"I Feel as Strong as a Bull Moose!": The Square Deal Continued
- Thread starter DuckymcDuckface
- Start date
1932 Senate and House Elections, and the Brazilian Revolution of 1930
Ever since the State of Arizona became a state, it became a Democratic stronghold. Yes it occasionally went in Federal Election to Republican candidates but at the State level it was as Democratic as Arkansas and Tennessee. Dubbed the "Southern most Western state" due to its voting habits, the State legislature was ruled by the Democratic Party with a iron fist and the Senators it sent and the Governors that lead them had almost always been Democratic. Some attributed this too the influx of Southerners to the Territory after the Civil War while others contributed that it was due to the geographical and cultural occurrences that happened in the early territory but the rule of the Democratic Party was certain. Certain, that is, until the Crash of 1930. A small state in population by the time of the crash, it was hit especially hard by the crash with ranchers, farmers, miners, and government environmental employees feeling the hardest of these effects. Governor Fred Colter tried to combat it buy issuing the creation of a large scale water diversion project aimed at controlling flooding from the Colorado river on local rancher property's. In order to re-employ the unemployment he was able to get about 16,000 to work on the project. The water was diverted to a artificially made Lake and was able to significantly lower the devastating effects of the floods while providing new water access for ranchers in the arid central regions. He also ordered the creation of numerous more job building Dam projects on major rivers. A most famous of these included the Glen Canyon Dam which took 16 years to build at the cost of 21,200 workers and formed a key blockade of the Lower Colorado river. Ultimately the help from this works projects were short lived. More and more ranchers declared bankruptcy, unable to afford their ranches anymore and many moved to the big population centers in places like Phoenix to find work to no avail. The state Democratic Party which was divided between the rancher populists of Colter and the Urban machine dominated by longtime Phoenix Mayor Frank DeSouza began to grow more divided as Colter failed to end the unemployment numbers. DeSouza thus entered a unsuccessful bide for governor in the Democratic Primary. Large amounts of "vote creation" was reported come election day coming out of Phoenix but Colter was able to easily win nonetheless. The events of the primary disgusted Colter and he began to openly despised both the State and National Democratic party's had taken. He re portly wanted to "re-assess my world view". In September of 1932, he shocked the party when he made the announcement that he was shifting towards the Republican Party and would become one fully after he won the election. Party loyalists in the state could not take this. "True Democratic" forces refused to vote for the "Traitor Fred" and split from the voter along with most of the state Party itself. They re-held a new convention under the tittle of "Arizona State Democratic Party" in spite of Colter who would still be running under the Democratic Party label. DeSouza easily won the nomination on the 1st ballot and called himself the "True Democrat" in the race, thus giving the party the nickname "True Democrats". Republicans in their convention almost unanimously nominated Fred Colter out of view of electability with only minor ruffles from the Left and Right of the Party. Polling coming out of the major Phoenix newspapers which watched the race showed the shaping of a close race. The Weekly Journal-Miner showed a 53-45% polling average for Colter-DeSouza by October. But news from a anonymous source on the supposed "rigging of virtually all elections DeSouza ever ran for" sank him. Colter instantly lashed DeSouza around the allegations and labeled him a "Corrupted Insider". The election showed the state was in no mood for such allegations anymore.
The death of majority leader Thaddeus Caraway was not only a shock to the country but the world. The longtime, quote on quote "Strongman" of the Senate Democrats presided over the economic heaven which was the 1920s under Presidents Carter Glass and John Davis. He was found dead in his Arkansas home by his Wife (whom was running a congressional campaign at the time) whom quickly called the Police. The main cause of death would for a mystery for years to come. A relatively healthy man at the Age of 61, his death was thought to either be suicide or some complicated plot towards his death. But no handmarks or any signs of suicide appeared. It was eventually ruled that he died of Heart Attack after further examinations of his artery's but their were still other ideas. The Democratic Party was shocked by the news and the search for his replacement in the Senate began. At home, the Arkansas Governor Tom Jefferson Terral, a good friend of Caraway appointed his wife Hattie Caraway into her husbands old job. She happily agreed to the proposition and the following special election in 1932 was won by her despite a rather strong 35% Republican showing due to the wave that year. She ran on a platform of banking reform and Anti-Corruption while promising lower taxes, a end to Prohibition, and a fight to end the Flat Tax amendment which had become especially unpopular in the state. By January of 1932, the Democratic Party were able to decide among Hugo Jack, Senator from Alabama as their leader which both angered Northerners but cemented the Party as one of Southern interests.
However she was not in good company throughout the country. Republican Senator (whom would go to re-election in 1934) Huey P. Long would recall "That Year showed the Democrats that the Working Class and Poor can end 'em just as much as they can build em'". Losing throughout the country Senate race after Senate race, they were ousted of Senate control by the triumphant Republican Party. New Majority leader George W. Pepper, who replaced Charles Curtis due to his age, would preside over a new Senate of 52 Republican Senator which Anna Dickie Olesen of the Socialist's offering support for Social Welfare initiatives. They were able to make close races in states like Louisiana where Huey Long's republican shift followed him by a large influx of life long Democrats switching to the Republican Party. His colleague, the Governor Oscar Allen followed him though it would take some time for many prominent Louisiana's confident of his to make the switch too. One of these included John Fournet who ran for the Senate as a Longite democrat faced a democratic primary which was shifting from Huey Long's control and thus less favorable. He barely survived a primary challenge from Cecil Morgan, a former executive of the Standard Oil Company and a great admirer of the President Carter Glass and his politics. He would go on to face a tough Republican challenge from graying former Representative Lewis L. Morgan. The two didn't differ on much policy wise and the election itself was dominated by outside affairs. Morgan said Fournet was part of the "Party of Fiscal Poor-Hatred" while Fournet labled Morgan a Washington insider and part of the New Orleans machine. In the end the Republicans in the state were able to get 41% of the vote to Fournet's 57%, this highest in decades for the Republicans. But it was not all bad news for the State Republicans. Less then a month after his election he switched party's to join Huey Long as the two Republican Senators from Louisiana raising the number to 53 in total. "He played the Party like a fool" recalled later Democratic representative Jared Y. Sanders Jr.
Meanwhile Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut also flipped to Republicans. Races in New York, and Florida barely held on to Democrats. But nationally the Democrats were soundly rejected and overnight slow gains by Democrats in the Senates for more then a decade was swept away.
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The House elections that year showed yet more shift towards the Republicans. The effects of the Depression crushed Democratic candidates everywhere that year as expected and the once strong Democratic majority there was crushed overnight. Dropping 119 seats, they were reduced to 179 seats but were able to keep Republicans from a majority. The Republicans became a plurality party in the House of Representatives with 11 less then required, at 207 seats total. But they jumped 98 seats in total. But perhaps the biggest surprise of the House Elections was the massive growth the third party American Conservative and Socialists had grown. New York Republican turned American Conservative Bertrand Snell led his small party to a 7 seat gain at the expense of mostly all Democrats incumbents. The Socialists meanwhile also nominated a new leader in Norman Thomas who was able to run under the socialist banner in 1931 in a special election and win in his tiny New York City area Representational seat. He lead his small party to a even bigger gain of 13 seats to 20 total, more then doubling his party control.
After long negotiations Robert Bacon and key Republican officials were able to forge a coalition with the Socialist Party into order to gain a Majority. Come March of 1932, Robert Bacon was handed the speakers Gavel from Andrew Montague, whom would retire from politics less then a year after, and his Republican-Socialist majority coalition presided over one of the smallest ruling House coalitions in history.
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(I had this whole write up for the lead up to these but they were lost... why must this site not save my write ups when my chrome crashes... so here are the infoboxes anyway)
After a election viewed as being largely made up of fraud, Vargas mysteriously is assassinated by "Juan Rivera", a member of the unemployed.
The reaction is tremendous and the Communist Party which was gaining strength among the tired and poor masses uses this as their moment. Under Luís Carlos Prestes, their 1930 General Election candidate, they declare war on the new government of Júlio Prestes. They pick up steam and find a stronghold in the North and unite under the Brazilian Liberation Army. Meanwhile not wanting their movement being lead by communists, supporters of the late Vargas, rise up in the formerly oligarchic dominated southern region of Rio Grande de Sul. They are lead by General Augusto Tasso Fragoso who declares a form of nationalist war against the government from the South. 3 years of intense war ensue and after the siege of São Paulo by the "BNA" under Fragoso, the Old Government falls. They surrender to Fragoso seeing him as better then the alternative and give them the remnants of their army and resources they still controlled. Fragoso and his high officials in the city declare the Second Republic of Brazil. But the young republic was plauged by disunity and unability to control their own lands and armys. There absorption of the old government gives the new Republic a Feudalistic and Nationalistic mix of ideology. Due to this, the Communists easily win victory after victory, and win major victory's in Recife (October 15th, 1932) and Rio Janeiro (February 19th, 1933). In March of that Year, the BLF establishes a new government in Rio Janeiro and they elect their leader Luís Carlos Prestes as their leader. He would lead the country throughout its existence and called by some a dictator.
In February of 1934, Fragoso is captured by communist revolutionaries and the Second Republic falls. A socialist republic is declared.
The new Socialist Republic would soon find itself the only one of its kind in South America. They would soon find themselves friendly with their European counterparts.
The death of majority leader Thaddeus Caraway was not only a shock to the country but the world. The longtime, quote on quote "Strongman" of the Senate Democrats presided over the economic heaven which was the 1920s under Presidents Carter Glass and John Davis. He was found dead in his Arkansas home by his Wife (whom was running a congressional campaign at the time) whom quickly called the Police. The main cause of death would for a mystery for years to come. A relatively healthy man at the Age of 61, his death was thought to either be suicide or some complicated plot towards his death. But no handmarks or any signs of suicide appeared. It was eventually ruled that he died of Heart Attack after further examinations of his artery's but their were still other ideas. The Democratic Party was shocked by the news and the search for his replacement in the Senate began. At home, the Arkansas Governor Tom Jefferson Terral, a good friend of Caraway appointed his wife Hattie Caraway into her husbands old job. She happily agreed to the proposition and the following special election in 1932 was won by her despite a rather strong 35% Republican showing due to the wave that year. She ran on a platform of banking reform and Anti-Corruption while promising lower taxes, a end to Prohibition, and a fight to end the Flat Tax amendment which had become especially unpopular in the state. By January of 1932, the Democratic Party were able to decide among Hugo Jack, Senator from Alabama as their leader which both angered Northerners but cemented the Party as one of Southern interests.
However she was not in good company throughout the country. Republican Senator (whom would go to re-election in 1934) Huey P. Long would recall "That Year showed the Democrats that the Working Class and Poor can end 'em just as much as they can build em'". Losing throughout the country Senate race after Senate race, they were ousted of Senate control by the triumphant Republican Party. New Majority leader George W. Pepper, who replaced Charles Curtis due to his age, would preside over a new Senate of 52 Republican Senator which Anna Dickie Olesen of the Socialist's offering support for Social Welfare initiatives. They were able to make close races in states like Louisiana where Huey Long's republican shift followed him by a large influx of life long Democrats switching to the Republican Party. His colleague, the Governor Oscar Allen followed him though it would take some time for many prominent Louisiana's confident of his to make the switch too. One of these included John Fournet who ran for the Senate as a Longite democrat faced a democratic primary which was shifting from Huey Long's control and thus less favorable. He barely survived a primary challenge from Cecil Morgan, a former executive of the Standard Oil Company and a great admirer of the President Carter Glass and his politics. He would go on to face a tough Republican challenge from graying former Representative Lewis L. Morgan. The two didn't differ on much policy wise and the election itself was dominated by outside affairs. Morgan said Fournet was part of the "Party of Fiscal Poor-Hatred" while Fournet labled Morgan a Washington insider and part of the New Orleans machine. In the end the Republicans in the state were able to get 41% of the vote to Fournet's 57%, this highest in decades for the Republicans. But it was not all bad news for the State Republicans. Less then a month after his election he switched party's to join Huey Long as the two Republican Senators from Louisiana raising the number to 53 in total. "He played the Party like a fool" recalled later Democratic representative Jared Y. Sanders Jr.
Meanwhile Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut also flipped to Republicans. Races in New York, and Florida barely held on to Democrats. But nationally the Democrats were soundly rejected and overnight slow gains by Democrats in the Senates for more then a decade was swept away.
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The House elections that year showed yet more shift towards the Republicans. The effects of the Depression crushed Democratic candidates everywhere that year as expected and the once strong Democratic majority there was crushed overnight. Dropping 119 seats, they were reduced to 179 seats but were able to keep Republicans from a majority. The Republicans became a plurality party in the House of Representatives with 11 less then required, at 207 seats total. But they jumped 98 seats in total. But perhaps the biggest surprise of the House Elections was the massive growth the third party American Conservative and Socialists had grown. New York Republican turned American Conservative Bertrand Snell led his small party to a 7 seat gain at the expense of mostly all Democrats incumbents. The Socialists meanwhile also nominated a new leader in Norman Thomas who was able to run under the socialist banner in 1931 in a special election and win in his tiny New York City area Representational seat. He lead his small party to a even bigger gain of 13 seats to 20 total, more then doubling his party control.
After long negotiations Robert Bacon and key Republican officials were able to forge a coalition with the Socialist Party into order to gain a Majority. Come March of 1932, Robert Bacon was handed the speakers Gavel from Andrew Montague, whom would retire from politics less then a year after, and his Republican-Socialist majority coalition presided over one of the smallest ruling House coalitions in history.
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(I had this whole write up for the lead up to these but they were lost... why must this site not save my write ups when my chrome crashes... so here are the infoboxes anyway)
After a election viewed as being largely made up of fraud, Vargas mysteriously is assassinated by "Juan Rivera", a member of the unemployed.
The reaction is tremendous and the Communist Party which was gaining strength among the tired and poor masses uses this as their moment. Under Luís Carlos Prestes, their 1930 General Election candidate, they declare war on the new government of Júlio Prestes. They pick up steam and find a stronghold in the North and unite under the Brazilian Liberation Army. Meanwhile not wanting their movement being lead by communists, supporters of the late Vargas, rise up in the formerly oligarchic dominated southern region of Rio Grande de Sul. They are lead by General Augusto Tasso Fragoso who declares a form of nationalist war against the government from the South. 3 years of intense war ensue and after the siege of São Paulo by the "BNA" under Fragoso, the Old Government falls. They surrender to Fragoso seeing him as better then the alternative and give them the remnants of their army and resources they still controlled. Fragoso and his high officials in the city declare the Second Republic of Brazil. But the young republic was plauged by disunity and unability to control their own lands and armys. There absorption of the old government gives the new Republic a Feudalistic and Nationalistic mix of ideology. Due to this, the Communists easily win victory after victory, and win major victory's in Recife (October 15th, 1932) and Rio Janeiro (February 19th, 1933). In March of that Year, the BLF establishes a new government in Rio Janeiro and they elect their leader Luís Carlos Prestes as their leader. He would lead the country throughout its existence and called by some a dictator.
In February of 1934, Fragoso is captured by communist revolutionaries and the Second Republic falls. A socialist republic is declared.
The new Socialist Republic would soon find itself the only one of its kind in South America. They would soon find themselves friendly with their European counterparts.
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Republican Huey Long? Republican-Socialist coalition! My mind is officially blown.
How many other socialist republics are there?
How many other socialist republics are there?
Well besides Brazil - Germany, the Soviet Union, and Italy have also been mentioned. Mexico is under a pseudo nationalistic, some communist themed dictatorship align with the above country's. China at this point is still in civil war but the Communist movement has been growing under their new leader Mao. Mongolia, not mentioned, experienced a soviet backed coup in 1931 and become a socialist satellite of the Soviet Union. Communist revolutions in Poland, Hungary, and to a smaller extent Finland failed due to strong western support but a communistic coup in Romania, put a soviet aligned nationalistic communist military government in power. The western powers meanwhile are taking a much early fight against communism (at least in OTL) and we will see the new governments of Roosevelt Jr, Churchill, among others take the fight to the third world to try to destroy communistic fevor before revolution occurred.
Excellent, but wouldn't some of Roosevelt's leftist allies be against going after communism? On this issue he can collaborate with the Conservatives
Also, where is the largest support of the Conservatives?
1. Some on the Left, Socialist or Not, do indeed not support much aggressive foreign policy against the Soviet Union. The Socialist Party is itself divided on the issue, but the majority opinion is that the Soviet Union's Stalinism is not favorable to any real Socialist country. More Anti-Authoritarian figures like Norman Thomas are starting to appear which will eventually kick out more of the "Old Guard" figures like Hillquit, and fully turn the Socialist Party against the authoritative nature of Stalinism. However until then, though Roosevelt Jr. is fervent (like his father) in Progressive Anti-Communism, he will have to work with more Pro-Soviet Union forces in his own coalition if he wants to pass his agenda. On the issue of cooperation with the American Conservatives, he is mostly hated for anything more then this issue (he is viewed by them as fully destroying the Party of Lincoln and turning it into Socialist supporting) and will find it very hard to work it out with congressional American Conservatives on the issue of international communism.
2. The American Conservatives are mainly made of disaffected Northern and Western conservative republicans felt left out by the Republican Party's Leftward shift since the election of Roosevelt for a third term in 1912. It should be noted, that besides on issues of race (where Democrats are full on Segregationist and supportive of expanding segregation rights while the American Conservatives are more split between giving African Americans expanded civil rights due to the expanded government aspect of it), the Democrats and National Conservatives are virtually the same in policy (both preferring Anti-Communism, Smaller Government, and Traditionalist Values) and that's why you see Senators like Democrat Arthur Vandenberg appear in Michigan.
My mind is officially blown.
Any plans for the ACP to expand to Senate races? I could imagine them doing well in the border states
Yes, but for now, they are mostly undercut by Democrats for support.
1st Congress of the Cominterm
September 13th, 1934
Stalin among the likes of Marx, Engels, and Lenin at the first Cominterm
With a swift bang against his desk, Sergery Kirov swung his gavel from up in the air and pushed it down with a mighty blow so everyone in that room could hear. Kirov awaited the First Congress sponsored by the Communist International. The case for international meeting grounds for worldwide Socialist and Communist revolutionary groups had long been debated for decades since the creation of the first Communist states of the Soviet Union, Germany, and Italy. Kirov, who himself was a rising member from Azerbaijan within the Soviet Congress, (while making some severe enemy's within the Politburo and growing increasingly hostile for Stalin) was glad he could finally host such a event and held a smile on his face. He felt this centralized organization of Worldwide Communist forces would make Worldwide Revolution both united and inevitable. Surrounding him contained other members of the organizational staff who helped create both the Cominterm and the First Congress. Following his announcement, Kirov was greeted by Alexander Poskrebyshev, a personal friend on his way off the stage. "And so it begins".
The major leaders of revolutionary forces from throughout the known world appeared - Both those who were already victorious in their revolution and those who hadn't yet. Large delegations of Left revolutionary groups thus appeared in the halls joining the mix. Members of the Swedish Freedom Army, a small guerrilla communistic group appeared alongside those of well established Communist dignitaries. A small communist delegation from China meanwhile offered more regionalism from the mostly European International. Mao Zedong, the young revolutionary leader who were leading the increasingly powerful group in China, managed to show up amide a period of relative stalement against the Nationalist Government. Reports of immense disorganization within the Nationalist government and among the Cliques while victory after victory landed the Communist revolutionary's numerous amounts of land and city's. Funding from the Soviet Union and most worldwide Communist country's only increased the power of the formerly weak and disunited group and Mao united them around a single fighting message, allying with local groups in order to beat back the Nationalists who were doing the same thing with their own Cliques. Victory by 1940 was reported by the Daily Worker in the United States and the potential of the worlds largest country being communist both emboldened members of the International Congress while continued the worrying of Western Anti-Communist's. The situation was so bad for the Nationalists that after a devastating loss in Zunyi in December of 1933; Roosevelt in the United States was being increasingly becoming less patient with any Nationalist comeback. His push for funding of the Nationalist's and the sending of military advisers however failed earlier the next year at the hands of the isolationist congressional forces lead by allies Senator Hiram Johnson and Senator Burton Wheeler (the later who finally left with his Progressive senate ally's for the Republican Party in the Summer of 1933)
Stalin was impressed by Mao Zedong. He would remember him rather fondly saying of him in a interview in 1952, "At the time at least, i knew only one thing - Mao Zedong showed that our struggle had future." Mao, to his knowledge or not, at the convention became the de-facto leader of aspiring international revolutionary groups worldwide. On the other end of the spectrum, of those country's who were already well established and organized communist states, Joseph Stalin was the clear winner. Already building up a cult of personality in Russia as the Man of Steel, he of course lead the largest Communist and most powerful revolutionary state known to man at the time. He would be praised for his short, but rather effective industrialization scheme he had established from 1928 onward. He was universally acclaimed by virtually all groups in the convention, and the groups who opposed him didn't decide to show up. This included many prominent officials inside the American Socialist Party whose direction under the leadership of the Radical Anti-Authoritarian sect which came to prominence by the end of the 1920s virtually isolated itself from the rest of the Worldwide Communist movement who had already endorsed the actions of Stalin. Norman Thomas figureheaded this movement and the New York representative stated very briefly why he refused to join the Cominterm under the current conditions. He said "I refuse to join a same organization which praises a man like Stalin. Sure he is able to expand our message partially against the western imperialists and has improved the lives of the Russian Proletariat - but he has betrayed the true messages of Marx and Lenin. Both advocated for a free society run by the workers while Stalin has created a oppressive society run by him and his bureaucratic friends." He and the American Socialist's would stay in the minority despite their grievances. The First Congress made it very clear that the mainstream revolutionary community supported the actions of Stalin. Huge posters of his coincided with those of Marx, Lenin, and the "other heroes of the people". This was much to Stalin's likening. On the first vote of the Cominterm, the Congress re-affirmed the believe that international communists worldwide would support the fellow actions of the likes of Joseph Stalin. The American Socialist Party and people like Thomas meanwhile were criticized immensely. In a speech to the congress, Ernst Thälmann (A early member of the German Communist Party who rose to second to command under Minister Karl Liebknecht, as the "Hoher Arbeiterführer") said it best on their feelings when he stated "The American Socialists are reactionaries to our movement. They support the social fascism and not on true libertarian. They support bickering on our fellow comrades then on revolution!". The Brazilian, German, Italian, and Russian delegations all fell behind this verdict. The Brazilian Leader Prestes stated his support for the Soviet Union till the end. "Workers around the world should follow those of what Russia did" he stated.
Yet the main reason for the gathering was not the fault of the American Socialists, and indeed it was the future course of action against the increasingly Anti-Communistic western nations and the deepening of worse relations on the onset of the Great Depression. The great leaders of all revolutionary stripes and creeds sat down to discuss it. Stalin was at the held of the table courteous of his position with Liebknecht, Grimsci, and Prestes seated around him. Alexander Danieliuk-Stefanski, leader of the Romanian communist party sat farther to the other side, while filler officals, employees, and leaders of lesser known communist activities including those of Mao and Karl Kilbom who served as a envoy for the Swedish communist movement. The main idea throughout the room was that the Great Depression was yet a sign of the decline of Capitalism worldwide. The aggressiveness of the Capitalist country's meanwhile are due to the fear of this decline and their want to hold on their "barbaric and backwards" way. Yet the way to combat this was up for debate. All spoke each others languages, but standard Russian, German, and English were used. The room went alive as all of the leaders entered.
After the pleasantries conceded, silence ran the room. "Comrades!", the Man of Steel started "Capitalism is in decline worldwide and our movement is stronger then ever. We must strike the enemy know while their weak".
"I agree, but i think it would be more effective to support revolution within the Capitalist country's like with ours. The workers of every state will soon release that we hold the best interests in their hearts, not some barbaric capitalists" replied Liebknecht who dared peep up against the Man of Steel.
"I agree with Karl's assessment" left the mouth of Prestes, "Like with Brazil, the workers know their oppressed. I think success in revolution like ours or the German Workers will encourage them to continue their fight and win with our funding. The capitalists will fall that year"
Kilbom meanwhile had a idea. "Comrades, this is indeed true and struggle must occur but Capitalism will only truly fall when it fails in the hearts of the citizenry. I suggest for the worldwide revolution to wait until Capitalism fails even further. We have seen it already suffer over the last 5 and it want take longer for people to lose hope and realize the truth"
Valko Chervenkov, a young, low level leader of the Bulgarian Communist Party (which fond itself growing in popularity) peeped up too, "The only way we can win is through Commanders Stalin method. Capitalist businessmen will never let their system down unless forced. We must strike now while their weak"
Liebknecht replied back "Yet our troops are not ready. Same with Grimsci, we have built up our troops yes but we can't take on the West yet"
Grimsci replied upon hearing his name, "The Italian Army is not ready for another war. And if it was, the people are not convinced yet."
Stalin replied back to all criticism "Yet there military is worse. The American Capitalists across the ocean can't even afford half the ships and planes they have". He paused and ending his statement saying "If we don't do it know, we might not have a true chance"
Awaking from near slumber at the other end of the table, Chief General Mikhail Tukhachevsky refused to let Stalin fly on this. "Commander i mean well, but our troops are not ready for a war. Our boy's still remember the great capitalist monstrously of the Great War. We must think with caution here"
Stalin began to grow frustrated with the disagreement "Mikhail, is this true?". "You failed to mentioned in our briefing that our boy's didn't want to fight"
"This is but a new occurrence Comrade. They told me when i left for the congress" replied Mikhail, red covering his face.
"You failed to tell him. This could be very dangerous in Capitalist's hands Mikhail"
"Stalin, don't take it out on this poor young comrade. He is trying his best in our fight and that's what matters" plugged in Liebknecht.
"Fine",... "But i wan't a full military report on my return?"
"I will Grand Secretary" replied Tukhackevsky, "But its not the right for War"
Stalin's feet for tied. "Well we can't just wait and do nothing... what do you all suggest?"
"How about we continue support for Revolutionary groups worldwide. When the time is right, we will strike but in that time we will build up our forces. I suggest we organize our troops however" said Grimsci.
"Hmmm.." answer the Russian Leader "That seems like the best idea for now.... Shall we vote comrades"
Simultaneous signs of approval were heard throughout the world.
"Voting is in Order!"
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The Congress concluded on the 17th, and brought important changes to Worldwide Communism:
1. Support of Joseph Stalin as key communist leader and successor to Lenin's ideology.
2. The permanent split of the American Socialist Party and the Cominterm over the issue of Stalin and Stalinism and "Authoritarian Communism"
3. Increased Military Buildup, in preparation of eventual war, in all participant country's and groups. Creation of the Moscow Pact as the main cooperative alliance between the country of Brazil, Italy, Germany, and the Soviet Union on issues of military use, military technology, military buildup, and military command. Creation of overall centralization on the command of all troops of these country's. The "High Command" is created with Marshall Tukhackevsky put as the main Marshall, on Stalin's orders (in order to remove him from soviet power). This Marshall will be able to create a central regulatory system for all other member groups/country's to follow.
Stalin among the likes of Marx, Engels, and Lenin at the first Cominterm
With a swift bang against his desk, Sergery Kirov swung his gavel from up in the air and pushed it down with a mighty blow so everyone in that room could hear. Kirov awaited the First Congress sponsored by the Communist International. The case for international meeting grounds for worldwide Socialist and Communist revolutionary groups had long been debated for decades since the creation of the first Communist states of the Soviet Union, Germany, and Italy. Kirov, who himself was a rising member from Azerbaijan within the Soviet Congress, (while making some severe enemy's within the Politburo and growing increasingly hostile for Stalin) was glad he could finally host such a event and held a smile on his face. He felt this centralized organization of Worldwide Communist forces would make Worldwide Revolution both united and inevitable. Surrounding him contained other members of the organizational staff who helped create both the Cominterm and the First Congress. Following his announcement, Kirov was greeted by Alexander Poskrebyshev, a personal friend on his way off the stage. "And so it begins".
The major leaders of revolutionary forces from throughout the known world appeared - Both those who were already victorious in their revolution and those who hadn't yet. Large delegations of Left revolutionary groups thus appeared in the halls joining the mix. Members of the Swedish Freedom Army, a small guerrilla communistic group appeared alongside those of well established Communist dignitaries. A small communist delegation from China meanwhile offered more regionalism from the mostly European International. Mao Zedong, the young revolutionary leader who were leading the increasingly powerful group in China, managed to show up amide a period of relative stalement against the Nationalist Government. Reports of immense disorganization within the Nationalist government and among the Cliques while victory after victory landed the Communist revolutionary's numerous amounts of land and city's. Funding from the Soviet Union and most worldwide Communist country's only increased the power of the formerly weak and disunited group and Mao united them around a single fighting message, allying with local groups in order to beat back the Nationalists who were doing the same thing with their own Cliques. Victory by 1940 was reported by the Daily Worker in the United States and the potential of the worlds largest country being communist both emboldened members of the International Congress while continued the worrying of Western Anti-Communist's. The situation was so bad for the Nationalists that after a devastating loss in Zunyi in December of 1933; Roosevelt in the United States was being increasingly becoming less patient with any Nationalist comeback. His push for funding of the Nationalist's and the sending of military advisers however failed earlier the next year at the hands of the isolationist congressional forces lead by allies Senator Hiram Johnson and Senator Burton Wheeler (the later who finally left with his Progressive senate ally's for the Republican Party in the Summer of 1933)
Stalin was impressed by Mao Zedong. He would remember him rather fondly saying of him in a interview in 1952, "At the time at least, i knew only one thing - Mao Zedong showed that our struggle had future." Mao, to his knowledge or not, at the convention became the de-facto leader of aspiring international revolutionary groups worldwide. On the other end of the spectrum, of those country's who were already well established and organized communist states, Joseph Stalin was the clear winner. Already building up a cult of personality in Russia as the Man of Steel, he of course lead the largest Communist and most powerful revolutionary state known to man at the time. He would be praised for his short, but rather effective industrialization scheme he had established from 1928 onward. He was universally acclaimed by virtually all groups in the convention, and the groups who opposed him didn't decide to show up. This included many prominent officials inside the American Socialist Party whose direction under the leadership of the Radical Anti-Authoritarian sect which came to prominence by the end of the 1920s virtually isolated itself from the rest of the Worldwide Communist movement who had already endorsed the actions of Stalin. Norman Thomas figureheaded this movement and the New York representative stated very briefly why he refused to join the Cominterm under the current conditions. He said "I refuse to join a same organization which praises a man like Stalin. Sure he is able to expand our message partially against the western imperialists and has improved the lives of the Russian Proletariat - but he has betrayed the true messages of Marx and Lenin. Both advocated for a free society run by the workers while Stalin has created a oppressive society run by him and his bureaucratic friends." He and the American Socialist's would stay in the minority despite their grievances. The First Congress made it very clear that the mainstream revolutionary community supported the actions of Stalin. Huge posters of his coincided with those of Marx, Lenin, and the "other heroes of the people". This was much to Stalin's likening. On the first vote of the Cominterm, the Congress re-affirmed the believe that international communists worldwide would support the fellow actions of the likes of Joseph Stalin. The American Socialist Party and people like Thomas meanwhile were criticized immensely. In a speech to the congress, Ernst Thälmann (A early member of the German Communist Party who rose to second to command under Minister Karl Liebknecht, as the "Hoher Arbeiterführer") said it best on their feelings when he stated "The American Socialists are reactionaries to our movement. They support the social fascism and not on true libertarian. They support bickering on our fellow comrades then on revolution!". The Brazilian, German, Italian, and Russian delegations all fell behind this verdict. The Brazilian Leader Prestes stated his support for the Soviet Union till the end. "Workers around the world should follow those of what Russia did" he stated.
Yet the main reason for the gathering was not the fault of the American Socialists, and indeed it was the future course of action against the increasingly Anti-Communistic western nations and the deepening of worse relations on the onset of the Great Depression. The great leaders of all revolutionary stripes and creeds sat down to discuss it. Stalin was at the held of the table courteous of his position with Liebknecht, Grimsci, and Prestes seated around him. Alexander Danieliuk-Stefanski, leader of the Romanian communist party sat farther to the other side, while filler officals, employees, and leaders of lesser known communist activities including those of Mao and Karl Kilbom who served as a envoy for the Swedish communist movement. The main idea throughout the room was that the Great Depression was yet a sign of the decline of Capitalism worldwide. The aggressiveness of the Capitalist country's meanwhile are due to the fear of this decline and their want to hold on their "barbaric and backwards" way. Yet the way to combat this was up for debate. All spoke each others languages, but standard Russian, German, and English were used. The room went alive as all of the leaders entered.
After the pleasantries conceded, silence ran the room. "Comrades!", the Man of Steel started "Capitalism is in decline worldwide and our movement is stronger then ever. We must strike the enemy know while their weak".
"I agree, but i think it would be more effective to support revolution within the Capitalist country's like with ours. The workers of every state will soon release that we hold the best interests in their hearts, not some barbaric capitalists" replied Liebknecht who dared peep up against the Man of Steel.
"I agree with Karl's assessment" left the mouth of Prestes, "Like with Brazil, the workers know their oppressed. I think success in revolution like ours or the German Workers will encourage them to continue their fight and win with our funding. The capitalists will fall that year"
Kilbom meanwhile had a idea. "Comrades, this is indeed true and struggle must occur but Capitalism will only truly fall when it fails in the hearts of the citizenry. I suggest for the worldwide revolution to wait until Capitalism fails even further. We have seen it already suffer over the last 5 and it want take longer for people to lose hope and realize the truth"
Valko Chervenkov, a young, low level leader of the Bulgarian Communist Party (which fond itself growing in popularity) peeped up too, "The only way we can win is through Commanders Stalin method. Capitalist businessmen will never let their system down unless forced. We must strike now while their weak"
Liebknecht replied back "Yet our troops are not ready. Same with Grimsci, we have built up our troops yes but we can't take on the West yet"
Grimsci replied upon hearing his name, "The Italian Army is not ready for another war. And if it was, the people are not convinced yet."
Stalin replied back to all criticism "Yet there military is worse. The American Capitalists across the ocean can't even afford half the ships and planes they have". He paused and ending his statement saying "If we don't do it know, we might not have a true chance"
Awaking from near slumber at the other end of the table, Chief General Mikhail Tukhachevsky refused to let Stalin fly on this. "Commander i mean well, but our troops are not ready for a war. Our boy's still remember the great capitalist monstrously of the Great War. We must think with caution here"
Stalin began to grow frustrated with the disagreement "Mikhail, is this true?". "You failed to mentioned in our briefing that our boy's didn't want to fight"
"This is but a new occurrence Comrade. They told me when i left for the congress" replied Mikhail, red covering his face.
"You failed to tell him. This could be very dangerous in Capitalist's hands Mikhail"
"Stalin, don't take it out on this poor young comrade. He is trying his best in our fight and that's what matters" plugged in Liebknecht.
"Fine",... "But i wan't a full military report on my return?"
"I will Grand Secretary" replied Tukhackevsky, "But its not the right for War"
Stalin's feet for tied. "Well we can't just wait and do nothing... what do you all suggest?"
"How about we continue support for Revolutionary groups worldwide. When the time is right, we will strike but in that time we will build up our forces. I suggest we organize our troops however" said Grimsci.
"Hmmm.." answer the Russian Leader "That seems like the best idea for now.... Shall we vote comrades"
Simultaneous signs of approval were heard throughout the world.
"Voting is in Order!"
---
The Congress concluded on the 17th, and brought important changes to Worldwide Communism:
1. Support of Joseph Stalin as key communist leader and successor to Lenin's ideology.
2. The permanent split of the American Socialist Party and the Cominterm over the issue of Stalin and Stalinism and "Authoritarian Communism"
3. Increased Military Buildup, in preparation of eventual war, in all participant country's and groups. Creation of the Moscow Pact as the main cooperative alliance between the country of Brazil, Italy, Germany, and the Soviet Union on issues of military use, military technology, military buildup, and military command. Creation of overall centralization on the command of all troops of these country's. The "High Command" is created with Marshall Tukhackevsky put as the main Marshall, on Stalin's orders (in order to remove him from soviet power). This Marshall will be able to create a central regulatory system for all other member groups/country's to follow.
Update coming shortly. Just a little bump so i don't have to go through a couple of pages trying to look for it again.
Supreme Court of 1933.
The Palmer Court
When A. Mitchell Palmer entered the seat of the Supreme Justice of the United States, he knew he would take the Supreme Court on a different path. Long were the days of a judicial activist judge under the triplets of Taft, Roosevelt, and Johnson. The propagator of the 1919-1921 Red Scare, he would use his new powers to judge upon the United States the verdicts of a new Moral Majority, the "Moderate Majority" you could say. By the 1920s, the Supreme Court packed with aging Republican was ripped for a takeover and the deaths and resignations of Republican Justice after Justice made the Democratic Party's dream of complete control a reality throughout the 1920s. The prospects of more then 12 years of democratic year insured that even the primmest of justices entering would be dragged down and out of the court. President's Glass and Davis in their place, like president's past appointed Justices that suited their policy's the most. For this reason, both "Glassite" democrats would grow to dominate the court. The appointment of David "Bibb" Graves, a known associate of the Klu Klux Klan, became known as peak "southronism".
The appointment caused outrage from Liberals and Progressives all around the country but the Congress had not problem passing him. He took his seat and would make it his duty to vote on the interests of the "South", the White Traditional South to be exact. Striking down civil rights pushes, anything with the veil of socialistic, and anything deemed "radical" and against states rights. He would become the court's most conservative justice and one of the most conservative in United States history. The courts progressive wing meanwhile banded together. Brandeis, the most Progressive of the court called the Palmer court the "low point of the United States judiciary". Brookhart and Oddie meanwhile would join in refusing to vote alongside most of the cases approved by the majority vote of Democrats. Devanter meanwhile remained the most moderate of republicans but even he made it clear he would support no southronism nor support no attempt against civil liberties of all kinds.
The courts main focus was that of privacy and civil liberties. The issue of the increasing radicalization of the American Left by the late 1910s and the fear of communism after the success of communism overseas, pushed the American middle class and moderate majority against the Republican Party installing Carter Glass. Palmer, a loyal man of Glass went out of his way when he become the Chief Justice in 1923 after the appointment of William Phillips to go after communistic practices of all kinds. In supports the most landmark decision of his court was Tolden v. New York State. After activist and socialist Eric Tolden was arrested on charges of the sedition act; (after a deeper audit by the State proved connections of the Soviet Union) he refused to give up lightly. Taking it to the supreme court, he argued that he was being unfairly charged and argued against the Roosevelt era Sedition Act. He argued that it was unconstitutional and against the first amendment. Palmer was eager to show the country what his court meant and quickly took the case.
In a 6-3 vote, on per partisan lines, the State of New York was upheld in the court of law. Tolden sentence would remain. The main opinion written by Palmer stated that "...Socialistic and Communistic forces within the United States are working against the country. It is within the constitution to put these actions as treasonous. The Sedition Act of the United States is upheld and Mr. Tolden is still subject to the punishments put forth by New York State...". This case would grow to be the most polarizing in United States history and the limits of free speech after the case would be a hotly debated topic on the American judicial scene.
However the court would continue the policy's of the president on the economic and social scene as well. Donalds v. Richards would ensure in a 7-3 fashion that "peoples of dark skin colors shall be segregated by law as a natural institution in all states that approve of it" after a attempt by Fredrick Donalds, a local African American from North Carolina to declare it unconstitutional. In Ford Company v. Affod, the court in a close 6-3 decision ruled in favor of the Ford company on the issue of guaranteeing healthcare for their employees, overruling the decision of a previous ruling by the Rooseveltian court demanding it. Labor Unions tried to stage protests following the ruling, but the President wanting to maintain order put it down as soon as it started and demanded rioting labor unions to pay fines of the damages the rioter's obtained.
Ultimately the court represented the times demanded for a strict and traditionalist court. In truth the court represented a turn to the times of before the Progressive Era. Yet the court under Palmer would become one of the most divisive, one of the most praised, and one of the viled of all American history. In come in the Palmer court.
Former Pennsylvania Representative from the 26th District (1909 - 1921) and member of Pennsylvania D.N.C. (1912-1917) A. Mitchell Palmer. Appointed by Carter Glass. (June, 1921)
Justice Merton E. Lewis - Attorney General of New York State (1918-1925). Appointed by Pres. Carter Glass (May, 1925)
Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Willis Van Devanter (1903-1910). Appointed by Pres. William Taft (December, 1910)
Law. Louis Brandeis. Appointed by Theodore Roosevelt (October, 1915)
United States Diplomat to the Netherlands (1918-1921), and Belgium (1921-1923) William Phillips. Appointed by Pres. Carter Glass (August, 1923)
Montgomery Attorney and member of the Alabama legislature (1896-1928) David Bibb Graves. Appointed by Pres. Carter Glass (September, 1928)
Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eastern District of Virginia (1920 - 1929) Duncan Lawrence Groner. Appointed by Pres. John Davis (October, 1929).
Former Senator from Iowa (1920-1933) Smith W. Brookhart. Appointed by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (March, 1933)
Former Governor of Nevada (1911-1919) Tasker Lowndes Oddie. Appointed by Hiram Johnson. (April, 1920)
When A. Mitchell Palmer entered the seat of the Supreme Justice of the United States, he knew he would take the Supreme Court on a different path. Long were the days of a judicial activist judge under the triplets of Taft, Roosevelt, and Johnson. The propagator of the 1919-1921 Red Scare, he would use his new powers to judge upon the United States the verdicts of a new Moral Majority, the "Moderate Majority" you could say. By the 1920s, the Supreme Court packed with aging Republican was ripped for a takeover and the deaths and resignations of Republican Justice after Justice made the Democratic Party's dream of complete control a reality throughout the 1920s. The prospects of more then 12 years of democratic year insured that even the primmest of justices entering would be dragged down and out of the court. President's Glass and Davis in their place, like president's past appointed Justices that suited their policy's the most. For this reason, both "Glassite" democrats would grow to dominate the court. The appointment of David "Bibb" Graves, a known associate of the Klu Klux Klan, became known as peak "southronism".
The appointment caused outrage from Liberals and Progressives all around the country but the Congress had not problem passing him. He took his seat and would make it his duty to vote on the interests of the "South", the White Traditional South to be exact. Striking down civil rights pushes, anything with the veil of socialistic, and anything deemed "radical" and against states rights. He would become the court's most conservative justice and one of the most conservative in United States history. The courts progressive wing meanwhile banded together. Brandeis, the most Progressive of the court called the Palmer court the "low point of the United States judiciary". Brookhart and Oddie meanwhile would join in refusing to vote alongside most of the cases approved by the majority vote of Democrats. Devanter meanwhile remained the most moderate of republicans but even he made it clear he would support no southronism nor support no attempt against civil liberties of all kinds.
The courts main focus was that of privacy and civil liberties. The issue of the increasing radicalization of the American Left by the late 1910s and the fear of communism after the success of communism overseas, pushed the American middle class and moderate majority against the Republican Party installing Carter Glass. Palmer, a loyal man of Glass went out of his way when he become the Chief Justice in 1923 after the appointment of William Phillips to go after communistic practices of all kinds. In supports the most landmark decision of his court was Tolden v. New York State. After activist and socialist Eric Tolden was arrested on charges of the sedition act; (after a deeper audit by the State proved connections of the Soviet Union) he refused to give up lightly. Taking it to the supreme court, he argued that he was being unfairly charged and argued against the Roosevelt era Sedition Act. He argued that it was unconstitutional and against the first amendment. Palmer was eager to show the country what his court meant and quickly took the case.
In a 6-3 vote, on per partisan lines, the State of New York was upheld in the court of law. Tolden sentence would remain. The main opinion written by Palmer stated that "...Socialistic and Communistic forces within the United States are working against the country. It is within the constitution to put these actions as treasonous. The Sedition Act of the United States is upheld and Mr. Tolden is still subject to the punishments put forth by New York State...". This case would grow to be the most polarizing in United States history and the limits of free speech after the case would be a hotly debated topic on the American judicial scene.
However the court would continue the policy's of the president on the economic and social scene as well. Donalds v. Richards would ensure in a 7-3 fashion that "peoples of dark skin colors shall be segregated by law as a natural institution in all states that approve of it" after a attempt by Fredrick Donalds, a local African American from North Carolina to declare it unconstitutional. In Ford Company v. Affod, the court in a close 6-3 decision ruled in favor of the Ford company on the issue of guaranteeing healthcare for their employees, overruling the decision of a previous ruling by the Rooseveltian court demanding it. Labor Unions tried to stage protests following the ruling, but the President wanting to maintain order put it down as soon as it started and demanded rioting labor unions to pay fines of the damages the rioter's obtained.
Ultimately the court represented the times demanded for a strict and traditionalist court. In truth the court represented a turn to the times of before the Progressive Era. Yet the court under Palmer would become one of the most divisive, one of the most praised, and one of the viled of all American history. In come in the Palmer court.
Former Pennsylvania Representative from the 26th District (1909 - 1921) and member of Pennsylvania D.N.C. (1912-1917) A. Mitchell Palmer. Appointed by Carter Glass. (June, 1921)
Justice Merton E. Lewis - Attorney General of New York State (1918-1925). Appointed by Pres. Carter Glass (May, 1925)
Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Willis Van Devanter (1903-1910). Appointed by Pres. William Taft (December, 1910)
Law. Louis Brandeis. Appointed by Theodore Roosevelt (October, 1915)
United States Diplomat to the Netherlands (1918-1921), and Belgium (1921-1923) William Phillips. Appointed by Pres. Carter Glass (August, 1923)
Montgomery Attorney and member of the Alabama legislature (1896-1928) David Bibb Graves. Appointed by Pres. Carter Glass (September, 1928)
Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eastern District of Virginia (1920 - 1929) Duncan Lawrence Groner. Appointed by Pres. John Davis (October, 1929).
Former Senator from Iowa (1920-1933) Smith W. Brookhart. Appointed by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (March, 1933)
Former Governor of Nevada (1911-1919) Tasker Lowndes Oddie. Appointed by Hiram Johnson. (April, 1920)
Admiral Halsey
Banned
God that court is setting up a potential explosive disaster in regards to well everything.
As I said the court under Chief Justice Palmer is ruled like that of the 19th century instead of it being lead entering the Great Depression.
Also I forgot to mentioned, that around the time of the election legislation surrounding the abolishment of the prohibition act was able to past both Houses of congress with bipartisan support (due to most democrats seeing it as a failed issued). It is being decided by the state legislatures at the moment but I will say it will pass by 1935.
Im inclined to say yea pretty much. Modern privacy and civil liberties (as we know today) have been delayed for some time from OTL due to the Palmer court. Or you could say the court upheld Wilsonian principles on the issue (support for sedition and espionage acts, support for racial status quo) from when they ended with the election of Warren in OTL continued on to the election of 1932 in this.
So the Democrats plus Van Devanter. It's just so beautiful.
How old are the justices?
Pretty much though Van Devanter is still by all accounts in favor of some form of economic progressivism like the other republican judges. He remains a vehemently racist and anti-semite justice in this timeline and has thus adopted a position comparable to democrats. So this means he supports the democratic consensus of the court on racial issues along with taking a hardline view on socialistic/communistic activities in the United States.
As for the ages as of 1933:
Chief Justice A. Mitchell Palmer: Age 61
Justice Merton E. Lewis: Age 72
Justice Willis Van Devanter: Age 74
Justice Louis Brandeis: Age 77
Justice William Phillips: Age 55
Justice David Bibbs Graves: Age 60
Justice Duncan Lawrence Groner: Age 60
Justice Smith W. Brookhart: Age 64
Justice Tasker Lowndes Oddie: Age 63
Their colored by how close they are from Progressivism (colored in Red) and then Conservativsm (Blue). As shown Brandies (like in OTL) is the most outspoken proponent of Rooseveltian social reform while the Chief Justice along with Lewis, Philips, and Graves are tied for the most conservative in the court. The different shades of blue and red are in-between which shows that Van Devanter is the most "conservative voting" republican while Justice Groner is the most "liberal voting" democrat on the court.