Great War

A World war 1 Painting featuring American Soldiers

## Belligerents

Entente - * United States
* France
* United Kingdom
* Danubian Federation
* Russian Empire
* Brazil

Central Powers -

* German Empire
* Belgium

## Commanders

Central Powers:* General Karl von Richter - Commander-in-Chief of the Central Powers. A respected military strategist, he implemented defensive strategies to counter the Allied offensives.
* General Heinrich von Falkenberg - Commander of the German ground forces. Known for his meticulous planning and innovative use of tactics.

Admiral Friedrich von Stein.

* Commander of the Central Powers' naval forces. Directed naval operations and implemented strategies to challenge the Allied navies.

ENTENTE:

* General Edward Harrington - Commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). Known for his strategic brilliance and effective coordination of British forces.
* Admiral William Crawford - Commander of the British Royal Navy. Played a crucial role in naval operations and safeguarding British sea routes.
* General Henri Dubois - Commander-in-Chief of the French Army. Known for his tactical expertise and strong leadership on the Western Front.

Admiral Antoine Leroux - Commander of the French Navy. Directed naval operations and ensured French maritime superiority.

* General Mikhail Petrov - Commander of the Russian Imperial Army. Led the Russian forces with determination and resilience, despite internal conflicts and challenges.

* General Samuel Marshall - Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). Led the American troops with determination and played a crucial role in turning the tide of the war.
* General Erwin von Adler - Commander of the Austro-Hungarian forces. A skilled diplomat and military leader, he played a key role in coordinating the Central Powers' efforts.
* General Alexei Ivanov - Commander of the Russian forces. Despite internal conflicts and challenges, he led the Russian troops with determination and resilience.

**The Great War** or **The First World War,** was a conflict that began in 1919 and lasted until 1920. The major powers involved in the war include the Entente, which consists of Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Russian Empire, the United States, the Danubian Federation, and Fascist France. On the other side, the Central Powers are primarily led by Germany and Belgium.

The **Alsace Crisis** serves as the cause of World War I. The Alsace Crisis refers to a territorial dispute between Fascist France and the German Empire over the region of Alsace-Lorraine.

In this scenario, after the Franco-Prussian War, France remained deeply resentful of the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany. Under the rule of a fascist government in France, nationalist sentiments grew stronger, fuelling a desire to reclaim the lost territories.

Tensions escalated when the fascist regime in France began aggressive propaganda campaigns and military build-up along the border with Germany. This created a volatile situation, with both countries engaged in a war of words and increasingly hostile actions.

The trigger event occurs when a border incident involving French and German troops escalates into a full-scale conflict. Skirmishes and clashes erupt along the disputed border, leading to a declaration of war between Fascist France and the German Empire.

The major powers of the time, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Russian Empire, and the United States, find themselves drawn into the conflict due to pre-existing alliances and geopolitical considerations. They align themselves with either Fascist France or the German Empire, further escalating the scale of the war.

The war unfolds with large-scale offensives, trench warfare, and the use of new and deadly weapons. Both sides suffer heavy casualties and endure the horrors of modern warfare.

As the war progresses, other nations join the conflict, either in support of one of the belligerents or due to their own territorial ambitions. The war expands beyond Europe and becomes a global conflict, with colonies and territories of the major powers becoming battlegrounds.

An American-French offensive played a pivotal role in defeating the German Empire. As the war raged on, the American and French forces collaborated closely, pooling their resources and combining their military strategies to mount a massive offensive against the German Empire.

The offensive was carefully planned and coordinated, with the American and French armies launching a series of coordinated attacks on multiple fronts. Their goal was to break through the German lines, weaken their defences, and push them back to gain a strategic advantage.

By February 1920, the American-French offensive had forced the German Empire into a position of weakness and exhaustion. The Entente powers capitalized on this advantage and launched a final assault, leading to the surrender of the German Empire and the end of World War I in favour of the American-French alliance. Ultimately, the war concludes with a decisive victory for the Entente powers, led by Fascist France. The German Empire is forced to accept a harsh peace treaty which redrew borders, imposed reparations, and altered the balance of power in Europe.

## European Competition

The 19th century witnessed intense European competition characterized by rivalries, conflicts, and power struggles among various nations. As Europe underwent significant political, economic, and social transformations, the competition among nations intensified, driven by factors such as colonial expansion, industrialization, nationalism, and balance-of-power politics.

One notable aspect of European competition in the 1800s was the race for colonial territories. European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, sought to expand their empires and gain control over territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This scramble for colonies was driven by economic interests, the desire for strategic military positions, and the pursuit of national prestige. The competition often led to clashes, territorial disputes, and the establishment of spheres of influence.

Another significant form of competition was seen in the industrial and technological advancements of European nations. The Industrial Revolution, which originated in Britain, spread across Europe, fuelling economic growth, urbanization, and the rise of capitalist economies. Each country sought to gain a competitive edge in industrial production, trade, and innovation, leading to advancements in manufacturing, transportation, communication, and weaponry. This technological competition contributed to the arms race and the militarization of Europe.

Political rivalries and power struggles were also prevalent during this period. The balance of power system, which aimed to prevent the dominance of any single European nation, resulted in intricate alliances, diplomatic manoeuvres, and occasional conflicts. The major powers, including Britain, France, Russia, Austria-Hungary, and Prussia/Germany, competed for influence and control over regions, often engaging in territorial disputes, proxy wars, and diplomatic manoeuvrings.

Nationalism, a powerful force in the 19th century, further fuelled the competition among European nations. As peoples across the continent developed a strong sense of national identity and sought self-determination, nationalist movements emerged, advocating for independence, unification, or autonomy. This led to conflicts and power struggles as various national groups challenged existing political and territorial boundaries.

The European competition in the 1800s had a profound impact on the continent's history and shaped the geopolitical landscape. It laid the groundwork for future conflicts, and influenced the formation of nation-states, the redrawing of borders, and the rise and fall of empires. The legacies of this competition can still be felt in the political and economic dynamics of modern Europe.

### Naval Arms Race

The competition between Britain and Germany was particularly notable. Britain had long held a dominant position as the world's leading naval power, with its Royal Navy serving as a symbol of national strength and global influence. However, Germany, under Kaiser Wilhelm II, sought to challenge British naval superiority and assert itself as a major global power.

Germany's naval expansion, led by Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, included the construction of battleships, cruisers, and submarines. This posed a direct challenge to British naval dominance and threatened British overseas territories and trade routes. In response, Britain initiated its own naval building program to maintain its superiority and protect its interests.

The naval arms race intensified as both countries engaged in a cycle of naval build-ups, each trying to outdo the other in terms of ship numbers, size, firepower, and technology. This led to an escalation in military expenditures and the development of innovative naval technologies, including the introduction of dreadnought battleships.

The naval arms race had significant economic consequences as well. The construction of naval vessels required large investments in shipbuilding, infrastructure, and manpower. It stimulated the growth of industrial sectors such as steel, engineering, and shipbuilding, providing employment opportunities and driving technological advancements.

### Franco-German Tensions

The tensions between France and Germany after the Franco-Prussian War were significant and long-lasting. The war, which took place from 1870 to 1871, resulted in the defeat of France and the unification of Germany under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck.

The loss of the war and the subsequent annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany created a deep sense of resentment and humiliation among the French people. The annexation of this territory, which had historically been part of France, was a major source of tension between the two countries. France sought to regain control over Alsace-Lorraine and considered it a matter of national pride and territorial integrity.

Furthermore, the rapid rise of Germany as a major European power and the establishment of the German Empire under the leadership of Kaiser Wilhelm I further exacerbated tensions. The newly unified Germany was seen as a threat by France, which feared its growing military strength and ambitions for territorial expansion.

The economic rivalry between France and Germany also contributed to the tensions. Germany's industrialization and economic growth surpassed that of France, and the French felt a sense of economic competition and insecurity. They were concerned about Germany's ability to outpace them in various industries and feared losing their position as a leading European power.

The ongoing tensions between France and Germany played a significant role in shaping the alliances and political dynamics leading up to World War I. France sought alliances with other countries, such as Russia, to counterbalance German power and ensure its security. The desire to regain Alsace-Lorraine remained a central objective for France and influenced its foreign policy decisions.

### The Alsace Crisis

The annexation of Alsace by Germany in 1871 was a deeply controversial and contentious issue for France. The region had a predominantly French-speaking population with strong cultural and historical ties to France. The loss of Alsace was seen as a significant blow to French national pride and territorial integrity.

The Alsace Crisis revolved around France's efforts to regain control of the Alsace region. French nationalists and politicians considered the return of Alsace to be a matter of utmost importance. The crisis encompassed diplomatic negotiations, political manoeuvring, and public sentiment in both France and Germany.

France made several attempts to reclaim Alsace, both diplomatically and through military means. The issue remained a source of tension between France and Germany, and it influenced their relations for decades to come. French leaders viewed the return of Alsace as a symbol of national unity and sought to rectify what they perceived as a historical injustice.

The Alsace Crisis between France and Germany escalated to a point where France issued an ultimatum to Germany, seeking the return of the Alsace region. The ultimatum demanded that Germany cede Alsace back to France and recognize French sovereignty over the territory.

Germany, however, refused to comply with France's ultimatum, which further heightened tensions between the two nations. The refusal was seen as a direct challenge to French territorial claims and a violation of the post-war settlement after the Franco-Prussian War.

The rejection of the ultimatum by Germany triggered a series of diplomatic and military responses that eventually led to the outbreak of World War I. France, feeling its honour and territorial integrity were at stake, mobilized its military forces and sought the support of its allies.

The other nations involved in the world, such as the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom, responded to the growing conflict and aligned themselves with France, based on their existing alliances and interests. The refusal of Germany to meet France's demands became a catalyst for the wider conflict.

## 1919

The German Empire faced adversaries on both its eastern, western and southern borders. On the eastern front, the German forces confronted the Russian Empire, which was part of the Entente Powers. This front had been characterized by large-scale battles and offensives, as both sides sought to gain the upper hand.

On the western front, Germany likely faced the combined forces of the Entente Powers, including the United Kingdom, France, and possibly other nations. The western front could have been a crucial and heavily contested area, as both sides sought to gain control over strategic territories and break through enemy lines. As well as this, The German Empire also faced the Danubian Federation at the south.

Fighting on multiple fronts placed a significant strain on the German Empire's military resources, manpower, and logistical capabilities. It required the empire to deploy and maintain large armies across vast territories, leading to increased demands for supplies and reinforcements.

The Western Front refers to the series of fortified trenches that stretched across Belgium and France, where the forces of the German Empire faced the combined armies of the Entente Powers, primarily the United Kingdom and France.

Trench warfare emerged as a result of the static nature of the front lines, where neither side could achieve a decisive breakthrough. Trenches were dug by both sides, creating a network of fortified positions that provided protection from enemy fire. The trenches were often connected by a complex system of communication trenches, allowing for movement behind the front lines.

Life in the trenches was characterized by harsh conditions, constant danger, and extreme duress. Soldiers endured long periods of boredom interrupted by moments of intense combat. The trenches were prone to flooding, infestation with rats and lice, and unsanitary conditions, which led to the spread of diseases.

The opposing forces engaged in periodic offensives and counteroffensives to break the stalemate. These attacks often involved artillery bombardments followed by infantry assaults across no man's land, the barren and heavily defended area between the opposing trench lines. However, these attempts to gain ground were usually met with heavy casualties and minimal territorial gains.

before the arrival of American soldiers, several notable battles took place between Germany, France, the Danubian Federation, and the Russian Empire. These battles shaped the course of the war and contributed to the complex dynamics on the various fronts. Germany faced the challenging task of fighting on multiple fronts, which added to the complexity of their military strategy. The German Empire found itself in a precarious position, needing to secure their southern border against the Danubian Federation while simultaneously defending against the French forces in the west and quickly defeating Russia in the east.

The Danubian Federation, posed a significant threat to Germany's southern flank. The Danubians, aligned with the Entente Powers, sought to undermine German dominance in the region. Germany had to divert significant resources and troops to prevent the Danubians from launching offensives into German territory. This defensive posture strained Germany's military capabilities and required careful planning to maintain a strong defensive line.

Simultaneously, Germany had to contend with the French forces on the western front. The French sought to reclaim their lost territories and push the Germans back. The German military, under pressure from both the Danubians and the French, had to deploy troops and resources to defend against French offensives while also maintaining a defensive stance against the Danubians. This divided their forces and made it challenging to concentrate their efforts effectively.

At the same time, Germany recognized the importance of swiftly defeating Russia in the east. The Russian Empire posed a significant threat to Germany's eastern territories and sought to mobilize its vast resources against the Central Powers. Germany aimed to secure a quick victory on the eastern front, freeing up their forces to concentrate on the other fronts and preventing a prolonged and costly war.

The need to hold the Danubians at the south, fend off the French in the west, and quickly defeat Russia placed immense strain on Germany's military and resources. It required careful coordination, strategic planning, and effective utilization of their forces. The German Empire faced a daunting challenge in trying to maintain a strong defensive posture while also launching offensives to achieve their objective

Battle of the Somme: The Battle of the Somme took place along the River Somme in northern France. German forces had fortified their positions along the river, creating a formidable defensive line. The French, supported by British and Commonwealth troops, launched a massive offensive to break through the German defenses. The battle lasted for months, characterized by heavy artillery bombardment, trench warfare, and waves of infantry attacks. Despite significant casualties on both sides, the French and their allies eventually achieved a hard-fought victory, albeit with tremendous sacrifices.

Battle of the Ardennes: The Battle of the Ardennes takes place in the Ardennes Forest region of Belgium. In this scenario, German forces, with the support of Belgian collaborationists, launch an offensive against Allied forces. The German-Belgian coalition aims to secure control over the strategically important forested terrain and gain a breakthrough into French territories. Allied forces, primarily composed of French and British troops, fight valiantly to defend their positions. The battle features intense artillery exchanges, fierce infantry engagements, and the utilization of the forest's natural cover.

Battle of Galicia: The Battle of Galicia occurs in the region of Galicia, Russian Empire forces launch a large-scale offensive against German and Danubian forces entrenched in the region. The Russian objective is to swiftly defeat the Central Powers and secure territorial gains. The battle features sweeping manoeuvres, artillery barrages, and clashes between cavalry and infantry units. Although the Russian forces initially make substantial progress, the Central Powers respond with a well-coordinated counteroffensive. The battle culminates in a protracted and brutal struggle for control over the region, resulting in heavy casualties on all sides.

In the autumn-winter of 1919, American troops arrived in Europe to bolster the Allied forces and provide much-needed reinforcements. With the United States entering the war later than the other major powers, their arrival brought fresh manpower, resources, and combat experience to the war-weary Allies.

### Belgian Surrender

By the end of 1919, after years of intense fighting and occupation, the Belgian forces reached a critical point where they could no longer sustain their resistance against the French onslaught. The relentless pressure, combined with the exhaustion of their troops and the devastation inflicted upon their land, led to the capitulation of Belgium.

The Belgian military had valiantly defended their country throughout the war, enduring immense hardships and sacrificing many lives in the process. However, the overwhelming might of the French forces, coupled with the depletion of Belgian resources and manpower, proved to be insurmountable.

The capitulation of Belgium by the end of 1919 further solidified the German occupation of the country and contributed to the reshaping of the geopolitical landscape in Europe. It also had implications for the broader war effort, as the loss of a strategic ally weakened the Germany's position in their struggle against the Entente.

## 1920

In January, the Americans and the French devised a plan for a quick offensive to decisively defeat the German forces. This offensive aimed to exploit the weakened German position and deliver a swift blow to hasten the end of the war.

the Danubian front was marked by frequent artillery bombardments, small-scale infantry assaults, and occasional attempts at breakthroughs by both sides. However, due to the well-fortified nature of the trench lines and the effectiveness of defensive strategies, such as barbed wire entanglements and machine gun emplacements, major advances were challenging to achieve.

The conditions in the trenches were harsh and challenging for soldiers on both sides. They endured constant shelling, exposure to the elements, and the ever-present threat of enemy attacks. Trenches were often filled with mud, water, and disease, leading to widespread health issues.

Despite occasional offensives and counter-offensives, the Danubian-German front remained largely stagnant, with neither side gaining significant ground. The war of attrition continued, with heavy casualties and little territorial change. Trench warfare dominated the front until the eventual collapse of the German Eastern front and the conclusion of the war.

In February, sensing that German defeat was becoming inevitable, General Erich Ludendorff devised a desperate plan for a final offensive on the Western Front. The goal was to launch a large-scale attack and achieve a decisive victory by pushing the French and American forces out of Germany.

The German offensive, known as the Spring Offensive or Kaiserschlacht, commenced on February 21, 1920. The plan involved concentrated attacks along several sectors of the front, with the primary objective being to break through the Allied lines and create a rupture in their defences.

The initial stages of the offensive saw significant gains for the German forces. They were able to advance and penetrate deep into the Allied territory, causing concern and panic among the Allied command. However, as the offensive progressed, logistical challenges, exhaustion, and stiffening resistance from the Allied forces began to take their toll on the German advance.

Despite initial successes, the Spring Offensive ultimately failed to achieve its intended objectives. The German forces were unable to sustain their momentum and were eventually pushed back by the combined efforts of the French, American, and British forces. The Allies were able to reinforce their lines and launch counteroffensives that forced the Germans into a retreat.

### The Grand American-French Counter Offensive

With the arrival of American troops and the combined strength of the French forces, a massive counter-offensive was launched against the German Empire in late February. This offensive marked a turning point in the war and led to the collapse of the German front lines on multiple fronts.

The influx of fresh American troops, equipped with modern weaponry and high morale, injected new energy into the Allied forces. Their arrival bolstered the overall strength and fighting capabilities of the coalition. The combined American-French offensive strategy aimed to exploit the weaknesses in the German defences and exploit the numerical superiority of the Allied forces.

The counter-offensive was meticulously planned and executed, with coordinated attacks launched simultaneously on various sectors of the front lines. The American and French troops, supported by artillery barrages and air superiority, made significant advances against the German positions.

The offensive witnessed fierce battles and heavy casualties on both sides. The German Empire, already strained by the prolonged war, struggled to hold its crumbling lines against the relentless onslaught. As the Allied forces made significant gains and broke through the German defences, the morale of the German troops began to waver, leading to widespread desertions and surrenders.

The collapse of the German front lines had a domino effect, causing a rapid deterioration of their military position. With their defences breached and their armies in disarray, the German Empire faced the prospect of a total defeat, The Danubians and Russians also launched their own offensives.

The American-French counter-offensive was a turning point in the war, signalling a shift in momentum and a decisive blow to the German war effort. It shattered the German Empire's hopes of victory and paved the way for subsequent Allied offensives that would ultimately lead to the armistice and the end of World War I.

### Treaty of Berlin

On March 24th, 1920, the German Empire, faced with mounting military pressure and internal unrest, officially surrendered, bringing an end to their involvement in the war. The relentless offensive launched by the American and French armies, coupled with the collapse of the German front lines and the deteriorating morale of the German troops, left the German leadership with no choice but to capitulate.

The surrender marked a significant milestone in the war and signalled the impending defeat of the Central Powers. The German Empire, once a formidable force, found itself unable to withstand the combined might of the American and French armies, as well as the overall strength and determination of the Allied forces.

The terms of the surrender were negotiated between the German government and the victorious Allied powers. The agreement included provisions for the demilitarization of Germany, territorial losses and adjustments( Alsace-Lorraine returns to France), reparations, and other punitive measures. These terms aimed to ensure the disarmament of Germany and prevent any future aggression.

The surrender of Germany had far-reaching consequences, reshaping the political landscape of Europe and setting the stage for the post-war era. It marked the end of the German Empire and the beginning of a new chapter in German history. The aftermath of the surrender would see the implementation of the Treaty of Berlin, which imposed harsh conditions on Germany and laid the groundwork for the subsequent geopolitical tensions and conflicts that would define the 20th century.

## Aftermath

As The Combined Danuabian-American-French-British and Russian force pushed deeper and deeper into Germany, The Kaiser, Wilhelm II, and his family retreated into the Netherlands and remained there until his death in 1941. With the Royal Family of Germany gone, A German Republic was declared in the Reichstag on January 1921.

The war catapulted the United States into a position of global prominence. While European powers were drained economically and militarily, the U.S. emerged as a major industrial and economic powerhouse, fuelling its rise as a superpower in the 20th century. The League of Nations was established as the first international organization dedicated to maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts. While the League faced challenges and ultimately failed to prevent World War II, it laid the groundwork for the creation of the United Nations.

Economic Consequences: The war caused severe economic disruptions, including widespread destruction, inflation, debt, and unemployment. The post-war period saw efforts to rebuild shattered economies, but the lingering effects of the war contributed to economic instability and the Great Depression of the 1930s.

### Losses

1. Territorial Losses: Various nations involved in the war would have experienced territorial losses. Border changes and redrawing of boundaries would have occurred, altering the geopolitical landscape. This could have included the loss of colonies, disputed territories, and territorial adjustments based on the outcomes of the war.
2. Political Upheaval: The war likely led to political upheaval and changes in leadership. Governments may have been overthrown, new regimes established, or existing political systems significantly transformed. The war's aftermath would have shaped the political landscape of nations involved, potentially resulting in the rise of new ideologies or the collapse of established powers.
3. Socioeconomic Disruptions: The war would have caused significant social and cultural disruptions. The loss of a generation of young men, the displacement of populations, and the trauma experienced by survivors would have long-lasting social and psychological impacts. Social structures, values, and norms may have undergone significant changes as societies grappled with the aftermath of the conflict.
4. Technological Setbacks: If this alternate timeline saw the utilization of advanced technology during the war, the loss of technological advancements and innovations could have been substantial. Scientific research and development may have been disrupted, slowing down progress in various fields and affecting future technological advancements.

1. Human Casualties:
	* Military Deaths: Approximately 4 million soldiers lost their lives during the conflict. This includes soldiers from all participating nations, including Germany, France, the United States, and others.
	* Civilian Deaths: The war also resulted in significant civilian casualties. It is estimated that around 2 million civilians perished as a direct result of the war's violence, including bombings, artillery shelling, and other acts of warfare.
2. Wounded and Injured:
	* Military: The number of soldiers wounded or injured during the war could be estimated at around 11 million. This includes varying degrees of injuries, from minor wounds to severe disabilities.
	* Civilian: The civilian population also experienced a large number of injuries and disabilities, but the exact figures would depend on the scale and intensity of the conflict in this fictional scenario.
3. Missing and Prisoners of War:
	* The war likely resulted in a significant number of missing soldiers and prisoners of war. Tens of thousands of soldiers could be unaccounted for, either missing in action or captured by enemy forces.