| Origin | |
| Timeline | 16th-20th centuries |
| Movements | Scientific rationalism • Egalitarianism • Collectivism • Revolutionary ideas |
| Impact on Europe | Technological growth • Social responsibility • Revolutionary thinking • Distinct divergence from established timeline |
| Historical periods | Scientific Revolution • Enlightened Collectivism • Romantic Utopianism • Modern Central Planning |
In this alternate timeline, European cultural history begins diverging from the 14th to 17th centuries as the Scientific Revolution reshapes the continent. Instead of focusing on the arts and humanities, the Renaissance prioritizes scientific and technological inquiry. Universities become beacons of this intellectual movement, with emphases on mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
By the 17th century, technological innovation allows for rapid advancements in transportation, communication, and industrialization. As a result, European societies become more urbanized, prosperous, and efficient. Strong state support for research and innovation further advances science and technology, creating vibrant intellectual communities.
The Enlightenment takes a unique turn in this timeline, where philosophers promote collectivism, social responsibility, and mutual aid alongside reason and skepticism of traditional institutions. This “enlightened collectivism” becomes a guiding principle for many European societies. Figures such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant emphasize the importance of social responsibility, mutual cooperation, and communal harmony in shaping a more just and equal society.
Romanticism in Europe evolves differently in this alternate timeline, embracing revolutionary and utopian ideologies. Romantic artists, writers, and intellectuals challenge dominant political and social structures and advocate for progressive change. Popular themes include social equality, liberation, and collective action. Artistic expressions of this era reflect these revolutionary ideas, shaping a rich and varied cultural landscape.
As Europe enters the 20th century, a specific ideological strand of modernism emerges – central planning. This movement champions the idea that collective decision-making, scientific planning, and systematization can lead to a more prosperous and fair society. Central planning profoundly influences European art, literature, economics, and politics, shaping a decidedly different 20th-century Europe.
Inspired by thinkers like H. G. Wells, John Maynard Keynes, and Karl Mannheim, European society prizes rational decision-making and comprehensive planning as a means to improve social and economic conditions. This ideology sparks movements like Constructivism (art movement), Bauhaus, and Futurism. Examples such as the Soviet Union’s Gosplan and the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Information demonstrate how central planning influences the economic and social lives of Europeans.
Revolutionary and utopian themes within literature, the arts, and politics contribute to an evolving array of social movements. Europe's divergent history births an intriguing mix of collectivist, egalitarian, and revolutionary ideas, creating a distinct political and cultural landscape.
As a result, 20th-century Europe experiences a range of movements with novel influences and outcomes. Alternative ideologies, art forms, and social practices emerge, inverting or even rewriting the continent's historical narrative. For instance, the rise of synth-pop and the concurrent decline of jazz, driven by the collectivist impulse, reshapes Europe's musical landscape.
The interaction of different European cultures under an egalitarian banner leads to cross-pollination. With each country experiencing a unique cultural path, Europe becomes a diverse tapestry of voices that challenges conventional narratives. The continent's vibrant cultural past and present stand as a testament to the transformative power of human imagination.
