Russian Empire
The Soviet Union: An Expanded Russian Empire
Origins: The Russian Empire experiences a different trajectory, maintaining its strength and expanding its reach. The empire undergoes transformative changes, eventually giving rise to the Soviet Union. The Russian Revolution of 1917 still occurs, but the outcome and subsequent developments differ from our historical timeline.
Territorial Expansion: Under the Soviet Union, the Russian Empire not only retains its existing territories but also expands further, incorporating new regions into its dominion. Some potential areas that could have been absorbed into the Soviet Union in this alternate timeline include:
Eastern Europe: The Soviet Union incorporates additional territories in Eastern Europe, expanding its control beyond historical boundaries. This might include countries such as Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Romania, which become Soviet Socialist Republics.
Central Asia: The Soviet Union extends its influence into Central Asia, incorporating nations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan into the union. These regions become integral parts of the Soviet sphere, contributing to the empire's economic and strategic interests.
Baltic States: The Soviet Union exerts control over the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which become Soviet Socialist Republics. These regions are assimilated into the broader Soviet structure, serving as crucial outposts in the Northern European theater.
Mongolia and Manchuria: The Soviet Union expands its reach into East Asia, incorporating Mongolia and parts of Manchuria into its dominion. These regions serve as buffers against potential encroachments from other powers, reinforcing the Soviet Union's strategic position in the Far East.
Modern Influence: The Soviet Union, with its expanded territories, becomes a formidable world power and a leader of the global communist movement. Its influence extends beyond its borders, shaping international politics, ideology, and conflicts. Some key features of the Soviet Union's modern influence in this alternate timeline include:
Superpower Status: The Soviet Union, alongside the United Empire of France and Great Britain, becomes one of the dominant global superpowers, playing a significant role in shaping the global order, particularly during the Cold War era.
Ideological Export: The Soviet Union actively promotes its communist ideology and supports communist movements and regimes worldwide. It serves as a center for Marxist-Leninist thought, attracting intellectuals and revolutionaries from various nations who seek inspiration and guidance.
Military Might: The Soviet Union possesses a formidable military force, bolstered by its vast territories and extensive resources. It becomes a prominent player in international conflicts, exerting its influence through military interventions and supporting allies in different parts of the world.
Economic Influence: The Soviet Union's vast resources and industrial capacity contribute to its economic influence on the global stage. It becomes a major player in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and technology, forming economic alliances and partnerships with countries across the globe.
Conclusion: The Russian Empire expands and transforms into the Soviet Union, extending its control over additional territories in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Baltic states, and East Asia. As the Soviet Union, it becomes a superpower, wielding significant influence in international affairs, promoting communist ideology, and projecting military and economic power on the global stage. The Soviet Union's expanded dominion shapes the geopolitical landscape, contributing to a complex and dynamic world order in the modern era.