Notes

**Backstory -- Great War**
In our timeline, the Miracle of The Marne occurred for the entente, or allied powers, and resulted in harsh trench warfare for the next four years. In this alternate timeline, the "miracle" occurred in the favor of the Germans. During the great retreat, the BEF commander was ordered to evacuate from France rather than counter-attack with the French. A significantly weaker force is France failed to hold back the German attacks, and Paris was taken shortly after. During this time, the BEF retreated to the port of Cherbourg, and was ordered to hold there until further notice. After the German offensive stopped, the French prepared for a counter-offensive to retake Paris, and push back the German armies to a favorable position. As the French troops were ready, and the counter-offensive begun, the final pieces of the British Expeditionary Force was evacuated from France. Because the French lacked a large amount of forces, the Germans were able to hold the line, and take minimal casualties. The counter-attack resulted in disaster for the French. High Command ordered the armies to hold the line and wait for reinforcements. The Germans, estimating that the French would be unable to hold in the case of an attack, began towards the French lines. The Germans broke through the French lines north of St. Dizier, and ordered the armies in Alsace Lorraine to full on attack the French positions. The Germans broke through with simplicity, as the French were scrambling to stop the breach north of St. Dizier. At the same time, the Germans broke through at the Seine river defenses, and began pushing towards Troyes, and Chaumont. Further north, the Germans pushed through to the Somme river line, and halted shortly before taking Amiens. At the end of 1914, it seemed to be very clear that France would surrender soon.