I don't recall ever sporting an Eden of the East theme.
In any case, regarding The Years of Rice and Salt , you asked for alt-history recommendations, I gave you alt-history recommendations. While I'm on that subject, I suggest that you watch Strike Witches; I have a feeling that you'd love that series. (Charlotte's hot and Francesca and Sanya are adorable, but that's neither here nor there.) I'd also suggest Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa, but given that a large amount of the plot seems to have been written by Tom Kratman and S. M. Stirling, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're really stoned and need something to laugh at. You might fare better with Konpeki no Kantai if you can find it, but your mileage will definitely vary on that one, given that it's essentially a Japanese ultranationalist wet dream.
Branching out to other anime I think you should watch, you should also see Baccano!, Black Lagoon, Chrono Crusade, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG, Gunslinger Girl, Now and Then, Here and There (or Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku if you want the Japanese title), Paranoia Agent, and Sora no Woto. If you want to laugh at bad geopolitics, you can also add both seasons of Mobile Suit Gundam 00 to that last.
By the way, the word "uppity" does NOT begin to describe me.