A Destiny Made Manifest - Part 4: James K. Polk (48-52)
Game: Victoria 2
Published: 2017-02-23, edited: 1970-01-01
Comments thread
Part of the campaign:
A Destiny Made Manifest
Previous part:
James K. Polk: The Eleventh President
After Polk's landslide victory over Millard Fillmore in 1848, he finally assumed the office of president that he believed should have been his four years ago. A vigorous expansionist, he eyed further excursions into Mexico.
However, as the presidents before him, the issue of slavery would come to dominate his presidency. Polk (who himself was a slaveholder) was in favor of continuing the 36° 30' line all the way to the Pacific Ocean, but popular opinion in the nation either favored popular sovereignty (states would vote on whether or not they wanted slavery), or entirely Free Soil, in which all new territory acquired would be free states.
After Polk's landslide victory over Millard Fillmore in 1848, he finally assumed the office of president that he believed should have been his four years ago. A vigorous expansionist, he eyed further excursions into Mexico.
However, as the presidents before him, the issue of slavery would come to dominate his presidency. Polk (who himself was a slaveholder) was in favor of continuing the 36° 30' line all the way to the Pacific Ocean, but popular opinion in the nation either favored popular sovereignty (states would vote on whether or not they wanted slavery), or entirely Free Soil, in which all new territory acquired would be free states.
The nation in 1848
Thanks to the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo signed by SIlas Wright, the American Republic now covered countless miles of wilderness and desert, stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean (and, of course, Cuba). While many expansionists in America believed that this was a realization of manifest destiny, men like James K. Polk wanted more.
Thanks to the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo signed by SIlas Wright, the American Republic now covered countless miles of wilderness and desert, stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean (and, of course, Cuba). While many expansionists in America believed that this was a realization of manifest destiny, men like James K. Polk wanted more.
Denmark Defaults!
The Kingdom of Denmark, who we had loaned a modest amount, defaulted on all its debts. Some members of the Senate advocated war to take back what was America's. Polk, thinking the idea of American troops on European soil was ridiculous, forgives the debts.
The Kingdom of Denmark, who we had loaned a modest amount, defaulted on all its debts. Some members of the Senate advocated war to take back what was America's. Polk, thinking the idea of American troops on European soil was ridiculous, forgives the debts.
The Compromise of 1848
In response to increased tension about slavery, Henry Clay and Illinois Democrat Stephen Douglas drew up one final genius compromise. California, when it was ready for statehood, would be free; Texas would give up New Mexican claims; the notion of entirely free soil is outright rejected, and popular soverignty would decide the status of Utah and New Mexico; the slave trade in Washington D.C. would be banned; and a more stringent fugitive slave act is passed.
Basically, this satisfied everyone enough to delay the issue a couple more years down the road. Since Henry Clay was finally nearing the end of his career, this was satisfactory to him.
In response to increased tension about slavery, Henry Clay and Illinois Democrat Stephen Douglas drew up one final genius compromise. California, when it was ready for statehood, would be free; Texas would give up New Mexican claims; the notion of entirely free soil is outright rejected, and popular soverignty would decide the status of Utah and New Mexico; the slave trade in Washington D.C. would be banned; and a more stringent fugitive slave act is passed.
Basically, this satisfied everyone enough to delay the issue a couple more years down the road. Since Henry Clay was finally nearing the end of his career, this was satisfactory to him.
The Mormons
The curious case of the Mormons has been result of the Second Great Awakening, which led to the creation of many new Protestant sects. A strange Christian cult founded in New York by Joseph Smith in 1830, the Mormons had been slowly driven west by unfriendly outsiders for nearly two decades. Finally, their community in Nauvoo, Illinois proved to be unstable, and they headed further west to the newly conquered Utah territory, and there they made a permanent home.
The curious case of the Mormons has been result of the Second Great Awakening, which led to the creation of many new Protestant sects. A strange Christian cult founded in New York by Joseph Smith in 1830, the Mormons had been slowly driven west by unfriendly outsiders for nearly two decades. Finally, their community in Nauvoo, Illinois proved to be unstable, and they headed further west to the newly conquered Utah territory, and there they made a permanent home.
Really Santa Anna?
Many in America expected Emperor Antonio to be deposed after the Mexican War; however, his "constitutional" monarchy in Mexico appears to have taken root. Shockingly, he had the gall to send a letter to Polk congratulating him on his election, and asked him plainly for a military alliance.
Polk declined the offer.
Many in America expected Emperor Antonio to be deposed after the Mexican War; however, his "constitutional" monarchy in Mexico appears to have taken root. Shockingly, he had the gall to send a letter to Polk congratulating him on his election, and asked him plainly for a military alliance.
Polk declined the offer.
The Senatorial Elections of 1848
The Whigs make small but sure gains in the Senate, but many experts predict that the party will be unable to survive for much longer, given their failure to get a Whig elected to the White House.
The Whigs make small but sure gains in the Senate, but many experts predict that the party will be unable to survive for much longer, given their failure to get a Whig elected to the White House.
The Military Conscription Act of 1849
In a bill that finds support from both Whigs and Democrats, military conscription is reduced to one year. Lovely!
In a bill that finds support from both Whigs and Democrats, military conscription is reduced to one year. Lovely!
Muzzle-Loaded Rifle Armaments
Finally, the American Army has modernized to a point that smoothbore muskets are entirely phased out, replaced by rifles.
Finally, the American Army has modernized to a point that smoothbore muskets are entirely phased out, replaced by rifles.
Anarcho-Liberals
In one of the German states, a group of people calling themselves "Anarcho-Liberals" have begun to publish works pushing for the elimination of strong government and more economic freedom. In their work, titled "The Natural Way of Things," they express that they're not opposed to violent revolution to accomplish these goals.
They're just angry libertarians.
The meme version of this is "fuckin ancaps make no sense" but they're coming so we best just get used to them.
In one of the German states, a group of people calling themselves "Anarcho-Liberals" have begun to publish works pushing for the elimination of strong government and more economic freedom. In their work, titled "The Natural Way of Things," they express that they're not opposed to violent revolution to accomplish these goals.
They're just angry libertarians.
The meme version of this is "fuckin ancaps make no sense" but they're coming so we best just get used to them.
Naval Expansion in the Pacific
For the first time, a Pacific Fleet is commissioned. In addition to this, the new fleet will be entirely modern, with steam-powered ships.
For the first time, a Pacific Fleet is commissioned. In addition to this, the new fleet will be entirely modern, with steam-powered ships.
Naval Conversion
In the Atlantic, the old fleet is scuttled, and plans are drawn up to fully modernize the fleet by the 1852.
In the Atlantic, the old fleet is scuttled, and plans are drawn up to fully modernize the fleet by the 1852.
Debtor's Prison
In Iowa, a wealthy landowner is tossed into a debtor's prison. In the grand American tradition of ignoring a problem until it affects rich people, this causes many people to rethink the idea of putting people in jail for debts; after all, how does one get money if they're in prison?
In Iowa, a wealthy landowner is tossed into a debtor's prison. In the grand American tradition of ignoring a problem until it affects rich people, this causes many people to rethink the idea of putting people in jail for debts; after all, how does one get money if they're in prison?
Spanish Relations
Years after the annexation of Cuba, and American ambassadors are still attempting to soothe the Spanish state ministry. Small progress is made.
Years after the annexation of Cuba, and American ambassadors are still attempting to soothe the Spanish state ministry. Small progress is made.
GOLD!
In California, migrant Americans discover massive amounts of gold. Thousands stream west, becoming the 49ers (though thankfully they're not coached by Chip Kelly).
In California, migrant Americans discover massive amounts of gold. Thousands stream west, becoming the 49ers (though thankfully they're not coached by Chip Kelly).
War in Egypt
War over the sovereignty of Egypt draws in most of Europe. Petty Europeans stay petty.
War over the sovereignty of Egypt draws in most of Europe. Petty Europeans stay petty.
MORE GOLD
GIVE ME IMMIGRANTS
GIVE ME IMMIGRANTS
Cuban Rebels
Across both the slave and middle class of Cuba, seperatism burns bright, as they realize that life under American rule is just about the same as it was under Spanish rule. Polk, catching wind of the insurrection, readies his troops.
Across both the slave and middle class of Cuba, seperatism burns bright, as they realize that life under American rule is just about the same as it was under Spanish rule. Polk, catching wind of the insurrection, readies his troops.
A small percentage of Americans subscribe to the Anarcho-Liberal idealogy, mostly middle class businessmen. This "Radical Party" is extremely fringe.
Dominican Independence
In Hispaniola, Haiti lost to the Dominican rebels. As both states are Presidential Dictatorships, neither shall receive American aid.
In Hispaniola, Haiti lost to the Dominican rebels. As both states are Presidential Dictatorships, neither shall receive American aid.
Postivism
The author isn't even going to pretend she knows what this is; instead, she's going to copy paste from Wikipedia.
"Positivism is a philosophical theory stating that positive knowledge is based on natural phenomena and their properties and relations. Thus, information derived from sensory experience, interpreted through reason and logic, forms the exclusive source of all authoritative knowledge. Positivism holds that valid knowledge (certitude or truth) is found only in this derived knowledge."
This leads to Education Efficiency and Colonial Migration! Hurrah!
The author isn't even going to pretend she knows what this is; instead, she's going to copy paste from Wikipedia.
"Positivism is a philosophical theory stating that positive knowledge is based on natural phenomena and their properties and relations. Thus, information derived from sensory experience, interpreted through reason and logic, forms the exclusive source of all authoritative knowledge. Positivism holds that valid knowledge (certitude or truth) is found only in this derived knowledge."
This leads to Education Efficiency and Colonial Migration! Hurrah!
The Apache Wars
In the New Mexico territory, an uppity Apache chief named Victorio is causing insurrection, refusing to submit to America rule. Troops are deployed to New Mexico, and Polk swears that the Apache will submit, sooner or later.
In the New Mexico territory, an uppity Apache chief named Victorio is causing insurrection, refusing to submit to America rule. Troops are deployed to New Mexico, and Polk swears that the Apache will submit, sooner or later.
A Squalid Slum
In Atlanta, a shockingly rundown slum distract catches national attention, and Congress begins to put pressure on the Georgia government to make improvements.
In Atlanta, a shockingly rundown slum distract catches national attention, and Congress begins to put pressure on the Georgia government to make improvements.
The Cuban Revolt of 1850
In March, a large slave revolt spreads across the state of Cuba. Governor Alfredo Tamayo, the crazy bastard, holes up in his Havana residence. Tamayo is the key to effective American administration in Cuba, so troops rush south to deal with the uprising.
In March, a large slave revolt spreads across the state of Cuba. Governor Alfredo Tamayo, the crazy bastard, holes up in his Havana residence. Tamayo is the key to effective American administration in Cuba, so troops rush south to deal with the uprising.
The SS Columbia Explodes!
In Gustavia, a Swedish port in the Caribbean, an America steamer explodes. While many Americans rattle the saber for war against Sweden, Polk cannot see sense in a possible invasion of Swedish mainland just to secure a small Caribbean port. The issue is not escalated.
In Gustavia, a Swedish port in the Caribbean, an America steamer explodes. While many Americans rattle the saber for war against Sweden, Polk cannot see sense in a possible invasion of Swedish mainland just to secure a small Caribbean port. The issue is not escalated.
Troops en route!
The revolting slaves will not be dealt with lightly.
The revolting slaves will not be dealt with lightly.
The "Battle" of Havana
257 American causalities are sustained, while about 3,000 slaves are butchered, and the rest are captured.
(Eagle-eyed viewers may remember that Mark Brown is the current VP. I forgot to remove him from command of the Second Army. Pretend this isn't him.)
257 American causalities are sustained, while about 3,000 slaves are butchered, and the rest are captured.
(Eagle-eyed viewers may remember that Mark Brown is the current VP. I forgot to remove him from command of the Second Army. Pretend this isn't him.)
Mopping Up
The last remnants of the revolt are put away, and Tamayo reasserts his influence across the island. The revolt is over.
The last remnants of the revolt are put away, and Tamayo reasserts his influence across the island. The revolt is over.
Professionalization of the Army
As the wealthiest families begin to be passed over for army commissions, the middle class becomes more empowered across the United States.
As the wealthiest families begin to be passed over for army commissions, the middle class becomes more empowered across the United States.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
In a move that would completely sully any chance Polk had of courting Abolitionist voters, the Kansas-Nebraska Act is passed. Its architect, Stephen Douglas, ensured that all land taken in the Louisiana Purchase would be open to slavery through popular sovereignty.
While none of these territories is ready for statehood, it portends ill things to come, and increases sectionalism in the states.
In a move that would completely sully any chance Polk had of courting Abolitionist voters, the Kansas-Nebraska Act is passed. Its architect, Stephen Douglas, ensured that all land taken in the Louisiana Purchase would be open to slavery through popular sovereignty.
While none of these territories is ready for statehood, it portends ill things to come, and increases sectionalism in the states.
Colonial Incident
In the New Mexico territory, a group of Americans lead an excursion across the border, killing several Mexican townspeople. While Polk favored future war with Mexico, he respected the truce that came with the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, and communicated with Santa Anna to ensure "friendship" between the states.
In the New Mexico territory, a group of Americans lead an excursion across the border, killing several Mexican townspeople. While Polk favored future war with Mexico, he respected the truce that came with the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, and communicated with Santa Anna to ensure "friendship" between the states.
The 4th Army
A new army begins construction, to be led by Augustus Beatty.
A new army begins construction, to be led by Augustus Beatty.
Let's Check in on Mom and Dad again
still boring
still boring
Egypt
The Egyptians once again find themselves under the Turkish jackboot.
The Egyptians once again find themselves under the Turkish jackboot.
Iron and Blood
In Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory, a new iron lode is discovered. The mine gains notoriety for the amount of miners who die in its depths; it catches the moniker "The Devil's Throat."
In Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory, a new iron lode is discovered. The mine gains notoriety for the amount of miners who die in its depths; it catches the moniker "The Devil's Throat."
The Midterms of 1850
Shockingly, a wealthy businessman in Massachusetts named Thomas Reardon runs on the Radical Party ticket for the Senate, and is voted in after received 36% of the popular vote. He's quickly ostracized in the Senate.
Shockingly, a wealthy businessman in Massachusetts named Thomas Reardon runs on the Radical Party ticket for the Senate, and is voted in after received 36% of the popular vote. He's quickly ostracized in the Senate.
Perfidious Albion
those bastards we just want nicaragua
those bastards we just want nicaragua
Nationalism and Imperialism
Thanks to there being multiple decisions that I would like to take that require N&I, Americans begin to see their goals of Manifest Destiny be further than their current. A benevolent empire must spread across America, and all people must experience American virtue.
Thanks to there being multiple decisions that I would like to take that require N&I, Americans begin to see their goals of Manifest Destiny be further than their current. A benevolent empire must spread across America, and all people must experience American virtue.
Trading Privileges Questioned
In Florida, the exclusive rights once enjoyed by certain American merchants are done away with, and people begin to stream into the territory.
In Florida, the exclusive rights once enjoyed by certain American merchants are done away with, and people begin to stream into the territory.
Voting Reform Act of 1851
In response to Whig allegations that Congressional elections in recent years may have been influenced by voter fraud, the secret ballot is established in 1851.
In response to Whig allegations that Congressional elections in recent years may have been influenced by voter fraud, the secret ballot is established in 1851.
The Veins of a Nation
The Railroad, still a relatively recent invention, continue to spread across the nation. Ambitions to create a railroad that would spread from coast to coast begin to be practically realized.
The Railroad, still a relatively recent invention, continue to spread across the nation. Ambitions to create a railroad that would spread from coast to coast begin to be practically realized.
The 4th Army
yaaaaaaaaaaay
yaaaaaaaaaaay
The Argentine Constitution of 1851
Argentine becomes a republic under the new constitution, and Polk immediately begins to attempt to integrate the into the Free Republics of America system.
Argentine becomes a republic under the new constitution, and Polk immediately begins to attempt to integrate the into the Free Republics of America system.
A babby republic
Good job guys! Now get Patagonia so that name can get nice and big.
Good job guys! Now get Patagonia so that name can get nice and big.
The Confederate Tribes
In northern California, certain Indian tribes petitioned the territorial government to form an American regiment. When the notion passed Polk's desk, he enthusiastically rejects it.
In northern California, certain Indian tribes petitioned the territorial government to form an American regiment. When the notion passed Polk's desk, he enthusiastically rejects it.
California Granted Statehood!
Thanks to an influx of immigrants to the area for the gold rush, California finally applies for - and receives - statehood. As stipulated in the Compromise of 1848, it is admitted as a free state.
Thanks to an influx of immigrants to the area for the gold rush, California finally applies for - and receives - statehood. As stipulated in the Compromise of 1848, it is admitted as a free state.
The Professor
In eastern California, a small institute of learning comes under the microscope as the professor preached for an independent California. Congress passes several laws to discourage this separatism.
Meanwhile, some of those very same Congressman were discussing Southern separatism!
In eastern California, a small institute of learning comes under the microscope as the professor preached for an independent California. Congress passes several laws to discourage this separatism.
Meanwhile, some of those very same Congressman were discussing Southern separatism!
The Election of 1852: James K. Polk
President Polk, unhappy with his uneventful term, receives the Democratic nomination for 1852. He promises further expansion into Mexico, and while that once would likely win him many votes, the tension around slavery is so high that this declaration causes many Northern Democrats to become Free Soilers. He came into the election with a low amount of popular enthusiasm about him.
Mark Brown, who detested his four years as a politician, left the office and rejoined the military. Polk took James Buchanan, Pennsylvania Senator, as his VP.
President Polk, unhappy with his uneventful term, receives the Democratic nomination for 1852. He promises further expansion into Mexico, and while that once would likely win him many votes, the tension around slavery is so high that this declaration causes many Northern Democrats to become Free Soilers. He came into the election with a low amount of popular enthusiasm about him.
Mark Brown, who detested his four years as a politician, left the office and rejoined the military. Polk took James Buchanan, Pennsylvania Senator, as his VP.
The Election of 1852: Winfield Scott, "Old Fuss and Feathers"
A man of legend, the leading commander of American troops for more than a decade takes the Whig nomination in a landslide. Popular amongst the working classes, Scott was a true moderate, who was able to keep faith with the Southern Whigs thanks to his "meh" approach to slavery.
However, the Northern and Southern Whigs were entirely unable to compromise on a running mate for Scott. As such, he campaigned on his own. "Old Fuss and Feathers" is a pretty marketable slogan, imo.
A man of legend, the leading commander of American troops for more than a decade takes the Whig nomination in a landslide. Popular amongst the working classes, Scott was a true moderate, who was able to keep faith with the Southern Whigs thanks to his "meh" approach to slavery.
However, the Northern and Southern Whigs were entirely unable to compromise on a running mate for Scott. As such, he campaigned on his own. "Old Fuss and Feathers" is a pretty marketable slogan, imo.
The Election of 1852: Horace Mann
In a shocking move, The Free Soil Party got Horace Mann, a Whig Representative from Massachusetts, to be their candidate. Mann was an incredibly well-known and respected reformer, and made the Free Soil Party diversify their platform; he supported relentless modernization, education reform, and a homestead act. John P. Hale, that old standby, was taken as his running mate.
In an address that he made at his nomination, he declared: "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."
For the first time since 1824, it seems as though this race will be a true 3-way brawl.
In a shocking move, The Free Soil Party got Horace Mann, a Whig Representative from Massachusetts, to be their candidate. Mann was an incredibly well-known and respected reformer, and made the Free Soil Party diversify their platform; he supported relentless modernization, education reform, and a homestead act. John P. Hale, that old standby, was taken as his running mate.
In an address that he made at his nomination, he declared: "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."
For the first time since 1824, it seems as though this race will be a true 3-way brawl.
Interventionism in New York
While Horace Mann expected to win New York, early arguments showed that Winfield Scott had the inside edge at winning the state.
While Horace Mann expected to win New York, early arguments showed that Winfield Scott had the inside edge at winning the state.
Brick Street Gentlemen's Club
Excellent Initiative! Who doesn't love gentlemen's clubs?!?
Excellent Initiative! Who doesn't love gentlemen's clubs?!?
Tennesee
Polk, former Governor of Tennessee, found himself the runaway favorite to win the state.
Polk, former Governor of Tennessee, found himself the runaway favorite to win the state.
Religious Policy
On religion, Polk attempts to make some headway in New York. However, it has become clear to him that his odds of winning New York are slowly fading away.
On religion, Polk attempts to make some headway in New York. However, it has become clear to him that his odds of winning New York are slowly fading away.
Pennsylvania Trade Policy
In Pennsylvania, Winfield Scott and Horace Mann decide to attack the president jointly over his trading policy. The two men meet later on the streets of Pittsburgh, and have a long conversation on the state of politics. The two men discussed, and parted as friends.
Historians would later call this the very first meeting of the Republican Party.
In Pennsylvania, Winfield Scott and Horace Mann decide to attack the president jointly over his trading policy. The two men meet later on the streets of Pittsburgh, and have a long conversation on the state of politics. The two men discussed, and parted as friends.
Historians would later call this the very first meeting of the Republican Party.
Massachusetts
In Mann's home state of Massachusetts, Winfield Scott attempts to rally the crowds in favor of a strong military. Mann, who did not have any military issues on his platform, supported Scott.
In Mann's home state of Massachusetts, Winfield Scott attempts to rally the crowds in favor of a strong military. Mann, who did not have any military issues on his platform, supported Scott.
Economics in New York
Mann seems to be on the outside looking in, at least in New York.
Mann seems to be on the outside looking in, at least in New York.
Marylan
Maryland, a staunchly Whig state, is swung in favor of Scott. As Maryland hold slaves, Mann had little chance of making an impact there.
Maryland, a staunchly Whig state, is swung in favor of Scott. As Maryland hold slaves, Mann had little chance of making an impact there.
On the Eve on Election
Across the nation, people go to vote in what historians remember as one of the most important and influential elections in history. The question of further Mexican expansion would be settled here and now.
Across the nation, people go to vote in what historians remember as one of the most important and influential elections in history. The question of further Mexican expansion would be settled here and now.
The Election of 1852: Electoral College
Ohhhhh boy. As the electoral college reports in, many people's worst fears are realized. No candidate reaches the 154 electoral votes needed to win. While the popular vote lags behind, it seems as though Winfield Scott won a majority of the vote. The election will, of course, be sent to the House of Representatives to be decided.
Early reports are - shockingly - that the Whigs have won a majority of the seats in the house. Early predictions are that they have claimed 40% of the seated, the Democrats with 35%, and the Free Soils have shocked all and taken the remaining 25%.
The Whigs declare themselves the winners of the election, but nothing has been decided yet.
Ohhhhh boy. As the electoral college reports in, many people's worst fears are realized. No candidate reaches the 154 electoral votes needed to win. While the popular vote lags behind, it seems as though Winfield Scott won a majority of the vote. The election will, of course, be sent to the House of Representatives to be decided.
Early reports are - shockingly - that the Whigs have won a majority of the seats in the house. Early predictions are that they have claimed 40% of the seated, the Democrats with 35%, and the Free Soils have shocked all and taken the remaining 25%.
The Whigs declare themselves the winners of the election, but nothing has been decided yet.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Just to complicate an already divisive time, Uncle Tom's Cabin is published, and the North becomes more anti-slavery than ever. Things are clearly coming to a head.
Just to complicate an already divisive time, Uncle Tom's Cabin is published, and the North becomes more anti-slavery than ever. Things are clearly coming to a head.
The Senatorial Elections of 1852
While the Democrats remain in control of the Senate, the House elections come back in favor of the Whigs. People across the nation hold their breath.
While the Democrats remain in control of the Senate, the House elections come back in favor of the Whigs. People across the nation hold their breath.
Trading Privileges
WHO CARES VICTORIA 2 THERE'S DRAMA HAPPENING
WHO CARES VICTORIA 2 THERE'S DRAMA HAPPENING
The February Surprise
Shockingly, on February 9th, 1853, just days before the House vote on who would be president, Horace Mann suspends his campaign. In a move that is now seen as brilliant, Winfield Scott takes Horace Mann as his vice presidential nominee. In a speech made to the House of Representatives, Scott declared that the Whig and Free Soilers would "unite in harmonious alliance" against the Party of Jackson. He did not consult with the higher-ups of his party, and as such, many Southern Whigs instantly defect to the Democrats.
On February 12th, the House voted 126 to 118 in favor of Winfield Scott. The Whigs had finally captured the White House.
Shockingly, on February 9th, 1853, just days before the House vote on who would be president, Horace Mann suspends his campaign. In a move that is now seen as brilliant, Winfield Scott takes Horace Mann as his vice presidential nominee. In a speech made to the House of Representatives, Scott declared that the Whig and Free Soilers would "unite in harmonious alliance" against the Party of Jackson. He did not consult with the higher-ups of his party, and as such, many Southern Whigs instantly defect to the Democrats.
On February 12th, the House voted 126 to 118 in favor of Winfield Scott. The Whigs had finally captured the White House.
Thanks for reading!
Tune in next time to see the beginnings of President Scott, Old Fuss and Feathers, who would go on to become one of the best revered Americans of all time.
Tune in next time to see the beginnings of President Scott, Old Fuss and Feathers, who would go on to become one of the best revered Americans of all time.
