Guderian Applies Pressure to Francoist Spain (CYOAH)

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Guderian decides that his efforts in Africa will have the most sucess if they can cut off the British from the Mediterranean. to do that, he will need to control the Straits of Gibraltar. Unfortunately, there is no way for the Reich to take Gibraltar since the Spanish aren't in the war, and a naval landing would be suicide. With this in mind, Guderian goes about trying to get Spain into the war.

The Wehrmatch is marshalled on the Spanish border, in preparation for a possible invasion, and to apply pressure for the Spanish to join the Axis. At the same time, a delegation is sent to Madrid to conduct negotiations for a Spanish entry into the axis. Franco resists for a bit, but finally Guderian offers terms he can't refuse. He will be given Gibraltar, and British colonies in Northern Africa, plus financial support from Nazi Germany.

On May 7, 1941, Spain joins the Axis Powers, and declares war on the Allies. German forces move into Spain, and Gibraltar is put under seige. The fortress stands for months under constant bombardment, as the fort was well stocked with ammunition and food. But finally, after a 4 month seige, the Fortress of Gibraltar falls. The Axis Powers control the pathway to the Mediterranean. With Giberaltar under their control, the Mediterranean becomes an Axis lake. Nazi, Spanish, and Italian forces roam it at will, and the British naval forces are forced to fall back to the Indian ocean, only undertaking submarine raids and aerial attacks. Supply to British forces in North Africa is intermitten at best, and soon the British are on the verge of running out of ammunition and food. How will the battle in North Africa go?

The British pull it out of the hat, and force the Germans to retreat

The Germans crush the British

Created by: Azecreth 15:22, March 4, 2011 (UTC)