Although not my first idea for an alternate history, this is the first one I've seriously considered making a thread on here about and am hoping to start. This will be my first attempt at writing an alternate history so I apologize if it isn't up to scratch.
My idea is for an alternate history focusing on Scotland with the point of divergence being after the Acts of Union in 1707. In this world the acts still get passed but with even greater discontent among the Scottish people. This breaks out into a Scottish Revolt that is supressed with great consequences for the Scottish people. They are punished for the rebellion and to distance themselves from the rebels the Stuart monarchs disown their Scottish roots and embrace Ango domination of Scotland.
This leads to Scotland being treated as more of a colony than an equal part of the kingdom, much as how Ireland was seen in OTL. The power in Scotland is vested in an Anglo-Scottish elite focused in Edinburgh much closer to England than Scotland. To combat this, a group called 'The 100' rises which romanticizes Gaelic culture and espouses strong Scottish (and to a lesser extent, Irish) nationalism within the empire. This group is driven underground by the Anglo-Scottish elite and parliament.
The 100 can be seen as this world's equivalent to the republicans in the US in their idealogy and outlook on life. I'd like for a way for the Scottish Englightenment to still happen but this time with far more emphasis on Scottish nationalism brought about by The 100 although I'm not quite sure on how to do this. Some things to think about:
What effect would Scotland being treated as a colony have on the 'British Empire' especially in regards to the American colonies? Maybe a loss in the Seven Years War (if it still happens) to allow more focus on Scotland. What would be the effects on India? Would it still be conquered by England?
If the French win the Seven Years War will there still be a French Revolution? I'd like some sort of revolution to occur and for it to influence the Scottish nationalist movement with ideas of republicanism (to break from the Stuarts).
Would the Napeolonic Wars still occur? What about if Napoleon had the support of Scotland (I'm thinking of a very talented Scottish general commanding some of Napoleon's armies).
Would the Auld Alliance still be relevant wit a Presbyterian Scotland? Or would Catholocism still need to be the dominant religion? Perhaps if there is an earlier POD with John Knox failing and Scotland still remaining Celtic Catholic this would be easier.
Would there be a Great Potato Famine equivalent in Scotland as there was in Ireland? Without British colonies in the Americas, would the Scots be welcome in French North America?
All of these questions will have to be addressed and I'd like to see the opinions of members on this forum.
Note - this is not a Britscrew nor is it intended to be a Scotwank. I know Scotland will probably never have the potential to be a great power but it may influence the power dynamics of Europe by lending a hand to France. I look for what is plausible.
Many thanks.