A Destiny Made Manifest - Part 26: The Great American War

On November 13th, 1921, America lost its second president to assassination. Woodrow Wilson was shot in Philadelphia by a Ferdinand Vance, a Southern nationalist with ties to the Japanese government.

The American people are shocked, saddened, and most of all, *pissed*.

(EDIT: If you're having trouble scrolling through the album, then I honestly don't know what to suggest. Maybe just wait a half hour or something for imgur to catch up; I did write this in about two hours.)

With the death of the president, Thomas R. Marshall assumes the office and is sworn in as the 28th President. A moderate who had previously served as the Governor of Indiana, Marshall was well-known for his humor. His most famous remark came in a Senate meeting while he served as VP. While a Republican senator droned on about the needs of the country, Marshall famously said, "What this country needs is a really good five-cent cigar."

Thanks to being remembered for his wit, many did not take Marshall seriously. This could also be because he looked like a total dweebus. That being said, his fiery speeches advocating for a war to avenge Wilson were quickly echoed by patriots across the Free States.

The Confederates, as always, were allied with the Japanese. The fleet is shifted entirely to the Pacific in order to counteract any shenanigans attempted by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The Empire of Japan itself. Holding colonies in Burma and Vietnam, the nation found itself at odds with the Chinese constantly. A border dispute in Manchuria meant that the two nations were once again on the edge of war.

While Eugene V. Debs had attempted to peacefully integrate the Confederates, Marshall rejects this outright. The Brothers of the Revolution, the radical socialist cabal that ran the CSA, attempted to reach out to Philadelphia, swearing that they would comply if the Secret Service wished to run an investigation in their territory, and swore up and down that the conspiracy did not involve the government.

The American people know better than to believe that pit of vipers to the south.

In early 1922, an outbreak of cholera in Texas proves that many parts of American had not yet been fully modernized. The federal government launches an investigation into the outbreak and hoped to fix the water system, which had most certainly caused it.

In preparation for war, new divisions are drawn up. While Marshall had not yet committed to a draft, he knew that the Canadians would intercede, hoping to keep a tenuous balance of power in North America. Fighting a two front war would not be easy, especially when both enemies were formidable.

The higher-ups in the Army scramble to adopt the most modern tactics. The Free States might have the manpower advantage, but the high command was not content with using the "run straight at the enemy trenches until they're all dead" doctrine.

We see a natural ally in the Chinese Empire, who also hate and oppose Japanese aggression.

The newest artillery systems are adopted by the Army. While we don't believe that either the Canadians or Confederates have a significant air force, it can't hurt to be prepared.

In order to keep the Workingmen in favor of the war, Marshall endorses a bill that promised to modernize the Department of Health. It passes in the spring of 1922, appeasing the progressives that had pushed for it.

On April 5th, 1922, a false flag operation approved by Marshall was revealed in New Orleans. Marshall is unapologetic and belligerent, only worsening the incident.

*limbos under that infamy cap*

As the world begins to realize that the Free States aimed to annex the Confederacy outright, Canada and Japan promise to defend Confederate sovereignty. Troops are moved to the Canadian border, and finally, in May, a draft is approved.

On June 29th, 1922, Congress declares war on the Confederate States of America, Canada, and Japan. The reason for war, according to the government, was to "re-institute proper authority and control to the illegitimate Confederate government, holding eight rightful Union states.

The fascist government languishing in Alaska complains that *they* are the rightful Union, but no one can here them because they're small, stupid, and far away.

A quick look at what this thing is going to be like. The Southerners would undoubtedly fight like cornered rats, while Canada's military was not to be underestimated. This would not be an easy fight.

Unsurprisingly, France does not join us in our just war, so Marshall cancels his alliance with the Orleaniste regime. Cuba, loyal allies until the end, joins the war.

British Columbia, lightly defended, is the target of the 16th and 10th Armies.

The earliest engagement in Canada, the Battle of Kingston, is stalemate in the early phases of the fighting until the American introduce tear gas and receive reinforcements.

Across the South, Confederate defenses are smashed through. However, the FSA would not remain on the offensive for so long.

Despite high casulaties in Kingston, the Third Republic marches forward. Augustus Ford, a popular general, scores a victory in Louisiana.

The sledding is rough in Richmond. While a retreat is forced, casualties are high enough that many consider pulling back.

A huge victory is won by an army consisting mainly of conscripts in Toronto.

The Canadians unwisely attempt to attack our positions in the Adirondacks. General Hatch manages to eviscerate the enemy in the mountains.

The Second Battle of Richmond is an incredible victory for the Free States. In this war of attrition, America had the upper hand. However, the Confederates had begun to fully mobilize their people, allowing even women to serve. They were truly scraping the barrel.

Another Canadian offensive into New York is crushed by General Hatch, who bravely defends the small towns in Upstate New York.

With most of the American troops serving on the Canadian border, manpower problems begin to show themselves in the South. The incredible number of troops that they draft present a logistical problem.

Despite this, we continue to score victories.

A Canadian invasion of Maine is crushed by General Sheridan, who was clipped in the fight. The decorated general who had served the Free States for nearly twenty-five years now was slowly dying.

Many small victories are won in Canada.

All across the continent, "victories" are claimed for the Free States, despite heavy losses. This wasn't sustainable; the Army would need to win more decisive battles.

The state of the Southern theater, September 1922. While the FSA had easily crushed the Confederacy several times, the simple addition of a second front proved to be a logistical nightmare. Overall, the offensive was a failure.

The Battle of Hot Springs is a great success for Alexander Sedgwick's boys. Victories like this were needed in order to keep Free State momentum going.

More marginal victories are won against the Canadians.

A huge victory is won by the hyper-popular General Ford in Tyler, Texas. While the Confederates have numbers, their troops are revealing themselves to be undereqi

In the Second Battle of Lewiston, "General Sheridan" (in reality, Sheridan was coming in and out of comas; his general staff was running the show), a decisive victory is won by Free State troops.

The Chinese have declared war on the Japs, thankfully keeping them distracted and keeping their marines from our shores.

A small Confederate expedition into Tennessee is undertaken. The 8th, led by Chester Franklin, marches north to crush it, and achieves absolute victory in this campaign.

Another huge victory is won in Watertown. Canadian manpower must be on the verge of collapse.

The Chinese Empire offer us a formal military alliance on November 17th, 1922, which Marshall accepts. The government in Beijing has enough common ground with Marshall's administration that they easily cooperate.

The offensive into Ontario and Quebec is met with smashing success.

With most of the Free States Army engaged in Canada, Maryland is threatened by Confederate arms. In response, an army of conscripts led by General Charles Abercrombie is sent to the Southern theater.

While things are going better in the western parts of the Confederacy, Maryland being under threat is considered unacceptably close to the capital in Philadelphia.

On December 2nd, 1922, Marshall delivers the infamous "Burden of our Forefathers Address." In his speech to Congress, he declares the nation to be "in a state of total war against the Dominion of Canada and the Confederate States. War is truly upon us, the likes of which has not been experienced since the Red Revolution. But the American people are one forged in war and blood and steel and gunpowder and smoke, and this our destiny made manifest. We must put aside our difference and our private ambitions; the Great American War is upon us."

In the Pacific, off the coast of the Midway Islands, the IJN is spotted. Thanks to superior numbers, our fleet is understandably tepid about directly engaging it.

The Chinese use the classic human wave tactic to overwhelm the Japanese and push them all the way back into Korea.

A huge victory is won in Calgary, with the Brits surrendering quickly to the superior Free State arms.

A similar victory is won in Caribou.

The Confederates retreat from Maryland as the Free State armies approach.

A R M O U R E D C A R S

*cries in blitzkrieg*

*Sighs*

Look. This was a bad idea. The Canadians were really entrenched in Sault Ste. Marie, but I thought I could brute force my way through them. In my defense, this was recorded around Christmas at the end of a six hour play session, and I was nursing a fifth of 99 Bananas.

On January 15h, 1923, General Sheridan finally succumbs to his wounds. A massive funeral is held in Philadelphia in his honor.

Early on, the American find success in Sault Ste. Marie. Despite the Canadian entrenchment, General Clayton used chlorine gas to make up the difference. However, supply soon became a problem, and most of the gas was used in the first few days of the engagement.

Despite this, more great victories are won in the South. The Confederates are pushed out of Maryland.

Modernization truly was spectacular. Synthetic polymers begin to be developed, which resulted in the developed of plastics and synthetic fibers.

The Germans reach out to us in 1923, offering an alliance, as they were also at war with Japan. The Chinese, the Germans, and the Free States formed a powerful and formidable "Gentlemen's Alliance."

The Confederate are force south from Richmond once more. Finally, the FSA were on the offensive in the South once again.

Quickly, the battle turns south for Clayton. Almost one hundred thousand Americans lie dead in Ontario from this one battle alone.

On March 1st, after a months-log fight, the American troops in Sault Ste. Marie surrender and are taken prisoner. While American success thus far was enough to keep the war definitively in their favor, the one hundred thousand prisoners were an important bargaining chip that kept Marshall from demanding Canadian concessions.

Chester Burnside smashes through Greenville. Already, peace talks are arranged to take place in Richmond.

The IJN troops a single regiment off to attempt to take Hawaii, and then completely disappeared.

While the Chinese occupy Manchuria and Korea, Japan is winning this war because they have 50% warscore from battles.

The fleet is moved to Midway. A possible blockage of Japan is considered.

Speaking of navy stuff, another group of cruisers is planned for construction.

In one of the last battles of the war, the Battle of Temiscaming is a small moral victory for Free State troops.

The state of the war, June 15th. Peace talks in Richmond are stalled by the question of exactly what the Americans would do to the Confederacy; while Marshall had intended to outright annex the republic, Canada and Japan make it clear that neither would agree to such a thing.

A compromise is struck on Independence Day. The Confederacy would maintain some degree of autonomy over their own territory, but ultimately, the government would be subservient to Philadelphia, and the Free States would control Confederate foreign policy. Essentially, the CSA became a client state.

The Treaty of Richmond is signed the same day, ending the last major war fought in the name of reunification.

The Wars of Unification lasted from January 4th, 1892, to July 4th, 1923. Millions of Americans lie dead as a result, but the Continental 48 was mostly reunited once again. It was grueling, hard, and incredibly unpleasant, but the American people are nothing if not resilient.

Despite American victory in the war, the people are tired, exhausted, and ready for years of peace. Marshall declares in a speech that he believed that "President Wilson has been properly avenged, and he rests easily. His ghost no longer haunts me. As a nation, we must now rest."

I glanced at Europe. HOLY SHIT GERMANY, COULD YOU MAYBE CHILL

As a result of the Great American War, high command was left to reconsider tactics. Many in the staff supported the adoption of mobile warfare. The term "lightning war" was adopted by General Augustus Ford, which soon became the official army doctrine in use.

After the war, many people found themselves out of work. In response, a massive road-building project is planned by the Democrats, and supported by the Workingmen.

A strike in Chicago is quickly put down by local police. While many in Congress support federal intervention to support strikers, Marshall refused to act.

The Cuban government is (ONCE AGAIN) overthrown, this time by fascists. This once again leads to a cooldown of relations between the nations.

(Aww, look at the pretty flag! Good to see that Cuba supports LGBTQ+ rights)

1924 rolls around, and a nation that is largely exhausted by war goes to the polls. Marshall, an old man, declines to be renominated, believing his purpose to be fulfilled. The Democrats, as a result, scramble for a candidate.

Because I don't want them to get their own slide, the Silver Legion nominate Lewis Robinson, the Mayor of Reno, as their candidate. He's a regional candidate more than anything.

The Democrats struggled to find an identity in 1924. Their last three presidents had been a conservative, a progressive, and a moderate, in that order. The leading progressive candidate, Governor Al Smith of New York, was an all-around good candidate. Except for the part where he was, you know, Catholic. Moderate James M. Cox from Ohio wasn't particularly liked by anyone, and he struggled to find his audience.

A dark horse candidate emerged a few ballots in. Conservatives in the convention brought up the idea of nominating General Augustus Ford, pictured above in the center. Ford was a decorated and skilled general who was quite popular in the middle states, given that he was the son of a South Dakota farmer. Quickly, Ford became the favorite, and was officially nominated on the forty-fifth ballot. In order to appease progressives, Al Smith was chosen as his running mate.

Ford's policies were kind of middle-of-the-road and non-committal; he wasn't a particularly gifted speaker, and it showed when he gave speeches. He advocated for a strong military to defend Free State borders, but never really got specific as to what that meant.

The Workingmen had an easy decision; Robert La Follette was immensely popular, likable, and interested in the nomination, and received it quickly. Crucially, La Follette campaigned not as a socialist, but as the candidate for all progressives in opposition to Ford's conservatism. He also promises American "eight years of peace" if they gave him a chance. Given his shaky health and old age of 69, however, not many expected for him to make it that long. Burton K. Wheeler, a senator from Montana, was chosen as his running mate.

The Republicans went with Charlies Curtis, a moderate from Kansas. While the GOP has clearly become the third most prominent party in American politics, Curtis hoped to recapture the middle of the country from the Workingmen and back to the Republicans, attempt to appear populist. Calvin Coolidge was selected as his running mate.

Curtis is notable for being half-Native America, becoming the first man power of native descent to appear on the ticket for president.

Pennsylvania, a state that had been staunchly democrat since the creation of the Third Republic, was in danger of falling into Workingmen hands thanks to a healthy pacifist movement.

In a debate in Chicago, Augustus Ford makes a comment that is construed by many to believe that he would support the militant annexation of California. He is nearly shouted off stage by both La Follette and Curtis, who both vehemently oppose the notion.

In Nevada, where the headquarters of the Silver Legion are located in Reno, documents are recovered by the police that hint at a possible revolutionary activities being plotted. The federal government closes down the beer halls that were used as bases for the party, but stops short of declaring the party illegal.

Somehow, the Germans ended up with Mysore. Good for them.

I can't help but picture a cartoonish tank wearing lipstick and a wig.

Listen, I'm really out of my depth when it comes to this stuff, and I don't have any good memes. So I have no comment here.

The election approaches, with Ford and La Follette neck and neck. The election would likely be decided in the crucial Southern states like Tennessee and Kentucky, where the two parties were neck and neck.

Despite La Follette's inability to break into the Democrats' strong positions in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, he sweeps through the Midwest. Ford and Curtis only managed small successes in the middle states, proving once and for all that the Workingmen were the heirs to the Populist Party.

Once again, the American people have welcomed democratic socialism into the capital. Fighting Bob begins to transition into the White House

Thanks for reading! Check back in to see the Free State enter into a new era of peace and rebuilding under President La Follette.