A Destiny Made Manifest - Part 2: Van Buren (1840-1844)
Game: Victoria 2
Published: 2017-02-23, edited: 1970-01-01
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Part of the campaign:
A Destiny Made Manifest
Previous part:
The Second Term of Van Buren
Elected in a comfortable margin against Daniel Webster in 1840, Van Buren begins his second term at a crossroads for the nation. While he was not nearly as popular during his second term in office, Van Buren's contributions to the nation as a whole have him remembered as one of the nation's finest presidents post-Monroe by historians.
The nation under him, however, was deeply divided.
Elected in a comfortable margin against Daniel Webster in 1840, Van Buren begins his second term at a crossroads for the nation. While he was not nearly as popular during his second term in office, Van Buren's contributions to the nation as a whole have him remembered as one of the nation's finest presidents post-Monroe by historians.
The nation under him, however, was deeply divided.
The Issue of Slavery
In America, the debate over slavery is continuing to intensify. Bleeding heart Christians in the North have begun to call for its abolition, while the most radical Southerners support great conquests to build and fuel a nation hungry for slaves. Every passing year, the question comes back into the American consciousness: will the United States be an empire built on freedom, or an empire built on the backs of slave labor?
In America, the debate over slavery is continuing to intensify. Bleeding heart Christians in the North have begun to call for its abolition, while the most radical Southerners support great conquests to build and fuel a nation hungry for slaves. Every passing year, the question comes back into the American consciousness: will the United States be an empire built on freedom, or an empire built on the backs of slave labor?
The Issue of Texas
As the Texians inhabiting the Republic of Texas have American ancestry, many in the states wish to annex the young nation. Worried about extending slavery, the Whigs push back against it. This debate would truly come to blows in the Election of 1844 some years later.
As the Texians inhabiting the Republic of Texas have American ancestry, many in the states wish to annex the young nation. Worried about extending slavery, the Whigs push back against it. This debate would truly come to blows in the Election of 1844 some years later.
The Issue of the Rio Grande
In General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's seizure of power in Mexico, he made quite a few enemies. The Texian Revolution was merely the first; the Republic of Rio Grande was declared independent in early 1840. Martin Van Buren made early and fast friends with President Jesus de Cardenas.
However, a provision in the Treaty of El Paso signed in 1837 stipulated that the United States and Mexico were to be at peace until 1842. While Van Buren supported violating the treaty, early attempts to get the Democrat-controlled Congress to agree were unsuccessful.
In General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's seizure of power in Mexico, he made quite a few enemies. The Texian Revolution was merely the first; the Republic of Rio Grande was declared independent in early 1840. Martin Van Buren made early and fast friends with President Jesus de Cardenas.
However, a provision in the Treaty of El Paso signed in 1837 stipulated that the United States and Mexico were to be at peace until 1842. While Van Buren supported violating the treaty, early attempts to get the Democrat-controlled Congress to agree were unsuccessful.
Central America at War
The fellow free countries of America are in a state of war. The nations that once made up the Federal Republic of Central America have dissolved into civil war, and Santa Anna attempted to maintain his dictatorial authority across his vast territory.
The fellow free countries of America are in a state of war. The nations that once made up the Federal Republic of Central America have dissolved into civil war, and Santa Anna attempted to maintain his dictatorial authority across his vast territory.
A Fugitive Slave
The state court of Ohio determines that an escaped slave that fled from Kentucky is to be returned to his owner. The local community in Ohio is shocked and outraged by this, while it fails to make national headlines.
The state court of Ohio determines that an escaped slave that fled from Kentucky is to be returned to his owner. The local community in Ohio is shocked and outraged by this, while it fails to make national headlines.
The Rio Grande Revolution...
...isn't going very well. Van Buren had hoped that the young republic could use guerrilla tactics to harass and delay Santa Anna until the United States could intervene, but it doesn't seem like that will be the case.
...isn't going very well. Van Buren had hoped that the young republic could use guerrilla tactics to harass and delay Santa Anna until the United States could intervene, but it doesn't seem like that will be the case.
The 3rd Army
For entirely coincidental reasons, Van Buren approves the construction of another army, this one to be led by General Augustus Beatty.
For entirely coincidental reasons, Van Buren approves the construction of another army, this one to be led by General Augustus Beatty.
Temperance
Despite liberal agitators urging for the control of alcohol in the United States, too many people like their booze for the initiative to seriously take off. What's more American, after all, than bad whiskey?
Despite liberal agitators urging for the control of alcohol in the United States, too many people like their booze for the initiative to seriously take off. What's more American, after all, than bad whiskey?
The Republic of Yucatan
Another state has broken away from Mexican control. The region of the Yucatan peninsula is the latest to do so, and Van Buren does not hesitate to begin diplomacy.
Another state has broken away from Mexican control. The region of the Yucatan peninsula is the latest to do so, and Van Buren does not hesitate to begin diplomacy.
Santiago Mendez
The president of Yucatan, Santiago Mendez, receives assurances of American intervention if he cannot win this war himself.
(Keep Mendez in mind. He's important.)
The president of Yucatan, Santiago Mendez, receives assurances of American intervention if he cannot win this war himself.
(Keep Mendez in mind. He's important.)
The Essays
A collection of transcendentalist works, no one in Washington quite understood what Emerson was on about but thanked him for the 2.3 prestige anyway.
A collection of transcendentalist works, no one in Washington quite understood what Emerson was on about but thanked him for the 2.3 prestige anyway.
Typhoid Fever in West Virginia
too bad this shit didnt kill dana holgerson amirite
too bad this shit didnt kill dana holgerson amirite
The 3rd Army
Under Augustus Beatty, the 3rd Army sets up near the Texan border. For, erm, no reason at all, Santa Anna.
Under Augustus Beatty, the 3rd Army sets up near the Texan border. For, erm, no reason at all, Santa Anna.
The October Debate
As things look increasingly bleak, Van Buren makes a rousing speech to Congress in favor of violating the Treaty of El Paso for the sake of "ensuring liberty in the face of tyrants."
Henry Clay, Whig Congressman from Kentucky, attacked the character of the President openly in the Senate, and Van Buren's fellow Democrats were not exactly strident in their defense of him. Humiliated and disappointed, Van Buren became more and more bitter in the later years of his presidency.
As things look increasingly bleak, Van Buren makes a rousing speech to Congress in favor of violating the Treaty of El Paso for the sake of "ensuring liberty in the face of tyrants."
Henry Clay, Whig Congressman from Kentucky, attacked the character of the President openly in the Senate, and Van Buren's fellow Democrats were not exactly strident in their defense of him. Humiliated and disappointed, Van Buren became more and more bitter in the later years of his presidency.
Fugitive Slave Act
Following the example set by Ohio, a bill is drawn up in part by John C. Calhoun and Henry Clay to help ease the tension of slavery in the United States. While the South is somewhat pacified, the North is finally forced to see the horrors of slavery, and it becomes more and abolitionist.
Following the example set by Ohio, a bill is drawn up in part by John C. Calhoun and Henry Clay to help ease the tension of slavery in the United States. While the South is somewhat pacified, the North is finally forced to see the horrors of slavery, and it becomes more and abolitionist.
The Rio Grande Disaster
On November 15th, 1841, President Jesus de Cardenas surrendered to Mexican forces, and Rio Grande's dream of independence is crushed. As public support for saving Rio Grande was high (bleeding hearts supported a liberty-driven revolution, and Southerners dreamed of annexing the republic as a slave state), Van Buren's popularity plummets. His bitter and tired demeanor intensifies, and he noted in his memoirs that he considered resigning.
On November 15th, 1841, President Jesus de Cardenas surrendered to Mexican forces, and Rio Grande's dream of independence is crushed. As public support for saving Rio Grande was high (bleeding hearts supported a liberty-driven revolution, and Southerners dreamed of annexing the republic as a slave state), Van Buren's popularity plummets. His bitter and tired demeanor intensifies, and he noted in his memoirs that he considered resigning.
Yucatan Still Lives
In Yucatan, however, the rebels have begun to strike against Mexican positions. The nation is more hopeful that this republic will survive its revolution.
In Yucatan, however, the rebels have begun to strike against Mexican positions. The nation is more hopeful that this republic will survive its revolution.
The Mexican Thaw
After the revolts in Rio Grande and Yucatan, Santa Anna relents on his centralist control of Mexico. He allows the constitution to be reinstated, and seems to wish a return to the republic of old.
Van Buren is skeptical.
After the revolts in Rio Grande and Yucatan, Santa Anna relents on his centralist control of Mexico. He allows the constitution to be reinstated, and seems to wish a return to the republic of old.
Van Buren is skeptical.
The Child Labor Act
Across the United States, laws restricting child labor in factories and similar industries have been passed. Just before Christmas, Congress passed The Child Labor Act of 1841, restricting children under the age of ten to 12-hour days. It's a small step, but a necessary one to ensure our future.
Across the United States, laws restricting child labor in factories and similar industries have been passed. Just before Christmas, Congress passed The Child Labor Act of 1841, restricting children under the age of ten to 12-hour days. It's a small step, but a necessary one to ensure our future.
The Forsyth-Ashburton Treaty
After the Aroostook War (really, just a brawl between lumberjacks in the forests of northern Maine), it became clear that the various border disputes between the United Kingdom and her rebellious daughter needed to be solved. (Except for the Oregon Country, of course, but that comes later.)
The now famous diplomat John Forsyth (and definitely not Daniel Webster) worked out a deal with Lord Ashburton to settle border disputes along Maine and the Wisconsin territories.
(Fuck you for making me use Microsoft Paint to change the name of this treaty, Victoria 2)
After the Aroostook War (really, just a brawl between lumberjacks in the forests of northern Maine), it became clear that the various border disputes between the United Kingdom and her rebellious daughter needed to be solved. (Except for the Oregon Country, of course, but that comes later.)
The now famous diplomat John Forsyth (and definitely not Daniel Webster) worked out a deal with Lord Ashburton to settle border disputes along Maine and the Wisconsin territories.
(Fuck you for making me use Microsoft Paint to change the name of this treaty, Victoria 2)
The New Border
Isn't it lovely?
Isn't it lovely?
A Colonial Incident
Perhaps the issue of the Oregon Country should've been settled after all. An altercation in the territory between American settlers and Hudson Bay Company employees that ended in an American shooting a British-owned pig (it was eating his dang potatoes!), a small diplomatic crisis was on the lap of Forsyth yet again. The situation was thankfully defused.
Perhaps the issue of the Oregon Country should've been settled after all. An altercation in the territory between American settlers and Hudson Bay Company employees that ended in an American shooting a British-owned pig (it was eating his dang potatoes!), a small diplomatic crisis was on the lap of Forsyth yet again. The situation was thankfully defused.
The Amistad Decision
In 1839, the Spanish ship Amistad illegally kidnapped Africans in Sierre Leone with the intention of selling them elsewhere as slaves. The captors revolted, took control, and demanded the Spanish sailors to send them back to Africa (they didn't). The ship ended up in New York in 1840, and was quickly apprehended. Under pressure from the United Kingdom, the Africans were released, a great landmark moment for the Abolitionist movement in America. In 1843, transport back to Africa will be provided to the men that wish for it.
In 1839, the Spanish ship Amistad illegally kidnapped Africans in Sierre Leone with the intention of selling them elsewhere as slaves. The captors revolted, took control, and demanded the Spanish sailors to send them back to Africa (they didn't). The ship ended up in New York in 1840, and was quickly apprehended. Under pressure from the United Kingdom, the Africans were released, a great landmark moment for the Abolitionist movement in America. In 1843, transport back to Africa will be provided to the men that wish for it.
Yucatan's Occupation
The early gains made by the rebels were quickly erased, and the much more experienced and well-equipped Mexican forces began to push into the republic. Intervention is clearly necessary.
The early gains made by the rebels were quickly erased, and the much more experienced and well-equipped Mexican forces began to push into the republic. Intervention is clearly necessary.
The Yucatecan War of Independence
On May 1st, 1842, the United States declared war on Mexico. Van Buren, not wishing to get entangled in a larger scale war, declares in a speech to Congress that "not an inch of Mexican soil will be annexed."
To his fellow Democrats who were warhawks, this felt like a betrayal.
On May 1st, 1842, the United States declared war on Mexico. Van Buren, not wishing to get entangled in a larger scale war, declares in a speech to Congress that "not an inch of Mexican soil will be annexed."
To his fellow Democrats who were warhawks, this felt like a betrayal.
The Texian Expedition
Van Buren, despite not wishing to take land for Texas, advocates occupying only areas of Texian claim. As the Lone Star Republic was not also called to war, President Sam Houston could do little but stamp his feet and pout about it.
Van Buren, despite not wishing to take land for Texas, advocates occupying only areas of Texian claim. As the Lone Star Republic was not also called to war, President Sam Houston could do little but stamp his feet and pout about it.
Fire-Eaters
In the Kansas Territory, strong proponents of slavery began to speak for the extension of slavery north of the line established in the Missouri Compromise to the territories acquired from France. They are quickly hushed up.
In the Kansas Territory, strong proponents of slavery began to speak for the extension of slavery north of the line established in the Missouri Compromise to the territories acquired from France. They are quickly hushed up.
The Nashville Convention
With a sense of Southern sectionalism sweeping the south, Van Buren urges such radical politicians to speak calmly and plainly about their grievances with the federal government. While tension is temporarily suppressed, it is clear things looks bleak for the Union.
With a sense of Southern sectionalism sweeping the south, Van Buren urges such radical politicians to speak calmly and plainly about their grievances with the federal government. While tension is temporarily suppressed, it is clear things looks bleak for the Union.
The Battle of Puebla
The Yucatecan Army, led by Juan Bautista Arista, leads a disastrous expedition northwards in an attempt to connect with American troops. They are caught in the city of Puebla, and thoroughly routed.
The Yucatecan Army, led by Juan Bautista Arista, leads a disastrous expedition northwards in an attempt to connect with American troops. They are caught in the city of Puebla, and thoroughly routed.
The Siege of Merida
As things begin to look bleaker and bleaker for the republic, it's clear that the United States Army must end the conflict quickly and decisively.
As things begin to look bleaker and bleaker for the republic, it's clear that the United States Army must end the conflict quickly and decisively.
Crossing the Rio Grande
In direct violation of his orders, Zachary Taylor takes the 2nd Army beyond the Rio Grande. Van Buren is furious when he discovers this.
In direct violation of his orders, Zachary Taylor takes the 2nd Army beyond the Rio Grande. Van Buren is furious when he discovers this.
Ideological Thought
Across America, the concept of "liberal" and "conservative" truly begin to ground themselves. Because we live in a civil democracy, of course, these labels will only be used respectfully and tastefully.
Across America, the concept of "liberal" and "conservative" truly begin to ground themselves. Because we live in a civil democracy, of course, these labels will only be used respectfully and tastefully.
The Siege of Matamoros
Taylor seizes the city of Matamoros. Many in the area treat the American forces as liberators against the tyrant that is Santa Anna.
The main Mexican force, however, is moving north. It is clear that a decisive victory in the field will be enough to see off Santa Anna once more.
(By the way, Matamoros means "Moor-killer." A more American town there never was.)
Taylor seizes the city of Matamoros. Many in the area treat the American forces as liberators against the tyrant that is Santa Anna.
The main Mexican force, however, is moving north. It is clear that a decisive victory in the field will be enough to see off Santa Anna once more.
(By the way, Matamoros means "Moor-killer." A more American town there never was.)
The Battle of Ciudad Acuna
The 2nd Army under Zachary Taylor engaged the main Mexican force commanded by Alvaro Zuloaga on August 14th, 1842. While the Mexican army was similar in numbers to the American force, Taylor was confident that his artillery-heavy army would break Zuloaga.
Things are indecisive at first.
The 2nd Army under Zachary Taylor engaged the main Mexican force commanded by Alvaro Zuloaga on August 14th, 1842. While the Mexican army was similar in numbers to the American force, Taylor was confident that his artillery-heavy army would break Zuloaga.
Things are indecisive at first.
...there we go
Despite the location of the 1st Army nearby, Winfield Scott refuses to disregard his orders, and watched the battle from afar. Thanks to unfavorable terrain, the Americans lost far more men than they anticipated. However, things began to go their way.
Despite the location of the 1st Army nearby, Winfield Scott refuses to disregard his orders, and watched the battle from afar. Thanks to unfavorable terrain, the Americans lost far more men than they anticipated. However, things began to go their way.
A Signature Victory
While the Americans lost nearly 13,000 men at Ciudad Acuna, Taylor had done what he needed to do to break Santa Anna's will to fight. His exhausted nation needed time to recover.
While the Americans lost nearly 13,000 men at Ciudad Acuna, Taylor had done what he needed to do to break Santa Anna's will to fight. His exhausted nation needed time to recover.
The Treaty of Merida, 1842
Santa Anna begrudgingly accepted Yucatecan freedom. He was once again beaten by his Anglo neighbors; as such, he determined that democracy was too weak to counter American power. Just a week after he signed the treaty, he once again voided the constitution.
Santa Anna begrudgingly accepted Yucatecan freedom. He was once again beaten by his Anglo neighbors; as such, he determined that democracy was too weak to counter American power. Just a week after he signed the treaty, he once again voided the constitution.
The Empire of Mexico and the "Free Republics of America"
On September 12, 1842, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna declared himself Emperor of Mexico. This move shocked and appalled Van Buren, who had hoped that recent revolts would force Mexico to further democratize.
Yucatan is brought under heavy American influence, which Santiago Mendez quickly submitted to. In Congress, Democrat Richard Blanks declared the "Free Republics of America," a coalition of nations that enjoyed close trade and diplomatic relationships.
Many Southern Democrats who saw Texas and Yucatan as future slave states smiled, nodded, and privately vowed to ensure that those republics did not remain free.
On September 12, 1842, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna declared himself Emperor of Mexico. This move shocked and appalled Van Buren, who had hoped that recent revolts would force Mexico to further democratize.
Yucatan is brought under heavy American influence, which Santiago Mendez quickly submitted to. In Congress, Democrat Richard Blanks declared the "Free Republics of America," a coalition of nations that enjoyed close trade and diplomatic relationships.
Many Southern Democrats who saw Texas and Yucatan as future slave states smiled, nodded, and privately vowed to ensure that those republics did not remain free.
The Lands of Texas
Many in America were upset that the scope of the war was only for the freedom of some jungle-dwellers; many had hoped Van Buren would expand the nation westward, or at least secure the full extent of the Republic of Texas. His popularity dropped further.
Many in America were upset that the scope of the war was only for the freedom of some jungle-dwellers; many had hoped Van Buren would expand the nation westward, or at least secure the full extent of the Republic of Texas. His popularity dropped further.
The Wagon Train of 1842
Thanks to a huge expedition into the (still not well defined) Oregon Territory, America has finally reached the Pacific Ocean! People everywhere celebrate.
Thanks to a huge expedition into the (still not well defined) Oregon Territory, America has finally reached the Pacific Ocean! People everywhere celebrate.
A lovely border
Ah. Isn't that just a lovely border that we're all used to seeing?
Ah. Isn't that just a lovely border that we're all used to seeing?
Port Van Buren
In Oregon, the building of a naval base begins. A proposal to call it "Van Buren" is pushed forward, entirely without the influence of the man himself. The president did the proper thing: act very embarrassed about it while simultaneously loving every second of having a thing named after him.
In Oregon, the building of a naval base begins. A proposal to call it "Van Buren" is pushed forward, entirely without the influence of the man himself. The president did the proper thing: act very embarrassed about it while simultaneously loving every second of having a thing named after him.
Tax raise!
Thanks to economic slowdown, taxes are raised on the poor. Sorry y'all!
Thanks to economic slowdown, taxes are raised on the poor. Sorry y'all!
Courting Colombia
Van Buren targets Colombia as the next nation he would like to bring under American influence. The now famous (and ancient) John Forsyth goes to do his thing.
Van Buren targets Colombia as the next nation he would like to bring under American influence. The now famous (and ancient) John Forsyth goes to do his thing.
The Midterm Elections of 1842
While the Whigs made small pushes in the Senate, it remained majority Democrat.
While the Whigs made small pushes in the Senate, it remained majority Democrat.
Moral Crusaders
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wickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutfuckthisshitwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedoutwickednessmustbestampedout
The Calhoun Affair
While 1843 began as a relatively quiet year, the Senate was rocked by a scandal in July. Famed Senator John C. Calhoun was found guilty for taking illicit donations and selling information to BRITAIN, of all countries, about the secessionist movement. Calhoun was forced the resign, and is considered by many to be one of the most infamously corrupt politicians in American history.
While 1843 began as a relatively quiet year, the Senate was rocked by a scandal in July. Famed Senator John C. Calhoun was found guilty for taking illicit donations and selling information to BRITAIN, of all countries, about the secessionist movement. Calhoun was forced the resign, and is considered by many to be one of the most infamously corrupt politicians in American history.
The Barbachano Treachery
In Yucatan, Santiago Mendez is overthrown and imprisoned in a military coup led by Miguel Barbachano, who wanted a more centralized state. Barbachano rules alone. Van Buren, outraged by this, consults with Congress, who assured him that action will take place, and gives him power to restore order to the nation.
In Yucatan, Santiago Mendez is overthrown and imprisoned in a military coup led by Miguel Barbachano, who wanted a more centralized state. Barbachano rules alone. Van Buren, outraged by this, consults with Congress, who assured him that action will take place, and gives him power to restore order to the nation.
Barbachano's Yucatan
Press is censored, many people are executed, and the central government barely maintains control in the countryside. The United States was clearly needed to help sort the place out.
Press is censored, many people are executed, and the central government barely maintains control in the countryside. The United States was clearly needed to help sort the place out.
The Forsyth-Reyes Agreement
Colombia signs a lopsided trade deal with the United States, basically ensuring that only American traders get access to Colombian ports.
Seeing the success of this, Van Buren decides that this should be extended to all *ahem* willing republics in the area that are friendly to the United States.
Colombia signs a lopsided trade deal with the United States, basically ensuring that only American traders get access to Colombian ports.
Seeing the success of this, Van Buren decides that this should be extended to all *ahem* willing republics in the area that are friendly to the United States.
The Venezuelan Gambit
Speaking of republics that are friendly with the United States, the nation begins to influence Venezuela.
*Coughs*
Speaking of republics that are friendly with the United States, the nation begins to influence Venezuela.
*Coughs*
The Yucatan Expeditionary Force
A small detachment is dispatched to Merida, led by the young and talented General Mark Brown, intent on restoring liberty and trade rights but like mostly trade rights.
A small detachment is dispatched to Merida, led by the young and talented General Mark Brown, intent on restoring liberty and trade rights but like mostly trade rights.
The Battle of Merida
General Brown led a smashing victory against the rebel forces.
General Brown led a smashing victory against the rebel forces.
The Savagery of Merida
While 641 American died in the fighting, Mark Brown's men slaughtered the Yucatecan army to a man. This small bit of brutality is edited out of most of modern American history books, and Mark Brown becomes a national icon overnight.
While 641 American died in the fighting, Mark Brown's men slaughtered the Yucatecan army to a man. This small bit of brutality is edited out of most of modern American history books, and Mark Brown becomes a national icon overnight.
More taxes
war's 'spensive
war's 'spensive
Colonial Education Policy
Meanwhile, in Oregon, a re-education policy is created to civilize the natives. Nothing much is thought of this.
Meanwhile, in Oregon, a re-education policy is created to civilize the natives. Nothing much is thought of this.
Order Restored
As the city is taken in November, the governmental buildings in Merida are raided. Under the orders of General Brown, Miguel Barbachano is summarily executed, as well as his advisors. Santiago Mendez is reinstalled as president. He proclaims a "transitional period" in which he will have absolute authority, and then slowly reintegrate constitutional government.
Van Buren is about a year away from retirement, and isn't all that interested in enforcing democracy on a backwater jungle. He decides this is good enough and orders the withdrawal of America troops.
As the city is taken in November, the governmental buildings in Merida are raided. Under the orders of General Brown, Miguel Barbachano is summarily executed, as well as his advisors. Santiago Mendez is reinstalled as president. He proclaims a "transitional period" in which he will have absolute authority, and then slowly reintegrate constitutional government.
Van Buren is about a year away from retirement, and isn't all that interested in enforcing democracy on a backwater jungle. He decides this is good enough and orders the withdrawal of America troops.
Universal Suffrage!
Except for all those blacks, women, and other undesirables, now everyone can vote! Now it is truly democracy!
Except for all those blacks, women, and other undesirables, now everyone can vote! Now it is truly democracy!
The Election of 1844
As his second term draws to a close, Van Buren is more than content with hanging up his presidential cleats and retiring. He famously once said, "As to the presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it."
Van Buren retired to Kinderhook after his presidency was over, and he soon became gravely ill. He died in 1846.
Thanks, Little Magician.
As his second term draws to a close, Van Buren is more than content with hanging up his presidential cleats and retiring. He famously once said, "As to the presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it."
Van Buren retired to Kinderhook after his presidency was over, and he soon became gravely ill. He died in 1846.
Thanks, Little Magician.
The Election of 1844 - John Forsyth
In 1843, a battle was raging in the Democratic Party between Vice President James K. Polk and Secretary of State John Forsyth over who would gain the nomination.
Polk campaigned for reduced tariffs, the acquisition of the entire Oregon Territory, and further war with Mexico. However, Forsyth was a much more famous and respected name in the party, and emphasized his aggressive foreign policy. He promised expansion of America into Mexico, keeping a status quo on the tariff issue, and "a return to American values" in regards to slavery (i.e. he was happy ignoring it).
Forsyth won the nomination by a slim margin, and took Senator Silas Wright from New York as his running mate.
The problem with Forsyth, of course, was that he was sick and dying, but he was good at hiding it.
In 1843, a battle was raging in the Democratic Party between Vice President James K. Polk and Secretary of State John Forsyth over who would gain the nomination.
Polk campaigned for reduced tariffs, the acquisition of the entire Oregon Territory, and further war with Mexico. However, Forsyth was a much more famous and respected name in the party, and emphasized his aggressive foreign policy. He promised expansion of America into Mexico, keeping a status quo on the tariff issue, and "a return to American values" in regards to slavery (i.e. he was happy ignoring it).
Forsyth won the nomination by a slim margin, and took Senator Silas Wright from New York as his running mate.
The problem with Forsyth, of course, was that he was sick and dying, but he was good at hiding it.
The Election of 1844: Henry Clay
The Whigs trotted out Henry Clay yet again in 1844. The influential Senator had previously run in 1824 and 1832, and campaigned on a protective tariff and internal improvements, like roads and stuff.
He selected Theodore Frelinghuyson of New Jersey as his running mate, who was well-known for his strong Christian beliefs. Their slogan was:
"Hurray, Hurray, the Country's Risin' – Vote for Clay and Frelinghuysen!"
The Whigs trotted out Henry Clay yet again in 1844. The influential Senator had previously run in 1824 and 1832, and campaigned on a protective tariff and internal improvements, like roads and stuff.
He selected Theodore Frelinghuyson of New Jersey as his running mate, who was well-known for his strong Christian beliefs. Their slogan was:
"Hurray, Hurray, the Country's Risin' – Vote for Clay and Frelinghuysen!"
The Texas Debate
The main issue in 1844, however, was Texas. Would it join the United States? The answer from John Forsyth was an emphatic yes; if Texas petitioned for statehood, he would accept immediately accept it.
Northern and Southern Whigs - typically divided on issues such as this - were united by a desire to leave Texas independent. Southern Whigs feared that the addition of so much fertile slave land into the nation would hurt their business, while Northern Whigs just didn't like the idea of extending slavery.
The main issue in 1844, however, was Texas. Would it join the United States? The answer from John Forsyth was an emphatic yes; if Texas petitioned for statehood, he would accept immediately accept it.
Northern and Southern Whigs - typically divided on issues such as this - were united by a desire to leave Texas independent. Southern Whigs feared that the addition of so much fertile slave land into the nation would hurt their business, while Northern Whigs just didn't like the idea of extending slavery.
Pennsylvania and the Military
Henry Clay made decisive arguments against Forsyth's foreign policy in Pennsylvania, exposing that the secretary might not be quite as sharp as he once had been. However, Pennsylvania was so solidly Democrat that it didn't much matter.
Henry Clay made decisive arguments against Forsyth's foreign policy in Pennsylvania, exposing that the secretary might not be quite as sharp as he once had been. However, Pennsylvania was so solidly Democrat that it didn't much matter.
Frelinghuyson helped!
The running mate of Clay appealed to the moralist population of New York, hoping to swing the common vote in the favor of the Whigs. Of course, given that Democratic vice presidential nominee Silas Wright was FROM New York, it didn't do all that much.
The running mate of Clay appealed to the moralist population of New York, hoping to swing the common vote in the favor of the Whigs. Of course, given that Democratic vice presidential nominee Silas Wright was FROM New York, it didn't do all that much.
State and Government
As debates over further invasions of Mexico are considered, many in America begin to slowly accept the notion of federal supremacy over the states. While this notion enrages states-righters in the South, many in the North become more "American" as a whole.
As debates over further invasions of Mexico are considered, many in America begin to slowly accept the notion of federal supremacy over the states. While this notion enrages states-righters in the South, many in the North become more "American" as a whole.
The Swing State of North Carolina
In order for Henry Clay to win this election, he knew he needed North Carolina, which was a divided state politically speaking. He preached to the veteran population there, and was endorsed by generals Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor.
In order for Henry Clay to win this election, he knew he needed North Carolina, which was a divided state politically speaking. He preached to the veteran population there, and was endorsed by generals Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor.
Determinism
Many across the United States become teens on Twitter that constantly joke about how depressed they are. Plurality +5%!
Many across the United States become teens on Twitter that constantly joke about how depressed they are. Plurality +5%!
A Soldier's Stomach
Once again, Clay appeals to veterans in North Carolina. His desire to win the state is clearly visible.
Once again, Clay appeals to veterans in North Carolina. His desire to win the state is clearly visible.
American Trade Policy
In Maine, Clay advocated for protectionism, while John Forsyth made a confusing analogy involving ducks and goats. Advantage: Clay.
In Maine, Clay advocated for protectionism, while John Forsyth made a confusing analogy involving ducks and goats. Advantage: Clay.
Egalitarianism
Everyone is equal, but only if you're a white dude. Plurality +5%!
Everyone is equal, but only if you're a white dude. Plurality +5%!
Election Day: 1844
It is clear that this will be the tightest and most contested presidential election since 1824. While Clay managed to establish himself in the normal Whig hotbed of the midwest, Forsyth maintained his dominance in the solidly Democratic states. While the public began to notice something was a bit off about the Georgia politician (the whole sick and dying thing), it's not all that much of a concern.
The nation holds its breath.
It is clear that this will be the tightest and most contested presidential election since 1824. While Clay managed to establish himself in the normal Whig hotbed of the midwest, Forsyth maintained his dominance in the solidly Democratic states. While the public began to notice something was a bit off about the Georgia politician (the whole sick and dying thing), it's not all that much of a concern.
The nation holds its breath.
The Election of 1844: Results
Wow. In by far the closest result in American history, John Forsyth was elected president by a single electoral vote, despite losing his native state of Georgia. Henry Clay demands a recount of votes in North Carolina, where the margin is incredibly slim in the favor of Forsyth, but the electoral voters would not budge. The Whigs have come up devastatingly short yet again.
John Forsyth is sworn in as the ninth president in US History.
Wow. In by far the closest result in American history, John Forsyth was elected president by a single electoral vote, despite losing his native state of Georgia. Henry Clay demands a recount of votes in North Carolina, where the margin is incredibly slim in the favor of Forsyth, but the electoral voters would not budge. The Whigs have come up devastatingly short yet again.
John Forsyth is sworn in as the ninth president in US History.
Thanks everyone for reading!
Stay tuned as we see what John Forsyth is gonna do with this thing.
Stay tuned as we see what John Forsyth is gonna do with this thing.
