Revolution! Or, A Victorian Cold War

[KitFisto1997]

Foreword

This is a rewrite of my Revolution! TL, originally published here. I've decided to redo nearly the whole thing from the ground up because I noticed a few holes in the original TL that ended up bothering me a bit too much.

This version of the TL will include images, maps and infoboxes to flesh out this rather insane universe where an early Communist Revolution sets off a century long Cold War that leads to a familiar, but simultaneously different Earth.

Here are the various PoDs that set this TL on its current course.

1. The survival of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
2. Communism (hereby referred to as Communalism) being proposed a few years earlier than OTL.
3. Quebec gaining independence during the American War for Independence
4. The Bourbon Monarchy survives the French Revolution, leading to a much smaller version of the Napoleonic Wars (without Napoleon at the helm of France however).
5. Austria-Hungary reforms after Revolutions of 1848 and manages to survive into the 21st century.
6. A weaker German Empire is overthrown in the early 1870's and is replaced with a pseudo-communist dictatorship.

Now, are you sitting comfortably? Here's a story to start things off...

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New Berlin (Durban), Condominium of Southern Africa, November 2015

The streets of New Berlin were busier than usual; seeing what kind of day it was; the hastiness of the crowds was justified. The Remembrance Day ceremonies had wrapped up a few hours’ prior, leading to an influx of veterans and normal civilians alike in the many beer halls that were seemingly out of place, given where they were located. A loud mix of German, English and an odd sounding variant of Afrikaans nearly overwhelmed one patron in particular as he entered the building.

His surprise from the use of German – especially this far from the Equator – subsided after a few seconds as his gaze shifted towards a man sitting in a private booth, who was signalling for him to come closer. The 20-something took a few cautious steps before walking towards the much older (and presumably much wiser) historian. The pair shook hands before the younger student took a seat with his informant.

The stranger introduced himself as Adolf Lieberman, his accent was certainly different compared to the German that the younger student spoke, hailing from far-off Berlin. He wondered if it would present any difficulties as his associate posed a question to him. Translation difficulties be damned.

“You must be Heinrich Mueller, if I’m not mistaken?”

Upon hearing the sounds of accented English, the student felt much more comfortable using his native tongue; which was a consequence of being born to a long line of British aristocrats and Royal Navy officers.

To others in this mysterious nation that was formerly known as South Africa (from his point of view, at least), he was merely known as Heinrich Mueller, a university student from Imperial Germany. His true identity, titles and all, was a closely guarded secret…

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Herr Lieberman. I hope you forgive me for such unpleasant circumstances… We can reschedule this meeting if you-”

Adolf shook his head before taking a sip from a glass of beer. “That won’t be necessary Herr Mueller. This is one of my favourite places for meetings.”

‘Heinrich’ nodded as he pulled out an attaché case that contained a few reams of A4 paper and pencils, perfect for note taking. “I hope you don’t mind giving me an insight into the life of one Otto von Bismarck? I’ve heard of your upcoming biography on the man himself. Surely a sneak peek wouldn’t hurt? It’s just for my papers on German history, nothing more and nothing less”

Adolf couldn’t help but laugh to himself as he pulled out a tablet from his coat, the sleek design of which made the student sitting in front of him raise an eyebrow. “I wonder if you were ever taught about the Arbeiter Republik in school, seeing that you have to come to me for answers…”

 

[KitFisto1997]

Here's a Map of Transvaal in Rev!2016 to start things off...

 

[Historyman 14]

I like this a lot. ASB? Maybe, but this can happen.

What about Spain and it's colonies? Please let Spain lose all it's colonies. Far more stuff to use, and more fun.

 

[KitFisto1997]

I like this a lot. ASB? Maybe, but this can happen.

What about Spain and it's colonies? Please let Spain lose all it's colonies. Far more stuff to use, and more fun.

Thanks! Africa is decolonised as of the 1980's/90's, so Spain gave up their African territories. There was no Franco-era as well, so Spain is more linguistically diverse than OTL.

 

[Historyman 14]

Thanks! Africa is decolonised as of the 1980's/90's, so Spain gave up their African territories. There was no Franco-era as well, so Spain is more linguistically diverse than OTL.

I see. What of the South Americans?

Will they be a world map soon?

What of Asia? Or the USA?

 

[KitFisto1997]

I see. What of the South Americans?

Will they be a world map soon?

What of Asia? Or the USA?

South America is more unified, but a few nations are home to military juntas. There will be a world map up there soon, but I have other things to attend to atm.

The USA is still around, but is more decentralised than OTL, it's considered a major power, but Britain surpasses it by far.

Regarding Asia, Japan went through a messy period of division ala North-South Korea and is just getting back on its feet. Qing China modernised and went through a Tiananmen-style democratisation in 1989. The rest of Asia shall be explained in a future post.

 

[KitFisto1997]

Map of the world in 2016 AD.

- VERY OUT OF DATE -
See later posts for updated map.

 

[Historyman 14]

I see we got a Byzantine Empire, super Austria-Hungary, a real big Iran, a Israel, a part Nordic Australia, and a lot more.

I love it all.

I see what you mean with the US.

What's that in Northern and Southeast Canada/Great Lakes America?

 

[KitFisto1997]

I see we got a Byzantine Empire, super Austria-Hungary, a real big Iran, a Israel, a part Nordic Australia, and a lot more.

I love it all.

I see what you mean with the US.

What's that in Northern and Southeast Canada/Great Lakes America?

Thank you so much!!!! That's the Republic of Quebec. The US has 18 states ITTL and that's not Nordic Australia, it's a former French colony. I have a thing for uber Iran and AusHun anyway.

Also, have this map of Japan, circa 1986...

 

[Historyman 14]

Thank you so much!!!! That's the Republic of Quebec. The US has 18 states ITTL and that's not Nordic Australia, it's a former French colony. I have a thing for uber Iran and AusHun anyway.

Also, have this map of Japan, circa 1986...

I see. And what happened to cause this North/South? Or will that be covered later?

Could you give a list of power bloc's and members? I see the British with Ireland is one of the biggest ones, like you said and with the map, but what of the others?

 

[KitFisto1997]

I see. And what happened to cause this North/South? Or will that be covered later?

Could you give a list of power bloc's and members? I see the British with Ireland is one of the biggest ones, like you said and with the map, but what of the others?

All of that shall be covered later. But a Korean War-esque conflict breaks out in the 1910's, which kick starts the use of Proto-WWII tactics. But first, the autobiography of one Otto von Bismarck...

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- The Unsanctioned and Uncensored Biography of Otto von Bismarck -
Adolf Lieberman, New Berlin Press, 2015.

Otto von Bismarck is one of the more controversial leaders in German history. His name is among the ranks of the worst men in history, such as Enver Pasha, Colonel Gaddaffi and Ruhollah Khomeini. The 'Dear Leader' of the German people was born in Schönhausen in the Kingdom of Prussia in 1815. Bismarck became a highly respected military officer, graduating from a prestigious military academy in Berlin with top honours. It was around the 1840's that Otto became interested in politics, specifically fringe movements such as liberalism (which was already popular in France, Spain, the UK and Portugal).

Bismarck fought for a minor Royalist party during the Revolutions of 1848 that lead to the restructuring of the Austrian Empire and dissemination of what was known then as 'Utopianism' (an early form of Communalism). The teachings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels also influenced Bismarck to join the rapidly rising Communalist movement that was left over from the 1848 wars.

It was from the end of the Revolutions to the toppling of the early German Empire that Bismarck began to travel throughout the German states, preaching his ideas of social and economic equality (which is seen as ironic by critics of the ideology, since he was of noble birth). But as the 1860's began to roll around, Bismarck emerged from prison in Berlin as a radical old man determined to destroy Die Sisteem.

Marx and Engels originally praised Bismarck as one of the most well-liked heads of the Communalist movement, but were a little concerned for his behaviour after he was released from prison in 1868. The formation of the German Empire (known as the North German Confederation at the time) in 1869 was the tipping point for the Socialist movement. A well-trained militia was created by Bismarck, being reinforced by thousands of peasants that were toiling away in the factories and fields of Germany.

With the pieces for a peaceful Europe in play, Bismarck was the player who would throw the metaphorical chessboard to the side and rebuild Germany in his own equality focused image... With the assassination of Emperor Wilhelm I in 1871, the stage was set for Bismarck's takeover. The German Civil War began that year, as did a new era for the whole world.

 

[KitFisto1997]

This is the current plan of attack with this TL. Tell me if I go off course with any of this.

1. Bismarck and the Revolution 1871-1900
2. Crisis in the Balkans 1900-1935
3. Nuclear Age 1935-1959
4. The New Frontier 1960-1970
5. Crisis in the North 1970-1975
6. All Good Things... 1975-1980
7. End of an Era 1980-1983
8. Crisis in the North II 1983-1999
9. New Millennium 1999-2005
10. Uncertain Future 2005-2009
11. Here and Now 2009-Present

 

[Magyarország]

This us excellent so far. Then again, I have a huge thing for AusHun, too... I'm really interested in the situation in Japan, too, since the Empire is still standing.

Looking forward to more!

 

[KitFisto1997]

This us excellent so far. Then again, I have a huge thing for AusHun, too... I'm really interested in the situation in Japan, too, since the Empire is still standing.

Looking forward to more!

Thank you!! The Empire is reunified ITTL 2016, but the North is kinda like OTL East Germany, somewhat underdeveloped compared to their prosperous neighbour but is slowly rising to prominence. Japan is considered a regional power and the 'UK of the Pacific Rim' so to speak.

 

[KitFisto1997]

Europe before the Communalist takover in Germany, circa 1870.

 

[KitFisto1997]

Part 2 of Bismarck's biography shall come soon...

 

[Magyarország]

I wonder how Germany got Western Courland and Lithuania.

 

[KitFisto1997]

I wonder how Germany got Western Courland and Lithuania.

I had the idea of an alternate Crimean War where Prussia, Poland-Lithuania, Britain and Co. still defeat Russia like OTL, but take some different territory.

 

[KitFisto1997]

Bismarck and the Revolution, 1871-1900

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- The Unsanctioned and Uncensored Biography of Otto von Bismarck -
Adolf Lieberman, New Berlin Press, 2015.

Part 2: Under New Management

After the last Royalist insurrections were put down in early 1873, Communalist rule was completely unchallenged as the heir to the former Empire. Wilhelm II had fled to London while portions of his cabinet took refuge in Lisbon. The new 'Iron Chancellor' then began to take steps to secure influence in in Northern and Eastern Europe, knowing that the monarchies of Britain, France, the Low Countries and Iberia were too entrenched to have for allies. But with the power of German industry and a very loyal military, Bismarck funded various insurrections in Scandinavia, Russia and the Poland-Lithuanian Commonwealth, all of which succeeded by the 1880's.

Now having the infinite supplies of Scandinavian lumber, Polish shipping fleets and Russian oil, Germany was prepared to spread the influence of the Worker's Republic throughout the world. But during the chaos of the Revolution, a small handful of Germans fled their homeland to places such as Transvaal, Portugal and Britain, with their Polish, Baltic, Russian and Scandinavian allies doing the same. These groups, still holding onto their old traditions, became a powerful political force in their adopted lands. This was the era of upheaval and revolution that has now been christened the Red Rebellion.

 

[KitFisto1997]

Nation Profile: Tsardom of Aleyska

Full Name: Tsardom of Aleyska (Царизм Аляски)
Anthem: "God Save the Tsar"
Official Language: Russian
Other Languages: Polish, Ukrainian and Native Languages
Capital: Sitka
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Tsar: Maria I
Prime Minister: Dmitry Medvedev
Formation: 1884