The People's Party Remains, 1888-

[Marokai Backbeat]

good TL.

Thanks, I was beginning to wonder..

[Hash]

Great job. Kudos for including foreign events.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Great job. Kudos for including foreign events.

Thanks very much, I try to keep track of other events!

[Josh/Devilman88]

Very good. Keep it up.

[JWHart]

So, Russia won. Unfortunately, my knowledge of early Russian & Japanese history is spotty.

In Japan, the military has failed, twice. Sure, they salvaged something each time, but that's not enough for a county which had a bit of an inferiority complex at the time. OTL, the death of the Emperor in 1912 initiated the Taisho period of democratic pushback against the aristocracy -- that movement will likely be stronger and more successful, since the genro can be neutered in the name of military reform. Japan may well be a British-style constitutional monarchy by the 20's.

Japan will also likely remain quiescent in foreign policy for awhile, but after the Taisho house-cleaning, will probably seek to come back in a big way.

Russia...hmm. At first I thought you'd eliminated the Revolution of 1905, but that seemed to have sparked independently of the war. Still, without Russian humiliation and with the Army remaining behind him, the Tsar should end in a much stronger position. The Duma may end up not being formed at all.

Good stuff, as ever.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Excellent job so far.  I applaud you for including so many foreign events, which was a major problem in my own timeline.  I look forward to the rest of this timeline.

[Marokai Backbeat]

I can't believe I missed this, but I'm writing the 1907 update and noticed that I forgot to tally in Oklahoma's House and Senate seats. Fixed that.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Events of 1907: The New Liberals & Women's Suffrage

During the Winter of 1906, the leadership crises in the UK's Liberal Party reaching a tipping point. Though the Conservative Party was losing popularity despite some successes with overseas affairs, and the embargo on Japan was a diplomatic success, some elements of the economy were hurt, and the Conservative Party was losing the confidence of the people when it came to handling both domestic and foreign affairs. Two factions in the Liberal Party, the "Classical Liberals" and the "Progressive Liberals" fought over the party's leadership, with the latter believing, unlike the Classicals, that while the government should remain out of an individuals personal lives, the government should take a more active role in the economy, and institute a basic welfare system.

By the end of 1906, the Progressive Liberals had broken from the Liberal Party, with most of the Liberal Party's membership in support of them, and with some dispirited Conservatives joining them as well. With support from the Labour Party, the New Liberal Party was formed on December 20th, 1906. The old Liberal Party collapsed, with most of it's membership joining various minor parties (Such as the Independent Liberal Party) as well as fleeing to the Conservatives.

In early January 1907 and throughout February, the New Liberals advertise their proposals to institute welfare programs and increased taxation on the wealthier classes, leading the NLP is David L. George. Opposition to the Conservative Party mounts, and efforts to call for new elections later in the year begin on March 1st, 1907.

March 4th, 1907, marks the swearing in of the new congress. President Pattison and the Democrats are pleased with their holds and small gains in the election and pledge to hold firm in their positions in the coming years.

On March 27th, 1907, House Democrats and Republicans propose the Relief Appropriations Act which would authorize over one-hundred million dollars in humanitarian aid and economic stimulation for France as part of the deal for increased diplomatic pressure on Japan (and Russia) in the previous year. Populists are hesitant to support such an act, believing that such money should be spent on "American families and American workers." Democrats are concerned over the spending, but most follow President Pattison's deal. It passes in the House of Representatives, 217-174.

The Relief Appropriations Act reaches the Senate on April 9th, facing tougher scrutiny from Populist Senators. Although concern is greater from Populist leaders and Democrats worry yet again about the cost of such relief, the Act passes yet again after some time of debate, on April 15th, by a vote of 58-34. Prime Minister of France Raymond Poincaré thanks the United States and President Pattison in a written message.

On April 19th, Korea becomes a protectorate of Japan. Russian Prime Minister Ivan Goremykin personally invites Japanese fishers into Sakhalin as a gesture of good will shortly thereafter.

On April 26th, Former President and founding member of the Populist Party, James B. Weaver, dies following a severe heart attack in his home in Des Moines, Iowa. Populist leaders take the news very badly, and many are stunned by the news, believing Weaver to be a very healthy and active man for his age. William J. Bryan remarks on his death as "One of the saddest days in this nation's history. Weaver was a great man and a great President, and he will be remembered for many years to come."

Weaver's funeral is held, by his family's request, in his old hometown of Bloomfield, Iowa, and attended by Former President Grover Cleveland, William J. Bryan, Eugene Debs, President Pattison, as well as many others from congress. Bryan, a close friend of Weaver's, delivers a deeply moving speech during the funeral, encouraging all people to believe in Weaver, and his policies.

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Upon the reconvening of congress, Populists are energized and motivated by Bryan's words, and on May 20th, propose the Women's Voting Rights Amendment in the Senate, which would give all women across the United States the right to vote.

Rallied by Weaver's passing and Bryan's efforts, Senate Minority Leader James Kyle (P-KS) is firm in his support for the legislation, as are most Populists, though Southern Populists are split, many are willing to vote with the Party out of respect. Republicans are very forward thinking on issues of civil rights, being mostly based in New England, where support for suffrage for women is very strong (and already exists in Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island.) Democrats, however, are skeptical, and most are opposed.

Senator Thomas Martin (D-VA) proclaims on the Senate floor "This amendment is reckless and unnecessary. Women are already represented by their husbands, and thus, do not require such representation on their own!" Senator Isidor Rayner (D-MD) concurs, saying "Not only are Senator Martin's words exactly accurate, we mustn't forget that government's are structured based on force, strength, and organization. Women cannot fight, women cannot be forceful, this is not an insult, this is simply a fact of female anatomy. Government's grant suffrage based on no right, but simply worth."

Republicans and Populists are horrified at the Democratic Party's reaction, and respond in kind, with Senator Taft (R-OH) responding; "All women and men deserve the right of representation. Women pay taxes do they not? They are worked, they are taxed, they uphold the family households across this nation. All of this government's policies affect women just as they do men. There should be no restrictions on which gender may vote." Populists applaud Senator Taft's well spoken words on the floor, and the Republican-Populist alliance is strengthened.

During the long debate, the National Woman's Suffrage Association sponsors and supports marches across most major cities of the country, in New York, Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois in support of voting rights. The NWSA garners large supports across the Northeast and Western regions of the country, and yet again the pro-suffrage movement is emboldened.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1907 Continuation

Democrats attempt to block the Amendment from a vote altogether on July 13th, 1907, and succeed temporarily. The National Association Opposed to Women's Suffrage attempts to counter the NWSA, but fails in their efforts to match them outside of the South. The NAOWS launches an enlistment campaign across roughly half the country, recruiting hundreds of thousands, as opposed to the NWSA's millions of members.

Ultimately, Populists and Republicans force a vote, threatening to undergo protest measures which may lead to the shutting down of congress completely, on July 25th, 1907. Minority Leaders James Kyle (P-KS) and Winthrop Crane (R-MA) rally Populists and Republicans in to support the Women's Voting Rights Amendment with every spare second they have. Northern Democrats begin to waver, as do threatened Western Democrats, and what follows is perhaps the most heated voting session in the recent history of the United States Congress: By a vote of 58-34, the Amendment falls three votes short of the required two-thirds majority required to move to the House.

On August 14th, Prime Minister William J. Brodrick of the UK bends to the pressure, and along with the House of Commons express their support for a new General Election which will be held in early December.

By the middle of August, Public opinion is on the side of the Populists and Republicans, and both parties make it a rallying cry for the rest of the year. Republican and Populist leaders agree to an alliance to block Democratic legislation until such an amendment is voted on yet again in the following year, leading to incredible dead-lock.

On September 10th, following their defeat, the new found "Populist-Republican Alliance" propose legislation entitled the Coinage Revitalization Act of 1907 in the House of Representatives which would place the recently deceased Former President James Weaver on the United State Five-Cent coin (Nickel) and Former President Abraham Lincoln on the United States Cent coin (Penny). The rationale for such is, according to Minority Leader Lind (P-MN) is "United States coins are bland and uninspiring. As a nation we should take pride in our leaders and encourage the use of such coins by expressing our faith in the great leaders of this country. James Weaver and Lincoln are two fine examples of such leadership."

The Act garners opposition not simply for the Act, but more for the 'Alliance' of the Populists and Republicans, but passes because of the Democratic Party's inability to overcome the combined total of representatives on the opposing side. The Act passes on September 16th, 1907, 259-132. The Coinage Revitalization Act moves to the Senate shortly thereafter, where it passes, 73-19. President Pattison signs it into law on September 25th, 1907.

On October 20th, 1907, The New York Times broke reports about the deaths from the construction workers and engineers working on the construction of the Panama Canal, which have nearly reached one-thousand. Many are stunned at the numbers, but Democrats point out that the number of dead so far are a result of the several tropical diseases in the area, and not from construction related deaths, and that the numbers are lower than expected in Democrat circles. Despite this, President Pattison and Vice President Smith encourage the military to increase spending on anti-disease efforts, and Vice President Smith considers a visit to Panama to coordinate with the local officials there about the protection of workers and the soldiers defending the area.

William J. Bryan makes overtures to the Populist National Committee about the possibility of running for Chairman of the PNC, as the current chairman, former business man and prominent activist on behalf of farmer's associations, Wharton Barker, was stepping down soon.

United Kingdom General Election of 1907

The New Liberal Party campaigns on the failures of the Conservative Party to deal with rising poverty and homelessness in the UK, rising dissatisfaction among the working class, and the apparently slowing economy. Many in the United Kingdom are dissatisfied with the lengthy Conservative rule, and due to the Conservative Party's internal disputes, it seems as if the New Liberals may break Conservative rule.

Arthur Balfour, leader of the Conservative Party, stands firm in opposition to David L. George's (New Liberal Leader) policies of instituting a basic welfare system, claiming that such expenditures would only further hurt the economy of the UK and believes an excessive focus on domestic affairs would be detrimental to international standing.

Voting is held from December 4th to December 7th, 1907. The New Liberal Party emerges victorious, after promising various economic reforms that favor the lower classes.

House of Commons Results: 670 Members

New Liberals: 297 Seats
Conservatives: 248 Seats
Irish Parliamentarists: 63 Seats
Labours: 39 Seats
Independent Liberals: 13 Seats
Various Other Parties (Independent Conservatives, Social Democratic Federation, etc.): 10 Seats

Fearing the Conservatives would attempt to find ways to block them by allying with various minor parties, the New Liberals avoided complete ‘Minority Government’ status by signing an agreement with the Labour Party. Labour Party leaders agreed to sign a coalition agreement with the New Liberals, and support David L. George for Prime Minister, in return for some additional proposals put forward by the Labours. Conservatives were angered by their losses, but pledged to oppose "senseless NLP legislation." Irish Parliamentarists remain firm to their own goals and support no one formally, but many in the Party support New Liberal proposals.

[Marokai Backbeat]

If I misunderstood anything about the UK's political processes, please correct me and I'll make the edits.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Events of 1908: Deadlock, Liberal Reforms, & U.S. Elections

In early January, Democratic leaders meet in secret in the capitol to discuss possible action to take regarding the Populist-Republican Alliance. Leaders worry that their agenda will be consistently blocked and Populist and Republican legislation will be hammered through almost any time they wish. Prominent congressmen propose several ideas to drive a wedge between the two, such as tariff adjustments and immigration restrictions, among other things.

On January 20th, 1908, newly elected Prime Minister David George and his fellow New Liberal Party members lay out their proposals known as "The Liberal Reforms" and they are reproduced in a variety of British newspapers.

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Labour Party leader Richard Bell gave light criticism to the New Liberal proposals, asserting that they "do not extend far enough" and adding that proposals for miner relief similar to those in the United States (minimum wages, maximum hours of work, etc) were necessary. Nevertheless, Bell assures New Liberals he does support their proposals.

On February 11th, the Youth Protection Act of 1908 (the first major and comprehensive Liberal Reform Act) passes in the UK House of Commons by a vote of 402-263 (with five members of parliament absent from the vote) and in the House of Lords by a vote of 161-79. The Act would establish juvenile court systems, so minors would not be prosecuted as adults on trial and sent to adult prisons. Additionally, the Youth Protection Act would establish and non-compulsory program that would provide free school lunches and free medical treatment on school grounds as well, and establish foster parent registries and encourage the building and participate in orphanages.

France officially lifts the embargo on Japan on February 21st, after a long process of phasing out the embargo over time.

On March 5th, Congress meets for it's first showdown since the previous year. Democrats propose the Immigration Restrictions & Reform Act which would place heavy restrictions on Japanese immigrants coming from poor and middle class backgrounds, and ban any immigrants coming from or in any way associated with the Imperial Japanese Navy and/or Imperial Japanese Army and the Japanese government. Republicans are opposed to immigration restrictions, but Populists have always been receptive to such. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Newton Blanchard hopes to drive an issue in between the Republicans and Populists and weaken their alliance.

Populist Senate Minority Leader James Kyle argues in favor of the legislation, claiming that immigration drives down wages and creates "undue competition" between "justly regulated and fair business practices, and illegal and dangerous unregulated" businesses & farms. Senator Taft (R-OH) opposes it, claiming the legislation is "discrimination at it's most insidious" and urges both Populists and Republicans to vote it down. Populists are conflicted, though they have sided with Democrats on the issues of immigration before, they are now in temporary alliance with the Republican Party, and the two parties delay a vote with their combined power and discuss compromises behind closed doors.

On March 10th, James Kyle and Republican Minority Leader Winthrop Crane announce to their respective Senatorial delegations that a compromise was reached; to vote down the bill and introduce legislation to block the immigration of Japanese who are from poverty stricken classes and those associated with the Japanese armed forces. Democrats are furious and stunned at the outcome, having their attempted wedge backfire. On March 12th, the Immigration Restrictions & Reform Act is defeated in the Senate by a vote of 52-40.

The following day, Minority Leader Kyle introduces the Responsible Immigration Reform Act which would only restrict immigration from poverty stricken Japanese and those associated with the Japanese Imperial Navy & Army. Republicans are still hesitant to support the legislation, Democrats are frustrated at the backfiring of their scheme, and some hard-core Populists quietly claim it does not go far enough, but it passes, 67-25. The Act passes in the House of Representatives on March 16th 332-59.

Another Liberal Reform, the Pension & Securities Act of 1908 is introduced to the House of Commons on March 22nd, 1908. Argued in favor of by Prime Minister George himself, the Act would institute a weekly pension payment for every citizen over the age of 65. Labours once again delivered quiet criticism of the Act, saying that there were so many provisions in the Act that it "makes it exceptionally difficult to actually qualify" such as "character tests" and refusing to give payments to reformed criminals and vague statements like "failure to work in past occupations." Conservatives are not as quiet in their criticism, claiming the Act, while admirable in it's regulations, is fiscally irresponsible, and would further hurt economy.

Prime Minister George asserts that it is "necessary" to build the economy from the bottom, rather than rewarding the upper classes. The Pension & Securities Act of 1908 faces skepticism from both sides, but passes in the House of Commons 366-302. (Two MP's absent.) Conservative opposition in the House of Lords is well known, but the Lords respect, at least somewhat, the Commons' power of the purse and tradition of non interference. It passes by the lords 149-91. Negative opinion of the House of Lords begins to rise from the general public.

On April 14th, 1908, Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company introduces the world's first easily produced (in comparison to other cars) and affordable automobile, entitled the "Ford Model T." Initial cost of the vehicle is a mere $800.

After much lobbying and the popularity of the holiday in New York, Senator Henry Heitfeld (P-ID) introduces the Labor Day Proclamation declaring the first Monday of every September, starting in 1909, as a federal holiday and tribute to the working class of the United States and around the world. Populists and Republicans are in favor of it, as are most Democrats, though some Democrats and Republicans question it's necessity, it passes easy on April 29th, 1908, 79-13. The proposed holiday passes the House by a similarly large margin on May 4th, 349-52. President Pattison signs the Labor Day Proclamation the following day with a smile.

President Pattison announces he does not wish to seek a third term in office on May 6th. Vice President Smith announces he does not seek to run for President on the following day.

Unemployment begins to rise, spelling more bad news about the economy. This coupled with the recent news that many banks are unable to make loans because of a lack of support spells doom about the upcoming election for the Democratic Party. President Pattison and Democratic leaders in congress support a commission to discover the causes of the ensuing economic panic and what can be done to solve similar incidents in the future.

On May 9th 1908, twice former Presidential Nominee of the Populist Party William J. Bryan is easily elected chairman of the Populist National Committee, essentially head of the Populist Party.

After much delay and preparation, Populist Senate Minority Leader James Kyle introduces the Women's Voting Rights Amendment to the Senate. With strong Populist and Republican support, and encouragement from favorable public opinion, debate begins. Opposition to the Amendment is once again fierce and from the same sources as before; Democrats.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1908 Continuation

Senator Thomas Martin (D-VA) once again takes to the debate floor to argue against the amendment. "As I have repeatedly told this body, women are represented, by their husbands and family! Society relies on women this is to be sure, and I nor the Democratic Party as a whole wishes to put women down, were merely do not see them as deserving of the right to vote because of their existing representation."

Though the speech is echoed by several other Democratic Senators (particularly deep Southern Democrats) the speech goes over horribly. What was intended to be a more comprehensive explanation went onto become a tirade about the alleged "weakness" of women and their "place at home." Populists and Republicans stand even more firm together, and moderate Democrats once again waver, due to the election year pressure and the constituencies being supportive of the Amendment. Minority Leader Kyle takes to the debate once again on May 29th, 1908, and gives a lengthy and moving speech on the women from his life, and those in the West, where many Populist states have already given women the right to vote. "The strength of women is undeniable. Their resolve is unwavering, and their determination to achieve a goal matches or perhaps surpasses even this body's. Let there be no doubt about it my friends, the Democrats fear them with power. Fear is the source of their opposition."

Debate lasts for many weeks, as is expected, as Populists and Republicans argue in favor of the Amendment with all their strength, against Democrats, many of which are just as resolved against the Amendment. However, many Democrats realize the stakes in an election year, and are worried about the option of ignoring the Amendment yet again. Marches persist throughout major cities in favor of the Amendment, and a handful of pro-suffrage marches are sparked even in the United Kingdom. On June 8th the Women's Voting Rights Amendment comes to a vote in the Senate, and after a long and stressful voting period, by a vote of 61-31, it shockingly passes and moves onto the House of Representatives.

Requiring 261 members to support the Amendment, passage in the House looks bleak. House Minority Leader John Lind (P-MN) immediately rallies Populists and Republicans in favor of the Amendment, and stays on the debate floor for several hours each day arguing in favor of the legislation. Rallying in opposition is House Majority Leader Rice Pierce (D-TN) who agrees with Senator Martin over women already being "represented by their husbands." Lind jokes on the floor about "Democrats going home home to face their wives" after the vote, and makes a passionate case for the "equality of the sexes." Majority Leader Pierce counters by saying that "nothing is equal in nature, Mister Lind. Women were made differently than men; weaker, more sensitive, more suited by home roles. This is a fact." Lind argues that if Women exceed men in some areas, that would mean that men should be excluded from certain roles and positions as well. Democrats are unable to field a response to Lind but remain firmly opposed.

On July 2nd, a vote on the Women's Voting Rights Amendment is held in the House, after several failed attempts to shelve the Amendment. By a vote of 247-144, the Amendment falls 24 votes short of a two-thirds majority, and fails. Populists swear to make it a rallying cry for their Presidential and Congressional candidates and introduce it once more in 1909.

In the UK, the New Liberals brought forward the Labour Offices Act of 1908, which would create a system of "Labour Exchange Offices" across the UK with the intended purpose of assisting the unemployed, as well as provide a minimum level of income to be determined by the Parliament for each recently unemployed worker for up to 15 weeks after being terminated. Labours and New Liberals finally came together with no criticism of each others positions on the Act but the Conservatives were wholeheartedly opposed. Asserting that the revenue is not sufficient to support such an "extensive social welfare system" and that workers are perfectly capable of finding jobs on their own.

Prime Minister George responds by saying "The Conservatives clearly don't understand the difficulty of a lone working man attempting to find a job in, for instance, the wintertime." The Labour Offices Act of 1908 passes in the House of Commons on August 3rd, 1908, by a vote of 389-281, and the House of Lords by 139-101. Prime Minister George grew more and more concerned about the power of the House of Lords and their apparently growing disrespect for the House of Commons.

Populist Party Convention, 1908

Held in Chicago, Illinois, the Populist convention starts with similar optimism, and a candidate Populists know the name of very well. Eugene Debs returns to the Populist convention for the third time in a row, and pleads with the delegates to "make the right choice and lead the Populist Party into a new era." Some Populists are still bitter at Debs competing with Bryan, greatly contributing to Bryan's loss in the 1904 Presidential Election if not being the sole reason for it completely. But many Populists simply want to move past the infighting and win. Few other serious candidates are considered.

Senator Henry Heitfeld (P-ID) and Former-Governor Robert La Follette (P-WI) both declined to seek the nomination, Heitfeld preparing to run for Governor of Idaho, and La Follette running for the Senate, where he said "I have a duty to advance the rights of women everywhere." After much consideration, and William J. Bryan being head of the PNC, Eugene Debs is nominated as the Populist Presidential Nominee.

Debs and the Populists look to Former-Representative and Former-Governor Joseph Sayers (P-TX) as the Vice Presidential nominee.

Republican Party Convention, 1908

The Republican Party once again returns to their convention with high hopes, but for little reason. Republicans are desperate to expand their power and now is their best chance to do such, and they hope to keep and expand the gains they have made in recent cycles. Looking for someone with good name recognition and popular in high office, William Taft expresses his intention to run for President earlier in 1908. Republicans are elated, and Taft is easily nominated as the Republican Party Presidential Nominee.

Governor of Maine William T. Cobb is chosen as the Vice Presidential Nominee, coming in a distant second to Taft in the Presidential nomination tally.

Democratic Party Convention, 1908

Held in Virginia, Senator James B. Frazier (D-TN) storms the convention, taking everyone by surprise. Democrats are weak and have no exceptional candidates to speak of, aside from the anti-suffrage members of the Senate. Frazier opposes suffrage for women, and is a firm supporter of President Pattison and House Majority Leader Rice Pierce (D-TN). Supported by Pierce, Frazier manages to edge out narrowly Senator Thomas Martin (D-VA) for the Presidential Nomination. Martin is offered and gladly accepts the Vice Presidential nomination from the Democratic Party.

[Marokai Backbeat]

The General Election of 1908

Eugene Debs and Joe Sayers immediately begin campaigning in their respective regions on Democratic incompetence on the economy, and the good economic conditions under the last Populist President, the recently passed James Weaver. Debs promises to "invest more in our workers" and to "set up organizations that can ensure banks can always lend." Debs also criticizes President Pattison and the Democratic Party for "ignoring conservation, opposing equality for all women, and lacking the courage to engage in anti-trust efforts." Debs also promises to take a look at "reasonable regulations" on the emerging automobile industry.

Republican Presidential Nominee William Taft and Vice Presidential Nominee William Cobb stick to campaigning in the eastern portions of the Great Lakes regions and along the borders with Virginia. Taft portrays himself as an advocate for the rights of all women, and jokingly calls himself "an extreme moderate" on economic affairs. Democratic Nominee James Frazier (D-TN) spends most of his time campaigning along the Mason-Dixon line, defending President Pattison's policies ad infinitum. Democratic Nominee for Vice President Thomas Martin makes several speeches in New York and New Jersey, as well as his home state of Virginia, declaring that "economic extremism cannot be allowed to capture this country."

One notable incident during the campaign occurred on October 12th, in New York City, where Debs and Frazier agreed to have a public 'conversation' on the issues for just a short hour. Frazier attacked Debs for "socialism" and "wanting to destroy this nation's foundations in capitalism." Debs laughed on stage in front of a captivated audience, and reportedly responded:

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Debs evokes the memory of Theodore Roosevelt, but his response alienates some Republicans. Nevertheless, the public responds positively during the hard economic times, and on Election Day, deliver a smashing defeat of the Democratic Party. 242 Electoral Votes were needed.

Eugene V. Debs/Joseph Sayers (P), PV 45.1%, EV 263
William H. Taft/William Cobb (R), PV 26.2%, EV 115
James B. Frazier/Thomas Martin (D), PV 28.1%, EV 105
Other Candidates (Various Parties), PV .6%

Close State(s)

Pennsylvania: Eugene V. Debs 37.2%, William H. Taft 35.1%, James B. Frazier 27.4%, Other Candidates .3%

Oklahoma: Eugene V. Debs 43.3%, James B. Frazier 41.3%, William H. Taft 13.2%, Other Candidates .2%

Georgia: James B. Frazier 46.1%, Eugene V. Debs 45.5%, William H. Taft 8.3%, Other Candidates .1%

California: Eugene V. Debs 39.1%, James B. Frazier 35.3%, William H. Taft 23.1%, Other Candidates .5%

Eugene Debs leads the Populist Party to a landslide victory on the night of the election, as a weak Democratic ticket, a strong anti-Democratic sentiment, and a unified and strong Populist Party combine in a perfect storm for the Populists, who capture the majority in both Houses of Congress and the Presidency.

Debs is able to win Pennsylvania, traditionally thought to be a Republican stronghold, due to his pull with labor unions and Popularity there while he unified the strikers in 1904.

While Taft lost the Presidential run, he still retained his Senate seat, and led the Republicans to gains in the Senate and House of Representatives. However, some strains grow between Populists and Republicans after Debs' rhetoric on capitalism throughout the campaign. Frazier and the Democrats, however, have no silver lining. Losing both the Senate and House, and the Presidency, they are beaten and demoralized. It is widely believed that the pro-suffrage mood of the public played strongly against the Democratic Party in the election, and sent them back to the safest of safe states for the Party.

1908 is the largest electoral victory for the Populist Party yet and is the first time the Populists have won without the election being thrown to congress.

Congressional Election Results

Senate: 92 Members

Populists - 45 (+10)
Democrats - 28 (-13)
Republicans - 19 (+3)

House: 391 Members

Populists - 190 (+34)
Democrats -  122 (-52)
Republicans -  79 (+18)

[Marokai Backbeat]

For some reason "The Liberal Reforms" weren't being quoted at first. Sorry about the silly mistake and not catching it right away. Thoughts, anyone?

[Josh/Devilman88]

Very good.

[Marokai Backbeat]

I'll be in Rhode Island for 12 days or so (my flight leaves later) so updates will be delayed for awhile. Sorry everyone. (If anyone reads this )

[Marokai Backbeat]

I just wanted to let anyone know who is interested that I'm back and that I'm bumping the thread with the announcement I'll be getting back to writing once I'm settled in here at home again. Thanks for the few that do read.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Eugene Debs was elected President of the United States? If Ben Chifley's proposed nationalisation of Australia's banks is deemed constitutional of by the High Court in 1947 and the United States becomes actively involved in a conflict between Israel and Palestine in 1964 anything is possible in alternative history.

Anyway, once again an excellent installment in what is proving to be an excellent timeline. However, I do have some questions for ye. First, why is Alabama a stronghold for the People's Party? If anything, I would expect it to be one of the most ardent Democratic states in the Union. Second, did the creation of the People's Party, or should I say the prolonged life of the People's Party effect the state of other labour based parties around the world? Third, what is the current situation in Australia?

[Psychic Octopus]

President Eugene Debs *shoot self in face*

I like debs, though, he was a good man. I disagree with some of his policies. But I know he loved all of us.

[JWHart]

Still reading & enjoying.

One question -- given how the "New Liberals" basically deershanked the traditional faction of the party, why couldn't they just take over the existing Liberal Party instead of striking out on their own?

[k-onmmunist]

Still good

As i've said on DW, looking forward to more.

[Psychic Octopus]

Still good

As i've said on DW, looking forward to more.

[War on Want]

Why aren't the Populists doing better in the east? Have they failed to gain much of the urban immigrant vote?

[JWHart]

:: poke ::

Any updates nigh?

[aaaa2222]

This is a simply excellent timeline! However, I do hope it returns to focus more on the US, not the UK. Iḿ also quite surprised that Puerto Rico and Arizona haven´t become states yet, it seemed like that was the Populist platform.