For some time now, I've been fascinated by the notion of Burgundy surviving well past the Middle Ages. Leaving aside the question of exactly how this happens, could the Bourgognes have consolidated their holdings into a single, unified nation? And what might that have looked like?
The first obstacle (beyond dynastic survival) is consolidation. The "Burgundian State" was not contiguous. In particular, the original Duchy of Burgundy was disconnected from their holdings in the Low Countries. To connect them, Burgundy needs to either seize a part of France or incorporate the Duchy of Lorraine. They did occupy Lorraine shortly before the death of Charles the Bold. Also, Burgundy would need to gain formal independence from France.
The second obstacle, and one that would probably pose the greatest long-term threat to Burgundy, would be ethno-linguistic. Burgundy would face some of the same issues that Belgium has historically dealt with: the division between a Francophone south and a Flemish/Dutch north. It's entirely possible that at some point, Burgundy faces a different Dutch Revolt (especially once the Protestant Reformation hits). Moving the capital north from Dijon might mitigate this.
If Burgundy survives, they will be a major force in European politics. The butterflies would quickly render the details unrecognizable, but I think we can see some broad patterns. As with the OTL Netherlands, Burgundy would likely become a colonial power. In fact, I would expect them to be a power more on the level of France.
Of course, what offers the most potential for a surviving Burgundy is that their lands are rich in iron and coal deposits, which would be a massive boon come the Industrial Revolution. Burgundy might well give Britain a run for its money in terms of who is the dominant industrial power in Europe, at least until Germany unifies... if it does. Burgundy would almost certainly be opposed to German unification, seeing the minor states of northwest Germany as its clients, maybe even eyeing the Rhineland. Of course, the same forces of nationalism trying to unite Germany might also tear Burgundy apart.
So, any thoughts? Could Burgundy have survived long-term? And if there are any good timelines dealing with something like this, please let me know!
The first obstacle (beyond dynastic survival) is consolidation. The "Burgundian State" was not contiguous. In particular, the original Duchy of Burgundy was disconnected from their holdings in the Low Countries. To connect them, Burgundy needs to either seize a part of France or incorporate the Duchy of Lorraine. They did occupy Lorraine shortly before the death of Charles the Bold. Also, Burgundy would need to gain formal independence from France.
The second obstacle, and one that would probably pose the greatest long-term threat to Burgundy, would be ethno-linguistic. Burgundy would face some of the same issues that Belgium has historically dealt with: the division between a Francophone south and a Flemish/Dutch north. It's entirely possible that at some point, Burgundy faces a different Dutch Revolt (especially once the Protestant Reformation hits). Moving the capital north from Dijon might mitigate this.
If Burgundy survives, they will be a major force in European politics. The butterflies would quickly render the details unrecognizable, but I think we can see some broad patterns. As with the OTL Netherlands, Burgundy would likely become a colonial power. In fact, I would expect them to be a power more on the level of France.
Of course, what offers the most potential for a surviving Burgundy is that their lands are rich in iron and coal deposits, which would be a massive boon come the Industrial Revolution. Burgundy might well give Britain a run for its money in terms of who is the dominant industrial power in Europe, at least until Germany unifies... if it does. Burgundy would almost certainly be opposed to German unification, seeing the minor states of northwest Germany as its clients, maybe even eyeing the Rhineland. Of course, the same forces of nationalism trying to unite Germany might also tear Burgundy apart.
So, any thoughts? Could Burgundy have survived long-term? And if there are any good timelines dealing with something like this, please let me know!
