propaganda against Austria-Hungary.”

“That seems reasonable. Although it’s quite clear the Serb government is without a doubt, responsible for the travesty of last week”, responds Bethmann.

“Indeed it is reasonable, but you never know with these Serbs. Serbia is not a state in the European sense of the word; it is a band of brigands!”

“Or Russians, whom have been making a lot of noise”, adds Bethmann, showing a concern over the Russians threat, that they will back their Slavic-Serbian brothers, against any military response from Austria-Hungary.

Thinking that Bethmann just insulted him by mentioning the Russians, as if he didn’t know about it, Wilhelm responds angrily, “I’m not blind to the danger which threatens Austria-Hungary and thus the Triple Alliance as a result of the Russian and Serbian Pan-Slavic agitation, which I also know involves the Socialist Republic of France, somehow.”

“Well, I didn’t mean to imply…..”

“That’s enough, tomorrow I leave for Norway. I will respond to the Emperor Franz Josef’s letter proclaiming that Germany will back Austria-Hungary, in whatever action she may take toward Serbia. Inform our friends in the Reichstag (industrialists). I shall prepare for my vacation now”, says Wilhelm excited for his upcoming vacation since his girlfriend, and not his wife, will accompany him.

Constitutionally, Wilhelm needs the Chancellor’s approval, but in reality it is the Kaiser whom dominates foreign policy. Bethmann replies in an effort to ease the tension, “Enjoy your vacation. It will have a quieting effect on all of Europe. This crisis is just like, so many before.”

“It’s not exactly like the other crisis, this time……..I’m not chickening out”, responds Wilhelm in reference to the Moroccan crisis 3 years ago. He adds, “In any case, there’s nothing to worry about, I’m sure this will be resolved without any conflict. I don’t understand why some people are panicking now.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------

But this crisis, isn’t just a week old. It began decades ago. Here comes a history lesson. If not interested, skip to next post.

Unification

The Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) ended with a unified, militarily triumphant and economically powerful Germany. After 1871, it challenged the balance of power on which the peace of Europe had long depended. But the architect of German unity, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, was not interested in further expanding German power at the risk of a Europe-wide war. Rather, he strove to preserve Germany's newly acquired position as the dominant power in Europe.

To achieve this goal he set out to isolate France, which nurtured a smoldering grievance against Germany. After the Franco-Prussian War, France was forced to cede its eastern province of Alsace and part of the adjoining province of Lorraine to Germany under the Treaty of Frankfurt. During Bismarck’s 19-year tenure as chancellor from 1871 to 1890, Germany was the undisputed master of Europe while the new French Republic that had been established after the Franco-Prussian War remained militarily weak and diplomatically isolated. However, France never gave up hope of recovering “the lost provinces,” whose population was split between French- and German-speakers.

Bismarck was at pains to reassure the other European powers that Germany posed no threat to their interests. He shrewdly crafted a network of alliances and agreements with all of the other European powers except France. Bismarck contracted the Triple Alliance of 1882 with Austria-Hungary and Italy to strengthen German power against France and to help balance power in the Balkans between Austria-Hungary and Russia. In 1887 he signed a Reinsurance Treaty with Russia. This treaty pledged Russia to neutrality in the event of a war between France and Germany and promised German neutrality in case of war between Austria-Hungary and Russia.

Ehrgeiz
However, when Bismarck “retired” in 1890, his carefully crafted policy of isolating France began to unravel. The impetuous new German emperor, Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert, abandoned Bismarck’s cautious foreign policy. When Kaiser Wilhelm refused to renew Germany's treaty with Russia, the French approached Russian tsar Alexander III. By 1894 France and Russia had concluded a treaty of alliance, in which each country pledged to come to the assistance of the other in case of war with Germany. The Franco-Russian alliance obliged Germany to face the prospect of having to fight a war on two fronts, which would prevent Germany from concentrating all its military might against a single foe.

Wilhelm also decided that Germany must become a great naval power. The British were at first scornful, then irritated, and finally alarmed as Germany embarked on major battleship-building programs. The country, which under Bismarck had been content with its role as the most powerful nation on the European continent, now aspired to become a global power.

Concern about Wilhelm’s new global ambitions and naval policy prompted Britain and France to establish a friendly diplomatic relationship called the Entente Cordiale in 1904. Thereafter these two powers developed closer political ties and began to discuss possible forms of military and naval cooperation in the event of war in Europe. In 1907 Britain settled its outstanding conflicts with France's ally Russia, and the same year, these three powers began to cooperate in a loose diplomatic association that was known as the Triple Entente.

In the decade following, Britain, France, and Russia began to compete with Germany and Austria-Hungary in a costly arms race. Anglo-German naval rivalry was accompanied by a competitive military buildup between France and Russia on the one hand and Germany and Austria-Hungary on the other. With the tension so build up from this time forward, only a spark was necessary to set off an explosion.
© 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

**Kaos XIII** · April 13, 2004, 00:12

While on vacation in Norway, Wilhelm does not pay much attention to the diplomatic happenings. His only knowledge comes from the local papers, which appear to be blowing things out of proportion. On the contrary, throughout Europe, German Ambassadors work hard, specifically in London, to keep the conflict localized, between Austria and Serbia. Unbeknownst to all in Berlin however, the British Foreign Minister, Lord Grey has already told the Russian Ambassador, “Germans can no longer be counted on as peacemakers under all circumstances.”

July 23, 1914 at 6 PM, Austria-Hungary delivers the ultimatum to Serbia. What the world does not know, is that the Austrian demands are calculated to humiliate the Serbs, so that they will reject the ultimatum. Back in Berlin, diplomats and ambassadors continue to send out telegrams to the different European capitals, urging the conflict stay localized. The very next day, France announces support of Russia, in case of a Russian war with Austria.

July 25, 1914; Wilhelm is awoken early in the morning, he is very cranky because he’s been awoken earlier than usual. On this morning an urgent message in a telegram, from Chancellor Bethmann awaits him. It says;

Your Majesty. Our Ambassador to Vienna, Count Heinrich von Tschirschky has informed me that the Austrian note is, as he put it, ‘composed to preclude acceptance by the Serbs.’

Wilhelm’s only response is, “oh shi’ite, I think it’s time to go back to Germany.”

--------------
Back in Belgrade, the Serb parliament meets in a special session and agrees to a reply. At the urging of Britain and Russia, the Serbs accept ‘most’ of the demands with reservations. After receiving the Serbian response, Austria-Hungary declares, that “the Serbian reply is unsatisfactory.” Vienna immediately breaks off diplomatic relations with Belgrade and the Serbian envoy is dismissed, literally told to “get the f*** out.” The Austro-Hungarian Government then proceeds to declare martial law and begins mobilizing. Upon hearing the news, King Peter of Serbia moves the capital from Belgrade to Kraguyavatz. News reaches Berlin, where large nationalist crowds gather in the streets chanting. “Serbia must pay!, Franz must be avenged! Austrian brothers, you are not alone!”

Chief of the General Staff General Helmuth von Moltke and General Erich von Falkenhayn are ordered back to Berlin, away from their own vacations. Like Wilhelm, they had been encouraged to go on vacation to calm the fears of Europe, that Germany was instigating the conflict.

July 26, 1914; Panic ensues in Belgrade, as war is now assured, the Serbian army begins mobilizing. Austria then mobilizes on Russian frontier, as a precaution, or perhaps they know the inevitable response. In Berlin, the Reichstag is split among the socialists and nationalists. Back in the Royal Palace, Wilhelm is informed by the Chancellor, “The Italian Government has said that, they have no interest in supporting Austria.”

“Those little, mutha’ f******* thieves! So our allies are betraying us also!”

“There are also reports, that France has taken precautionary military measures, French officers and men excused for harvesting are being recalled to their units.”

“It’s not surprising, those bastards are only encouraging a European-wide conflict”, an angry Wilhelm responds.

“But there is some good news from Constantinople where our Ambassador has informed me that, ‘not only Bulgaria, but also Romania and Turkey would range themselves on the side of the Alliance, if Austria should administer a severe lesson to Serbia.”, adds Bethmann.

Upon hearing the good news, Wilhelm replies, “We shall remind these gentlemen of this at the right moment. OK, we need to discuss this further with all of the Ministers, I’m going to convene a Crown Council at Potsdam on the 29th.”

July 28, 1914 – Wilhelm, after seeing the Serb reply to the Austrian ultimatum, and in an effort to appeal as a peacemaker, issues the ‘Halt-in-Belgrade’ order to Vienna. It arrives in the afternoon, much too late. At 11:00 AM on July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

French General Staff informs Russian military attaché in Paris that the French Army is fully ready and active to do her duty as an ally of Russia. French Army moves to the German frontier areas. Throughout Germany, the pro-war rallies turn into anti-war rallies, as socialists de-cry the insanity.

July 29, 1914 - Vienna refuses any negotiations with Serbia, Belgrade is continually shelled by Austrian artillery. Throughout the cities of Europe, trade is paralyzed., the business centers are at a standstill. The harbors, marketplaces are complete ghost towns. Trains, heading from France and Russia to Germany, or Austria are cancelled, as a cloud of uncertainty rises over the continent.

At the Potsdam Crown Council, Kaiser Wilhelm, Imperial Chancellor Bethmann, and Chief of the General Staff, General von Moltke among other Ministers and Generals raise the imminence of war. Most of the conversation centered on Great Britain.

“The situation has been spiraling out of control” says Wilhelm as he now shows a sign of a worrying face. “The Russians are itching to aid the Serbs. They are just waiting for the nefarious Brits to announce official support for their irresponsible acts.”

“We should not have to wait for Russia to attack our brothers in Austria. It is time for a general mobilization! We cannot delay any longer, France and Russia grow stronger by the day!”, shouts General Moltke. A very cocky general, despite the fact he only holds that title because of his uncle’s performance in the 1870’s.

Bethmann, always the concerned liberal responds, “No, we must delay. We must allow the world to see, that we are trying our best for peace. Besides, any mobilization will only encourage the British to get involve over France.”

At this moment, the meeting is interrupted as the Chancellor is called out, to meet one of his assistants outside the room.

Kaiser Wilhelm again speaks, “Our sources from Russia, have informed us that the Ruskies are holding out for a quick Serbian victory. It’s very unlikely that’s going to happen. But we mustn’t mobilize first.”

The door of the room opens once more, as Bethmann returns to his seat. He is now carrying a brief with the words ‘top secret’ written on them. The room is dead silent, as he takes out the documents and says, “I just received a dispatch from our Ambassador in London. As he folds out the top-secret documents and begins to read; “Sir Edward Grey has summoned me. The Minister was absolutely calm, but very serious, and he received me with the word that the situation was becoming more and more tense…..”

Interrupting, Wilhelm adds, “The strongest and most unparalleled trait of English pharisee that I ever saw! Never would I make an agreement concerning the fleet with such low-down fellows!”

Bethmann continuing on, “But he deemed mediation an urgent necessity if those concerned did not wish to have things become a European catastrophe…..”

At this point, Wilhelm explodes and goes out an unrelenting rant;

“If, instead of mediation, there should be a warning to St. Petersburg and Paris to the effect that England would not help them, it would immediately calm matters. England uncovers herself, now that she thinks us chasing scarecrows and that our fate is, so to speak, sealed. The vile rabble of shopkeepers ought to deceive us by means of dinner and speeches. The grossest deceit lay in the words addressed to me by the King through Henry: ‘We shall remain neutral and try to keep out of this as long as possible.’ Grey inflicts a denial upon the King and what he said to Lichnowky is due to his remorse because he feels that he has deceived us. At the same time, it is a threat combined with a bluff for detaching us from Austria, preventing mobilization, and throwing back upon us the responsibility for war. He knows quite well that if he said one single word in earnest and energetically to Paris and St. Petersburg and invited them to be neutral, both would instantly be quiet. But, instead of this, he threatens us! The ignoble clown! Vile dog's excrement! England alone bears the responsibility for war or peace and it is no longer we! This must be proved publicly!”

After a brief pause, he continues.

“... Here we have, in all its nakedness, the terrible situation slowly and surely engineered by Edward VII (Wilhelm’s uncle), continued and systematically developed by conversations, afterward denied, of England with Paris and St. Petersburg, and finally brought to its conclusion by George V, and now to be made a reality. Thus, the stupidity and awkwardness of our ally are to be the rope for hanging us.... A grandiose conception, which arouses admiration even in him, who is to be ruined thereby! Edward VII, after his death, is stronger than I, who am alive, I . . . And we are caught in the noose.... Now all these machinations should be exposed pitilessly, the mask of Christian pacifism should be publicly torn off, and this Pharisaical hypocrisy about peace should be pilloried! And our consuls in Turkey and the Indies, our agents, etc., should foment a savage insurrection of the entire Muslim world against this nation of odious shopkeepers, these conscienceless liars, since, even if we are to be bled white, England must at least lose India.”

-------------------------------------------------------

July 31, 1914 - 12:00 PM;
Running through the halls of the Royal Palace, Wilhelm’s assistant sweating profoundly finally reaches the Kaiser. “You have an urgent message, from General Moltke”, he hands over the telegram enclosed in an envelope. As Wilhelm slowly reads the message word per word, blood begins to rush to his face, he suddenly begins to feel warm and steamed, immense rage is taking over.

He immediately makes his way to the Reichstag, which has now been summoned. At 1 PM Wilhelm appears and is met with a glorious applause from all members, socialists and nationalists. Before the members of the Reichstag, Wilhelm begins to speak;

“One hour ago, I was informed of the Russian order of mobilization. I have sent a message to the Tsar, in which I issue an ultimatum for Russia to halt demobilization within 24 hours. I will also send an ultimatum to Paris demanding to know if France will stay neutral. I am now declaring martial law and proclaiming Germany, in a state of imminent war.”

Everyone already knew of the Russian mobilization, but nonetheless, applause and cheers from the Reichstag erupts in a fury of nationalism.

Wilhelm pleased with the response from friends and enemies, continues, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the expression of your loyalty and your esteem. When it comes to war, all parties cease and we are all brothers. One or another party has attacked me in peacetime, but now I forgive them wholeheartedly. If our neighbors do not give us peace, then we hope and wish that our good German sword will come victorious out of this war!”

------------------------------------------
The Supreme Command

That very same day, Chief General Moltke congregates with the ‘Supreme Command’ at a military installation in the industrial city of Düsseldorf. Among those in attendance is Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz (Commander of the German Navy), leaders of the soon-to-be western front Erich von Falkenhayn, and the Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria. Also in attendance are the leaders of the eastern front, Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff.

Gathered around a large round table filled with maps and charts, Moltke opens the meeting, by saying “Ever since the birth of a strong, unified Germany more than 40 years ago, we have known, that war in Europe was not a matter of if, but when. The envious nations around us, France and Russia, have feared our strength and resolve. Soon they will seek to destroy us. But unbeknownst to our enemies, our plan for victory has been drawn and set for almost 9 years.” Unfolding out a series of maps on the large table, Moltke announces, “Generals, I give you the Schlieffen Plan. Once the Kaiser announces our mobilization, the process will be put to effect in accordance with the Schlieffen Plan. France will be crushed in less that 6 weeks.”

Hindenburg whispers to Ludendorff, “what a pompous jerk.” Ludendorff, tries to contain his smirk.

It’s not quite a revealing moment, since most of the top brass were already aware of the Schlieffen Plan. But the most important aspect of the plan, remained unresolved…..Belgium.

Pretending to not hear Hindenburg’s whispers, Moltke adds, “The Flemish remain officially neutral, but they are only playing games, for we are all fully aware that they will back the French. A request for free passage through Belgium, will be sent to their King. If the King refuses, then he and only he, is solely to blame for the unyielding suffering, which shall descend upon Belgium.”

Falkenhayn, whom also has no love for Moltke asks, “Has the Kaiser approved the Schlieffen plan? I heard from close sources that he has some reservations?”

“Not yet, but he will”, answers Moltke. “His reservations don’t mean much to me, we have been waiting to implement the plan for 9 years now. And now is the perfect time. Once the ‘war to end all wars’ begins, it is we, the Generals, whom will be in charge of Germany.”

“You’re right about that”, says Hindenburg a man with visions of power and grandeur.

The Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, the only man with any diplomatic experience, among the room full of war-hawks asks, “What about the Brits, aren’t there still negotiations being done. Violating Belgium neutrality, really isn’t going to look favorable.”

“I’m not concerned with negotiating with the British anymore, I have just learned that England has cut the Emden cable. That is a war measure!”, answers back Moltke.

“And while Grey is still negotiating, the unbelievable scoundrels!”, the Crown Prince angrily says.

Admiral Tirpitz in an effort to downplay the British role says, “We shouldn’t worry about Britain, it’s very doubtful that there will even be fleet actions. They are not going to risk losing the only thing they have, their navy.”

Chief General Moltke, now fired up with all the news shouts out, “Fort in den Kampf!”

All the men on the room reply with similar veracity, “Fort in den Kampf!”

Acting in accord with the Schlieffen Plan, ten German divisions are to be sent east to maintain a defensive posture against the Russian army. Meanwhile most of the remaining divisions are to be concentrated into the right wing of the German army in the west. This wing is to march through Belgium and envelop the French army, and in a vast wheeling movement, sweep into Paris from the west.

The following day; – German ultimatum to Russia expires at noon, at 12:52 PM Germany formally declares war on Russia. Outside the Royal Palace a large crowd gathers. The ever-lasting fire of nationalism burns deep inside the men, women and children present. The flags of Serbia, Britain, France and Russia are all unfurled onto the square below, where they are set ablaze, as the citizens begin chanting in unison, “Marsch, Marsch! Marsch - wär‘s zum Tod!” Suddenly, there is a roar from the crowd, as Kaiser Wilhelm appears from the balcony of the Royal Palace. The cheers turn into silence as Wilhelm begins to speak;

“A momentous hour has struck for Germany. Envious rivals everywhere force us to legitimate defense. My efforts to the very last moment in bringing our opponents to reason and peace, have failed. The sword has been forced into our hands. We shall use the sword, with the help of God, so that we may sheathe it again with honor. War will demand enormous sacrifices of the German people, but we shall show the enemy what it means to attack Germany. And so I commend you to God. Go forth into the churches, kneel down before God, and implore his help for our brave army.”

Europe – August 1914.

Franco-German trench lines on the border.

**Kaos XIII** · April 13, 2004, 00:14

Are we no longer allowed to Upload anything, or is it just me??????????????????

Anyway, if you’re interested, this is the scenario the story is based on.

The Great War

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?threadid=76570

The Great War Europe 1914-1924 2.1 By Sarevok and Rocoteh The Great War Europe - Division level 1914-1924 1.2a By Rocoteh it is August 5th, 1914. The First World War has just begun after the assasination of Franz Ferdinand in June by a Serbian terrorist. Austria sought to punish the Serbians...

I have heavily modified it, though. The biggest change of all, reducing the number of turns from 200+ to 49. Each turn represents a month, and not a week as in the original.

**unscratchedfoot** · April 13, 2004, 00:41

Okay, the political yibber yabbering is over. C'mon! Get it on!! We want war!!!

That scenario is sure a biggy isn't it? It gonna take some time to get through all dim cities and what not. I'll offer a prayer up for the German army that they can do good. But I hope the British can win because now I am a British general.

**ChrisiusMaximus** · April 13, 2004, 07:39

Cracking stuff Kaos, a great read

**Kaos XIII** · April 15, 2004, 16:55

August 1914

1914 2 August;– Two urgent British Cabinet meetings convene during 11AM-2PM and 6:30 PM-8PM. During the second meeting, the Cabinet agrees that if Belgium were invaded, Britain will declare war on Germany. The Trafalgar Square anti-war demonstrations evaporate and pro-war sentiment spreads in Britain.

In the eastern front, skirmishes against the Russians had already begun. Railroads and bridges were being destroyed, as well as artillery exchanges across the border. There is even a report of a captured German railroad post, doubtful.

----------------------------
At a meeting between Wilhelm and Moltke, the situation with France is discussed. The night before Wilhelm had not slept at all, in fact he hadn’t slept for several days, as the prospect of an all out European war weighs heavily on him. He begins to show signs of distress, “There is no point for a war with France. We can keep them neutral and still avoid it somehow.”

“Kaiser, the ultimatum to France has expired, the French have made it clear they will not stay neutral. All of our troops are ready and in position in accordance with the Schliefen plan”, answers back Moltke, confused about the Kaiser’s change of heart. Moltke is also a bit disturbed.

“I want to delay the western front”, says Wilhelm.

Moltke now furious, but not showing it says, “the process of mobilization is such, that once it is implement it becomes a juggernaut. We cannot stop, what has started.”

Primarily, the pro-war industrialists in the Reichstag back the Kaiser’s legitimacy as the ultimate ruler. To confront the Generals would be to confront his own power base, at a time when his enemies, liberal socialists, are much too strong. Kaiser Wilhelm is unwilling and unable to force the Chief General to back down.

The German Ambassador is to deliver an ultimatum to the Belgian Government at 8 PM, it concerns stipulations, which would allow Germany ‘Rite of Passage’ over Belgium. The Belgians are given 12 hours to reply.

---------------------------------
At 9 PM, the Belgian King holds Council of State. The meeting lasts until midnight as they argue over the ultimatum.

1914 3 August;– At 2:30 AM Belgian Council of State re-convenes to approve the reply to German ultimatum, they are finally finished at 4:00 AM. The reply is returned to Germany at 7 AM, it is a rejection.

General Moltke designs the first strike at Belgium to occur early, the next morning. But that same afternoon, the French launch a surprise attack on the German positions in the border region. It is a surprise because we are not officially at war with France. Wilhelm is none too pleased to hear the reports of the ungentlemanly move. At 5:30 PM Germany officially declares war on France. The foreign Ambassadors are told to return home.

----------------------------
On August 4 at 8:02 AM, our Army crosses the border into Belgium. At 11 AM, the British Cabinet meets after hearing of the Belgian invasion and issues ultimatum to expire at midnight. Whitehall is filled with crowds in support of British intervention in war. There will be no response to Britain from Germany. It’s WAR! In Berlin, the Kaiser makes a speech in the Reichstag in the morning. He later stops for church services and reconvenes for the German Chancellor speech at 3 PM. The Socialists agree to set their differences aside and vote in support war and vote for war credits. In Berlin, buildings are now draped in the ‘War Ensign’ flag, as young men form long lines at recruit stations, excited over the romanticized adventure of bayonet charges. It’s been 100 years since the last Europe-wide war, and sometimes it’s good to get rid of all the bad blood built up during peace.

Imperial Guards passing review before Wilhelm II

The Western Front

Note: The Army unit in Civ3 is called a Corps in this scenario

Franco-German Border:
At the Franco-German border, the French Corps led by Joffre, Nivelle, Petain, and Foch provide a decisive advantage against our entrenched Machine Gunners and Infantry. Because the bulk of our force (130 Inf. Units!) has been sent to Belgium, the men at the border are left with no reinforcements. The French Artillery creates death traps in our trenches. Border towns also get the full brunt of the attack, with many buildings getting ripped apart. Many of our young soldiers choose to run away, rather than stay and die, SHAMEFUL! But this is what is so distressing about the kind of warfare we are up against---being harried like this by an invisible enemy and standing up against all the dangers of battle without any of the exhilaration or enthusiasm of a bayonet charge. How wonderful it must have been during the Napoleonic Era. From the Vosges Mountain to the Belgian border it is now the ‘War of the trenches.’ By the end of the month, the reported casualty losses were demoralizing, but despite it all the men held the trench line, bravely.

Franco-German Border - Casualties:
Deutschland
3 A. Machine Gunners
3 G. Infantry

France
0 (That’s right NONE!

)

Fighting in Belgium:
The first objective in Belgium is Liège. The Ardennes forest around the town provides perfect cover as our troops take their position, setting up camps. Unfortunately the forest also slows us down immensely. For days, the city takes a pounding, first by our, Field Guns. We then let them have some of our Field Arty. Finally, we decided the Belgians should a little of our Howitzers. From the air, our Zeppelins unfurled a wave a terror, unknown in the history of warfare. Even our own troops shuttered at the sight of the devastation being unleashed from the air.

But Moltke whom had foolishly predicted we’d be fighting in French territory by the end of the month, now appeared indecisive. So far, he has concentrated taking several forts from the Belgians, with our Kavallerie (Cavalry). Although very successful, the days turn to weeks and Liège remains in Belgian hands.

Through personal couriers, General Falkenhayn complains to the Kaiser about the leadership, “Moltke is an absolute IDIOT! We have been standing around in the forest, when we should be fighting. Belgium should be entirely ours and yet, not one major city has fallen.” Wilhelm is also unimpressed with the slow moving, but in an effort to calm Falkenhayn, he responds that, “Moltke should be given more time to perform.”

Fighting in Belgium - Casualties:
Deutschland
2 Kavallerie

Belgium
1 E. Machine Gunners
4 E. Infantry

The Eastern Front

Battle of Memel:
While problems plague the Western front, it is still nothing compared with the Eastern front. Here the Generals, Ludendorff and Hindenburg struggle with an extreme shortage of men and materials against an onslaught of Russians. In accordance with the Schlieffen Plan, the men at the eastern front were not to launch any attack, but only defend. This has left them quite vulnerable as Russian Cossacks launch raids and retreat at will. But one such raid on the eastern most city of Memel is proving to be vastly different. There the Russians keep coming and coming, with no retreat.

After several days of fighting, the Russians break through the outer barricades. Civilian defenders take up arms as they fight the invading Asian hordes, in house to house street battles. Hindenburg demands reinforcements to be sent to the east, but Moltke declines his demands. The Asian onslaught continues with overwhelming force, and Hindenburg reluctantly orders the retreat to Königsberg. Civilians and troops board transports in the shipyards, protected by the arriving Navy. Many more just walk. The news hits hard, Memel has fallen to the Russians in a fierce battle. Hindenburg vows to the Kaiser, “Memel will be free again.”

Battle of Memel - Casualties:
Deutschland
1 A. Machine Gunners
2 Kavallerie
5 G. Infantry

Russia
8 Cossacks

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