Henry the Great.
- Thread starter Quiet_Man
- Start date
This is only a rough outline as to where I can see Britain going, I'll probably post it in 3 or 4 parts.
(1662) Henry IX dies, reign of James. (Naming of monarchs now changed to represent Britain, Henry was numbered Henry I, James will be James I)
Mathematical renaissance, lead by Newton and Leibnitz, rediscovery of calculus. Unlike OTL, Newton’s obsession with religion has no parallel here and he continues his workings in mathematics until his death in 1727.
Last Ottoman incursion into Christian Europe thrown back by the Holy League of Austria, Franconia, Swabia, Poland and France. Resulting war frees Hungary and Transylvania.
Cossack Hetmanate defeats and absorbs Crimean Tatars during this time.
Lithuania joins the Northern Alliance.
Colonial empire continues to grow, settlers in British North America now top 500,000. New settlements made in Caribbean, including Bermuda.
The states bordering the Baltic Sea form the Baltic Union a mutual trading and defence pact.
(1681) James I dies of pneumonia, succeeded by Henry II.
Charter of the East India Company renewed provisioning it with the rights to autonomous territorial acquisitions, to mint money, to command fortresses and troops and form alliances, to make war and peace, and to exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the acquired areas. By 1689, the Company was arguably a "nation" in the Indian mainland, independently administering the vast presidencies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay and possessing a formidable and intimidating military strength. From 1698 the company was entitled to use the motto "Auspicio Regis et Senatus Britannia" meaning, "Under the patronage of the King and Parliament of Britain"
First working steam engine invented in Edinburgh, device is soon copied and in use throughout the Northern Alliance and beyond.
A resurgent France tries to reconquer Normandy aided by the Holy League. The resulting war draws in the rest of the Northern Alliance and is fought over the next 4 years leaving much of southern Europe devastated. Louis XIV of France is dragged from his residence in Orleans and hung by the mob. France descends into anarchy for the next 2 years to re–emerge as a republic. During this time the Kingdom of Brittany after the murder of their king and royal family ask for and receive commonwealth status within the British Union.
The breakdown of order in Europe particularly in the defeated Holy League leads to a complete restructuring of many countries, the rulers of the Holy league become increasingly autocratic as often only a strong hand at the “helm of state” avoids total anarchy.
Spanish Empire now includes all of South America below Panama save Nuovo Italia and Dutch Recife.
William Prince of Orange dies, his marriage though happy was childless. The Netherlands petitions Henry II to become their monarch with the Netherlands becoming the 5th Kingdom of the Britannic union. This only made Henry II their king; the Dutch government remained autonomous.
During this time most historians date the beginning of the industrial revolution.
First experimental balloon flights take place in The Netherlands.
Plains wars begin in North America, Britain applies the same methodology of allying with a suitable tribe and assisting them to wipe out or enslave their enemies. Development of rifling in guns begins with experiments in Boston.
The French Republic founders as economic crisis after crisis causes massive inflation. Power after a state of terror is finally seized by Stefan Favereau and his Committee of Public Safety. Though brutal and vicious he does stabilise the regime and is declared dictator for life or as he was often referred to personally as Potentat Favereau.
The regime is known as the Dictature du Prolétariat.
Russian attempts to settle in Alaska are deliberately hampered by Royal Naval ships of the Pacific squadrons. This eventually led to the treaty of Moscow ceding the area to Britain at the cost of £3,000,000.
Edmond Halley demonstrates a prototype diving bell.
Swedish colonisation of OTL Australia continues, they are joined by many others from the Baltic Union looking for a new life.
(1710) Death of Henry II succeeded by James II.
British/Dutch colonial efforts centre on Africa and explorations of the interior begin after the discovery of Diamonds and Gold in the southern interior.
Spain invades Morocco in an attempt to stop piracy from various cities along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. The war against part of the Ottoman Empire draws troops from Libya and Egypt to fight the Spanish; however a series of heavy defeats leads to an Ottoman withdrawal. Spain however respects the borders of British colony of Tangiers.
Great Northern war between Russia and the Baltic Union (comprising of Sweden, Denmark, The Baltic Federation and Lithuania). Russian attempts to seize the Baltic States from Sweden are thwarted by a series of victories by the Baltic Union aided and assisted by Britain and The Netherlands despite initial Russian gains over a war lasting 17 years. Further Russian attempts to conquer the Cossack Hetmanate are also driven back with Northern Alliance aid. The eventual victory leaves the Baltic union in control of Novgorod
Prototype cotton stripping machine developed in India is demonstrated in British North America, soon cotton as a cash crop is being developed in some southern provinces. The work is labour intensive and slavery becomes the accepted way to get workers.
British East India Company and Dutch East Indies Company merge holdings creating a common market for both.
Newton and the clockmaker George Graham resolve the longitude problem for British shipping, it is Newton’s last great achievement and he dies shortly after.
The French Dictature du Prolétariat is now largely hereditary with control of the regime being handed down from father to son. France rejoins the Holy League at this time.
A New Parliamentary building is attached to the British Parliament to house members of the new Imperial Parliament drawn from various provinces and other nations of the Commonwealth.
(1727) James II dies and is succeeded by Robert I.
Witchcraft laws are removed from the statutes of the British Commonwealth; it is no longer lawful to execute someone found guilty of witchcraft, though it remains unlawful to practice it.
Population of British North America is now over 1,000,000, mostly on the eastern coast, though the population of Henricia (OTL California) is now over 75,000. Population is spurred by various dissident groups fleeing persecution in southern Europe and the Russian Empire.
The first condensing steam engine is produced by Henry Franklin in New Amsterdam. The machines are used to drive spinning and weaving machines in the burgeoning factories of Britain, Holland and North America.
Further Britannic-Dutch expansion in India and China, almost half of India is “owned” by Britain and the Netherlands. China is struggling to maintain its independence in the wave of British and Dutch mercantile endeavours.
Isolation of Japan ends as a well trained (by Britain) army lands in Korea to carve out new territories for Japanese expansion. Much of the British culture has rubbed off on the Japanese over the last century and although they see a dominant role for themselves in the years ahead, there is far less in the way of elitism in their personal dealings with their conquered neighbours.
John Wesley a leading and impassioned Lutheran minister founds the “Society for the abolition of slavery within the Empire.” Though making little headway at first through the intransigence of men grown rich on enslavement of others, there are soon branches in many large cities.
The first steam driven boat is demonstrated on the Thames.
Britain’s inland waterways are massively expanded during this time to carry heavy goods across the country.
New Zealand (south island) now has the largest population of Jews outside of Europe numbering almost 150,000. Florida has 50,000 and Jamaica 12,000.
Experiments with electricity produce the battery in Savoy.
Royal Household at Kensington is the first house in Britain to have domestic gas lighting.
Major Parliamentary reforms undertaken to extend the franchise and regulate the influence of the King. Though opposed by the royalist party they gain the assent of Parliament and hence the King who is loathe to interfere with matters of state that do not involve the loss of privilege of the people of the land. Most historians date the formation of the modern constitutional monarchy from this point.
The piety of a new King in Spain allows a rebonding with the Holy See in Rome; it also allows the rise of the inquisition in Spain as years of relative tolerance are swept away with the new regime.
Savoy, Venice and Switzerland tentatively ally in a joint economic partnership.
There is war in central Germany as many smaller states are forcibly consolidated into the Holy League, although there is no religious persecution as such, Protestants are not allowed to hold high office or proselytise, many who oppose this head north to the Baltic Federation or take ship to North America and the German settled regions there.
(1662) Henry IX dies, reign of James. (Naming of monarchs now changed to represent Britain, Henry was numbered Henry I, James will be James I)
Mathematical renaissance, lead by Newton and Leibnitz, rediscovery of calculus. Unlike OTL, Newton’s obsession with religion has no parallel here and he continues his workings in mathematics until his death in 1727.
Last Ottoman incursion into Christian Europe thrown back by the Holy League of Austria, Franconia, Swabia, Poland and France. Resulting war frees Hungary and Transylvania.
Cossack Hetmanate defeats and absorbs Crimean Tatars during this time.
Lithuania joins the Northern Alliance.
Colonial empire continues to grow, settlers in British North America now top 500,000. New settlements made in Caribbean, including Bermuda.
The states bordering the Baltic Sea form the Baltic Union a mutual trading and defence pact.
(1681) James I dies of pneumonia, succeeded by Henry II.
Charter of the East India Company renewed provisioning it with the rights to autonomous territorial acquisitions, to mint money, to command fortresses and troops and form alliances, to make war and peace, and to exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the acquired areas. By 1689, the Company was arguably a "nation" in the Indian mainland, independently administering the vast presidencies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay and possessing a formidable and intimidating military strength. From 1698 the company was entitled to use the motto "Auspicio Regis et Senatus Britannia" meaning, "Under the patronage of the King and Parliament of Britain"
First working steam engine invented in Edinburgh, device is soon copied and in use throughout the Northern Alliance and beyond.
A resurgent France tries to reconquer Normandy aided by the Holy League. The resulting war draws in the rest of the Northern Alliance and is fought over the next 4 years leaving much of southern Europe devastated. Louis XIV of France is dragged from his residence in Orleans and hung by the mob. France descends into anarchy for the next 2 years to re–emerge as a republic. During this time the Kingdom of Brittany after the murder of their king and royal family ask for and receive commonwealth status within the British Union.
The breakdown of order in Europe particularly in the defeated Holy League leads to a complete restructuring of many countries, the rulers of the Holy league become increasingly autocratic as often only a strong hand at the “helm of state” avoids total anarchy.
Spanish Empire now includes all of South America below Panama save Nuovo Italia and Dutch Recife.
William Prince of Orange dies, his marriage though happy was childless. The Netherlands petitions Henry II to become their monarch with the Netherlands becoming the 5th Kingdom of the Britannic union. This only made Henry II their king; the Dutch government remained autonomous.
During this time most historians date the beginning of the industrial revolution.
First experimental balloon flights take place in The Netherlands.
Plains wars begin in North America, Britain applies the same methodology of allying with a suitable tribe and assisting them to wipe out or enslave their enemies. Development of rifling in guns begins with experiments in Boston.
The French Republic founders as economic crisis after crisis causes massive inflation. Power after a state of terror is finally seized by Stefan Favereau and his Committee of Public Safety. Though brutal and vicious he does stabilise the regime and is declared dictator for life or as he was often referred to personally as Potentat Favereau.
The regime is known as the Dictature du Prolétariat.
Russian attempts to settle in Alaska are deliberately hampered by Royal Naval ships of the Pacific squadrons. This eventually led to the treaty of Moscow ceding the area to Britain at the cost of £3,000,000.
Edmond Halley demonstrates a prototype diving bell.
Swedish colonisation of OTL Australia continues, they are joined by many others from the Baltic Union looking for a new life.
(1710) Death of Henry II succeeded by James II.
British/Dutch colonial efforts centre on Africa and explorations of the interior begin after the discovery of Diamonds and Gold in the southern interior.
Spain invades Morocco in an attempt to stop piracy from various cities along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. The war against part of the Ottoman Empire draws troops from Libya and Egypt to fight the Spanish; however a series of heavy defeats leads to an Ottoman withdrawal. Spain however respects the borders of British colony of Tangiers.
Great Northern war between Russia and the Baltic Union (comprising of Sweden, Denmark, The Baltic Federation and Lithuania). Russian attempts to seize the Baltic States from Sweden are thwarted by a series of victories by the Baltic Union aided and assisted by Britain and The Netherlands despite initial Russian gains over a war lasting 17 years. Further Russian attempts to conquer the Cossack Hetmanate are also driven back with Northern Alliance aid. The eventual victory leaves the Baltic union in control of Novgorod
Prototype cotton stripping machine developed in India is demonstrated in British North America, soon cotton as a cash crop is being developed in some southern provinces. The work is labour intensive and slavery becomes the accepted way to get workers.
British East India Company and Dutch East Indies Company merge holdings creating a common market for both.
Newton and the clockmaker George Graham resolve the longitude problem for British shipping, it is Newton’s last great achievement and he dies shortly after.
The French Dictature du Prolétariat is now largely hereditary with control of the regime being handed down from father to son. France rejoins the Holy League at this time.
A New Parliamentary building is attached to the British Parliament to house members of the new Imperial Parliament drawn from various provinces and other nations of the Commonwealth.
(1727) James II dies and is succeeded by Robert I.
Witchcraft laws are removed from the statutes of the British Commonwealth; it is no longer lawful to execute someone found guilty of witchcraft, though it remains unlawful to practice it.
Population of British North America is now over 1,000,000, mostly on the eastern coast, though the population of Henricia (OTL California) is now over 75,000. Population is spurred by various dissident groups fleeing persecution in southern Europe and the Russian Empire.
The first condensing steam engine is produced by Henry Franklin in New Amsterdam. The machines are used to drive spinning and weaving machines in the burgeoning factories of Britain, Holland and North America.
Further Britannic-Dutch expansion in India and China, almost half of India is “owned” by Britain and the Netherlands. China is struggling to maintain its independence in the wave of British and Dutch mercantile endeavours.
Isolation of Japan ends as a well trained (by Britain) army lands in Korea to carve out new territories for Japanese expansion. Much of the British culture has rubbed off on the Japanese over the last century and although they see a dominant role for themselves in the years ahead, there is far less in the way of elitism in their personal dealings with their conquered neighbours.
John Wesley a leading and impassioned Lutheran minister founds the “Society for the abolition of slavery within the Empire.” Though making little headway at first through the intransigence of men grown rich on enslavement of others, there are soon branches in many large cities.
The first steam driven boat is demonstrated on the Thames.
Britain’s inland waterways are massively expanded during this time to carry heavy goods across the country.
New Zealand (south island) now has the largest population of Jews outside of Europe numbering almost 150,000. Florida has 50,000 and Jamaica 12,000.
Experiments with electricity produce the battery in Savoy.
Royal Household at Kensington is the first house in Britain to have domestic gas lighting.
Major Parliamentary reforms undertaken to extend the franchise and regulate the influence of the King. Though opposed by the royalist party they gain the assent of Parliament and hence the King who is loathe to interfere with matters of state that do not involve the loss of privilege of the people of the land. Most historians date the formation of the modern constitutional monarchy from this point.
The piety of a new King in Spain allows a rebonding with the Holy See in Rome; it also allows the rise of the inquisition in Spain as years of relative tolerance are swept away with the new regime.
Savoy, Venice and Switzerland tentatively ally in a joint economic partnership.
There is war in central Germany as many smaller states are forcibly consolidated into the Holy League, although there is no religious persecution as such, Protestants are not allowed to hold high office or proselytise, many who oppose this head north to the Baltic Federation or take ship to North America and the German settled regions there.
Great finish. I loved that the Chinese invented fruit flavored ices. I'm enjoying the after tl. Dictature de Proletariat 
(1765) King Robert I dies and is succeeded by King John I.
The “6 years war” is fought out in India against the Holy League controlled areas, resulting in a complete victory for Britain and the Netherlands, the only other competing nation on the Indian sub continent is Denmark.
Britannic-Dutch influence also increases in Koxingan China and all ports on the Chinese coast, several attempts by Manchu China to drive foreigners off her soil fail either through direct intervention, bribes or internal revolt.
Britannic-Dutch Imperium is named in official documents during this time. The word Imperium is used to distinguish it from other Empires.
Armies of the Imperium are now being equipped with rifle squads for skirmishing; full use of rifles does not come into force for decades though owing to the loading speed being too slow.
The Japanese Shogunate invades Manchuria, and consolidates its rule over the next 10 years.
Russian attempts to annex the Cossack Hetmanate of the Ukraine are thwarted by Baltic League intervention.
Holy League invades Algeria and occupies the country any rebellion brings about brutal reprisals, though it takes 4 years before the country is deemed secure for colonisation from Europeans.
Greece revolts against the Ottoman Empire at this time and assisted by Savoy and Venice manage to secure their independence.
First railways introduced in Britain, at first they are only novelties, though the use of them for freight and passengers has occurred to many investors.
The Society for the abolition of slavery within the Empire grows from strength to strength during this time; even slave owners can see the writing on the wall and begin to look for other means of running their plantations.
First commercial steamships in use, used mostly as coasters as their range was not great, their ability to sail against the wind is the determining factor. Though within 6 years the first steamship (The aptly named Henry the Great) sails the Atlantic from Bristol to New Amsterdam.
The Erie Canal is built connecting Lake Erie in the west to the Hudson River in the east.
(1793) King John I dies and is succeeded by King Henry III.
The Imperium Parliament debates the laws on slavery and passes a recommendation to all colonial Parliaments that it should be phased out as soon as possible. There is considerable debate over the issue with many of the southern provinces in British North America threatening to secede from the Imperium should any such act be passed by the American Parliament. The issue is finally resolved by the slave owners being recompensed by the state for all slaves owned at a value of up to 70% of their value, with the freed slaves being paid a wage and having to work off the rest of the value over a period of time not exceeding 10 years and that no man or woman can be born into slavery from the passing of the law.
(1795) King Henry III dies from cholera and is succeeded by his son King William I a young man of only 17.
Spain (with the covert support of the Holy League) invades and attempts to seize the British province of Panama, citing the British emancipation of the slaves as breach of terms in the free transport of goods across the Panamanian King’s highway. (Any slave reaching British territory was a free man; this included transported slaves to the mines in South America by Spain). A massive armada carrying 40,000 men lands out of reach of Port Henry and proceeds to attack the forts on the approaches of the city. Further incursions are made both from the North and the South of the Province. Caught off guard the defenders still manage to put up a fierce fight and despite one fort being taken the other two hold out. Still the highway is cut and the two cities at either end put under siege.
Near Greater Normandy a large French army begins manoeuvres just outside the borders of that Duchy and the Dutch border of Flanders. Likewise the Armies of the HRE and Poland also move close to the Borders of the Baltic Federation and Denmark as well as Estonia and Lithuania. Though not threatening in any way they do tie troops down that could be better used elsewhere.
Upon being given the news of the Spanish invasion British North America assembles an army near the Mexican/Spanish border of the Rio Grande and begins probing attacks into Spanish territories.
British and Dutch warships attack any Spanish shipping they can find, although a surprising number of Spanish ships now fly French colours. Spanish armies invade Henricia seizing New London under the nose of its defenders simply by marching into the fort during the hours of darkness plus seizing the Governor and other worthies in their sleep.
A large Spanish invasion of Recife begins, driving the Dutch slowly out of the province.
In the Mediterranean, British warships fight a series of battles with Spanish shipping and also land troops on Majorca to seize the island. Spanish attempts to seize Tangier come to naught as the Imperium knowing the danger to that province has spent years making it just about impregnable from sea or land.
In the Caribbean the British drive off an invasion of Jamaica.
The second year of the war began with Britain and the Dutch very much on the back foot, though good news was forthcoming with news of a successful taking of Monterrey by Colonial forces.
Spain was unable still to take Panama despite having control of the land as both Freeports could easily be supplied by sea and the fortress guns outranged anything the Spanish had on the ground. Spanish troops also began to suffer from a low level guerrilla war as the colonists took every opportunity to hinder, confuse or kill them.
British troops from India managed to land in Henricia to the north of New London and began to march south to retake the city only to find the Spanish well dug in and waiting for them. Having made one attempt to storm the Spanish lines and failing, the British set in for a siege.
The North American fleet sallied against Spanish warship attempts to raid up and down the eastern seaboard, though much lighter than the Spanish, they do outnumber them and generally make a good account of themselves.
Spain does themselves no favours by sailing into Japanese waters to attack British vessels harbouring at Hirado, despite sinking over 30 merchantmen, they also sink several Japanese merchant ships and set fire to the port itself.
Outraged, the Japanese declare war on Spain.
A second British landing in Henricia to the south of New London is made; a Spanish lead colonial army from New Spain meets and defeats them with overwhelming odds. This army in turn attacks the British northern army but is repulsed with heavy losses to the well dug in British and Indian troopers.
Colonial troops forge deeper into New Spain heading for Mexico City driving the native levies before them.
A combined Britannic-Dutch fleet annihilates a Spanish resupply fleet entering the Caribbean enabling Panama to hold on to its territory.
The war in the Mediterranean swings one way then another as neither side is able to gain an advantage, though the Spanish do manage to liberate Majorca.
A large Japanese fleet land troops in the Philippines who then march on Manila.
The Dutch are completely driven out of Recife returning the province to Spanish/Portuguese rule.
The Spanish land troops in the Cape Province, who though unable to take the cities cause much damage throughout the province.
The third year of the war begins with a dissident uprising amongst the Afrancesado’s (Francophile agitators) natives of the Greater Normandy and Flanders areas. Despite heroic efforts by the defenders most of the border areas, though not the fortresses are overrun within the first few weeks, though the Afrancesado’s aims of driving the British and Dutch into the sea did not take place. British and Dutch troops sweeping down from the north soon had the rebellions in the rear areas under control arresting many and then driving south to the border.
In Henricia a landing by Sikh troops to the South of New London is successfully made cutting off the Spanish resupply lines to the city forcing the defenders to abandon the city and make a fighting withdrawal south towards the Border of New Spain. When the British enter the now open city they are met by a horrifying sight, row after row of burnt corpses on stakes marking attempts by the inquisition to forcibly convert the populace to Roman Catholicism, this coupled with the deliberate withholding of food and rations from the citizens left the British and Indians to find only 1017 pitiful survivors out of a city of almost 25,000.
The Imperium was enraged beyond belief by the news and the war took on a new ominous turn as quarter was now neither asked nor given.
The Colonial army reaches Mexico City and sacks it, burning it to the ground in reprisals for New London; any Roman Catholic priest they can find is now hung, though Roman Catholics serving in their own army were surprisingly well treated. Civilians are allowed to flee from the army, though any act deemed to be hostile is now brutally suppressed.
In the Holy League, the news of the Spanish atrocities isolates them from the other members and aid is now not forthcoming, though many still look on with grim satisfaction at the British finally getting a comeuppance for their (supposed) arrogance over the years.
A Dutch army lands in Panama and begins to drive the Spanish back from Port Henry, though once again they find the brutality of the invaders has exceeded the bounds of decency, also found is the wholesale destruction of the Kings Highway by demolition charges as well as the deliberate blowing of dikes and raised waterways to cover the Spanish retreat.
The Colonial army marches from the remains of Mexico City towards Cordoba fighting many minor skirmishes on the way.
The Combined British, Indian and Sikh army pursues the retreating Spanish down the coast into New Spain finally meeting them and destroying them outside of Cuidad Obregon.
The British Navy in the Mediterranean manages to dislodge the Spanish garrison from Minorca, though they are too few in number to hold the island, they do destroy completely the castle of St. Philip.
The Japanese having laid siege to and captured Manila continue their conquest of the island being joined by many natives in a general uprising against Spanish rule.
The fourth year of the war finally sees the Britannic-Dutch Imperium gain the upper hand over Spain. Despite her initial gains in North America and Panama the Spanish are now fighting a defensive war in New Spain and throughout her empire. The army landed in Panama is now in full retreat from the Dutch who are not minded to take any prisoners.
In New Spain the Colonial army isolates Cordoba and moves further south always keeping in touch with its supply chain. A second colonial army enters New Spain moving from town to town and garrisoning them. Sweeping patrols of lancers and dragoons root out any bandit or rebel activity coming down harshly on any disorder.
In Spain itself an attack on Cadiz with marines then fireships torches much of the Spanish fleet resting there along with over a third of the town.
To complete Spain’s woes a British and Dutch army lands in Figueira da Foz and marches in to seize Coimbra.
Due to the loss of income caused by the loss of the Panamanian Isthmian Highway the British government introduces an income tax of 2% promising it only to be a short term measure.
The Japanese complete their conquest of Luzon and spread out to the other islands, despite the arrogance of the Spanish settlers the Japanese behave impeccably unless provoked.
The fifth year of war brings Spain to the negotiating table its armies in North America and Panama have been annihilated and some of the losses in the East Indies were crippling. The talks involving the British, Dutch and Japanese were harsh on Spain, though given the circumstances understandable. Spain lost New Spain to the Imperium and the Philippines to Japan and also had to pay massive indemnities to all countries for the loss of trade and the damage to their economies and infrastructures. In return a treaty was signed stating that the Imperium would not interfere with Spain in South America save only in the case of Nuovo Italia. Recife having been stripped of Dutch settlers was left in Spanish hands with the settlers being compensated and given land in New Spain or as it was to become known Mexicala. Control over Mexicala was done in the usual British business like fashion, with nobles and any other civic leaders being given a chance to pledge allegiance to the Emperor William and if not, being given passage to South America. Local democracy would be introduced at a later date after schools and academies had been opened to educate many of the people living there. The various districts of Mexicala not gaining full Provincial status in the Imperium for another 20 years. During this time there were many rebellions and insurrections by Spanish sympathisers and indigenous locals all to no avail as the Britannic-Dutch Imperium was there for the long term, whole villages of suspected rebels would find themselves rounded up and transported out of the country. The same was true for any Roman Catholic priest found aiding or abetting rebellion, though freedom of religion remained.
London has a sewerage system built, other towns in the Imperium follow suit.
A patent was given to John Barber, an American, for the first true gas turbine. His invention had most of the elements present in the modern day gas turbines. The turbine was designed to power a horseless carriage.
Spain joins and becomes the major player in the Holy League. Though hostile to the Northern Alliance, the League is mostly involved in the conquest colonisation and consolidation of northern Africa.
Discovery of gold in Henricia causes a massive influx of colonists into the province, in 6 years almost 300,000 people arrive.
First crude telegraphs are trialled in Wales between Cardiff and Swansea.
The London to Rochester railway is opened to passengers at 30 miles long it calls at Gravesend, Bexley and Central London opposite the Tower. There are plans to extend it to Dover via Canterbury. Partially funded by the government (to allow transport to the naval yards at Chatham) and running 8 very basic locomotives on a 7’ wide track it is the first passenger carrying railway in the world. Within 50 years this had grown to 250,000 miles of track laid and over 90,000 locomotives.
Hawaii joins the Imperium.
John Evangelist Purkinje, a professor of anatomy at the University of Breslau, published his thesis discussing 9 fingerprint patterns, this is discussed in the Royal Society in Britain and a study began to ascertain whether or not fingerprints could be used as a means of personal identification of individuals.
Jacob Perkins from British North America designs the first commercially feasible refrigerator using the cooling properties of liquefied ammonia.
A prototype steamship coupling an advanced Branca/Barber turbine with a propeller is trialled by the British Navy it reaches an astonishing 25 knots against the wind. The Navy is so impressed that it calls for a new class of warships to take advantage of the new technology.
The Ottoman war between the Holy League and the Ottoman’s begins. Lasting 3 years, the Ottoman armies despite being outmatched and out gunned by their adversaries can only be driven back slowly on every front. In the end though the vassal states of the Ottoman’s in Europe revolt causing a massive Ottoman withdrawal back to the areas around Constantinople. The lack of success of the Holy League draws a response from the Cossack Hetmanate of the Ukraine (CHU) as they move south to protect the orthodox religion majority nations on their borders keeping Wallachia, Moldavia and Bulgaria out of the hands of the Holy League and thus preventing the Holy League from approaching Constantinople. Despite calls from Austria the Holy League did not attempt to attack CHU troops or the nations they occupied and settled instead for “liberating”, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. Attempts to coerce Macedonia and Albania into the League after the withdrawal of the Ottoman’s failed as Albania allied itself with Venice and Macedonia with Greece.
In the south Spanish and French troops conquered Libya, though attempts to seize the Nile Delta fail due to supply problems and veteran Ottoman troops holding on fanatically behind strong fixed defences.
Repairs to the Panamanian Isthmian Highway are completed and at one side of the road tracks are laid for a railway line to connect the ports. Plans are produced for a shipping canal but discarded as the cost in man hours is highly prohibitive.
The internal combustion engine is developed by Jean le Pen in Orleans, it remains a curiosity for many years.
The “6 years war” is fought out in India against the Holy League controlled areas, resulting in a complete victory for Britain and the Netherlands, the only other competing nation on the Indian sub continent is Denmark.
Britannic-Dutch influence also increases in Koxingan China and all ports on the Chinese coast, several attempts by Manchu China to drive foreigners off her soil fail either through direct intervention, bribes or internal revolt.
Britannic-Dutch Imperium is named in official documents during this time. The word Imperium is used to distinguish it from other Empires.
Armies of the Imperium are now being equipped with rifle squads for skirmishing; full use of rifles does not come into force for decades though owing to the loading speed being too slow.
The Japanese Shogunate invades Manchuria, and consolidates its rule over the next 10 years.
Russian attempts to annex the Cossack Hetmanate of the Ukraine are thwarted by Baltic League intervention.
Holy League invades Algeria and occupies the country any rebellion brings about brutal reprisals, though it takes 4 years before the country is deemed secure for colonisation from Europeans.
Greece revolts against the Ottoman Empire at this time and assisted by Savoy and Venice manage to secure their independence.
First railways introduced in Britain, at first they are only novelties, though the use of them for freight and passengers has occurred to many investors.
The Society for the abolition of slavery within the Empire grows from strength to strength during this time; even slave owners can see the writing on the wall and begin to look for other means of running their plantations.
First commercial steamships in use, used mostly as coasters as their range was not great, their ability to sail against the wind is the determining factor. Though within 6 years the first steamship (The aptly named Henry the Great) sails the Atlantic from Bristol to New Amsterdam.
The Erie Canal is built connecting Lake Erie in the west to the Hudson River in the east.
(1793) King John I dies and is succeeded by King Henry III.
The Imperium Parliament debates the laws on slavery and passes a recommendation to all colonial Parliaments that it should be phased out as soon as possible. There is considerable debate over the issue with many of the southern provinces in British North America threatening to secede from the Imperium should any such act be passed by the American Parliament. The issue is finally resolved by the slave owners being recompensed by the state for all slaves owned at a value of up to 70% of their value, with the freed slaves being paid a wage and having to work off the rest of the value over a period of time not exceeding 10 years and that no man or woman can be born into slavery from the passing of the law.
(1795) King Henry III dies from cholera and is succeeded by his son King William I a young man of only 17.
Spain (with the covert support of the Holy League) invades and attempts to seize the British province of Panama, citing the British emancipation of the slaves as breach of terms in the free transport of goods across the Panamanian King’s highway. (Any slave reaching British territory was a free man; this included transported slaves to the mines in South America by Spain). A massive armada carrying 40,000 men lands out of reach of Port Henry and proceeds to attack the forts on the approaches of the city. Further incursions are made both from the North and the South of the Province. Caught off guard the defenders still manage to put up a fierce fight and despite one fort being taken the other two hold out. Still the highway is cut and the two cities at either end put under siege.
Near Greater Normandy a large French army begins manoeuvres just outside the borders of that Duchy and the Dutch border of Flanders. Likewise the Armies of the HRE and Poland also move close to the Borders of the Baltic Federation and Denmark as well as Estonia and Lithuania. Though not threatening in any way they do tie troops down that could be better used elsewhere.
Upon being given the news of the Spanish invasion British North America assembles an army near the Mexican/Spanish border of the Rio Grande and begins probing attacks into Spanish territories.
British and Dutch warships attack any Spanish shipping they can find, although a surprising number of Spanish ships now fly French colours. Spanish armies invade Henricia seizing New London under the nose of its defenders simply by marching into the fort during the hours of darkness plus seizing the Governor and other worthies in their sleep.
A large Spanish invasion of Recife begins, driving the Dutch slowly out of the province.
In the Mediterranean, British warships fight a series of battles with Spanish shipping and also land troops on Majorca to seize the island. Spanish attempts to seize Tangier come to naught as the Imperium knowing the danger to that province has spent years making it just about impregnable from sea or land.
In the Caribbean the British drive off an invasion of Jamaica.
The second year of the war began with Britain and the Dutch very much on the back foot, though good news was forthcoming with news of a successful taking of Monterrey by Colonial forces.
Spain was unable still to take Panama despite having control of the land as both Freeports could easily be supplied by sea and the fortress guns outranged anything the Spanish had on the ground. Spanish troops also began to suffer from a low level guerrilla war as the colonists took every opportunity to hinder, confuse or kill them.
British troops from India managed to land in Henricia to the north of New London and began to march south to retake the city only to find the Spanish well dug in and waiting for them. Having made one attempt to storm the Spanish lines and failing, the British set in for a siege.
The North American fleet sallied against Spanish warship attempts to raid up and down the eastern seaboard, though much lighter than the Spanish, they do outnumber them and generally make a good account of themselves.
Spain does themselves no favours by sailing into Japanese waters to attack British vessels harbouring at Hirado, despite sinking over 30 merchantmen, they also sink several Japanese merchant ships and set fire to the port itself.
Outraged, the Japanese declare war on Spain.
A second British landing in Henricia to the south of New London is made; a Spanish lead colonial army from New Spain meets and defeats them with overwhelming odds. This army in turn attacks the British northern army but is repulsed with heavy losses to the well dug in British and Indian troopers.
Colonial troops forge deeper into New Spain heading for Mexico City driving the native levies before them.
A combined Britannic-Dutch fleet annihilates a Spanish resupply fleet entering the Caribbean enabling Panama to hold on to its territory.
The war in the Mediterranean swings one way then another as neither side is able to gain an advantage, though the Spanish do manage to liberate Majorca.
A large Japanese fleet land troops in the Philippines who then march on Manila.
The Dutch are completely driven out of Recife returning the province to Spanish/Portuguese rule.
The Spanish land troops in the Cape Province, who though unable to take the cities cause much damage throughout the province.
The third year of the war begins with a dissident uprising amongst the Afrancesado’s (Francophile agitators) natives of the Greater Normandy and Flanders areas. Despite heroic efforts by the defenders most of the border areas, though not the fortresses are overrun within the first few weeks, though the Afrancesado’s aims of driving the British and Dutch into the sea did not take place. British and Dutch troops sweeping down from the north soon had the rebellions in the rear areas under control arresting many and then driving south to the border.
In Henricia a landing by Sikh troops to the South of New London is successfully made cutting off the Spanish resupply lines to the city forcing the defenders to abandon the city and make a fighting withdrawal south towards the Border of New Spain. When the British enter the now open city they are met by a horrifying sight, row after row of burnt corpses on stakes marking attempts by the inquisition to forcibly convert the populace to Roman Catholicism, this coupled with the deliberate withholding of food and rations from the citizens left the British and Indians to find only 1017 pitiful survivors out of a city of almost 25,000.
The Imperium was enraged beyond belief by the news and the war took on a new ominous turn as quarter was now neither asked nor given.
The Colonial army reaches Mexico City and sacks it, burning it to the ground in reprisals for New London; any Roman Catholic priest they can find is now hung, though Roman Catholics serving in their own army were surprisingly well treated. Civilians are allowed to flee from the army, though any act deemed to be hostile is now brutally suppressed.
In the Holy League, the news of the Spanish atrocities isolates them from the other members and aid is now not forthcoming, though many still look on with grim satisfaction at the British finally getting a comeuppance for their (supposed) arrogance over the years.
A Dutch army lands in Panama and begins to drive the Spanish back from Port Henry, though once again they find the brutality of the invaders has exceeded the bounds of decency, also found is the wholesale destruction of the Kings Highway by demolition charges as well as the deliberate blowing of dikes and raised waterways to cover the Spanish retreat.
The Colonial army marches from the remains of Mexico City towards Cordoba fighting many minor skirmishes on the way.
The Combined British, Indian and Sikh army pursues the retreating Spanish down the coast into New Spain finally meeting them and destroying them outside of Cuidad Obregon.
The British Navy in the Mediterranean manages to dislodge the Spanish garrison from Minorca, though they are too few in number to hold the island, they do destroy completely the castle of St. Philip.
The Japanese having laid siege to and captured Manila continue their conquest of the island being joined by many natives in a general uprising against Spanish rule.
The fourth year of the war finally sees the Britannic-Dutch Imperium gain the upper hand over Spain. Despite her initial gains in North America and Panama the Spanish are now fighting a defensive war in New Spain and throughout her empire. The army landed in Panama is now in full retreat from the Dutch who are not minded to take any prisoners.
In New Spain the Colonial army isolates Cordoba and moves further south always keeping in touch with its supply chain. A second colonial army enters New Spain moving from town to town and garrisoning them. Sweeping patrols of lancers and dragoons root out any bandit or rebel activity coming down harshly on any disorder.
In Spain itself an attack on Cadiz with marines then fireships torches much of the Spanish fleet resting there along with over a third of the town.
To complete Spain’s woes a British and Dutch army lands in Figueira da Foz and marches in to seize Coimbra.
Due to the loss of income caused by the loss of the Panamanian Isthmian Highway the British government introduces an income tax of 2% promising it only to be a short term measure.
The Japanese complete their conquest of Luzon and spread out to the other islands, despite the arrogance of the Spanish settlers the Japanese behave impeccably unless provoked.
The fifth year of war brings Spain to the negotiating table its armies in North America and Panama have been annihilated and some of the losses in the East Indies were crippling. The talks involving the British, Dutch and Japanese were harsh on Spain, though given the circumstances understandable. Spain lost New Spain to the Imperium and the Philippines to Japan and also had to pay massive indemnities to all countries for the loss of trade and the damage to their economies and infrastructures. In return a treaty was signed stating that the Imperium would not interfere with Spain in South America save only in the case of Nuovo Italia. Recife having been stripped of Dutch settlers was left in Spanish hands with the settlers being compensated and given land in New Spain or as it was to become known Mexicala. Control over Mexicala was done in the usual British business like fashion, with nobles and any other civic leaders being given a chance to pledge allegiance to the Emperor William and if not, being given passage to South America. Local democracy would be introduced at a later date after schools and academies had been opened to educate many of the people living there. The various districts of Mexicala not gaining full Provincial status in the Imperium for another 20 years. During this time there were many rebellions and insurrections by Spanish sympathisers and indigenous locals all to no avail as the Britannic-Dutch Imperium was there for the long term, whole villages of suspected rebels would find themselves rounded up and transported out of the country. The same was true for any Roman Catholic priest found aiding or abetting rebellion, though freedom of religion remained.
London has a sewerage system built, other towns in the Imperium follow suit.
A patent was given to John Barber, an American, for the first true gas turbine. His invention had most of the elements present in the modern day gas turbines. The turbine was designed to power a horseless carriage.
Spain joins and becomes the major player in the Holy League. Though hostile to the Northern Alliance, the League is mostly involved in the conquest colonisation and consolidation of northern Africa.
Discovery of gold in Henricia causes a massive influx of colonists into the province, in 6 years almost 300,000 people arrive.
First crude telegraphs are trialled in Wales between Cardiff and Swansea.
The London to Rochester railway is opened to passengers at 30 miles long it calls at Gravesend, Bexley and Central London opposite the Tower. There are plans to extend it to Dover via Canterbury. Partially funded by the government (to allow transport to the naval yards at Chatham) and running 8 very basic locomotives on a 7’ wide track it is the first passenger carrying railway in the world. Within 50 years this had grown to 250,000 miles of track laid and over 90,000 locomotives.
Hawaii joins the Imperium.
John Evangelist Purkinje, a professor of anatomy at the University of Breslau, published his thesis discussing 9 fingerprint patterns, this is discussed in the Royal Society in Britain and a study began to ascertain whether or not fingerprints could be used as a means of personal identification of individuals.
Jacob Perkins from British North America designs the first commercially feasible refrigerator using the cooling properties of liquefied ammonia.
A prototype steamship coupling an advanced Branca/Barber turbine with a propeller is trialled by the British Navy it reaches an astonishing 25 knots against the wind. The Navy is so impressed that it calls for a new class of warships to take advantage of the new technology.
The Ottoman war between the Holy League and the Ottoman’s begins. Lasting 3 years, the Ottoman armies despite being outmatched and out gunned by their adversaries can only be driven back slowly on every front. In the end though the vassal states of the Ottoman’s in Europe revolt causing a massive Ottoman withdrawal back to the areas around Constantinople. The lack of success of the Holy League draws a response from the Cossack Hetmanate of the Ukraine (CHU) as they move south to protect the orthodox religion majority nations on their borders keeping Wallachia, Moldavia and Bulgaria out of the hands of the Holy League and thus preventing the Holy League from approaching Constantinople. Despite calls from Austria the Holy League did not attempt to attack CHU troops or the nations they occupied and settled instead for “liberating”, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. Attempts to coerce Macedonia and Albania into the League after the withdrawal of the Ottoman’s failed as Albania allied itself with Venice and Macedonia with Greece.
In the south Spanish and French troops conquered Libya, though attempts to seize the Nile Delta fail due to supply problems and veteran Ottoman troops holding on fanatically behind strong fixed defences.
Repairs to the Panamanian Isthmian Highway are completed and at one side of the road tracks are laid for a railway line to connect the ports. Plans are produced for a shipping canal but discarded as the cost in man hours is highly prohibitive.
The internal combustion engine is developed by Jean le Pen in Orleans, it remains a curiosity for many years.
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(1863) Death of William I, he is succeeded by John II.
John’s reign sees the rush to colonise Africa and Asia reach its peak with European nations frequently involved in low level fighting over territory and bribing native tribes to drive out the opposition. The favoured Britannic Dutch method being to side with one tribe in its fight with another and assist them to conquer their neighbours for a share of the land and spoils. Once integrated however the natives are educated and brought into the bureaucracy and gradually brought into positions of power within the province.
The biological scientist Christian Rasmussen in the University of Copenhagen publishes a book outlining a theory of evolution, the furore caused when printed throughout the world carries on to today, where his work is still banned from being taught in certain countries.
Despite controversy in Britain and throughout the Imperium his theories gained acceptance and were subsequently added to the curricula of many universities and colleges.
The Imperial Parliament at this time develops the tiered system of governance with those developed (by Imperial standards) the highest gaining dominion status within the Imperium with complete self rule and control over their foreign and internal tax policies, they also select their own governors and representatives to the Imperial Parliament. Second tier consists of provinces who have reached a state of self governance with their own Parliaments but who are not yet ready to run their own foreign affairs or taxation which are controlled by the governor appointed by the Imperium. The third tiers are those new provinces under direct rule of the Imperium.
It is now possible to travel by Kings Highway from New Amsterdam in the east of British North America to new London on the west coast. A rail link between the two is also under construction though getting past the Rockies is proving an almost insurmountable task. The introduction of nitro glycerine based explosives however is allowing some progress to be made.
The Imperial armies are now all equipped with breech loading rifles and experimentation is taking place with rapid firing multi barrelled rotary rifles (Gatling Guns)
British navy produces the world’s first ironclad, other navies soon follow suit.
Steam powered cars make their appearance on the roads of the Imperium, though only the rich can afford one.
The first powered airship lifts from Amsterdam to cross the North Sea to London, there is massive investment in companies prepared to build or develop them. Within 10 years the first Branca/Barber turbine driven rigid dirigible crosses Europe from London to Stockholm in a regular passenger service carrying 20 passengers and 6 crew.
Electric filament lighting is developed in Dublin.
The Ottoman Empire collapses into internal revolt with the death of the Sultan Ahmed VI with various factions fighting to secure their own power. Desperate to stop a total collapse leaving her enemies to pick over the bones the Ottoman Pasha invites the Britannic Dutch Imperium to secure the Ottoman provinces and restore order. Acting quickly the British rapidly move troops into Egypt, to supplement the frontier with the Holy League. Then moved in to the various provinces of the Ottoman Empire restoring order where allowed, though regions such as Arabia and Persia gained independence at this time as the British and Dutch simply did not have the manpower to take them back into the Ottoman fold. The Pasha then with British power behind him brought about a series of constitutional reforms; a fairly modern conscripted army; the banking system was reformed; and the guilds were replaced with modern factories. A constitution, called the Kanûn-ı Esâsî (meaning "Basic Law" in Ottoman Turkish), written by members of the Young Ottomans assisted by Dutch lawyers was promulgated. It established freedom of belief and equality of all citizens before the law, including the Christian and Jewish enclaves in Armenia and Palestine.
The Young Ottomans (primarily educated in Northern Alliance universities) believed that a constitutional monarchy would be best for their land, and had grave doubts about having the British and Dutch controlling the state. However when proposals were placed before them for elections to an Ottoman Parliament in which the enfranchised would get to choose how the country was ruled they did not miss the opportunity to take part. Within 10 years the Ottoman Dominion was sitting as a full member of the Imperial Parliament having accepted John II as their Emperor though with their prime minister actually running the country. Proposals for one of the Sultan’s daughters to marry the Emperor have to be shelved as John is married, however his brothers son does marry an Ottoman princess tying in part the Ottomans to the royal Imperium family.
Ammonium fuelled fireless steam powered trams make their appearance on the streets of the Imperium.
Antisepsis is now practiced in medicine, hygiene is maintained in hospitals through the use of carbolic soaps and acid sprays.
HIMS (His Imperial Majesties Ship) King Henry is launched in Newcastle Upon Tyne, a fully armoured ironclad mounting seven breechloading rifled 10” guns in hooded barbettes and capable of moving at a full speed of 18 knots. Five hundred and ten tons of coal are carried in the bunkers, which at a speed of 10 knots enabled the ship to make a voyage of 2,800 nautical miles, it is the most powerful ship afloat and was the pride of the fleet. It would be years before it could be equalled by the Imperium’s rivals, never mind surpassed. Similar vessels were in production all over the Imperium in the shipyards of Rotterdam, Bombay, Jamestown, Capetown and New London.
The Suez Canal is built, using locally employed labour and a few specialised steam shovel operators; it takes 9 years to build and vastly shortens the time taken to get steam shipping too and from India and the Far East. The Imperium’s only reservations are that Spain controls one side of the entrance to the Mediterranean.
Plans are drawn up for an American Isthmian Canal, several possible routes have been proposed for a canal in the isthmus, all making use of Lake Nicaragua. from San Juan del Norte, up the Rio San Juan — with improvements and new locks - to the lake. An artificial canal would then be cut across the narrow isthmus of Rivas, its lowest point is 183 ft above sea level, to reach the Pacific Ocean at San Juan del Sur. Construction begins, but it will take many years to complete.
Patents for the field-effect transistor principle were registered in Stockholm and although very crude, worked well as amplifiers for telegraph and telephone exchanges. This lead to an explosion of scientific interest in the properties of doped metals for switching and voltage/current control leading to the first diodes and Thyristor or silicon controlled rectifier. This also caused a surge in the Stock exchange as the prices for Silicon and germanium went through the roof.
(1889) Death of John II, as he dies childless the crown passes on to his younger brother Robert II.
Regular Atlantic passenger dirigible flights from London to New Amsterdam established.
(1891) Death of Robert II he is succeeded by his grandson Matthew I as his son predeceased him by some 10 years. Matthews wife is the Ottoman Princess Ayse Osmanoglu and although converted to Lutheranism her presence as Queen is welcomed throughout the Imperium beginning a tradition of the Imperium royalty seeking out the daughters of high officials in the Dominions and Provinces as a means of further binding them to the throne.
Death of the last Koxingan Emperor of southern China and civil war breaks out. Lasting 4 years and costing over a million lives order is restored by Britannic, Dutch intervention and the seizing of key ports and cities. With no obvious claimant to the throne surviving and the Imperium in effective control, the crown is offered to Matthew. It takes a long time before stability and harmony are restored to the country, though most natives are relieved at the fairhandedness of the Imperium peacekeepers.
Wireless telegraphy is developed in secret by Spanish scientists but leaks to the Alliance through their intelligence network.
Max Talmud a Jewish scientist and member of the Royal Society drawing on the advanced work by Newton and other mathematicians publishes a work in theoretical physics defining a theory of relativity and specifically mass-energy equivalence, denoting the formulae E = mc2.
First dreadnought type ships built in the naval yards in New York (OTL New Orleans) HIMS Conqueror: 17,900 tons; 526 feet in length; ten 12 inch guns, eighteen 4 inch guns, five torpedo tubes; maximum belt armour 11 inches; top speed 21.6 knots. Her launch caused a naval arms race with Spain and France.
American Isthmian Canal is completed; the total length is 172 miles long though most of this is natural river or lake.
Several attempts are made to pioneer heavier than air flight machines at this time, all founder on the weight to mass ratio of the steam engines used, even those using Branca/Barber turbines. Though some newer engines powered by steam, used a coiled pipe boiler heated by naptha. Although the coiled boiler was a mere 8 feet long, 6 feet high and 4 feet wide at the base, the use of piping in this manner provided 800 feet of heatable surface area, while the complete boiler weighed in at less than 1000lbs. The boiler could develop 362 h.p. and a pressure of 3201lbs. Yet still this was not quite enough although it was enough to get large wing spanned kites into the air.
Some members of the Imperium Royal Society start experiments with gas turbines. However it is a Norwegian, Ægidius Bjornnson, who was able to build the first gas turbine able to produce more power than needed to run its own components, which was considered an achievement in a time when knowledge about aerodynamics was limited. Using rotary compressors and turbines it produced 18 hp (massive for those days). The only limitations now were on the metallurgical side of things in developing materials to withstand the high temperatures necessary to achieve high output powers.
Some experiments were made with crude internal combustion engines but to no avail as the technology had not been fully developed.
Social Nationalism is espoused by the philosopher Max Gruber in Austria, combining social responsibility with the belief in Catholic values tied to national pride. It makes for a heady intolerant philosophy which fits in well with many of the Holy League elite.
Electrification programs begin on all mainline tracks throughout the Imperium.
The Japanese Empire expands further south into China from Manchuria, taking advantage of instability caused by a dying Chinese Emperor. This however draws Russia into a war with Japan which rapidly expands to involve the Imperium. The war lasting 4 years ends with Manchu China being divided into 3 separate provinces the Northeast to Japan, the West to Russia and the South to the Imperium province of Koxinga. Russia though unhappy with the deal as it prevented them from gaining a Chinese port were forced to accept the treaty as they were simply outclassed by the combined Japanese and Imperium armies. This in turn led to Russian negotiations with the Holy League and massive modernisation of Russia itself.
Steam turbines are now being used for electricity generation over the Imperium.
Distillated oil is used as fuel for steamships and some trains, though its main use is in the development of plastics.
Imperium army develops a tracked armoured troop carrying vehicle, running off a modified ammonium fuelled fireless steam powered turbine engine.
The leaders of the Northern Alliance meet in Copenhagen to discuss mutual concerns. High on the agenda was the Holy League pact with Russia and the growing arms race between the alliance and the League.
The Imperium under growing pressure from North America and South Africa finally allows universal suffrage throughout the Imperium for both men and women over the age of 30 as well as those qualifying for the vote by income.
The “Border Wars” grow in Africa as both the Alliance and the League use their overt and covert resources against each other to gain strategic resources and interests under their respective concerns.
Russia invades Mongolia to bring its Empire to its greatest extent.
The Imperium at this time along with its Northern Alliance allies develops many of the provinces it owns into self supporting industrialised nations with road and rail networks as well as schools and universities, though there is the occasional backlash against the eroding of traditional values, the fact that anyone of any race, creed or colour can make good within the Imperium makes the tide of progress unstoppable.
The Imperium armoured troop carrying vehicle is now being fitted with a cupola mounted gun and now specifically redesigned as a mobile battlefield weapon. They are still very much limited in range owing to the ammonium “engines” they use though developments in steam turbines have now increased their speed over level terrain to 15 mph.
Scientists working in the Danish Congo happen across bacterial eating fungi and begin developing a strain that might be able to fight infection in humans.
First successful television signals transmitted in Copenhagen
The first non European Prime Minister of the Imperium Parliament is selected, Karamchand Gandhi leads the progressive wing of the Tory Party to victory against Kevin Grant of the New Democrats (an offshoot of the Liberal Party) despite the fears of many an old traditionalist, the Imperium did not collapse overnight into anarchy and indeed went on from strength to strength.
Ali Javan of the University of Constantinople researches and creates the first practical oral contraceptive, the birth control pill, bringing privacy and convenience to women worldwide.
The first steam turbine driven train appears on Britain’s tracks and sets a new world speed record of 141 mph on certain sections of mainline tracks. The design is copied throughout the Imperium with the Mk 2 version making an astounding 154 mph across the great plains of America.
(1937) Death of King Matthew I, succeeded by Matthew II who in turn is married to the daughter of a North American Duke.
Developments in metallurgy allow the North American scientist Stanley Meissner to develop a prototype jet turbine capable of powering a heavier than air craft into the skies. The main problem being that early airframe design was usually not strong enough to withstand the forces involved in propelling the craft. A series of trial and error tests began to produce fruit, though many believed this line of research to be a death trap, the Imperium Air Force funding the project has no problems finding willing volunteers.
The Paris accords are set out in a conference by the “Big Three”. Each nation agrees troop limitations and direct intervention on territories belonging to each other. This only prevents major wars, espionage similar to OTL’s great game is still carried out all over the world.
Britain and Sweden jointly develop the first integrated circuit.
Experiments with nuclear fission begin in Scotland, though mostly concerned with developing it as a clean source of power.
Use of transistors allows the development of radar and sonar on naval ships.
They are also used in the first commercial television sets as the government sets up the license for the Imperium Broadcasting Network to carry both television and radio signals.
The Imperium Air Force demonstrates its new fighter aircraft on Empire day over the Royal Parade in London, the sheer speed entrances all who watch as the small planes weave in and out of the ponderous dirigibles. The planes flying are of a twin engined aluminium bodied design though limited to only 300 mph as finding ways to compensate for pilots blacking out due to high G force have yet to be worked out.
The Channel Tunnel is started from Britain to Greater Normandy; the high speed rail lines already exist on both sides of the Channel and it was only a matter of time before it was done.
Other nations immediately begin crash programs in flight and engine design in an attempt to catch up with the Imperium.
The first commercially available antibiotics go on sale throughout the Alliance developed by Danish scientists; they make millions for their developing company and lead to the scientific team being honoured worldwide.
The beginning of an Imperium wide military communications net is begun to be laid down to avoid intercepts or interference of radio signals.
First integrated computer built in Baltimore, at two stories high and over 15 foot square it can predict the arc of a bouncing ball on a cathode ray screen. Massive compared to modern PC standards. It contained 17,468 transistors, 7,200 crystal diodes, 1,500 relays, 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors and around 5 million hand-soldered joints. It weighed 30 tons. It is initially used by the Imperium armies to calculate artillery firing tables.
First clean air acts are passed in the Imperium to combat smog in major cities.
Social Nationalists at this time gain control of much of the Holy League and start purges of those who they think are weakening the states with their lack of zealousness. Laws are passed promoting Roman Catholicism and bringing punitary judgements in higher taxation onto other groups. Although there is no physical persecution it becomes harder and harder to thrive in business as a non Catholic in the League and many reluctantly convert.
First prototype atomic reactor is built in the basement of the college for theoretical studies in Glasgow. Further study will follow though the results and the scientists involved are warned the project is now classified.
The latest Imperium battlewagon is released to the army, using a modified turbojet engine to drive the tracks it is far more heavily armoured than anything else in its class. Its gyroscopically mounted 3 inch main gun and advanced optic sights means it does not have to stop to fire as in earlier models as the gun holds level during movement.
King Matthews’s son is caught by a newspaper foolishly passing on court gossip and state secrets to his mistress who is then passing them on to the Holy League. Though the King is outraged, the story is suppressed for many years and John his son is removed from the succession. John is kept in seclusion after this, with his every need bar freedom being met, the press announce that he is suffering from a wasting disease picked up in the tropics and will not rule owing to the extreme weakness this has produced.
Channel Tunnel is completed; it’s now possible to travel by train to any major Northern Alliance city direct from London without leaving the train. There are however no direct connections to any Holy League city, with Alliance citizens having to transfer bodily at the borders.
Imperium grants licenses to commercial broadcasters.
Imperium scientists design first crude jet powered flying bomb, using a gyroscopic navigation system tied to integrated circuit tabulator it is accurate to within 300 yards of a programmed target.
The Imperium announces that it intends to put its resources into placing a man into space. Facilities for research and development are built on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexicala.
Colour television broadcasts begin.
Aircraft development continues in the Imperium though as yet no-one has passed the sound barrier, though most feel it is only a matter of time as engine design to power and mass ratios are increasing.
Attempts to have jet engines released to the commercial world are denied as the Imperium Parliament sees no reason to replace the dirigible network which despite its slowness is very energy efficient and cheap.
(1969) Death of King Matthew II in a horse riding accident, he is succeeded by King David I his grandson who is only 10 years old.
First successful orbital rocket is launched leaving a satellite orbiting the Earth.
A second launch site is planned for India as the industrial and technological resources of that nation are amongst the highest in the Imperium.
German doctors in the Baltic federation perform the first successful kidney transplant.
North American pilot John Anderson becomes the first man to fly past the sound barrier.
Beginning of what today historians call the “Cold War” between the Alliance, the Holy League and Russia, all 3 realms more or less close their borders to each other. Espionage and counter intelligence reach new heights, with neutral countries bearing the brunt of many a black op.
The worlds first atomic power plant is built in Britain, though small it paves the way to cheap clean energy, though for many the realities of dealing with atomic waste are for the future.
World’s first personal computer goes on sale, though many businesses now had terminals attached to mainframes, this design is the first for use at home and has a genuine Graphic User Interface (GUI)
Imperium military scientists discussing atomic power put forward proposals for an atomic bomb. The project is called Operation Thunderbolt and is carried out deep in the desert areas of Navaho (OTL Arizona/New Mexico)
The Imperium places a man into space and returns him alive. Liu Xiaoyan from the Dominion of Koxinga goes down in history. He was knighted by King David at an official presentation in London later that year.
First commercial communications satellites launched from Yucatan peninsula. The launch site in India is completed at Palayankottai.
The Imperium military upgrades its communication nets and servers; the old net is released to various universities and becomes the backbone of the internet, though connection rates are extremely slow unless you have a direct link.
Researchers in Copenhagen begin mapping the human genome.
Holy League launches their first satellite.
It is assumed but never confirmed that the Imperium launches its first spy satellites at this time.
King David announces that by the year 1990, the Imperium will have landed a man on the moon.
Thunderbolt Project succeeds in detonating an atomic bomb in Navaho, project is deemed ultra secret and any communication of the events or the technology involved carries an automatic death penalty. The scientists are however ennobled discretely by the crown for their outstanding work. Many go on to work for the Imperium militaries project to detect the launch or detonation of any similar devices. Research also proceeds into a method of carrying the device, preferably unmanned.
Word is leaked to the press about suspected Holy League atrocities in their Moslem domains; these however remain mostly rumours, though Imperium Intelligence suspects they are very much worse than reported.
Development of Univop the world’s first commercial universal graphical operating system for home computers, it takes advantage of new technology including laser disks (OTL CD’s) to replace magnetic media.
First mobile phones in use, as in OTL they look like a common housebrick and weigh about the same.
Second generation of atomic power plants is planned and built, many question the wisdom of such plants, particularly with regard to the waste, though reprocessing now can be done.
Aero engineers manage to fit jet turbines onto an aluminium framed, rigid plastic skinned dirigible allowing its speed to go over 300 mph.
Optical cables are now being laid in major cities of the Imperium to facilitate new communication technologies being developed.
1985 The Imperium lands three men and two women on the moon one from each major dominium of the Imperium. Carry Hartery (Britain), Mohandas Singh (India), Jun Shan (Koxinga), Robert Devias (North America) and Mbalenhle Dlamini (Cape Dominion) go down in history as watched on live television when as one, arms linked; they step forward onto the lunar surface.
They are ennobled on the tarmac of London Aeroport by King David after their safe return and receive a tumultuous welcome as they are driven down the Royal parade in London by an estimated 1 million Imperium citizens.
On their return to their respective homes the cheering crowds defied description and many thought it to be the Imperium’s finest moment (so far).
A Holy League espionage agent is caught carrying documents detailing the Thunderbolt Project, the resulting investigation roots out a veritable nest of spies in and around Navaho Province. Though no information is known to have leaked, Imperium Intelligence knows it’s only a matter of time. Top level talks with Alliance leaders let them know of the weapon though as yet none of the details necessary to build one.
Over the next decade a series of Moon landings takes place furthering research but gradually fading from the Imperium public interest.
Research into computing and advanced mathematics continues at many universities and the demand for qualified programmers reaches an all time high.
Commercial interest in space increases with the launch of several satellites capable of transmitting televisual images. It’s now possible with the right equipment to tune in to a local channel anywhere in the Imperium.
Univop 90 is the must have upgrade to home computing with built in internet access programs.
The Baltic Space Agency launches its first satellite from a base in New Sweden.
The Imperium Space Agency announces that it intends to build a permanent space station in earth orbit capable of housing up to 20 people but also capable of being expanded easily.
ISA plans for a re-usable spaceship are rejected on the grounds that it cannot reach high orbit with any payload never mind a heavy one.
A massive Russian build up on the northern border of the Dar al Islam (Persia and Arabia) brings a message from the Alliance telling the Tsar to respect that countries neutrality or face dire consequences.
The Tsar fearing an Alliance invasion backs down claiming it was only war gaming exercises, his statement fools nobody.
Japan launches its first satellite from a base in the Philippines.
Spy satellite pictures of massive encampments in Holy League Africa show a constant stream of trains moving in and out of them, they are classified by Imperial Intelligence as work camps.
The latest developments in computer technology have whole movies now available on a single dense laser disk (DLD) old style tape viewers are gradually phased out in stores.
Talks in Switzerland aimed at thawing the cold war between the Imperium and the League stall and are shelved. The League representatives withdraw leaving a press statement decrying the Godless lack of morals and arrogance of the Imperium and that they have no desire to be associated with its heathen ways.
Imperium monitors detect a nuclear detonation in the southern Sahara; the League ambassador is summoned and informed that the Imperium and its allies know about the Leagues atomic weapons programme and that any such use against the Imperium or its allies will bring about a devastating response. Though denying any such knowledge the Ambassador delivers the message to the Monarch’s council of the league.
The Imperium space station is constructed, used mostly for scientific experimentation it is also mankind’s first permanent presence in space.
Plans are drawn up for a Lunar Colony.
The first new generation spaceships are launched from Palayankottai India. Capable of carrying a payload of 50 tons into a high Earth orbit. The first trip carries a revolutionary deep space telescope, scientists hope to be able to use it to map the nearer stars for planets, though none have been found as yet.
Danish army border guards in Massiasland (roughly OTL Uganda) report fleeing tribesmen and women being gunned down by League troops as they attempt to cross minefields and razorwire barriers near the border. Protests to the leagues ambassador are noted but ignored.
The year 2000 is celebrated in style throughout the Imperium and the world; few though know what the future might bring.
John’s reign sees the rush to colonise Africa and Asia reach its peak with European nations frequently involved in low level fighting over territory and bribing native tribes to drive out the opposition. The favoured Britannic Dutch method being to side with one tribe in its fight with another and assist them to conquer their neighbours for a share of the land and spoils. Once integrated however the natives are educated and brought into the bureaucracy and gradually brought into positions of power within the province.
The biological scientist Christian Rasmussen in the University of Copenhagen publishes a book outlining a theory of evolution, the furore caused when printed throughout the world carries on to today, where his work is still banned from being taught in certain countries.
Despite controversy in Britain and throughout the Imperium his theories gained acceptance and were subsequently added to the curricula of many universities and colleges.
The Imperial Parliament at this time develops the tiered system of governance with those developed (by Imperial standards) the highest gaining dominion status within the Imperium with complete self rule and control over their foreign and internal tax policies, they also select their own governors and representatives to the Imperial Parliament. Second tier consists of provinces who have reached a state of self governance with their own Parliaments but who are not yet ready to run their own foreign affairs or taxation which are controlled by the governor appointed by the Imperium. The third tiers are those new provinces under direct rule of the Imperium.
It is now possible to travel by Kings Highway from New Amsterdam in the east of British North America to new London on the west coast. A rail link between the two is also under construction though getting past the Rockies is proving an almost insurmountable task. The introduction of nitro glycerine based explosives however is allowing some progress to be made.
The Imperial armies are now all equipped with breech loading rifles and experimentation is taking place with rapid firing multi barrelled rotary rifles (Gatling Guns)
British navy produces the world’s first ironclad, other navies soon follow suit.
Steam powered cars make their appearance on the roads of the Imperium, though only the rich can afford one.
The first powered airship lifts from Amsterdam to cross the North Sea to London, there is massive investment in companies prepared to build or develop them. Within 10 years the first Branca/Barber turbine driven rigid dirigible crosses Europe from London to Stockholm in a regular passenger service carrying 20 passengers and 6 crew.
Electric filament lighting is developed in Dublin.
The Ottoman Empire collapses into internal revolt with the death of the Sultan Ahmed VI with various factions fighting to secure their own power. Desperate to stop a total collapse leaving her enemies to pick over the bones the Ottoman Pasha invites the Britannic Dutch Imperium to secure the Ottoman provinces and restore order. Acting quickly the British rapidly move troops into Egypt, to supplement the frontier with the Holy League. Then moved in to the various provinces of the Ottoman Empire restoring order where allowed, though regions such as Arabia and Persia gained independence at this time as the British and Dutch simply did not have the manpower to take them back into the Ottoman fold. The Pasha then with British power behind him brought about a series of constitutional reforms; a fairly modern conscripted army; the banking system was reformed; and the guilds were replaced with modern factories. A constitution, called the Kanûn-ı Esâsî (meaning "Basic Law" in Ottoman Turkish), written by members of the Young Ottomans assisted by Dutch lawyers was promulgated. It established freedom of belief and equality of all citizens before the law, including the Christian and Jewish enclaves in Armenia and Palestine.
The Young Ottomans (primarily educated in Northern Alliance universities) believed that a constitutional monarchy would be best for their land, and had grave doubts about having the British and Dutch controlling the state. However when proposals were placed before them for elections to an Ottoman Parliament in which the enfranchised would get to choose how the country was ruled they did not miss the opportunity to take part. Within 10 years the Ottoman Dominion was sitting as a full member of the Imperial Parliament having accepted John II as their Emperor though with their prime minister actually running the country. Proposals for one of the Sultan’s daughters to marry the Emperor have to be shelved as John is married, however his brothers son does marry an Ottoman princess tying in part the Ottomans to the royal Imperium family.
Ammonium fuelled fireless steam powered trams make their appearance on the streets of the Imperium.
Antisepsis is now practiced in medicine, hygiene is maintained in hospitals through the use of carbolic soaps and acid sprays.
HIMS (His Imperial Majesties Ship) King Henry is launched in Newcastle Upon Tyne, a fully armoured ironclad mounting seven breechloading rifled 10” guns in hooded barbettes and capable of moving at a full speed of 18 knots. Five hundred and ten tons of coal are carried in the bunkers, which at a speed of 10 knots enabled the ship to make a voyage of 2,800 nautical miles, it is the most powerful ship afloat and was the pride of the fleet. It would be years before it could be equalled by the Imperium’s rivals, never mind surpassed. Similar vessels were in production all over the Imperium in the shipyards of Rotterdam, Bombay, Jamestown, Capetown and New London.
The Suez Canal is built, using locally employed labour and a few specialised steam shovel operators; it takes 9 years to build and vastly shortens the time taken to get steam shipping too and from India and the Far East. The Imperium’s only reservations are that Spain controls one side of the entrance to the Mediterranean.
Plans are drawn up for an American Isthmian Canal, several possible routes have been proposed for a canal in the isthmus, all making use of Lake Nicaragua. from San Juan del Norte, up the Rio San Juan — with improvements and new locks - to the lake. An artificial canal would then be cut across the narrow isthmus of Rivas, its lowest point is 183 ft above sea level, to reach the Pacific Ocean at San Juan del Sur. Construction begins, but it will take many years to complete.
Patents for the field-effect transistor principle were registered in Stockholm and although very crude, worked well as amplifiers for telegraph and telephone exchanges. This lead to an explosion of scientific interest in the properties of doped metals for switching and voltage/current control leading to the first diodes and Thyristor or silicon controlled rectifier. This also caused a surge in the Stock exchange as the prices for Silicon and germanium went through the roof.
(1889) Death of John II, as he dies childless the crown passes on to his younger brother Robert II.
Regular Atlantic passenger dirigible flights from London to New Amsterdam established.
(1891) Death of Robert II he is succeeded by his grandson Matthew I as his son predeceased him by some 10 years. Matthews wife is the Ottoman Princess Ayse Osmanoglu and although converted to Lutheranism her presence as Queen is welcomed throughout the Imperium beginning a tradition of the Imperium royalty seeking out the daughters of high officials in the Dominions and Provinces as a means of further binding them to the throne.
Death of the last Koxingan Emperor of southern China and civil war breaks out. Lasting 4 years and costing over a million lives order is restored by Britannic, Dutch intervention and the seizing of key ports and cities. With no obvious claimant to the throne surviving and the Imperium in effective control, the crown is offered to Matthew. It takes a long time before stability and harmony are restored to the country, though most natives are relieved at the fairhandedness of the Imperium peacekeepers.
Wireless telegraphy is developed in secret by Spanish scientists but leaks to the Alliance through their intelligence network.
Max Talmud a Jewish scientist and member of the Royal Society drawing on the advanced work by Newton and other mathematicians publishes a work in theoretical physics defining a theory of relativity and specifically mass-energy equivalence, denoting the formulae E = mc2.
First dreadnought type ships built in the naval yards in New York (OTL New Orleans) HIMS Conqueror: 17,900 tons; 526 feet in length; ten 12 inch guns, eighteen 4 inch guns, five torpedo tubes; maximum belt armour 11 inches; top speed 21.6 knots. Her launch caused a naval arms race with Spain and France.
American Isthmian Canal is completed; the total length is 172 miles long though most of this is natural river or lake.
Several attempts are made to pioneer heavier than air flight machines at this time, all founder on the weight to mass ratio of the steam engines used, even those using Branca/Barber turbines. Though some newer engines powered by steam, used a coiled pipe boiler heated by naptha. Although the coiled boiler was a mere 8 feet long, 6 feet high and 4 feet wide at the base, the use of piping in this manner provided 800 feet of heatable surface area, while the complete boiler weighed in at less than 1000lbs. The boiler could develop 362 h.p. and a pressure of 3201lbs. Yet still this was not quite enough although it was enough to get large wing spanned kites into the air.
Some members of the Imperium Royal Society start experiments with gas turbines. However it is a Norwegian, Ægidius Bjornnson, who was able to build the first gas turbine able to produce more power than needed to run its own components, which was considered an achievement in a time when knowledge about aerodynamics was limited. Using rotary compressors and turbines it produced 18 hp (massive for those days). The only limitations now were on the metallurgical side of things in developing materials to withstand the high temperatures necessary to achieve high output powers.
Some experiments were made with crude internal combustion engines but to no avail as the technology had not been fully developed.
Social Nationalism is espoused by the philosopher Max Gruber in Austria, combining social responsibility with the belief in Catholic values tied to national pride. It makes for a heady intolerant philosophy which fits in well with many of the Holy League elite.
Electrification programs begin on all mainline tracks throughout the Imperium.
The Japanese Empire expands further south into China from Manchuria, taking advantage of instability caused by a dying Chinese Emperor. This however draws Russia into a war with Japan which rapidly expands to involve the Imperium. The war lasting 4 years ends with Manchu China being divided into 3 separate provinces the Northeast to Japan, the West to Russia and the South to the Imperium province of Koxinga. Russia though unhappy with the deal as it prevented them from gaining a Chinese port were forced to accept the treaty as they were simply outclassed by the combined Japanese and Imperium armies. This in turn led to Russian negotiations with the Holy League and massive modernisation of Russia itself.
Steam turbines are now being used for electricity generation over the Imperium.
Distillated oil is used as fuel for steamships and some trains, though its main use is in the development of plastics.
Imperium army develops a tracked armoured troop carrying vehicle, running off a modified ammonium fuelled fireless steam powered turbine engine.
The leaders of the Northern Alliance meet in Copenhagen to discuss mutual concerns. High on the agenda was the Holy League pact with Russia and the growing arms race between the alliance and the League.
The Imperium under growing pressure from North America and South Africa finally allows universal suffrage throughout the Imperium for both men and women over the age of 30 as well as those qualifying for the vote by income.
The “Border Wars” grow in Africa as both the Alliance and the League use their overt and covert resources against each other to gain strategic resources and interests under their respective concerns.
Russia invades Mongolia to bring its Empire to its greatest extent.
The Imperium at this time along with its Northern Alliance allies develops many of the provinces it owns into self supporting industrialised nations with road and rail networks as well as schools and universities, though there is the occasional backlash against the eroding of traditional values, the fact that anyone of any race, creed or colour can make good within the Imperium makes the tide of progress unstoppable.
The Imperium armoured troop carrying vehicle is now being fitted with a cupola mounted gun and now specifically redesigned as a mobile battlefield weapon. They are still very much limited in range owing to the ammonium “engines” they use though developments in steam turbines have now increased their speed over level terrain to 15 mph.
Scientists working in the Danish Congo happen across bacterial eating fungi and begin developing a strain that might be able to fight infection in humans.
First successful television signals transmitted in Copenhagen
The first non European Prime Minister of the Imperium Parliament is selected, Karamchand Gandhi leads the progressive wing of the Tory Party to victory against Kevin Grant of the New Democrats (an offshoot of the Liberal Party) despite the fears of many an old traditionalist, the Imperium did not collapse overnight into anarchy and indeed went on from strength to strength.
Ali Javan of the University of Constantinople researches and creates the first practical oral contraceptive, the birth control pill, bringing privacy and convenience to women worldwide.
The first steam turbine driven train appears on Britain’s tracks and sets a new world speed record of 141 mph on certain sections of mainline tracks. The design is copied throughout the Imperium with the Mk 2 version making an astounding 154 mph across the great plains of America.
(1937) Death of King Matthew I, succeeded by Matthew II who in turn is married to the daughter of a North American Duke.
Developments in metallurgy allow the North American scientist Stanley Meissner to develop a prototype jet turbine capable of powering a heavier than air craft into the skies. The main problem being that early airframe design was usually not strong enough to withstand the forces involved in propelling the craft. A series of trial and error tests began to produce fruit, though many believed this line of research to be a death trap, the Imperium Air Force funding the project has no problems finding willing volunteers.
The Paris accords are set out in a conference by the “Big Three”. Each nation agrees troop limitations and direct intervention on territories belonging to each other. This only prevents major wars, espionage similar to OTL’s great game is still carried out all over the world.
Britain and Sweden jointly develop the first integrated circuit.
Experiments with nuclear fission begin in Scotland, though mostly concerned with developing it as a clean source of power.
Use of transistors allows the development of radar and sonar on naval ships.
They are also used in the first commercial television sets as the government sets up the license for the Imperium Broadcasting Network to carry both television and radio signals.
The Imperium Air Force demonstrates its new fighter aircraft on Empire day over the Royal Parade in London, the sheer speed entrances all who watch as the small planes weave in and out of the ponderous dirigibles. The planes flying are of a twin engined aluminium bodied design though limited to only 300 mph as finding ways to compensate for pilots blacking out due to high G force have yet to be worked out.
The Channel Tunnel is started from Britain to Greater Normandy; the high speed rail lines already exist on both sides of the Channel and it was only a matter of time before it was done.
Other nations immediately begin crash programs in flight and engine design in an attempt to catch up with the Imperium.
The first commercially available antibiotics go on sale throughout the Alliance developed by Danish scientists; they make millions for their developing company and lead to the scientific team being honoured worldwide.
The beginning of an Imperium wide military communications net is begun to be laid down to avoid intercepts or interference of radio signals.
First integrated computer built in Baltimore, at two stories high and over 15 foot square it can predict the arc of a bouncing ball on a cathode ray screen. Massive compared to modern PC standards. It contained 17,468 transistors, 7,200 crystal diodes, 1,500 relays, 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors and around 5 million hand-soldered joints. It weighed 30 tons. It is initially used by the Imperium armies to calculate artillery firing tables.
First clean air acts are passed in the Imperium to combat smog in major cities.
Social Nationalists at this time gain control of much of the Holy League and start purges of those who they think are weakening the states with their lack of zealousness. Laws are passed promoting Roman Catholicism and bringing punitary judgements in higher taxation onto other groups. Although there is no physical persecution it becomes harder and harder to thrive in business as a non Catholic in the League and many reluctantly convert.
First prototype atomic reactor is built in the basement of the college for theoretical studies in Glasgow. Further study will follow though the results and the scientists involved are warned the project is now classified.
The latest Imperium battlewagon is released to the army, using a modified turbojet engine to drive the tracks it is far more heavily armoured than anything else in its class. Its gyroscopically mounted 3 inch main gun and advanced optic sights means it does not have to stop to fire as in earlier models as the gun holds level during movement.
King Matthews’s son is caught by a newspaper foolishly passing on court gossip and state secrets to his mistress who is then passing them on to the Holy League. Though the King is outraged, the story is suppressed for many years and John his son is removed from the succession. John is kept in seclusion after this, with his every need bar freedom being met, the press announce that he is suffering from a wasting disease picked up in the tropics and will not rule owing to the extreme weakness this has produced.
Channel Tunnel is completed; it’s now possible to travel by train to any major Northern Alliance city direct from London without leaving the train. There are however no direct connections to any Holy League city, with Alliance citizens having to transfer bodily at the borders.
Imperium grants licenses to commercial broadcasters.
Imperium scientists design first crude jet powered flying bomb, using a gyroscopic navigation system tied to integrated circuit tabulator it is accurate to within 300 yards of a programmed target.
The Imperium announces that it intends to put its resources into placing a man into space. Facilities for research and development are built on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexicala.
Colour television broadcasts begin.
Aircraft development continues in the Imperium though as yet no-one has passed the sound barrier, though most feel it is only a matter of time as engine design to power and mass ratios are increasing.
Attempts to have jet engines released to the commercial world are denied as the Imperium Parliament sees no reason to replace the dirigible network which despite its slowness is very energy efficient and cheap.
(1969) Death of King Matthew II in a horse riding accident, he is succeeded by King David I his grandson who is only 10 years old.
First successful orbital rocket is launched leaving a satellite orbiting the Earth.
A second launch site is planned for India as the industrial and technological resources of that nation are amongst the highest in the Imperium.
German doctors in the Baltic federation perform the first successful kidney transplant.
North American pilot John Anderson becomes the first man to fly past the sound barrier.
Beginning of what today historians call the “Cold War” between the Alliance, the Holy League and Russia, all 3 realms more or less close their borders to each other. Espionage and counter intelligence reach new heights, with neutral countries bearing the brunt of many a black op.
The worlds first atomic power plant is built in Britain, though small it paves the way to cheap clean energy, though for many the realities of dealing with atomic waste are for the future.
World’s first personal computer goes on sale, though many businesses now had terminals attached to mainframes, this design is the first for use at home and has a genuine Graphic User Interface (GUI)
Imperium military scientists discussing atomic power put forward proposals for an atomic bomb. The project is called Operation Thunderbolt and is carried out deep in the desert areas of Navaho (OTL Arizona/New Mexico)
The Imperium places a man into space and returns him alive. Liu Xiaoyan from the Dominion of Koxinga goes down in history. He was knighted by King David at an official presentation in London later that year.
First commercial communications satellites launched from Yucatan peninsula. The launch site in India is completed at Palayankottai.
The Imperium military upgrades its communication nets and servers; the old net is released to various universities and becomes the backbone of the internet, though connection rates are extremely slow unless you have a direct link.
Researchers in Copenhagen begin mapping the human genome.
Holy League launches their first satellite.
It is assumed but never confirmed that the Imperium launches its first spy satellites at this time.
King David announces that by the year 1990, the Imperium will have landed a man on the moon.
Thunderbolt Project succeeds in detonating an atomic bomb in Navaho, project is deemed ultra secret and any communication of the events or the technology involved carries an automatic death penalty. The scientists are however ennobled discretely by the crown for their outstanding work. Many go on to work for the Imperium militaries project to detect the launch or detonation of any similar devices. Research also proceeds into a method of carrying the device, preferably unmanned.
Word is leaked to the press about suspected Holy League atrocities in their Moslem domains; these however remain mostly rumours, though Imperium Intelligence suspects they are very much worse than reported.
Development of Univop the world’s first commercial universal graphical operating system for home computers, it takes advantage of new technology including laser disks (OTL CD’s) to replace magnetic media.
First mobile phones in use, as in OTL they look like a common housebrick and weigh about the same.
Second generation of atomic power plants is planned and built, many question the wisdom of such plants, particularly with regard to the waste, though reprocessing now can be done.
Aero engineers manage to fit jet turbines onto an aluminium framed, rigid plastic skinned dirigible allowing its speed to go over 300 mph.
Optical cables are now being laid in major cities of the Imperium to facilitate new communication technologies being developed.
1985 The Imperium lands three men and two women on the moon one from each major dominium of the Imperium. Carry Hartery (Britain), Mohandas Singh (India), Jun Shan (Koxinga), Robert Devias (North America) and Mbalenhle Dlamini (Cape Dominion) go down in history as watched on live television when as one, arms linked; they step forward onto the lunar surface.
They are ennobled on the tarmac of London Aeroport by King David after their safe return and receive a tumultuous welcome as they are driven down the Royal parade in London by an estimated 1 million Imperium citizens.
On their return to their respective homes the cheering crowds defied description and many thought it to be the Imperium’s finest moment (so far).
A Holy League espionage agent is caught carrying documents detailing the Thunderbolt Project, the resulting investigation roots out a veritable nest of spies in and around Navaho Province. Though no information is known to have leaked, Imperium Intelligence knows it’s only a matter of time. Top level talks with Alliance leaders let them know of the weapon though as yet none of the details necessary to build one.
Over the next decade a series of Moon landings takes place furthering research but gradually fading from the Imperium public interest.
Research into computing and advanced mathematics continues at many universities and the demand for qualified programmers reaches an all time high.
Commercial interest in space increases with the launch of several satellites capable of transmitting televisual images. It’s now possible with the right equipment to tune in to a local channel anywhere in the Imperium.
Univop 90 is the must have upgrade to home computing with built in internet access programs.
The Baltic Space Agency launches its first satellite from a base in New Sweden.
The Imperium Space Agency announces that it intends to build a permanent space station in earth orbit capable of housing up to 20 people but also capable of being expanded easily.
ISA plans for a re-usable spaceship are rejected on the grounds that it cannot reach high orbit with any payload never mind a heavy one.
A massive Russian build up on the northern border of the Dar al Islam (Persia and Arabia) brings a message from the Alliance telling the Tsar to respect that countries neutrality or face dire consequences.
The Tsar fearing an Alliance invasion backs down claiming it was only war gaming exercises, his statement fools nobody.
Japan launches its first satellite from a base in the Philippines.
Spy satellite pictures of massive encampments in Holy League Africa show a constant stream of trains moving in and out of them, they are classified by Imperial Intelligence as work camps.
The latest developments in computer technology have whole movies now available on a single dense laser disk (DLD) old style tape viewers are gradually phased out in stores.
Talks in Switzerland aimed at thawing the cold war between the Imperium and the League stall and are shelved. The League representatives withdraw leaving a press statement decrying the Godless lack of morals and arrogance of the Imperium and that they have no desire to be associated with its heathen ways.
Imperium monitors detect a nuclear detonation in the southern Sahara; the League ambassador is summoned and informed that the Imperium and its allies know about the Leagues atomic weapons programme and that any such use against the Imperium or its allies will bring about a devastating response. Though denying any such knowledge the Ambassador delivers the message to the Monarch’s council of the league.
The Imperium space station is constructed, used mostly for scientific experimentation it is also mankind’s first permanent presence in space.
Plans are drawn up for a Lunar Colony.
The first new generation spaceships are launched from Palayankottai India. Capable of carrying a payload of 50 tons into a high Earth orbit. The first trip carries a revolutionary deep space telescope, scientists hope to be able to use it to map the nearer stars for planets, though none have been found as yet.
Danish army border guards in Massiasland (roughly OTL Uganda) report fleeing tribesmen and women being gunned down by League troops as they attempt to cross minefields and razorwire barriers near the border. Protests to the leagues ambassador are noted but ignored.
The year 2000 is celebrated in style throughout the Imperium and the world; few though know what the future might bring.
So, we've reached 2000, and while it's similar technology-wise, there was no age of Nationalism, no decolonialisation - interesting...
From OTL perspective, a Muslim nation like the Ottoman empire peacefully accepting a Christian sovereign and Ottoman princesses converting to protestantism and marrying a Christian prince also seem a bit wanky... I would have found an Ottoman Sultan continuing to exist as a figurehead sovereign of a protectorate more convincing.
From OTL perspective, a Muslim nation like the Ottoman empire peacefully accepting a Christian sovereign and Ottoman princesses converting to protestantism and marrying a Christian prince also seem a bit wanky... I would have found an Ottoman Sultan continuing to exist as a figurehead sovereign of a protectorate more convincing.
The Emperors just a distant figure, the real power in the Ottomans is held by the Pasha/Prime Minister who is a Muslim.
Technology wise the Imperium is ahead of OTL in electronics/computing as well as some medical treatments (think bacteriophages) but behind in others particularly treatment of cancer.
It is well behind ours in the development of internal combustion as well as military hardware from tanks to personal weapons.
They have atomic power and use that and hydro-electrics to generate most of their power. There is little or no private ownership of personal transport and most travel is done by train.
Politically there is little or no mass migration and society as such gives an overall impression of [SIZE=-1]apartheid[/SIZE] though without the economic exploitation of OTL's South Africa. Society as such is a little more regimented than our own with most young people doing some sort of national service for the realm as they leave school college or university. Voting is a citizens right, but unless qualified for by having an income of over £100,000 per annum does not apply unless you are aged 30 or over by which time the state reckons the foolishness of youth will have been tempered by the responsibilities of bringing up a family.
There is no welfare state as such though there is free basic healthcare for all, with employers able to get higher benefits for their employees. The unemployed have to do workfare in order to qualify for benefits which mostly involves street cleaning and railway verge management.
Education is free up to the age of 21, though many leave before then to become apprentices or join the Imperium Armed Forces.
Society as such is very regimented outwardly, though home life and local communities are far more closely intertwined than OTL.
As societies go, it's not perfect, freedom of speech is allowed, though preaching sedition or violence will get you a stay overnight in jail on a charge of breaching the peace, as will abuse of the Emperors name or symbols.
An overnight visit is a lot better than the current trend in OTL !
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
I understood that, but strangely people seem often to be more ready to put up with an alien de-facto ruler than with a head of state that comes from the wrong tradition...
Anyway, nice coda to your TL!