-Today we bring you the first part of a special selection of articles in which we look back at the past few decades and the events which transpired within them. As the new year brings new mysteries and opportunities, we will take a look at the troubles which existed in our grand country not too long ago today. The following is a collection of articles combined for this special issue.
-Probably the single most essential series of events in our country's history began in the pivotal year of 1860 with the election resulting in the victory of Illinois Representative Abraham Lincoln.Angry over numerous issues including states rights', slavery, and tariffs, seven states illegally seceded from the United States. These states were South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. Troops from these states, now referring to themselves as "Confederates", launched an attack on Fort Sumter, South Carolina. President Lincoln immediately declared war on these rebel states, later provoking Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina to follow the trend of secession.The Sioux Country up North also declared war on the rebel states, but bloody battles commenced, with neither side truly grabbing the upper hand.
The US seemed able to fend off CSA’s efforts until in 1862, when the First Battle of Antietam ended in a stalemate. George McClellan declared he could not defeat Robert E. Lee of the CSA on the front lines and stepped down as General. He was replaced by Burnside. Lee’s invasion of the US stopped at Antietam, giving Lincoln the confidence to issue his Emancipation Proclamation. This proclamation claimed to free all slaves in the Confederate States, as the President disbelieved the South could legally secede. Of course, no real changes occurred from this, save the demeaning CSA recognition in Europe.
Lee’s forces were furious over this proclamation. Some even believed it meant an early end for the Confederacy. However, in early 1862, as discovered through recent intelligence gatherings in Virginia, Operation Havana was reaching recognition. Created by a group of low-ranked, Anti-Spanish rebels, this tactic would recruit disgruntled Cubans into the Confederate Army, promising them independence following a winning war. It was overlooked time and time again until General Lee tripped over a wastebasket one night, which contained a crumpled piece of paper. Lee picked up the paper and read the title: “Operation Havana: Killing Two Hawks with One Stone”. He immediately called in the authors who explained the plan. Lee decided to enact the plan, promoting the authors in the process. He began the first steps, sending Confederate citizens disguised as Cubans into Havana, who then giving underground speeches about Cuban nationalism and heritage. Plenty of anti-US info too, of course was included. In a matter of weeks, this gained unprecedented support from to-be revolutionaries in Cuba. President of the CSA, Jefferson Davis, once meeting with General Lee, agreed to promise self-government to Cuba if they supported the CSA in the Civil War. Revolutionaries would bring new life to the stagnant war.
The Cubans helped Lee’s forces overtake Burnside’s troops in Antietam in mid-1862, and advance into US territory. Meanwhile, US soldiers in the Eastern ‘theater’ were actually able to pry open Tennessee and overtake it, as well as Arkansas. Burnside was quickly replaced by Joseph Hooker. Hooker stopped Lee’s troops at Gettysburg, which quickly allowed Lincoln to come to peace terms with Davis.
Even Hooker himself admitted to the president that even the small number of new Cuban troops affected the Western theater tremendously. If war continued in the same fashion, Lee could invade and conquer Pennsylvania and then possibly Maryland. In contrast, a continued war could bring Mississippi and Texas to US control, but neither president was willing to risk this. Lincoln had no choice but to order the retreat of Union soldiers. Still, Southern slaves held hope with Lincoln, many of which expanded upon the Underground Railroad and secret, Republican funded operations, that liberation would be forced if not granted.
In 1863, the war officially ended with the Treaty of Richmond (1863). Jefferson Davis officially adopted a flag, a national anthem, and a (very similar to US’s) Constitution. Slave rights were restricted harshly, making illegal all voting rights and unguided transportation. Arkansas and Tennessee once again (unofficially) became US states. The CSA won nothing from the war besides independence, but that is all they wished for. Strategically and tactically, Lincoln had lost. In an effort to re-capture the hope vote, the 16th Amendment was passed, liberating all slaves within US borders. The Sioux Country’s borders were defined, given definite independence.
Cuban “Revolution”
Cuba’s independence was now said-to-be supported by the newfound CSA. A War of Revolution was declared early in 1864, not long after the War of Secession had ended. President Davis stood firm with Cuban nationalist and Confederate Hero, Calixto García, and his respective following, against Spain. Spanish vessels, once spotted in the Caribbean Sea, were demolished by the Confederate Gatling guns and cannons. The ground troops were hit hard by the few Cuban revolutionaries, but were only vanquished by CSA soldiers led by Generals Lee and Breckinridge, as well as veterans “Stonewall” Jackson and James Longstreet. All of which survived.
The declared “Republic of Cuba” actually held indifference within its borders to the revolution. Many disliked slavery and wished for home-rule, but it was deemed impossible prior to 1864. Slavery was indeed implemented, with the CSA importing slaves to counteract the Underground Railroad movements across the southern states. President Davis argued that Cuba was “not yet ready for complete independence, [but] needed to be free from Spain’s devilish grip on the nation.” In truth, Cuba became a commonwealth state to the CSA, draining its slaves and resources as “payment” for the war. Still, to combat any uprisings, Garcia was temporarily placed as a figurehead by the CSA to prove such independence.
The Confederate States’ President Davis placed Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet as military advisors for future conflicts if any such should exist.
Unification of Italy: Italia United
1861: King of the WRK, Lucius III, decided it would be best to abandon aspirations to expand old Roman influence and instead, unite counties in Italia to form a new country. Revolutions had broken out in the 1840s which were led by Giuseppe Mazzini attempting to overthrow the throne and unite Italia. He fought hard for a democratic republic, but was short-lived. These movements ultimately failed, but in 1860, numerous wars took place intending to unify the people of Italia.
Victor Emmanuel, king of a Southern Italia state, had given political journalist, Camillo di Cavour, the title of Prime Minister. In 1859, Nationalist, Orsini, attempted to assassinate Napoleon III. Trying to explain his aspirations for a united Italy, Orsini was listened to by Napoleon, who would later spare his life. Cavour and Napoleon began a joint-war with Austria, and won. Emmanuel’s small country would gain Austrian Lombardy and Venetia while France received Savoy and Nice. Cavour was able to unite numerous small states in Italia, including his own Piedmont, the tiny Papal States, Venetia, and the Western Roman Kingdom into the ‘United Provinces of Italy’. Garibaldi convinced Lucius II to join the effort, thereby bringing Rome, Ravenna, Sicily, and Naples into the United Provinces. France attempted to convince Lucius otherwise, but desperate for allies and funds, he joined a curtain with Mazzini, Emmanuel, Cavour, and Garibaldi. The Kingdom of Italy was created.
1866: The Austro-Prussian War: Italy supported Prussia against Austria, and gained much support and some territory in the north.
Unification of Germany: Bismarck’s Struggles
In 1861, Wilhelm I took the throne in Prussia and began his journey to expand Prussia. In 1863, he appointed Otto von Bismarck as PM. Through numerous military and diplomatic efforts, Prussia expanded westward to France. Population grew, House of Krupp gained economic strength, Kulturkampf. Bismarck launched campaign against Socialism out of fear. After the Austro-Prussian War, Prussia had gained enough land to eliminate the German Confederacy. France grew angry over Prussian power; Leopold becoming king of France, conferences ensued, but ended in good terms. Ems Telegram, doctored by Bismarck, provoked French anger and eventually, a war. Germany trounced France, Napoleon III’s Empire collapsed and a 3rd Republic was declared. France loses Alsace-Lorraine, pays $5 Billion in reparations. 1871: Wilhelm I proclaimed Kaiser of a united Germany until his death in 1888. German Empire now existed.
In Russia, 1861, Tsar Alexander II freed serfs and granted them full citizenship and land.
The US Election of 1864: The Split to Abe
In 1864, US President Abraham Lincoln applied for re-election as the Republican candidate. Hoping for liberal, as well as moderate support, promised strict peace-talks with the Confederacy involving trade boundaries, legal powers, slavery, and a full and complete cease-fire (for safety reasons.) Lincoln remained very popular in Europe, especially in Britain and France for his issue of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was only symbolic of Confederate weakness. He decided to run with a different Vice President, Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, in an effort to capture the Southern US States, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, all of which strongly supported the CSA. Lincoln had two opposing candidates that year, Democrat George B. McClellan, US General who strongly supported a second war against the Confederacy, and Northern Democrat Horatio Seymour, who argued for reconciliation with the CSA, thereby ceasing all plausible war efforts.
The election was the closest the country had seen in years, but when it came down to the results, Lincoln won by a slim margin. He received 116 electoral votes, while McClellan received 103 and Seymour, 30. Immediately after winning the nomination, Lincoln chose Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for the site of his inaugural because, as he said, “The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.” His speech became famous, and sparked a rekindling of United States nationalism.
Lincoln announced a proposed “Reconstruction” Plan to take place within the Confederate States if they agreed to his demands: including a full cease-fire, clear borders, and mild tariffs. Slavery reform was strongly recommended, but not likely to achieve. President Davis of the CSA met with Lincoln in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Davis agreed on the cease-fire and the border definitions, but only if Arkansas could be re-admitted into the Confederacy. Lincoln, of course, rejected this idea, and instead proposed once again his Reconstruction Plans. Davis was riled-up by this comment, arguing that there was no need for any such plans. Lincoln remained mannered and re-submitted his offer. Once calmed, Davis agreed to the Treaty of Fredericksburg, which promised trade balance, the capture of negroes/slaves for transportation illegal in both countries, clear border definitions, some mild tariffs onto the CSA. Lincoln had won in these peace agreements, but that made Davis angry and frustrated.
Now it was essential for Lincoln to create laws toughening standards against the Confederates. He also needed to find a way to work with those still opposed to abolition. In 1864, he signed the Wade-Davis bill, which made it law that any Confederate State which desired re-admittance into the Union would need to swear an Ironclad Oath, declaring that they did never support the CSA. Lincoln nearly vetoed it, still in disbelief over the Confederate States’ ability to legally secede, but realized if any progress was to be made at this point, this needed to become law. Arkansas and Tennessee took such oaths, with the majority in both states siding with the Union in fear of repercussions.
The Dangers of Free Speech and Attempted Assassination
Mid-to-late 1865: A group of anti-abolitionists in Washington D.C. held rallies demanding the immediate step-down of President Lincoln for crimes against the Constitution (Freeing slaves). Some of this group included Civil War veterans. There were to be some CSA citizens present. They shouted chants which went as far as to say “Abe ain’t so honest! The Republicans lie!” and “Kill the king! Kill the king!” Growing worried, Lincoln cancelled his trip to Ford’s Theater to see ‘Our American Cousin’.
In 1866, Lincoln made a speech condemning the actions of the CSA for not stopping the ill-aimed rallies nor requesting a return of their citizens. President Davis remarked it went against the open borders policies of the CSA to demand the return of the citizens. He also stated it is their freedom to do so.
On March 4th, 1866, President Lincoln was returning to the White House following a discussion forum with war veterans Custer, Grant, and McClellan. A shot was fired at Lincoln by one of the rally leaders, George F. Armstrong. The shot grazed Lincoln’s shoulder, but failed to hit the intended spot, his head. Armstrong was caught and put in custody. He was tried for treason and intended murder and was convicted for life. Lincoln survived, but was still hospitalized for the night. In that time, VP Johnson took the role of commander and chief, but nothing extreme occurred during that night. The next day, Lincoln’s approval ratings soared. Many of those who voted for McClellan in the last election now favored Lincoln. The President made a speech the morning of March 5th, exclaiming that “as Americans, we all need to come together against violence and these types of tragedies.” He was criticized for using the term ‘American’ instead of ‘United States citizens’, implying that the CSA and USA never actually separated.
Although Lincoln was despised in the Confederacy, the amount of Confederates who wanted Lincoln dead was much less than those who only wanted Lincoln out of office. President Davis was reported saying that he strongly disagreed with Lincoln’s comments and condemned the actions of George Armstrong. Davis proclaimed that the War of Secession had been over for years, and if any more shots were to be fired, he would immediately resort to prison placement. The people of the US were angry that Davis did not make it a point to prevent such actions from occurring again, not locking up any other conspirators. Tensions increased ultimately between the US and CS.
Lincoln’s first act as returning president was his signing of the Freedmen’s Bureau, which provided Federal aid to freed slaves including schools, clothing, food, and land. VP Johnson strongly opposed this act, as he considered it an abuse of Congressional power, but his opposition party was too little to override the signing. He also signed the Civil Rights Bill which granted citizenship to Freedmen. In 1866, he ratified the 14th Amendment which gave former slaves due process and prohibited ex-Confederate leaders from holding state or federal offices. In the 1866 elections, Radical and Liberal Republicans won many of the seats in Congress, indicating a newfound likeness of Lincoln’s domestic affairs. Many voters believed Lincoln’s weakness was dealing with the CSA, clearly through his loss of the war, but believed he was a progressive abolitionist, which many liked.
Civil War veterans in the US were promised acres of land after their service in the war. They began to move farther and farther west, into Native American lands. The American Indians fought back, obviously. Lincoln signed off for a stronger Sioux Country, larger and tighter borders, and a stern peace agreement with it to US and Canada. Queen Victoria agreed on the plan as well. Lincoln encouraged, for the safety and security reasons, that as many American Indians as possible move to the Sioux Country. The country now occupied part of Wisconsin, some of Minnesota, and the Dakota Territory. Due to this, the violence against Native Americans decreased sharply as the migrating war veterans were now forbidden to shoot them unless shot at first.
In Lincoln’s second term, statehood was granted to Nevada and Nebraska. The US organized territories in Idaho, Arizona, Montana, and Wyoming. The US also invested in Alaska by taking Russia’s offer in purchasing it.
Trouble in Cuba: The 10th State
Davis remained president until 1868. In that time, it’s recognition in the world community increased to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and the first major state, Spain. Its economy grew, placing its base on cotton growth and slave labor. Cuba became an important sector of the Confederacy. Food stuffs were the largest export and a significant one at that. However, CSA generals authorized force upon the people of Cuba if necessary. When the Cubans objected to the arbitrary enslavement policies of the CSA, they were threatened, jailed, or sometimes shot at.
In 1868, José Martí, a young Cuban nationalist, began giving public speeches of the abuses of the Confederate States’ army upon the Cuban people. Once people began to show up at his small rallies, new president of the CSA, Alexander Stephens, former VP, ordered a warrant for his capture. Martí was captured and jailed indefinitely in Havana. In 1870, the CSA formally annexed Cuba and declared it the new 10th State. Cubans were enraged at this and proceeded to riot, encouraged and secretly armed by the United States. The fighting continued for quite a while, but it would not reach concerning levels for many years.
In 1865, the Celtic-Prussian War ended in a near-stalemate. Celtica, strong under Roger V, failed to comply with Bismarck’s demands of unification and after the two-year long war, Prussia could not win. Celtica remained independent, although some territory switched around.
In 1866, Italy and France began to expand their African colonies southward upon hearing of the amount of resources available. The Celtic East India Company was flourishing once the Byzantines decided to abandon Borneo and Sumatra to concentrate on Africa and Arabia. At the same time, Berger Friedholm was elected as Celtica’s first PM. In Russia, Alexander II ordered the occupation of the Seleucus Kingdom, the kingdom which has had a peace agreement with Russia for centuries. The kingdom became a dominion and the king fled. In 1867, Canada officially became its own country, though still ultimately ruled by Queen Victoria.
The Election of 1868: Increased Tensions
In late 1867, Lincoln announced that he would not seek a third term, declaring that the founding fathers, especially Washington, strongly disliked the idea of running over two terms. He also stated that he would not leave politics forever, but he would take a break. Prospective candidates included VP Andrew Johnson, Generals George B. McClellan and Ulysses S. Grant, lawyer Horatio Seymour, Schuyler Colfax, and George H. Pendleton. The only running Republican was Grant, who won unanimously, not to mention having Lincoln’s recommendation. Schuyler Colfax was chosen as the Vice Presidential candidate. The Democrats decided it was their best bet to only run one candidate, especially after the close call last time.
At the Democratic National Convention, the top running candidates were McClellan, Johnson, and Seymour. Seymour was favored in the Southern US States as usual, McClellan was well liked in the north for his anti-Confederate policies, but still, Grant was not a radical, and thus, was seen as a sympathizer despite his military history. McClellan stated he was not initially planning on running for president, but something needed to be done to combat Stephen’s policies. Pendleton was the front runner for some time, but eventually dropped out to run for Vice President against Francis Blair. McClellan vowed to cease Reconstruction-esque policies to build domestically. Pendleton was a very influential peace-Democrat to McClellan being a war-Democrat, so Democrats thought they fit well together. In the final vote, McClellan beat Seymour and Johnson, while Pendleton won the VP nomination.
The months prior to Election Day were tiring for both candidates. McClellan argued that if not for the Civil War, he would have won by a landslide. In a counterpoint, Grant said “What my genius opponent doesn’t realize is that if it wasn’t for the Civil War, neither of us would be candidates.” McClellan differentiated much more than Grant in his policies. Grant told his voters that elected McClellan would re-open the Civil War and lead to the loss of further states. He explained to the voters that he had actually overtaken McClellan’s role in the military once McClellan failed to win a series of battles. Pendleton emphasized the need for jobs for all men, something that gained many voters. McClellan was widely criticized for his argument for the reorganization of the military arm of the government. He was also hit hard for answering a question about civil rights for freedmen with, “Unleashing the niggers upon our soil was a mistake in the first place, but yes, something does need to be done about it.” This very hardly changed the election results.
The election, similar to 1864, was won by a slim margin. Early in the day, polls showed that the Southern states leaned towards McClellan as predicted. Kansas, Nebraska, and unexpectedly New York voted Democrat. Ohio, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan were called to Republican. When all the states were finally called, the final vote came to 127 to 120. McClellan had won by slightly more than 51% of the electoral votes. The popular vote ended similarly.
Many believed if any other Democrat had ran, they would have lost. McClellan carried 54% of Pennsylvania, a solid Republican state, as it was his state of birth. McClellan was viewed as a hero in Pennsylvania. The majority of western swing states voted Republican, remembering the moves of Lincoln. However, Grant was not Lincoln. Grant did not promise punishment of the CSA as most citizens desired.
In Congress, Radical Republicans had kept the majority in both houses. McClellan had some issues to clearly work out.
When asked on the street, many voters acted unimpressed with the candidates. “Truthfully,” one said, “I’m not fond of either. But I believe it’s our civic duty to vote, so I’ll do it nonetheless.”
Spain and the Treaty of Havana (1869): The Old Powers’ Voice
In Spain, widely unpopular monarch, Isabella II, was exiled during a glorious revolution because of her politics. In September 1868, she was deposed and a provisional government took power in her place. By 1870, the son of Italian king Emmanuel, Amadeo I, became the King of Spain. The Spanish Republic grabbed power in 1873 until 1874.
In the Confederate States, former Vice President Alexander Stephens was elected in 1868, defeating his opponent, Judah P. Benjamin.
The provisional government promised the people of Spain that during its rule, it would both keep the peace, and attempt negotiations with the CSA over Cuba. The leader of this new government met with President Stephens on April 8th, 1869, and they spoke about the state of Cuba. Stephens proclaimed he would not put ‘returning our 10th state’ on the table, but because he desired to avoid war, listened. Spain demanded an immediate cease of slave-capture techniques in Cuba. “These are people, Mr. Stephens! Not property! I am not familiar with your country’s policies on slavery, but you must be reasonable here. The people of Cuba may be ruled, but never enslaved. If one more servant is named of a person of Cuba, we will immediately declare war upon your infant nation. And we are not alone in this; let me assure you, we will not hesitate to ally with the United States and Mexico to tear your country to the ground.” Stephens’ rebuttal: “We refuse to enter another war at the moment. But as we both know, Spain is in shambles without an absolute leader and could not afford a war either. The United States, I fear, would be able to. So in the treaty we will both sign, we agree to end our enslavement of the Cuban people, but refuse to lose governing of Cuba, its people, or our other existing slavery policies.” A deal was struck and the Treaty of Havana (1869) was signed. The Congress of the CSA approved the treaty in fear.
President McClellan: The War Hawk without Claws
In his inaugural, President McClellan repeated Lincoln’s words, “I know I may not be the best fighter on the front lines, but this is why I chose to run for president. As President Lincoln said, ‘he excels in making others ready to fight.’ I intend on doing exactly this. I will not force a war, but if the time comes during my administration, we’ll be more than ready. Many of my critics have argued that the country could not handle a Buchanan-esque conservative. Fear not America, I am a moderate and will stay that way!” Truthfully, McClellan had conservative policies, but needed to remain moderate if he wished to cooperate with Congress and receive another term in office.
Commenting on the President, former President Lincoln said, “Yes, I agree with what [McClellan] spoke. As I’ve said before ‘he excels in making others ready to fight’. But I simply refuse to believe that this man wants a second war, no matter how conservative he truly is. …Grant might have done it.”
President Stephens of the CSA saw neither McClellan nor Grant as a threat, deciding the war effort had drained the US and second conflict was near-impossible at this point. Still, however, he stayed on his toes.
McClellan tried not to sway to his usual, conservative politics while in the White House. He knew that any conservative bills his would introduce would be obstructed by the Radical Republics in Congress. Early in his 1st year, McClellan ended up passing provisions to previously passed legislation, effectively confirming that any Confederate slave who entered the borders of the US was free and could apply for citizenship. The Radicals in Congress passed the Reconstruction Acts which decreed that in the event of war, if perchance a Confederate state would be overrun by the union, it would be divided into five military districts and a loyalty oath would be admitted to decide whether or not to readmit it as a state.
The 15th Amendment was also passed, although very much opposed by President McClellan. McClellan urged southern states not to ratify the amendment, as he feared it would degrade him as a Democrat. It was to no avail, however, and it was ratified by every state. The Amendment prohibited states from denying the right to vote because of “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” It was also made to punish the CSA further if they should fall apart. Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas instituted multiple measures to deny blacks political power including the literacy test, the poll tax, the grandfather clause, and segregation (Jim Crow Laws). Black leaders including Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. du Bois, and organizations Niagara Movement and the NAACP formed from the limited Jim Crow Laws.
When McClellan became president, he staffed the White House mostly with military friends. In one way or another, the Credit Mobilier Scam (Two reps and one senator censured), Salary Grab Act (later repealed), and the Whiskey Ring (Largest act of corruption in US History) took place. These acts plagued McClellan’s administration and completely overshadowed his movements to counter the CSA expansion threat. What was known as the final nail in McClellan’s coffin was his move to sell territory to the CSA in return for a ceasefire in a recent CSA-Mexico scare, the release of Union POWs, and a few million dollars. The deal was hugely criticized by the American people, the settlers in the same territory, and Congress. Congress near-voted it down, but after the 1870 elections, the Radical Republicans did not hold the same majority they had before. The deal was passed in 1871 with minimal adjustments. United States citizens in the sold territory would angrily move out from the territory and into Arkansas and Kansas.
The Election of 1872: Return to Same
In the upcoming election, McClellan unsurprisingly announced his run for a second term. He was challenged in the National Convention by popular New York Governor Horatio Seymour, Former Secretary of State Jeremiah S. Black, and Senator Thomas Bayard. These challengers rejected the old Anti-Reconstruction ideas, agreed not to reignite the Civil War, and accepted the sparse liberal members of the party.
However, another National Convention took place, titled the Liberal Republicans. The leaders in this group were Fmr. Rep. Horace Greeley and Fmr. Rep. Charles Francis Adams. Both agreed with Lincoln-esque theories in that the CSA Secession was illegal and should not be recognized as a separate state and the continued freedom of blacks. This group was very popular in the extreme north in the Radical Republican states and was supported in Great Britain by the British Labour Party and the Prime Minister William Gladstone.
The Democratic nominee easily went to Horatio Seymour, with the Vice President seat again going to Peace-Democrat Pendleton. McClellan decided to run anyway as a Democrat, with military friend Alexander Webb. This angered Seymour, who argued it would split the vote and allow for another liberal Republican to win office…but McClellan disagreed.
Greeley won the Liberal Republican and (regular) Republican vote as VP went to B. Gratz Brown.
In election season, there were three major candidates, Horace Greeley, Horatio Seymour, and George McClellan (incumbent). All three promised an end to corruption, although McClellan did not agree to replace his cabinet. Hope existed with Greeley. But war was not wanted by most, and he was seen as a poor campaigner with little experience. His VP Brown had a drinking problem and made a fool of himself quite often in front of voters. This hurt Greeley’s cause, but much of the north remained firm supporters of him, wanting revenge against the CSA for “illegally stealing our land”. Women’s suffrage was beginning to become an issue, but no candidate addressed it.
Once the easy states were called (Far north: Greeley, south: Seymour), the problematic states which would call the election, Pennsylvania and New York, were very clear with their chosen candidate: Seymour. This shocked projectionists who believed they would return to traditional Republican states. Pennsylvania had a 56-44 popular vote in favor of Seymour, but New York was much closer, 52-48.
Seymour won 152 electoral votes. Greeley had the 128 while McClellan only held onto 9. Most were trapped between the dislike of Democrats and the dislike of Greeley. As what occurred in the ’68 Election, this election had a very low turnout. Shortly after the vote was decided, Greeley passed away from a heart attack.
Horatio Seymour: “The Humble Slave Driver”
Horatio Seymour, the popular contender for the last two election cycles, had finally won his presidency. The 18th President promised a brand new foreign policy for the US. He aimed for a complete non-aggression pact with the CSA, which frankly shocked President Stephens. Seymour, unlike Greeley, was well-experienced and unlike McClellan, was not corrupted. Seymour concentrated on domestic issues during his term. He led the repeal of the Salary Grab and broke up the Whiskey Ring: something which hurt the respectability of Republicans. However, he was not completely in the clear, as the Democrats were hurt by the Tweed Ring (NY state Democrat legislator corruption scandal, he received $200 million in tax dollars). Seymour was successfully able to isolate the incident solely to the Tweed Ring, increasing Democrat support.
Seymour’s reputation was tarnished prior to the 1874 Congressional Elections when he began to institute a series of reactionary laws regarding former slaves. Being a conservative, he tried to repeal the Civil Rights Bill, which failed when the vote came up nearly completely absent in the Senate. He claimed that the federal government was abusing its power by trying to end an issue which result
should have been “resolved by individual states.” Opponents to the President used this to their advantage to call him a Confederate sympathizer and some went to far as to name him the ‘Humble Slave Driver’. Seymour’s approval ratings plummeted in nearly every state.
should have been “resolved by individual states.” Opponents to the President used this to their advantage to call him a Confederate sympathizer and some went to far as to name him the ‘Humble Slave Driver’. Seymour’s approval ratings plummeted in nearly every state.
Inspired by the vast amount of corruption in politics, former president Abraham Lincoln gave a series of speeches promoting worker’s rights and bringing back the “government of the people”. His liberalism and legacy kept the radical branch of the Republican Party popular and well-numbered in Congress through Seymour’s term and beyond.
The Panic of 1873: Economic Collapse
In 1873, after a long absence of silver demand, due in part from the new German state's abandonment of the silver standard (Bismarck ceased silver mining after retrieving a large quantity of French gold), a severe international economic depression kicked off. It began in Vienna, the capital of Austria-Hungary (as of 1867, formerly Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of the same year). It quickly spread to the rest of Europe and North America. This became known as the Panic of 1873.
The US relied on silver for its coinage, as well as gold (which would overtake the industry). Many in the West relied on silver mining, thus, were peeved when a de facto gold standard was implemented. The Coinage Law, which did so, reduced money supply, raised interest rates, and hurt farmers. The major Jay Cooke & Company, a monetary business, failed from the scarce amount of finance. Bank failures, strikes, and the temporary closing of the NY Stock Exchange ensued. 89 of the 364 railroads went bankrupt. Unemployment reached 14% in 1876.
The distraught economic conditions and extreme job loss changed the 1874 elections dramatically from what many predicted it would be. The same process occurred in France and Britain. The incumbents were hit hard from this. If conditions continued as they were prior to the crisis, Congressional Elections would have been traditionally divided between radicals and conservatives. But this forced moderates to make clear divisions in the system.
The CSA was also majorly inflicted by the crisis. For a while, the Confederate Dollar was backed by nothing, but former president Davis argued it should be backed by cotton or tobacco. This never went in to law, however, and for a while the CS dollar had no foreign value. Coins were absent in the CSA. Some shops, especially in states such as Virginia and northern Texas, accepted the US dollar and US coins. When Stephens took office, he pledged to introduce the CS banknote into the world market. The CS Congress ended up choosing to back the note by a combination of gold and silver, similar to the US. Stephens still wished to back it by something prevalent such as cotton, but the Congress disagreed, and as was traditional, the states had the ultimate choice on the matter.
When the Panic struck, it had depended on silver, slightly more than gold, actually, thanks to Sec. of Treasury, John H. Reagan. When the US began to be affected by the panic, the CSA grew worried and also abandoned the silver standard. The economy suffered major setbacks, hurting the chances for a Democrat to win the 1875 election (Reagan was a Dem) as well as delaying expansion plans substantially. Some plantations closed, forcing the cheap selling of slaves. The slaves that couldn't be sold were either given away, shot, or occasionally, let free.
The US relied on silver for its coinage, as well as gold (which would overtake the industry). Many in the West relied on silver mining, thus, were peeved when a de facto gold standard was implemented. The Coinage Law, which did so, reduced money supply, raised interest rates, and hurt farmers. The major Jay Cooke & Company, a monetary business, failed from the scarce amount of finance. Bank failures, strikes, and the temporary closing of the NY Stock Exchange ensued. 89 of the 364 railroads went bankrupt. Unemployment reached 14% in 1876.
The distraught economic conditions and extreme job loss changed the 1874 elections dramatically from what many predicted it would be. The same process occurred in France and Britain. The incumbents were hit hard from this. If conditions continued as they were prior to the crisis, Congressional Elections would have been traditionally divided between radicals and conservatives. But this forced moderates to make clear divisions in the system.
The CSA was also majorly inflicted by the crisis. For a while, the Confederate Dollar was backed by nothing, but former president Davis argued it should be backed by cotton or tobacco. This never went in to law, however, and for a while the CS dollar had no foreign value. Coins were absent in the CSA. Some shops, especially in states such as Virginia and northern Texas, accepted the US dollar and US coins. When Stephens took office, he pledged to introduce the CS banknote into the world market. The CS Congress ended up choosing to back the note by a combination of gold and silver, similar to the US. Stephens still wished to back it by something prevalent such as cotton, but the Congress disagreed, and as was traditional, the states had the ultimate choice on the matter.
When the Panic struck, it had depended on silver, slightly more than gold, actually, thanks to Sec. of Treasury, John H. Reagan. When the US began to be affected by the panic, the CSA grew worried and also abandoned the silver standard. The economy suffered major setbacks, hurting the chances for a Democrat to win the 1875 election (Reagan was a Dem) as well as delaying expansion plans substantially. Some plantations closed, forcing the cheap selling of slaves. The slaves that couldn't be sold were either given away, shot, or occasionally, let free.
The Panic also affected Europe. Great Britain would be hurt by the economic crisis for two decades, dubbing it the “Long Depression”. Prime Minister Disraeli, friend and fellow Conservative to Seymour, also would suffer in his next election. Disraeli had just become Prime Minister again (1874), but it was clear with the Long Depression that he would be kicked out in 1880, the next election. This still did not stop Britain from buying the Suez Canal from the Byzantine Empire. Germany prospered a bit from all of this, stimulating job growth and industrialization.
The Byzantine Empire stayed strong throughout the crisis, using stockpiled revenue to satisfy aristocrats and high ranked businessmen. The Empire did need some money in the late 1860s and sold the Suez Canal to Britain. Stronger ties formed between it and Austria-Hungary in numerous non-aggression pacts.
Elections of 1875 and 1876: Revolutions in Ballot
President Stephens was blamed for the crisis for the remainder of his term. The Whig party raised in popularity, promising a gold standard, a rise in world competitiveness, and US recognition. They also gave off a more conservative feel, differing on war, but declaring it if necessary.
Candidates for the Whig party included James Longstreet and Thomas Jackson, while popular Democrats included John Breckinridge. Jackson dropped out early, stating that politics was not for him and he would instead, continue to progress and train in the military. James Longstreet led a campaign for conservatism and moderate slavery reforms. Breckinridge was not a pacifist, notifying that war was to be declared if necessary, but was nowhere near a war-hawk.
CS citizens cared much more for domestic problems at the moment than foreign affairs, and as such, Longstreet won by a landslide. (65-16) “When it comes to foreign affairs, I shall not edge nearer to attack our long standing ally (US), but attempt to reinforce our friendship. If they should once again decide to force their standards upon us, we will not hesitate to militarize the border.” Longstreet managed to slightly repair the Confederate economy through numerous reforms to the silver/gold standard system, much to the chagrin of Democrats. Whigs gained a large majority in the Senate and House during the election. One of the more controversial things he did as president in his first year was limit the amount of slaves allowed on a plantation, thereby hoping to limit the extremities of slavery. He also, with support from state legislators, but a ban on the harsh treatment of slaves including rape and murder. Many groups rose in frustration of the Slave Protection Acts, declaring slaves were their property and the government had no business in that affair. In the following years, conservative Democrats would try to repeal the laws, but only succeeded in slightly modifying the wording. This seemed to be the last election with a prominent Democrat candidate.
During the election season closure in the CSA, an election was brewing in the US. Seymour’s approval ratings were dismal. The economy had not lifted up to the standards pre-1873, much less pre-Civil War, and many believed this was due to Seymour’s veto of numerous Republican bills to reform economy standards. Seymour also failed to break down big businesses as many hoped he would.
Seymour was the sole candidate through the election season, although his Vice President was switched from Pendleton to his old friend Francis Preston Blair Jr., Union General in the Civil War, in hopes of gaining support of veterans of the war, now aged more than 10 years. When asked if he would run in ’76, Pendleton said, “Yeah, right! We need all the help we can get with ol’ Seymour. I’m not exactly the most appealing figure at this time.” McClellan also denied running, as did former VP Johnson. There was some support for Seymour, but many turned to watch the Republican nominees.
The prospective Republican candidates dating back to 1873 were US General Ulysses Grant, former president Abraham Lincoln, Ohio Governor Rutherford B. Hayes, Senator James G. Blaine of Maine, and Indiana Senator Oliver P. Morton. Each of the candidates favored traditional Republican policies of industrialization through tariffs and restrictions on alcohol.
Lincoln stated he refused to run for president in the Republican ticket in 1875. Noticing that Republicans were only concerned with generating further big business, creating railroad systems, and building up troop levels, Lincoln grew concerned that neither major party cared for the lower classes in America. In 1876, he supported neither candidate and instead, went on to research into worker’s rights and the writings of Karl Marx.
Grant was the frontrunner once he announced his candidacy immediately following the election of 1872. Unfortunately, his arguments had grown stale to many, moving the spotlight over to James G. Blaine of Maine. Blaine argued for a strong line against the Confederacy, offering up the same argument which had been used for a decade, that they never had the right to legally secede; therefore all slaves in those territories were held illegally. He was a moderate, compared to the radicalism of Grant. He also supported veterans. Rutherford B. Hayes also was seen as a moderate, offering up a hard-line against the Confederacy, but also proclaimed that it was the US’ duty to rebuild the south. Morton offered similar arguments, but was not nearly as popular as the other three.
Blaine was the front-runner, with Hayes and Grant nearly tying for second. Hayes put up a bargain in order to gain Southern voters. He promised to appoint former Virginian politician Richard W. Thompson as Sec of Navy. This pushed him slightly ahead in the convention, just enough to tie with Grant. It was during this time when newly elected CS President James Longstreet declared a plausible militarization if a Republican, assumed to be Grant, took office in January. They had been long time enemies in war. This was the last straw, giving Hayes the chance to secure the nomination, which he did.
Candidates from the much less popular Prohibition and Greenback Parties also entered the ring.
The main battle was now between incumbent Horatio Seymour and Governor Rutherford B. Hayes. Seymour came up short when it came to discussing issues. He avoided questions regarding railroad construction, claiming the US needs to keep a “small government” and leave the railroad giants to themselves. He gave consecutive speeches calling Hayes a killer for wanting to once again enlist our soldiers into a war. Hayes on the other hand, ignored these insults, only stating that the US can no longer ignore the CSA as a threat as Seymour would like to believe. Hayes also promised a return of the Indian Territory to the US through either diplomacy or war. He was for repairing the economy through high tariffs, which was highly popular throughout the northern states.
When Election Day 1876 came around, it became clear that Seymour would lose the majority of the states he kept in the last election. Seymour only kept Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri.
The final electoral vote came to 259-33, while the popular vote favored Hayes 57% to Seymour’s 40%. Greenback Party candidate Peter Cooper failed to receive a single state, but won nearly 1% of the popular vote.
The majority of the United States felt relieved now that Seymour had lost and a Republican would return into office. The party was no longer haunted by Lincoln now that he had indefinitely left politics. Previously there was much hope for President McClellan, and the same goes for Seymour, but both were seen as acting, overall, just too friendly to the CSA. They had developed fixes for domestic issues, but only to a point. Eliminating McClellan’s government corruption nearly gave Seymour the upper hand, but his conservative and near-reactionary policies doomed him.
However, after the election ended, overall approval for President Seymour rose a bit, not exceeding 40%, but raising more than 10% after the election. Before stepping down in January, Seymour gave a speech conceding to Hayes, saying, “I said from the beginning, if I was to lose to a Republican in November, it would be Hayes.” And “Now to answer many questions in one answer, I will most likely not be running again for US President in 1880, 1884, or post-sense. However, I am not leaving politics entirely.”
President Rutherford Hayes: A New Type of Republican
Rutherford B. Hayes was inaugurated in January 1877, to a crowd of very excited fans. The voter turnout was above average for the last election, with many new voters coming out in favor of Hayes’ politics. He discussed his monetary policies, favor of civil rights, and new foreign policies. He even reflected on discussions with former presidents.
“In the months prior to our election, I spoke with the movers and shakers of this fine country. I had the great honor to partake in discussions with former Presidents Fillmore, McClellan, and Seymour. I offered a forum with President Lincoln, but he declined. I also was able to speak with former Vice Presidents and military Generals. Something I’d like to reflect on is my conversation with Vice President Johnson prior to his passing. We discussed the recent election and the future of this great country. He firmly believed with another Republican in charge, war would be inevitable as Confederates turn to violence. I told him as I tell you today, if that should ever so occur, I will stand firm as leader and commander in-chief of the United States. Unlike my predecessors, I do not fear war. I support our troops and will defend to my death every man’s rights to Manifest Destiny, freedoms of speech and will, and most of all, protection. I will also do my best in increasing the power of our foreign alliances. We as Americans demand respectability. And by George, we will get it!”
In this speech, Hayes confirmed his liberal Republican stance on many issues. He used the term ‘American’, as Lincoln had in days before him, once again refusing to acknowledge the CSA separate from the US. However, he was a war-Republican and did not seek diplomatic victory over the CS, but military victory. As memories of the Civil War began to fade, the new youth desired any needed war and were willing to fight in it. British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli disagreed with Hayes on many of these issues, but stated he would be willing to support the US as long as it meant a revival of the cotton trade. French president Patrice MacMahon agreed with Hayes over the importance of a solid federal government and thus, stood as a firm ally to the United States. Spain began to act in isolation as minor civil wars began to erupt and did not care for foreign affairs. Germany had trade agreements with each North American power and decided to support both sides equally (though its people seemed to approve of the US more).
Air Grows Thicker: The Mexican Invasion Scare of 1877
Tensions rose between the two halves of America. As more and more US citizens seemed to want wars to bring the Union back together, more CS citizens developed the mindset of an independence movement (American Revolution).
On March 5th, James Longstreet gave a speech in the ceremonial location in front of the Richmond capital. He discussed various financial issues, believing the economy is recovering, although slowly, from the Panic. He mentioned various slave reforms he was planning on passing through Congress including harsh restrictions on the slave trade, illegalization of excess in plantations, and a gradual emancipation process introducing new, mechanical methods of cotton seed separation.
The crowd began to boo him upon hearing this, until he made his next statements: foreign affairs. Initially referring to the United States, Longstreet claimed, “[Hayes] thinks he can rile up the Yanks just like that, ignoring how bad they were beaten not a few decades ago. I promise you this, friends, if a war should occur, we will remain not only intact, but strong, dominant, and this time, will defeat the Northerners, pushing them into Canada.” This raised huge support for Longstreet, sending his regular approval from both Whigs and the opposition parties sky high. He also commented on the lack of alliances, claiming they hold a firm foothold in European affairs, allied economically with Western European nations (In truth, they had nearly no allies). He also noted the newly realized weakness of neighbor Mexico, stating that expansion was not entirely out of the question.
Hayes, once reading of this speech, was furious over Longstreet’s arrogance and immediately sent a warning to Mexican president Porfiro Diaz that Confederates are considering border advancement. Diaz met with Hayes on March 10th and talked about the possibility of a border conflict. First, Hayes apologized for deaths from the Mexican-American War and promised no further encroachment on Mexican soil. Diaz nodded and brought up the impending CS danger. They agreed to send an ultimatum to Longstreet that he promises not to attack Mexico or risk a second war. Longstreet did not reply.
In secrecy, Queen Victoria met with President Hayes on March 20th to talk foreign involvement. Victoria was firmly against entering any sort of war, that being newly crowned Empress of India, British troops were occupied elsewhere. Hayes understood, but requested an immediate trade embargo of the Confederacy in the case of war. Victoria, and later Disraeli, approved.
An uneasy feeling lasted through March and most of April.
Byzantine Turmoil
The Byzantine Empire, however strong economically and militarily, now faced new challenges. An independence movement had been growing in Greece. The people there refused statehood and would only accept complete independence. Regulus XVI agreed to partial independence, but the movement’s leaders refused as expected. Stronghold in Athens, complete war broke out by 1876 when Greece declared independence. The battles were now between Greek Independents and Byzantine Loyalists.
By 1878, the Greeks had a firm grip over Athens and refused to let go…but only Athens. The war ended in November 1878 when Athens was finally overrun with Byzantine forces. Athens will remain a firm supporter of Greek independence, but for now, the movement had been stopped. Regulus refused from this point onward to allow Greece to become a Byzantine State. Only three states existed in the empire in 1880: Serbia, Bulgaria, and Crimea. These three were still upset over not controlling absolutely in their districts, but were not willing to die for sovereignty as was the recent trend.
Shifts in Approval
The United States had turnaround its economy since Hayes was president. As the West began industrializing, cash crops brought in profits from isolated towns. Harvesting speed increased with the twine binder as machines began to overtake the work field. Deflation began to take hold as Hayes announced a temporary halt in printing. Congress overwhelmingly passed the proposal.
However, this made farmers angry as they lost money. In 1867, the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, a farmer’s rights group, was organized. Led by Oliver Kelley, this group’s objective was to enhance farmers’ isolation. Public control of private businesses seemed as a better option to these farmers for the “general welfare.” The Greenback (Labor) Party formed from this. Abraham Lincoln commented on this in an 1868 forum saying, “Well, these good folks sure have the right idea here. Bringing down the capitalists should be the primary objective of our struggling working class. As poverty expands significantly in both the West and East, it will become evident that something must be done.”
As the United States seemed to shift its center farther to the left, Hayes began to seem more as a moderate Republican, increasing support from every state. Many believed his meetings with European leaders prevented Longstreet from going through with his vague invasion plan with intimidation. Although United Statesmen wishes to end the Confederacy, they did not wish to risk Mexico as collateral. No matter what the outcome, war began to seem as inevitable between the great North American powers.
In the Congressional Elections of 1878, both the Senate and House flooded with moderate and liberal Republicans as well as Greenback Party members. Democrats held an extreme minority. The main opposition was now held by the popular, federalist Greenback Party. James Garfield remained the majority party leader in the House. Samuel Randall, former minority leader, was voted out in Pennsylvania and replaced with Republican Leonard Myers in a 54-46 vote. Randall was replaced with Tennessee Representative, Robert L. Taylor.
In the Confederate States, President Longstreet was losing huge amounts of approval from nearly all CS citizens. Many believed his ‘bark was bigger than his bite’, in that his threats to Mexico, America, and promises of economic recovery have failed to occur. The economy had been slowly recovering, but not fast enough to please the public. Longstreet’s slave reforms had gone into effect, angering plantation owners, many of whom refuses to abide by the laws, claiming it was not yet implemented in their state legislature. This hinted at the weakness of the Confederacy’s Federal government.
Movements sprawled in Texas demanding less federal interference, claiming it harmed farmers and slave-owners. These movements expanded eastward, affecting the mindsets of Confederate citizens as far as the Carolinas and Virginia. This populist group would soon campaign to have a representative in Richmond for the 1881 election.
Imperialism Expands in Africa
The most underdeveloped continent was already partially controlled by major European powers. Since the days of the Western Roman Empire, Africa had been intruded. But, as Europe strives for more resources and land, Africa will become a giant target.
The Byzantine Empire controlled Northern Africa, Italy dominated old WRK lands (Libya, Equatorial Africa), Britain had South Africa and the Suez Canal, and France controlled Algeria, Tunisia, and much of West Africa. Africa had resources and lots of people to test weapons on.
Before long, boundaries in Africa became an issue. The Congress of Berlin, a meeting between the Byzantine Empire, Italy, Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, and many others to discuss international issues. Serbian and Bulgarian delegates were refused. The United States and Confederate States declined invitations, both staying firm with isolationism. Each country, in the Treaty of Berlin, was allowed to expand further south into Africa. French delegate Monsieur Waddington disagreed with Bismarck about the latter entering the African stage and creating profitable colonies, fearful of another war. Count Corti, Italian delegate, and surprisingly, Benjamin Disraeli of Britain, stood up for Germany, stating that every country should have an equal opportunity to enter the continent regardless of personal biases. The thin alliance between France and Britain grew weary from this debacle. The Declaration Respecting Colonies was signed by every power, agreeing that if France, or any other country, should disrupt each other’s gains in Africa, all will cut off trade, tourist, and peace agreements to said country. Britain officially opened up the Suez Canal to all countries, forever speeding up trade and commerce internationally.
Shortly after the treaties were signed, an Anti-Socialist Law passed in Germany, allowing the German government to suppress any and all Socialist Party newspapers and meetings. This angered Britain, France, and the United States, all of whom stood to believe in free speech and anti-censorship policies. However, in the long run, this would not affect foreign affairs as much as it did German domestic affairs.
Remember to pick up the next part of this special to read articles collected from 1880 to the present!
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