The vagaries of history have always fascinated me.The course of human events hang precariously on the deeds of a select few, much as we would prefer to ascribe them to popular movements. What would have happened if Victoria died in childbirth? I chose this scenario for my alternate history, yet I might have chosen another. There were several assassination attempts on the life of Queen Victoria when she was young. Had one succeeded before she had children, the crown would have passed to Ernest Augustus, her uncle, who after 1837 was King of Hanover. Thus, the crowns of Hanover and Great Britain would have been united. Whichever scenario is chosen, some intriguing questions can be asked. Would Britain go to war with Prussia over Hanover, preventing the unification of Germany? Might the British have joined with the French in the Franco-Prussian War? Alternately, might Hanover have joined the German Empire, with its King, also the King of Great Britain, as its nominal head and representative in the Imperial Parliament?
This is a work on progress. I keep adding to it. If you have any comments or suggestions, I'd love to hear from you.--Gazzster 12:58, 11 October 2006 (UTC)
Cheers, Gary
- I like it so far. One possibility is that the British set themselves up as the champions of liberty versus Prussian oppression. My knowledge of the Franco-Prussian War is a little hazy outside of who won and that Alsace would have lost out either way. I doubt that the ethnic chauvinism of the time would allow the Prussians to accept a British presence without extensive conflict; therefore I don't find your last option likely.
So glad you commented! Its been a while since I have looked at this, but I'm keen to add to it soon. Yes, I agree that the last option is unlikely. I am racking my brains to think what would happen. I can't think of another example where a monarch is ruler of two states with different foreign interests. In the nineteenth century Britain was isolationist, and had not fought a European war since the Crimea.The British navy could have wopped the Prussians but certainly not on land. So probably Britain would have backed down from a conflict with Prussia, unless they could count on support from France, Austria-Hungary or Russia. Glad you like it! Please continue to comment. Cheers!--Gazzster 12:58, 11 October 2006 (UTC)