[quote=Pepperm1nts]
So, how feasible do you guys think a powerful not-Austria's-bitch Bavaria would be? I did a bit of research on it since it's one of the few non-played nations with some potential in Europe. It seems like Bavaria was strong enough to maintain some semblance of independence even after Prussia took over most of Germany. It makes me wonder if Bavaria could have become a major power if it had played its cards right.
[/quote]

As a man who knows a bit of Bavarian history in the middle ages, can confirm.

I probably don't need to tell you this, but this wikipedia link is a decent start: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bavaria.

I also know there's a book written by a 16th century historian that covers its history in the middle ages, but I'll be damned if I can remember the name. I'll google hunt it down, but suffice it to say, the Wittelsbachs and their predecessors played their cards differently, not necessarily [i]badly[/i].

EDIT: Johannes Aventinus, Annals of Bavaria. Excellent source, if you can get it. I had access to a scanned copy from my university library, but I don't think it's widely available to the public. Truly though, one amazing source.

[quote]On the other hand, the signing away of Outer Manchuria to the Russians was an act undertaken under Russian coercion during the Second Opium War, and was considered by the Xianfeng Emperor to merely be time-saving measure before dealing with the Russians more firmly when the appropriate time came. Sadly for the Chinese, that opportunity never arrived - but in a reality where Russia had declared a sphere of influence over the Qing's gigantic ego, and are now a tad busy elsewhere (much like when they grabbed Outer Manchuria from China), the opportunity to begin the reclamation of land lost merely five years ago and prove that they are not merely a Russian subject is ripe. I do not believe irredentism over the homeland of the Qing nor anger at perceived insults are invalid casus belli as of the late 19th century.[/quote]

Typical Asian, always doing all their homework!

*laugh track*

*crickets from audience*

*akward throat-clearing*

Eh-heh-heh, t-th-that's all, folks!

*runs off the stage*