I guess we'll just say that Wade was "advised" by a large number of Republicans to let Colfax get the job. For the good of the country, of course..
Edit: Maybe health concerns play a role? He was around 70 at the time of impeachment
Let The Eagle Scream!
- Thread starter Murica1776
- Start date
I guess we'll just say that Wade was "advised" by a large number of Republicans to let Colfax get the job. For the good of the country, of course..
Edit: Maybe health concerns play a role? He was around 70 at the time of impeachment
Something tells me that the Republican Party is on the verge of splintering with the moderate Republicans (the ones who nominated Greeley in 1872 IOTL) allying with the moderates in the Democratic Party.
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I could see this happening, but I'm not sure yet. The moderates may not be happy, but the Radical's successful Reconstruction combined with the strength the Republicans now have thanks to African American support means that they might keep the party together for the sake of political expedience. Especially since the most divisive issue (Reconstruction) is now behind them.
Chapter 4: Hayes' Second Term, the "Negro American Patriotic Society," and the Jamaica Incident
Here's some early attempts at American Imperialism done by African-Americans. They don't succeed in doing much aside from causing a ruckus....
Chapter 4: Hayes' Second Term, the "Negro American Patriotic Society," and the Jamaica Incident
In 1880, Rutherford B. Hayes was elected to a second term. Both he, and America at large, were in high spirits. Reconstruction was over and the Union had been fully reunited. African Americans and other minorities had true legal equality with whites. Industry was booming, and Southern plantations were producing crops once more, this time using wage instead of slave labor. Some Southern planters had tried to introduce "sharecropping," which was essentially glorified slavery, but thanks to increased opportunities for African-Americans the plantation owners were stuck between paying their workers (somewhat) decent wages, or letting their crops rot in the fields. These newly employed workers formed a massive new market for American products, and helped drive industrial expansion.
All of these factors helped contribute to a massive wave of bellicose nationalism and militarism across the nation. America had overcome its past sins, rebuilt its broken Union, and was now watching industry boom like never before. Surely these were signs that America was God's chosen nation, with a Manifest Destiny to civilize and liberate mankind. This sentiment was felt more strongly by African-Americans than by any other segment of the population. In 20 years, America had gone from allowing their enslavement, to treating them as equal citizens. More importantly, patriotic Americans had fought the bloodiest war in American history, and then endured a decade and a half of often violent Reconstruction efforts to make this possible. The message to an overwhelming majority of African Americans was clear; America was the "Beacon of Liberty," for them and their African brothers enthralled to distant European empires. Only a strong, large America could protect the Negro race from oppression. Around the South, African Americans began forming "patriotic societies." Most of these organizations limited themselves to making speeches, hosting 4th of July picnics and parades, and decorating the graves of Union Civil War veterans on Decoration Day. However, one large network went further....
The largest network of patriotic societies was the Negro American Patriotic Society, with over 14,000 members in Alabama and Georgia. Led by state legislator Bill Thomas, the group became more radical in it beliefs in 1881 and 1882. By the end of 1882, some of the group's members were calling for a "filibuster" to liberate one or more European colonies. In January, 1883, a splinter radical group of roughly 1,000 men began formulating a plan to do just that. The radicals, led by another Georgia state legislator and AME pastor Henry McNeal Turner, evaluated which colony to attack. Logistical and financial concerns meant that their target had to be in the Caribbean. The radicals eventually chose Jamaica. The colony's economy was still lackluster due to the gradual decline of the sugar trade, so the British might be willing to let it go. There was a large population of Africans on the island who while no longer enslaved, still resented the racism of their British overlords. Funds were quietly raised for the expedition from the radical group members, and from wealthy Northern Radical Republicans. By April, the splinter branch of the Negro American Patriotic Society had purchased old Civil War surplus uniforms and weaponry, and was ready to embark...
The filibusters landed in Jamaica on May 13th, 1883. They quickly took control of Port Antonio, where they had disembarked. News soon reached British colonial authorities, who immediately ordered for the Jamaica Constabulary Force and local British troops to recapture the Port. The filibusters attempted to march on Kingston and stir up a rebellion among the native Jamaicans. Both of these attempts failed, as the locals wanted nothing to do with a rebellion, especially as British forces got closer to the filibusters. About halfway to Kingston, the Americans encountered British forces and skirmished with them. Roughly 8 Brits and a dozen Americans were dead. Realizing that reinforcements would be on the way, the Americans made a quick march back to Port Antonio...
From the end of May to the beginning of June, the filibusters holed up in Port Antonio and fought the British colonial forces. By June 12th, the filibusters were desperate. They were rapidly running out of ammo and food. The British had killed roughly 300 of their number. It seemed as if they would be totally annihilated. Luckily for them, help was on the way. After a public uproar over the possible fate of the filibusters, President Hayes sent several civilian and US Navy ships to bring the filibusters home. President Hayes was allowed to repatriate the filibusters by the British, so long as the US prosecuted them for their crimes. Hayes agreed, and by late June, the filibusters were home. They were charged for miscellaneous maritime crimes, and given 6 months in jail, a veritable slap on the wrist.
The British were outraged. The London press screamed about the "Useless Yanks and their uncontrollable Negroes." The French, who also had colonies in the Caribbean, joined the British in their furious denunciation of the Americans. The American public was firmly on the side of the filibusters. Henry McNeal Turner, who managed to survive, declared "Although we may not have liberated Jamaica, we have shown the world that Americans will fight tyranny wherever we find it!" Hayes privately sympathized with the filibusters, but nonetheless issued a rebuke against "Independent adventurers meddling in foreign lands." The Jamaica Incident, as it would be known to history, was the first of a series of incidents that pushed America and Britain into a deadly rivalry.....
Portrait of Henry McNeal Turner
Radical members of the Negro American Patriotic Society in Civil War surplus gear
Flag of the Jamaica Constabulary Force
Chapter 4: Hayes' Second Term, the "Negro American Patriotic Society," and the Jamaica Incident
In 1880, Rutherford B. Hayes was elected to a second term. Both he, and America at large, were in high spirits. Reconstruction was over and the Union had been fully reunited. African Americans and other minorities had true legal equality with whites. Industry was booming, and Southern plantations were producing crops once more, this time using wage instead of slave labor. Some Southern planters had tried to introduce "sharecropping," which was essentially glorified slavery, but thanks to increased opportunities for African-Americans the plantation owners were stuck between paying their workers (somewhat) decent wages, or letting their crops rot in the fields. These newly employed workers formed a massive new market for American products, and helped drive industrial expansion.
All of these factors helped contribute to a massive wave of bellicose nationalism and militarism across the nation. America had overcome its past sins, rebuilt its broken Union, and was now watching industry boom like never before. Surely these were signs that America was God's chosen nation, with a Manifest Destiny to civilize and liberate mankind. This sentiment was felt more strongly by African-Americans than by any other segment of the population. In 20 years, America had gone from allowing their enslavement, to treating them as equal citizens. More importantly, patriotic Americans had fought the bloodiest war in American history, and then endured a decade and a half of often violent Reconstruction efforts to make this possible. The message to an overwhelming majority of African Americans was clear; America was the "Beacon of Liberty," for them and their African brothers enthralled to distant European empires. Only a strong, large America could protect the Negro race from oppression. Around the South, African Americans began forming "patriotic societies." Most of these organizations limited themselves to making speeches, hosting 4th of July picnics and parades, and decorating the graves of Union Civil War veterans on Decoration Day. However, one large network went further....
The largest network of patriotic societies was the Negro American Patriotic Society, with over 14,000 members in Alabama and Georgia. Led by state legislator Bill Thomas, the group became more radical in it beliefs in 1881 and 1882. By the end of 1882, some of the group's members were calling for a "filibuster" to liberate one or more European colonies. In January, 1883, a splinter radical group of roughly 1,000 men began formulating a plan to do just that. The radicals, led by another Georgia state legislator and AME pastor Henry McNeal Turner, evaluated which colony to attack. Logistical and financial concerns meant that their target had to be in the Caribbean. The radicals eventually chose Jamaica. The colony's economy was still lackluster due to the gradual decline of the sugar trade, so the British might be willing to let it go. There was a large population of Africans on the island who while no longer enslaved, still resented the racism of their British overlords. Funds were quietly raised for the expedition from the radical group members, and from wealthy Northern Radical Republicans. By April, the splinter branch of the Negro American Patriotic Society had purchased old Civil War surplus uniforms and weaponry, and was ready to embark...
The filibusters landed in Jamaica on May 13th, 1883. They quickly took control of Port Antonio, where they had disembarked. News soon reached British colonial authorities, who immediately ordered for the Jamaica Constabulary Force and local British troops to recapture the Port. The filibusters attempted to march on Kingston and stir up a rebellion among the native Jamaicans. Both of these attempts failed, as the locals wanted nothing to do with a rebellion, especially as British forces got closer to the filibusters. About halfway to Kingston, the Americans encountered British forces and skirmished with them. Roughly 8 Brits and a dozen Americans were dead. Realizing that reinforcements would be on the way, the Americans made a quick march back to Port Antonio...
From the end of May to the beginning of June, the filibusters holed up in Port Antonio and fought the British colonial forces. By June 12th, the filibusters were desperate. They were rapidly running out of ammo and food. The British had killed roughly 300 of their number. It seemed as if they would be totally annihilated. Luckily for them, help was on the way. After a public uproar over the possible fate of the filibusters, President Hayes sent several civilian and US Navy ships to bring the filibusters home. President Hayes was allowed to repatriate the filibusters by the British, so long as the US prosecuted them for their crimes. Hayes agreed, and by late June, the filibusters were home. They were charged for miscellaneous maritime crimes, and given 6 months in jail, a veritable slap on the wrist.
The British were outraged. The London press screamed about the "Useless Yanks and their uncontrollable Negroes." The French, who also had colonies in the Caribbean, joined the British in their furious denunciation of the Americans. The American public was firmly on the side of the filibusters. Henry McNeal Turner, who managed to survive, declared "Although we may not have liberated Jamaica, we have shown the world that Americans will fight tyranny wherever we find it!" Hayes privately sympathized with the filibusters, but nonetheless issued a rebuke against "Independent adventurers meddling in foreign lands." The Jamaica Incident, as it would be known to history, was the first of a series of incidents that pushed America and Britain into a deadly rivalry.....
Portrait of Henry McNeal Turner
Radical members of the Negro American Patriotic Society in Civil War surplus gear
Flag of the Jamaica Constabulary Force
Yep. I felt it would be a good prelude to the 1890's where America annexes several places. Plus, it was something I felt was both plausible (since they failed) and unique.
First of all thanks for the segment on the US Military; if the US wants to spread freedom, a stronger military is essential.
So some observations, questions etc.:
So some observations, questions etc.:
- I assume that one priority will be pacifying the various Indian tribes out west.....also dealing with the French presence in Mexico; I would think Colfax and his successors will pressure the French out of Mexico. Needless to say, this will no doubt increase tensions with France.....
- As for Britain, don't forget the "Alabama Claims"; this will also contribute to worsening relations, especially if the British delay or stonewall the claims....
- Will the US purchase Alaska from the Russians ITTL? Hawaii might be considered for annexation too. Also, the US might start looking at Cuba earlier too....
- What kind of economic policies will postwar administrations follow? Will Bimetallism be a thing ITTL? how will they deal with Greenbacks?
- How will the US react to the Franco-Prussian war?
- Will former Confederates be allowed into the US Army or Navy (especially officers)?
- With blacks getting freedom, will women seek the right to vote earlier?
Then Wade resigns as Ppt and a different Senator is elected Ppt and becomes President. Unless... Wade resigns as ppt just before the impeachment vote, so the position is vacant. However, this is awkward, because the Ppt would preside over the Senate during the vote. Or would he? IIRC the Chief Justice presides over the trial and vote.
However, the arrangement would have to be made beforehand. There would be no opportunity for discussion or debate after the vote: Colfax as Speaker would succeed immediately. If Wade disclaimed Ppt at the last minute - say, during the vote when he is called on - he would be unilaterally handing the presidency to Colfax, which I doubt he'd do.
Hmm. The PoD might be that Wade and the Radicals agree that Colfax will become President instead, which is what sways Ross to vote "guilty". To confirm the arrangement, Wade resigns as Ppt just before the vote, as previously agreed.
The 25th Amendment says nothing about the order of succession after the Vice President. It makes explicit the principle asserted by Tyler - that the Vice President becomes President, rather than merely acting as President. It also provides for filling the office of Vice President when it falls vacant, and procedures for the President to cede his powers temporarily to the Vice President, and for the Vice President and the Cabinet (or other body designated by Congress) to declare the President disabled (with the approval of Congress).
The order of succession, after the VP, is set by the the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, as amended to remove the Postmaster General and add the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development, Energy, Transportation, Education, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security; the Speaker and the Ppt are the first two.
Thanks for the questions! Let me try and answer as best I can.
1. The Indians out West are about to be dealt with in the next chapter. Military expeditions where needed, and an alt-Dawes Act that pushes natives to assimilate to American culture and obtain citizenship. Colfax and his successors have indeed been pressuring France to get out of Mexico, which has contributed to France's vitriolic reaction to the Jamaica Incident.
2. I imagine the British have been stonewalling the Alabama claims a great deal, and this has contributed to anger on both sides.
3. Alaska was purchased roughly a year before the POD. So, yeah Alaska was purchased. Hawaii is going to be annexed in 1895, and the Spanish-American War (where the US will acquire Cuba) will be happening in 1896. That's a few years ahead of schedule.
4. The Gold Standard rules, but that's actually about to be a point in the story. In a (pretty successful) attempt to reinvent themselves, the Dems are about to start advocating populist economic policies, whereas the Republicans will be the party of big business. The Democrats will push for the Silver Standard or Bimetallism, but will eventually cave to the Gold Standard in return for other populist economic reforms (railroad regulations, earlier persecution of trusts, etc.)
5. At the time, the US ranged from indifferent to slightly pro-French. However, as tensions have risen over Mexico and the Jamaica Incident, public opinion has swung towards the Germans.
6. Former Confederates, both officers and enlisted men, will be allowed to serve. However, they have to swear a special oath renouncing the Confederacy, condemning their former actions, and swearing to never again take up arms against the Union.
7. Women will probably seek suffrage earlier than OTL. However, it will still take the catalyst of WWI for them to get the vote, since both conservative white and black men are on the same page on this issue.
Hi Anarch! First, thanks for the informative post! I started writing the first chapter late at night, which is not necessarily a good idea, lol. However, since we've hit this snafu, I think I'm going to go with your explanation.
Although the Radicals would have liked Wade to be President, realism prevails as they know moderates and Democrats would band together and the legislative process would grind to a halt, rendering them powerless. Wade resigns as President Pro Tempore right before the vote for the good of the party. With the promise if the less radical Colfax being put in charge, Ross switches his vote to guilty, confident that Johnson's impeachment won't result in a Radical takeover. A little convoluted, but it works nonetheless. Thank you again for all your help!
Chapter 5: Garfield's Presidency and Assassination Attempt
Chapter 5: Garfield's Presidency and Assassination Attempt
In 1885, James A. Garfield was sworn in as President. The new President pledged to tackle corruption, energize the Navy, promote agricultural technology, and handle the "Indian Issue." Over the course of his term, he was indeed able to accomplish much of this. However, early into his presidency, he had to literally fight for his life....
On July 3rd, as Garfield was preparing to leave for the summer with his family at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, a lawyer and former office seeker named Charles J. Guiteau shot him twice. One bullet glanced Guiteau was a staunch Republican who had supported Garfield during the campaign. He also had what is now known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and was convinced that his work was crucial to Garfield's election. After being turned down for a government job, and hearing of Garfield's plans to scrap the patronage system, was convinced that he needed to kill Garfield to save the Republican Party. Garfield was rushed to the hospital, where Dr. Willard Bliss managed to save his life. This is likely due to Bliss' early adoption of the antiseptic techniques pioneered by British surgeon Joseph Lister. Without his insistence on following Dr. Lister's sanitation procedures, the President likely would have died.
After spending two weeks recovering, Garfield was ready to go back to work. Congress invited him to speak as a show of goodwill on July 18th. Garfield gave a thundering address where he declared "No corrupt madman will come between me and my duties to the American people!" The President then used this wave of sympathy and support to pass the Pendleton Civil Service Act, which instituted exams for civil servants, as well as several bills advocating the creation of agricultural schools and investment in new technologies. However, the President soon waded into more controversial waters...
The Indian Wars, and the issue of what to do with other Indian tribes, was plaguing America. In the end, Garfield was able to force through the Assimilation and General Allotment Act of 1887, or the Garfield Act as it was popularly known, which was designed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. Native families were to be given a "decently proportioned allotment of good farmland" to sustain themselves. Native Americans who accepted allotments would be made into US citizens. Controversy came with regulations Garfield proposed, and eventually passed, to protect Native Americans and tribal lands. Excess lands not alloted were to be held in a trust by the US government. Other regulations were put into place to protect Native Americans from speculators and squatters. While these regulations and trusts only had limited effectiveness, Native Americans were more protected than they otherwise would have been. However, the divide over these bills was the first sign of a shift in the Republican Party...
More signs of shifting Republican attitudes came with Garfield's proposed naval expansion. Garfield wanted to build 20 new, cutting edge ironclads to help project American naval power, along the lines of the British Devastation-class and Colossus-class ships. In the end, he only got 10. The so-called Boston-class ironclads were indeed along the lines of America's British counterparts and near-rivals. However, many moderate Republicans were worn out from over two decades of "racial crusading and militarism." The Jamaica Incident had especially concerned them. Even though they did somewhat side with the filibusters, the Incident had hurt America's fledgling banana plantations on the island. Furthermore, the high taxes required for such a large military and some of the Radicals more ambitious social engineering projects went against their own pro-business sensibilities. The Party began to splinter, leading to a chaotic 1892 Election. There wouldn't be a Republican president as progressive and militaristic until Teddy Roosevelt....
A British Colossus-class Ironclad. The American Boston-class Ironclad was very similar
President James A. Garfield
A poster advertising Indian lands for sale by speculators. The Garfield Act attempted to combat these kinds of sales, but was only semi-effective.
In 1885, James A. Garfield was sworn in as President. The new President pledged to tackle corruption, energize the Navy, promote agricultural technology, and handle the "Indian Issue." Over the course of his term, he was indeed able to accomplish much of this. However, early into his presidency, he had to literally fight for his life....
On July 3rd, as Garfield was preparing to leave for the summer with his family at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, a lawyer and former office seeker named Charles J. Guiteau shot him twice. One bullet glanced Guiteau was a staunch Republican who had supported Garfield during the campaign. He also had what is now known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and was convinced that his work was crucial to Garfield's election. After being turned down for a government job, and hearing of Garfield's plans to scrap the patronage system, was convinced that he needed to kill Garfield to save the Republican Party. Garfield was rushed to the hospital, where Dr. Willard Bliss managed to save his life. This is likely due to Bliss' early adoption of the antiseptic techniques pioneered by British surgeon Joseph Lister. Without his insistence on following Dr. Lister's sanitation procedures, the President likely would have died.
After spending two weeks recovering, Garfield was ready to go back to work. Congress invited him to speak as a show of goodwill on July 18th. Garfield gave a thundering address where he declared "No corrupt madman will come between me and my duties to the American people!" The President then used this wave of sympathy and support to pass the Pendleton Civil Service Act, which instituted exams for civil servants, as well as several bills advocating the creation of agricultural schools and investment in new technologies. However, the President soon waded into more controversial waters...
The Indian Wars, and the issue of what to do with other Indian tribes, was plaguing America. In the end, Garfield was able to force through the Assimilation and General Allotment Act of 1887, or the Garfield Act as it was popularly known, which was designed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. Native families were to be given a "decently proportioned allotment of good farmland" to sustain themselves. Native Americans who accepted allotments would be made into US citizens. Controversy came with regulations Garfield proposed, and eventually passed, to protect Native Americans and tribal lands. Excess lands not alloted were to be held in a trust by the US government. Other regulations were put into place to protect Native Americans from speculators and squatters. While these regulations and trusts only had limited effectiveness, Native Americans were more protected than they otherwise would have been. However, the divide over these bills was the first sign of a shift in the Republican Party...
More signs of shifting Republican attitudes came with Garfield's proposed naval expansion. Garfield wanted to build 20 new, cutting edge ironclads to help project American naval power, along the lines of the British Devastation-class and Colossus-class ships. In the end, he only got 10. The so-called Boston-class ironclads were indeed along the lines of America's British counterparts and near-rivals. However, many moderate Republicans were worn out from over two decades of "racial crusading and militarism." The Jamaica Incident had especially concerned them. Even though they did somewhat side with the filibusters, the Incident had hurt America's fledgling banana plantations on the island. Furthermore, the high taxes required for such a large military and some of the Radicals more ambitious social engineering projects went against their own pro-business sensibilities. The Party began to splinter, leading to a chaotic 1892 Election. There wouldn't be a Republican president as progressive and militaristic until Teddy Roosevelt....
A British Colossus-class Ironclad. The American Boston-class Ironclad was very similar
President James A. Garfield
A poster advertising Indian lands for sale by speculators. The Garfield Act attempted to combat these kinds of sales, but was only semi-effective.
I made a goof here; France withdrew from Mexico in 1867 before the POD so that would not apply. Still Napoleon III might still be sore over that....
The article I linked noted Charles Sumner wanted more compensation ($2 Billion plus Canada). Maybe the Radicals success in impeaching Johnson plus their harder line towards the south has made them less willing to compromise on this?
I think I need a brain enema....I am totally forgetting things here.....
Hmmmm.....maybe the Dems (especially Southern Unionists) could form a coalition with Radicals; the Democrats could support higher taxes and greater military spending in exchange for populist and progressive reforms?
Let's not forget there's a large number of German-Americans in the country; they could swing elections to those supporting Germany.
I would imagine many Ex-Rebels will want to join the US Military as a means of reconciliation....
That actually sounds plausible; Wade would realize he is too divisive to be an effective President, therefore he agrees to a deal to put Colfax in charge. As an addition, the Radicals would agree to remove the Tenure of Office act (which Johnson was impeached for violating) in exchange for Colfax not removing any Radical Cabinet officials.
We get civil rights early, get to stragle the Lost Causers in the craddle, and annex more places? Love it!
IOTL, America was still pretty pissed about France screwing around in Mexico, so it can still cause tension.
I think your description about the Alabama Claims is pretty accurate.
Don't worry about it man! I can be pretty goofy myself sometimes with this stuff.
Well, not to spoil too much, but you're kind of right. This election is going to bring around a big party realignment, especially for the Dems.
That's very true about the German Americans.
Oh, definitely. Plus, its a great way for ex-Confederates to get back on their feet financially. Also, the South is a very militaristic place, so military careers appeal to a lot of people.
The politics behind it are very plausible, now that I think about it. The constitutional mechanisms just make it seem crazy.
Hi thekingsguard! Glad you like the TL! I'm basing a lot of this not as my ideal TL per se, but something close. I think a lot of the world will be better off by the end, but blood, sweat, and tears will be shed to get there.
After Pax Atomica (which ended with a insane and depraved American President causing the apocalypse after his insane demands were rejected), its time for some positivity from you.
Chapter 6: The Election of Grover Cleveland and America's Party Realignment
Chapter 6: The Election of Grover Cleveland and America's Party Realignment
The Election of 1892 would be one of the most pivotal in American history, for a variety of reasons. The most important by far was the realignment of party ideologies that occurred over the course of this election. The basic ideological frameworks for both the Republicans and Democrats established during this election would, with some evolution over the years, generally remain the same (with only one President breaking the mold). Furthermore, this was the first election since the Civil War won by a Democrat.
In the aftermath of the Reconstruction Era, the Democratic Party was in crisis. African American voting, combined with their party being associated with Redeemer movements that terrorized the South during Reconstruction, had ensured that the Democrats had been thrashed by the Republicans everywhere, even in many Southern states. The party had to reinvent itself to survive. Northern Democrat Grover Cleveland was the man to do it. Although in many ways conservative, the events of Reconstruction and beyond had drastically changed his political worldview, especially as it related to foreign policy. In a speech at the Democratic National Convention, Cleveland declared that the days of white supremacy were behind the Democrats, and that "This party does not care about the white man or the Negro man. It only cares about the American man." He also crafted a "New Democrat" platform that advocated for two main principles: populist economics and a bellicose approach to foreign policy. In some ways, these policies aligned with his older beliefs. The New Democrat platform opposed high tariffs, subsidies for big business, and didn't mention Free Silver (although many supporters of his program agitated for it.) However, other parts of the platform showed just how radically Cleveland had changed due to political events within his lifetime. Formerly anti-imperialist and firmly libertarian, as time went on Cleveland wound up supporting US expansion, limited subsidies for small farmers, and regulation of larger businesses. His new platform would be very well received, especially in light of changes in the Republican party.
The Republican party splintered in two during the 1892 election. Moderates, mainly comprised of white middle to upper class Northerners, were exhausted by what they saw as two decades of high taxes, excessive military buildup, over-ambitious social engineering projects, and moral crusading. They argued that "America's only business should be business," and that America's Manifest Destiny as God's Beacon of Liberty was best accomplished by building prosperity at home. This should be achieved by lowering taxes, subsidizing business, and at most, maintaining the current size of the military, if not shrinking it. The Moderates supported Garfield's Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, who was a former stalwart and much more conservative than the crusading Garfield. The radicals, composed of other Northern whites, Union veterans, and African Americans backed Garfield for a second term. When Garfield got shut out of the nomination, he announced an independent run.
This was a fatal blow to Republican chances in the 1892 Election. They would have already been in for a tough fight, as Cleveland's platform appealed to many African Americans, Midwestern farmers, and many Southern whites, particularly poorer ones. African Americans liked his willingness to build up the military and use it to expand the Empire of Liberty. They also appreciated his constant rebukes of white supremacism in the Party. Poorer Southerners and Midwesterners liked his populist economic policies, especially promises to regulate railroads and help struggling farmers. The combination of a split Republican Party and the Democrat resurgence handed the election to Cleveland.
This election also spelled the final end of the Radical Republicans. After a long run of political dominance, this faction either melted into the Democratic Party, accepted the changes of the new Moderate run Republican Party, or supported third parties. Little did Cleveland know that his first term would be incredibly tumultuous.....
President Grover Cleveland
A campaign poster from Cleveland's successful run
Pamphlets from a Populist movement in the Midwest that wound up supporting Cleveland
The Election of 1892 would be one of the most pivotal in American history, for a variety of reasons. The most important by far was the realignment of party ideologies that occurred over the course of this election. The basic ideological frameworks for both the Republicans and Democrats established during this election would, with some evolution over the years, generally remain the same (with only one President breaking the mold). Furthermore, this was the first election since the Civil War won by a Democrat.
In the aftermath of the Reconstruction Era, the Democratic Party was in crisis. African American voting, combined with their party being associated with Redeemer movements that terrorized the South during Reconstruction, had ensured that the Democrats had been thrashed by the Republicans everywhere, even in many Southern states. The party had to reinvent itself to survive. Northern Democrat Grover Cleveland was the man to do it. Although in many ways conservative, the events of Reconstruction and beyond had drastically changed his political worldview, especially as it related to foreign policy. In a speech at the Democratic National Convention, Cleveland declared that the days of white supremacy were behind the Democrats, and that "This party does not care about the white man or the Negro man. It only cares about the American man." He also crafted a "New Democrat" platform that advocated for two main principles: populist economics and a bellicose approach to foreign policy. In some ways, these policies aligned with his older beliefs. The New Democrat platform opposed high tariffs, subsidies for big business, and didn't mention Free Silver (although many supporters of his program agitated for it.) However, other parts of the platform showed just how radically Cleveland had changed due to political events within his lifetime. Formerly anti-imperialist and firmly libertarian, as time went on Cleveland wound up supporting US expansion, limited subsidies for small farmers, and regulation of larger businesses. His new platform would be very well received, especially in light of changes in the Republican party.
The Republican party splintered in two during the 1892 election. Moderates, mainly comprised of white middle to upper class Northerners, were exhausted by what they saw as two decades of high taxes, excessive military buildup, over-ambitious social engineering projects, and moral crusading. They argued that "America's only business should be business," and that America's Manifest Destiny as God's Beacon of Liberty was best accomplished by building prosperity at home. This should be achieved by lowering taxes, subsidizing business, and at most, maintaining the current size of the military, if not shrinking it. The Moderates supported Garfield's Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, who was a former stalwart and much more conservative than the crusading Garfield. The radicals, composed of other Northern whites, Union veterans, and African Americans backed Garfield for a second term. When Garfield got shut out of the nomination, he announced an independent run.
This was a fatal blow to Republican chances in the 1892 Election. They would have already been in for a tough fight, as Cleveland's platform appealed to many African Americans, Midwestern farmers, and many Southern whites, particularly poorer ones. African Americans liked his willingness to build up the military and use it to expand the Empire of Liberty. They also appreciated his constant rebukes of white supremacism in the Party. Poorer Southerners and Midwesterners liked his populist economic policies, especially promises to regulate railroads and help struggling farmers. The combination of a split Republican Party and the Democrat resurgence handed the election to Cleveland.
This election also spelled the final end of the Radical Republicans. After a long run of political dominance, this faction either melted into the Democratic Party, accepted the changes of the new Moderate run Republican Party, or supported third parties. Little did Cleveland know that his first term would be incredibly tumultuous.....
President Grover Cleveland
A campaign poster from Cleveland's successful run
Pamphlets from a Populist movement in the Midwest that wound up supporting Cleveland
@Murica1776, whenever I see the title, for some odd reason, I'm reminded of this:
Whoever thought it was a good idea to have John Ashcroft sing this, I don't know (he's singing "Let the Eagle Soar"; this has to be heard to be believed)...
Whoever thought it was a good idea to have John Ashcroft sing this, I don't know (he's singing "Let the Eagle Soar"; this has to be heard to be believed)...
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I'm wondering if Hawaii could be a British protectorate ITTL. Until getting forcibly annexed by the US during WW1 and possibly also being the flash point leading to American entry.
That video is.... certainly something, lol.
I actually have Hawaii being annexed in the upcoming chapter. I didn't really see a reason to change the history too much here. Hawaii is being annexed 3 years early, as a more expansionist America would have fewer qualms about the planter revolt. Plus, it'll help compensate American fruit companies for the loss of business with Jamaica after the failed filibuster.
I wonder how much grief Cleveland got for buying a substitute during the War; I would imagine ITTL that those who bought substitutes or did not serve for some reason would be looked down upon harder.....