Vive Le Hughes

[Psychic Octopus]

Vive Le Hughes




The Fall of 1916; a time of global instability, severe problems, and a hotly contested presidential race. President Woodrow Wilson was fighting for political survival against one of his toughest challengers yet: Justice Charles Evans Hughes. Interestingly enough, the two had met on several occasions, and liked each other well. They were very similar, both had a parent born in England, and both went to law school. Their stunning resemblance led former President Theodore Roosevelt to declare that Hughes was a "whiskered Wilson", much to his amusement. But for all of their similarities, they had differences. Wilson was campaigning on a platform of neutrality, while unintentionally Hughes was labeled as a "war candidate" mostly due to his calls for greater mobilization and readiness, but partly due to TR's stirring speeches. The stakes were high; Both men could not know it, but this very election would be one that would determine the very future of America -- and the world.

1. A Chance Meeting
2. The Telegraph of Deception
3. The Hughes Administration
4. War With The Central Powers
5. The Debacle of 1918 and 1919
6. The Fight for the League
7. Ratification or Division?
8. The Second Wilson Presidency
9. Peace and Prosperity
10. The Twenty Year Curse
11. "Scrappy Joe"
12. Can Robinson Survive?
13. A New Crisis
14. The Contract With America
15. The Great Engineer
16. The Conference
17. Fate and Fallout
18. A Third Party?

[Psychic Octopus]

The Election of 1916:

A key moment in the campaign came in Long Beach, California, while Hughes was staying at a hotel. To his surprise, an aide walked in and announced that Governor Hiram Johnson had arrived. Gracefully thanking the aide,  Hughes strutted out of his room and went to meet the Governor. Johnson, with a notorious prickly personality, was somewhat surprised at the nominee, befriending him in an instant. Much to the luck of Hughes, Johnson announced that he would do everything he could to ensure that he won here in California.

On November 7th, Election Day, the results teetered in Hughes' favor, making the Wilson campaign nervous. Tired and happy, Hughes prematurely announced his victory and went off to bed. The Wilson campaign swallowed a great deal of sadness, and it looked near impossible for Wilson to win a second term. Late in the night, Wilson conceded gracefully, and arranged for plans to meet with outgoing Vice President Marshall and Secretary of State Lansing.

The next day, an eager reporter asked an aide of Hughes about an interview with the new president-elect. The aide replied that he is sleeping, and turned the reporter away, asking him to come back later.

 
Electoral Vote:

Hughes/Fairbanks: 268
Wilson/Marshall: 263

Popular Vote:

Wilson/Marshall: 49.1%
Hughes/Fairbanks: 46.2%

[Psychic Octopus]

First part completed and edited, posted too early. I'll try to get updates 4-6 days, but if I'm on a roll, I'll continue.

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DOWN WITH THE FASCIST! VIVE HUGHES!

DEFEATED.

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Should be pretty good.

Note: President-elect might be a more appropriate term, especially considering the longer lame-duck period.

Good idea, I'll fix it.

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During the course of the post-election mayhem that followed, one event was surprising to Hughes. Wilson, now defeated and somewhat bitter, made Hughes an offer to take over as President now, by way of resignations. Hughes considered for a moment, but refused, saying: "While I know that what you deeply care for our country and wish it to have one leader in these times, I must refuse, as this event would look bad on us, and in addition, our democracy." Wilson was surprised at his refusal, even a little angry, but he went along with the president elect's wishes.  

In January 1917, such a crisis came. After prematurely declaring victory in December, the German Empire would announce a return to its earlier policy of unrestricted submarine warfare, despite Wilson's pleas for a resolved peace. The Administration announced that the United States was on the brink of war, and would not take kindly to any further intrusion. Hughes was outraged at Wilson's "cowardice" in dealing with the Central Powers, claiming "They have tried our patience as much as they want, and it is time to strike back". Theodore Roosevelt, nominated to be the new Secretary of War, went further, calling the Germans: "Mere pirates on the open seas".

Finally, patience stopped at a standstill. In February, British code-breakers intercepted a message from Germany to Mexico, with Germany promising that in the event of US entry into the war, Mexico would receive the support of Germany in reclaiming Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. After the news was passed to Wilson, he went to Hughes and asked him if he could release the information to the public. Hughes was outraged at the "Zimmermann Telegram" and gave Wilson the go-ahead. This, in combination with the continuation of submarine warfare, had made up Hughes' mind. As soon as he got in office, war it was.

Coming Up: The Hughes Administration

[Psychic Octopus]

Very exciting!

Also, has Hughes had any trouble about loosing the popular vote by about three points?

Oh, yeah, forgot to mention that. At first there was some outrage among Democratic camps and in the newspapers, but it was much less big a deal come January and February. Wilson was bitter about it, as he generally liked the American system of government altogether.

Thanks for the compliment.

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It's a good thing Hughes did not lose Minnesota (which he only won by several hundred votes in RL), as that would ahve allowed Wilson to compensate for the loss of California. I also see Hughes still managed to lose NH. Oh well, it's a good thing he won, though.

Just did what happened in OTL, but flipped California. I'm not sure if the strong Johnson endorsement would carry him anywhere else. I'm actually enjoying writing this. I'll see if I can get his first actions as President up tonight.

[Psychic Octopus]

Very exciting!

Also, has Hughes had any trouble about loosing the popular vote by about three points?

Oh, yeah, forgot to mention that. At first there was some outrage among Democratic camps and in the newspapers, but it was much less big a deal come January and February. Wilson was bitter about it, as he generally liked the American system of government altogether.

Thanks for the compliment.

i remember reading that Wilson said that he would've preferred that America had a parliamentary system instead.

Yeah, from his college years forward. But once he was presented with the chance of co-ruling the presidency with a potential VP, Newton Baker, he turned it down. He liked power, he enjoyed his stature, especially in 1919, as the most influential man in the world.

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The First Term of Charles Evans Hughes

"We have been treated harshly, and the need to payback Germany for its machinations is now." In his inaugural address, Hughes made a steady notion in foreign affairs that he fully intended to go to war with Germany by the end of the month. While cynicism, especially from the Hearst media empire, approached the contents of the Zimmermann Telegram, Hughes disregarded it and pointed to yesterday's admission of its genuineness by Germany. In terms of domestic affairs, Hughes was less focused, announcing support for women's suffrage and "effective, but moderate stewardship of the economy."

His nominees were all heavyweights; Theodore Roosevelt to War, Elihu Root to State, and Andrew Mellon to the Treasury. His choices were applauded by his base. In the meantime, Hughes found it necessary to keep some veterans of the Wilson Administration on, especially Josephus Daniels and Franklin Roosevelt at the Navy Department.

Almost immediately, on March 5th, 1917, Hughes would ask for a declaration of war against the Central Powers. The Senate would not formally begin until the 8th, however, giving them plenty of time to think over their arguments. On March 8th, Hughes would appear before Congress to plead for a declaration: "The German Empire fully intends to infringe on our sovereignty. Under these circumstances, war is our only option". After a short debate, he got his wish: A near unanimous vote for war in the Senate and House. Push had come to shove, and the United States of America and the German Empire were officially at arms.

Coming Up: War With The Central Powers

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Don't know what happened, half my post went missing. Either way, I edited it back in.

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Another update, tonight.

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As Hughes settled into the presidency, a longing action from Theodore Roosevelt immediately overcame him. TR wanted to resign and lead a division in the war. Shocked, Hughes immediately said no, much to Roosevelt's dismay. Hughes appealed to his calmer, more ambitious side, though, saying "I need you here, I cannot have a useful adviser killed in action. Don't you think I want to be over there too, right where young Charlie is? I can't. Our times as fighters have passed, Theodore. We are working men, it is our job to oversee and plan this war; Not fight it." Roosevelt accepted the fact and was even somewhat convinced he was wrong. Privately, Hughes had another motive; He did not want to end up as Bill Taft.



General John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing
Leader of the American Expeditionary Force

War Production and Troop Recruitment had begun to rapidly rise, and after American General John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing was withdrawn from the hunt for Pancho Villa, he was promoted by Hughes to oversee the American Expeditionary Force in April, and due to the quick and fast drilling of recruits by the administration in March and April, by early June there were already 22,000 soldiers in France. While the American "doughboys" weren't as experienced as the French and British troops, they provided good support. A key decision of Hughes was to enter the war as an Allied Power, not as an individual fighting force like Pershing wanted. Hughes argued that it was the polite and honorable action to take, saying "Our new friends would not take kindly to an individual military walking into their country". In order to create a full understanding between the Entente powers, he sent Secretary Root to make a tour of Western Europe.

On the home front, antiwar demonstrations grew. Hughes was suggested by advisers to pass a sedition act in June, but he turned it down, declaring that it would be an affront to personal liberty. Former President Wilson felt Hughes had missed a big opportunity, feeling that he could have silenced many of his detractors. Nevertheless, Hughes continued with his "Personal Liberty" policy and allowed the demonstrations to continue.

In July and August, African American discontent finally boiled over, as tensions escalated into rioting. President Hughes would respond immediately, announcing support for the African American community in their peril. He would unveil plans to seek a federal anti-lynching law, along with uniform support for civil rights. In a stroke of fierce moral authority, Hughes sent in the National Guard to protect black citizens from harm. WEB DuBois applauded the action, praising Hughes as a "Second Lincoln."

By December, Americans were in the trenches fighting, and notably proving to be a turning point in the war for the Allies. Victory had yet to come; But hopes were raised.

Next Time: The Debacle of 1918 and 1919

[Psychic Octopus]

Does the Russian Revolution still occur? If so, does Hughes help out the White Army much more than Wilson did?

It will be covered in the next update.

Huh...Was not expecting Hughes to makes such a strong stand on Civil Rights, An Anti-Lynching bill depending on the nubmers could be passed but I think a full fledged Civil Rights bill maybe some times away due to the power of those damned Southern Democrats. I agree with Gio that, he probably will end up like a Teen's version of Jimmy Carter...A well intentioned man, cripped by the events and circumstances that he had no control over.

Hughes was a profound advocate of civil rights, but he will not make the case for full integration. I think that is exactly what he would have done in the circumstances, and it has made him very hated by Southern whites.

You'll have to see on the last one.

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US/UK Recruiting Posters for the Great War.

By April, a radically different world stage had emerged. A communist revolution had occurred in Russia, which brought it out of the war. A lopsided peace agreement was signed by the victorious Central Powers, much to the dismay of the Entente. In response to the revolution, Hughes would confer quickly with Lloyd George and Clemenceau, and sent a good number of armies and supplies to aid the White Russians, the counter-revolutionaries opposing the Red Army’s Soviet Union. Japan, in particular, greatly aided the Whites, hoping to establish a buffer state in Siberia.

In the meantime, Germany and the Central Powers were shifting troops away from the east and into the west. Ironically, their territorial increases had hindered their hopes of a quick victory in their Spring Offensive. While at first it was a smashing success, the German soldiers could not consolidate their gains, and as such, were quickly ousted. Optimism had risen, and General Pershing was working well with his counterparts in order to provide a unified war effort.



American Soldiers fighting in the trenches, for the Allied cause.

President Hughes, now near certain of victory, made a massive speech in early September, declaring: “We stand firmly united in the cause of freedom from oppression. In the face of adversity, the cause of democracy has never been so strong. We can win, we must win, we shall win." Also outlined in his speech, was his proverbial plan for the rebuilding of Europe. Hughes called for freedom of navigation outside territorial waters, championed the cause of the nationalists in Austria-Hungary, and last but not least, called for a League of Nations. Georges Clemenceau and Theodore Roosevelt applauded his speech, and immediately endorsed his proposals. Even Woodrow Wilson was pleased by his ideas, however, he stayed silent. In Early October, Bulgaria would become the first Central Power to surrender. All throughout October, The Entente Armies pummeled through Syria and Italy. Czechoslovakia was proclaimed to be a new state in the heart of Europe, further weakening the Central Powers. The Battle of Vittorio Veneto marked the end of Austria-Hungary as an effective fighting force, as they disintegrated in early November. The Entente Fleet entered Constantinople, as the Ottoman Empire surrendered and ceased to exist. On November 9th, faced with the German Revolution, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated the throne, and a republic was declared in Germany. Finally, in the 11th Hour of the 11th Day in the 11th Month, Germany would officially surrender and the Great War was brought to a close.

1918 Congressional Elections:

While antiwar protesters lambasted the President, the country stood united against the threats posed by the Central Powers. The Republican Party, boosted by candidates running on a campaign focused on patriotism and unity, gained seats.

Senate Results:

Democrats: 52 (-3)
Republicans: 44 (+3)

House Results:

Republicans: 222 (+7)
Democrats: 208 (-6)
Socialist: 2 (+1)
Farmer-Labor: 1 (+1)
Prohibition: 1 (+0)

In December, President Hughes would choose to sail for Europe, becoming the first president in office to do so. He announced that the American delegation would include himself, Secretary Root, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Gilbert Hitchcock.

When Hughes arrived in France, he met stunning cheers and adulation from the people, hearing "Vive Le President" and "Vive Le Huge" wherever he went in public. His proposals had earned the confidence of the citizens of Europe. The American President, with all this momentum, would have to deliver for the world.

Next Update: The Fight for the League

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Nik, you've got a great timeline here, so long you don't steal any of my ideas for mine

Anyway, keep up the excellent work and I hope you use the butterfly effect to its advantage, unlike others on the board, because it would be a let down if you didn't, particularly when you have so much to work with.

, I will try to do so to the best of my ability. I have very interesting plans coming up for the 1920s and 1930s.

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No update tonight, as I just finished a report.

Does the Fed still lower interest rates too much and keep them too low for too long as they did in RL in the 1920s?

Somewhat, in a way. Secretary Mellon would basically run the economy, leaving Hughes to focus on the war effort. It has been lowered somewhat, but not in a radical change/ The 1920s haven't happened yet, and there hasn't been any downward shifts with the economy, as it is booming from the war.

Also, I thought about ending it in October or September, but I decided not to.

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An update will come tonight, I'm currently working on it right now. Expect it up around 5:00-5:30 PST.

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When the peace conference began, it immediately turned into a brawl between opposing sides of view. But, there was a glimmer of hope in the American delegation, as Hughes, Hitchcock, and Root all agreed on the basics ideas, although one another each had different agendas. On January 6th, Hughes received dreadful news: Secretary Roosevelt had died. He immediately sent a letter of his condolences to Mrs. Roosevelt and arranged for a public statement.    

The official opening of the peace conference was a largely ceremonial affair; President Hughes would nominate French Premier Clemenceau to be permanent chairman of the conference, as a tribute to his resourceful and determined leadership throughout the war. The first matter of business taken up at the full conference was Hughes' League of Nations. In the evening, Hughes spent time with Hitchcock and Lodge working on his draft; But also with Lord Robert Cecil and Jan Smuts. Neither man had met Hughes except in passing, but they immediately formed a favorable opinion of him. Hughes would request an Anglo-French American draft of a league plan to be sent to the conference in two weeks, which was labeled by Cecil as "fantastic". Hughes would be writing to Henry C. Lodge every day in his spare time, notifying him of the advancements. He would need Lodge's help if he ever hoped to get any treaty passed. During the second week, the Council of Ten's focus would turn to the former colonies of Germany. Hughes suggested putting each colony under League mandate, but this idea met opposition from Britain and Japan, who wanted to use the wording to perpetuate their title. On February 13th, Baron Nobuaki Marino would drop a bombshell, asking for a racial equality clause. The idea would meet fierce opposition, and would be dropped.

On February 14th, Hughes would finally present the League Covenant to the Full Conference. Weary and tired, he presented a document that proposed a fundamental transformation of international relations. Freedom of the seas, a permanent international "security council" made up of the five great powers with lesser powers rotating on and off, concern for labor conditions, mandates over former colonies of Germany; All was there. In order to assure passage, a statement about national "spheres of influence" was made, in order to gain full Japanese support and bolster American receptivity to the treaty. After the recitation, the League would be passed by the Conference. It was the moment of Hughes' greatest triumph. On February 15th, President Hughes would travel home for ten days, officially opening the debate in the United States. The League of Nations would win the support of the LEP, but Robert La Follette would blast the very idea of it as "Despicable; An un-american act that will infringe on our national sovereignty. The President would meet daily with senators in the White House, pleading them for their support. As he traveled back to Europe, he would leave publicity and outreach in the hands of LEP member Bill Taft and Senator Lodge.



President Hughes in Paris, France, eagerly speaking before a French crowd.

When President Hughes arrived in Europe for a second time, he found himself centered in the cause of two different movements. The first being Zionism, which advocated a homeland for the Jewish people in the Middle East, and the second being that of War reparations. Hughes found himself sympathetic to the cause of the Zionists, and became their chief champion among the big four. As for war reparations, Hughes was, at best, a moderate, favoring a policy similar to Prime Minister Lloyd George in terms of the actual sum, but supported Premier Clemenceau's calls for a large, independent Poland, along with a strong roadblock to Germany in the form of Eastern European states. Hughes would become the mediator on both counts, and as such, the chief decision maker.

Finally, decisions on both counts were made and presented. In regards to Zionism, France would occupy Syria, the United States would occupy Iraq, and as Britain would be unable to control Palestine because of lingering revolt in Egypt, the United States and Britain would jointly occupy Palestine, the former in the north and the latter in the south. A fifteen year timetable was henceforth established that would, when implemented, turn over control of the region to the Jewish people. War reparations were covered in the Treaty of Versailles, and as a compromise between the three nations, Germany would pay 168 billion Reichsmarks. In addition, Germany would lose a hefty amount of territory on its eastern front, and the Rhine would become a demilitarized zone controlled by the British and French. Military restrictions would be implemented, as well, and Germany's military was limited to 100,000 men. The Central Powers would soon arrived, and would have to accept the treaty. Germany took the blunt of blow, compared to its former allies, but it would grudgingly accept the terms. In addition, in a much awaited event, Japan threatened to walk out of the conference on part of the Shantung province in China, which they demanded. In a form of weakness, Hughes would agree to their dominance of the area, in exchange for their support. Hughes' work was now near-complete in Europe; He could return home to America and plunge right into what would become the fight of his life.



Germany, now officially known as the Weimar Republic, was vastly shrunk in size.

Coming Up: Ratification or Division?

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In June, President Hughes would arrive home to a divided populace, with sides each arguing one another the causes of the treaty. Hughes would immediately suffer a public defeat when his championed anti-lynching bill died in the House, but would express some jubilation when the cause of prohibition triumphed, as the last state, Utah, ratified the amendment. In another victory, the House and Senate each passed the Nineteenth Amendment by margins of 301-91 and 57-24, respectively, moving it to be ratified by the states. But none of this provided a foil for Hughes, as he immersed himself in the cause of the League. He was meeting with Senators round the clock, trying to whip up support for his measures, as the American people began to turn against the idea. Eugene Debs and Robert La Follette were drumming up and hyping the effects, staging loud protests and causing as much controversy as possible. Anti-internationalism rallies had been commonplace for years, but the receptivity of it was becoming a serious challenge for Hughes. Nevertheless, he opted not to embark on a speaking tour, as it would compromise his efforts in Washington.

Finally, by September, an uncertain vote would be embarked upon, as Senator Borah, the leading voice in the anti-league movement, demanded it. Senator Lodge would read outloud the entire treaty to the Senate, in a final plea for support. Hughes had measured his chances for success at around 50-50, as 65 votes were needed. At first, it seemed like the measure was doomed for failure, as the "Nay" votes crept up. But eventually, as the Senators voted, in began to even out. Finally, when the last votes were being made, the Treaty of Versailles crept across the finish line, with a vote of 66-31. For his efforts for international peace and prosperity, President Charles E. Hughes would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the second American president in history to receive this high honor.

While Hughes could be described as the happiest man in the world, the consequences of his epic victory were phyrric; it would look certain as time moved forward that he had lost the confidence of the American people to serve their interests. That, unpreparedness for the post-war economic recession would look fatal for Hughes in 1920. Even the Chief Justice, knowing that the Republicans were dead in 1920, decided to announce his retirement. Hughes, compassionate and rewarding, would let Bill Taft accomplish his dream to become a Supreme Court Justice. Taft was nominated and confirmed by a unanimous vote. Despite this, yet another of his causes would be ratified, Women's suffrage, when Delaware ratified it on March 9th. However, this could not save him from facing the voters.

The Democratic Nomination:

When the early race started out, the nomination seemed to be a battle between Former Treasury Secretary William McAdoo of California, The Catholic Governor Al Smith of New York, and Isolationist Senator Claude Swanson of Virginia. However, conventional wisdom was deferred as Former President Woodrow Wilson jumped into the race following McAdoo's statement that he would not seek the nomination. Wilson represented the party's moderate wing, as isolationists and  internationalists threaten to tear the party apart. Wilson could point to his administration's activism but its neutrality, which won over key supporters. At the convention, Wilson was nominated on the first ballot, and persuaded the delegates to make the firebrand Senator Joseph T. Robinson of Arkansas his running mate.

The Republican Nomination:

Despite heckling from the isolationists of his party, Charles Evans Hughes was nominated again for President with supporters praising "the bringer of victory and peace." The Convention would choose Governor Frank Lowden of Illinois for Vice President, citing his unwavering work ethic. However, not all was as it seemed, as a great number of protest votes went to Senator Robert La Follette of Wisconsin, an isolationist and crusader for organized labor. Emboldened, he would lead a revolution out of the party, agreeing to run on a "Progressive" ticket. La Follette would choose Representative Fredrick Zihlman of Maryland as his running mate.

The Election of 1920:

As soon as the conventions were over, it seemed impossible for the Republican ticket to win with the Progressives flanking them at every turn. Both candidates, La Follette and Wilson, would rip Hughes at every opportunity. La Follette would promise a new deal for the American people, while Wilson spoke often about his New Freedom initiatives and a return to neutrality and non-interventionism, but continued activism in the League of Nations. It was an election of perception, with Hughes being a scapegoat for warmongers, and Wilson representing the common, peace-loving man. In the end, Wilson would win in a landslide, with La Follette deeply cutting into Hughes' numbers. For the first time in 15 years, Charles Evans Hughes was out of public life.

Electoral Vote:

Wilson/Robinson: 404
Hughes/Lowden: 144
La Follette/Zihlman: 13

Popular Vote:

Wilson/Robinson: 49.1%
Hughes/Lowden: 36.8%
La Follete/Zihlman: 13.1%

1920 Congressional Elections:

With the exuberant excesses of Germany burnt out, the people of America wanted a return to a simpler time, filled with non-interventionism. While many Democrats differed little from Republicans, they were a clear alternative and perceived as better choices.

Senate Results:

Democrats: 56 (+4)
Republicans: 40 (-4)

House Results:

Democrats: 241 (+33)
Republicans: 192 (-31)
Farmer-Labor: 1 (-0)
Socialist: 1 (-1)

Next Time: The Second Wilson Presidency

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You guys better be satisfied for a while... That took me about five and a half hours.

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Thanks for all of the praise and I'm glad all of you like it. I expect to have the next update done by Sunday or Monday, and thankfully as we go into the postwar era, I can calm down on all of the heavy details.

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Great TL so far? I was wondering, is Hitler killed in WWI in this timeline (he was almost killed in RL)? If he is killed, that could have major repercussions for world history. BTW, what does Hughes plan to do for his retirement? I figure he would probably have another 30-35 years to do what he wants--maybe become a philatrophist, activist, or return to the Supreme Court. When do you plan to have Hughes die in this TL (I'm just curious)? BTW, I expected Hughes to lose, just not by this kind of margin. I didn't anticipate LaFollette running, though. I just figured the race would be closer since the Republicans were the dominant party in the U.S. from 1894 to 1930.

Yeah, I really shoud've clarified this better.

Hughes never censored the antiwar protests, like Wilson, and they continued throughout his tenure. Everything he did that was divine by European standards, was twisted and manipulated in the United States. The Antiwar, anti-interventionist movement continued, loudly, and proved decisive in changing the minds of the American people.

I'm going to go edit in the congressional results right now.

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All edited in.

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Does Hitler still survive in this TL?

Ah yes, yes he does. But I don't want to give away anymore spoilers.

PM me if you have any other questions.