Miscellaneous <1900 (Alternate) History Thread
- Thread starter RMcD94
- Start date
I’m not going to speak about the Lincoln part, but Long Live United Virginia! Had Virginia stayed United, the civil war wouldn’t change really at all, and now Virginia would be a red state solidly.
what if Elizabeth I married Ivan IV? while the union this would create would likely fall apart within a few decades, it could just as easily continue on, eventually leading to a proper union between the two, Russia being abundant in natural resources would help drive industry in England, while English technology would also raise the standards of living immensely for the Russian people, what are your thoughts?
Alternate Delmarva
In 1716, Charles Seymour and Wriothesely Russell, the Duke of Somerset and the Duke of Bedford set out for America along with some of their family and friends. They departed from Southampton and arrived on the shores of Delmarva, and made their way to Chincoteague Bay, at the coordinates of 38.08381° N, 75.33639° W, and built a few homes, the settlement of which would be named Bedford. People from Nottingham, Bedford, Hampshire, Somerset, Dorset, and many from Cornwall left for Bedford, with a port being built in 1718. The town grew, and in 1719 they proclaimed themselves a part of Virginia, assessing itself as Bedfordshire County, making the Pocomoke River, and other streams in the area as its borders. In 1722, some of these settlers departed from Bedford and begun settlements south of the Nanticoke River, and declaring them apart of Virginia. Major settlements were Winchester, Nottingham, Somserset, Exeter, Dorset, Dorchester, St Thomas, Nightshade-by-the-Sea, Sky’s End, Emberwind, Moonglow-on-Nanticoke, and Breezewood. Another port city named Exeter-on-the-Sea was booming, on Exeter Island (Fenwick-Assatauge Island, where Ocean City is today) and it became a major port city, but Bedford was still more important. After a request was sent to the British Government in 1722, Virginia’s northern border was set to the Nanticoke River and the northern natural border of OTL Sussex County Delaware. In April of 1722, Cardinalshire, Exetershire, Bedfordshire, Nottinghamshire, Nightshadeshire, Moonglowshire, Breezewoodshire, Somersetshire, and Dorsetshire we’re all recognised and declared shires of Virginia, with seats in the House of Burgesses, and courthouses were being built. In 1727, Bedford City County, Winchester City County, Exeter City County, St Thomas City County, and Nottingham City County were all established. Meanwhile the area continued to boom with Anglophiles. In 1730, many Italian and Hungarian Anglophiles began to move to The Eastern Shore. The area was obsessed with England and the monarchy. Bedford, Exeter, St Thomas, and Winchester began to grow even faster with monarchists and people who were very loyal to the British crown. A college was built in Winchester and then Bedford, and the cities continued to grow and became towns on commerce. The eastern shore though, continued to stay relatively quiet and small. More settlers went north of the Nanticoke to expand Maryland to the Atlantic once more, eventually succeeding in 1741. Back to the southern half, farming continued to explode as small towns began to spring up, but Bedford, Winchester and St Thomas continued to grow. In 1746, each county had a courthouse and was fairly developed. The Port of Chesapeakeshire-on-the-Sea or Yellowsend-on-the-Sea (At OTL Cape Charles) became a major port for the Chesapeake, and could block parts of the Bay. Castles, manors, libraries and other buildings were built in a Elizabethan/Tudor/Jacobean revival, along with some Georgian buildings were built. Rococo and Baroque were also used, as large manors were built. The Eastern Shore did not have slaves, and in many counties they were outlawed. Farming did continue to prosper. The Dukes of Somerset and The Dukes of Bedford and their families were very pertinent to culture there. New Peerages were established in the Eastern Shore as well. In 1755, Exeter began to boom in popularity after many people began to love the beach, and people flocked to Exeter and other coastal resorts. For the next 20 years, the area continued to prosper, and loved British rule. They were unbothered by acts of the British government, but in 1775, The Eastern Shore urged Virginia not to join the Revolution and to stay loyal to the British Crown. Some Western Counties along with the Eastern Shore decided to stay loyal, but the western counties were assimilated soon thereafter. In 1776, the Eastern Shore along with some Shenandoah and Southwestern Counties of Virginia decided to established the Second Colony of Virginia in Bedford. Hampshire, Henry, Fincastle, Frederick, Prince Edward, Berkeley, and Bedford (West) Counties along with the Eastern Shore decided to join this second Colony. In Maryland, the Eastern Shore, Delaware, Anne Arundel, Frederick, and Hartford Counties created the Loyalist Province and would not depart from The British Empire. For the course of the war, nothing happened in the Eastern Shore Counties. Eventually, by the Treaty of Paris, The Eastern Counties of Virginia and Maryland would remain British. The Western Border would become the Susquehanna River, with the Eastern River being the Delaware River. The Northern Border would be on the 40th parallel, but would be a squiggly line, not a straight line. It would be organised as British Maryland and British Virginia. In Virginia, what was called The Loyalist Movement, and would occur in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The Northwest Territories would remain British as apart of Quebec, but would separate into Charlotina. British Virginia’s capital was debated. In 1783, Winchester was slightly larger than Bedford, but was on the Chesapeake at the coordinates 38.23744° N, 75.89587° W, whereas Bedford could be more protected. Bedford was chosen for historical reasons. British Virginia and British Maryland were given home rule, even though there was no unrest in these skeletons of the colonies they once were. In both colonies, a bicameral Parliament was established. In Maryland, the Upper House of Lords was assessed, with the lower House of Commons, and in Virginia, the Parliament consisted of the Upper House of Lords and the Lower House of Burgesses. In Maryland, the House of Commons was short lived and by 1786, it became the House of Burgesses as a symbol of unity within these colonies. For the next 20 years, the British government was forced to patrol the borders after concerns of an American Invasion. The Colony was prospering and Italians, Hungarians, and Slovaks flocked to British Virginia with towns like Kamenica and Sasso springing up on the Chesapeake as major towns for Italian, Slovak, and Hungarian immigrants. In 1788, the Colonies were abolished and became Crown Colonies. The Monarch became Lord of British Virginia or British Maryland, although the Crown Colonies would remain a direct extension of the UK. Maryland obtained a Lord Proprietor, and a lower Chief Minister. In Virginia, which was now the Provincial Crown Colony of British Virginia, it now has a first minister. Its Parliament mirrored the British Parliament with different formalities. In Maryland, the Calverts remained Lord Proprietor of Maryland. In Maryland, it was centralised and only consisted of counties and municipalities. In Virginia, it was decentralised with counties, shires, parishes, and communes (in descending order) based on the Bedfortine Statute. The Bedfortine Statute was passed immediately following the creation of the Crown Colony of Virginia. The British Government was generally disinterested with Virginia and Maryland but still took taxes from them. In 1789, Kentucky officially seceded from the Union, after Virginia did not allow it to become a state. The Republic of Kentucky, afraid of an American invasion, decided to join the British Empire. In the Treaty of Bedford, America recognised these claims, afraid of another British Invasion. Kentucky, for 3 years was a regular colony under British supervision and patrol, but in 1792, Kentucky swapped and requested to join Virginia to gain more freedoms, but it was rejected for a while. British Kentucky continued to expand, while America continued to unravel over the Articles of Confederation. The borders of Kentucky was established in the Treaty of Winchester, making Kentucky’s borders along the New, Kanawha and other rivers in Western Carolina to create natural borders for Kentucky. This was ratified between the UK and the US in 1793. Virginia continued to expand, and the Eastern shore was 50% Richer than American Virginia and it was also more healthy and ethical. In 1795, America faced another crisis, but nothing came out of it but more divisiveness. In 1797, Kentucky was finally allowed to join Virginia. Formally, The Lower Ohio Counties were abolished and allocated to British Virginia. The Bedfortine Statute was updated to create the highest administrative division; provinces, which had their own provincial legislature, first ministers (or whatever variant). The Province of Chesapeake (for the eastern shore), Somerset (eastern KY), New Nottinghamshire (Middle KY) and Queen Mary (rest of KY) each of which having natural borders. Virginia assimilated Kentucky, and they were happy with their new government. Virginia, which continued to love Elizabethan/Jacobean/Tudor, Rococo, and Georgian styles, additionally they continued to build manors, castles, libraries, and cathedrals. They built a few palaces and other traditional buildings, as peerages continued to grow with new coat of arms and heraldry across the area. The gentry of Chesapeake Vs that of what was Kentucky was drastically different. Slavery was in some ways existing and slowly growing in the west. Chesapeake felt like slavery was inhumane and obscene. In Kentucky, they finally allowed them to outlaw slavery in 1799. Kentucky continued to grow closer to Chesapeake, which still held onto their British culture and accent. Many of the Scottish and Irish settlers in the west departed to Tennessee, disliking the Anglo-Virginian Government. The Bedfortine Statute was once again revised, giving Counties their own legislature and government, continuing to devolve the government further. In 1801, following the election of John Adams, Virginia became even more of a border mess. Henry and Bedford Counties joined British Virginia, creating a natural border once again. Furthermore, Hampshire, Berkeley, and Frederick County joined British Virginia as well, due to old Loyalist sentiments, and decentralisation policies (Based on 1775 Counties). In the south, the Province of Moonlight was assessed, and in the North the Province of Nightshade were assessed and new counties (Woodbine, Cardinalwind, and Daffodilshire in Moonlight, with Hampshire, Winchester, King Charles, Frostbine, Prince Frederick, Starbreeze, and Lilly’s Port Counties). Shires, which are lesser than counties. They were administrative and had local powers. Parishes were for churches, and specifically which denomination that area held. Each town was a commune. Nightshade was very difficult to take care of, and British and Americans met in Winchester, Chesapeake (versus Winchester in Nightshade), because it was surrounded by America, even though The Potomac. The Second Treaty of Winchester, passed in 1803 recognised the counties and borders, and also gave British Virginia rights to the Potomac, which didn’t mean much. More Italians, Hungarians, Slovaks, and other British Loyalists began to move to American Virginia, and solidify British Virginia’s claim. In 1804, King George’s Intercounty System, which created paths across the colony. Meanwhile, in Maryland, the Colony argued for areas east of Wabash River and Lake Michigan, and was given Michigan (not the Upper Peninsula), and also parts of OTL with modern borders. In Virginia, the Intercounties had several tiers, divided ways, provincial ways (which could be divided), County ways, shire ways, and communal ways. The colony continued to develop and grow, growing more rich and powerful. Nightshade continued to be more valuable, with farming in some areas being pertinent. The entire country continued to be assimilated into the British culture of Chesapeake. In 1811, Loudon, Fairfax, And Prince William Counties joined British Virginia as Prince William, Lightningshire, Honeyshore, Honeyslake, and Honeymeadow Counties. In 1812, the US Declared War on the British Empire on the basis of impressment, which Virginia did not support. Virginia assisted, but Chesapeake and Nightshade were highly against the war, but fought in it. After the war ended in the Treaty of Ghent, nothing happened, and Virginia went back to peace, but tensions still existed between The UK and the US. Due to its relatively central nature, the City of Winchester (In Nightshade) became the new capital. A Palace of Parliament was established, along with a Palace for the royals, even though it wasn’t in use. Both in grand rococo and Elizabethan styles. On the banks of the Shenandoah River, The Palace of Cardinalswind was built, a sublime Elizabethan Palace, with spires, towers, clock towers, rooms, cathedrals, and chapels. This was for the Virginian Parliament. The more demure Bedford Palace was the Royal Residence of the British Monarchy in Virginia, and was also a grand Elizabethan Building, but smaller, had many rooms and a cathedral, both being very expensive. In Nightshade, many castles were built, and during the Napoleonic Wars, many exiled monarchies went to British Virginia to live, some permanently after their kingdoms weren’t restored following the war. The country began to industrialise, creating mills across the country and being a major place for industrialisation. ITTL, Louisiana was never purchased by the US, and only controls the current states of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North/South Carolina, Tennessee, (parts of Virginia and West Virginia as described, along with natural borders in TN), Western Shore of MD, Parts of PA, NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, and Vermont. The country continued to grow, prospering with more Italians, Hungarians, and Slovaks flocking to Virginia during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1831, The US declared war on the UK again, after a trade dispute. For the first 2 years, All of Virginia and Maryland was capitulated besides their holdings in the Chesapeake Bay. But, The British, and other allies arrived on the shores of American Virginia, pushing into the Commonwealth and eventually making their way to Richmond. At the Battle of Richmond, the combined Virginian troops won, while Kentucky was being restored along with other areas. In 1833, Winchester was restored after an east battle, which was a turning point in the war. But 1836, the Commonwealth of Virginia in its entirety was in British Virginian control, with PA and NJ being in Maryland’s control. New England was in British occupation, and the rebellious South surrendered at the Battle of Savannah. In the Treaty of Winchester, Virginia was annexed, along with West Virginia. The Northern Border would be along the Potomac, Youghiogheny, Mononghela, and Ohio. In the South, a natural border with North Carolina was established. British Maryland annexed parts of Pennsylvania, and annexed the rest of Maryland. They continued their control of Lower Peninsula of Michigan, Ohio, and areas of Indiana. American Virginia still existed in OTL Pennsylvania. New Hampshire and Rhode Island were annexed by the British Empire. The USA still existed with the states of Virginia (in OTL parts of Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, Armstrong County, and others, along the borders of the Mononghela, and Allegheny Rivers), Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Carolina. Georgia was restored to the dead Spanish Empire, along with Natural Borders. Reunited Virginia was very unstable. For the next 4 years, thousands of Americans departed Virginia for France or the remaining U.S., having the population decrease heavily, and leaving only 10% of people favouring a republic, which went to virtually 0% by 1850, after another mass migration. More Italians, Hungarians, and Slovaks moved to Virginia after economic downpours which continued to make Virginia more prosperous. More provinces and counties were assessed. Winchester, Nightshade remained the capital of the country. The Country began to assimilate its new territories, creating new paths and its cultured. The Acts of Gentrification was passed in the Virginian Parliament, which was to rebuild American Virginian, with many abandoned buildings from the republican migrants. The Virginian Parliament, which again consisted of the House of Burgesses and the Upper House of Lords. In the House of Burgesses, each county was guaranteed to have at least one seat. Each county would have districts, at least 2 seats (1 for the county town), and then 1 for the rest of the county, although more could be carved out based on population. In the House of Lords, there would be 25 Bishops and Archbishops. The House would be exact to the British form, but more seats would be added. Each province would have 3 seats. A royal peerage system would be created. The royal peerage would cover an area, for Example the Earldom of Vancona would cover an area, and it’s constituents would vote for a representative alongside the nominal holder of the Peerage, who would usually, in means of democracy, go along with the vote of the representative. In 1841, by the Royal Key Act, it affirmed the tradition of Virginians. From the start of The Bedford Colony, people used keys at town meetings, which were informal meetings, and county government sessions, and locked them into the key box, to make sure they were citizens. It eventually crossed over into the British Virginian Government and was an informality in Winchester. In The Royal Key Act, it said each member of Parliament (MP) and elected government official is to be given a key based on political party, all in a relatively similar format. These were given in the 53rd Virginian Parliament. For the next 20 years, Virginia was quiet. In that time period, major cities such as Whispering Winds, Redbud, Queen Victoria, Flamewood, Firewind, Lakember, Woolhope-by-the-Bay, Roccarainola-on-the-Wolds, Keybine-on-the-Wolds, Luncaster-on-the-Wolds, Lunarwind, St Tobias, Keysgrave, Candlegrave, Brighton-on-Sea, Livozzo-on-the-Lake, Krascin-on-the-Wolds, Lunewood, Snowbush, Taunton, Bridgwater, Woodhaerst, Sassandici-on-the-Bay, Honeyember-by-the-Marsh, Somerbine, St Giuliana, Dover, Lindicci-on-the-Wolds, and Cardinalwood-by-Shenandoah began to sprout up, as Exeter, Winchester (both), St Thomas, and Nightshade continued to grow. In 1861, America declared war on the British Empire. It wanted to reclaim land from the British, even though they had not grew since the last war. The Americans were underprepared and by 1862, Carolina seceded, to declare the Confederate States of America, still at war with the British. Later in 1862, Georgia also seceded. By 1866, the Second Treaty of Winchester was signed which saw Maryland annex Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and areas of New York to connect its territories. New England and the Carolinas were to be annexed, along with Georgia. Virginia remained stuck in the past, still building Elizabethan castles, and did not use Victorian at all. Technology did slowly creep in, but Virginia remained in the past. In 1870, the British North America Act, Part 1 Commissioned a referendum in each colony for dominionship. Every colony (Georgia, Carolina, Maryland, Charlotina, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Cascadia [Oregon Country, British Columbia, and Yukon OTL], Saskatchewan, Ontario, Connecticut, Hudson, New York, Champlain, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) Voted to become a dominion in North America. Some with closer margins than others. In New Brunswick, New Ireland, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia all decided to remain directly controlled by the UK by a margin of 10% or less. In Virginia, which had a distinct Northern English Culture and Accent, as well as a staunch loyalty to the crown, it voted to remain British by a vote of 89%. In 1870, all of the Western Hemisphere was a dominion, or directly controlled by a European monarchy. In the second part of the act, Bermuda and Jamaica were allocated to Virginia for their administration as Crown Dependencies of the Crown Colony of Virginia. The second part of the act officially made those colonies listed above dominions (independent but shares a monarch), besides Virginia and Atlantic Canada. Virginia, Maryland, and Atlantic Canada still retained their British accent and identity. Virginia, unlike some rebellious colonies which created their own version of English, although in Canada, Virginia, Maryland, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire retained British English. Tory leaders in these dominions wanted British English to be restored, and in some that did occur. Virginia was an epicentre for politics in the new world. There were 50 Treaties/Conventions held in Winchester alone. Virginia was a place of innovation at least in Winchester, Nightshade. The College of Winchester and the College of Queen Charlotte were bustling in Winchester and the biggest college in the new world, and a major ones in the world. Although Virginia remained very traditional. The Reaffirmation Act was passed after Carolina’s Segregation Act in 1872, Virginia, which gave women’s suffrage in 1801, and gave suffrage for People of Colour in 1843, and defied the British Gov’t attempt to revoke Slovak Voting Rights. The Reaffirmation Act gave all citizens of The Crown Colony of Virginia voting rights and full suffrage, except for homosexuals, which was illegal. On New Year’s 1871, which was a big event for Virginia, which including fireworks, ciders, alcohol, pasta, pies, and other events, which began in Bedford back in the 1700s, it was the first New Year’s when Maryland was a Dominion. Virginia, who was Maryland’s sister polity, and shared an extensive loyalist history. Virginian First Minister, Thomas Verrone declared Maryland’s departure a travesty, and a sad moment. The Country’s political parties were the Tories, Imperialists, Libretarians, and Whig Party (descending on popularity). In 1876, 100 years after “The Sundry of Barbarous, Ignorant, and Sickening acts against the British Crown” (Minarchist Speaker of the House of Burgesses, Lorenzo Terrizzi stated), Parliament passed the Observance of 4th July Act 1776, which proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving, along with Guy Fawkes Day. It also chartered many great and beautiful statues in Winchester, Bedford, Honeyshore, Roccarainola-on-the-Wolds, and Exeter, but mainly in Winchester. Expensive statues of British figures in history was created. Nightshade Avenue was remodelled in Winchester, where it would be a parkway. In the median, at every intersection, there would be a statue of each English monarch, and English figure in history, along with Italian figures as well. In between, there would be flowers, cherry blossoms, and lampposts. In the act, it also officially remodelled Winchester into an Elizabethan/Rococo City, with a uniform road design with diagonal roads, and with wider roads, city squares and new buildings. Nightshade Avenue was built that went from the edge of Winchester to Parliament Palace. The day was a day of Thanksgiving because the gov’t was thankful Virginia was not apart of (parts of, and isn’t currently) the ‘unclassy’ union of states. The Act chartered several bridges over the widened Shenandoah, most notably the Winchester Tower Bridge. It was a grand bridge near the Parliamentary Palace. The Palace of Cardinalwind became a symbol of culture, after a beautiful rococo watercoulour painting of the Palace with the backdrop of a purple sunset. This symbolised democracy, and Virginian Toryism. In the 1880s thousands of Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese took part in a mass emigration to Virginia, after political and economical upheaval and the love for Virginian culture. Virginia was a very romantic country, the land of castles and Elizabethan monuments and royalism, which many additionally loved. The Unionist Virginia rose above the Dominions, and it was becoming a bigger powerhouse in the region. With the invention of the automobile, the minarchist country was fascinated with the ideas of freedom to go anywhere anytime. Domestic railways were closed and demolished (although international ones remained in place, but some were removed), with Virginian railcars and companies were sold to Maryland and the UK. Meanwhile, back in 1879, the Virginian Flag Act was passed which created the flag of Virginia. Named St. Thomas’ Colours, (named after Virginian St. Thomas, not in association with the City of St Thomas), which is a white saltire with a pale yellow background. In the middle of the saltire, the lesser coat of arms was placed. It was a shield, in the middle, a grand shield divided in half. To the left, a purple alternating diagonal line, with white in between. To the right, a triple hill was at the bottom, with a castle on top, with a moon at the top. Nightshade sat next to the castle, and stars filled the sky. Behind the middle coat of arms, coat of arms were featured, such as the Arms of the Duke of Bedford, the Coat of Arms of Somerset was featured, being the only ones. Another arms with a red background existed with a golden trimount with a double cross on top of it, and a Saxon crown on top of it. Another arms had a Cardinal holding a staff and a crown, in a night sky background. Another had a castle. Another had a nightshade wrapped around a sword, which had rubies in its handle. The last one contained a hart sitting on a hillside. The Crown of the UK was placed on top of the shield. That one was on the flag. Alone, the coat of arms was placed on a mantle and pavilion (similar to Savoy’s) and the coat of arms were supported by two Angels. Below the coat of arms, the motto of Virginia “thy day thou gavest, Lord, is Ended” is placed below, with nightshade and lavender wrapped around the scroll. Until 1916, things in Virginia were quiet. They supported the British in WW1 and the rest of their wars. In 1916, the British Parliament wanted to find a way to get rid of Virginia. They felt it was backwards to keep a North American Colony. So, to Virginian anger, they finally reached an agreement in 1922, and Virginia was declared the Dominion of Virginia. The Settlement reached gave The UK all of the Virginian Debt, which was relatively small. The UK was still requested to be a major part of Virginian life, and Virginia was now apart of Anglo-Virginian Law, formally. The Country, with 16 Provinces began to sleep, figuratively. In the interwar period, Virginia invested in air travel technology and began to update their roads and infrastructure. Virginia was still seen as a cultural extension of England, and copied most of their moves. Virginia was a major haven for minorities and battered people, but the country was closed off, and remained the English, Italian, Hungarian, Slovak, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese place it was ethnically. The Civil Rights Movement and Feminist Movements looked at Virginia’s inclusiveness and aimed to mirror that in whichever country it was in. Virginia and The Kingdom of Italy created the Italo-Virginian Pact, or the Winchester Pact for trade and defence. Virginia remained in the past culturally, and still used a refined Elizabethan and Tudor Architecture. The country slowed its growth and its cities continued to mix, although Winchester continued its growth as a mega city. In WW2, Virginia sent troops to help the British and Italians against the Fascists, but Virginia ultimately just stayed quiet and followed the events like a spectator in the Media. Following the War against the French and Germans, Virginia rapidly became a major hub for airports and airlines. Even though many Virginian airlines prospered, 90% of the worlds airlines were headquartered in Winchester. Winchester/St Thomas Memorial International Airport was the biggest in the world and Virginia led the world in air and automobile technology and travel. Virginia stayed neutral and quiet, developing its roads and airports, with formalities. The British Monarchy was an important part of Virginian life unlike in the other colonies. It was a very loyal place. Jamaica and Bermuda remained Virginian territory, with Bermuda becoming apart of Bedfordshire, and Jamaica becoming a province with its own counties. In 1971, in the Moonshire District, many new tal glass skyscrapers were built. Winchester was one of the biggest cities and the world, and the biggest city in the Western Hemisphere by far. The country was sleepy in the next 30 years, as The Moonshire continued to grow and continued to remodel itself. Many glass skyscrapers were built, the only modern thing in Virginia some said. At the turn of the century, Virginian architecture was still stuck in Elizabethan and Rococo stylings. There were some modernisation throughout the years, but Virginia remained relatively the same. Historically, Virginia was very liberal and inclusive, but now, although Virginia is very open to women and people of colour, homosexuality is still highly illegal, and it is expected to stay that way. Each year in Winchester, a grand televised event is held on New Years Eve. The country is known for its extravagant New Years Celebrations. For New Years at the turn of the century, almost every international head of state went to Winchester to see the grand show. In the 21st century, the country was still sleeping. Its western portions were rural (but protected, and nuclear bombs are stationed in the mountains of central Virginia). Virginia sent a man to the moon, using Florida’s land and was a major player in Space Exploration. Winchester slowed its growth and the skyscrapers were modern and beautiful, and the rest of the town-an Elizabeth Rococo styled metropolis-was charming. The country is still very loyal to the monarchy, and unionism in other dominions exist and is flourishing, on a lesser degree.
TL;DR
Delmarva is colonised by British lovers and refuses to join the American Revolution, which is respected and it remains apart of the British Empire. After 3 wars, Virginia is reunited with Kentucky and West Virginia, and Virginia is ultra unionist and refuses to become a dominion until 1922.
In 1716, Charles Seymour and Wriothesely Russell, the Duke of Somerset and the Duke of Bedford set out for America along with some of their family and friends. They departed from Southampton and arrived on the shores of Delmarva, and made their way to Chincoteague Bay, at the coordinates of 38.08381° N, 75.33639° W, and built a few homes, the settlement of which would be named Bedford. People from Nottingham, Bedford, Hampshire, Somerset, Dorset, and many from Cornwall left for Bedford, with a port being built in 1718. The town grew, and in 1719 they proclaimed themselves a part of Virginia, assessing itself as Bedfordshire County, making the Pocomoke River, and other streams in the area as its borders. In 1722, some of these settlers departed from Bedford and begun settlements south of the Nanticoke River, and declaring them apart of Virginia. Major settlements were Winchester, Nottingham, Somserset, Exeter, Dorset, Dorchester, St Thomas, Nightshade-by-the-Sea, Sky’s End, Emberwind, Moonglow-on-Nanticoke, and Breezewood. Another port city named Exeter-on-the-Sea was booming, on Exeter Island (Fenwick-Assatauge Island, where Ocean City is today) and it became a major port city, but Bedford was still more important. After a request was sent to the British Government in 1722, Virginia’s northern border was set to the Nanticoke River and the northern natural border of OTL Sussex County Delaware. In April of 1722, Cardinalshire, Exetershire, Bedfordshire, Nottinghamshire, Nightshadeshire, Moonglowshire, Breezewoodshire, Somersetshire, and Dorsetshire we’re all recognised and declared shires of Virginia, with seats in the House of Burgesses, and courthouses were being built. In 1727, Bedford City County, Winchester City County, Exeter City County, St Thomas City County, and Nottingham City County were all established. Meanwhile the area continued to boom with Anglophiles. In 1730, many Italian and Hungarian Anglophiles began to move to The Eastern Shore. The area was obsessed with England and the monarchy. Bedford, Exeter, St Thomas, and Winchester began to grow even faster with monarchists and people who were very loyal to the British crown. A college was built in Winchester and then Bedford, and the cities continued to grow and became towns on commerce. The eastern shore though, continued to stay relatively quiet and small. More settlers went north of the Nanticoke to expand Maryland to the Atlantic once more, eventually succeeding in 1741. Back to the southern half, farming continued to explode as small towns began to spring up, but Bedford, Winchester and St Thomas continued to grow. In 1746, each county had a courthouse and was fairly developed. The Port of Chesapeakeshire-on-the-Sea or Yellowsend-on-the-Sea (At OTL Cape Charles) became a major port for the Chesapeake, and could block parts of the Bay. Castles, manors, libraries and other buildings were built in a Elizabethan/Tudor/Jacobean revival, along with some Georgian buildings were built. Rococo and Baroque were also used, as large manors were built. The Eastern Shore did not have slaves, and in many counties they were outlawed. Farming did continue to prosper. The Dukes of Somerset and The Dukes of Bedford and their families were very pertinent to culture there. New Peerages were established in the Eastern Shore as well. In 1755, Exeter began to boom in popularity after many people began to love the beach, and people flocked to Exeter and other coastal resorts. For the next 20 years, the area continued to prosper, and loved British rule. They were unbothered by acts of the British government, but in 1775, The Eastern Shore urged Virginia not to join the Revolution and to stay loyal to the British Crown. Some Western Counties along with the Eastern Shore decided to stay loyal, but the western counties were assimilated soon thereafter. In 1776, the Eastern Shore along with some Shenandoah and Southwestern Counties of Virginia decided to established the Second Colony of Virginia in Bedford. Hampshire, Henry, Fincastle, Frederick, Prince Edward, Berkeley, and Bedford (West) Counties along with the Eastern Shore decided to join this second Colony. In Maryland, the Eastern Shore, Delaware, Anne Arundel, Frederick, and Hartford Counties created the Loyalist Province and would not depart from The British Empire. For the course of the war, nothing happened in the Eastern Shore Counties. Eventually, by the Treaty of Paris, The Eastern Counties of Virginia and Maryland would remain British. The Western Border would become the Susquehanna River, with the Eastern River being the Delaware River. The Northern Border would be on the 40th parallel, but would be a squiggly line, not a straight line. It would be organised as British Maryland and British Virginia. In Virginia, what was called The Loyalist Movement, and would occur in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The Northwest Territories would remain British as apart of Quebec, but would separate into Charlotina. British Virginia’s capital was debated. In 1783, Winchester was slightly larger than Bedford, but was on the Chesapeake at the coordinates 38.23744° N, 75.89587° W, whereas Bedford could be more protected. Bedford was chosen for historical reasons. British Virginia and British Maryland were given home rule, even though there was no unrest in these skeletons of the colonies they once were. In both colonies, a bicameral Parliament was established. In Maryland, the Upper House of Lords was assessed, with the lower House of Commons, and in Virginia, the Parliament consisted of the Upper House of Lords and the Lower House of Burgesses. In Maryland, the House of Commons was short lived and by 1786, it became the House of Burgesses as a symbol of unity within these colonies. For the next 20 years, the British government was forced to patrol the borders after concerns of an American Invasion. The Colony was prospering and Italians, Hungarians, and Slovaks flocked to British Virginia with towns like Kamenica and Sasso springing up on the Chesapeake as major towns for Italian, Slovak, and Hungarian immigrants. In 1788, the Colonies were abolished and became Crown Colonies. The Monarch became Lord of British Virginia or British Maryland, although the Crown Colonies would remain a direct extension of the UK. Maryland obtained a Lord Proprietor, and a lower Chief Minister. In Virginia, which was now the Provincial Crown Colony of British Virginia, it now has a first minister. Its Parliament mirrored the British Parliament with different formalities. In Maryland, the Calverts remained Lord Proprietor of Maryland. In Maryland, it was centralised and only consisted of counties and municipalities. In Virginia, it was decentralised with counties, shires, parishes, and communes (in descending order) based on the Bedfortine Statute. The Bedfortine Statute was passed immediately following the creation of the Crown Colony of Virginia. The British Government was generally disinterested with Virginia and Maryland but still took taxes from them. In 1789, Kentucky officially seceded from the Union, after Virginia did not allow it to become a state. The Republic of Kentucky, afraid of an American invasion, decided to join the British Empire. In the Treaty of Bedford, America recognised these claims, afraid of another British Invasion. Kentucky, for 3 years was a regular colony under British supervision and patrol, but in 1792, Kentucky swapped and requested to join Virginia to gain more freedoms, but it was rejected for a while. British Kentucky continued to expand, while America continued to unravel over the Articles of Confederation. The borders of Kentucky was established in the Treaty of Winchester, making Kentucky’s borders along the New, Kanawha and other rivers in Western Carolina to create natural borders for Kentucky. This was ratified between the UK and the US in 1793. Virginia continued to expand, and the Eastern shore was 50% Richer than American Virginia and it was also more healthy and ethical. In 1795, America faced another crisis, but nothing came out of it but more divisiveness. In 1797, Kentucky was finally allowed to join Virginia. Formally, The Lower Ohio Counties were abolished and allocated to British Virginia. The Bedfortine Statute was updated to create the highest administrative division; provinces, which had their own provincial legislature, first ministers (or whatever variant). The Province of Chesapeake (for the eastern shore), Somerset (eastern KY), New Nottinghamshire (Middle KY) and Queen Mary (rest of KY) each of which having natural borders. Virginia assimilated Kentucky, and they were happy with their new government. Virginia, which continued to love Elizabethan/Jacobean/Tudor, Rococo, and Georgian styles, additionally they continued to build manors, castles, libraries, and cathedrals. They built a few palaces and other traditional buildings, as peerages continued to grow with new coat of arms and heraldry across the area. The gentry of Chesapeake Vs that of what was Kentucky was drastically different. Slavery was in some ways existing and slowly growing in the west. Chesapeake felt like slavery was inhumane and obscene. In Kentucky, they finally allowed them to outlaw slavery in 1799. Kentucky continued to grow closer to Chesapeake, which still held onto their British culture and accent. Many of the Scottish and Irish settlers in the west departed to Tennessee, disliking the Anglo-Virginian Government. The Bedfortine Statute was once again revised, giving Counties their own legislature and government, continuing to devolve the government further. In 1801, following the election of John Adams, Virginia became even more of a border mess. Henry and Bedford Counties joined British Virginia, creating a natural border once again. Furthermore, Hampshire, Berkeley, and Frederick County joined British Virginia as well, due to old Loyalist sentiments, and decentralisation policies (Based on 1775 Counties). In the south, the Province of Moonlight was assessed, and in the North the Province of Nightshade were assessed and new counties (Woodbine, Cardinalwind, and Daffodilshire in Moonlight, with Hampshire, Winchester, King Charles, Frostbine, Prince Frederick, Starbreeze, and Lilly’s Port Counties). Shires, which are lesser than counties. They were administrative and had local powers. Parishes were for churches, and specifically which denomination that area held. Each town was a commune. Nightshade was very difficult to take care of, and British and Americans met in Winchester, Chesapeake (versus Winchester in Nightshade), because it was surrounded by America, even though The Potomac. The Second Treaty of Winchester, passed in 1803 recognised the counties and borders, and also gave British Virginia rights to the Potomac, which didn’t mean much. More Italians, Hungarians, Slovaks, and other British Loyalists began to move to American Virginia, and solidify British Virginia’s claim. In 1804, King George’s Intercounty System, which created paths across the colony. Meanwhile, in Maryland, the Colony argued for areas east of Wabash River and Lake Michigan, and was given Michigan (not the Upper Peninsula), and also parts of OTL with modern borders. In Virginia, the Intercounties had several tiers, divided ways, provincial ways (which could be divided), County ways, shire ways, and communal ways. The colony continued to develop and grow, growing more rich and powerful. Nightshade continued to be more valuable, with farming in some areas being pertinent. The entire country continued to be assimilated into the British culture of Chesapeake. In 1811, Loudon, Fairfax, And Prince William Counties joined British Virginia as Prince William, Lightningshire, Honeyshore, Honeyslake, and Honeymeadow Counties. In 1812, the US Declared War on the British Empire on the basis of impressment, which Virginia did not support. Virginia assisted, but Chesapeake and Nightshade were highly against the war, but fought in it. After the war ended in the Treaty of Ghent, nothing happened, and Virginia went back to peace, but tensions still existed between The UK and the US. Due to its relatively central nature, the City of Winchester (In Nightshade) became the new capital. A Palace of Parliament was established, along with a Palace for the royals, even though it wasn’t in use. Both in grand rococo and Elizabethan styles. On the banks of the Shenandoah River, The Palace of Cardinalswind was built, a sublime Elizabethan Palace, with spires, towers, clock towers, rooms, cathedrals, and chapels. This was for the Virginian Parliament. The more demure Bedford Palace was the Royal Residence of the British Monarchy in Virginia, and was also a grand Elizabethan Building, but smaller, had many rooms and a cathedral, both being very expensive. In Nightshade, many castles were built, and during the Napoleonic Wars, many exiled monarchies went to British Virginia to live, some permanently after their kingdoms weren’t restored following the war. The country began to industrialise, creating mills across the country and being a major place for industrialisation. ITTL, Louisiana was never purchased by the US, and only controls the current states of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North/South Carolina, Tennessee, (parts of Virginia and West Virginia as described, along with natural borders in TN), Western Shore of MD, Parts of PA, NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, and Vermont. The country continued to grow, prospering with more Italians, Hungarians, and Slovaks flocking to Virginia during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1831, The US declared war on the UK again, after a trade dispute. For the first 2 years, All of Virginia and Maryland was capitulated besides their holdings in the Chesapeake Bay. But, The British, and other allies arrived on the shores of American Virginia, pushing into the Commonwealth and eventually making their way to Richmond. At the Battle of Richmond, the combined Virginian troops won, while Kentucky was being restored along with other areas. In 1833, Winchester was restored after an east battle, which was a turning point in the war. But 1836, the Commonwealth of Virginia in its entirety was in British Virginian control, with PA and NJ being in Maryland’s control. New England was in British occupation, and the rebellious South surrendered at the Battle of Savannah. In the Treaty of Winchester, Virginia was annexed, along with West Virginia. The Northern Border would be along the Potomac, Youghiogheny, Mononghela, and Ohio. In the South, a natural border with North Carolina was established. British Maryland annexed parts of Pennsylvania, and annexed the rest of Maryland. They continued their control of Lower Peninsula of Michigan, Ohio, and areas of Indiana. American Virginia still existed in OTL Pennsylvania. New Hampshire and Rhode Island were annexed by the British Empire. The USA still existed with the states of Virginia (in OTL parts of Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, Armstrong County, and others, along the borders of the Mononghela, and Allegheny Rivers), Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Carolina. Georgia was restored to the dead Spanish Empire, along with Natural Borders. Reunited Virginia was very unstable. For the next 4 years, thousands of Americans departed Virginia for France or the remaining U.S., having the population decrease heavily, and leaving only 10% of people favouring a republic, which went to virtually 0% by 1850, after another mass migration. More Italians, Hungarians, and Slovaks moved to Virginia after economic downpours which continued to make Virginia more prosperous. More provinces and counties were assessed. Winchester, Nightshade remained the capital of the country. The Country began to assimilate its new territories, creating new paths and its cultured. The Acts of Gentrification was passed in the Virginian Parliament, which was to rebuild American Virginian, with many abandoned buildings from the republican migrants. The Virginian Parliament, which again consisted of the House of Burgesses and the Upper House of Lords. In the House of Burgesses, each county was guaranteed to have at least one seat. Each county would have districts, at least 2 seats (1 for the county town), and then 1 for the rest of the county, although more could be carved out based on population. In the House of Lords, there would be 25 Bishops and Archbishops. The House would be exact to the British form, but more seats would be added. Each province would have 3 seats. A royal peerage system would be created. The royal peerage would cover an area, for Example the Earldom of Vancona would cover an area, and it’s constituents would vote for a representative alongside the nominal holder of the Peerage, who would usually, in means of democracy, go along with the vote of the representative. In 1841, by the Royal Key Act, it affirmed the tradition of Virginians. From the start of The Bedford Colony, people used keys at town meetings, which were informal meetings, and county government sessions, and locked them into the key box, to make sure they were citizens. It eventually crossed over into the British Virginian Government and was an informality in Winchester. In The Royal Key Act, it said each member of Parliament (MP) and elected government official is to be given a key based on political party, all in a relatively similar format. These were given in the 53rd Virginian Parliament. For the next 20 years, Virginia was quiet. In that time period, major cities such as Whispering Winds, Redbud, Queen Victoria, Flamewood, Firewind, Lakember, Woolhope-by-the-Bay, Roccarainola-on-the-Wolds, Keybine-on-the-Wolds, Luncaster-on-the-Wolds, Lunarwind, St Tobias, Keysgrave, Candlegrave, Brighton-on-Sea, Livozzo-on-the-Lake, Krascin-on-the-Wolds, Lunewood, Snowbush, Taunton, Bridgwater, Woodhaerst, Sassandici-on-the-Bay, Honeyember-by-the-Marsh, Somerbine, St Giuliana, Dover, Lindicci-on-the-Wolds, and Cardinalwood-by-Shenandoah began to sprout up, as Exeter, Winchester (both), St Thomas, and Nightshade continued to grow. In 1861, America declared war on the British Empire. It wanted to reclaim land from the British, even though they had not grew since the last war. The Americans were underprepared and by 1862, Carolina seceded, to declare the Confederate States of America, still at war with the British. Later in 1862, Georgia also seceded. By 1866, the Second Treaty of Winchester was signed which saw Maryland annex Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and areas of New York to connect its territories. New England and the Carolinas were to be annexed, along with Georgia. Virginia remained stuck in the past, still building Elizabethan castles, and did not use Victorian at all. Technology did slowly creep in, but Virginia remained in the past. In 1870, the British North America Act, Part 1 Commissioned a referendum in each colony for dominionship. Every colony (Georgia, Carolina, Maryland, Charlotina, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Cascadia [Oregon Country, British Columbia, and Yukon OTL], Saskatchewan, Ontario, Connecticut, Hudson, New York, Champlain, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) Voted to become a dominion in North America. Some with closer margins than others. In New Brunswick, New Ireland, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia all decided to remain directly controlled by the UK by a margin of 10% or less. In Virginia, which had a distinct Northern English Culture and Accent, as well as a staunch loyalty to the crown, it voted to remain British by a vote of 89%. In 1870, all of the Western Hemisphere was a dominion, or directly controlled by a European monarchy. In the second part of the act, Bermuda and Jamaica were allocated to Virginia for their administration as Crown Dependencies of the Crown Colony of Virginia. The second part of the act officially made those colonies listed above dominions (independent but shares a monarch), besides Virginia and Atlantic Canada. Virginia, Maryland, and Atlantic Canada still retained their British accent and identity. Virginia, unlike some rebellious colonies which created their own version of English, although in Canada, Virginia, Maryland, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire retained British English. Tory leaders in these dominions wanted British English to be restored, and in some that did occur. Virginia was an epicentre for politics in the new world. There were 50 Treaties/Conventions held in Winchester alone. Virginia was a place of innovation at least in Winchester, Nightshade. The College of Winchester and the College of Queen Charlotte were bustling in Winchester and the biggest college in the new world, and a major ones in the world. Although Virginia remained very traditional. The Reaffirmation Act was passed after Carolina’s Segregation Act in 1872, Virginia, which gave women’s suffrage in 1801, and gave suffrage for People of Colour in 1843, and defied the British Gov’t attempt to revoke Slovak Voting Rights. The Reaffirmation Act gave all citizens of The Crown Colony of Virginia voting rights and full suffrage, except for homosexuals, which was illegal. On New Year’s 1871, which was a big event for Virginia, which including fireworks, ciders, alcohol, pasta, pies, and other events, which began in Bedford back in the 1700s, it was the first New Year’s when Maryland was a Dominion. Virginia, who was Maryland’s sister polity, and shared an extensive loyalist history. Virginian First Minister, Thomas Verrone declared Maryland’s departure a travesty, and a sad moment. The Country’s political parties were the Tories, Imperialists, Libretarians, and Whig Party (descending on popularity). In 1876, 100 years after “The Sundry of Barbarous, Ignorant, and Sickening acts against the British Crown” (Minarchist Speaker of the House of Burgesses, Lorenzo Terrizzi stated), Parliament passed the Observance of 4th July Act 1776, which proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving, along with Guy Fawkes Day. It also chartered many great and beautiful statues in Winchester, Bedford, Honeyshore, Roccarainola-on-the-Wolds, and Exeter, but mainly in Winchester. Expensive statues of British figures in history was created. Nightshade Avenue was remodelled in Winchester, where it would be a parkway. In the median, at every intersection, there would be a statue of each English monarch, and English figure in history, along with Italian figures as well. In between, there would be flowers, cherry blossoms, and lampposts. In the act, it also officially remodelled Winchester into an Elizabethan/Rococo City, with a uniform road design with diagonal roads, and with wider roads, city squares and new buildings. Nightshade Avenue was built that went from the edge of Winchester to Parliament Palace. The day was a day of Thanksgiving because the gov’t was thankful Virginia was not apart of (parts of, and isn’t currently) the ‘unclassy’ union of states. The Act chartered several bridges over the widened Shenandoah, most notably the Winchester Tower Bridge. It was a grand bridge near the Parliamentary Palace. The Palace of Cardinalwind became a symbol of culture, after a beautiful rococo watercoulour painting of the Palace with the backdrop of a purple sunset. This symbolised democracy, and Virginian Toryism. In the 1880s thousands of Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese took part in a mass emigration to Virginia, after political and economical upheaval and the love for Virginian culture. Virginia was a very romantic country, the land of castles and Elizabethan monuments and royalism, which many additionally loved. The Unionist Virginia rose above the Dominions, and it was becoming a bigger powerhouse in the region. With the invention of the automobile, the minarchist country was fascinated with the ideas of freedom to go anywhere anytime. Domestic railways were closed and demolished (although international ones remained in place, but some were removed), with Virginian railcars and companies were sold to Maryland and the UK. Meanwhile, back in 1879, the Virginian Flag Act was passed which created the flag of Virginia. Named St. Thomas’ Colours, (named after Virginian St. Thomas, not in association with the City of St Thomas), which is a white saltire with a pale yellow background. In the middle of the saltire, the lesser coat of arms was placed. It was a shield, in the middle, a grand shield divided in half. To the left, a purple alternating diagonal line, with white in between. To the right, a triple hill was at the bottom, with a castle on top, with a moon at the top. Nightshade sat next to the castle, and stars filled the sky. Behind the middle coat of arms, coat of arms were featured, such as the Arms of the Duke of Bedford, the Coat of Arms of Somerset was featured, being the only ones. Another arms with a red background existed with a golden trimount with a double cross on top of it, and a Saxon crown on top of it. Another arms had a Cardinal holding a staff and a crown, in a night sky background. Another had a castle. Another had a nightshade wrapped around a sword, which had rubies in its handle. The last one contained a hart sitting on a hillside. The Crown of the UK was placed on top of the shield. That one was on the flag. Alone, the coat of arms was placed on a mantle and pavilion (similar to Savoy’s) and the coat of arms were supported by two Angels. Below the coat of arms, the motto of Virginia “thy day thou gavest, Lord, is Ended” is placed below, with nightshade and lavender wrapped around the scroll. Until 1916, things in Virginia were quiet. They supported the British in WW1 and the rest of their wars. In 1916, the British Parliament wanted to find a way to get rid of Virginia. They felt it was backwards to keep a North American Colony. So, to Virginian anger, they finally reached an agreement in 1922, and Virginia was declared the Dominion of Virginia. The Settlement reached gave The UK all of the Virginian Debt, which was relatively small. The UK was still requested to be a major part of Virginian life, and Virginia was now apart of Anglo-Virginian Law, formally. The Country, with 16 Provinces began to sleep, figuratively. In the interwar period, Virginia invested in air travel technology and began to update their roads and infrastructure. Virginia was still seen as a cultural extension of England, and copied most of their moves. Virginia was a major haven for minorities and battered people, but the country was closed off, and remained the English, Italian, Hungarian, Slovak, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese place it was ethnically. The Civil Rights Movement and Feminist Movements looked at Virginia’s inclusiveness and aimed to mirror that in whichever country it was in. Virginia and The Kingdom of Italy created the Italo-Virginian Pact, or the Winchester Pact for trade and defence. Virginia remained in the past culturally, and still used a refined Elizabethan and Tudor Architecture. The country slowed its growth and its cities continued to mix, although Winchester continued its growth as a mega city. In WW2, Virginia sent troops to help the British and Italians against the Fascists, but Virginia ultimately just stayed quiet and followed the events like a spectator in the Media. Following the War against the French and Germans, Virginia rapidly became a major hub for airports and airlines. Even though many Virginian airlines prospered, 90% of the worlds airlines were headquartered in Winchester. Winchester/St Thomas Memorial International Airport was the biggest in the world and Virginia led the world in air and automobile technology and travel. Virginia stayed neutral and quiet, developing its roads and airports, with formalities. The British Monarchy was an important part of Virginian life unlike in the other colonies. It was a very loyal place. Jamaica and Bermuda remained Virginian territory, with Bermuda becoming apart of Bedfordshire, and Jamaica becoming a province with its own counties. In 1971, in the Moonshire District, many new tal glass skyscrapers were built. Winchester was one of the biggest cities and the world, and the biggest city in the Western Hemisphere by far. The country was sleepy in the next 30 years, as The Moonshire continued to grow and continued to remodel itself. Many glass skyscrapers were built, the only modern thing in Virginia some said. At the turn of the century, Virginian architecture was still stuck in Elizabethan and Rococo stylings. There were some modernisation throughout the years, but Virginia remained relatively the same. Historically, Virginia was very liberal and inclusive, but now, although Virginia is very open to women and people of colour, homosexuality is still highly illegal, and it is expected to stay that way. Each year in Winchester, a grand televised event is held on New Years Eve. The country is known for its extravagant New Years Celebrations. For New Years at the turn of the century, almost every international head of state went to Winchester to see the grand show. In the 21st century, the country was still sleeping. Its western portions were rural (but protected, and nuclear bombs are stationed in the mountains of central Virginia). Virginia sent a man to the moon, using Florida’s land and was a major player in Space Exploration. Winchester slowed its growth and the skyscrapers were modern and beautiful, and the rest of the town-an Elizabeth Rococo styled metropolis-was charming. The country is still very loyal to the monarchy, and unionism in other dominions exist and is flourishing, on a lesser degree.
TL;DR
Delmarva is colonised by British lovers and refuses to join the American Revolution, which is respected and it remains apart of the British Empire. After 3 wars, Virginia is reunited with Kentucky and West Virginia, and Virginia is ultra unionist and refuses to become a dominion until 1922.
As another alternative Delmarva: The Colonial-Era border dispute (sometimes called a "war") between Maryland and Pennsylvania, which arose because the original survey drew the line about 30 miles south of where Maryland's charter said it should be & eventually this was noticed, is settled by transferring Delaware's ownership from the Penns to the Calverts.
(Giving Maryland its "rightful" northern border would have required transferring ownership of Philadelphia instead! OTL, I think that Maryland was just told "Tough luck".)
(Giving Maryland its "rightful" northern border would have required transferring ownership of Philadelphia instead! OTL, I think that Maryland was just told "Tough luck".)
Cresaps War? Tbh I think they needed to create natural borders. These borders are actually disgusting.
Pride Goes Before a Fall, as mentioned above, uses a POD of the form "person dies right before his personal conflict with his allies would have done significant damage to his cause". I've seen convenient deaths like this before, for instance in Superpower Empire 1912 and (to an extent) King Theodore's Corsica. Has anyone written a timeline using the reverse POD: a leader lives longer than IOTL, to the detriment of their organization due to their failure to get along with other leaders more than to other forms of incompetence?
What if the Ostrogoths had defeated the Huns thoroughly in their first [serious] conflict, rather than vice versa, with the lower Volga remaining as the border between those two peoples. Would the Huns have tried to expand westward again in 5-20 years, and kept on trying as necessary, would they have just stayed put until the next wave of steppe nomads came out of the east to displace or absorb them, would they have invaded Sassanid Iran, or would they have tried slipping through the eastern provinces of that empire to invade India? Without the Ostrogoths being pushed west, and pushing other tribes along as well, would the pressure on the Romans' borders be reduced sufficiently for those lines to be held for significantly longer than was the case IOTL?
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@isabella do you have an idea on what possible lives Maria of Aragon could have led if her older sister Isabella of Aragon didn't die in childbirth?
I always imagine Maria marrying into Hungary or Savoy if Isabella lives.
