Union and Liberty: An American TL

[wilcoxchar]

And here's the next update. More footnotes will come later today.

Part Eighty-Seven: The Election of 1896

Election of 1896: Once the United States economy began recovering from the Silver Depression, the amount of strikes and labor disputes died down for the most part during Grover Cleveland's second term. In 1895 the Democratic members of Congress tried yet again to pass a bill on the gold standard. Representatives William Breckenridge of Kentucky and Thomas Merriwether of North Carolina proposed the bill. With a slim margin, the Merriwether-Breckenridge Act succeeded in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Despite Republicans and Progressives acting as a united force against the act, the recovering economy had led to a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress after the 1894 midterm elections. However, many inside and outside Congress greatly opposed the act and created a national uproar over the bill. The most notable opponents were those from the West and included Populist governor Henry Teller of Colorado, and within the House, Populist Richard Pettigrew of Pembina and Republican William Jennings Bryan of Kearney who spoke vehemently against the bill. This opposisition of the Merriwether-Breckenridge Act propelled these politicians to national fame in the next years.

After the passage of the Merriwether-Breckenridge Act, the Bourbon Democrats had finally achieved their most prized policy goal. However, the Democratic Convention of 1896 in New York made it evident that in many areas of public policy, the Democrats were nowhere near as united. The Eagle Democrats were continuing their growth as a power bloc within the party. Other Democratic Party leaders attempted to minimize the Eagle Democrats' influence at the Convention. This led to the Democratic Chairman Calvin Brice urging the pragmatic Cleveland to run for the nomination again. Cleveland reluctantly accepted and won the nomination after fifteen ballots. The Vice Presidential nomination, on the other hand, was out in the open after Thomas Bayard's death in 1895[1]. The main contenders for the Vice Presidential nomination were William McKinley of Ohio, Robert Pattison of Pennsylvania, John Carlisle of Kentucky, and William Vilas of Wisconsin. After five ballots, Pattison was named the Vice Presidential nominee.

The Republican National Convention took advantage of the outrage over the passage of the Merriwether-Breckenridge Act when choosing the Republican candidates. William Jennings Bryan had made an outstanding appearance on the national stage in his opposition of the act, and it propelled him to become the frontrunner for the presidential nomination at the convention. However, a number of Republicans at the convention were worried about Bryan's youth and how it would affect his chances in the general election. As a compromise, Bryan was nominated as the Republican Vice Presidential candidate. For the Presidential nomination, the Republicans chose Levi Morton of New York. The choice of Morton would balance out the choice of Bryan geographically and give President Cleveland competition in his home state. Morton was also chosen in a way to give Bryan an experienced teacher. In his memoirs, Speaker of the House Thomas Beckett Reed wrote that "Bryan was clearly the Republican star. However in the eyes of many of us, he needed a little more molding before he was ready for the duties of the President. Levi Morton was chosen to groom [Bryan] for the Presidency." Morton was nominated at the age of 72, becoming one of the oldest candidates for national office in United States history. This made the Republican candidacy one of great contrast, attempting to bridge the old post-National War thought of the party with the ideas of the coming century.

After Cleveland won the Democratic nomination, many Eagle Democrats were furious and were dissatisfied with the lack of a viewpoint in favor of imperialism and protectionism in either of the political parties at the time. Several Eagle Democrats broke off from the main party to form the National Democratic Party. The National Democrats nominated Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts and businessman Nelson Dingley Jr. of Maine for their presidential ticket. The appearance of the National Democratic Party exhibits the beginning of a political shift from a focus on the gold standard and other post-National War issues to a greater focus on foreign policy and the place of the United States in world affairs. During the campaign, many Populists were supportive of the Republican campaign because of Bryan, and many campaigners in the South emphasized the links between the Republicans and Bryan to minimize the Democratic vote. In some states like North Carolina and Georgia, Bryan was even on the ballot as the Vice Presidential candidate alongside James Weaver. With the divisions within the Democratic Party and the Populist support for the Republican ticket, the Republicans took the White House in 1896 by a wide majority.

[1] There is now a "Vice Presidential Curse" according to the family. If you're a Bayard and you get elected Vice President, you will die in office.

 

[wilcoxchar]

And here's the electoral map. Apologies for the loss of quality, I only have Photoshop on my other laptop and the image lost some quality on the upload.

 

[jycee]

The Congo territory appears on the map!! Awesome!! (If that ever becomes a state, we might see some very interesting things in terms of immigration).

The multi-party US is certainly turning into something very interesting, it seems like it won't be long before coalitions between the minor parties become full fledge forces. Looking forward to see where it it takes us.

And something tells me Bryan, is going to somewhat disappointed when TR enters the scene, which should be soon.

BTW are you planning a Spanish-American war equivalent to boost nationalism prior to the Great War? With Cuba in the US for the last 50-60 years it certainly own't be against Spain. Not exactly sure what Spain's equivalent would be here though.

 

[CaliBoy1990]

BTW, any information on time zones here?

Just asking. With the U.S. much smaller than it was IOTL in 1896 we could see some pretty interesting stuff.

 

[Ganesha]

Nice update, as always.

What made you choose to have the National Democrats do best in New England, to the extent that they won Massachusetts? Was that just a random placement, or were you thinking that the imperialistic undercurrent was stronger there?

 

[Archangel]

There are several interesting possibilities for coalitions for the future: Populist/Republican, and Republican / National Democrat.

Keep it up, wilcoxchar!

 

[wilcoxchar]

BTW are you planning a Spanish-American war equivalent to boost nationalism prior to the Great War? With Cuba in the US for the last 50-60 years it certainly own't be against Spain. Not exactly sure what Spain's equivalent would be here though.

I'm trying to think of somewhere that the US has the capability and desire to intervene in that would give the US a reason to invade. Possibly a war between some of the Mexican states or a civil war somewhere in Ibero-America?

Just asking. With the U.S. much smaller than it was IOTL in 1896 we could see some pretty interesting stuff.

Hmmm, I haven't really thought about time zones much. But given the growth of railways, some sort of standardized time zones will probably be established around this time. I'm thinking if GMT is used as the global standard (though that might not be the case), the standard US time would probably be some sort of "Mississippi Time" based on Chicago, Saint Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans or something.

Nice update, as always.

What made you choose to have the National Democrats do best in New England, to the extent that they won Massachusetts? Was that just a random placement, or were you thinking that the imperialistic undercurrent was stronger there?

Massachusetts was chosen partially because it's Lodge's home state and partially because I think the shipping interests in New England would be most interested in American imperialism. In other areas where it would be strong (probably Old Northwest for industry and access to natural resources), it either split the Democratic vote or were already dominated by the Republicans.

There are several interesting possibilities for coalitions for the future: Populist/Republican, and Republican / National Democrat.

Keep it up, wilcoxchar!

Well, the National Democrats probably won't stay around for very long. The popularity of the Bourbon Dems is fading and the national discourse is shifting so that the idea of an expansionist foreign policy is gaining ground. The Democrats will probably want the National Dems back in the fold.

 

[Koxinga]

Cuba's alignment with the Republican midwest instead of the democratic/populist south is interesting to me. Cuba's role in the United States as a state and its integration into the rest of the nation is a similar curiosity within the timeline that I'd be interested in seeing further explored.

 

[wilcoxchar]

Cuba has been a sort of swing state for most of the 19th century. There's more of a Republican electorate in Cuba because of the more politically active Afro-Cuban population, and Iberos in general being more liberal leaning (in a 19th century sense) during this period.

 

[wilcoxchar]

Update time!

Part Eighty-Eight: Levi Morton, the Republican Folly

The Corporate President: As the election of Levi Morton was more about the nurturing of William Jennings Bryan into the presidency than Morton himself, few people had paid attention to Morton's political positions during the 1896 general campaign. Morton had become successful as a New York businessman before entering politics, and he carried his business savvy and sentiment with him into Congress and the White House. In the Senate, Morton had sided with several other pro-business politicians including Democrats, and vigorously promoted New York's financial interests. Morton was a big proponent of the Tariff of 1882, which raised tariff rates on many finished goods to help Northeastern businesses, and sided with Democrats in getting the act passed.

When he entered the White House, he continued his pro-business stance against the free trade platform of most Republicans. However, he received more criticism for refusing to consider any bill that would repeal the Merriwether-Breckenridge Act. To this criticism, Morton responded by saying that the gold standard was necessary to stabilize the United States economy. "Silver has proven to be the ruin of empires. It ruined Spain, it is ruining China, and it is led the United States to depression. It is destroying the middle class and turning us into a country millionaires and peasants, like the Mexican states and Japan."[1] Morton's skillful speeches[2] calmed most Republicans as the President assured the country that economic stability was what was needed at the time and that removing the gold standard so soon would only destabilize the economy further.

Morton had a busy term as president considering his death later in his term. One of Morton's biggest successes during his presidency was the passage of the Mesoamerican Trade Act. Put forward by Cuba Representative Antonio Maceo Grajales, the act gave incentives to American businesses dealing with Mesoamerica. The act reduced tariffs on agricultural resources such as coffee, sugar, and rubber from Mesoamerica, and improved the port of Veracruz which by now had become essential an outpost of the United States in the region. It also gave funds for improving the ports at Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and Havana for improving the country's southern trade routes. The act marked the beginning of American involvement in the Caribbean and Ibero-American affairs.


From People to Progress: The Presidency of Levi Morton drove many ordinary people away from the Republican Party as it made it seem like the party on a national level had abandoned its working class platform. The 1898 midterm elections resulted in a wave of support for the Populist Party. Most of the gains by the Populist Party were in the South, where the Populists already had a modest amount of support. Some politicians ran on Populist and Republican fusion tickets, or switched parties to join the Populists. Among these were Representative Thomas Watson of Georgia who changed his primary affiliation from the Republican to the Populist parties and William Lowe of Alabama switched from the Democratic to the Populist party. They joined Marion Butler of North Carolina and Terencio Sierra[3] of Jackson as the only Populist senators from the former Confederate states.

However, the most surprising gains that the Populist Party made in 1898 were in the Northeast. For most of the end of the 19th century, the Populist Party had achieved little success in the Northeast. Much of the politics in the region was dominated by political machines, and was fought between the Democrats as representatives of business and corporate interests, and Republicans representing the working class. However, dissatisfaction with the Republican Party in 1898 led to some upsets in the electoral races in the region that year. The biggest gain in 1898 was the victory of former New York City mayor Theodore Roosevelt for the governorship of New York. Roosevelt was a popular figure among many New Yorkers, and his leadership of New York and later the Populist Party would continue the party's rise. Roosevelt would in the next decade transform the Populist Party into the Progressive Party that exists today, and become the first Progressive candidate to be elected President of the United States.

[1] Paraphrased Ron Paul to come up with this quote.
[2] Cartoons of the time ITTL referred to Morton as "Wit the Elder" and Bryan as "Wit the Younger".
[3] OTL president of Nicaragua, ITTL came to the US during his time in the shipping industry.

 

[Cylon_Number_14]

Oh Snap, will the Republicans even survive past Teddy's presidency? Can three-party politics become the norm in this country even in an ATL? I think only with a fine balancing act of nearly equal support coupled with a few solid regions as home base... perhaps the Progressive party will be a combination of Southern Populism (vs the Democrats lassaize faire) and courting the proletariate in the biggest cities, while the Republicans survive in the less urban parts of the country?

 

[Origins]

Is it some sort alternate history law that states Teddy Rosevelt MUST be a U.S. President, regardless of POD? I'm not complaing mind you (I love me so Rosevelt) but I notice in comes up alot here on the the pre-1900 board.

 

[Utgard96]

Is it some sort alternate history law that states Teddy Rosevelt MUST be a U.S. President, regardless of POD? I'm not complaing mind you (I love me so Rosevelt) but I notice in comes up alot here on the the pre-1900 board.

Yep. The only thing more alien to all AH is a Swisswank or a Swiss-screw.

 

[jycee]

Morton had a busy term as president considering his death later in his term.

Well someone won't last long. I checked back on a few of the ALT - Presidencies and noticed that the median age of TTL's Presidents(and candidates) seem to be higher than OTL. The "bunch of old white guys" rings so much truth when Harrison, not only lived through his first term but was also a candidate for reelection at the age of 72. Then we had Houston who was 60ish when elected and later reelected, same goes for Lee who was 70 when reelected. And no Morton who is also in his 70s.
It is just an observation, and likely a butterfly caused by Harrison not dying.

Anyways great update. I'm certainly looking forward to Bryan's Presidency; this country needs some young blood. Even if it is just for half a term (which is unlikely due to his popularity).

Oh Snap, will the Republicans even survive past Teddy's presidency? Can three-party politics become the norm in this country even in an ATL? I think only with a fine balancing act of nearly equal support coupled with a few solid regions as home base... perhaps the Progressive party will be a combination of Southern Populism (vs the Democrats lassaize faire) and courting the proletariate in the biggest cities, while the Republicans survive in the less urban parts of the country?

I think that is has been suggested that there might be more than three main parties. And I don't see why it can't work (frankly I find it harder to understand, how OTL's US didn't manage to retain some stronger third parties).

 

[Plumber]

I think that is has been suggested that there might be more than three main parties. And I don't see why it can't work (frankly I find it harder to understand, how OTL's US didn't manage to retain some stronger third parties).

Well, basically if a third party arises, it's ideas are eaten by one or both parties. The Democratic Party ate the Populists in 1896. It is possible for the Democrats to shoot themselves in the foot, alienate the Northern minority machines, and become a regional Southern party, however.

 

[CaliBoy1990]

The Congo territory appears on the map!! Awesome!! (If that ever becomes a state, we might see some very interesting things in terms of immigration).

Truth is, I'd like to see it either become its own country, or sold to Britain or one of the other colonial powers.

Wilcoxchar, have you ever considered possibly annexing Newfoundland at one point? It makes so much more sense than the U.S. keeping any territory in Africa.

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

Is it some sort alternate history law that states Teddy Rosevelt MUST be a U.S. President, regardless of POD? I'm not complaing mind you (I love me so Rosevelt) but I notice in comes up alot here on the the pre-1900 board.

Actually, it is. The Roosevelt Presidential Act of 2003, which states, "all Alternate History time lines involving United States history from at least 1896-1920, are required to have Theodore Roosevelt elected President to at least a single term, and serving this term to its full extent. All those who break this law will be subject to major fines, and having their timeline officially deleted." Other names for the legislation include the TR Bill, the Teddy Act, the Robert Lansing Can Suck It Agreement of 2003, or simply, the Lion.

 

[lord caedus]

Actually, it is. The Roosevelt Presidential Act of 2003, which states, "all Alternate History time lines involving United States history from at least 1896-1920, are required to have Theodore Roosevelt elected President to at least a single term, and serving this term to its full extent. All those who break this law will be subject to major fines, and having their timeline officially deleted." Other names for the legislation include the TR Bill, the Teddy Act, the Robert Lansing Can Suck It Agreement of 2003, or simply, the Lion.

Let us remember the non-TR timelines made before this law and weep at their lack of an insanely awesome president in the White House around this time.

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

Let us remember the non-TR timelines made before this law and weep at their lack of an insanely awesome president in the White House around this time.

Random Person: Why does Theodore Roosevelt have to be President by law? That doesn't seem right.

Me: Well, that opens up a very deep philosophical question about liberal and conservative policies, and whether or not, despite position or office, if all men truly are equal, and whether or not a law should be made to fit a specific person, instead of representing the interests of most people. But, I find the most simple and basic answer is, HE'S TEDDY FUCKING ROOSEVELT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Kuamong]

So with the rise of third parties, is there a chance that any much smaller political parties could combine platforms and rise to become a major force at the local/state level?