ATL: Sun Never Sets On...

[Asami]

In our timeline, the United States achieved it's independence, and there was almost a crown offered to General Washington, who would have likely turned it down (and did state to the Army who wanted it that he was uninterested), and became President anyway. Of potential candidates, there were four possibilities as agreed upon by most modern American monarchists:

One was Prince Charles, a Jacobite living in Tuscany at the time of the end of the United States. The next would be Prince Heinrich, the brother to the regnant Frederick the Great. Third was George Washington, the ever famous general.

The Fourth? The fourth son of the very King they fought against. The Duke of Kent...

and father to HRH Queen Victoria (1837-1901).

So a good timeline question to ask is... what if Duke of Kent /became/ the King of America? What would this mean, Victoria, the greatest monarch of a century, becoming an American Queen, or Empress for that matter?

This will be that timeline.

POD is where some of the revolutionaries were more inclined to a monarchy, and we start in 1789.

 

[Anaxagoras]

In our timeline, the United States achieved it's independence, and offered a crown to General Washington, who turned it down and would later be elected President of the United States. But little do most know that there were four candidates for the Crown.

One was Prince Charles, a Jacobite living in Tuscany at the time of the end of the United States. The next would be Prince Heinrich, the brother to the regnant Frederick the Great. Third was George Washington, the ever famous general.

The Fourth? The fourth son of the very King they fought against. The Duke of Kent...

and father to HRH Queen Victoria (1837-1901).

So a good timeline question to ask is... what if Duke of Kent /became/ the King of America? What would this mean, Victoria, the greatest monarch of a century, becoming an American Queen, or Empress for that matter?

This will be that timeline.

Sorry, but this is all historical myth. Washington was never offered a crown and neither was anybody else.

 

[Asami]

Sorry, but this is all historical myth. Washington was never offered a crown and neither was anybody else.

Well, I believe that somebody /wanted/ to offer the crown to Washington. Besides, the other three were potential monarchs either way. Besides, the Duke of Kent as an American King is an interesting idea.
----

1789

The room was full of shouting and anger as representatives of the thirteen states continued to scream at each other. General Washington was far from a politician, but this was just sickening. They couldn't even get off their arse long enough to form a considerable Constitutional Convention. However, the discussion of "republic or monarchy" was strangely caught up in a bungle.

The Virginia representatives were pushing himself as the King of America, while the other states were arguing over who the proper candidate would be. Washington had a few ideas for candidates. However, the Jacobite Englishman was too risky, and it might spark yet another war against the British, who they had just finished fighting six years prior. There was the Prussian Prince Heinrich, but he came from an unenlightened absolute monarchy, which was ghastly in Washington's opinion. There could only be a Constitutional Monarchy, or America must never exist in that stead.

The Romanovs were too autocratic... The Asian dynasties? Come on, Washington wanted a legitimate-style monarchy, not some foreigner-ruled country. There was only one dynasty that could provide it...

von Hannover... and one in specific. Prince Edward was an young acquaintance of George Washington, and he knew the Prince wished he could have some power in his own. He had held some sort of friendship toward the United States among a hostile British royal family. Prince Edward was 21, and was the fourth son of the Mad King. However, George was sure it would work.

And so George bid for silence and said to the Congress, "Gentlemen, before we kill each other over a man to lead this country, I have a suggestion. Perhaps we can invite Prince Edward, the fourth son of the Mad King to become our own."

The Congress erupted into a mixture of agreement and anger. One delegate from Georgia, "Invite the SON of the Mad King!? ARE YOU MAD, WASHINGTON!?"

George raised his hand again and said, "Of course I'm not. I have faith that such a young monarch like Edward would be sufficiently able to govern these United States with a fair hand and even adopt an American identity for himself and his children. If it would satisfy this esteemed Congress, I will act in capacity as his Prime Minister."

Congress murmured and went to vote on the proposal by the Commander-in-Chief.

 

[Elfwine]

Washington proposing monarchy.

What's the POD?

And if you say "That was the POD", well, Clio have mercy.

 

[Asami]

Washington proposing monarchy.

What's the POD?

And if you say "That was the POD", well, Clio have mercy.

The POD starts back shortly before the revolution where most of the intellectuals supporting the idea of revolution also supported the idea of some form of democratic monarchy, rejecting republicanism as too "ineffective" to be a usable system. When the French Revolution breaks out (as it will), that will just reinforce these intellectual's ideas on the ineffectivity of republicanism.

 

[MonCapitan]

This sounds interesting. I hope more will be forthcoming.

 

[Badshah]

The POD starts back shortly before the revolution where most of the intellectuals supporting the idea of revolution also supported the idea of some form of democratic monarchy, rejecting republicanism as too "ineffective" to be a usable system. When the French Revolution breaks out (as it will), that will just reinforce these intellectual's ideas on the ineffectivity of republicanism.

That isnt too bad either, given that the initial spirit of the rebellion wasn't against the king, but against Parliament.

 

[Brady Kj]

I hope there's a Queen Victoria ITTL. Obviously, it's not a guarantee with a POD this early, but it's still plausible.
Also, what happens to England's monarchy if absolutely none of George III's children produce suitable heirs? Could it become a republic? I usually think such turnarounds in ATL are silly, but in this case, it seems to me the monarchist USA can lead to a republican GB.

 

[Tripwire]

There's some problems with this:

The idea that the early US must have a monarch to function effectively is....unlikely, but not completely implausible. (Hamilton suggested something similar)

However. If it's decided that a monarch must be chosen, I think said monarch must be an American general. The problems with the others are too great:

Any of the Jacobites are out of the question because they're Catholic. The family line is also associated with absolutism (rightly or wrongly) and the idea of a Catholic ruler would be almost as outrageous to the American population of the time as it would to the British.

The idea of putting a member of the British royal family on an American throne was largely a British one. Benjamin Franklin rejected it flat-out. Anti-British sentiment was too high to allow this to come anywhere near fruition. The issues with having a British royal rule the United States were obvious.

So that leaves Washington, who would be the natural choice if such a choice had to be made. However Washington had no desire for life-long rule, and likely would have been a bad fit for the job. Also, he had no children. And anyone else would have been subject to vicious political opposition.

Really, I don't see a hereditary US monarchy being in any way plausible. At most, there could have been an elected monarchy, which is a distinct possibility.

 

[Mumby]

I reckon that if Victoria succeeds to the British throne, the Americans would choose a different successor, not wanting to effectively be subsumed to the larger and more powerful British Empire.

 

[Asami]

Don't expect Edward to be enthroned within a day of Congress' approval. It will take time to convince the people of his merits.

 

[Derek Pullem]

Well, I believe that somebody /wanted/ to offer the crown to Washington. Besides, the other three were potential monarchs either way. Besides, the Duke of Kent as an American King is an interesting idea.
----

1789

The room was full of shouting and anger as representatives of the thirteen states continued to scream at each other. General Washington was far from a politician, but this was just sickening. They couldn't even get off their arse long enough to form a considerable Constitutional Convention. However, the discussion of "republic or monarchy" was strangely caught up in a bungle.

The Virginia representatives were pushing himself as the King of America, while the other states were arguing over who the proper candidate would be. Washington had a few ideas for candidates. However, the Jacobite Englishman was too risky, and it might spark yet another war against the British, who they had just finished fighting six years prior. There was the Prussian Prince Heinrich, but he came from an unenlightened absolute monarchy, which was ghastly in Washington's opinion. There could only be a Constitutional Monarchy, or America must never exist in that stead.

The Romanovs were too autocratic... The Asian dynasties? Come on, Washington wanted a legitimate-style monarchy, not some foreigner-ruled country. There was only one dynasty that could provide it...

von Hannover... and one in specific. Prince Edward was an young acquaintance of George Washington, and he knew the Prince wished he could have some power in his own. He had held some sort of friendship toward the United States among a hostile British royal family. Prince Edward was 21, and was the fourth son of the Mad King. However, George was sure it would work.

And so George bid for silence and said to the Congress, "Gentlemen, before we kill each other over a man to lead this country, I have a suggestion. Perhaps we can invite Prince Edward, the fourth son of the Mad King to become our own."

The Congress erupted into a mixture of agreement and anger. One delegate from Georgia, "Invite the SON of the Mad King!? ARE YOU MAD, WASHINGTON!?"

George raised his hand again and said, "Of course I'm not. I have faith that such a young monarch like Edward would be sufficiently able to govern these United States with a fair hand and even adopt an American identity for himself and his children. If it would satisfy this esteemed Congress, I will act in capacity as his Prime Minister."

Congress murmured and went to vote on the proposal by the Commander-in-Chief.

Hmmmmmm

Nice article here

http://www.historytoday.com/frank-prochaska/american-monarchy

I think you're a little beyond what is credible.

 

[gladius]

So that leaves Washington, who would be the natural choice if such a choice had to be made. However Washington had no desire for life-long rule, and likely would have been a bad fit for the job. Also, he had no children. And anyone else would have been subject to vicious political opposition.

Really, I don't see a hereditary US monarchy being in any way plausible. At most, there could have been an elected monarchy, which is a distinct possibility.

The other option is Washington adopting an heir. It's a common theme, especially in Roman history, which was one period that the Colonials were taking a lot of their inspiration from. Washington the victorious general, graciously accepting the crown from a grateful Congress, and pronouncing as his successor his adopted son and heir ...

 

[Asami]

Well, if the General credits Prince Edward with his blessing, perhaps it's more likely for them to encrown him as King.
-----

1789

Congress' final resolution on the new monarchy was as such, electing a new King would be done via democracy. The Virginia Delegate, despite Washington's protests, nominated him for the title of King, while the Rhode Island, Vermont and Connecticut delegation voted actively for Prince Edward's candidacy. The rest of the states abstained, but maintained their support for a monarchy. The long-term election would be heavy campaigning and the final coronation day for the "King of the United States of America" would be enthroned on July 4, 1796, the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Washington himself, campaigned mostly for Prince Edward's accession, attempting to bring him home, and entering private discussions with the Prince, stationed outside Britain at the time.

Prince Edward recieved the letter from Washington and was intrigued, the ramifications of becoming King of America would be radical. Him and his children would likely be forced to surrender their claim to the British throne once his father passed away, as Washington explained -- The independence war would be null if their King became King of Great Britain.

Edward considered his current station of affairs -- His father wasn't the most loving chap in the world, infact, he had repeatedly attempted to discredit his fourth son. So, Prince Edward resolved himself and left for the United States.

By 1792, the American people's fears of republicanism had been validated by the bloody results of the French Revolution, which had been ignited by their own rebellion. The Americans were paralyzed in the fear of something like Robespierre's Reign of Terror happening in America, so the support for popular monarchy grew sharply, which the "Congress of Regents" fed on like a moth to flame. Prince Edward and George Washington were consistently being plastered around America, as neither one gained a clear majority in the "King's Election", which occured every six months.

However, in 1795, only a few months shy of the deadline to elect the King, the American people finally overcame their indecision. By a margin of 51%, George Washington would become King. However, the celebration of King George I Washington's reign was short. George I reigned for only four years before he passed away in the capital of Philadelphia. In 1799, his heir, Prince Edward von Hanover, became King of America.

His first act as King was to designate a royal palace and court along the Potomac River, called "Washington-on-the-Potomac". This city would serve as the capital of the United States of America.

 

[Razgriz 2K9]

Not to sound finicky, but wouldn't it be easier (and less of an Overly Long Name) to just call it the United Kingdom of America?

 

[Asami]

Not to sound finicky, but wouldn't it be easier (and less of an Overly Long Name) to just call it the United Kingdom of America?

They don't want to sound like the British. Don't worry though, Edward's reign will involve some administrative changes.

 

[Asami]

July 4, 1800

Independence Hall, the famed place where the Declaration of Independence, and the place where the First United States Royal Constitution had been written, signed and adopted, was swarming with people craning to see the formal coronation of Prince Edward.

At prompt noon, the Liberty Bell rang out 12 times, signifying that it was time for the procession to begin. The Prince's Procession began from the south-side of Broad St. in Philadelphia, heading north toward the Liberty Bell, and then to the Independence Hall's front, where the coronation would take place.

After the conclusion of the procession, Edward walked to the front of the stage, and turned to Thomas Jefferson, who was holding a Bible. Edward placed his hand on the bible and recited the same thing Washington had said 3 years prior.

"I, Edward, first of my name, hereby promise to protect the Constitution of the United States of America, and to serve the state and people to the best of my ability."

Jefferson responded and lifted the small American-made Royal Crown and placed it upon Edward's head. Jefferson said, "You are hereby confirmed, King Edward I of these United States! Long live!"

The crowds erupted into cheering. King Edward descended the steps and entered a carriage, with his Prime Minister, who happened to be Jefferson, followed him into the carriage.

Jefferson remarked, "Anti-British sentiment is still pretty strong, Your Majesty. I advise you to consider a campaign to show the American people you're in their best interests. I've been thinking about it..." He drew a map from his coat pocket and handed it to the King.

King Edward opened it and looked at it. It was Spanish Louisiana, which was under Napoleon's influence.

Edward gave an affirming nod and said, "Keep an eye on it then, and inform me if there are any changes in Louisiana. Perhaps we can scrape the money up to acquire it."

Their carriage made it's way south toward Washington-on-the-Potomac's newest "palace", the White House, whose construction was nearly complete.

King Edward gave a bit of a smile. America's future was quite bright.