Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to Blut Und Eisen. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Auswärtiges Amt; Berlin, Germany
Topic Started: Aug 25 2014, 03:19 PM (1,512 Views)
Magister Equitum

Field Marshals
[align=center]Posted Image

TREATY OF COPENHAGEN
1865
[/align]


The Schleswig-Holstein Question has been one which has long evaded an answer but which, it is hoped, has been decidedly resolved in the recent Treaty of Copenhagen.

Representatives from the Scandinavian Union and the North German Confederation had been meeting over the course of the previous year to discuss a diplomatic solution to the divisive issue of sovereignty over Schleswig-Holstein. Preliminary discussions offered little in the way of common ground as both parties adopted intransigent positons on the matter.

International mediation, namely by the Japanese and Russian Foreign Ministries, did not move the disputing parties any closer to a solution, with both expressing a willingness to come to blows over the question.

Just as it seemed clear that a military response would be the course pursued, Scandinavian and North German representatives resumed direct dialogue that at once revealed a convergence of opinion on all matters, making for an easy, pleasantly surprising, and agreeable resolution that left both parties satisfied.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Claudius8110
Member Avatar
The straw that stirs the drink.
Viceroys
:BIAST:

Australia sends greetings to the North German Federation. We have recently colonized the Bismarck Archipelago and would like the German diplomatic core to come up with a treaty of friendship as Australia grants these islands to Germany as a token of friendship.

Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Magister Equitum

Field Marshals
[align=center]Posted Image

TO OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES
1874
[/align]



On behalf of the German Nation, the Auswartiges Amt would like to express our gratitude to our allies and all countries which have been supportive, and continue to assist, in the effort to repulse French aggression.

We issue this message neither as a manner of puffing ones chest nor as a means of exaggerating our strength, but it does seem most necessary to acknowledge the contributions of our neighbours and partners.

The funds, advice, and direct military support are deeply appreciated. When the bugle issues its shrill clarion, when the drums sound the rhythm of war, we are proud to stand alongside such stalwart allies, who’s unflinching resolve has given us reason to recall the German proverb: Ein Feind ist zuviel, und hundert Freunde nicht genug.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Magister Equitum

Field Marshals
[align=center]Posted Image

THE WEST-AFRICAN AGREEMENT
1874
[/align]



[align=center]Posted Image
Himba Tribesmen of Hereroland as photographed by a German surveyor.
It is believed, indeed it is hoped, that the blotches and stains on the image are only from coffee.
[/align]


Quote:
 
[align=center]Perspectives on German West-Africa
A conversation between a clergyman and solider in Hereroland.[/align]

Rev. Meyer: The tribal people here have been preserved in ignorance and innocence.  Living as they do — care-free, unashamed and naked — it is as though they reside in a sort of Eden.  What say you, Lieutenant?

Lt. Zimmerman: I quite agree, Reverend. Warm weather and women running about without any clothes at all; this is paradise.



The Auswartiges Amt and the Foreign Ministry of South Arica have agreed that the regions of Hereroland, Namaqualand and Walvis Bay are to be transferred, pursuant to the Ancillon Memorandum, to German administration. Furthermore, the narrow protrusion, known to the locals as Linyati, is to be retained by South Africa.

[align=center]Posted Image
Early German attempt to navigate the Zambezi River[/align]

Originally claimed by Germany in the Ancillon Memorandum as a means providing access to Tanganyika by way of the Zambezi River—a river which has since proven unnavigable [due to crocodiles, zebras, elephants and unaccountable swarms of photographers from a group going by the name of the National Geographic Society]—consultation between Pretoria and Berlin has persuaded Germany to renounce her claim to the Linyati Strip.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Slayzer
Member Avatar

House of Commons
[align=center]Posted Image[/align]

We believe that Kaiser had made an error in his previous message to German allies, aggression and liberation don't have the same meaning in French language. We feel that too many German soldiers have laid their lives defending what's not rightfully theirs thus Berlin would be wise to consider peace, should peace offer be accepted immediately France has no desire of adding any more wargoals then previously stated. (Alsace-Lorraine and Niger Delta)

[align=left]:BIFRA:[/align][align=right]:BIFRA:[/align][align=center]Posted Image[/align]
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Magister Equitum

Field Marshals
[align=center]Posted Image

RESPONSE TO THE FRENCH ULTIMATUM
1874
[/align]


[align=center]Posted Image[/align]


Quote:
 
[align=center]The French Ultimatum

...should peace offer be accepted immediately France has no desire of adding any more wargoals then previously stated.[/align]



The Quai d’Orsay has dispatched an ultimatum to the Auswartiges Amt calling for Germany’s immediate surrender or threatening the addition of additional war-goals if Berlin does not capitulate.

The German General Staff wish to respond clearly and calmly to the French Ultimatum: Monsieur, we decline your offer.

Prior to the outbreak of war the German Government expressed to France our willingness to discuss the peaceful transfer German Niger Delta and invited French officials to further dialogue on the subject. The French responded arrogantly at the time and have, as evidenced by the current war, sought to gain by force what they had already been offered in times of peace.

As for the region of Elsaβ-Lothringen, having only recently restored the area to German control, we are not eager to part with the territory. If you will permit, we will be absolutely clear on this point: We will fight to hold this parcel of land until to the last drop of German blood.


[align=center]Posted Image[/align]

Patriots of a United Germany, look to our flag [the Imperial German Flag] and sing the anthem of bravery:



[align=center]Haltet aus! Haltet aus!
Lasset hoch das Banner wehn!
Zeiget stolz, zeigt der Welt,
Dass wir treu zusammenstehn,
Dass sich alte deutsche Kraft erprobt,
Ob uns Friede strahlt, ob Krieg umtobt!
Haltet aus im Sturmgebraus!

Hold firm! Hold firm!
Let the banner flutter!
Show proudly to the world
That we stand together faithfully,
That old German strength persists
Both in times of peace and war!
Hold firm in the roaring storm!
[/align]
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Slayzer
Member Avatar

House of Commons
[align=center]Posted Image[/align]

Germany would be wise to consider the losses both sides have suffered so far,out of 1,4 million lives lost in the current war 54% were Germans, not to mention how much Germany economy had suffered so far. We do understand your people's desire for liberty, no matter how unjustified it is when it comes to Alsace-Lorraine but we hope that Kaiser won't be misled by Machiavelli's "The goal justifies the means" logic. As land can always be transferred and reclaimed, but lives can't.

[align=left]:BIFRA:[/align][align=right]:BIFRA:[/align][align=center]Posted Image[/align]
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Magister Equitum

Field Marshals
[align=center]Posted Image

RESPONSE TO THE FRENCH ULTIMATUM
1874
[/align]


The Auswartiges Amt has reviewed, at the request of France, the enormous loss of life that both sides have sustained. It is the lamentable reality that so many Germans and Frenchmen have already perished for a small parcel of territory. Moreover, it is a truly saddening fact that more must continue to die in a war over a fragment of the frontier.

Despite the bloodshed, the German Government is prepared to offer France not only an olive branch in peace, but also our hand in co-operation, and is willing to conclude a white peace with Paris and commence discussions on how to improve the distrustful and volatile relationship between our countries. However, should France decline this proposal – and we suspect that the French will indeed decline – then we are resolved, with an element of regret, to fight on.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Sneakyflaps

House of Lords
[align=center]Posted Image[/align]

The Russian Tsar is happy to see that the French and German diplomats have finally started to talk with one another.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Magister Equitum

Field Marshals
[align=center]Posted Image

PARADE IN BERLIN
1883
[/align]


[align=center]Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image[/align]

Divisions of Australians, British, Dutch, Liberian and German soldiers passed through the Brandenburg Gates as the crowd cheered the parade as it marched along the main thoroughfare in Berlin. Jubilant throngs had gathered in the Pariser Platz to welcome the returning troops, with the cries of “hurrah!” and impromptu renditions of the national anthem sounding throughout the city.

[align=center]Posted Image
Passing through the Brandenburg Gates[/align]

The beating of drums was accompanied by a trumpet fanfare as the cavalcade of the Allied High Command arrived in the city. A sea of waving flags greeted the military commanders as they made their way to the Stadtschloss, where a reception was to be held.

[align=center]Posted Image
Delegations arriving at the Stadtschloss[/align]

The glorious occasions was marked with many exchanges of congratulations amongst the victorious allies but also a renewed hope for peace on the Continent.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
CynicalLiberal
Member Avatar

House of Commons
The Spanish government would like to offer its congratulations for the glorious German victory over the aggressive Russian coalition. Though German and Spanish forces have met in the field of battle in the past, and may do so in the future, Spain is opposed to the division of a nation such as has been attempted by the Russians. May this victory usher in a period of peace in the affairs of Europe, in which children are not made orphans and women made widows by the wars of greedy, petty men.

:BISPA:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Claudius8110
Member Avatar
The straw that stirs the drink.
Viceroys
:BIAST:

The Australian Army salutes Germany and our other European allies. We are proud to have fought side by side with such valiant friends against such powerful enemies on the European continent.



Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Magister Equitum

Field Marshals
[align=center]
THE GREAT REPULSE
[/align]


[align=center]
The Road to War

Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image

Posted Image
Allied High-Commanding posing for a picture
[/align]

A messenger arrived at the Headquarters of the German High Command in Berlin carrying a telegram from the Foreign Ministry. The content of the note revealed a troubling truth: after a brief interval of peace [a mere six-month respite], Germany again found herself at war.

Austria-Hungary and Imperial Russia had declared war with the aim of dismantling the German Empire. These erstwhile friends of Germany sought, in a sudden and strange policy, to wrest from the Fatherland her southern sons.

Within the year the Austrians and Russians were joined by the Scandinavians and the Ottomans, ensuring that from the East, the South and the North, all routes were flung open so that the enemies of Germany could press their harsh terms upon an encircled nation.

Yet, this would not be the case, for Reason and Providence conspired to stir up such a fierce resistance to the abominable aims of our enemies. Predatory expansionism would be checked not by the German Army alone, but by a broad coalition that included the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands and Liberia.

[align=center]PART I: The Battle of Landshut

Posted Image
Landshut before the Conflict; view of the River Isar[/align]

H.M. Ludwig II, King of Bavaria -- who had retained his regal title upon joining the German Empire under the suzerainty of Prussia – was deeply troubled by the outbreak of war. He had spent extravagant sums on erecting sumptuous palaces and monuments throughout his kingdom, and was particularly concerned that his elaborate Schloss Neuschwanstein would be damaged in the course of conflict.

[align=center]Posted Image
The Bavarian Castle under Construction[/align]

When the summons to arms came, H.M. Ludwig ordered his finest cavalry to the field, and took his place at the head of the regiment. Joined by allied divisions, the assembled army advanced to check the Austrian incursion at the Landshut in southern Germany. British General Benjamin Plummer took command of operations, and was challenged to battle by Austrian General Walter Schmitt.

[align=center]Posted Image
British General Benjamin Plummer[/align]

Austria brought superior firepower to bear upon the city of Landshut, and began to wear down the allied defenders with a constant barrage of shells. In the early weeks of the siege, the guns fell silent at night, giving the soldiers on both sides much needed rest. However, as the attackers and defenders alike grew more earnest and more desperate for a definitive end to the Landshut engagement, the practice of incessant bombardment was enacted. Austrian guns issued their salvos, followed by a loud reply from the Allied artillery.

The exchange of gunnery was matched by fierce infantry fighting, and it was here that the Allied held the advantage of superior numbers. Wave after wave of soldiers rushed forward, and a series of charges and counter charges produced a mangle heap of man and horse. It was amidst this gruesome clash – the Battle of Landshurt being the single most costly engagement of the war in terms of total lives lost – that the harsh but necessary sacrifice was made to repulse the foreign invader from German soil. Drenched in the deadly downpour, the British Grenadier Guards burst through to enemy positions and, as the first beams of sunlight poked through the cloudy skies, forced the Austrian Armies into retreat.

[align=center]Posted Image[/align]

OOC Note: I hope to write more, in consultation with Crapalot, Claudius, Eidur, Eldernesh, Groogy, Icen, Robie, Sneaky and Yenzen.

Additionally, there is a limit on the number of images I can post per message on the forum, so I've had to cut short the story at this point, in the hope of discussing further with those who participated in the war and, time permitting, to compile further posts relating to the conflict.

Also, yes. I do re-size the images to a standard width of 19.095cm. It is not OCD. It is perfectly reasonable. We live in an ordered society, and we can't go around having haphazard images on display.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Seleukos
Member Avatar

House of Commons
[align=center]Posted Image[/align]

[align=center]The Empire of Brazil must say the valiant defense of The German Empire is one of the most successful wars in known history.

Even with the offensive by both the Russian and Austro-Hungarian Empires into Germany, the operations enacted by the coalition forces was one of brilliance.

We commend those who died on both sides along the battlefields, and we will take close consideration of the major conflicts and make the proper adjustments to doctrine back home.

Once again, we commend Kaiser Wilhelm I and his brave soldiers in defensive of their homeland.

Signed, Brazilian Diplomatic Corps
[/align]
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
CynicalLiberal
Member Avatar

House of Commons
The Spanish General Staff sends its thanks to the German government for their kind words. German and Spanish troops fought side by side in many key engagements in the waning days of the conflict. Spanish infantry on leave have had nothing but respect for the bravery, honor, and discipline of the German army.

:BISPA:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Magister Equitum

Field Marshals
[align=center]Posted Image[/align]


[align=center]The Restoration of Elsaß-Lothringen
1900[/align]



A period of prosperity, paired with memories of the bloodshed that had characterised the 1800s, gave rise to the hope that the twentieth century would be a time of peace. Such idealistic dreams could well have been realised. However, to dream one must sleep, and no son of the Fatherland can sleep while Elsaß-Lothringen remains in the hands of a foreigner.

So weighty was the shame of seeing these lands in French possession and so immense the urge to recover the prized frontier that it was at the behest of our fellow Teutons, the Austrians, that the present war came about.

Indeed, there is no greater injury to the children of Germania than for the ancient forests of the Elsaß valley to be held in captivity by any foreigner, more so the French who, by enduring occupation have sought to extend an illegitimate claim over the territory, attempting to usurp the precious soil from the German patrimony.

For this reasons the drums beat the march to war. For this reason the Germanic people rally to the war-cry:


[align=center]Durch Hunderttausend zuckt es schnell,
und aller Augen blitzen hell;
der Deutsche, bieder, fromm und stark,
beschützt die heil'ge Landesmark.

Solang ein Tropfen Blut noch glüht,
noch eine Faust den Degen zieht,
und noch ein Arm die Büchse spannt,
betritt kein Feind hier deinen Strand!

They stand, a hundred thousand strong,
Quick to avenge their country's wrong,
With filial love their bosoms swell
They shall guard the sacred landmark well.

While still remains one breath of life,
While still one fist can draw a knife,
One gun still fired with one hand,
No foe will stand on this Rhine sand.



OOC Note
: I will be out of town this weekend; visiting Point Roberts, a tiny part of the U.S.A that is not connected to the U.S. mainland. Will respond to PMs when I return.[/align]
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
icendoan
Member Avatar

House of Commons

[align=center]:BIDUAL:[/align]
Seine Exzellenz,
[align=center]
It is with great pleasure that we have recieved your message to the Austrian
Embassy. We are humbled by the generosity and trust of your Kaiser and the
German peoples behind him, for their ability to set aside past disputes and
move forward for what is right.

There has been a blessing of innovation in Austria-Hungary these past years,
and the might of German technology stands unsurpassed, and as such we have no
fears that the current deadlock in Elsaß-Lothrigen shall be broken and that
our subsequent march to Paris shall be short and uneventful.

We are proud to call Germany our Brothers in Arms this day.

mit besten Grüßen,
Die Botschaft von Österreich
[/align]
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Claudius8110
Member Avatar
The straw that stirs the drink.
Viceroys
:BIAST:

Australia greets our friends in Germany. We had hoped to remain neutral in this most recent war between France and Germany. However, we feel it is necessary to station our Australian European Brigades in western Germany and ask for official permission from the Kaiser.


Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Sneakyflaps

House of Lords
[align=center]Posted Image[/align]

The Tsar is happy to see the improvement in the relation between the Austrian Emperor and German Kaiser, we hope that such an improvement will help secure the peace in Eastern Europe.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Yenzen
Member Avatar

House of Commons
The Ottoman Empire congratulates the German Empire with their recent victory and the following return of Elsaß-Lothringen.

- Grand Vizier Iznogoud Pasha, regent for Osman IV

:BITUR:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · World in Revolution VII · Next Topic »
Add Reply