Introduction
Hello there, friend. If you are reading this, then you have found the world I have humbly composed, which has stemmed from my own curiosity. Should you accept an invitation, step into a deep dive into history.
History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme. Mark Twain
Welcome to a world of alternate history, where we shall explore a timeline that is vastly different from our own. In this setting, the one major point of divergence is based on one question: What if the United States of America, instead of creating a republic, elected a monarchy? This question has fascinated me, and so I hope it does so to you as well!
History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul. Lord John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton
This is not a too far-fetched idea, as there was even a candidate in mind for the position. His name was Prince Henry of Prussia, younger brother of King Frederick II, otherwise Frederick the Great. This was made possible only after the collapse of the government following Shayes' Rebellion, and calls for a new constitution grew too loud. Should he have accepted, life as we know it would be forever altered, not just on the national scale, but would have global ramifications. The domino effect causes ripples throughout nearly every nation.
History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveler.Henry Glassie
What I find fascinating about alternate history is diving into what made the course of history what it was to begin with. It is important to know what, where, and when important things happen, but alternate history also begs the question of why. Why would a nation so determined to shake the bonds of monarchy simply elect a new one? What would the government structure be, and how would the decisions made impact the rest of the world? While a few familiar faces might arise, I assure you this world is nearly unrecognizable to our own.
The only thing new in the world is the history you do not know. Harry S. Truman
What I have done is attempt a detailed and comprehensive look at what this world could have looked like. I have spent years reading and speculating, and have taken very few liberties in order to keep it as authentic and realistic as possible. Too many times have I seen other alternate history work and thought, "Wait, that doesn't make sense". In a way, this is a response to those ideas, but is also a way for me to channel what it is that makes me passionate. Should this also peak your curiosity, even if you don't know much about the history in our own timeline, I have attempted to make this one as inviting as possible.
Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat itEdmund Burke/Winston Churchill
Now, I can hear you asking, "what does this world look like?" In a literal sense:
Roughly around an alternate 1960
Do you see that map, Maximus? That is the world which has been created.Marcus Aurelius, Gladiator
On a serious note, the world is nearly unrecognizable. However, is there still an American Civil War? Is there still a World War One? What about World War 2? While I cannot answer these questions here, I can say for certainty that they are found within! It is not enough for me to give that answer, but I also strive to answer the "why".
History is the sum total of things that could have been avoided. Konrad Adenauer
While I wouldn't say I have a particular article in mind as to where to begin, I have considered the Kingdom of America one to be a good starting point. If that doesn't fascinate you, I have an entire Article Index to check out. Overwhelming? No problem, I have also narrowed down to a simple Atlas as well, isolating the nations of this world. While you are there, check out the Random Article generator in each article for suggestions on where to go next. You think a world of alternate history should have a detailed timeline? Way ahead of you! Check out the Kingdom of America Timeline. Even so, maybe just get lost in the world and see where you end up. Nothing wrong with a little exploring.
Not all who wander are lost.J.R.R. Tolkein
If interaction is something you like, or if you have a basic question that is bugging you, consider the Discussion Boards below. I check them everyday, and should you request a person or nation to be fleshed out more, I shall not stop the work on them until they are finished. I do not say no very often to ideas. Have a question about the world instead? Maybe you can't find something that is itching at you? Ask away in the questions portion. I am friendly, I promise, and will talk your ear off if you let me. Just ask those who questioned before you to whom I have rambled for hours.
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.Saint Augustine
Without further ado, let's go exploring! Have fun, and enjoy yourself!
This is a wonderful and inviting introduction, you lay out the premise well, and the moment from which we truly diverge from history as we know it, which is always important in an alternate history setting. What is the monumental change, what big thing or collection of things is our moment of divergence. You set that up well, which is exactly what you want from any alternate history setting and story. I also like the inclusion of the map, seeing a world so recognizable, yet the borders and colors clearly representing nationstates, empires even, so different from those we know is a stark visual that promises us that yes it is very different despite being the world we know, and alternate history is always more fun when its those types where those things that change initially, feedback loop into a cascade of more and more and more things potentially and hypothetically turning out differently. Because the thought experiment is more fun arguably the more difficult it becomes to track it all in comparison with our own timeline. So that's an great teaser to include. I like it a lot Tynen, its a well crafted intro :)