lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Jul 27, 2019 18:09:34 GMT
No problem, now i just am waiting for somebody to write a fascist Ireland TL. which also induces Spanish Fascism and Italian Fascism. Also lordvesporeon , do you want to keep the TL here ore should i move it to the Alternate Timeline Writer’s Hub. Keep it here, it is far from even 1 quarter through, I've only progressed two years IU when I'm planning to go for about 60 As you wish. |
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Jul 27, 2019 19:04:57 GMT
Mm'kay. I'd ask whether TTL's version of the EU is like the democratic, albeit heavily contested one from our ~2019, or a more authoritarian bloc in line with British fascism, but then that'd spoil events that I presume take place further in your story. That said, I look forward to what comes next. It is definitely the latter, authoritarian, reactionary bloc however British Fascism is just one of the many Fascistic ideologies in it, you'll see
Welcome to the site and in interesting if depressing TL. What you say about TTL's EU suggests that Germany domination after WWI is rolled back, although I think it will be difficult. However the idea of a fascist type system lasting that long let alone being by the sound of it fairy successful does seem unlikely. Although it would depend on what fascism is in this world. A harder line nationalism, which however pushes for real economic and social change could be successful while it avoids too much autocracy but anything too close to Nazi Germany is likely to collapse pretty quickly when challenged while even something like the format in Italy or Spain is likely to quickly become fairly incompetent.
Anyway looking forward to seeing what develops.
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lordvesporeon
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Post by lordvesporeon on Jul 28, 2019 13:50:49 GMT
It is definitely the latter, authoritarian, reactionary bloc however British Fascism is just one of the many Fascistic ideologies in it, you'll see
Welcome to the site and in interesting if depressing TL. What you say about TTL's EU suggests that Germany domination after WWI is rolled back, although I think it will be difficult. However the idea of a fascist type system lasting that long let alone being by the sound of it fairy successful does seem unlikely. Although it would depend on what fascism is in this world. A harder line nationalism, which however pushes for real economic and social change could be successful while it avoids too much autocracy but anything too close to Nazi Germany is likely to collapse pretty quickly when challenged while even something like the format in Italy or Spain is likely to quickly become fairly incompetent.
Anyway looking forward to seeing what develops.
Yes, IRL Nazism and Fascism were very bad economic models, I plan to have Mosley adopt a system that will allow things to not crash and burn, always remember that these people are power-hungry bastards who will say one thing and do another |
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lordvesporeon
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Post by lordvesporeon on Jul 28, 2019 13:52:38 GMT
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 3: The Dawn Is Coming
December 7, 1924
Today, all of Britain stood and waited with bated breath to see who would win the general election. In a stunning upset, Oswald Mosley and the Victorian Union, or Vickies as their opponents call them, have won overwhelmingly all over the country. Even though they did not win London they pulled in record numbers and chipped away the rock solid liberal base in the area. This, among various other events, has had many leftists in the country to increasingly fear the meteoric rise of this far-right party. Ramsay has come under significant criticism for the decision to work with Mosley and talks for his resignation have begun to spread throughout leftist circles. The Conservatives are using this short-sighted decision to bolster their numbers by cannibalising from the left. This is all part of a undeniable trend in Britain, radicalisation and a hard drift to the right. Anti-VU riots are being planned in the wake of the election and the political atmosphere is extremely charged. Reports say that when the news first reached Mosley and his camp they cheered with a fervor rarely seen in history. E. D. Morel, who has been in poor health since a dangerous heart attack he suffered in November, was asked what he thought about the whole affair. He said, "So this is how it ends, this how democracy dies. By popular demand and thunderous applause", he was unable to say more before he fell into a critical stage and had to be left alone. Mosley is expected to give a victory speech at 10 Downing Street today. Rumours and gossip are abound on who Mosley will select for his cabinet and how radical his reforms will be considering that with the potential fracturing of leftists parties all across the island means that the Union's new majority may become be nigh incontestable. A crowd gathers outside of Downing, thousands of VU supporters from around the country have come to see their idol before he is sworn in. The streets are even more crowded than yesterday. When Mosley arrives, his fans cheer while the few opponents of him that managed to sneak in boo, he urges both sides to not start fighting and instead listen. There is some disobedience but for the most part the air grows quiet. He begins to speak. Oswald Mosley
"Yesterday we pulled off an amazing victory. We have shown Britain that we are not some fringe party full of nobodies. We are a real force and we shall be respected! My party and I have been democratically elected to lead this nation into the future and by God that is what we intend to do. We will bring common sense back into the government. A government which for far too long has been guided by corrupt bureaucrats and out of touch old men who have not the faintest idea on the nation they lead. Together in Britain, we have a lit a flame that the ages shall not extinguish. Guard that sacred flame, my brothers. For that flame has finally illuminated Britain and may one day illuminate the whole world. I promise you that now we are in charge, Britain and her people will no longer be intertwined with conflicts that have no relevance to the British people and their well-being. No longer shall the interests of international bankers and their destructive influence guide the destiny of this great and noble nation. You may think I am talking about the Jews, and indeed I am, but to act as if only the Jews have harmed our society is to be foolish and blind. One needn't look far back, no farther than 1914, to see that there are many corrosive and subversive elements that are destroying our great society and I intend to combat each and every one. I thank you for listening to me speak and despite our differences I believe we can still say that we are united as Britons against the world. God save the King." As the last reverberations of his voice, amplified by the microphone, die down, the audience begins to applaud. The soon to be Prime minister smiles and walks off the makeshift platform to meet with the King as he had been summoned around 20 minutes ago. Mosley reaches Buckingham Palace and is let in to see King George V; a sickly, old king, disillusioned with his decisions in life, none more than being involved in the Great War, as well as his eldest son's extremist and authoritarian views compared to his own rather, relatively, liberal history. He is guided towards the area of the palace the King and Baldwin are in as well as all the officials needed to swear in a Prime minister. As he approaches the Ballroom, he sees everyone standing. He spots Baldwin and can see the utter disdain on his face, the King is not much happier. Mosley cares little, he stands next to the King. In an agonisingly slow ceremony for all parties involved, as it is very clear that everyone would rather just quickly list off the oaths and have Mosley accept them and be done with it, they swear him in and then go their separate ways. Mosley heads home and prepares to meet with his new cabinet tomorrow. A new era for Britain is here Map Of The British Empire In 1886 During The Midst Of The Victorian Era
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lordvesporeon
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Post by lordvesporeon on Jul 28, 2019 13:58:16 GMT
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 4: The Flame Is Kindled
December 8, 1924
Today, all across Britain, many anti-VU rallies are being staged and future ones are in the works, the political tension remains. Mosley cares little however, he has an important meeting before he convenes with his cabinet in an unofficial meeting. He gets in his car with his chauffeur and drives to Camberley Staff College to meet with J. F. C. Fuller. Mosley had noted the rise of this man, he was a war hero, this combined with his revolutionary theories on warfare had been more than enough to captivate him, however he had naught an opportunity due to all the time taken by politicking and campaigning. Now he finally had time and he was going to have a talk with this promising candidate for the Chief of Imperial General Staff. He reaches the college and asks to speak with Fuller in private, soon he is face to face with him. They are guided to a room where they can talk in private, they enter, the door closes and they sit in chairs apart each other. Fuller speaks first, the eagerness apparent in his voice, like a fanatic meeting his idol. J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency. I must tell you, I am an ardent supporter and am proud to call myself a Vickie. Now, not to be rude, but why have you called me?" Oswald Mosley
"Firstly, I thank you sincerely for your support and I am glad to have someone such as you on my side. And now to your question, I have requested your audience today as I have wished to do so for months now but have been unable to, now that you're here I would like to propose an offer." J. F. C. Fuller
"What is it?" Oswald Mosley
"I would like for you to be my Chief of Imperial General Staff. I have read your history of combat in the Second Boer War and in the Great War as well as your book, "Tanks in the great war". I know that you've earned the nickname, "The English Hammer", for your victory against the Germans at Tours in 1914. I also know you've been championing for a new theory on how war is fought. I've read extensively on your Nineteen Principles, the Organisation of Force and the Unity of the Principles of War. I've thought and discussed your calls for mass mechanisation of the army and a shift away from static trench warfare to fluid and fast moving front lines. I'm impressed by it all. You are the perfect man for the job. If you accept, I shall back you on most anything and provide whatever assistance I may in helping you push these reforms and achieve this modern army you envision. So, what do you say Mr. Fuller?" J. F. C. Fuller
"Why Your Excellency, I would be honored to accept such a position! When would I take command of the office?" Oswald Mosley
"Immediately. There is much work to be done and not much time to do it in. We must waste nary a minute." J. F. C. Fuller
"I see, I shall begin packing my belongings at my residence and pen my resignation to the headmaster. I suspect this shall take some time but I shall be in London before Christmas." Oswald Mosley
"Be careful Fuller, the last time it was said that something would be done by Christmas, the Empire was undone." J. F. C. Fuller
"Ha ha! It is good to know you have an equal sense of humour. Life would be so much harder without it." Oswald Mosley
"Good day Mr. Fuller, I am anticipating seeing you in London very soon" Mosley leaves the college and heads back to London, he must meet with his cabinet in a meeting to discuss how they will move forward. He arrives at 10 Downing Street. Mosley reaches the meeting room and enters, everyone is waiting. He sits down and begins to speak Oswald Mosley
"Hello gentlemen, welcome to the first meeting, official or unofficial, of our cabinet. I'm sorry I am late, but I had to make time for a visit to secure our future Chief of Imperial General Staff." Arthur Kitson
"Who is it?" Oswald Mosley
"None other than the 'English Martel' himself." William Joyce
"J. F. C. Fuller? Quite the catch, if I must say so myself." Oswald Mosley
"Indeed, but enough of small talk, let us begin our discussion on what our course of action is. Who wishes to go first?" Arthur Kitson
"I would like to. As we all know, we've been in a depression for some time now, if we can end it our popularity would skyrocket even further. It will also allow us to pursue our more ambitious goals. To do this we have to start by passing some tariffs, regulations and other protectionist measures. For far too long the economy has suffered underneath the laissez-faire measures the previous governments pursued. We also need a serious revamping on how the economy and the state function in tandem with another. Obviously, we need to take it slowly so we don't get overruled early on. I suggest we start by pushing through some tariffs to get things started. Maybe you can send Joyce to Canada to improve relations?" William Joyce
"Why Canada? At the moment their economy is doing worse than ours." Arthur Kitson
"It's a diplomatic move, not an economic one, at least in the most immediate sense. It's to show the Americans we won't be coming across the Pond to take anything else, show that apart from whatever we still hold in the Caribbean and Atlantic, the New World is their's. The last thing we want is hostile or even cold relations with the Americans." Oswald Mosley
"Very well. Who is next" Ronald Ross
"I would like to. Disease and hunger are massive problems, especially in the cities. Our farmers are struggling to even keep themselves afloat as prices have fallen through the roof. In response, they've started destroying their crops and tossing food away to artificially inflate the price. This is wasteful and I have an idea that could help their economic problems somewhat and combat the malnutrition and hunger plaguing the poor. We would ask farmers to give us whatever food they were going to toss and give it to the poorest members of society. This is a win-win as it increases demand for food as there is less supply and the people we are giving it to wouldn't have been able to buy it anyway. It would also help us gain some approval ratings across the board."
Oswald Mosley
"It sounds like a good idea, I shall have someone look over the logistics to see if this pans out the way you say it will. If so, it goes through. Anyone else?" George Makgill
"I would like to bring up the matter of the more than two dozen anti-Victorian protests and rallies staged for the next few months. A few, even several of these are nothing to fret over, but almost two dozen and rising fast and now it becomes a major issue. I would like for MI5 to be given some extra-judicial powers when dealing with these matters as well as increased funding. Who knows how many madmen have put a target on your head." Oswald Mosley
"Very well. Vincent, can you get this through the courts?"
Vincent Chambers
"It won't be easy, but I think I can do it. I will need a list of what powers Makgill wants granted to MI5." George Makgill
"I'll draft a list and have it at your desk by tomorrow."
Oswald Mosley
"I feel we are reaching the end of this meeting. Does anyone else have anything they want to say?" Anderson Barlow
"If I may, I would like to ask you to create a royal commission, chaired by me, into the urban concentration of people and industry. I feel that decentralisation of the populace and industry is something we all agree on however we don't know where to start. This commission could help us find out which areas are most affected and give us a skeletal framework around which to plan further development. It would take some time, most likely a year or two but it could drag on to three if things don't go right but I feel it is worth it to investigate this." Ronald Ross
"I agree. The density of people in these cities means they are breeding grounds for diseases to spread like a wildfire. This could be a step to reducing it." Oswald Mosley
"Very well, this commission will be created, but it shall take me some time as I am very busy" Anderson Barlow
"I understand." Oswald Mosley
"Good. And with that, I think we are done for today. Gentlemen, you are dismissed." They quickly bid each other a farewell and leave. They are all swamped with work and have much more coming their way. Mosley heads to his office to begin to dismantle the mountain of work that stands before him. He is not bothered however, for the work is as hard as it is rewarding for he is progressing towards his goal with every paper written or read and every word said. He is content, for the flame of the future is kindled. In Wales, Workers Striking In Protest Of Low Wages, 1921
 Unemployed Workers Looking For A Job After the Factory Called In Strikebreakers, 1922
 Rare Photograph From The Trenches During The Battle of Tours, 1914
 British Troops Surrounding A Captured German Tank After The Battle Of Lyon, Just 5 Months Later, All British Troops Withdrew Out Of France, 1917
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lordvesporeon
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Post by lordvesporeon on Jul 28, 2019 14:04:29 GMT
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Zyobot
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Post by Zyobot on Jul 28, 2019 17:32:57 GMT
Welcome to the site and in interesting if depressing TL. What you say about TTL's EU suggests that Germany domination after WWI is rolled back, although I think it will be difficult. However the idea of a fascist type system lasting that long let alone being by the sound of it fairy successful does seem unlikely. Although it would depend on what fascism is in this world. A harder line nationalism, which however pushes for real economic and social change could be successful while it avoids too much autocracy but anything too close to Nazi Germany is likely to collapse pretty quickly when challenged while even something like the format in Italy or Spain is likely to quickly become fairly incompetent.
Anyway looking forward to seeing what develops.
Yes, IRL Nazism and Fascism were very bad economic models, I plan to have Mosley adopt a system that will allow things to not crash and burn, always remember that these people are power-hungry bastards who will say one thing and do another That makes me wonder how a more autonomy-granting capitalistic model would look under a fascistic regime, which is my first guess as to the economic system you plan to have TTL's Great Britain adopt. They were a premier champion of laissez-faire alongside the still-democratic United States, after all. |
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lordvesporeon
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Post by lordvesporeon on Jul 29, 2019 15:37:43 GMT
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 5: The Sacred FlameDecember 9, 1924
Mosley continues getting settled into his new job. He assigns Anderson as chairmen of the commission he was calling for. He is also slowly drafting a list of what he wants to get passed in Parliament. A courier comes into his office and gives him a letter from Makgill. He thanks him and sends him off. He opens the letter and reads it. "Oswald, I've been looking into this promising figure, I wonder if you have heard of him, his name is Thomas Edward Lawrence. He was assigned to the Middle East to assist the Arab revolt and was doing quite well until the German counter offensive began in 1918. He fought a fighting retreat before entering Egypt where he hid until the war was over. Despite his failure, he was and still is beloved by the Arab community, earning the name of "Lawrence of Arabia" and they even pooled their money to pay for his trip back home. He also did some work in military intelligence before he entered the war. I have heard he is a supporter of you and I believe he would serve as an excellent member of SIS. You should ask Mr. Sinclair to take a look at him, I think he would be a great addition and maybe a possible successor" Mosley thought about it, he would like to have loyal agents capable of espionage and being capable of inciting insurrection in foreign countries and leading said insurrections to victory. He would ask Sinclair to take a look at this "Lawrence of Arabia" and see if he is really all Makgill says. He decides to take a break, smoke a fag and look at the massive map he has in his office. It's out of date by over a decade, made in 1909. It was a gift from a friend who would die next to him at Marne just 5 years later. He stared at it, puffed the cigarette smoke into the air, and started to look at all the outdated features. The most glaring was Britain and her empire of better days. France and Russia were now communist, Portugal and Italy had reactionary movements rise to power and the Ottomans had reconquered Greece. Germany now owns Malta, Cyprus, French Indochina, Singapore, the Suez and a third of Africa. Belgium and Denmark, along with Eastern Europe, are German puppets. Spain is in a terrible civil war between Communists and Falangists and India is fighting a major Burmese rebellion. North Africa is split into several states, Egypt, Algeria, the Ottoman Protectorate of Libya, and the German protectorate of Morocco. To think the world changed so much in just 15 years. Mosley decides now is a good time to get those tariffs that Kitson proposed passed. He calls for Kitson and soon he is sitting in his office. Mosley tells Kitson he wants a comprehensive list of what items he wants taxed and what percentage he wants them to be taxed at. Kitson complies and several hours later he has a full list of proposed tariffs as well as some extra measures to increase trade, especially with America, increase the value of the pound, and combat inflation. Mosley thanks him and he is off on his way. He summons Chambers to his office. Once he arrives, he asks him if Makgill has sent him the list of powers he wants granted to MI5. Vincent tells him he has and hands him the list. He tells him to prepare his defense of this move as it will surely come under fire, Chambers nods and they both go their separate ways. George V opens a new session of Parliament. During the sitting hours Mosley proposes the economic plan Kitson drafted. Since the Victorians have a majority it goes through the first and second stage fairly quickly however there is stiff resistance from the remnants of the Liberal and Labour parties. It is set to pass within a 2 weeks. Mosley also proposes Makgill's list, it faces even stiffer resistance from Labour and the Liberal party as well as the Conservatives but even stauncher support from Victorian members. If Lord Chancellor Vincent Chambers can convince them to fast track it, it will pass in early January. Eventually, the sitting comes to a close and Mosley heads back to his office. The next few weeks will be rather hectic. He orders for an extensive private telephone network to be wired throughout the building and to George Makgill's office. It will be expensive, but it will mean he can get in touch with them easier. He sends a letter to the Rudolph Lambart, the current Chief of Imperial General Staff, to begin packing his bags as he has been fired. Mosley never liked him, he thought he was a vacillating and foolish man, he had been one of the key figures in advocating a massive reduction in Britain's army and defense spending. He finishes his work and heads to his chambers to relax with Cynthia and their 3 children. Once Fuller is here, he must consult him on a risky idea of his. An Arabian Cavalry Squad Prepares To Ambush An Ottoman Desert Patrol, 1917
 T. E. Lawrence In Arabia, 1916
 A German Tank In Syria, It Was A Part Of The Massive German Counter Offensive After France Fell, 1918
 British Commandos In Syria Surrounding An Ottoman Train They Sabotaged, 1917
 T. E. Lawrence With Friends In Egypt. Shortly After, The War Ended And He Returned To Britain, 1918
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lordvesporeon
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Post by lordvesporeon on Jul 29, 2019 15:44:44 GMT
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 6: On the Horizon
December 23, 1924Two weeks have passed since Mosley proposed the first bills of his government. Kitson's had passed with flying colors as no one was able to sufficiently rebuff it. Thus, the first brick of many has been laid down in the long process of rebuilding the British economy. Makgills list of extra-judicial powers to be granted to MI5 has been delayed however, as Chambers' is still drafting a comprehensive article on the legality of it. In the meantime, Mosley has been either debating in favour of the bill or working to build connections across Britain to further entrench the Victorian Union. Fuller arrived yesterday, just in time for Christmas. He decided it was time to have a conversation with him. The telephone wiring was going well, but it wouldn't be finished for some time. Fuller arrives in his office and sits down. J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency." Oswald Mosley
'Please Fuller, call me Oswald or Mosley. We are going to be together for many weeks and I would like to not hear that so often. It will drive me mad." J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course Mosley. So why have you called me here?" Oswald Mosley
"As you know Spain is in a civil war right now between Communists in the East, supported by France and the Soviet Union, and Falangists in the West, supported by Portugal and Italy." J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course. It's been very brutal." Oswald Mosley
"And you know that Gibraltar is in Spanish hands." J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes." Oswald Mosley
"I believe I have a plan to bring it back into British hands." J. F. C. Fuller
"How so?" Oswald Mosley"We will strike a deal with the Falangists to help them in the war and to join our alliance in exchange for immediate ownership of Gibraltar. I wanted to ask you what assistance would be best to help them, as well as to send some officers close to you down there to instruct them if they accept." J. F. C. Fuller
"I see. I quite like this plan. I would suggest that you prepare a message to the British loyalists in Gibraltar to establish a plebiscite so that if the Spanish do not agree, we can send it and once they vote in our favour we could potentially take it by force with popular support. As for support for the Spanish, we can send some of our more green divisions down there to train them. I will make sure I will send down skilled officers who will train them as well as take notes so that we can study the aspects of modern warfare " Oswald Mosley
"An excellent idea. You, Joyce, Crown Prince David, and I will go on a state visit to Portugal, to reaffirm our alliance with Manuel as well as to get in contact with Franco and his men to negotiate a deal. Once we are done with that we shall head to Italy to meet Mussolini and attempt to bring them into our alliance as well. These three nations, combined with ours, will be more than enough to crush France, that vile bastion of communism, when the time arrives." J. F. C. Fuller
"I also wanted to talk to you about the matter of our military training and education. It is woefully out of date and needs to be updated immediately. The longer we delay the more men who will serve with an antiquated view of warfare. I will need your public support in pushing these reforms as you and I are extremely popular amongst the army and combined will convince most to trust my reforms. This will require us to revitalise our institutions through modernising our texts and our training and instruction regimen from field marshals to NCO's to the common infantry. I would also like for you to include in the next budget some funds to be allocated to a special section of RTD devoted specifically to the advancement of tanks and motorised trucks. The military may also need an increase in funds in order to begin mechanising parts of the army." Oswald Mosley
"How big would this RTD department be?" J. F. C. Fuller
"I've been talking to some people in SIS, probing for information on the Landschiff-Projekt. I found what I was looking for, numbers, locations, procedures, ideas and even some rough blueprints of their more modern tanks. Of course we have the tank we captured in perfect condition after the Battle of Lyon to base our earliest efforts around. We will be very conservative with our resources until we know what we're doing, we just need to get our foot in the door." Oswald Mosley
"I can do everything you ask for except for the funds towards mechanisation. Until we can pull Britain out of this depression we're all gonna have to work on a shoestring budget, unfortunately." J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. Thank you. May I be excused? I have much work to do." Oswald Mosley
"Of course. Prepare your items as we will leave after Christmas. Thank you for your time Fuller." Fuller exits Mosley's office and returns to his own. Mosley sits, contemplating about his situation. He begins to pack his possessions for the trip. It is snowing, the sky is dark. It is past midnight, the Sun is gone. But on the horizon, he sees it rise again. He knows this is the destiny of Britain. To sink low, but to rise once more and shine across the world again. Scientists Of The Landschiff-Projekt Taking A Photograph In Commemoration Of Their Success
 The A7V, The Culmination Of The Landschiff-Projekt And The First Of Several German Tanks During The War
 A Painting Of Kaiser Wilhelm II Looking From The Place du Trocadéro Across The Jardins du Trocadéro And The Seine River To The Eiffel Tower, Painted By Waldemar Rösler In 1915
 British Troops In Angoulême Heading Towards Bordeaux So As To Leave France, They Are Guarding The German Tank Captured At Lyon To Bring It Back To Britain. This Retreat Was Only Possible Due To the Legendary "Second Christmas Truce" Of 1917 And The Heroic Resignation Of The French Troops To Holding The Front Alone
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Post by lordvesporeon on Jul 29, 2019 15:48:00 GMT
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Post by lordroel on Jul 29, 2019 16:13:18 GMT
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Post by lordvesporeon on Jul 29, 2019 17:34:01 GMT
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Post by stevep on Jul 29, 2019 17:36:39 GMT
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 6: On the Horizon
December 23, 1924Two weeks have passed since Mosley proposed the first bills of his government. Kitson's had passed with flying colors as no one was able to sufficiently rebuff it. Thus, the first brick of many has been laid down in the long process of rebuilding the British economy. Makgills list of extra-judicial powers to be granted to MI5 has been delayed however, as Chambers' is still drafting a comprehensive article on the legality of it. In the meantime, Mosley has been either debating in favour of the bill or working to build connections across Britain to further entrench the Victorian Union. Fuller arrived yesterday, just in time for Christmas. He decided it was time to have a conversation with him. The telephone wiring was going well, but it wouldn't be finished for some time. Fuller arrives in his office and sits down. J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency." Oswald Mosley
'Please Fuller, call me Oswald or Mosley. We are going to be together for many weeks and I would like to not hear that so often. It will drive me mad." J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course Mosley. So why have you called me here?" Oswald Mosley
"As you know Spain is in a civil war right now between Communists in the East, supported by France and the Soviet Union, and Falangists in the West, supported by Portugal and Italy." J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course. It's been very brutal." Oswald Mosley
"And you know that Gibraltar is in Spanish hands." J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes." Oswald Mosley
"I believe I have a plan to bring it back into British hands." J. F. C. Fuller
"How so?" Oswald Mosley"We will strike a deal with the Falangists to help them in the war and to join our alliance in exchange for immediate ownership of Gibraltar. I wanted to ask you what assistance would be best to help them, as well as to send some officers close to you down there to instruct them if they accept." J. F. C. Fuller
"I see. I quite like this plan. I would suggest that you prepare a message to the British loyalists in Gibraltar to establish a plebiscite so that if the Spanish do not agree, we can send it and once they vote in our favour we could potentially take it by force with popular support. As for support for the Spanish, we can send some of our more green divisions down there to train them. I will make sure I will send down skilled officers who will train them as well as take notes so that we can study the aspects of modern warfare " Oswald Mosley
"An excellent idea. You, Joyce, David, and I will go on a state visit to Portugal, to reaffirm our alliance with Manuel as well as to get in contact with Franco and his men to negotiate a deal. Once we are done with that we shall head to Italy to meet Mussolini and attempt to bring them into our alliance as well. These three nations, combined with ours, will be more than enough to crush France, that vile bastion of communism, when the time arrives." J. F. C. Fuller
"I also wanted to talk to you about the matter of our military training and education. It is woefully out of date and needs to be updated immediately. The longer we delay the more men who will serve with an antiquated view of warfare. I will need your public support in pushing these reforms as you and I are extremely popular amongst the army and combined will convince most to trust my reforms. This will require us to revitalise our institutions through modernising our texts and our training and instruction regimen from field marshals to NCO's to the common infantry. I would also like for you to include in the next budget some funds to be allocated to a special section of RTD devoted specifically to the advancement of tanks and motorised trucks. The military may also need an increase in funds in order to begin mechanising parts of the army." Oswald Mosley
"How big would this RTD department be?" J. F. C. Fuller
"I've been talking to some people in SIS, probing for information on the Landschiff-Projekt. I found what I was looking for, numbers, locations, procedures, ideas and even some rough blueprints of their more modern tanks. Of course we have the tank we captured in perfect condition after the Battle of Lyon to base our earliest efforts around. We will be very conservative with our resources until we know what we're doing, we just need to get our foot in the door." Oswald Mosley
"I can do everything you ask for except for the funds towards mechanisation. Until we can pull Britain out of this depression we're all gonna have to work on a shoestring budget, unfortunately." J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. Thank you. May I be excused? I have much work to do." Oswald Mosley
"Of course. Prepare your items as we will leave after Christmas. Thank you for your time Fuller." Fuller exits Mosley's office and returns to his own. Mosley sits, contemplating about his situation. He begins to pack his possessions for the trip. It is snowing, the sky is dark. It is past midnight, the Sun is gone. But on the horizon, he sees it rise again. He knows this is the destiny of Britain. To sink low, but to rise once more and shine across the world again. Scientists Of The Landschiff-Projekt Taking A Photograph In Commemoration Of Their Success
The A7V, The Culmination Of The Landschiff-Projekt
And The First Of Several German Tanks During The War
A Painting Of Kaiser Wilhelm II Looking From The Place du Trocadéro Across The Jardins du Trocadéro And The Seine River To The Eiffel Tower, Painted By Waldemar Rösler In 1915
British Troops In Angoulême Heading Towards Bordeaux So As To Leave France, They Are Guarding The German Tank Captured At Lyon To Bring It Back To Britain. This Retreat Was Only Possible Due To the Legendary "Second Christmas Truce" Of 1917 And The Heroic Resignation Of The French Troops To Holding The Front Alone
lordvesporeon
So in TTL it was Imperial Germany that developed the 1st tanks, as that one captured ay Lyon looks far more like the early British tanks than the monster's that the Germans were producing, in very small numbers, OTL. If we're basing our development on an ~decade old design then hopefully German designs have basically stagnated since else Britain will be a long, long way behind.
I'm not sure Franco would be a leader in a Spanish civil war in 1924 as he would only be ~32 years old and not yet made a general OTL. Might need another figures as the formal leader, although he could well be working his way up the command chain with some speed.
Like the idea of getting Gib back although got to be careful that we don't get back-stabbed by the Spanish and/or attract German attention too quickly.
A retreat from the disastrous laissez faire policies would definitely help, although that was very much a Victorian invention which is ironic given the name of Mosley's party.  Introducing tariffs to level the playing field in compared to other powers. Some of the traditional hostility towards such a policy could be disarmed by introducing them on manufacturing imports only and definitely avoiding ones on basic foodstuffs  . Less happy with the additional controls on protests of course. 
Steve
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lordvesporeon
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Currently Dousing The Great Flareon Revolt
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Likes: 44
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Post by lordvesporeon on Aug 1, 2019 2:03:12 GMT
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 6: On the Horizon
December 23, 1924Two weeks have passed since Mosley proposed the first bills of his government. Kitson's had passed with flying colors as no one was able to sufficiently rebuff it. Thus, the first brick of many has been laid down in the long process of rebuilding the British economy. Makgills list of extra-judicial powers to be granted to MI5 has been delayed however, as Chambers' is still drafting a comprehensive article on the legality of it. In the meantime, Mosley has been either debating in favour of the bill or working to build connections across Britain to further entrench the Victorian Union. Fuller arrived yesterday, just in time for Christmas. He decided it was time to have a conversation with him. The telephone wiring was going well, but it wouldn't be finished for some time. Fuller arrives in his office and sits down. J. F. C. Fuller
"Hello Your Excellency." Oswald Mosley
'Please Fuller, call me Oswald or Mosley. We are going to be together for many weeks and I would like to not hear that so often. It will drive me mad." J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course Mosley. So why have you called me here?" Oswald Mosley
"As you know Spain is in a civil war right now between Communists in the East, supported by France and the Soviet Union, and Falangists in the West, supported by Portugal and Italy." J. F. C. Fuller
"Of course. It's been very brutal." Oswald Mosley
"And you know that Gibraltar is in Spanish hands." J. F. C. Fuller
"Yes." Oswald Mosley
"I believe I have a plan to bring it back into British hands." J. F. C. Fuller
"How so?" Oswald Mosley"We will strike a deal with the Falangists to help them in the war and to join our alliance in exchange for immediate ownership of Gibraltar. I wanted to ask you what assistance would be best to help them, as well as to send some officers close to you down there to instruct them if they accept." J. F. C. Fuller
"I see. I quite like this plan. I would suggest that you prepare a message to the British loyalists in Gibraltar to establish a plebiscite so that if the Spanish do not agree, we can send it and once they vote in our favour we could potentially take it by force with popular support. As for support for the Spanish, we can send some of our more green divisions down there to train them. I will make sure I will send down skilled officers who will train them as well as take notes so that we can study the aspects of modern warfare " Oswald Mosley
"An excellent idea. You, Joyce, David, and I will go on a state visit to Portugal, to reaffirm our alliance with Manuel as well as to get in contact with Franco and his men to negotiate a deal. Once we are done with that we shall head to Italy to meet Mussolini and attempt to bring them into our alliance as well. These three nations, combined with ours, will be more than enough to crush France, that vile bastion of communism, when the time arrives." J. F. C. Fuller
"I also wanted to talk to you about the matter of our military training and education. It is woefully out of date and needs to be updated immediately. The longer we delay the more men who will serve with an antiquated view of warfare. I will need your public support in pushing these reforms as you and I are extremely popular amongst the army and combined will convince most to trust my reforms. This will require us to revitalise our institutions through modernising our texts and our training and instruction regimen from field marshals to NCO's to the common infantry. I would also like for you to include in the next budget some funds to be allocated to a special section of RTD devoted specifically to the advancement of tanks and motorised trucks. The military may also need an increase in funds in order to begin mechanising parts of the army." Oswald Mosley
"How big would this RTD department be?" J. F. C. Fuller
"I've been talking to some people in SIS, probing for information on the Landschiff-Projekt. I found what I was looking for, numbers, locations, procedures, ideas and even some rough blueprints of their more modern tanks. Of course we have the tank we captured in perfect condition after the Battle of Lyon to base our earliest efforts around. We will be very conservative with our resources until we know what we're doing, we just need to get our foot in the door." Oswald Mosley
"I can do everything you ask for except for the funds towards mechanisation. Until we can pull Britain out of this depression we're all gonna have to work on a shoestring budget, unfortunately." J. F. C. Fuller
"I understand. Thank you. May I be excused? I have much work to do." Oswald Mosley
"Of course. Prepare your items as we will leave after Christmas. Thank you for your time Fuller." Fuller exits Mosley's office and returns to his own. Mosley sits, contemplating about his situation. He begins to pack his possessions for the trip. It is snowing, the sky is dark. It is past midnight, the Sun is gone. But on the horizon, he sees it rise again. He knows this is the destiny of Britain. To sink low, but to rise once more and shine across the world again. Scientists Of The Landschiff-Projekt Taking A Photograph In Commemoration Of Their Success
The A7V, The Culmination Of The Landschiff-Projekt
And The First Of Several German Tanks During The War
A Painting Of Kaiser Wilhelm II Looking From The Place du Trocadéro Across The Jardins du Trocadéro And The Seine River To The Eiffel Tower, Painted By Waldemar Rösler In 1915
British Troops In Angoulême Heading Towards Bordeaux So As To Leave France, They Are Guarding The German Tank Captured At Lyon To Bring It Back To Britain. This Retreat Was Only Possible Due To the Legendary "Second Christmas Truce" Of 1917 And The Heroic Resignation Of The French Troops To Holding The Front Alone
lordvesporeon
So in TTL it was Imperial Germany that developed the 1st tanks, as that one captured ay Lyon looks far more like the early British tanks than the monster's that the Germans were producing, in very small numbers, OTL. If we're basing our development on an ~decade old design then hopefully German designs have basically stagnated since else Britain will be a long, long way behind.
I'm not sure Franco would be a leader in a Spanish civil war in 1924 as he would only be ~32 years old and not yet made a general OTL. Might need another figures as the formal leader, although he could well be working his way up the command chain with some speed.
Like the idea of getting Gib back although got to be careful that we don't get back-stabbed by the Spanish and/or attract German attention too quickly.
A retreat from the disastrous laissez faire policies would definitely help, although that was very much a Victorian invention which is ironic given the name of Mosley's party. Introducing tariffs to level the playing field in compared to other powers. Some of the traditional hostility towards such a policy could be disarmed by introducing them on manufacturing imports only and definitely avoiding ones on basic foodstuffs . Less happy with the additional controls on protests of course.
Steve
Germany is far ahead the UK, Germany is around IRL late 20s tank tech. The British are meant to be behind and thus can't engage Germany on equal footing or else they'd lose. You're right about the Spanish thing, honestly all-in-all Spain has been a bit of strange spot and I'm wondering if I should rework some things I encourage you to be unhappy with the silencing of dissent as it is tool of authoritarians to oppress those opposed to them |
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lordvesporeon
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Currently Dousing The Great Flareon Revolt
Posts: 30
Likes: 44
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Post by lordvesporeon on Aug 1, 2019 2:52:09 GMT
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 7: From the Ashes
December 27, 1924
Mosley, Fuller, Joyce, and David relax on the ship headed for Portugal. It left earlier today from Plymouth and is expected to be in Lisbon by the next sunrise. As they cruise along the Bay of Biscay, Mosley works with Joyce and Fuller on how to best work with Franco to get what they want while David relaxes. Soon, they arrive at Lisbon and dock into the port and are greeted by Dom Manuel and his Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar. A 21-gun salute is fired in their honor and they head to see a military band play God Save the Queen and the Hino da Carta. As the instrumental fills the air, the Portuguese soldiers begin to sing the lyrics to God Save the King. Mosley remarks to Joyce how they could never compare with the men of Britain. When both songs finish, Mosley, Joyce, David, Manuel, and Salazar head to inspect some basic maneuvers performed by the Royal Municipal Guard. After several other formalities are concluded, Mosley, Joyce, Salazar as well as several Portuguese officials and generals head to a private area where they can discuss important matters while Fuller heads to his residence to prepare the plan to assist the Falangists if they accept Mosley's proposal. David and Manuel head off to his enjoy themselves away from all the diplomacy. Once they arrive, Mosley begins to speak. Oswald Mosley
"Hello Prime Minister Salazar, I am here with Mr. Joyce to reaffirm the ancient Anglo-Portuguese alliance that fell into disarray following our defeat in the Great War. We are glad to see Portugal has chosen the right and honorable path of national strength and unity instead of the path of weakness and corruption that is inherent to Communism. António de Oliveira Salazar
"I am glad to see England has not forgotten about us. Can Britain promise potential expansion of Portuguese territory and influence?" Oswald Mosley
"Certainly. Britain will treat her allies well. We are the only ones who can help you reach your potential, I hope you see that." António de Oliveira Salazar
"I do. And we would be honored to bring this age-old alliance back to life." Oswald Mosley
"Excellent, would you be willing to assist us in a war against France should it come to pass?" António de Oliveira Salazar
"As long as you have a plan and not a suicide mission." Oswald Mosley
"I am glad to hear that, Mr. Joyce and your secretary of state can iron out the details where the Devil is sure to be found, right Joyce?" William Joyce
"Of course Your Excellency. We can start as soon as you are ready." Oswald Mosley
"Together, we will right the wrongs done to us in the Great War. I want you to visit London in two months. We shall formalise a grand alliance spanning multiple nations." They continue to talk for some time and they agree upon a final draft of the treaty. Mosley warns Salazar that Germany will not be pleased with this development and that he must stand against them as a strong leader. A few days later they announce the news in Lisbon to a great crowd and, with a bit of spin from the press, the masses rejoice, stating that today is the Day of Awakening or O Dia do Despertar. They stay in Portugal for a few more days to prepare to meet with Francisco Franco. Soon, Germany hears of the news of Britain and Portugal's new alliance and are furious, claiming how the British are threatening the fragile state Europe is in and immediately send an ultimatum to Britain and Portugal claiming that they are to renege on this agreement or face Germany's wrath. Neither do. Germany, however, is held back by their people who tire of war, saying they are already the undisputed masters of the world, why waste German lives for this? Thus, Germany can only embargo them and send angry telegrams. Mosley couldn't be happier, this successful display of defiance shows the whole world, especially the British people, that Germany is naught more than a paper tiger. With the alliance cemented they bid their farewells, David returns back to Britain while the rest head into Spain to meet Franco at Salamanca as it is close to the Portuguese border and firmly within the Falangists hands. As they drive through the Spanish country side, they remark at how beautiful it all is. Upon entering the city they are herded by Spanish troops through several backstreets and alleyways that had been cleared for the arriving cars. After arriving at the destination, they enter a building full of Spanish soldiers. They enter a small room with no windows and only one door, Franco and several high-ranking officials as well as an interpreter sitting within it. Mosley, Fuller and Joyce sit down opposite to them. Franco is the first to speak, with the interpreter doing his job. Francisco Franco
"Welcome gentlemen. I have the honor of being your host in our fine nation. Now, to our discussions." Oswald Mosley
"We are here to assist you in this war. Mister Joyce and I are here to negotiate the diplomatic actions while Mr Fuller is here to handle the military matters which include providing tactical and strategic advice to your commanders and training to your troops. We wish to help Spain become whole once again underneath Falangism." Francisco Franco
"And why is that? Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I am curious." Oswald Mosley
"There a several reasons. One, we wish to ally with you to combat the Commune, we are also ideologically similar and wish to help our brothers, and finally we wish to gain back our rightful land in Gibraltar." Francisco Franco
"Gibraltar?" William Joyce
"I know it sounds extreme but we are willing to provide military and diplomatic support as well as financial compensation for the land." Francisco Franco
"To give up that land is a major decision, one I do not take lightly." Oswald Mosley
"Hold a plebiscite and you will see the people of Gibraltar wish to rejoin Britain. Besides, the help we can provide will be invaluable." Francisco Franco
"Very well, I shall hold a plebiscite in Gibraltar, if it is in your favor you shall gain control of the Rock, but in exchange I demand that your assistance from Fuller come immediately." Oswald Mosley
"Very well. I am glad to see you are reasonable. Fuller, when will you be able to prepare the assistance for the Spanish troops?" J. F. C. Fuller
"It should take me approximately a month to get everything ready." Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. Now let us depart to prepare our assistance." The three depart to their vehicles and drive back to Portugal and board a ship to Rome. The Italians are informed of this and prepare for their arrival. Once they reach Rome they disembark and receive a similar greeting as in Portugal, albeit more extravagant. Italy was still a strong nation. With the help of the Alps, the Italians managed to stave off all invaders from entering the homeland and even managed to maintain control over the Austrian territories of Trentino, Trieste, Sudtirol and Istria as well as taking control over the French provinces of Corsica, Nice, and Savoie to protect them from German occupation. However, in order to achieve a peace with the Central Powers, Italy had renounce all their African territories. Their territories iIn Somaliland would be ceded to Germany while Libya would be released as an independent kingdom within Ottoman's sphere of influence. Italy also had to pay some reparations but due to the strength of the Alpine defenses and the exhaustion of Austrian and German forces, Italy was able to get away with very low reparations, relatively speaking.This enabled them to build up their economy. In 1921, after 4 years of a meteoric rise within Italian politics, Benito Mussolini marched on Rome. King Victor Emanuel III, wishing to avoid a civil war, acquiesced to the Italian reactionaries, or Fascists as they regard themselves, and thus another European nation had fallen to a radical ideology. Once all formalities have been seen to, the 3 met with Mussolini and his cabinet. Mussolini is the first to speak, with the interpreter ensuring sufficient communication. Benito Mussolini
"Welcome my British friends. What brings you to Italy?" Oswald Mosley
"We wish to revive the alliance we had during the Great War. We believe that together we can right the wrongs Germany have forced upon us. We can do it, but we need to work together. We need allies. We have already worked through negotiations with the Portuguese, as you know, and the Spanish Falangists. With Italy's assistance we can form a powerful alliance that, when the time comes, strike at France and cast off the shackles of Germany." Benito Mussolini
"I see. It is good to know that the British are not a defeated and servile people. I think we can strike an agreement." Italo Balbo
"Forgive me Il Duce, for I do not mean to question you, but what gain would there be for Italy?" Oswald Mosley
"You will get preferential economic treatment with us, Portugal, and Spain, when the civil war ends, along with any other nations that join us. Italy will also be granted all the territory promised to it in the London Conference that have not been acquired yet as well as greater African colonial holdings." Benito Mussolini
"And the acquisition of some territories in East Asia?" Oswald Mosley
"Britain is happy to negotiate with all involved with us to ensure everyone is satisfied." Benito Mussolini
"Very well. Italy will sign an official treaty with Britain and Portugal. We will show the Teutonic terror that we are not cowed by its empty threats!" Oswald Mosley
"Excellent. I wish for you to travel to London in two months. With Italy, Portugal, and Britain all allied together, we shall form a grand alliance that will attract more nations to our righteous cause. And you must understand this will anger the Germans, you must not be cowed by those weaklings. Their people will cry for peace, all you must do is stand stalwart." With negotiations with all nations being a resounding success Mosley returned to Britain cheered by the people for his public defiance of Germany and his successful diplomacy with Portugal and Italy, greatly increasing confidence in the government. With this, the list that Makgil proposed was finally passed and support for the Victorian Union increased by a healthy 6 points. Fuller prepares to send liaisons, advisers, and officers to the Falangists in Spain once control of Gibraltar is handed over to Britain. Mosley awaits for when Mussolini and Salazar are in London, there he will enact the creation of a new grand alliance, one to surpass the Triple Entente that failed in the Great War. It would be a stronger alliance, there would be no room for weakness. Britain would rise her defeated state to become the world power once more. This he knew. António de Oliveira Salazar, Prime Minister And Chief Financial Minister Of Portugal, He Holds Nigh Unlimited Power, 1924
 A Republican Soldier Carrying A Communist International Flag, Many Of The Republican Factions Are Communist Or Have Communist Influences, 1922
 An Arditi, The Elite Special Forces Specialised In Assaulting Trenches, Poses For A Picture With the Signature Resòlza Knife. They Were Crucial To The Defense Of Italy In The Latter Years Of The War, 1917
 Austrian Troops Lay Dead In Sudtirol, These Men Were Apart Of The Failed Venetian Offensive Which Had Planned To Reach The Adriatic. With This Defeat, Austria-Hungary Could No Longer Fight Italy, 1918
 Mussolini And His Supporters Begin The Famous "March On Rome". By Its Conclusion, Mussolini Would Gain Total Control Over Italy, 1921
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Introducing tariffs to level the playing field in compared to other powers. Some of the traditional hostility towards such a policy could be disarmed by introducing them on manufacturing imports only and definitely avoiding ones on basic foodstuffs 
. Less happy with the additional controls on protests of course. 