How would the world be affected if, some how, Germany was reunited in the 1600s? How could this be achieved? What affects will this have on the balance of power in Europe? Who would lead the unification?
Germany:
In Europe, if my limited historical knowledge of the era is to be correct, a united Germany might not be able to combat France one-on-one just yet, but a few years of building up might see it become its rival. Germany would have taken advantage of the scattered politics in Italy, the dying Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the weaker states in Scandinavia and try to unite with the Dutch Republic. I think a major war with France would be inevitable; it all depends on the time it occurs. If it is too early, France would win hands down. However, if it is delayed long enough, the Germans might just pull through it.
In terms of structure, it would have to be a federation, as nationalist feelings would cause any hope of a centralised government to fall to pieces.
German Colonial Empire:
I would think that, with America largely occupied, the new Germany would tern to Africa and India, before Britain and France would. A German empire in India might seem unlikely, but Britain was more concerned with its colonies in North America until the birth of the United States in 1776. France also had the majority of its empire in America at the time. The Germans might even be able to create settlements in Indonesia.
For German Africa we might see German settlements in the Congo, Nigeria and around Tanzania. Again, the big colonial powers of the future would be tangled in America, although the Portuguese would still maintain their presence there.
Germany:
In Europe, if my limited historical knowledge of the era is to be correct, a united Germany might not be able to combat France one-on-one just yet, but a few years of building up might see it become its rival. Germany would have taken advantage of the scattered politics in Italy, the dying Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the weaker states in Scandinavia and try to unite with the Dutch Republic. I think a major war with France would be inevitable; it all depends on the time it occurs. If it is too early, France would win hands down. However, if it is delayed long enough, the Germans might just pull through it.
In terms of structure, it would have to be a federation, as nationalist feelings would cause any hope of a centralised government to fall to pieces.
German Colonial Empire:
I would think that, with America largely occupied, the new Germany would tern to Africa and India, before Britain and France would. A German empire in India might seem unlikely, but Britain was more concerned with its colonies in North America until the birth of the United States in 1776. France also had the majority of its empire in America at the time. The Germans might even be able to create settlements in Indonesia.
For German Africa we might see German settlements in the Congo, Nigeria and around Tanzania. Again, the big colonial powers of the future would be tangled in America, although the Portuguese would still maintain their presence there.