A Destiny Made Manifest - Part 7: The Maritime War
Game: Victoria 2
Published: 2017-02-23, edited: 1970-01-01
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Part of the campaign:
A Destiny Made Manifest
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James Buchanan: The Fourteenth President
Despite the fact that he won 33% of the popular vote and his inability to secure a plurality in the Electoral College, the 69 year-old Buchanan from Pennsylvania takes office. Promising to pursue a war with Britain, his early days in office are devoted to pursuing the war.
Also, shit, look at that hair! James Buchanan's hair is taller than Young Thug's money.
Despite the fact that he won 33% of the popular vote and his inability to secure a plurality in the Electoral College, the 69 year-old Buchanan from Pennsylvania takes office. Promising to pursue a war with Britain, his early days in office are devoted to pursuing the war.
Also, shit, look at that hair! James Buchanan's hair is taller than Young Thug's money.
Buchanan's Tariff
As is tradition, a change in political idealogy equals a change in tariff, which is reduced to 25%. Additionally, Democratic tax policy enacted, making up the difference in income.
As is tradition, a change in political idealogy equals a change in tariff, which is reduced to 25%. Additionally, Democratic tax policy enacted, making up the difference in income.
Justifying War
Since Frémont squandered his cause for war, Buchanan puts pressure on Congress to come up with a new one.
Since Frémont squandered his cause for war, Buchanan puts pressure on Congress to come up with a new one.
ah, shit
Almost immediately once again, those tricksy Brits have intercepted communications from American officers to sympathetic Canadians. The world is not happy that the United States continues to rattle the saber.
Almost immediately once again, those tricksy Brits have intercepted communications from American officers to sympathetic Canadians. The world is not happy that the United States continues to rattle the saber.
Paternalism
Across the world, governments become increasingly authoritarian and reactionary, as revolutions and political restructuring will soon sweep Europe. We will fight this until our last breath!
Across the world, governments become increasingly authoritarian and reactionary, as revolutions and political restructuring will soon sweep Europe. We will fight this until our last breath!
Socialism
The Communist Manifesto of Karl Marx has slowly spread across the world, and political parties devoted to the ideology laid out in the book begin to spread. Men of industry in the United States begin to organize.
The Communist Manifesto of Karl Marx has slowly spread across the world, and political parties devoted to the ideology laid out in the book begin to spread. Men of industry in the United States begin to organize.
The 37th Senate
After the election of the President, the Democrats have wrestled control of the Senate away from the Republicans for the first time in nearly a decade, with a majority of 38 to 36. Congress is united before James Buchanan.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've fucked up this new feature just as it's begun. The Republicans should have 34 seats, not 33, as I wrote down erroneously.
After the election of the President, the Democrats have wrestled control of the Senate away from the Republicans for the first time in nearly a decade, with a majority of 38 to 36. Congress is united before James Buchanan.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've fucked up this new feature just as it's begun. The Republicans should have 34 seats, not 33, as I wrote down erroneously.
The Workingmen's Party
In early 1861, a new Socialist party for the American nation is declared. The Workingmen's Party, in its declaration of content, sets out to "Protect the worker and farmer from exploitation of the rich, regardless of race." It believes in secularized politics, opposes imperialism, and, of course, vigorously supports state capitalism.
In local elections over the next couple years, the organization clearly asserts itself as the major third party of America.
In early 1861, a new Socialist party for the American nation is declared. The Workingmen's Party, in its declaration of content, sets out to "Protect the worker and farmer from exploitation of the rich, regardless of race." It believes in secularized politics, opposes imperialism, and, of course, vigorously supports state capitalism.
In local elections over the next couple years, the organization clearly asserts itself as the major third party of America.
An End to British Imperialism!
Despite the fact that the United Kingdom is the only superpower in world politics, Americans across the nation rally for a dismantling of their empire. Only America can do empire stuff, and that's because God said it was cool!
Despite the fact that the United Kingdom is the only superpower in world politics, Americans across the nation rally for a dismantling of their empire. Only America can do empire stuff, and that's because God said it was cool!
Speaking of Empire Stuff
A scandal in the Dakota Territory shows massive corruption in the colonial chain of command. Buchanan, not wishing to appear weak-willed, cracks down on it, causing some of the corrupt bureaucratic institutions that have remained largely intact from the days of Jackson to lose faith in their president.
A scandal in the Dakota Territory shows massive corruption in the colonial chain of command. Buchanan, not wishing to appear weak-willed, cracks down on it, causing some of the corrupt bureaucratic institutions that have remained largely intact from the days of Jackson to lose faith in their president.
The Mobilization Act of 1861
In order to assure American victory in Canada, plans to draft over 100,000 new troops are drawn up. Early on, Southern attitude turns against Buchanan for conscripting them into an army so shortly after their population was severely impacted by the rebellion.
In order to assure American victory in Canada, plans to draft over 100,000 new troops are drawn up. Early on, Southern attitude turns against Buchanan for conscripting them into an army so shortly after their population was severely impacted by the rebellion.
The Common Law
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. published a book in 1861 detailing the history of common-law. Thanks for the 1.15 prestige, Oliver!
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. published a book in 1861 detailing the history of common-law. Thanks for the 1.15 prestige, Oliver!
Colonial Crisis
Native militancy in the colonies due to poor colonial administration causes Buchanan to crack down on his bureaucrats once again.
Native militancy in the colonies due to poor colonial administration causes Buchanan to crack down on his bureaucrats once again.
Reshuffling along the border
As the new armies begin to form up, the British have positioned their armies. Buchanan is determined to carry out the invasion regardless.
As the new armies begin to form up, the British have positioned their armies. Buchanan is determined to carry out the invasion regardless.
A Western Army
The British have placed an army in British Columbia, and Buchanan and Mark Brown are unwilling to space out their forces enough to ensure its defeat. The plan is to let that army do as it will, and then engage it if it begins to cause real damage.
The British have placed an army in British Columbia, and Buchanan and Mark Brown are unwilling to space out their forces enough to ensure its defeat. The plan is to let that army do as it will, and then engage it if it begins to cause real damage.
Delegated Power
In the lead-up to war, the army once again becomes more flexible in command. This made the ground forces more efficient.
In the lead-up to war, the army once again becomes more flexible in command. This made the ground forces more efficient.
The Maritime War
On June 28th, 1861, Congress declares war on the United Kingdom for "Holding North American colonies illegally and oppressing Canadian settlers."
As a great European war rages, many British home in the isles don't think much of this.
On June 28th, 1861, Congress declares war on the United Kingdom for "Holding North American colonies illegally and oppressing Canadian settlers."
As a great European war rages, many British home in the isles don't think much of this.
Crossing the rivers
Immediately, the 3rd and 4th Armies cross the Niagara and St. Clair River to secure important fortifications there.
Immediately, the 3rd and 4th Armies cross the Niagara and St. Clair River to secure important fortifications there.
Northern Offensive
In Michigan's upper peninsula, the 1st and 2nd Armies are sent across St. Mary's River.
In Michigan's upper peninsula, the 1st and 2nd Armies are sent across St. Mary's River.
European Involvement
In a move that many Americans considered cowardly, the British summoned Spain and Denmark to fight alongside her.
In a move that many Americans considered cowardly, the British summoned Spain and Denmark to fight alongside her.
Reinforcing Sault Ste Marie
The 20th Army led by Archibald Morseby (a more British name there never was) is moving towards the American troops in Sault Ste Marie. The 2nd Army moves in to see them off.
The 20th Army led by Archibald Morseby (a more British name there never was) is moving towards the American troops in Sault Ste Marie. The 2nd Army moves in to see them off.
Seizing the Border
Windsor and Hamilton (both very nice places) are taken.
Windsor and Hamilton (both very nice places) are taken.
General Moresby
The 20th Army is sent south to engage Augustus Beatty's 4th. Moresby, a very capable general, is sure to overrun Beatty unless reinforcements are sent.
The 20th Army is sent south to engage Augustus Beatty's 4th. Moresby, a very capable general, is sure to overrun Beatty unless reinforcements are sent.
here come dem bois
The Siege of Seattle
oh no
oh no
Minot Taken!
What will we do without North Dakota?!
What will we do without North Dakota?!
The Battle of Hamilton
After a hard-fought and bloody battle, the Americans force a British retreat despite suffering five thousand more casualties. Beatty, while suffering heavy losses, gains even more fame. Already, the Republican Party is sending him very cordial letters.
After a hard-fought and bloody battle, the Americans force a British retreat despite suffering five thousand more casualties. Beatty, while suffering heavy losses, gains even more fame. Already, the Republican Party is sending him very cordial letters.
Pursuing Moresby
Rather than let the British escape and regroup, Beatty chases the 20th.
Rather than let the British escape and regroup, Beatty chases the 20th.
The Battle of the 6ix
We lost Drake in the crossfire, y'all
We lost Drake in the crossfire, y'all
Breech-loaded Rifles
Stop researching all that namby-pamby philosophy and do guns better, smart people!
Stop researching all that namby-pamby philosophy and do guns better, smart people!
I Concur with the Honorable Gentlemen
With the new spread of socialist ideas in the United States, a law passed in 1861 raising minimum wage slightly is passed to try and slow the rapidly growing popularity of the Workingmen's Party,
With the new spread of socialist ideas in the United States, a law passed in 1861 raising minimum wage slightly is passed to try and slow the rapidly growing popularity of the Workingmen's Party,
Onwards, to Minnesota!
With the British army in the Great Plains slowly heading into our more organized territories, it's clear something needs to be done. The 1st and 2nd are sent out of Canada and to the west.
With the British army in the Great Plains slowly heading into our more organized territories, it's clear something needs to be done. The 1st and 2nd are sent out of Canada and to the west.
Occupying Ontario
American troops continue to sweep across Canada to a lukewarm reception from its Anglo citizens.
American troops continue to sweep across Canada to a lukewarm reception from its Anglo citizens.
Into the Rocky Mountains
The Columbian Army, surprisingly is heading east into the Rockies to take positions there, rather than seize California.
The Columbian Army, surprisingly is heading east into the Rockies to take positions there, rather than seize California.
Forwards, to Duluth!
there go our goo war boys!
there go our goo war boys!
Early Engagement
Early on, the British garrison commanded by Winston French (probably a Gallic spy), out-manned and under-supplied, take losses. However, manipulating the geography of the Great Lakes to his advantage, French quickly turns the tide against Sedgwick.
Early on, the British garrison commanded by Winston French (probably a Gallic spy), out-manned and under-supplied, take losses. However, manipulating the geography of the Great Lakes to his advantage, French quickly turns the tide against Sedgwick.
The Battle of Duluth
In a shocking show of bravery and generalship, the Brits, while taking heavy losses, manage to see off the America force, inflicting nearly 40,000 losses. The American people are shocked and appalled by the failure of their armed forces to crush the British colonials.
Winston French would receive the Victoria Cross in 1864 for his magnificent bravery and command.
In a shocking show of bravery and generalship, the Brits, while taking heavy losses, manage to see off the America force, inflicting nearly 40,000 losses. The American people are shocked and appalled by the failure of their armed forces to crush the British colonials.
Winston French would receive the Victoria Cross in 1864 for his magnificent bravery and command.
The Spanish Expedition
Shockingly, a large brigade of Spaniards landed in *Maine*, of all places. The nearby armies (consisting mainly of the mobilized, green recruits), under the command of the aged and grizzled Mark Brown, wait for the Spanish to make a move.
Shockingly, a large brigade of Spaniards landed in *Maine*, of all places. The nearby armies (consisting mainly of the mobilized, green recruits), under the command of the aged and grizzled Mark Brown, wait for the Spanish to make a move.
The Homestead Act
In the middle of all this chaos, Buchanan decides to push the Homestead Act through Congress. Unsuprisingly, few take the government up on the offer of cheap property; who wants shitty land in the Great Plains that's currently being marauded by British colonial armies?
In the middle of all this chaos, Buchanan decides to push the Homestead Act through Congress. Unsuprisingly, few take the government up on the offer of cheap property; who wants shitty land in the Great Plains that's currently being marauded by British colonial armies?
Attacking Grenfell
A weak British army in Thunder Bay commanded by Benjamin Grenfell should be easy prey for Joseph McArthur, commander of one of the drafted armies.
A weak British army in Thunder Bay commanded by Benjamin Grenfell should be easy prey for Joseph McArthur, commander of one of the drafted armies.
The Battle of Thunder Bay
While the Brits are crippled here, another 6,600 Americans lie dead. The price of this war in American blood is becoming unthinkably high.
While the Brits are crippled here, another 6,600 Americans lie dead. The price of this war in American blood is becoming unthinkably high.
Bleeding Russia
Speaking of blood, much of Western Russia is in German and British hands. The Russian peasantry begins to resent the Tsarist government for being unable to protect them.
Speaking of blood, much of Western Russia is in German and British hands. The Russian peasantry begins to resent the Tsarist government for being unable to protect them.
Retaking the Midwest
The 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 11th are sent west in order to restore order to the American territories. In a move that would prove to be genius, Augustus Beatty and his 4th Army are sent all the way to Seattle to take back the Northwest.
The 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 11th are sent west in order to restore order to the American territories. In a move that would prove to be genius, Augustus Beatty and his 4th Army are sent all the way to Seattle to take back the Northwest.
The War as of April 4th, 1862
While the Americans have won most of the battles so far, the British blockade of the east coast and the occupation of American territories have the war at a stalemate, slightly favoring Britain and her allies.
While the Americans have won most of the battles so far, the British blockade of the east coast and the occupation of American territories have the war at a stalemate, slightly favoring Britain and her allies.
The British Blockade
The under-supplied and outdated Atlantic Fleet doesn't risk fighting the much more powerful British fleet.
The under-supplied and outdated Atlantic Fleet doesn't risk fighting the much more powerful British fleet.
The Loss of Cuba
Shockingly, the Portuguese have seized Cuba in almost no time at all. The native Cubans are a little more than upset at America failure to protect them as equal citizens. While Portuguese occupation is fiercely fought against by Cuban rebels, they begin to resent the government in Washington as much as they resent their old Spanish occupiers, even if they have been set free from chains.
Shockingly, the Portuguese have seized Cuba in almost no time at all. The native Cubans are a little more than upset at America failure to protect them as equal citizens. While Portuguese occupation is fiercely fought against by Cuban rebels, they begin to resent the government in Washington as much as they resent their old Spanish occupiers, even if they have been set free from chains.
The Battle of Dickinson
The first smashing American victory is (unsurprisingly) commanded by Beatty, practically worshiped by his troops as "Augustus the Great." The American force, outnumbered, smashes Reginald Moresby.
The first smashing American victory is (unsurprisingly) commanded by Beatty, practically worshiped by his troops as "Augustus the Great." The American force, outnumbered, smashes Reginald Moresby.
The Death of Mark Brown
Simultaneously, in Maine, Mark Brown engages the Spaniards led by Baltasar Alvarez. While things quickly go Spain's way thanks to the low quality of the American troops, the day is sealed when Mark Brown, the Supreme Commander of the Army, is clipped by a Spanish sniper. The much less capable Randolph Barnard takes command, and things quickly go south.
Simultaneously, in Maine, Mark Brown engages the Spaniards led by Baltasar Alvarez. While things quickly go Spain's way thanks to the low quality of the American troops, the day is sealed when Mark Brown, the Supreme Commander of the Army, is clipped by a Spanish sniper. The much less capable Randolph Barnard takes command, and things quickly go south.
Moral Crusaders
WE'RE BUSY GETTING OUR DICKS KICKED IN VICTORIA 2 NOW IS NOT THE TIME
WE'RE BUSY GETTING OUR DICKS KICKED IN VICTORIA 2 NOW IS NOT THE TIME
Continuous Issuing of Orders
CAN THE REINFORCEMENTS GET TO MAINE PLEASE HURRY UP
CAN THE REINFORCEMENTS GET TO MAINE PLEASE HURRY UP
The Battle of Bangor
In a disaster that eclipsed Duluth, Randolph Barnard loses a humiliating battle against the Spanish, of all people. Four Americans fall for every Spaniard.
American manpower cannot continue to sustain this.
In a disaster that eclipsed Duluth, Randolph Barnard loses a humiliating battle against the Spanish, of all people. Four Americans fall for every Spaniard.
American manpower cannot continue to sustain this.
Challenging the British
In an attempt to break the blockade of San Francisco, Michael Coburn leads the fledgling Pacfic Fleet against a small British sqadron.
In an attempt to break the blockade of San Francisco, Michael Coburn leads the fledgling Pacfic Fleet against a small British sqadron.
Brit
A sizable British army has begun to liberate Canada, beginning with Montreal. The scattered American Army tries to reorganize.
A sizable British army has begun to liberate Canada, beginning with Montreal. The scattered American Army tries to reorganize.
shit
Britannia does, in fact, rule the waves.
Britannia does, in fact, rule the waves.
Retribution for Bangor
The Spanish Army, still recovering from their victory, is engaged by a new American force, organized by the nephew of Augustus Beatty, Cyrus. The Spaniards are not allowed to surrender; they are slaughtered to a man.
The Spanish Army, still recovering from their victory, is engaged by a new American force, organized by the nephew of Augustus Beatty, Cyrus. The Spaniards are not allowed to surrender; they are slaughtered to a man.
A New Anaconda Plan
Not good, President Buchanan!
Not good, President Buchanan!
Civil Violence
As Americans begin to realize that their nation seems poised to lose in humiliating fashion, general militancy rises in the population. In the Florida Territory, colonial officials execute many troublemakers.
As Americans begin to realize that their nation seems poised to lose in humiliating fashion, general militancy rises in the population. In the Florida Territory, colonial officials execute many troublemakers.
Battle of the Beattys
George Beatty, probably a distant cousin of our Beautiful Beatty Boys, engages the reorganized American force in Edmundston.
George Beatty, probably a distant cousin of our Beautiful Beatty Boys, engages the reorganized American force in Edmundston.
Edmundston
Cyrus lost this one, guys
Cyrus lost this one, guys
The War: November 5, 1862
James Buchanan begins to realize that things are looking NOT GOOD. The Brits have American troops in the Northeast on their heels.
James Buchanan begins to realize that things are looking NOT GOOD. The Brits have American troops in the Northeast on their heels.
Market Structure
*jingles keys* hey guys don't look at this war I'm fucking up, look at my +10% diplomatic influence
*jingles keys* hey guys don't look at this war I'm fucking up, look at my +10% diplomatic influence
One Last chance
While American troops in New England are low on morale and manpower, they will not surrender so easily. Joseph McArthur rallies his men for one final push.
While American troops in New England are low on morale and manpower, they will not surrender so easily. Joseph McArthur rallies his men for one final push.
Onwards, men!
For liberty! For freedom! For America!
For liberty! For freedom! For America!
The 38th Senate
The Republicans, along with the Radical Party, manage to secure 35 seats, while the Democrats get 34. The Workingmen's Party captures 5 as well; as they line up with Republicans cleanly on social issues, Herbert Baltazar, the leader of the party, agrees to ally with Republicans in certain cases.
The Republicans, along with the Radical Party, manage to secure 35 seats, while the Democrats get 34. The Workingmen's Party captures 5 as well; as they line up with Republicans cleanly on social issues, Herbert Baltazar, the leader of the party, agrees to ally with Republicans in certain cases.
Breech-loaded Rifle Armament
Took you long enough, Army!
Took you long enough, Army!
The Battle of Ri
Joseph McArthur leads the American troops into a trap. Four fall for every Brit. Thomas Ragland has brought the American people to their knees.
A frustrated American people decide to deflect their anger at James Buchanan.
Joseph McArthur leads the American troops into a trap. Four fall for every Brit. Thomas Ragland has brought the American people to their knees.
A frustrated American people decide to deflect their anger at James Buchanan.
British Reinforcements
Clearly, the Brits have received extra troops from the Isles. How can they spare the men?!?
Clearly, the Brits have received extra troops from the Isles. How can they spare the men?!?
Peace in Europe!
Ohhhh that's why. The Prussians have taken Alsace-Lorraine, and the governments in Russia and France are on the brink of total collapse.
Also, the Carlists have managed to put themselves in power in Spain because fuck it, why not?
Ohhhh that's why. The Prussians have taken Alsace-Lorraine, and the governments in Russia and France are on the brink of total collapse.
Also, the Carlists have managed to put themselves in power in Spain because fuck it, why not?
Smashing American Resistance
An uprising in Maine is squashed by Ragland with no problem.
An uprising in Maine is squashed by Ragland with no problem.
Trinket Pensions
As more and more soldiers return home wounded, the Pensionary Act of 1863 is passed, given a small pension to all older American citizens with history of civil service.
As more and more soldiers return home wounded, the Pensionary Act of 1863 is passed, given a small pension to all older American citizens with history of civil service.
Peace with Spain
The fledgling Carlist government, attempting to centralize their authority, asks for peace. Buchanan and his state department quickly accept the offer.
The fledgling Carlist government, attempting to centralize their authority, asks for peace. Buchanan and his state department quickly accept the offer.
Seattle retaken
Augustus Beatty, commanding the last organized American force, sends his army eastward. The road to Washington D.C. is wide open for the British forces.
Augustus Beatty, commanding the last organized American force, sends his army eastward. The road to Washington D.C. is wide open for the British forces.
A Call to Arms!
Buchanan, flailing for aid, draws up the formation of 16 new regiments. Thanks to the British blockade, however, the supplies necessary to construct the troops are non-existent.
Buchanan, flailing for aid, draws up the formation of 16 new regiments. Thanks to the British blockade, however, the supplies necessary to construct the troops are non-existent.
Darwinism
While such an advance in science would usually be celebrated, the Brits have retaken fucking Boston. Things are bad!
While such an advance in science would usually be celebrated, the Brits have retaken fucking Boston. Things are bad!
Interchangeable Parts
wooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
wooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The Rise of the Ku Klux Klan
Across the South, the White Nationalist terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan, has been free to operate and organize without impediment of troops to slow them down. Murders of Freedmen have become more and more common. As order in America begins to break down, the Klan swells in numbers, recruiting hundreds of thousands of angry men to their cause.
They see opportunity, they see a chance. In June of 1863, they realize it.
Across the South, the White Nationalist terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan, has been free to operate and organize without impediment of troops to slow them down. Murders of Freedmen have become more and more common. As order in America begins to break down, the Klan swells in numbers, recruiting hundreds of thousands of angry men to their cause.
They see opportunity, they see a chance. In June of 1863, they realize it.
The Klan Rebellion
On June 7th, the Ku Klux Klan rises in the South. Declaring that their intention is to create a state for the White Protestant man, they seize control of main cities across the South. Freedmen die in the thousands. June 8th becomes remembered as Red Tuesday as a result of the wanton murder and lawlessness spreading across the South.
James Buchanan, in about 3 years, has managed to find himself trapped between his own countrymen to the South and the British to the north, with the only army of the Republic slowly marching across the Great Plains.
AAAAAAAND that's where I'll leave you guys! Thanks for reading!
On June 7th, the Ku Klux Klan rises in the South. Declaring that their intention is to create a state for the White Protestant man, they seize control of main cities across the South. Freedmen die in the thousands. June 8th becomes remembered as Red Tuesday as a result of the wanton murder and lawlessness spreading across the South.
James Buchanan, in about 3 years, has managed to find himself trapped between his own countrymen to the South and the British to the north, with the only army of the Republic slowly marching across the Great Plains.
AAAAAAAND that's where I'll leave you guys! Thanks for reading!
