Having the Germans is an excellent "what if" type of insert that has already got everybody thinking of possibilities.
No one else (country) could stir up more discussion and anticipation.Certainly not Austria-Hungary or Russia nor Italy.
Prussian military might was just getting started around 1860's but the German's as a people came to America following the 30 years war and sought religous freedom.
Although not formally recognised like France/Britian/Spain/Portugal/Netherlands with colonial holdings, non the less, imigration from German States was very large.
If you think about "world colonial powers", Germany is right up there.Belgium is another but very limited in colonies and not a good choice for military.Dennmark is not that great either.
That pretty much gives me the idea:
Britian,France,Spain,Netherlands,Germany,Portugal,Russia,Sweden
However Italy could be the 8th since Sweden was pretty much a second rate power after Napoleon.
Sub Austria-Hungary for Portugal and you got the Great Powers of the Napoleonic era.
"The Greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you,to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears,to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters"...
Ghengis Khan
[This message has been edited by Cheruscan (edited 01-04-2005 @ 05:55 AM).]