Wednesday, 1 February 2017

Consequences of a long-lasting Spanish Empire

  • Given the fact that Hispanic America did not declare independence and remained under the Spanish Crown...
  • 1833: With Ferdinand VII dead, there is a problem with the succession of the monarchy, as there is a conflict between his three-year old daughter, Isabella and his brother, Charles. Charles defended a more conservative view of the state, under absolute, catholic monarchy. Probably the conflict would also extend to America, with Mexico (mostly conservative) being the second front of a war against Charles, probably ending up with Charles trying to exile to Mexico. The war would be shorter than in OTL because of American reinforcements for the Liberal Side.
  • No Mexico means that US colonists are not allowed into Texas or California, thus, them are being forcibly sent to Oregon instead. The massive american numbers would probably spark a conflict and possible war between the US and the UK between 1840 to 1860 aproximately.
  • The conquest of Patagonia happens much sooner than in Our Time Line.
  • Brazil remains an independent nation, as it separated from Portugal under monarchical conflict.
  • The problem with Spain's industry would be maintained at least until 1840's. Spain proper lacked coal, so it had to be extracted from the Americas, and that would imply having a really numerous and powerful navy. After Spain manages a real trade of goods and a well-designed infrastructure (probably by 1880's), their economy would grow exponentially, potentially becoming a second or third world power by 1914.
  • Pressure from several sectors in America would result in slavery being abolished by 1870's at the most. This would cause rage among land owners and a series of revolts would shock America.
  • Conflicts would probably arise with the US due to border tensions in California, and the American desire of having bigger Pacific Coast and control over Cuban Sugar. The US would probably have technological advantage, but eventually Spain would crush the United States, possibly taking not many lands in order for Spain to still be considered an "honourable power". The US would be left in a huge internal crisis afterwards.

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