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--- The Freeman Presidency (1943-1949) ---


PRESIDENT FREEMAN: OUR BOYS START COMING HOME TODAY
FRANKLIN - In a brisk, clear morning, the nation’s leaders gathered at the Congress Hall in the District of Washington for the official swearing-in ceremony of Federalist Henry Freeman as the nation’s thirty-first president, and the first black American to be elected to the presidency (though not the first black man to serve as president. That honor goes to Peter Landon, who served out the rest of President Alexander Fleak’s term from 1905-1907 after Fleak died in office). After a contentious campaign and two greatly differing ideas about the nation’s future, some feared that the mood in the capital might be tense. However, the mood was celebratory as Freeman came out the main entrance and on to the temporary stage built on the front steps of the capitol building. Crowds cheered as the soon to be leader met Chief Justice Jacob Brenneman at the central podium to take the oath of office at the stroke of noon.

After being sworn in, President Freeman stepped up to the microphones and began to address the crowd, his voice amplified so that the estimated crowd of four thousand could hear him with ease. Tens of thousands were listening at home via the wireless as well. In a special technical first, the ceremony was also broadcast via the new medium of telecinema in Franklin. Some experts say that by the next inauguration in 1949 that telecinema will have spread to a wider audience and it is plausible that people from coast to coast could watch the ceremony from the comfort of their homes.

In the address, the new president did not hold any punches. “America is not the world’s policeman. While we shall continue to assist out allies in securing peace, we will not be the only ones securing that peace. And as promised, my first official act as President will be to start bringing our boys home from Spain! When I arrive at Washington House today, I will sign an executive order directing the Department of War to put plans in place to bring our soldiers home within a year!” At this, the crowds erupted in cheers.
“President Freeman: Our Boys Start Coming Home Today,” Franklin Observer, January 15, 1943.

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WAR DEPARTMENT GIVES TROOP PULLOUT TIMELINE
FRANKLIN - Acting on orders from President Freeman, Secretary of War Alonso Mitchell announced today a timeline for the withdrawal of all American troops from Europe. The plan calls for all U.S. soldiers to be out of Rome by June 1st, and for the American contingent to be fully withdrawn to Seville, Spain, by October, and to have fully left Spain by January 31st of 1944. Secretary Mitchell went on to say that majority of troops would also be withdrawn from Asia by the end of 1944 as well, with plans to leave just a small contingent in Japan and Choson to help keep up good diplomatic relations with America’s allies in the region. This announcement is expected to be greeted enthusiastically by the supporters of President Freeman, but there are many in Congress from opposing parties that are already speaking out against this movie. Nationalist Senator James Nolan of Missouri issued a fierce rebuke on the Senate floor after the plan was announced, saying, “Freeman’s decision to pull out of Spain will result in a major destabilization in the region, and could ultimately pave the way for the country to be annexed by the UER, or go through a bloody civil war. Such an outcome will make the deaths of our soldiers in Spain largely in vain.”
“War Department Gives Troop Pullout Timeline,” Boston Eagle, February 12, 1943.

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ANTI-TSARIST RIOTS PLAGUE ST. PETERSBURG
ST. PETERSBURG - Massive demonstrations against Tsar Eduard and Russian Prime Minister Siatov that started in front of the Winter Palace have turned into full-blown riots, and demonstrators have clashed with local police in multiple violent encounters across the city. The protestors are calling for a new constitution, one that would strip the monarchy of its power. Still others are calling for an outright republic. Adam Pondyakov, leader of the group Republic Russia, has laid out a plan for a new constitution for his proposed “Republic of Russia,” and is demanding that there be an open referendum on the future of the state. With the high level of unrest in the capital, the Tsar’s government has declared martial law in St. Petersburg for at least the next two weeks.

Russia has long had political trouble, but it had mostly stayed below the surface and was quietly suppressed by the Tsarist secret police. In addition, the late Tsarina Charlotte had been rather popular with many every-day Russians, so as long as she was on the throne most were satisfied with the status quo. But with her death last year and the end of the Romanov Dynasty, the anti-Tsarist factions have become very vocal and much more popular. WIth their rise, and this recent bout of violence in the capital, some worry that the whole regime could fall apart and send the country into civil war.
“Anti-Tsarist Riots Plague St. Petersburg,” Brooklyn Standard, March 9, 1943.

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The March Riots in St. Petersburg were the tipping point for the political situation in Russia. By the end of the month, riots had broken out in dozens of cities across the Empire, including in Moscow and Volgograd, and it was clear that the government of Tsar Eduard and his Prime Minister, Ivan Siatov, was crumbling. Then, on April 12, 1943, Adam Pondyakov declared the establishment of the “United Republic of Russia,” and civil war descended upon the country. The Imperial Army was able to quickly establish control in and around the capital, but Moscow, Volgograd, Archangel, and most points further east quickly fell into rebel hands. In the far eastern reaches of Siberia, the Imperial Army took formal control, but the local military leaders essentially ruled their own little kingdoms with little or no instruction coming from Siatov or the Tsar by the summer of 1943.

By the end of the year, it was clear that the Russian Empire was ending. The Anti-Tsarist Coalition, made up of soldiers from Pondyakov’s Republic, along with nearly a dozen other break-away nations, besieged St. Petersburg starting in September. By February of 1944, the white flag when up, and Tsar Eduard surrendered. Siatov took his own life instead of becoming a prisoner. But the February Victory, as Pondyakov would call it, was by no means the end of the fighting in Russia. It would take until 1949 before things stabilized, and by then the map of the former Russian Empire had been completely remade, one country replaced with over a dozen.
Harmon, Dr. Sharon. Twilight of the Tsars: Russia from 1900-1945. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2015.

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SPANISH PRIME MINISTER ASSASSINATED
MADRID - Pro-Monarchist Prime Minister Ronaldo Cabal was shot and killed by a communalist sympathizer outside his home in Madrid, two days after Cabal announced a crackdown on communalist organizations. Many American observers in Spain are worried that this event could trigger a major crisis in Spain, and just over a month after the U.S. War Department announced its timetable for troop withdrawal. Some even fear that a civil war could break out, depending on how the government in Madrid reacts.

Cabal had served as Prime Minister since the adoption of the new constitution in 1938, and although the upcoming elections for parliament have been shaping up to be quite the battle, most expected him to remain in control and secure another five years in office. Deputy Prime MInister Alonzo Marti is expected to be sworn in as Acting Prime Minister and serve out the rest of the term until the election. While Cabal was adopting a more hardline stance against communalist and other leftist groups in the country, Marti is said to be much more conservative.
“Spanish Prime MInister Assassinated,” Chicago Herald, March 29, 1943.

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It took just four days after the assassination of Prime Minister Ronaldo Cabal before things began to spiral out of control for the monarchists in Spain. On April 2nd, 1943, the day of Cabal’s funeral, as his body processed from the parliament building to the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande, mourners began to clash with republican and communalist demonstrators that had lined parts of the processional route. The anti-monarchist demonstrators quickly outnumbered Cabal’s supporters, and the casket was attacked and toppled over, much to the horror of the Cabal family. Police were unable to control the situation for several hours, and ultimately the service at the Basilica was cancelled.

As the month continued, more demonstrations broke out in Madrid and elsewhere, most notably in Barcelona, which had stronger communalist leanings. In Seville, which was the stronghold of the American occupational forces, things where more muted and the troops were out in force to remind people to think twice before causing violence. After Spanish and American troops tried to establish martial law in Madrid and Barcelona, things reached a tipping point. While Madrid submitted, Barcelona did not, and on April 28th, the Spanish People’s Republic was declared (a separate Catalonian breakaway government also declared itself independent the same day, but was quickly overtaken by the new People’s Republic). It quickly became clear that a full blown civil war was starting, and the Americans began to fall back to Seville. On May 17th, the Spanish Royal Family was escorted out of Madrid by U.S. soldiers for their safety. They would never return to the Spanish capital.
Rice, Dr. Samuel. Spanish Sunset: The Troubled Years After the Global War. Brooklyn: New York University Press, 2009.

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FURTHER TROOP WITHDRAWAL ON HOLD AS SPAIN DESCENDS INTO CIVIL WAR
FRANKLIN - Yesterday, the War Department announced that the further withdrawal of American troops was on hold as the political situation in Spain continues to deteriorate into full-blown civil war. Secretary of War Alonso Mitchell told the press that, “due to the volatile nature of events in Spain, it would be unwise to continue with full withdrawal from the country, as such action could undo the work we accomplished since the war. We will continue to guard the Spanish Royal Family and call for the return of the constitutional government.” Several thousand troops have already come home from Spain, and the bulk of American operations had already started to shift from Madrid to Seville, closer to the coast.

Secretary of State Caleb Alkier has reportedly sent instructions to the American delegation to the Global Peace Council in Rome to call on the GPC to send aide to Spain and help support the United States in its continuing mission. The greatest concern is whether or not the UER will join the conflict on the side of the rebels in Barcelona who are pro-communalist. Such an action could pit the United States against its wartime ally.

As of the time of press, there had been no formal statement from Washington House concerning the decision to postpone further troop withdrawal.
“Further Troop Withdrawal on Hold as Spain Descends into Civil War,” St. Louis Courier, June 1, 1943.

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UER DECLARES NEUTRALITY IN SPANISH CONFLICT
STRASSBURG - UER Chancellor Jean-Jacques Ardouin announced on a visit to Marseilles that the Union of European Republics would remain neutral in the growing conflict in Spain. Spanish communalists in Barcelona have been calling for aid from the UER, and many feared that Adrouin might give in to this request. Such an action would have all but guaranteed the outbreak of a larger continental war, only a few years after the end of the Global War. Yesterday’s announcement will undoubtedly ease tensions in the region, and could put on more pressure to the Global Peace Council to help end the civil war in Spain.
“UER Declares Neutrality in Spanish Conflict,” Manhattan Gazette, July 5, 1943.

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MANHATTAN TO VOTE ON COMMUNALIST CONSTITUTION
MANHATTAN - After months of work, the Communalist Party has been successful in drafting a proposed constitution for the District of Manhattan that would mirror the one approved nearly two decades ago in Indiana, the birthplace of modern American Communalism. District Party Chairman Michael Buchanan told the press that the Party had secured enough signatures to get a ballot referendum on the new constitution this fall. If it passes, Manhattan would be the second American territory to adopt such a new form of government. Similar efforts are underway in Illinois, and could see ballot victory by the end of the decade.
“Manhattan to Vote on Communalist Constitution,” The American Worker, July 28, 1943.

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GLOBAL PEACE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER ACTION IN SPAIN
ROME - After months of lobbying on the part of the United States and Spain, and more recently by the UER, the Global Peace Council announced today that discussions to intervene in the Spanish conflict would begin next week, with action expected by the end of the month. American Secretary of State Caleb Alkier told reporters that the announcement by the GPC was a major win for the United States and its ongoing efforts to leave Spain in a peaceful manner. If the Council votes to intervene, it would mean troops coming in from most of the member nations to try and put an end to the rebellion that is currently wracking the country. President Freeman has repeatedly stated that while he does not mind having America help in that stabilization effort, he refuses to let America be the lone global policeman to try and hold the peace together.
“Global Peace Council to Consider Action in Spain,” Franklin Observer, August 15, 1943.

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ANTI-COMMUNALISTS ATTACK MADRID
SEVILLE - The city of Madrid was attacked by a large force of Anti-Monarchist, Anti-Communalist Republicans, who want to see the establishment of a Spanish Republic. This fighting force of nearly 10,000 men are led by Alejandro Pinto, a former Spanish General who is leading the Republican forces from the Spanish city of Leon, have yet to take the city, but have caused severe damage, and American commanders are considering pulling out of the city. Communalist forces from Barcelona are rumored to be heading towards the city as well, and the combined forces would likely overwhelm the pro-Monarchist forces that the United States is currently backing.
“Anti-Communalists Attack Madrid,” Astoria Dispatch, August 21, 1943.

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GPC TO INTERVENE IN SPAIN - US WILL REDUCE ROLL
ROME - The Global Peace Council has voted to send in an international coalition to put a stop to the civil war in Spain, and to broker a postwar settlement that will hopefully appease all three sides in this conflict. President Freeman told reporters that, “the vote today in Rome is exactly what we wanted. We don’t want to leave Spain in shambles, but we cannot and will not be the only nation working to hold Spain together. I welcome the aid of the rest of the GPC in this effort.”

So far, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Naples, Portugal, Texas, Borealia, and Mexico have pledged troops to help build an international coalition. The Union of European Republics has stated that it will allow the GPC Coalition to use its territory as a base of operations to try and strike at the rebel-held city of Barcelona, but will not at this time commit troops, sticking with its early declaration of neutrality.
“GPC to Intervene in Spain - US Will Reduce Roll,” Boston Eagle, September 3, 1943.

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Despite the announcement in September of 1943 that the GPC would be forming a coalition of nations to help stabilize Spain, the situation on the ground continued to deteriorate for both the Monarchists and their erstwhile American allies. With the conflict being highly unpopular at home, U.S. commanders were very hesitant to put lives in harm’s way, and avoided actual combat as much as possible. They helped defend the Spanish Royal Family in Seville, but left the front-line work largely to the Spanish Army, which was horribly undermanned and suffered from low morale and regular desertions. In late October of that year, the Republicans launched a second attack on Madrid, this time overwhelming the defenders which had little in the way of American support. The red-gold-white tricolor of the United Republic of Spain now flew over the Spanish capital for the first time.

The Global Coalition, as it was called in the press of the time, would not have troops ready to deploy until late November. However, Coalition planes soon began to bomb strategic locations in Barcelona in preparation for an invasion. GPC leaders hoped that, if the center of the so-called Spanish People’s Republic fell, that the whole civil war would unravel and that the conflict could be done before the end of 1944. However, due to weather delays, troops would not cross over into communalist territory from, ironically, the UER, until January of 1944. At the time, it seemed likely that Barcelona would fall, and then the Coalition could focus on the Republicans in Madrid and be done with everything. No one saw the coming of the “People’s Truce” that May, or what it would mean for Spain in the years to come.
Rice, Dr. Samuel. Spanish Sunset: The Troubled Years After the Global War. Brooklyn: New York University Press, 2009.

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MANHATTAN ADOPTS COMMUNALIST CONSTITUTION
MANHATTAN - In an overwhelming majority, the people of the District of Manhattan have voted to enact the nation’s second communalist-based constitution, largely modeled after the constitution adopted by Indiana in 1923. Under the new document, there will be a unicameral legislature, the Chamber of People’s Deputies, which will be elected every five years. The Chamber will then elect a five-member Executive Council which will have a chairman that rotates every year. The new constitution enshrines workers rights and makes union membership mandatory for all workers, and states that no factory or business can refuse unionization.

Michael Buchanan, the Chairman of the District Communalist Party, told the press that his party hopes to have all factories in Manhattan collectivized by 1960, and to generally move away from private ownership of factories and land as much as possible, again following Indiana’s example. Elections for the new government are set to take place in May.
“Manhattan Adopts Communalist Constitution,” Brooklyn Standard, November 10, 1944.

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IN ADDRESS, PRESIDENT FREEMAN RENEWS CALL TO END PRESENCE IN SPAIN
FRANKLIN - In his yearly State of the Union address, President Freeman renewed his call to end the conflict in Spain. “American men and women who volunteered to put on our nation’s uniform to defend our country are now dying in someone else’s civil war. It is my solemn promise that American involvement in Spain will end and soon, now that the rest of the global community of nations have stepped up and committed troops to end the violence on the Iberian Peninsula.” The War Department is expected to put out an announcement later this week stating that American servicemen will be withdrawn from all active combat zones in Spain by the summer, relegated to patrol and defense of more pacified areas, and the continued mission to protect the Spanish Royal Family.

Nationalist politicians such as Senator Nolan of Missouri continue to criticize what they see as Freeman’s “weak, feckless foreign policy.” The Senator told reporters after the speech last night that, “the President’s continued refusal to send more troops to Spain and use the surge of new troops to end the conflict in a decisive way is disgraceful.” Still others are grumbling about which side in the civil war that the Administration has decided to back. Kathy Weekly, a Liberal Representative from Virginia, told reporters yesterday that, “America should not be backing the Spanish Royal Family. We should be backing the Republican forces of Alejandro Pinto.” This sentiment was echoed by members of the CPUS, except that they want the United States to be supporting the Communalists that are now under siege in Barcelona.
“In Address, President Freeman Renews Call to End Presence in Spain,” New Orleans Star, January 24, 1944.

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BARCELONA FALLS TO COALITION
BARCELONA - After over three months of intense fighting, the GPC Coalition has successfully driven the Spanish Communalists out of Barcelona. This is seen as a major victory in the Spanish War, one that commanders on the ground and political analysts in Rome and here in the United States hope will ultimately unravel the Spanish Communalists and ultimately the entire civil war. The Coalition lead commander, British General Mark Wheatley, told reporters that his next goal, once Barcelona and its surrounding areas are more thoroughly pacified, would be to focus on Madrid and attacking the Republican faction there. He feels confident that Coalition forces could take Madrid by the end of summer, and bring the whole war to a close.
“Barcelona Falls to Coalition,” Manhattan Gazette, April 3, 1944.

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After the fall of Barcelona in early April 1944, everyone predicted the quick end of the war and the complete collapse of the Communalist faction. Instead, the so-called Spanish People’s Republic regrouped around the city of Zaragoza and prepared for a second round against the Coalition. At the same time, their government sent negotiators to meet with General Pinta’s Republican forces in Madrid to propose a truce. The Communalists believed that it the Coalition and the Monarchists made a greater threat to Spain than the Republicans, and wanted to join forces to try and drive out the foreign invaders and then take Seville and throw out the Royal Family. General Pinto was skeptical of the idea at first, but was eventually won over by his advisors, and on May 15th, the so-called “People’s Truce” was announced. Under the terms of the truce, the United Republic of Spain and the Spanish People’s Republic would join forces under a single military command and fight against the Coalition. The Monarchists would be targeted later. It would take nearly a year of fighting, but as the war dragged on it became more and more unpopular abroad, and support in the Coalition nations began to wane and all the rebels had to do was hold out long enough.
Rice, Dr. Samuel. Spanish Twilight: The Troubled Years After the Global War. Brooklyn: New York University Press, 2009.

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CPUS ADOPTS NATIONAL HEALTHCARE TO ELECTION GOALS
CHICAGO - At their annual convention, the Communalist Party of the United States has formally adopted a plan calling for the establishment of a nationalized healthcare system for the whole nation. This plan is modeled off of what was instituted in Indiana back in 1933, where all medical services are managed and provided by the state, at no upfront cost to the citizens when they seek medical attention. This model has seemingly worked well in Indiana, though detractors point to higher taxes and less choice in medical care as major problems with the system. There are actually two competing forms of this plan that the CPUS has adopted. One would be a state-by-state system where healthcare would be managed by state systems that would then be indirectly managed at the national level. The other would be direct national control over the entire medical system in the United States, greatly expanding the role of the Department of Health and making all hospitals part of the Federal Hospital System.
“CPUS Adopts National Healthcare to Election Goals,” St. Louis Courier, May 5, 1944.

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PIKE HONORED BY CITY AMID THREATS
ALLEN PARK, BR- Local veteran Jesse Pike was given the key to the city yesterday afternoon by Mayor Scott Carlin. Pike was honorably discharged from the army following an undisclosed injury that left his right leg partially paralyzed. He returned stateside two weeks ago. “It truly is my pleasure to recognize this great man,” Mayor Carlin said, “and bequeath unto him the key to our fair city. I can only hope that future generations will look back on you, Jesse, and see a true hero.”

Pike was humbled by the ceremony. “I simply did what any man who loves this great nation would do. What God wanted me to do,” he said. “I really don’t feel all this is necessary, I must admit; but regardless, thank you for the honor. It’s good to be home.”

“All of us in the congregation are very proud of him,” said George Abernathy, rector of St. Josaphat United Episcopal Church. “Of course, we've known Jesse was an upstanding young man ever since he was an acolyte.”

However, not everyone was pleased by the honor bestowed upon Pike. “He doesn’t deserve anything,” said Hank Crenshaw owner of McCarthy’s Public House. “He knows what he did, and if he’s smart, he’ll come clean. If he doesn’t, I’ll have to clean him myself.” Shortly after, Crenshaw was detained by authorities to answer questions regarding his threatening comment. Crenshaw asserted he didn’t intend to bring Pike any harm. Pike declined to comment on the incident.
“Pike Honored by City Amid Threats,” Allen Park Post-Gazette, July 9, 1944.
(This article and the basis for the Jesse Pike story was written by @The Chimera Virus)

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Homophilia has existed in every major culture throughout history with varying levels of taboo surrounding the subject. However it wasn’t until the early and mid twentieth century that more open discussion about the topic began in earnest. There had been debates at the university level in Europe in the late 1800s, but these were largely cracked down on by governments in France, Prussia, Austria, and the United Kingdom. The same attitudes existed in the United States as well, with laws banning what was at the time termed “sodomy” being passed in most U.S. States as well as most other parts of North America, save for a few provinces in the Texas Federation where liberal German immigrants controlled local politics and kept such repressive laws off the books, even if homophilia remained taboo there as well.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that the first groups that advocated for the rights of homophiles started to appear in the United States, the first being the Spartan Society of Boston in 1921. These early groups met in secret and had special code words to try and avoid the notice of police vice squads. As the 1920s moved along, several psychologists began to look into human sexuality in new and groundbreaking ways, most notably Professor Donald Loughlin of the University of Boston. Highly communalist-leaning Boston became very tolerant of these discussions, and several more pro-homophilia organizations began to pop up around the city. Other early hubs of such organizations include Manhattan and Chicago, where homophilic clubs and bars began opening up more publicly in the early 1930s.

In 1934 Professor Loughlin published the now famous work Homophilia: Let Us Love in which he openly identified as a homophile and advocated for a new and broader understanding of human sexuality and called for the abolition of the sodomy laws from the nineteenth century. Conservative politicians called for Loughlin’s arrest, but the city of Boston protected Loughlin and others like him, which quickly established the city as the major center of the early Homophilic Rights Movement. Two years after the publishing of Let Us Love, all of the major homophilic organizations in Boston came together to establish the Homophilc Society of America, which quickly established offices in other parts of the nation.

In these early years, all of the major religious organizations in the United States condemned homophilia, some quite vehemently. However, some members of the United Episcopal Church started to have quiet, behind-the-scenes discussions about the topic and trying to discern what, if anything, the Bible really said about homophilic relationships.
Denton, Dr. Amelia. Revolution of Love: Homophilic Rights in the 40s and 50s. Boston: Kennedy Press, 2005.

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Jesse Pike was born on a farm near Allen Park, Brandt, in the summer of 1918. His parents, Joseph and Carolyn Pike, had moved to Brandt Territory in 1914, getting land as part of a government program to resettle the territory in the wake of the Dixiana uprising, and Jesse was their third son. Growing up in the medium-sized community of about 15,000 people about halfway between the state capital of Roosevelt City and the border with Platte, Jesse was eager to get out and see the wider world. As soon as he turned 18 in June of 1936, he enlisted in the United States Army. Following basic training in Oregon, Pike was part of a massive troop deployment to Asia in early 1937, and would see action in both Choson and Japan before the war ended there in 1938. With another year remaining on his enlistment, Pike was transferred to occupation duty in Spain, where he would renew his enlistment in 1939.

Jesse Pike remained in Spain until the summer of 1944, after he and his men were attacked by Republican rebels near Seville. Several of his men were killed and his right leg was injured, resulting in him requiring a cane in order to walk for the rest of his life. Jesse came home to the United States and his hometown of Allen Park at the end of June, 1944, and received a hero’s welcome.

It was during his time in the army, specifically while on occupation duty in Spain, that Jesse came to accept that he was a homophile, something he had wrestled with while still in secondary school. He kept this very private, of course, but he was able to meet fellow homophiles in the service and got in contact with members of the HSA in Boston. After his injury, he planned to eventually move to Boston or Chicago once he could figure out a career change.

These plans were altered when Hank Crenshaw, a former friend and lover from before his army days, publicly accused him of being a homophile, just weeks after Jesse had been honored by the city of Allen Park for his years of military service. Once it became known that Crenshaw and Pike had been involved, it became a major scandal not only in Brandt but eventually nationwide. Jesse’s family disowned him, and what career opportunities he had been considered came crashing down. Thankfully, George Abernathy, the rector of St. Josaphat United Episcopal Church where Jesse had attended since childhood, took him in and offered him safe harbor while the scandal swirled around in the press. Abernathy quickly became an outspoken homophilic supporter and praised Jesse as an upstanding citizen and condemned those who attacked him, “solely on the merit of who he chooses to love.”

Despite the personal stress of those events, Jesse later reflected that he was glad it happened. His story pushed the cause for homophilic rights into the national spotlight for the first time, and some of the earliest strides made by the movement were directly linked to his story first appearing in the press.
Yandell, Avery. The Jesse Pike Story. Boston: New Love Press, 2001.

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QUEEN VICTORIA III DEAD AT 73
LONDON - The Victorian Era has ended. Queen Victoria III, 73, passed away last night in her sleep. Having ruled for 29 years and continued the legacy of being a social reformer started by her grandmother Victoria the Great, Victoria III is remembered as an outspoken critic of Britain’s old guard of landed gentry and a champion of the workers. Her son, Prince WIlliam Victor, shall now take the throne as King William V, Britain’s first King in over a century. It remains to be seen what sort of mark this new ruler, who just turned 44 last month, will make on the British Empire. There are some that speculate he will want to focus on giving greater independence to the colonies, and expect him to push for some sort of grand imperial restructuring in a few years once he is coronated and better established.
“Queen Victoria III Dead at 73,” Franklin Observer, September 2, 1944.

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CPUS GAINS GROUND IN CONGRESS THANKS TO HEALTHCARE PROPOSAL
FRANKLIN - The 1944 Congressional Election results are in, and the President’s party has lost ground, dropping 66 seats from two years ago. Meanwhile, all three of the other parties in Congress gained over 20 seats. The Federalists are now at 172 seats, the Nationalists are at 74 (+21), the Liberals are now at 123 (+21), and the CPUS now has 131 seats (+24). Most speculate that the CPUS made many of its biggest victories and upsets due to the popular proposal of universal, nationalized healthcare that the party added to its platform back in May.

It remains to be seen at this time whether or not First Secretary Anthony Prichard of Ohio will remain at his post, or if the Liberal and Communalists might be able to combine forces and oust him with the support of a few renegade Nationalists or Federalists.
“CPUS Gains Ground in Congress Thanks to Healthcare Proposal,” Boston Eagle, November 12, 1944.

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PRICHARD REMAINS FIRST SECRETARY
FRANKLIN - First Secretary Anthony Prichard has been able to get enough supporters from the Liberal Party to remain in office, despite attempts from both the Liberals and the Communalists to try and rally around an opposition candidate. However, it is expected that there will be at least a minor cabinet shuffle, replacing one or two cabinet secretaries with someone either form the Liberal or Communalist parties to reflect their victories in last November’s election. No word yet on which position or positions will be offered, just that such a swap has been discussed between President Freeman and First Secretary Prichard.
“Prichard Remains First Secretary,” New Orleans Star, January 15, 1945.

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PIKE SCANDAL CAUSING DEBATE IN UNITED EPISCOPAL CHURCH
PHILADELPHIA - As the United Episcopal Church gathers for their biennial conference in Philadelphia, the so-called “Pike Scandal,” involving a young soldier from Brandt who was discovered to be a homophile and then sheltered by his local Episcopal priest, is poised to become a major point of debate by church leaders. For over a decade, there have been those in the church, especially leading theological professors at various Episcopal universities around the country, who have begun to advocate for a new stance on homophilia and human sexuality, as they feel new research and modern understandings should be taken into account. The priest from the Pike Scandal, Father George Abernathy, is expected to address the conference and call on the church to “adopt a position of love and acceptance to all of God’s children.” Abernathy is on record saying that he believes that the scriptures used to condemn homophilia by the church have been misused, and he believes that those who identify as homophilia are born with these inclinations naturally, and for them to conform to relationships with those of the opposite sex would in fact be unnatural for them.
“Pike Scandal Causing Debate in United Episcopal Church,” Chicago Herald, February 8, 1945.

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SEVENTH NA CONFERENCE OPENS IN NEW ORLEANS
NEW ORLEANS - The Seventh North American conference has opened in the city of New Orleans, with President Freeman welcoming his fellow leaders at an elaborate outdoor ceremony in Brandt Square, flags flying and military honor guards saluting as everyone arrived. Of the five leaders at the meeting, the one who really has captured the attention of the press is newly sworn in Borealian Prime Minister Patricia Meeker, the first female leader of America’s northern neighbor. Also attending of course is Texan President Juan Koenig, Californian Chancellor Alberto Alvarez, and Mexican Prime MInister Enrique Montreal.

The primary topic of discussion is likely going to be the proposed unified defense command, first suggested last year by Chancellor Alvarez. The proposal points to the cooperation by the five conference nations during the Global War, and suggests that the armies of the five nations of North American should set up a common command to coordinate defense, an extension of the existing mutual defense agreement established in the Manhattan Treaty of 1933, which states that an attack on one member of the conference is an attack on all the members. Most nations have responded favorably to the proposal, though there are some in President Freeman’s administration that are wary that this new proposal could make further obligations for the United States at a point in time where war-weariness is at an all time high.

Also likely to be discussed is the proposed addition of Hawaii into the conference system. The independent Kingdom of Hawaii was crucial to the war effort in Asia while the countries of North America fought against Chinese aggression, and some feel it only natural to include the island nation as part of the North American alliance more formally.
“Seventh NA Conference Opens in New Orleans,” Franklin Observer, March 5, 1945.

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WILLIAM V CROWNED IN LONDON - UK HAS KING FOR FIRST TIME IN 103 YEARS
LONDON - For the first time since 1841, there is a king on the throne of Great Britain. King WIlliam V, 44, was crowned in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Royals and leaders from around the globe were in attendance as His Majesty took the royal oath before not only the crowds in the cathedral, but also watching live via a telecinema broadcast across London. Unlike in 1915, when William’s mother was crowned Queen, there are fewer royals in attendance. With half of Italy now part of the UER, the King of Naples was the only Italian monarch in attendance. And with Russia and Spain in the throws of civil war, neither of their royal families attended.

Following the ceremony, King William V and his wife Queen Elizabeth and their four children made their way via open carriage from the cathedral westward towards St. James Park and the Queen Victoria memorial, where the royal family stopped and placed flowers at the base of the obelisk marking the spot where Buckingham Palace once stood. This is a new tradition first started by Queen Victoria III at her coronation in 1915, to honor the memory of her grandmother and all the others who were killed in the Edwards-Bradley Conspiracy of 1899. After laying the flowers, the royal entourage continued through St. James Park and back to Whitehall Palace, all the while the British public lined the parade route, waving Union Jacks and cheering wildly.
"William V Crowned in London - UK Has King for First Time in 103 Years,” Brooklyn Standard, April 25, 1945.

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NEW ORLEANS TREATY SIGNED: CONTINENTAL DEFENSE COMMAND ESTABLISHED
NEW ORLEANS - In a historic yet expected move, the five nations of the North American Conference signed the New Orleans Treaty, which officially established the North American Continental Defense Command, which will be a joint military command center to coordinate the defense of five member nations. The headquarters will likely be placed in the United States, although that will be decided later this year. Top candidate cities include St. Louis, Chicago, and Neu Frankfurt in Texas. A secondary conference and treaty is expected to hammer out the finer details of the NACDC, but in the current treaty, it was agreed that a senior general from each military will be assigned to a special council that will be in charge of the command, and each year one of those generals will be the chairman.
“New Orleans Treaty Signed: Continental Defense Command Established,” Manhattan Gazette, May 3, 1945.

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REBELS RETAKE BARCELONA
SEVILLE - After months and months of guerrilla warfare that has slowly but surely drained the GPC Coalition Forces, the Spanish Anti-Monarchist Combined Army was able to retake Barcelona, effectively driving the coalition out of eastern Spain. Senior Coalition commanders in Seville predict that, with current troop levels, it is only a matter of when before the Coalition is forced to abandon the rest of Spain. Two options now remain: either commit more troops to the fight, or it is time to withdraw. The future of Spain still remains up in the air, even if the monarchy is overthrown, as many observers have serious doubts about whether or not the Republicans and the Communalists will be able to continue to work together after the monarchists are defeated.

With the current political climate in the United States, it seems unlikely that America will commit any more troops to the cause. Congressional Nationalists have called for sending more troops, but it is doubtful that they could sway enough votes from the Liberals or Communalists to achieve this.
“Rebels Retake Barcelona,” St. Louis Courier, May 19, 1945.

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FIRST CAPITAL PARK TO BE TAKEN OVER BY FEDERAL PARK SERVICE
GEORGETOWN - After nearly three years of negotiations between the Federal Park Service and the State of Maryland Preservation Board, it has been announced that First Capital Park in Georgetown, Maryland, will be taken over by the Federal Park Service in October. The park, which is the site of the nation’s previous capital that was destroyed during the War of 1812, currently consists of grounds and ruins of the old Capitol Building, a diagonal strip of land that connects it to the original President’s House, which was added to the park in 1928. The old mansion, which had been a hotel owned by the Roosevelt family until 1920, sat derelict for several years before the state was able to acquire it and do some basic restoration work. The Federal Park service hopes that it can continue the restoration work on both the President's House and the Capitol Ruins, along with the restoration of the existing museum along with the possible construction of a new museum by the old mansion.
"First Capital Park to be Taken Over by Federal Park Service,” Baltimore Courier, July 4, 1945.

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MEXICAN EMPRESS DEAD AT 74
MEXICO CITY - Empress Gabriela of Mexico, who has reigned since 1913, has passed away in her sleep at the Palacio Imperial in Mexico City. The Empress’s early reign was marred in civil war, as her brother challenged her legitimacy to the throne. Since the end of the conflict in 1921, Mexico has slowly flourished under the stable reign of Mexico’s first female ruler and increasing trade with the rest of North America. The open trade and travel agreements of 1936 and 1939 have further improved things for the Mexican Empire.

Succeeding the Empress is her son, Phillip, who has indicated he will take the regnal name of Jorge III, honoring his grandfather who was Emperor 1898 to 1913. Phillip is 50 years old and is said to be vibrant and in good health, and will likely reign for several decades. He is also said to be a supporter of the democratic reforms carried out by his mother and grandfather.
“Mexican Empress Dead at 74,” Franklin Observer, July 27, 1945.

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HOUSE VOTES TO END MISSION IN SPAIN
FRANKLIN - In a surprise to no one, the House of Representatives today voted to end the military mission in Spain, calling for a full and immediate withdrawal of all American forces from Spain by the end of the year, to begin within two weeks. The Senate is expected to pass the bill, and of course President Freeman, who campaigned for an end to the war, will likely sign it the moment it arrives on his desk.

Since the fall of Barcelona to the Anti-Monarchists in May, the Coalition has continued to lose ground to the rebels, with increasing casualties. Seville is said to be in a state of panic with the prospect of the withdrawal of foreign troops and an eventual collapse of the royal government that will likely follow.
“House Votes to End Mission in Spain,” Manhattan Gazette, August 4, 1945.

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CEASEFIRE IN SPAIN
SEVILLE - After two years of fighting, the Spanish Civil War has ended. With the rebels having taken Madrid and Barcelona and the will to continue fighting amongst the GCP Coalition waining, this seems to have been the inevitable conclusion of the war. President Freemen is expected to address the nation live via the wireless on the 15th to address what Washington House is terming “a momentous occasion.” American troops have been returning home from Spain since the middle of August, after the Congress withdrew funding support from the war. Now that the Coalition and the Anti-Monarchist Forces have signed a ceasefire, negotiations are expected to begin to create a formal treaty ending the war soon.

It has been reported that the Spanish Royal Family has started making preparations to leave Seville, although exactly where they will end up remains unknown at this time.
“Ceasefire in Spain,” Franklin Observer, September 13, 1945.

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FATHER ABERNATHY DEAD BY ASSASSIN'S BULLET
ROOSEVELT CITY, BR - Father George Abernathy, the United Episcopal priest from Allen Park, Brandt, who has become an outspoken supporter of the so-called homophilic rights movement ever since one of his parishioners became embroiled in a scandal last year, has been assassinated yesterday after speaking at an event put on by the Homophilic Society of America at St. Crispin’s Cathedral in Roosevelt City. As Father Abernathy left the cathedral by the main entrance, an as-of-yet unidentified gunman opened fire, killing Abernathy instantly, on the steps of the cathedral. Roosevelt City Chief of Police Harrison Holsapple told the press that his department would do everything in its power to find the killer and bring him to justice.

This shooting is likely to send shockwaves through the homophilic community across the country, as many people saw him as a potentially major figure as this new movement continues to grow. Now, some wonder if this murder could undermine the movements efforts, or if instead this may serve as a rallying cry for homophiles and their supporters.
“Father Abernathy Dead by Assassin’s Bullet,” Boston Eagle, October 30, 1945.

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On October 29th, Pike’s mentor and new-found father figure was shot down in cold blood on the steps of St. Crispin’s Cathedral in Roosevelt City. This brazen murder was a huge blow to Pike, and just over a year after the original scandal that outed him as a homophile. As death threats increased, and with his family continuing to shut him out, Jesse packed his bags and left Brandt for good. Having made many new contacts with the HSA since the initial scandal in 1944, Jesse moved to the East Coast and relocated to Boston, where he began to work with the main HSA office.
Yandell, Avery. The Jesse Pike Story. Boston: New Love Press, 2001.

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When the delegates from the United States, Great Britain, the Spanish Monarchy, and the Spanish Anti-Monarchist Alliance arrived in Rome in November of 1945, the end of the Kingdom of Spain was already a foregone conclusion. What remained to be settled was the fate of the country once the monarch and his family had fled. There was some discussion about splitting the country between the republicans and the communalists, but there were other forces that wanted to keep the country united, and still others that wanted to see the country become part of the UER. The delegates of the peace conference and the administrators of the GPC had a lot to try and tackle, and the negotiations took several months to work out, not ending until January 1946, with the official treaty signing taking place on February 1st.

The Spanish Royal Family were granted asylum in Corsica, becoming guests of Bourbon Court in New Paris. King Ferdinand IX and his family departed from Seville on December 1st, 1945, not waiting for the end of the negotiations. The Anti-Monarchist Alliance was adamant that Spain not be divided, so the discussion turned to the creation of a republic. In the final treaty, a ten person council was agreed upon, with five members from the republicans, and five from the communalists, to act as a caretaker government until a new constitution could be written.

Great Britain, Naples, and several other powers also feared having Spain annexed into the UER, so the treaty specifically forbade any such action, with no objections coming from the government in Strassburg.
Rice, Dr. Samuel. Spanish Sunset: The Troubled Years After the Global War. Brooklyn: New York University Press, 2009.

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OLYMPICS RETURN TO LONDON - FIRST TIME SINCE 1910
LONDON - In a dazzling ceremony full of pomp and flair, King William V opened the 10th World Olympic Games at the newly renovated and expanded Royal Stadium at Wembley Park, site of the first games back in 1910, which were opened by the King’s grandmother, Victoria II. Unlike in 1942, where most of Britain’s larger colonies marched in separately with their own teams, most of the British colonies joined the “United Britain” team and marched in together behind the Union Jack. Reports in British papers indicated that the British government wanted to give the best possible showing for their Empire at these games and pressured the colonial Olympic committees to join forces “one last time.”
“Olympics Return to London - First Time Since 1910,” New Orleans Star, July 15, 1946.

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HOMOPHILIC SOCIETY HOLDS MARCH IN HONOR OF ABERNATHY
BOSTON - Marking the one year anniversary of the assassination of Father George Abernathy, the Homophilic Society of America held a march through the city of Boston in honor of his memory, and demanding that anti-sodomy laws across the nation be repealed. The march went down Columbus Avenue and ended at the Boston Commons. Police estimate that several hundred marchers went along the route, and that the rally in the Commons held at least one thousand people. Many of the marchers carried banners with crossed circles, which has become a symbol adopted by the HSA in recent years, which stands for two people united in love, regardless of gender.

A particularly poignant moment occurred at the rally when the now-famous former parishioner of Abernathy, Jesse Pike, spoke to the crowd gathered on the Commons. Pike, who’s outing in 1944 caused a minor scandal in the state of Brandt and helped bring the discussion of homophilic rights out in the wider press, has been living in Boston since this spring, and has become involved in the HSA work in Boston. During his speech, Pike said, “Father Abernathy was a dear friend and a mentor, and he saved my life when it all seemed to be falling apart. He treated me no differently, and showed true Christian kindness to someone in need. We must remember his good will, and call on others to follow his example, to love others as Christ has loved us.”
“Homophilic Society Holds March in Honor of Abernathy,” The American Worker, October 28, 1946.

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MASSACHUSETTS REPEALS SODOMY LAW
BOSTON - The Massachusetts legislature has become the first state out of 23 that had some sort of anti-sodomy law to repeal such rules, responding to the increasing public support in Massachusetts for such a move. The repeal has gone into immediate effect, and Governor Vanhausen has ordered anyone being held in state custody on sodomy charges to be pardoned and released. The Homophilic Society of America’s executive director Aldon Lewis called the repeal “a first victory in what will hopefully be many to come in the future.”

While some regions of the country, primarily in areas where the Liberals and Communalists are strong, have begun to support the budding homophilic rights movement, other areas, especially where the Nationalists hold sway, are doubling down on what they call “traditional, moral values.” The states of Jefferson and Arkansas have both vowed to strengthen their existing anti-sodomy laws.
“Massachusetts Repeals Sodomy Law,” Chicago Herald, November 26, 1946.

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LIBS RETAKE CONTROL OF HOUSE
FRANKLIN - Although no single party has a majority in the House after yesterday’s election, the Liberals are the clear winner, going from 123 seats to 177, the President’s Federalist party dropping from 172 to 99. The Nationalists picked up 14 seats, and the Communalists picked up 5. It is clear that First Secretary Anthony Prichard will be removed when the new House meets in January. The big question on everyone’s mind now is, who will be the new first secretary, and will they be supported by a Liberal-Federalist coalition, or a Liberal-Communalist one?
“Libs Retake Control of House,” Franklin Observer, November 6, 1946.

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COLTON ANDERSON SWORN IN AS FIRST SECRETARY
FRANKLIN - North Carolina Representative Colton Anderson, a third term Liberal from Raleigh, has been elected as the thirtieth First Secretary of the United States. HIs support comes from his own Liberal Party, and the Federalists, along with four members of the Communalist Party. When the new First Secretary meets with President Freemen later today, it is expected that there will be a cabinet shuffle announced, but it remains to be seen just what the new cabinet will look like.
“Colton Anderson Sworn in as First Secretary,” St. Louis Courier, January 16, 1947.

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UNITED EPISCOPAL CHURCH ADOPTS PRO-HOMOPHILIA STANCE - FEAR OF SCHISM
COLUMBUS - In a shocking move at the biennial meeting of the United Episcopal Church, seventy-two percent of the delegates voted to remove the church’s condemnation of homophilia. The official wording states that “while this controversial issue is still unfolding and more research, discussion, and prayer is needed, the United Episcopal Church affirms the value of people who identify as homophiles as beloved children of God, and as such are welcome to partake in the life of the Church, including the Holy Sacrament of Communion.” The statement stopped short of saying that homophilia is not a sin, and the statement also went on to say that the Church will not at this time make any formal blessing of relationships between two people of the same gender.

This is a groundbreaking decision by the UEC, and one that is bound to have far-reaching consequences. This also is the first time any major Christian denomination has shown any sign of positivity towards homophilia and is sure to be quite controversial nationwide, and likely around the world. After the vote was taken and the passage of the statement confirmed, nearly 100 delegates walked out in protest, and there is talk of a possible schism. At the very least, some observers speculate that we may see many UEC congregations break with the Church, and if they don’t form their own denomination they may seek to join the Conservative Episcopal Church of America.
“United Episcopal Church Adopts Pro-Homophilia Stance - Fear of Schism,” Chicago Herald, March 3, 1947.

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The so-called “Beloved Children of God” declaration by the UEC in 1947 was a watershed moment for the homophilic rights movement. No other religious denomination had gone so far as to say open homophiles could be given communion before, and for the church to do that and call homophiles beloved children of God was truly revolutionary, and it kicked off a debate not only in the UEC, but also in Christianity across the globe. In 1948, the Communalist Christian Assembly followed the UEC’s example, and went a step further, saying that they did not consider homophilic attraction a choice and therefore it could not be sinful. In 1951 the CCA would go on to allow the blessings of same-sex relationships, something that the UEC would take much longer to officially condone.

The UEC did not officially have a schism as a result of their change in stance towards homophiles, but an estimated ⅓ of the over 8,000 UEC parishes that existed in 1947 left the church. Most of those congregations joined the Conservative Episcopal Church of America (quite a big boost to a church that had had declining membership since not long after the War Between the States). Other parishes tried to strike it out on their own, and there was a loose network of churches known as the Independent Episcopal Churches, but this only lasted for a about a decade as most of the parishes either closed or joined other existing denominations by the 1960s.
Denton, Dr. Amelia. Revolution of Love: Homophilic Rights in the 40s and 50s. Boston: Kennedy Press, 2005.

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CPUS PROPOSES EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT FOR WOMEN
INDIANAPOLIS - The Communalist Party has voted at their annual congress to support a proposed “equal rights for women” amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The language of the proposed amendment would make men and women equal before the law, and forbid any preferential treatment for one gender over the other. The amendment also specifically states that employers must pay men and women the same amount for the same type of work. There has been discussion about such an amendment since the early 1900s, starting not long after the passage of the 22nd Amendment gave women the right to vote. Here and now, 47 years after the passage of this amendment, women are still paid, on average, 45 cents to the dollar compared to their male counterparts, and reports of various forms of mistreatment towards women in the workplace remain common.

Although the CPUS is the only party officially backing such an amendment, there does seem to be a broad level of support in the public for such an amendment. A recent poll conducted by the Franklin Observer found that nearly 60% of Americans would support some form of this amendment, despite the fact that no other party has yet to come out in support.
“CPUS Proposes Equal Rights Amendment for Women,” The American Worker, May 4, 1947.

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SENATOR NOLAN CALLS FOR A RETURN TO NORMALCY
ST. LOUIS - In a fiery speech in front of a hometown audience, Missouri Senator James Nolan has called for the nation to “return to normalcy,” now that the war in Spain is over and the troops are coming home. “For too long, the Federalist and Liberal Parties have allowed this nation to drift from our core values. They don’t truly value the sacrifices our military has made on our nation’s behalf. They don’t hold to the tried and true moral values that so many of our citizens support. In a few weeks, perverts in Boston will go on the march demanding that their sinful ways be legalized across the nation. Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Americans, we must change things. We must demand a return to normalcy from our government. Stop runaway spending. Stop reliance on government assistance. Stop the erosion of wholesome family values. It is time for America to do a course correction.”

This speech, given at a rally in downtown St. Louis, was greeted with thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd. Many predict Senator Nolan to run for the presidency next year, and he has a good shot at winning the Nationalist’s nomination if he runs. With the war in Spain over and the troops returning and trying to reintegrate into normal life, the nation seems to be finding itself at a crossroads, with some wanting to return to the way things were before the country was dragged into the Global War back in 1934, while others want to bring about potentially great change. It is seeming more and more likely that next year’s presidential race will be a sort of national referendum on which path the country should take.
“Senator Nolan Calls for a Return to Normalcy,” Chicago Herald, October 15, 1947.

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ABERNATHY MARCHES HELD IN FOUR CITIES
FRANKLIN - For the second year in a row, the Homophilic Society of America is holding a march and rally in Boston in honor of the late Father George Abernathy, a UEC priest who had become an outspoken supporter of homophilic rights before his assassination in 1945. This year, however, the HSA is also holding marches in Manhattan, Franklin, and Philadelphia, and are expecting much larger crowds. Voters in five states and districts will be weighing in on the possibility of repealing anti-sodomy laws, which the HSA wants to see repealed nationwide, and these marches are trying to drum up support for the repeal campaigns. The Districts of Manhattan and Washington, and the States of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio all have referendums on the ballot that would, if passed, require the legislatures of those districts and states to repeal their anti-sodomy laws and pardon anyone who had been convicted under such laws.

The votes in Manhattan and New York seem to be foregone conclusions at this point, with high support for the new homophilic rights movement appearing in every poll taken. Things in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and the District of Washington, however, are more uncertain, as polls show a very narrow edge for one side or the other in each jurisdiction.
“Abernathy Marches Held in Four Cities,” Boston Eagle, October 29, 1947.

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VP THOMPSON WILL RUN IN 1948
BOSTON - Vice President Eliza Thompson has announced that she will run for the presidency in next year’s election, marking the first time that a woman has attempted to gain a major party nomination for the presidency. Thompson’s run will come at a time when her party is struggling to find it’s message and voice. Back in 1942, the message was simple, “Bring the Boys Home,” but now with the war in Spain over and done with, and the economy being in a post-war slump and social issues dominating public discourse, the Federalists seem unsure of just where they want to lead the nation. Thompson’s theme of “road to prosperity” may fall flat since unemployment has been on the rise ever since the end of the war.
“VP Thompson Will Run in 1948,” Franklin Observer, December 1, 1947.

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GOVERNOR CRAFT PULLING AHEAD IN LIBERAL RACE
JOSHUAVILLE, MI - Governor Andrew Craft of Mississippi is pulling ahead of the three other candidates in the race for the Liberal Party’s nomination for the presidency. After last night’s primary vote, Craft is well in the lead, ahead of Oregonian Senator Michael Perry, New Orleans Mayor Patricia Dent, and Virginia Governor Wallace Fortune. Regardless of who wins, the Liberal Party will have their work cut out for them if they hope to win back Washington House in November. The Liberals have long held the mantle of social reformers, but that is being upstaged by the Communalist Party with their support of the women’s rights amendment and tacit support of the homophilic rights movement. The message coming from Craft and the other candidates seems to be of “progress in moderation,” that while change is good and healthy, too much change at once can be a toxic shock to the system.
“Governor Craft Pulling Ahead in Liberal Race,” Chicago Herald, March 3, 1948.

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NATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA GATHER IN VERA CRUZ
VERA CRUZ, MEX - President Freeman and Secretary of State Alkier have travelled to Vera Cruz in the Empire of Mexico to attend the Eighth North American Conference, being hosted by Emperor Jorge III and his Prime Minister, Felix Moya. Also in attendance is Californian Chancellor Alberto Alvarez, Texan President Gloria Lopez (that nation’s first female leader), and Borealian Prime Minister Patricia Meeker. The primary item of interest on the conference agenda is a proposal from Prime Minister Meeker to reform the conference system into a more permanent organization like the Global Peace Council. With the proposal having been made just a month before the meeting, and with President Freeman and Chancellor Alvarez about to leave office, it is unlikely that any action will be taken on the proposal at this time. Instead, a commitment to focus on it more fully at the next conference in 1951 is expected.
“Nations of North America Gather in Vera Cruz,” Manhattan Gazette, March 20, 1948.

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SENATOR CONRAD RECEIVES CPUS NOD
CHICAGO - Illinois Senator Keith Conrad has been elected by the CPUS’s annual party congress as their nominee for the presidency, a break in recent Communalist Party tradition where the party chairman is usually nominated. Chairman Joseph Bentley of Indiana announced before the congress that he did not want to run for the presidency, citing private family matters as the reason for not wanting to run. Senator Conrad has been an outspoken supporter of recent party decisions to support the women’s rights amendment and the shift towards supporting the homophilic rights movement as well. This has helped home become very popular with a lot of the party’s supporters. The big question will be if he can pull away enough independent voters to really give the CPUS a viable chance at the presidency for the first time in history.
“Senator Conrad Receives CPUS Nod,” St. Louis Courier, May 5, 1948.

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NOLAN’S CALL FOR NORMALCY POPULAR WITH VOTERS
FRANKLIN - Senator Nolan’s call for a return to normalcy seems to be resonating with many voters as the nation enters the final two months before the presidential election. While younger voters seem to be gravitating towards Senator Conrad’s message of increased social change, middle aged voters seem to be more interested in Senator Nolan’s call to return to the days before the war, and also his support of “traditional values,” as he calls them, in the wake of recent calls for the equal rights amendment and repeal of anti-sodomy laws by the Homophilic Society of America.
“Nolan’s Call for Normalcy Popular With Voters,” Franklin Observer, September 4, 1948.

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DEBATE RESULTS: NOLAN AND CONRAD IN THE LEAD
ASTORIA - After the four-way debate last night, which was broadcast live via the wireless and also via telecinema, most polls show that Senators Nolan and Conrad are in the lead, far outperforming Governor Craft of the Liberal Party and Vice President Thompson of the Federalist Party. Nationalist Senator James Nolan seems to be in a slight lead over CPUS Senator Keith Conrad, with just under a month until the election. Most observers agree that both Nolan and Conrad appeared far more “presidential” than either Craft or Thompson, though there is a feeling that the moderator was treating the Vice President unfairly, which has caused some to make accusations of sexism.

One stand out moment during the debate came when the candidates were asked, “What is your opinion on the rise of the homophilic rights movement that this nation has seen over the past decade?” After V.P. Thompson’s non-committal response and Governor Craft stating that he thought the issue needs more study before he can commit to any action, Senator Nolan came out swinging.

“What do I think about this so-called movement? I think it’s appalling. A clear sign of moral decay that the Liberals and Federalists and the Communalists have allowed to fester. It’s another sign that America needs a course correction, and I’m the man for the job, to set us back on a godly and morally righteous path.”

Senator Conrad had his own strong rebuttal, saying “ I stand behind the movement for repeal. I believe that those who identify as homophiles have no choice in their emotional or physical attractions, that it is how they are wired. And as such we should not punish someone for who they love.”

Nolan fired back quickly, “Senator Conrad, this so-called love you speak of is an abomination before God. It goes against nature. And it is the duty of our government to protect our citizens from such obvious immorality. We cannot go against the Almighty and his clear teachings.”

“Clear teachings?” Conrad replied, “Senator, one need only pick up the paper and read about all the debates over the matter going on in our nation’s religious institutions to know that there is no clear teaching on the issue, not one that everyone agrees on at any rate. And furthermore, last time I checked you and I and the Vice President and the Governor are trying to become President, not high priest. So why don’t we focus on temporal matters and leave God out of this.”

“Senator Conrad, are you saying God has no place in this election, in this debate? Because that’s how that sounds to me. How can you call yourself a God-fearing man if you won’t acknowledge his place here?” Nolan replied, challengingly. “Senator Nolan, my faith is my own private matter. Don’t force your faith on me, and don’t force it on the country.”
“Debate Results: Nolan and Conrad in the Lead,” Brooklyn Standard, October 15, 1948

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NOLAN WINS! NORMALCY ON THE HORIZON
FRANKLIN - The Nationalist Party candidate for the presidency, Senator James Nolan of Missouri, and his running mate Timothy Priest, Representative from Arkansas, have won the most votes in the election and are the clear winners, if not yet at an absolute majority, after last night’s election. Mr. Nolan took 210 out of 582 electoral votes, just 82 votes shy of the 292 needed to win outright. CPUS candidate Senator Keith Conrad of Illinois and his running mate Governor Donald Franklin of Indiana won 154 votes coming in second place, the best ever showing for any CPUS candidate in history. The Liberal candidate, Governor Andrew Craft of Mississippi, received 134 electoral votes, and Vice President Eliza Thompson of the Federalist Party took just 84 seats. Now, in theory, the three other candidates could choose to block Nolan from the presidency, but such a move would be unprecedented in modern times. Although no official statement has been made, it is expected that Vice President Thompson will give her votes to Nolan, securing the presidency for the Nationalist party for the first time since James P. Roosevelt was elected thirty years ago.
“Nolan Wins! Normalcy on the Horizon,” St. Louis Courier, November 3, 1948.

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PIKE WINS STATE HOUSE RACE
BOSTON - Despite an upsetting loss for the CPUS at the national level, coming so close to winning Washington House for the first time ever but then losing to Nationalist Senator James Nolan, the Communalists did quite well here at the state level in Massachusetts, winning the largest bloc in the Statehouse for the first time ever. Of particular note is the election of Jesse Pike from Boston. Pike was at the center of a scandal four years ago when it was revealed that the recently returned soldier was a homophile, shocking his home town in the State of Brandt. Since that time, Pike relocated to Boston and has become an outspoken advocate for the Homophilic Society of America, and became involved with the CPUS ever since living here. Pike’s election to the state house is the first time on record that an openly homophilic candidate has ever been elected to government office in the United States, and is quite the milestone.
“Pike Wins State House Race,” Boston Eagle, November 3, 1948.

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Jesse Pike running for and then winning a seat in the Massachusetts State House of Representatives in November of 1948 was a huge moment for the Homophilic Rights Movement. For the first time in history, an open homophile had been elected to public office. And this local victory helped lift the spirits of those in left-leaning Boston amidst the backdrop of the election of James Nolan of the Nationalist Party as the thirty-second President of the United States. Nolan and his ideas were the antithesis of what Pike and his supporters stood for, and the newly minted Representative Pike would quickly become an outspoken critic of President Nolan, which helped his new-found political career take off much faster than anticipated.
Yandell, Avery. The Jesse Pike Story. Boston: New Love Press, 2001.

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Well, it took about a month, but here we go, new update!

Looking ahead.... the US is basically going to take a bit of a reactionary turn, at least with those in power, during the 1950s, as many want to return to some fanciful notion of the pre-war days. But at the same time, we are going to see a strong counter-culture movement fueled by the army vets from Spain (and even those from the Global War) demanding real change, as well as being fueled by a growing women's liberation movement and the homophilic rights movement. Expect a lot of protests and marches and for the presidential election of 1960 to be the culmination of a lot of that (which is when the US will elect its first woman and first communalist as President).

On that note, yes, I am *considering* having Jesse Pike be Georgina Lincoln's VP in the 1960 race. Pike will be 42, Lincoln will be 58. My main question here is, considering the general background of this TL's trajectory, would it be too soon to have an openly gay VP elected in 1960? We aren't even talking marriage equality yet or any of that stuff. Just a soon-to-be high profile gay politician getting the notice of the party's presidential candidate and getting tapped for VP.

On another note...I'm thinking of having some sort of cold war-esque rivalry grow between the US/North America and China as the 1950s gets going that will last a few decades. One part of that was the possible development of atomic weapons. Here I was thinking that Prussian scientists go to China after the War (Prussia and China were allies, after all, and there are a few sizable expat communities there), and China tests a bomb in the mid-1950s. US Intelligence learns of this and the US/North America begins work on their own bomb and tensions start to rise, especially as the Chinese Emperor gets older and the "next generation" is eager to make their mark and also finish what their fathers and grandfathers started in the Global War (that is, finishing the conquest of Choson and also annexing Japan).

Thoughts?