alternatehistory.com

The year 1900 was a time of great anticipation for the United States, both good and bad, but exciting nonetheless. The United States had very recently defeated the Spaniards in the Spanish-American War, procuring a small Caribbean and Pacific Empire. Many saw this as a sign of the United States growing power in the Western Hemisphere. But, at the same time, there were problems back at home. President McKinely died in an unfortunate accident during the Galveston Hurricane, lacking a Vice President. This launched the elderly David Henderson into office for the remaining year or so of McKinley's first term.

This caused a huge upset, and resulted in the Republican Caucus very briefly reopening. A brutal three week session resulted in the wise old Joseph Cannon defeating the upcoming Theodore Roosevelt in multiple debates. While energetic, Teddy wasn't much liked by the rest of the Republican Caucus, while Cannon was esteemed by all of his peers. It is for these same reasons that Cannon eventually beat William Jennings Bryan in the 1900 Presidential Election, and was victoriously ushered into the White House in early 1901.

It is said that his election marked the true beginning of Pax Americana, a period of one hundred years wherein the United States did not engage in any foreign wars.
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