More Realistic Draka

[Locke]

Now, I'm sure this one has been done to death. I saw more than a fair share of these back on AH.Com. Hopefully, however, this one is unique enought o diferentate itself fromk others. There are no super-Draka here-just a normal nation-well, not normal of course, but not as ASB as Stirling's. Whereas Dave Howery's had the universe shift slightly against the Draka in the '30's, the universe treats everyone equally here. So, hopefully, you enjoy this.

Part 1

1776
American Revolution begins. Major Patrick Ferguson invents early breech loading rifle.

1778
France declares war on Great Britain.

1779
British fleet under Admiral Lord Cochrane lands occupying force in Capetown. Spain declares war on Britain.

1780
Colonel Ferguson's loyalists are defeated in the Battle of King’s Mountain, yet Ferguson survives. The Netherlands declare war on Britain.

1781
General Cornwallis besieged at Yorktown in Virginia, surrenders to American rebels and their French allies.

1782
Britain takes Trinidad and Tobago, while Spain takes the Bahamas.

1783
Second Peace of Paris. American independence recognized, with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick under American control; British conquests in the Caribbean are exchanged for possession of Dutch Cape Colony; Spain not only keeps Florida, but also the Bahamas.

1783
Loyalty Acts passed by British Parliament: the Cape is renamed the Crown Colony of Drakia, and all colonials who fought or otherwise suffered for their loyalty to the Crown are offered transport and land grants; so are the Hessian and other German mercenaries in British service at the time. Legislative Assembly meets in Capetown. General Patrick Ferguson is first Governor-General.

1780-85
First Loyalist refugees arrive in Capetown. Conquest of Southern Africa begun; border pushed eastward to Orange and Tugela Rivers. In total, 65,000 Loyalists and their families (not including some 8,000 slaves) arrive by 1785; 7,000 Hessians follow, with relatives and families arriving in a steady trickle from Germany. At this time the Dutch Afrikaner population is less than 9,000, and is soon assimilated through intermarriage. In 1785, the first steam engine is imported.

1784
General Banastare Tarleton becomes first Commander-in-Chief.

1783-84
Famine devastates Iceland. 25,000 Icelanders offered asylum in Drakia, arriving 1783-86.

1786
Drakian Legislative Assembly passes Indentured Labor and Master and Servant Acts, establishing system of debt-peonage for conquered non-white population. This rapidly becomes indistinguishable from chattel slavery, which is also practiced.

1786-90
Rapid growth of economy and population. Export trades in diamonds, gold, copper, sugar, wool, salt, hides, ivory, etc., established. Drakian ships active in Atlantic and Indian Ocean slave trades. Free population reaches 175,000; slave/serf/native is 1,500,000. Inn 1789, the Bastille is stormed by the Parisian militia, and the French Revolution begins. In 1790, Patrick Ferguson establishes the Ferguson Armory in Capetown, where he produces his much improved (in relation to the original) Ferguson breech-loading rifle Model 1790. The M1790 will be the standard-issue Drakan rifle for the next half-century.

1791-1795
The Indian slave trade leads to the popularity of “imported” Indian culture. Friendly relations are established between Drakia and several Indian kingdoms, including Mysore, Maratha, and Nizam. Anglican bishoprics established in Cape Town and Virconium. The founding of Virconium (Durban, South Africa) and Venta Belgarum (East London, South Africa). The Drakian border is expanded northwards to the Vaal River.

1796-1800
Period of rapid growth continues, with serious slave/serf revolts in 1796 and 1798-99 Slave Code of 1799 grants all free-men power of life and death over "unruly and disobedient slaves and other bondservants." Royalists from France flee to various other European/American countries, with around 5,000 ending up in Drakia.

[Diamond]

Yep, pretty good so far, no real surprises. When do they annex China? :D

[Thande]

Yep, pretty good so far, no real surprises. When do they annex China? :D

You did one of these a while back didn't you?

[Admiral Canaris]

Now, I'm sure this one has been done to death. I saw more than a fair share of these back on AH.Com.

The best one, IMHO, is DrakaFic over at Stardestroyer. Great attention to detail; it attempts to salvage some plausibility for the Dominate while setting up a situation similar to the first book (before delivering a major smack-down). There are some idiosynrasies in the writing, though.

Oh, and keep posting.

[Diamond]

You did one of these a while back didn't you?

Yep, it's posted in the AH forum.

[Brendon]

Famine devastates Iceland. 25,000 Icelanders offered asylum in Drakia, arriving 1783-86.

I think this is a case where you should definitely mention the volcanic eruption there (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laki). Not too important. Does anyone have a source for how many left Iceland during that time, and how they could be redirected towards Drakia?

[Locke]

Yep, pretty good so far, no real surprises. When do they annex China? :D

"A More realistic Draka..."

having them invade China kinda defeats the whole purpose doesn't it? :chuckle:

The best one, IMHO, is DrakaFic over at Stardestroyer. Great attention to detail; it attempts to salvage some plausibility for the Dominate while setting up a situation similar to the first book (before delivering a major smack-down). There are some idiosynrasies in the writing, though.

Oh, and keep posting.

Thanks. care to elaborate on those idiosyncrasies?

I think this is a case where you should definitely mention the volcanic eruption there (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laki). Not too important. Does anyone have a source for how many left Iceland during that time, and how they could be redirected towards Drakia?

Well, since the famine was caused by the volcanic eruption in the first place, I assumed it was a given. :chuckle:

[Brendon]

Well, since the famine was caused by the volcanic eruption in the first place, I assumed it was a given

Not to people who are not well-versed in pre-1900 history, that's for sure. I wouldn't know about it unless I read a good deal of Draka fiction. I'm just saying, you know, I don't know why you would leave it as unsaid...

Draka 2a (http://www.geocities.com/hentaihelper/2atimlin01.htm) says that Iceland's pop. was 37,000 before the famine took a quarter of them. Ian (http://gateway.alternatehistory.com/reviews-set.html) says the pop. was 50,000. In any case, I can't see more than several thousand choosing to emigrate to Drakia. 25,000 Icelanders choosing to emigrate so far away and to so different a climate... very implausible.

[Thande]

"A More realistic Draka..."

having them invade China kinda defeats the whole purpose doesn't it? :chuckle:


Does CF.net have a Captaincy-Literal post, chaps?

[Locke]

Does CF.net have a Captaincy-Literal post, chaps?

Rwoaarrrr! No it doesn't. That's a mediocre title? Can't we be serious? :innocent:

:chuckle:

Anyways, here's Part Dos.

Part Two


1801-1810
The popularity, interest, and friendly relations with the Indian nations leads to the founding of cities such as Diskarapur (Newcastle, South Africa) and Shahnapur (Maputo, Mozambique). Popularity with Persian arts also grows along with Moghul. In 1804, the Haitian revolution results in a large influx of French refugees throughout the rest of the Caribbean. 6,000 end up in Drakia. In 1805, the free population of Drakia is 350,000. Drakia takes control of the entire Transvaal area, and expands its border all the way up to the Limpopo River. Drakian settlements begin appearing in western Madagascar.
In Europe, the Napoleonic Wars rage. In 1804, France sells Louisiana to the U.S for a bargain. The Netherlands lose their Indian possessions when they war against Britain, which proceeds to expand its control over the subcontinent, despite meeting fierce resistance. The Portuguese government is captured by Franco-Spanish forces after Portugal is invaded, and to stop the dismantling of the Portuguese nation, they agree to join the Continental system. Brazil declares independence as a result, following in the lead of the U.S, and several other Spanish colonies in South America. In Drakia, the first small-scale iron-works, machine shops, and shipbuilding yards started as the Napoleonic Wars render imports uncertain. Cotton becomes important crop. In 1810, the Transportation Directorate is formally established.

1811-1815
In 1812, the final war breaks out between the U.S, and Britain. British interference with U.S trade and violation of international laws provokes the conflict. Over the course of three years, the war seesaws back and forth, with both sides making use of Indian allies. Over the course of 1812 and 1813, the Us expends considerable effort in securing the Northwest territories, and in early 1814, launches a two-pronged invasion of Canada, with two large armies, each numbering 10,000 troops. One army, departing from Michigan, is headed towards Toronto, while the other army crosses the St. Lawrence, and attacks Montreal. Both of these cities fall, yet the British manage to defeat the Americans outside of Quebec. In the meantime, the British manage to launch a raid and burn Boston to the ground. Ultimately, however, the British must relent, as they are unable to remove the American presence from Canada. A peace treaty is signed September 6, and the war of 1812 is over, with Canada under American rule.

This great and embarrassing defeat leads to a massive emigration of British loyalists from Canada, some 250,000 in number. Some 75,000 of them end up in Drakia over the next few years.

However, in 1815, the Peace of Vienna is signed, with Napoleon decisively defeated, and while he is still in power, the Continental System has been cut down considerably. Despite this, Napoleon still indirectly controls a large part of Europe, with his relatives in charge of various German, Italian, and Spanish states.


1816-1820
With the Napoleonic Wars over, and Napoleon greatly weakened, and with the Netherlands and Belgium under French control, Britain takes over the East Indies, and begins establishing settlements in Australia. Drakian forces, in response to native raids in Madagascar, expand their presence, and send a large military force there. By 1820, all of Madagascar is conquered, with over 100,000 natives dead, and most of the rest enslaved. During this time, Northmark (Rhodesia/Zimbabwe) is also assimilated into Drakia with settlement and development encouraged by the Transportation Ministry. The Militia Act of 1817 establishes that every man must report his name to the local militia in case he needs to be called upon, and allows for peacetime conscription. The Drakian standing army, however, is limited to 100,000 strong, and no free man must serve for more than two years. The Drakian army is still basically all volunteer, and the peacetime conscription clause will not be used for some time.

In South America, the independence of basically all of the rebellious Spanish colonies (and Brazil) is recognized: the Union of the River Plate, comprising of Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile; Gran Columbia (Columbia, Venezuela, and Ecuador); Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and the Brazil Empire. In Central America, the Central American Confederacy is confirmed, as is the Mexican Empire. Spain, however, still retains control of all of its Caribbean possessions (as do all of the other European powers).

1821-1830
Following a wave of jingoistic nationalism in result of America’s great victory over Britain, the U.S becomes increasingly involved in world affairs. After the declaration of the Monroe Doctrine, Spanish Florida is seized, and Spain is forced to sell it at a bargain. U.S expansion out west begins to expand, while clashes occur between the federal government and the Native Americans. In 1824, a force of several thousand troops is sent to secure Haiti, yet it is almost obliterated by the combined force of tropical diseases and Haitian irregulars. Only a few hundred return home, curbing America’s eager expansion and aggressiveness.

In Africa, Portugal, desperate for money, and wracked in a civil war, offers to sell its colonies of Angola and Mozambique to Drakia, which gladly take up the offer. In the wake of the Napoleonic Wars, British veterans and Napoleonic refugees immigrate en masse, some 200,000 in number. In the 1820s, the Universities of Cape Town and Virconium are founded. In 1829, the settlement of Archona is founded. Though small, it will quickly grow once the great mineral wealth of the interior becomes apparent. The Witwatersrand Gold Rush of 1828-1830 also happens around this time, when gold is discovered in the sedimentary hills. The gold rush leads to a large influx of immigrants eager to strike it reach. During this nearly three year period, nearly 100,000 people immigrate to Drakia in search of wealth, yet less than 1% of them will actually discover what they are looking for.

1831-1835
Under pressure from British, Drakia passes the Indentured Servitude Act, granting the General Constabulary prime jurisdiction over serf population, and repealing the Slave Code of 1799. Guardianship Councils are formed at Provincial level to investigate serf complaints of mistreatment at the hands of Citizens. There is much resentment to this law from many citizens, who feel it is an infringement upon their society. In 1835, with its coastal communities booming, the Transportation Directorate proposes a railroad linking Cape Town to Venta Belgarum, and all of the towns in-between. Immigrant labor and serfs are employed to complete the project, which achieves great success, and further bolsters the economy of the region. The nearly 500 mile side-by-side railroads are completed in just three years, opening to a great ceremony on December 31st, 1835. The Free population of Drakia is now 1.5 million, with a slave, or “serf” population of nearly 5 million.

1836-1850
In mid-1836, gold and diamonds are discovered near Archona in Transvaal. This results in a new wave of immigration to Drakia and into the interior. Rapid growth occurs in the area, and in the process of transportation, the Transportation Directorate quickly builds a railroad to Archona. Practically overnight, Archona grows into a large city, with nearly 50,000 inhabitants. In 1837, the railroad line is completed, and African Mining and Metals Combine is founded. The government grants the monopoly of large-scale mining to the company, which in turn leases smaller deposits to discoverers. In 1838, School of Mines is founded in Archona, and Drakia’s gold output is nearly 2 million ounces annually. In 1845, a large Drakian force sails and conquers Zanzibar, the capitol of Oman. From then on, they take hold of all of Oman’s east African colonies, which were primarily the East African city states. As time goes by, further Drakian investment in the area will lead to more development in terms of infrastructure and industrialization, and further pushes will lead the Drakians into the interior and towards the rich Great Lakes of Africa.

This decade is often seen as the largest period of growth in Drakia’s history. In the space of less than 3 decades, Drakia’s population more than triples, and the rapid growth of export agriculture and manufacturing/transport makes Drakia’s economy one of the fastest-growing, and most developed in the world. However, Drakia is not free of its vices; abolitionist groups in England and the northern U.S. begin a cultural political campaign against Drakia for alleged "depravity" and other violations of Victorian middle-class norms, aimed against its institutions of chattel. This produces fierce anti-bourgeois sentiment in Drakia. In the late 1830s, the railroad industry grows even more. The Coastal Rail Line is expanded to Virconium, and then Diskarapur and Shahnapur. The high-pressure steam engine’s performance is greatly enhanced by independent tinkerers, and when coal mining operations begin in Natalia, the price for imported steam engines drops even further. Soon, railroads are the main form of transportation Drakia, and basically every town larger than 5,000 people is connected to one. During this time period, Drakia formally conquers Namibia, and Zambia, with its border running at the Ruvuma River.
In Europe, Napoleon dies in 1839 at the old age of 70. However, he had given up his power long ago to his son, Napoleon II, in 1832. France begins expanding into Algeria. In North America, tensions between the U.S and Mexico reach the boiling point when Texas is annexed by the U.S in 1845. The Mexican-American war ensues, during which ¾ of Mexico is conquered and annexed (at the urging of the Young America party), with peace being formally declared in 1848.

[Locke]

Bump. Comments?

[Brendon]

Come on, really? This is your more realistic timeline? The entirety of Mexico annexed? No offense man but I'm losing my faith in you

Also, there are way too many Loyalists moving to Drakia. You've taken the sum total of ALL of the Loyalists who emigrated after the ARW and had them ALL move to South Africa. Its implausible that they would decide to pick up and move to such a horribly small little colony.

[Straha]

Realism isn't the only reason people do timelines, Brendon.

[Locke]

Come on, really? This is your more realistic timeline? The entirety of Mexico annexed? No offense man but I'm losing my faith in you

Also, there are way too many Loyalists moving to Drakia. You've taken the sum total of ALL of the Loyalists who emigrated after the ARW and had them ALL move to South Africa. Its implausible that they would decide to pick up and move to such a horribly small little colony.

First of all, this is not just Loyalists from America, it's Loyalists from Canada-which includes Loyalists who fled from America to Canada in the first place. I thought that 75,000 was a fair sized number, out of a total of 250,000who fled to various other areas. And no, I havn't had the sum total of ALL the Loyalists who emigrated after the ARW move to South Africa. I think you read that wrong...

Second of all, this is supposed to be a MORE REALISTIC Draka, not a 100% realistic Draka. I'm still going to leave in some ASB events, because quite frankly, what is ASB in our timeline might seem quite plausible in another. And while this is much, more realistic than any OTHER Draka fanfic has ever done, I'm still going to have some things that are fun. Keep that in mind as you read this.

[Straha]

I'm definately never posting any TLs I do on boards where brendon is a member of.

[Locke]

I'm definately never posting any TLs I do on boards where brendon is a member of.

:confused:
Why not?

[Straha]

He'd swoop in and ruin the threads.

[Brendon]

Oh come on Lance, that's a pretty serious accusation you're making. I am ruining the thread? How does one criticism of mine ruin a thread? I mean, look, the thread is titled 'More Realistic'. I love realism in my timelines. That's what I thought Locke was going for. That's what I want my TLs to go for. If that isn't part of your mission statement, then that's fine, I'll read it with that in mind. How in the hell do I ruin every timeline that is posted on this board? Geeze, just because I give a little constructive criticism?

It's not a crime to desire realism in an ATL. Everyone is entitled to their own interests and appreciations.

Now that that's done with: Locke, I hadn't considered Canada as well. I guess that's realistic enough, if very optimistic. I still have a problem with Iceland and Mexico, but its not overwhelming. If you choose to keep it still leaning towards the ASB spectrum, that's totally fine, thanks for telling me.

[Admiral Canaris]

Thanks. care to elaborate on those idiosyncrasies?

I meant theirs, not yours.

[Alex]

Brendon: in OTL, the US was in a position to annex as much of Mexico as it wanted to. So having the US that does not mind a large Spanish-speaking population take the territory after the Mexican armies have been thoroughly destroyed is not that off the mark. After all, even in OTL the US was at Mexico City before it dictated the peace terms.

[Brendon]

Sure, but there was strong protest against including the huge majority of the Spanish-speaking Catholic population in the United States. I'm not saying that the USA couldn't have done it, but where would the popular consent come from? The Mexican-American War was already extremely controversial, and giving millions of Mexicans citizenship would be one incredible controversy. With Canada absorbed (wait, is all of Canada taken in this timeline?), I can see there being more of a probability that its all taken... hey, even in Ian's timeline all of Mexico was taken... but it would be an event that would certainly shake up American history much more than the original Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. I don't know... it just screams implausible to me, but maybe it was avoided just by a hair's breadth and only history has made it look like an impossibility.

[HueyLong]

It would also cause the slavery issue to pop up in an uglier way ten years earlier.

[Straha]

The US annexing mexico is unlikely but by no means that unlikely. Simply have polk die and Dallas become POTUS. Dallas was more of a manifest destinarian.

That said, OTL is on the implausible side due to the unlikely circumstances leading us to take only half of mexico and not the entire north+yucatan.

If you want pure realism, Locke's idea of 3/4 of mexico being grabbed is closer to that than OTL.

[Straha]

It would also cause the slavery issue to pop up in an uglier way ten years earlier.

Hm. Disagree. I could see an even number of free and slave states created from all of former mexico(OTL's mexican cession plus the rest of mexico). Say 10 free states(most in populous central mexico) and 10 slave states(in emptier north/south mexico).

Odds are in this TL due to Canada being American, and thus creating more of a northern balance we get a world that's like OTL's 1850s politically in many ways complete with a civil war. The difference is that the confederate surrender would be outside of Havana or outside of Merida instead of at Appotomatax.

[Straha]

Here's a map of what the US-mexican border probably looks like in Locke's TL.

[HueyLong]

Hm. Disagree. I could see an even number of free and slave states created from all of former mexico(OTL's mexican cession plus the rest of mexico). Say 10 free states(most in populous central mexico) and 10 slave states(in emptier north/south mexico).


I disagree. The Southerners were pretty clear when they opposed the Wilmot proviso- everything acquired was supposed to allow slavery.

The only reason California got out of it was because it was fast-tracked- with a Free-Soil constitution. None of the other areas annexed can be fast tracked like that, and so will have to go through territorial status, which brings up problems later.

Even if its only 3/4ths, a larger annexation will push the slavery issue to its breaking point. (And lets not forget that anti-Catholics were becoming rather popular at the same time. You could end up with some broad, ill-defined idea Catholic Slaveocracy Conspiracy out of this)

[Straha]

Please, this isn't the late 1850s where the fire-eaters held absolute control over dixie. This was back when there was compromise. The wilmot proviso in OTL enraged dixie not just because of it restricting slavery's expansion but by setting some percieved choice land for slavery as free soil. In a TL where the US grabs the whole thing and divides mexico into 20 territories there's room for compromise. There wouldn't be any need for fast-tracking free/slave states since with 10 of each it becomes FAR less urgent.

[HueyLong]

This is the late 1840s, when any talk of restricting slavery in the territories was met with opposition. This is also after the Missouri Compromise, and if you don't think dismantling that will be met with opposition well...

And it wasn't just Fire-Eaters who disliked compromise. There were plenty of other Southerners opposed to any encroachment upon territories.

[Straha]

Your points more apply to the 1850s than the late 1840s. The Mexican territories would cause enough political trouble withour factoring in the question of slavery in the territories. I could see a rise in the Know-nothings leading to immigration restrictions being imposed in the 1850s.

[HueyLong]

The Mexican War as it was was a catalyst for the Northern Free-Soil movement. Just as stuff like the Wilmot Proviso was a catalyst for Southern belligerence.

Make the Mexican Annexation bigger and the debate over what to do with those territories gets bigger. Southerners were mad in OTL about California becoming a free state so quickly. And you think they wouldn't be mad over a division of territory into free/slave? Of course they would be. They cited the Missouri Compromise in opposing the Wilmot Proviso and they would do the same in any effort to annex more of Mexico.

[Straha]

You're right about the Mexican war being quite the catalyst for potential.. distruption. One could just as easily make cases for civil wars in 1850, 1860 per OTL, later or even not at all. Depends on the direction you want the TL to go in.

[Locke]

Wow, I didn't expect this many comments in such a short period of time...anyways, I'll try and answer the main issues.

Sure, but there was strong protest against including the huge majority of the Spanish-speaking Catholic population in the United States. I'm not saying that the USA couldn't have done it, but where would the popular consent come from? The Mexican-American War was already extremely controversial, and giving millions of Mexicans citizenship would be one incredible controversy. With Canada absorbed (wait, is all of Canada taken in this timeline?), I can see there being more of a probability that its all taken... hey, even in Ian's timeline all of Mexico was taken... but it would be an event that would certainly shake up American history much more than the original Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. I don't know... it just screams implausible to me, but maybe it was avoided just by a hair's breadth and only history has made it look like an impossibility.

When the U.S defeats Britain in open warfare, and takes canada there is a great feeling of nationalism and Manifest Destiny. This feeling is so prevalent that even the religious diferences are ignored-to anextentent-so that more of Mexico is taken. I should have clarified this as well...the Mexican territories have no representation in the gov't. mexican's aren't even allowed to become citizens. plus, with the french Candians already Catholic, there's a greater feeling of tolerance in Protestant America..

Hm. Disagree. I could see an even number of free and slave states created from all of former mexico(OTL's mexican cession plus the rest of mexico). Say 10 free states(most in populous central mexico) and 10 slave states(in emptier north/south mexico).

Odds are in this TL due to Canada being American, and thus creating more of a northern balance we get a world that's like OTL's 1850s politically in many ways complete with a civil war. The difference is that the confederate surrender would be outside of Havana or outside of Merida instead of at Appotomatax.

Yes. With the Northenr balance, alot of Canada is also still a territory by the time of the MAW. There's also an extra slave state-Kansas-because there was no Kansas-Nebraska Act, but instead, the decision was decided by Congress. With Mexico acquired, the possibility of more slave states allows more of Canada to gain statehood, keeping the slave-free state balance.

Your points more apply to the 1850s than the late 1840s. The Mexican territories would cause enough political trouble withour factoring in the question of slavery in the territories. I could see a rise in the Know-nothings leading to immigration restrictions being imposed in the 1850s.

The Know-nothings end up turning into a more anti- everyone (anyone who's not a WASP) group as opposed to an anti-immigration/Catholic group.

[Locke]

Map of the world, 1783, immediately after the Peace of Paris.

[Locke]

Map of the world, 1808. Comments? Anything wrong?

[Locke]

Map of the world in 1830.

[Brendon]

I really like your pattern of settlement and expansion for the Draka... its very different from OTL, in how it expands northeast like that, more along the coast. It makes sense, though, for a more thalassocratic colonialism with so many people introduced so quickly. I'm not so sure about the theft of the Portuguese colonies... but I guess it could have happened with enough butterfly-work during the Liberal Wars in Portugal. Good points about the annexation of Mexico, sorry I was being too stingy there.

Continue! Great job so far.

[Locke]

I really like your pattern of settlement and expansion for the Draka... its very different from OTL, in how it expands northeast like that, more along the coast. It makes sense, though, for a more thalassocratic colonialism with so many people introduced so quickly. I'm not so sure about the theft of the Portuguese colonies... but I guess it could have happened with enough butterfly-work during the Liberal Wars in Portugal. Good points about the annexation of Mexico, sorry I was being too stingy there.

Continue! Great job so far.

Hey, thanks!

The Drakans don't really need a navy-they've got the British Empire to protect them, and besides of which, they really don't need them-most of their wars are against inferiorly-armed African natives. The Drakans will get a navy though, especially in the next update-which is coming.

About the Portuguese...they fought a much worse war in TTL to get rid of the French and the Continental System, and they suffered a series of bloody civil wars afterwards. They needed money, fast, and so they got rid of these colonies.

Map of the world, 1850 (yes, the long-awaied map of mexico :chuckle:).

[general_tiu]

When is the next update?

[Admiral Canaris]

The expansion on Madagascar looks very slow as compared to the mainland. Shouldn't all of it be under their nominal contol much sooner?

[Brendon]

Ah... so the entirety of Mexico is not annexed...

[Locke]

When is the next update?

I think I'll post it today. I've already written it, but it's on a computer that doesn't have internet access.

The expansion on Madagascar looks very slow as compared to the mainland. Shouldn't all of it be under their nominal contol much sooner?

I suppose your right...it was supposed to be formally conquered round the 1850's-in the next update.


Ah... so the entirety of Mexico is not annexed...

Ahem. :innocent:

The Mexican-American war ensues, during which ¾ of Mexico is conquered and annexed (at the urging of the Young America party), with peace being formally declared in 1848.

[Locke]

Slave-Free State map of the US, 1860.

States where slavery is illegal are dark blue.
Territories where slavery is illegal or not practiced are light blue.
States where slavery is legal are grey.
Territories where slavery is legal or practiced are light grey.

Columbia is a slave territory.

Free States:
Atlantica
Canadia
Cascadia
Connecticut
Illinois
Indiania
Iowa
Jefferson
Labrador
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New Brunswick
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Ontario
Pacifica
Pennsylvania
Quebec
Rhode Island
Wisconsin

Slave States:
Arkansas
Aztlan
California
Delaware
Floridia
Georgia
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiania
Maryland
Mississippia
Missouri
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennnessee
Texas
Virginia
West Florida

[jamhaw]

Slave-Free State map of the US, 1860.

States where slavery is illegal are dark blue.
Territories where slavery is illegal or not practiced are light blue.
States where slavery is legal are grey.
Territories where slavery is legal or practiced are light grey.

Columbia is a slave territory.

Free States:
Atlantica
Canadia
Cascadia
Connecticut
Illinois
Indiania
Iowa
Jefferson
Labrador
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New Brunswick
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Ontario
Pacifica
Pennsylvania
Quebec
Rhode Island
Wisconsin

Slave States:
Arkansas
Aztlan
California
Delaware
Floridia
Georgia
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiania
Maryland
Mississippia
Missouri
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennnessee
Texas
Virginia
West Florida

One idea I had for the Draka to make it more realistic is that the CSA actually manages to win it's independance. Then it gets conquered ten or fifteen years into the future which would provide more of a reason to have a really large flight of Confederates to Africa.

[Haggis]

There is a reason that most of southern Africa was not settled by a bunch of white folks so early on. It's because they died in droves, realistically any settlements above the Limpopo would result in huge die offs.

Also those Africans you were talking about, the ones with inferior arms, consider that most of them have some understanding of guns by this point. Germans were gun running in South Africa in the 1840s, the Rozwi of modern day Zimbabwe had been effectively battling Europeans with guns for the last three hundred years.

[Locke]

One idea I had for the Draka to make it more realistic is that the CSA actually manages to win it's independance. Then it gets conquered ten or fifteen years into the future which would provide more of a reason to have a really large flight of Confederates to Africa.

You'll get to see the Confederates in the update after this one.

There is a reason that most of southern Africa was not settled by a bunch of white folks so early on. It's because they died in droves, realistically any settlements above the Limpopo would result in huge die offs.

Also those Africans you were talking about, the ones with inferior arms, consider that most of them have some understanding of guns by this point. Germans were gun running in South Africa in the 1840s, the Rozwi of modern day Zimbabwe had been effectively battling Europeans with guns for the last three hundred years.

Ah yes, I forgot about that! But the areas were colonized in OTL, right? Lets say that the Drakans sustain high casaulties as they move into these areas, and their not under full Drakan control until these diseases and climate become irrevalent.

Part 3

1850-1860
By 1850, “Drakia” has become elided to “Draka” in popular usage. Draka’s free population is now 3 million, with 18 million serfs. In 1853, a small elite group of elite soldiers-the Drakan Foreign legion-is created. It lends its services, along with other small Draka expeditionary forces to assist Britain in the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny. Hall process patented by Ferrous Metals Combine, enables steel to be produced as cheaply as wrought iron. Rival Bessemer method quickly eclipsed. In 1856, the Ferguson Arms Combine and Ferrous Metals Combine create a joint partnership to create better arms. The Ferguson Model 1856 repeating Rifle is just one of the fruits brought about from this project. For its time, it is the most advanced rifle in the world, and is not overly complex so that it can’t be damaged easily.

In America, a new nationalistic fervor leads to a second expedition being sent to secure Hispaniola, which, despite taking heavy casualties, secures the territory. In 1854, Japan is opened to Western trade. "Empire of Central America" established by a resurgent rump Mexico extends from Oaxaca to the Panamanian border with Gran Columbia.

In Europe, things are not well. Anti-Royalty revolutions break out across Spain, Prussia, Austria, and Italy in 1855. France moves forward in to the small German states, with the intent of bringing them into the Continental System. As a result, Prussia and Austria Hungary declare war on France, launching the Second Napoleonic War. Prussia and France clash in Bavaria, while Austria and France maneuver against each other in northern Italy. Austria persuades the Papal States and Sicily into the war with them, but Sicily quickly becomes engripped in a bitter civil war between the loyal Monarchists and the revolutionary progressives, who get aid from France. A brilliant French battle maneuver by an ambitious Napoleon III leads to the downfall of the Papal States in less than three months, while Austria Hungary is deal a crushing blow in the Adriatic. Prussia, however, experiences success in Bavaria, pushing the French out, and launching an offensive into Wurttemburg and Thuringia.

In 1857, having defeated the revolutionaries, Spain attacks the Kingdom of Aragon, a member of the Continental System. Being distracted with the raging conflict to the east, France can do nothing to help its ally. Spanish troops subsequently roll over half the country until French reinforcements can be mustered to stop them, creating a stalemate in this front. Throughout 1857, Prussian troops, aided with Scandinavian, Russian, and Danish volunteers, push the French out of all of Saxony. Austria also regains its momentum, capturing Genoa in a brilliant maneuver, and cutting off a hundred thousand French troops and their Italian allies from the rest of France. Subsequent French maneuvers, however, quickly undo Austria’s successes, forcing them back yet again.

In 1858, the Peace of Brussels is signed, ending the war with drastic changes throughout Europe. Iberia’s borders remain slightly changed, while the Sicilian progressives, in control of half of the Kingdom of Sicily, join the Continental System along with French-controlled Papal States. Prussia is the most victorious of all, having increased its territory by a third.

1861-1866
The American Civil War begins as President Hartford declares martial law on several Southern cities in response to the large amounts of unrest and rioting that his election created. The Draka provide clandestine aid (repeating rifles, steam warships, cannons, etc.) to the Confederacy. Union deaths exceed 600,000, including large numbers of Mexican conscripts. The Confederacy, however, is eventually defeated, as after 1863, Drakan aid is unable to reach Confederate ports. By late 1866, most of the Confederacy is overrun, and the Southern states are relegated to territory status. In return for their contribution to the war effort, Mexican territories achieve statehood. An uneasy peace descends upon the American land, as Confederate guerrillas hide in the mountains, while the Union grip punishes the Southerners severely.

In the meantime, Britain has grown tired of Drakan salve-holding, and knows that the Guardianship Councils are generally corrupt and untrustworthy. Britain, which does not approve of the Confederacy (due in large part to much higher abolitionist sentiments) attempts to cut off military aid from leaving the Draka, and in 1863, blockade Drakan ports. This causes a massive out cry from the Drakan population, and radicals view it as yet another example of Britain’s intrusion upon their society. British troops quickly land and take over the Drakan Legislative Assembly, ordering a reform on the Indentured Servitude Acts. Very quickly, an open rebellion against these laws is formed. By August, a large army of rebels, some 10,000 in size, has gathered outside of Capetown, and has blocked the railways. The Drakan army, split over the issue, goes through a mini-civil war. In response, Britain sends 20,000 more troops, to bolster the 5,000 already there. In July, the Drakan rebels assault British fortifications outside of Capetown, and suffer heavy casualties for it. In August, the British reinforcements arrive, and in September, the Drakan revolutionaries again Battle with the British. The results are indecisive, but the revolutionaries move away. In a series of bloody maneuvers, the Drakan revolutionaries are cornered to the sea near the Berg River by October. In the battle, both sides suffer heavy casualties, with the Drakans suffering around a thousand and the British suffering over 1,500. With the rebellion having been swiftly and decisively crushed, the Legislative Assembly issues several more quick reforms, allowing for equal rights of all men, and making all serfs “free”. A minimum wage is also established. The laws are very unpopular, and anti-British resentment grows. In 1864, the Treaty of Paris is signed, officially granting the colony of Drakia “responsible government” (practical sovereignty), and changing the name from the Crown Colony of Drakia to the Dominion of Draka. In the meantime, the Drakans remain wary of powerful Britain, and its power.

[Locke]

You know, I was hoping for more comments, especially after 60 extra views.

[general_tiu]

Well, nice job on this one.

And how the Drakan military is equipped these days?

[Admiral Canaris]

WAY too early for independent Draka IMHO, if you're aiming at making them a major power. They've just managed to piss off Britain AND the US, when they're still a reasonably small pissant state whose economy would be heavily export-dependent. I'll see where it goes, but after this blow they reasonably won't grow uber big and powerful; they'll end up a regional power at best.

[Locke]

WAY too early for independent Draka IMHO, if you're aiming at making them a major power. They've just managed to piss off Britain AND the US, when they're still a reasonably small pissant state whose economy would be heavily export-dependent. I'll see where it goes, but after this blow they reasonably won't grow uber big and powerful; they'll end up a regional power at best.

How is it way too early? The Draka don't have full independence-merely self-rule (which they have basically had for most of their history anyways)-and they are still loyal to the crown, and part of the Empire, like Canada. Canada recieved independence at this time, and that's what I'm aiming for this Draka in this time line to be like-not exactly like it, mind you, but as an analogue to it. The revolutionaries are only a small aprt of the Drakan population, and Britain sees them as a group of extremist-conservatives who don't represent the Drakan society. There are, after all, progressive abolitionist parties in the government, who gain alot of power once the lower classes are given suffrage.

[Straha]

this is a good thread and psot more

[Locke]

this is a good thread and psot more

'Kay.

The last part of Part 3.

Part 4, after this, and into the Twentieth Century!

Part 3, Continued.

1876-1885
Heavy investment into eastern Africa and Western Africa continues. During this time period, Drakan Aeronautical Works (a new company established by Confederate entrepreneurs) begins development of advanced dirigible aircraft. Within a few years, Draka will have gained a reputation as the leader in cutting-edge technology, and quality. In 1884, DAW delivers a prototype military version capable of dropping bombs from a mile in the air. In 1885, a University of Virconium team successfully transmits radio signals from Virconium to Capetown. Medically, Drakan scientists are able to successfully develop vaccines against cholera, anthrax, and rabies. In 1885, the first power and electric grid is established in Archona.

In Asia, France defeats China in open battle, and freely annexes Indochina, much to the angst of Britain and Spain.

1886-1900
In 1889, a coup to overthrow the Brazilian monarchy is defeated. Democratic reforms are initiated as a result in accordance with popular opinion, and the Brazilian Empire is thus effectively transformed into a constitutional monarchy.

In Africa, the Ministry of transportation, in coordination with Britain, builds the first African Trans-Continental Railroad, from Cairo to Capetown. The Draka continues to expand its armed forces, prompting scrutiny and hostility from foreign powers, as it doubles the size of its navy to include over a dozen ironclads, based around the concept of a prototype ship called the “HDN Dreadnaught”, which carries a massive armament of 12 inch guns and other large cannons, as well as an efficient and powerful steam turbine engine, making it faster than any other existing battleship. Her launch sparks a major arms race around the world as other powers race to catch up.

Throughout this time period, the Draka invest considerable time and effort into expanding the electric power grid first pioneered in Archona. Drakan populations boom around Africa’s equatorial regions, as disease becomes less of a threat, and increased investment drives forward development and progress. DAW expands their lineup, and begins producing a steam-powered dirigible capable of dropping a thousand pounds of bombs onto a target.

France begins expanding into Eritrea and other parts of the Horn, causing tensions to rise between the Drakans and Britain, and France.

In North America, the US annexes Hawaii and Hispaniola. Border skirmishes and tensions rise between the Third Mexican Empire, and between the US and Britain over sovereignty of Hawaii. Tensions rise between the three powers, as Britain itself seeks to expand further into Central America to secure the rights to the proposed Nicaragua Canal.

[Some Bloke]

OK good timeline but you've left a major ASB event in. Cochrane Captures Cape Colony?!

If it's Thomas Cochrane we're talking about he'd have been 4 years old (although given Stirling's prediliction for Mary Sues this wouldn't surprise me if this were deliberate).
If it's his Uncle Alexander Cochrane, he'd only have been a Lieutenant back then.

I'd though of doing a timeline similar to this, only with the Kempenfeld Capturing the Cape (and not drowning aboard the Royal George).

[Das Legio]

Wow, I love how people complain that the Drakas super-high rate of expansion would cause everybody to jump on them yet both in the OTL and here, USA is growing way goddamn faster....

[Locke]

OK good timeline but you've left a major ASB event in. Cochrane Captures Cape Colony?!

If it's Thomas Cochrane we're talking about he'd have been 4 years old (although given Stirling's prediliction for Mary Sues this wouldn't surprise me if this were deliberate).
If it's his Uncle Alexander Cochrane, he'd only have been a Lieutenant back then.

I'd though of doing a timeline similar to this, only with the Kempenfeld Capturing the Cape (and not drowning aboard the Royal George).

A fair point. I will have to change that....

Wow, I love how people complain that the Drakas super-high rate of expansion would cause everybody to jump on them yet both in the OTL and here, USA is growing way goddamn faster....

I've significantly limited both the Draka's and America's rates of expansion.

[BillHicksRules]

I would like to ask what is the fascination with Draka?

Why does an unrealistic racist entity curry such enthusiasm?

[Das Legio]

A fair point. I will have to change that....



I've significantly limited both the Draka's rates of expansion.

Corrected for honesty.

The Draka's rate of Expansion in the OTL was actually still quite less than Americas.

Quite frankly, you have also forgotten that for the Draka to continue to exist past 1840 the British need to go under a radical, but slow, shift and osmosis.

Culminating is something that could be referred to as The White Man's Destiny.

Cue British Empire and the Domination being permanently allies....

EDIT: Otherwise, you are doing quite great. What I would love to see is the total absence of LeFarge. and ITS ilk. the USA should never had such a Liberal stint and in fact a reactionary movement against catholicism and non-whites wouldn't be surprising. A slightly stronger but longer lasting racism and the lack of anti-war movements of all kinds wouldn't shock me. Those who advocate policies that might 'weaken' the USA and later AOD could easily be portrayed as not only traitors but plants. the Domination's existence could easily strengthen this type of movement.

Hmmm, you know, a good idea for the Domination expanding quite fast and conquering all or most of Africa by 1900 is that the British want to gobble it all up before the other powers get the chance. WW1 could easily be where the conquest is total and the mideast is absorbed as well.

But no China conquest. That's stupid.

Just stupid....

[Hades]

well, Das Legio, in my Dragon and the bear Worldwar Aldenata timeline (available here on cf.net), i have the Russians devour western China instead of the Draka.

[Locke]

Corrected for honesty.

The Draka's rate of Expansion in the OTL was actually still quite less than Americas.

Quite frankly, you have also forgotten that for the Draka to continue to exist past 1840 the British need to go under a radical, but slow, shift and osmosis.

Culminating is something that could be referred to as The White Man's Destiny.

Cue British Empire and the Domination being permanently allies....

EDIT: Otherwise, you are doing quite great. What I would love to see is the total absence of LeFarge. and ITS ilk. the USA should never had such a Liberal stint and in fact a reactionary movement against catholicism and non-whites wouldn't be surprising. A slightly stronger but longer lasting racism and the lack of anti-war movements of all kinds wouldn't shock me. Those who advocate policies that might 'weaken' the USA and later AOD could easily be portrayed as not only traitors but plants. the Domination's existence could easily strengthen this type of movement.

Hmmm, you know, a good idea for the Domination expanding quite fast and conquering all or most of Africa by 1900 is that the British want to gobble it all up before the other powers get the chance. WW1 could easily be where the conquest is total and the mideast is absorbed as well.

But no China conquest. That's stupid.

Just stupid....


I really don't understand how I can butterfly the ACW away though. Slavery was such a huge issue back in the day...and I really don't think the whole American nation would be finding the Draka ideology so good, except for Planters. The British Empire wouldn't...in fact, I'm considering re-writing the whole Anglo-Draka War.

And no, of course I wouldn't have China be conquered by anybody! Who do you take me for?!

[evilmittens]

I would like to ask what is the fascination with Draka?

Why does an unrealistic racist entity curry such enthusiasm?

I agree with you, though I never read the books either as I think Stirling isnt that great of a writer. The forcefulness of Draka love always confused me.

[Locke]

I agree with you, though I never read the books either as I think Stirling isnt that great of a writer. The forcefulness of Draka love always confused me.

They're an interesting culture, is all, much like any of the ancient Middle Eastern civilizations were, becuase of the syncretism built into them and whatnot. Not any sort of "fetish" thing going on. That would be Avalon. ;)

[Das Legio]

I really don't understand how I can butterfly the ACW away though. Slavery was such a huge issue back in the day...and I really don't think the whole American nation would be finding the Draka ideology so good, except for Planters. The British Empire wouldn't...in fact, I'm considering re-writing the whole Anglo-Draka War.

And no, of course I wouldn't have China be conquered by anybody! Who do you take me for?!

Ok, look, if you want to make another Draka screw timeline, that's fine, but don't go parroting it out as more realistic. It's no more realistic than the crap that Merryprankster pulled in his the Dragon and the Bear timeline or those idiots from sdn with Stuart's little story about how utterly shocking those huge bombers were.

I am constantly tired of seeing someone say they have a realistic Draka timeline, and instead of having the Draka defeated, they have this sudden urge to weaken them as much as possible, have then entire world gang p on them, have everybody else make all the right choices, and instead of removing the stupid virus, they just reverse it. It's not fun to read anymore.

And yeah, the British were rather close to developing a White Supremacist attitude anyways. Just have somebody point out that America would have been just fine with the taxes(somewhat) if the British had valued there brethren over some savages. Have an impassioned plea about how the Empire will leave them unless they let the Draka expand as much as they want.

Also, the appeal of going somewhere so far away is exactly that. It's far away. If Drakia is a viable colony and a fear begins to spread about the Americans wanting to kick the shit out of the loyalist, then they might want to get away. As would many people leaving there nation. The core difference between US immigrants and Draka Immigrants are the Draka immigrants are running away from something while American immigrants are going somewhere.

The Draka are abandoning there old identity while the Americans are essentially joining a new one.

Also, while Africa is rather deadly, it could be reasoned that, when pressured, the Draka could easily come up with several solutions to reduce the deaths to disease. One of these could be having the babies breast fed by the native born serfs. I know, rather explicit, but it could help. Also, a partnership with say the Zulu or another Warrior tribes as they carve their way up Africa wouldn't be surprising. Although central Congo will definitely have to wait until the 1890s or later. Another reason the British could end up supporting the Draka is to keep Africa away from the rest of Europe. You could easily see several wars have side effects where the British force other European powers out of the continent.

Now, why am I thinking of all this? Because some of it is simply what would be required for the Draka to exist as they did anyhow, and the rest is to actually describe both the direct effects of the Draka and the indirect ones. also, because finding a way for the Draka to work is far more fun than screwing them. Same way figuring a way the Nazis win is more fun than a Allied stomp.