alternatehistory.com

Robertp6165 has a timeline on this site called Answering the Call of LaFayette: The Americans Intervene in the Franco-Prussian War. I really enjoy timelines that present larger-scale conflicts earlier in history, especially in the nineteenth century, with Robert's idea among them. But it got me thinking, and I hope he doesn't mind my weird idea amalgamation. :eek:


In Harry Turtledove's Timeline-191, the Confederates pretty much sit out the rest of the nineteenth century, annexing Mexico and beating the U.S. for a second time. I was wondering why most Confederate victory scenarios never have the Confederates get tangled up in European affairs--especially since the best POD for Confederate victory is, in my opinion, the joint Anglo-French intervention on the behalf of the Confederates. Now, I understand that the Confederacy is devastated by the war, no matter how early they acquire victory, especially Virginia. But if they win in 1862, much of their fledgling economy is still intact-and they owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Britain and France. Let's say, in four years' time, one of the Confederacy's famous generals gets elected president-a man with a firm sense of honor and duty, who continues the revitalization of the Confederate economy. Then, in 1870, war breaks out between the French and the Prussians. Envoys from Paris enter Richmond with their supplications for assistance. The Confederate president does not have much by way of a navy, but can send an expeditionary force, and sees this an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between him and the old world.

So, what if, in the Franco-Prussian War, an independent Confederacy decides to aid the French?
Top