This is probably already a thread, but what if Germany successfully unified in 1848? I hear they were trying for REAL reforms, so could Germany have become a symbol of progress in Europe?
Yes, it's being addressed - Check out The Smallest Possible Difference - I think that's a good one that's currently active.
There is only two problems with a unified progressive Germany - they're called Prussia and Austria. That's why in the Dominion of Southern America timeline we cut them out of Germany entirely, and had them form with the Hanoverian heir as the new Kaiser.
Here's a question - could the German Empire form in 1848 without including the Hapsburgs? The Hapsburgs split off in Hungary during the revolution and the German Hapsburgs remain in charge of Austria and Bohemia, while the Hohenzollerns steamroll through Germany. With Austria weakened the only real opposition the Prussians would face would be France (but I don't know how strong France is in 1848 - didn't they have their own issues?) or Britain due to Hanover (I'm guessing).
If all goes well, the ultra-expansionist Germans later set their sights on Austria-Bohemia.
There would have to be a *lot* of risings elsewhere before this could happen imo. Don't forget that the other lands of the Habsburgs were in a stir as well, even removing Hungary from the picture, they would still have a head ache. Yes France would be busy, their Revolution caused the rest you know.The Hapsburgs split off in Hungary during the revolution...