What If Everything Went PERFECT for the Central Powers?

Possible History

13 Nov 202330:16

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThis video script explores an alternate history scenario where the Central Powers win World War I. It begins by setting up the historical context and then imagines key changes in diplomacy and warfare that could have led to a German victory. The script suggests a swift Austrian response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a more respectful German occupation in Belgium, and a focused submarine campaign against British shipping. It also envisions Italy remaining neutral, Japan siding with the Central Powers, and Russia making peace concessions. Ultimately, the script paints a picture of a post-war Europe dominated by Germany, with implications for the future balance of power and the potential for stability or further conflict.

Takeaways

🇩🇪 Germany initially performed well in WWI, almost capturing Paris and dominating European front lines until 1917.
📊 Despite being outnumbered in population and industry, the Central Powers managed significant victories, including the Russian collapse in 1917.
🇺🇸 A key change in this alternate history is the US election of 1912, where William Bryan, a non-interventionist, becomes president, delaying US entry into the war.
🔄 Austria's slow response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and poor war preparation is identified as a weakness that needs correction for a Central Powers victory.
💣 Germany's conduct in Belgium and France, particularly against civilians, is highlighted as damaging to their international image and a factor that needs to be addressed.
🌊 The 'race to the sea' strategy is crucial, where Germany could achieve significant advances by reaching the English Channel, impacting enemy morale.
🚤 Submarine warfare is emphasized as a key tool for Germany to weaken Britain, with the US under Bryan being less likely to intervene against such tactics.
🇮🇹 Italy's neutrality is sought through territorial concessions from Austria, aiming to prevent the opening of a painful new front against the Central Powers.
🇧🇦 Bulgaria's early involvement in the war is crucial for the Central Powers to secure victories in the Balkans and maintain pressure on Serbia and Greece.
🇷🇺 Russia's early exit from the war through a revolution and subsequent peace negotiations with Germany would be beneficial for the Central Powers.
🏛️ In the proposed peace deal, Germany gains control over Europe with milder terms than historically, aiming to break up former alliances and create a new world order.

Q & A

What was the initial German strategy during World War I that almost led to the end of the war before it began?
-The initial German strategy was to almost take Paris, which would have potentially ended the war before it properly began. However, this failed and led to the establishment of the Western Front Line.
Why did the German strategy of focusing on beating Russia first not work out as expected?
-The strategy of focusing on Russia first had issues such as making the Rhineland vulnerable to Western attacks and underestimating the time it would take to defeat Russia due to its size and poor infrastructure.
What was the significance of the 1912 US election in the alternate scenario presented in the script?
-In the alternate scenario, William Bryan Jennings, a fierce non-interventionist, wins the Democratic nomination and becomes US president, which would result in a longer period of US neutrality.
How did Austria's slow response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand impact the war?
-Austria's slow response and failure to act swiftly against Serbia after the assassination led to the loss of international sympathy and a delay in the start of the war, which negatively affected the Central Powers.
What changes were proposed for Austria in the alternate scenario to improve their performance in the war?
-The alternate scenario proposed that Austria should act swiftly upon the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, declaring full mobilization and their intent to punish Serbia, and take up defensive stances while awaiting Germany's success on the Western Front.
What was the 'race to the sea' and how did the extra time bought from less Russian mobilization help Germany in this scenario?
-The 'race to the sea' was a military operation where both sides attempted to outflank each other and reach the English Channel. The extra time bought from less Russian mobilization allowed Germany to refocus on the race earlier, potentially achieving major successes.
Why was submarine warfare crucial for Germany in the alternate scenario?
-Submarine warfare was crucial as it could significantly damage British shipping and weaken Britain, making them more willing to sign a peace deal. The presence of President Bryan, who would have a weaker response to German actions, made this strategy more viable.
What was the proposed strategy to keep Italy neutral for as long as possible in the alternate scenario?
-The strategy was to have Austria offer parts of their territory to Italy, achieving most of their goals without having to risk a war. This would make neutrality very appealing to Italy and keep them out of the war for longer.
How did the alternate scenario envision the end of the war and the peace negotiations?
-In the alternate scenario, the end of the war was envisioned with Germany advancing on the Western Front, Russia surrendering, and Italy joining the Central Powers. The peace negotiations would take place under American mediation, with Germany and the Central Powers securing control over Europe.
What were the territorial gains and losses for the major powers in the alternate peace deal described in the script?
-In the alternate peace deal, Germany gains territories from Russia and Africa, including the Congo and French territories connecting it. Italy gains Southern Albania and Tunis from the French. Bulgaria annexes a major chunk of Serbia and secures the Bessarabia from Romania. Austria annexes Montenegro's coastline and a thin border strip from Serbia. The Ottomans gain parts of the Caucasus, but not major prizes like Egypt or the Suez Canal.

Outlines

00:00

😃 World War I Alternate Scenario Hypothesis

This paragraph introduces a hypothetical scenario where the Central Powers, particularly Germany and its allies, achieve victory in World War I. It discusses the initial German advances and the challenges they faced by 1917, including the entry of the United States into the war and the exhaustion of the Central Powers. The paragraph sets the stage for an alternate history where Germany avoids defeat by changing key historical events, such as the US election of 1912, which in this scenario leads to a non-interventionist president taking office and affecting the course of the war.

05:02

😐 Strategic Errors and Necessary Changes for Central Powers

The second paragraph critiques common strategies proposed for a German victory, such as focusing on the Eastern Front first or not invading Belgium, and explains why these would not be effective. It then outlines necessary changes for Austria, including a swifter declaration of war and full mobilization after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The paragraph also discusses Germany's conduct in Belgium and France, the importance of the 'race to the sea,' and the naval war, emphasizing the potential of submarine warfare under a non-interventionist US president.

10:02

😠 Diplomacy and Military Tactics to Keep Italy Neutral

This paragraph focuses on the diplomatic and military strategies needed to keep Italy neutral for as long as possible. It suggests that Austria should cede territories to Italy to achieve this goal, which would require pressure from Germany. The paragraph also discusses the importance of Bulgaria joining the war and the potential for Central Powers to advance in the Balkans and against Serbia. It touches on the need for the Ottoman Empire to be involved in the war and suggests strategies for them to distract the Allies without overextending their forces.

15:04

😒 The Role of Asia and Japan in the Alternate World War I

The fourth paragraph explores the potential for Germany to engage with Japan and secure their neutrality or even alliance in the alternate World War I scenario. It suggests that Germany could cede some of its Pacific holdings and recognize Japan's interests in China to achieve this. The paragraph also discusses the potential for Japan to join the Central Powers later in the war, focusing on defeating Russia while avoiding conflict with Britain and France.

20:06

😡 Shift in War Dynamics and Peace Negotiations

This paragraph delves into the shifting dynamics of the war, with Russia beginning to falter and the Allies failing to open another front. It discusses the hypothetical 1916 Russian revolution leading to peace negotiations with Germany, resulting in a more favorable peace deal for the Central Powers. The paragraph outlines the territories that Germany would gain in this scenario and how the peace deal would strengthen the Central Powers while allowing Russia to maintain a degree of stability.

25:06

😤 Post-War Territorial Gains and the New European Order

The sixth paragraph describes the territorial gains and the new order in Europe after the hypothetical Central Powers' victory. It details the gains of each Central Power, including Germany's expansion in Western Europe, Italy's control over the Mediterranean, and the Ottoman Empire's gains in the Caucasus. The paragraph also discusses the potential for post-war diplomacy and the challenges faced by the defeated Allies, such as France's weakened state and Britain's focus on rebuilding its empire.

30:09

😌 The Aftermath and Future Prospects for Europe and Asia

The final paragraph speculates on the aftermath of the war and the future prospects for various nations involved. It discusses the potential for Germany to dominate Europe, the challenges faced by Britain and America, the rise of Japan in Asia, and the uncertain future of Russia and the Ottoman Empire. The paragraph also hints at the continuation of the scenario in a follow-up video, inviting viewers to subscribe for more.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡World War I

World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global war that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It involved many of the world's major powers, organized into two opposing alliances: the Allies (based around France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Central Powers (originally centered around Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). In the video, World War I is the central event around which the hypothetical scenario is built, exploring what might have happened if the Central Powers had been more successful.

💡Central Powers

The Central Powers was one of the two main alliances in World War I, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (though Italy later joined the opposing side). The term 'Central Powers' is used in the script to refer to the group of nations that Germany was aligned with during the war. The video discusses an alternate history scenario where the Central Powers achieve victory, which would have significant implications for the post-war world order.

💡Allies

The Allies were the countries that opposed the Central Powers during World War I, primarily consisting of France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and later the United States, among others. In the script, the Allies are referred to as 'antons', likely a typographical error. The video explores a scenario where the Central Powers manage to defeat the Allies, leading to a different outcome of the war.

💡United States

The United States, referred to in the script as 'US', initially maintained a neutral stance during World War I but later joined the Allies in 1917. The video script discusses a hypothetical scenario where the U.S. remains neutral for longer due to the election of a non-interventionist president, which would have allowed the Central Powers more time to consolidate their victories.

💡Race to the Sea

The 'Race to the Sea' was a series of maneuvers by both the Allies and the Central Powers to try to outflank each other and reach the English Channel during World War I. In the script, this term is used to describe a strategic military movement where Germany attempts to gain a significant advantage by reaching the channel, which would have implications for British shipping and morale.

💡Submarine Warfare

Submarine warfare involves the use of submarines to attack enemy vessels or positions. In World War I, German U-boats conducted submarine warfare against the British Royal Navy and merchant ships. The script discusses how unrestricted submarine warfare could have been a game-changer for Germany if not for international pressure and potential American intervention.

💡Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a peace treaty signed in 1918 between the Central Powers and Soviet Russia, which ended Russia's participation in World War I. In the video, an alternate version of this treaty is discussed, where Russia negotiates from a stronger position, resulting in a more favorable outcome for Germany and its allies.

💡Balkans

The Balkans is a region in southeastern Europe that was a focal point of conflict and political intrigue during World War I. In the script, the Balkans are mentioned in the context of Bulgaria joining the Central Powers and influencing regional politics, which would have implications for the balance of power in the area.

💡Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire, also known as the Turkish Empire, was a state that spanned three continents during World War I. It was one of the Central Powers and faced significant challenges during the war. The script discusses the Empire's role and potential gains, such as parts of the Caucasus, as well as its internal struggles with the Young Turks and the impact of oil on its future.

💡Peace Negotiations

Peace negotiations refer to the diplomatic discussions that take place to end a war and establish peace terms. In the video, peace negotiations are a critical element of the alternate history scenario, where different outcomes result from various nations' decisions and the involvement of a neutral mediator like the United States.

💡Post-War World Order

The post-war world order refers to the new balance of power and geopolitical landscape that emerges after a major conflict. The script explores a hypothetical post-World War I world order where Germany and its Central Powers allies are more dominant, leading to significant shifts in global power dynamics and the potential for future conflicts.

Highlights

Germans initially performed well in World War I, almost capturing Paris and dominating European front lines until 1917.

Despite being outnumbered by the Allies, Germany managed to collapse Russia by 1917, but was unable to defeat France due to US intervention and exhaustion of Central Powers.

A hypothetical scenario is explored where the Central Powers win World War I, focusing on a best-case outcome for Germany and its allies.

The US election of 1912 is altered, with William Jennings Bryan, a non-interventionist, becoming president and delaying US entry into the war.

Austria's slow response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is criticized, and the alternate timeline has Austria acting swiftly and declaring full mobilization.

Germany's conduct in Belgium and northern France during WWI is highlighted as terrible, with a recommendation for more respectful behavior in the alternate scenario.

The 'race to the sea' strategy is proposed to be executed earlier in the alternate timeline, potentially leading to German successes and affecting Allied morale.

Submarine warfare is emphasized as a key strategy for Germany, with the potential to weaken Britain and facilitate a peace deal.

Italy's potential entry into the war is discussed, with a strategy to keep them neutral by offering territorial concessions.

Bulgaria's joining of the Central Powers and the subsequent fall of Serbia and Albania is outlined as a strategic move in the alternate timeline.

The Ottoman Empire's involvement in the war is deemed vital, with a strategy to have them defend rather than offensively engage.

Japan's potential neutrality or alliance with the Central Powers is explored, with Germany making territorial concessions to secure this.

The Russian front is discussed, with Germany achieving victories and Russia eventually negotiating a peace deal from a stronger position.

The Western Front sees Germany advancing without the need for extensive garrisoning in Ukraine, leading to a potential peace negotiation.

Italy's late entry into the war on the side of the Central Powers opens another front, contributing to the Allies' weakening position.

A peace deal mediated by the US is proposed, with Germany securing victories and establishing dominance over Europe.

The post-war map of Europe is envisioned with significant territorial changes, including Germany's expansion and the establishment of puppet states.

The future scenarios for various nations post-war are speculated upon, including the potential for Austria-Hungary to struggle with its empire's stability.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

World War I Central Powers Alternate History Strategic Analysis European Front US Neutrality Submarine Warfare Peace Negotiations Post-War Europe Political Scenario