PC: Colonial venture by Germanic Confederation, Zollverein, Austria or Prussia, 1815-1854

raharris1973

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Could Austria, Prussia or any of the German political or economic groupings they led have sponsored a successful colonial venture or ventures in the roughly 40 years after the Napoleonic Wars ended.

On the one hand, the German states were undeveloped navally, so they would have to invest in some capabilities. They were also more continentally focused. Britain was dominant in overseas trade. And colonial enterprise was mostly out of fashion in this part of the 19th century (especially compared with the post-1880 era).

On the other hand: There were small-scale colonial ventures by powers other than Britain, by France for instance at points along the African coast, and a fairly major non-British colonial effort (Algeria). Britain probably would have found a Germanic-based colonial effort more "adorable" than "threatening" given its own overseas lead. Also, internally, prior to 1854, and especially prior to 1848, the German states were at peace with each other, France and Russia were at peace with them, Prussia was generally accepting of Austrian leadership in central Europe, and the Austrians were keeping minority demands in check and not facing the existential crises that it faced from 1866 on. For Prussia's part, they didn't have Bismarck in charge. And France was not under a threatening Bonaparte until the end of the period in question.

Thoughts about what could be accomplished?
 
I've got a hazy recollection that in the 1840s there was talk of Prussia leasing part of California from Mexico. I don't know how serious it was, though.
 
I've got a hazy recollection that in the 1840s there was talk of Prussia leasing part of California from Mexico. I don't know how serious it was, though.

That was a TL i always have in 'Hiatus' some day maybe will do it...here is a full credited academic source about it.
Early German Influence in the Development of California

(Bicentennial Minutes by Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Spirits of 1776-1976, pages: 99-103)

In the course of the nineteenth century many attempt had been undertaken to establish "New Germanies" in North America. None were successful. Perhaps the most curious events are those which concerned California in mid-century. Mexico offered the territory of California in 1843 to Prussia for six million dollars. Representatives of the Prussian government in Washington and London were negotiating the matter when suddenly and unexpectedly Prussia withdrew from the Negotiations .One may only speculate as to what a German nation on the North American continent under Prussian protection might have meant for future political developments.

There some Rumours why the deal fell thorought, some think US threatend germany they will not be 'Cordial Neighbors' and will looks for excuse and seems they think they would enter a colonial quagmire either side would take advantage but is that rumors.

My Tl is that the Prussia Goverment got for it, they will fills with poor and middle class who want to have the chance and some trouble makers too alongside loyal nobles to the new 'colony'

A Map of the Ideas for my TL...
 

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