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American Reich | |
| Autonomous component in the Greater Nazi Reich | |
| |
| Motto "For The Common Good" | |
| Anthem Our Swastika Flag
| |
 | |
| Capital | New York City |
| Continent | North America |
| Government | Military Occupation (1946-1947) General Government (1947-1965) Self-governing satellite state (1965) |
| Head of State and government | Erwin Rommel (Former; 1946-1951) George Lincoln Rockwell (Former; 1951-1962) John Smith (Former; 1963-1965) |
| History | |
| - 1947 | Formed after West Point Peace Treaty |
| - September 18th, 1947 | VA Day |
| - 1965 | Disestablished |
| Population | 80 Million (1962) |
| Currency | German Reichsmark |
| Official Language | English German |
| Military | Wehrmacht Waffen SS |
| Police | Schutzstaffel Gestapo Ordnungspolizei (local police forces) Kriminalpolizei (criminal investigation) American Reich Bureau of Investigation |
 United States of America
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United States of America
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The American Reich[1][2], officially known as the Nazi American Reich[3] was a self-governing collaborationist state of the Greater Nazi Reich located in North America, roughly consisting of the eastern and midwestern portions of the former United States and portions of the former (British) Dominion Of Canada. It bordered the Neutral Zone to the west and Mexico to the south. The American Reich was formed in 1947 following the detonation of a German atomic bomb over Washington D.C. and the end of the Second World War. After Washington's obliteration, the capital was moved to New York City and the territory was transformed into a collaborationist puppet state that answered directly to Berlin, led by a Reichsmarschall of North America.
With the creation of the new state, all political parties were banned, with the sole legal and ruling party being the American Nazi Party. The country was modeled off Nazi Germany with an American twist, with the entire government restructured to mirror that of its German counterpart; American branches of the SS, Wehrmacht and various police agencies were created. German and English were the two official languages, the American dollar was replaced by the Reichsmark and the flag itself had its fifty stars replaced by a swastika. The Reich became a totalitarian one-party dictatorship, with political dissent forbidden and all opposition hunted down by the state. All remnants of the old US were virtually erased, with Nazi symbols becoming ubiquitous in every town and city.
Policies embracing eugenics, pseudoscientific racism, persecution and murder of religious and ethnic minorities were implemented immediately following the Reich's creation, which in turn led to the American Resistance waging a desperate fight to ultimately topple the fascist state and restore the old US. By the late 1950s and early 60s, Nazi rule appeared to have stabilized, at least on the surface; official propaganda depicted a clean, orderly and prosperous nation that had benefitted greatly from its status as a territory of the Third Reich. In reality, the state was still battling the American Resistance, which, despite having faced setbacks, remained a thorn in the side of the Reich. Internal power struggles caused further instability; George Lincoln Rockwell's removal in 1963 and replacement by John Smith would have irreversible consequences. In 1964, acting on orders from Berlin, Jahr Null, an initiative which sought to erase American history altogether was implemented, resulting in the destruction of numerous historic landmarks and chaos in the streets.
Following a coup d'etat in Berlin staged by Smith and SS general Wilhelm Goertzmann, the American Reich was granted full autonomy. On its own, it was a superpower; possessing more than 100 nuclear weapons which served as a powerful deterrent to any potential invasion. After relations with the Japanese Empire deteriorated, the Reich launched an incursion in 1965 into the Neutral Zone, ultimately becoming a full-scale invasion of western North America. After Smith's death, his friend Bill Whitcroft took over, but he was never totally loyal to the Nazis, and broke away from the Reich completely, restoring the United States and finally putting an end to fascist rule.
History[]
The American Reich was established in 1947 with the West Point Peace Treaty, which surrendered all American territory in the east coast to the Greater Nazi Reich, and concluded the Second World War. This treaty was signed two years after the atomic bombing of Washington D.C., which crippled the American war effort against Germany. Though initially victorious, both the German Reich and the Japanese Empire had to fight a hard and tenacious resistance for almost two years before finally suppressing the rebellion and declaring victory on September 18th, 1947. Within the reich, this day was officially celebrated as Victory over America (VA) Day. Within the terms of the West Point Peace Treaty, the former United States was partitioned between the Greater Nazi Reich and Japanese Empire. The east coast of North America became the American Reich, its capital being New York City. The west coast fell under Japanese control as the Pacific States of America, its capital being San Francisco. In between the two territories was a lawless buffer zone, known as the the Neutral Zone.
Under Nazi rule, the American Reich saw the extermination and/or expulsion of Jewish, African American, and other non-Aryan populations. The Germanification of America was further intensified with the Jahr Null (Year Zero) initiative, which sought to erase all traces of American history, starting with the demolition of the Statue of Liberty. By 1962, the American Reich was led by Reichsmarschall George Lincoln Rockwell. Rockwell was personally removed from office by Heinrich Himmler after falsely accusing Oberstgruppenführer John Smith of treason against the Reich. Following Rockwell's expulsion, Smith ascended to the rank of Reichsmarschall. Smith's tenure was marked by controversy about his loyalty to the Reich, which piqued when John Smith and Wilhelm Goertzmann planned a plot to overthrow the Nazi regime. The plot was successful, and John Smith became the Reichsführer of a newly self-governing American Reich.
During Smith's coup d'etat, the Japanese Empire pulled out of the Pacific States, leaving the area to the control of the undersupplied Black Communist Rebellion. This presented an opportunity for the Greater Nazi Reich to invade and unite the continent once more from sea to sea, put into fruition with Operation Firecross. This included the invasion of the Neutral Zone as well, which was met with fierce resistance. Just as Operation Firecross was about to be launched, John Smith committed suicide. Upon hearing the news, Wehrmacht general, now the führer, Bill Whitcroft called off the operation, and denounced the Nazi regime by taking off his Nazi Ritterkreuz. It is unknown what happened to the American Reich following this, although it is possible that the United States of America may have been restored following Whitcroft's decisions.
Note : The Ku Klux Klan is mentioned and is possibly associated with the American Reich. The crime against humanity are not banned. The OSS is disolved and the CIA does not exist.
Territory[]
The American Reich is composed of the eastern and midwestern segments of North America. Although Canada is never mentioned in the series, it is believed that the Reich consists of Canada as well. Many states' borders are separated between Reich and Neutral Zone borders, including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The American Reich borders Mexico to the south.
In Season 4 Episode 9, after Smith & Goertzmann lead a putsch against Heinrich Himmler killing most of the Nazi High Command. Goertzmann becomes the Fuhrer of the Reich while Smith gains Autonomy over the Reich's territories in North America. This includes the Canadian Reich, Caribbean, Central America & Greenland
Flags and Emblems[]
The official flag for the American Reich is based on the flag of the former United States, consisting of the same thirteen red and white stripes and the red, white, and blue color scheme. However, instead of the canton consisting of forty-eight stars representing the forty-eight states, there is now a large, white swastika. The flag is used in conjunction with the flag of the Greater Nazi Reich, especially during ceremonies and parades.
The seal of the American Reich is also similar to that of the United States seal, although it now consists of Nazi symbolism. The American Reich seal can be found behind John Smith's desk.
Politics and Policies[]
Capital City[]
The American Reich's capital is New York City, although it works more as a regional capital than a national capital, as the government still takes orders from Berlin. New York City likely was chosen as the capital due to its financial and strategic significance, along with the fact that Washington D.C. was reduced to ashes following its atomic bombing in 1945.
Leadership[]
As a Nazi satellite state, the territory head of government was the Reichsmarschall, a position that reported directly to the Führer in Berlin. The position was initially held by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, while more recent holders of the position were American-born, including George Lincoln Rockwell and his successor, John Smith. Following the coup d'etat of the Greater Nazi Reich, the American Reich was granted independence, and the position of Reichsmarschall was replaced with Reichsführer, of which John Smith held the position.
Pledge of Allegiance[]
"I swear I will obverse the law, conscientiously fulfill my duties at home and school, be faithful and obedient and pledge absolute allegiance until death, to the leader of the Nazi Empire, Adolf Hitler. Sieg Heil, Sieg Heil, Sieg Heil."
Policies[]
The Nazis Party had implemented many of their eugenics policies in the American Reich, favoring a unitary "Aryan" race. Concentration camps were constructed throughout the Reich, imprisoning Jews, African-Americans, homosexuals, and anyone else deemed undesirable by the Nazis. Thus, by the events of The Man in the High Castle, no members of these groups are present in the American Reich, and almost all of the population are Whites. Some Japanese people are also present in the nation, and they are considered "Honorary Aryans."
Along with policies favoring the Aryan race, the American Reich also adopted euthanasia, killing all people with mental or physical disabilities, especially hereditary ones, and cremating their remains.
Military, Law Enforcement and Intelligence[]
Schutzstaffel (SS)[]
The Schutzstaffel (SS) served as the primary paramilitary force within the American Reich. They act as the state's main security force, removing all dissidents in America, as well as acting as the nation's protective force, guarding sensitive and secure areas, such as the SS Headquarters in New York City. Other areas include the border with the Neutral Zone, airports, and the Nazi Embassy in San Francisco. They also serve as bodyguards for high-ranking Nazi and American Reich Official's officials.
Uniforms vary considerably due to the various subdivisions within the organization, but the majority of them appear to be black or dark green in colour with SS soldier wearing black military fatigues while officers wear the iconic black tunic. When ordered by John Smith to travel to the Neutral Zone, Waffen-SS operatives wear unmarked, black coats. Ceremonial guards are distinguishable by their black helmet and white gloves. Most SS vehicles, especially those in New York City, bear the inscription GNR Military Police (a rough but modern English translation) on the front and sides.
Geheime Staatspolizei (Gestapo)[]
The Geheime Staatspolizei, or Gestapo for short, is the official secret police force of Nazi Germany. They are responsible for political-based crimes, removing all dissidents, and quelling any opposition to the Nazi state, as well as uncovering any disloyalty to the Führer in the local population.
Sturmabteilung (SA)[]
Although brutally purged and disempowered by Adolf Hitler in 1934, the SA (often known as the "Brownshirts") are still seen to operate in some capacity within the American Reich. In Season 1, they participate in an SS-led attack on the resistance in New York City .
Ordnungspolizei (Order Police)[]
The Orpo are the regular uniformed police of the American Reich. They are composed of local police departments who are responsible for investigating regular, non-political breaches of the law within the American Reich. Some were regular law enforcement agencies in pre-World War II America that have been absorbed into the new Greater Nazi Reich law enforcement structure. For example, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is still seen to be active in New York throughout the series (with some minor uniform changes). Another example is the Missouri Autobahn Patrol, presumably a reorganized Missouri State Highway Patrol, of which a trooper pulls over Joe Blake in Season 1.
Kriminalpolizei (Criminal Police)[]
The Kripo are the criminal investigation department. They are said to have taken control of the investigation into the death of Alice Adler in Season 3.
Public Health Department Police[]
The armed wing of the Greater Nazi Reich Public Health Department, responsible for the state sponsored euthanasia program. Officers are seen towards the end of Season 2, when Thomas Smith voluntarily turns himself in to be killed as a result of his genetic defect.
Sicherheitsdienst (SD)[]
The Sicherheitsdienst is the intelligence agency of the SS, which operates throughout the American Reich and the Greater Nazi Reich. It utilizes agents such as the Origami Man to travel into areas like as the Neutral Zone.
An American specific division of the SD is the American Reich Bureau of Investigation, a reformed version of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which conducts intelligence activities exclusively within Nazi America. It was led by Director J. Edgar Hoover.
Economics and Technology[]
The economy of the American Reich is considerably prosperous, being closely tied to that of the rest of the Greater Nazi Reich. The Reichsmark is the official currency, replacing the United States Dollar. Much like the rest of the Greater Nazi Reich, the American Reich is home to considerable technological advancements, including high speed Concorde-like jet aircrafts, high speed train systems, and video telephones.
Notable Locations[]
New York City[]
New York City was the largest city of the former United States, and is the capital of the American Reich. It is home to the headquarters of the SS's American branch, along with the government of the American Reich, which is based in the location of the real-life United Nations Headquarters.
District of Contamination[]
The District of Contamination, also known by its former name Washington, District of Columbia. was the former capital city of the United States. On December 11th, 1945, a Heisenberg Device was dropped on the city by the Nazis, resulting in the surrender of the United States Government. This would clear the way for a German invasion of the United States. The city of Washington D.C is now in ruins, with iconic structures like the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol Building being reduced to rubble. Despite this, some people still reside in the area.
Cincinnati[]
Cincinnati is a city in the American Reich, in the state of Ohio. It was the site of a battle between the American Resistance and Wehrmacht during World War II. John Smith witness part of this battle in a dream, in which his son, Thomas Smith, appeared. He watched on as German troops murdered American Jews. Before the Nazis took over America, Smith used to go fishing in Cincinnati.
Savannah[]
Savannah is a city in the American Reich, located in Georgia. Following the death of Adolf Hitler, there was a mass uprising led by the resistance across the American Reich, and a large number of SS soldiers were dispatched to quell the rebellions under the command of Gruppenführer Keller. Keller suggested razing Savannah in order to discourage further insurrectionist activity, a plan that the American-born John Smith was less than enthusiastic about. Immediately before leaving for Berlin, Smith instructed Erich Raeder to cancel plans to destroy the city, saying "I won't burn one of our cities."
New Berlin[]
New Berlin was seen in the map in the episode, The New World.
New Berlin is a city in the American Reich, in the state of Missouri. According to the map, the city replaced St Louis, Missouri. Carl was incarcerated in the New Berlin concentration camp before escaping in 1954.
Gallery[]
