The Presidency of Arthur M. Vandenberg - Part 2 Germany Looks Across the Sleeve ChannelHaving grudgingly agreed towards an uneasy peace with Russia, Germany took several months to lick its wounds and rebuild. The Fuhrer's first actions was to extend an invitation towards England and Spain to join the Axis powers. Reluctantly, General Franco consented, though it was more of an understood peace and less of an entangling alliance; Franco had previously declined, but with Germany being a proverbial 800-lb Gorilla, it was the only practical option. Prime Minister Churchill on the other hand, remained resolute in his opposition towards Germany, though the British began to think otherwise, with victory nearly out of sight. Churchill gave a speech hoping to rally support for the war, though its effects were negligible.
Tensions Rise in the Pacific On August 28th, 1946, the USS South Dakota was sunk in the Sea of Japan, leaving 600 crewmembers dead and many others wounded. There was no official confirmation as to what the cause was, though there was little doubt in President Vandenberg's mind that the culprit was no other than the Soviet Empire. There was a great souring in relations, though no official declaration of war, and in preemption of a Russian takeover, the United States launched an amphibious assault on September 8th, 1946, hoping to seize Tokyo and bring the Empire of Japan to its knees.
1946 Midterm Elections: Senate Composition:
D: 53 R: 41
Senate Majority Leader: Alben W. Barkley
Senate Majority Whip: Lister HillSenate Minority Leader: Styles Bridges
Senate Minority Whip: Leverett Saltonstall1946 House Elections:D: +35 R: -35
D: 237 R: 194 
