A Nobler Republic: The story of an Aristocratic America
By:Sporian
Voltaire’s Diary, September 12, 1749
It seems to me that my life has taken a turbulent turn for the worse, with the Marquise’s death (which devastated me) and my relationship with Frederick weakening. I’ve decided to start a new life. After reading thoroughly after her demise, I’ve decided to move to the Americas, specifically Boston.. It might not be the bustling cultural center of Paris or Genoa, but I think they could use a man of my caliber across the pond. The culture of the mosaic of peoples over there is forming, and a man like me could help. I will travel to Berlin, meet with Frederic, and take a ship to America. Hopefully someone actually has a printing press over there... I have a new idea for a story, from a dream I had. It’s about beings from another planet, visiting Earth. I’m sure the Americans will love it. I must resign, for I have a large trip before me.
Benjamin Franklin’s diary, October 1752
Oh, but a few months ago I met the great Philosopher Voltaire, not knowing he owned a large estate down the street, but he has influenced me so much. He came to me seeking a printing press and holding a story of which I’ve never read the likes of, called Minimegas. I read it, and discussed it with him while printing a few copies. That night, we spent hours talking about various subjects, and he convinced me to start up my old Junto again, with Voltaire as the new member. Now, the Junto is a den of culture, and I’ve convinced my new friend to make more stories of the sort like Minimegas, about beings from other cosmic bodies, and them observing man. He’s begun to call it ‘Cosmos Fiction.’ I wish to see more of it, and I have printed copies for my friends in the Junto and other areas in the 13 colonies.
Voltaire's Letters to Frederick, 1755
My Dear Friend Frederick,
For a while I thought I would dislike America, with its untamed wilderness and small towns, but it's begun to grow onto me like the vines on my manor's wall. ... I believe these men I've met, not really philosophers in the European sense but the closest thing thereof, are very interested in me, and especially my works. My tragedies have become the rage of Boston and New York (previously titled New Amsterdam: Classic Imperialism), and my Minimegas and its various sequels have spread all the way across the 13 colonies. My ideas of religious tolerance and seperation of Church and state are welcome here. I hope to talk with more men like Benjamin Franklin (his Almanack is some good reading, even if it is simple) and Samuel Adams. I will soon talk at Harvard about my various Cosmos Fictions. I think I will carve myself quite the place across the pond.
Yours Truly,
François-Marie Arouet (Voltaire)
_____________________________________________________________
I got this idea from the subreddit /r/AltHistory, and I kind of had to ASB Voltaire coming to America. Besides that, you will see much more from this, and a better explanation for the fact that America becomes an Aristocracy.