Drums of War: An All-CPU Playtest of the Civil War

[Willthescout7]

The 1840s are upon us. Tensions are flaring between the Northern States and their Southern brethren. It feels that increasingly battle lines are being drawn over economic and social issues pertinent to the regions, without thought to common ground. Slavery continues to grow in importance in the plantation states, with Senators and elected leaders growing ever more voracious in their defense of the peculiar institution. In the North, new mercantile interests are dictating quick growth and a reduced reliance on slavery. As a result, the north has proven fertile ground for abolitionists seeking to end the horrendous practice by any means necessary. 

 

In addition, the country is looking westward. The states feel a new calling to expand their borders across the continent, from coast to coast, from sea to shining sea. For some they see a chance to build new lives and new economic opportunities. For some, wide open land for plantations and the expansion of slavery. How will the country approach this wild new frontier? How will they win the territory? Mexico lies to the South, roiled by internal turmoil. They appear easy to beat, but once the fighting starts, will they? Tensions also continue in the North with the border between Canada and the States. Will England finally grow tired of the bickering, or will the war of words turn hot? 

 

Politically, the country is fracturing into two parties. Andrew Jackson has left his mark on politics, with the Whig Party rising in opposition. The Whigs have their first President, William Henry Harrison in office, though rumors persist of his illness. Can they form a cohesive whole to continue to win while facing a better organized Democratic Party? Will they be able to rise above the sectionalism that is plaguing their conventions? Who will rise for the Democratic Party to reclaim the Presidency and restore their dominance? 

 

Welcome everyone to an all CPU playtest of the Civil War years, the last area that needs to be tested. This playtest will seek to nail down CPU actions and make sure that they are viable and can play off each other. This is similar to how the 2022 playtest is going, though that is based more around seeing multiple CPU’s react to a solitary human player. Ideally, we will also test Civil War rules and see how parties rise and fall. @Ich_bin_Tyler will serve as GM for the playtest, controlling the hands of fate and determining who lives and dies. @OrangeP47 and I have each taken a party and will run the CPU for each faction inside of it. We have decided to start after the 1840 elections and after leadership has been established. Our first phase shall be deaths and retirements. But first, before the Grim Reaper shows his face, let’s introduce you to the factions in this game.

 

The Democratic Party

Founded by Andrew Jackson and based on the ideals of Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans, the Democratic Party believes in a strong farmer and landowning based society, limited government intervention, and state sovereignty. With a party that stretches across the spectrum of issues and voters, how will the Democratic Party lead itself into the future?

 

The Factions

The Agrarians

The Agrarians represent the landed gentry and plantation owning classes of the Democratic Party. The Agrarians constitute the most conservative faction of the Democratic Party and count among their numbers many Southern politicians, landowners, and old money families. This faction also prioritizes expansion of the American nation across the continent to the expense of all other existing powers and people. Rep Linn Boyd of Kentucky, a leading Jacksonian Democrat, serves as the leading voice of this faction. Other members of the faction include former President Andrew Jackson, Sen Robert J Walker, and Jefferson Davis.

 

The Conservative Democrats

The Conservative Democrats constitute the less extreme elements of the right wing of the party. Made up of the collection of conservative politicians across the country, the Conservative Democrats seeks to form a coalition that is less dependent on the landed aristocracy and the “peculiar institution” of slavery. This faction also seeks to expand American influence across the Western Hemisphere and are adherents to the Monroe Doctrine. Sen William Rufus King of Alabama, a moderate on the issues of slavery and western expansion but otherwise a stalwart Jacksonian, leads this faction. Other members of the faction include Sen John C Calhoun, Sen James Buchanan, and Sen Franklin Pierce.

 

The Popular Sovereignty Democrats

The Popular Sovereignty Democrats occupy the middle ground of the party. They are an overall more conservative mix of politicians but support the expansion of the United States across the continent. Being a national faction of the party, they support letting each state decide its position on the topic of slavery. Former Gov William L Marcy of New York, a leading voice in reconciliation between pro and anti-slavery camps, leads this faction and the Democratic Party. Other members include Ambassador to France Lewis Cass of Michigan, former President Martin Van Buren of New York, and Gov James K Polk of Tennessee. 

 

The Free Soil Democrats

The Free Soil Democrats are moderate on many issues, especially that of slavery, seeing it as an antiquated and morally wrong way to operate an industry. They have the backing of many wealthy business interests of New England. Sen Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, a leading proponent of western expansion and weak supporter of slavery, leads this faction. Other members of this faction include Sen Levi Woodbury of New Hampshire, Stephen Douglas of Illinois, and Sam Houston of Texas.

 

The Moderate Democrats

The Moderate Democrats find themselves a mixture of the least supportive members of slavery and the more progressive and leftwing members of the party. They generally support the expansion of the nation seeing it as a God ordained mission. They also support the limiting of slavery in the country to the Southern States as a social, moral, and religious cause. John Robbins, a moderate from Pennsylvania, leads this faction. Other members of the faction include John P Hale of New Hampshire, Hannibal Hamlin of Maine, and John C Fremont of California.

 

The Whig Party

Formed in opposition to President Andrew Jackson, the Whigs favor an active federal government that supports a protective tariff, construction of infrastructure, and support for a national bank. The party is also critical of the expansion of the nation across the American continent seeing it as proactive land grabbing by the wealthy landowning elite of the South. 

 

The Factions

States Rights Whigs

The States Rights Whigs represent the leftover remnants of the old Federalist Party in the South. They are dominated by the wealthy plantation but also represent the more traditionalist parts of Northern society, especially the mercantile and trading states. Secretary of State Daniel Webster of Massachusetts, a supporter of strong economic protectionism and comity between North and South, leads this faction. Other members include Vice President John Tyler, Sen John M Berrien of Georgia, and Rep Robert MT Hunter of Virginia.

Wall Street Whigs

The Wall Street Whigs represent the business and capital owning classes, primarily of the Northern States. They favor economic growth measures but without protections offered to the more conseravtive and reactionary factions. Senior General Winfield Scott of New Jersey, one of the nation’s military geniuses, leads this faction. Other members also include Sen Henry Clay of Kentucky, Secretary of War John Bell of Tennessee, and Ambassador to Great Britain Edward Everett.

Moderate Whigs

The Moderate Whigs represent a disparate collection of interests across the party, very much representative of the larger Whig Party. The Moderate Whigs ascribe to no one political agenda and are more or less free agents within the party. President William Henry Harrison of Ohio, the war hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe, leads this faction. Other members include Speaker of the House John White of Kentucky, Rep Millard Fillmore of New York, and Abraham Lincoln of Illinois.

Anti-Masons

The Anti-Masons represent the moderate forces of the party that are distrusting of the political forces that currently operate in the country. They constitute the remnants of the Anti-Masonic Party and seek to reform the US government while promoting a safe society that is economically prosperous. Former Rep John Reed Jr of Massachusetts, a leader in the promotion of American arts and sciences, leads this faction. Other members include Attorney General John J Crittenden of Kentucky, former President John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, and Gov William Seward of New York.

Conscience Whigs

The Conscience Whigs are the leading voices of abolition of slavery in the nation and represent the most social liberal forces in the poltical process. They seek the elimination of slavery and the reform of the US government to allow for a more fair and equal society. Washington Irving of New York, a globally renowned American author, leads this faction. Others in this faction include Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania, Rep Joshua Giddings of Ohio, and PT Barnum of Connecticut.

 

Strap in as the United States of America enters into one of the most critical periods the young nation has ever faced.

[Lars]

William, my man, lemme know if you need help

[matthewyoung123]

@Willthescout7@Ich_bin_Tyler @OrangeP47

As the director of a Civil War Museum, I am VERY interested to see how this plays out.  It's one of the areas (other than the Independence Era) I'm most excited to play and see how it develops.

I'll volunteer to help out in anyway that I can with this play through.  I know you are doing mostly CPU play through, but if you need an extra human player to cover, please consider me.

I'm not currently playing any of the other test games and recently turned in the last of my graduate work for my Master's, so I have some spare time on my hands this summer.

Thanks!

Edited June 7, 2022 by matthewyoung123

[Ich_bin_Tyler]

Hello and welcome! Thank you all for coming along for this adventure with us. Hopefully this is exciting to read and follow as the other playtests.

First a brief overview of the state of the nation.

• William Henry Harrison, war hero, is President.
• John Tyler, a former Senator, is Vice President.
• The Cabinet is composed of generally competent individuals including Sec of State Daniel Webster, Sec of Treasury Thomas Ewing, Sec of War John Bell, and Attorney General John Crittenden.
• Senior General Winfield Scott and Chief Admiral Isaac Hull lead the armed forces. Under them serve Zachary Taylor, Robert E Lee, Robert F Stockton, Matthew C Perry, and David G Farragut.
• The Supreme Court is headed by Chief Justice Roger B Taney and contains six Andrew Jackson appointees. The current breakdown is 5-3 Dem with 1 vacant seat.
• Whigs control 16 Governor's mansions to Democrats 10.
• Whigs control both the House and Senate with small but comfortable leads (28-24 in the Senate and 115-93 in the House).
• International relations are neutral to hostile with most countries.
• Domestically things are fairly calm and there are no current crises.

[Ich_bin_Tyler]

Deaths and Retirements

The Agrarians

• William H Cabell dies of pneumonia.

Conservative Democrats

• Richard Henry Wilde retires for family reasons.

Popular Sovereignty Democrats

• Joel Poinsett dies of pneumonia.

Free Soil Democrats

• AR Gov Archibald Yell retires satisfied with the work he's done and wants to consider other things (@OrangeP47 need a new AR Gov).
• Executive career track James E English retires for personal health.
• Phillip Allen dies of dropsy.

Moderate Democrats

• Buckner Thruston retires disillusioned with politics.
• Samuel Fowler retires to allow a new generation to enter national politics.
• Graham Fitch dies of typhoid.

States Rights Whigs

• John Pope retires for undefined reasons.
• George WP Custis retires to become a university president.
• DE Gov William B Cooper dies of cholera (@Willthescout7 need a new DE Gov).

Wall Street Whigs

• John Sloane retires to become a lobbyist.
• William Appleton retires for undefined reasons.
• John Taliaferro dies of tuberculosis. 

Moderate Whigs

• MD Gov William Grason retires for family reasons (@Willthescout7 need a new MD Gov).
• CT Sen Jabez Huntington retires satisfied with the work he's done and wants to consider other things (@OrangeP47 need a new CT Senator).
• Chief Admiral Isaac Hull died in a fight.

Anti-Masons

• James Bell retires to be a lobbyist.
• Joseph Hopkinson died of tuberculosis.

Conscience Whigs

• William Jay retires and was allegedly pressured out.
• Lemuel H Arnold retires and was allegedly pressured out.
• Supreme Court Justice Smith Thompson dies of dysentery. (@Willthescout7 need another nominee for the Court).

 

Edited June 7, 2022 by Ich_bin_Tyler

[OrangeP47]

The Free Soil Democrats internal caucus chooses Solon Borland (Agrarians) for AR Gov.

(CT nominee is just the faction with my sheet name 😛 )

Edited June 7, 2022 by OrangeP47

[Willthescout7]

The States Rights Whigs choose Charles Polk Jr to become the new Gov of DE. 

 

The Conscious Whigs hope that another member of their faction is given consideration for the opening on the court when that time comes.

 

[Willthescout7]

Anti-Mason Lafayette Foster has been appointed the new Senator of CT

[Willthescout7]

Sec of the Navy promotes Admiral Matthew C Perry to Senior Admiral and appoints Democrat Josiah Tattnall as Admiral.

[matthewyoung123]

Moderate Whigs select John G Chapman as the new Governor of Maryland.

[Ich_bin_Tyler]

First thing, welcome @matthewyoung123 to the playtest. He'll be helping out and taking charge of the moderate factions.

Second, new Sr Admiral Matthew Perry gains military leader and +1 admin for this new post.

General Events @Willthescout7 @OrangeP47

• Business Speculation- An increase in business speculation can be either a boon or a burden for the economy. Rolled a 5. Economic stability increases by 1 (Now at a solid economy)
• Relations Deteriorate- Some say the president is ignoring foreign affairs for the sake of domestic policy. Rolled Spain and then rolled a 1. Relations with Spain decrease by 2. They are now between Enemies and Hostile.
• Studying Demosthenes- We might have found the right person for a keynote speech. Arthur MacArthur Sr (oh boy...) certainly has a way with words! Arthur MacArthur gains debate.
• Major Drought- A major drought in Michigan is destroying agriculture and threatening to spark fires. Should we use federal intervention to help out in the recovery?
  • Will Pres Harrison: A) Send disaster relief or B) Refrain from disaster relief? (Action to Moderate Whigs)

[matthewyoung123]

"The National Whig"

June 13, 1840. 

Philadelphia, PA- Admiral Isaac Hull was reported to have been killed in a bar fight yesterday.  The suspects have not been identified.  Other patrons claim the men "insulted the reputation and integrity of the US Navy" to which Hull took offense.  According to witnesses, the hero of the War of 1812 then defended himself after one of the assailants struck him.  The Admiral managed to knock down three men, but suffered a fatal blow to the head with a heavy candlestick from a fourth assailant.  The suspects fled the scene and have not been captured.

Funeral arrangements for Admiral Hull have not yet been announced, but President Harrison proclaimed that, "Hull was a national hero.  He was a great leader, and the Navy will miss his presence very much."  There is some talk amongst members of Congress of having the Admiral "lie in state" at the capitol building in Washington DC.

[Ich_bin_Tyler]

Before President Harrison makes a decision about the drought, the eggheads in the cabinet get to weigh in. Sec Webster ( States Rights Whigs) and AG Crittenden ( Anti-Masons) can each suggest a resolution to the drought. Since Harrison is pliable, he must accept the recommendation of the majority or may choose if tied.

Edited June 8, 2022 by Ich_bin_Tyler

[Willthescout7]

Both Webster and Crittenden recommend sending Federal Aid. 

[matthewyoung123]

14 minutes ago, Willthescout7 said:

Both Webster and Crittenden recommend sending Federal Aid. 

President William Henry Harrison sends Federal Aid to Michigan and offers his prayers to all the farmers and families impacted.

[Ich_bin_Tyler]

President Harrison sends the aid and doesn't impact the budget but neither does he get a nice election boost in the Midwest.

MI Gov J Wright Gordon (Wall Street Whigs) also gets a chance to respond. Does he A) Send aid or B) Refrain from relief? Unfortunately, he has a 1 Gov ability so he can't succeed no matter how much he wants to. He does avoid the potential party preference penalty for not sending aid.

 

Moving on to scripted events!

 

Edited June 8, 2022 by Ich_bin_Tyler

[Ich_bin_Tyler]

Scripted Events @Willthescout7 @matthewyoung123 @OrangeP47

Texas Wishes to Join the Union- Independent Texas, led primarily by US citizens, is desiring annexation to the United States. However, the Northern states--whether they oppose slavery or not--do not want another powerful Slave State to enter the Union. Abolitionists are angry that Texans reintroduced slavery into a Mexican territory that had been slave free. Southerners as well as some Northern Democrats with business or political ties to the South are pushing for immediate annexation. Settlers are eager to fill the large future state. (Note: This can only be avoided 3 times [assuming it has been avoided once since it occurred first in 1836-38]). 

• Pres Harrison choose A) Avoid taking up the issue of Texas annexation for now or B) Call for Congress to vote on Texas annexation.

The Maori Tribe Cedes Territory in New Zealand to Great Britain- Great Britain has compelled the Maori to give up land in New Zealand. [no action]

Great Britain Occupies Hong Kong in China- Great Britain's influence over Chinese trade and the Chinese monarch has allowed it to occupy Hong Kong. Will all of China be next?

• Potential decline in relations with the British was avoided. 

Half the World's Coffee is Now Made in Brazil- Brazil dominates the Coffee Industry (Yum)

Immigration Surge- A variety of issues in Europe--economic, political, and demographic--has seen a surge of immigrants arriving to our ports in recent years. While immigration will certainly fill jobs where employees are needed, they're likely to bring some customs that many of our voters find unwelcome. 

• RW Populists +1 in next elections, Agrarians and States Rights Whigs also gain +1 in next elections for having the Nationalist card.
• Revenue/Budget meter unaffected, Domestic Stability decreases by 1 to Mass Protests, Quality of Life meter is unaffected.
• Pres Harrison responds with, "We know not what problems or benefits this will bring."

Narciso Lopez Liberation Movement in Cuba- There's an independence movement in Cuba to free the island from Spain. Narciso Lopez would certainly accept our help in throwing Spain off their major Caribbean Island; however, doing so would certainly upset Spain, and possibly lead to war. Our politicians are conflicted. We wish to reduce European influence in our Hemisphere, but our expansionists know that our best chance for taking Cuba for ourselves is if it belongs to a European power. In this sense, the revolutionaries are taking land that could potentially be ours. 

• Pres Harrison choose A) Refrain from helping the Independence Movement. We could upset Spain and we might want it for ourselves; or B) Let's reduce Spanish influence in our hemisphere. Support the movement.

Skull of Human-Like Species Known as Neanderthal Found in Germany- Anthropologists in Germany believe they have found ancient skeletal remains of a species that resembled a human. However, the differences are such that it could not be a human. The debate on exactly what this Neanderthal is will be hotly debates for some time. 

[matthewyoung123]

40 minutes ago, Ich_bin_Tyler said:

Scripted Events @Willthescout7 @matthewyoung123 @OrangeP47

Texas Wishes to Join the Union- 

• Pres Harrison choose A) Avoid taking up the issue of Texas annexation for now or B) Call for Congress to vote on Texas annexation.

Narciso Lopez Liberation Movement in Cuba-  

• Pres Harrison choose A) Refrain from helping the Independence Movement. We could upset Spain and we might want it for ourselves; or B) Let's reduce Spanish influence in our hemisphere. Support the movement.

 

CPU President Harrison has, indeed, some difficult choices to make regarding foreign policy.  Looking at the overall picture, CPU Harrison decides it would be better to try and bring TX into the Union and calls upon Congressional leaders to take a vote on the annexation of the Republic of Texas.

Furthermore, seeing Lopez and his forces try and battle for independence reminds the CPU President of America's struggle for independence from a European power, and he recalls leading his own personal battle at Tippecanoe.  He also solidly believes in the Monroe Doctrine.  Despite the current strained relations with the Kingdom of Spain, and the possibility of reducing them further, CPU President Harrison sees that his Whig Party could benefit greatly from supporting Lopez and reducing Spanish influence in the New World.

CPU Harrison selects B on both options.

[Ich_bin_Tyler]

Regarding the Annexation of Texas, the public supports Harrison in this regard. Domestic stability increases by 1 (no longer in a crisis). Annexation will be voted on in Congress and worth double points.

Supporting Lopez, however, has greatly upset the Spanish crown. Relations with Spain drop to the lowest (enemies). Regarding the implementation of this new Cuban policy, Sec of Navy Badger critically succeeds (rolled a 1) in organizing the Navy and the logistics of the support. Sec of War Bell, on the other hand, fails to coordinate and the implementation is unsuccessful. Harrison has military expertise and admin of 1, so the blunder roll occurs as normal. The die roll is a 1, so party preference moves one away from the Whigs (perfectly neutral) as the public begins to question the efficacy of the current administration. The event says if blunder on option A potential war with Spain, which doesn't make sense when that option is the non-intervention option. So, I'm just gonna roll for war with Spain since option B was blundered. War with Spain was averted with a roll of 79 (needed 25 or less). 

Edited June 8, 2022 by Ich_bin_Tyler

[Ich_bin_Tyler]

Lingering Phase

Economic Stability, Military Prep, and Honest Government increase by 1 due to legislation. Domestic Stability falls, again, to crisis mode due to legislation.

The current tariff did not affect the meters and is only 4 years old, so no changes on that. 

Sec of War Bell and Postmaster Gen Granger both successfully impact the Military Prep and Honest Gov meters.

There are more politicians in the government with integrity (24) than controversial (9). Honest Gov roll is a 6, increasing by 1 again.

Overall, the economy is booming, the armed forces are slightly prepared for a potential impending war with Spain, the people are protesting (who knows about what), and the public trusts their government with corruption at moderate levels. 

Industries

Gov Charles McDonald of GA gains 200 points for the state leading in agriculture and plantations.

Gov Robert Letcher of KY gains 100 points for the state leading in mining.

Gov John Davis of MA gains 200 points for the state leading in maritime and manufacturing. 

Gov William Seward of NY gains 100 points for the state leading in finance.

Setting the Convention Delegates @Willthescout7 @OrangeP47 @matthewyoung123

Nashville, TN has been selected as the location of the 1844 Democratic Convention. Gov James Polk (Popular Sovereignty Democrats) will set the convention delegates.

New Orleans, LA has been selected as the location of the 1844 Whig Convention. Gov Andre Roman (States Rights Whigs) will set the convention delegates. 

[matthewyoung123]

"The National Whig"

October 28, 1840

RIOTS-

New York City, New York- Mayor Isaac L. Varian issued a statement today calling for calm after a large demonstration against Irish Catholics turned violent.  "We want peace and calm here in the city" the mayor stated.  There was no immediate confirmation if any one had been killed, but a number of people were seen bruised and bloody.  Several shops in the area had signs in the window saying "Help Wanted. No Irish Need Apply."

TEXAS-

Washington DC- People all over the nation are rejoicing!  The Republic of Texas, which won it's independence from Mexico a few years ago, has petitioned President Harrison to become a part of the United States.  Harrison, a wise and decisive leader, promptly accepted the offer and sent the matter to Congress for a vote.  House and Senate leaders have not yet stated when a vote will happen, but we are hopeful that it will be soon.  However, one Southern Senator stated that, "Texas should not only be brought into the Union, it should be divided into at least three states."  If Texas is admitted as it exists now, it would become the largest state in the country.  However, the Southern border is still in some dispute with Mexico.  That issue could lead to a more strained relationship with our Southern neighbor if not resolved. 

CUBA-

Washington DC- President Harrison, while not making a direct announcement, has privately pledged to support the current revolt against Spanish rule in Cuba.  The Spanish Ambassador reacted harshly, speaking very quickly in a language that the editors of this paper are unfamiliar with.  The words that were understood, however, could not be published here either.  Our nations economy is reported as "booming", and the armed forces of the United States are prepared for any potential impending war, with Spain or Mexico.  The Navy has recently commissioned several new ships, and the Army is testing a new type of firing system for their muskets known as the percussion cap.  Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail over the Cuba Crisis.

CONVENTION-

New Orleans, LA- It was announced yesterday that the next National Whig Convention will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 1, 1844.  All loyal Whig politicians should make plans to attend.

 

[MrPotatoTed]

2 hours ago, Ich_bin_Tyler said:

The event says if blunder on option A potential war with Spain, which doesn't make sense when that option is the non-intervention option. 

Flagging @vcczar for awareness.  (This is regarding the scripted event for Lopez' cuban revolution).

[Willthescout7]

The Whig Convention and Groups:

 

Category 1: AL, AR, IL, ME, MI, MS

Category 2: NH, PA, OH, MO, VA

Category 3: CT, KY, GA, IN, SC

Category 4: LA, NJ, RI, VT, NY

Category 5: DE, MD, MA, NC, TN

[Willthescout7]

Democratic Convention Grouping:

Category 1: CT, IL, KY, MI, MS, RI

Category 2: VT, OH, PA, ME, NJ

Category 3: DE, IN, MA, NH, SC

Category 4: TN, GA, NY, NC, MD

Category 5: AR, AL, LA, VA, MO

[vcczar]

1 hour ago, MrPotatoTed said:

Flagging @vcczar for awareness.  (This is regarding the scripted event for Lopez' cuban revolution).

I’ll have to look at the even to see my rationale and I can’t get into the files yet. Could have meant to put another option to trigger that. An error wouldn’t surprise me considering how much I had to multitask between my other jobs or getting yelled at for working too much.