Vive Le Hughes

[Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey]

Great update NiK!

[Bo]

Good so far. Go Hoover 1936!

[Historico]

Awesome Background into this ATL Hoover Presidency and Im upset that he still ended up repealing the Smoot-Hawley Tariff which will undoublty make the depression worse...Im still gunning for a Huey long Presidency lol...Keep it comming Nik

[Bo]

Awesome Background into this ATL Hoover Presidency and Im upset that he still ended up repealing the Smoot-Hawley Tariff which will undoublty make the depression worse...Im still gunning for a Huey long Presidency lol...Keep it comming Nik

I thought that if the Smoot Hawley Tariff would be repealed, the economy would start improving gradually as free trade would stimulate trade and commerce and as Euroepan countries would also begin removing some of their tariffs. That is what happened in RL.

[Psychic Octopus]

You guys have any ideas on what should follow? I'm still brainstorming what will happen at the conference, although I pretty much know where I want to take Hoover's presidency afterward.

[Bo]

Have Hoover continue to spend large amounts of money as the economy continues recovering. Also, have Hoover implement some form of Social Security and banking regulations, as well as some tax cuts for the middle class and possibly some environemntal and education legislation. Have Hoover be reelected in 1936 and have Landon win in 1940. I hope this helps.

[Psychic Octopus]

Well, Hoover is more progressive in this TL, but he is no FDR, so I can't guarantee any of that. You'll see when we get to the 1940s.

I should have the next update on Monday or Tuesday.

[Bo]

Well, Hoover is more progressive in this TL, but he is no FDR, so I can't guarantee any of that. You'll see when we get to WWII.

I should have the next update on Monday or Tuesday.

I look forward to reading the next update. Even though I do think Hoover will enact a financial regulation law, similar to the Glass-Steagall Act. He would want to avoid future baking failures under his watch.

[Historico]

Awesome Background into this ATL Hoover Presidency and Im upset that he still ended up repealing the Smoot-Hawley Tariff which will undoublty make the depression worse...Im still gunning for a Huey long Presidency lol...Keep it comming Nik

I thought that if the Smoot Hawley Tariff would be repealed, the economy would start improving gradually as free trade would stimulate trade and commerce and as Euroepan countries would also begin removing some of their tariffs. That is what happened in RL.

Sorry, I must have misread that portion of the piece lol, but yeah repealing the Tariff should have some positive impact on the economy. Youre right though Nik, I really doubt that well see an NRA or Social Security under this ALT President Hoover. He may though use Federal Dollars to pump money into Volunteer Organizations to help them gain the resources to distrubut Food and essentials to America Citizens during this crises. I also think he'lll be a two term President, so I still have my fingers crossed for a President Long!!!

[Psychic Octopus]

On a cold January 14th, 1934, the conference later known as The New York Accords began with various world leaders shuffling into the recently constructed Empire State Building. Some officials were perplexed at the willingness of the United States to host such a conference; typically, the country didn't play a 'leadership role' in foreign affairs, normally working with others on an equal field. To make matters stranger, the United States had instigated a 'trade war' when it enacted the Smoot-Hawley tariff, leading to widespread discontent among the major economic players.

President Hoover, however, clearly wanted to change things; he was, after all, at heart an internationalist. Of course, success would not be easy, as many nations had many perspectives on worldwide commerce. The opening of the conference would be symbolic, it is a rare occasion that the leaders of the world meet at once, especially in such perilous times.

As is often the case, after days of debate, it was clear that no general consensus could be reached. Not eager to accept defeat, the leaders would accomplish something notable: a series of individual agreements were reached on tariffs, the gold standard, and numerous other economic issues. Herbert Hoover, in particular would accomplish a major goal: Canada, America's chief trading partner, would endeavor to reduce tariffs significantly. This, coupled with the end of the Smoot-Hawley Act,  could lift the American economy. With many (but not all) countries satisfied, the great New York Accords would end on January 27th.



President Hoover meets the German leader, it can be noted as a curious instance in which two remarkably different men share company, discuss ideas, and plan their futures.

The conference, in addition to providing an economic forum for nations, also played host to the unpredictable Adolf Hitler. The German dictator was cunning; He didn't have respect for the League of Nations, which as he believed, destroyed his homeland. He didn't even want to reach an economic agreement, and he ignored international treaties in his quest to build a Third Reich. His goal - which was achieved - was to spark fear in the eyes of his fellow world leaders. Hoover would write: "My first encounter with the man was... instantaneous. I could tell he was brilliant, but alas, insane."

American reaction to the conference was mixed; the increasing isolationist conservatives would accuse the president of selling out to foreign powers, while progressives were disappointed at the president's inability to seek a compact agreement. Huey Long, in particular, would slam the president using a mix of both opinions.

The president, over the course of the next year, would increasingly disappoint his progressive followers. A devout Quaker, Hoover rejected cries from the 'wet' community that would end prohibition, even though a majority of Americans polled would support such a measure. Furthermore, lawmakers would attempt to pressure the administration into increased spending.

Finally, on September 12th, President Hoover would read of a list of legislation he would like to see passed by the next congress, as he did not believe he had a significant base in the current congress to do so at the moment. Included in his memo were:

• The immediate passage of new financial regulation, with the specific purpose of allowing the federal reserve to regulate interests rates in savings accounts.
  
• A second 'stimulus' act, which would donate further resources to private companies, which would, in turn, use the funding to repair their organizations.
• The creation of a bill which would provide unemployment benefits for the out-of-work, which would be managed at the federal level.

The President's new proposals were centrist at best, if leaning to the left a tad bit. However, the incensed masses, in both the Democrats and Republicans alike, would rail it as a 'corporatist' or 'socialist', in an attempt to use fear mongering to win over the minds of the voters. Most of the time, the administration did not even acknowledge their detractors.

On October 1st, Chief Justice and former President William Howard Taft died of natural causes. There were questions to who his successor would be, and there even was a rumor that former President Hughes would be chosen. However, the President would stick with an uncontroversial choice: Benjamin N. Cardozo. His pick was universally commended by all sides, and he was confirmed unanimously on November 2nd.

1934 Congressional Elections

While the quiet Hoover did not respond to the allegations from the right, his benefactors did. Political scientists were split, and many had differing opinions on what the result would be, when the people came to the polls on November 5th, they expressed their will in an inconclusive fashion.

Senate Results:

Republicans: 61 (-1)
Democrats: 35 (+1)

House Results:

Republicans: 294 (-2)
Democrats: 136 (+1)
Farmer-Labor: 5 (+1)

Coming Up: Fate and Fallout

[Psychic Octopus]

No comment?

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

Keep it coming NiK!

[Barnes]

Keep it coming NiK!

[Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey]

Keep it coming NiK!

[Historico]

Great update Nik, I think President Hoover while trying his best to try to stave off the crisis, it's becomingt more apparent the he still really doesn't not have the warm charismatic optimisim that FDR had? If the American People feel like he is allthough well-meaning but to detached and too insensitive to the problems of there facing they could make him one term President...Keep it comming

[Psychic Octopus]

Great update Nik, I think President Hoover while trying his best to try to stave off the crisis, it's becomingt more apparent the he still really doesn't not have the warm charismatic optimisim that FDR had? If the American People feel like he is allthough well-meaning but to detached and too insensitive to the problems of there facing they could make him one term President...Keep it comming

Yeah, Hoover isn't doing the fireside chats and thus isn't communicating with the people... and he's racked up a great deal of criticism from both parties in the process.

[Psychic Octopus]

The ramifications of the congressional elections were quite immense, shocking the political world with its stagnation. While many Democrats were disappointed, it could not match the depression in Republicans.  Promised a new era in which they were the dominant party, many were surprised that they could not improve on their gains, and focused much of the blame on the incumbent president, accusing him of cowardice and moderation.

The session, as expected, opened and began debate of Hoover's proposed reforms. The first proposal, The Federal Unemployment Act, written by the tandem of Freshman Senator Franklin Roosevelt (D-NY) and Senator William Borah (R-ID), was introduced with the purpose of providing federal benefits for the unemployed. After two months of debate, the motion would pass and would be signed into law. Many senators would vote for the measure, as it passed 65-32, however the more progressive types were dismayed with how little was proposed A second bill, the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1935, produced by Carl Hayden (D-AZ), would aim to revamp the road system in the United States by appropriating eighteen billion dollars for the construction of forty thousand miles of road. The largest public works program in the nation's history, the Senate eagerly adopted the package, passing it 72-24.

Just as the United States was increasing its domestic spending, it would readily pay less atention to the world. After fifteen years of occupation, the nations of Iraq and Palestine were left to their populace, with a democratically elected government headed by Faisal bin al-Hussein bin Ali al-Hashemi, a main consultant and adviser to the American Mandate. Palestine, in turn, would be left to the Zionists, inflicting a great deal of disunity in the region. David Ben-Gurion would become the first President of Israel, with a government modelled on that of the US.

Abroad, the nation of Germany was expanding with ease. Building on the successful July Putsch of 1934, the nations of Germany and Austria would, in direct defiance of the Treaty of Versailles, reunite with Adolf Hitler becoming the Führer of both nations, and with Arthur Seyss-Inquart and Ernst Kaltenbrunner effectively governing Austria. In a rigged referendum, Austria is reduced to a province of the Third Reich.

Germany's rearmament and the annexation of Austria had caused quite a stir in the European political world. Mussolini and Italy, which had sought to protect Austria from Nazi domination, quickly turned against the Third Reich. In the British Election of 1935, Neville Chamberlain swept into power, despite losing around forty-five seats. Proclaiming "peace for our time", the new PM set out to grapple with the "German question" that had alluded his predecessor. President Hoover, an ardent supporter of the League, had watched its hard-earned vigor turn in to rubble. However, as many in the United States noted, this was the least of Hoover's problems...

The Democratic Nomination:

Ever hopeful, the Democrats would face a crowded field going into the 1936 Election. Huey Long, Senator from Louisiana and populist rebel, was leading the field going into the convention. A flurry of other candidates, both strong and weak, were involved in the process, but none of them could formulate the same kind of passion and vigor that Long had displayed. However, a desperate movement by the party elite had aimed to destroy the young upstart, and in the process, forever change the destiny of the party...

A backroom deal from the party bosses, candidates Cordell Hull, Albert Ritchie, and Attlee Pomerene would throw their support behind a charismatic, yet unannounced candidate, Senator Franklin D. Roosevelt of New York. Shouting "I won't permit it!" from the party floor, Roosevelt would defy the actions of the party. However, it was too late for him to challenge the inevitable. On the 31st Ballot, the exhausted delegates nominated Roosevelt for the presidency, with Congressman William B. Bankhead of Alabama being nominated for the vice presidency.

Huey Long, in a fit of anger over "the corrupt tactics shown by the ruthless elite" walked out of the convention hall declaring that the people will win out...

The Republican Nomination:

President Hoover, despite party woes, was essentially unchallenged in his re-election campaign. Senator La Follette flirted with running another campaign, however he denied due to his willingness to preserve party unity. Alfred Landon declined to run for re-election, instead opting to once more seek the Governorship of Kansas. In his place, Senator George W. Norris was nominated for the position.

The Election of 1936:

In one of the most interesting campaigns in history, Senator Roosevelt and President Hoover were joined by a third candidate, Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Montana. In a surprising move, Long had walked out and announced the campaign of Wheeler, shocking the political community with his colorful antics. The new party, Share Our Wealth, would run alongside the Democratic and Republican tickets. Strongly supported by Father Charles Coughlin, it would use the medium of radio to try to communicate its ideas.

The divided vote had intriguing consequences, as it drew from both the Democratic and Republican tickets. Both campaigns would try to inflict damage on the other, hoping that S.O.W. would take away more votes from the other party. Hoover and Roosevelt were quite similar politically, although "FDR" was slightly to his left. Campaigning on the 17% unemployment rate, Roosevelt and Wheeler expressed new leadership, while Hoover and his strategists were content to 'wave the bloody shirt' and remind the voters that the depression had begun under a Democratic administration. Finally, on Election Day, the voters would come out to the polls, providing for an intriguing result...

Electoral Vote:

Hoover/Norris: 301
Roosevelt/Bankhead: 210
Wheeler/Olson: 10

Popular Vote:

Hoover/Norris: 42.7%
Roosevelt/Bankhead: 40.1%
Wheeler/Olson: 15.6%

1936 Congressional Elections:

The congressional results would mark a general decline in Republican power, as well as an increase in number of Democrats. The Farmer-Labor, Progressive, and Populist Party would all unite into Huey Long's Share Our Wealth (SOW) Party, which would increase their respective power in both houses of Congress.

Senate Results:

Republicans: 54 (-7)
Democrats: 40 (+5)
Share Our Wealth: 2 (+2)

House Results:

Republicans: 253 (-41)
Democrats: 171 (+35)
Share Our Wealth: 11 (+6)

Next Update: A Third Party?

 

[Historico]

This will be an interesting development to see if with Long's leadership...If the Share Our Wealth Party can survive as a legitmate third party. Looking at the Party's platform they were definatley a little bit more developed than most of the Issue-based Third Parties which arise typically(Kinda like the Tea Baggers) in American Politics. Give them a few years, they could potentially become the Labour Equivalent Mass Party. So Can't wait to see what crazy plans you have for them Nik!!!

[Psychic Octopus]

This will be an interesting development to see if with Long's leadership...If the Share Our Wealth Party can survive as a legitmate third party. Looking at the Party's platform they were definatley a little bit more developed than most of the Issue-based Third Parties which arise typically(Kinda like the Tea Baggers) in American Politics. Give them a few years, they could potentially become the Labour Equivalent Mass Party. So Can't wait to see what crazy plans you have for them Nik!!!

Well see on how far they go.

I hope to get the next update in by next Friday.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Great updates, man, keep it coming

[Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey]

Great updates, man, keep it coming

[Psychic Octopus]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys.

[Bo]

Good job so far. I expected Hoover to get reelcted by a larger margin in 1936, but I guess his lack of charisma and inspiration caused him to lose some support. BTW, what is the unemplyoment rate (%wise) in 1936 and 1937 in this TL? I'm guessing it's about 20% in 1936 and 18% in 1937.

[Psychic Octopus]

Good job so far. I expected Hoover to get reelcted by a larger margin in 1936, but I guess his lack of charisma and inspiration caused him to lose some support. BTW, what is the unemplyoment rate (%wise) in 1936 and 1937 in this TL? I'm guessing it's about 20% in 1936 and 18% in 1937.

It is around 17 to 19%, and it has somewhat remained constant over the last year.

[Bo]

Go Landon 1940!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(For now)