Alternate scenario blog

Ever Wondered 'what if something in history did/didn't happen?' You've come to the right place, my friend.

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English Civil War (1642-1651) Alternate scenario...

For those not too familiar with English history, here’s a very short, over simplified version. King Charles I reigned as King of England and wanted to unite England, Scotland and Ireland into one Kingdom. However, many people feared this as he did not like passing plans through parliament, he tried this by unifying all in Scotland into following the Church of Scotland and the same in Ireland, which was heavily resisted by the locals. Fearing Parliament would be overthrown for a dictatorial monarchy, a civil war broke out. It was a war fought between the Royalists (those loyal to King Charles I) and the Parliamentarians. 

The outcome was a victory for the Parliamentarians (lead by Oliver Cromwell) and the execution of Charles I. Effectively ending the monarchy...However in our timeline the ‘commonwealth of England’ failed under Oliver Cromwell’s son Richard and the monarchy was reinstated. 

Which begs the question, what if the monarchy was never reinstated, what if Richard Cromwell had led the New model to successfully allow the commonwealth of the British isles to prosper? 

It’s difficult to say, he would firstly have to allow religious freedom to keep the catholic majority in Ireland from seceding. Secondly, there would have to be elections brought into the parliament, if Richard had done this then it’s possible the British people could have voted on things such as slavery, colonialism and many other aspects of history that have shaped British culture.

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Alternate history-independent Crimea

With the on going Ukrainian conflict. It must raise the question, why is Russia so determined to annex Crimea? For those who don't know, it is a large peninsula connected to Ukraine in the black sea, with 2 million people its fairly densely populated and has a long history. It's full of resources and diversity, however is today politically split before pro Russians, pro Ukrainians and seperatists. How did this happen... Well... Because it very nearly became independent... 4 times. During world war 1 it seeked for independence twice in 1917 and 1918 from Russia. Yet it was denied. During the Soviet Era, Stalin killed or exiled all the native Tatar people and moved only russians to Crimea, while many Tatar families were broken apart, dispersed in Asia. However this didn't die the Crimean spirit. As only a year after the fall of the USSR, when Crimea was denied independence from Russia, it declared it from Ukraine, only to be denied again. In wake of the political unrest with the Orange revolution in Ukraine, it declared independence on March 17th 2014. It was around this time that Russia got involved with Ukraine ironically... Fearing an independent Crimea, forced a referendum for Crimea to remain Ukrainian or be annexed to Russia, a referendum many believe to be rigged with military intervention from Russia. So many times Crimea nearly achieved independence, in an alternate world. It could be a free nation. * I must add a disclaimer- this is not a politically charge post. As most people on tumblr coming from politically secure countries, don't understand the complexity of such regions. I'm trying to provide an insight into the opinions of these separatists, to give new perspectives on place, rather than claim what is right or wrong about. Hope you enjoyed :)

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Moresnet

Moresnet was a not so well known settlement. Declared in 1816 after Netherlands, belgium and Prussia couldn't agree on soverignty. However it gathered international attention in 1908 when a declaration of independence was made, but only partially recognized. At a crossroads roads point between Germany, Netherlands and Belgium as a multicultural city state, only 3.5 kilometres in size Yet full of local wealth from one of europes richest mining valleys, and being culturally diverse between the 3 countries, quickly began developing a culture of its own. However, after the first world war. It was dissolved into Belgium during the treaty of Versailles. Had a decision not been made after Versailles. Such a city state could still exist. Waving a blue white and black tri coloured flag in Europe. I'll be looking into these regions that were so close to being their own country for the next few posts. Enjoy!

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Mediterranean Union.

The coastal regions of the Mediterranean have had a history of being reunited by numerous empires. From the early Greek settlements in 8th century BC, to the Macedonian and then to Carthage and not forgetting time when modern day Turkey was Eastern Orthodox thanks to the Byzantines.

It’s not really that hard then to imagine a modern Mediterranean country to evolve out of this over time. For this to happen, the Byzantines must have remained to prevent the spread of Islam to Turkey and North Africa, as it was this spread of Islam that sparked the cultural differences between North Africa and Europe, they could have done this through a naval and military overpowering of the Ottomans, it could have held onto power through a much more rigorous policy of trade and military to ensure the empire had remained. Although some areas would have been threat for a breakaway such as modern day 

However, another threat could have transformed Byzantium. The Protestant reformation. It is what destroyed Roman Catholicism in many of the Northern European states, it could have a similar effect in Eastern Orthodox. 

As the modern nation state emerges in Europe, it’s possible that there could be a reform. For each region such as Egypt, Southern Greece, Italy, Southern France, Southern Spain and Northern Africa gain independence under a loose trade affiliation to this day.

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Alternate 1066. Split England.

As unlikely as this scenario is, It is cool to think that modern England could be split between the Vikings, French and old English.

In this timeline, Harald Hadrada did not die at the battle of Hastings. However, he fled the battle and travelled up to the kingdom of Mercia where his Troops from Danelaw had been ordered to come down. With the thrown of Wessex (Southern English Kingdom) going to William, Harald could still expand and stop the Norman Invasion from breaching Mercia. Seeing the slaughter of the English people in Wessex, many English in Mercia fought alongside Harald to stop the onslaught from the Normans.

The Normans having the upperhand of time manage to push up to the border of Wales and become in Direct contact with Mercia and East Anglia. support from Danish and Norwegian troops arriving, modern day Mercia becomes very split through the fighting. Both sides eventually becoming unwilling of using all resources and being left exposed give up at a stalemate. With the south of England becoming the new Norman Kingdom, whereas East Anglia and Mercia become a Nordic/Germanic Kingdom of Mercia under Harald Hadrada. The Kingdom of Northumbria remains uninvolved. Not wanting to cause tensions between the English in Danish Mercia, Harald decides to not invade and promote good trade with Northumbria.

Mercia forms a new language over the years as a mixture of old Germanic ‘Anglish’ from the angles as well as Old Norse coming from Denmark and Norway to create a diverse mix of dialects known as Mercian. The country funds heavily in trade, mainly with Scandinavia and Northumbria however they form a good relationship with both Irish and Scottish Tribes through trade.

The new Norman Kingdom is generally seen by the rest of the British Isles (Mercia in particular) as becoming imperialistic and dogmatic, with a strict class ruling system with the French Speaking people being more favoured. Normans generally regard other Nordic and Germanic peoples or Britain to be unsophisticated ‘Barbarians’ as the general view was back then.

Hope you guys enjoyed this weird, highly unrealistic scenarios. Happy to take suggestions from anyone! :)

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Alternate history, moon colonisation.

The cold war space race led to the first man in space, first man on the moon and launched an age of satellites which propelled us into the technological age of connectivity never seen before on a global scale as it is today. However, one thing that was planned but never actually happened was colonisation of the moon. In a cold war scenario this would probably be for a nuclear advantage and for surveillance. However, it is possible that the Soviets could have started the process with the US following soon after. However shortly after the colony would have been set up with water and indoor agriculture, the Soviet union would have inevitably fallen apart. The US would take control of the Russian colony. The European Union as well as an international space colony could be set up over time with the development and advancement in technology. It is possible that extravagant entrepreneurs such as Elion Musk of SpaceX or Richard Branson of Virgin could set up their own bases in the early 21st century. By the turn of the next century, with the existing technology and work force on the moon bases increasing it could become cheap enough for large tourist companies to set up tourist bases on the moon.

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Alternate America. Louisiana Republic and a lot of other nation states.

*disclaimer- this is not a serious alternate history scenario, the scenario is not to meant to take offence of anyone living in these areas.*

This was just a fun experiment I had. See how many countries I can make out of North America (Well... Mexico, US and Canada). 

*In this scenario, the US is far more accepting of those states that evoke neutrality towards war.*

So lets see how this pans out!

1. The Dutch hold onto New York City as New Amsterdam and spread throughout the New York State area, they are met with hostilities at first. However, agreeing to stay out of British affairs, no conflict is made.

2. The Wisconsin region does not join the US, being hugely German, the residents do not wish to be a part of a conflict or part of an English speaking and English cultured nation.

3. The Louisiana purchase is never made, the French fight the British in the civil war but only to eliminate the competition and threat of invasion, as well as to secure good relations with the newly formed United States. 

4. The region of New England, however is against the conflict with the English and believes that by getting rid of English support, they will simply be invaded by Canada. Being right on the border with Canada, they declare independence from the US to become a new country of New England in the British commonwealth.

5. Instead of Spain, Portugal gains the Floridian peninsular as a Portuguese nation.

6. After the US win the war against the British they begin to distrust Portugal, having not helped in the war for their independence and wanting to gain more land, tensions arise.

7. When the confederacy rise up, the Portuguese army give them alms and fuel the war against the US.

8. With the US smaller and weaker in this timeline and with the help of the Portuguese, the south claim Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina as the new Confederate states of America.

9. It’s around the time of the American civil war that a Canadian civil begins. With the French Speaking community in Quebec fighting for independence, with support from the US and Louisiana, as well as Newfoundland and the Nova Scotian Republic splitting away after Quebec declares it’s independence.

10. In West America there is anti-British movement in British Columbia and British Oregon, this region is formed to create Cascadia, while Mexico claim south of this region.

11. That is until the Mexican revolution of the 19th century in which many states, especially the Northernmost ones being mixed with Spanish, French, English and a large native minority breakaway. Texas and the Republic of California are created, as well as Aztlan, a native Aztec country priding itself on Ancient American Culture.

12. It was around this time that, in our timeline. Desert was proposed. A Mormon theocracy in Utah. Seizing advantage of the protection of the newly found states, it claims it’s independence from Mexico. With support from the French and British Navy, the war is won and the 4 new nations are created.

13. Meanwhile, as the war was won is the North, there was on state still clinging on for victory, the Mayan Republic. Found on the traditional Maya peninsular in Southern Mexico, like Aztlan they pride native culture, especially Mayan culture. However with the Spanish stamping out the culture, they cannot be under the same statehood. With pressure from the international community and with Mexican forces heavily depleted from the war, the Mayan republic is finally formed in the 20th century.

14. Lets assume here that the USSR still rises in this timeline. Alaska, not wanting to be part of a hard line communist nation and having grown more American over time becomes independent, backed by North American countries, it develops friendly ties with neighboring countries.

15. In the mid to late 20th century, Greenland gains independence from Denmark and wishes to create a new Inuit country, numerous campaigns are set up in North Eastern parts of Canada such as Nunavut and Baffin Island. After overwhelming consensus. The new Inuit Confederation is made and becomes the first new country of the 21st century. With a population of under 100,000 it is one of the largest countries in terms of size, yet one of the smallest in terms of population...

So, here’s what we now have.

1. New Amsterdam (In our timeline, New York State. A mainly trade a tourist nation).

2. Republic of Wisconsin (German independent nation of Wisconsin. Small, agricultural and tourist economy).

3. Louisiana (French nation in the mid west. The agricultural giant of North America).

4. New England (Commonwealth, trades heavily with British).

5. Florida (Portugeuse state, huge tourist destination, mix of Portuguese and Caribbean culture).

6. Confederate States of America (Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.)

7. Quebec (Independent French Nation, fishing, industry and tourism are the main industries here).

8. Newfoundland (Independent Republic that broke away during the Canadian civil war with Quebec and Cascadia).

9. Nova Scotia (Independent Republic that broke away during the Canadian civil war with Quebec and Cascadia).

10. Cascadia (West coast country from Oregan to British Columbia as well as the majority of the rocky mountain range, heralded for it’s great skiing, laid back people and liberal drugs laws, ripe with tourism.

11. California Republic (California and Nevada territory make up this powerful nation, liberal drug laws, great beaches, booming industries, one of the economic powerhouses of the world).

12. Aztlan (The new cultural home of the former Aztec Empire taken over by Mexico and ‘reclaimed’ by the natives. A traveller’s hotspot. Located in Arizona and New Mexico)

13. Texas (Need I say more why it’s it own country..)

14. Deseret (The Mormon capital of the world, the only non democratic but theocratic new nation on this list, located in what is today called Utah).

15. Mayan Republic (A Mayan revival movement similar to that of Aztlan during the Mexican Revolution that eventually results in a Mayan independence. Another tourist and traveller hotspot.)

16. Alaskan Republic (Split after the Soviet Union, with such an American influence a new dialect is created called American Rus)

17. Inuit Republic (Started in fairly recently, small economy, small population, huge land mass are.)

18. Canada. Yep, Canada is still there. It may have lost both it’s sea borders, North Eastern parts, Quebec, Newfoundland, Novascotia and BC but hey, it’s still got the Hudson Bay (although it has to share it with the French...)

19. The United states of America. Yeah, you thought I forgot about it, didn’t you? It maybe a lot smaller and 42 states down, but it’s there. It’s most northern state now is Michigan, the culture is hugely changed without the influence of the South and West and is a mainly industrial nation, with Detroit being the largest manufacturing city in North America.

Hope you guys liked this crazy and unrealistic scenario. Feel free to tell me your suggestions. :)

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Possible Future of Belgium, The Netherlands and Europe.

 As I recently went over to belgium for 4 days I thought I should do a little post on what Belgium might turn into.

Now, in case you didn’t know Belgium is pretty much two seperate countries that couldn’t get independence from the respective countries. (Flanders in the North belonging to The Netherlands and Wallonia in the South belonging to France.)

With current anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the vast amounts of Sulphur and Methane locked up in Permafrost. If the ice from Antarctic and Greenland shelf all melted, there will be a global sea level rise of 60-70 metres!

The effect that this would have would be catastrophic. The whole of Flanders (including Brussels) and the whole of the kingdom of the Netherlands would be completely submurged under water.

In effect, Wallonia would become the safe haven for Flanders and Dutch people. With there being a mass migration of people from the Netherlands to here and in neighbouring German where many Dutch citizens already live.

There are plans of protection for major cities such as Brussels, Amsterdam and Bruges. However even if this is the case, the economic cost of doing the same for other cities is simply none feasible. With the cost of ‘floating highways’ connecting these areas already being in the billions.

What would this result in sea level rise for the rest of Europe?

In the United Kingdom the English regions of Somerset, East Anglia, Humber, Bristol and most of the southern counties such as Kent, Sussex and Bournemouth would be completely submurged. South Eastern Wales and many parts of Munster and Connaught in Ireland too, would be submurged.

The Historical region of Venato in Italy, home to the world renound city of Venice would be completely submurged.

Western Latvia and Estonia would be submurged.

The only thing left of Denmark would be a few small islands poking out of the water. Many Danish residence would have to seek refuge in the other countries of the Nordic council (Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland).

Climate Change is a scarily real thing. Soon you won’t be seeing this on an alternate scenario page. But on the front pages of the news.

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In this alternate scenario… The Dutch and French colonies on Australia sucede with the Island being split into west (New Holland) and east (New Normandy).

Although the two nations remain separate, neither country settles in the centre of Australia. This becomes a refuge for the surviving aboriginals.

By the time the British arrive in the 19th century the continent is claimed, and Britain instead claims Tasmania and New Zealand.

After World War 2 the tribes of the aboriginals in central Australia have united to form a new form of government with the capital situated over the largest aquifer in the region. Aboriginal culture remains purely untainted. Many attempts for independence are made with no success. Despite the small population of only 10,000-20,000 or so aboriginals in the central Australia region, they gain notable recognition by the turn of the century by forming the new country of Central Australia. its own national language and capital in Alice Springs. The new country only source of GDP growth is through tourism, mainly to Alice springs.

Countries in Australasia.

1. New Holland.

2. New Normandy.

3. Tasmania.

4. New Zealand.

5. Central Australia

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Alternate Irish history. The Pale of Ireland continues on independent.

The Pale of Ireland.

The Lordship of Ireland was an English (and later British) rule on Ireland. Though the control was not total and many places ran autonomously. 

As more and more resistance was enforced the power of the British was reduced to what is known as ‘the pale, a section of land on the east of Ireland which made it easy to control for the English as they could trade and send naval ships easily over the Celtic sea.

In this alternate timeline. The Pale of Ireland was maintained. The Irish residents were kicked out from the region and it became a part of the UK with a distinctly English culture. Irish language was banned.

During the protestant reformation and the forming of the Church of England. The British government tried to get the population of the Pale to convert. However they were not to move.

The English sent over numerous ships and military to try to invade the land. However the people of the Pale joined with the Irish in a religious war against the English. 

The war ended with the Pale maintaining its Catholic origins. The Irish then try to form a union with the Pale. After several attempts and numerous uprisings against the Irish the union act fails. With the Pale being distinctly Scottish and English in culture. Creating its own mix of Gaelic, Irish and English to form Paleish. A distinct dialect unique to the region.

During the 20th century numerous revolts between the Pale, Ireland and England ensue in an alternative occurance of the troubles. It ends in stalemate with a vote being made on whether the Pale should become part of the newly founded and independent Republic or Ireland or to be a crown dependency of the UK. After a mixed vote with no clear majority consensus. The Pale becomes politically part of Ireland and is granted local autonomy of laws. Yet is also part of the Commonwealth of Great Britain. 

The Pale is a mixture of British and Irish culture and is seen as the buffer zone between the two nations. 

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Alternate USA/Canada

1. France never makes the louissiana purchase and Quebec remains French.

In this scenario. France never gives up its claims of the mid west to the US and Instead fights for a new French speaking democratic country away from European war, politics and theocracy.

Because of this, the Mexico/US war never takes place with California, Arizona, New Mexico and southern Texas becoming parts of Mexico.

The northern states are split between Canada and Louisiana. With Louisiana having the lower states and Canada gaining the northern 3 states.

The United states becomes much less powerful and trades industrial goods for agriculture.

With the French helping to fight against the British rule, the two nations become allies in world war two in helping to fight against the Nazis. 

The United states is much closer to Europe culturally through France and liberalizes along with western European countries. Post industrialising the United states becomes an economic trading power with companies such as Ford shipping to Europe, growing the economies. The US culture is much closer to that of the north eastern states such as connecticet.

Quebec starts a revolution in protest of being part of the British commonwealth upon Canadian independence. With the Quebec nationalist party forming a new republican government rather than a parliamentary system.

Numerous riots ensue, though the consensus of the population is for an independent french nation.

Eventually the state is recognized and voted into power.

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Possible future country.

With the current events of Russia in the Ukraine and Putin saying he is interested in expanding to the pre soviet bloc states in the Baltic region such as Latvia, Belarus. Lithuana etc. I feel like the future of the region could go many ways. Here is an alternate country revolving around the current event.

Eventually Russia’s influence in Ukraine could reach a peak with Ukraine being split at a cease fire along the centre of Kiev.

In attempt to strengthen the pre Soviet bloc and gain more autonomy, Ukraine along with other Baltic states form a political union or alliance against Russia. 

Appealing to other nations. Companies such as tesla begin subsidising solar and wind energy resources in an attempt to grow independent from Russia. Russia cuts all financial and energy aid to these countries. With funding from the EU the Baltic Alliance maintains a fairly stable economy and over a period of a decade grows independent from financial aid. Sharing resources between member states the alliance thrives against Russia. Becoming a safe haven for minorities in Russia being discriminated. The culture of the union becomes inclusive and diverse. With Kazakh, uzbeki and even Kurdish people migrating the region. 

Quality of life significantly increases in eastern Europe as a whole. With the alliance trading agricultural and industrial goods for energy and technology. The region modernises over the coming decades.

With many minorities being oppressed and marginilised in Russia culture. The culture of the new alliance becomes much more similar to that of western Europe’s. Becoming pro multi cultural.

The eastern bloc gains more and more interest in international investment. Becoming the economic capital of eastern Europe.

As this is quite a tense area to be talking about, I must emphasise that this is just a scenario and nothing said here should be taken as a political statement in any way.

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Alternate countries. Scotland/Orkney, Shetland, Hebrides.

In an alternate past. Scotland votes to be independent from the UK. in doing so, the islands of Orkney, Hebrides and Shetland form a union and secede from Scotland. 

Due to Shetland oil now belonging to the tiny union. Shetland sells the majority of its oil to British and Scottish companies making it prosperous. 

Because of the islands placement in the north sea with little wind interference. The 3 island groups invest heavily in renewable energy. With wind energy offshore from the islands being commonplace.

Due to the low population the islands have almost completely 0 carbon emissions with the exception of transport. It becomes as green as Iceland.

Due to the low population the islands have almost completely 0 carbon emissions with the exception of transport. It becomes as green as Iceland.

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Alternate country. Himalayan empire

The Himalayan empire stems from the Tibetan plateau and spreads across the Himalayas. It’s ethnically diverse. Ranging from Indian/south Asian to Tibetan people.

They are United by Buddhism with the Dalai llama as their king.

There us no border conflicts between India, Pakistan and China in this timeline due to the empire separating any disputes.

The kingdom gives water integreity to all countries meaning that it doesn’t claim complete control over the vast glacial water source.

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Alternate Country. Japanese Chile.

In this alternative scenario. The Japanese empire expands earlier. Wanting to increase its wealth and with a more demanding middle class. Japan goes in search of new land. They head south until they Reach what Is now Chile.

With a low inca population relatively cut off from the rest of the empire due to the Andes. The Japanese quickly conquer west of the Andes. Battles ensue between the Incas and the Japanese over land however with the Japanese naval strength, these are crushed.

When the Spanish come over in the 16th century they work with the Japanese to crush the Incas. By the early 17th century the Andean region is split between Spain and Japan.

After the countries of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador are granted independence. Spain pushes for Japan to allow Chile autonomy. Thus starts the Japanese-Andean war and beings WWII into South America.

After much fighting. Latin and Spanish forces reclaim a lot of the region known as western Peru. Japan Is eventually defeated in 1945 by America dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. Chile is granted independence in 1945, yet still trades agricultural peoducts heavily with Japan in exchange for technology.

The national language is Japanese however with Spanish and Ketchwan influences, New words and dialects come into existence.

The culture of Peru is hugely influenced by Japanese culture though is historically south American. It is technological innovative and trades with neighbouring countries.

There is to this day a rivalry between other south American countries and Chile. Particularly Peru.

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Alternate history. Chile.

In our timeline. Chile was conquered by the Spanish in 1541. After the founding of Santiago. Previously it was controlled as part of the Inca empire in the north and by various nomadic amaurocas in the south.

In an alternate timeline. After the defeat at Cusco. Many Incas fled across the Andes into defending the Incas. They unite with the tribes in the southern Andes and due to the extreme gradient and terrain of the western andes. The Spanish forces get massacred an outnumbered by the migrated Incas. Thus protecting the land west of the Andes.

Through the Incas culture of trade. The Amaroucous languages and people become included and defend the southern half from the Spanish. West of the Andes maintains its independence for many years as battles wage on and eventually the Spanish conquest comes to an end and the Inca empire carries on in the form of Chile.