Greater Huguenot immigration could do the trick. About a million were forced from France under Louis XIV between 1690-1710 America had a population of 250,000-500,000 at the time.
Another way is a greater wave of french immigrants in XIX century (similarly to the irish, german or italian), at least 10.000.000. The immigrants would locate in the same place (for example New Orleans or New York) and retain their identity.
But why would the French immigrants come ITTL but not in OTL, and what could have them keeping their cultural identity, which neither the Irish, German, Italian, or any other group has managed to do?
Another way is a greater wave of french immigrants in XIX century (similarly to the irish, german or italian), at least 10.000.000. The immigrants would locate in the same place (for example New Orleans or New York) and retain their identity.
10 million in one century? That would mean that for the 19th century, roughly 10% of all Frenchmen born would end up migrating, and all to the same area of the same country. That would be an incredible migration, and enough of a threat to the French population (which was at about 38 million by 1900 and about 27m 100 years earlier) that before the century was half way through the French government would be banning migration for fear of France being left short-handed.
Here is a scenario. The flight to Varennes is successful. Louis XVI manages organize a counter coup and quickly stamps out the Jacobin threat. The Fren Rev is thwarted. Napoleon remains a lowly artillery captain and advances to Colonel by the end of his career. Otherwise no effect on politics. France remains largely reactionary. Lots of the more radical French are welcomed by Jefferson's US. Seeing the success of the French in Jefferson's America as well as opportunities to settle in the new region of Texas. Many French emigrate, the opportunity to own land and to not have to pay taxes is too much for most French. Sorry no numbers or anything just a rough thumbnail sketch.
IOTL the Napoleonic wars, fielded huge amounts of Frenchmen and thus huge French casualties. If there is no Napoleonic war's there should not be huge amounts of dead Frenchmen and thus more French men to help sire a new Generation of French. Consequently, too many French not enough land; thanks to a more Francophilic US, more welcoming to French in general.
Thoughts?
Here is a scenario. The flight to Varennes is successful. Louis XVI manages organize a counter coup and quickly stamps out the Jacobin threat. The Fren Rev is thwarted. Napoleon remains a lowly artillery captain and advances to Colonel by the end of his career. Otherwise no effect on politics. France remains largely reactionary. Lots of the more radical French are welcomed by Jefferson's US. Seeing the success of the French in Jefferson's America as well as opportunities to settle in the new region of Texas. Many French emigrate, the opportunity to own land and to not have to pay taxes is too much for most French. Sorry no numbers or anything just a rough thumbnail sketch.
IOTL the Napoleonic wars, fielded huge amounts of Frenchmen and thus huge French casualties. If there is no Napoleonic war's there should not be huge amounts of dead Frenchmen and thus more French men to help sire a new Generation of French. Consequently, too many French not enough land; thanks to a more Francophilic US, more welcoming to French in general.
Thoughts?
I personally like the idea of a French conquest of Texas and points west. Houston could become a Buenos Aires-like metropolis and California's mediterranean climate would be ideal for transplanting crops and people from the Midi and Italy.
I personally like the idea of a French conquest of Texas and points west. Houston could become a Buenos Aires-like metropolis and California's mediterranean climate would be ideal for transplanting crops and people from the Midi and Italy.
Doesn't address the main problem: France has only had slow and steady growth since the 17th century.
Not really a conquest more an expansion of projects like Burr's and Count de Castor and others, at least in my mind.
I thought the demographic issue was acute from 1820ish forward. I was unaware of that. Do you have a source? This will affect my own TL. I appreciate the assistance.