Three Ideologies, Three Unions, One Continent

In this alternate timeline, the Russians won the Polish–Soviet War in 1920, leading to the advance of Communism across Europe. Fearful of the rise of Bolshevism, the fascist states of Southern Europe unite as the Mediterranean Federation, while the wartime allies Britain and France combine their forces as one Franco-British Union, dedicated to resisting the red tide.

Also in this series:

Flag of the Franco-British Union - [link]
Flag of the Mediterranean Federation - [link]
Flag of the Greater USSR - [link]


Timeline:

1919

The Treaty of Versailles is signed, ending the Great War

Polish-Soviet War breaks out


1920

Following a string of Russian Victories, Polish Communists launch a coup.

Poland surrenders and is incorporated into the Soviet Union.

The First Meeting of the League of Nations.


October 1922

In response to fears of a Communist takeover, fascist Benito Mussolini is made Italian Premier by King Victor Emmanuel.


1923

The Beer Hall Putsch fails. Hitler is imprisoned for two years.


1924

Vladimir Lenin dies and is replaced as General Secretary by Leon Trotsky

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania annexed by USSR


1931

The Spanish Monarchy is overthrown and a provisional government is established to take Spain from monarchy to republicanism.


1933

Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Hindenburg

Marinus van der Lubbe, a young Dutch communist, is arrested and accused of attempting to burn the Reichstag building in Berlin

Marinus van der Lubbe is executed on the orders of President Hindenburg. Violent disorder between Communists and Fascists in the streets of Berlin

Ernst Torgler, Chairman of the Communist Party of Germany, calls for aid from the USSR.

The USSR invades Germany

Fall of Berlin, Death of President Hindenburg.

Hamburg becomes capital of Germany, soon besieged by Soviets.

Hitler makes last appeal for aid from Britain and France, before fleeing to the Netherlands.

Germany incorporated into greater USSR


1935

Faced with the threat of a vast, powerful Soviet Union ready to sweep across Europe, Britain and France open negotiations to unite under one banner.

Second Treaty of Troyes creates Franco-British Union


1936

The Spanish Civil War Breaks out. Generals Goded, Mola, and Franco lead troops in rebellion against the republic.

USSR and Mexico send aid to the Republican faction.


1937

Spanish Nationalists appeal for Military aid from Italy and Portugal.

Italian submarines begin raiding Republican shipping in the Mediterranean

Sino-Japanese War breaks out between Japan and China. Nationalist and Communist Chinese suspend hostilities to fight the Japanese. Military aid supplied to Chinese by USSR


1938

Border dispute between USSR and Czechoslovakia breaks out into minor war. Russian victory ushers in a Communist government which allows the USSR to station troops on the Austrian border.

Anxious to contain the Soviets in the Far East, the Franco-British Union begin secretly supplying aid to the Japanese. The USA, Japan’s strategic rival, strongly disapproves.


1939

Japan invades Siberia, but are repulsed with heavy loses at the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. Short of resources, the Japanese seek further support from the British and French.

The Spanish Civil War ends in a Nationalist victory

Fascist leaders Salazar, Mussolini and Franco meet in Venice to discuss a joint response to the Communist threat.

Mediterranean Federation formed by Portugal, Italy and Spain.

Winter War between Finland and the USSR breaks out. Russian and German forces greatly outnumber the Finns.


1940

Soviet Victory in the Winter War, Finland annexed to USSR. Franco-British Union guarantee the sovereignty of Norway

Fearful of an imminent Russian invasion, Austria and Greece sign defensive alliances with the Mediterranean Federation.

Fascist Party in the Netherlands begins calling for the Dutch to prepare for armed struggle against Communism. Under the leadership of German exile Adolf Hitler, the party gains six seats in the Dutch senate.