Wolfgang I

(born Jurgen Wolfgang Oberhauser)

Official portrait of Emperor Wolfgang, 2082

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> **"If Wolfgang even just once realised what his legacy would create, we would be in a very different world. This ruthless, selfish ruler shaped the future of the world; he inherited Europe at a pivotal moment, when he could have changed it for good, he continued its downfall, continuing to degrade until the Mad Turk rose to power" -** Taken from the memoirs of Radhika Siva
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**Jurgen Wolfgang Oberhauser** (2001-2088), later known as **Wolfgang Von Stuttgart**, was a German-British politician and former journalist who served as the head of state of Anglo-Germany, Anglo-Prussia and subsequently Neo-Europe, first as President from 2033 until 2039, and as **Emperor** from 2039 to his death in 2188, reigning as **Wolfgang I**. He is considered the Founding Father of Neo-Europe.

## Early Life

**Jurgen Wolfgang Oberhauser** was born to a middle class family in the city Stuttgart, Germany, on 4 July 2001, to the German Businessman **Klaus Oberhauser** (1967-2020) and the Briton **Elizabeth Ford** (1974-2020), as their only child, though his mother had previously suffered two miscarriages in the 1990s. He spent his first four years in Stuttgart, but was taught English by his mother, gaining fluency at a similar time to his German. When his father saw Britain as a good business opportunity, the family moved there, initially to London, then Leeds, before settling in Sheffield by 2008.

### Education

There, the young Oberhauser was enrolled in a local Primary School, and subsequently a Secondary School (Which, coincidentally, was the same as future Nordican Commissioner Josef Matsson); their parents became family friends. They would often play games such as 'Cartography Mythos,' where they each pretended to rule over a nation, and when they were older engaged in friendly political debates over the 'ideal society.'

At secondary school, he engaged strongly in student life, becoming prefect and, later, Head Boy. He took his A-Levels at his school's Sixth Form, studying History, English and French. When the Matsson family decided to return to Sweden, he remained in touch with Josef for several years before losing contact in around 2026.

### Family Issues

Jurgen Wolfgang Oberhauser had a somewhat complicated life with his parents. His father was a gambler and, by late 2019, was in crippling debt. The Coronavirus Pandemic made things worse. His father had previous spells of illness due to genetic issues and a history of smoking and poor diet, and had caught the disease in April, dying due to it a month later in an overcrowded hospital. This made his mother incredibly distraught and, unwilling to continue, took her life in June. Initially able to keep the house his family had lived in, this grew incredibly difficult and he soon realised he could not live on his father's depleting savings (of which there was not much, thanks to the gambling). He was later evicted and became homeless, but focused through planning his ideal nation, including his plan on how to rescue society. Some historians, namely Heisenberg, theorise this is the moment he first came into contact with the people who would co-found the Fellowship of the Radiants, or at the very least take onboard some of their ideas and later apply them to the secret society. He managed to secure his A-Level grades, but had to turn down offers for University, believing it was impossible to continue. Eventually he met a pub owner known as Adam Bronstein, who gave him words of encouragement, and permitted him to stay in a small apartment above the pub at a reduced price.

Following a brief trip to Berlin, where he attempted to find an aunt but had no luck, and soon after returned to Britain, where Bronstein became a father-like figure and helped reduce his depression.

Financial hardships continued well into the 2020s as mutations of the coronavirus spread, and political corruption became incredibly rife in Britain. Prime Minister Michael Gove forbade movement out of Britain, making Wolfgang stuck on the island, though it gave him and Bronstein time to plan.

At this time he worked any job that paid, including a cleaner, waiter and, in his spare time, a journalist, writing several articles opposing the Emergency Government of Britain, as well as the new monarch, King Charles III.

## Campaigning and Creation of the Optimatium Party

Once he became a journalist, Jurgen began to be known by his middle name, Wolfgang, and soon after dropped his surname, which he replaced with v*on* *Stuttgart,* to reflect his place of birth. It was under this name that he entered the political campaigns of the mid-to-late 2020s.

Official sources claim the Optimatium Party was founded in 2030, though Wolfgang was using that name at least five years earlier in-person and online. Using what little money of his father's he had left, he used to advertise the cause of a 'New United Europe.' As the European Union was on the brink of collapse, he also targeted those nations but focused on his native Germany and Britain. People loyal to his cause, such as Karl Becker spread the word in Germany. Following successful vaccinations, free travel was once again permitted from 2026, and Wolfgang planned to go to Germany the following year.

Over the next couple of years, he divided his time between Sheffield, London and Berlin, and his financial situation improved as people supported his cause. A major boost was the collapse of the European Union, which he had long predicted. People came flocking to the party membership, which now had both a British and German office.

By 2030, he had fully moved to Berlin; in his plan that was formed, it was decided he would target Germany first.

Also in this time, an election in Britain was finally held following Prime Minister Rees-Mogg's resignation. The parties of old - Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats - were all but defeated and replaced with the populist 'British Democrats' led by Nigel Johnson in 2031. In Germany, martial law was declaered following the EU's collapse, angering citizens.

Wolfgang had the support of thousands of officials and in 2033 became confident enough to stage a coup against the German Military Government, or *Militärregierung,* as it was known.

## Presidency

Upon the coup, he declared himself *Herr President,* a new title which combined the roles of President and Chancellor, and once the foundations of democracy and stability were back in place, he ordered an election. Fortunately, he gained a landslide victory and publicised his plans of a full united Europe. Nigel Johnson grew envious of Wolfgang and Germany, and was delighted when Wolfgang visited and proposed unification, officialized in the **Act of Union** in 2034 which passed both the parliaments of Britain and Germany. Britain and Germany became **The Federal Republic of** **Anglo-Germany,** with Wolfgang as President. He met King Charles and insisted, that while no harm would come, he must step aside from his royal duties, which he did.

Wolfgang moved all administration to London, though the British General Carrington attempted a coup of his own which was met with some support. Soon after he exiled himself to France.

President Stuttgart invited France to join the Union in 2036, which angered some people and caused a huge debate in the Anglo-German Commons. Regardless, Civil War began in France almost immediately and Wolfgang sent troops to support the integrationaists soon after, while America assisted the Nationalists from 2038. Relations soured with the nation due to this.

## As Emperor

### Ascension

Wolfgang Ascended to Emperor by decree of the 2039 Imperial Act, which granted his future children the right of succession. This increased Wolfang's powers further, even giving him the ability to veto bills by Parliament. Himself and many others saw this as necessary. To assist him, he gave his adoptive father, Adam Bronstein, the role of Premier. With Wolfgang's ascension, the house of Stuttgart was created.

### Unrest of the 2040s

He continued to support integrationists throughout Europe as more wars developed, such as the Austro-Italian War and unrest in Ireland.

By his decision, the nation became the **Federal Empire of Neo-Europe** in 2043 and continued to fight for a strong unified Europe.

It was at this time he announced the ***Anglo-German Supremacy,*** which insisted most government figures must come from these nations for the sake of security.

### Wars of Liberation (2050s-70s)

The expansion continued well into the 2050s, with Neo-Europe taking significant portions of India, America and Africa.

#### War With Turkey

In 2050, Emperor Wolfgang ordered Neo-European troops to invade Turkey. Over the next three years, Wolfgang's forces battled the Republic before they surrendered. Having taken Thrace, Istanbul and surrounding areas, Emperor Wolfgang entered the ancient city and met with the President. There, they both agreed to the 'Treaty of Constantinople', to which Istanbul was re-renamed, that settled the territorial disputes, ceding the occupied areas to Neo-Europe. These new territories officially became the 'Free City of Constantinople'. Still in the city, Wolfgang ordered a traditional ceremony the following day which saw him be crowned Roman Emperor.

### Anarchist Crisis

The Anarchist Crisis was a major event, significant as it soured relations between Wolfgang and the Federal Cabinet - who were eager to declare a civil war. Wolfgang threatened to remove all cabinet members if they did not turn back this decision; they eventually did and the crisis was subsequently dealt with, without the need of declaring a Civil War.

### Later rule; Years of Peace and Deteriorating Health

Wolfgang became less politically involved in the 2070s, seeing Neo-Europe as stable, though continued to make countless public appearences.

In January 2087, Wolfgang had coronary artery bypass surgery following a diagnosis of a publicly undisclosed heart condition.

He addressed the Senate for what would be the final time in April 2088, following which his son, Franz. performed on his behalf.

On 16 May 2088, Emperor Wolfgang opened the **Superstade** in London, the then-largest capacity multi-sports venue in Neo-Europe, which would end up being his final public appearance. He would continue to meet Premier Fischer on a weekly basis until late July.

## Death

Wolfgang's physical condition worsened throughout 2088. In the early hours of 9 August 2088, his wife, Jutta, noticed he was not breathing and was subsequently pronounced dead by a group of doctors. It was later concluded he suffered a severe heart attack in his sleep. His son Franz, who was in Naples at the time, was informed at around 10.30 AM and a national statement was released nationally at 2 PM. In the evening, Premier Fischer issued a pre-recorded video affirming his heartfelt sympathies to the Stuttgarts, and stated he had spoken with now-Emperor Franz over the phone. Wolfgang was survived by his wife, Empress Dowager Jutta, three children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandaughter.

Over the next twenty-four hours, foreign governments issued their own condolences to the late Emperor, notably those of Nordica and GUISS.

### Mourning Period and Funeral

Emperor Franz and Premier Fischer jointly annoounced the start of a two-week mourning period, which would culminate in Wolfgang's state funeral. During that time, much of Neo-Europe's economy ground to a halt and public entertainment was restricted.

Wolfgang received a state funeral on the 24 August 2088, in which over two-hundred foreign dignitaries attended. Among those attending included Josef Matsson, the first Commissioner of Nordica and a personal friend of Wolfgang's, then-current Commissioner Kaia Halverson, GUISS politician and future leader Myron Kuzmenko (on behalf of General Secretary Yakim Egrov) and Arab Sultan Mahmoud I. Most prominent current and former Neo-European politicians were in attendance, with the notable exception of former Premiers Frederich Gruber, who was imprisoned, and Lloyd Rothschild, whose invitation was snubbed by Emperor Franz. Franz led the procession throughout London, and a secular service was given from Westminster Abbey, where he was buried. Most Neo-Europeans watched the funeral, which was screened in town squares and other communal areas.

## Personal Life

He often described himself as a 'German Briton' citing his mixed ancestry and varied upbringing, as well as his belief in the strengthening of ties between the nations. By the 2070s, he described himself only as a 'Neo-European'.

Wolfgang was in a relationship with the Briton **Annabel Isaacs** (2000-2093) from 2023 until 2029. Evidence suggests she bore him a child, although the Emperor repeatedly refuted this before a gagging order was imposed on the matter in 2037. Nonetheless, speculation continued, and no less than seven individuals claimed to be this 'mystery child' of Wolfgang's. Annabel Isaacs would remain in occasional contact with Wolfgang over the years, but this was never discussed publicly. Isaacs herself would spend the rest of her life in Poland (later Trans-Poland) after meeting **Konrad Zieliski**, who she later married. It is stated she had a son with Konrad, Josef (2028-2119). Many people have secretly contested Zieliski's paternity; although official birth certificates have been produced, it is not believed Isaacs met Zieliski until a year later. Furthermore, Josef shares his name with Josef Mattson, a former friend of Wolfgang's. To this day, nothing has been proven and it is believed this particular lineage of the Zieliski family died off after two further generations, with no living descendants.

He married his girlfriend of several years, the German **Jutta Muller** (2015-2109) in 2040, where a Royal Wedding was held to celebrate. She was later proclaimed Empress consort. Jutta bore him three children; Franz in 2041, Otto in 2043 and Marie in 2051. Each of his children went on to have children of their own and he lived to see even a great-granddaughter, Elaine, born in 2087. Following his death, Jutta would be known as the Dowager Empress and was an integral part of the royal family until her own death. The Stuttgart dynasty would, with interregnums under NESR and Tekin, last until the end of Neo-Europe, with his great-great-great-great grandaughter, Wilhelmina, serving as the final empress of Neo-Europe. Neo-Europe would last only four years after her deposition until it was replaced with the Human Commonwealth.

Despite having an open, public persona, Wolfgang had an aura of mystery around him, he may have lied in his accounts of his early years - many have questioned the legitimacy of his 'rags to riches' story, for instance. It is likely that Bronstein's wealth was underplayed, and in actuality he acted as a huge benefactor for the future Emperor rather than a paternal figure. He admitted he made several mistakes shortly before his death, though he contradicted himself saying they were necessary at the time.

## Legacy

As the first Emperor, Wolfgang has an abundance of places and objects named after him, as well as statues in almost every major city. Not all of his decisions were popular in the long term, even in his son's opinion. But he is remembered for creating stability in Europe.

### Role in the Fellowship of the Radiants

Almost two centuries after his death, evidence of the secret society known as the Fellowship of the Radiants came to light, including strong suspicions of Wolfgang's involvement, This would likely rewrite the history of Neo-Europe compared to what is commonly believed to be the case. Also sources greatly contradict, there is an implication that Wolfgang's involvement made him a sort of puppet, with his true actions being carried out by higher-ranking Radiants. Especially given much of this information came from Tekin, many Neo-Europeans were skeptical of these claims. However, it does make sense, given many of the actions taken.

While he may very well have been a founding member, the most-often agreed way Wolfgang became involved was that he was approached by the group just prior to his German coup, and they may very well ave helped with funding.

## Titles

In addition to **Emperor of Neo-Europe,** Wolfgang Von Stuttgart had various other titles too. The full, official title for Neo-European Emperor was **His Imperial Highness the Emperor Wolfgang.** While most of the following titles were honorary and had little to no impact in the government of Neo-Europe, they included:

* **King of the Britons** (from 2039)
* **Emperor of the French** (*Empereur des Français) (*from 2047)
* **King of Morocco and the Maghrebis** (2047-2052, following which it was restylised as **King of the Maghrebis** due to the Realm's acquisition of Morocco).
* **King of Spain** (from 2048)
* **Imperator Romanorum** (from 2052)
* **Co-Prince of Andorra** (from 2054)
* **King of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes** (from 2054)
* **Sultan of Egypt** (from 2055)
* **Caliph of Islam** (disputed, 2057-2067, when he officially renounced the title given his policy of Decentralisation of Religion. However, Wolfgang occasionally continued to claim the title in a secular manner, to prevent others from claiming the title. Regardless, leaders of Arabia did not stop stylising themselves as *Caliphs* during this period).
* **Maharaja of India** (from 2061)
* **Nawab of India** (from 2061)
* **Duke of America** (from 2066)

## Selected Quotes

Excerpt from a speech on 7/4/2030, Berlin, upon the foundation of the Optimatium Party:

> *"Europe is calling for leadership. Europe is calling for change. Europe is calling for order. With each passing day our once beautiful continent continues to decline. I cannot bear to watch a further degradation of this land. Essentially, we need someone able to unify the land like those of ages prior - Augustus, Justinian, Charlemagne - and not a single man or woman seems capable. Every King, Queen, President, Prime Minister and Chancellor have only their personal interests at mind. Our dear Europe is crying, **begging**, for a new order to replace the one so evidently failing."*
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Part of an address made after his German Coup, 19/2/2033:

> *"This is the first step of many more that will be required to bring order and tranquility. I broke international conventions in removing the Militärregierung from power, I am not ashamed to admit it. But, what I did was necessary. The Allies of the Second World War broke conventions in stopping Hitler's tyranny. Would you wish to discredit those actions as they were not legal? No. Our actions, the Optimatium Party's actions, were a necessary evil. A necessarily evil task done to remove a government hell-bent on power, military and control."*
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Segment of a letter written to Hans Schmudel, one of his associates, 28/9/2039:

> *"It can be stated that members of the Northern European race, the peoples of Germanic heritage, have certain physical qualities superior to the other races of the world. The Germanian has greater intellect, a stronger physique, and a natural-born ability to lead. He has features that deserve to be passed on. He has an inalienable sense of rightful pride for the strong rich history of his race. We have much to admire from the Romans, of course, but one must take a step back and remember our race of Germanic peoples managed to resist even their might. That in itself must be commended."*
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Recorded conversation to Nicholas Korais, first President of Constantinople, 14/2/2053:

> "*I hate the Turks. For centuries have they occupied a city belonging to Europeans. For centuries have they subjected the city to their bestial, oriental customs and stripped it of its beautiful heritage. The false city, Istanbul, ceased to exist when our troops entered. Us Europeans, with the Greeks at the helm, will now reclaim the legacy that has been missing for six hundred years. We will bring justice to our fallen brothers and sisters! We will treasure this sacred city for centuries to come, and never let the filthy Turk get his hands on it again."*
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Transcript from a phone call to Nordica's Commissioner, Josef Matsson, during the Anarchist Crisis, 23/8/56:

> *"Communism is to blame for all of this mess... We should never have allowed it to rise again in the east for nothing goof has come of it. It is a filthy ideology forged by crackheads and hypocrites used to incite class warfare. The fact that a whole nation worshipping that belief system not only exists, but is tolerated by you and I makes me shudder, frankly."*
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Speech to the Senate, 21/4/2064:

> *"We are bringing justice to Europe and beyond. We have done great things over the past twenty-five years, and will continue to do many more. Our nation is the proudest, most culturally rich, most beautiful and respected on the planet. We have all played our part in building it. Long live Neo-Europe!"*
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Speech broadcast throughout Neo-Europe following the Decentralisation of Religion, 17/8/2067:

> "*The Papacy has ended. That tyrannical position that has plagued the world for centuries is no more - Catholics and all Christians can now freely practice their religion without some pathetic bureaucrat insisting they are worshipping God incorrectly. Gone are the days of Holy Wars, Crusades, and, I hope, extremism. Religion is a personal matter, and I am focused on keeping it that way for as long as I live."*
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