- Yes
- No
Introduction
So, this is my first (and not the last) topic from the “Maps into other historical periods” series, and today we’ll talk about creating a new tank map based on an existing one, namely “Reichstag” (also known as Berlin) in the summer of 1936.
History
In 1936, the Chancellor of the Third Reich and the Führer of the German people, Adolf Hitler, decided to remilitarize the Rhineland. Initially, he planned to do so in 1937.
Some circumstances, primarily the ratification of the 1935 Franco-Soviet Pact, allowed him to accelerate events. Hitler managed to present his provocation as a defensive initiative against the “encirclement” by hostile states. Among other circumstances influencing Hitler’s decision were the possibility of the French army obtaining better equipment in 1937, the recent fall of the French government and the appointment of a temporary government there, economic problems in Germany requiring foreign policy success to restore the regime’s popularity, and the Italo-Ethiopian War, which disrupted the “Stresa Front.”
On February 12, 1936, Hitler held a meeting attended by Foreign Minister Konstantin Neurat and Special Envoy Joachim von Ribbentrop. The possible reactions of the great powers to the remilitarization of the Rhineland were discussed. Neurat supported remilitarization but insisted on further negotiations, while Ribbentrop insisted on immediate unilateral remilitarization.
At dawn on March 7, 1936, 19 German infantry battalions and several military aircraft were deployed to the Rhineland. They reached the Rhine at 11 a.m., and three battalions crossed to the western bank. After German reconnaissance planes noted the concentration of thousands of French soldiers on the border, General Blomberg implored Hitler to immediately order the troops to withdraw. Hitler asked if the French had crossed the border. Upon receiving the answer that they had not, he assured Blomberg that they would not. Unlike Blomberg, who was very nervous throughout the crisis, Neurat remained very calm and strongly urged Hitler to maintain a tough stance.
General Guderian, during questioning by French officers after the end of World War II, said: “If you, the French, had intervened in the Rhineland in 1936, we would have lost everything, and Hitler’s downfall would have been inevitable.”
Hitler himself said: “48 hours after the march into the Rhineland were the most exhausting in my life. If the French had entered the Rhineland, we would have had to retreat with our tails between our legs. The military resources at our disposal were inadequate even to offer moderate resistance.”
Scenario
In 1936, after German troops crossed the Rhine, the French cross the border and de facto declare war on the newly formed Reich. Germany quickly suffers defeat, capitulating is not an option for Hitler’s regime, and by June 1936, the battle for Berlin begins. A couple of SS divisions at most, without heavy artillery, defend the city.
Or perhaps the Germans received a beating from the Soviets/Poland/Czechoslovakia. In any case, this occurs before 1941, as heavy strategic bombers, especially large-caliber artillery, and minor incidents such as war crimes and bombings of civilian targets emerge around this time.
Map
How I envision this map. Essentially, the layout should not differ significantly from the original map, but still has significant differences.
Firstly, in this scenario, it is assumed that due to various reasons (rapid advancement of the front, small artillery calibers, limited number of bombers, and moral principles) Berlin was not bombed or shelled, at least not with such intensity.
Trees, buildings, and the Reichstag are relatively intact, and the beautiful architecture and park along with the Victory Column please the eye.
I propose two different variations, as many original positions and shelters no longer exist.
Argumentation, Questions
Well, first of all, why do we need this?
Just because. New high-quality content, maps will always be warmly received by the community. Or do you prefer Pradesh? Red Sands? Absolutely fictional maps without imagination and soul, but not this one.
It didn’t happen, where’s the historical accuracy? Where’s the authenticity?
Our game hasn’t been about historical accuracy for a long time (Panther dying to Leopard on Arctic Base amid the roar of Skyraiders), but even if positioning ourselves as a historical experience, it’s alternative history, which, by the way, is not bad and opens up a lot of new possibilities. Alternative history is a very interesting genre, both within the game’s framework and beyond.
Why is Berlin intact?
There was no storming of the Reichstag and +6 years of intercontinental carnage.
Suggestion: Create and introduce a new map of the Reichstag into the game in year 1936. The map should be available up to BR 3.7. That’s all.
In general, a simple, not multi-tiered and symmetrical layout is just right for the low ranks…
Vote if you’re interested, and you can compare pre-war Berlin with the modern one while I’m writing about Berlin in 1961, with the Berlin Wall, occupation zones, and the incident at Checkpoint Charlie.
