McClellan stages a coup d’etat

The states may not stand for it, if a dictatorship were to be established. You'd likely see another Civil War between states that back McClellan, and states that do not.
 
Typo, just consider the latest from 67th Tigers that the army didn't like Lincoln and then consider that all the writings about Lincoln's effort to win a second term agree that making it possible for the soldiers to vote was crucial to that effort, rather than any effort to stop them from voting.
 
Quite possible you're both right - Antietam was in 1862; the Presidential election was in 1864.
 
I would note that a military dictatorship in the USA presumably casts the civilian government UNDER the military, and thus anyone attempting a coup would find ways to remove from the official government everyone opposed to it, and end up with a bunch of yay-sayers

If this was medieval England I'd say they would attaint them, but the idea stands - Lincoln etc are traitors (for not co-operating with the coup) and so on til they get compliant officials in a puppet cabinet

Not sure how far down the line of succession went in 1860s, so maybe its easy enough to run out and get a puppet congress to vote McClellan is as President

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Never read Lincoln's accounts of his visit to the Army of the Potomac after Antietam?

They really, really didn't like him.

As always, I'd recommend this: http://www.amazon.com/UNPOPULAR-MR-LINCOLN-Americas-President/dp/1932714618

The problem with Tagg's book, which I have read, is that it's a bit like asking Rachel Maddow and Glen Beck for their opinions on newly elected President Ron Paul.

Lincoln was widely unpopular within the vocal extremes of both sides. He was the moderate compromise candidate and acted as such. What say the unwashed silent majority of the North who elected him? Well, he got reelected didn't he?

As for his standing within the Army of the Potomac. When the army was losing he was chided and disliked. When it was winning he was the man of the hour and toast of the town. So it has always been in war and politics. These reactions are no different than how soldiers have felt towards their leaders and commanders since time immortal. Remember also that McClellan's popularity took a nose dive after the failed peninsular campaign as well.

Benjamin
 
I don't think this could happen in 1862, but with continued losses in the war, an increased perception of the Lincoln administration's incompetence, and growing discontent could allow for an army coup in 1863-1864. Maybe a crushing defeat at Gettysburg stops Union troops from putting down the New York riots, more unrest in other cities (Boston, Philadelphia?) could lead to a widespread belief that the Union was on the verge of collapse. McClellan (or some other General) then stages a coup to "restore order." An armistice with the south follows.
Scipio

It's an interesting scenario. Perhaps if Lincoln or another President during the Civil War oversteps his bounds, and just starts arresting dissidents? That may lead to a coup.

I believe I am going to write this timeline. I was planning on doing another one in the ASB forum, but I guess I can be like BlairWitch and have 20 timeliness going at one time. I just wish I could write as good as he does. Yes, that is a little shout out to BlairWitch. Anyway, I am going to start on this timeline.

Well I am quite interested to see where you go with it. I've always thought that it's one of the more interesting possible PODs in American History.
 
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