Discussion: The plausibility of a successful Spanish Invasion of England

Hello! I'm an aspiring writer, and I have a book in mind, several books really. But this one is my main project, so here it goes:

In my book, things have changed in the world. After the defeat of the Royal Navy by the Spanish Armada, and the following occupation by Spain, and subsequent Protestant resistance, Britain remains divided between England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

As a consequence, France and the Entente lost the first world war, leading to Imperial Germany being the dominant power in Europe.
Many Americans are still descended from Scots, Welsh, Irish, and English peoples. Canada remains largely Francophone, and the US gained It's independence from both France and Spain. The English language is still widespread, but not nearly as much as French, German, and Spanish.
The story itself has two plots: One plot centering in 2105, in the Britannian Empire. And the other in the 20th-21st Century, following Arthur Cunningham, the son of an Earl, that had risen rapidly in his Military Career, before overthrowing the Much stronger English Monarchy, and the Royal Court. He then has a change of heart, leading a Palace Rebellion to install the puppet King as the true King. Ultimately the King dies of Cancer. After gaining the respect of the Civilians and the Military, he installs himself as the King of England, unifying Great Britain, and later crowning himself Emperor of the Britannian Empire.
There are many parallels with Napoleon. I envision it as a story of Political Intrigue, Drama, Military life, and the question: Is a Monarchy right or wrong?

The Britannian Monarchy is very domineering, and the Cunningham Dynasty holds great influence in politics.

The British Empire never forms, except from some godforsaken Islands off the coast of africa

The English Monarchy is stronger here. As England after the occupation has developed a sort of a Fortress Albion mindset after the occupation.

The Britannian Empire formed after a series of Wars and Unions. But it formed in the 2030s

So what do you guys think, the plausibility of the Alternate Timeline, the story in General, let loose the critic inside of you!
 
Well... There's an awful lot of butterfly nets up here...

The main problem its difficult to 'selectively' change history. One change will have consequences down the line.

If the Spanish Armada succeeds and Britain remains divided, does it never settle America? Does Scotland attempt to start its own colonies in America as in OTL and if it does, do they succeed?

Does the English Civil War still take place, given tension against the Monarchy will very likely come to a head at this point?

Does James Stuart become King (I'm guessing no if England and Scotland aren't united). So who becomes the English Monarch?

No Stuarts mean no Hanoverian Dynasty which means no connection to the continent.

Will Imperial Germany form the same way as OTL, is it still Prussian dominated or Austrian? Or Bavarian?

If Britain is weaker does Europe become a French Hegemony in the 17th/18th Century? (Germany was HEAVILY divided at this time and I would argue having a strong Northern neighbour in the UK helped keep France in check)

Its a good idea. However if you are going for 'Hard' Alternative History you need to examine about 500 years of history in detail and plot the butterflies of your suggested POD.

Basic premise sounds interesting though.
 
Good point. I'm aiming the book to be as "hard" as it could be.

For your first question. Scotland did attempt to make colonies, they were more successful than in OTL, but there colonies were eventually absorbed by France. The Scots bring with them many Welsh and English refugees, and together they form a basic part of the North American population.

Second Question: Yes, after the Spaniards were overthrowned, many English had problems with an Absolute Monarchy, but due to the Influence of the Inquisition on England and Wales, the english public had little problems because they were too paranoid of Catholics, and believed that the Monarchy was right to retain powers, thus the public never supported such a war, opting for gradual constitutional change.

I have opted for an English noblemen, I haven't really decided which, I need to conduct some research first. Does anyone have any recommendations?

The New Royal Dynasty eventually married with the Danish Royal Famjly, thus establishing a connection. Mainly to Scandinavia though.

Imperial Germany was dominated by an alliance between Austria and Prussia, the "Greater Germany" scenario, is in place.

For much of the period, France was the dominant power in Continental Europe, dominating Spanish, and Low Countries politics. Before the rapid rise of the Prusso-Austrian Alliance that is.

Any other questions or butterflies?
 
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