AH The Great War: Mid-1943

Europe was caught unawares of the strength of the German Imperial Wehrmacht. And by mid-1943, the HGE had taken both the South German Federation and Carpathia in the south as well as Poland in the east with forces taking control of the Dutch Provinces by July. Of the major powers in Europe, the Angevin Empire was able to put a stop to the Imperial blitzkrieg in the west, stalling the advancing Imperial army in northern Lotharingia. Belorussian forces remained in position near their own borders with the HGE and occupied-Poland.

In Italy, the main strength of the Italian army remained along the border with the Commonwealth of Mezzogiorno, posturing for a new offensive, with naval forces effectively closing off the central parts of the Mediterranean. The Venetian council voted in favour of joining the central powers on the 27 July, though faced hostility from the office of the Doge. However, German forces began marching into Veneto at the passage of the council's vote, rendering the Doge's voice unheard.

And soon-after, on the 1 August, Field Marshal Philipp Eisenberg took control of the country from Doge Mikael Grazzo, assuming the position of governor of Veneto.