A Destiny Made Manifest - Part 11: The Age of Beatty
Game: Victoria 2
Published: 2017-02-23, edited: 1970-01-01
Comments thread
Part of the campaign:
A Destiny Made Manifest
Previous part:
New York, 1872
America has finally risen from the chaos of the Time of Troubles, and is beginning to flourish, guided by the hand of Augustus Beatty. The North has rapidly industrialized and modernized, as it mostly escaped the beating that the South and West took. America is becoming a modern nation, on par with the Old World empires across the Atlantic.
Beneath all this progress, however, lies widespread political corruption. In the big cities, political machines run the show from behind the scenes, and poverty in the lower classes in rampant. Questions of imperialism are on the tongues of politicians in Washington, while the Republican Party begins to fracture and waver.
This is the Age of Beatty.
America has finally risen from the chaos of the Time of Troubles, and is beginning to flourish, guided by the hand of Augustus Beatty. The North has rapidly industrialized and modernized, as it mostly escaped the beating that the South and West took. America is becoming a modern nation, on par with the Old World empires across the Atlantic.
Beneath all this progress, however, lies widespread political corruption. In the big cities, political machines run the show from behind the scenes, and poverty in the lower classes in rampant. Questions of imperialism are on the tongues of politicians in Washington, while the Republican Party begins to fracture and waver.
This is the Age of Beatty.
Pax Beattanica
The nation is finally whole and united again, at least geographically. United forever in friendship!
The nation is finally whole and united again, at least geographically. United forever in friendship!
The Venezuelan Intervention
In Venezuela, the 3rd Army under the command of Ulysses Fry looks to swiftly end the war and reassert American dominion over the Latin American nation.
In Venezuela, the 3rd Army under the command of Ulysses Fry looks to swiftly end the war and reassert American dominion over the Latin American nation.
The Battle of Calabozo
Taking place on the edge of the jungle, the Battle of Calabozo goes decisively in favor of Fry.
Taking place on the edge of the jungle, the Battle of Calabozo goes decisively in favor of Fry.
Social Science
The concept of applying modern science to society and politics begins to develop in universities across the North.
The concept of applying modern science to society and politics begins to develop in universities across the North.
A Revolt in Algeria
Jacobins have risen in Algeria to resist the Napoleonic government. However, this isn't EU4; rebels can't teleport. Y'all are stuck there.
Jacobins have risen in Algeria to resist the Napoleonic government. However, this isn't EU4; rebels can't teleport. Y'all are stuck there.
The Great Chicago Fire
A massive fire in Chicago leaves nearly 100,000 people homeless, which manages to rile up more socialist sentiment in a city where it's already boiling over.
A massive fire in Chicago leaves nearly 100,000 people homeless, which manages to rile up more socialist sentiment in a city where it's already boiling over.
The 43rd Congress
The Republican Coalition manages to hold onto their plurality by the slim margin of 3 seats. The infighting is already sufficient enough to cause the Democrats to effectively have a plurality while certain issues are debated.
The Republican Coalition manages to hold onto their plurality by the slim margin of 3 seats. The infighting is already sufficient enough to cause the Democrats to effectively have a plurality while certain issues are debated.
The January Accords
Surprisingly, the Venezuelan government (Organización Liberal Anarquista Venezolana) agrees to submit to American trading demands, so Beatty decides to let the OLAV stay in power in Venezuela. This shocks and appalls the Workingmen's Party, considering it to be a knife in the back from Beatty.
Surprisingly, the Venezuelan government (Organización Liberal Anarquista Venezolana) agrees to submit to American trading demands, so Beatty decides to let the OLAV stay in power in Venezuela. This shocks and appalls the Workingmen's Party, considering it to be a knife in the back from Beatty.
A Strange Letter Campaign
Okay guys, real quick author's note here. Some people may complain about the historical inaccuracy of this happening so early, but I don't care. I'm gonna push these women's suffrage decisions through and get that passed as soon as I can. No reason to wait until 1919.
Political correctness has invaded your fun historical video game thing, and there's nothing you can do about it because I'm taller than you.
Okay guys, real quick author's note here. Some people may complain about the historical inaccuracy of this happening so early, but I don't care. I'm gonna push these women's suffrage decisions through and get that passed as soon as I can. No reason to wait until 1919.
Political correctness has invaded your fun historical video game thing, and there's nothing you can do about it because I'm taller than you.
Voting Reform Act of 1873
The Workingmen's Party works with the Democrats to force a voting reform bill through Congress, with both parties claiming that the Republicans only held dominion in Washington thanks to crooked local elections.
(Sorry to break it to you, guys, but the pie charts tell a different story)
The Workingmen's Party works with the Democrats to force a voting reform bill through Congress, with both parties claiming that the Republicans only held dominion in Washington thanks to crooked local elections.
(Sorry to break it to you, guys, but the pie charts tell a different story)
Terrorism
"Scientists in our country have discovered Terrorism"
"Scientists in our country have discovered Terrorism"
Relations with Tokyo
Beatty, hoping to find an ally against European Imperialism in the Japanese Empire, is surprised to find that the Rikken Kashintou faction is firmly anti-American.
Beatty, hoping to find an ally against European Imperialism in the Japanese Empire, is surprised to find that the Rikken Kashintou faction is firmly anti-American.
Movements!
there are many
there are many
Cultural Victory!
The concept of a Southern identity continues to slowly fade away. Beatty, remembering the horrors of the Southern Rebellions, is more than happy to see this happen.
The concept of a Southern identity continues to slowly fade away. Beatty, remembering the horrors of the Southern Rebellions, is more than happy to see this happen.
The Rozinsky Telegram
Shockingly, Wisconsin Senator Alfred Rozinsky is discovered to have ties to the New Minutemen organization, sending the rebels cash and assuring them that the Workingmen's Party supported them. Remaining correspondence is quickly destroyed, but many believed that this conspiracy went all the way up to Herbert Baltazar, leader of the party.
Shockingly, Wisconsin Senator Alfred Rozinsky is discovered to have ties to the New Minutemen organization, sending the rebels cash and assuring them that the Workingmen's Party supported them. Remaining correspondence is quickly destroyed, but many believed that this conspiracy went all the way up to Herbert Baltazar, leader of the party.
Anti-Egalitarianism
In response to the egalitarianism promoted by the Workingmen's Party, a number of prominent businessmen and Radical Party members begin to preach the idea that people were innately unequal. Somehow, this means -5% war exhaustion?!?
In response to the egalitarianism promoted by the Workingmen's Party, a number of prominent businessmen and Radical Party members begin to preach the idea that people were innately unequal. Somehow, this means -5% war exhaustion?!?
More Letters!
I got lots of these events when I recorded this term, guys. I'm not gonna put them all in, but hey, here's another one.
I got lots of these events when I recorded this term, guys. I'm not gonna put them all in, but hey, here's another one.
Mexican Influence
Beatty, hoping to establish better relations with Mexico, attempts to influence the government of Emperor Joseph Napoleon. The French Empire caught wind of this and rebuked American efforts, casting out the ambassadors in Mexico City.
Beatty, hoping to establish better relations with Mexico, attempts to influence the government of Emperor Joseph Napoleon. The French Empire caught wind of this and rebuked American efforts, casting out the ambassadors in Mexico City.
Machine Guns
While a few machine guns had entered service in the Southern Rebellion, the modern weapon of war began to get integrated more and more into American regiments.
While a few machine guns had entered service in the Southern Rebellion, the modern weapon of war began to get integrated more and more into American regiments.
The Common Schooling Act of 1874
In one of the biggest victories for the Workingmen's Party, a bill mandating further funds and materials to public schools. The American school system is quickly becoming the envy of the world.
In one of the biggest victories for the Workingmen's Party, a bill mandating further funds and materials to public schools. The American school system is quickly becoming the envy of the world.
Political Science
I'm not going to say something in the narrative here; rather, I have an anecdote. Several weeks ago, I was at a bar/pizzeria over Thanksgiving weekend, and there was a spirited political discussion occurring at the bar while I ate my wings. One man, who was scruffily bearded, *loudly* proclaimed his political science degree during the argument, made some frankly outrageous claims about transgender people and public bathrooms, complained about "PC SJW bullshit" all while extolling the virtues of Rand Paul.
In other words, political science is garbage.
I'm not going to say something in the narrative here; rather, I have an anecdote. Several weeks ago, I was at a bar/pizzeria over Thanksgiving weekend, and there was a spirited political discussion occurring at the bar while I ate my wings. One man, who was scruffily bearded, *loudly* proclaimed his political science degree during the argument, made some frankly outrageous claims about transgender people and public bathrooms, complained about "PC SJW bullshit" all while extolling the virtues of Rand Paul.
In other words, political science is garbage.
The Dogma of Mass Action
The radical socialists begin to split from the Workingmen's Party, adhering closer to Marx's writing. American radicals begin corresponding with radicals across the world, and the rumblings of a great international socialist organization are beginning to take place.
The radical socialists begin to split from the Workingmen's Party, adhering closer to Marx's writing. American radicals begin corresponding with radicals across the world, and the rumblings of a great international socialist organization are beginning to take place.
The Movement for Women's Suffrage
The women of America begin to loudly demand the vote. The Workingmen's Party's new leader(Baltazar fell out of favor), Patrick Ingleson, comes out in support of giving women the vote. While he mostly saw women as a voting block to exploit, it's still something.
Both the Stalwarts and the Half-Breeds are vague on the issue of women's suffrage, not wanting to alienate current male voters.
The women of America begin to loudly demand the vote. The Workingmen's Party's new leader(Baltazar fell out of favor), Patrick Ingleson, comes out in support of giving women the vote. While he mostly saw women as a voting block to exploit, it's still something.
Both the Stalwarts and the Half-Breeds are vague on the issue of women's suffrage, not wanting to alienate current male voters.
The First International
The International Workingmen's Organization, commonly called the First International, declared its formation on June 7th, 1874 in Arlington, Virginia. A coalition of socialists, communists, and anarchists from across the world met in a workingmen's hall, and the men meeting were British, German, French, Polish, Irish, and of course, American. Karl Marx himself even made the trip from London, and had a brief meeting with Patrick Ingleson and William Sylvis.
The First International's formation near Washington D.C. caused America to be considered the heart of socialism in the world. The American Communist Party announces its formation at the event as well. It supports a more radical and hard line socialist doctrine than the Workingmen's Party, though the two parties will cooperate.
The International Workingmen's Organization, commonly called the First International, declared its formation on June 7th, 1874 in Arlington, Virginia. A coalition of socialists, communists, and anarchists from across the world met in a workingmen's hall, and the men meeting were British, German, French, Polish, Irish, and of course, American. Karl Marx himself even made the trip from London, and had a brief meeting with Patrick Ingleson and William Sylvis.
The First International's formation near Washington D.C. caused America to be considered the heart of socialism in the world. The American Communist Party announces its formation at the event as well. It supports a more radical and hard line socialist doctrine than the Workingmen's Party, though the two parties will cooperate.
Communists in D.C.
The First International has clearly had an effect on Washington, converting a small number of men to the Communist idealogy.
The First International has clearly had an effect on Washington, converting a small number of men to the Communist idealogy.
The Stock Exchange
Because the First International cannot be allowed to feel any happiness, Utah has some capitalism stuff happen to it.
Because the First International cannot be allowed to feel any happiness, Utah has some capitalism stuff happen to it.
The 5th Army
Beatty, not at all concerned by the First International, draws up plans for the 5th Army.
Beatty, not at all concerned by the First International, draws up plans for the 5th Army.
Less movements!
Slowly, the anti-government forces are being marginalized. President Beatty is satisfied with his presidency, and begins to consider retirement.
Slowly, the anti-government forces are being marginalized. President Beatty is satisfied with his presidency, and begins to consider retirement.
The 44th Congress
Shockingly, in 1875, the Republicans lose control of the Senate. The Democrats, by a count of 38 to 36, take a plurality in the Senate. They were were able to capitalize on Workingmen's losses thanks to the Rozinsky Telegram.
Doubtlessly, people will ask me why the Senate is so even while the presidential elections are so lopsided. I have no answer for you.
Shockingly, in 1875, the Republicans lose control of the Senate. The Democrats, by a count of 38 to 36, take a plurality in the Senate. They were were able to capitalize on Workingmen's losses thanks to the Rozinsky Telegram.
Doubtlessly, people will ask me why the Senate is so even while the presidential elections are so lopsided. I have no answer for you.
A Leaflet Campaign
In California, a leaflet campaign garners the attention of the state assembly. People begin to wonder if states are able to pass laws allowing women to vote; damn federalism.
(I did not choose the response I highlighted.)
In California, a leaflet campaign garners the attention of the state assembly. People begin to wonder if states are able to pass laws allowing women to vote; damn federalism.
(I did not choose the response I highlighted.)
An Algeria of Unusual Size
Don't know how this happened, not at all.
Don't know how this happened, not at all.
The 5th Army
The new army forms under Adam Barnes, who would go on to be known for his generalship in wars many years from now.
The new army forms under Adam Barnes, who would go on to be known for his generalship in wars many years from now.
Iron Steamers
We have literally not touched naval technology in 40 years, so Beatty orders that America finally begin to figure out how metal boats work.
We have literally not touched naval technology in 40 years, so Beatty orders that America finally begin to figure out how metal boats work.
Factory Stinks!
There are so, so, so, so many of these event pop-ups. Get a good look at this one, because I stopped screencapping them very quickly.
There are so, so, so, so many of these event pop-ups. Get a good look at this one, because I stopped screencapping them very quickly.
The Italian and German Questions
Thanks to the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Italian peninsula remains politically divided while nationalism surges. In the German Confederation, Bavaria, being one of the Great Powers of Europe, has slowed the once-inevitable unification of Germany by being a real pain in Prussia's ass.
Thanks to the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Italian peninsula remains politically divided while nationalism surges. In the German Confederation, Bavaria, being one of the Great Powers of Europe, has slowed the once-inevitable unification of Germany by being a real pain in Prussia's ass.
Social Anthropology
While we consider social anthropology to be a cool thing today, I'm sure at this time it was horrifically, *horrifically* racist. So maybe not so rad.
While we consider social anthropology to be a cool thing today, I'm sure at this time it was horrifically, *horrifically* racist. So maybe not so rad.
The Native Protection Act!
The Workingmen's Party, in alliance with Half-Breed Republicans and a handful of Democrats, push the Native Protection Act through Congress. This revolutionary bill gave citizenship rights to all Native Americans, the status of which had not been well-defined before.
Beatty, privately, did not support the bill, but refused to veto it, not wanting to alienate the Half-Breeds or socialists. He began to imply, however, that he came down on the Stalwart side of things.
The Workingmen's Party, in alliance with Half-Breed Republicans and a handful of Democrats, push the Native Protection Act through Congress. This revolutionary bill gave citizenship rights to all Native Americans, the status of which had not been well-defined before.
Beatty, privately, did not support the bill, but refused to veto it, not wanting to alienate the Half-Breeds or socialists. He began to imply, however, that he came down on the Stalwart side of things.
Ah, damn.
Japan pls. We want to be friends!
Japan pls. We want to be friends!
Raider Group Doctrine!
We continue to try to get better at boats.
We continue to try to get better at boats.
Torpedo Boats
Great success!
Great success!
Ironclads
Even greater success! America is now good at boats, yes?
Even greater success! America is now good at boats, yes?
The National League
I haven't watched baseball since I was a little kid, I'm gonna be honest. Let me think of a good joke real quick. I'll get back to y'all in a minute.
Umm. The Mets suck?
I haven't watched baseball since I was a little kid, I'm gonna be honest. Let me think of a good joke real quick. I'll get back to y'all in a minute.
Umm. The Mets suck?
The Election of 1876
As expected, Augustus Beatty announced almost immediately that he would not seek a fourth term. Today, of course, we recognize Beatty as one of our most important presidents; he guided America through the Time of Troubles, and maintained order (mostly) in Washington, keeping peace between the Republican factions. While revisionist Southern historians attempt to smear the legacy of Augustus the Great, no unbiased historian can deny his impact on American history. He joins the ranks of Washington, Jackson, and Winfield Scott.
While Beatty did not endorse a candidate in 1876, he revealed in his autobiography published posthumously in 1883 that he privately identified as a Stalwart.
Various Nominations
Democrat: Delaware Senator Thomas Bayard
Workingmen's: Ohio Senator Patrick Ingleson
Communist: Liam Hines, leader of a mining union in New York
Radical: who cares
As expected, Augustus Beatty announced almost immediately that he would not seek a fourth term. Today, of course, we recognize Beatty as one of our most important presidents; he guided America through the Time of Troubles, and maintained order (mostly) in Washington, keeping peace between the Republican factions. While revisionist Southern historians attempt to smear the legacy of Augustus the Great, no unbiased historian can deny his impact on American history. He joins the ranks of Washington, Jackson, and Winfield Scott.
While Beatty did not endorse a candidate in 1876, he revealed in his autobiography published posthumously in 1883 that he privately identified as a Stalwart.
Various Nominations
Democrat: Delaware Senator Thomas Bayard
Workingmen's: Ohio Senator Patrick Ingleson
Communist: Liam Hines, leader of a mining union in New York
Radical: who cares
The Election of 1876: Stalwarts and Half-Breeds
The Republican Convention was an absolute bloodbath. The convention was practically split down the middle; the Stalwarts supported their faction's leader, New York Senator Roscoe Conkling, while the Half-Breeds supported their leader, Vice President James G. Blaine. Early attempts to have all delegates swear to support whichever candidate won the nomination were shouted down.
After sixteen ballots, the convention chose Roscoe Conkling by a narrow margin, thanks to Conkling's pledge to take Half-Breed Rutherford B. Hayes as his running mate. However, the rest of the Half-Breeds stormed out of the convention, including Blaine. Hayes and the Half-Breeds that stayed with Conkling were quickly villified as a Judases. Just three days later, Blaine announced his intention to run as an independent. He took General Jeffrey Chapman as his running mate.
The Republican Civil War was on.
The Republican Convention was an absolute bloodbath. The convention was practically split down the middle; the Stalwarts supported their faction's leader, New York Senator Roscoe Conkling, while the Half-Breeds supported their leader, Vice President James G. Blaine. Early attempts to have all delegates swear to support whichever candidate won the nomination were shouted down.
After sixteen ballots, the convention chose Roscoe Conkling by a narrow margin, thanks to Conkling's pledge to take Half-Breed Rutherford B. Hayes as his running mate. However, the rest of the Half-Breeds stormed out of the convention, including Blaine. Hayes and the Half-Breeds that stayed with Conkling were quickly villified as a Judases. Just three days later, Blaine announced his intention to run as an independent. He took General Jeffrey Chapman as his running mate.
The Republican Civil War was on.
Economic Policy in California
While Democrat Thomas Bayard was, in theory, supposed to the alternative to the Republican candidate, it was clear that the nation was going to decide between Blaine and Conkling. Arguments over politics in California eventually bubble over, and soon, Conkling and Blaine began to hurl ad hominem attacks at each other.
While Democrat Thomas Bayard was, in theory, supposed to the alternative to the Republican candidate, it was clear that the nation was going to decide between Blaine and Conkling. Arguments over politics in California eventually bubble over, and soon, Conkling and Blaine began to hurl ad hominem attacks at each other.
In Alaska, a series of penal colonies are set up in order to contain the worst American criminals. This brings us new legitimacy in the eyes of the Great Powers.
(also, imgur won't let me put titles on images anymore? Idk what that's about)
(also, imgur won't let me put titles on images anymore? Idk what that's about)
In Virginia, a sense of nativism begins to sweep the populace. Both Conkling and Blaine attempt to capitalize on this to little affect.
Hateful rhetoric in American politics? Haha that's crazy.
(that was my timely political goofer that no one has ever made before right now. that will cost you $7.75, send it in an envelope to my house)
(that was my timely political goofer that no one has ever made before right now. that will cost you $7.75, send it in an envelope to my house)
In South Carolina, Thomas Bayard makes an impression, and he actually ends up winning this state. Good for him!
On the topic of religion in Virginia, Conkling advocates the aggressive spread of Christianity to possible new territories. Blaine, instead, decided to advocate a more pluralist religious policy, to great effect.
Oklahoma is granted statehood just before the election. They'll be participating. Isn't that fun?
More and more socialists begin to radicalize in the big cities. A few bombs are thrown into crowds in Pittsburgh, leading to local Pinkertons killing eight of the anarchists.
America industry continue to slowly crawls to automation. Our industry trails only the United Kingdom and Prussia on the world stage.
The Guano Islands Act is passed just before the election, asserting American claims to any islands with bird poop on them. Bird poop is a great fertilizer!
The Midway Atoll is one of the places the government has claimed, about equidistant from America and Asia. The small islands are inhabited by a small amount of Polynesians, but we quickly send government agents to construct a a fort and a naval base on the atoll.
As the election rapidly , the American people are left mostly in the dark as to who would claim victory. While Conkling had the support of New York and Ohio, Blaine believed he had New England and the Midwest, but neither man truly knew what to expect.
In spectacularly close fashion, Conkling beats Blaine by just eight electoral votes. However, thanks to Thomas Bayard nabbing South Carolina, Delaware, and New Jersey, neither candidate manages to secure the 200 votes necessary to secure victory. The popular vote comes in, revealing that Conkling beat Blaine by only 20,000 votes.
The election goes to the House, where a Republican majority still holds. After intense discussions, secret deals and bartering, Roscoe Conkling secures the vote. He is to be the sixteenth president.
The election goes to the House, where a Republican majority still holds. After intense discussions, secret deals and bartering, Roscoe Conkling secures the vote. He is to be the sixteenth president.
Thanks for reading! Check back to see what direction Roscoe Conkling takes the United States in.
