Kaiserreich Documentary Lecture Notes

Introduction

• The lecture discusses the alternate history of the Kaiserreich.
• Focus on events from 1917 to the start of the game mod in 1936.

The End of the Great War

• German troops march through Paris as the Great War ends.
• The war caused over 30 million deaths and widespread devastation in Europe.
• The new era is dubbed the age of the Kaiserreich.

January 1917: Key Decisions

• Wilhelm II holds a council with military advisers.
• Debate over resuming unrestricted submarine warfare.
  • Opposition: Fear of US intervention.
  • Support for Resumption: Erich Ludendorff argues for it strongly.
• Kaiser’s decision: Not to resume unrestricted submarine warfare.
  • Consequences: Delays Ludendorff's rise to power but reduces risk of US entering the war.

US Non-Interventionism

• Woodrow Wilson's stance on neutrality reflects public sentiment.
• German spies infiltrating US politics aimed to keep the US out of the war.
• Wilson re-elected in 1916 on a platform promising to keep America out of war.

1917: Diplomatic and Military Turning Point

• Allied forces start to show cracks.
• Heavy casualties in French forces lead to mutiny.
• The Russian front sees a pause in advancement due to exhaustion and lack of reinforcements.

Russian Civil War

• Tsar Nicholas II abdicates in March 1917 following widespread unrest.
• Alexander Kerensky leads a provisional government but is challenged by the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin.
• The First Russian Civil War begins.

Impact on Germany

• Kaiser decides to assist Lenin’s return to Russia, leading to a weakened Russia.
• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk signed in March 1918, giving Germany control over vast territories.

Austria-Hungary's Success

• Caporetto Offensive leads to successes against Italy, setting up a push into Italy.

Ottoman Empire Struggles

• Lawrence of Arabia’s campaigns undermine Ottoman control.
• Significant losses for the Ottoman Empire, including Baghdad and Jerusalem.

Tensions with the US

• British submarine attacks on American ships escalate tensions.
• Pro-German sentiment in the US grows due to political backlash against Britain.

Allied Great Spring Offensive

• Despite initial hopes, the offensive results in heavy casualties for the Allies and no objectives met.
• Greece capitulates, further boosting German morale.

German Counteroffensive

• German high command prepares for a Great Offensive in 1919, using effective infiltration tactics.
• The fall of Amiens disrupts Allied supply lines.

France's Collapse

• French morale plummets due to mutiny and lack of resources.
• Request for an armistice with Germany leads to a march through Paris on October 6th, marking German dominance.

Aftermath and Treaty of Versailles

• Treaty of Versailles signed, leading to punishment of France.
• A fragile provisional French government is established amidst chaos and unrest.

UK’s Stance

• The UK remains defiant, with plans for the Second Battle of Jutland.

Conclusion

• The lecture ends with a cliffhanger, indicating that the war is not over.
• Acknowledgments to the production team and Patreon supporters for the documentary series.

Future Episodes

• Next episode will cover the Continuation War with Great Britain and the collapse of the British Empire.