These Fair Shores: The Commonwealth of New England

I’m really fascinated by the concept of the Aboriginal Parliament. Is it a legislature dedicated exclusively to the management of policy within Aboriginal territories whereas the Australian Parliament manages policy elsewhere? Are national affairs, such as the armed forces and foreign policy, managed by both parliaments?
 
Would somebody please point me towards the details about the coup against Hogan? I seem to have missed them, were they in a tweet I skimmed over? Or are we relying on ITTL USA-Kremlinologists (Whitehouseologists? Capitologists?) so the info is coming out as a trickle?

It was a Connection that noted the apparant coup in the United States. For the most part, Hamiltonologists are to be relied on in a situation like this, as they analyse the ongoing situation.

Yea it’s a pretty minor, I only noticed cause I’m from the state and have my own project where Charleston stays the capital. There were two forts in the area and there was some European settlement but it’d be nothing near the size it is today and likely be called something like Fort Congaree, Congaree, or soemthing like that

Awesome! Thank you for that help - it's minor things like this that I strive to work better towards.

One very important question: Does House of Cards exist ITTL, is Michael Richardson still the star, and would he be gunning to be PM or Lord President of the Empire? I imagine that the conflict between the two offices could be an important plot point, possibly replacing the "To play the King" series.
Actually, how is Imperial public opinion on the monarchy? I imagine people would be rather more socially conservative about them, akin to the sort of 50s quasi respect/deference attitude. Certainly nothing like the Diana or Megan circuses springing up.

House of Cards does not exist I am afraid to say. The conditions for it to have been written in the first place did not emerge, so such a series, even though it would fit so perfectly, wouldn't ever happen.

Imperial public opinion is supportive. There is no Royal Drama, so to speak, and it's a deep respect of the monarchy, which goes both ways, in a sense. There is no shocking marriages or flashy shows of media display, it's all tightly controlled, austere, and aloof. This goes for all dominions and realms under Empress Elizabeth.

Well. Except maybe Australia...

I am very very ready. It does seem that there is a lot more going on, with the small cracks of a possible constitutional crisis between the Lord President and the Prime Minister slowly showing.
Also, what do people call this war? The BBC refers to it as just the American War, but how would historiographers of ITTL's future label the conflict?

Huh. What type of government does Spain have, exactly? And why would it have an independent militia/s run amok?

What's the significance of rural Kentucky being Hogan's holdout? Is it just that it's the place farthest away from any major urban centers (which I presume are the backbone of CPO officers) that's also close to Cincinnati?
Does Britain own most of the social media? Or is it that each country has its own social media regulated by its own laws?
I do hope that Texas can at least hold on its own long enough that Empire would re-recognize them, even if at a smaller capacity

What do the citizens want at this point? The American military is in shambles (or at least, cannot really threaten anyone outside of their own borders), and the border is mostly secure. I imagine that many are secretly thinking of ending this whole affair now to focus on rebuilding.
I'm thinking now, that, in the thick of the Anglo-American War, that Niassa decided to invade, hoping no one would mind. From the wording, it did seem that Niassa considers Kafuestroom its own territory.
I'm afraid I haven't picked up on those pieces. My guess is that Napoleon doesn't want to be a part of the mess that would be rebuilding Louisiana? And instead, just retire in some mansion off New Orleans, or wherever his official residence is.

Also, occupied Norfolk, VA? Where else have the British landed (or maybe even parachuted into)? And there are mentions of an Alsatian dissolution...
Very interesting, can't wait for more!

- The BBC would call it "The War in America" or the "American War." As for the future name of the war? Well, ask again in 4-5 years ;)

- Spain is a heavily decentralised council-based socialist republic that incorporates a lack of true central governmental control with more suggestions of how the country should be organised. It is generally understood that Spain keeps itself together and not devolving into a warring faction because of the external threats it would pose. Good two-way street for them!

- There is no significance to Kentucky being the stronghold of the deposed Chairman, other than he was ousted from Cincinnati and needed to regroup with the military still loyal to him, which happened to be across the river.

- The Empire controls the vast majority of social media. But there are some Argentine and Russian sites (banned in the Empire) that are a lot less restrictive! The issue is the Empire is so dominating on the internet, it will use its soft power to hold sway over small countries who might otherwise not ban these platforms or restrict them.

- Well... Spoilers 🤫

- I am afraid it is nearly impossible to assess what the citizens would actually like at this point. There is no polling in the country, and every person you ask will have a different opinion. Unless you mean Imperial citizens? Then it's fiercely divided. The war is not without controversy...

- Both Grootmyn and Kafuestroom are internationally and legally recognised as Niassan territory. A series of ceasefires and agreements govern the relationship between the two.... Poorly.

- 👀

- The British have occupied Norfolk, Virginia, yes.

More will always be on the way!

Nice update although it did add to the realism that the last paragraph or so was about refugees and how the Imperial countries were on board for military action, no one really wants to have to deal with the obvious consequence of refugees wanting to escape from warzones. See those "troublesome" people who share "Westralian values" and the Bahamas being 'swamped' by refugees. Rings very true.

Thank you! It is important that I don't gloss over anything and try and present a complete as picture as possible, that this is a living, breathing world and that the things that happen aren't some rosy picture of the timeline.

Yikes, if the Imperial army is already facing partisan resistance in upstate New York, I can only imagine what will happen when they inevitably get to Appalachia and the parts of the South that support the government. I can totally see a few years into the conflict the Imperial army (or the army of whatever puppet state the Empire sets up in Appalachia) waging a brutal guerilla war against American loyalists resulting in napalm bombing of the dense forest and countless atrocities on both sides. On an unrelated note, does the Confederation bridge exist in this timeline and if so I imagine that it would be a major target for future American terrorist attacks.

Forget the bridge to PEI... There is the Long Island Sound bridge, which connects Long Island to New England. That would be a far bigger priority to secure and make sure is safe against any attacks.

Did the US send special forces and volunteers to places to counter the UK in areas around the world in the past? Just like otl North Korea sends its special forces to aid a government or an insurgency? And what areas of the US have been hotbeds of protests, civil unrest and rare insurgencies even though in small areas and often crushed quickly? the segregated neighborhoods I presume? And has the US been involved in any wars at all or just squashing rebellions in the past?

The United States did not engage in foreign adventurism. It is a deeply isoloationist country that stays out of the affairs of other countries, and it more or less (used to) get the same treatment from other countries.

There has been little unrest previous to this. So not such hotbet exists.

This is my first comment on this thread (and on this forum, although I am a long-time lurker) and I wanted to say how very awed I am of this timeline and all your work, the use of news articles and social media posts give the world so much depth and life that it feels just as real as our own. My questions to you regard the Russian Empire.

Firstly, what is Russia doing during this war and crises? They made a social media post supporting the British, but as I understand it no military response has been made. Is Chia China their only real concern in the world at present?

Secondly, who are Russia's allies? I think you briefly mentioned somewhere that Russia had strong economic ties with Prussia and other countries in the German region, but are there others or is the Russian Empire on its own?

Thirdly and finally, what is the view of the Russian monarchy domestically and internationally? As I have understood it, Russia has a very liberal approach to the internet, is this true for their society at large and their view on the monarchy?

Thank you and I look forward to your future work, it has become a weekly highlight for me!

I am so glad to have you comment! Just like Our Fair Country, I love when long-time readers/watchers comment on this!

Thank you so very much for your comments, this is the reaction I strive to get every time I build more and more of the world.

Russia is, thus far, standing idly by and offering kind words of support. There is no plan for Russia to get engaged or involved. Chia China occupies the foreign office's mind first and foremost. There is no interest in getting involved in something across the world.

Russia is primarily allied with Prussia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and in recent years Punjab. Russia has been engaged in a pivot to India in recent years.

At home, the Russian Monarchy is seen as a part of life. In the sense of, always has... and always will. They are highly respected and stay well out of politics at this point. Despite this, the Prime Minister travels with the Emperor at all times, as the Emperor's signature is needed on all govenmental actions. That being said... the monarchy is open to riddicule and scorn, open mocking... but always a deep sense of respect. Internationally, Russia's prestige and power maintains a firm respect for the monarchy, and in many ways the idea that Russia is this powerful, undefeated superpower has never hone away.

Very very interesting as always, @CosmicAsh. It would seem on the surface at least that Australia's not too different from OTL-- still a vibrant democracy with close ties to the mother country. And TTL's Australia appears to have a far better stance on Aboriginal rights than our own-- always a plus.

What of Westralia, its cousin across the desert? I would love to see something from them soon.

And of course, the real question: how is the Emu Empire doing in this world?

Australia is incredibly different from reality, the demographics and culture alone is such a radical shift, but their democratic nature and ties with the United Kingdom do remain strong. More than just having a better stance on indigenous rights, indigenous culture and society is Australian society. There is total integration there.

Westralia may come soon!

The Emus are a powerful foe.

How is Australia subdivided? Does it have more states than the 4 OTL states that its territory covers?

I will have a write up on this soon.

Great work!
  • How does the Australian prime minister get selected? I assume that the elections for both State and Aboriginal parliaments are concurrent, but maybe with separate parties running in their own respective parliament.
  • What's the difference between the First Minister and Prime Minister?
  • What's the Roaring Age? And what circumstances led up to it?

- The Australian Prime Minister must command a confidence in both Parliaments. The elections may be concurrent, but they do not have to be! Separate parties do contest each Parliament.
- The First Minister is the "Prime Minister" of the indigenous territory, which the Australian Parliament does not legislate for.
- The Roaring Age is a period of extreme prosperity and economic growht for the country. As for the circumstances... I do hope to discuss them one day!

What are the initial "Constituent Dominions"?

I am unsure of what you mean by this. Do you mean what dominions gained autonomy and foreign relations while being part of the British Empire still?

I'm assuming the Aboriginal Parliament is something similar to the Saami Council in Sweden.

Does the Australian Parliament have reserved seats for Aborigines, like New Zealand has for Maori?

I am afraid to say your assumption is entirely wrong. The Aboriginal Parliament has real, concrete, and fundamental political, economic, and diplomatic powers that directly govern parts of the country.

The Australian Parliament has no reserved seats.

I'd like to see more Australia, if possible. Perhaps a news article from the ABC about Australian politics.

This is, perhaps, something I may be able to do.

Asking, what is the relations between Aborigines that live in Australia and Aboriginal countries surrounding Australia.

The relations are very good, overall. They have a strong connection, and in many ways all exist as a quasi united country.

As an Aussie, I'd like to hear more about Australia

I have a few more things planned for Australia before I embark on my next project...

I’m really fascinated by the concept of the Aboriginal Parliament. Is it a legislature dedicated exclusively to the management of policy within Aboriginal territories whereas the Australian Parliament manages policy elsewhere? Are national affairs, such as the armed forces and foreign policy, managed by both parliaments?

This is more or less correct, to your first point. They are co-equal Parliaments and one is not subserviant to the other. The only difference between the two is how many people are managed and legislated for under each body. National affairs, the army, foreign policy, ect. are all managed by the Cabinet which, as noted, requires the confidence of both Parliaments. Therefore, it is generally always understood and known that the Cabinet is drawn from both Parliaments, giving both power to control national affairs.
 
Ian Richardson, IAN!! Sorry, have no idea where I got Michael from, possibly was thinking of a masculine form of Miranda Richardson or crossed over with Michael Dobbs.
Really? What were the "conditions" that permitted House of Cards in OTL that didn't emerge ITTL? Is strict BBC regulation ensuring that, for example,
nothing like the Profumo affair happens, ensuring people think politicians are more respectable?
Oh no, if House of Cards has dropped out, presumably satire has taken a beating as well?
 
Ian Richardson, IAN!! Sorry, have no idea where I got Michael from, possibly was thinking of a masculine form of Miranda Richardson or crossed over with Michael Dobbs.
Really? What were the "conditions" that permitted House of Cards in OTL that didn't emerge ITTL? Is strict BBC regulation ensuring that, for example,
nothing like the Profumo affair happens, ensuring people think politicians are more respectable?
Oh no, if House of Cards has dropped out, presumably satire has taken a beating as well?

Essentially, the House of Cards was written as a response to the Premiership of Margaret Thatcher. This is my understanding from someone with far better knowledge of British television than I. And yes, BBC regulations are much stronger, and politicans are seen in a different light. One thing to know is that something like Yes, Minister absolutely would exist, and lampoon the Liberal eternal government and showcase the civil service. Something similar to the Profumo affair did not take place, no. Or at least it wasn't covered...

Satire itself is alive and well, it just must be... respectable. That interpretation remains completely open.
 
am unsure of what you mean by this. Do you mean what dominions gained autonomy and foreign relations while being part of the British Empire still?
Ah! I saw the phrase early on in Australia’s Wikipedia article above. I myself assumed the phrase was the dominions who helped initially start this modern phase of the empire, but if that is what it is, certainly I am interested in that list as well!
 

Deleted member 77383

How did the military and police handle the civil unrest and small insurgencies in the US? Or was it the CPO doing the job?

so if the US didn’t suffer much from the past until now, this is basically North Korea where every type of unrest, protest, etc is crushed immediately?

What was a brief but violent period in the US history during the years of the Cold War (without the Cold War) ? Like an example of an insurgency but it gets crushed? Or a massacre of protesters leading to civil unrest but doesn’t last long?

is there an equivalent to the troubles or years of lead in the world?
 
- The First Minister is the "Prime Minister" of the indigenous territory, which the Australian Parliament does not legislate for.
Then why can the Prime Minister come from either parliament and is responsible to both bodies? Wouldn't it make more sense for the Prime Minister to come from and be responsible to only the Australian Parliament, and the First Minister coming from and being responsible to the Aboriginal Parliament?
 
Well, the situation in the US is... horrifying, and I have so many questions and so many thoughts. I'll just go with two that I can make coherent though.

1. What the hell happened to make American English (or whatever it's called) so freaking... wtf?
2. As a proud hamiltonian IRL, I am very unhappy to see his name being used by the DSU like this, and I am just praying that what's going on is something TTL's Hamilton would actually be rolling in his grave over (like, please let them just have been misusing his name).

----
Also, I'm surprised the Chairman turned out not to be the one behind the hardest line stances.
 
1. What the hell happened to make American English (or whatever it's called) so freaking... wtf?
Apparently it was simplified to improve literacy by making it easier to learn. It also had the effect of distinguishing the US and their written English from the British Empire and their "fancier English". I believe the spoken version is no different from the British, or our own.
 
The timeline is now also hosted on it's own discord server, link here: https://discord.gg/n8qbYrk2kB

I will respond to your questions... as always!

Updates will continue as normal in this thread!! The timeline is not migrating. The Discord server just has some early information, live events, some more lore, and behind the scenes content!
 
Seals of the Government of Hong Kong (by XFE)
Some seals put into use by the British Government following Hong Kong's admission as a Constituent Country.
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*The phrase "Han-English Commonwealth" and the motif of a Phoenix comes from OTL postwar propaganda by the British
*The word for "England" in Cantonese is usually used to refer to Britain, including in official capacities
*The "nine provinces" refers to a Chinese concept of the same name, sometimes interchangable with "all under heaven", in this case it refers to the entire British Empire"
 
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"If I said the Tea Set knew what they were doing, I would overstate at best and lie at worst. If they existed much earlier, they would collapse under the weight of school and economy. However, in 1966, the Liberal government of Britain began funding up-and-coming artists, and the Tea Set took their minds with the air of nostalgia and pastoralism combined with the strong English accent of Barrett, so they stumbled into their cultural support. In early 1967, they recorded their debut album, a disorganized assembly of Barrett's compositions and a couple of instrumentals. The album was a modest success, likely from the old people who wanted a nostalgia of the days before the War."
- an excerpt from the blog of Jersey Wygachiewicz, Polish enthusiast of British culture

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Given that A, Australia has seemingly not become a Republic, B, not fallen into socialist chaos, and C, not been wholly abandoned for the sunny shores of Westralia, and it's been more than 4 years. I'm going to guess that the Courier Mail is as dogshit as OTL. Well, that's some comfort, isn't it? The more things change, the more they stay the same.

I did notice you mention that Australia has a low-boiling Republican movement, is it much the same as OTL, a thing people talk about doing, and then just ignore?
 
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