World War II

**World War II**, also known as the **Second World War**, was an international conflict fought between the Axis Powers and Allied Forces. In the timeline of *The Man in the High Castle*, this war ended with the defeat of the Allied Powers, resulting in most of the world, including the United States of America, being divided between the Japanese Empire and the Nazi Reich.

## History

On February 15, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt is assassinated by Giuseppe Zangara. Afterward, the United States is subsequently led by John Nancy Garner (FDR's vice president) and then by Republican John Bricker. These presidents both failed to enact the New Deal to pull the country from the Great Depression. They continued to maintain an isolationist philosophy during the war and, as a result, they were unable to support the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union and they are unable to protect the world from the rise of the Axis Powers. Furthermore, the isolationism also never brought forth the re-arming program, leading to the U.S. military being overall far weaker than the Axis.

In early January 1935, the Territory of the Saarland Basin was reunited with Germany, violating the Treaty of Versailles. In March 1936, the Rhineland is remilitarized against the Treaty of Versailles, but the Allies do nothing to prevent it, encountering little opposition due to appeasement. In October 1936, Germany, and Italy formed the Rome-Berlin Axis. A month later, Germany and Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact, which Italy joined the following year. In March 1938, Germany annexes Austria, again the Allies do not do anything to prevent this illegal expansion. In September 1938, encouraged, Hitler began pressing German claims on the Sudetenland, an area of Czechoslovakia with a predominantly ethnic German population. After Hitler threatens war over the Czech Sudetenland, Britain and France agreed to appease and please him in exchange for an end to territorial expansion. Hungary also annexes border regions from Southern Slovakia. In March 1939, Germany breaks the agreement and the remainder of Czechoslovakia is invaded by Germany. Britain and France warned Germany of war if expansion continues. The country is divided into a Czech protectorate and a Slovak puppet state. Hungary invades and annexes Carpathian Ruthenia.

### Beginning of World War II

On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. The United Kingdom gives Germany a choice to either withdraw their troops from Polish territory or face a direct war  on September 3, after the ultimatum was ignored, Britain & France, along with their empires, decided that it was the last straw & declared war on Germany. As part of this, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada also joined the war. Hitler is confident that he'll defeat them both. On September 27, 1939, Warsaw forces surrendered to the Germans, and the last Polish Army forces surrendered on October 6. Poland is occupied and divided between Germany and the Soviet Union following the Molotov Ribbentrop Pact. Poland is turned into a German protectorate known as the "General Government," while the USSR gets eastern parts of Poland. A significant part of Polish military is evacuated to Romania and the Baltic countries. Many of them would fight against the Axis in other parts of the world during war but ultimately lose. In November 1939, the USSR invades Finland hoping to defeat the entire country. However, Finnish resistance is unexpectedly strong, and the Soviets only receive parts of the country. On March 1940, despite a successful attempt, the Soviets and the Finns sign an armistice forcing Finland to give a small amount of territory. In April 1940, after the relative calm state of the "Phoney War," which France doesn't attack due to fears of "German retaliation", Germany invades Denmark and Norway to seize valuable ports and iron ore from Sweden. Denmark surrenders after a few hours, and Norway was conquered within two months despite Allied support. Allied loss over the Norwegian campaign led to the resignation of Neville Chamberlain and the appointment of Winston Churchill as Prime Minister on May 10, 1940. In July 1940, in just over a month, France and the Low Countries are overrun and are occupied by the German Wehrmacht. Southern France was turned the Vichy puppet state. Italy joins the Axis powers, but Spain remains neutral for the next 3 Years. Despite this, Britain remains in the war, following Churchill's plea to "never surrender." However, without support from the United States, the Royal Air Force is decimated, along with several major cities. However "Operation Sea Lion" is postponed by Hitler due to the inferiority of the German navy for the next 4-5 years. At the end of July 1940, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill is assassinated by and thus Robert Anthony Eden becomes the next Prime Minister. By September 1940, the USSR annexes the Baltic States and Moldova from Romania, Hungary annexes North Transylvania & Bulgaria annexes Southern Dobruja. On September 1940, Italy begins an attempted campaign into British North Africa. On October 1940, Italy invades Greece through occupied Albania but suffers heavy defeats. On November 1940, Germany forces Hungary to sign the Tripartite Pact. Romania joins the Axis for protection against the USSR. on December 1940, Finland joins the Axis for protection as well. On March 1941, Bulgaria & Yugoslavia join the Axis but Yugoslavia switches sides after a pro-Allied coup. In response, on April 1941, Hitler orders an invasion of the country from all sides. Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary, and Germany each take some land, while the rest is divided into a Serbian & Croatian puppet state. Although the Axis victory was swift, bitter and large-scale partisan warfare subsequently broke out against the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia, which was eventually brutally suppressed. Afterwards, Germany, Italy and Bulgaria invade Greece In early June 1941, The UK invades Iraq after it joins the Axis. After its defeat, Vichy Syria and Lebanon are occupied by the British. The oil fields of the Middle East are now under Allied control. On June 22, 1941, Germany, supported by Italy, Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland and Romania, invaded the Soviet Union to achieve Lebensraum, accusing the Soviets of plotting against them. However, in December 1941, the invasion is halted in the winter, due to the snowy weather and determined Soviet forces, meaning the Axis had to wait till springtime.

### Before the war in the east

On September 19, 1931, before Roosevelt's assassination, the events of the Pacific are the same. Japan is industrialized and continues to slowly expand its empire. On February 27, 1932, Japan invades Chinese Manchuria for resources and establishes the puppet state of Manchukuo. China begs the League of Nations to stop the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. Japan withdrew from the League of Nations after being condemned for its invasion into Manchuria. The two nations then fought several battles, in Shanghai, Rehe, and Hebei, until the Tanggu Truce was signed, in May 1933. Thereafter, Chinese volunteer forces continued the resistance to Japanese aggression in Manchuria, Chahar, and Suiyuan. In July 1937, Japan invades China for resources and to bring East Asia into the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (GEACPS).

### World War II in the East

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked British and American holdings with near-simultaneous offensives against Southeast Asia and the Central Pacific. These included an attack on the American fleets at Pearl Harbor and the Philippines, landings in Thailand and Malaya, and the Battle of Hong Kong without declaring war violating international laws causing the Western Allies to declare war on Japan. The attack on Pearl Harbor was far more devastating than historically, obliterating the entire US Pacific Fleet (including carriers and oil fields). The empire conquers everything from Burma to New Guinea. Thailand joins the Axis to regain lost territory. In February 1942, the United States re-captured Hawaii, leading to celebrations and a sense that the tide was turning in favour of the Allies. But Hawaii quickly fell back into Japanese hands along with the rest of New Zealand, effectively cutting off Australia from American support.

### World war II back in Europe

On 1942, in the spring and summer, the Germans renew their offensive against the Soviet Union. They drive deep into the Caucasus towards Stalingrad. In North Africa, Rommel's Afrika Korps meet the British at El Alamein. However, since Australian troops were withdrawn to their homeland to fight Japan, the British stand little chance against the Desert Fox. In October 1942, after the Allied defeat in North Africa, the British are pushed back to the Suez Canal and into Palestine. Germany begins negotiations with Turkey and Saudi Arabia on joining the Axis. In November 1942, with Rommel's push into the Middle East, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are persuaded to join the Axis powers. They help liberate Syria & Transjordan. Iraq & Iran also rejoin the Axis after being liberated, they continue to push towards Stalingrad to assist the 6th Army in capturing the city. In January 1943, Axis forces occupy the Caucasus and surround Stalingrad. In February 1943, the Red Army collapses after the disastrous defeat at Stalingrad. Axis forces move east towards Moscow. The Japanese simultaneously invade Siberia from the east.

### World War II on all fronts

On March 1943, the Axis push deep into the USSR on all fronts. While the Japanese invaded from the east, Moscow is surrounded by the Germans. In April 1943, after the capture of Moscow, the USSR surrenders, Joseph Stalin retreats to Central Siberia as the falling government sues for peace. The Central Asian SSR's declare independence and negotiate surrender with the Axis. The Soviet Union quickly collapses. The Germans and Japanese carve up their captured territory. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan all achieve their independence and they leave the war with no consequences. In May 1943, the remainder of the Soviet Union, now the Siberian SSR (the successor of the Soviet government) was incorporated along with the Central Asian countries into the Eurasian Neutral (or Buffer) Zone. Japan wins the Battle of Xi'an, destroying the People's Liberation Army. Japan's victory at Xi'an breaks the stalemate in China. The Kuomintang and other warlords fight valiantly but ultimately retreat ever further into Western China. In June 1943, Spain and Portugal join the Axis after seeing the German victory against the USSR. Ireland also joins the Axis after the Irish Fascist Blue shirts overthrow the existing government with the help of the Axis. After the Soviet surrender, the European Axis powers push south into Allied Africa. In December 1943, the rest of Africa is conquered and the South African Boers revolt against the British and take over the country. In August 1944, China finally surrenders after over 7 years of defeats meaning Xinjiang gained independence and becomes the free state of Uyghurstan. after Chinese Surrender, Japan begins a campaign in India and Australia. South Africa continues conquering Southern Africa with the help of Portuguese Angola and Mozambique. In January 1945, Japan captures the eastern part of the British Raj, while all of Southern Africa is under Axis control. Vichy France takes several British African colonies. In March 1945, Free France surrenders. Fears of an invasion of the British Isles are rampant in London. In May 1945, as India, Australia and Africa fall, the Germans invade Britain and besieged London, while the Irish land in Scotland.

### Victory over Eurasia

In June 1945, the British Empire surrenders. All former territories are occupied by various Axis members. However, for having not engaged any enemies for quite some time, the United States remains in the war. The Treaty of Berlin is signed. It deals with the European, Middle East, and African Axis powers. Its contents are as follows: South Africa annexes Southeast Africa and gains Bechuanaland or (the Republic of Botswana). It keeps the latter as a puppet state. Iraq annexes Kuwait. Syria annexes Lebanon. Jordan annexes Palestine Iran is awarded independence for cooperating with the Axis and annexing Azerbaijan, half of Armenia, and a tiny part of Georgia. Turkey annexes the rest of Armenia. Saudi Arabia annexes it's southern neighbors Hungary and Romania keep their annexed lands. Finland gains its lost territory and annexed them from the Soviet Union. Ireland keeps Northern Ireland. Spain gains several colonies in Africa, such as Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana & Gabon. Portugal gains Senegal and the Gambia. Italy annexes Greece, Montenegro & Southeastern France. Italy also acquires Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya & Uganda. Germany acquires several colonies in Africa, puppets Britain, France, Croatia, Serbia & Norway. Germany also annexes the Netherlands, Belgium & Denmark as territories The former USSR is also turned into Reichskommisariats. This includes Moskowien, Ostland & Kaukasien. Thailand gets some parts of Burma, while Malaya annexes Singapore. Japan puppets China, Manchuria, Burma, India, Philippines, Malaysia & Indonesia. Its territories includes New Guinea, Eastern Siberia, Hainan, Ceylon, Australia & All of Oceania. Pakistan is made independent to complete the Eurasian Neutral Zone whilst India annexes Sri Lanka, Bhutan & Nepal. Indochina breaks up into Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia and are puppets subservient to Japan as well.

### Invasion of the Americas

After the surrender of the British Empire, and other Allied governments in exile, their colonies in the Americas became Axis territories. In August 1945, the American Allies are quick to grab these enemy territories before the European Axis can use them for invasion. In October 1945, all European Axis forces simultaneously invade Iceland, Greenland, and the Falkland Islands. Japan takes the Galapagos Islands, the war was quiet for another few months. However, on December 11, 1945, Washington D.C. is destroyed by a German made atomic bomb called the Heisenberg Device. It gets its name from that of its creator, Dr. Werner Heisenberg. It forces the remnants of the U.S. government to surrender while the country is invaded from all sides. But while the government has surrendered, American citizens form the Resistance and continue to fight the superior Axis armies. In February 1946, the Axis invade other Allied countries in Central and South America while they continue their push against the American Resistance in the former United States and Canada. Some Central American countries surrender. In April 1946, because of its ties with the European Axis, Argentina joins the Axis & invades its northern neighbors. Germany and Japan continue their American campaign, forcing other nations to surrender. In July 1946, the ruins of what was once Washington D.C., the symbol of American power, was captured by the Wehrmacht. In October 1946, Venezuela joins the Axis after a Pro-Axis coup topples the existing government. After this, the rest of Allied South America slowly collapses. All of the Caribbean and Central America are occupied by the Germans. The U.S. loses most of its coastline to the Germans and Japanese. On January 1947, South America continues to fall as the U.S. and Canadian resistance is pushed further pack towards the middle of the North American continent. In March 1947, Brazil surrenders as the last Allied troops evacuate Guiana. In June 1947, with all Axis troops focused on North America, it was only a matter of time before the Resistance was suppressed. At this point, after nearly eight years of war, the Allied cause is doomed. On September 1947, the North American Resistance surrenders on what will become known as VA (Victory in America) Day, ending the Second World War with an Axis victory.

### Aftermath

The **West Point Peace Treaty** was signed by the Supreme Command of the US Armed Forces and the Greater Germanic Reich forces in America in February 1946, two months after the Reich used the Heisenberg Device to destroy Washington D.C.

Main representatives for both sides were Goring and Rommel for the Germans, and General George Patton for the Americans. While Patton had de jure no authority to sign a peace treaty with Germany, it is assumed that he took the post of President of the United States, post which was disbanded right after the treaty was signed.

It is assumed that the Greater Germanic Reich demanded the following;

-Unconditional surrender of all US Army forces still fighting

-Shutdown of US Army bases to be transferred to the occupation forces

-Territorial demands (East Coast)

-Military equipment to be transferred to the occupation forces

-While the US delegation had no power, their only request was the establishment of the Neutral Zone, which was accepted.

Many US soldiers did not accept the conditions, but a large part, especially officers and senior high ranks after seeing the destruction of Washington D.C, accepted to join the new American Reich administration.

With the capitulation of US Army forces, the Imperial Japanese Army managed to land in major cities of California, while suppressing the resistance. In 1947, Adolf Hitler named the Japanese as "Honorary Aryans" and conceded them to rule in the West Coast.

Followed by the surrender, the Axis Powers concluded victory with no opposition left to threaten the Axis occupation. This day was marked as Victory in America Day (or VA Day) which officially ended the conflict with an Axis victory. The victorious Axis Powers partitioned their conquered territories and installed puppet governments in the occupied regions.

In 1949, when the Axis won the war, Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s, was executed, his death effectively causing the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1950, Switzerland sides with the European Axis. In 1952, Northern France was given back to its Vichy puppet, In exchange, a Breton state is formed. In 1954, Many civilians across the east are purged by the Kempeitai as they are suspected leftists angering the People's Liberation Army provoking a war between The People's Liberation Army and Imperial Japan. The PLA may start as a revolutionary minority but gradually grows in size & power overtime. In 1955, Tibet is annexed into the ROC as a province In 1960, Mexico, still in need of money despite staying neutral in the war, sells Baja California to the Japanese Pacific States.

## Notable Figures (Films)

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was a British statesman and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the war. He was also an officer in the British Army, a non-academic historian, a writer, and an artist. He was assassinated in 1940.

Joseph Stalin

Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1949. When the Nazis won the war, Stalin was executed, his death effectively caused the collapse of the Union.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt never managed to become President of the United States. He was assassinated in 1933 by Giuseppe Zangara, an Italian anarchist who apparently expressed a "hate for all rulers". As a result, the USA never recovered from the Great Depression and was incapable and unwilling to help the Allies during World War II, which led to a German victory in Europe and Africa, and a Japanese victory in Asia and the Pacific.
The TV series offers little information about Roosevelt, although it does mention he was assassinated before taking office. While the TV series doesn't specify the identity of the murderer or when the assassination took place, it's generally assumed to be the same as in the novel. The characters in the TV series occasionally discuss Roosevelt's demise. They privately wonder if the world would be a different place if he had survived his murder. In Season Four, it is confirmed that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was assassinated in 1933 by Giuseppe Zangara.

## Alternate Timeline

In a parallel timeline, WWII was fought from 1939-1945, with the United States entering the war on the side of the Allied Powers after facing an attack from the Japanese Empire. While successful, the Japanese attack failed to eliminate American aircraft carriers, leaving the US Pacific fleet operational to fight the Japanese advances. Allied troops were involved in an eventual invasion of Europe through Occupied France, and through Italy, once German forces were pushed out of Africa. Thanked to the leadership of Marshall Georgy Zhukov, The Soviet Union successfully resisted German advancements, and began pushing back towards Berlin, leaving the Germans to face three separate fronts, which they were ultimately unable to do. Soviet troops eventually reached Berlin, resulting in capitulation of German forces on 2nd May, 1945.

The Japanese Empire came through the war in a relatively better position, though defeated as well. Despite the loss of numerous battleships in Pearl Harbor, American forces were able to wage a successful Pacific "island hopping" Campaign, pushing Japanese forces back towards their homeland. During the course of the war, American scientists were able to develop a working bomb first, which was then used against the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, forcing Japan to surrender.

Film reel taken in Berlin following V-E Day shows Allied Powers exploding several Nazi insignias signaling the defeat of fascism. These film reels eventually found their way to the American Resistance, and were shown in secret in the hopes that it would boost support for resisting the Japanese Empire and the Greater Nazi Reich which now occupy North America.

WWII officially came to an end on 2nd September, 1945 with the official surrender of the Japanese Empire. Following the war, the United States and the Soviet Union entered into a cold war, which nearly came to a head in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, as witnessed by Nobusuke Tagomi.