That, having won the ACW, the Republicans quickly followed this triumph by losing all political momentum, and every election for the rest of the 19th Century to the Democratic Party...
Because LH is voted by issues, not ideology.
Much to the contrary!- Belgium is the most stable country in the world. No-one would even DREAM of a Wallonia and Vlaandern being two different nations.
Things I have learned from Vic2 and AHD:
* The central Sahara is the promised land.
"Ah Pierre, I am so glad we left the rain-drenched slag heaps of Liege and the grinding poverty we knew there! Here, in amongst the dunes, with literally nothing but undulating waves of sand in all directions (not even potable water, any foliage or building materials) we can make a life for our 12 children and the many sheep that we've inexplicably acquired!"
* That no matter what your origin, you can assimilate into the dominant culture of your nation provided you wear the clothes, speak the language and worship the god of that culture.
"Whew, man, I am feeling so North German right now! I could sure wash a plate of Labskaus down with a glass of cool, refreshing beer!"
"I feel you friend! I was just saying the same to my Lutheran pastor earlier when I went to that church that used to be a Buddhist temple. I didn't catch your name, friend...?"
"Oh, my name is Nguyen Tranh Ho, and yours?"
"I'm Sipho Tshabalala. Pleased to meet you!".
* Britain's wooden wall persisted at least until 1936.
"See Atkins, we're looking to reinforce the garrison in Singapore to provide a counter to Japanese aggression in the area. We'll have a couple of squadrons of Hurricanes, an armoured car brigade and a significant naval force."
"What will the naval force consist of, sir?"
"Well, a couple of battleships, a few cruisers, and several hundred sailing ships which have been on active duty since the mid to late 1700's, when they were built. We've just refitted the 'Temaraire' with the latest ASDIC anti-submarine devices and an Oerlikon AA gun. That, with her 98 gun broadside, will make her a formidable weapon of war if the wind is behind her!"
"Are we not fitting her with an engine, sir?"
"What? That would be madness!"
* Railroads provide a boost to productivity levels, so you'll want to build them everywhere.
"Finally, we have finished the rail link to the mouth of the Yenisei River! The workers in Yakutsk will be so much more productive, now that they know they can come to see the permafrost any time they like!"
"Truly, a marvel of the modern age, Sergei."
"I don't mind saying this, Ivan, but seeing this large, modern terminus building out here, surrounded by nothing but windswept grasses and arctic plants and the occasional nomadic tribe with their reindeer, makes me quite emotional... *sniff*"
If your nation is too advanced, all your scientist will take a break until 1900.