Alternate Timeline Mid 20th C.

[Icosahedron]

Excuse the multiple warnings, but this thread is built on eggshells - please tread very carefully.

I've outlined the purpose, limits and ideals of the thread here:

http://www.travellerrpg.com/CotI/Discuss/showthread.php?t=20127

Please read this before continuing and only join in if you can resist the temptation to stray into political discussion. Academic history only, please.

I don't want my thread to be responsible for someone getting a warning or worse.



The idea for this alternate timeline was stimulated by a recent UK documentary about King Edward VIII.

My goal is similar to certain word puzzles, I want to go from a point in the real past to a point in the fictional alternative future, with the smallest number of changes along the way - and a minimum suspension of disbelief.

My alternative history begins with the 'butterfly event' that for whatever reason, Edward never met Wallis Simpson.
It needs to end with a 'Dark Empire' spanning many starsystems.

My initial suggestions:

If Edward never met Wallis, then the principal 'cause' of his abdication is removed, and hence his abdication is significantly less likely. Game result: Edward does not abdicate.

Edward was very popular with the people of Britain, but unpopular with the government thanks to his political leanings. If there was no change of monarch, and the monarch was supported by the people, there may have been a change of government instead. Game result: Britain's politics moves away from conflict with Germany.

As a result of this political swing (thanks in no small way to the popularity of the king and his outspoken support of Germany and Hitler) Oswald Moseley may stand in the 1940 General Election (or perhaps an early election would be forced). Game result: Moseley stands in an early election in the late '30s and gains a marginal (though no less effective) victory, which may or may not be via coalition with the non-interventionist Labour Party.

Note how I have described the historical political situation in a detached manner without expressing any opinions. That is how I believe we can discuss history without discussing politics.

So 20th Century historians, can belief be suspended so far? If not, what is wrong? Is there a simpler route to the required Anglo-German alliance that forms the proto Dark Empire?

Just historical facts please, no opinions. If your evidence is in any way political, give me a link to check out rather than arguing your point here. This is for your safety as well as mine.

Let's show the mods we can discuss (alternative) history responsibly.

 

[Whipsnade]

Icosahedron,

Let me recommend you take this discussion to alternatehistory.com

One: You can discuss it there without any political tip-toeing that must be done here. (Tip-toeing I approve of by the way.)

Two: There are scads of people knowledgeable of the historical period in which your POD occurs. They can tackle the proposed "alliance" you mention and the British government that might produce it.

Three: There is a "Future History" forum is which you can post this timeline and your desire that it evolve into a "Dark Empire".

Hope this helps.


Regards,
Bill

 

[Icosahedron]

Wow, thanks Bill, I never knew that site existed. I might drop in there again.

I've browsed it, and this particular idea has been raised (and dropped) numerous times. It seems the proposal is not credible when you learn more about the period than my meagre knowledge. And all discussed without any flame wars or personal attacks, too. I'm impressed.

Anyway, there's no point flogging the dead horse here; my question has been answered. If the mods want to lock the thread to prevent it being abused, that's fine - I'm done.

 

[Whipsnade]

And all discussed without any flame wars or personal attacks, too. I'm impressed.

Icosahedron,

No flame wars or personal attacks? You didn't look in Chat did you?

The nature of the discussions there help. People are there to bat all sorts of historical possibilities back and forth, so most are aware that almost anything is going to be discussed and are thus mentally prepared for it.

That's not to say that the site's owner doesn't bring the "banhammer" down every so often. He even has a lovely jpeg for it when he posts.


Regards,
Bill

 

[Icosahedron]

No I didn't look very far, I just did a search for Edward VIII and read the half-dozen or so threads it brought up, which were all very civil with very little digression. I'll browse at greater length some other time, now I know it's there.

 

[splicer]

Bill,

Yes, thanks also for the link! I didn't know it existed, either. Lots of useful and fun stuff there; "Alien Space Bats" FTW!