alternate history Rockin in the U.S.S.A. (1920-March 1921)

[Imperator Taco Cat]

(still late may for the SPA convention, I didn't realize they happened before major parties until it was too late, we’ll just say campaign bleeds through june.)

46/50 for theme 1, 60/40 for speeches 1,theme 2, 49/40 theme 2, 72/30 speeches 2, 50/35 for theme 3, 88/40 for speeches 3, 30/50 for platform, 84/35 for infrastructure. 

The language used by the SPA concerns many more moderate voters, however at the same time it drives turnout amongst the poor, making little difference overall.

The speeches given by different speakers go fairly well, Stedman, Sinclair and Thomas gave particularly notable speeches. Debs’s speech wasn’t partially interesting, however it capitalized on his success in office very well.

 

The economic policy in the platform is broadly popular. Farmers hail the Rural Electrification Agency as their chance to catch up with urban areas.

Southern farmers HATE the proposed CRA and ERA, especially with the focus on equality in the convention. Texas and Arkansas, key pickups in ‘16, are expected to go progressive this year.

Construction on new campaign infrastructure in the North is well underway, the mid Atlantic looks to be safe and even new England seems within reach. 

quarterly economic roll: 44

The economic growth seen so far is beginning to slow, however people are still richer than ever.

 

Progressive convention: left wing nominates William Gibbs McAdoo, right wing nominates Leonard Wood.

4/10 for Gibs, 5/10 for Wood. Convention continues.

Stats:

Fast growth: 2 Action points every 2 months, 10/10 military!, 8/10 administration popularity, 3/10 congress relations, 9/10 environment, 9/10 stability.

Gcw: effective united front victory

Edited March 23, 2023 by Imperator Taco Cat
formating

[Imperator Taco Cat]

turn 7(July): 33 Action points per turn+16 saved=49

48 hours

Edited March 23, 2023 by Imperator Taco Cat

[WVProgressive]

Debs will hold a large Forth of July Gala at the White House. The event is designed to both foster a sense of national unity, and help the Presidents re-election chances by making him seem more Presidential to the voting public. (8 APs towards the celebration)

With the German Civil War effectively over, Debs will fly overt to Berlin to give a speech celebrating the new government, and encouraging them to pursue a path of democracy, socialism, and international cooperation. (5 APs towards the speech)

Meanwhile Jay Lovestone will hammer out an agreement between America and Germany where the two nations would except each other from tariffs, and join each other in the defense of the other should one of them be attacked in the event that one of them is attacked by a foreign power. (10 APs towards formalizing relations with Germany)

The President will then go to Paris to make it clear to the French government that there is to be no interference in German affairs unless they want to face the full retribution of the United States (10 APs towards the threat)

 

[Imperator Taco Cat]

I am sorry for being late with this. 

56/45 for 4th July, 93/20 for Berlin speech,  88/40 for Washington-Berlin Pact, 13/35 for french non-involvement.

The 4th of July Gala goes well enough, patriotism is high however the impact on Debs’s approval is minimal as he was already an extremely popular president. 

Debs’s speech in berlin goes great! The German people laud his words whilst the German government immediately begins a program of democratic socialism, with elections scheduled in two months. Even at home the speech garners some praise.

With the fact they owe their freedom to you the German government signs off on the deal immediately, and the paramilitaries that fought in their civil war pledge to support the United States.

Unfortunately the trip to Paris didn't go so well, barely anyone showed up and most who did were from our embassy. The French continue to occupy much of the Rhineland, even as riots keep spreading. 

stats:

The economy is growing quickly, the United States is a military superpower, the administration is popular, congress is being difficult, the environment is amazing, crime is low and the people feel safer than ever.

progressive nomination: left Nominates James M. Cox, right nominates Warren G. Harding

3/10 for Cox, 5/10 for Harding. convernton continues.

I will be taking a break until friday, I am sorry if this is a let down but I promise to be back by then. 

Edited April 2, 2023 by Imperator Taco Cat
spelling

[Imperator Taco Cat]

Turn 8(August): 35 Action points per turn+16 saved=51 Action points.

48 hours.

[WVProgressive]

Debs finishes his European Tour by visiting Rome, and voicing his support for the embattled administration in their pursuit of a fairer, more just Italy. (5 APs)

Debs hits the campaign stump for SPA candidates running for Senate, and Congress in swing districts. (10 APs)

The newly created CIA is given its first assignment: Destabilize the reactionary ruling government and foment a Socialist revolution. (10 APs)

The Socialist Party of America will invite Socialists from across the globe to New York City for the first ever meeting of the Third Internationale. The purpose of the meeting is to foster warm relations between all members of the Socialist movement, and further the progress towards the end goal of a United Socialist World Republic, achieved through either the ballot box, or through revolution. (10 APs)

(Sorry if I’ve been too foreign policy focused recently. I just want to hold off on a lot of legislation until after the re-election.)

[Imperator Taco Cat]

On 3/31/2023 at 12:32 PM, WVProgressive said:

The newly created CIA is given its first assignment: Destabilize the reactionary ruling government and foment a Socialist revolution. (10 APs)

Which one?

[WVProgressive]

1 hour ago, Imperator Taco Cat said:

Which one?

The UK, guess I forgot to specify haha. Sorry about that…

[Imperator Taco Cat]

72/55 for Rome, 87/20 for Deb’s campaign, 12/25 for cia coup, 76/70 for 3rd international.

Debs’s speech in Rome was amazing, North Italians are steadfast in solidarity behind socialism while the south is increasingly competitive. Some in the North are even calling for a restart of their civil war, which they are likely to win.

The President’s campaign goes fairly well, Debs is very popular so people seeing him next to SPA candidates can only help them, control of the house seems guaranteed.

 Less fortunately the CIA’s attempted destabilization of Britain backfired, even if the British government remains unpopular the CIA has been handicapped by the imprisonment of several high ranking members, if any of them talk: The security of the United states would be compromised.

The third international went surprisingly well; Syndicalists, Dem-Socs, Stalinists, Trostkyists, Marxist-Lenninists and even some Soc-Dems, all working together against capitalism. Of course they still hate each other, but they aren’t fighting: a huge accomplishment from the Debs administration. Expansion of the revolution into France or Russia proper seems inevitable.

The economy is growing quickly, the United States is a military superpower, the administration is popular, congress is being difficult, the environment is amazing, crime is low and the people feel safer than ever.

progressive nomination: left Nominates Williams Jennings Bryan, right nominates Frank Orren Lowden

9/10 for Bryan, 4/10 for Lowden. Bryan nominated!

The Progressives, after a convention that broke records for lasting two and a half Months, have FINALLY chosen three time presidential candidate Williams Jennings Bryan, Indicating the counting health of their left wing and a focus on rural areas.

For the vice president they have chosen Calvin Coolidge, although he was not at the convention many delegates started shouting "WE WANT COOLEDGE" who  was then nominated against the will of Bryan. 

Edited April 2, 2023 by Imperator Taco Cat
WE WANT COOLEDGE

[Imperator Taco Cat]

Turn 9(September):35 Action Points a turn+16 saved=51 action points.

The election season has begun! A roll for the Progressive campaign vs down ballot SPA nominees will occur every month until november.

48 hours.

[WVProgressive]

Lovestone will travel to London to privately demand the release of the captured CIA agents. He threatens war between the two countries (10 APs for negotiations)

To add meat to the threat of war, Debs will mobilize the United States Armed Forces for war with Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Army personnel are split into two Army Groups, Army Group North, and Army Group West. In the event of war AGN will be tasked with capturing Ontario, and Quebec, while AGW will be tasked with capturing the oil rich plains of Alberta, and the seaports of British Columbia, both Army Groups will be supported by Air support, and Naval support on the coast. Marine personnel will likewise be separated into two fronts, one tasked with capturing the British possessions in the Caribbean, and the other tasked with capturing British possessions in the Pacific, especially Australia. (10 APs for preparations)

Debs kicks off his reelection campaign by campaigning on the Pacific Coast (10 APs towards the tour)

The SPA will appeal to Urban voters by attacking Bryan as a candidate solely for Rural Evangelical WASPs, who cares not for Blacks, Immigrants, Industrial Workers, Catholics, or Educators. (5 APs towards the attack)

Edited April 2, 2023 by WVProgressive

[Imperator Taco Cat]

6/35 for Hostage negotiation 

The Brits toss lovestone in jail, and the embassy. They are now officially threatening war. 

@WVProgressive Will Debs order an attack whilst you still might have the element of surprise, or should the army finish mobilizing first?

If no response is received by 8pm cst the mobilization will continue as is.

[WVProgressive]

49 minutes ago, Imperator Taco Cat said:

6/35 for Hostage negotiation 

The Brits toss lovestone in jail, and the embassy. They are now officially threatening war. 

@WVProgressive Will Debs order an attack whilst you still might have the element of surprise, or should the army finish mobilizing first?

If no response is received by 8pm cst the mobilization will continue as is.

Attack with all available forces.

[Imperator Taco Cat]

75/60 for pre-war mobilization, 37/45 for pacific campaign, 22/85 for anti-rural attacks.

Debs’s visits to the west coast are fairly mediocre, most people are panicking over a war with Britain and the president did little to assuage this. When it became clear Debs wouldn’t answer their questions about the war all but his hardcore fans stopped caring.

To make matters worse the president is very clearly gone mad, saying his opponent only apples to about half the country. Pro-Bryan newspaper have found an insane but quite popular explanation for this: after his visit to Rome the pope has replaced him with a catholic doppelganger who will bring his vile popery to corrupt the good people of America if the SPA gets congressional majorities! On the brightside: Immigrants are all going to vote for you and Al Smith allegedly has your portrait in his home now.  

War: less than 20 for major battlefield losses, more than 50 for major battlefield success. Rolled a 62.

And with your decision to invade the British: things are going surprisingly poorly, the royal navy has prevented any landings in the Caribbean and have blockaded Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the Philippines and a rotating list of major ports. Although, British Columbia,  New Brunswick, Toronto and the countryside surrounding Ottawa have been taken, leaving Canadian resistance shattered. A conference between France, Russia, Brazil, The United Kingdom, Ukraine, Japan and the Kuomintang government is planned to end “American aggression”. 

General campaign roll: 30

Bryan’s campaign is off with a bang, denouncing Debs for ignoring congress when starting unjust wars, and his destruction of farmer’s wealth. He has also broadened his support for women's suffrage into general women's rights. 

General economic roll: 49

British blockades constrict trade, however an explosion in arms manufacturing balances this out.

Stats:

Slow growth: 1 Action point every 2 months, 10/10! military, 4/10 administration popularity, 1/10! congress relations, 8/10 environment,  6/10 stability

Bryan seems likely to win ‘20, but it’s still anyone's game. third parties split the socialist vote in rural areas, but not enough to flip any states.

Edited April 3, 2023 by Imperator Taco Cat
fixed typo

[Imperator Taco Cat]

Turn 10(October): 38 action points a turn+16 saved=54 action points

As stated previously many nations are considering joining the british and congress is considering impeaching Debs, good luck.

48 hours.

[WVProgressive]

Debs will attempt to use the early success in Canada to bring an early end to the war. (15 APs)

America promises:

Canada will be returned to Britain

America promises to refrain from interfering in British politics for 25 years

Britain will be given Most Favored Nation status for 10 years

While Britain promises:

Jay Lovestone, and the CIA Spies are to be returned to America unharmed

America will be given Most Favored Nation status for 10 years

Britain will not interfere with American commerce for 20 years

 

If the treaty is refused then the war will continue. The Navy is instructed to engage in hit and run, and submarine warfare against the superior Royal Navy, while the Army, and Air Force are instructed to conduct an aerial invasion of Jamaica. The invasion of Canada is also instructed to continue (10 APs)

Debs will telegram the nations thinking about supporting Britain. He lets them know the stiff economic consequences that their nation would face if they joined Great Britain. Japan would be cut off from their largest supplier of oil, Brazil, and Ukraine would lose access to one of the world’s primary importers of rubber, and wheat respectively, while France and Russia would kill any chance of Great War Debt Forgiveness. He hopes that the repercussions of war will ward off any would be enemies (13 APs)

 

[Imperator Taco Cat]

23/30 for British negotiations, 52 for foreign negotiations with 20 for Brazil, 30 for Ukraine, 50 for Japan, 80 for France/Russia 90 for Kuomintang.

Without proper communication channels the Brits likely didn’t hear our request; and if they did they are ignoring us. 

Ukraine and Brazil aren't willing to risk the economic consequences of a war with us, however the rest aren't so easily convinced; Russia has declared war on the 3rd international, with minor success in the black sea against turkey, the French have instituted a crackdown on leftist groups in the Rhineland and a Chinese-Japanese joint ultimatum has been issued: we must leave the philippines at once or face an invasion. The Germans have not joined yet, and refuse to choose a side until the 1920 presidential elections.

War: Less than 30 for major losses, more than 55 for major victory. Rolled a 49 

Large advances into the Canadian countryside and small landings are made in Jamaica, however the Brits fortify populated areas, leaving Ottawa near impenetrable. Meanwhile  our navy is at a stalemate with the Royal one.

General campaign: 62

Patriotic fever sweeps through the nation, as Americans rally behind the president it would seem that Debs might just win re-election. 

Stats:

The economy grows slowly, the military is next to none, Debs is modestly popular, congress is up in arms, the environment is excellent and stability is on the decline.

The election is next month and entirely up in the air, with the collapse of agrarian socialists a new party system seems plausible.

[Imperator Taco Cat]

Regional polling:

The south is solidly behind bryan.

The great plains are melting the cross of gold.

The pacific coast is loosing their chains.

The workers of the midwest have united.

New england is gonna get cool with Coolidge.

The mid atlantic is divided, however Debs is slightly favored.

The southwest is up in the air, except when previously mentioned.

[Imperator Taco Cat]

Where will Debs's final push be?

[WVProgressive]

The Mid-Atlantic. We’ll end our campaign off with a massive speech in Madison Square Garden promising to end the war, end poverty, and end segregation.

[Imperator Taco Cat]

Peace, rights and bread!

Tilt margins indicate the results are extremely close and a recount is in order(I think? I can't find anything on recounts back then so if you can let me know).

Edited April 5, 2023 by Imperator Taco Cat

[Imperator Taco Cat]

(assuming recounts work the same as the 40s) Will Debs contest West Virginia?

[Imperator Taco Cat]

North dakota and new mexico enter automatic recounts?

Edited April 5, 2023 by Imperator Taco Cat

[WVProgressive]

1 hour ago, Imperator Taco Cat said:

(assuming recounts work the same as the 40s) Will Debs contest West Virginia?

We’ll let the results stand if the Bryan campaign agrees to let the results of the other contested states to stand.

[Imperator Taco Cat]

4 minutes ago, WVProgressive said:

We’ll let the results stand if the Bryan campaign agrees to let the results of the other contested states to stand.

Rhode island and new mexico are forced to do a recount by state law, Bryan won't challenge N. dakota.