Let's say Ulysses S. Grant sits out the 1868 election, for whatever reason. What would be the effects of either Benjamin Wade or Salmon P. Chase receiving the Republican nomination?
Aside from maybe the absence of some major political scandals, how would they each handle Reconstruction in their own way? Is the end of Reconstruction in 1877 inevitable? Would people like James Garfield and Benjamin Harrison still become President?
Also, would either of them be guaranteed to win reelection? Is Henry Wilson still selected to replace Schuyler Colfax? Who would their Democratic opponents be, assuming the Liberal Republicans never convene? Does Tilden still run in 1876? If so, does he win, or Hayes, or someone else?
Aside from maybe the absence of some major political scandals, how would they each handle Reconstruction in their own way? Is the end of Reconstruction in 1877 inevitable? Would people like James Garfield and Benjamin Harrison still become President?
Also, would either of them be guaranteed to win reelection? Is Henry Wilson still selected to replace Schuyler Colfax? Who would their Democratic opponents be, assuming the Liberal Republicans never convene? Does Tilden still run in 1876? If so, does he win, or Hayes, or someone else?