Poland's Destruction
After Poland's defiant rejection of the Reich's offer to join, Aron decided that he would make an example of them. The cities of Poland became the target of a relentless bombardment. The skies above Warsaw, Krakow, and other key cities were filled with smoke as German artillery, stationed on the border, launched wave after wave of heavy shelling.
For one week, Polish civilians and soldiers alike endured the relentless assault. Buildings crumbled, infrastructure was decimated, and Poland's military forces found themselves struggling to fend off the overpowering barrage. The German strategy was clear: to break the spirit of the Polish resistance before any substantial military engagement occurred.
The constant bombardment was aimed at softening the resolve of the Polish government, pushing them to reconsider their rejection of the Reich's offer. The sounds of artillery fire echoed through the countryside, signaling to all of Europe that Poland's resistance would not be tolerated.
After the week of relentless attacks, Aron sent another ultimatum to Poland. This time, it was more forceful: submit to Germany's rule or face complete annihilation. The ultimatum was clear, and the pressure on Poland's government reached its breaking point.
A Dangerous Move
Meanwhile, Aron's strategic mind was already focusing on a different, more personal threat. He turned his attention to the ongoing political situation with Russia, whose support for smaller nations like Poland and others had become a thorn in his side. The rising power of Russia under Charles III was something Aron could not ignore, and he knew that direct confrontation was inevitable.
It was during one of the strategic meetings that Aron's eyes narrowed with a cold, calculating glint as he spoke, "Charles III's 18th son, Henry VI Charles, is going on a trip to Sweden with his new wife for their honeymoon. I have a perfect opportunity here."
He turned to the ISB and the Director of External Affairs.
"Send our best operatives to Sweden. I want Henry VI Charles and his wife abducted immediately. Use any means necessary to ensure they are taken without raising suspicion. This is to be done with precision—no mistakes."
He paused, allowing the room to absorb the weight of his words.
"Once they are secured, send an ambassador with an ultimatum to Russia. Charles III's support of our enemies ends now. If Russia does not withdraw all aid and support from the nations opposing us, the young prince and his wife will die. We will give them no other choice but to comply."
The room was silent for a moment, the tension palpable. Erwin, who had been listening intently, spoke up.
"It is a risky move, Aron. If Russia retaliates…"
Aron interrupted, his voice unwavering.
"If Russia retaliates, we will deal with it. But Russia will know the consequences of defying us. This is not just a message to Charles III, but to the world. We will not tolerate opposition."
The ISB in Action
That evening, the ISB mobilized its best agents, ready to carry out Aron's orders. The young prince's honeymoon would become the key to securing Germany's dominance in Europe.
The ISB operatives infiltrated the Swedish royal circle, blending in with the diplomats and attendants. As planned, they struck swiftly, capturing Prince Henry and his wife while they were in a remote, secluded part of the country. The operation was executed flawlessly, with no traces of their involvement. The royal couple was taken in the dead of night, bound for a secret location far from Swedish borders.
The next morning, as the world continued to turn, the German ambassador was dispatched to Russia with the chilling ultimatum. The message was direct: "Withdraw all support from nations opposing the Reich, or the Prince and his wife will pay the ultimate price."
Russia's Response
Back in Russia, the diplomatic channels buzzed with tension. The Russian court, already under strain from the rising power of Germany, was forced to respond. The ultimatum was shocking, and the Russian response would dictate the next steps in Europe's political landscape.
Would Russia stand firm and risk the lives of the royal family? Or would they comply, knowing the full power of the German Reich? The world awaited Charles III's next move.
Meanwhile, the image of the abducted prince and his wife loomed over the political discourse in Russia, a constant reminder that defying Aron's will could have catastrophic consequences.
The Tension Builds
Aron, ever patient and calculating, sat in his palace, awaiting Russia's decision. Poland, under constant bombardment, would soon be forced to capitulate, but the real question now was whether Russia would bend to his demands or face a larger confrontation.
In his mind, Aron already knew that Europe was entering a new, precarious phase. The stage was set, and the lines were drawn. No more diplomacy would save his enemies from the iron fist of the Reich.
As Europe held its breath, the Fuhrer remained unwavering—his will ironclad, his ambition unyielding. The fate of the continent now rested on the decisions of a few key players. The coming days would determine whether the Reich would continue its unstoppable march or if Russia and its allies could mount a defense against the coming storm.
Russia's Response
The tension between Germany and Russia grew ever more unbearable as the days dragged on. In the heart of St. Petersburg, Charles III convened an emergency council with his top military generals, advisors, and diplomats. The fate of his son and daughter-in-law, held captive by the Reich, hung in the balance. The room was filled with hushed voices and the weight of impending decisions.
"I cannot afford to lose Henry," Charles III said gravely, his voice tinged with anger and desperation. "But I cannot show weakness to Aron. If I do, what is left of my empire?"
The Russian military commanders, though experienced and formidable, were at odds. Some advocated for sending a rescue mission immediately, while others warned that any direct confrontation with Germany would lead to catastrophic losses.
In the end, Charles III made a choice that would echo across Europe.
"We will comply with the demands of the Fuhrer, but not out of fear," Charles declared. "We will withdraw support from the nations that defy Germany—Poland, Greece, Bulgaria, all of them. But this is not the end. We will wait for the right moment to strike back. The Reich has made a powerful enemy today, but we will bide our time."
With that, an envoy was immediately dispatched to Germany, carrying Russia's official response. The message was one of reluctant submission: Russia would withdraw all support from the nations that opposed the Reich, but they would not forget the humiliation they had suffered.
Poland's Fate
Meanwhile, in Poland, the week-long bombardment had left the country shattered, its cities in ruins. The Polish government was on the brink of collapse, with the military barely able to hold the line. The people had suffered immensely, and with each passing day, the pressure from Germany intensified.
In Warsaw, the Polish Prime Minister convened a final meeting with his cabinet. The devastation was clear in his eyes.
"We cannot continue this resistance," he said, his voice hollow with defeat. "We've lost everything—our cities, our army, our people. The Reich's demand is clear, and we've been given no choice but to surrender."
With a heavy heart, the Prime Minister sent a formal message to Germany, acknowledging their defeat and agreeing to join the Reich. Poland would become another province under German control, its sovereignty stripped away.
The people of Poland, having endured so much, could only watch in sorrow as their country was absorbed into the ever-expanding Reich. The world knew that the balance of power in Europe had shifted irreparably.
Aron's Triumph
Back in Berlin, Aron received the responses from both Russia and Poland. With a cold smile, he read the messages aloud to his inner circle.
"Russia has bowed to our will, but they are only pretending to submit. They will wait for the right moment to strike back. But that moment will never come. The Reich will be too powerful for them to challenge," Aron said with finality. "As for Poland, they've folded. They are now part of the Reich, just like the rest of Europe."
Erwin, standing by his side, nodded in agreement. "We have broken both their spirits. Russia will be a threat no more, and Poland will serve as a constant reminder to any other nation that dares to defy us."
Aron's gaze turned toward the map of Europe spread across the table. The boundaries of the Reich were growing ever larger, and with each victory, his grip on the continent tightened.
"But the game is far from over," Aron continued. "There are still smaller nations, still defiant voices. Greece, Albania, and the others are still uncertain. We will have to make them understand that resistance is futile."
Erwin's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I'll prepare the necessary measures, brother. The people will learn to submit, or they will perish."
The Future of Europe
The response from Russia, although one of submission, carried with it an air of lingering hostility. Aron knew that it would take time for the Tsar to recover and reorganize, but he was confident that no alliance could be formed to challenge the Reich. The world now knew the price of defiance.
Poland's capitulation was a clear signal to the rest of Europe: resistance to the Reich would be crushed without mercy. The message was unmistakable, and the world would have to decide whether to join the Reich or face the wrath of its growing power.
The European continent had entered a new era—one dominated by the iron will of Aron and the unyielding power of the German Reich. The world was changing, and the question now was how far Aron's ambitions would reach. Would Russia bide its time and attempt to take revenge, or would the Reich continue its unstoppable march? Would other nations fall into line, or would some try to break free?
The answers to these questions would define the future of Europe and the fate of the world itself.
As Aron sat in his palace, contemplating his next moves, one thing was clear: the world was at his mercy. And the Reich was just getting started.
January 1st, 1780 - The New Year Offensive
The year 1780 began with an air of anticipation, for it was the dawn of a new chapter in the Reich's campaign for European dominance. After years of strategic planning, alliances, and carefully orchestrated moves, Aron had decided it was time to strike at the heart of France and solidify the Reich's control over the continent.
In a grand strategic meeting held in Berlin, Aron stood before his generals, advisors, and military leaders, including representatives from Romania, Spain, and Italy. The map of Europe had been redrawn under their control, but France remained a major threat. Its border with Germany was heavily fortified, and France's military strength, although diminished by years of conflict, still posed a challenge.
"We strike now," Aron announced, his voice cold and commanding. "The time for subtlety is over. Our combined forces will invade France from three fronts—Germany and Romania will take Alsace-Lorraine, Spain will push into French Catalonia, and Italy will secure Eastern Occitania. We will crush their resistance and force the French government to kneel before us."
Erwin, standing beside his brother, nodded in agreement. "We have prepared the ground for this. France has been isolated diplomatically. Its allies have dwindled, and its borders are vulnerable. We shall take them by surprise."
The plan was clear: a coordinated three-pronged offensive designed to overwhelm the French military and prevent any organized resistance from forming. The ultimate goal was not just military victory but a complete surrender of France, leaving it with no means of recovery.
The Alsace-Lorraine Offensive
On the German-Romanian front, the armies assembled in Alsace-Lorraine were ready to execute their orders. The combined German and Romanian forces, numbering over two hundred thousand soldiers, began their march toward the region. The weather was harsh—snowstorms and bitter cold made movement difficult, but it didn't deter the soldiers. Their loyalty to the Reich was absolute.
General Viktor Orlov of the Romanian army, a trusted ally, stood at the head of his forces. He knew the region well and understood the strategic importance of Alsace-Lorraine. It was not just the land that mattered—it was the symbol of French resistance. If they could break through and capture this region, the French morale would be shattered.
"We will cross the Rhine and take the French by surprise," Orlov said in a firm tone, addressing his officers. "By dawn tomorrow, we will control the heart of Alsace. The Reich will not be denied."
With artillery at the ready, tanks rolling, and soldiers marching in perfect synchronization, the offensive began in the early hours of January 1st. The French forces in Alsace-Lorraine, although numerically superior, were caught off guard by the speed and ferocity of the attack. The blitzkrieg tactics employed by the Reich forces proved to be devastating, overwhelming the French defensive positions within days.
The skies above were filled with the sound of bombers, and the earth below shook from the heavy artillery fire as German and Romanian forces pushed forward, capturing key cities and fortresses. By the end of the first week of the offensive, Alsace-Lorraine was fully under German control, and the French military had been routed.
The Catalonia Push
To the southwest, Spain launched its own offensive in French Catalonia, aiming to secure the region as part of their territorial gains. Spanish forces, bolstered by Italian support, advanced swiftly, their goal clear: to conquer the French border region and eliminate any remaining pockets of resistance.
Led by General Alberto García, the Spanish army pushed through the Pyrenees and into French soil, seizing the strategic city of Perpignan within days. The French defenses were scattered, with many of their units retreating in disarray.
With air support from the Reich and artillery bombardments shaking the French positions, Spain's forces advanced rapidly, cutting off escape routes and isolating the defenders. Within weeks, Catalonia was under Spanish control, and the city of Barcelona was surrounded. The resistance that remained in the region was minimal, as the French forces in the area had been decimated.
The Eastern Occitania Campaign
Italy's involvement in the offensive was crucial. With Aron's command, Italy focused on the eastern part of Occitania, targeting the French heartland in an effort to cripple their remaining defenses. The Italian forces, led by General Leonardo Ferraris, pushed from northern Italy into French territory, taking advantage of the mountainous terrain to outflank French forces.
By January 15th, Italian forces had taken key towns along the border, including the vital city of Toulouse. The French resistance in the area crumbled, and soon, the entire eastern part of Occitania was under Italian control.
The campaign's success was a testament to Italy's military prowess and the effectiveness of the combined alliance between the Reich, Spain, and Italy. France's ability to resist had been completely shattered.
A European Turning Point
As the dust settled and the French territories fell under the control of Germany, Spain, and Italy, the world watched in awe and fear. The combined forces had moved with unparalleled precision and brutality, and France, once considered a great power in Europe, now lay broken and defeated.
In Berlin, Aron stood on the balcony of his palace, gazing out over the sprawling city. The military victories were significant, but he knew that the work was far from over. With France now effectively neutralized, the next challenge would be consolidating the gains and dealing with the inevitable fallout from the rest of Europe.
The year 1780 had begun with a resounding victory, but it was only the beginning of a new chapter in the Reich's unyielding march toward domination. The world had learned a harsh lesson: Aron's Reich was unstoppable.
With the French defeated and divided, Aron now turned his attention to the remaining pockets of resistance in Europe. No one would be left to oppose the Reich. Europe was on the verge of becoming a single, unified power under one man's rule—the Führer, Aron.
And the world would soon realize that their fate had been sealed.
The Invasion of France
By January 15, 1780, the combined forces of Germany, Romania, Spain, and Italy had launched a meticulously planned invasion of France. The operation was named "Eisernes Schwert" (Iron Sword), a testament to the Reich's determination to bring France to its knees. The German forces focused their assault on Alsace-Lorraine, deploying overwhelming artillery barrages and rapid infantry advances. Meanwhile, Spain targeted French Catalonia with a similar strategy, and Italy concentrated on Eastern Occitania, bringing the fight to the heart of southern France.
The Blitzkrieg Unleashed
Aron had ordered a full-scale implementation of Blitzkrieg tactics. Wave after wave of mechanized infantry, supported by heavy cavalry and artillery, swept through French defenses. The German army's new bolt-action rifles and advanced siege weapons proved devastating against France's less modernized forces.
Alsace-Lorraine Front: General Klaus Dietrich, commanding the Reich's eastern forces, led a two-pronged attack from the Rhine. Within a week, Strasbourg fell, and Metz was under siege.Catalonia Campaign: Spanish troops under General Rodrigo Esteban marched into Perpignan, overwhelming local resistance and fortifying their position as a gateway to Southern France.Occitania Offensive: Italy deployed an elite force to besiege Toulouse. The Italian navy blockaded the southern coastline, cutting off French supply lines.Internal Struggles in France
France's government was fractured by internal dissent. Monarchist factions clashed with republican movements, weakening their ability to mount a unified defense. Reports emerged of widespread desertion within the French military, with many soldiers refusing to fight under what they viewed as a corrupt regime. This chaos played directly into Aron's hands.
Aron's Speech to the Troops
As the invasion gained momentum, Aron addressed his troops in Strasbourg. Standing before the Reich's flag, his voice boomed:
"The time has come to purge Europe of monarchic corruption and disunity. The French people, like those we have liberated before, deserve the prosperity and strength only the Reich can provide. March forward with iron resolve, for this is not just a conquest—it is a revolution for the greater good of Europe!"
The soldiers responded with thunderous chants of, "Für das Reich! Für den Führer!"
Challenges Faced
Despite early successes, the invasion was not without obstacles:
Harsh Winter: The bitter cold of early 1780 slowed troop movements and caused logistical challenges.Guerrilla Warfare: French partisans in rural areas conducted ambushes and disrupted supply lines.International Reactions: England and the United States condemned the invasion, with rumors of covert support for France beginning to surface.The Fall of Paris
By mid-February, German forces had encircled Paris. Heavy artillery barrages devastated the city's defenses, forcing a French delegation to negotiate terms. On February 25, 1780, Paris fell, marking a decisive victory for the Reich.
Aftermath of the Campaign
With France under occupation, Aron declared:
"France has been cleansed of its old chains. The United States of Greater German Reich shall bring order, prosperity, and purpose to its lands."
Spain and Italy, satisfied with their territorial gains, pledged continued loyalty to the Reich. Romania, emboldened by its victories, pushed for further integration with Germany, strengthening the alliance.
The conquest of France solidified Germany's dominance over Western Europe, but the looming threat of an allied coalition began to grow. Aron and Erwin prepared for the next phase of their grand vision, knowing that the real battle for supremacy in Europe was only just beginning.
Division of French Territories
Following the swift capitulation of France in February 1780, the Treaty of Strasbourg was signed under the auspices of the German Reich. This treaty formalized the redistribution of French territories among the victors.
Territorial Changes:Germany:Annexed Northern France, including Paris, Alsace-Lorraine, and Normandy.Gained control of French African colonies (Algeria, Tunisia, and French West Africa) to bolster its global influence.Secured Indochina, expanding German influence into Southeast Asia, viewed as a strategic gem for trade and resources.Italy:Acquired the Southern Coast of France, from Marseille to the Italian border.Cemented its control of the Mediterranean trade routes, enhancing its naval dominance.Spain:Claimed French Catalonia, integrating the region with its historical territories.Strengthened its cultural and economic presence in the Pyrenees.A United Reich Vision
Aron addressed the citizens of the newly annexed territories from Paris. Standing at the Palace of Versailles, he proclaimed:
"The United States of Greater German Reich has brought liberation, order, and progress to lands ravaged by divisive regimes. Under our banner, the people of these regions shall thrive as never before. Together, we shall build a united Europe!"
The speech was broadcast across Europe, and banners of the Reich adorned key French cities. French citizens, though subdued by fear and propaganda, were gradually integrated into the Reich's administrative system.
Challenges of Integration
The annexation presented unique challenges:
Rebellion in Africa: French colonial soldiers and local leaders in Algeria and Tunisia resisted German authority. The ISB (Imperial Security Bureau) deployed operatives to suppress insurgencies and maintain order.Indochina Resistance: Guerrilla fighters in Vietnam and Cambodia launched small-scale attacks, prompting the Reich to deploy elite forces to secure the region.Northern France Protests: French citizens in urban centers like Paris and Lille protested German rule. Strict curfews and military police were imposed to maintain control.Strategic Meeting in Berlin
Back in Berlin, Aron convened a meeting with his trusted generals and ministers. Erwin presented a report on the annexation:
"Northern France is under our control, but resistance movements remain strong. The African colonies are resource-rich, but the climate and terrain pose logistical challenges. Indochina is our foothold in Asia, though its integration will require patience and force."
Aron responded with unwavering determination:
"We anticipated these challenges. Mobilize the ISB and Reich Guards to eliminate resistance swiftly. Begin infrastructure projects to integrate these regions economically and militarily. The Reich is not just a dominion; it is a force of unity and strength. Make them see that resistance is futile."
International ReactionsRussia: Condemned the annexations as imperial overreach but refrained from direct involvement, focusing on internal matters.United Kingdom: Increased naval presence in the English Channel, signaling concern over Germany's growing power.United States: Expressed disapproval, imposing economic sanctions on the Reich and its allies.Ottoman Empire: Remained neutral, maintaining its alliance with Germany.
The annexation of France and its colonies marked a significant step in Aron's vision for a unified Europe under the Reich. However, with rising international tensions, the Reich's expansionist ambitions were beginning to encounter formidable resistance on the global stage.