I've always wondered if a nation similar to the modern United States could arise anywhere other than North America. Here are some defining characteristics of the United States that I am looking for:
- Founded by colonists at the expense of the local population
- History of racism and/or slavery
- Started out as a minor nation, but became a superpower by 20th century
- Democratic, to some extent
- Large population and/or land area
The POD can be as far back as you like, but preferably after 1450. I'm not asking you to write a timeline for me - I just wanted to have a discussion about whether a nation like the US could develop anywhere else in the world. Since it has to start out as a colony, it would probably have to be outside of Europe. It should not be located in the same place as the real US, but anywhere else in the world is fine. Even Canada and Mexico are ok. Likely candidates, I think, would be India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, South Africa, and South America. There are endless possibilities. The colonizer doesn't even have to be European. It could be a powerful Chinese or Japanese empire.
Have fun. I'm looking forward to reading your responses.