Forgotten No More: An American Presidential TL

[rjd1997]

Let's hope that Louisiana keeps most of its southern territory after the U.S. is done with it (if they keep their independence at all! ).

 

[Osk]

This shows the aftermath of the Second Revolutionary Wars throughout the 1810's largely within the German countries. The even draws Prussia, Austria, France and Italy together. Austria completely restructures it's Kingdom after large rebellions but is able to remain intact and take-up the Kingdom of Bavaria. France takes Wittelsbach Lorraine while Prussia takes much of Northern Germany. A South Germany Duchy administered by Prussia, Austria, and French forces is also created. The Second Coalition is unable to stop Poland, who is able to beat back all forces in it's radicalized, Valentinoist movement that took advantage of disastrous Russian campaigns to secure it's position. The Dual Republic of Poland-Lithuania is created. Russia continues to deal with many problems as the 1820's come along and the Ottomans have invaded in a dire move to remain relevant and take advantage of the situation.

 

[Osk]

8. Philip J. Schuyler (1821 - 1825) Federalist Party
Vice-President: Humphrey Marshall
Secretary of State: Charles Adams, Charles F. Mercer
Secretary of the Treasury: Richard Rush
Secretary of the Army: Thomas Forrest
Secretary of the Navy: Richard Dale
Attorney General: Roger B. Taney, Thomas Forrest
Postmaster General: William Davidson​

Philip Jeremiah Schuyler was eager to become President. Only ever serving as a Representative before being elected to the highest office in the nation, Schuyler was no less ambitious. He also figured himself to be prepared. The truth was, Schuyler was confident in his own ability to lead. Certainly more confident in himself than his Vice-President, let alone a large portion of the Federalist electorate that still saw Schuyler as an extension of Hamilton and the party’s old ways. His Inaugural Parade leading to his official swearing in was not as large as the crowds Eustis’ brought in, nor as large as the ones Henry Lee III had seen, either. Still, Schuyler took the Oath of Office with a smile from cheek to cheek, and then proceeded in giving an inaugural address that touched on American excellence, Federalist excellence, and how he would lead the Country into both.

Off the bat, Schuyler, however, proved things would be different with him as President, though not necessarily in a good way. He failed to make it to the Capital until the day before his inauguration, missing some of the ‘traditions’ set forth by prior President’s, particularly that of meeting with the outgoing executive. His plans for the Country were simple and optimistic, yet lacked in actual planning. Vice-President Marshall was quick to take a vocal role in cabinet meetings, pointing out various issues he found with Schuyler’s plans, as a result, Marshall saw himself booted from Cabinet Meetings all together at times. His cabinet in general, composed largely off suggestion by the Federalist Committee, began to show distaste for the President.

Almost immediately, Schuyler began antagonizing Congress to see to it that his legislative agenda and economic ideas were implemented. Unfortunately for Schuyler, he had never been the biggest voice during his short time in the House and lacked true friends. While Federalist members were oftentimes sympathetic with the President’s calls for a ‘restoration of the bank’s strength’ they understood that it simply could not be ‘done this moment’ as the President wanted. Schuyler took this as defiance and ran a sizable platform derailing some of his own party members as traitors. Quickly, many were wondering exactly what selecting Schuyler as the nominee had done.

Another big dilemma for the President was his relative inaction towards the Riverine Republic at first. This angered Louisianan officials who felt the United States should help in bringing down the protestors. Still, this wasn’t particularly a bad move, as the majority of the Country remained ambivalent to involvement in the whole ordeal regardless. The July Letter, however, would become a bane in the President’s dealings when the Riverine Republic made a plea to the Government, asking for recognition in exchange for annexation. In a letter response, Schuyler promised to recognize the Republic and annex it if it managed to hold it’s position to the end of the year and gain legitimacy. The letter found it’s way into the press and the outcry was immense. Things only got worse from there, with the President attempting to shutdown those that had released the letter on grounds of traitorous activity. The Louisianan Government defeated the Riverine Republic by August of 1822 and ended ties with the United States past a formal level. When they implemented a tax on use of New Orleans, the economy took a hit.

Marshall was quick to take control of Senate Federalist’s in opposition to the President. The 1822 Mid-Terms saw Republican (and State Rights gains) while also seeing a distancing all around of Federalist’s from the President. Charles Adams resigned, as did Attorney General Roger B. Taney, over disagreements with the President. Marshall remained as Vice-President but made little to no contact with the President, instead using his role as the leader of the Senate to orchestrate a near abandonment of the legislator from the executive. The next two years were stagnant in all regards, with the President vetoing various measures Congress attempted to pass and vice-versa. One of his final attempts was the failed London Treaty, where-in new relations were defined with the British Government, including allowing British traders to roam in Huron and hold assets in prior British lands. Marshall rallied the opposition, and the treaty failed to get not even 20% of the vote in the Senate.

When the 1824 elections appeared on the horizon, Schuyler found himself abandoned by his own party and judged for his ineffectiveness. America had entered a slumping economic state, largely in part to the New Orleans tax. All facets of society judged the President for not fixing relations with Louisiana, while others argued that if diplomacy did not work, other actions might. Still, all believed Schuyler had failed the nation. The United States role as the leader of the New World also diminished as the independent nations of the America’s found their own paths and the United States became less involved. Though he declared interest in a second term, no one took it seriously.

 

[rjd1997]

Less US interference in the Americas? YES!

 

[Osk]

Less US interference in the Americas? YES!

Glad you're enjoying it so far!

Also, heres something else:

Addendum #1: The 1820's Native Wars During the Schuyler Presidency

President Philip Jeremiah Schuyler is known as one of the most inefficient President's the nation has seen. Still, in one regard, historians can agree he was somewhat effective. When Schuyler became President, a resurgence of conflict in the Northwest (Second Northwest Indian War) and East Florida (Seminole War) had already begun. As President, Schuyler was shunned by the legislative branch of the United States, but maintained control of the armed forces. He, along with careful suggestion from Army Secretary Brown, oversaw the defeat of the Seminole Tribe in northern East Florida (American forces were led by Territorial Governor John Coffee) and the St. Johns River Treaty saw the Seminole's agree to move South around Lake Apopka, in-between the St. Johns and Withlacoochee Rivers. In the Northwest, things were more severe as natives had traded with Louisianan traders in the Northern frontier and had acquired British weaponry throughout the War of American Liberation (and discreetly afterwards from loyalists). Schuyler attempted to pass an act creating a semi-autonomous Northwest District, where the natives would govern themselves distinctly, but Congress had given up on the President and paid no mind to the proposal. Still, fighting has been dying out as American forces slowly beat the native forces.

_______

There's also a tentative map of 1824:

*Note, this map may see further changes. Reflects succession of a Bourbon to the Italian throne during the brief Italian Succession Crisis, with France seriously involved in Italian affairs, along with the Neapolitan Civil War after the death of Valentino Amato by rivaling Valentinoist factions. Also shown is the Greek, Serbian, Egyptian and Albanian revolutions in the Ottoman Empire, various revolts in Russia, the adjusted South American borders after the New Grenada-Equatorian War, the Charcas Independence War in Peru, and Dominican Independence efforts.

 

[Osk]

Minor (but major) retcon, highlighting Prussia still controlling, well, Prussia.

 

[rjd1997]

What's going on with that northern Indian state? Hope they keep their independence.

Rooting for the Egyptians. Be nice to see another Muslim great power, one that isn't in decline, during the age of imperialism. (Egyptian dominance of Northeast Africa? )

 

[Osk]

What's going on with that northern Indian state? Hope they keep their independence.

Rooting for the Egyptians. Be nice to see another Muslim great power, one that isn't in decline, during the age of imperialism.

That's the Mughal Empire and they're currently in the British camp, though not because they want to be. The British want to do to them as they've done to the rest of India, of course.

 

[hzn5pk]

Good timeline

Who controls the Red River area of the North, the Americans, The British, or Louisiana? OTL the treaty of 1819 with the British split the area along the 51st parallel. IITL perhaps the USA pushes for all in an attempt to flank Louisiana. The USA will most likely have the biggest push for the entire area. Might purchase the land from Britain as a flank against Louisiana.

Manifest destiny has to be taking ground on the USA for the Northwest and Louisiana. Southern and Western demands for New Orleans have to be taking root.

Also, what is the relation between Louisiana and Mexico? Could tension with Mexico drive Louisiana into union with the USA?

As far as Louisiana is concerned, New Orleans is the center with St. Louis being smaller than OTL at this point due to reduced American settlement? The rest of OTL Missouri is probably seeing less settlement from the USA than OTL, remaining sparsely populated?

Lastly, I always wondered about Zebulon Pike. He would make a good president in your TL. He could be a candidate for westward expansion.

 

[Osk]

Good timeline

Who controls the Red River area of the North, the Americans, The British, or Louisiana? OTL the treaty of 1819 with the British split the area along the 51st parallel. IITL perhaps the USA pushes for all in an attempt to flank Louisiana. The USA will most likely have the biggest push for the entire area. Might purchase the land from Britain as a flank against Louisiana.

The British no longer lay claim to the area, but the Louisianan's and American's both do. It's definitely a point of contention between both countries.

Manifest destiny has to be taking ground on the USA for the Northwest and Louisiana. Southern and Western demands for New Orleans have to be taking root.

Yes there is a growing movement, though it's no where as large as OTL due to the general air of good will after the War of American Liberation. Still, the Port Tax on New Orleans has riled up many in the USA.

Also, what is the relation between Louisiana and Mexico? Could tension with Mexico drive Louisiana into union with the USA?

Mexico is somewhat stable at the moment, which isn't good for any of its neighbors. The current government claims portions of Louisiana, along with all of Central America.

As far as Louisiana is concerned, New Orleans is the center with St. Louis being smaller than OTL at this point due to reduced American settlement? The rest of OTL Missouri is probably seeing less settlement from the USA than OTL, remaining sparsely populated?

While there is less American settlements, American's have still been crossing the border from the West, where most expansionist American's reside. The Riverine Republic was an attempt to annex portions of Louisiana into the U.S. It is less though. There is large French settlement throughout Louisiana however, larger than OTL, stemming from the Revolutionaries that escaped after the fall of the French Republic. They're the ones that orchestrated the Louisiana Revolution.

Lastly, I always wondered about Zebulon Pike. He would make a good president in your TL. He could be a candidate for westward expansion.

Pike became famous during the War of American Liberation for his participation in conquering what is now the American territory of Huron. Now he is Territorial Governor of Huron. Depending on who wins the current election (still in the Convention phase) he might get a cabinet position. He would have more to go on if Huron became a state already, but the South is getting antsy with so many Northern States.

I'm glad you are enjoying it so far! I've gone ahead and answered in red. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!

 

[hzn5pk]

perhaps southerners will want to expand to Cuba or Louisiana

Southerners join with Western states to demand New Orleans and also grab more territory as well as USA annexing Red River area.

Looks like only USA way to get Louisiana is through war.

Just need a southern president. How about Sam Houston or David Crockett from Tennessee. As time goes on, someone whom we have never heard of may have just as good probability to be POTUS. Have a southern expansionist like Jackson OTL who made a name as an Indian fighter become POTUS. The fact that he is known as an Indian fighter will attract westerners. Have his party ride an expansionist plank and have the USA go after LA or Cuba.

How about USA and Mexico double team Louisiana.

 

[Osk]

perhaps southerners will want to expand to Cuba or Louisiana

Southerners join with Western states to demand New Orleans and also grab more territory as well as USA annexing Red River area.

Looks like only USA way to get Louisiana is through war.

Just need a southern president. How about Sam Houston or David Crockett from Tennessee. As time goes on, someone whom we have never heard of may have just as good probability to be POTUS. Have a southern expansionist like Jackson OTL who made a name as an Indian fighter become POTUS. The fact that he is known as an Indian fighter will attract westerners. Have his party ride an expansionist plank and have the USA go after LA or Cuba.

How about USA and Mexico double team Louisiana.

This does run in conjunction with the election game of the same name, so we shall see where it leads.

There has been a movement to get involved in the Caribbean growing within Republican's and State Rights members. Though, as a spoiler, the Southern Federalist elite may soon find itself joining with the State Rights and creating a new party to challenge the dominance of the other two. It may or may not be led by a former Attorney General.

I forgot to mention that, as a tribute to Names We Have Forgotten by johngalt, none of the people that became President in that game can be President here. Davy Crockett became President there. Though there are various politicians that could fit the mold. John Coffee gained prominence during the War of American Liberation and was made Governor of East Florida. He led American forces during the First Seminole War, mentioned in Addendum #1.

That could be a possibility. Mexico would not be opposed.

 

[Osk]

List of Governors of Massachusetts
1. John Hancock (No Party) October 25th, 1780 – February 17th, 1785
A. Thomas Cusching (No Party) February 17th, 1785 – May 27th, 1785
2. James Bowdin (No Party) May 27th, 1785 – May 30th, 1787
3. John Hancock (No Party) May 30th, 1787 – October 8th, 1792
4. Samuel Adams (Republican) October 8th, 1792 – May 20th, 1795
5. James Sullivan (Republican) May 20th, 1795 – May 27th, 1800
6. Increase Sumner (Federalist) May 27th, 1800 – April 19th, 1801
A. Samuel Phillips, Jr. (Federalist) April 19th, 1801 – May 30th, 1801
8. Caleb Strong (Federalist) May 30th, 1801 – May 30th, 1807
9. William Eustis (Republican) May 30th, 1807 – January 1st, 1813
A. William R. Gray (Republican) January 1st, 1812 – May 30th, 1813
10. William R. Gray (Republican) May 20th, 1812 – May 30th, 1814
11. Harrison G. Otis (Federalist) May 30th, 1814 – November 16th, 1816
A. David Cobb (Federalist) November 16th, 1816 – May 20th, 1817
12. Levi Lincoln, Jr. (Republican) May 20th, 1817 – May 30th, 1819
13. William Phillips, Jr. (Federalist) May 30th, 1819 – May 30th, 1823
14. Levi Lincoln, Jr. (Republican) May 30th, 1823 -


List of Governors of Virginia
1. Patrick Henry (No Party) July 5th, 1776 – June 1st, 1779
2. Thomas Jefferson (No Party) June 1st, 1779 – June 3rd, 1781
3. William Fleming (No Party) June 3rd, 1781 – June 12th, 1781
4. Thomas Nelson, Jr. (No Party) June 12th, 1781 – November 22nd, 1781
A. David Jameson (No Party) November 22nd, 1781 – December 1st, 1781
5. Benjamin Harrison V (No Party) December 1st, 1781- December 1st, 1784
6. Patrick Henry (No Party) December 1st, 1784 – December 1st, 1786
7. Edmund Randolph (No Party) December 1st, 1786 – December 1st, 1788
8. Beverley Randolph (No Party) December 1st, 1788 – December 1st, 1791
9. Thomas Jefferson (Republican) December 1st, 1791 – December 1st, 1794
10. Henry Lee III (Federalist) December 1st, 1794 – December 1st, 1796
11. James Wood (Federalist) December 1st, 1796 – December 1st, 1799
12. Robert Brooke (Republican) December 1st, 1799 – December 1st, 1801
13. James Monroe (Republican) December 1st, 1801 – December 1st, 1805
14. Thomas Jefferson (Republican) December 1st, 1805 – December 1st, 1807
15. Josiah Parker (Federalist) December 1st, 1807 – December 1st, 1810
16. John Tyler, Sr. (Republican) December 1st, 1810 – December 1st, 1812
17. Thomas Jefferson (Republican) December 1st, 1812 – December 1st, 1814
18. Thomas Lewis Jr. (Federalist) December 1st, 1814 – December 1st, 1815
19. Edward Henry (Republican) December 1st, 1815 – December 1st, 1818
20. James Barbour (Republican) December 1st, 1818 – December 1st, 1821
21. Edmund J. Lee (Federalist) December 1st, 1821 – December 1st, 1824

 

[Osk]

United States presidential election, 1824
The 1824 elections were an intense affair where both the Federalists and Republicans utilized their respective partisan publishing companies to full might. Across the country, partisan papers printed in record numbers as both sides tried to one up the other and win the respect and hearts of Americans. The elections would also highlight the growing slavery question as the State Rights Party shifted further into a Southern Party, emboldened by the ascension of the new Liberty Party that called for abolition. The charged up atmosphere, due in part to the worsening economy and questions of doubt that filled Americans after years of peace and prosperity and national feelings of good. The Liberty Party took a gamble by nominating President Schuyler and though they only managed 5% of the vote, it helped spread the name. It still holds to see what this Party will amount to in the future. The true heavy weights were the Federalists and Republicans: the former pitted the sitting Vice-President as everything that Schuyler wasn't, the latter pitted a young and inexperienced Governor with national prominence. Yet it would be the State Rights candidate of Thomas Spalding, with his calls of "invading Louisiana now and ending the Port Tax by force" that truly rallied the crazed political atmosphere. The result was no candidate receiving a majority of the electoral or popular vote, sending the election to Congress. Humphrey Marshall was two electoral votes shy of securing the nomination, while Franklin Boyd edged ahead in the popular vote.

The outgoing Republican controlled Congress swiftly elected Boyd and Key, respectively, to the Presidency and Vice-Presidency.

Humphrey Marshall (F-KY)/Louis McLane (F-DE) 116 EV, 34.9% PV
Franklin Boyd (R-WF)/Francis S. Key (R-MD) 76 EV, 38.3% PV
Thomas Spalding (SR-GA)/John A. Cocke (SR-KY) 42 EV, 21.8% PV
Philip J. Schuyler (L-NY)/John T. Carter (L-VA) 0 EV, 5% PV

 

[Fleetlord]

Did Turquoise ever give you a picture for "Franklin Boyd"? If not I'd recommend using William Claiborne, who seems to be a close analog for Boyd.

 

[Osk]

Did Turquoise ever give you a picture for "Franklin Boyd"? If not I'd recommend using William Claiborne, who seems to be a close analog for Boyd.

Yes, she used Peyton Randolph as her image.

____

9. Franklin Boyd (1825 - 1829) Republican Party
Vice-President: Francis S. Key
Secretary of State: Edward Livingston
Secretary of the Treasury: William H. Crawford
Secretary of the Army: John Williams
Secretary of the Navy: Samuel L. Southard
Attorney General: William Wirt
Postmaster General: William T. Barry​

Franklin Boyd would be 39 years old when he was elected to the Presidency, making him the youngest person ever elected. After storming the Republican Convention on his oratory skill and rhetoric, Boyd managed to get himself elected, though only after a hung electoral college and a House vote. 1824 would be a deciding year in American politics as the Second Revolutionary Movement began. As a result, Boyd found himself facing an extremely divided Congress and he knew he had to do something about it.

Before working on the actual government, though, Boyd made his way to the District of Columbia to partake in the pre-inauguration festivities that his predecessor had blown over. Perhaps as a result, the usual parades and activities were lesser in scope, but Boyd still attracted large crowds who saw him as an American Hero. Boyd wanted to make his term legitimate amidst many critics who believed he was too young and inexperienced to run the country, and it was in search of this legitimacy that he approached the Presidential Palace the day before his inauguration. Outgoing President Schuyler had not attended the traditional “Last Talk” of President Lee before him, and he hadn’t invited Boyd to one now as he was set to end his term, either. Boyd, however, was determined to meet with Schuyler. The result was anything but what Boyd hoped it would be, with Schuyler demanding Boyd leave and when Boyd refused, sent for his forceful removal, with Boyd getting into a scuffle with the guards. Papers across the country covered the ordeal to much fanfare across the Country.

Boyd moved on from the encounter and the next day he was inaugurated in front of a sizable crowd of supporters, many which had travelled from other parts of the Country. It wasn’t the largest crowd assembled for an inauguration, but it was the one with the farthest reaches, drawing in citizens from the Western states. Boyd’s inauguration speech that day laid out the core of what his term would be about: the American people and the expansion of their Golden Liberty. He openly talked about his vision of an expanded America, where the people of Louisiana and Quebec join the United States and prosperity reigns. His oratory is exciting and makes the almost fanatic crowd very pleased. Unfortunately for Boyd, the crowd in front of him that day weren’t in charge of Congress.

Boyd began his presidency with a conviction on fixing the economic hardships of the Country. Almost immediately Secretary of State Livingston was sent to New Orleans to work things out with the Louisianan government. Boyd sent Livingston with clear demands: an end to the Port Tax and an encouragement on joining the United States. While in New Orleans, Livingston did all he could to muster out a compromise and tactfully made little actual communication on a union before securing a resolution to the Port Tax issue. After assuring that Schuyler did not represent the American people or the goals of it’s Government, Livingston was able to see the Port Tax ended with both countries declaring the Mississippi River a demilitarized zone (soldiers and weapons ban) except for around New Orleans. This would be known as the Livingston Treaty in the US. As Livingston guessed, however, the Louisianan government was fiercely nationalistic and didn’t entertain any talks of union. Talks of banning northern Louisianan’s from trading and selling weaponry to natives also fell on deaf ears.

Boyd also tackled the odd Congress that had assembled by urging Congressional Republicans and Federalists to work together in moderation rather than in conjunction with the more radical State Rights or Liberty members of the legislature. Stunningly, it worked, particularly after Boyd gave the first live State of the Union address to Congress in 1826. With the economy stabilizing once more, the Coalition was able to see basic Government functions throughout, though both parties continued to attack each other in anticipation of the midterms. Recently elected Representative Roger B. Taney became the face of the State Rights party and, alongside other former Federalists, rebranded the Party on ideals he believed were “backed by the Constitution.” The result was the new Constitution Party that believed slavery was constitutionally protected and that the Government should focus on protecting it where it stands and allowing states to choose to have it. He is an opponent to doing things outside of through the Government itself however, and believes the protections can be achieved. On the other hand, the Liberty Party also upped their anti-slavery rhetoric, while adopting an array of Republican and Federalist planks. Boyd would use the influence of the executive branch to publish various pamphlets across the Country branding the Republicans as the Party of liberty and democratic expansion in an attempt to take back Congress and see actual Republican policies passed.

Unfortunately for the President the Republicans only gained 3 seats in the Midterms. The next two years of President’s Boyd’s term would have to continue on as his first two in terms of the legislative, with Republicans and Federalists working together enough to make sure the economy was running and that’s about it. Fights would break out between Liberty and Constitutional Congressmen, with Representative Lewis Tappan (L-NY) being severely beaten by Representative George Belt (C-SC) on one occasion. The atmosphere across the country was also changing, with cultural “wars” forming between Northern and Southern intellectuals and citizens. The Charleston Revolt in 1828 saw the entire city of Charleston overrun in a successful slave revolt that cut the city off for a day before the slaves mounted ships and left for Haiti. When Haiti refused to turn over the escaped slaves Constitutional congressmen agitated the President for war with Haiti. As the elections approached in 1828, these issues weighed heavily on the President’s mind and on the minds of those wishing to unseat him. One thing Boyd could claim, however, was the rise of the economy.

 

[Anarch King of Dipsodes]

William Few vegan...

AHC: a vegetarian President.

 

[Anarch King of Dipsodes]

Read the whole thing since last night, and am pretty impressed. A few comments, though.

As Livingston guessed, however, the Louisianan government was fiercely nationalistic and didn’t entertain any talks of union.

The Louisianan government might be nationalistic, but a very large share of the population would be American immigrants. The pressure for union would be considerable. The francophone creoles would need various shenanigans to remain in control. It could be very much like the Boer republics in the 1890s, with the Riverine Republic as an analog to the Jameson Raid. Or California in 1846.

Representative Roger B. Taney became the face of the State Rights party and, alongside other former Federalists, rebranded the Party on ideals he believed were “backed by the Constitution.” The result was the new Constitution Party that believed slavery was constitutionally protected and believed in the states abilities to judge federal legislation individually and nullify it based on their own needs or concerns.

Taney was a Marylander, and (OTL, of course) not a great enthusiast for secessionism or nullification. There was not much of that in Maryland.

The Charleston Revolt in 1828 saw the entire city of Charleston overrun in a successful slave revolt that cut the city off for a day before the slaves mounted ships and left for Haiti.

If this was to be anything like OTL's Denmark Vesey plot, the rebellious slaves would kill every white in the city, and the rebellion would spread through the adjacent plantation country, which was about 80% slaves. So it isn't going to be over in a day, and the shock effects will be enormous.

Also, there were about 120,000 slaves in the region, so there couldn't possibly be enough ships to take even a tenth of them anywhere.

 

[Osk]

Read the whole thing since last night, and am pretty impressed. A few comments, though.



The Louisianan government might be nationalistic, but a very large share of the population would be American immigrants. The pressure for union would be considerable. The francophone creoles would need various shenanigans to remain in control. It could be very much like the Boer republics in the 1890s, with the Riverine Republic as an analog to the Jameson Raid. Or California in 1846.

Taney was a Marylander, and (OTL, of course) not a great enthusiast for secessionism or nullification. There was not much of that in Maryland.

If this was to be anything like OTL's Denmark Vesey plot, the rebellious slaves would kill every white in the city, and the rebellion would spread through the adjacent plantation country, which was about 80% slaves. So it isn't going to be over in a day, and the shock effects will be enormous.

Also, there were about 120,000 slaves in the region, so there couldn't possibly be enough ships to take even a tenth of them anywhere.

Thank you for the corrections!

I've been running on a "Revolutionary France never went through the Reign of Terror and got slaughtered by the Monarchist Coalition so a crap load moved to Louisiana" mindset, but you're probably right as far as American settlement of Louisiana goes. We will definitely see more tension build soon in that respect.

As far as Taney goes... You're right and I seem to have extended fiction over it. I kind of viewed Taney as always on the wrong-side of history and kind of wanted to reflect that. What makes it worse is that TTL Maryland is probably more Federalist and pro-union than OTL... I'll probably retcon that and change the leader of the "Constitution Party." Thank you for calling me out on this!

Yes, it is inspired by the Denmark Vesey Plot! (Take a point, which you are free to use in the game thread! ) Though it is no where near in scope. It's a small scale thing between a smaller group whose aim is to get out. Of course, that's what I'm saying to make it viable Truthfully, the Denmark Vesey Plot would have probably not succeeded, nor do I think a large scale operation of that kind would be able to. On the other hand, reports on how large the Denmark Vesey Plot was supposed to be may be exaggerated.

 

[Osk]

1828 United States Presidential Election

This year more than ever there is a heightened tone over the election. As radicalism spreads throughout the north and south, the old establishment must find a middle ground or endorse some radical ideas, lest they be replaced. Issues like the Charleston Rebellion, the Haitian Response, and Slavery itself are polarizing the nation deeply.

The Republican Party was in a messy situation. They had control of the Executive the last four years, but lacked control of Congress leading to little progress. With Boyd deciding not to run, a real debate began on how to move forward. Many, at first, fell behind the 'Establishment' Candidate, Edward Livingston, the Secretary of State. Yet, the Livingston Treaty had been somewhat polarizing in itself, and he wasn't exactly a fresh face. The rising voice of both the radical north and south materialized as Augustine Clark, an abolitionist, and Thomas Hart Benton, a Southerner calling for expansion. Ultimately, the Livingston made a decision, and Edward Livingston secured the nomination on the 19th Ballot. Thomas Hart Benton was chosen as the Vice-Presidential candidate, and the sizable Clark supporters stormed out. Livingston is standing on ideals of continuing the people's control of Government by finally passing through Senate electoral reform. Livingston is also, as part of his deal with Benton, supporting expansion into Louisiana. Some call this hypocritical considering the Livingston Treaties.

The Federalist Party is also in a dilemma, witnessing the worst stretch in the parties history without control of at least the legislative or executive. Meeting in New York City, the national leaders invited presented their public vote, which saw Governor Edmund Jennings Lee with a sizable plurality, with a majority split between the rest of the candidates. As a result, the top three candidates were presented to the Selection Committee, and on a vote of 11-5-4 (Lee, Taney, Sergeant), Edmund Jennings Lee was selected as the Federalist candidate. Being the third Lee to be nominated, the Republicans are referring to the ticket as "the Lee Monarchy!" and signs of nepotism or corruption. Lee himself stands as a middle-ground candidate in these times for being a Southerner, who believes slavery is wrong, who also believes that the participants of the Charleston Rebellion must be apprehended from Haiti. In this way, he is able to appeal to a large array of Federalist voters. His plans involve implementing John Sergeant's American System, along with the creation of Sergeant's proposed Department of Development to renew progress in the country. He has been paired with Representative Peter Buell Porter of New York.

The Constitution Party was settled rather quickly, though not in the way anyone expected. The in-Convention campaign of Representative Mercer, who was truly just hoping to get his plan for an American Colonization Society accepted, stirred the delegates. For many, the fears of the Charleston Rebellion plagued them. The American Colonization initiative would be the perfect way of ridding the Country of free blacks who could inspire further rebellions. Taney decided to not look worse by going down in a long defeat and instead ended the entire thing by the Fourth Ballot by endorsing Mercer. In this way, Taney retained his position as party head and kept control of the party, by giving the impression that he did truly endorse Mercer and not care for the nomination. His deal with Mercer involved cabinet influence, and Taney was instrumental in selecting Federalist/Constitution Governor Charles Polk, Jr. of Delaware, who accepted the parties nomination. Mercer and the party stands on an active freedmen colonization project, an aggressive stance to the Charleston Rebellion and Haiti's defiance, a recognition of the right to slavery, and an expansion into Louisiana by any means necessary.

The Liberty Party made big waves in the 1824 Congressional elections, though didn't seem to make further progress in the 1826 Mid-Terms. Still, they're hoping to garner larger amounts of votes this election. The Party met and elected Augustine Clark, an abolitionist Republican whose sizable faction stormed out of the Republican Convention. Clark brings a Republican Swing to the Party, and they have also adopted calls for Senate electoral reform. Clark is standing on implementing a plan for abolition now in order to ensure an end to slavery. Clark has been paired with Representative Lewis Tappan of New York, a remarkably young ticket.

Ultimately, the election saw the national collapse of the Constitution Party in it's first national election. With the Republican brand being attacked for breaking its stances of neutrality and peace with Louisiana in favor of expansionism, it was ultimately Lee who would win the election in spectacular fashion. Vermont went for Liberty candidate Augustine Clark, a significant gain for the young party.

Edmund J. Lee (F-VA)/Peter B. Porter (F-NY) 188 EV; 55.5% PV
Edward Livingston (R-NY)/Thomas H. Benton (R-TN) 29 EV; 34.3
Charles F. Mercer (C-VA)/Charles Polk, Jr. (C-DE) 11 EV; 4.1% PV
Augustine Clark (L-VT)/Lewis Tappan (L-NY) 8 EV; 6.1% PV