In His Own Right, Part IV

[LacheyS]

From the current installment, it seems that this is a very 'lighter' TL than OTL, which is good in a way that pleases the mind...

Keep it up!

The idea is to create a better world; I am not yet sure if that is possible because human beings are still human beings, and politicians are still politicians. But I am trying to create new rules for them that contain the worst of their excesses. By the way, the crackdown in Bavaria would undoubtedly have led to the death of many radicals on the left and the right, among whom would have been one Adolf Hitler. However, he has not been mentioned in TTL because he was a non-starter.

So, Stalin dead in an armed robbery and Hitler killed by German troops. How could the world not look better?

 

[LacheyS]

Wouldn't the French President, the regent of Aragon on the queen's behalf, have something to say about this?

I agree with G.Bone. Sometime, we need a TL that's not 'dark' and I think it's quite a challenge in itself to create a TL better than our own.

But again, I'm doubt that the peoples of this TL will agree with me. While the clonies are undergoing the path to autonomy under the European aegis, there will be no decolonization or fully independent.(not that it's the bad thing, thinking that they could avoid the disaster of OTL) While there is no major war that close to anything of OTL World Wars, the number of 'local wars' are higher, I think.

The Italian and Spanish will look at OTL and pondered. Not to mention the Chinese(if they could overlook the disaster visited upon them in the first three quaters of the 20th century)

Yes, Monsieur Jaures will most definitely have something to say about this, and about the increasing size of the Hapsburg dominions in general.

The people of TTL do not have OTL for comparison, so yes, they are looking at all the localised conflicts and still thinking that things are bad. However, they are no worse than the previous century when the Europeans used to fight regularly. Without WWI, the pattern of regular small wars on the Continent have continued.

The "Spanish" are doing OK. Castile has emerged as a relatively stable entity, and Aragon and the Basque Republic will do the same. The Chinese are actually doing fairly well for themselves. While they are lagging in development, they have had stable government for nearly a decade. Sooner or later, the Great Powers are going to run out of growth opportunities within their given spheres of influence and then the game will be on to see who can control China.

 

[LacheyS]

The End of War

On 2 November, the Great Powers of Europe gathered on the island of Elba in the western Mediterranean. The continent had been afflicted by constant small wars for the last half century and, with a new socialist conciousness, there was a realisation that war could no longer be permitted. The borders of Europe would need to be redrawn to prevent future conflict and guarantees provided to prevent further aggression.

The agendas presented at the conference were multiple and confusing. Each of the Great Powers brought not only their own concerns, but the concerns of smaller states, and even of minorities within the borders of other Great Powers. Without going into the arguments that were contained over the period of nearly five weeks, it is preferable to simply present the outcomes of those debates.

New Countries

The Republic of Brittany - When it became clear that France would end up with sovereignty over the territory previously known as the Cisalpine Kingdom, there was an insistence by Austria that Paris finally recognise the demands for separatism in Brittany.

The Republic of Poland - A new attempt was made to establish a small and reliant Polish state, once which could not threaten other countries, from Austrian and Russian held territories. German territory would not be given over, meaning that the new state would be landlocked.

Border Changes

The United States of Austria-Hungary - The USAH took control of Bavaria as many had predicted, but was required to cede Germany control of small portions of northern Bohemia and Moravia. In addition, she was required to surrender control of the Romanian-speaking areas of the Empire to the Kingdom of Romania, greatly increasing the size of that state, and to release Galicia, part of it going to create the new Polish state and the remainder being absorbed by the USSR.

The Union of Socialist States of Russia - In return for an expansion of her western border in Galicia, Germany insisted that Russia surrender a portion of Karelia to Finland, which had increasingly become a German client state, and Bulgaria to Austria.

The Republic of France - France would incorporate the territory previously known as the Cisalpine Kingdom.

Organisational Changes

Germany, Finland, Navarre, the Vatican State and Castile were all to be admitted to the Strasbourg Commission, bringing the total number of members to seventeen.

Poland would not be permitted to form her own military. Austria, Germany and Russia all agreed that, should one power attempt to invade, the other two would declare war on the invading power. Likewise, Britain and France would guarantee the defence of Brittany.

King Roberto would stand trial before the International Court of Justice, accused of belligerency and threatening the stability of Europe. He would eventually be sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

 

[G.Bone]

The new shape of Germany seems a bit awkward....perhaps I've been used to the Great War borders of the said entity.

What's going on with the USAH? Are they out of the 'limbo' between socialism and the previous incarnation of _the_empire_ - or are they there for the time being?

It's a pity that they're not in the Commission; is Romania a puppet of someone?

 

[M.Passit]

Hmmmm, as a member of the Commission, could Ireland present her case about the bases to the Commission?

I think that France will need to do more devolution of power in the future as she's getting bigger and bigger and incorporate more and more groups of peoples into the nation.

I think, at this point, the major war on the continent are very unlikely to happen. Just look at Britain, she's in the Commission, and then she has the alliance deal with U.S.S.R., Ottoman, Siam and Japan. Did her defensive pact with Germany still exist? The whole web of friendship is just too complex to easily decide which side to stand with if need be.

 

[eschaton]

Your last two entries seem to conflict.

First it seemed like Bavaria was staying in Germany, and then it didn't, but you mentioned British balking, so I suppose that's understandable. But the land deal where the USSR took Germany's polish territories seemingly didn't go through.

 

[Wendell]

Why would France manage to conquer northern Itlay, but lose Brittany?

Why is Bavaria outside of Germany, but not Rhenish Bavaria?

 

[LacheyS]

The new shape of Germany seems a bit awkward....perhaps I've been used to the Great War borders of the said entity.

What's going on with the USAH? Are they out of the 'limbo' between socialism and the previous incarnation of _the_empire_ - or are they there for the time being?

It's a pity that they're not in the Commission; is Romania a puppet of someone?

The USAH has socialists within its government, but it is not a socialist government. The regions within it will be reorganised (that's what the map reflects) so that there will be three large kingdoms and a number of smaller ones. Austria-Hungary, like Russia, is a bit suspicious of the Commission.

If Romania is a puppet of anyone, it would be Germany. They are not in each other's pockets but there is a good line of influence running from Berlin to Bucharest.

 

[LacheyS]

Your last two entries seem to conflict.

First it seemed like Bavaria was staying in Germany, and then it didn't, but you mentioned British balking, so I suppose that's understandable. But the land deal where the USSR took Germany's polish territories seemingly didn't go through.

That's what happens when you are tired and take short cuts.

Bavaria has had the bejesus belted out of it, but what the plebiscite made clear is that, while a large minority favoured the status quo, the majority wanted out of Germany. Britain wanted Bavaria out so that 1) it could effectively dominate the Germans even more and 2) so that there was no prospect of ongoing violence in Germany to disrupt the harmony the Commission has going.

The deal for the USSR did not happen. There were talks about it, but that was all. With the conference, it was decided to give Poland one more attempt instead of trying to stitch together another deal. I know that this is earlier than I projected for the reinitialisation of Poland, but the opportunity struck so I took it.

 

[LacheyS]

Why would France manage to conquer northern Itlay, but lose Brittany?

Why is Bavaria outside of Germany, but not Rhenish Bavaria?

France did not conquer northern Italy. Austria-Hungary did that job (well, actually just intervened on behalf of the military coup leaders to overthrow the King.) However, there was concern that Austria was growing too large and that northern Italy would put it in too dominant a position. France already had a share in northern Italy, but giving it to her meant that she might be too strong. However, it was agreed that she could have it, if she was prepared to recognise the Breton separatist movement, which had been relatively strong up until World War I. I am just presuming that, without the war, they would have remained an influence.

The Rhenish Palatine was not offered the chance to disagree. Because it is surrounded on all sides by Germany territory, it was annexed by Prussia as part of the deal, with offers of assistance to transfer east if people felt the desire. Again, I was being too lazy last night (long day, with a funeral for my great-uncle; we weren't particularly close, but it was nonetheless a tiring day) and I wasn't as pedantic as I normally am at explaining everything. But at least I got queries, instead of the usual silence.

 

[LacheyS]

Hmmmm, as a member of the Commission, could Ireland present her case about the bases to the Commission?

I think that France will need to do more devolution of power in the future as she's getting bigger and bigger and incorporate more and more groups of peoples into the nation.

I think, at this point, the major war on the continent are very unlikely to happen. Just look at Britain, she's in the Commission, and then she has the alliance deal with U.S.S.R., Ottoman, Siam and Japan. Did her defensive pact with Germany still exist? The whole web of friendship is just too complex to easily decide which side to stand with if need be.

Knew I had four replies and only done three of my own in return. Sorry I almost missed you, mate.

Ireland could present her case, but she is unlikely to do so. Dillon is on his way out and O'Brien will not be particularly interested in doing so.

Yes, France is getting larger and she is beginning to look at what the British have done with their Empire and thinking it works as a good model. The English and the French have become a lot closer and, with the weakening of Germany, the two of them will effectively take over the Commission in the future. So we would be looking for France at a series of self-governing states, but with the President of France as the head of state for each of them.

Yeah, Britain has herself in knots as far as her foreign policy is concerned. However, there is some method in the madness. What she has essentially done is made it so that virtually any act of aggression in future will earn the retribution of the British Empire. And provided herself with excuses to interfere wherever she likes. With the economic boom in India continuing unabated, she also has the financial resources and the manpower to enforce her will. She is, in effect, preparing for a bid for total world leadership, with control of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Oceania already within her grasp. There only remains China, Russia and the Americas outside her direction.

 

[LacheyS]

Sayonara

Well, I've reached the limits of my research once again, here at the end of 1922.

Thanks as always for reading and contributing and making this a great experience.

After seventeen years, In His Own Right is starting to feel a tad predictable for me. I may not feel that way after a few weeks away from it, but right at the moment, I really need a break and perhaps even to stretch into another timeline for a while. So I will be writing up IHOR for Changing the Times and then thinking long and hard about where to go from here.

I have two ideas for timelines and I would appreciate some input as to what you would like me to do next. Should I continue with IHOR, or should I run with another of my ideas for a while? The ideas I have are:

1) Early contact between the Chinese and the Indigenous Australians leads to the transfer of technology, including domesticated animals and agricultural crops, leading to the emergence of Aboriginal political entities prior to the arrival of the European invaders; or

2) An ASB where Australia discovers a massive oil field in the Great Southern Ocean at some point in the not-too-distant future, written in the form of a diary of the Prime Minister of the day and including all the political intrigues.

Cheers, Paul aka LacheyS

 

[Readman]

Once more Lachey you have outdone yourself with another continuation of your brilliant TL.

Excellent work and cant wait till you have some more free time for part 5

If its not too big a deal could we maybe get a World Map or one of N.America?

Again, kudos
-cheers
Readman

 

[BlackMage]

Truly breathtaking work, LacheyS. The scale on which you have envisioned this and the degree of forethought it must have taken astounds us all. You truly deserve a break and accolades all around. Well done!

I'm in conflict over which of your next two ideas to support; I liked your idea for the Aboriginal kingdoms that you posted in my Aboriginal state thread very much, but then again I'd LOVE the political intrigue of the massive oil field, simply because I'm obsessed with politics. So I'm going to have to reluctantly vouch for b. (Actually, I'm going to have a sort of similar situation occur in my Lunar Dream TL soon, with Australia taking possession of...no, can't give spoilers). Of course, do whatever you want to do.

I do hope you continue with IHOR, and thanks for giving us so many hours of entertainment.

 

[M.Passit]

You deserve a break, man

I'm in a dilemma, I would love to see how the European deal wth the Aboriginal kingdom/civilization, but the politic things with the oil field will be great.(will this mean the Maori will get a boost too?)

Personally,do what you like. I believe that it will be great to read.

 

[LacheyS]

Once more Lachey you have outdone yourself with another continuation of your brilliant TL.

Excellent work and cant wait till you have some more free time for part 5

If its not too big a deal could we maybe get a World Map or one of N.America?

Again, kudos
-cheers
Readman

Give me a few days and I will be more than happy to provide both, Jon.

Sorry for the late response, but just got back from a community forum to establish our own Indymedia site here in Coffs Harbour. The level of corruption in local government is appalling, the State Government is wasting money hand over fist on inefficient systems that don't really work, the Federal Government is just downright criminal. I had a friend all night just repeating over and over to me, "Revolution is not the answer, Paul; calm down." But at least setting up an independent voice is a step in the right direction.

I'm so tired of having my voice quashed by those commercial giants - I'm sure most of you understand how that feels if you live under a capitalist system, but I won't be told how to think and how to think it. I hope you're sharing the same types of experiences or can relate.

 

[LacheyS]

Truly breathtaking work, LacheyS. The scale on which you have envisioned this and the degree of forethought it must have taken astounds us all. You truly deserve a break and accolades all around. Well done!

I'm in conflict over which of your next two ideas to support; I liked your idea for the Aboriginal kingdoms that you posted in my Aboriginal state thread very much, but then again I'd LOVE the political intrigue of the massive oil field, simply because I'm obsessed with politics. So I'm going to have to reluctantly vouch for b. (Actually, I'm going to have a sort of similar situation occur in my Lunar Dream TL soon, with Australia taking possession of...no, can't give spoilers). Of course, do whatever you want to do.

I do hope you continue with IHOR, and thanks for giving us so many hours of entertainment.

Well, thank you (bows). How kind of you. I research as much as I can. I am learning 20th Century history and characters. I have had to create my first character the other day; I imagine that is going to happen more often now. I only know a few things about the future for certain. I too am tempted to give spoilers and occasionally slip things out from time to time without thinking about what I'm writing. Must be the drugs!

Essentially, it will be my idea of running a government that suddenly does not have a revenue problem. The whole of our economic system is based upon theoretical meanderings that might work wonderfully when you're dealing with static testing, but don't seem to function when operating within the environment. Only by divorcing myself from the need to supply revenue can I begin to see what is possible. And, as you all know from IHOR, it is possible to divorce yourself from fiat, interest-laden money and place restrictions that allow competition within an environment that doesn't threaten or force everyone to participate for survival.

It has been my distinct pleasure to write for you and thank you for such warm support and praise. I feely woefully inadequate commenting on other people's work here simply because I can't think of the words to say that adequately praise their work (it makes me realise how woefully uneducated I am about the history of our civilisation sometimes and I'm meant to teach the subject). I think, though, that you've hit the mark perfectly. Thank you so much for your kindness.

 

[LacheyS]

You deserve a break, man

I'm in a dilemma, I would love to see how the European deal wth the Aboriginal kingdom/civilization, but the politic things with the oil field will be great.(will this mean the Maori will get a boost too?)

Personally,do what you like. I believe that it will be great to read.

Much appreciated. Now that I'm nearly 35 (only 22 sleeps away ), I find that the cogs in the old imagination don't turn anywhere near as fast as they used to do. When is someone going to invent gene therapy? I wish those scientists would hurry up and stop the breakdown of processes and search for words. I really did need an implant or upgrade in the meantime to finish all the thinking I want to get done before this body carks it.

During my recent research, I stumbled on the research of Karl Jung. I knew the name, of course, but had no real concept as to who he was and what he contributed. Can you see the belief in synchronicity running through my work at all?

The Maoris would most definitely benefit from the oil, if Australia is under my management and, as the diarist of the Prime Minister, I think I have that power. I am going to rely upon the outrage of my electorate to keep me in check. However, instead of just writing installments, I will give all the readers a vote at the end of each installment (one three year term) to see if the Prime Minister gets re-elected. You can all contribute in whatever voice you like, as a journalist, Opposition, lobby group and we can see what happens. It might be fun, I think. My objective is solely to get re-elected. If I fail, someone else takes over the writing of the timeline for the next installment of three years' duration after that. All I will really do is set up the framework of the story and, if I'm not telling it well enough, someone else can be voted in. That person would, of course, have to state where they would take the story, just like in a campaign. Maybe this is a stupid idea. Tell me if you think you might enjoy that or not. Besides, I am thinking, in effect, the first three years are already written. They're my own political beliefs. However, I want to make it as realistic as possible, so it will have to be a cooperative writing process. You guys up for it?

Thank you for your confidence. I just wish I knew your name so I could thank you by name, M.Passit. I really should have asked before now, but I apologise for my intrusion if you wish to remain behind your handle.

 

[G.Bone]

Sad to see this sort of come to a (hopefully temporary) end.


You did good.

 

[Wendell]

The Oil TL sounds interesting.