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alternatehistory.com
So, just for something a little less serious and in-depth, I had this idle thought that could make for an interesting alt-history excersise. With a POD of 1800, can you create a set of realisitic, mutually-reinforcing circumstances that would result in the following set of circumstances for these sets of "Rivals" throughout the 20th century that would result in them being in roughly the same situation as their opposite in 1900? To give a list...
Britain suffers a "Long 19th century" of turmoil, with periodic outbreaks of political instability that end in moderate reforms in a liberal direction, and sputtering economic and demographic growth. While they still have an international Empire, their growth is frustrated by their rival in France and they're stuck with the "second string" territories in this round of Imperialism. Generally, looks as close to OTL's 1900 France as possible
France enjoys a period of commerical dominance and steady industrial growth, enjoying a period of relative peace and prosperity while slowly reforming its oligarchic political system peacefully and in steps towards something more democratic while sheding merchantalism. They are the most prolific colonial power in "New Imperialism", though by the end of the century have many areas of the Empire pushing for more autonomy or represenation in Paris. Generally, looks as close to OTL's 1900's Britain as possible
Prussia ends up slowly losing influence in Southern Germany and faces internal division within itself, as its economy slowly loses ground to competition and its budget suffers constant shortfalls. Forced to withdraw from pushing its interests in international affairs out of poverty and failing at attempts at Absolutism, Brandenburg is forced to compromise and make a Duel Monarchy system with either the Poles or creating a two-nation system with the Rhineland under a seperate administration to "Old Prussia" and have no colonial Empire. Generally, looks as close to OTL's 1900's Austria as possible
The Habsburgs modernize and rationalize, forming an industrial economy and an "Alliance of Rye and Iron" between the Aristocracy and new industrial class. They win the battle for hegemony in the Germanic world, though keep Prussia out, and are generally considered the "Big Bad" on land. Have a 2nd rate Colonial Empire having entered the race for Empire later in the game. Generally, looks as close to OTL's 1900's Germany as possible.
Russia is considered the "Sick man of Europe", deep in debt, facing strong seperatists sentiments, retarded economic development, constant forgein meddling, and with an outdated military and corrupt civil service system. Basically looks like OTL's Ottomans
Ottomans are a rising power under an authoritarian system; still not considered very advanced or educated by very... "Bulky" in terms of population and power and modernizing fast in form if not substance. Part of the "Great Powers" club and slowly advancing on land in many directions, but no overseas Empire of note. Basicaly looks like OTL's Russia.
Bonus points if...
You can produce a reverse US Civil War
Italy ends up with a Clerical, Southern-dominated regieme with an impoverished North.
Japan dosen't pull a Meiji, but some other minor Asian power (Not China) does.