Yep sometime about Theodore Roosevelt.
The Early 1900s so far have seen a huge amount of Social and political changes occurring in a small time. This time saw the assignation of a President, The mainstreaming of the Sufferage and Prohibition Movements, Fights for better Workers equality, and the implementation of major social reforms and conditions for workers mostly under Progressive Republican Theodore 'Teddy Roosevelt. Under him also there was a mass effort for conservationism and the a new height to a so called 'American Empire' In Territory and Influence throughout the world. He was succeeded by William Howard Taft who was more conservative then he was but he was able to win in a landslide and finally kill William Bryan's Political career in the 1908 Election. However Roosevelt decided to pass the Progressive torch upon him. Under his reign, the United States continued on a stable direction with a few hiccups like the Panic of 1910-11 however his policies successfully warded off Progressives from the Republican Party. And this was the condition heading into the 1912 Election
1912 Republican Primary
As expected republican president William Taft announced his intentions for a reelection early on. However he was faced with progressives in the Party calling for a Primary so the Party bosses couldn't just give it to Taft. The Progressives in the Party got there way and with that began a series of 11 Primary's in 11 States. And with this, Taft's new rival but still friend Teddy Roosevelt entered the Race. Robert La Follete also entered even though a much smaller opponent viewed by many. The first primary was in North Dakota on March 19.
The first primary went to La Follete however the way the primary went meant that delegates werent assigned by states and instead could go to any candidate. This meant that Taft had a 90 Delegate lead as he was the Establishments candidate. On March 26th was the New York primary. Teddy's Home state went overwhelmingly for Taft with the New York City Area going to him by 70%. He got most of the Delegates two. This primary was followed by Wisconsin on April 2nd when La Folletes home state went for him in a 40 point Landslide. Roosevelt got his first big win in Illinois were he won every county and followed that with a win in Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Nebraska all by landslides. On the map it looked like a blowout but the delegate had Taft in a slight lead. Taft toke Massachusetts however by a 50-48 Margin.
Roosevelt went on to win all five states remaining. He won Maryland 53-47 over Taft. In California, Roosevelt received 55% to Taft's 27% and La Follette's 18%. He was able to beat Taft in his Home state and win South Dakota and New Jersey. Going into the convention however Taft had a 100 Delegate advantage. He lead 566 to Roosevelt's 466. This was viewed by many as Undemocratic because Roosevelt had won the Primary Electorate in a Landslide.
However being the Party Establishments favorite, Taft walked in as the Frontrunner. Roosevelt was not going to give up. The only way for him to beat taft in delegates was for him and La Follete unite and all other Progressive Delegates to form a Anti-Taft League. In our timeline Roosevelt couldnt bear himself with La Follete and didnt join and instead ran independent. However in this timeline he decides to do it it for the sake of Progressive Republicans. His alliance with other Progressive Delegates form a upset as they upset the Incumbent and President in Delegates. Taft refused to back down and battled for the remaining delegates. After a week at the Convention the last delegates were bounded to the candidates and Roosevelt came on top 598 to Taft's 572
1912 Democratic Primary
The Chances for the Democrats looked weak. The Republicans had been in Power for decades with Grover Cleveland in the 1890s being the last Democratic President. The Economy was in a stable and growing condition and the Progressive wing of the Democratic Party had been swept away and ran off to the Republicans. The Democratic field was narrow to saw the least and the Only major power broker was Speaker of the House Clamp Clark. Unlike the Republican field however the Primary's were much more competition. They had just implementation primary to end the reign of the Party bosses of Tammany Hall and the Elite in deciding the Candidates.
The Race Ended up with 4 People, Champ Clark; House Speaker, Woodrow Wilson; Governor from New Jersey; Judson Harmon, and John Burke; Governor of North Dakota. The First Primary was North Dakota were Burke won 98% of the Populous unsurprisingly being his home state. Wisconsin was more competitive but in a shock Wilson won a 10 point victory over expected Nominee Clamp Clark. Clark followed that with a smaller then expected win in Illinois. In Pennsylvania Woodrow Wilson unsurprisingly won the state next to his. Champ followed that again in Nebraska with Judson in a Surprising 2nd place with 35% of the Vote. Clark followed that with Oregon where he won 51% to Wilson's 46%. Clark then went on to win Massachusetts and Maryland by Landslides.
Wilson's campaign looked bleak and he needed a win in California or to be close. He lost the State to Clark by 15%. Clark won Ohio, Judson's Home state by 5% and he dropped out. Burke also dropped out seeing he was not a compromise candidate. Wilson won his Home State next with 76% of the vote however even though he won that big he dropped out seeing he couldnt win in the States or Delegates. The South Dakota Primary was cancelled as Clamp was the basic Nominee.
The Convention was uneventful and Wilson called his delegates to Clamp and to unite the Party against the Republicans who 'Want to act as the only Party for the Country'. There was a small Progressive Uprising but was put down by the establishment. Remaining Progressives went to Roosevelt.
The Campaign of 1912
The Campaign was set to be a extreme one. Not only was it the first genuine opportunity in more then 20 years for a Democrat to win the white house but also the very different opinions from each candidate. Champ was born to a poor Southern Family and held rather conservative democratic views. Roosevelt on the other hand was a Former 1 term president (Minus his time after McKinley Assassination) born to a Rich northern family. Meanwhile each candidate choose a VP. Clark choose Wilson, His former Rival, and Roosevelt chose Progressive from California Hiram Johnson
He was a Progressive and believed in reform, However not radical to help the Worker which even though improving was still poor with still no 8 hour work day and minimum wage. Clark decided to appeal to the south and win the great south and eastern coast to edge out a victory. He set his views in place and ran on a classic Democratic Campaign. Roosevelt decided to stick to his Progressive views calling the Election pivot 'A open political lie that everyone knows about'.
By this time the Republicans had consolidated the Progressive base from both party. Meanwhile persuaded by Clark, Conservative Republicans switched to him. Progressives filled the void in the republican party and at least for now were dominant there and vica versa for the Democrats. In the Fall of the Campaign saw the first real nationwide and state polls ever in American Politics. In a poll by the New York Times:
Nationwide - Roosevelt 51%, Clark 49%
Key Swing States -
Missouri - Clark 55%, Roosevelt 44%
Indiana - Clark 53%, Roosevelt 47%
Ohio - Roosevelt 49%, Clark 48%
Arizona - Clark 53%, Roosevelt 44%
New Mexico - Roosevelt 50%, Clark 45%
Idaho - Clark 47%, Roosevelt 47%
Kansas - Clark 50%, Roosevelt 50%
Utah - Clark 49%, Roosevelt 48%
New York - Roosevelt 54%, Clark 44%
Pennsylvania - Roosevelt 51%, Clark 45%
New Jersey - Clark 49%, Roosevelt 47%
Delaware - Roosevelt 52%, Clark 46%
Wyoming - Roosevelt 50%, Clark 43%
Massachusetts - Roosevelt 54%, Clark 46%
The race was close with a small Roosevelt lead. If added by who is in the lead then Roosevelt came on top with 298 Electoral Votes to Clark's 233. When the poll was released both campaigns went on Hyper drive. Roosevelt didn't want to wish on a close election and was actually determined to win in a landslide like in 1904. Clark also was worried about losing but this poll was good. It meant that the Democrats could win again.
They began to campaign hard in the western states and in the New England Area seeing Roosevelt's Weakness. Throughout the rest of September and Early October Roosevelt campaign on both his record and calling his opponent a puppet to Tammany Hall. Clark called him a Thin Skinned Radical. Small fights occurred until a So called 'October Surprise' Came upon when it was revealed by the Washington Post that he was involved in the block to overthrow the Panama Government to build the canal in his Term as president.
The original source was never known however it is believed it came from the Clark Campaign. Nevertheless it hurt him. Clark pounced on it calling it 'Disgraceful a President would personally overthrow another country's democracy'. Roosevelt called it unneeded controversially and say he had to do it for the safety of the country.
He said it was a personal attack from the Clark campaign and
unneeded. It did hurt him in the polls and the next NYT poll showed him ahead only by 3% with him at 43%, Clark at 40%, and Surprisingly Little known Socialist Eugene V. Debs at 16%. He bolstered in support saying he was a alternative from the two party infighting.
He called Roosevelt 'a disgrace to any Progressive cause' and 'Clark a Racist KKK Democrat'. Roosevelt responded to this by saying he will implement in his campaign a pledge to start a minimum wage at a living wage for the time at around 2$ and support for Suffrage.
This was praised by progressives but did little to dealt with Debs. A final poll before the election was held with Roosevelt and Clark at a Dead Heat of 40% and Debs at 19%. And this started the campaign
Election Night
Life Coverage (Literally) from the Washington Post in Washington DC
Hello there. Tonight marks a very special type of day. Today marks a day in which your voice can be heard and your will affect the country. Yep today is voting today and we here at the Washington Post due to popular demand will be doing election coverage life. Unlike what we do which is print the winner in the morning. We here will be receiving life updates and which state will go which via telephone and telegraph. We have 100 reporters out in all 48 states at this moment. They will tell us who won each state. They will also tell us the vote totals if its to close to call. Theodore Roosevelt is currently in his New York Mansion and Clark is in his Home in this very own DC. And to be covering them with me and each of there chances is Teddy Roosevelt's Cousin Franklin, Booker T. Washington, Mark Twain, and Me Eugene Meyers.
8:30 PM
We have a few states to call right now. We can call the states of Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire to Roosevelt.
Washington - No Surprises there
Twain - Yes, those states would go to any republicans even if it had one leg and no head
Meyers - Ha! True
9:10 PM
We have some announcements to make right now. According to our sources in New England
all states have voted so far for Roosevelt. Making him win all 44 Electoral Votes from New England
Franklin - He is a New England man what ya expect
Washington - I heard Clark really wanted Massachusetts
Eugene - I bet he wanted Connecticut and Rhode Island too
9:20 PM - Surprisingly our sources in the crucial swing state of New York already have a vote total so far. Currently its 43% in and in Roosevelt's Home state he is leading by 13%. He leads 40% to Clark's 37%. Debs has a surprising 23%. Could this prove a factor on things to come
Twain - Two things i get out of this. Why is this a Swing state, Roosevelt clearly will win. Secondly, Debs could have successfully pulled himself off as a middle man. I bet this will play crucial in the Plans and Upper Midwest.
9:30 PM
And now at this time we have several states to call. But first we have to call the crucial swing state of New York to Roosevelt. Must be a Major blow to the Clark Campaign if there listening. Now we also have states to call. Unsurprisingly our sources have told us Clark has overwhelming won in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North
Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Bringing the vote totals to 101 Clark, 89 Roosevelt
Washington - Im interested in why Florida wasn't called
Eugene - Our Sources say its too close.
Washington - Wow that could prove things to come
10:00 PM
Breaking New - The Key swing states of Missouri, New Jersey have been called Clark. Texas, Florida, Virginia, and West Virginia are called for Clark too. Meanwhile Pennsylvania is 65% in and with a 45% to 40% advantage with Debs at 15%, Roosevelt will likely win the state. Also We can call Delaware to Clark and Maryland to Clark. Its 190 Clark and 127 Roosevelt
Twain - Now were getting in the juice. I bet the reason you cant call the Midwest to anyone because of debs. Also i can see Wilson most likely helped clark in New Jersey too call it this early
Eugene - Probably
10:30 PM
Now we have new states to call. This will be
interesting
Twain - Oh yes
Ohio has gone to Roosevelt with 78% in and him in 46%, Clark at 44% and Debs at 10%. In the Swing state of Indiana with 59% in its 43% for Clark, 39% for Roosevelt, and Debs at 18% will go to Clark. Illinois will go to Roosevelt and Michigan to Roosevelt. Wisconsin is too close to call with 34% Roosevelt, 33% Debs, and 32% Clark. Minnesota will go to Debs making him the first third party since the populists to win a state. Iowa will go to Debs to and Oklahoma to Debs too at 40% to Clarks 33% and Roosevelt's 27%
Washington - Wow.
11:00 PM
Now the Plains States. Kansas will go to Clark, Nebraska to Roosevelt, South Dakota to Debs, and North Dakota is too close to call with 51% in with Debs in a small lead with 35% to Roosevelt's 34% and Clarks 32%.
Franklin - Hows Wisconsin
Eugene - 34.31% Debs, 34.29% Roosevelt, and Clark at 31.39%
Franklin - Close
12:00 PM - We have more calls for you on this lengthy Night. California will go unsurprisingly to Roosevelt also home of his VP Hiram Johnson, Nevada will go to Roosevelt, Washington to Roosevelt. Colorado will go to Roosevelt.
Washington - This is becoming a Tight race
Eugene - And Roosevelt will need to win basically all other states to reach 266 to Win.
11:30 PM
More election updates. In Wisconsin its 34.12% Roosevelt, 34.00% to Debs, and 31.76% to Clark. In Arizona its 39% in with Clark at 45%, Roosevelt at 44% and Debs at 11% and in Oregon according to our reporters there its 37% Debs, 36.9% Roosevelt, and Clark at 26%. In Utah its Roosevelt at 44%, Clark at 42% and Debs at 14%. In Idaho reports have just come in and at 10% Clark Leads by 1% at 35% to Roosevelt's 34% and Debs 30%.
Twain - Its looking more and more likely to be that no one reaches 266 to win.
Washington - And that wont go down easily with a Democratic Congress
12:00 AM
As November 6th Approaches there still is no definitive winner. But we have more calls. Oregon will go to Debs with 60% in and him leading 40% to Roosevelt's 35% and Clark's 25%. Meanwhile North Dakota will go to Debs with 59% in and him at 50%, Roosevelt at 40% and Clark at 10%. We have a even bigger state at this hour however. Wisconsin with its 13 Electoral Votes will go to Roosevelt with him in a .5% lead; 35.5% for Roosevelt, Debs at 35.0% and Clark at 29.5%. The Current Electoral Votes are at 245 For Roosevelt, 215 for Clark, and for a Third Party a Massive 50 Electoral Votes for Debs. The Current Nationwide votes are at 41.35% Roosevelt, 39.95% Clark, and 18.7% for Debs.
Twain - Someone call up Abraham.
1:00 AM
We are now 1 Hour into November 6th and we can make more Projections. Montana, Wyoming will go to Roosevelt. Idaho will go to Roosevelt too. Bet that was a relieve to the Roosevelt Campaign
Franklin - There drinking there asses off right now
1:30 AM
And now we have reports the at 90% in Utah will go to Roosevelt in a 40% to 38% Fashion. New Mexico will go to Roosevelt too. Arizona is too close to call but is in a slight Clark lead. Roosevelt needs to win this to get 266. He currently has 263 to Clarks 215 and Debs 50
2:56 AM
We can now Project that the 28th President will be Former President Teddy Roosevelt. He will Win Arizona by .25%. This concludes our Election Coverage with Roosevelt at 266, Clark at 215, and Debs at 50
The Map showed a couple of things. Firstly the Northeast and West was solidly Republican at this point, Secondly the South and Greater south was Leaning Democrat, and Thirdly people were discontented with the to party system seen by Eugene getting 19% of the Vote. Yet Theodore President would get a Second Full term as President.
Third Term of Roosevelt
Roosevelt was called up at 3 AM by a Staff member. He was told he would be the 28th President of the United States after a grueling and a surprisingly close election mostly due to the socialists. He was exited and got up and took a Ford T to New York City to address his supporters. It was remember by many as being surprisingly Vigorous for someone to have slept so little. He said America has Returned to the people after 8 years of a False Republican (Taft). He spoke for almost 2 hours and was sporadic and excited.
Meanwhile Clark was never woken. He woke up to know that Roosevelt had just pulled it off. He returned the next day to his post as Senate Majority Leader in the House with the Democrats still in power there and in the House. On March 4th, Roosevelt was set as President. He drew a large crowd and said the People are back in power. This inauguration was in Jacksonian fashion as his supporters drove into Washington even causing disorder at times. This was put down of course but it showed his support from the people. This would set a precedent for presidents to come as before him it was usually a small event with the exception for his 1905 Inauguration and the Inauguration of Other Famous Presidents.
Then he entered the white house where he had to face several past problems before he could get with his policies. First on April 8th he passed out the Seventeenth Amendment which made Direct election of Senators a things, Second he put down a uprising in the Philippines over the Moro Rebels, and with Democratic support he stated that a works on a Women's Suffrage Bill was under way. He then raised the Tariffs from 25% to 56% and reinstated a Progressive Income Tax and a Corporate Tax. He in Early 1914 reinstated the Power of Sherman Anti Trust Act with a majority of Republicans of Democrats in the House and Senate. This would end the Taft Era of going a blind eye to the Trusts and Big Business. Throughout 1914 and 1915 saw on the domestic front many new changes.
The first came in the Implementation of a National Minimum Wage law to $2.15 per hour which was seen by many as a positive increase in Workers quality of Life but by some Conservatives in the Democratic and the few left in the Republican Party calling it a overreach of the US Government. The Bill barely passed with a bare 51% majority of Democrats but a 75% of Republicans. However he continued with a End to Child Labor with the Implementation of the Workers Right Act and with it also set out a list of guild lines which made it so there would be a 8 hour work day by law and workers condition would be properly checked by Officials.
He also in late 1915 proposed a bill which would institute National Healthcare for All which he said 'A Nation cannot be strong if its people are sick and Poor'. It passed the House but failed but failed the Senate with a 51-49 Majority. 55% of Democrats were Opposed while 44% of Republicans were opposed. He would continue to fight for this bill however for the rest of his term although unsuccessfully.
In 1916 he passed Womens Suffrage as a National Amendment making it so Women could vote in Presidential and Congressional Elections. On Racial Issues, Roosevelt wanted to make Moderate Changes but he knew it would never pass a Democratic House and Senate and never made it a Priority. One reform that did pass however was a moderate attempt to ban Lynching by making it illegal in Certain parts of the Day. That however took the Senate 3 Years to Approve. No Matter how Important his Domestic Changes brang to america, His Foreign Affairs were perhaps more.
Roosevelt was fascinated with war and it showed in his foreign policy. He had continued off his other administration in consolidating his gains in the Pacific and Latin America. He further industrialized the fairly rural Cuba which had been conquered by Spain in 1898. He wanted to further integrate Cuba into the United States but after the Havana Riot of 1913 and the Riot of Santiago De Cuba in 1914 he knew he could not make it a state which he desired. Meanwhile he saw the instability in Mexico and saw a chance to secure US interests there.
He supported the Federalists in the Civil war and he knew a war with Mexico wouldn't pass congress so he instead secretly instigated a coup in Mexico City on August 15th, 1915 which put Ramon Corral in power as Dictator with the backing of the Military. He was Vice President up until 1911 when he was resigned from power with the starting of Civil war in Mexico. Corral with Roosevelt's backing gradually took back Mexico and by 1916 the last pockets of resistance fell to him.
He would establish a 20 year long Regime in Mexico until his death in 1935. In Latin America like in his other Administration So called ''Banana Republics' Were established in Honduras with the attempted Assassination of Manuel Bonilla Averted. In the Pacific of in the Caribbean he kepted a tight grip on the territory's. The Philippines were the center of this debate and Roosevelt wanted to keep it, make it a Commonwealth and in the end either make it a State or Independent.
This was supported by many but to many Democrats and Progressives alike his imperialist behaviors were abhorrent for a nation that brings Freedom and Liberty around the world. He faced opposition to many of his foreign behaviors however his progressive social changes didn't seem to cause a uproar in the Republican Party.
However the most important of all was Germany. Where also kept a aggressive policy towards Germany and a Aggressive Alliance with Britain and France. He knew a war could roar up the Populous and his aggressiveness towards Germany would make War Inevitable. His aggressiveness was accepted by many and Anti-German Propaganda was rivet in the mainstream. His calls were answered in 1914 when Germany declared war on France and Invaded Belgium which made Britain Join. Americas Alliance with both meant they should go to war.
However Public support wasnt and congressional support was not too with the number of War Democrats and War Republicans in the Minority. He would need something more. So in the Meantime he secretly supplied both in there fight. This shock occurred on May 7th, 1915 when the RMS Lusitania was sunk by German U-Boats. It would be revealed later that the ship actually carried weapons but this sinking was tragic.
Of the Roughly 1100 dead, 139 were Americans. He thought this was enough. The Public support was with the War and Number of War Democrats and Republicans reached a Majority. With that a Declaration of War was passed on the Central Powers. Thus Bringing America into the First World War. And while all of this Happened the 1916 Campaign was under way.
1916 Republican Primary's
With Roosevelt as a Popular President the primary's were expected to be uneventful. However the once powerful Conservative Faction of the Party decided to try to put up a candidate against him. This came in Nelson Aldrich however he died in April of 1915 before the primary's ever happened. The next prominent name that many wanted to run was Freshmen Senator from from Ohio, Warren Harding. However he refused this accusation and said he had a duty to represent the people of Ohio. This lead some to believe he had future presidential ambitions. However in December of 1915 a challenger came in the form of Moderate from Nebraska George W. Norris. While not there ideal candidate the conservatives put him as there man and disgruntled progressives who saw him as saner on foreign policy and less aggressive then Roosevelt who they felt was warmongering and Imperialist. He however proved to be not much of a challenger as he was swept aside by Roosevelt in all of the Primary's. He dropped out after his 33% Performance in the California where he gained only 13 delegates and failed to win a majority of the conservative and moderate delegates from Roosevelt. In the end, Roosevelt walked into the convention with little to no challenge and quickly became the Republican Nominee. The convention was known for a famous speech by Senator Harding in which he coined the phrase 'Founding Fathers'. With the economy in drive and up, Inflation down, and a Declared war in Europe; Roosevelt had high hopes for reelection.
1916 Democratic Primary's
Like through the rest of the 20th century up til that point, the Democrats were at disadvantage in winning the Presidency. With a popular republican president and the country in a good state, Roosevelt was likely to win reelection. The Country was also in war and historically Presidents that start wars usually gain reelection to finish that war for the most part. So because of this like in 1912 was very small feeling for a democratic victory. Anyway democrats joined the race. Most of the Juggernauts of the party refused to enter and people like Jame Cox's who was sighted at the Democratic Nominee for that year refused sighting personal issues. The powerful Stevenson family of Illinois also refused to run any family member. So it was up to one remaining oddity; Woodrow Wilson. He had been a challenger to Clark in 1916 but failed after losing the all important California Primary. He decided to throw his hat in the ring and declared his candidacy in the Summer of 1915. Most democrats wanted a United Party against Roosevelt so most important Governors and Senators and Congressmen refused to run. However he did face opposition in Thomas Marshall, More progressive Governor from Indiana. He was able to gain traction and by the Primary's they were neck and neck. There would to be 19 primary's in California, New York, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, Maine, Iowa, West Virginia, and Vermont. In the First Primary of Iowa he won 55-43%. In New Hampshire Wilson won there 51-44% and in the following Indiana Primary Marshall won his state 73-27%. Wilson would go on to win New Jersey, Vermont, California, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland. Marshall would take the Rest. Going into the convention Wilson held a lead in 350 delegates and had won 4 more states then Marshall. On the 4th ballot of the convention Marshall conceded to Wilson. In exchange Wilson gave Marshall the Vice Presidency and out of that the Wilson/Marshall ticket was born.
1916 Presidential Campaign
The Early 1900s so far have seen a huge amount of Social and political changes occurring in a small time. This time saw the assignation of a President, The mainstreaming of the Sufferage and Prohibition Movements, Fights for better Workers equality, and the implementation of major social reforms and conditions for workers mostly under Progressive Republican Theodore 'Teddy Roosevelt. Under him also there was a mass effort for conservationism and the a new height to a so called 'American Empire' In Territory and Influence throughout the world. He was succeeded by William Howard Taft who was more conservative then he was but he was able to win in a landslide and finally kill William Bryan's Political career in the 1908 Election. However Roosevelt decided to pass the Progressive torch upon him. Under his reign, the United States continued on a stable direction with a few hiccups like the Panic of 1910-11 however his policies successfully warded off Progressives from the Republican Party. And this was the condition heading into the 1912 Election
1912 Republican Primary
As expected republican president William Taft announced his intentions for a reelection early on. However he was faced with progressives in the Party calling for a Primary so the Party bosses couldn't just give it to Taft. The Progressives in the Party got there way and with that began a series of 11 Primary's in 11 States. And with this, Taft's new rival but still friend Teddy Roosevelt entered the Race. Robert La Follete also entered even though a much smaller opponent viewed by many. The first primary was in North Dakota on March 19.
The first primary went to La Follete however the way the primary went meant that delegates werent assigned by states and instead could go to any candidate. This meant that Taft had a 90 Delegate lead as he was the Establishments candidate. On March 26th was the New York primary. Teddy's Home state went overwhelmingly for Taft with the New York City Area going to him by 70%. He got most of the Delegates two. This primary was followed by Wisconsin on April 2nd when La Folletes home state went for him in a 40 point Landslide. Roosevelt got his first big win in Illinois were he won every county and followed that with a win in Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Nebraska all by landslides. On the map it looked like a blowout but the delegate had Taft in a slight lead. Taft toke Massachusetts however by a 50-48 Margin.
Roosevelt went on to win all five states remaining. He won Maryland 53-47 over Taft. In California, Roosevelt received 55% to Taft's 27% and La Follette's 18%. He was able to beat Taft in his Home state and win South Dakota and New Jersey. Going into the convention however Taft had a 100 Delegate advantage. He lead 566 to Roosevelt's 466. This was viewed by many as Undemocratic because Roosevelt had won the Primary Electorate in a Landslide.
However being the Party Establishments favorite, Taft walked in as the Frontrunner. Roosevelt was not going to give up. The only way for him to beat taft in delegates was for him and La Follete unite and all other Progressive Delegates to form a Anti-Taft League. In our timeline Roosevelt couldnt bear himself with La Follete and didnt join and instead ran independent. However in this timeline he decides to do it it for the sake of Progressive Republicans. His alliance with other Progressive Delegates form a upset as they upset the Incumbent and President in Delegates. Taft refused to back down and battled for the remaining delegates. After a week at the Convention the last delegates were bounded to the candidates and Roosevelt came on top 598 to Taft's 572
1912 Democratic Primary
The Chances for the Democrats looked weak. The Republicans had been in Power for decades with Grover Cleveland in the 1890s being the last Democratic President. The Economy was in a stable and growing condition and the Progressive wing of the Democratic Party had been swept away and ran off to the Republicans. The Democratic field was narrow to saw the least and the Only major power broker was Speaker of the House Clamp Clark. Unlike the Republican field however the Primary's were much more competition. They had just implementation primary to end the reign of the Party bosses of Tammany Hall and the Elite in deciding the Candidates.
The Race Ended up with 4 People, Champ Clark; House Speaker, Woodrow Wilson; Governor from New Jersey; Judson Harmon, and John Burke; Governor of North Dakota. The First Primary was North Dakota were Burke won 98% of the Populous unsurprisingly being his home state. Wisconsin was more competitive but in a shock Wilson won a 10 point victory over expected Nominee Clamp Clark. Clark followed that with a smaller then expected win in Illinois. In Pennsylvania Woodrow Wilson unsurprisingly won the state next to his. Champ followed that again in Nebraska with Judson in a Surprising 2nd place with 35% of the Vote. Clark followed that with Oregon where he won 51% to Wilson's 46%. Clark then went on to win Massachusetts and Maryland by Landslides.
Wilson's campaign looked bleak and he needed a win in California or to be close. He lost the State to Clark by 15%. Clark won Ohio, Judson's Home state by 5% and he dropped out. Burke also dropped out seeing he was not a compromise candidate. Wilson won his Home State next with 76% of the vote however even though he won that big he dropped out seeing he couldnt win in the States or Delegates. The South Dakota Primary was cancelled as Clamp was the basic Nominee.
The Convention was uneventful and Wilson called his delegates to Clamp and to unite the Party against the Republicans who 'Want to act as the only Party for the Country'. There was a small Progressive Uprising but was put down by the establishment. Remaining Progressives went to Roosevelt.
The Campaign of 1912
The Campaign was set to be a extreme one. Not only was it the first genuine opportunity in more then 20 years for a Democrat to win the white house but also the very different opinions from each candidate. Champ was born to a poor Southern Family and held rather conservative democratic views. Roosevelt on the other hand was a Former 1 term president (Minus his time after McKinley Assassination) born to a Rich northern family. Meanwhile each candidate choose a VP. Clark choose Wilson, His former Rival, and Roosevelt chose Progressive from California Hiram Johnson
He was a Progressive and believed in reform, However not radical to help the Worker which even though improving was still poor with still no 8 hour work day and minimum wage. Clark decided to appeal to the south and win the great south and eastern coast to edge out a victory. He set his views in place and ran on a classic Democratic Campaign. Roosevelt decided to stick to his Progressive views calling the Election pivot 'A open political lie that everyone knows about'.
By this time the Republicans had consolidated the Progressive base from both party. Meanwhile persuaded by Clark, Conservative Republicans switched to him. Progressives filled the void in the republican party and at least for now were dominant there and vica versa for the Democrats. In the Fall of the Campaign saw the first real nationwide and state polls ever in American Politics. In a poll by the New York Times:
Nationwide - Roosevelt 51%, Clark 49%
Key Swing States -
Missouri - Clark 55%, Roosevelt 44%
Indiana - Clark 53%, Roosevelt 47%
Ohio - Roosevelt 49%, Clark 48%
Arizona - Clark 53%, Roosevelt 44%
New Mexico - Roosevelt 50%, Clark 45%
Idaho - Clark 47%, Roosevelt 47%
Kansas - Clark 50%, Roosevelt 50%
Utah - Clark 49%, Roosevelt 48%
New York - Roosevelt 54%, Clark 44%
Pennsylvania - Roosevelt 51%, Clark 45%
New Jersey - Clark 49%, Roosevelt 47%
Delaware - Roosevelt 52%, Clark 46%
Wyoming - Roosevelt 50%, Clark 43%
Massachusetts - Roosevelt 54%, Clark 46%
The race was close with a small Roosevelt lead. If added by who is in the lead then Roosevelt came on top with 298 Electoral Votes to Clark's 233. When the poll was released both campaigns went on Hyper drive. Roosevelt didn't want to wish on a close election and was actually determined to win in a landslide like in 1904. Clark also was worried about losing but this poll was good. It meant that the Democrats could win again.
They began to campaign hard in the western states and in the New England Area seeing Roosevelt's Weakness. Throughout the rest of September and Early October Roosevelt campaign on both his record and calling his opponent a puppet to Tammany Hall. Clark called him a Thin Skinned Radical. Small fights occurred until a So called 'October Surprise' Came upon when it was revealed by the Washington Post that he was involved in the block to overthrow the Panama Government to build the canal in his Term as president.
The original source was never known however it is believed it came from the Clark Campaign. Nevertheless it hurt him. Clark pounced on it calling it 'Disgraceful a President would personally overthrow another country's democracy'. Roosevelt called it unneeded controversially and say he had to do it for the safety of the country.
He said it was a personal attack from the Clark campaign and
unneeded. It did hurt him in the polls and the next NYT poll showed him ahead only by 3% with him at 43%, Clark at 40%, and Surprisingly Little known Socialist Eugene V. Debs at 16%. He bolstered in support saying he was a alternative from the two party infighting.
He called Roosevelt 'a disgrace to any Progressive cause' and 'Clark a Racist KKK Democrat'. Roosevelt responded to this by saying he will implement in his campaign a pledge to start a minimum wage at a living wage for the time at around 2$ and support for Suffrage.
This was praised by progressives but did little to dealt with Debs. A final poll before the election was held with Roosevelt and Clark at a Dead Heat of 40% and Debs at 19%. And this started the campaign
Election Night
Life Coverage (Literally) from the Washington Post in Washington DC
Hello there. Tonight marks a very special type of day. Today marks a day in which your voice can be heard and your will affect the country. Yep today is voting today and we here at the Washington Post due to popular demand will be doing election coverage life. Unlike what we do which is print the winner in the morning. We here will be receiving life updates and which state will go which via telephone and telegraph. We have 100 reporters out in all 48 states at this moment. They will tell us who won each state. They will also tell us the vote totals if its to close to call. Theodore Roosevelt is currently in his New York Mansion and Clark is in his Home in this very own DC. And to be covering them with me and each of there chances is Teddy Roosevelt's Cousin Franklin, Booker T. Washington, Mark Twain, and Me Eugene Meyers.
8:30 PM
We have a few states to call right now. We can call the states of Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire to Roosevelt.
Washington - No Surprises there
Twain - Yes, those states would go to any republicans even if it had one leg and no head
Meyers - Ha! True
9:10 PM
We have some announcements to make right now. According to our sources in New England
all states have voted so far for Roosevelt. Making him win all 44 Electoral Votes from New England
Franklin - He is a New England man what ya expect
Washington - I heard Clark really wanted Massachusetts
Eugene - I bet he wanted Connecticut and Rhode Island too
9:20 PM - Surprisingly our sources in the crucial swing state of New York already have a vote total so far. Currently its 43% in and in Roosevelt's Home state he is leading by 13%. He leads 40% to Clark's 37%. Debs has a surprising 23%. Could this prove a factor on things to come
Twain - Two things i get out of this. Why is this a Swing state, Roosevelt clearly will win. Secondly, Debs could have successfully pulled himself off as a middle man. I bet this will play crucial in the Plans and Upper Midwest.
9:30 PM
And now at this time we have several states to call. But first we have to call the crucial swing state of New York to Roosevelt. Must be a Major blow to the Clark Campaign if there listening. Now we also have states to call. Unsurprisingly our sources have told us Clark has overwhelming won in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North
Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Bringing the vote totals to 101 Clark, 89 Roosevelt
Washington - Im interested in why Florida wasn't called
Eugene - Our Sources say its too close.
Washington - Wow that could prove things to come
10:00 PM
Breaking New - The Key swing states of Missouri, New Jersey have been called Clark. Texas, Florida, Virginia, and West Virginia are called for Clark too. Meanwhile Pennsylvania is 65% in and with a 45% to 40% advantage with Debs at 15%, Roosevelt will likely win the state. Also We can call Delaware to Clark and Maryland to Clark. Its 190 Clark and 127 Roosevelt
Twain - Now were getting in the juice. I bet the reason you cant call the Midwest to anyone because of debs. Also i can see Wilson most likely helped clark in New Jersey too call it this early
Eugene - Probably
10:30 PM
Now we have new states to call. This will be
interesting
Twain - Oh yes
Ohio has gone to Roosevelt with 78% in and him in 46%, Clark at 44% and Debs at 10%. In the Swing state of Indiana with 59% in its 43% for Clark, 39% for Roosevelt, and Debs at 18% will go to Clark. Illinois will go to Roosevelt and Michigan to Roosevelt. Wisconsin is too close to call with 34% Roosevelt, 33% Debs, and 32% Clark. Minnesota will go to Debs making him the first third party since the populists to win a state. Iowa will go to Debs to and Oklahoma to Debs too at 40% to Clarks 33% and Roosevelt's 27%
Washington - Wow.
11:00 PM
Now the Plains States. Kansas will go to Clark, Nebraska to Roosevelt, South Dakota to Debs, and North Dakota is too close to call with 51% in with Debs in a small lead with 35% to Roosevelt's 34% and Clarks 32%.
Franklin - Hows Wisconsin
Eugene - 34.31% Debs, 34.29% Roosevelt, and Clark at 31.39%
Franklin - Close
12:00 PM - We have more calls for you on this lengthy Night. California will go unsurprisingly to Roosevelt also home of his VP Hiram Johnson, Nevada will go to Roosevelt, Washington to Roosevelt. Colorado will go to Roosevelt.
Washington - This is becoming a Tight race
Eugene - And Roosevelt will need to win basically all other states to reach 266 to Win.
11:30 PM
More election updates. In Wisconsin its 34.12% Roosevelt, 34.00% to Debs, and 31.76% to Clark. In Arizona its 39% in with Clark at 45%, Roosevelt at 44% and Debs at 11% and in Oregon according to our reporters there its 37% Debs, 36.9% Roosevelt, and Clark at 26%. In Utah its Roosevelt at 44%, Clark at 42% and Debs at 14%. In Idaho reports have just come in and at 10% Clark Leads by 1% at 35% to Roosevelt's 34% and Debs 30%.
Twain - Its looking more and more likely to be that no one reaches 266 to win.
Washington - And that wont go down easily with a Democratic Congress
12:00 AM
As November 6th Approaches there still is no definitive winner. But we have more calls. Oregon will go to Debs with 60% in and him leading 40% to Roosevelt's 35% and Clark's 25%. Meanwhile North Dakota will go to Debs with 59% in and him at 50%, Roosevelt at 40% and Clark at 10%. We have a even bigger state at this hour however. Wisconsin with its 13 Electoral Votes will go to Roosevelt with him in a .5% lead; 35.5% for Roosevelt, Debs at 35.0% and Clark at 29.5%. The Current Electoral Votes are at 245 For Roosevelt, 215 for Clark, and for a Third Party a Massive 50 Electoral Votes for Debs. The Current Nationwide votes are at 41.35% Roosevelt, 39.95% Clark, and 18.7% for Debs.
Twain - Someone call up Abraham.
1:00 AM
We are now 1 Hour into November 6th and we can make more Projections. Montana, Wyoming will go to Roosevelt. Idaho will go to Roosevelt too. Bet that was a relieve to the Roosevelt Campaign
Franklin - There drinking there asses off right now
1:30 AM
And now we have reports the at 90% in Utah will go to Roosevelt in a 40% to 38% Fashion. New Mexico will go to Roosevelt too. Arizona is too close to call but is in a slight Clark lead. Roosevelt needs to win this to get 266. He currently has 263 to Clarks 215 and Debs 50
2:56 AM
We can now Project that the 28th President will be Former President Teddy Roosevelt. He will Win Arizona by .25%. This concludes our Election Coverage with Roosevelt at 266, Clark at 215, and Debs at 50
The Map showed a couple of things. Firstly the Northeast and West was solidly Republican at this point, Secondly the South and Greater south was Leaning Democrat, and Thirdly people were discontented with the to party system seen by Eugene getting 19% of the Vote. Yet Theodore President would get a Second Full term as President.
Third Term of Roosevelt
Roosevelt was called up at 3 AM by a Staff member. He was told he would be the 28th President of the United States after a grueling and a surprisingly close election mostly due to the socialists. He was exited and got up and took a Ford T to New York City to address his supporters. It was remember by many as being surprisingly Vigorous for someone to have slept so little. He said America has Returned to the people after 8 years of a False Republican (Taft). He spoke for almost 2 hours and was sporadic and excited.
Meanwhile Clark was never woken. He woke up to know that Roosevelt had just pulled it off. He returned the next day to his post as Senate Majority Leader in the House with the Democrats still in power there and in the House. On March 4th, Roosevelt was set as President. He drew a large crowd and said the People are back in power. This inauguration was in Jacksonian fashion as his supporters drove into Washington even causing disorder at times. This was put down of course but it showed his support from the people. This would set a precedent for presidents to come as before him it was usually a small event with the exception for his 1905 Inauguration and the Inauguration of Other Famous Presidents.
Then he entered the white house where he had to face several past problems before he could get with his policies. First on April 8th he passed out the Seventeenth Amendment which made Direct election of Senators a things, Second he put down a uprising in the Philippines over the Moro Rebels, and with Democratic support he stated that a works on a Women's Suffrage Bill was under way. He then raised the Tariffs from 25% to 56% and reinstated a Progressive Income Tax and a Corporate Tax. He in Early 1914 reinstated the Power of Sherman Anti Trust Act with a majority of Republicans of Democrats in the House and Senate. This would end the Taft Era of going a blind eye to the Trusts and Big Business. Throughout 1914 and 1915 saw on the domestic front many new changes.
The first came in the Implementation of a National Minimum Wage law to $2.15 per hour which was seen by many as a positive increase in Workers quality of Life but by some Conservatives in the Democratic and the few left in the Republican Party calling it a overreach of the US Government. The Bill barely passed with a bare 51% majority of Democrats but a 75% of Republicans. However he continued with a End to Child Labor with the Implementation of the Workers Right Act and with it also set out a list of guild lines which made it so there would be a 8 hour work day by law and workers condition would be properly checked by Officials.
He also in late 1915 proposed a bill which would institute National Healthcare for All which he said 'A Nation cannot be strong if its people are sick and Poor'. It passed the House but failed but failed the Senate with a 51-49 Majority. 55% of Democrats were Opposed while 44% of Republicans were opposed. He would continue to fight for this bill however for the rest of his term although unsuccessfully.
In 1916 he passed Womens Suffrage as a National Amendment making it so Women could vote in Presidential and Congressional Elections. On Racial Issues, Roosevelt wanted to make Moderate Changes but he knew it would never pass a Democratic House and Senate and never made it a Priority. One reform that did pass however was a moderate attempt to ban Lynching by making it illegal in Certain parts of the Day. That however took the Senate 3 Years to Approve. No Matter how Important his Domestic Changes brang to america, His Foreign Affairs were perhaps more.
Roosevelt was fascinated with war and it showed in his foreign policy. He had continued off his other administration in consolidating his gains in the Pacific and Latin America. He further industrialized the fairly rural Cuba which had been conquered by Spain in 1898. He wanted to further integrate Cuba into the United States but after the Havana Riot of 1913 and the Riot of Santiago De Cuba in 1914 he knew he could not make it a state which he desired. Meanwhile he saw the instability in Mexico and saw a chance to secure US interests there.
He supported the Federalists in the Civil war and he knew a war with Mexico wouldn't pass congress so he instead secretly instigated a coup in Mexico City on August 15th, 1915 which put Ramon Corral in power as Dictator with the backing of the Military. He was Vice President up until 1911 when he was resigned from power with the starting of Civil war in Mexico. Corral with Roosevelt's backing gradually took back Mexico and by 1916 the last pockets of resistance fell to him.
He would establish a 20 year long Regime in Mexico until his death in 1935. In Latin America like in his other Administration So called ''Banana Republics' Were established in Honduras with the attempted Assassination of Manuel Bonilla Averted. In the Pacific of in the Caribbean he kepted a tight grip on the territory's. The Philippines were the center of this debate and Roosevelt wanted to keep it, make it a Commonwealth and in the end either make it a State or Independent.
This was supported by many but to many Democrats and Progressives alike his imperialist behaviors were abhorrent for a nation that brings Freedom and Liberty around the world. He faced opposition to many of his foreign behaviors however his progressive social changes didn't seem to cause a uproar in the Republican Party.
However the most important of all was Germany. Where also kept a aggressive policy towards Germany and a Aggressive Alliance with Britain and France. He knew a war could roar up the Populous and his aggressiveness towards Germany would make War Inevitable. His aggressiveness was accepted by many and Anti-German Propaganda was rivet in the mainstream. His calls were answered in 1914 when Germany declared war on France and Invaded Belgium which made Britain Join. Americas Alliance with both meant they should go to war.
However Public support wasnt and congressional support was not too with the number of War Democrats and War Republicans in the Minority. He would need something more. So in the Meantime he secretly supplied both in there fight. This shock occurred on May 7th, 1915 when the RMS Lusitania was sunk by German U-Boats. It would be revealed later that the ship actually carried weapons but this sinking was tragic.
Of the Roughly 1100 dead, 139 were Americans. He thought this was enough. The Public support was with the War and Number of War Democrats and Republicans reached a Majority. With that a Declaration of War was passed on the Central Powers. Thus Bringing America into the First World War. And while all of this Happened the 1916 Campaign was under way.
1916 Republican Primary's
With Roosevelt as a Popular President the primary's were expected to be uneventful. However the once powerful Conservative Faction of the Party decided to try to put up a candidate against him. This came in Nelson Aldrich however he died in April of 1915 before the primary's ever happened. The next prominent name that many wanted to run was Freshmen Senator from from Ohio, Warren Harding. However he refused this accusation and said he had a duty to represent the people of Ohio. This lead some to believe he had future presidential ambitions. However in December of 1915 a challenger came in the form of Moderate from Nebraska George W. Norris. While not there ideal candidate the conservatives put him as there man and disgruntled progressives who saw him as saner on foreign policy and less aggressive then Roosevelt who they felt was warmongering and Imperialist. He however proved to be not much of a challenger as he was swept aside by Roosevelt in all of the Primary's. He dropped out after his 33% Performance in the California where he gained only 13 delegates and failed to win a majority of the conservative and moderate delegates from Roosevelt. In the end, Roosevelt walked into the convention with little to no challenge and quickly became the Republican Nominee. The convention was known for a famous speech by Senator Harding in which he coined the phrase 'Founding Fathers'. With the economy in drive and up, Inflation down, and a Declared war in Europe; Roosevelt had high hopes for reelection.
1916 Democratic Primary's
Like through the rest of the 20th century up til that point, the Democrats were at disadvantage in winning the Presidency. With a popular republican president and the country in a good state, Roosevelt was likely to win reelection. The Country was also in war and historically Presidents that start wars usually gain reelection to finish that war for the most part. So because of this like in 1912 was very small feeling for a democratic victory. Anyway democrats joined the race. Most of the Juggernauts of the party refused to enter and people like Jame Cox's who was sighted at the Democratic Nominee for that year refused sighting personal issues. The powerful Stevenson family of Illinois also refused to run any family member. So it was up to one remaining oddity; Woodrow Wilson. He had been a challenger to Clark in 1916 but failed after losing the all important California Primary. He decided to throw his hat in the ring and declared his candidacy in the Summer of 1915. Most democrats wanted a United Party against Roosevelt so most important Governors and Senators and Congressmen refused to run. However he did face opposition in Thomas Marshall, More progressive Governor from Indiana. He was able to gain traction and by the Primary's they were neck and neck. There would to be 19 primary's in California, New York, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, Maine, Iowa, West Virginia, and Vermont. In the First Primary of Iowa he won 55-43%. In New Hampshire Wilson won there 51-44% and in the following Indiana Primary Marshall won his state 73-27%. Wilson would go on to win New Jersey, Vermont, California, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland. Marshall would take the Rest. Going into the convention Wilson held a lead in 350 delegates and had won 4 more states then Marshall. On the 4th ballot of the convention Marshall conceded to Wilson. In exchange Wilson gave Marshall the Vice Presidency and out of that the Wilson/Marshall ticket was born.
1916 Presidential Campaign
Attachments
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