German Red Prince

Page 208

With the Austro-Hungarian Empire looming large, the fall of the German Empire could be considered good news for him, as leadership of Germany seemed to be back in his hands. However, the conflicts between Austria and Hungary, as well as the internal conflicts within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, kept him temporarily preoccupied.

Ludendorff fled to Eastern Europe. Although he lost some of his Eastern European soldiers during the German Revolution, his foundation was not damaged. Before leaving, Ludendorff also took a lot of German troops with him. After unifying Eastern Europe, he was a strong threat to East Germany.

Wilhelm II fled to Central Africa by small boat. For East Germany, this enemy did not have a significant impact for the time being. Wilhelm II's primary enemy was not East Germany. Germany was the global hegemon, and now that this global hegemon had collapsed, his body would inevitably attract the attention of regional hegemons.

The other German colonies were all loyal to Wilhelm II, and now it was a matter of whether Wilhelm II, who had lost the German Empire, could shoulder the heavy responsibility of defending the empire's overseas territories.

As Adolf was analyzing the situation in his room, there was another knock on the door. This time, the French invited Adolf to visit the Palais Internationale in Paris. Upon arriving at the Palais Internationale, Adolf knew that this was probably the last stop, and it would be time to sit down at the table and have a proper chat.

The Palais Internationale in Paris is a memorial palace built at great expense by the French Commune government. The only place that can compare with this memorial palace is probably the Lincoln Memorial in the United States, which is the most famous building in Paris.

The Palais Internationale in Paris was built to commemorate Lenin. This building is hailed as the most important building in the history of the international communist movement and is the spiritual core of the international communist movement.

Of course, this International Palace is also very successful, with countless people coming here every year to commemorate this great leader of the international communist movement.

Adolf had never been to Paris or seen the Palais Internationale. When he arrived, he was quite shocked. The Lenin statue inside the Palais Internationale is six meters tall, with his eyes looking straight ahead, just in time to see the Arc de Triomphe in the distance. One hand is outstretched, and the other is holding the "April Theses".

The Palace of the Internationale is considered the core of the communist movement for more than just the presence of a statue. Surrounding the Lenin statue are reliefs depicting more than a dozen people dressed in different ways.

Whenever a major event occurs, the leaders of the Franco-French Commune would come to the Palais Internationale, which contains not only statues but also Lenin's ashes.

After Lenin's assassination and the failure of the Russian Revolution, the reactionary government offered a reward for his body, knowing it could not be taken out of Russia. Later, it was decided to cremate his body, and the people on the relief are the ones who took Lenin's ashes with them when they left Russia.

Only after the complete victory of the French Revolution did these people hand over Lenin's ashes to the Commune government. In the subsequent international communist struggle, these revolutionary heroes also sacrificed their lives one after another. In order to commemorate them, the French government built this Palace of the Internationale, vowing that the revolution will never stop.

The commune brought Adolf to visit this site with a deeper meaning: the German Revolution was equivalent to half the success of the world revolution. Adolf, looking at the huge statue of Lenin, also laid a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the East German government, symbolizing that the revolution would never stop.

"It is because there are countless great people like this in the world that our revolution can continue to move forward. Comrade Jiaxiang, you are welcome to come to Germany someday."

Karl Marx's grave is in the Rhineland. After relations between the two countries normalize, Germans will be able to visit Lenin in Paris, and French people will be able to visit Marx in Frankfurt.

After the normal tour, it was time to get down to business. Several Frenchmen brought Adolph along, and this time he finally met the person in charge, Maurice, who personally received him.

"Comrade Adolf, how is your time in Paris? Are you settling in well?"

"It's really nice. The environment in France is fantastic. I love it here."

"There will be many more opportunities to come in the future, and our friendship will last forever."

Morris led Adolf to the conference room, and soon the representatives from Germany and France arrived.

On the French side, Maurice previously said that a place had been reserved for Germany in the Comintern. In fact, that was just to show an attitude. Whether a place was actually reserved for them will depend on this meeting.

Sure enough, at the meeting, the French Minister of Construction began to talk about supporting Germany, how many people would be sent, how much equipment and funds would be provided, and what the future trade between the two countries would look like. The talks were very ideal and very practical.

But after he finished speaking, the Minister of Planning stepped forward again and began to talk about the current difficulties in France. France was a sponsor of the world revolution, and if it went to support Germany, other regions would definitely be affected, which would be detrimental to the revolutions in other places, and France itself might also be affected.

They're arguing there, and it looks like they're having a big fight, but they're just putting on a show for Germany. We do have the capability and resources to help Germany rebuild, but where's your sincerity? What are your thoughts on that crucial point?

"France's support for Germany may have an impact on the world revolution. Isn't the Communist International Congress about to be held? I think we can change the format and establish a Communist International branch."

Adolf began by talking about other things, discussing the development of the international communist movement with the French representatives.

"The success of the German Revolution is another milestone in world revolution. The flames of revolution will only burn brighter and brighter. With so many countries and regions, it is certainly not enough for the Commune to help them. I think we can establish a branch of the Communist International so that countries with potential in those regions can help the development of the revolution in those regions."

“In every continent and region, there are revolutionary countries that have developed well. These countries can become the leaders of the branches and help the countries in that region to revolutionize. This can save France a lot of expenses. At the same time, since they belong to the same region, their revolutions can be more localized and less rigid, and the chances of success are greater. A small spark can become a prairie fire.”

"Europe could also become a branch of the Communist International. After the success of the German Revolution, several major European countries have successively completed their revolutions. We could also become a community to develop together, establish a unified market, abolish border crossing restrictions, issue a unified currency, and even establish a joint European army."

After the Franco-German reconciliation, the European Community was formed. At that time, there was no major power intervention. If the Franco-German reconciliation had succeeded, it would have had a profound impact not only on Europe but also on the entire world. It might have truly become the first step towards communism, a great attempt.

The French side of the Community had also considered this, but what Adolf said at the meeting was clearly more specific, detailed, systematic, and standardized, indicating that he had studied it.

This surprised the French, who did not expect the German Communist Party to be so internationalist, as they were also thinking about the European Community.

"Of course I know that the government of the German Democratic Republic also knows that in order to realize this great ideal, the premise is that the contradictions between our two countries must be resolved. There is a place that is like a thorn, deeply embedded in the marrow of both Germany and France. If our relationship is to be resolved, it must start from here."

Adolf took out a gold-embossed document and stood up. As soon as he stood up, all the German representatives around him also stood up. The French representatives, not realizing what was happening, also stood up. Maurice didn't know what was going on, but he sensed from Adolf's words that he was about to become an important witness to history.

Declaration of the German Democratic Republic on the Question of Alsace-Lorraine: The Proper Handling of the Territorial Dispute between the Government of the German Empire and the Government of the French Commune

The document has an extremely long title, and it also reflects the sincerity of the East German government in reconciling the two countries. The German Democratic Republic formally relinquished all sovereignty over the Alsace-Lorraine region and returned it to the French Commune government through a national referendum.

The document was signed by a host of prominent figures, including Thälmann, Adolf, Goebbels, Thorne, Piek, Luxemburg, and Liebknecht. It was not the will of any one person, but the will of the East German government.

After reading the document aloud, Adolf handed it to Maurice. Once Maurice signed it, the document would officially take effect, and the process of returning the territory would begin.

He had expected to talk for a while, but Germany offered it up right away. Morris was stunned for a long time, pen in hand. He couldn't believe it was true. He had actually taken back Alsace-Lorraine without losing a single soldier, and had actually taken back this piece of French land through diplomatic channels.

The photographer immediately captured this historic moment. The French representative in the conference room suppressed his excitement and did not jump up. The documents were in both German and French. After checking the documents, Maurice took a deep breath and signed his name with a pen.

Maurice Thores

The meeting room erupted in enthusiastic applause. The French representatives had never expected the deal to be reached so easily. Everyone cheered immediately, and Adolf extended his hand and shook hands tightly with Maurice.

"We have averted a world war."

"Comrade Adolf, the friendship between Germany and France will be unbreakable."

Since they've already relinquished sovereignty over Alsace-Lorraine, France naturally has nothing to say. The Minister of Construction and the Minister of Planning, who almost got into a fight just moments ago, are now locked in a tight-knit embrace.

In other words, the moment the documents were signed, a train loaded with construction materials and aid experts could immediately depart for Germany.

473. Welcome home, internationalist fighter.

Before we knew it, it was the end of 1929. Light snow began to fall over Berlin. The weather had been turbulent these past few months, but there had been no significant changes internationally. The world was not expected to undergo a major transformation until the 1930s.

Adolf had already returned to Germany, and the negotiations with France went smoothly. Before 1930, the German Democratic Republic would return Alsace-Lorraine, which had been forcibly occupied by the German Imperial Government, to the French Commune.

France acted just as decisively after signing the agreement, sending trainloads of supplies to Germany and sending technical personnel to Germany in several batches.

The Comintern conference adopted a proposal that day, agreeing to the German Democratic Republic's government joining the Comintern, and extended a formal invitation to the East German government to attend the 1930 World Congress of the Comintern.

However, before all these things, there was another important matter that East Germany had to do. Thorne and other high-ranking East German officials were waiting in Berlin for a group of people to return.

During the German Empire, volunteers who joined the International Brigades were expelled from the Imperial government and wanted by the authorities. These people would certainly be executed if they returned home. But now, they can return home openly. On the day the German Democratic Republic was founded, Thälmann had already made a public announcement via radio.

Welcome home to all the soldiers who participated in the International Brigades. These people no longer need to hide in other countries. They can return to Germany openly and honestly, to their homeland. They are the pride of Germany and the conscience of Germany.

Light snow was falling over Berlin, making the scene even more solemn. Many people had gathered on both sides of the street, and time seemed to stand still at this moment. The East German government had canceled all major events, and basically all the high-ranking officials were here.

Socialist Unity Party Chairman Thälmann, Socialist Labour Party Chairman Goebbels, Social Democratic Party Chairman Liebknecht, and other top leaders of the major political parties all gathered on Karl Marx Street (formerly Wilhelm Street) to welcome the returning International Brigades soldiers.

Everything seemed familiar, except that the Imperial flags on both sides of the street were gone, replaced by new tricolor flags. The statue of Victor Wilhelm was also gone, replaced by a statue of Karl Marx. The national flag was waving, the national emblem was waving, the party flag was waving, and the military flag was waving. At this moment, Berlin had become a sea of ​​red.

They vowed that they would never return unless Germany became a socialist country. They had no homeland; any place of oppression was their homeland. Now that vow had been fulfilled, the banner of revolution was flying in Berlin, and they could return.

Some people were able to witness the victory of their revolutionary homeland, while others closed their eyes forever. The collection of remains of German fighters from the International Brigades around the world consumed a great deal of the East German government's energy. This was something that had to be done; the newly formed German government had to bring these heroes home.

Despite the great effort put in, some heroes are now lost to time, and some have not even left their names. They can only become one of the many nameless heroes, returning with everyone else.

Scheffer never imagined that he would one day witness the success of the German Revolution. When Thälmann announced that all German soldiers could go home, the German battalion soldiers wept uncontrollably. Although Haigar was far away in China, he was always paying close attention to the revolution in his homeland.

The Nationalist government acted swiftly, immediately completing the necessary procedures to allow them to return home. In Chairman Mao's words, with the collapse of German hegemony, future wars would be the responsibility of the Chinese people, and these heroes should return home.

The Nationalist government had a special cemetery to commemorate the martyrs of the International Brigades. The transfer of remains began that day. The flags of the Nationalist government, the revolutionary red flag, and the East German flag were raised in the cemetery. The remains of the International Brigades soldiers would be taken back to Germany, and this cemetery became a cenotaph.

"Harvey, we're home."

Scheffer murmured to himself and boarded the ship bound for Germany with the other German soldiers. He glanced at his comrades on board. Scheffer knew how many people would be left behind forever, but they certainly wouldn't be sad. These people should be very happy right now. The German revolution had succeeded, and the Chinese revolution was about to succeed as well. Their blood had not been shed in vain.

German soldiers in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe received the news that they could return to their socialist homeland.

As the ship crossed the strait, it drew closer and closer to Germany. Almost all the soldiers came out of the cabins. This was their homeland. How many years had it been since they last saw it?

The ships docked in the harbor sounded their horns, emitting a long, deep whistle that seemed to drift all the way to the horizon.

The soldiers welcoming them at the port were already prepared. A red carpet was laid out under the ladder, with soldiers on both sides holding rifles and two fluttering military flags.

The Karl Marx Guards Division and the Friedrich Engels Guards Division were two of the most formidable armies during the German Revolution, and were awarded the banners of these two heroes after the war.

"Salute to the great international proletarian fighters!"

The soldiers on both sides shouted loudly. Without a mirror, Chevre didn't know what expression he was making, whether he was crying or laughing.

In short, his vision blurred, and he couldn't see anything clearly. He was so unsteady on his feet as he climbed down the ladder that he braced himself with his hands on the ground, touching the earth beneath his feet. Yes, he had returned, as a victor, and his homeland had been liberated.

The other soldiers who disembarked were basically the same as him, supporting themselves with their hands on the ground, some of them already kissing the ground beneath their feet. What could be more joyful than the liberation of one's motherland?

The returning soldiers wept bitterly, and the scene moved everyone present. They were not only crying for the liberation of their motherland, but also for their fallen comrades. They had returned, but those comrades had not seen how many had fallen on the eve of victory.

"Heroes, welcome home. Berlin, the former center of imperialism, has now been liberated by us. We, the younger generation, arrived in Berlin first, but Berlin will always be waiting for you, the revolutionary predecessors."

Berlin, the center of imperialism, now belongs to the people. The blood of our predecessors was not shed in vain. It was their active work around the world, liberating countless oppressors, that inspired and encouraged the revolutionaries in Germany.

Many horse-drawn carriages were parked outside Berlin, the white horses spitting white smoke. The coffins of the martyrs, draped with the flag of East Germany, were carried up by soldiers.

Hyjal was one of them. He was now a battalion commander in Karl Marx's Guard Division, and at this moment, he finally saw his brother.

Harvey's name was engraved on the coffin. Only now did Hyjal let go of his obsession. His brother had truly sacrificed himself. Let him walk the rest of the way. He would continue to carry the red flag and move forward.

"Welcome home, Mom missed you so much."

Draped in the national flag, Harvey carried his brother's coffin onto the carriage. The East German government attached great importance to this event, as the soldiers carrying the coffin and driving the carriage were all combat heroes from the revolutionary period, and the drivers were all recipients of the first three classes of combat medals.

Each carriage carries two men, their clothes adorned with medals; one drives the carriage, while the other holds aloft a red flag. The carriages must travel these three kilometers before passing through the Brandenburg Gate.

The carriage moved slowly, with people supporting the coffin on both sides. High-ranking officials of East Germany were present, wearing black armbands, and slowly moved forward on both sides of the carriage. The road leading to the Brandenburg Gate was paved with battle flags from the imperial era; it was a road of victory that crushed imperialism.

The snow was getting heavier and heavier. People's Army soldiers on both sides of the road stood straight with their rifles in hand. This snow was a farewell to the fallen heroes. Everyone's expression was very solemn. Thorne felt that his hands were so frozen that he could not feel them anymore. But being able to participate in such an event was something he never dared to dream of in his previous life.

Having the privilege of participating in this event and being so close to these great souls, the feeling is beyond words. Even if he were to be dragged out and shot immediately, Thorne would feel that his life had been worthwhile.

"Karl Marx's Guard Division! Salute to the great international proletarian fighter!"

"Friedrich Engels Guards Division! Salute to the great international proletarian fighters!"

"The First German Red Army Brigade! Salute to the great international proletarian fighters!"

"The 1st German Panzer Division! Salute to the great international proletarian fighters!"

"The 1st Armored Grenadier Division! Salute to the great international proletarian fighters!"

.........

Salute to you, great international proletarian fighter! The carriage moved slowly forward, and as it passed, the soldiers standing beside it began to salute.

Seeing these heroic troops from the revolutionary era saluting him, he would be very happy if they were still alive.

Although the development of fighter jets was relatively slow during this period, Thorne still organized a flight ceremony. Göring led a group of people to follow from behind in fighter jets, slowly flying over the Brandenburg Gate.

"play music!"

As the troops drew closer, the melody of the Internationale began to play. They were passing through the Brandenburg Gate, where a huge portrait of Karl Marx was watching over this heroic force.

After passing through the Brandenburg Gate, the national anthem of East Germany, "Rising from the Ruins," played. The moment they crossed the Brandenburg Gate, it signified that they had truly returned to their homeland.

The motherland now welcomes them, the carriages roll over the imperial battle flags, just as the wheels of history keep turning forward, and a new era is coming, the era of the people.

As the convoy passed through the Brandenburg Gate, Thorne grasped the hand of Scheffer, who was crying uncontrollably behind him.

Hi, do you remember me?

Schevr wiped away his tears and looked closely at Thorne standing in front of him. He seemed to have seen this person before when he was in China.

"It's me, Karl. Have you forgotten me?"

"Mr. Carl? It really is you!"

Scheffer was quite surprised this time, not expecting that it really was Mr. Karl, that he was actually here.

"I told you, we would succeed, we definitely would succeed, and look, we've succeeded now!"

"Yes, we succeeded, we really succeeded."

Schevr tried to calm himself down. His homeland felt so unfamiliar yet so warm. Looking at Schevr, Thorne had so much to say, but in the end, all his words came down to a short sentence.

"Comrade, welcome home."

474. The Return of Alsace-Lorraine

"Hans, check if anything is missing. You're so forgetful. If you forget anything this time, it'll be a hassle to come back and get it later."

The military camp was bustling with activity as a group of soldiers packed their belongings and loaded them onto trucks. The Alsace-Lorraine Military District was once a key military district of the Kingdom of Rhine, and the troops stationed here accounted for the majority of the kingdom's border defense forces.

The new government has now reached an agreement with the French Commune, and these border guards have completed their mission and will gradually withdraw from the area.

At this time, Germany was under the government of the German Democratic Republic, but the Alsace-Lorraine military district was still flying the old version of the Imperial tricolor flag and the Rhine flag. After speaking of Hans, Madeleine watched the soldiers slowly lower the two flags, and he knew that an era had come to a complete end.

Alsace-Lorraine was already a hot potato. Rhine's annual investment there accounted for the vast majority of its total defense spending. This money-devouring beast even seemed poised to devour Rhine whole.

Rhine had no emotional attachment to this place, but it was different for the garrison troops. They had been stationed here for more than ten years, and now that they were leaving, they were somewhat reluctant to go.

"Company commander, let's go, it's almost time."