Okay first I must go over two things:
1. I want to be torn apart and critiqued. This is my first Alternate History, and I would like people to discuss and approve or disagree. If you see a problem, let me know. I'd like to be educated.
Even if it's a simple stylistic problem, let me know if I can be better.
2. This was originally a Quora Question. It was called
"What would Australia be like now if it had been conquered by the Soviets, Spaniards, Brits, and Portuguese and was split into 4 different countries?"
So don't ask "Why Russia?" or something, because I had to throw the Soviets in there. Don't worry though, the Soviets held land for 5 years before leaving.
Okay, so here we go!
1522:
The Portuguese discover new lands south of Timor. They are unaware of how big the land is, but they know it is massive.
1539:
The Portuguese set up a small slave colony on the land they called Java Grande. This slave colony was used to mine Java Grande’s lands and to ship off more labourers to Portuguese Indonesia, particularly Timor and the Spice Islands. They were also used to deter would be conquerors and the (now dead) Majapahit Empire as they were enlisted as soldiers as well. This was never needed, however.
1540:
The Portuguese, backed by their Aboriginal Slave Soldiers are able to build a fort on Neira.
1544:
The Portuguese map out Java Grande, including discovering Uluru and Mt. Jagungal (4th wall break: Mt. Kosciuszko).
1562:
Spanish low priority colonise the southern regions of the continent. They only exist on Java Grande to challenge the Portuguese. As such, they claim a lot more land than they actually control. Spain names their colony Nueva Espana Sur (New South Spain) because the general climate of NSS feels like Spain. Most of the Spanish Empire is still focusing on the Americas right now.
1589–1603:
Many aborigines, fed up with Portuguese rule leave to create their own state. Where a man can be equal, no matter the race. It takes a while, but eventually they make their home in the Turrbal region in the east of the continent. This nation knows they’re weak, so they do assimilate tribesman, as well as accepting any refugees that enter their borders looking for a home. Unfortunately, Portuguese loyalist often enter and create crime, however this only fueled the anti-Portugal sentiment of the people, including those who came from Portugal to live in Turrbal.
1602–1661:
The Dutch-Portuguese war begins. Due to far superior native manpower in the indies, the Dutch were only able to take Ceylon and Malabar Coast all the way in India. The Dutch however did create colonies in West Java Grande and North Sumatra from the Aceh. They name their Java Grande colony “New Holland”.
During the war, the Dutch were more than happy to supply the Turrbals with weapons, even though they said they would be neutral in the war.
(Turrbal owns a small amount of land, but has massive influence over the east coast.)
1672:
Looking to get their own footing in this New South World, the English sail to the lands known as Java Grande and do their own surveying.
They discover 4 islands no one has discovered yet, and they name them North Maorinesia, South Maorinesia, New Scotland, and New Shetland. (4th wall break: In our world, this is North Island (NZ), South Island (NZ), New Caledonia, and Tasmania. The Dutch were too preoccupied losing a war to discover them first).
1674:
English Colonies are placed in North Maorinesia, New Scotland, Woiworung lands, and Dharug lands. Due to the advanced, but uncivilised nature of the natives who lived there, the English traded resources like opium to the Turrbal buy those lands. The Turrbal, who didn’t own the lands, took in the now displaced natives. The English call the land “Terra Australis”, but was quickly shortened to Australia. (4th wall break: Finally! Now I can call it what it is! From this point on, unless referring to the colonies, the land will be known as Australia). The colonies are known as Elizabeth (eventually officially shortened to Lizbeth) and New South Britain.
The English surprisingly treat Maoris, and Aborigines with respect in these colonies. They are far too advanced and too far away to even try to start problems with them. This has lead to a very multicultural society.
However, the Kanaks of New Scotland are poorly treated, as if they’re animals. Due to the Turrbal and English having good relations, the Turrbal people head to Maorinesia, boosting relations amongst the tribal peoples.
(Turrbal influence visually removed , but it’s still there).
1688–1696:
War broke out between Java Grande and New Holland. Dutch and Portuguese powers squabble in the Australian heat, unmoving. The Portuguese called upon the English for assistance, and together, Portugal was able to annex New Holland. The English in trade for their help, would now head to Sumatra, where Portugal and the English would annex it in the name of the English.
At the end of the war, The English, Spanish, and Portuguese signed a pact that Borneo and New Guinea would not belong to any of the 3, or any other external powers, and that they would declare war immediately on any power looking to do so.
1698:
Following the news that Java Grande used Aboriginal Slaves in their war with New Holland, the Turrbal people threatened war if they didn't abolish this practice. In the following years, Java Grande would rely on slaves less and less. The Turrbal land, while small, still has people covering most of the east coast. While Java Grande has more people and better equipment, a second war right after the costly Dutch-Portuguese would be winnable, but not without great losses. Australia also refused to support the Portuguese if they did go to war with the Turrbal people.
1707:
The English unite with the Scottish and Irish, forming Great Britain. As such, the English colonies are now British colonies, however this just causes minor demographic shuffling.
1778–1790:
Due to US secession, Britain raises taxes on Australia. Australia, of course not happy with this, seeks American and French help. Neither are fit for this, and so the Australian Revolutionary War begins without their help. Portugal remained Neutral, Turrbal and Spain joined Australia (obtw, Maorinesia is in Australia). Despite a huge population advantage for the Australians, the British were well equipped and were able to win the war. Spain left the war in 1783 when the Anglo-Spanish War ended. NS Spaniards were not happy when they were told to stop fighting by Spain. They wanted a free Australia and they’re now letting their allies down.
The Java Grandians were also unhappy not fighting as most of them supported Australia, not the British, but Portugal supported the British, not Australians. The compromise was to remain neutral, but no sides were happy with that.
The end result was annexation of Turrbal lands, however, the Turrbals share British hatred with the Australians, and so aren’t as restless as most nations would be.
1823:
New South Spain leaves Spain due to the Revolutionary Wave that was hitting the world. They renamed themselves to Cortezia, after the founder of New South Spain. The Spanish let Cortezia go.
Cortezia tries to get the Phillippines to leave, but they’re happy staying with Spain.
1824:
Java Grande, with the promise of Cortezian defence, also secede from Portugal, renaming to Costa Norte. Portugal attempts to invade but is only able to keep the Malay Peninsula and Java as the Costa Nortean and Cortezian forces pushed back the British and Portuguese.
1834–1851:
Cortez and Costa Norte celebrate 10 years leaving Europe behind. This puts a lot of pressure on Australia. Cortez and Costa Norte promise defending Australia if they attempt secession again. The US is invited again, but cannot assist due to issues with Mexico. Australia attempts secession again and for the next 17 grinding years, the British try to stop Australia and are unsuccessful. Australia becomes its own country and the British lose everything west of Sumatra.
1851:
Cortezia, Costa Norte, and Australia, while all very friendly countries, are not the type to unite. However, they do form many unions, such as the ACCNAC military alliance, and the Pan-Australian Union which allows citizens to live and work in each other’s countries. Truly revolutionary for its time. Australia became a leading supplier in metals and oil, mostly to Japan towards the 20th century.
Most of history from this point remains relatively unchanged. Australia is so far isolated that it has very few ripples on the world.
1884:
Germany took New Guinea. This unsettled Spain, Portugal, and Britain, but as New Guinea was behind unfriendly nations, starting a war with Germany over that wouldn’t be the best idea.
As result of the pact being broken, Costa Norte rapidly settled Borneo as there was nothing the European powers could do, lest they start another war with the ACCNACs.
1914–1918:
War breaks out in Europe. Pan-Australia remains neutral through the whole war, but was pro-democracy, anti-monarchy. Germany had plans to invade, but all were dismissed as insane.
1939:
World War II begins. Japan, still Pan-Australia's biggest importers, still gets supplies.
(4th wall break: Japan is buying from the US and Pan-Australia, so they have way more than in our timeline.)
1940:
Japanese forces take the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.
1941:
The Japanese bomb Borneo and several other islands. This throws Japan, Germany, Australia, Costa Norte, and Cortezia into an oceanic war.
One by one, Costa Norte loses its Indonesian islands.
Meanwhile in Hawaii, it’s peaceful. The sleeping giant of America remains asleep.
1942:
Japan, invading through New Guinea, land in Cape York.
Australia sends help to a “secret nation”. They send ships upon ships worth of supplies to aid in their war effort, as long as they come and help.
1944:
Soviet forces charging through China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, finally come to Australia and remove the Imperialist Japanese.
1945:
There are no more Germans or Japanese putting up a fight. Despite being communist, Pan-Australia and Russia become strong allies, while not accepting communism themselves. As a sign of good faith between them and the Soviets, Russia is given New Guinea and Cape York at the end of the war. All the indonesian lands taken by the Soviets was returned and given to the Costa Norteans.
(4th wall break: Phewww, that took a while. Why did this question have to include the soviets? Why not like, the French or something? The Soviets weren’t very colonial at all!
For context, America eventually did join the war when the Philippines were invaded)
1950:
Soviet forces return Oceanic territories to Australia, as they are too far to manage and not very useful.
However, they do appreciate the sentiment the Australians tried to give them, and there are still many Russians living in North Australia.
Pan-Australia decided to give the Indonesian islands their own state and merge them into their unions, which they can leave at any time. (ACCNIAC, and the like).
Pan-Australia with their own uranium supply also joined the Cold War. However, they were friends with both the US and Russia, so them joining the Cold War was more of a reassurance of MAD.
1973:
Pan-Australia lands on the Moon, and became the second, third, fourth, and fifth nations to do so. The Baiame-XVI crew consisted of 2 men from each country. 4 Men landed on the moon, and each one erected the three flags of the other three nations, leaving 12 flags in a circle at their landing site.
Not much changes from this point, other than standard things like national development.
Pan-Australia becomes a superpower, holding 20% of the world’s money, having the 3rd largest military behind the US and Russia, as well as being a nuclear power. Of course, that’s all 4 nations put together.
Together, it also has the third largest population in the world, and there are many inland cities strewn about the continent. Most of the population resides in Indonesia, followed by Costa Norte, Cortezia, then Australia.
The dominant languages are Portuguese followed by English, with a Spanish minority. The main reason for this is that holiday destinations in Indonesia (which speaks mostly Portuguese) are very popular with all Pan-Australians. The Coastal regions are as well, and the Cortezian coasts are colder, meaning Australia and Costa Nortean coasts are much more prefered.
Some issues:
Kanaks from New Scotland want to secede and become their own nation.
So do several islands in Indonesia.
Spanish is a dying language in the region, and almost everyone in Cortez is Trilingual.
Australians are mostly monolingual, which causes tension when they travel. However, many Australians also know Portuguese.
Droughts and Heat Waves hit the region hard, however when air conditioning was invented, the massive solar farms were put to good use. Droughts on the other hand are still problems that have had many attempted solutions, but nothing solid yet. There is a propose plan to build a massive canal system that runs through the continent, to which desalination plants can convert the seawater to drinking water, however this is under criticism for cutting native wildlife zones apart.
Remember, I want to learn.
Where have I gone wrong, what can I do better?
Please let me know!
1. I want to be torn apart and critiqued. This is my first Alternate History, and I would like people to discuss and approve or disagree. If you see a problem, let me know. I'd like to be educated.
Even if it's a simple stylistic problem, let me know if I can be better.
2. This was originally a Quora Question. It was called
"What would Australia be like now if it had been conquered by the Soviets, Spaniards, Brits, and Portuguese and was split into 4 different countries?"
So don't ask "Why Russia?" or something, because I had to throw the Soviets in there. Don't worry though, the Soviets held land for 5 years before leaving.
Okay, so here we go!
1522:
The Portuguese discover new lands south of Timor. They are unaware of how big the land is, but they know it is massive.
1539:
The Portuguese set up a small slave colony on the land they called Java Grande. This slave colony was used to mine Java Grande’s lands and to ship off more labourers to Portuguese Indonesia, particularly Timor and the Spice Islands. They were also used to deter would be conquerors and the (now dead) Majapahit Empire as they were enlisted as soldiers as well. This was never needed, however.
1540:
The Portuguese, backed by their Aboriginal Slave Soldiers are able to build a fort on Neira.
1544:
The Portuguese map out Java Grande, including discovering Uluru and Mt. Jagungal (4th wall break: Mt. Kosciuszko).
1562:
Spanish low priority colonise the southern regions of the continent. They only exist on Java Grande to challenge the Portuguese. As such, they claim a lot more land than they actually control. Spain names their colony Nueva Espana Sur (New South Spain) because the general climate of NSS feels like Spain. Most of the Spanish Empire is still focusing on the Americas right now.
1589–1603:
Many aborigines, fed up with Portuguese rule leave to create their own state. Where a man can be equal, no matter the race. It takes a while, but eventually they make their home in the Turrbal region in the east of the continent. This nation knows they’re weak, so they do assimilate tribesman, as well as accepting any refugees that enter their borders looking for a home. Unfortunately, Portuguese loyalist often enter and create crime, however this only fueled the anti-Portugal sentiment of the people, including those who came from Portugal to live in Turrbal.
1602–1661:
The Dutch-Portuguese war begins. Due to far superior native manpower in the indies, the Dutch were only able to take Ceylon and Malabar Coast all the way in India. The Dutch however did create colonies in West Java Grande and North Sumatra from the Aceh. They name their Java Grande colony “New Holland”.
During the war, the Dutch were more than happy to supply the Turrbals with weapons, even though they said they would be neutral in the war.
(Turrbal owns a small amount of land, but has massive influence over the east coast.)
1672:
Looking to get their own footing in this New South World, the English sail to the lands known as Java Grande and do their own surveying.
They discover 4 islands no one has discovered yet, and they name them North Maorinesia, South Maorinesia, New Scotland, and New Shetland. (4th wall break: In our world, this is North Island (NZ), South Island (NZ), New Caledonia, and Tasmania. The Dutch were too preoccupied losing a war to discover them first).
1674:
English Colonies are placed in North Maorinesia, New Scotland, Woiworung lands, and Dharug lands. Due to the advanced, but uncivilised nature of the natives who lived there, the English traded resources like opium to the Turrbal buy those lands. The Turrbal, who didn’t own the lands, took in the now displaced natives. The English call the land “Terra Australis”, but was quickly shortened to Australia. (4th wall break: Finally! Now I can call it what it is! From this point on, unless referring to the colonies, the land will be known as Australia). The colonies are known as Elizabeth (eventually officially shortened to Lizbeth) and New South Britain.
The English surprisingly treat Maoris, and Aborigines with respect in these colonies. They are far too advanced and too far away to even try to start problems with them. This has lead to a very multicultural society.
However, the Kanaks of New Scotland are poorly treated, as if they’re animals. Due to the Turrbal and English having good relations, the Turrbal people head to Maorinesia, boosting relations amongst the tribal peoples.
(Turrbal influence visually removed , but it’s still there).
1688–1696:
War broke out between Java Grande and New Holland. Dutch and Portuguese powers squabble in the Australian heat, unmoving. The Portuguese called upon the English for assistance, and together, Portugal was able to annex New Holland. The English in trade for their help, would now head to Sumatra, where Portugal and the English would annex it in the name of the English.
At the end of the war, The English, Spanish, and Portuguese signed a pact that Borneo and New Guinea would not belong to any of the 3, or any other external powers, and that they would declare war immediately on any power looking to do so.
1698:
Following the news that Java Grande used Aboriginal Slaves in their war with New Holland, the Turrbal people threatened war if they didn't abolish this practice. In the following years, Java Grande would rely on slaves less and less. The Turrbal land, while small, still has people covering most of the east coast. While Java Grande has more people and better equipment, a second war right after the costly Dutch-Portuguese would be winnable, but not without great losses. Australia also refused to support the Portuguese if they did go to war with the Turrbal people.
1707:
The English unite with the Scottish and Irish, forming Great Britain. As such, the English colonies are now British colonies, however this just causes minor demographic shuffling.
1778–1790:
Due to US secession, Britain raises taxes on Australia. Australia, of course not happy with this, seeks American and French help. Neither are fit for this, and so the Australian Revolutionary War begins without their help. Portugal remained Neutral, Turrbal and Spain joined Australia (obtw, Maorinesia is in Australia). Despite a huge population advantage for the Australians, the British were well equipped and were able to win the war. Spain left the war in 1783 when the Anglo-Spanish War ended. NS Spaniards were not happy when they were told to stop fighting by Spain. They wanted a free Australia and they’re now letting their allies down.
The Java Grandians were also unhappy not fighting as most of them supported Australia, not the British, but Portugal supported the British, not Australians. The compromise was to remain neutral, but no sides were happy with that.
The end result was annexation of Turrbal lands, however, the Turrbals share British hatred with the Australians, and so aren’t as restless as most nations would be.
1823:
New South Spain leaves Spain due to the Revolutionary Wave that was hitting the world. They renamed themselves to Cortezia, after the founder of New South Spain. The Spanish let Cortezia go.
Cortezia tries to get the Phillippines to leave, but they’re happy staying with Spain.
1824:
Java Grande, with the promise of Cortezian defence, also secede from Portugal, renaming to Costa Norte. Portugal attempts to invade but is only able to keep the Malay Peninsula and Java as the Costa Nortean and Cortezian forces pushed back the British and Portuguese.
1834–1851:
Cortez and Costa Norte celebrate 10 years leaving Europe behind. This puts a lot of pressure on Australia. Cortez and Costa Norte promise defending Australia if they attempt secession again. The US is invited again, but cannot assist due to issues with Mexico. Australia attempts secession again and for the next 17 grinding years, the British try to stop Australia and are unsuccessful. Australia becomes its own country and the British lose everything west of Sumatra.
1851:
Cortezia, Costa Norte, and Australia, while all very friendly countries, are not the type to unite. However, they do form many unions, such as the ACCNAC military alliance, and the Pan-Australian Union which allows citizens to live and work in each other’s countries. Truly revolutionary for its time. Australia became a leading supplier in metals and oil, mostly to Japan towards the 20th century.
Most of history from this point remains relatively unchanged. Australia is so far isolated that it has very few ripples on the world.
1884:
Germany took New Guinea. This unsettled Spain, Portugal, and Britain, but as New Guinea was behind unfriendly nations, starting a war with Germany over that wouldn’t be the best idea.
As result of the pact being broken, Costa Norte rapidly settled Borneo as there was nothing the European powers could do, lest they start another war with the ACCNACs.
1914–1918:
War breaks out in Europe. Pan-Australia remains neutral through the whole war, but was pro-democracy, anti-monarchy. Germany had plans to invade, but all were dismissed as insane.
1939:
World War II begins. Japan, still Pan-Australia's biggest importers, still gets supplies.
(4th wall break: Japan is buying from the US and Pan-Australia, so they have way more than in our timeline.)
1940:
Japanese forces take the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.
1941:
The Japanese bomb Borneo and several other islands. This throws Japan, Germany, Australia, Costa Norte, and Cortezia into an oceanic war.
One by one, Costa Norte loses its Indonesian islands.
Meanwhile in Hawaii, it’s peaceful. The sleeping giant of America remains asleep.
1942:
Japan, invading through New Guinea, land in Cape York.
Australia sends help to a “secret nation”. They send ships upon ships worth of supplies to aid in their war effort, as long as they come and help.
1944:
Soviet forces charging through China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, finally come to Australia and remove the Imperialist Japanese.
1945:
There are no more Germans or Japanese putting up a fight. Despite being communist, Pan-Australia and Russia become strong allies, while not accepting communism themselves. As a sign of good faith between them and the Soviets, Russia is given New Guinea and Cape York at the end of the war. All the indonesian lands taken by the Soviets was returned and given to the Costa Norteans.
(4th wall break: Phewww, that took a while. Why did this question have to include the soviets? Why not like, the French or something? The Soviets weren’t very colonial at all!
For context, America eventually did join the war when the Philippines were invaded)
1950:
Soviet forces return Oceanic territories to Australia, as they are too far to manage and not very useful.
However, they do appreciate the sentiment the Australians tried to give them, and there are still many Russians living in North Australia.
Pan-Australia decided to give the Indonesian islands their own state and merge them into their unions, which they can leave at any time. (ACCNIAC, and the like).
Pan-Australia with their own uranium supply also joined the Cold War. However, they were friends with both the US and Russia, so them joining the Cold War was more of a reassurance of MAD.
1973:
Pan-Australia lands on the Moon, and became the second, third, fourth, and fifth nations to do so. The Baiame-XVI crew consisted of 2 men from each country. 4 Men landed on the moon, and each one erected the three flags of the other three nations, leaving 12 flags in a circle at their landing site.
Not much changes from this point, other than standard things like national development.
Pan-Australia becomes a superpower, holding 20% of the world’s money, having the 3rd largest military behind the US and Russia, as well as being a nuclear power. Of course, that’s all 4 nations put together.
Together, it also has the third largest population in the world, and there are many inland cities strewn about the continent. Most of the population resides in Indonesia, followed by Costa Norte, Cortezia, then Australia.
The dominant languages are Portuguese followed by English, with a Spanish minority. The main reason for this is that holiday destinations in Indonesia (which speaks mostly Portuguese) are very popular with all Pan-Australians. The Coastal regions are as well, and the Cortezian coasts are colder, meaning Australia and Costa Nortean coasts are much more prefered.
Some issues:
Kanaks from New Scotland want to secede and become their own nation.
So do several islands in Indonesia.
Spanish is a dying language in the region, and almost everyone in Cortez is Trilingual.
Australians are mostly monolingual, which causes tension when they travel. However, many Australians also know Portuguese.
Droughts and Heat Waves hit the region hard, however when air conditioning was invented, the massive solar farms were put to good use. Droughts on the other hand are still problems that have had many attempted solutions, but nothing solid yet. There is a propose plan to build a massive canal system that runs through the continent, to which desalination plants can convert the seawater to drinking water, however this is under criticism for cutting native wildlife zones apart.
Remember, I want to learn.
Where have I gone wrong, what can I do better?
Please let me know!
Last edited: