Ch.205The Prelude to World War II (2)

* * *

The Italian Red Army was in a desperate situation.

They hadn’t even properly pushed back Ethiopia yet. The Ethiopian Emperor was still commanding his troops and holding back the Italian forces.

“We haven’t even pushed back the Ethiopian front yet. How about heading to France after we occupy—no, liberate Ethiopia?”

Pietro Badoglio, commander of the Italian Red Army in East Africa, carefully suggested to Secretary General Benito Mussolini after traveling all the way to Rome.

They were barely managing to push back Ethiopia, and now they wanted to open a French front?

What madness was this?

“Leave minimal forces in Ethiopia and send the rest to France! They will strike Communist Germany, so we’ll surprise them by attacking from below!”

The Italian Red Army was miserable, but they had to follow orders.

Benito Mussolini finally declared that opportunity had arrived and issued a national mobilization order. Many young men, deceived by Mussolini’s propaganda, enlisted in the Italian Red Army to rebuild Rome.

And unlike actual history, Mussolini’s Red Army didn’t hesitate and quickly moved westward to spread communism to France.

Yes, at first glance, it seemed plausible and even possible.

However, in this world, France had already prepared for war with Communist Germany through secret agreements with Britain. Instead of developing the Maginot Line, they invested heavily in their army and, concerned about Italy opening a second front during a war with Communist Germany, positioned mountain divisions along the Italian border.

“Italy, who’s been defeated twice in Africa, dares to attack us?”

France still possessed Europe’s strongest army, even if past its prime. They couldn’t help but be angered by Italy’s provocative actions.

“These are Italians who lose to African nations! Stop them!”

Quite regrettably, in this world too, his attack was blocked by the French mountain divisions.

And Churchill decided to cleverly exploit this situation.

With Goebbels’ total war speech and Italy’s preemptive strike happening simultaneously, the French mountain divisions successfully blocked the Italian forces, but Churchill had different ideas.

He decided to respond in a new way.

“Prime Minister, those fellows have finally rejected our last gesture of goodwill. The Germans have declared total war, and Communist Italy, not knowing its place, has launched a preemptive attack. Shouldn’t we do something as well? Let’s establish a joint command for our British Empire and France. With our air force and navy, plus France’s premier European army, we can defeat them.”

“Yes, good. Let’s show those people the true power of colonial empires.”

France unexpectedly accepted Britain’s proposal wholeheartedly.

They needed to demonstrate that Britain and France were united against external enemies, and the French government was unstable due to internal communes. While post-war unity might be questionable, during wartime, solidarity with Britain was necessary.

Thus, Britain and France established a joint command and declared an Anglo-French Union.

“Citizens! Those communists have ultimately betrayed the British Empire’s final gesture of goodwill! His Majesty the King has made a momentous decision—we shall unite with France to expel Germany and severely punish the traitor Italy, tearing them apart for the peace of Europe, just as we did during the Great War!”

“With the world’s strongest navy of the British Empire and our great French army, nothing is impossible! Who could stand against us? Let us march together!”

“Rule, Britannia!”

“Vive la France!”

With the total war speech, everyone from the Secretary General to young children united in solidarity, and the entire nation stirred for war. Communist Italy’s preemptive attack had turned Britain and France into a combined robot.

Meanwhile, the American Civil War situation showed unexpected progress, even though Russia’s main forces hadn’t arrived yet.

“Patton and the Russian armored units are amazing!”

Patton and the Russian armored units that followed him quickly broke through the American Communist United States’ army and defense lines.

Spain followed behind, showcasing that they too had substantial forces.

“Finally, we’re seeing some reaction. Perhaps they weren’t just playing around in Russia after all!”

“We simply forgot about them.”

“Ahem. Anyway, let’s rush to Kentucky.”

Kentucky wasn’t that far to begin with. Now that Patton had stepped up, pushing back the American Communist United States wouldn’t be difficult.

And in Kentucky, something was being secretly prepared.

The so-called Operation Chicken Execution, secretly planned by the Okhrana branch.

“When the time comes, our Okhrana must risk our lives to capture Trotsky, or kill him if necessary.”

“I’ve been waiting for this day. That crazy chicken-ideologist combined communism and chicken—he’s insane. I couldn’t possibly work with him. It’s been so difficult pretending to get along.”

“Are you seriously thinking he’s a chicken-ideologist?”

“What else would he be?”

Japan no longer demanded conditional or unconditional surrender from China.

With the sole intention of destroying them to the point where they couldn’t establish a government, they ravaged the continent.

“These people don’t deserve the glory of becoming imperial subjects like the Koreans! Completely crush their will to resist! Kill every Chinese male who resists, down to the children!”

Across the continent, Japanese forces driven by vengeance were committing massacres everywhere.

Soldiers who dared to stand against the Japanese army were sent to prisoner camps, returning as bodies soaked in poison gas, or some were sent to epidemic water supply units as experimental subjects.

“If you don’t have guns, use swords! If you don’t have swords, use bamboo spears! If you have nothing, fight with your fists! If we lose this war, China will cease to exist!”

The Chinese National Government Army was initially horrified by the Japanese army’s demonic tactics, but knowing that capture meant certain death, even women came to the front lines to carry ammunition and directly fight the Japanese.

China, which had tried to capture the Emperor to turn the tide of war, was suffering heavy casualties because of it.

Thus, the continent transformed into a hellish landscape where blood washed away blood.

* * *

On a peaceful day in Moscow like any other, regrettably, a war had broken out in Western Europe.

The Second World War had finally erupted.

Goebbels, rejecting Britain’s ultimatum, began his total war speech from the start of hostilities, and Italy, which couldn’t even push back Ethiopia, struck France first as part of the Red Front alongside Communist Germany.

So, the current situation is the Anglo-French Union and the Low Countries versus the Red Front.

It’s essentially the beginning of a world war. So, how did Mussolini’s attack turn out?

Maria had urgently looked into it.

“Mussolini’s attack was blocked by the French mountain divisions.”

“What? Blocked by French divisions?”

That sounds familiar…

“Ah, I apologize. Italy’s attack was repelled by the French divisions.”

Maria hastily bowed her head and corrected herself.

Ah, yes. Just as I suspected.

Mussolini never fails to disappoint me. This is enough to make Goebbels grab the back of his neck in frustration.

He should have just stayed put, but instead, he attacked France, expanding their front.

Of course, as allies, that’s what they should do, and having Italy take on some of the forces from below wouldn’t be bad—that’s one way to look at it.

But incompetent allies are often more dangerous than enemies.

“Ah, well, that’s within expectations.”

It’s unlikely that forces struggling in Ethiopia would defeat French mountain divisions.

They probably got thoroughly crushed.

Moreover, because of this incident, Britain and France formed an alliance.

The union of Britain with its navy spanning five oceans and France with Europe’s premier army.

It’s truly an impressive combination.

“Forces struggling against an African nation wouldn’t stand a chance against Europe’s strongest army, even if it’s weakened.”

Maria is right.

Italy under Mussolini is struggling even against an African nation.

They haven’t even pushed back Ethiopia yet, and they’re recklessly expanding the front.

They’ll probably withdraw troops from Ethiopia, but honestly, this was predictable.

“And the Anglo-French Union has been established.”

Churchill is determined.

I thought he just struck back without caution, but he’s trying to control France from the beginning, fearing they might defect.

So they attack Germany together.

It will probably take on the characteristics of trench warfare for a while.

Communist Germany will try to hold out with defensive trench warfare since they’re fighting a defensive war.

“What about the Low Countries?”

What will the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg do?

“They seem to be granting military passage rights to Britain and France, planning to surround and pressure Communist Germany from the Low Countries.”

Looking at the map, it’s a circular encirclement from above.

Moreover, there’s Hitler in Austria, who’s eyeing Germany, though not participating in this encirclement.

It’s a perfect encirclement to attack Germany.

Of course, Italy could also pressure Austria from below.

But for now, neither Germany nor Italy seems to want to expand the front more than necessary.

“It seems plausible at first glance.”

“In the end, won’t the Anglo-French Union win?”

If it were that simple, would Goebbels have rejected the ultimatum?

Well, even if they eventually lose, Goebbels couldn’t accept the ultimatum because he needs to maintain power.

It seems Communist Germany now has tanks too. Doesn’t this make Poland important again?

“What about Poland? I know Poland also received Britain’s proposal.”

Poland probably won’t miss this opportunity.

“Poland hasn’t moved yet. But won’t they move soon?”

I think so. Poland will join in attacking Communist Germany, arguing that there’s nothing wrong with fighting communists.

When else would they strike?

They even received tanks to advance into Germany.

I subtly encouraged Poland to imagine advancing into Germany, pushing them from behind.

Despite Russia being their enemy, they’re giving them tanks to use, which is quite tempting.

They’ll likely try to attack.

Below them is Austria, a potential future enemy, and the Low Countries and France are encircling Communist Germany.

“No matter how I look at it, Germany doesn’t seem like they can win.”

“Is that how you see it, Maria?”

Yes, that’s the normal perspective.

“Yes. The seas are completely controlled by Britain and France. Trench warfare might be effective initially, but won’t they eventually be pushed back?”

Yes, that’s how it appears on the surface.

If you know a little about the Great War, you know how many troops are lost trying to push back a single trench.

Of course, with tanks making a proper appearance and aircraft having developed significantly since World War I, trenches aren’t as effective as before, but they’re still used for a long time.

Moreover, Germany has tanks now too. Won’t they try to hold out in trenches somehow?

Still, if attacked from all sides, even Germany won’t be able to hold out.

That’s probably what the Allies are thinking.

Churchill, wanting to finish Germany before Russia joins, will clearly attack.

Of course, unless Germany counterattacks and advances to Paris in an instant, Germany has no way to win.

“Hmm.”

Why does this feel so suspicious?

This unpleasant feeling that there’s something… something. Hitler in Austria isn’t moving.

At first glance, it’s a golden opportunity, but the fact that he’s not moving means Hitler senses something.

He came as a German volunteer and knows the Bolsheviks and communists to the bone.

Wait a moment. Isn’t there someone we need to keep in check?

Austria, regardless of other factors, has Italy below it, making it difficult to attack Germany recklessly.

So even if Hitler can’t strike Germany now due to circumstances…

Isn’t there a country that could join Poland? Yes, the German Empire.

“We must absolutely prevent the Kaiser of East Prussia from moving.”

The Kaiser of East Prussia might try to reclaim the mainland.

He’ll think that if he doesn’t act now, Germany will be torn apart by Britain and France.

Above all, the Kaiser is consumed by revenge.

He’d want to beat the communists somehow.

The Kaiser experienced the Great War firsthand. He knows the power of Britain and France well.

He’ll think they could help him reclaim Germany.

On the other hand, he knows that without a stake, Germany will be completely shattered by those two.

So he might start mobilizing his army despite his limited resources.

That’s not good. The Kaiser would face more losses than gains if he acts now.

“Should I inform the Duma now?”

“Yes, I need to meet the Prime Minister directly.”

Wilhelm II will see this as an opportunity.

And he’ll feel that if he doesn’t participate in this war, he’ll never have another chance to reclaim the mainland.

He’ll think it will be divided among Britain, France, and Poland.

We need to put a leash on the Kaiser.

It’s problematic if he decides to enter Communist Germany alongside Britain and France when we can’t act now.

“Your Majesty.”

As I was about to go to the Duma, the Prime Minister came first.

His face is extremely urgent, and the answer is clearly visible.

“Yes, what’s the matter?”

“The Kaiser of East Prussia has sent word that he wants to reclaim the mainland.”

Oh my goodness. How perfectly this aligns.

That madman has finally lost it. He knows Russia is tied up in North America and can’t help.

Russia said they’d handle it, but he’s determined to go in first?

“What a madman.”

Is he in his right mind? What is he trying to do?

I would have treated him well after taking care of Germany. Now he wants revenge?

Oh, what to do? Will he listen if I talk to him now?

“Is he already preparing his army?”

“Yes. It seems he wants to try, wedged between Britain and France, even without our participation. He’s notified us of this.”

It’s clear the Kaiser will move with Poland. Should I just try to dissuade him?