Empires in Exile

xsampa

Banned
If a European empire was displaced from the metropole by invasion or revolution, how long would their empires in exile be able to last? This is for a post-WW1 POD.
 
If a European empire was displaced from the metropole by invasion or revolution, how long would their empires in exile be able to last? This is for a post-WW1 POD.

Undefinitely. For example, the Qajar dynasty of Persia was removed in a coup in 1919 but they still have a working government in exile.
 
Undefinitely. For example, the Qajar dynasty of Persia was removed in a coup in 1919 but they still have a working government in exile.

That depends on your definition of "working". If it means "existing on paper and in the minds of a few delusional individuals", maybe.

To me, a "working" government in exile is recognized by at least a few real governments having real power. Say De Gaulle in London in 1940-44. While not defining itself an empire, France did have a lot of colonies, and indeed Gaullist forces (with a hefty dose of British troops) began retaking control of those first.

For how long can that last? Probably for as long as the countries recognizing the exiled government are at war with the de facto government. A cold war can also be enough, for a while. Eventually, practicality wins.
 
That depends on your definition of "working". If it means "existing on paper and in the minds of a few delusional individuals", maybe.

To me, a "working" government in exile is recognized by at least a few real governments having real power. Say De Gaulle in London in 1940-44. While not defining itself an empire, France did have a lot of colonies, and indeed Gaullist forces (with a hefty dose of British troops) began retaking control of those first.

For how long can that last? Probably for as long as the countries recognizing the exiled government are at war with the de facto government. A cold war can also be enough, for a while. Eventually, practicality wins.

Yes, I agree with you, but just one niptick: The Qajar still have some hold on Iran, not political, but they are influential due their investiments there. Apart from that I agree with everything you said.
 
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