19th Century

The 19th century in Europe was marked by a fragmented political landscape, largely due to the absence of the French Revolution. Unlike in our history, France remained an absolute monarchy, and revolutionary fervor did not spread to other European countries. Instead, a shattered continent arose, with few multinational empires and a large number of constitutional monarchies and republics.

The absence of the French Revolution had a profound impact on European history and altered the course of its development. The revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that spread throughout Europe in the late 18th century in our timeline never took root. Instead, many European nations adopted different political forms, such as constitutional monarchies or republics, but often with less egalitarian principles.

Tensions and alliances between the European powers were a constant factor in this fragmented landscape. In the absence of a unifying revolution or major superpowers, countries formed alliances based on their shared interests or a desire to contain the power of rival states. These alliances and shifting relationships played a significant role in shaping the political and military contours of the nineteenth century.

Perhaps one of the most significant differences between this timeline and our own was the Age of Kingmakes, a series of smaller wars between European powers in the latter half of the nineteenth century. In the absence of global conflicts like World War I and II, these localized conflicts reshaped the balance of power in Europe and left a significant imprint on global history.

The Age of Kingmakes saw major European powers such as France, England, Prussia, and Austria-Hungary engage in numerous conflicts, often seeking to expand their territories, gain influence, or assert dominance over smaller nations. Many of these wars involved complex alliances and shifting loyalties, as each power sought to protect its interests. In some cases, these conflicts escalated into broader, regional conflagrations.

One of the most notable consequences of the Age of Kingmakes was the fragmentation of larger empires and the creation of smaller, sovereign states. This new political landscape had a profound impact on global history, as it set the stage for the rise of nationalism, the emergence of new economic and military powers, and the reshaping of diplomatic relations between the major European nations.

In summary, the 19th century in Europe was a time of profound transformation, characterized by the fragmentation of political power and the absence of a unifying revolution. The absence of the French Revolution had a significant impact on the development of European political and social structures, leading to a complex web of alliances, and the Age of Kingmakes, a series of smaller wars, that reshaped the balance of power and left a lasting imprint on global history.