That Troublesome Priest; Moonchildren

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE: Please send us entries for our next contest, which will be an Alternate April Fool's Day, April 1st, 2006. Just send us the entries for now - we'll decide on a deadline later. (Contest rules) And, another cool thing - Let us know where you are on Frappr!

February 21st, 2006

in 1123 Post-Creation, Lucifer's host searches for the Creator in all the far-flung corners of Creation, but is unable to find Him. In desperation, Lucifer cries in prayer, “Creator, aid us in finding You!” In his mind, the bright one then hears the Voice of the Creator gently calling him, and he follows where the Voice leads him.

in 1173, Pope Henry II canonizes former Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket. Ironically, Pope Henry probably had the Archbishop killed because of his independence from Henry’s dictates, although it was rumored during their lives that they were extremely close friends.

in 12-10-12-8-11, the Cherokee adopt the Micantlutlian script to print their language. This leads to the adoption of the Micantlutlian script across the entire continent, wherever the Oueztecan people trade, and helps the multitude of nations on the twin continents communicate with each other.

in 1851, Karl Marx and Henry David Thoreau publish their Communist Manifesto, asserting that “the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”. With this document, the course of the United States of America is set, and the young nation takes its first steps towards Communism.

in 1904, long-range surveillance shows the Q’Bar fleet on its way back to the Mlosh homeworld. Many Mlosh begin pushing the Congress of Nations to invade the homeworld; they want to reclaim their heritage from its usurpers. There are humans in the solar system more than willing to go along with them, including Admiral Hamid, supreme commander of the Congress of Nations defensive fleet. Debate begins in the C.N. Chambers.

in 1918, Mikhail von Heflin, Velma Porter and Dr. Thaddeus McCaine arrive in the small town of Brigamere in northern Scotland. They have come to the town because it is close to a ley line that they hope to tap into to send Porter and von Heflin back to their own time. After finding lodging in the town, they find themselves trapped for the evening by a sudden large snowstorm.

in 1972, the Michael Weller comedy Moonchildren premieres on Broadway. It is so popular that it is made into a CBS TV series of the same name in 1973, bringing fame to young actors Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Lindsay Wagner and Timothy Bottoms.

in 1975, Malcolm Little, leader of the militant wing of America’s Semitic-African Resistance, is assassinated in New York City. The murder was a joint operation between American Bundists and Nazis from the Eurasian New Reich. In retaliation, the S.A.R. manages to bring down Bundist leader George Rockwell.

in 1985, President Ralph Shephard addresses the United States Congress in the remains of the Capitol Building and said, “This is the beginning of the Communist revolt. They will start their attack now. There is not a moment to be lost.” He asked that Congress grant him emergency powers to deal with the drastic situation; the members of his Constitutionalist Party are completely behind him, but lack a 2/3 majority necessary to push through the necessary amendments. The remaining Democrats and Republicans in the Congress, frightened by the bombing, acquiesce, and President Shephard and his Constitutionalists assume almost total power in America.

in 2004, Jacob Sheridan and Livinia Nixon are married at their beach resort in Darwin, Australia. After saving the earth from the Martian invasion the previous summer, a grateful planet poured out its well-wishes on them, and the couple would never need to work again.

in 2005, Dave Lange volunteers to go on the mission to get into the Claw headquarters outside of Tucson, Arizona. When he does, his wife, Jeanne, also volunteers, but the Save Earth leadership feels that they can't lose the both of them at once, and only sends Dave and three others with their captive Claw, “Daniel Evans.”

Timelines in today's post: the Fall, the Holy British Empire, the Oueztecan timeline, the GZR, the Ralph Shephard timeline, Communist America, The Sheridans and The Claw.

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Communist Manifesto Published; Malcolm Little Assassinated

February 21st, 2005

in 1173, Pope Henry II canonizes former Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket. Ironically, Pope Henry probably had the Archbishop killed because of his independence from Henry’s dictates.

in 12-10-12-8-11, the Cherokee adopt the Micantlutlian script to print their language. This leads to the adoption of the Micantlutlian script across the entire continent, wherever the Oueztecan people trade, and helps the multitude of nations on the twin continents communicate with each other.

in 1851, Karl Marx and Henry David Thoreau publish their Communist Manifesto, asserting that “the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”. With this document, the course of the United States of America is set, and the young nation takes its first steps towards Communism.

in 1904, long-range surveillance shows the Q’Bar fleet on its way back to the Mlosh homeworld. Many Mlosh begin pushing the Congress of Nations to invade the homeworld; they want to reclaim their heritage from its usurpers. There are humans in the solar system more than willing to go along with them, including Admiral Hamid, supreme commander of the Congress of Nations defensive fleet. Debate begins in the C.N. chambers.

in 1972, the Michael Weller comedy Moonchildren premieres on Broadway. It is so popular that it is made into a CBS TV series of the same name in 1973, bringing fame to young actors Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Lindsay Wagner and Timothy Bottoms.

in 1975, Malcolm Little, leader of the militant wing of America’s Semitic-African Resistance, is assassinated in New York City. The murder was a joint operation between American Bundists and Nazis from the Eurasian New Reich. In retaliation, the S.A.R. manages to bring down Bundist leader George Rockwell.

in 1985, President Ralph Shephard addresses the United States Congress in the remains of the Capitol Building and said, “This is the beginning of the Communist revolt. They will start their attack now. There is not a moment to be lost.” He asked that Congress grant him emergency powers to deal with the drastic situation; the members of his Constitutionalist Party are completely behind him, but lack a 2/3 majority necessary to push through the necessary amendments. The remaining Democrats and Republicans in the Congress, frightened by the bombing, acquiesce, and President Shephard and his Constitutionalists assume almost total power in America.

in 2004, Jacob Sheridan and Livinia Nixon are married at their beach resort in Darwin, Australia. After saving the earth from the Martian invasion the previous summer, a grateful planet poured out its well-wishes on them, and the couple would never need to work again.


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Constitutional Crisis

The state of TIAH

March 22nd, 2007

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Alternate Historian's Note: I promised you a collection, and we are working on it – but real life is getting in the way. Fortunately, the worst part of the real-life problems we were having has been resolved. I have found new employment (yay!). We're going to aim for an April release for the collection, and will make more announcements about it as we draw closer to actually making that a reality. And, speaking of April, our Guest Historian, Stephen Payne, suggested that it was time for a contest, so we're going to have an April Fool's Day Contest! Email us up to 3 entries for an alternate April 1st and we will post the best 10, with your own credit and link to your website (if you have one). My lovely Co-Historian says that if we can get 30 entrants, we can offer an ultimate winner a complimentary TIAH mug, but we only have 3 entrants so far! Get researching those alternate histories now, folks! The deadline is March 29th.

in 1956, television writer and archivist Peggy Dale Taylor is born in Bryan, Texas. In addition to her freelance work on several television series, she is best-known for her complete histories of Starsky & Hutch, T.J. Hooker and Star Trek. She is a fixture at many fan conventions around the southwest and is often used as a fan liaison by the television networks.

in 1972, after the overwhelming passage of the Equal Rights Amendment by the US Congress, feminists across the country gear up for the state-by-state ratification process. Their years of preparation for this process pay off as 37 states immediately place the amendment on their legislative dockets. In 1973, after much spirited debate, Tennessee becomes the 38th state to take up the ERA, and ratification by the state places protection for both genders into the constitution.

in 2007, President George Bush instructs his staff to disregard the subpoenas to appear before Congress to explain their actions in a growing number of scandals. Even his fellow Republicans are upset with him over this, but they don't see how far he is willing to go. When Attorney General Alberto Gonzales essentially refuses to enforce a subpoena on himself, Congress turns to their Sergeant-at-Arms. Former Secret Service agent Bill Livingood makes contact with his old colleagues before heading over to the White House, and is told that the SS men around the Bush administration will probably not let him take anyone into custody. He attempts to execute the subpoenas anyway, and is thrown out of the White House and roughed up. This insult outrages the vast majority of Congressmen, and the House takes up impeachment proceedings against Gonzales. With virtually no friends on either side of the aisle, Gonzales is impeached and ordered removed from office within the week. However, President Bush refuses to acknowledge the Congress' power to impeach his attorney general. “We're at war, and I'm the commander-in-chief,” he says to a group of reporters coming to see Gonzales' expected exit. “In order to preserve our national security, I need the best team possible around me, and Attorney General Gonzales is part of that team. He's not goin' anywhere.” When Vice President Cheney attends his usual meeting with Republicans in the Senate the next day, he is given an earful by Senators who are unhappy with being ignored. Several of them are also somewhat fearful of their election chances – their party's standing at a 21% approval rate, and Bush himself is down to 12%. Rather unhelpfully, he tells them to “Grow a pair,” and storms off. House Speaker Pelosi calls for articles of impeachment against the Vice President and President, which Bush goes on national television to denounce. A firestorm of protest swirls around the capitol, the majority of which is very pro-impeachment. The House passes the articles, and the Senate trial is merely a matter of formality – the vote against Cheney is 90-9, and the vote to remove Bush is 71-28, with Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota unable to attend the vote. Speaker Pelosi takes the presidential oath of office and heads a large delegation of Congressmen and protesters to the White House. The Pentagon, contacted by Bush, refuses to send soldiers to his aid, and most of the Secret Service goes over to Pelosi when she enters the White House. Cheney flees the country, flying in his personal jet to the new Halliburton headquarters in Dubai. A significant minority of the population continues to support Bush, and he escapes Washington to their warm embrace in the western US. For years afterward, the Bushistas, as they become known, agitate for separation from the larger country around them. When the former president dies in 2014, their numbers fade to nothing and one of the nation's darkest chapters is brought to a close.

Memorial	In 1621 with the pilots suffering from the melancholy of exclusion emanating from First Nation group consciousness, the Mayflower and Speedwell ..
.. run aground as the Pilgrims fail to establish Plymouth Colony. A peace treaty is signed with Massasoit of the Wampanoags. In return for repairs to the Mayflower and Speedwell, the survivors agree to peacefully return to Southampton, where a memorial was built to their failed mission.
~ entry by Steve Payne from counter history in context - you're the judge!

In 1979 Margaret Thatcher put down an Early Day Motion censuring the British government, which led to the defeat of the Labour administration of James Callaghan. Now she could implement the program of change the establishment had planned since the mid-1960s. It would not after all be necessary to install a military government ..	Louis Mountbatt..
.. headed by an Interim Prime Minister such as Lord Louis Mountbatten. A shopkeeper's daughter, she told Mountbatten, what mattered was the business of the shop, not the dressing in the window.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

Comet Hale-Bopp	In 1997 the comet Hale-Bopp had its closest approach to earth and was notable for inciting a degree of panic about comets not seen for decades. In November 1996, amateur astronomer Chuck Shramek of Houston, Texas took a CCD image of the comet, which showed a fuzzy, slightly elongated object nearby. When his computer sky-viewing ..
.. program did not identify the star, Shramek called the Art Bell radio program to announce that he had discovered a 'Saturn-like object' following Hale-Bopp. UFO enthusiasts, such as remote viewing proponent Courtney Brown, soon concluded that there was an alien spacecraft following the comet. Rumours that the comet was being followed by an alien spacecraft gained remarkable currency, and inspired a mass suicide among followers of the Heaven's Gate cult. They were right to worry.
~ entry by Steve Payne from counter history in context - you're the judge!

In 1965 Bob Dylan 'goes electric,' releasing his first album featuring electric instruments, Bringing It All Back Home. He was electrocuted before the recording was completed.	Bob Dylan
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

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Congress Refuses The Louisiana Purchase

October 20th, 2005

in 1592, William Shakespeare entered his play Richard III into the Stationer’s Register. Although it is widely believed to be one of his top 3 plays, it was never performed in his own time because of its favorable portrayal of King Richard, whom the reigning Tudor family had unlawfully usurped at the end of the War of the Roses.

in 1803, in a show of defiance against what many in the Congress considered a somewhat imperial decision to buy land on the president's authority alone, Congress refuses to ratify President Jefferson's treaty purchasing Louisiana from France. Relations sour between the two old allies, and the young United States never grows beyond the eastern coast of North America as a consequence.

in 1890, men across the U.S. join the army to fight in the Mormon War. Many of the Latter-Day Saints outside of Utah Territory begin to feel the persecution that drove their brethren west, and a resolution is introduced into the House to forcibly move all Mormons to the territory, at least for the duration of the war.

in 12-14-5-3-5, Utehuanoco charts the motions of the planets and devises his theory of stellar dance. He explains that stars are objects of great mass which distort the space around them, causing anything within the distorted space to move and sway to the rhythms of the stars. This revolutionizes astronomy in the Oueztecan Empire, and leads to advances in their study of space.

in 1942, a conference of African-Americans at the North Carolina College for Negroes issues the Durham Manifesto, a demand for equal rights for all people, regardless of race, color, creed or gender. This sweeping civil rights document drew support from across the nation, including many women and people of minority religions – the motto of the movement became Civil Rights For All.

in 1950, Wilson Whitaker of Hadenfield, New Jersey, started a company selling treats to children from a truck he drove around his town. One of the treats he sold was an old recipe that he was surprised had never caught on - ice cream, a confection made by freezing cream mixed with plenty of sugar and flavorings. Whitaker wrapped the cream around sticks and covered them with chocolate, but always ended up with plenty left over at the end of the day. He stopped selling them after a few weeks; but his Candy Van, as it became known, has become a neighborhood fixture across America.

in 1975, in a thawing of the cold war with the European monarchies, Comrade President John Anderson agrees to sell millions of tons of American grain to Russia and several Central European nations. Although he is denounced by the Communist Party as a sellout, the Socialist president uses the food to ease the long-standing tensions with Europe and tries to bring about his plan of peace through commerce.

in 1995, anti-U.N. members of the U.S. Congress, which has just recently come under the control of the Republican Party, see an opportunity to force the country out of the organization by refusing to appropriate funds to pay America's dues. Since the U.N. charter forces members to give up their vote if they are more than two years past due on contributions, the Republican's delaying tactic makes the international body take the unthinkable step of expelling a permanent member from its body.

in 2002, after informing the Pentagon that they are leaving, Professor Thomas and Dr. Courtney take their pilots and the stolen spacecraft off earth and head towards the Pleiades star system. It is a long journey, so they have brought some supplies that will be necessary for the trip, although the ships are capable of synthesizing much of what they need.

in 2003, rumors of Estelle Gerard fly around London as the Templars tear the city apart to find her. They do succeed in finding her mother, Sylvie, who is brought to Buckingham Cathedral in chains. Pope Righteous I announces that she will be burned at the stake for witchcraft the next morning, and commands all good Christians within the Holy British Empire to view her suffering.

TIAH HALLOWEEN CONTEST: EXTENDED BY 5 DAYS - no donation required, just send us your stuff! Only 5 days left! We're extending the deadline to October 25th to give you more time to get in those entries!

In order to give us a tad more time for Halloween, Today In Alternate History is sponsoring its first contest - email us up to 3 alternate history entries for October 31st, 2005. The best 10 entries will make up the entire content of the post on October 31st, Halloween day. Entries must be received by October 25th! Boring Legal Info - By entering the contest, you grant TIAH the right to electronically print your writing on October 31st, 2005, maintain your writing in our archives, and reprint your entry should we decide to reuse it in the future. TIAH only maintains full copyright over material it has originated that has been used by contestants in writing their own entries. Enter early and often!

Also, we still have our standard offer - everybody who donates $10 or more through our Paypal link will become alternate history entries on the site. When you donate, I will email you asking your preference for a day & timeline; if you don't reply to me, I'll place you in a day that seems to fit your name :) Thanks for your continued support!

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Still wishing...

As your humble alternate historian enters the downhill slope of the 40's, he still has his birthday wish - a contract with a publishing company like Workman Publishing to produce a page-a-day calendar of TIAH. If you are an editor for such a company, or can place us in touch with one, please fulfill this belated birthday wish!

Double Post - May 10-11

The state of TIAH

Today In Alternate History

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Alternate Historian's Note: Thanks to the unplanned outage yesterday, we have a double post today to catch up. And remember - in 16 days, we'll hit TIAH's third anniversary. As before, that calls for a contest! Please send in your alternate versions of the Academy's beginnings (May 27th, 2004 was the date in this timeline). You can even use the fact that we lost the original day and had to restart on the 28th – whatever you can think of to provide a twist to our start. Send 'em in, and we'll print 'em! Be sure to tell us how you want your credit for the post to appear, as well as any links you want to be connected with your entry. Thanks for reading and get researching those alternate timelines!

May 10th, 2007

in 1891, as news of the successful Union attack on the Kansas ammunition dump is blazoned across the nation's newspapers, President Benjamin Harrison takes the opportunity to call for a draft to supplement the military. “Our nation has a grave need of you all in this time of trouble,” he says in the declaration. “Just as in our great civil war, those of us who know the righteousness of our cause must stand in the heat of battle for our nation. I call upon the Congress to enact this legislation quickly, so that Kansas may, once again, be brought into the brotherhood of states.” Congressional leaders take up debate on the draft bill that very day.

in 1999, as King Arthur II reaches his bedside, Prime Minister Merl Myrddin wakes from his coma and smiles at his younger friend. “Today, I feel that you will pass beyond my teachings, Arthur,” Myrddin says to his king. “But, before I leave you to fly with your own wings, I must tell you – there is a traitor in your house.” Arthur, who had been growing suspicious of Queen Gwen, merely nods and says, “I know, old friend. Do not spend your strength on her; that matter will be taken care of.”

In 1997, software engineers from Sun Microsystems arrive at the hospital and release author Neal Stephenson from catatonia. He had been trapped in the Black Sun, a software construct in cyberspace. Stephenson explains to Snow Crash movie Director Marco Brambilla that later editions of the novel described Blaxxun, originally Black Sun prior to his being sued by Sun Microsystems. The basis of the novel was on fact, and he was very grateful to the Corporation for expediting his release.

~ variant from Steve Payne: extensive use of original content has been made to celebrate the author's genius.

In 1999, the sound of Mr Gray's vehicle diminished into the west. The author Stephen King emerged from the trees where he had been hiding. Screaming actually. Mr Gray was not death, but worse than death.

~ variant from Steve Payne: extensive use of original content has been made to celebrate the author's genius.

Bertram Ramsay	In 1947, the Tydings Committee proceeded with the interview of Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay who commanded the 6,900 vessels involved in the D-Day ..
.. invasion including the 4,100 landing craft. As Vice-Admiral Dover he was responsible for the Dunkirk evacuation. He was active in planning Operation Sledgehammer and was subsequently given the planning role for the naval landings of Operation Torch in North Africa. He played a major part in planning the D-day invasion, particularly the naval landings of Operation Neptune and led the naval forces in the battle.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

In 1989, in Great Britain the public backlash at the death of Blair Peach shocks the British Royal household. The ranks of protesters with the Goddess of Democracy in Hyde Park are swelled considerably.	More violence
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

Udham Singh	In 1998, Jack Higgins published sequel Lion has Flown to his famous pseudo-factual novel the Lion has Landed. As an increasingly isolated and insane Churchill pursues his hopeless war, betrayal and treachery reach the highest levels of the British Raj. British intelligence knows that Punjabi freedom fighter ..
.. Udham Singh survived "Operation Eagle", the bungled assassination attempt on Winston Churchill, and is now a POW somewhere in London. The Indian Congress wants him back -- at any cost -- and puts their top espionage agents in charge of the perilous rescue mission. Racing from the nightclubs of Delhi to Churchill's opulent country retreat to the damp streets of London, Nehru's men get closer to their target -- and to the shattering true objective of their mission....Critics ridiculed the basis of the novel that the British were able to defend the Raj from Japanese invasion.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

In 1865, the trial against the Lincoln conspirators begins. The Union had been in chaos ..	Abe Assassinated..
.. since John Wilkes Booth, George Atzerodt and Lewis Thornton Powell assassinated the United States President, Vice-President and Secretary of State being Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson and William H. Seward respectively. A lifeline was thrown to General Robert E. Lee called the Confederacy's Last Chance. He took it.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

May 11th, 2007

in 1891, in a whirlwind of activity, the US Congress passes a bill authorizing a military draft and sends it to President Benjamin Harrison for his signature. “This is the sort of speed that is necessary when the nation stands at peril,” President Harrison says at the signing. “I have high hopes that my friends in the legislature will not grow lethargic and feel that their work is done, now. In addition to providing troops for the coming battle, we must fund and supply them. I would ask them to please work as quickly on these other matters as they have on the draft.” The Democratic leaders of Congress, nominally Harrison's political enemies, are temporarily defanged by the need to unity at this time, and feel obligated to take up more legislation to fund a war that many privately consider to be Harrison's fault.

in 1999, Prime Minister Merl Myrddin dies in his London hospital, and King Arthur II appoints one of his old Welsh comrades, Kay Ector, as the next Prime Minister, and tells him, “You follow a giant. But, I have faith that, standing upon his shoulders, you will seem taller still.” Prime Minister Ector makes immediate contact with the British allies from across the globe and lets them know that Britain's fortunes may have taken a temporary dip, but are rebounding back quickly. On the Swiss front, Sir Lance du Lac's forces approach within sight of Bern. Emperor Pierre flees the city and finds himself cut off from the Illuminati's resources – his old allies have apparently lost faith in his abilities. His greatest spy, in the meantime, is taken into custody in Wales. Queen Gwen, her head held high, is jailed for treason against the realm.

In 2367, on the planet Bezer'ej Royal Marines of the Federal European Union have taken the most extreme measures possible to prevent the immortality parasite falling into the hands of World governments. A cobalt-salted nuclear warhead has genocided the indigenes of the planet. Trouble is, the world is considered a protectorate by the wess'har and that outrage must be redressed.

~ variant from Steve Payne: extensive use of original content has been made to celebrate the author's genius.

In 1999, still shaking the author arrived home in Center Lovell. As he entered the key in the lock, the door swung open. “Good afternoon Mr King,” said Mr Gray. Stephen King screamed. He was still screaming an hour later when another vehicle arrived. The trademark waa-waa of the Maine state troopers' siren drowned out the scream, briefly.

~ variant from Steve Payne: extensive use of original content has been made to celebrate the author's genius.

Bertram Ramsay	In 1947, the Tydings Committee proceeded with the interview of Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay who commanded the 6,900 vessels involved in the D-Day ..
.. invasion. Senator Joseph Raymond McCarthy of Wisconsin asked a series of penetrating questions. As a starter, where did Ramsay believe the 4,100 landing craft were right now? Ramsay repeated the orthodox wisdom - 'Caves of Ice'. The room took several minutes to settle down as an uproar broke out. What could this mysterious transmission possibly mean?
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

In 1989, in London Security Forces including the Army moved in on Hyde Park in an attempt to breakup the protesters around the Goddess of Democracy. A sign of the resistance movement was the unknown rebel who stands calmly in front of an oncoming tank. Morale in the Security Forces is now a concern to the British Royal household. ..	Unknown rebel
.. They could neither confirm nor deny the arrest of the unknown rebel.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

Nicholas Assass..	In 1891, today marked the anniversary of the Otsu Scandal. This was of course the assassination of Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovitch on 11 May 1891, while Nicholas was visiting Japan. Nicholas was returning to Kyoto after a day trip to Lake Biwa in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. He was attacked by Tsuda Sanzo, one his escort policemen, ..
.. who swung at the Tsarevich's face with a sabre. The quick action of his cousin, Prince George of Greece and Denmark, who parried the second blow with his cane, might have saved his life. Tsuda then attempted to flee, but two rickshaw drivers in Nicholas's entourage chased him down and pulled him to the ground. Nicholas was left with a 9 centimetre long scar on the right side of his forehead, which doctors were unable to close and he bled to death shortly afterwards at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The weakening of the Romanovs at this critical juncture actually extended their longevity. Concessions in the 1905 revolution led to the opening of the Duma and the blossoming of a constitutional monarchy and democratic system of government in all the Russias. Western Europe set about a containment strategy desperate to prevent any form of republicanism entering the capitals of London, Paris, Vienna and Berlin.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

In 1949, Palestine joined the United Nations. Palestine has a vibrant cultural life and a technologically and industrially advanced economy. Palestine was ranked 23rd out of 177 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index, the highest ranking in the Middle East and 3rd highest in all of Asia.	Commemorative S..
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

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Troubles With Congress

Christmas Day Contest! ONLY 1 DAY LEFT!! Following up on our Halloween contest, you can enter our next contest, which will be alternate histories for Christmas Day, December 25th, 2005. The same rules will apply, the top ten entries will be posted on that day, and by entering, you grant TIAH the right to electronically print your writing on December 25th, 2005, maintain your writing in our archives, and reprint your entry should we decide to reuse it in the future. TIAH only maintains full copyright over material it has originated that has been used by contestants in writing their own entries. Enter early and often - entries must be received by December 20th, 2005! Email us up to 3 entries of your best alternate Christmas Days! We've only had two contestants so far, so let's get cracking, people!

December 19th, 2005

in 3732, the great leader Su Tung-p’o was born in Sichuan. His warrior nature shone forth in battle more brightly than any before him, and he very nearly became emperor through his military prowess. At his death in 3797, his retainers found several volumes of poetry, giving the world a glimpse into the pure heart of a man known only for battle. His poetry retains its beauty and relevance even across the centuries, and was read to the Chdo embassy on their first mission to earth.

in 1154, Pope Henry II stepped into the shoes of the fisherman. As a young French nobleman, Henry Plantagenet had dallied with the Queen of France herself, convincing her to leave the King and marry him. Just 3 years later, he was elevated to the papacy of the Holy British Empire, largely through his charm and her considerable influence in the Empire. The line of Popes that he began ruled the Holy British Empire for centuries.

in 1777, the Continental Army under the command of rebel General George Washington faces drastic cuts in supplies as the Continental Congress comes under the control of politicians who seek reconciliation with Britain. At one point during the winter, Washington leaves his camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania to seek out the Congress, where he threatens to shoot several members. This rash display puts the Congress more firmly in the hands of the pro-British faction.

in 1918, the New York Globe began publishing a trivia series by Robert Ripley entitled Believe It Or Not. Apparently, no one believed it, as the series was cancelled a month after it began.

in 1941, after briefly allowing their figurehead, Adolf Hitler, to lead the German Underground's army, the true leadership of the G.U., neo-Nazi time-travelers from 1968, informs the German General Staff that orders from Hitler are to be disregarded, but he himself is to be humored that he is in charge.

in 1953, physicist Robert Millikan, who had briefly been involved in Richard Tolman’s parallel universe cult in the 1940’s, died at his home in San Marino, California. At the viewing prior to his funeral, a strange visitor that seemed to closely resemble Dr. Millikan entered the funeral home and spent several minutes staring at the body in the casket. When a family member approached him, the stranger ran from the room, shouting, “My god, it’s me!”

in 1958, the first radio message was sent into outer space. President Eisenhower’s Christmas message, “To all mankind, America’s wish for peace on earth and good will to men everywhere.” Unfortunately, the aliens who received the signal in 1972 wished the human race nothing quite resembling peace or good will.

in 1972, the crew of Apollo 17 return safely to earth after a successful lunar mission. After this, the lunar program is turned over to the astronauts of the Osiris Project, and the last few Apollo missions are used to shuttle specialists to the space station built by America and the Soviet Union.

in 1986, Comrade President Ann Richards releases Carl Sagan and his wife, Ann Druyen, from the Leavenworth Penal Soviet. The couple had been interred years before when they used their academic positions to criticize Soviet American politics in other countries. “Comrades Sagan and Druyen can testify to our new spirit of openness,” Comrade Richards said on their release.

in 1998, Republican President William Blythe denounces Democratic House Speaker Newt Gingrich in an attempt to make political hay of the sexual scandals breaking out of the House of Representatives. When the National Enquirer threatens to expose his own escapades if he keeps up the tough talk, President Blythe drops the subject, and Gingrich's resignation lets the Democrats put the scandals behind them.

in 2009, Bartholomew Thompson's unlikely alliance scores its first political victory with the Alt'Himin people pledging support and a home base for the combined fleet under Thompson's command. It is when the Alt'Himin people are threatened by both the B'Han and the Kaerth that Thompson begins making plans for a new base for his Army of Intelligent Life.

in 1,246,358 CE, the Kholia climbing the Wall of Night recalls a fire from long ago.

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE:Today's post contains an extended entry that is also a future date - since the poll on this issue is overwhelmingly in favor of including future dates, we felt we should give you a taste. Let us know what you think of this!

We still have our standard offer - everybody who donates $10 or more through our Paypal link will become alternate history entries on the site. When you donate, I will email you asking your preference for a day & timeline; if you don't reply to me, I'll place you in a day that seems to fit your name :) Thanks for your continued support!

The Forum lives again! My esteemed Co-Historian has brought the forum back to life, and in spite of the issues we've had with the forum in the past, we think that this time, it'll stay up!
Fresh New Poll - Shall we use future dates in our entries?

Warp and Protocols still available; also, see the script I submitted for Bravo's Situation: Comedy. Speaking of which, the winning writers have been announced; not the ones I voted for, but you can see the one I did at http://www.marktreitel.com

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Roosevelt Assassinated In Miami

The state of TIAH

February 15th, 2007

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in 1933, a constitutional crisis ensues when President-elect Franklin Roosevelt is shot to death by an Italian-American bricklayer who objected to another plutocrat gaining control of America's government. Although it seemed obvious to most that Vice-President-elect John Garner was next in line to take over the White House in May, Republican President Herbert Hoover maintained that the constitution was unclear on this point, and asked the Supreme Court to decide who should follow. Although most on the court believed privately that the constitution was, in fact, quite clear on this point, they punted the question to Congress. The House of Representatives, given the duty of electing the president if the general election was unclear, took up the question of whether to elevate their former Speaker, Garner, or to continue Hoover's presidency. Although Garner felt confident that he would win among his old colleagues, it turned out that 'Cactus Jack' had rubbed more than a few of them the wrong way; they voted Hoover back into office. An enraged electorate was made even more radical by this action, and the elections of 1934 saw a huge turnover in Congress – virtually everyone who had voted against Garner and was up for reelection was defeated and replaced by a Garner supporter. Hoover was rendered impotent by the loss of Congress, and was very nearly impeached. He managed to negotiate his way to 1936 still in the office, and John Garner was swept into office in 1936 by a near-unanimous landslide, winning every single state in the general presidential election.

in 1965, the far-left government of Canadian Prime Minister Dominic 'Moonchild' Montclair adopts the leaf of the cannibis sativa as the national symbol for the nation's flag. An obviously oblivious Queen Elizabeth attends the flag-raising to hoots and hollers from hippies gathered for the occasion. Canada becomes known as the front line of the drug war as Montclair's government and a sympathetic parliament enact the most liberal drug laws in the western world. Although denounced by Great Britain and the United States, drug abuse actually declines in Canada during this period, even though casual drug use increases slightly.

Siege of Singap..	1942 Tomoyuki Yamashita surrendered his defeated Japanese forces to British General Arthur Percival as the siege of Singapore is lifted. In London, Minister of Defence Winston Churchill congratulated British Prime Minister David Lloyd George on his foresight in ordering the fortification ..
.. of the land approaches to the city during the previous year. At eighty, the Welsh Wizard still demonstrates the vigilance that caused the British nation to turn to him once again following the Battle of France.
~ entry by Steve Payne from counter history in context - you're the judge!

In 1950 the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China signed a mutual defense treaty as World Communism continued to gain an unstoppable momentum. By the time that Douglas MacArthur was inaugurated in 1953, the Cold War was effectively lost. The reversal of these facts on the ground ..	Douglas MacArth..
.. required Brass Hat to reconquer the world all over again, a feat of arms he attempted in the Dropshot War of 1957.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

Reactor Diagram	In 2000 Indian Point II nuclear power plant in New York State vented a huge amount of radioactive steam when an ageing steam generator failed. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) initially reported that no radioactive material was released but were forced to retract this statement when ..
.. ten of thousands of people died on the eastern seaboard. On February 16th the NRC stated The event...resulted in an initial primary-to-secondary leak of reactor coolant of approximately 50,000 gallons per minute and required an Alert declaration (the second level of emergency action in the NRC-required emergency response plan.
~ entry by Steve Payne from counter history in context - you're the judge!

In 1933 in Miami, Florida, Giuseppe Zangara shot President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died of his wounds on March 6. John Nance Garner ascended to the Presidency, famously described by Alistair Cook as the last public man linking America of the Civil War and America of the nuclear ..	John Nance Garn..
.. age. Cooke was referring to the fact that Garner was born in 1868, the son of a former Confederate cavalry trooper. His unique understanding of American history enabled Cactus Jack to steer the isolationist nation clear of the tragedy of the Second Great War.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

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America's Independence Day

The state of TIAH

August 2nd, 2006

in 1776, America's Independence Day is declared as delegates to the Continental Congress sign the Declaration of Independence that had been drawn up in July. Although the president of the Congress, John Hancock, and the Congressional Secretary, Charles Thompson, had signed the document on the 4th of July, the rest of Congress needed time to deliberate, and signed on this day, August 2nd. Since then, Americans have enshrined the beginning of their republic by declaring August 2nd a national holiday, with most Americans taking the day off work and celebrating the reality that the founding father's dream had become. A few purists have sought to move this holiday to the 4th of July, but the Second is so heavily entrenched in the American character that this movement has never really gathered any steam.

in 1934, an assassin's bullet disrupts the German government just as Chancellor Adolf Hitler prepares to name himself the nation's absolute dictator. President von Hindenburg had died mere hours before, and it was widely known that the Chancellor wished to join the practical and ceremonial leadership of the state in himself. Ludwig Beck, chief of the German Army's General Staff, had promised von Hindenburg that Hitler would never live to turn Germany into a fascist state like Italy had become, and made good on his promise when Hitler had him order the army to take a new oath of loyalty to Hitler personally. The general pulled his gun and shot Hitler in the head before Nazi guards could take him down. Without the unifying force of Hitler at the helm, the Nazis fractured and soon lost control of Germany. New elections held in 1936 brought in a coalition of center-right and moderate parties that purged the nation of the trappings of the Nazi party and Germany's short flirtation with fascism.

in 2017, back in orbit around the dead world that they believed to be the former home of the Starwalker race, Najib Kasem and Monkar prepare the Jump device to send the Pokor - “Where?” Captain Mawrao and Commander Patterson look at each other. “Amandara first, I think,” Patterson suggests. “That way, anyone who wants to leave before we attempt to get back to earth can, and anyone who wants to join up can.” Mawrao agrees. “I don't think we leave anybody behind, but some more may want to come.” True enough, none of the Pokor's Quarai crew was willing to leave their human friends, and all were eager to see the planet these people came from. Excited anticipation filled the air as Kasem and Monkar brought the Jump device to life and called up the Amandaran coordinates. “Here we go,” Kasem warned them all, as a bright, familiar light engulfed them and sped them away.

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The 4th Of July

The state of TIAH

July 4th, 2006

Alternate Historian's Note: We have a guest Co-Historian contributing an entry today – if you wish to contribute to TIAH, we are still looking for other Co-Historians. Read the state of TIAH link above and email us if you would like to join the team, too!

in 1531, Emperor Cuitlahuac of the mighty Aztec Empire declares the Americas independent from Europe and declares war against all European powers who are staking a claim on the continents. Spain, already defeated once in battle by the Aztecs, tries to negotiate with the Emperor, but Portugal, England and France, stung by the “arrogance of this savage chieftain,” in the words of King Henry VIII, declare war against the Aztecs. Although costly, the Aztecs maintain control of the Americas through the protracted war, and when Cuitlahuac leaves the empire to his son in 1552, the Europeans have nothing but toeholds in the western hemisphere.

in 1776, Congress votes to adopt the Declaration of Independence written by the eloquent Virginian, Thomas Jefferson. Few Americans remember this day, because celebrations center around the actual date of the Declaration's signing, August 2nd. Some purists have pushed for a holiday on the 4th of July, but with the Second of August so entrenched in the American consciousness, there is little chance of moving America's Birthday up a month.

in 1776, after much wrangling, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania decides not to adopt the harshly-worded Declaration of Independence that has been written by Virginia's Thomas Jefferson. Half of the delegation, outraged at the lack of courage shown by their colleagues, walks out in protest. Jefferson remains one of the few pro-independence voices left behind, and he argues his case before the Congress with all the eloquence at his command. But, those left behind are timid men who have no desire to cut off ties with their motherland, and Jefferson, too, ends up walking away from them. With this splintering of the rebellion, England is soon able to vanquish the colonies and reestablish control over their American possessions.

in 1946, American band leader Glenn Miller, the world's most popular entertainer, hosts a USO concert in Berlin. Hundred of thousands, including many occupation troops, turn out for the event, so many in fact that police force road closures and fans climb onto rooftops, balconies, and lampposts to see or hear the show. Miller plays many of his classics, such as In the Mood, Tuxedo Junction, and Moonlight Serenade, which strike an uplifting chord with the war torn German civilians and homesick American soldiers. The highlight of the three hour concert was when Miller was joined on stage by celebrated Berlin cabaret singer Dora Gerson and together performed Miller's new composition, a swing rendition of Schenkt Man Sich Rosen im Tirol. Not to be outdone, Benny Goodman schedules a concert for the following month in Tokyo. -entry written by Co-Historian, Ryan Hackel-

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Hancock Elected President

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE: we have our second anniversary coming up on May 27th, and we would like to have another contest. For our second anniversary, send us up to three of your own alternate histories, and we will publish the best - no limit on how many will end up on the final page! We would like to see as many of you enter this as possible, so please - think 'em up, write 'em down, and send 'em on to us at rat4cat@gmail.com! Help us celebrate our 2nd year of existence in style! Oh, and if you're like Sean and we owe you an appearance in TIAH - email us! SEAN - EMAIL - NOW!

May 24th, 2006

in 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus, heretical astronomer, was hunted down by good Christians and burned at the stake. His treatise Six Books Concerning the Revolution of the Heavenly Orbs maintained that the earth was not at the center of the universe, contradicting the Bible and angering the Church fathers of his native Poland.

in 1764, Boston lawyer James Otis decried the British Parliament’s taxation without representation, which he attempted to make a rallying cry for colonial resistance against English rule; the utter lack of support he gathered for this cause demonstrated how little people cared about a few cents in taxes.

in 1775, Bostonian John Hancock was elected president of the Continental Congress by a mere 3 votes, showing how thin support for the rebel cause was. Although Hancock used his time in office to declare the independence of the American colonies, by 1778 he was ousted in favor of the more conciliatory John Jay, who negotiated a peace with the British.

in 1822, the Spanish military defeats revolutionary Simon Bolivar at Pichincha, and captures the legendary Creole himself. While being transported back to Spain, the ship carrying Bolivar is attacked by pirates who swear allegiance to Bolivar. He builds these two ships into a small fleet that liberates many Spanish possessions across the world.

in 1910, the Jovian Mlosh alliance begins negotiating with the Congress of Nations for transport ships to help move the Q’Bar from the Mlosh home system to the Kantar star system. It appears that the Q’Bar will soon be vacating the system that has been their home since the Mlosh created them.

in 1913, the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad learned that the U.S. Department of Labor was going to stand firmly on the side of the workers in America as they ended a Railroad Clerks Union strike in favor of the union. Socialist President Woodrow Wilson, in spite of intense lobbying from the owners of several trusts, stands behind his Labor Secretary, and capitalists in America wake up to their new reality.

in 1964, Ed Sullivan played a taped performance of Pete Best on his show “in order to avoid all the screaming girls.” The international superstar played his hit song Love & Money from his upcoming movie All Night Long.

in 1986, the boy band The Monkees finally called it quits on their 20th Anniversary tour. They had lost original members Mike Nesmith in ’74 and Davy Jones in ’79, and Mickey Dolenz and Peter Tork were ready to move on to other projects. Their legions of fans were saddened, but after 20 years together, it did seem to be time for them to part.

in 2004, the first Smartnet nodes began operation around the country. Concentrated in college towns and large industrial centers at first, the Smartnet wireless connections to the internet prove so popular that Congress expands the funding for them. President Al Gore basks in the glow of the popular program, and his approval ratings soar.

Timelines in today's post: Canadian Independence, the Mlosh, Communist America, Pete Best and The Smartnet Timeline

Today's "Six Degrees of Star Trek" challenge: Connect The Monkees to Star Trek. Place your answers in the comments and see the Forum for previous results. For more on 6 degrees games, click here.

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Flemish Peasant's Revolt; McPherson Raptured

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE: we have our second anniversary coming up on May 27th, and we would like to have another contest. For our second anniversary, send us up to three of your own alternate histories, and we will publish the best - no limit on how many will end up on the final page! We would like to see as many of you enter this as possible, so please - think 'em up, write 'em down, and send 'em on to us at rat4cat@gmail.com! Help us celebrate our 2nd year of existence in style! Oh, and if you're like Sean and we owe you an appearance in TIAH - email us! SEAN - EMAIL - NOW!

May 18th, 2006

in 1302, inspired by stories of the Greek democracies, Flemish weaver Peter de Coninck led a revolt against the oligarchical rulers of his people and installed a Peasant’s Council to rule the Flemish people. This lasted until 1381, when they were conquered by French noblemen, and stories of the efficient and beloved rule of the Peasant's Council were suppressed at the point of a sword.

in 1780, the first wave of American refugees, the ex-patriates, swells the ranks of Canada's rebellion against the British Empire. With the Continental Congress and its leader John Jay making peace with the Crown, those who had struggled against it became the enemy, and could only find a home among those who shared their hope for freedom.

in 1802, Italian ruler Napoleon Buonaparte’s interference in France and Switzerland causes Great Britain to declare war against him. It is a long and bitter struggle, as Buonaparte is a military genius and the British are slow to gain allies, but the British and their side do eventually defeat The Little Roman, driving him into exile in Corsica.

in 1908, Congress passed legislation to add a motto onto American coinage: In Labor We Trust. Comrades across the nation rejoiced at the declaration of America’s status as the Worker’s Paradise, and Communist Party leader Eugene Debs used it as his campaign’s motto in his successful presidential run.

in 1910, the Mlosh home system erupts in civil war, with the Q’Barian rebels gaining a quick upper hand, backed by the Jovians, who see an opportunity to gain control of the system this way. Although the Congress of Nations threatens to walk out of the talks and cut off all support to the Jovians, the covert support of the Q'Barian rebels continues.

in 1926, Aimee Semple McPherson was raptured. Millions of her followers expected to follow, but it looked like she was the only one called at this time. Disappointed Christians missed the charismatic evangelist, but rejoiced that she had been called to Heaven. The number of followers devoted to her exploded, and she was named a saint by the Catholic Church in 1952.

in 1974, India exploded its first nuclear weapon. Alarmed at the thought of a hostile neighbor with atomic bombs, China and Pakistan made a secret alliance and invaded India one month later. Although they used their one remaining nuke to bomb Beijing, India was conquered by the combined Pakistani and Chinese forces in the 2 year-long war. Control of India proved elusive though, and insurrection continued in the country until the final withdrawal of foreign military in 1987.

in 12-18-6-16-15, the Louwala-Clough volcano erupted in the northwest territories of the Salish people, sending refugees streaming south. Emperor Tchihuitcho declared the area a disaster, and sent troops and money in to help the Salish dig out and rebuild the land, although he forbade them from building too close to the volcano again.

in 1994, Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip ended, and the newly-created Palestinian Authority took over. Since the Jewish nation worked with the Palestinians to strengthen their government, the Palestinians were able to quell dissenters within their own ranks who were still calling for war with Israel, and the two nations began their first peaceful coexistence. The peace that people had said would never come to the Middle East had finally arrived.

in 2005, Chelsea Perkins and Debra Morris return to the Great Tree, and Chelsea kisses the ground, deliriously happy at being back on familiar soil. When they enter the Tree, though, they are greeted with a shock – Chelsea's father is waiting inside for them.

Timelines in today's post: Canadian Independence, Italian Napoleon, the Mlosh, the Oueztecan timeline, Communist America and the Chelsea Perkins timeline

Today's "Six Degrees of Star Trek" challenge: Connect the TV movie Mount St. Helens to Star Trek. Place your answers in the comments and see the Forum for previous results. For more on 6 degrees games, click here.

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