Maybe it becomes a summer vacation colony for the royal family and the home of the exiled Russian Empire after the revolution of 1917...
Imagine the map, Hawaii as "Russian Empire"![]()
The Russian Empire would likely protect Hawaii in the same manner that they protected Alaska. While foreign traders would likely encroach upon Hawaiian territory, I doubt the British, French or Americans would want to risk an actual war with Russia to gain Hawaii as a territory, for such a conflict could very well unbalance Europe (Russia might drag her allies in if provoked enough).
And if the islands are seized during an ongoing war?![]()
The Russian Empire would likely protect Hawaii in the same manner that they protected Alaska. While foreign traders would likely encroach upon Hawaiian territory, I doubt the British, French or Americans would want to risk an actual war with Russia to gain Hawaii as a territory, for such a conflict could very well unbalance Europe (Russia might drag her allies in if provoked enough).
If by "on top" you mean "beyond a continent-worth of emptyness, followed by a massive moat we don't have a navy for, and then more barren engulfing wilderness, all with no one there to do anything," then sure. Then I suppose Alaska would be easier to defend than Alaska.I doubt even more Russia would risk war over a bunch of small islands that might risk their fleet . Hawaii is simply too hard for them to defend. Alaska is practically on top of Russia but Hawaii is not.
Then it will be a war prize.
Dr. Georg Scheffer built a fort in Waimea, Kauai, in 1815, which became know as Fort Elizabeth. He was an agent for the Russian-American Company.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Fort_Elizabeth
If by "on top" you mean "beyond a continent-worth of emptyness, followed by a massive moat we don't have a navy for, and then more barren engulfing wilderness, all with no one there to do anything," then sure. Then I suppose Alaska would be easier to defend than Alaska.
If the islands are seized, than they are seized, and I doubt the Russians are going to be able to resist a major invasion force. This is not to say, however, that the Tsar will simply “turn the other cheek” and acquiesce quietly to the aggressor.And if the islands are seized during an ongoing war?
Obviously a new Hawaiian colony of the Russian Empire isn’t going to be very strongly protected, as the lines of supply and communication are HUGE. This does not mean, however, that a colonial garrison couldn’t be placed here if the Tsar wanted the islands badly enough (which is, I believe, the topic of this thread). Many colonial powers were able to defend vast strips of territory (ostensibly if not in actuality) with small garrisons and as Hawaii is rather fertile, I do not see this as being a huge exception. I agree with you that the Russians would not wish to risk the destruction of their fleet over the islands, however, I certainly do not see them looking favorably upon another power just walking in and seizing their territory. A general war would probably result.I doubt even more Russia would risk war over a bunch of small islands that might risk their fleet . Hawaii is simply too hard for them to defend. Alaska is practically on top of Russia but Hawaii is not.