The Rise of Progressivism: A TL

[mowque]

Not bad, although I'd have liked more on the Bryan Presidency.

[peasandcarrots84]

GO WJB!!!

[Dean501]

Part 4: A new Type of Politics

Teddy Roosevelt changed the way a third party campaign ran, by being the first 3rd party candidate with a good shot at winning an election in American Political History. The Progressive Party wasn’t a one issue party, It was a united coalition of Liberals from both the Democratic and Republican Parties.

The people that voted for Roosevelt were tired of politics as usual, and saw the Progressive Party as the eventual end of the parties that had angered them so much over the years. Republicans and Democrats were tired terms, but Progressivism was new and offered hope for the next century. These people knew they were becoming part of history and loved it.

Roosevelt’s rambunctious speeches and swaying rhetoric inspired so many. So many were swoon from one party to the Progressives because they truly believed that change was around the corner. They truly believed that this century would be different, and that Roosevelt was making that happened. This excited millions of Americans across the country.

“ The great fundamental issue now before the Republican party and before our people can be stated briefly. It is: Are the American people fit to govern themselves, to rule themselves, to control themselves? I believe they are. My opponents do not. I believe in the right of the people to rule. I believe the majority of the plain people of the United States will, day in and day out, make fewer mistakes in governing themselves than any smaller class or body of men, no matter what their training, will make in trying to govern them. I believe, again, that the American people are, as a whole, capable of self-control and of learning by their mistakes. Our opponents pay lip-loyalty to this doctrine; but they show their real beliefs by the way in which they champion every device to make the nominal rule of the people a sham. I have scant patience with this talk of the tyranny of the majority. Wherever there is tyranny of the majority, I shall protest against it with all my heart and soul. But we are today suffering from the tyranny of minorities. It is a small minority that is grabbing our coal-deposits, our water-powers, and our harbor fronts. A small minority is battening on the sale of adulterated foods and drugs. It is a small minority that lies behind monopolies and trusts. It is a small minority that stands behind the present law of master and servant, the sweat-shops, and the whole calendar of social and industrial injustice. It is a small minority that is today using our convention system to defeat the will of a majority of the people in the polls, and the 1908 Presidential Election.
The only tyrannies from which men, women, and children are suffering in real life are the tyrannies of minorities. If the majority of the American people were in fact tyrannous over the minority, if democracy had no greater self-control than empire, then indeed no written words which our forefathers put into the Constitution could stay that tyranny.”

-Excerpt from Right of the People to Rule Speech


Roosevelts speech

In the eyes of America Champ Clark was the picture of politics as usual. His stern demeanor, and angry personality scared away many of the youngest in the Democratic party and invited only the most die hard and older Conservatives that had left the Prohibitionist for him. But Populists in the solid south stuck with this Conservative and swayed away from there true Ideologies. They held more loyalty to the Democratic Party and even William Jennings Bryan himself supported the Bourbon Democrat that was Champ Clark. They thought they would give the Conservatives there chance, and stuck with them, one more time.

On the Republican side many thought it was too little to late. Joseph Gurney Cannon was beloved by many die hard Republicans but looked like a settle-for candidate when Roosevelt and Taft weren’t available. His strong opposition to the Progressive Party and lack of campaigning due to his health made him seem weak and the worst of the candidates in the field. But what worried many was that he might still split the vote with Roosevelt, and Cannon may take the role as spoiler candidate. To avoid this Roosevelt made strong points to distance himself from Cannon and make the vote easier.


Picture of Joseph Gurney Cannon on the campaign trail

1908 Presidential Election Results




Progressive: Teddy Roosevelt/ William Howard Taft- 256 EV 39% PV
Democrat: Champ Clark/ Arthur James Davis- 198 EV 35% PV
Republican: Joseph Gurney Cannon/ Frank T. O’Hair- 77 EV 18% PV
Socialist: Eugene Victor Debs/ Emel Seidel- 0 EV 6% PV

So, as many had expected, the Progressive Party easily wins the election and Teddy Roosevelt would have at least four years in the white house.

“It is a great day for Progressivism; A great day for America; and A great day for the world! I am no longer a political accident, as the Republicans portrayed me just 4 years ago.”

-Roosevelt at his inauguration speech the day after the election.
　
Teddy brought new excitement and power to the Presidency. He vigorously led Congress and the American public toward new reforms and a strong foreign policy. As President, he considered himself a "steward of the people." He felt it was his duty to take whatever actions necessary for the public good , unless expressly forbidden by law or the Constitution.
"I did not usurp power," he wrote. "But I did greatly broaden the use of executive power."
　
During his first term, Roosevelt solved many international problems. He had a firm hand on domestic affairs and became known for his famous "walk softly and carry a big stick" attitude of running the country. He increased his public popularity, and instilled a new wave of Liberal Patriotism in all Americans, whether they supported him or not.

While in office, Roosevelt became a "trust buster" by forcing the great railroad combination in the Northwest to break apart. As President, Roosevelt saw himself a representative of all the people, including farmers, laborers, white collar workers, and businessmen, this mantra forced the support of many Populists . Roosevelt therefore was focused on bringing big business under stronger regulation so that he could effectively serve all the people he represented. He sought to regulate, rather than dissolve, most trusts. Efforts continued over the next several years, to reduce the control of "big business" over the U.S. economy and workers. Earlier Congress passed the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1890 to maintain economic liberty, and to eliminate restraints on trade and competition. This act came into play during Roosevelt's trust busting activities.

During his time as President, Roosevelt steered the United States more actively into world politics. He was aware of the need for a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as a means of connecting the world. As a result, in 1910 , construction of the Panama Canal began.
Roosevelt also had a very imperialistic attitude. His involvement in the 3rd Banana Wars in Latin America resulted in the occupation of Honduras, Haiti, and Nicaragua, along with the whole of Panama by 1911. Other Latin American nations were influenced or dominated by American economic policies and commercial interests to the point of becoming Sattelite States. Teddy Roosevelt declared the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctorine in 1908 asserting the right of the United States to intervene to “stabilize” the economic affairs of states in the Caribbean and Central America if they were unable to pay their international debts.


Painting of the Banana Wars

Populist Party

Before the 1908 Presidential election the Progressives had been simply a loud group of Republicans that only organized enough to vote for another Republican candidate. Before the 1912 election the Populists were much the same. They had supported William Jennings Bryan and had helped elect him but became quiet again, and voted for another Conservative in 1908. They had organized in the 1800’s for a few elections but had never put together an election changing force, or won a state. But in 1912 they were angry. They had hated the fall of there champion WJB and limped to the voting booth for Champ Clark and they were against Roosevelt’s interventionism in Latin America. They had been outcasts in the
Democratic Party, and wanted the role as 2nd best no more.

If anyone would reorganize the party it would be Thomas Edward Watson:

Political Bio of Thomas Edward Watson:
Name: Thomas Edward Watson
Age in 1912: 56
Positions Held: Representative from Georgia (1892-1908), Senator from Georgia (1908-1912), Vice Presidential Candidate (1896)
Short Bio:

Watson was born in Thomson, Georgia in 1856. After attending Mercer University (he did not graduate; family finances forced withdrawal after two years), he became a school teacher. Watson later studied law and was admitted to the Georgia bar in 1875. He joined the Democrats , and in 1882 was elected to the Georgia Legislature.

As a state legislator, Watson struggled unsuccessfully to curb the abuses of the powerful railroad corporations. A bill subjecting railroads to county property taxes was voted down after U.S. Senator Joseph Brown offered to provide the legislators with round-trip train fares to the Louisville Expedition of 1883. In disgust, Watson resigned his seat and returned to the practice of law before his term expired.

Watson began to support the Farmers Alliance platform, and was elected to the House of Repersentatives as an Alliance Democrat in 1890. In Congress, he was the only Southern Alliance Democrat to abandon the Democratic caucus, instead attending the first Populist Party congressional caucus. Watson was instrumental in the founding of the Georgia Populist Party in early 1892. The Populist Party advocated the public ownership of the railroads, steamship lines and telephone and telegraph systems. It also supported the free and unlimited coinage of silver, the abolition of national banks, a system of graduated income tax and the direct election of Senate. As a Populist, Watson tried to unite the agrarians across class lines, overcoming racial divides. He also supported the right of African American men to vote. Unfortunately, the failures of the Populist Party's attempt to make political progress through fusion tickets with the Democrats in 1896 and 1898 deeply affected Watson.
Watson served in the House of Representatives from 1891 until March 1893. After being defeated he returned to work as a lawyer in Thomson, Georgia. He also served as editor of the People's Party Paper.
In 1908 he was elected to the U.S Senate in Georgia.



Thomas Edward Watson wanted to re-organize the Populist Party of old, and with how Roosevelt organized the Progressives as his model, he called upon fellow Populist Colleagues, and asked for Bryans endorsement.
On July 4, 1911 Thomas Edward Watson made an announcement that would change the Democratic Party forever.

“Americans, I believe it is time for change. I believe that there are 3 American Parties that fit three groups of voters. Populists fit into none of them. We are the dark horse of the Democratic Party and the scape-goat for when an opposition defeats them. This excuse is no longer valid. We have to stand strong as a people, as a Populist Alliance. Gather under the Liberty Bell America, for Populism!”

-Excerpt from Watson’s speech

Watson united those left behind by the Progressive Revolution, and although they were a small minority, they were a loud one and planned the Populist Party Convention on June 28, 1912 at the Scenic Convention Hall in Detroit, Michigan.
　
　

[Cylon_Number_14]

Very good to see this one back! Are you working on getting the Populists to replace the Democrats just as the Progressives replace the Republicans?

[Wendell]

Originally Posted by Deano1001

Progressive: Teddy Roosevelt/ William Howard Taft- 256 EV 39% PV
Democrat: Champ Clark/ Arthur James Davis- 198 EV 35% PV
Republican: Joseph Gurney Cannon/ Frank Terry O’Knox- 77 EV 18% PV
Socialist: Eugene Victor Debs/ Emel Seidel- 0 EV 6% PV

[/B]So, as many had expected, the Progressive Party easily wins the election and Teddy Roosevelt would have at least four years in the white house.

Who's that?

[Cylon_Number_14]

I wonder if Roosevelt will pull off a primordial health care plan in this TL? In 1912 OTL he flirted with a prototype UHC, but I don't know the details. I think just health insurance guaranteed for nearly all citizens. Perhaps something like Medicare and Medicaid rolled into one package (but I really don't know). Perhaps if by 1912 or 1914 if the Progressives and Populists win enough 3-way and 4-way races against the Reps and Dems, they could have 2/3 of congress despite a substantially lower overall vote total and then create a bully National Health Service...

But it's your TL and you have obviously done some excellent research, so go wherever you want, just give us some solid details... but try not to get hung up on The Great War when it breaks out in 1914

[Mikestone8]

Beg pardon, but TR's 256 votes leave him ten short of a majority.

He would have to get elected in the HoR, where his chances are essentially nil, since both Democrats and "regular" Republicans would unite against him.

Or is the 256 a misprint?

[Cylon_Number_14]

Originally Posted by Mikestone8

Beg pardon, but TR's 256 votes leave him ten short of a majority.

He would have to get elected in the HoR, where his chances are essentially nil, since both Democrats and "regular" Republicans would unite against him.

Or is the 256 a misprint?

I notice he used the 1912 Leip's Atlas Map instead of the 1908 one and accidently titled it "1912". I think he got a little distracted when creating the map and forgot to modify it for 1908.

Well, I took the liberty of creating a 1908 map based on this TL. I had to change up some of the states' results in order to ensure a majority EV victory for Roosevelt, and to suit my tastes a bit, so it's definitely preliminary and unauthorized

Arizon & New Mexico aren't states yet, so they are just gray. Oklahoma just became a state (as OTL). I had to use the Leip's 1912 map for the colors, but then add my own numbers in MSPaint in order to match them to the electoral map of 1908.

Also, this map does Not indicate the percentages of popular votes since Deano101 doesn't show them for 1904.


Election of 1908

Roosevelt(P) 245 EVs (242 needed to win in 1908)
Clark(D) 184 EVs
Cannon (R) 54 EVs

[Cylon_Number_14]

And here is my estimate for the Percentage of Popular Votes map. I promise to stop hijacking the thread now

[terrellk]

This may seem small and nitpicky, and so I apologize for that upfront. I just can't see McKinley ever endorsing Teddy Roosevelt for the Republican nomination, especially if Mark Hanna, who has not died in the early part of that year ITTL I presume, were running as his opposition. TR and McKinley were not on very good terms to put it mildly. To put it frankly, neither man had very much use for the other. McKinley disliked Roosevelt for his part in starting the Spanish-American War which the president had tried to avoid. It's just hard to imagine that McKinley would back a political rival over his most trusted advisor and campaign manager from his home state of Ohio.

Not that this changes much. It could be a surviving Mark Hanna who, with McKinley's support, "steals" the nomination from Roosevelt and kicks off this whole timeline. Or if he still dies, then it could be anyone from McKinley's cabinet. Maybe John Hay or Philander Knox, both of whom were favorites of the establishment, could win the nomination and, for whatever reason, lose to WJB in the general.

Like I said, nitpicky stuff, but still an interesting TL.

[Dean501]

Originally Posted by Cylon_Number_14

Snip

Ya, I didnt use the PV percentages because the colors are REALLY ugly. But your map is pretty much right.

Originally Posted by Mikestone8

Beg pardon, but TR's 256 votes leave him ten short of a majority.

He would have to get elected in the HoR, where his chances are essentially nil, since both Democrats and "regular" Republicans would unite against him.

Or is the 256 a misprint?

It wasnt 270 to win in 1908

Originally Posted by Cylon_Number_14

I wonder if Roosevelt will pull off a primordial health care plan in this TL? In 1912 OTL he flirted with a prototype UHC, but I don't know the details. I think just health insurance guaranteed for nearly all citizens. Perhaps something like Medicare and Medicaid rolled into one package (but I really don't know). Perhaps if by 1912 or 1914 if the Progressives and Populists win enough 3-way and 4-way races against the Reps and Dems, they could have 2/3 of congress despite a substantially lower overall vote total and then create a bully National Health Service...

But it's your TL and you have obviously done some excellent research, so go wherever you want, just give us some solid details... but try not to get hung up on The Great War when it breaks out in 1914

Ill try not to, and the 2nd term is gonna be the more imaginative one. I tried to stick to his accomplishments in the regular 1904-1908 term, that got taken up by WJB in this TL, just a little more imperalistic in the Banana Wars.

Originally Posted by Wendell

Who's that?

Haha, thanks for pointing that out. That is also a typo. Its supposed to be Frank T. O' Hair

Originally Posted by terrellk

This may seem small and nitpicky, and so I apologize for that upfront. I just can't see McKinley ever endorsing Teddy Roosevelt for the Republican nomination, especially if Mark Hanna, who has not died in the early part of that year ITTL I presume, were running as his opposition. TR and McKinley were not on very good terms to put it mildly. To put it frankly, neither man had very much use for the other. McKinley disliked Roosevelt for his part in starting the Spanish-American War which the president had tried to avoid. It's just hard to imagine that McKinley would back a political rival over his most trusted advisor and campaign manager from his home state of Ohio.

Not that this changes much. It could be a surviving Mark Hanna who, with McKinley's support, "steals" the nomination from Roosevelt and kicks off this whole timeline. Or if he still dies, then it could be anyone from McKinley's cabinet. Maybe John Hay or Philander Knox, both of whom were favorites of the establishment, could win the nomination and, for whatever reason, lose to WJB in the general.

Like I said, nitpicky stuff, but still an interesting TL.

Thanks for the input. Maybe I can have Mark Hanna winning the 1904 Republican nomination just with the same outcome as Platt for the next draft.

And thanks for all the comments guys, Im happy youve enjoyed it.Ill try to update ASAP.

[Wendell]

Originally Posted by Cylon_Number_14

I notice he used the 1912 Leip's Atlas Map instead of the 1908 one and accidently titled it "1912". I think he got a little distracted when creating the map and forgot to modify it for 1908.

Well, I took the liberty of creating a 1908 map based on this TL. I had to change up some of the states' results in order to ensure a majority EV victory for Roosevelt, and to suit my tastes a bit, so it's definitely preliminary and unauthorized

Arizon & New Mexico aren't states yet, so they are just gray. Oklahoma just became a state (as OTL). I had to use the Leip's 1912 map for the colors, but then add my own numbers in MSPaint in order to match them to the electoral map of 1908.

Also, this map does Not indicate the percentages of popular votes since Deano101 doesn't show them for 1904.


Election of 1908

Roosevelt(P) 245 EVs (242 needed to win in 1908)
Clark(D) 184 EVs
Cannon (R) 54 EVs

Attachment 127537

That map is ASB. Oklahoma was too solidly Democratic in those days.

[Cylon_Number_14]

Originally Posted by Wendell

That map is ASB. Oklahoma was too solidly Democratic in those days.

Well.... not really. In 1908 Oklahomans in their first election gave Bryan only 48% to Taft's 43% and gave Debs the Socialist a solid 8.52% of votes according to Leip's atlas. Yes, in 1912 Wilson got 47% of votes, but Roosevelt wasn't allowed on the ballot and Debs got over 16% of votes that time! There was a solid streak of "prairie socialism" in those first few years it seems, before the state went solidly Democratic. Perhaps a wave of Texans and other southernors in the 1910s changed the demographics?

One of the reasons I put that in the map (other than for flavor) was that I remembered in the Reds TL (which also pivots on McKinley not being assassinated) was a discussion in the forum on how Oklahoma was an early bastion of the Socialist party before shifting more conservatively. In any event, Oklahoma given a solid three-way (or four with Debs) race, it is pretty reasonable to see the state split narrowly to Roosevelt.

[Dean501]

Part 5: Imperial America

“It is a sad day in American Politics when the longest lasting, most thriving political party in the history of the United States of America must announce that it will not host a candidate in the 1912 Presidential Election. The GOP has been savagely killed by rambunctious Progressives. When one organizes a party they should remember what there predecessors did for them, and in that the Progressives and there Roosevelt have failed.”
-Joseph Gurney Cannon declaring the non-candidacy of the Republican Party in 1912.

The Republican Party quickly found in 1912 that they had no decisive candidate to run for President in 1912. Those that were influential in the party had left for the Progressive Party, those that were the ancestors of the party in the 19th century were dying, as in Joseph Cannons case. But It was not just the Republican party in turmoil.

“In no case have I seen such insolence inside the Democratic Party. The party was founded not on the values of the rebel farmer, but that of the American and those are who we serve. I have never seen such a split where those forget who built this country, and disrespect them. Today is the day where I’m ashamed in what this country has come to, but I pledge to continue to fight for it. Conservatives that believed in small government, wholesome values, and America were our foundation and will continue to be it. That is why today I officially announce that with the split of the Democratic Party, we will take a stand. As a coalition of Conservatives there officially is an American Conservative Party, of the true Democrats. Conservatives will continue to shape this country. Conservatives now, Conservatives forever!”
-James Handly, the Chairman of the new Conservative Party

Populist Party Nomination

June 28, 1912 Scenic Convention Hall, Detroit Michigan.
　
“Do not declare that one cannot change the world before one tries. This is the time for change when others have failed. This is the world in which we live in, in which your children will live in. Build it well my sir, because together America will rise! Gather under the Liberty Bell! For Populism!”
-An excerpt from Thomas Edward Watsons speech, at the Populist Parties first nomination.

Although the parties founder, Thomas Edward Watson, was secured a nomination the first Populist Party Nomination was mainly a calling point to gather support. Marion Butler was selected as his running mate. Although many called for William Jennings Bryan to make a run, he simply gave his endorsement but did join the party in 1912 and won a Populist Seat in the U.S Congress in Nebraska, along with help Watson campaign in the state probably being the driving force behind his victory in Nebraska.

Conservative Party Nomination
Arkansas State House- Little Rock, Arkansas. June 17, 1912
The new Conservative Party was the only newly created party that was divided in its leadership. Although, many say that the Conservative Party wasn’t a new party but what was left of the Democratic Party and so the strong Conservative Base was as divided as it had been for years before. Its last “Champion” Champ Clark was nearly 80, so Lee Cruce the 2nd Governor of Oklahoma and strong Prohibitionist was barely nominated. John A. Greer was his running mate.

1912 Presidential Election
[/IMG]
　
　
Progressive Party: Teddy Roosevelt/ William Howard Taft 54% PV, 296 EV
Populist Party: Thomas Edward Watson/ Marion Butler 26% PV, 163 EV
Conservative Party: Lee Cruce/ John A. Greer 16% PV, 72 EV
And for another election cycle, the Conservatives failed to gain while the Populist Party had a surprisingly good showing, without many people excepting them to defeat the popular Incumbent President.

Theodore Roosevelt’s 2nd Term
Roosevelt entered his 2nd term with a majority in Senate, and a 71% Approval Rating. He rode a wave of Progressive morale, and cooperation within the party. Trust busting, legalization, and a booming economy was making America the rising star of the world. And with that came great responsibility…

Mexican Revolution
Under the rule of the Dictator of Mexico, Porifio Diaz, the Americans held strong influence over the country through the railroads, and investments. In 1911 sporadic groups, going against the downed agrarian promises of there dictator, uprose in Mexico. In 1912 President Roosevelt ordered a 25% Increase of the military budget and personally pushed it through Congress.


“The question is not why we need to increase our military budget, but to what use. Our Military power is without question, far superior to many around the world, but must trained with the up most skill. America will not be put in a predicament and must be able to defend themselves from an enemy to the south.”
-Theodore Roosevelt speaking to Congress, 1912

In 1913 America began funding the Agrarian Rebels in the Northern Mexico with funds and weaponry, and boosted there army on the Rio Grande. In response to Germanys public support of the Mexican Dictatorship, TR boosted Naval Forces in the Gulf of Mexico, and publicly warned Germany not to interfere with the Mexican Revolution.

“Germany has put themselves one foot in the door that leads to a long road. It is not time to quietly ask Germany to back away but to bring back our shoulders and tell them to. We are not a small ex-colony to be pushed around, but a western power house to be reckoned with. Tell me if this is not our time, stop me if we cannot push forward and fight for America, win for America. Mexico cannot become a rival, and we must make sure Germany doesn’t interfere within the process.”
- House Minority Leader William Uren (P-OR)

Tensions rose to a near boiling point, in Mexico in early February, 1914 when the MS Maltena was taken over by American Marines in the Gulf of Mexico, on its way to Veracruz, Mexico. Subsequently Teddy Roosevelt ordered a full occupation of the Port of Veracruz where Imperial Mexicans, using German Weaponry, killed over 21 Marines. Although the port was occupied by American forces with ease, the world held its breath as a declaration of war was seemingly imminent from one of the two nations.

ABC Conference, 1914
On February 12, 1914, the ABC Powers of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, met to sign a formal treaty, designed to develop cooperation,and the arbitraiton of disputes. It was formulated to resist United States influence in the region, specifically in Mexico, and to establish a mechanisms for consultation among the three signatory countries. They were an alliance that wanted to block U.S influence in the Mexican American War, stop an Intervention, a War with Germany, and possibly a World War. After the Maltena Affair of 1914 war was seemingly around the corner and the emergency meeting was held, where both diplomats from Germany and the United States met to discuss the matters at hand. When German diplomats failed to show, the And Secretary of State, Hiram Johnson, left in disgust. The ABC Conference fell apart and the main three powers set on just sending an informal warning to both the U.S and Germany that they would declare war on the belligerent in any formal intervention in the Mexican Revolution. But, with the Maltena Incident still fresh on everyone’s minds, and America now disgusted more so by Germanys actions, war seemed around the corner.

The Germany Telegram

With German support still flowing in publicly, and being armed by the German forces secretly Germany was ready and willing to fully support a “Constitutionalist” war against the rebels and secure there influence and assets in the region, so in July 1914 Germany sent a proposal to Mexico.
"We intend to begin in July, full support of the you, Profirio Diaz, and your constitutionalist armies. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico proposal on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The settlement in detail is left to you. You will inform the President of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States of America is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same time mediate between Japan and ourselves. ." Signed, the Kaiser
Timeline of Events: 1914
June 12- Germany Telegram Sent

June 15- Germany Telegram Received in Mexico City
June 16-To test the waters of the proposal, Mexico asks if Japan would even be interested in a military alliance
June 28- Arch Duke Ferdinand assassinated. In Japan, after much discussion, returns with a no.
July 1- Mexico sends back its revisions, with the acceptance of the proposal.

July 4- Germany accepts the revisions.
On the day of American Independence, when people in the states are watching fire works and celebrating there freedom, Germany gives full support to the Dictatorship of Mexico.

July 8- America sinks 7 German ships in the Gulf of Mexico.
A dozen German ships are sent into the Gulf of Mexico to deliver troops and supplies, although Germany waited to officially declare war on the Mexican Rebels. The ships are aided by cruisers and submarines. When they go towards the Port Heroca Metamoris near the U.S Mexican border. The ships are attacked by an American fleet that highly outnumbered the German ships. After hours of fighting the German ships were either sunk or retreated.

July 9- Teddy Roosevelt asks Congress to declare war on Germany, and Mexico.
After the battle and the lost of near hundreds of American Sailors, Teddy Roosevelt officially requested that the U.S declares full war on Mexico.

July 21-Decleration of War Passed
After much arguing, the declaration of war is passed through the U.S Congress by two votes. The army is mobilized and begins on an invasion of Mexico and a Naval War with Germany. The U.S Sends a request for aid from Britain. With the declaration of war coming from the U.S first, the ABC Alliance is now obligated to declare war on the U.S, although they wait to issue an official response.

July 26- Britain begins naval hostilities against Germany.
The British navy begins a full naval war against Germany, with there declaration of war. They begin to block the Atlantic Sea Lanes, and stop Germany from supplying Weaponry, Goods, and Money. Without these German supplies, the U.S and Britain hope to put a strangle hold on the Constitutionalist Army of Profario Diaz.

July 28- Austria-Hungary invades Serbia.
After much deliberation, Austria Hungary declares war on the rebellious nation of Serbia.

July 29- Russia declares war on Austria Hungary
To protect there ally, Serbia, and hold onto there influence and assets in the Balkan region, Russia declares war on Austria Hungary and therefore Germany. They begin to mobilize and attack.

August 1- WW1 Ensues.
Germany is forced, by its alliance with AH, to declare war on Russia. France declares war on Germany, WW1 begins as a seemingly over lapping war with the Mexican front.

August 3- Alliances realign.
Mexico joins the Central Powers alongside Germany and AH. The U.S joins the Entente alongside Britain, France, Belgium, and Russia. The war comes from overlapping, to a two front war.

August 6- The ABC Alliance Decides
The ABC alliance splits on whether they interfere in Mexico, as they claimed they would. Argentina and Chile support Germany while Brazil keeps neutrality. Argentina had already been supported by Germany and sent troops and supplies to Mexico to aid the Germans. Brazil felt that the war was not the place to settle these disputes, and therefore dropped out of the Alliance. The Alliance became the South American Defense Alliance.

August 12- Both the U.S and Germany begin pursuing Brazil to help them in Mexico.
With the war in Mexico turning fierce, both nations turned to Brazil for aid. When they officially dropped out of the ABC Alliance the U.S jumped to ask for there aid. Germany hoped to pull them from there neutrality and gain full control over the nations of South America.

October 10- Japan decides
AlthoughJapan said they would join Mexico and Germany via the Zimmerman telegram, they have yet to actually join in on the war. Germany requests again, with Hawaii and Manchuria as a reward, but again the Japanese leadership refuses. This infuriates Germany as they had promised they would aid the Germans, and hurts German-Japanese relations. America is able to breath a sigh of relief.

Mexican Front: 1914-1916
On the Mexican Front the American Armies were led by General Leonard Wood. Leonard Wood, the prominent general in the Spanish-American war and friend of President Theodore Roosevelt, was promoted to the rank of General of the Armies, making him not only the highest ranking American General of the war, but the highest ranking American military officer ever, being equivalent to a six star general. He was authorized to design is own rank insignia, but never wore more than four stars.

He personally led the 2nd American Army Group during Operation Khanate which went south to pierce through the Eastern Border of Baja, and take the city of San Luis, cutting it off from the mainland. Then moving west to Tijuana and down south eliminating Baja and the Mexican threat to the South West. Baja was occupied by February 1915.

The 2nd Army Group, led by 4 Star General John “Black” Jack Pershing took his army through Sonora, and Chihuahua into Coahuila and Nueva Leon taking there northern borders in a pincher movement. Eliminating the main Mexican threat to the U.S mainland. In early May 1915 the army was bogged down in Mid Chihuahua, and trench warfare ensued around the major cities.

The Germans mainly fought against the U.S in the trenches, as the fighting against the Mexicans, Chileans, and Argentineans came into long harsh battles. On June 14, 1915 the U.S suffered something that hadn’t happened since 1812. An expeditionary group of 3,000 Mexican, and Chilean forces attacked and burned down the city of Brownsville, Texas. This was the first invasion by an enemy of the U.S on American Soil in more then 5 Generations. The army was repulsed, but still pulled many people against the war and proved that this war couldn’t solely be fought on Mexican soil, making the Khanate Offensive, to secure Northern Mexico, kicked into high gear.

In October, 1915 1.5 Million U.S Soldiers stormed across enemy lines and busted the 6 month stale mate between the two countries. This would be the last of the trench warfare in the Mexican front of the war. By August the Northern border of Mexico was secured by U.S forces. By September, as both the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Army Groups were moved south, towards the eventual goal of Mexico City. The fighting became fierce, house to house, city to city. But as the rebels helped secure the railroads, the Mexican Army was unable to secure goods and weaponry, and only about half of the total supplies were making it to Mexican Ports as many were being sunk in the harbor.

By early 1916 Germany was near out of troops, and began sending only supplies and money to fight the Americans. On February 17th, 1916 16,000 U.S Soldiers led by General Leonard wood, marched into Mexico City, alongside some 5,000 Rebels. After a few weeks of house keeping in the southern half of the country, Profirio Diaz was found to of escaped to Chile and the last of the major Generals were captured or killed. On March 17th 1916 the treaty of Austin was signed, marking the official end of the Mexican Front in the Mexican American War.
　
Naval War

“If the American Army can secure that no goods, no weaponry, no monetary gains, and no troops can be brought from the Kaisers Empire to that of Mexico then we can secure that American interests in the region are kept. It is of the upmost importance that the British Empire aids us in the task of vanquishing the German Naval beast.”

-Teddy Roosevelt on the importance of holding Naval Superiority in the Gulf of Mexico.

Many historians suggest that if the British had not blocked the Atlantic Water ways into the Gulf of Mexico, months before the official out break of World War 1, Germany would have been able to establish a large enough presence to start a total war invasion of southern United States. The fact that Britain intervened can namely be accredited to the fact that Japan remained neutral prior to there intervention, and, respecting the Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1902.

The German intervention was also a proverbial shot in the foot, as they, until 1916 already 2 years into the war, devoted almost a quarter of there resources and equipment to the Mexican Front, almost half of that being sunk in the Gulf of Mexico by 1915. Although the occupation of Veracruz by German forces helped for a reliable port, the revamped U.S Submarine armies were able to reek havoc on the German cargo ships.


　
Mexican Rebels
The Farming and Working Class Rebels were funded and supported by the U.S to create barn storming attacks on major cities. They raided supply lines, and destroyed train tracks, causing havoc to German and Imperial Mexican forces. In mid March, 1915 the “Mexican Liberation Army” fought in the battle of Durango. Over 1,500 MLA forces surprise attacked a German base killing over 6,000 men and burning down much of the regions capitol. Small attacks like this greatly benefited the bogged American Army to the North.
The MLA proved to be the “side arm” of the U.S Army. Some were trained and equipped by U.S forces, but most used weapons from there own homes.
As the Imperial Mexicans had the Argentineans, Chileans, and Germans, the U.S had the MLA.



Treaty of Austin
The treaty of Austin was signed on March 17, 1916 in Austin, Texas between the leaders of the U.S, the Mexican Liberation Front (establishing the Republic of Mexico) and the Mexican Imperial Army, Chile, and Argentina. In the terms of the treaty Mexico was pulled from the Central Powers and although Germany was still at war with the U.S and not present at the meeting, they had no troops left in the country as they had all been pulled back to Europe.
The Treaty had several main points:

- Mexico was to become the Republic of Mexico. A Democratic-Republic with elections held every 4 years for President.
(The first Provisional President Plutarco Elias Calles, was American Appointed)

-The States of Veracruz was to be re-annexed, along with Chihuahua, Sonora, and Baja to secure Americas borders
(the real reason was to secure Americas railroad assets and the water trade to the west, but with Mexico becoming a Satellite state of the U.S, there were no up roars over this)

-Chile, and Argentina are to never interfere with the actions of Mexico, or the U.S and are to reimburse the U.S for a total of $150,000,000 over the next 10 years, 1917-1927

These, among many other points, secured Mexico and the United States as the main power in the West. Teddy Roosevelt road the war through a 91% Approval Rating. But it wasn’t all about war…
　
DoMESStic issues(see what I did there?) 1912-1916

Theodore Roosevelt’s second term, although continuing the goals of his first, resulted in further wide-reaching progressive legislation and stricter regulation of business practices. Roosevelt, the “moral policeman,” was at his best, advocating for the 1914 Meat Inspection Act, the Pure Food and Drug Act. In a ploy to grab votes support from the Populists in the house of Representatives Roosevelt's “Square Deal” called for shorter labor hours, railroad legislation, primary elections, and the regulation of insurance and financial markets.

Reform Legislation
In a period of investigative journalism, writers exposed the evils in American society, detailing corruption and unethical business practices. Roosevelt dubbed these men and women “muckrakers,” a term taken from Pilgrim’s Progress. It was one of these writers, Upton Sinclair, whose book The Jungle graphically illustrated conditions in Chicago’s meat packing industry. Roosevelt, who had read the book, pushed for passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act, both in 1914. The nation’s food supply had to be safeguarded.

The Hepburn Act of 1915 increased the power of the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate railroad rates. The act also imposed penalties on railroads if they sought to fight the regulation in the courts. Pro railroad senators questioned this, charging that the Hepburn Act indirectly gave the federal government the power to set freight rates.

In June 1914, Congress passed the Employer Liability Act to address workplace related injuries in the railroad industry. Job related injuries were rampant in all industries and Roosevelt’s Square Deal had called for a system of workmen’s compensation. According to Page Smith, in 1912 27,000 workers died in job related accidents and in one year 50,000 job-related accidents were reported in New York factories alone. The Employer Liability Act was declared unconstitutional on the basis that the original act failed to limit the injury liability to interstate commerce in terms of railroads crossing state lines. Congress corrected the errors and a revised bill was passed in 1912.

The passage of reform legislation was much indebted to new faces in the Congress that included progressives anxious to fix the nation’s ills. Men like Wisconsin’s “Fighting Bob” La Follette entered the Senate in 1914, supporting the initiatives of the Roosevelt administration.



Conservation and the Great White Fleet
Theodore Roosevelt was keenly interested in conservation and established the first national wildlife refuge in Florida. 125 million acres were set aside throughout the nation, paving the way for the National Parks Service.
Toward the end of his presidency, Roosevelt sent the “Great White Fleet” on a world tour in demonstration of American Power. Opposed by Senator Nelson Aldrich whose stalwart colleagues refused to fund the endeavor, Roosevelt sent the fleet anyway, advising Aldrich that when the fleet became stranded in Japan, it would be the fault of the Senate. The naval demonstration was grudgingly approved.

Plurality Act of 1915
By 1915 the main three parties were all new, none of which older then 4 years. With a 3 way split in the Presidential Election possibly forcing one of the candidates to gain less then 50% of the Vote, the Plurality Act of 1915 was pushed through Congress. This appointed a President if he gained a Plurality of the vote, or a majority of the minorities. Although the electoral college was not disestablished, it was now not necessary to get to that 258 Electoral Votes (258 by 1916).

1914 Mid Terms
The main threat to the Progressive Party was the newly created Populist Party, but with the disbandendment of the Republican Party nothing was to stop the Progressive Party from full control of the North, with only the most die hard of Republicans holding onto there party name.
　
62nd U.S Congress

Senate
Progressives- 40
Democrat- 33
Republicans- 18

Congress
Democrats- 144
Progressives- 142
Republican- 105

64th U.S Congress

Senate
Progressives: 57 +17
Conservatives: 21 +21
Populists: 12 +12
“Republican“: 1 -17

Congress
Progressive: 240 +98
Populists: 87 +87
Conservatives: 71 +71
Independent/ “Republican”: 3 +3

With the majority now in both Senate and Congress, it was much easier for TR to pass many of the bills in his 2nd term, and many of the military spending bills of the 2nd Mexican-American War.

Trust Bustin’

“William Howard Taft is a great man, but does not know the difference between a good trust and a trust that needs to be redistributed. That is his main fault and our main disagreement.”

-Roosevelt regarding his VP, William Howard Taft.

By 1915 Taft and Roosevelt were tired of each other. Taft felt that the U.S had become too imperialistic, and Roosevelt was to blame. That he was to laicizes-faire and needed to continue on harsher trust busting. When Roosevelt threatened to kick Taft from the Cabinet and the Party, Taft threatened a split in the party as a growing minority supported his more isolationist side of the party.

The Party was internally split between the “Roosevites” and the “Taft’s” , but both sides realized that a split in an election would probably end the party, and force the Progressives from the White House.

“It is of the up most importance that we come to an agreement soon, and keep the party intact as a house divided cannot stand.”
-Robert Lafollette on the standing of his party.


In 1916 the Roosevelt and Taft came to a decision. Roosevelt knew he was getting old and, although he would gladly serve as President for 4 more years, he requested to become Secretary of State in a Taft Administration if he were to win. This would eventually give Roosevelt a vantage point to influence Taft’s decisions, and subsequently serve for another 4 years as he had wished.

OOC:Map to come
　

[Dean501]

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

[Dean501]

A map of Operations and major points in the Mexican Front

[Cathcon1]

Awesome timeline! I've only read bits and pieces of it, but I like how Roosevelt's Revolution takes place in 1908 rather than 1912, and how in all irony, Taft is on the Progressive ticket! I wonder how that will play out with Robert Taft...

In all honesty, when I saw the thread I originally thought someone had bumped my timeline.

[Cylon_Number_14]

Your intertwining of the Mexican Revolution and Great War as unrelated events that crash together was unexpected and fun to read.

I'm not sure if I entirely bought the part where the Republicans give up without a fight in 1912; I think someone would run for president even if they weren't likely to win any Electoral Votes. But that's just my opinion.

I'm also not so sure on the annexation of Veracruz, since it's an awful geographic salient.

Lastly, the Plurality Act would have to be a full Constitutional amendment since it redefines victory in the Electoral College.

But all in all, it's a fun TL to read and I look forward to more

[Dean501]

Originally Posted by Cylon_Number_14

Your intertwining of the Mexican Revolution and Great War as unrelated events that crash together was unexpected and fun to read.

I'm not sure if I entirely bought the part where the Republicans give up without a fight in 1912; I think someone would run for president even if they weren't likely to win any Electoral Votes. But that's just my opinion.

I'm also not so sure on the annexation of Veracruz, since it's an awful geographic salient.

Lastly, the Plurality Act would have to be a full Constitutional amendment since it redefines victory in the Electoral College.

But all in all, it's a fun TL to read and I look forward to more

Well, like I said, everyone was leaving to the Progressive Party; But theres always a 2nd draft! And the annexation of Veracruz was OTL, because the Germans were sending weapons for the Mexican Federalists (as in OTL, just with a different outcome).

And about the Plurality Act, your right, I didnt even think about it, Ill edit it out.

Thanks for the tips.

[Cylon_Number_14]

Wow, thanks for considering my comments

And I just realized you probably just mean annexation of the city of Veracruz, like the OTL Tampico Affair (thanks wikipedia) not the whole damn state . That's my bad.