AHC: Maximize Australian States

[jakemakesmaps]

Challenge: Bend history in such a way that you cram as many first-level administrative divisions into Australia as possible. You can use any POD after first human settlement of Sahul. Good Luck!

 

[Analytical Engine]

I would suggest a diverse a range of colonisation as possible as a starting point.

 

[Wendell]

You would need some kind of impetus for this. The Sepoy Mutiny or something like it driving the EIC out of much/all of India might see an influx of colonists to Australia.

 

[jakemakesmaps]

I would suggest a diverse a range of colonisation as possible as a starting point.

So Dutch, British, and French?

 

[jakemakesmaps]

I’ve tried this thought experiment myself and all I’ve been able to come up with is a different sequence of events in the Nullarbor Gold Rush leading to the State of Auralia, so I’m especially interested to hear how to improve upon this number of 7 states.

 

[Analytical Engine]

So Dutch, British, and French?

You could probably crowbar in the Portuguese.

 

[jakemakesmaps]

You could probably crowbar in the Portuguese.

Hmm, nice! I didn’t know they had designs on the Land Down Under, would it be an extension of their efforts in India?

 

[Analytical Engine]

Hmm, nice! I didn’t know they had designs on the Land Down Under, would it be an extension of their efforts in India?

They have interests and holdings near Australia, so there's not reason why they couldn't at least try to colonise it.

 

[jakemakesmaps]

They have interests and holdings near Australia, so there's not reason why they couldn't at least try to colonise it.

So, with those 4 nations in mind (Portugal, Netherlands, France, England), how might the 1st level divisions of an eventually unified Australia play out?

 

[Wendell]

What about a bigger Australia?

 

[jakemakesmaps]

What about a bigger Australia?

Like, a bigger continent itself? Or a nation of Australia that encompasses more territory?

 

[Nyegosh]

I quickly whipped up one way - mostly decided upon natural regions and areas that I think would function independently, though the borders itself are up in the air. Fleurieu for example would probably be a little bigger.

 

[Wendell]

Like, a bigger continent itself? Or a nation of Australia that encompasses more territory?

More territory.

 

[Wendell]

What about another state in the southeast of OTL NSW that eliminates the ACT as an enclave?

 

[jakemakesmaps]

What about another state in the southeast of OTL NSW that eliminates the ACT as an enclave?

One that connects the ACT to Jervis Bay?

 

[Analytical Engine]

How about carving out the major cities as additional provinces?

 

[Wendell]

One that connects the ACT to Jervis Bay?

Or one that sit between the two.

 

[jakemakesmaps]

Would a wetter, more fertile Australia be more conducive to a greater number of states?

 

[Wendell]

Would a wetter, more fertile Australia be more conducive to a greater number of states?

Most definitely.

 

[jakemakesmaps]

Would a wetter, more fertile Australia be more conducive to a greater number of states?

In relation to this, I found an article detailing a possible POD - and a shorter dry season

How Aboriginal burning changed Australia’s climate

For thousands of years, Aboriginal Australians burned forests to promote grasslands for hunting and other purposes. Recent research suggests that these burning practices also affected the timing and intensity…

www.google.com