OK, I need some suggestions. Based on the world map shown above, how should the empty spaces fill up going into the twentieth century?
I'll take this a region at a time.
First, Siberia - Russian expansion has been retarded by Ottoman and Swedish power, while the Chinese are still dealing with their own problems at mid-19th century. So who will expand to take the remaining spaces? Russia is finally rebuilding her power by the late 19th century, China has had the same problems as in OTL but not as much and later, Persia is pretty much as in OTL but without Russia as a barrier, the Ottomans are way stronger than in OTL having successfully reformed and built industry in mid-19th century but they have a limited area to expand in. Japan also has a stake in the area, having been opened up by France in around 1860 and having much the same experience as in OTL. So, based on that, who should take the area?
Next, NW America. France seems the obvious candidate, given that they control most of Eastern Canada and the Mississippi valley. Mexico also has interests in the area, and is more powerful than in OTL, but not by much. Other possible exploiters would be Japan, and China, and Russia (if she expands quickly as per the above scenario). So, who gets Alaska and BC?
Lastly, will Arabia be conquered? Oman has some stake there, but almost certainly it would be the Ottomans. Bu they didn't in OTL - any reason why?
Wars may occur as a result of these contests, so do suggest them if they seem logical.
Another question - how would America develop? The coastal states are independent nations with a POD of about the same as OTL (little earlier in fact) and France controls the hinterland, as shown on map. The French are inesting strongly in settlement and development, but would it develop the same way with the route of exploitation coming through the St Lawrence and Mississippi rather than Hudson, Delaware et al? Would the economic development be the same? How would population develop?
Hope someone can help with all that! You can reply to just one bit - it doesn't need to be all of it!