Good reviews! I agree with all of your placings, especially that evil Dickerson! :rofl:
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Is there any chance that you may continue this AAR to the in-game last year at least? You can always make up what happens just for the heck of it. A terrible shame that the save-game died- this always happens to the best (and longest-lived) AARs.
Also, so how large is the greater U.S. outside of the continental states?
Also, so how large is the greater U.S. outside of the continental states?
Ranking The Presidents:
Part 2 11-20
Over the 150 years of American history from 1789 through 1932, 26 men sat in the White House. And like we often do, we stack these men up in comparison to each other. 26 men from Washington to Hoover are here ranked in their success and popularity. While scholarly studies would certainly rank these men differently, this approach is based on how the people feel. Often a president is rewarded more for the events around him than the policies he put in place. So, without further adieu, 1-26, the President’s of America.
21. Herbert Hoover (1928-1932)- Herbert Hoover won office based more on the failures of the Socialists to find a successor to Hiram Johnson than any particular talent or popularity. Hoover was a likeable humanitarian, who rustled up popularity in regions long lost to the Republicans, and then lost it almost overnight. Hoover will forever be damned by the failure of Operation Argent and the absolute devastation of the United States Navy. Like past presidents, remembered honorably for their victories, so too will Hoover forever be tied to his loss. Hoover also failed to rebuild the Republicans after the losses to the Socialists, and for that even his own party has distanced themselves from him. Perhaps, as time passes, Hoover will be remembered for his humanitarian acts and populist message and not for his awful term in office.
22. Robert Bacon (1912-1916)- Rival of Teddy Roosevelt, and successor to David Clough, Robert Bacon was the last of the anti-Socialists. Bacon railed against the rise of Socialism and helped split the Socialist and Nationalist parties through scheming and political acumen. In the end, his web-weaving fired back on him, and Bacon found himself without allies and unable to accomplish anything. Bacon’s public feud with Roosevelt and his failure to respond to the assassination of General Leonard Wood made him public enemy #1. The fact that Bacon was ousted by his party and was sitting president when the Great War began and then became the name associated with the unpopular movement of Prohibition only makes him even less treasured in the minds of modern Americans.
23. Martin Van Buren (1836-1840)- Van Buren is remembered as a liar, a failure and a man who never lived up to his promises. Van Buren came to office riding the coattails of Andrew Jackson, and never lived up to his predecessor. Van Buren signed the treaty binding America to the Texans, and then ignored the Texans when the Mexicans invaded. Van Buren did establish the Free City of Austin, and make some moves to aid in the economic development of the Americas, he never gained the popularity and support of the people. The even remembered most in Van Buren's four years was the Cherokee revolt, which ended up costing Van Buren a second term. Van Buren would go on to run for office many times after his defeat, and has gone down in history as America’s biggest looser.
24. William Patterson (1858-1865)- As the only President to be removed from office after impeachment, William Patterson represents not only the worst man to sit in the White House, but also the most destructive. Patterson did help spur on Industrial development, but that was the only positive thing to come out of his Presidency. Patterson invaded Texas, and began the illegal war against the United States of Central America. Some say, though its only pure speculation, that Patterson was even involved in the assassination of his political enemy Don Carlos Buell. But what Patterson did the most to land at 24th was divide the nation beyond the point of reconciliation. It was Patterson’s impeachment that sent Southern Senators home thinking revolution, and his removal from office and replacement by a Republican which began the bloodiest conflict in the history of the United States.
1. Theodore Roosevelt (1916-1919)- While Roosevelt did serve for three years, he was only functioning for two of them, and even then only really present for one. Roosevelt is remembered fondly, but mostly because of his character and the things he did before becoming President. His ranking would be inflated on this list because of how the people remember him despite his brief term in office.
2. John Forsyth (1841)- John Forsyth served only a matter of months, and is not remembered by anyone but historians.
Part 2 11-20
Over the 150 years of American history from 1789 through 1932, 26 men sat in the White House. And like we often do, we stack these men up in comparison to each other. 26 men from Washington to Hoover are here ranked in their success and popularity. While scholarly studies would certainly rank these men differently, this approach is based on how the people feel. Often a president is rewarded more for the events around him than the policies he put in place. So, without further adieu, 1-26, the President’s of America.
Failures of Democracy
21. Herbert Hoover (1928-1932)- Herbert Hoover won office based more on the failures of the Socialists to find a successor to Hiram Johnson than any particular talent or popularity. Hoover was a likeable humanitarian, who rustled up popularity in regions long lost to the Republicans, and then lost it almost overnight. Hoover will forever be damned by the failure of Operation Argent and the absolute devastation of the United States Navy. Like past presidents, remembered honorably for their victories, so too will Hoover forever be tied to his loss. Hoover also failed to rebuild the Republicans after the losses to the Socialists, and for that even his own party has distanced themselves from him. Perhaps, as time passes, Hoover will be remembered for his humanitarian acts and populist message and not for his awful term in office.
22. Robert Bacon (1912-1916)- Rival of Teddy Roosevelt, and successor to David Clough, Robert Bacon was the last of the anti-Socialists. Bacon railed against the rise of Socialism and helped split the Socialist and Nationalist parties through scheming and political acumen. In the end, his web-weaving fired back on him, and Bacon found himself without allies and unable to accomplish anything. Bacon’s public feud with Roosevelt and his failure to respond to the assassination of General Leonard Wood made him public enemy #1. The fact that Bacon was ousted by his party and was sitting president when the Great War began and then became the name associated with the unpopular movement of Prohibition only makes him even less treasured in the minds of modern Americans.
23. Martin Van Buren (1836-1840)- Van Buren is remembered as a liar, a failure and a man who never lived up to his promises. Van Buren came to office riding the coattails of Andrew Jackson, and never lived up to his predecessor. Van Buren signed the treaty binding America to the Texans, and then ignored the Texans when the Mexicans invaded. Van Buren did establish the Free City of Austin, and make some moves to aid in the economic development of the Americas, he never gained the popularity and support of the people. The even remembered most in Van Buren's four years was the Cherokee revolt, which ended up costing Van Buren a second term. Van Buren would go on to run for office many times after his defeat, and has gone down in history as America’s biggest looser.
24. William Patterson (1858-1865)- As the only President to be removed from office after impeachment, William Patterson represents not only the worst man to sit in the White House, but also the most destructive. Patterson did help spur on Industrial development, but that was the only positive thing to come out of his Presidency. Patterson invaded Texas, and began the illegal war against the United States of Central America. Some say, though its only pure speculation, that Patterson was even involved in the assassination of his political enemy Don Carlos Buell. But what Patterson did the most to land at 24th was divide the nation beyond the point of reconciliation. It was Patterson’s impeachment that sent Southern Senators home thinking revolution, and his removal from office and replacement by a Republican which began the bloodiest conflict in the history of the United States.
Unranked
1. Theodore Roosevelt (1916-1919)- While Roosevelt did serve for three years, he was only functioning for two of them, and even then only really present for one. Roosevelt is remembered fondly, but mostly because of his character and the things he did before becoming President. His ranking would be inflated on this list because of how the people remember him despite his brief term in office.
2. John Forsyth (1841)- John Forsyth served only a matter of months, and is not remembered by anyone but historians.
Strategos' Risk: Yes, I have all the screen shots and plans for 32-36, they are just located on my lap top which is currently wounded. In fact, I have plans on doing a whole review from 36 to 2008 
A very good AAR this, one of those were the fact that I've never played the game doesn't deter in any way from the joy of reading it.
One small question though; how did Jackson and Quincy Adams manage to be presidents at the same time?
One small question though; how did Jackson and Quincy Adams manage to be presidents at the same time?
Didn't find this until after it was over. Figures.
I read your last post (the election of '32, the end of the war with Germany and MacArthur's conquests in Africa.) Very enjoyable, and from what I saw of that and your presidential rankings, very believable! Well done!
I read your last post (the election of '32, the end of the war with Germany and MacArthur's conquests in Africa.) Very enjoyable, and from what I saw of that and your presidential rankings, very believable! Well done!
CatKnight said:Didn't find this until after it was over. Figures.
I read your last post (the election of '32, the end of the war with Germany and MacArthur's conquests in Africa.) Very enjoyable, and from what I saw of that and your presidential rankings, very believable! Well done!
Technically, not yet over! The Screen Shots have been discovered on my old computer, so the next 4 years are in progress. So, welcome aboard!
EAM: By accidental typo! I accidently gave JQA two terms instead of one.
Peace at Any Cost
~~
Franklin Roosevelt, newly elected to the White House, took an aggressive and lightning fast approach to his White House. Those men who agreed with his non-interventionist foreign policy were kept on, those who contradicted the President were let go. As Secretary of State, Roosevelt appointed a right leaning Socialist Robert Lansing. Lansing was immediately tasked with ending the Franco-American war, and set about his task with diligence. Meanwhile Roosevelt turned to the other departments with fierce scorn on those who stood in his way. Under secretaries of the Treasury and the Interior all became replaced by Eagle Socialists, Roosevelt’s men. The only old socialist to see promotion in this new world was John E. Hoover, the former Under-Secretary of the Interior was promoted to Attorney General, and immediately established a new plan to counteract what he saw as the “Communist and Red Insurgence”, those men in the Socialist party and the Unions who leaned too far to the left. Roosevelt was happy to allow for Hoover’s witch hunt, given that many of his targets were interventionists as well.
Roosevelt’s second big move was to create a new department, the Secretary of Defense, so named because, as Roosevelt put it, this cabinet member was responsible for the defense of the American shores. As his first Secretary, Roosevelt appointed Raymond Spruance, one of the Admirals of the Japanese-American Naval War, and a staunch isolationist. Spruance’s policies, which called for a gradual removal of American forces from abroad and the building of an “American Wall” in the Atlantic, played perfectly into what President Roosevelt had in mind. FDR never relied heavily on the advice of his cabinet, and broke tradition in his approach to the day-to-day matters of the Presidency. Sometimes seen as devious and paranoid, FDR went out of his way to cut out some of his politically expedient appointees. Instead, the President and his close friends and advisors made the day to day policy decisions.
Raymond Spruance, Secretary of Defense.
And so it was that within weeks of taking office, Roosevelt’s administration reached a status-quo ante-bellum peace with the French. Lansing bypassed the French ministry and instead called on the Germans to put pressure on the French to end the war. The French, effectively at the mercy of the Germans and Austrians, caved in. Germany meanwhile was more than happy to make inroads with a pro-German administration. As an extension of the treaty, the Roosevelt administration officially ended the Anglo-American alliance, isolating the English at long last. Abandoned, the British finally came to terms with the Germans, and although the peace process would last three years, this moment marked the rather anti-climactic end to the Great War. If Roosevelt left no other legacy, he would at least have that one to his name. And with the war over, and treaties with Germany on the works, Roosevelt turned his eye to the domestic front with hopes of easy re-election. However, trouble was brewing.
Hiram Johnson’s mass take over of the energy sector, and Herbert Hoover’s pro-farmer policies had cost the government a lot of money. Now, FDR was left to foot the bill. Massive cuts in military spending made to confront the debt sent thousands of men into the civilian world unemployed. With these government cuts came cuts to the private sector as well. Industrial companies which had been growing fat on government contracts, halted production, and with production went jobs. The sale of American goods overseas slowed down dramatically as peace returned to Europe, causing the shipping and manufacturing industries to slow as well. Then came the real crisis. Thanks to a variety of reasons, the stock market had become wildly inflated. But with the rather sudden halt of American industry, the stock market bubble burst. The burst lead to a bust, and the bust lead to a crash. Within a month, the market was down 40%, the economy was collapsing. Roosevelt stared on in disbelief as the “Day of infamy” brought his country to a screeching halt. But Roosevelt was not going to lie back and take the depression without reaction, so instead he set about trying to instill confidence in the American economic system.
The “Day of Infamy”
But the President’s weekly radio addresses only flamed the fears of the average Americans. To most, Wall Street was an idea without corporeal existence. But when the President began to speak and talk about it, the distant lights of the Stock Market became all too real. Americans, fearful that their money would vanish next, rushed to the banks, and the banks collapsed. The collapse of the banks resulted in what became known as the Great Depression, as the American economic collapse was joined by similar faults in England, Germany and Austria (France’s economy having been destroyed thanks to the war). Roosevelt found the nation turned against him overnight. His slogan “Let us Have Peace” became a twisted joke. Peace, the pundits proclaimed, had been achieved at the cost of everything. And although Roosevelt appeared helpless at the onslaught, his cabinet was not silent. Both Hoover and Spruance immediately set about establishing policies which, after some time, would have a serious impact on the shape of America in the years to come.
Hoover, already an enemy to the far left, set about actively combating the more militant labor unions. Through skillful and underhanded manipulation, Hoover toppled the leadership of the AFL, and five other major unions. Pro-Communist leaders were arrested under dubious pretenses, and a few others were found murdered. Hoover’s underground war was lightning fast and effective, crushing whatever chance at organized revolution there could have been. Meanwhile Spruance, against the opinions of his Commander in Chief, went to Congress and called on more spending as opposed to less. Spruance felt that if the nation pushed ahead with the “American Wall” plan, the economy would only improve at the increase of industrial need and job creation. Roosevelt, irate at the betrayal, sacked Spruance and replaced him with Alfred Selway, a formerly disgraced socialist and as much a puppet as anything else. Spruance, thus rejected, took his ideas outside the party. First he went to the Republicans, who denied him without a second thought. In the end, Spruance turned to the Nationalists, who saw the idea as the perfect stepping stone to their own economic policy; growth through conflict.
~~
Franklin Roosevelt, newly elected to the White House, took an aggressive and lightning fast approach to his White House. Those men who agreed with his non-interventionist foreign policy were kept on, those who contradicted the President were let go. As Secretary of State, Roosevelt appointed a right leaning Socialist Robert Lansing. Lansing was immediately tasked with ending the Franco-American war, and set about his task with diligence. Meanwhile Roosevelt turned to the other departments with fierce scorn on those who stood in his way. Under secretaries of the Treasury and the Interior all became replaced by Eagle Socialists, Roosevelt’s men. The only old socialist to see promotion in this new world was John E. Hoover, the former Under-Secretary of the Interior was promoted to Attorney General, and immediately established a new plan to counteract what he saw as the “Communist and Red Insurgence”, those men in the Socialist party and the Unions who leaned too far to the left. Roosevelt was happy to allow for Hoover’s witch hunt, given that many of his targets were interventionists as well.
Roosevelt’s second big move was to create a new department, the Secretary of Defense, so named because, as Roosevelt put it, this cabinet member was responsible for the defense of the American shores. As his first Secretary, Roosevelt appointed Raymond Spruance, one of the Admirals of the Japanese-American Naval War, and a staunch isolationist. Spruance’s policies, which called for a gradual removal of American forces from abroad and the building of an “American Wall” in the Atlantic, played perfectly into what President Roosevelt had in mind. FDR never relied heavily on the advice of his cabinet, and broke tradition in his approach to the day-to-day matters of the Presidency. Sometimes seen as devious and paranoid, FDR went out of his way to cut out some of his politically expedient appointees. Instead, the President and his close friends and advisors made the day to day policy decisions.
Raymond Spruance, Secretary of Defense.
And so it was that within weeks of taking office, Roosevelt’s administration reached a status-quo ante-bellum peace with the French. Lansing bypassed the French ministry and instead called on the Germans to put pressure on the French to end the war. The French, effectively at the mercy of the Germans and Austrians, caved in. Germany meanwhile was more than happy to make inroads with a pro-German administration. As an extension of the treaty, the Roosevelt administration officially ended the Anglo-American alliance, isolating the English at long last. Abandoned, the British finally came to terms with the Germans, and although the peace process would last three years, this moment marked the rather anti-climactic end to the Great War. If Roosevelt left no other legacy, he would at least have that one to his name. And with the war over, and treaties with Germany on the works, Roosevelt turned his eye to the domestic front with hopes of easy re-election. However, trouble was brewing.
Hiram Johnson’s mass take over of the energy sector, and Herbert Hoover’s pro-farmer policies had cost the government a lot of money. Now, FDR was left to foot the bill. Massive cuts in military spending made to confront the debt sent thousands of men into the civilian world unemployed. With these government cuts came cuts to the private sector as well. Industrial companies which had been growing fat on government contracts, halted production, and with production went jobs. The sale of American goods overseas slowed down dramatically as peace returned to Europe, causing the shipping and manufacturing industries to slow as well. Then came the real crisis. Thanks to a variety of reasons, the stock market had become wildly inflated. But with the rather sudden halt of American industry, the stock market bubble burst. The burst lead to a bust, and the bust lead to a crash. Within a month, the market was down 40%, the economy was collapsing. Roosevelt stared on in disbelief as the “Day of infamy” brought his country to a screeching halt. But Roosevelt was not going to lie back and take the depression without reaction, so instead he set about trying to instill confidence in the American economic system.
The “Day of Infamy”
But the President’s weekly radio addresses only flamed the fears of the average Americans. To most, Wall Street was an idea without corporeal existence. But when the President began to speak and talk about it, the distant lights of the Stock Market became all too real. Americans, fearful that their money would vanish next, rushed to the banks, and the banks collapsed. The collapse of the banks resulted in what became known as the Great Depression, as the American economic collapse was joined by similar faults in England, Germany and Austria (France’s economy having been destroyed thanks to the war). Roosevelt found the nation turned against him overnight. His slogan “Let us Have Peace” became a twisted joke. Peace, the pundits proclaimed, had been achieved at the cost of everything. And although Roosevelt appeared helpless at the onslaught, his cabinet was not silent. Both Hoover and Spruance immediately set about establishing policies which, after some time, would have a serious impact on the shape of America in the years to come.
Hoover, already an enemy to the far left, set about actively combating the more militant labor unions. Through skillful and underhanded manipulation, Hoover toppled the leadership of the AFL, and five other major unions. Pro-Communist leaders were arrested under dubious pretenses, and a few others were found murdered. Hoover’s underground war was lightning fast and effective, crushing whatever chance at organized revolution there could have been. Meanwhile Spruance, against the opinions of his Commander in Chief, went to Congress and called on more spending as opposed to less. Spruance felt that if the nation pushed ahead with the “American Wall” plan, the economy would only improve at the increase of industrial need and job creation. Roosevelt, irate at the betrayal, sacked Spruance and replaced him with Alfred Selway, a formerly disgraced socialist and as much a puppet as anything else. Spruance, thus rejected, took his ideas outside the party. First he went to the Republicans, who denied him without a second thought. In the end, Spruance turned to the Nationalists, who saw the idea as the perfect stepping stone to their own economic policy; growth through conflict.
Wow! It should be interesting to see how the election shapes up with Spurance going to the Nationalists!!!
Hoover and Growth through Conflict. Ugh I smell fascism, American style.
As to FDR creating the depression. Hur hur arf
Still lovin' this AAR.
As to FDR creating the depression. Hur hur arf
Still lovin' this AAR.
demokratickid: More military men will make their presence known soon.
RGB: I've always been a critic of FDR, so my opportunity to throw him under the bus was too juicy to miss
RGB: I've always been a critic of FDR, so my opportunity to throw him under the bus was too juicy to miss
Feet to the Fire
--
It was clear by the end of 1934 that Roosevelt would be drummed out of office. His enemies were plentiful and multiplying, and his allies were few and far between. And yet the force of his character, and the successful infiltration of his enemies, kept him out of reach to many of his opponents. FDR felt that the Socialists, the party he had rescued, were traitors to his cause. How did they repay his triumph? With scorn. Now, seeing them flee a sinking ship, Roosevelt went on the attack. In an effort to rebuild the struggling budget, Roosevelt began the selling of government owned industries including those in the energy field. Socialists balked at the decision, and vowed to take the fight to the House. Hiram Johnson lead the defense of his past decision, and labeled Roosevelt and his cronies as “Crooks”, eager to pillage the American Socialist state of all its worth. The Republicans and Nationalists, happy to let the Socialists take themselves out, sided with one side then the other.
Roosevelt, ever the grudge bearer, struck back, vetoing a series of Socialist sponsored Bills designed to re-socialize aspects of the economy. All the while, the Socialists lost their grip on the nation. The mid-term elections saw the mass removal of Socialists from office, including Governorships and much of the House and Senate. Combined the Nationalists and Republicans held enough power to override a presidential veto, and immediately set about dictating policy and overruling Presidential appointments. Roosevelt was, in effect, a lame duck. His policies were crushed, his plans ruined and his legacy tarnished, Roosevelt looked to sit out his remaining year with what dignity he could find. The Socialists scrambled to try and recover, but it was too late, they were tarred with the brush of Depression. Those Socialists who had come out the strongest were the ones brushed aside by Hoover’s private war, and all that was left was the same-old political crop who failed to stir up any sort of support from the people. The only real leading Communist to escape Hoover’s brush, James P. Cannon, promised to run on the platform of the “American People’s Party” and was soundly ignored by all the political insiders.
James Cannon and running mate Felix Morrow.
The Republicans and Nationalists both turned their attention to the golden goose of the American political world, General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur had resigned his commission as a General when Roosevelt came to office, immediately becoming the most promising political figure in the country. MacArthur had the legacy of his father, the political dynamo; and his own military history to back him up. The winner of the MacArthur prize would likely have the election of 1936 all wrapped up. And in this regard, the Nationalists won out. Having embraced Admiral Spruance, the Nationalists became the party which embraced military growth, something MacArthur could get behind. Spurning the Republicans, MacArthur officially registered as a member of the Nationalist Party, and his political career began. His stumps brought thousands, eager to catch a glimpse of the celebrity who could be the next President of the United States.
But as the election of 1936 approached, no clear favorite in the Republican Party emerged. One popular target was Theodore Roosevelt Jr, the son of the former President and a war veteran. But Roosevelt’s backing seemed weak, as the only real strength he brought was his name. And after 4 years of Roosevelt rule, the name was as good as it was bad. Another popular choice was William Franklin Knox of Illinois, one of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and a hero of the Battle of Baltimore. But once again, the long forgotten years of Teddy Roosevelt left Knox as an old and forgotten politician. But in the end the man who rose to the fight was C. Douglass Buck, Governor of Delaware. Buck had presided over rapid economic growth during the Great War, and Delaware had avoided a lot of the economic downturn thanks to the Depression. Pounding the economy, Buck became the clear cut favorite for the Republican nomination. The Grand Old Party hoped to turn the election into one of issues rather than character, because Buck was a dwarf to MacArthur.
C. Douglass Buck, the man to lead the Republicans.
The sides were set, effectively, and all that was left was to wait and see who could pull out a lead early and hold on to win. But in the meantime, FDR was faced with further and further problems. Homelessness was on the rise around the country, and nowhere did this hit harder than the Deep South and the state of Leon. The Deep South had never fully recovered following the Civil War, and now the Great Depression only made things worse. Fields were left barren, entire towns vanished as commerce dried up. And no state felt this worse than Leon. Supported in no small amount by the waves of immigration from across the border with Mexico, Leon saw 40% of its population leave the state during the Great Depression. Mexicans became the majority, and President Lázaro Cárdenas of Mexico cast his eyes north. The chance to stick it to the Americans for what had been nearly 40 years of direct American control over the Mexican economy was too much to pass up. This is not to say that Cárdenas actively engaged in creating problems in the region, but he did nothing to stop the flow of immigrants into the region.
The governor of the state, a native Tennessean, eventually grew tired of the constant flow of immigrants, and called up the National Guard. The troops marched to the Mexican border, and were met across the line by the army of Cárdenas. The stare down nearly came to blows, but cooler heads prevailed. Governor John E. Miles resigned in protest at the Federal Government’s approach to Mexico, which was a policy of appeasement. Cárdenas was promised increased funds from American owned oil wells and fruit companies in Central America as well as increased influence in the Central American puppet republics. FDR, at appeared, was terrified that a war would shatter the unsteady grip he had over the economy. It was an act that would send ripples through the Americas. Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina and numerous Central American states all publicly began pressing for further control over their own economy. Roosevelt’s surrender to Mexico further weakened his stance on the rest of Central America, as more and more power slipped through the defeated President’s fingers.
--
It was clear by the end of 1934 that Roosevelt would be drummed out of office. His enemies were plentiful and multiplying, and his allies were few and far between. And yet the force of his character, and the successful infiltration of his enemies, kept him out of reach to many of his opponents. FDR felt that the Socialists, the party he had rescued, were traitors to his cause. How did they repay his triumph? With scorn. Now, seeing them flee a sinking ship, Roosevelt went on the attack. In an effort to rebuild the struggling budget, Roosevelt began the selling of government owned industries including those in the energy field. Socialists balked at the decision, and vowed to take the fight to the House. Hiram Johnson lead the defense of his past decision, and labeled Roosevelt and his cronies as “Crooks”, eager to pillage the American Socialist state of all its worth. The Republicans and Nationalists, happy to let the Socialists take themselves out, sided with one side then the other.
Roosevelt, ever the grudge bearer, struck back, vetoing a series of Socialist sponsored Bills designed to re-socialize aspects of the economy. All the while, the Socialists lost their grip on the nation. The mid-term elections saw the mass removal of Socialists from office, including Governorships and much of the House and Senate. Combined the Nationalists and Republicans held enough power to override a presidential veto, and immediately set about dictating policy and overruling Presidential appointments. Roosevelt was, in effect, a lame duck. His policies were crushed, his plans ruined and his legacy tarnished, Roosevelt looked to sit out his remaining year with what dignity he could find. The Socialists scrambled to try and recover, but it was too late, they were tarred with the brush of Depression. Those Socialists who had come out the strongest were the ones brushed aside by Hoover’s private war, and all that was left was the same-old political crop who failed to stir up any sort of support from the people. The only real leading Communist to escape Hoover’s brush, James P. Cannon, promised to run on the platform of the “American People’s Party” and was soundly ignored by all the political insiders.
James Cannon and running mate Felix Morrow.
The Republicans and Nationalists both turned their attention to the golden goose of the American political world, General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur had resigned his commission as a General when Roosevelt came to office, immediately becoming the most promising political figure in the country. MacArthur had the legacy of his father, the political dynamo; and his own military history to back him up. The winner of the MacArthur prize would likely have the election of 1936 all wrapped up. And in this regard, the Nationalists won out. Having embraced Admiral Spruance, the Nationalists became the party which embraced military growth, something MacArthur could get behind. Spurning the Republicans, MacArthur officially registered as a member of the Nationalist Party, and his political career began. His stumps brought thousands, eager to catch a glimpse of the celebrity who could be the next President of the United States.
But as the election of 1936 approached, no clear favorite in the Republican Party emerged. One popular target was Theodore Roosevelt Jr, the son of the former President and a war veteran. But Roosevelt’s backing seemed weak, as the only real strength he brought was his name. And after 4 years of Roosevelt rule, the name was as good as it was bad. Another popular choice was William Franklin Knox of Illinois, one of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and a hero of the Battle of Baltimore. But once again, the long forgotten years of Teddy Roosevelt left Knox as an old and forgotten politician. But in the end the man who rose to the fight was C. Douglass Buck, Governor of Delaware. Buck had presided over rapid economic growth during the Great War, and Delaware had avoided a lot of the economic downturn thanks to the Depression. Pounding the economy, Buck became the clear cut favorite for the Republican nomination. The Grand Old Party hoped to turn the election into one of issues rather than character, because Buck was a dwarf to MacArthur.
C. Douglass Buck, the man to lead the Republicans.
The sides were set, effectively, and all that was left was to wait and see who could pull out a lead early and hold on to win. But in the meantime, FDR was faced with further and further problems. Homelessness was on the rise around the country, and nowhere did this hit harder than the Deep South and the state of Leon. The Deep South had never fully recovered following the Civil War, and now the Great Depression only made things worse. Fields were left barren, entire towns vanished as commerce dried up. And no state felt this worse than Leon. Supported in no small amount by the waves of immigration from across the border with Mexico, Leon saw 40% of its population leave the state during the Great Depression. Mexicans became the majority, and President Lázaro Cárdenas of Mexico cast his eyes north. The chance to stick it to the Americans for what had been nearly 40 years of direct American control over the Mexican economy was too much to pass up. This is not to say that Cárdenas actively engaged in creating problems in the region, but he did nothing to stop the flow of immigrants into the region.
The governor of the state, a native Tennessean, eventually grew tired of the constant flow of immigrants, and called up the National Guard. The troops marched to the Mexican border, and were met across the line by the army of Cárdenas. The stare down nearly came to blows, but cooler heads prevailed. Governor John E. Miles resigned in protest at the Federal Government’s approach to Mexico, which was a policy of appeasement. Cárdenas was promised increased funds from American owned oil wells and fruit companies in Central America as well as increased influence in the Central American puppet republics. FDR, at appeared, was terrified that a war would shatter the unsteady grip he had over the economy. It was an act that would send ripples through the Americas. Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina and numerous Central American states all publicly began pressing for further control over their own economy. Roosevelt’s surrender to Mexico further weakened his stance on the rest of Central America, as more and more power slipped through the defeated President’s fingers.
FDR the fake socialist?
Man, I want to throw him under the bus now.
I'm imagining a standoff in this election, but whether this term or the next I see the Nationalists getting into an American war with say, Mexico or some other state that just does not know its place.
Man, I want to throw him under the bus now.
I'm imagining a standoff in this election, but whether this term or the next I see the Nationalists getting into an American war with say, Mexico or some other state that just does not know its place.
Oh, it seems FDR's 'good neighbour' policy has backfired, even more US intervention by future hawkish POTUS I wonder?
Also nice to see you not passing off Roosevelt as a hero, as an Englishman with a distinct distaste for Churchill I feel your pain.
Also nice to see you not passing off Roosevelt as a hero, as an Englishman with a distinct distaste for Churchill I feel your pain.
RGB: Good And war does tend to rouse a nation out of its economic slumber, unless of course the war causes it.
demokratickid: American political parties are good at that.
Dr. Gonzo: Good to know the shared distrust of idols exists across the pond.
And war does tend to rouse a nation out of its economic slumber, unless of course the war causes it.demokratickid: American political parties are good at that.
Dr. Gonzo: Good to know the shared distrust of idols exists across the pond.
A New Era- The Election of 1936
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For Four years, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a lame duck President. Although he received the vast majority of blame for the collapse of the economy, the Socialists could not find someone stronger to take the torch. Roosevelt, having a rather vast wealth of his own and a strong series of ties to those within his own party, swept the nomination aside without much strife. With a smug grin, and a sharp dress, Roosevelt began crossing the country, speaking out to the power players, the businessmen and the bureaucrats, laying out his grand plan for saving the country. And of course at every stop the promises grew and grew. Before long, Roosevelt had promised an American hegemony, starting first with the economic dominance of the Americas. Roosevelt began borrowing from the Nationalist battle plan, including increased military presence in Central America and economic control of Mexico. But the Nationalists would have none of it, and repeatedly called for Roosevelt to meet in debate with their candidate, quickly nominated Douglas MacArthur.
At every stage, Roosevelt avoided the call for debate. Instead, it became a two horse race, with C. Douglass Buck eager to take to the stage and debate the issues with MacArthur. And from a perfectly logical standpoint, Buck was the clear winner of almost every debate. But MacArthur had the pose, the voice and the stamina. He was everywhere, a figure for the people to rally behind in the tough times. It was the academic against the people’s candidate, and it was no surprise that it quickly became a landslide. When it became painfully obvious that Buck was done, the Republican leadership went to the Nationalists to strike a deal. The Nationalists, drunk with the thought of victory, spurned the Republicans offers of a deal and strove on ahead eagerly. It would be an arrogance which would nearly cost them four years later.
FDR used his seat in the White House for campaign advantages
As the economy continued to shake and the world struggled through the post-war years, the election of MacArthur became all the more certain. Early election results rolled in, the east coast. The traditional southern Nationalists states went over in force, including on-again off-again Florida. Then the first big win came when Virginia and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic crossed from Republican to Nationalist. Elections in Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania were all too close to call, and New York began the night as a Republican win but as the night crossed into morning the results swung south to the Nationalists. The Midwest remained like it had in ’32, with Indiana staying in the Socialist ring by a mere 12,000 votes. As the election rolled west, things got worse. Long time Socialist strongholds in the South West went Nationalist. Then, the death blow, California, crossed over into Nationalist control. The election was a landslide.
Although MacArthur was wildly successful, his party did not fair as well. They continued their control of the Deep South, and gained seats in some Socialist districts. But in terms of seizing control of the country, they failed. The Republicans still controlled the North and Mid-Atlantic, and the West Coast was still a socialist stronghold. MacArthur would have a hard road ahead of him, especially with a Republican Party hostile to his plans. Regardless, MacArthur road into Washington as the conquering hero, and the crowds adored him. Not since Washington had a President been so overwhelmingly welcomed by the people. And like the great founder of the United States, MacArthur faced an uphill battle against the forces standing in his way.
Douglas MacArthur and Gordon Weaver Browning- Nationalist-321
Franklin Roosevelt and George White- Socialist- 108
C. Douglass Buck and Franklin Knox- Republican- 120
--
For Four years, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a lame duck President. Although he received the vast majority of blame for the collapse of the economy, the Socialists could not find someone stronger to take the torch. Roosevelt, having a rather vast wealth of his own and a strong series of ties to those within his own party, swept the nomination aside without much strife. With a smug grin, and a sharp dress, Roosevelt began crossing the country, speaking out to the power players, the businessmen and the bureaucrats, laying out his grand plan for saving the country. And of course at every stop the promises grew and grew. Before long, Roosevelt had promised an American hegemony, starting first with the economic dominance of the Americas. Roosevelt began borrowing from the Nationalist battle plan, including increased military presence in Central America and economic control of Mexico. But the Nationalists would have none of it, and repeatedly called for Roosevelt to meet in debate with their candidate, quickly nominated Douglas MacArthur.
At every stage, Roosevelt avoided the call for debate. Instead, it became a two horse race, with C. Douglass Buck eager to take to the stage and debate the issues with MacArthur. And from a perfectly logical standpoint, Buck was the clear winner of almost every debate. But MacArthur had the pose, the voice and the stamina. He was everywhere, a figure for the people to rally behind in the tough times. It was the academic against the people’s candidate, and it was no surprise that it quickly became a landslide. When it became painfully obvious that Buck was done, the Republican leadership went to the Nationalists to strike a deal. The Nationalists, drunk with the thought of victory, spurned the Republicans offers of a deal and strove on ahead eagerly. It would be an arrogance which would nearly cost them four years later.
FDR used his seat in the White House for campaign advantages
As the economy continued to shake and the world struggled through the post-war years, the election of MacArthur became all the more certain. Early election results rolled in, the east coast. The traditional southern Nationalists states went over in force, including on-again off-again Florida. Then the first big win came when Virginia and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic crossed from Republican to Nationalist. Elections in Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania were all too close to call, and New York began the night as a Republican win but as the night crossed into morning the results swung south to the Nationalists. The Midwest remained like it had in ’32, with Indiana staying in the Socialist ring by a mere 12,000 votes. As the election rolled west, things got worse. Long time Socialist strongholds in the South West went Nationalist. Then, the death blow, California, crossed over into Nationalist control. The election was a landslide.
Although MacArthur was wildly successful, his party did not fair as well. They continued their control of the Deep South, and gained seats in some Socialist districts. But in terms of seizing control of the country, they failed. The Republicans still controlled the North and Mid-Atlantic, and the West Coast was still a socialist stronghold. MacArthur would have a hard road ahead of him, especially with a Republican Party hostile to his plans. Regardless, MacArthur road into Washington as the conquering hero, and the crowds adored him. Not since Washington had a President been so overwhelmingly welcomed by the people. And like the great founder of the United States, MacArthur faced an uphill battle against the forces standing in his way.
Douglas MacArthur and Gordon Weaver Browning- Nationalist-321
Franklin Roosevelt and George White- Socialist- 108
C. Douglass Buck and Franklin Knox- Republican- 120
Oh bloody hell, I nevber thought I'd see the day when the Nationalists would win. Good show, though!
