3/10/1918 Germany requests an armistice

Germany is preparing to request an armistice from the Allies. In order to spread responsibility for defeat in the war (and hopefully save the Kaiser), a new government is being formed, one that will have majority support in the Reichstag and include a broad range of parties, including the Social Democrats. Hertling, the outgoing Chancellor, is informed of his resignation over lunch with the Kaiser. His replacement is Prince Max, heir to throne of Baden. He seems like an ideal choice: a progressive who nevertheless sees the need for royals and aristocrats like himself to retain positions of influence.

Max proves more troublesome than expected. He is shocked when the true scale of the military disaster is revealed to him, so much so that he seriously considers declining the chancellorship, but a sense of duty obliges him to accept the post. He is also opposed to the idea…