What if Germany Won WWI? (Part 1)

Summary

This script explores an alternate history where Germany and the Central Powers win WWI. Skipping the invasion of Belgium avoids British conflict, allowing Germany to focus on France and Russia. With France defeated and Russia compromised, Germany dominates Europe, reshapes borders, and potentially influences the 20th century as the 'German Century', fostering scientific progress and challenging old European aristocracies.

Takeaways

• ⏳ World War One was seen as a pivotal moment, marking the end of old European ideals and the rise of new ideologies like fascism and communism.
• 🔫 The war was a clash between traditional notions of warfare and the harsh realities of industrialized conflict, leading to massive casualties.
• 🇩🇪 Germany's strategy in WWI, including the Schlieffen Plan, aimed to bypass French defenses by invading Belgium, which inadvertently led to British involvement.
• 🇬🇧 The British Empire's entry into the war was largely due to Germany's violation of Belgian neutrality, escalating the conflict.
• 🎯 An alternate scenario where Germany avoids invading Belgium could have prevented British involvement, potentially altering the war's outcome.
• 🇫🇷 In this alternate timeline, Germany focuses on defeating France and Russia first, which could have led to a quicker victory on the Western Front.
• 🇪🇺 A German victory would have led to significant territorial gains, including control over Poland, the Baltic States, Belarus, Ukraine, and Crimea.
• 🏰 The old European aristocracy would have been reinforced, with Germany potentially spreading its influence without the rise of figures like Hitler.
• 🌐 Germany's victory could have led to a 20th century dominated by German economic and political power, unifying Europe around German interests.
• 🔬 Without the rise of the Nazis, Germany might have continued to be a hub for scientific and intellectual advancement, including figures like Albert Einstein.
• 🌎 The Central Powers' victory would set a different course for world history, with implications for global politics and the balance of power.

Q & A

What was the significance of World War One being called the 'war to end all wars'?

World War One was called the 'war to end all wars' because it was expected to be the last major conflict due to the devastation it caused, but it actually set the stage for future conflicts and the rise of ideologies like fascism and communism.

How did industrialization impact the mentality and warfare during World War One?

Industrialization progressed faster than the mentality of the time, leading to a clash between traditional notions of 'gentlemen war' and the brutal reality of trench warfare, which resulted in the death of millions.

What was the Schlieffen Plan and why was it crucial for Germany's strategy?

The Schlieffen Plan was Germany's strategy to bypass French defenses by invading through Belgium, aiming for a quick victory over France. It was crucial as it aimed to avoid a prolonged war of attrition.

Why did Germany's invasion of Belgium lead to Britain's involvement in World War One?

Germany's invasion of Belgium violated Belgium's neutrality, which Britain was committed to uphold. This act brought Britain into the war against Germany.

How would Germany avoiding the invasion of Belgium have changed the course of the war?

Avoiding the invasion of Belgium would have prevented immediate conflict with Britain, potentially allowing Germany to focus on France and Russia, and possibly changing the outcome of the war.

What was the role of the eastern front in Germany's strategy during World War One?

The eastern front was crucial for Germany as it allowed them to fight against Russia and support their Austrian allies, which was part of their plan to maintain dominance in Europe.

How might the war have ended differently if Germany had focused on the eastern front first?

If Germany had focused on the eastern front first, they might have been able to negotiate a peace with Russia earlier, freeing up troops to face France and potentially changing the outcome of the war.

What would be the consequences of Paris falling to Germany in this alternate timeline?

In this alternate timeline, if Paris fell, it would mean the end of French resistance, leading to Germany's dominance over mainland Europe.

Why would Britain likely declare war on Germany even if they didn't initially win?

Britain would likely declare war to prevent Germany from achieving complete dominance over Europe, even if they were not confident of winning due to Germany's superior land forces.

How would the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk have influenced the outcome of the war in this alternate scenario?

In this alternate scenario, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk would have allowed Germany and Austria-Hungary to seize significant territories, further solidifying their control over Europe.

What would be the impact of Germany keeping Alsace-Lorraine and imposing heavy war reparations on France?

Germany keeping Alsace-Lorraine and imposing heavy reparations would have led to resentment in France, potentially setting the stage for future conflicts.

How might the 20th century have been different if Germany had won World War One?

If Germany had won, the 20th century could have become the 'German century' with Germany leading an economic union and maintaining influence over Europe, possibly preventing the rise of the Nazis.