Consider a different historical outcome: what if the Anglo-French wars had resulted in the Union of the Superb French Republics (USFR) annexing Kent, along with nearby regions? Following this annexation, the USFR initiated a major resettlement effort, moving large numbers of French citizens into Kent. The French authorities swiftly replaced the local English leaders in politics, law, and religion with French officials. Many native English people were forced out, either relocated to other regions or deported entirely. The majority of the French newcomers settled in Dover due to its proximity to mainland France. They soon began referring to the local population as "Kentish," and likewise renamed their language, which was no longer recognised as English or as the official language of the region. Thus, the territory was transformed into the Kentish Superb French Republic, with its capital established in Canterbury.
In Kent, a strict policy of cultural assimilation, or "Frenchification," was enforced. English culture—whether it was literature, art, or any other form—was banned, seen as a dangerous foreign influence that could destabilize the region. All education, government affairs, and official documents were conducted in French.
As the French Empire grew unstable, many annexed regions began gaining independence. In Kent, a movement arose seeking to break free of French control. This movement declared Kentish, not French, as the official language, adopted "God Save the King" as the national anthem, and removed "Superb" and "French" from the country’s name, renaming it simply "The Republic of Kent."
After the USFR officially collapsed, the borders between England and Kent partially reopened. This development led to growing concerns among the French-speaking population in Dover that reunification with England was only a matter of time. Fearing marginalisation, the French settlers in Dover protested against the Kentish government's policies in Canterbury. These protests soon gave rise to secessionist movements in Dover and Folkestone, demanding autonomy within Kent to retain French as an official language.
The Kentish government, dominated by nationalists, suppressed these initiatives, and in response, the Republics of Dover and Folkestone declared their independence from Kent. They sought integration into France, maintaining strong ties with the French government. A French military presence in Dover ensured their continued autonomy, with many French veterans settling in the area. Over time, the Republic of Dover's population became majority French, with 51% of its residents being ethnically French.
Decades of division made the Kentish people initially wary of unification with England, but as time passed, the desire for reunification grew both in Kent and in England. However, French influence and propaganda remained strong, with France insisting that the territory historically belonged to them. The situation was further complicated by France's threat of military intervention to protect the French-speaking population in Kent if unification were to proceed.
On the international stage, the North Sea Treaty Organisation (NSTO) and the Northern Union (NU) in which England was a member—were initially hesitant to allow the Republic of Kent to join their ranks. Recently, however, the process of integration into these organisations has begun. England, meanwhile, faced accusations of facilitating a "back door" route into the NU for Kentish citizens, as anyone from Kent who obtained English citizenship - a very easy process given the shared language and history - would gain the right to live and work freely within the NU.
The hypothetical situation in Kent mirrors the complex geopolitical realities faced by regions like Moldova, where historical annexation, ethnic tensions, and external political pressures create long-standing challenges. The Kentish struggle for identity, autonomy, and eventual reunification reflects the broader human desire for self-determination, while the interference of larger powers — such as France in this case — echoes real-world scenarios where territorial claims and influence play a significant role in shaping a nation's future. In both hypothetical and real contexts, the road to reunification or independence is rarely straightforward, often marked by cultural, political, and military struggles. Ultimately, the fate of regions like the fictional Kent or real Moldova hinges on a delicate balance between internal aspirations and external forces, reminding us of the enduring complexities of nation-building in a divided world.