I've been reading some of the really cool alternate histories on here and naturally they've compelled me to want to write my own.
What if Victor Amadeus, Prince of Piedmont, does NOT die at 15 from smallpox? What could the possible ramifications be? Does this provide a clean slate to change up Italian unification?
I'm thinking this would stick close to OTL events, but with a few tweaks and turns. What if he sides with the French and Spanish rather than the Austrians in the War of Austrian Succession, possibly taking Corsica? Surely a very abled Italian lawyer by the name Bonaparte would make an appearance.
Idea Basket The ultimate goal is to have a stronger Italy by the time of unification and from there on. I'm thinking Savoy becomes more modern and militarily capable earlier on, benefiting further its OTL goals of expansion, territorial aggrandizement and conquest, spreading that drive across the peninsula by the other states desiring its success. I see the south as a problem here to the future goal of a powerful Italy, but my solution would be somehow maybe a more liberal leader rises to power in the south that isn't content with his lands; a problem for OTL leaders of the region at this time. I'm not too sure about how to accomplish that part though, if it's possible at all.
Those are just some things that come to mind, but all new ideas are welcome. I look forward to opinions and feedback on this PoD! Thanks