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Your Options for the Axis High Command

Germany has decided to pursue a course of action that is undoubtedly plunging Europe into conflict. First on her plate is the nation of Poland, and the plan is to invade under false pretenses, which may confuse or delay the entry of the allies. Few are fooled however, and as Poland is consumed, Germany looks ahead.

1.The Second to Fall? Poland crumbles before the German invasion force, with only the number of weeks before collapse being a variable. German war planners are looking ahead even now. These options await.

A. Norway and Denmark – An all out invasion of these Nordic countries can secure iron ore shipments from Sweden to help the war effort. This option also blocks the northern sea route to Russia.
B. Yugoslavia – This nation has been on the fence as to which side it should join, although securing the southern flank can only help the war effort, with further expeditions into Greece and the Middle East expected.
C. Low Countries – A risky strategy of invading the Netherlands and Belgium could expedite war with France, or it could provide a launch point for a 1940 invasion of the French homeland.
D. Head directly into France – A VERY risky alternative is to attack France in 1939. To knock her out before the Winter would be a major coup, but failure to knock her out immediately could extend the battle well into 1940.

2. Axis Offensive Strategies: How should the Axis conduct this war?

A. All out Blitzkrieg – This strategy proposes one swift strike at all who oppose us! Losses are not a concern. A pile up of enemies (including, significantly, the United States) is of no concern. The war must be won early or not at all.
B. Aggressive, but not suicidal – This strategy proposes a quick, but methodical destruction of nations who oppose us. Countries can be dealt with in succession, with a careful eye placed on the United States.
C. Intense, but controlled – This strategy proposes the eventual destruction of our enemies, but in a rather carefully choreographed fashion. Rather than strike out everywhere, we will only focus on those nations that we must destroy, while trying to maintain good relations with others (including the United States) for as long as possible.
D. The best offense is a great defense – Some of our planners maintain we would be wise to consider a long term defensive campaign, rather than throw caution to the wind. It is possible, with careful planning, the Axis can expand slowly as needed, but eventually reach a point at which stability on the continent is achieved. Some suggest this may help our mighty Axis survive past 1945.

3. Directional aspirations. Where do you propose to focus the initial efforts of the Axis?

A. East – The war will be won or lost in Russia. France remains a sideshow and the Mediterranean an afterthought. All efforts must be used to destroy Russia in the shortest time possible. We cannot lose if Russia falls!
B. West – The war will be won or lost based on how the United States and Great Britain are handled. If we can contain them, or better yet – remove England from the war altogether, Russia will be irrelevant. Control of the seas will largely isolate Russia and keep the other allies off the main continent. We can take apart Russia at our leisure. Spain may be a helpful ally in this strategy…
C. South – Initially, we must turn south to secure the wide open underbelly of Europe. Securing the Middle East and North Africa opens options for subsequent expansion. This is the key to the war!
D. Balanced – A combination of the above options provide the key to success for the Axis powers. Our planners caution on spreading ourselves too thin by going in too many directions at once…

Vote for the Axis options for Episode I: Axis Poll

Discuss all your options with others in our forums (registration required for forum) – Axis Forums

Your Options for the Allied High Command

1. How should we conduct initial British deployment?

The deployment of the British can be the deciding factor in this conflict. Where should we send our British units to best counter the expansion of the Axis? We can empty the Home Islands in anticipation of an Axis attack elsewhere, but we potentially open ourselves to a direct assault on our island if we send too many troops elsewhere. Of course, keeping England as a fortress will do little to protect Norway or the Suez Canal. Sacrifices and gambles must be made.

Our options:

A) Homeland Defensive posture (i.e. all units will concentrate on defending the Isles.)
B) Draw up plans to reinforce France against the impending German invasion.
C) Draw up plans to reinforce Norway against the impending German invasion.
D) Draw up plans to reinforce Northern Africa.
E) Draw up plans to reinforce Norway & France depending on Axis operations.

2. Should the USSR invade the Baltic states?

No. Invading these nations will probably upset the Americans, and perhaps delay their interest in helping the allied cause. After all, who is the aggressor here?

Yes. It will potentially give an expansionist Germany an easy path directly to Leningrad. These nations are too small and weak to protect themselves – and the Germans will surely take advantage of that. A pre-emptive invasion is necessary to protect them, as well as protect the Motherland!

3. Should the USSR invade Persia?

If yes, this will greatly extend the territorial boundaries of the Soviet southern flank. This could be an excellent safeguard against Axis designs on the Middle East. Surely the UK cannot guarantee they can stop the Axis should they choose to cross the Middle East.

If no, we risk letting the Axis walk right up to our doorstep unopposed. However, it could preserve some forces that would be lost in the deserts of Persia – and could harbor some good will from the UK/Americans by not crushing another neutral territory.

4. Winter War – Invasion of Finland

We have a draft of plans for the invasion of the USSR’s northern neighbor. STAVKA (Soviet High Command) has also sent over some pros and cons of this endeavor. STAVKA is confident this will be a short, easy campaign…

Considerations

Negative Effects:
This will undboubtedly upset the Americans who are closely watching events unfold in Europe. Any hostile acts of this nature could delay the entrance of the U.S. into the war. Also, given the nature of the terrain and the constricted avenues of advance for the Soviets, this is liable to be a very bloody little war for the Soviets.

Positive Effects:
Destroying Finland will provide an important shield against northern Axis aggression, should war come to the Rodina. Win or lose, fighting in Finland will give our troops some much needed experience. These lessons could help us should the Fascists choose to invade…

Our options;

A) Don’t conduct the Winter War for the time being.
B) Overwhelming invasion with the intent to conquer.
C) Moderate invasion with the intent to conquer.
D) Moderate invasion with the intent to reclaim some border territory.
E) Light invasion with the intent to reclaim some border territory.

Vote for the Allied options for Episode I: Allied Poll

Discuss all your options with others in our forums (registration required for forum) – Allied Forum

Make Your Decisions!

Please consider the alternatives above, vote in the polls, and then proceed to our forums to discuss the choices. Remember, these votes tell the commanders of each side which course their nations should pursue. As the votes begin to add up, and the decisions are finalized, the game will continue along that path. Since no one knows the exact outcome of any decision, don’t be surprised if the unexpected happens along the way. This game, like history, is complex in it’s unfolding…and in fact, we are counting on this "fog of war" to make this recreation as uncertain as the real thing.

We hope you enjoy this story, and will participate and return for future episodes.

–The Europe Aflame ICS Team

Have a comment, question, suggestion, complaint, or just want to help write the next chapter? Visit our forums to discuss!

Continue the story with Episode II.

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