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When Strasser returned to the country, the developments unfolded just as Stresemann had said. The news of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement signed by Strasser caused a huge uproar among the high-ranking officials in Germany.
Although many officials from the current government criticized the signing of the treaty for lacking government approval, more people celebrated it, especially within the military. The Anglo-German Naval Agreement opened a door for the expansion of the German Armed Forces, signifying that Germany had taken its first step towards breaking the Treaty of Versailles.
As a result, Strasser's position within the National Defense Forces rose significantly, and many generals held great respect for this benefactor of the National Defense Forces. Numerous junior officers, upon hearing this news, declared their intention to join the Berlin National Socialist German Workers' Party.
To address this, Ludendorff repeatedly complained to Seeckt, believing that such a situation would undermine the tradition of the National Defense Forces remaining apolitical. However, Seeckt's attitude towards the matter was one of indifference; he was primarily concerned with whether the National Defense Forces could become stronger, regardless of who was responsible for that strength.
It is precisely for this reason that he tolerated Ludendorff's small maneuvers within the General Staff of the Army, and now he can also tolerate Strasser's antics.
Taking this opportunity, Strasser has developed his own influence within the National Defense Forces. He has gained considerable prestige among the junior officers of the National Defense Forces, with many non-commissioned officers saluting him and shouting "Hail the Führer," of course, with the left-hand version.
Seizing on Strasser's significant achievements, Stresemann proposed to the government the appointment of Strasser as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Weimar Republic.
Theoretically, the highly accomplished Member of Parliament Strasser could take on this position, but there is significant opposition from many members of the Social Democratic Party. The government, which is deeply divided internally, had no choice but to hold an internal meeting.
The monarchists, on the other hand, did not strongly oppose the proposal to appoint Strasser. In their view, as long as it could strengthen Germany and bring back the exiled Wilhelm II from the Netherlands, they would even consider appointing a Bolshevik as Chancellor; after all, the term "Monarchist Bolshevik" does have a nice ring to it.
However, the Social Democratic Party harbored considerable hostility towards this idea. After all, their leader, President Albert, had only died two years ago, and now the very person responsible for his death was about to enter the government and work alongside them—something that any reasonable person would find difficult to accept.
During the internal meeting, those in favor of appointing Strasser and those against it argued for a long time without reaching a conclusion. In the end, Strasser brought General Siket to support him, and Seeckt used a strong attitude to persuade everyone present. He believed that failing to appoint Strasser as the Minister of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be denying Strasser's diplomatic achievements and opposing the National Defense Forces. He would regard anyone who opposed the National Defense Forces as an enemy.
Then Seeckt drew the command sword he had used during World War I from his waist, looking down at everyone with a nearly threatening tone as he asked if anyone wanted to test the sharpness of his blade.
The weak members of the Social Democratic Party immediately compromised; after losing President Albert, they were like a scattered group. If it weren't for their reliance on President Hindenburg, it would be hard to say whether the Social Democratic Party could maintain its position as the largest party in Congress.
The royalists remained silent in response to Seeckt's threat of force, as their leader Hindenburg had not spoken.
Therefore, after losing the greatest resistance, Strasser was undoubtedly appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Weimar Republic, with Stresemann appointed as the Deputy Minister to assist Strasser in his work. Interestingly, it was President Hindenburg who made the appointment. The distinguished Old Marshal quietly said to Strasser during the appointment,
"Child, my support for Hitler is not a reflection of any opinion I have about you. I am glad that you can contribute to the strength of Germany, but at my position, many decisions are no longer up to me."
"I understand, Field Marshal Hindenburg. I also recognize your contributions to Germany. Perhaps we could collaborate? Unite to overthrow the domestic bourgeoisie and then establish a monarchist Bolshevik country. How about we take revenge on the Anglo-French together?"
Strasser still wanted to see if he could persuade the Old Marshal; perhaps Hindenburg would have a moment of impulse and agree.
"I am old, not foolish." Hindenburg glanced at Strasser with dissatisfaction. "I will spare your life and let you witness the spectacle."
Leaving the government, Strasser drove back to the headquarters in Berlin. To his surprise, someone was waiting for him at the door.
"Dear Strasser, you’re finally back! I’ve missed you so much!"
A man rushed up and gave Strasser a bear hug; it was Albrecht. Standing next to him were Goebbels, Otto, and Baron Dezhi.
"By the way, why are you all so eager to welcome me back?"
Strasser was somewhat puzzled; the Anglo-German Naval Agreement had not yet been made public. Could it be that the National Socialist Party had already infiltrated the government?
"We certainly have important matters to discuss with you."
In the conference room of the National Socialist Party's Berlin headquarters, Baron Dezhi made his intentions clear. "We are here to discuss the merger between the National Socialist Party and the Nationalist Party." Strasser looked somewhat surprised. "Have your party members already been informed?"
"Indeed, we have to thank Dr. Goebbels; his work has been very effective." Baron Dezhi turned his gaze towards Goebbels, who immediately puffed out his chest with pride.
"Since he took charge of the persuasion efforts, our progress has accelerated significantly. Most party members have accepted National Socialism and agreed to merge with your National Socialist Party."
"Well done! Truly worthy of Dr. Goebbels," Strasser said, giving Goebbels a thumbs up, which pleased him greatly.
"Actually, it's not difficult at all. I just tell them that the capitalists are their greatest enemies, and all their suffering stems from them. The members of the Nationalist Party are shouting to go after the enterprises," Goebbels said proudly, showcasing his exceptional ability to sway people.
"Since that's the case, let's not delay. We can put the merger process on the agenda. Starting today, the National Socialist Party will be changing our office location. I think the newly built Soviet-German Kari office building in downtown Berlin is quite nice. I want to rent the entire building," Strasser said.
"Isn't that a bit too large? Even combined, our two parties probably wouldn't fill half of it," Otto raised his concern.
"Not at all, we still have to welcome our new ally in the future, Mr. Stresemann from the German People's Party."
"What, are you saying that Mr. Stresemann agrees to cooperate with us?"
Goebbels exclaimed. He had thought his progress was already quite fast; during Strasser's absence, he had developed the National Socialist Party to a point where it held significant sway in Berlin and had considerable influence in northern Germany.
I didn't expect Strasser to have the idea of collaborating with a larger party; it seems the Führer is still more formidable.
"It's not collaboration; it's submission. Mr. Stresemann has decided to bring the German People's Party under the leadership of the National Socialist Party, and all actions will be directed by me."
Strasser's next words left everyone present in shock.
"Am I dreaming?" Otto asked his good buddy Albrecht, who promptly gave him a big slap in the face. "Why did you hit me?" Otto asked, a little annoyed.
"Does it hurt?" Albrecht asked.
"Of course it hurts! Why don't you try it yourself!" Otto retorted unhappily.
"Then you must be dreaming."
“...”
“Don't get too excited too soon.” Baron Dezhi poured a bucket of cold water on everyone. “It's not that easy to annex a party larger than your own. Even if Mr. Stresemann himself agrees, the factions within his party won't be so easily supportive.”
"You are absolutely right, Baron Dezhi," Strasser nodded. "However, I already have a plan in place. If we still cannot absorb the German People's Party with Mr. Stresemann's support, I should go back to find a job."
"Do you need me to step in?"
Goebbels was eager to try, seeing Strasser achieve such great success, which also sparked his competitive spirit. "No need, the soldiers of the First Infantry Division have trained for so long; it's time to showcase their skills after nurturing them for a thousand days."
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