I'll have a bit more of research. However, basically, Vegas/Southern Nevada was part of California, in the 1950s, Boulder Dam, the mob, etc., are still around, and it becomes a gambling and lawless white collar crime haven. After a referendum, California gives it independence as a territory to help build up her infrastructure, and sign a treaty where Las Vegas, despite being independent, comes under California military protection.
But why does Vegas want independence? Between 1930 and 1960, the population of Vegas increased by over eleven hundred percent. "Immigrants" - a relative term here - would swamp any "native-born" Las Vegans. They'd see themselves as Californians. Why would they want to go their own way?
Got bored and was playing around with the wikipedia sandbox. Canada with a presidential system and electoral college.
I can understand the NWT not being a "state", but what is the second liberal one?
Born and raised here, and Connecticut would be extremely divided. Honestly, I think that the most realistic choice would be if Connecticut somehow split in two. The northern and eastern part would stay in New England, while the southern would go towards New York. But since we're safe from that ever happening in OTL, I don't have to pick sides.
Hmm, I'll have to resolve it then. I thought of an idea...
(Spoilers)
During World War II, or TTL's equivalent, the US invades Northern California, sets up a puppet state (General Government-esque), and for four years, California controls only Southern California and Southern Nevada. After the war, in 1945, a socialist revolution overtakes most of California, and fearing a potential loss of the city, the mob and major business magnates, with support from Texas and Arizona, establish the Free City of Las Vegas in southern Nevada. In 1955, the Socialist Republic of California reverts back to the Republic of California, and a referendum is held to determine the status of Las Vegas, which votes freedom over staying with California. Las Vegas evolves into a hub of corruption and crime, propped up by her allies with vital supplies, and her extensive worldwide connections. While by the 21st century it has become more family friendly, and is a major tourist site. It imports nearly all of its commodities using its vast wealth.
Slavs at 9.8%.....other 3.5%....so I assume the Holocaust still happened in your TL?
Jewish Uganda? That's gonna work well for all parties involved. /sarcasm
It's generally considered a failure by everyone involved.
I've always wanted to write a Jewish Madagascar TL ("Zion Lies South") but lack the knowledge. I think a Jewish Uganda would be even more of a Vlad Tepes scenario.
Well, it's really either or in my TL. I might just end up switching it to Madagascar because that would probably have a happier ending.
True, but I think even better might be the Seychelles or Comoros.
Why those two in particular?