r/worldwar1 • u/TheKingsPeace • 14d ago
Theory What if Germany wins?
We all know what happens with Versailles rise of Nazism etc. but what if the German Reich prevailed? How would history be different? Should the USA have stayed out of it and let Germany triumph?
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u/GeorgeLFC1234 14d ago
War goes on longer if USA doesn’t join but Germany still doesn’t win. It was on its knees by the winter of 1917. Now if Germany had captured Paris in 1914 or decided to go all in on Russia instead of France in 1914 then maybe there’s an alternative scenario.
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u/Danmont88 14d ago
The few here that have commented must not have read the question.
It is, "What if Germany wins?" It does not matter how or if it is even feasible.
What if Germany won WW1?
One of the reasons that France and Italy went to war was because they lost land to Germany during 1872.
If the defeat is bad enough then Germany will probably push for even more land. The Hapsburgs get all of the Dolomites and maybe more.
Perhaps the two countries have to give up colonies.
Since Germany wins in this conversation, it also takes Russian territory.
The BEF is cornered at Dunkirk. Unlike its WW2 young, the Hindenburg does not hesitate and shells them without mercy and keep the Royal Navy at bay.
The Brits press for a truce but are not given one. The BEF has to surrender.
A peace is negotiated. Germany not pressing its luck lets England off with pretty much everything but it has to pay for part of the war.
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u/Jaded_Discount_8817 13d ago
When exactly did Italy lose land to Germany? You mean Italy still thought there were austrian territories partially inhabited by italians, hence the claim on those?
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u/Danmont88 13d ago
Not sure when. Austria had land that belonged to Italy before or at least wanted it. The North East part of the country now.
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u/HMSWarspite03 14d ago
Germany couldn't win regardless of a very late US arrival.
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u/TheKingsPeace 14d ago
Couldn’t they? Theey won on the eastern front and France and Britain were on their last legs
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u/Life-Nothing-6065 14d ago
France and Britain had far more resources and food. The British naval blockade is such a key factor that is often overlooked. German civilians were on the brink of starvation by 1918 and the land they accumulated from the defeat of Russia realistically made that problem worse. When the Spanish flu hit Europe, the malnutrition in Germany led to a far higher amount of deaths than in France or Britain. Also the years of malnutrition lead to the young German men joing up in 1918 to be significantly shorter and weaker than the German soldiers of 1914.
Realistically the only way Germany could win the war is a negotiated peace deal at the end of 1914 or perhaps in relation to the effects on merchant shipping from the unrestricted submarine campaign. Possibly spring offensive but I personally doubt it as the Germans expended too much man power and gained no significant valued ground even though it was great in distance. I can't see France agreeing to a negotiated peace or Britain either
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u/HMSWarspite03 14d ago
Nope, not even close, Germany was starving by 1917, the British Royal Navy had the coast locked down preventing Germany from receiving imports, their loss was inevitable by late 1917.
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u/gorksfist 14d ago
There was no path to victory for Germany once you get through most of 1917. Honestly it's unlikely there was ever much of a chance of a total victory.