Simply for the sake of clarity:

Scandinavian scientists discover dynamic fusion that, coupled with hydropneumatics and advanced understanding of piezoelectricity results in a rapid spread of technological advancement. WW1 occurs, but without U.S. involvement. The Western European powers have exhausted themselves in a bloody struggle for dominance, and the theatre of global power has, for the time, transfered to the Africa and the East. America enacts isolationist policies that insulate the nation from international politics, and a civil war in England divides the island into the kingdoms of Greater Wales and Scotland, with Ireland maintaining independence. Egypt dominates North Africa after the resurgence of belief in a god-king figurehead, resurrecting ancient ideals and machinery alike in their pursuance of former greatness. The experiment of Democracy had been proven ineffective, and history returns itself the empiric ideals of old.

As I found it difficult to discern what the final official setting was, I opted for the 19oo’s alternative Europe. Hopefully this initial entry is isolated enough that I’ve not tread on the toes of any other participating authors and their creations.

Also, I do have specific plans for this story, so please note me before sequeling so we may discuss it in full.

Nicely set up, and a dramatic ending to it with lots of portent and possibility.

I could have done without all the exposition in the comments, but I’m a ficly purist that way. The story itself is self contained and stands on its own.

I would usually agree with you. I prefer my stories to stand apart from any external information. However, this is an entry in the World Creation: Steampunk Fantasy challenge. World consistency is (I assume) being striven for in all aspects, so allowing the other authors a view of my personal bearings will allow for a greater understanding between us, so that we may craft the most seamless and integrated story possible.

Man, I suck at alternate history. Which is odd, given that I love science fiction.

Ah well. Such contradiction is part of life.

This sounds fascinating! I can’t wait to see where it goes. Once my life is less clutters I may even talk of joining in. The best part of this challenge will be when stories intertwine. Oh, it will be like a ficgasm.