German Civil War – Three-Way Deadlock (2)

September 20, 1939 — New German Government Building (Occupied), Frankfurt, 9th Military District

The atmosphere of the military government that had launched their coup with great momentum was disastrous.

As if proving they were leaders of the German army—famous for swift force—they'd succeeded in neutralizing the new government instantly and proclaiming military rule through quick operations and rapid movement.

Immediately after seizing the broadcasting station to establish facts on the ground, they'd declared revival of the German Empire and return of the Kaiser from the Netherlands.

However, just one day later, Britain and France found it unacceptable to restore the emperor—a convicted criminal of the Great War—and sent an ultimatum threatening to stop them by force.

Italy's Mussolini, watching developments, also fiercely criticized the military government and declared Italy willing to revive the Stresa Front against Germany alongside Britain and France.

To make matters worse, their request to the Netherlands to escort the Kaiser was bluntly refused, stating the Netherlands had maintained neutrality since the war's end.

"What do we do now?"

Only silence followed.

Contrary to expectations, the German people—far from welcoming military government proclamations to restore the Kaiser—fiercely opposed them amid British and French ultimatums.

"We should have shut down that damn newspaper too..."

The Junkers had thought securing only the new government leadership and broadcasting stations showing great activity would suffice, but the cost of failing to arrest Dietrich Schacht was high.

He'd used Frankfurter Zeitung connections to shake up the barely established new government, slander the military government for driving Germany toward war, and spread newspapers stating they should resist another dictatorship to secure freedom.

Perhaps they'd prepared in advance—before the military government could act, papers were scattered throughout Frankfurt and new government-controlled areas, impossible to stop.

The leaders who'd entrusted public opinion warfare to Major Dietrich Schacht didn't know much about his specific actions, nor recognized that newspapers were the fatal blow to the Nazi in the coup's early stages.

Thanks to their misjudgment, expectations that radio broadcasts alone could attract many—if not all—of the people's support from the new government proved completely wrong.

People caused strikes and unrest, determined to prevent the military government from driving Germany to war, whatever the Kaiser's fate, responding enthusiastically to Dietrich Schacht, who'd become familiar through broadcasting.

Mackensen clicked his tongue watching Junkers who'd become depressed within a single day.

"Now that it's come to this, don't we have no choice but to raise the Crown Prince to the throne?"

"But he's refusing all meetings with us."

The Crown Prince was clever. He'd heard of the new government coup plan but remained silent without answers, refusing meetings when things seemed wrong.

Dr. Goerdeler felt deeply frustrated. He didn't want to admit it, but ultimately, Major Schacht—wasn't it going exactly as that kid had predicted?

"There will be no more days to see the mighty German Empire that ruled all Europe again."

The room filled with sighs.

Many were naturally greedy for vested interests. However, simultaneously, most were people who'd lacked nothing living in Germany even without such a coup.

Even under the Nazi regime, they were obviously patriots who could live comfortably while moderately flattering Hitler.

Their leader, Mackensen, spoke weakly.

"It can't be helped. It's somewhat disloyal, but give up on restoring His Majesty the Emperor and declare His Royal Highness the Crown Prince as Emperor. Get his consent later. We can't let Germany go to war again..."

No one here wanted Germany's destruction. However, their perception of reality simply couldn't keep up with changing times.

September 20, 1939 — Berlin, Northern Germany

While the new government was in chaos due to military government coup and Anglo-French ultimatum, the cornered Nazi regime didn't miss the finally arrived opportunity.

"Dear German citizens. I cannot hide my heartbreaking feelings in this miserable situation. As Führer of the German nation and people, I wish to inform you of three things. First, despite despicable attacks by traitors calling themselves the so-called new government, I, the Führer, am alive and well."

Just like when he'd seized control of Germany by exploiting Weimar Republic chaos, Hitler didn't miss the new government's chaos, declared splendid revival, and fired signals of resurgence.

"Move quickly! To Potsdam!"

Unlike original history, the Nazi regime—unable to trust the Wehrmacht—had begun massively reinforcing the Waffen-SS from 1939, sending them into battle.

After the Ruhr's occupation, they'd decided to give equipment to forces definitely on the Nazi side, rather than untrustworthy Wehrmacht units.

"Second, they framed me and the legitimate German government as trying to start war and spread rumors through instigation and fabrication, but they are the ones actually endangering Germany by attempting anachronistic governmental restoration—as proven."

"Why did it take so long to explode!"

At SS-Oberführer Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski's shouts, a middle-aged SS-Obersturmbannführer with slightly balding forehead and Hitler-like mustache roared with laughter.

"Sorry, Oberführer! They don't march very well. Let's take them to the cold!"

"Third, as the only just and rightful head of the German state and people, I declare those base traitors will soon be suppressed, and any assistance sympathizing with them will be considered treason against the German state and people and summarily executed."

In original history, even von dem Bach—who'd later become infamous as a terrible person—frowned seeing prisoners dragged by that SS officer to subordinates.

"Tsk, no matter how urgent it is, such despicable behavior from a Obersturmbannführer (leutnant colonel)."

Of course, that Obersturmbannführer, Oskar Paul Dirlewanger, couldn't hear because he was excited imagining he'd soon mount those "human shields" on tanks and charge enemy lines.

"Dear German citizens. The false time of traitors is over. They face the overwhelming wrath of the German state and people, and will face the most horrific end for their betrayal!"

"Heil Hitler! Sieg Heil!"

"Victory to the Führer!"

"Death to the traitors!"

Nazi Germany's counterattack had begun.

September 20, 1939 — Border of 9th Military District and Rhineland

"Uh, what is that!"

New government forces were controlling all roads leading to the 9th Military District under martial law declared by Frankfurt's military government.

That's easy to say when you have things under control.

"This is Post 18! Enormous numbers of troops approaching!"

"What? Great army? Are you sleeping? How many specifically!"

Superiors' reactions were natural, but the supervisor was speechless seeing huge numbers of troops—no, forces and crowds filling the road.

What did that even mean?

"Numbers unverifiable. The road is filling up as they approach. They're carrying Free Corps flags and the black-red-gold used during the Weimar Republic."

"Hey, damn it! They're rebels! Stop them immediately!"

The call cut off, but the commander and checkpoint crew could only stand staring blankly at overwhelming militia numbers.

Finally, the man in front got out of his car.

"You're working hard. I am Major Dietrich Schacht, new government spokesperson. Please clear the way."

Anyone hearing the name Dietrich Schacht in new government territory would think "Ah, that person?"

"But Major, superior's orders are to stop here..."

"The superiors are traitors. I'm conducting military operations, so please cooperate. If not."

Major Schacht smiled, looking at Free Corps and angry citizens rushing behind him.

"Are you sure you want to stop them?"

September 21, 1939 — New German Government Building (Occupied), Frankfurt, 9th Military District

The third day after military government declaration.

Military government royalists had compromised with reality, giving up on Wilhelm II and proclaiming Crown Prince Wilhelm III, but unfortunately, it was only their compromise.

"Britain and France haven't changed positions. Either nullify imperial family resurrection, or wage war. That's what they said."

To Dr. Goerdeler, who confessed desperately, royalists only sighed.

If the Crown Prince had been crowned without initially saying they'd bring Wilhelm II, Britain and France might have reacted differently.

However, having already issued ultimatums about imperial restoration, Britain and France had their own dignity—they couldn't withdraw just because the emperor-to-be was changed.

Particularly France under the Radical Party—certain to lose general elections if nothing happened—was shouting for hardline responses while pressuring the reluctant Britain.

The Conservative Party didn't want to enter war for France's sake, but Wilhelm II, initially proposed by loyalists, remained an object of hatred throughout Britain, so they had to act this time.

"Even Mussolini isn't serious. The reason he was paying attention was papal support and Britain-France..."

Though unspoken, everyone in the room knew.

"How about the front?"

"Witzleben, Hammerstein, Lutz, and Leeb all refused to support us or send reinforcements to Frankfurt. The Nazis started counterattacking, so they said there's no force to turn back."

The Free Corps was rushing to Frankfurt right now, and numerous generals had no forces to stop militia led by a mere major.

"Hahahahahaha!"

While everyone in the room was bewildered by sudden laughter, August von Mackensen laughed loudly.

Only Mackensen's laughter echoed in the quiet conference hall where no one could speak.

"We, who claim loyalty to the Empire, are driving Germany to ruin."

Mackensen, who stopped laughing and summarized the situation in one sentence, smiled disappointedly.

"It seems I have gotten old and greedy and destroys my glory with my own hands."

Dr. Goerdeler couldn't raise his head.

September 21, 1939 — Frankfurt, 9th Military District

When people normally would be sleeping quietly, Frankfurt was in uproar with huge crowds.

"For German freedom, march forward!"

"Surrender! I surrender!"

Most new government elites—the old Wehrmacht—were led by Generals Witzleben, Hammerstein, Lutz, and Leeb on the Nazi front.

Therefore, few troops loyal to Junkers remained in the rear, including Frankfurt. Remaining troops were mostly Free Corps.

The Black Orchestra royalists repeated mistakes from original history.

Stauffenberg and the Black Orchestra's biggest failure reason was misunderstanding that Capital Reserve would follow their orders just by gaining command through Operation Valkyrie.

And again, they believed they could command the Free Corps by controlling new government leadership and radio stations.

However, most Free Corps volunteers had enlisted responding to anti-dictatorship and freedom banners that I and new government radio had proclaimed.

How naive to judge that Free Corps would obey their orders just by having command authority as army seniors.

"If they surrender, just subdue them! No need for unnecessary bloodshed!"

"Yes sir!"

The military government army had absurdly small troop numbers compared to ours, offering almost no resistance because they understood that things were going wrong.

Rather, Free Corps continued growing, and our numbers increased as we marched toward Frankfurt.

Operation Freiheit (Freedom) was nothing elaborate. Initially there wasn't enough time to formulate detailed operational plans, and the Free Corps itself had absurdly insufficient officers compared to troops.

So all we'd prepared was issuing orders for all Free Corps to advance on Frankfurt simultaneously.

With only that and hastily circulated Frankfurter Zeitung newspapers, militia covering all Frankfurt had gathered. At this time, even I didn't know how large our forces were.

For this moment, they needed no commander or specific operational plan.

Their spirit of resistance—confronting Nazi tyranny and military dictatorship driving Germany to war—was command and plan.

"All Frankfurt secured!"

"Thank you."

Good to be fast and smooth, but why did it feel so rushed?

The new government building siege was complete, but I had somewhere to go first.

I stepped alone into the two-story mansion surrounded by militia.

"You've come?"

Guided by a frightened servant, I stepped onto the second floor where the Crown Prince was drinking brandy, looking down at waves of German Republic and Free Corps flags waving outside the window.

No, wasn't he the Emperor now?

"Your Highness must have known about the coup plan."

The Crown Prince—or rather Emperor Wilhelm III—swirled his glass, took a sip, and chuckled.

"Well, I think I'm losing memory of hearing arrogant chatter."

The next best option for the Crown Prince—rejected in the alliance proposal he'd requested from me—wasn't constitutional monarchy, but successful coup by hardline royalists.

If royalists brought Wilhelm II, they'd want to control him as much as possible and inherit the German crown intact.

If not, he'd rather sit as Emperor when Wilhelm II's return failed, as now.

"It's good that Your Highness did not hastily support the military government."

Had he done that, even his constitutional monarchy rule would have been terminated. But he'd expressed no support.

And beyond that, we had to recognize him as monarch, at least nominally.

Even now, generals who didn't agree with military government coups and were blocking Nazi influx were, anyway, royalist-inclined.

But that aside, I was quite upset with him.

"Thanks to you, Germany will go to war with His Majesty as Emperor—was this what you hoped for?"

Wilhelm, wordlessly, poured brandy into another glass and motioned to me.

Well, I mean, it wasn't that noisy. As I approached, he asked, handing me a glass.

"So, are you going to dethrone me?"

It was done by military government, but ultimately declared through Ludwig Beck, new government regent, so it couldn't be undone.

"Hmph. I don't like you very much."

When I accepted, Wilhelm toasted by bringing his cup to mine with a grin.

He took a sip and spoke again.

"I like you, regrettably. We were both just placing our bets and rolling dice."

To what extent had this person gambled, and what were the stakes? Quality brandy tasted quite bitter.

Emperor Wilhelm III watched citizens fluttering outside the window and slowly closed his eyes.

"Times have changed... I admit it—you win."

He drank remaining brandy from his glass, then firmly put it down on the table, leading to crisp noise.

Was this an era's end?

Feeling brandy burning hot in my throat, I put down my glass too, and Wilhelm III turned to me with imperial dignity, as if he'd never smiled.

"As legitimate Emperor of the House of Hohenzollern, I appoint your father Hjalmar Schacht as Chancellor and Minister of Finance, and you Dietrich Schacht as Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Minister of Finance. Until the day we can retake all Germany and establish democratic government through popular elections, I grant you power to form and lead an emergency wartime cabinet."

Wilhelm III looked at me with serious eyes and extended the back of his hand.

"As the Chancellor and Minister of Finance is currently absent, so I'll take oath from you. Dietrich Schacht, will you accept the position of Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Minister of Finance and devote yourself to service facing your country's crisis?"

I wouldn't marry into the imperial family, so instead, he'd make my father Chancellor and Minister of Finance and me Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Minister of Finance.

It was ridiculous as he had previously been obsessed with making me the Chancellor, but he'd made a good compromise.

After all, there was nowhere left for him to retreat, and since the situation had gone to hell, there was no questioning procedures or anything else.

He was unlucky to the end—bringing the situation to this level and offering a favor I had no choice but to accept...

I kissed the back of his hand.

"I will gladly accept it, Your Imperial Majesty."