The American Lion Returns

Alright, so I asked a few weeks ago about what Theodore Roosevelt would have done had he lived past 1919. Most seemed to agree that he would seek the GOP nomination to be POTUS. Anyway, it was also a given that in order for TR to make it, he would have probably needed to be healthier, and in order to do that, he would have had to not go to South America on the Rondon Expedition in 1913-4 due to the trip causing him to suffer with affects from Malaria, as well as infections and the like.

So here it goes


May1910. After no reports from any of the members of the Rondon Expedition that went up the Madeira River in May of 1909. It is presumed that Rondon and his party ran out of supplies and died of either starvation or disease. While some in the Brazilian Government have proposed sending another expedition, few people seem up to the job. There have even been rumors former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt has been considered, though he dismissed the rumors saying "It would be a bully adventure, but no one in Brazil has even talked to me, It also seems foolish to go out into a jungle full of such vicious savages".

1912- Theodore Roosevelt, after being dissatisfied with President Taft and the Republicans, runs on his own as part of the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party. Roosevelt ended up finishing 2nd, but almost didn't even live to make a run. After an assassination attempt in Milwaukee, Roosevelt still appeared to possess his trademark energy, and it was later found the bullet hit his eyeglass case. protecting him from more serious injury. Roosevelt finished 2nd, winning the states of California, Washington, South Dakota, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania, and also got 2nd in the popular vote.

1913. Roosevelt goes to South America on a speaking tour, and a steamboat trip on the Amazon. The trip is a relative success with Roosevelt speaking in Rio De Janiero, Sao Paolo, Belem, as well as Buenos Aires and Santiago Chile. During his trip, Roosevelt not only talked about his Presidency, but also about the need for Pan American Unity and the importance of the new canal in Panama, as well as other regional and world issues. The former president was well received at each of his stops and praised his hosts. He returns to the US towards the end of 1913

August 1914- A month after the assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Germans, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire are at war with Serbia, Russia, France, and Britain. Many of the elites in the U.S think the U.S. should join on the side of Britain, but the U.S. Stays neutral.

May 1915The Lusitania is sunk by a German Uboat. Since it carried American Citizens, a number of whom were killed, the U.S. becomes more convinced it should join the war but stays out.

1916- Roosevelt stays out of the election against Wilson that year. Endorsing GOP candidate Charles Evans Hughes. Wilson is reelected, pledging to keep the U.S. out of war

April 1917- The U.S. enters World War One. Former president Roosevelt, then 8 years old, volunteers to lead a unit in the war. However, due to problems with weight (in spite of being otherwise healthy) he is used to train troops in the U.S. He also does do inspections in Europe but doesn't fight. His sons however do, including the daring Quentin. Quentin is a pilot and is shot down over France , but survives somehow.

Novemeber 1918- The War ends with an allied victory.

January 1919- The Versailles Conference begins. During the conference, the 4 allied powers, Britain, France, USA, and Italy, seek to punish Germany, and use Wilson's 14 points to ensure a peace. Roosevelt, always the critic, feels the conference is not hard enough on Germany and says it was their fault for "turning a spat between the Austrians and Serbians into an international incident. He also blames Germany for toppling the Russian regime over to the "godless communists".

1920- Roosevelt is considered a frontrunner for the Republican nomination. While conservatives in the party try to keep him out of consideration, his personal support is still strong. The 61 year old Roosevelt eventually wins the nomination, but is saddled with Warren Harding as his VP, in spite of Roosevelt's disdain for him. The Democrats decide to run James Cox of Ohio, and William G.McAdoo of California. While some thought Cox might be a Dark Horse, Roosevelt and Harding ran a campaign based on keeping the U.S. strong and making it a leader in International Diplomacy. He also was against Wilson's "weak peace" and wanted to punish the Germans more for their role.

On election night, Roosevelt would win. He would win most of the northeast, midwest and west, though he lost every southern state except West Virginia and Maryland. Roosevelt in his victory speech declared "We must keep a Progressive Spirit in America going. We cannot retreat from the World Stage. Rather we must spread the idea of Democracy and freedom throughout the World, or else we will find that soon, we are all that is left for freedom in the world. Now is not the time to retreat, but to advance a new age for America and the world."
 
As president, TR has to deal with a conservative congress and public. I am sure it is frustrating.

Yes, that is what the main problem will be in this TL. TR is still revered by a lot of people, but to some he is a dinosaur of the progressive era. I think it will be rather interesting
 

Stolengood

Banned
Just going to say, Roosevelt wouldn't have been disdainful of Harding; in fact, when he was IOTL entertaining plans to run ca. 1918, he actively considered Harding a good choice for the VP slot.

Something tells me that Harding might've been the Joey Biden of his time, had that happened...
 
Just going to say, Roosevelt wouldn't have been disdainful of Harding; in fact, when he was IOTL entertaining plans to run ca. 1918, he actively considered Harding a good choice for the VP slot.

Something tells me that Harding might've been the Joey Biden of his time, had that happened...

But Harding might have been more open to working with conservatives than Roosevelt. Maybe it isn't hostility, but more of a strained relationship at times, but yes Harding would be the Joe Biden of his era

Anyway, to continue on

March 1921- Roosevelt is inaugurated to his third term as president. In his inaugural address, he addresses the need for the U.S. to move forward and continue to be a leader not just in diplomacy, but in democracy, stating how the American Republic is "The most powerful nation. No longer are we one of many powers, we are the power. And we must use our influence to ensure tranquility both domestic and internationally". Roosevelt also pledges to give veterans a fair deal, inlcuding creation of a Veteran Affairs department

As for his cabinet appointments, Roosevelt adds

Secretary of State- Charles Evans Hughes

Treasury Secretary- William B Cortelyou

Secretary of War- Leonard Wood

Attorney General- Hiram Johnson

Secretary of the Navy- Curtis Dwight Wilbur

Interior Secretary- Gifford Pinchot

Agriculture-Henry Wallace

Commerce- Herbert Hoover

Labor- James J. Davis

During his first year, Roosevelt had to deal with the financial crisis of 1920-21. He dealt with it by encouraging local public works projects to deal with unemployed veterans. He also created a Bureau of Veteran Affairs to oversee Veteran Issues, including a healthcare system for Veterans

Roosevelt also worked to tighten immigration laws, while also promoting progressive ideas such as an Eight Hour Workday for all workers, with paid overtime. While Roosevelt would have a tough time of passing his more progressive resolutions, he was able to work with Congress on the immigration issue. Roosevelt also was lucky in that the economic depression was starting to lift, meaning tax rates would be left alone, though many in the Conservative factions of the GOP would try for lower taxes. He also continued to support high tariffs and economic protectionism, arguing that it would keep American workers working.

Another innovation of the 2nd Roosevelt administration was the creation of the bureau of the budget, led by Charles G. Dawes. Dawes was considered a financial leader at the time and had been the popular choice to head the new department
 
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Besides tightening immigration and keeping Tax rates at the same rates (to the disgust of conservatives), Roosevelt also helped sign into law a number of bills relating to agriculture, increasing farm loans, and preventing packing houses and others commodities buyers from engaging in unfair practices.

Roosevelt's biggest desires though were to continue to promote conservation. Roosevelt not only created more National Monuments to protect land, but also tried to get industry and agriculture to use better environmental practices, including implementation of crop rotation in the Midwest, Great Plains and South, though it would take a while for it to catch on. Roosevelt also passed many protectionist measures, raising tariffs on imported goods.

Roosevelt, also was starting to be concerned with Social Welfare. He established a bill to make sure that children and expecting mothers would get the best treatment possible. He also championed eugenics laws, stating that it was for the benefit of public health,though a number of groups, including immigrants and some churches felt it immoral. Roosevelt though stated that it was needed or else "an epidemic of moral and mental weakness would occur.

On the Labor front, Roosevelt supported Unions, but still used strikebreaking tactics as he had in his first term. After a miners strike in West Virginia in 1921 he sent the Army to mine coal during the negotiations. A year later a Railroad strike occurred because some company men were ignoring Roosevelts 8 hour work day law. Roosevelt then made sure the law was duly enforced and made Railroad companies pay fines.

As far as race relations went Roosevelt continued to be ambiguous at best. While he continued to appoint a good number blacks to smaller federal offices and encouraged companies to employ blacks coming north, he did nothing to stop lynchings, and though he disliked the Ku Klux Klan which was rising, he was not very concerned about them and their racism and other issues. Privately he despised the lynchings as a group of "lawless ruffians", but felt an anti-lynching law might anger conservatives in the north.

Where Roosevelt was especially concerned was in foreign policy. In 1921, in spite of his dislike of Communism, he and his Commerce secretary Herbert Hoover organized relief to help the Russians during their famine. He had hoped that this would make Russia less hostile, though he also felt it was "the good Christian thing to do".

He also was in support of the "International Court of Justice" and a "League of Nations" that would resolve problems. Roosevelt felt that the U.S. not only needed to support such an endeavor, but have the major role in the League, or else it would fail. Though Paris was where the first meetings occurred, Roosevelt argued it should be located in New York, though he promised it would be considered an international zone. By 1924 construction would start on a headquarters for the League of Nations.

Roosevelt's administration also got a boost internationally from Charles G. Dawes, Dawes Plan, which was implemented in Germany. While its fruits had yet to be seen by 1923, many felt Germany would recover at some point, even if the allies kept up their reparation payments at high levels.

The one black eye on Roosevelt's administration though was prohibition. He had given it his support in 1918, but only tepidly. He felt it would be impossible to enforce, and this was becoming true, especially in America's large cities. He felt that Prohibition had led to the rise of a criminal class and by 1922 was calling for it to be abolished. While some prohibitionist Republicans despised this it won support amongst the people. Later historians even said it may have been the clincher for the Republicans in winning a congressional majority
 
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Would the USA becoming a super power after WW1 butterfly away WW2?

I don't see it happening. While it may be a less bloody World War Two, it still happens since Europe is still very much the same as in OTL. The only difference might be that the U.S. might enter earlier, even as early as 1938 depending on if Progressive Republicans have their way. But no World War Two Still happens in some sense
 
A few comments:

  • To call Harding "the Joe Biden of his time" presumes a status of the vice presidency in that day about what it is now. It wasn't. Nearly a century ago the vice presidency was largely irrelevant. Harding could have been used as a conduit/mediator with the more conservative members of the Senate, that is true--but in the second office few outside the Senate would have paid much attention to him. (By the way, does Harding still die of a heart attack in 1923?)
  • Why Denby as secretary of the Navy? Was there no one more qualified/less prone to corruption?
  • Not sure I agree with the comments on race. My sense is that Roosevelt would have reversed what Wilson put in place, due about equally to a sense of justice, a practical desire to maintain black voters as loyal Republicans, and a thorough dislike of Wilson.
  • What about prohibition? IOTL, it is true that he gave (reluctant) support to it in 1918, but iirc he had grave doubts about its practicality. I suggest he would have worked for repeal, especially after the '22 elections-and indeed would have had a repeal plank in the '24 GOP platform.
  • I also suspect strongly TR would have made ample use of the financial talents of Charles Dawes: seems to me that together they would have been alarmed at the insanity of Wall Street in the early '20s and would have put in place regulator machinery to rein it in, especially the nearly-unbridled margin buying practices. Doing so would have blunted/mitigated the crash of '29, if not preventing it outright.
 
A few comments:

  • To call Harding "the Joe Biden of his time" presumes a status of the vice presidency in that day about what it is now. It wasn't. Nearly a century ago the vice presidency was largely irrelevant. Harding could have been used as a conduit/mediator with the more conservative members of the Senate, that is true--but in the second office few outside the Senate would have paid much attention to him. (By the way, does Harding still die of a heart attack in 1923?)
  • Why Denby as secretary of the Navy? Was there no one more qualified/less prone to corruption?
  • Not sure I agree with the comments on race. My sense is that Roosevelt would have reversed what Wilson put in place, due about equally to a sense of justice, a practical desire to maintain black voters as loyal Republicans, and a thorough dislike of Wilson.
  • What about prohibition? IOTL, it is true that he gave (reluctant) support to it in 1918, but iirc he had grave doubts about its practicality. I suggest he would have worked for repeal, especially after the '22 elections-and indeed would have had a repeal plank in the '24 GOP platform.
  • I also suspect strongly TR would have made ample use of the financial talents of Charles Dawes: seems to me that together they would have been alarmed at the insanity of Wall Street in the early '20s and would have put in place regulator machinery to rein it in, especially the nearly-unbridled margin buying practices. Doing so would have blunted/mitigated the crash of '29, if not preventing it outright.

Thanks for the help/ criticism. I'll admit the Biden/ Harding comparison was something i did for humor. I figured he wouldn't do too much other than be a mediator. Granted I haven't decided yet as to whether he will die in 23, but I think he will. He was in bad health in 22.

As for the segregation issue, this was something I didn't know how to treat, though i've read up on it. I know Roosevelt would probably have more of a sense of justice, but being the son of a southerner, he would have a mixed record on race at best. As I said, he would appoint them to lower level positions, and encourage them to get active in politics, but he also is not exactly their best friend either. I see TR and kind of color blind, but in a bad way. He wants blacks to take care of their own issues and pull themselves up. He does personally not like racism, but doesn't stand too strongly against it. I might have him take on lynching though and lynch mobs.

As for Denby, I can't see anyone else, though I might switch him with Curtis Wilbur (OTL Navy Sec under Coolidge)

As for Dawes, I might have him as Treasury Sec in 1924. He is a rising star though, and TR would use him in his first term. I might even make him have a bigger political future, especially if no Wall Street Crash.

Thanks for the assistance.
 
PART III

After the Republicans kept congressional control in November of 22. Roosevelt promised to end Prohibition at some point. While Prohibitionists were still strong, Roosevelt felt that it would only lead to more crime, especially since large cities like New York and Chicago were already having problems enforcing the law. By 1923 Prohibition was repealed. While some candidates tried to make it seem as if Roosevelt had no backbone by reneging on his support of Prohibition, Roosevelt argued that he'd rather have legal drink than "criminals running the streets of our cities).

1923 though would be a year of tragedy though. Vice President Harding, whose health had been on the decline, would die by August 2nd. Many didn't know who would replace the Vice President after his death. Some felt that Charles Dawes, the budget secretary would work as the VP, while others suggested nominating Herbert Hoover due to his humanitarian work, or other members of his cabinet. In the end it was Dawes who would be selected as Vice President by Roosevelt.

During 1923, Roosevelt's main issue was dealing with Coal strikes in Pennsylvania. Much like before, he encouraged negotiation between both sides and urged mining companies to make conditions better for their workers.

By 1924, the Presidential campaign was underway. Roosevelt embarked on speaking tours across the country, promoting his record of increased international prominence (he had increased the military budget, especially the Navy, though Conservatives criticised him for this in Peace time due to the amount it costs, while those on the Far left felt he was a war mongerer. He also continued to harp on his appreciation for American Workers and American values and protecting workers rights. He even talked about creating a National Health Service to assist the underprivileged, and "ensure all americans have the opportunity to aspire to greatness".

A thorn in the side of Roosevelt though was Republican Senator Robert LaFollette of Wisconsin. LaFollette disliked Roosevelt due to his feeling that Roosevelt had hijacked the Progressive Party in 1912 in order to run, only to end the party. LaFollette had wanted to run for the GOP nomination, but instead formed his own Progressive Party, saying that Roosevelt was not Progressive enough. He also criticized some aspects of his foreign policy, including keeping high war reparation payments for Germany. LaFollette had opposed World War One, and felt that it was as much Britain France and Russia's fault, as it had been Germany's fault, so he argued there should be no reparations. He also planned to create a National Health Service, as well as nationalize certain industries. He not only tried to attract Progressives, but even Socialists and labor groups, hoping he could turn them against Roosevelt

Meanwhile the Democrats, who held their Convention in June, looked to find a way to beat Roosevelt. Many had felt that Al Smith, in spite of his Catholicism, could beat Roosevelt, but some felt running a Northeastern Liberal would not work. Others campaigned for William McAdoo, who ran on the idea that Roosevelt had renegged on Prohibition, and felt that he was "soft on race" and "law and order". McAdoo won, beating Al Smith. He then chose Charles W. Bryan, the brother of William Jennings Bryan and Governor of Nebraska to give the ticket appeal in the Midwest, where they hoped they could win due to LaFollette running.

By November though, most predicted a Roosevelt victory, and indeed it was a victory. Roosevelt would win in every state except Wisconsin, and the southern states of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. Once again, he would win the Southern states of Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina, the most Southern States won by the GOP since Reconstruction. In the popular vote, Roosevelt would win 53% with 35% going to Davis and 11% going to LaFollette
 
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