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Bronchitis-less World


1865

The American Civil War comes to an end with the surrender of the Confederate States of America; however, the jubilation in the Union is short-lived when President Abraham Lincoln is shot and killed by pro-Confederate actor John Wilkes Booth. Vice President Andrew Johnson becomes President.

Subsequently, the Federal policy of Reconstruction begins.

Nicholas Alexandrovich, the Tsarevich of the Russian Empire (the eldest son of Czar Alexander II), does not contract bronchitis.

[In our world, Nicholas's bronchitis contributed heavily to his abrupt death at the age of 21 from tuberculosis. Consequently, his reactionary brother would go on to ascend the throne as Alexander III after the assassination of their father in 1881. This is the POD for the events to follow.]

Nicholas, in good health, marries his fiancée, Princess Marie Sophie Frederikke Dagmar of Denmark, who takes the name Maria Feodorovna upon converting to Orthodox Christianity.

Austrian monk Gregor Mendel formulates his theories on genetic inheritance.

1865 onwards

As Nicholas settles into his role as Heir Apparent of the Russian Empire, he is influenced heavily by continuing efforts of his father to reform all levels of society of the country. He is also influenced heavily by his uncle, Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich, who, in his position as President of the Council of State, prepares a proposal for a limited elective assembly, and continues to push for a written constitution for the Empire.

As time passes on, Nicholas also begins to emulate his uncle’s forceful personality, in order to achieve his goals.

This is in sharp contrast to his younger reactionary brother, Alexander, who focuses almost exclusively on military matters, although he offers his vehement opposition to the reforms that are pressed by both Alexander II and later his elder brother.

1866

Alexander II survives an assassination attempt at the hands of revolutionary Dmitry Karakozov in St. Petersburg.

Maria Feodorovna gives birth to Nicholas’s first child, a son, who is named Alexander, after his father.

The Austro-Prussian War is waged between the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire. The conflict ends in a crushing Prussian victory, cementing that nation’s dominance over the north German states.

Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel invents dynamite.

1867

The Dominion of Canada is created by Great Britain.

Russia sells its furred-out province of Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million. The Alaska Purchase is derided in many circles as “Seward’s Folly” (after Secretary of State Seward, who negotiated the Purchase).

In the United States, Nebraska is admitted to the Union as the 37th state.

1868

In Japan, the 268-year-old Tokugawa Shogunate comes to an end when it is abolished by the Meiji Emperor. This is the latest event in the ongoing Meiji Restoration, in which Japan attempts to adapt Western technology in order to become a great power.

President Johnson becomes the first President to be impeached, although he is acquitted by the Senate (by one vote).

In the American Presidential elections, Ulysses S. Grant is elected President, as a Republican.

1869

An Anglo-Indian task force in Ethiopia defeats Emperor Tewodros II in the Battle of Madgala, in a (ultimately) successful bid to free a group of imprisoned British missionaries.

In the United States, the Transcontinental Railroad is completed.

On Wall Street, an attempt by speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk to corner the gold market ends with a financial panic.

In Egypt, the Suez Canal is officially inaugurated.

In southern Africa, Basutoland becomes a British protectorate.
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