WI: Senate in 1898 does not vote to go to War with Spain

William Jennings Bryan was a supporter of the war against Spain, something I learned doing research for my TL.

Not only was he a supporter of the war; he helped raise and command the 3rd Nebraska Volunteer Infantry:

Col. W.J. Bryan, 3rd Neb. Vols.

Best,

I know all of this, I've even mentioned it before in other Bryan threads. But those were usually in the context of Bryan winning in 1896. If Bryan won in 1900, would he, in March of 1901, be willing to go to war with Spain? Nearly 3 years have passed since the POD, a lot can happen in that time: including the removal of any need to go to war, the change in opinions of a majority of Americans (including Bryan), and a diffrent situation in Spain and her colonies.

Shevek23, I'll try to answer your Magnum Opus post tomorrow if possible.
 
I know all of this, I've even mentioned it before in other Bryan threads. But those were usually in the context of Bryan winning in 1896. If Bryan won in 1900, would he, in March of 1901, be willing to go to war with Spain? Nearly 3 years have passed since the POD, a lot can happen in that time: including the removal of any need to go to war, the change in opinions of a majority of Americans (including Bryan), and a diffrent situation in Spain and her colonies.

Shevek23, I'll try to answer your Magnum Opus post tomorrow if possible.

The rebels could have won by the time Bryan is inaugurated.
 

LordKalvert

Banned
Interesting questions which require a lot of thought

First, if McKinley sides with peace and continues that policy through the elections the impact is likely to be quite minimal. Though there are a lot of voices in support of the war its unlikely that the voters would cast their vote on that issue.

One of the biggest groups in support of the War was the black vote. In the period, there is zero chance that they are voting for a Democrat least of all because of Cuba

Second, its likely that the war would soon be settled- especially by 1900. Spain was broke from the rebellions and was moving towards a political settlement of the matter. They had already agreed to give Cuba autonomy and the rebels were getting tired and not making much progress either. Stalemate had settled into it.

As for Japan taking the Philippines- no chance. Spain was courted by every power bloc in Europe because of its geographical position for France, Italy and Britain. That the Queen regent was a Hapsburg gave her cordial relations with the Austro-German bloc. Nobody is going to support Japan in taking the Philippines from a Christian nation. Doubt if anyone would allow it.

Japan really has little at the time. In 1898, she has just two battleships. She will have a lot by 1900 but attacks Russia only when the British provide cover. That's just not going to happen against Spain.

If Spain wanted to get rid of the Philippines, she is more likely to sell it off to a European power. That would be interesting but probably a partition of some kind between the interested parties will be worked out

Puerto Rico is quite and Spain isn't likely to lose that anytime soon
 
Most quite possible to happen would be:

Cuba gains independence after grueling fight by independence fighters against the royalists.

Philippines would be bought out by Germany to maintain the order in Southeast Asia to Europeans from any potential Asian republic rebellion.

Puerto Rico would become an integral part of Spain as saving grace.

Guam and Micronesia would become German as the Philippines.

For US politics:

Teddy Roosevelt will surely challenge McKinley for Republican nomination.

Bryan would surely have smoother time of campaigning for presidency because of Republican internal divide.

Taft would remain an irrelevant person.
 
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