Maybe the US had fought a longer and dealier Civil War, leaving not alot of money to buy Alaska. In 1917, the Czar retreats to Alaska and declares the Imperial State of Alaska. This nation lasts until about 1925, when under support from the Russian Communist Party, the Alaskan Communist Party gains control of the empire and declares the Soviet Alaskan Empire. But the Anglo/American minority rises up in 1931 and wages a Spainish Civil War-style war.
With an earlier Red Scare and several other factors lead to the American Party, a semi-fascist party, to be elected into the Presidencey, and that preson is Theodore Rivington. The American party wipes out all other parties, so that they are small or medium sized, but American is still classified as a multi-party nation until 1940.
In 1935, a bankrupt France and Britian (due to a longer Great War with no American support) sell their Guineas to the Dutch. The Brazillians, who were promised the Guenias, invade and take over all three.
In 1934, the Arabian Republic buys the British and French Midle East Mandates. In 1935, a coup in Persia brings about a pro-Amid gvernment, and they agree to be annexed by the Empire of Arabia, and Amid declares that the Middle East will no longer be owned by imperialistic powers of Europe.
Basically, a longer and deadlier Civil War could lead to the formation of a semi-fascist, anti-black party and gains the presidencey. The US could also still be licking here wounds from the Civil War, and does not enter into the Great War, which lasts until 1920.