Okay, I know a bit about history, but not very much. So, here is my wish:
I'm trying to create a world in which World War I has reached a stalemate with no advances or significant gains for 40/50/60 years, with major advances made in technology (portable missile launcher, helicopters, such other war-related stuff). I realise this is entirely preposterous due to social/economic fatigue, but bear with me.
I thought; 1905 revolution in Russia ,after humiliating defeat by Japanese, installs belligerent pro-Germany dictatorship. Serbia in 1914 asks France/Britain/USA (reluctant) to join, gets Italy in the bargain. France and Britains quick strikes against Germany fall flat against defences, so they fall back and establish defences. Russians arrive, cement stalemate. Eventually they build two opposing lines of fortifications that make the Wall of China look like a fence. Nobody goes anywhere.
Meanwhile, Yuan Shikai over in China gets overthrown by republican general. He seeks an alliance with Japan to stop meaningless feuding. It's successful. They basically become a double-act, opposing Serbian Pact (allies) and Central Supremacy League (powers).
And while this is going on, there are all sorts of problems in the colonies, with revolutions happening here and there (in Africa especially). The successful revolutionaries become either democracies, autocracies or warlord-split warzones.
I'm aiming for this to be set sometime in the second half of the century. Even if by that time it has just turned into a cold war of three angry kids glaring at each other over the remains of the world.
Okay, now for my questions.
1) Any detail that really annoys you because it just wouldn't happen - point it out. Any help appreciated, even if it's slapping me in the face and telling me I'm an idiot.
2) Who would lead various countries? I have my own plans for Russia/China with my made-up people, and Germany and A-H would keep their good old monarchies but what about US/France/Britain? Britain would probably have a strong pro-war Conservative leadership, France even more so, while the US sits back and pumps money into their favourite fighters.
3) What would be happening in the Balkans? Total devastation as Emperor Franz Joseph jumps up and down on the smoking remains of Serbia? Or va dogged fortress in the midst of an incompetent and ancient A-H?
4) Ditto Middle East. Would Lawrence of Arabia still be around to help if the Russians sent in reinforcements from Crimea?
5) Deserting soldiers, conscientous objectors and artistic types who hate this silly war thing from all sides forming an underground utopia in Belgium. Thoughts?
I realise I'm asking a lot; basically a rewrite of world history. But anything you contribute would help. Even rubbishing everything I've said.
Thanks.
I'm trying to create a world in which World War I has reached a stalemate with no advances or significant gains for 40/50/60 years, with major advances made in technology (portable missile launcher, helicopters, such other war-related stuff). I realise this is entirely preposterous due to social/economic fatigue, but bear with me.
I thought; 1905 revolution in Russia ,after humiliating defeat by Japanese, installs belligerent pro-Germany dictatorship. Serbia in 1914 asks France/Britain/USA (reluctant) to join, gets Italy in the bargain. France and Britains quick strikes against Germany fall flat against defences, so they fall back and establish defences. Russians arrive, cement stalemate. Eventually they build two opposing lines of fortifications that make the Wall of China look like a fence. Nobody goes anywhere.
Meanwhile, Yuan Shikai over in China gets overthrown by republican general. He seeks an alliance with Japan to stop meaningless feuding. It's successful. They basically become a double-act, opposing Serbian Pact (allies) and Central Supremacy League (powers).
And while this is going on, there are all sorts of problems in the colonies, with revolutions happening here and there (in Africa especially). The successful revolutionaries become either democracies, autocracies or warlord-split warzones.
I'm aiming for this to be set sometime in the second half of the century. Even if by that time it has just turned into a cold war of three angry kids glaring at each other over the remains of the world.
Okay, now for my questions.
1) Any detail that really annoys you because it just wouldn't happen - point it out. Any help appreciated, even if it's slapping me in the face and telling me I'm an idiot.
2) Who would lead various countries? I have my own plans for Russia/China with my made-up people, and Germany and A-H would keep their good old monarchies but what about US/France/Britain? Britain would probably have a strong pro-war Conservative leadership, France even more so, while the US sits back and pumps money into their favourite fighters.
3) What would be happening in the Balkans? Total devastation as Emperor Franz Joseph jumps up and down on the smoking remains of Serbia? Or va dogged fortress in the midst of an incompetent and ancient A-H?
4) Ditto Middle East. Would Lawrence of Arabia still be around to help if the Russians sent in reinforcements from Crimea?
5) Deserting soldiers, conscientous objectors and artistic types who hate this silly war thing from all sides forming an underground utopia in Belgium. Thoughts?
I realise I'm asking a lot; basically a rewrite of world history. But anything you contribute would help. Even rubbishing everything I've said.
Thanks.