Strong As A Bull Moose

[Merovingian]

From “America’s Bull Moose: Theodore Roosevelt”, by Robert S. Johnson

Leading up to the 1912 election, Roosevelt began to challenge Taft for the Republican nomination. While the incumbent Taft likely would have received the nomination, but was seriously injured after accidentally slipping on a banana peel[1], and so the nomination went to Roosevelt. Roosevelt would run against Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson. Wilson performed strongly in the staunchly Democratic southern states, and even managed to gain support in the traditionally Republican north and west, but would loose the election to Roosevelt

In the aftermath of Roosevelt’s victory, he would find himself the first President to be elected for more than two terms. He would continue to implement the Square Deal policies of his previous two terms, as well as his New Nationalism platform. Roosevelt’s presidency is seen as a sort of transition between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. His presidency is a controversial one, with his progressive policies contrasted with having involved the United States in one of the bloodiest conflicts of the twentieth century. He was a hero to many, a villain to others. If one thing can be said for certain of him, however, is that he led America into the twentieth century and forever changed the course of history.




[1]One of those moments in history that seems to come out of nowhere but has massive affects on history

 

[faddllz]

slipping on a banana peel

started out wonderful isn't it ?
let's see where this is going

 

[Merovingian]

started out wonderful isn't it ?
let's see where this is going

I originally wanted it to be something slightly more serious, but then I came across this little idea and decided to use it.

 

[Merovingian]

From “America’s Bull Moose: Theodore Roosevelt”, by Robert S. Johnson

As President, Roosevelt made his Entente sympathies and desire to enter the United States in the ongoing European war plainly obvious. The American people, on the other other hand, strongly opposed any sort of involvement in what was seen by many as a foreign conflict in which America simply had nothing to gain and too much to loose. This changed on May 7th, 1915, when the RMS Lusitania, a British ship that carried American passengers, was sunk by the Imperial German Navy. Roosevelt was able to use the outrage from the sinking to convince Congress to declare war on the German Empire.

In hindsight, Roosevelt’s involvement of the United States in the Great War is almost universally viewed as a mistake. This one decision cemented Roosevelt’s legacy as an egotistical warmonger incapable of thinking about the long term consequences of his actions. Although it was on the winning side, the United States gained little from the war except for thousands of pointless deaths in a war on a continent an ocean away from home[1]. The soldiers who survived would come home disillusioned with their government and angry that they had endured so much suffering for little to no change.



[1]This timeline can be considered a sort of deconstruction of the common idealistic scenario were Roosevelt wins in 1912 and the world is better as a result. This largely seems to be a reactions against Wilson(who I very much dislike), but it fails to recognize Roosevelt’s flaws or the potential consequences of an earlier American involvement in World War I.

 

[faddllz]

This largely seems to be a reactions against Wilson(who I very much dislike), but it fails to recognize Roosevelt’s flaws or the potential consequences of an earlier American involvement in World War I.

this.

while i did dislike wilson-for many reasons, he did right to keep america out of the war. it wasn't in the best interest of the usa to enter a war that they have little to gain about.

 

[LAHistorian15]

this.

while i did dislike wilson-for many reasons, he did right to keep america out of the war. it wasn't in the best interest of the usa to enter a war that they have little to gain about.

Wilson entered the war due to German aggression and make peace in Europe. TR would have joined as a show of military strength and nothing else.

 

[triscreen]

From what's been mentioned so far, while America may not see many of the positive effects of an early entry into WW1 from its perspective, they would certainly be there. If American entry into the war ends it on the same time-scale as OTL, that means that the war is ending in late 1916 or 1917. Cutting off a year of the war means a lot - for one, less people are dead from the war, and presuming the 1912 POD didn't alter things too radically, that means that the Russian Republic has victory in the war under its belt, there's less general instability in Europe, and perhaps even the Spanish Flu is mitigated, with less spread in peace-time.

America also still sees some positive benefits from the war - for one, they do have the prestige, but they also have ensured that the loans they made to the Allied Powers will be paid back, which means that unless something else happens after the war the returning troops will enjoy a decade or so of prosperity, perhaps after a "Red Summer"-esque transition period.

 

[Lalli]

From what's been mentioned so far, while America may not see many of the positive effects of an early entry into WW1 from its perspective, they would certainly be there. If American entry into the war ends it on the same time-scale as OTL, that means that the war is ending in late 1916 or 1917. Cutting off a year of the war means a lot - for one, less people are dead from the war, and presuming the 1912 POD didn't alter things too radically, that means that the Russian Republic has victory in the war under its belt, there's less general instability in Europe, and perhaps even the Spanish Flu is mitigated, with less spread in peace-time.

America also still sees some positive benefits from the war - for one, they do have the prestige, but they also have ensured that the loans they made to the Allied Powers will be paid back, which means that unless something else happens after the war the returning troops will enjoy a decade or so of prosperity, perhaps after a "Red Summer"-esque transition period.

If Americans enters to the war earlier, Russian empire would last until end of the war. But its long-term survival is not still sure. But at least no Bolshevik Revolution.

And since war ends earlier, German monarchy would too survive altough the Kaiser has probably abdicate. And probably not rise of nazis.

Italy wouldn't be backstabbed at Versailles and it might avoid fascism.

Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire anyway are probably doomed.

 

[LAHistorian15]

If Americans enters to the war earlier, Russian empire would last until end of the war. But its long-term survival is not still sure. But at least no Bolshevik Revolution.

And since war ends earlier, German monarchy would too survive altough the Kaiser has probably abdicate. And probably not rise of nazis.

Italy wouldn't be backstabbed at Versailles and it might avoid fascism.

Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire anyway are probably doomed.

Russian and German Monarchies are either dissolved or becomes a celebrity roles with not much power in politics similar to the British Monarchy in OTL.

Italy is much more content than in OTL.

Austrian-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires collapse and new countries are formed based on ethnic lines.

 

[Lalli]

Russian and German Monarchies are either dissolved or becomes a celebrity roles with not much power in politics similar to the British Monarchy in OTL.

Totally agree with Germany but not so sure about Russia. Nicholas II wasn't fan of parliamentarist system and him would has big difficulties to accept such thing.

Austrian-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires collapse and new countries are formed based on ethnic lines.

A-H I pretty much agree but not so sure about Ottomans. Britain and France would still want colonies there and they don't give any shit for ethnic/religious lines.

 

[triscreen]

If Americans enters to the war earlier, Russian empire would last until end of the war. But its long-term survival is not still sure. But at least no Bolshevik Revolution.

The Russian Empire definitely has a better chance of surviving than OTL, but assuming everything goes the same I'd say that the pressures of war-time still have a very good chance of ousting the Tsar with the proclamation of a Republic, which then has a better chance of survival because of its association with the victory. I'm definitely interested in seeing what this timeline ends up doing with the concept!

 

[Catsmate]

I originally wanted it to be something slightly more serious, but then I came across this little idea and decided to use it.

Well Bobby Leach died due to slipping on orange peel.....

 

[Lalli]

Well Bobby Leach died due to slipping on orange peel.....

Probably there has been quiet many odd ways to leave this world so slipping to peel of fruit probably is not too odd.

 

[Catsmate]

Probably there has been quiet many odd ways to leave this world so slipping to peel of fruit probably is not too odd.

True, falling coconuts, televisions and vending machines, armed toddlers, being buried alive, falling in the shower, (and out of bed). And selfie related accidents are booming.......

 

[Merovingian]

From “The Great War” by Jean-Pierre Caillaux

Following the entry of the Americans, the war was significantly tipped in the favor of the Entente. The Entente were able to break the ongoing stalemate by the beginning of 1916. As Germany began to falte in the west, Russia began to see victories against the Germans and Austro-Hungarians on the eastern front. The beginning of the Arab Revolt would see the Arabs under Ottoman rule rise up against the Turks under the leadership of Hussein bin Ali.

As the war increasingly turned against the Central Powers’ favor, the Germans became increasingly aggressive. In spite of this, the public opinion in Germany turned against the war. Going into 1917, The public opinion in Germany had become almost entirely against the war. On January 21st, 1917, the German Empire sued for peace with the Entente. The Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians continued to fight for slightly longer, but without Germany they failed to successfully hold against the victorious Entente.

From “America’s Bull Moose: Theodore Roosevelt”, by Robert S. Johnson

President Roosevelt’s contributions to the Treaty of Versailles, though much criticized in his own country, arguably helped ensure peace in Europe throughout the twentieth century. The treaty demanded the abdication of German Emperor Wilhelm II in favor of his son, Wilhelm III. Unlike his father, Wilhelm III was to be a ceremonial figurehead, similar to the British monarch. Germany was required to cede Alsace-Lorraine to France, and demilitarize both its French and Russian borders. Lastly, Germany was made to pay moderate war reparations to the Entente.

Aside from Versailles, the Paris Peace Conference also produced the Treaties of Trianon and Sèvres. The Treaty of Trianon divided Austria-Hungary into the Kingdom of Hungary, the Republic of Austria, and the Republic of Czechoslovakia. The Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian lands of the Empire were given to the new Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The Ruthenian and Polish parts of the Empire were given to Russia[1]. Italy was given the parts of Austria-Hungary along the Adriatic coast.

The Treaty of Sévres determined the fate of the Ottoman Empire. The Young Turk regime was deposed, but not the Ottoman sultan. The Empire’s Armenian territories were given to Russia, and the Ottoman government was required to both recognize the genocide and pay reparations to the victims. The Empire’s Arab territories would be reorganized into the Kingdom of Hashemite Arabia. This in particular was fiercely debated, with Britain and France both trying to establish spheres of influence(or even colonies) in Arabia.

In the aftermath of the end of the war, Roosevelt would face strong backlash. Thousands of Americans had died in what seemed like a pointless overseas conflict, only for the United States to get nothing in return. Roosevelt died on January 6th, 1919, at the very end of his term, and was succeeded by his Vice President, Hiram Johnson. Johnson would complete what little was left of Roosevelt’s term, only to loose to Democratic candidate James M. Cox in the 1920 election.

Under Cox, the United States would adopt an isolationist position to global and especially European affairs. The Cox doctrine dictated American neutrality in all European conflicts so as to prevent the United Sates from involving itself in another conflict like the Great War. Roosevelt’s name was condemned by history for his involve in the Great War, his reputation forever ruined. The legacy of Theodore Roosevelt is that of a warmonger who let his ego involve America in one of the bloodiest conflicts in history. Perhaps, had he lost to Woodrow Wilson in 1912, he would be remembered for the progressive reforms of his first two terms. Alas, such speculation is a frivolous pursuit.







[1]The Russian Revolution(both February and October) never happened ITTL and Nicholas II is still on the throne

 

[Lalli]

Wouldn't Armenian territories just be annexed by Russia.

What is fate of Kurdish population?

 

[Merovingian]

Wouldn't Armenian territories just be annexed by Russia.

That is probably more likely. I’ll change it.

What is fate of Kurdish population?

The situation with the Kurds is kind of ambiguous, but there will likely be some kind of Kurdish state.

 

[marktaha]

From “The Great War” by Jean-Pierre Caillaux

Following the entry of the Americans, the war was significantly tipped in the favor of the Entente. The Entente were able to break the ongoing stalemate by the beginning of 1916. As Germany began to falte in the west, Russia began to see victories against the Germans and Austro-Hungarians on the eastern front. The beginning of the Arab Revolt would see the Arabs under Ottoman rule rise up against the Turks under the leadership of Hussein bin Ali.

As the war increasingly turned against the Central Powers’ favor, the Germans became increasingly aggressive. In spite of this, the public opinion in Germany turned against the war. Going into 1917, The public opinion in Germany had become almost entirely against the war. On January 21st, 1917, the German Empire sued for peace with the Entente. The Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians continued to fight for slightly longer, but without Germany they failed to successfully hold against the victorious Entente.

From “America’s Bull Moose: Theodore Roosevelt”, by Robert S. Johnson

President Roosevelt’s contributions to the Treaty of Versailles, though much criticized in his own country, arguably helped ensure peace in Europe throughout the twentieth century. The treaty demanded the abdication of German Emperor Wilhelm II in favor of his son, Wilhelm III. Unlike his father, Wilhelm III was to be a ceremonial figurehead, similar to the British monarch. Germany was required to cede Alsace-Lorraine to France, and demilitarize both its French and Russian borders. Lastly, Germany was made to pay moderate war reparations to the Entente.

Aside from Versailles, the Paris Peace Conference also produced the Treaties of Trianon and Sèvres. The Treaty of Trianon divided Austria-Hungary into the Kingdom of Hungary, the Republic of Austria, and the Republic of Czechoslovakia. The Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian lands of the Empire were given to the new Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The Ruthenian and Polish parts of the Empire were given to Russia[1]. Italy was given the parts of Austria-Hungary along the Adriatic coast.

The Treaty of Sévres determined the fate of the Ottoman Empire. The Young Turk regime was deposed, but not the Ottoman sultan. The Empire’s Armenian territories were given to Russia, and the Ottoman government was required to both recognize the genocide and pay reparations to the victims. The Empire’s Arab territories would be reorganized into the Kingdom of Hashemite Arabia. This in particular was fiercely debated, with Britain and France both trying to establish spheres of influence(or even colonies) in Arabia.

In the aftermath of the end of the war, Roosevelt would face strong backlash. Thousands of Americans had died in what seemed like a pointless overseas conflict, only for the United States to get nothing in return. Roosevelt died on January 6th, 1919, at the very end of his term, and was succeeded by his Vice President, Hiram Johnson. Johnson would complete what little was left of Roosevelt’s term, only to loose to Democratic candidate James M. Cox in the 1920 election, making his presidency the second-shortest in American history after William Henry Harrison.

Under Cox, the United States would adopt an isolationist position to global and especially European affairs. The Cox doctrine dictated American neutrality in all European conflicts so as to prevent the United Sates from involving itself in another conflict like the Great War. Roosevelt’s name was condemned by history for his involve in the Great War, his reputation forever ruined. The legacy of Theodore Roosevelt is that of a warmonger who let his ego involve America in one of the bloodiest conflicts in history. Perhaps, had he lost to Woodrow Wilson in 1912, he would be remembered for the progressive reforms of his first two terms. Alas, such speculation is a frivolous pursuit.







[1]The Russian Revolution(both February and October) never happened ITTL and Nicholas II is still on the throne

Why would there have been an anti-Roosevelt backlash after he'd won the war? And Johnson would have been for longer than Taylor and Garfield as well.as Harrison.

 

[Merovingian]

Why would there have been an anti-Roosevelt backlash after he'd won the war?

Basically, the war was unpopular and the United States did’t seem to get much out of it(at least from the public’s perspective). Wilson faced a similar backlash OTL, so it’s not without precedent.

And Johnson would have been for longer than Taylor and Garfield as well.as Harrison.

I’ll fix it.

 

[marktaha]

Surely Teddy had more charisma than Wilson.