A Destiny Made Manifest - Part 10: An Intellectual Boom
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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1868: In the Age of Beatty
Entering his second term, Augustus Beatty still feels a zest for politics and life. While he spent his first term mostly mopping up rebels, by the start of 1869, the First Time of Troubles had mostly come to an end. The period of instability, lasting from 1856 to 1868, had resulted in hundreds of thousands of American deaths.
As Beatty entered a time of relative peace, his policies revealed themselves: the Pennsylvanian was a relentless modernizer and globalist. While he generally didn't favor large-scale war (his personal experience had soured him on it), he wanted the world to respect America again.
(Note: the man whose face I've nabbed and given to Beatty is Adelbert Ames)
Entering his second term, Augustus Beatty still feels a zest for politics and life. While he spent his first term mostly mopping up rebels, by the start of 1869, the First Time of Troubles had mostly come to an end. The period of instability, lasting from 1856 to 1868, had resulted in hundreds of thousands of American deaths.
As Beatty entered a time of relative peace, his policies revealed themselves: the Pennsylvanian was a relentless modernizer and globalist. While he generally didn't favor large-scale war (his personal experience had soured him on it), he wanted the world to respect America again.
(Note: the man whose face I've nabbed and given to Beatty is Adelbert Ames)
The Treaty of Boston
While the Americans backed out of Central America per the Treaty of Boston (1863), the Brits have been slow to move in and assert themselves in the now open nations. Beatty, not eager to charge headlong into British bayonets once more, was keen on letting the British keep to themselves.
Also, the French Empire puts a puppet on the throne in Mexico - Napoleon III's nephew, Joseph Napoleon. Who would've thought the Mexicans would be ruled by a Bonaparte?
While the Americans backed out of Central America per the Treaty of Boston (1863), the Brits have been slow to move in and assert themselves in the now open nations. Beatty, not eager to charge headlong into British bayonets once more, was keen on letting the British keep to themselves.
Also, the French Empire puts a puppet on the throne in Mexico - Napoleon III's nephew, Joseph Napoleon. Who would've thought the Mexicans would be ruled by a Bonaparte?
Portugal Defaults!
The most staunch American warhawks in Congress push for a war against Portugal in mainland Europe in order to give America more legitimacy abroad, but Beatty merely issues a stern statement regarding future Portuguese debts.
The most staunch American warhawks in Congress push for a war against Portugal in mainland Europe in order to give America more legitimacy abroad, but Beatty merely issues a stern statement regarding future Portuguese debts.
The Tariff of 1868
We lower that guy to 35% because we are firmly in the black.
We lower that guy to 35% because we are firmly in the black.
Kind of Carlist Spain
While Spain is ruled by the Carlist Faction, they're not properly Carlist. *Shrugs*.
While Spain is ruled by the Carlist Faction, they're not properly Carlist. *Shrugs*.
Another Army!
Beatty continues to slowly rebuild the American Army.
Beatty continues to slowly rebuild the American Army.
The 41st Congress
The Workingmen's Party continues to make astounding gains despite the actions of the New Minutemen. Republicans in Congress, eager to resist their true ideological enemies in the Democrats, continue to attempt to make socialist concessions.
The Workingmen's Party continues to make astounding gains despite the actions of the New Minutemen. Republicans in Congress, eager to resist their true ideological enemies in the Democrats, continue to attempt to make socialist concessions.
Commission a Warship!
The American Navy, still largely the same since the days of Polk, is a bit neglected. Beatty decides to commission a warship.
The American Navy, still largely the same since the days of Polk, is a bit neglected. Beatty decides to commission a warship.
Hot Blast
I'll take "things your mom said to me after we fucked" for $500, Alex!
I'll take "things your mom said to me after we fucked" for $500, Alex!
The Third European Revolution
In Russia, the Tsar has been exiled, and the Russian Federation has been set up in its stead. The nation is similar in structure to the American Republic, with federalism and autonomous states having some measure of self-rule from the federal government in Saint Petersburg. From the outset, it is clear that the republic is weak.
(KERENSKY INTENSIFIES)
In Russia, the Tsar has been exiled, and the Russian Federation has been set up in its stead. The nation is similar in structure to the American Republic, with federalism and autonomous states having some measure of self-rule from the federal government in Saint Petersburg. From the outset, it is clear that the republic is weak.
(KERENSKY INTENSIFIES)
Field Fortifications
Field fortifications were used at the Battle of Agincourt (kind of), but sure, America just found out about them I guess.
Field fortifications were used at the Battle of Agincourt (kind of), but sure, America just found out about them I guess.
The 3rd Army
The resurrected 3rd is placed under the command of the young and ambitious Ulysses Fry, who is, of course, remembered by history for reasons other than his generalship.
The resurrected 3rd is placed under the command of the young and ambitious Ulysses Fry, who is, of course, remembered by history for reasons other than his generalship.
Fort Caribou
Interested in protecting the Norther border from possible British excursions, a fortress is built near the small town of Caribou in Maine.
Interested in protecting the Norther border from possible British excursions, a fortress is built near the small town of Caribou in Maine.
Fort Everett
Beatty, remembering how easily the Brits seized Seattle, authorizes the construction of a fort near the city.
Beatty, remembering how easily the Brits seized Seattle, authorizes the construction of a fort near the city.
Private Bank Money Bill Printing!
I'm not gonna pretend to know anything about currency history, guys.
I'm not gonna pretend to know anything about currency history, guys.
Standard Rochester Cement
A cement company in Rochester grows to become a huge corporation that treats its workers exceptionally well in comparison to other companies. The Workingmen's Party celebrates!
A cement company in Rochester grows to become a huge corporation that treats its workers exceptionally well in comparison to other companies. The Workingmen's Party celebrates!
Standard Binghamption Cement
Every industry has its copycats.
Every industry has its copycats.
Sympathy Strikes!
Across the nation, the socialist cause grows. A large strike occurs in Austin.
Across the nation, the socialist cause grows. A large strike occurs in Austin.
The 4th Army
Plans for a 4th Army are executed, and a new brigade of clippers are commissioned. America back, people!
Plans for a 4th Army are executed, and a new brigade of clippers are commissioned. America back, people!
Anti-American Activity
While two years of relative peace have kept Beatty in high popularity, he fears revolutionary ambition might simply be dormant. This is partially why he approved such drastic re-militarization.
While two years of relative peace have kept Beatty in high popularity, he fears revolutionary ambition might simply be dormant. This is partially why he approved such drastic re-militarization.
Sino-French War
Napoleon III, strangely, uses a Korean diplomatic insult as justification to declare war on the Chinese Emperor. We all remember from our history books that time that a Bonaparte declared war on China, right?
Napoleon III, strangely, uses a Korean diplomatic insult as justification to declare war on the Chinese Emperor. We all remember from our history books that time that a Bonaparte declared war on China, right?
Railroad Transport Groups
In the case of further American mobilization, a new system for transporting troops is devised.
In the case of further American mobilization, a new system for transporting troops is devised.
The Junio Agreements
Closer diplomatic ties are established with Cuba. Hopefully, should we ever find ourselves at the mercy of Britain or a second rising of the South, the mighty Cuban Army will be there to bail us out!
Closer diplomatic ties are established with Cuba. Hopefully, should we ever find ourselves at the mercy of Britain or a second rising of the South, the mighty Cuban Army will be there to bail us out!
Analytic Philsophy
Among American philosophers, there is a new push for a closer analysis of philosophical principles. Also, +100% research points is just *kisses fingers*
Among American philosophers, there is a new push for a closer analysis of philosophical principles. Also, +100% research points is just *kisses fingers*
The Death of Dixie?
Across the South, a more homogeneous American culture is spreading to the South, slowly crushing the Southern identity. Having lost so many young men to the Southern Rebellions, the South can hardly push back.
Across the South, a more homogeneous American culture is spreading to the South, slowly crushing the Southern identity. Having lost so many young men to the Southern Rebellions, the South can hardly push back.
The 4th Army
The new army is placed under the command of the now ancient John Mitchell.
The new army is placed under the command of the now ancient John Mitchell.
Socialist Honduras
For the first time in world history, socialists have won an election! Honduras's government is led by the Partido Socialista.
For the first time in world history, socialists have won an election! Honduras's government is led by the Partido Socialista.
An Egyptian Tomb Discovered!
Jonathan Henry Dunn, an American Egyptologist, discovers a large Eighteenth Dynasty-era tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Europe begins to think that those upstart Americans might just be capable of something!
Jonathan Henry Dunn, an American Egyptologist, discovers a large Eighteenth Dynasty-era tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Europe begins to think that those upstart Americans might just be capable of something!
The Homestead Act of 1870
As the nation begins to settle, a new Homestead Act is passed. The frontier is open once again!
As the nation begins to settle, a new Homestead Act is passed. The frontier is open once again!
The Riots of 1870
In response to a heated Congressional election cycle, some uppity Marylanders have risen up, calling the Republican government illegitimate. Send in the boys!
In response to a heated Congressional election cycle, some uppity Marylanders have risen up, calling the Republican government illegitimate. Send in the boys!
Good night
sleep tight
don't let the bed bugs bite
sleep tight
don't let the bed bugs bite
The 42nd Congress
The Workingmen's Party continues to make gains, mostly at the expense of the Republicans. The Republican coalition with the Radical Party only manages to garner 40% of the seats, while the Democrats sit at 36%. The new socialist party is proving itself to be a "great disrupter to the natural way of things," in the words of Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax, a personification the Workingmen quickly latch onto.
The Workingmen's Party continues to make gains, mostly at the expense of the Republicans. The Republican coalition with the Radical Party only manages to garner 40% of the seats, while the Democrats sit at 36%. The new socialist party is proving itself to be a "great disrupter to the natural way of things," in the words of Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax, a personification the Workingmen quickly latch onto.
Temperance and Labor
One of the more progressive views that began to pick up steam in 1870s was the prohibition of alcohol. In certain Western states, the teetotalers become allied with local Workingmen's politicians.
One of the more progressive views that began to pick up steam in 1870s was the prohibition of alcohol. In certain Western states, the teetotalers become allied with local Workingmen's politicians.
Revolution and Counterrevolution
But mostly counterrevolution! Beatty begins to beef up his security, going so far as to set up a secret (VERY SECRET) police force in last 1871 to infiltrate and sabotage revolutionary organizations like the New Minutemen.
Under Beatty's presidency, a spider web of corruption begins to form, mostly in the name of keeping the peace.
But mostly counterrevolution! Beatty begins to beef up his security, going so far as to set up a secret (VERY SECRET) police force in last 1871 to infiltrate and sabotage revolutionary organizations like the New Minutemen.
Under Beatty's presidency, a spider web of corruption begins to form, mostly in the name of keeping the peace.
Another Tomb Discovered!
Tombs are fun, tombs are neat!
Tombs are fun, tombs are neat!
The Philosophy of Language
A natural evolution of analytic philosophy, language comes under the microscope of young intellectuals. Under the second term of Augustus Beatty, America begins to assert itself as a new center of a uniquely American philosophy.
A natural evolution of analytic philosophy, language comes under the microscope of young intellectuals. Under the second term of Augustus Beatty, America begins to assert itself as a new center of a uniquely American philosophy.
Advanced Ore Smelting
Critically important evolution in the industry of smelting takes place, increasing the amount which American steel plants can output.
Critically important evolution in the industry of smelting takes place, increasing the amount which American steel plants can output.
Colonial Policy Debated
In a series of debates that would go on to define the next decade or so of American politics, the Republican Party in Congress begins to fully schism between the more moderate Republicans who favored an aggressive foreign policy and machine politics domestically become known as the Stalwarts, while the more progressive Republicans who did not support colonization or political corruption become known as the Half-Breeds.
With the Democratic Party being essentially neutered in terms of its ability to field a national presidential candidate, this Republican schism would dominate presidential elections for years to come.
In a series of debates that would go on to define the next decade or so of American politics, the Republican Party in Congress begins to fully schism between the more moderate Republicans who favored an aggressive foreign policy and machine politics domestically become known as the Stalwarts, while the more progressive Republicans who did not support colonization or political corruption become known as the Half-Breeds.
With the Democratic Party being essentially neutered in terms of its ability to field a national presidential candidate, this Republican schism would dominate presidential elections for years to come.
Arizona Granted Statehood!
The 47th state is admitted, leaving only the territories of Oklahoma and Alaska to be unincorporated.
The 47th state is admitted, leaving only the territories of Oklahoma and Alaska to be unincorporated.
KABOOOM!
We make no distinctions of class! How progressive are we, huh?!
We make no distinctions of class! How progressive are we, huh?!
The Dark Continent
As Europe begins to turn its eyes towards Africa, the Stalwarts declare that Manifest Destiny bids America to "protect" the Africans by annexing as much territory there as they can in the continent to keep out the vicious Europeans. The Half-Breeds, declaring that such actions would lower the American character to that of their mother Britannia, oppose this.
Meanwhile, Augustus Beatty sits above it all, shaking his head and tut-tutting like a disappointed father. He begins to set aside the dreams he had for an easy retirement.
As Europe begins to turn its eyes towards Africa, the Stalwarts declare that Manifest Destiny bids America to "protect" the Africans by annexing as much territory there as they can in the continent to keep out the vicious Europeans. The Half-Breeds, declaring that such actions would lower the American character to that of their mother Britannia, oppose this.
Meanwhile, Augustus Beatty sits above it all, shaking his head and tut-tutting like a disappointed father. He begins to set aside the dreams he had for an easy retirement.
The Election of 1872
While the Republicans began to squabble over who would be the presidential candidate in 1872, the 67 year-old Beatty surprised the nation by announcing his intention to run for a third term, and took Half-Breed James G. Blaine as his running mate to replace the aging Charles Sumner.
While the Stalwarts grumbled about the decision, they fall in line behind Beatty.
While the Republicans began to squabble over who would be the presidential candidate in 1872, the 67 year-old Beatty surprised the nation by announcing his intention to run for a third term, and took Half-Breed James G. Blaine as his running mate to replace the aging Charles Sumner.
While the Stalwarts grumbled about the decision, they fall in line behind Beatty.
The Election of 1872: The Liberal Republicans
Missouri Governor Benjamin Gratz Brown leads an anti-Beatty movement in Republican Party, disapproving of his use of executive authority and his decision to run for a third term. These "Liberal Republicans" quickly gain a small following, and the Democrats decided to punt on first down and put Brown on their ticket, mainly because making decisions is hard.
Missouri Governor Benjamin Gratz Brown leads an anti-Beatty movement in Republican Party, disapproving of his use of executive authority and his decision to run for a third term. These "Liberal Republicans" quickly gain a small following, and the Democrats decided to punt on first down and put Brown on their ticket, mainly because making decisions is hard.
The Election of 1872: The Workingmen's Party
William H. Sylvis is once again put on the Workingmen's ticket. He's really sliding into that Eugene V. Debs chair, huh?
Also, the Radicals probably do a thing, but no one cares.
William H. Sylvis is once again put on the Workingmen's ticket. He's really sliding into that Eugene V. Debs chair, huh?
Also, the Radicals probably do a thing, but no one cares.
Trade in Tennesee
Early on, Benjamin Brown attempts to appeal to Southern voters, mostly targeting Freedmen, as he generally detested Democrats. Beatty doesn't really bother to fight him, but Sylvis is more than eager to.
Early on, Benjamin Brown attempts to appeal to Southern voters, mostly targeting Freedmen, as he generally detested Democrats. Beatty doesn't really bother to fight him, but Sylvis is more than eager to.
Religion in Nevada
Sylvis, hoping to find a base in the West, is rejected in Nevada due to his secular politics. Damn!
Sylvis, hoping to find a base in the West, is rejected in Nevada due to his secular politics. Damn!
Further British Aggression!
The Brits intend to continue their African expansion, it becomes clear. Beatty, remaining silent on colonization and imperialism, does not comment on the issue.
The Brits intend to continue their African expansion, it becomes clear. Beatty, remaining silent on colonization and imperialism, does not comment on the issue.
Socialist gains in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a state with a Workingmen's Senator, Sylvis makes convincing arguments for secular politics. However, Augustus Beatty is a native of Philadelphia; Sylvis has no chance in this state, and neither does Brown.
In Pennsylvania, a state with a Workingmen's Senator, Sylvis makes convincing arguments for secular politics. However, Augustus Beatty is a native of Philadelphia; Sylvis has no chance in this state, and neither does Brown.
Rebellion in Venezuela!
The Anarcho-Liberals have seized Venezuela, establishing a brutal dictatorship. Immediately, calls for war to reestablish democracy in the nation spring up across the nation. Even the anti-war Sylvis rallies his party against the vile "Bourgeois Dictatorship." Brown takes a moderate stance on a possible conflict, costing him some Democratic voters. Beatty declares that America will "protect her interests in Latin America."
The Anarcho-Liberals have seized Venezuela, establishing a brutal dictatorship. Immediately, calls for war to reestablish democracy in the nation spring up across the nation. Even the anti-war Sylvis rallies his party against the vile "Bourgeois Dictatorship." Brown takes a moderate stance on a possible conflict, costing him some Democratic voters. Beatty declares that America will "protect her interests in Latin America."
Momentum in Ohio
Surprisingly, Benjamin Brown espouses Democratic views on economics in Ohio. He alienates moderate Republicans, and shatters his chances to win the North.
Surprisingly, Benjamin Brown espouses Democratic views on economics in Ohio. He alienates moderate Republicans, and shatters his chances to win the North.
Buffalo on Fire
I include this here simply to note that my ancestors lived in Buffalo at the time, and if this had happened in our timeline, maybe my ancestor could've died and y'all wouldn't have this AAR. Sorry you couldn't be so lucky.
I include this here simply to note that my ancestors lived in Buffalo at the time, and if this had happened in our timeline, maybe my ancestor could've died and y'all wouldn't have this AAR. Sorry you couldn't be so lucky.
Venezuelan Intervention
Beatty is given authority to intervene in Venezuela and ensure that American investments in the nation are protected. He plans an expedition to see if his reformed army is up to snuff.
Beatty is given authority to intervene in Venezuela and ensure that American investments in the nation are protected. He plans an expedition to see if his reformed army is up to snuff.
Logical Positivism
In attempts to further legitimize American philosophy, a movement towards rejecting metaphysical discussion and the promotion of empirical studies sprouts up in New York City.
In attempts to further legitimize American philosophy, a movement towards rejecting metaphysical discussion and the promotion of empirical studies sprouts up in New York City.
The Battle of Caracas
American troops land in Venezuelan capital and easily defeat the soldiers occupying it. A siege begins.
American troops land in Venezuelan capital and easily defeat the soldiers occupying it. A siege begins.
On the Eve of Election
Next week, the nation goes to vote. Beatty, maintained massive popularity in the North, believes he has a third term all but sewn up.
Next week, the nation goes to vote. Beatty, maintained massive popularity in the North, believes he has a third term all but sewn up.
The Election of 1872: Results
Unsurprisingly, Beatty's campaign achieves a great victory, though Brown did manage to put together the best challenge that Augustus the Great has faced thus far. Sylvis, to the disappointment of his party, is completely shut out.
Unsurprisingly, Beatty's campaign achieves a great victory, though Brown did manage to put together the best challenge that Augustus the Great has faced thus far. Sylvis, to the disappointment of his party, is completely shut out.
Thanks for reading!
Check back in as next time as we examine the last term in the Age of Beatty.
Check back in as next time as we examine the last term in the Age of Beatty.
