"What if..." what a great way to start any sort of conversation about Any number of topics.
The "what if" scenario that has been running around in my head for a number of weeks is "what if" the South had been victoriuos in the civil war?
How different would today's world be?
I think things would be radically different.
The South wins and imposes heavy war reparations on the North. The North has difficulty paying, so inflation in rampant and the North over the next few decades is reduced to a 3rd world nation. Much like what Mexico is in today's world.
Technology would be greatly altered. Because there was no great expanse west in the north, Henry Ford never got a chance to develope and perfect the "assembly Line" to produce cars quickly and cheaply, automobiles remain a luxury for the extravagantly wealthy. So everyone uses Horse and cart or the bicycle for transportation.
Since the bicycle remained a viable and inexpensive mode of transport, the Wright Brothers never had a chance to tinker with their flying machine. They were too busy building and repairing bikes.
The laid back idea of the South in "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" transcends to all aspects of life. Bell invents the Phone, but no one takes it seriously. Edison's idea of the light bulb is ignored because everyone uses gas light.
Lincoln wasn't assassinated. He gets voted out of office and travels the country preaching the ideals of a new idea published in 1848 by a social scientist and philosopher, Karl Marx. (creepy)
The racial instability of today's South is transposed to the North. Lynchings and hate crimes are everyday occurances.
Instead of Grant getting a chance to lead the army of the Potomac and one day becoming President, he leaves the Army and dies a drunkard and destitute.
Lee on the other hand, becomes President of the South after Davis' 4 terms. And under his(Lee) guidance, the South abolishes slavery in a sort. The "freed" slaves now get paid, but live a life of indentured servitude. And aren't given the rights and freedoms of a true citizen. Can't own property and can't vote.
Imagine the Civil Rights movement of the 60s being played out by a band of rebels led by King, MalcomX, and Medgar Evers. Instead of peaceful protests in the capital, they organize armed revolts and implement terrorist tactics similar to what the VietCong and the Iraqi insurgents of today.
Not only would the social ramifications be tremendous, but simpler things too.
Suppose Elvis Presley was influenced by Scott Joplin and his jazz piano, instead of the Blues and Gospel of the day. What would the music scene be today?
With the South content to keep its energy focused on things at Home,
World War I does break out, but it is refered to as the European War. Britian, France, and Russia are unable to defeat the newly powerful German Empire. The war drags on into the 20s before it is over. Europe is now the Greman Union, with the exception of Britian. Which is seen as little more than a trouble-some island, not worth invading and conquering. The British Empire is gone.
Now with Britian out of the picture, India is free to govern itself 30 some years before it did. Without Mahat'ma Ghandi to stabilize the country, it is in constant political unrest. Warring tribes fighting for control, each claiming to be in charge. Much like what is happening all over Africa today.
I mean, the possibilities are absolutely ENDLESS. Any other thought or ideas??
- Board index General Forums History
- Search
-
- It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:09 am
- All times are UTC-07:00
What if...
What if...
Get your mind out of the gutter - it's blocking my view
Mind like a steel trap - Rusty and Illegal in 37 states.
Jump to
- Official Forumgarden Area
- ↳ News and Announcements
- ↳ Request A New Forum Here
- ↳ Problems, Solutions Feedback
- ↳ Threads containing hotlinks
- ↳ Test Forum
- Relaxing in the Garden
- ↳ Introductions
- ↳ Member Map Link
- ↳ Photos
- ↳ Member Map Discussion
- ↳ Members' News
- ↳ ForumGarden Hotel
- ↳ General Chit Chat
- ↳ Friends, Relationships, Advice
- ↳ Mental Health
- ↳ Travel Vacation
- ↳ FG Game Shows
- ↳ The Dating Game
- ↳ Commentary
- ↳ FG's Got Talent!
- ↳ Mystery Gardener!
- ↳ Weather Station
- ↳ Welcome To My Day!
- ↳ Pub Nutters Inn
- ↳ The Coffee Shop
- ↳ Holidays
- ↳ Just For The Fun Of It
- ↳ Arcade Discussions
- ↳ Word Games
- ↳ This Deserves A Caption
- ↳ Links to the Fascinating
- ↳ Explain Your Avatar!
- ↳ Did You Know?
- ↳ Show Us Your Computer Station
- ↳ Skewed News Humor
- TV Movie Chatter
- ↳ General TV Shows
- ↳ Soap Operas
- ↳ Films Cinema Forum
- Music Forums
- ↳ General Music
- ↳ New Releases
- ↳ Song Lyrics
- ↳ Favorite Music Videos
- My Favorite Videos
- ↳ Arts Animation
- ↳ Autos Vehicles
- ↳ Comedy
- ↳ Music
- ↳ People
- ↳ Pets Animals
- ↳ Science Technology Videos
- ↳ Sports
- ↳ Travel Places
- ↳ Video Games
- Personal Forums
- ↳ Fitness Nutrition
- ↳ Wall Street to Main Street
- ↳ Health Wellness
- ↳ Diabetes
- ↳ Men's Health
- ↳ Women's Health
- ↳ Healthcare
- ↳ Work Employment
- ↳ Fashion Clothing
- ↳ Home Management
- ↳ Kids Family
- ↳ Physically Challenged
- Support and Counseling
- ↳ Recovery Forum
- ↳ Bereaved People
- ↳ Bereaved Parents
- General Forums
- ↳ Current Events
- ↳ History
- ↳ Bizarre News Stories
- ↳ Conspiracy Theories
- ↳ Conservation The Environment
- ↳ Polls, Polls, and more Polls
- ↳ Philosophy
- ↳ Wide World of Sports
- ↳ Societal Issues News
- Crimes, Trials, Justice
- ↳ Crimes Trials
- ↳ Missing Children
- ↳ Missing Adults
- ↳ Amber Alert Forum
- Shop 'Til You Drop
- ↳ Hot Deals Freebies
- Dogs, Cats, All Things Pet Related
- ↳ The Pets In Our Lives
- ↳ Pet Advice Support
- ↳ Choosing a Pet
- ↳ Training Your Pet
- ↳ Pet Behavior
- ↳ Your Pet's Diet
- Farming
- ↳ Pastoral
- ↳ Hydroponic
- ↳ Arable
- Autos, Motorcycles, Anything With Wheels
- ↳ Cycling and Cyclists
- ↳ Biker Forum
- ↳ General Chit Chat
- ↳ Auto Racing
- Radio Forums
- ↳ General Radio
- ↳ Amateur Radio
- ↳ Shortwave Listening
- ↳ Collecting and Refurbishing
- ↳ Radio Tech: HD Radio, Satellite, SDR, Packet
- Politics
- ↳ Current Political Events
- ↳ Immigration
- ↳ Abortion
- ↳ Gun Control
- ↳ Drugs, Alcohol Tobacco
- ↳ Health Care
- ↳ Warfare Military
- ↳ Presidential Elections Campaigns
- ↳ Social Human Rights
- ↳ International Politics
- ↳ Political Humor Satire
- Arts Entertainment
- ↳ The Time Capsule
- ↳ Time Capsule Photo Gallery
- ↳ The Nifty 1950's
- ↳ The Psychedelic 1960's
- ↳ The Super 70's
- ↳ The Awesome 80's
- ↳ The 1990's.
- ↳ Our Current Decade
- ↳ The Television Forum
- ↳ The Library
- ↳ Talk About Comedy
- ↳ The Gaming Zone - PC Console
- ↳ Flash Games
- ↳ Web Design Art Forum
- ↳ Poetry Writing Forum
- Religions Beliefs
- ↳ General Religious Discussions
- ↳ Christianity
- ↳ Modern Ancient Paths
- ↳ Body, Mind, Soul
- ↳ Magic Mystery
- ↳ Ancient Wisdom
- ↳ Islam
- ↳ Judaism
- ↳ Eastern Religions
- ↳ Godlessness
- ↳ Prophecies and Prophets
- Science Technology
- ↳ Science
- ↳ Paranormal Science
- ↳ Space and Astronomy
- ↳ Earth Changes
- ↳ The Internet
- ↳ Computers Internet
- ↳ Electronic Gadgets Galore
- ↳ Home and Car Audio
- Hobbies - Special Interest Forums
- ↳ The Outdoors
- ↳ Gardening Forum
- ↳ Garden Galleries
- ↳ Photography More
- ↳ Geo Photo Blogging
- ↳ Needlecrafts
- ↳ The Kitchen
- ↳ Arts Crafts
- Senior Forums
- ↳ Retirement Planning
- ↳ Retirement Activities
- ↳ Health and Drug Concerns
- ↳ Senior Share
- Regional
- ↳ United States
- ↳ New England / Mid Atlantic
- ↳ South East
- ↳ Mid West
- ↳ Mountain West
- ↳ South West
- ↳ Pacific West
- ↳ Australia
- ↳ Canada
- ↳ United Kingdom
- ↳ England
- ↳ Scotland
- ↳ Wales
- ↳ Northern Ireland
- ↳ Ireland
- ↳ Other Regions
- Westcliff Rules Debating Area
- ↳ Watch
- ↳ Discuss
- ↳ Propose
- ForumGarden Blogs
- ↳ Recent Blog Postings