The People's Party Remains, 1888-

[Marokai Backbeat]

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

It's an establishment issue more than anything else. They've broken through in the South and dominate the West because that's where they started and are carried through by farmer's associations and the few areas where blacks can actually still vote.

In other eastern/northeastern areas though the Democratic Party just dominates to such an extent that the Populists are unable to break them, and the Republican Party (though dying) still has it's historical deadlock on New England.

[Marokai Backbeat]

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.

Arizona and New Mexico will become states within the next couple years, but Puerto Rico will eventually become independent. Populists are opposed to imperialism and much of the isolationists in the party see holding onto PR as an admission of being something of an empire.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1909 is in the works, but before I did any of that I wanted to edit part of the introduction, more specifically, 1892. So this is the area that I edited up to the election in 1891-1892

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[HappyWarrior]

Excellent TL.  Hope to see more soon.

[Marokai Backbeat]

The First Term of President Eugene V. Debs (P-IN), 1909

Library of Congress photograph; President Eugene V. Debs, March 25th, 1909

Throughout the Winter of 1908-1909, the New Liberals had been contemplating new fiscal policies in light of their recent reforms. The Liberal Reforms still had many goals left to accomplish, and Labour was getting antsy with the slow movement so far due to the constant opposition of the Conservative Party and concerns over budgetary constraints. Prime Minister Lloyd George and Labour leader Richard Bell met privately with other members of parliament throughout December to discuss proposals designed to bring in more revenue in order to fund further reforms, and live up to their promises to protect the lower classes and end the special treatment of the wealthy.

On January 19th, Lloyd George proposes the 1909 People's Budget with the full support of the NLP, Labour, and most of the Irish Parliamentarists. The People's Budget would increase funding and pension payments, as a condition for Labour support, towards the Pension & Securities Act of 1908 passed by the parliament in the previous year, expanded medical care for school children, and institute a variety of new taxes directed at the wealthy.

Conservatives react with horror towards the new taxes included in the budget, which include a new land tax, the size of which is varied by the amount of land an individual owns, new and increased inheritance taxes, and an array of income tax changes. The base income tax rate under the 1909 People's Budget was 3.5% for all annual incomes under £1000 (a .3% decrease), for incomes from £1000-£2000, the tax rate was increased to 5.5%, for incomes from £2000-£3000, the tax rate would be 7.75%, and for all incomes above £3000, the tax rate would be increased to 10.5%. Many Conservatives were large landowners themselves, a fact which Prime Minister Lloyd George was quick to point out.

Arthur J. Balfour, new Conservative Party leader in the House of Commons, fiercely opposed the budget on the debate floor. "Taxes do nothing but cripple the businesses of this Kingdom, the individuals of this Kingdom, the families of this Kingdom. It is nothing short of robbery!" Lloyd George, speaking up through the cheers of the Conservative MPs, countered by saying "The people of the United Kingdom sent myself and my party to this chamber to break the same cycle the Conservative Party has repeated over the last several years. Poor people in this country are suffering, the unemployed are suffering, children are suffering, Mister Balfour, you know it, and you see it. All of these measures affect only the richest of this land. Curiously, that happens to include some of the greedy people sitting behind you."

Despite Conservative rioting in the House chamber, a vote is forced on the People's Budget on January 27th, 1909. Over the objections of the Independent Liberals and the Conservatives, the budget bill passed with the combined votes of the New Liberals, Labour, and most Irish Parliamentarists, 371-299. It moved to the House of Lords, where it immediately stalled.

The Lords had never historically seriously opposed the power of the House of Commons over fiscal matters for over two centuries, but since the rise to power of the New Liberal Party, the large Conservative majority in the House of Lords had become increasingly defiant, resulting in the slow down of the implementation of several of the Liberal Reforms, and a scathing public response to the Conservative Party. Despite urging from the NLP, the Lords dragged out the process of passing the People's Budget for two weeks. In a stunning move, on February 15th, the Conservative controlled House of Lords rejected the budget bill by the large margin of 178-62.

Prime Minister Lloyd George, Labour Party leader Richard Bell, Irish Parliamentarist Leader John Redmond, and Lloyd George's confidant Winston Churchill, immediately protested the rejection of the budget, declaring the Lords has "no right" to challenge the "House of Commons' power over the purse" and party members began to demand the reintroduction of the 1909 People's Budget to force the issue onto the Lords once again.

Lloyd George, in his requested audience with King Edward VII on February 24th, 1909, asked that the King appoint several hundred New Liberal peers to the House of Lords, to forever neutralize the defiant Conservative majority and pass what he called "the will of the people." Edward VII promised he would do so, if Lloyd George would call an election later in the year, and they retained power. Lloyd George promised the King he would call for new elections to be held in August.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is founded on March 1st, 1909, in New York City, in response to several race riots that had been taking place over the last several years throughout the South and Southern Illinois.

Back in the United States, President Pattison was winding down his administration, and the Populists were beginning to move into town. With no serious legislation passed over the course of the Winter, (the Populists and Debs preferring to wait until they took power) it was a quiet several months in Washington, D.C. On March 4th, Eugene V. Debs was inaugurated as President of the United States, and the new congress, sworn in. Debs delivered a short speech detailing some of the things he hoped to correct over his first term.

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After the initial celebration, business of the congress had to be done. John Lind (P-MN) was selected as Speaker of the House, Alonzo Shuford (P-NC) elected Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, and second-term Senator Robert La Follette (P-WI) as Majority Leader of the Senate, following James Kyle's retirement.

On March 10th, 1909, the Women's Voting Rights Amendment is brought forward for the third time and this time, Populists are ready. Majority Leader La Follette and fellow Populists stand firmly in favor of extending voting rights to all women. Democrats however, are still opposed, but their strength is considerably weakened from the year before. Even though a majority of Democrats still oppose suffrage, the proportion of Democrats opposing suffrage continues to weaken, realizing that the mood of the public is strongly against them and without changing their positions, they stand the risk of losing even more seats. Minority Leader Newton Blanchard (D-LA), however, is still as opposed as the year before.

"As has been said, Women already have representation through their husbands, and their families. They are not in need of additional representation!" Blanchard declares on the Senate floor. La Follete disagrees, channeling the memorable speech of the previous year by Former Minority Leader James Kyle. As debate rages on, and money pours in from churches and businesses across the Southern United States, the oppositions continues, with Blanchard threatening to use all minority powers to block advancement to a vote, despite some Democratic senators expressing worry behind closed doors. Marches are led by National Women's Suffrage Association across the nation in a show of support for women's rights.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1909 Continuation

The 1909 Women's Suffrage March in New York City, sponsored by the National Women's Suffrage Association.

On March 30th, several Democratic senators meet in private with Minority Leader Blanchard about standing down the opposition, after blocking the advancement of the Women's Voting Rights Amendment for nearly three weeks, warning that if Blanchard doesn't doesn't stand down, the Democratic Party will be "irreparably damaged" and that they would be forced to circumvent him by voting with the Populists. Blanchard heeds this advice, he too believing that suffrage rights were inevitable, and allows a vote to be held on April 2nd.

The Women's Voting Rights Amendment finally passes in the Senate, for the second time in two years, by a vote of 66-26, several more votes than necessary. It moves to the House of Representatives the following day, where Populists are optimistic that due to the recent elections, and the wide passage in the Senate, the Amendment will pass handily there as well. Majority Leader Alonzo Shuford (P-NC) and Speaker of the House John Lind (P-MN) argue together in favor of it on the floor, in opposition to some Southern Populists and Democrats. Populists manage to move the debate process along over the next several days, dodging fears of a Democratic insistence on further debate, and a vote is called. On April 9th, 1909, the Women's Voting Rights Amendment at last makes it through congress, 287-104.

President Debs and Women's Rights organizations all over the country rejoice at the news. Debs releases a statement saying "I applaud the congress for a job well done. The rights of women across the country have never been something to be lackadaisical about, and I hope the states will have ratified the Amendment by this time next year."

On April 20th, despite the fighting within the House of Commons, Prime Minister Lloyd George decides to bring forward another Liberal Reform to strengthen the ties between the New Liberals and Labour before the August elections, introducing the Miner's Rights Act of 1909. The Act is something Labour has long wanted, a limit to the work day of miners across the UK (an eight hour limit) and guaranteed ability to sue mine owners for neglecting the workers' safety. Lloyd George argues that many miners in the United Kingdom are overworked, and have little ability to sue their employers for negligence towards bad working conditions, which several surveys had found are the case in some of the UK's largest mines.

Conservatives oppose allowing workers more ability to sue their employers, with Balfour asserting that "such a policy can only hurt the coal-mining business through the abuse of worker 'protection' laws." Despite Conservative opposition and the opposition of the mine owners, the Miner's Rights Act of 1909 passes, 417-250, three members of parliament absent due to illness. In the House of Lords, the Conservative majority contemplates rejecting the legislation as a show of force, but bows to the pressure from the public and the House of Commons, passing the Act by a vote of 167-73.

Four states ratified the Women's Voting Rights Amendment by the end of April, 1909: Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, and Wisconsin.

On May 17th, House Majority Leader Shuford brings to the floor legislation encouraged by President Debs titled the Income Tax Fairness Act which would restructure the income tax brackets, changing the top bracket from "Taxable income over $400,000" to "Taxable income over $200,000" and greatly increase the top income tax from 9% to 50%. Debs argues that such profits are "clearly excessive and the remaining income more than enough for a comfortable living" and would be "better utilized for the public good."

Populists are firmly in favor of the act, believing that well funded public projects would benefit the country more than "a handful of wealthy" while Democrats firmly oppose it. Populists in the House fear no backlash, due to the fact that most of their voters are the poor and underprivileged, but the Democrats and Republicans often are more friendly to businesses. Republicans are split, questioning the necessity and the far reaching percentage of taxable income, but there is no serious opposition from their side. On May 21st, the House passes the Income Tax Fairness Act over Democratic opposition and allegations of "socialist tendencies and dangerous naivete" by a vote of 239-150. (Two representatives absent.)

The Senate takes up the Act on May 21st, but opposition is stiffer. Majority Leader La Follette argues in favor of it's necessity and asserts it is "perfectly fair" because citizens should "pay more for what they earn." Minority Leader Newton Blanchard (D-LA) proposes an amendment that would lower the tax rate to 40% as a compromise, arguing that "taking half of a man's hard earned money is downright thievery!" The amendment passes because Populists fear Republicans joining the Democrats on the final vote, over President Debs' vocal opposition, and the amended Income Tax Fairness Act passes by a vote of 62-30. While in conference, the amended Act is accepted by House leaders and is passed again 246-142. (Three representatives absent.) Debs unhappily signs it into law on May 28th, 1909. Business publications would later refer to this as "The Debs Hike."

On June 14th, reports come to light that Germany is mass producing what they call "Anti-Aircraft Guns" after developing the first efficient prototype easily mass-produced. Several types had been attempted by the German armed forces, such as thicker and more powerful models that lacked maneuverability, and lighter more mobile models that lacked the punch necessary to do serious damage.

Soon after, Britain, France, and Russia swiftly adopt similar designs and generate more funds in an effort to match the production of the Germans. President Debs officially declines to seek increases in funding from congress to do the same on June 21st, denying its necessity.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1906 Continuation #2:

United Kingdom General Election of 1909

In anticipation of the August General Election, to be held in the month's first week, partisan fury had erupted across the UK. The House of Lords was held in low esteem, New Liberals were being portrayed as socialists by the Conservative Party, while Conservatives were being portrayed as the uncaring, wealthy, elite. Despite King Edward's promise to appoint hundreds of New Liberal lords if the Lords did not back down, Conservatives refused. Through all of this, however, the coalition between the NLP and Labour was popular amongst the poor, and further liberals reforms demanded by the still suffering public.

A Conservative Party campaign poster, attacking Prime Minister Lloyd George's Liberal Reforms on charges of Socialism.

Promises were made on all sides throughout June and July, with the NLP promising to implement protections for trade unions during strikes, and mandating improved safety and living conditions on merchant vessels, as well as following through on the People's Budget which Lloyd George assured "would affect only the rich man." Feeling the ever-so-slight increasing popularity of the Labour Party, Lloyd George also promised to continue their partnership. New Liberals also made curbing the power of the House of Lords a rallying cry, claiming they were "interfering in the proper elected government" and "only interested in their well-being."

Richard Bell of the Labour Party made promises to introduce a bill to create a national insurance program, designed to provide medical care for all of those who fall under a certain income level. Labour soon adopted the slogan "The Lords must go!" throughout July, as many of the more radical members of the Party believed it was the proper time to abolish the Lords altogether. Arthur Balfour, leader of the Conservatives, promised to oppose any new tax increases which the Conservatives claims would be "felt on every street and in every home."

The elections were held from August 2nd to August 13th, 1909.

House of Commons Results: 670 Members

New Liberals: 300 Seats
Conservatives: 252 Seats
Irish Parliamentarists: 64 Seats
Labour: 46 Seats
Various Other Parties (Independent Conservatives, Social Democratic Federation, etc.): 8 Seats

The New Liberals once again emerge victorious, picking up three seats, and hold a total of 48 more seats than the Conservatives, who picked up a net gain of four seats due to the merging with the Independent Liberal Party. The Irish Parliamentary Party managed to pick up an additional seat in a close race between an NLP candidate, but the biggest gains were made by the Labour Party, picking up a total of seven seats. The NLP speculates that the radical anti-Lords positions of the Labour Party made their position stronger among more radical members of the New Liberal Party.

Conservatives are angered at their losses to the New Liberals, despite their slim gains due to the merge with the Independent Liberals. Balfour begins to immediately gear up to oppose the strengthened coalition between the NLP and the Labour Party in the House of Commons, and privately asks his counterparts in the Lords to oppose any efforts to pass the People's Budget for a second time. Richard Bell, Labour leader, says on the following day: "The people spoke, and the Lords are who they spoke against."

With the seating of the new House of Commons to be taking place within weeks, Prime Minister Lloyd George returns to King Edward VII on August 16th, to discuss the viability of appointing several hundred New Liberals to the House of Lords. Edward agrees to do so using his power as King, only if the Conservatives in the House of Lords refuse to pass the People's Budget for a second time.

On August 26th, Representative Burleigh Spalding (P-ND) introduces the American Waterway Protection Act, legislation which had failed twice previously during President Pattison's administration in 1904, and 1905. The Act would penalize individuals who disposed of waste in rivers, lakes, ponds, dams, ports, harbors, channels, and other waterways, and require a permit from businesses to do so, under threat of heavy fines. Democrats still largely oppose the Act, but due to the more moderate language of this version, are more receptive than previously. Minority Leader Rice Pierce (D-TN) expresses concern over the "broad reach" of the Act, but some Democrats are content.

The American Waterway Protection Act passes easily, 269-121 (One representative absent) and moves to debate in the Senate on September 1st, 1909. Majority Leader La Follette (P-WI) and Senator William Harvey (P-IL) argue passionately in favor of the Act, listing off deplorable conditions in a number of the country's rivers and a lack of "any serious environmental protection." Minority Leader William Taft (R-OH) concurs with the Populists, also worried about "the future of the wildlife of Ohio and surrounding states." Democrats claim the opposing side is exaggerating certain examples, but many Southern Democrats are also swayed by the Populists and the deteriorating condition of the more prominent American rivers over the recent years. The American Waterway Protection Act passes in the Senate on September 4th, 70-22, all of the no-votes composed of Democrats. President Debs signs it into law September 7th, 1909.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1909 Continuation #3
The Constitutional Crisis of 1909

The first major battle in the new House of Commons begins on September 14th, when Prime Minister Lloyd George again introduces the 1909 People's Budget identical to the previous attempt earlier in the year. A strengthened New Liberal-Labour coalition argues in favor of it, explaining in detail that "the taxes within this budget affect not those on the bottom, but those at the top, to fund programs which would build British society from the ground up!" Balfour and his Conservatives continue to argue that taxes on the upper class still have detrimental effects on the economy, because they can also target the employers.

Despite the Conservatives dragging out the debate over the budget (at one point in the proceedings, threatening to storm out of the chamber in protest) and assailing the "massive wealth redistribution," the People's Budget passes in the House of Commons for a second time on September 27th, 382-288. All of Britain watches as the budget again moves to the defiant, heavily Conservative House of Lords.

The Conservative Lords wrestle with how to handle the situation. Most of the Conservatives still stand in firm opposition to the budget, and make requests for changes before passage. Lloyd George and Richard Bell, however, refuse to budge on the bill, asserting the Lords has no right to reject or demand changes to legislation on financial matters passed by the House of Commons. After a much more subdued discussion, compared to earlier in the year, between the Conservative Lords, they narrowly reject the 1909 People's Budget on October 4th, to the surprise of the New Liberals, who expected them to cave under the King's threat.

On October 7th, the Parliament Act of 1909 is brought to the floor of the House of Commons which would limit the legislative blocking power of the House of Lords dramatically. Conservatives again oppose this, labeling it "New Liberal tyranny" but Lloyd George and Richard Bell counter that the "duly elected government" shouldn't be blocked by "a handful of aristocrats." It passes in the House of Commons over Balfour's vocal opposition, but it too falls victim to the House of Lords' contempt for the coalition-run House of Commons, and is rejected by the Lords by the vote of 136-104.

Later that week, after the Conservatives had called the King's threat believing it to be a bluff, King Edward VII made an announcement regarding the controversy surrounding the budget and the rejected Parliament Act.

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Conservatives across Britain react violently to the news, sparking protests throughout London and within the government. Balfour leads the Conservative Party on a protest, walking out of the government on the following day, after the appointment of one hundred-ninety New Liberal, and fifty Labour life peers to the House of Lords, expanding the size of the Lords to 480 total seats. Though New Liberals are pleased with the King's assistance, many of the more moderate members of the Party express quiet concerns over the level of protests and the controversy surrounding the House of Lords.

On November 10th, after much of the initial Conservative protests had calmed, Prime Minister Lloyd George for the third time introduced the 1909 People's Budget with the full support of the King. Balfour and the Conservatives in the Commons threatened to walk out again in protest, but this time some of the more moderate New Liberals wavered, despite the urging of the New Liberal leadership and the Labour Party, agreeing to lessen the land taxes a bit and take up additional school lunches in a separate Act in the following year. Richard Bell is upset by the wavering of certain NLP members, but is assured by Lloyd George that the miscellaneous proposals will be dealt with. The People's Budget passes in the House of Commons for the third time on November 12th, 402-268.

The new House of Lords receives the budget the following Monday, November 15th, 1909. Conservatives quietly curse the King for interfering in the political process, something which is only rarely done, but realize opposition in the House of Lords is now pointless, and it will be in opposing hands for decades to come. Being doubled in size, and full of recently appointed New Liberals and Labour lords, the People's Budget passes swiftly, 359-121. Prime Minister Lloyd George writes to the London Times on the much sought-after victory:

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New Liberals and Labour members regroup themselves for the winter in preparation for further reforms in the coming year, with medical care, school lunches, and the power of the House of Lords at the top of the agenda.

On December 2nd, President Debs promises to lay out in detail his plans for what he called "State-Owned Corporations" as part of his plan for "public market alternative" to the private market, and for foreign trade in the coming months ahead. Republicans also plan on pressing for New Mexico and Arizona statehood.

By December 31st, 1909, nineteen states have ratified and four states rejected the Women's Voting Rights Amendment: Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Texas, Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania; Ratified. Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee; Rejected.

[tmthforu94]

This timeline is simply amazing. One of the best I've seen. I'll have to read the rest later, since family is coming in.
Good job!

[Historico]

I coulnd't remember If I had replied to this thread or not...But It is a phenomal timeline AG, very well researched and well written. With the rise of the Populist Party, what have a major OTL African American Leaders of the era like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois stand with the Party? Has there been any attempt to get Blacks elected to Congress? But other than that, everythings going strong with this timeline and Keep it comming.

[JWHart]

It lives!

Good stuff, keep it coming.

[Hash]

Still one of the best current timelines out there. It's especially great that you put so much effort into foreign stuff - especially British politics.

As my usual self, what is happening in France? Canada? South America?

[Historico]

I coulnd't remember If I had replied to this thread or not...But It is a phenomal timeline AG, very well researched and well written. With the rise of the Populist Party, what have a major OTL African American Leaders of the era like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois stand with the Party? Has there been any attempt to get Blacks elected to Congress? But other than that, everythings going strong with this timeline and Keep it comming.

Hey, Marokai Blue, I don't know if you skimmed over my questions but yeah how are things with the African American Community and the Populist party? Also when can we expect the next installment of the fabulous timeline.

[Devilman88]

Please write more, this is great.

[Historico]

Any news on a update Marokai? I know its a pretty indepth timeline but I would really like to see it be continued.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Any news on a update Marokai? I know its a pretty indepth timeline but I would really like to see it be continued.

I'm sorry, my computer had to be repaired because of a tragic accident, and I was fearful that I lost all my research and edits. But it's all back now, and I'll continue writing shortly.

If you can't contain yourself, though, I made two rough drafts for county maps that still need nitpicking and edits, but you can view them here: 1892 and 1896.

I coulnd't remember If I had replied to this thread or not...But It is a phenomal timeline AG, very well researched and well written. With the rise of the Populist Party, what have a major OTL African American Leaders of the era like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois stand with the Party? Has there been any attempt to get Blacks elected to Congress? But other than that, everythings going strong with this timeline and Keep it comming.

Hey, Marokai Blue, I don't know if you skimmed over my questions but yeah how are things with the African American Community and the Populist party?

African Americans are mostly Populist voters (where they can vote.) However, their representation is shrinking. Democrats are taking even stricter measures to make sure a major Populist voting bloc don't get out the vote. Eventually this will lead to a return of the Solid South. (I've been edging the vote margins in that direction, if anyone noticed.) The Republicans are also continuing to weaken, eventually they'll disappear and something new will start.

Still one of the best current timelines out there. It's especially great that you put so much effort into foreign stuff - especially British politics.

As my usual self, what is happening in France? Canada? South America?

Well, it does take alot of time and effort. Sometimes I have to make educated guesses about Britain's system of government Canada, I'll say nothing especially new for now, so we can just assume roughly the same thing. South America, increased tensions between the Colombia and the U.S. I plan a war in South America at some point. (Not involving the US, directly, anyway.)

As for France, the only major difference I've made so far, and for no particular reason in all honestly outside a butterfly-induced strength of Conservatives (and the right-wing in general) in Europe for a short time caused by more international crises than in our timeline, Raymond Poincaré became Prime Minister earlier than originally, and joined in a major halting of trade to Japan during the Russo-Japanese War.

Please write more, this is great.

You know, I do hope you continue to read this timeline, even though you're not who you said you were.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Oh, also, the colors for the map are reversed because I did it for another site which doesn't use our backwards color scheme.

[Historico]

Excellent, It's just good to here this awesome tl is still in the works, the maps came out great btw...I patiently await lol.

[Hash]

Still one of the best current timelines out there. It's especially great that you put so much effort into foreign stuff - especially British politics.

As my usual self, what is happening in France? Canada? South America?

Well, it does take alot of time and effort. Sometimes I have to make educated guesses about Britain's system of government Canada, I'll say nothing especially new for now, so we can just assume roughly the same thing. South America, increased tensions between the Colombia and the U.S. I plan a war in South America at some point. (Not involving the US, directly, anyway.)

As for France, the only major difference I've made so far, and for no particular reason in all honestly outside a butterfly-induced strength of Conservatives (and the right-wing in general) in Europe for a short time caused by more international crises than in our timeline, Raymond Poincaré became Prime Minister earlier than originally, and joined in a major halting of trade to Japan during the Russo-Japanese War.

It's cool that you're including foreign stuff, it's a welcome change from most timelines.

On the strength of the French conservatives, I assume you secular non-monarchist non-insane conservatives, or the ARD. Since the conservative conservatives, aka monarchist insane conservatives with Bibles, those types couldn't rule France ever due to sinistrisme.

Poincaré, obviously, was of the former type, but he was on the right of the ARD.

[Historico]

Can't wait to see what happens during the rest of Eugene's 1st term...Keep this Great timeline comming

[Kaine for Senate '18]

You pretty much stole an idea I had, but good job

Seriously.  This is excellent.

[Marokai Backbeat]

I always end up seeing people viewing this from time to time, and occasionally one of you bumps it up.

It's encouraging, it really is. I'm getting my wisdom teeth out soon which will dampen my creative spirit, but, I do hope to continue this at some point in the next month. I can't believe it's almost been a year since I initially wrote this on another site, and this is all I've done!

[Historico]

Well I hope this little recap inspires some kind of support to start this up again...

The People’s Party Remains Timeline: POTUS List

22. Grover Cleveland (D-NY): March 4th 1885-March 1889
23. Benjamin Harrison (R-OH): March 4th 1889-March 4th 1893
24. James B. Weaver (P-IA): March 4th 1893-March 4th 1901
25. Robert E. Pattison (D-PA): March 4th 1901-March 4th 1909
26. Eugene V. Debs (P-IN): March 4th 1909-???

The People’s Party Remains Timeline: VP List

21. Thomas A. Hendricks (D-IN): March 4th-November 25th 1885*
Vacant: November 25th 1885-March 4th 1889
22. Levi P. Morton (R-NY): March 4th 1889-March 4th 1893
23. Whitelaw Reid (R-NY): March 4th 1893-March 4th 1897
24. Theodore Roosevelt (P-NY): March 4th 1897-December 2nd 1898
Vacant: December 2nd 1898-March 4th 1901
25. John W. Smith (D-MD): March 4th 1901-March 4th 1909
26. Joseph D. Sayers (P-TX): March 4th 1909-???

Notes

.21. Died in Office as per OTL
24. Assassinated by Leon Colgasz

[Marokai Backbeat]

Events of 1910: A Cordial Agreement & The United Corporations

In the aftermath of the New Year celebrations, agreements between France and Britain had come to the forefront of European affairs. Minor treaties and deals between the two nations had been an ongoing process since the ending of the Russo-Japanese War when Britain realized it could no longer continue it's "splendid isolation" distancing itself from the rest of the world. After France and Britain were nearly brought to conflict between themselves, the duo agreed to put their past rivalry behind them once and for all.

The series of agreements were, for the most part, mutual agreements not to interfere in each others interests abroad and Britain offering some support to French colonies in exchange for similar support from France. The final agreement was signed on February 19th, 1910 between the British Foreign Secretary and long-time French Ambassador to Britain, Paul Cambon. The agreement, later referred to as the second "Entente Cordiale" (Cordial Agreement), was a loose defensive agreement between Britain and France to defend the other in the event of an attack by a major power (such as Germany or Austria-Hungary), and was to be dissolved if either power was the initial offender.

A flag symbol popularized by French artists celebrating the signing of the "Entente Cordiale" in February, 1910.

The agreement infuriated Germany, which had been a long-time opponent to France and was quickly rivaling Britain in naval power, as well as Japan, which had serious concerns about the Franco-Russian alliance essentially making it an agreement between Britain, France, and Russia altogether. The United States on the other hand expressed quiet, unofficial, approval.

By March 1st, 1910, twenty-two states have ratified and four states rejected the Women's Voting Rights Amendment: Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Texas, Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, California, Vermont; Ratified. Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee; Rejected.

Senator William Taft (R-OH) introduces the appropriately titled Statehood Act of 1910 on March 7th, the most important business of the new year so far, which would finally grant statehood to the territories of New Mexico and Arizona, and a delegation to be determined in the congressional elections later in the year. Populists and Democrats have little to no objection to the plans, unlike the controversy surrounding the partisan battle between Democrats and Populists for Oklahoman statehood, and it passes the Senate 85-7. Republicans, seeing matters of statehood as one of their few remaining signature issues, are pleased with the passage and consider it a victory, albeit minor, for them.

The Statehood Act of 1910 passes the House of Representatives on March 21st on a vote of 364-21, with six representatives absent from the vote.

On April 10th, 1910, President Debs announced his long-awaited plans for "market alternatives" in the form of publicly owned corporations.

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Populists are pleased with the speech, and are almost entirely supportive of the idea of government-backed corporations that purport do business fairly and shall be resistant to market contractions because of government management. Democrats, predictably, do not share the Populist optimism and some in the party see it as an attempt to take over the private sector.

After initial discussion, House Majority Leader Alonzo Shuford (P-NC) introduces the United Corporation & Fair Economy Act in the House of Representatives on April 20th, 1910. The Act created a flurry of "United Corporations" to be established by the end of 1911, with only limited public investment to protect the United States' position as the majority shareholder and preserve government management of the new public businesses:

United Fruit, trading tropical fruit from third world countries and fruit from select southern states, selling it within the United States and limited European locations.

United Rail, a long goal of the Populists, a government-owned railway business, which would have full authority to lay rail and travel throughout North America.

United Communications, a corporation which provided telegraph and limited telephone communication services, with an emphasis on developing a telephone line network that could create an easily accessed telephone communication network nation-wide.

United Power, establishing individual power networks and providing power to consumers throughout underdeveloped areas, such as the Columbia River Valley, the Tennessee River Valley, and the Colorado River Valley.

United Meat, a business catered to providing farmers cheap slaughtering a meat-packing services, and ensuring clean and safe delivery many in the U.S. considered private meat-packing industries to lack.

Urban and rural Populists are pleased with the combination of interests; Railway and power companies for the development of interests and the protection of railway workers, and agricultural corporations for better treatment and business to the farmers. Democratic reaction is mixed, with some Democrats being comfortable with the prospect of agricultural business in the Southern states, but Republicans are aghast.

Republican states primarily being dominated by old manufacturing and assorted business interests, the areas serve no need for additional development beyond what the private forces have already provided, and many Republicans simply advocate protectionist policies towards already existing private entities.

Despite limited procedural tactics of Minority Leader Henry Burnham (R-NH) to delay the progression of the United Corporation & Fair Economy Act, it could not be stalled for long beyond the debating period. On May 17th, the Act comes up for a vote. It passes 222-165, with four representatives absent, and all but three Republicans voting in opposition. The Act moves to the Senate, where it faces more a more lengthy battle.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Events of 1910, Continuation #1

On June 2nd, it is reported by The New York Times that Populists had initially drafted a "United Steel" corporation, but it was dropped after objections from labor leaders, causing some controversy. President Debs dismisses the report, claiming "The set of United Corporations will make life better for everyone."

June 10th marks the date the United States Army Signal Corps purchased the first aircraft intended for military use from the Wright Brothers of Ohio, who were instrumental in developing aviation technology. The Signal Corps hope over the upcoming years they can develop and test new armed aircraft.

The Senate continues it's debate on the United Corporation & Fair Economy Act, after Republicans had gathered enough Democrats to make passage a worry for the Populists. Majority Leader La Follette (P-WI) calls Republican opposition "selfish" and contends that it will make life better for all Americans by ensuring that there is an alternative to the some times "abusive marketplace." Minority Leader Taft (R-OH) claims they are "unnecessary and inefficient" and would place the economy in "jeopardy."

Senators Henry Heitfeld (P-ID) and William Harvey (P-IL) argue on the floor that the new United Corporations will provide a new focus for businesses. They argue that it will focus on underdeveloped areas, while established businesses avoid unprofitable areas, that they will engage in a variety of rural electrification projects that private businesses wouldn't consider worth the investment, and that the focus on a national telephone network provides and example of the infrastructure commitment that the United Corporations have that the private market does not consider. This plea wins over some Democrats in poverty-stricken areas in the South, and softens Republican opposition.

The United Corporation & Fair Economy Act comes to a vote after a lengthy and controversial debating period in the Senate, and passes more narrowly on June 29th than Populists had hoped, but it was a victory nonetheless. By a vote of 52-40, with Populists universally supportive, the passage was carried by a number of moderate Democrats who believed their individual states would benefit. Republicans, on the other hand, were entirely opposed, but did not express bitterness over their defeat. President Debs signs the Act into law on July 3rd, praising the congress for their courage during an election year.

King Edward VII of the United Kingdom falls terribly ill on July 12th, 1910, with a critical case of bronchitis becoming more severe over the previous weeks. Prime Minister Lloyd George is asked about his condition after a meeting with the King on the following day, to which he reportedly replies "God save us, it's not good this time."

Plagued will sickness in most of his last years because of his incredible smoking habits, smoking dozens of cigars and cigarettes in just days, Edward VII never awakens from the night of July 14th, 1910, after he refused to stop working and rest throughout that day. The UK is struck with sadness, as is many countries throughout Europe, including Britain's rival; Germany. France was especially mournful, because of the agreements between the two nations that had happened earlier in 1910.

The funeral procession of the late King Edward VII, attended by various European heads of state on July 28th, 1910.

Held on July 28th, 1910, the funeral of Edward VII is held, attended by Prime Minister Lloyd George, the royal family, and various heads of state from across Europe, to the tears of millions. President Debs praised him shortly after his death, calling him by his popular nickname in Europe, the "peacemaker." French politicians express their hope that the good relations between the UK and France will continue during the reign of his successor.

On August 19th, after most in the United States had moved on from the news and the mourning around the world was softening, Representative Thomas Nicholls (P-PA) introduces the Automobile Identification Act which largely mirrored Pennsylvanian and New York law concerning state license plates on new automobiles, as they grew more and more common in urban areas, which would help identify which car belonged to whom. Debs vocally supports the legislation, calling it "sensible" and "efficient" regulation of the emerging automobile industry.

On August 30th, it passes the House of Representatives easily after garnering no serious widespread opposition by a vote of 319-60, with twelve representatives not present for the vote. The Automobile Identification Act passes in the Senate but similarly wide margins on September 9th, 1910, by 82-10. Debs signs it into law the following morning.

1910 Congressional Elections

In the run-up to the congressional elections, Populists are in good shape. Republicans attempt to fire up their New England base of supporters by propping up their earlier opposition to the United Corporation & Fair Economy Act, but it fails to excite their usual voters, as many old Republican loyalists were dying off, or slowly becoming dissatisfied with the withering party.

Populists run on good economic conditions and their promises to "make life better for the individual" and their highly popular support for civil rights for women, which is on the verge of ratification by the States. President Debs spends his time keeping pressure on formerly Republican areas of New York and Pennsylvania, helping out his congressional allies, as they see a chance to deal more blows to the Republicans.

Democrats, meanwhile, seem stable. The passion surrounding the suffrage debate had thankfully passed, for the most part, and for those it remained a big issue for, they were sure to capture the opposition anyway, so suffrage did not become a topic. They ran on a similar message of the Populists, but revived an old slogan from former President Pattison's days shortly before taking over after former President Weaver, "We can do it better!" They also try to focus o New Mexico and Arizona as much as possible, as the Republicans are not a factor in those races at all.

Senate: 96 Members

Populists - 47 (+2)
Democrats - 32 (+5)
Republicans - 16 (-3)

House: 394 Members

Populists - 194 (+4)
Democrats - 139 (+17)
Republicans - 61 (-18)

Republicans slide, as their campaign rhetoric is met with a fatigued New England and surrounding area, who are slowly beginning to give up on the Republican Party. Democrats pick up some old seats, and Populists manage to hold their ground, due to the new seats added.


On December 5th, after Populists promise to "continue good management," a group of German light cruisers and supply ships are spotted in the Pacific ocean, during a routine patrol from the scouting arm of the 2nd Pacific Fleet. After receiving word from British intelligence on December 17th, President Debs is informed that Germany has been sending small amounts of supplies to Japan by land and sea, but for what purpose, is unknown.

The Women's Voting Rights Amendment is officially ratified by December 31st, 1910, with thirty-five states have ratifying and four states rejecting: Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Texas, Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, California, Vermont, Delaware, Maryland, Iowa, Missouri, Oregon, Nevada, Michigan, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, North Carolina, New Jersey; Ratified. Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee; Rejected.