Good question Van555. It is a bit of a mixed bag economically speaking. The Democrats are more protectionist while the Republicans favor free trade. I haven't written much yet on labor unions or social welfare ITTL. I will have to give it some thought. It has been mentioned that there is a minimum wage ITTL, not so sure about social security or healthcare. What are y'all's thoughts?
The Union Forever: A TL
- Thread starter Mac Gregor
- Start date
Good question Van555. It is a bit of a mixed bag economically speaking. The Democrats are more protectionist while the Republicans favor free trade. I haven't written much yet on labor unions or social welfare ITTL. I will have to give it some thought. It has been mentioned that there is a minimum wage ITTL, not so sure about social security or healthcare. What are y'all's thoughts?
I've been reading this timeline for little more than two months, and I have to say, it one my favorite and best timelines on this board!I love the alternate American history (American history is a favorite subject of mine). You did a great job with how the Civil War went and the Great War, the latter which had some nice, subtle analogies to OTL. Also, love how far reaching the butterflies become.
Two more things: I can't wait for this to be reposted in the Finished Timelines board. Also, I made this.....
Zoidberg12 thanks for the support! I very much like the wiki box. Let me know if you have any questions or request. Cheers!
1953: Domestic Developments
1953
Domestic Developments
Youths dance to Swag
New York City, 1953
In Quesada vs. the Commonwealth of Cuba the United States Supreme Court ruled eight to three in favor of upholding the constitutionality of the 1925 National Language Act which made English the official language of the United States. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Pratt commented that while the Constitution didn’t explicitly mention anything concerning the establishment of a national language it was permitted under the necessary and proper clause of Article 1, Section 8. Pratt wrote that “mandating English for official government business, even at the state level, does not constitute discrimination against non-English speaking peoples” and is an important factor in promoting “national cohesion”.
In October, the Liberty Auto Company became America’s largest automobile manufacturer after merging with Conestoga Motors. The 1950s would see foreign companies like Germany’s Reichwagen and Italy’s Sonnino make important inroads into the American auto market. Liberty‘s chief domestic rivals however would continue to be Lexington and Weicker, collectively known as the “big three”.
A Liberty Auto Company Assembly Line
Detriot, 1953
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Oh no you didn't.
At least I could still drive a 'lac in TTL.
Not sure how I feel about Quesada vs. Cuba. On one hand, I can see how the last point in that paragraph may be true, but on the other hand, I can't help but feel like it is kind of unfair to non-English majority states. Sounds pretty sketchy, and pretty realistic (sad but true).
Good update.
What's next? Asian-inspired "Gangnam Style" music driven by Korean expats?
I think there'd be less opposition to the growth of social security, what with there being no Big Bad Commie enemy to demonise collectivism. We might even see Canada-style socialised medicine in the US by the present day, although the fifties would probably be a bit too early for that. What's Conner's stance on this? He seems to be a solid social liberal, so his administration (or an earlier one with a similar ideological mindset) may well have taken the first steps already. Of course, this is coming from a socialist, so you'd better take it with a pinch of salt.
BTW, does John Maynard Keynes exist ITTL?
Oh no you didn't.
At least I could still drive a 'lac in TTL.
Not sure how I feel about Quesada vs. Cuba. On one hand, I can see how the last point in that paragraph may be true, but on the other hand, I can't help but feel like it is kind of unfair to non-English majority states. Sounds pretty sketchy, and pretty realistic (sad but true).
Good update.
Oh yes I did
Yeah, the National Language Act doesn't really effect all that much except that the state governments have to conduct their business in English. Spanish or French however is often used alongside English however. Also by the 1950s practically everyone in the Caribbean states are bilingual with Spanish and French slowly falling out of use.
It will probably be a while before we see Gangnam stryle music appear
.Good points on Social Security. However while there aren't any Communist care tactics to bash collectivism the Federal government ITTL is also significantly weaker than ours and leaves almost all of the education and healthcare issues to the states. I will look into it further.
Like Lali said, John Maynard Keynes does not exist ITTL having been born 20 years after the POD.
Cheers!
Well we've got bilingualism, might support Quebec-Caribbean language stuff.
I would think they would be in more use (Spanish, anyway) with such a closer Americas.
Indeed, the closer Americas does help but most movies, television, and music are in English. For the carribean states most speak Spanish or French at home, but English is becoming more and more commonly used at schools and amongst young people. In the American education system, Spanish and German are the must know foreign langauges.
Makes sense that English would become more and more dominant in Spanish majority areas over time, but I can also imagine that ITTL bilingualism would be very prevalent, and encouraged.
There are separatist movements in all of the Carribean states, plus smaller ones in the Pacific, but they are pretty much on the scale of OTL's Puerto Rican Indepdence Party and not much of a threat.
I imagine them getting statehood, rather than OTL's territory status, makes them even less so.
