TR wins in 1912

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Progressives.

Don't worry; the Progressives will find their issue in 1941.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Interesting that we also both have Roosevelt as a leftist in both of our TL's.

Not particularly hard to imagine that, actually.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I have something in mind, but I seriously doubt Ben is looking at the socioeconomic trends the same way I am, and I want to see what he does.

What are you thinking?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

If anyone has any questions, I will of course be more than happy to answer them.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Third Term on Franklin Roosevelt

After being sworn in by Chief Justice McReynolds, President Roosevelt takes his Inaugural to discuss foreign policy.  He says that he wants America to continue being a beacon of democracy, and he encourages Americans to stand up and help people in need.

At the start of his term, Roosevelt focuses on domestic policy, establishing the United States Housing Authority in 1941.  This legislation, like nearly everything else Roosevelt has been attempting to pass recently, is not supported by the Southern barons, but rather by liberal Democrats and Progressives.

On June 7, 1941, in Munich, Germany, Adolf Hitler, Chancellor of Austria, and Herman Göring, Chancellor of Germany, sign the Munich Accords.  The Accords state that Austria and Germany have united to create the State of Austria-Germany, with Göring as Chancellor, and Hitler as Minister of State, the second most powerful position.  The capital will be established in Berlin, and all agreements signed by Hitler in Austria are null and void unless Göring approves of them, and vice versa.

In the US, especially, there is great concern of the unification of Germany and Austria.  President Roosevelt gathers Congressional leaders, and asks for a massive buildup of the US Navy, which is quickly granted.

In London, Prime Minister Winston Churchill is also concerned.  Churchill begins meeting privately with his Cabinet, preparing possible scenarios for war with the new country.  He also begins contacting President Roosevelt, as he will need US support if there is a war.

On September 11, 1941, as he is giving a speech in Berlin, Chancellor Göring is shot and killed by a young women named Eva Braun.  Braun is quickly captured, and sentenced to death by hanging.  However, mere moments before her execution, she is spared, as she is pardoned by the new Chancellor, Adolf Hitler.  Despite rumors of an affair between Hitler and Braun, nothing is ever conclusively proven.

On October 28, 1941, a fire breaks out at the Reichstag, the center of the German government.  Three men, American born Jews, are captured at the scene, and in a quick trial, admit to burning the building down, as they had hoped to restore US control not only of Austria but also of Germany.  They are quickly executed, by firing squad.

The next day, Germany declares war on the United States.  President Roosevelt responds in kind, despite vigorous protests by Progressive members of Congress; the only Progressive in either body to vote for the war is Senator Joseph Ball of Minnesota; facing reelection the next year, Ball thinks it will be a good idea to side with President Roosevelt.  On October 29, 1941, the United States officially declares war on Austria-Germany.  Three days later, the United Kingdom officially joins the War, siding with the United States, while the countries of Yugoslavia and Palestine join the German side.

For the first few weeks in November of 1941, the Axis powers wage an almost non-stop bombing campaign against the United Kingdom, hoping to demoralize them and force the United Kingdom to withdraw from the War.  On November 19, the Allies score a small victory when the country of Poland officially joins the War on their side.  This victory is short lived, however, as the Polish city of Krakow is bombed continually for almost 6 weeks, causing massive damage to the city’s infrastructure.

Despite the earlier planning sessions, President Roosevelt’s early efforts in the War are surprisingly uncoordinated.  He does not appoint a Supreme Commander until November 12; the position goes to Dwight D. Eisenhower, well known for his heroics in Africa during World War I.

Once he is organized, however, Roosevelt manages the war with remarkable efficiency.  In early December, he sends a large number of air force planes to England, helping to end the Axis bombing effort.  Also in December, Roosevelt sends a large number of troops into Palestine, led by General George Marshal, with the hopes of creating a Zionist insurrection in Palestine, forcing them to withdraw most of their troops.  Shockingly, the plan works, and on March 1, 1942, the Palestinians withdraw 90% of their ground troops, bringing them home to deal with a Zionist insurrection.

At home, however, opposition to the War was hardening.  All throughout the effort, Progressives had been attacking the War, saying it was unnecessary to declare war on Austria-Germany.  They also questioned Roosevelt’s conduct in the Middle East, saying that he had no right to attempt to overthrow a sovereign nation in Palestine.  The leading Congressional critic is Senator Burton Wheeler of Montana, while the War’s leading supporter is Senator Walter George (D-GA).

The 1942 Congressional Elections

Despite the continuing success of the War, the Democrats lose massive numbers of seats, especially in New England.  In the Senate, they suffer tremendous losses.  However, even the Progressives lose a seat, as Joseph Ball of Minnesota is defeated by a charismatic young man named Hubert Humphrey of the Farmer-Labor Party.

House Results:
Democrats: 231 (-46)
Progressives: 100 (+56))
Republicans: 60 (-24)
Farmer-Labor: 44 (+14)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 55 (-15)
Progressives: 29 (+12)
Republicans: 6 (+2)
Populist: 5 (-)
Farmer-Labor: 1 (+1)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Why don't the Populists and Farmer-Labor parties just merge?  Then they can have strong regional presence, and be able to become a national party.

The Populists are basically a cult party for Huey Long, and concentrated in Louisiana, while the Farmer-Labor Party is spread throughout the Midwest.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Ah, I see.  Both would do well to expand into the South, I believe.  (I'm just kind of surprised about both because neither were introduced, they just had their names listed in Congressional elections a few pages ago.)  Good timeline anyhows.

Thanks; sorry about not introducing them, but Farmer-Labor will gain more prominence because of Senator Humphrey.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Also why would Palestine side with Germany?

Hitler promised to put an end to the various Zionist troubles in the region.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

So there was no coup in Yugoslavia by anti-German officers to overthrow the pro-German government, as in RL?

Not yet, no.

I think you should try to improve the foriegn relations area to have more details. Some of it seems a little shaky as to how it would happen. Also why would Palestine side with Germany?

Agreed. It will be interesting to see what Xahar has to say about this.

I'm surprised Xahar hasn't commented yet.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Also what is Stalin doing?

Nothing much has changed in the USSR from OTL.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Also what is Stalin doing?

Nothing much has changed in the USSR from OTL.

Also, is Trotsky stirring up any trouble around the world?

No, seeing as how Stalin had him killed in 1933.

• Palestine was British at the time. I may be misremembering, but I assume that that would still be the case. Even an independent Palestine would at most maintain a benevolent neutrality toward Germany. Rapid anti-Semitism was a fringe ideology in Palestine at the time.

In this TL, Palestine was made a free and independent state after WWI.

• Austria-Germany is a very stupid name. I know it sounds cool, but it's terrible. The state would have certainly been called Germany.

Nitpicker.

• Is Papen the Mediocre still Reichspräsident?

Yes, but he's a mere figurehead, with no power.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

• Palestine was British at the time. I may be misremembering, but I assume that that would still be the case. Even an independent Palestine would at most maintain a benevolent neutrality toward Germany. Rapid anti-Semitism was a fringe ideology in Palestine at the time.

In this TL, Palestine was made a free and independent state after WWI.

My remaining points stand.

This is not merely anti-Semitism; it is an attempt to prevent an overthrow of the government.

• Is Papen the Mediocre still Reichspräsident?

Yes, but he's a mere figurehead, with no power.

Has he made any equivalent of the Marburg speech yet?

Also, where's Schleicher?
[/quote]

Papen will not be making any type of Marburg speech in this TL.  Schleicher is Commander-in-Chief of German military operations in Europe.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

• Palestine was British at the time. I may be misremembering, but I assume that that would still be the case. Even an independent Palestine would at most maintain a benevolent neutrality toward Germany. Rapid anti-Semitism was a fringe ideology in Palestine at the time.

In this TL, Palestine was made a free and independent state after WWI.

My remaining points stand.

This is not merely anti-Semitism; it is an attempt to prevent an overthrow of the government.

But why would the government initially side with Germany?

Germany promised, once the war was over, to put a permanent end to any Zionist difficulties.

• Is Papen the Mediocre still Reichspräsident?

Yes, but he's a mere figurehead, with no power.

Has he made any equivalent of the Marburg speech yet?

Also, where's Schleicher?

Papen will not be making any type of Marburg speech in this TL.  Schleicher is Commander-in-Chief of German military operations in Europe.

When does Papen's term expire?
[/quote]

Shortly after the start of the war, Hitler suspended all elections until after the war.  Every member of the government is safe for as long as the war lasts.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

• Is Papen the Mediocre still Reichspräsident?

Yes, but he's a mere figurehead, with no power.

Has he made any equivalent of the Marburg speech yet?

Also, where's Schleicher?

Papen will not be making any type of Marburg speech in this TL.  Schleicher is Commander-in-Chief of German military operations in Europe.

When does Papen's term expire?

Shortly after the start of the war, Hitler suspended all elections until after the war.  Every member of the government is safe for as long as the war lasts.

Is there any Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (or something similar)?
[/quote]

Nothing similar, no.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

• Is Papen the Mediocre still Reichspräsident?

Yes, but he's a mere figurehead, with no power.

Has he made any equivalent of the Marburg speech yet?

Also, where's Schleicher?

Papen will not be making any type of Marburg speech in this TL.  Schleicher is Commander-in-Chief of German military operations in Europe.

When does Papen's term expire?

Shortly after the start of the war, Hitler suspended all elections until after the war.  Every member of the government is safe for as long as the war lasts.

Is there any Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (or something similar)?

Nothing similar, no.

In that case, what's Russia doing in relation to the war?

At this time, Russia is staying out of the war altogether.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

This is the map as of 1943; remember, only the UK, Austria-Germany, and Yugoslavia have actually entered the war:


Allies, Axis, Neutral in gray

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Thanks for the spoiler.

This is as of January, 1943.  Some things may actually change.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Thanks for the spoiler.

This is as of January, 1943.  Some things may actually change.

Well, East Prussia should be red.

East Prussia has noted your suggestion.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

An interesting update Ben, as I would expect.

There is an error on your map. Whilst it shows that Italy is apart of the Allies in the Second World War, Sardinia an island of Italy is a member of the Axis. Is Sardinia it's own nation now or did the Axis annex it?

BTW: I assume that John Curtin of the Australian Labor Party, is Prime Minister of Australia?

Thank you for the compliment.

It is an error; Sardinia is a part of Italy, and follows what Italy does.

Austrlia remains unchanged from OTL.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Thanks for the spoiler.

This is as of January, 1943.  Some things may actually change.

Well, East Prussia should be red.

East Prussia has noted your suggestion.

It's a joke.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Just wondering, why isn't Ireland neutral in the Second World War like in RL?

Their policy is neutral, but they are ready to help the UK if it becomes absolutely necessary.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

What's the situation in Canada?

Canada remains unchanged from OTL.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

When Congress reconvenes in 1943, the War in Europe is going well.  In early February, 1943, there is a coup in Yugoslavia, with the formerly pro-German government executed for war crimes, and a government called the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with Josip Broz Tito as the Prime Minister.  Tito’s first act as Prime Minister is to withdraw all Yugoslavian troops from the fighting, vowing to remain neutral for the remainder of the war.

In the days following Yugoslavia’s withdrawal from the War, two countries enter the War on the Axis’ side: Hungary and Bulgaria.  Hungary had long been aching to enter the War, and avenge the US for its 20 year occupation.  Bulgaria, meanwhile, had also wanted to enter the War, hoping that, if they won, they could occupy Yugoslavia and Romania.  Within days, however, the Allies countered, as France, Italy, and Albania officially enter the War on the Allied side, sending in large numbers of troops.

In early May, Hitler, having suffered several consecutive defeats along the border with France, travels privately to Yalta, in the Crimean Peninsula, to meet with Soviet Premier Josef Stalin.  Hitler attempts to convince Stalin to join on his side, by promising him that, if the Axis wins, Stalin can have complete control over Eastern Europe, except for Hungary, which will remain free, and Romania and Yugoslavia, which have been promised to Bulgaria.  Stalin promises to consider the offer, although nothing is set in stone.

By mid July, Hitler’s need had become desperate, as on June 6, 1943, following nearly 18 months of fighting, the Palestinian government was overthrown by forces led jointly by George Marshal and Yigael Yadin.  Every member of the Palestinian government flees the country, seeking political asylum in Lebanon, with the Lebanese government refusing to send them back to the newly established State of Israel for trial as war criminals.  The State of Israel bordered Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan in the east, and Egypt on the southwest.  However, it did not claim control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip, officially leaving that territory for Arabs who wished to leave Israel to settle.

On June 10, 1943, the Israeli government, with David Ben-Gurion as Prime Minister, announces that it will not send any troops into the War in Europe, despite the continued presence and help of American troops in Israel, notably on the country’s borders.  Israel will continue to defend itself over the next several months, as the Palestinian leaders in Lebanon continue to claim true authority over the region.

On July 9, 1943, Stalin meets with Hitler again, to discuss the USSR’s possible entry into the War.  Hitler reiterates his previous promises, and on July 10, 1943, the USSR officially enters the War, on the Axis side.  However, on July 20, in the first major battle since the USSR’s entry, Hitler suffers a major defeat, as an American bombing campaign leaves most of western Germany, from the border with the Netherlands down to the border with Italy, totally devastated.  Included in the damage is the city of Munich, which the bombers had gone out of their way to damage.

On August 4, a ground invasion, using troops from the US, UK, France, Italy, and Belgium, begins in Germany.  On August 13, they reach Berlin, and Hitler is forced to flee to Vienna, where he takes up temporary residence.  On August 20, in a statement broadcast throughout the United States, President Roosevelt announces that the country of Germany has officially fallen to US troops, that Hitler is in Austria, and that troops, led by General Eisenhower, are in pursuit.  He predicts that the War will be over by January, 1944.

Following this prediction, however, things go downhill for the Allies.  On September 7, 1943, Soviet troops break through, and begin official occupation of Poland.  On October 2, Soviet and Bulgarian troops take Romania.  By November 1, all of Eastern Europe, from Estonia to Romania, are under Soviet control.  In Austria, Eisenhower’s efforts to apprehend Hitler continue to fail, and Eisenhower begins to consider removing his troops, to concentrate on holding Germany.

In Israel, though, prospects are improving.  In early August, Lebanon, with the Palestinian leaders at its head, attempt to invade Israel, and, following almost a month of nonstop fighting, the Lebanese troops are repelled, a major victory for Israel.  In September, they are able to repel an attempted invasion by Egypt, and for a while, at least, their security seems safe.

In his State of the Union speech on January 27, 1944, President Roosevelt announces that he will seek a third term as President.  He also notes that the War in Europe can still be won, if the American people do not lose faith.  In Congress, however, people are starting to lose their faith.  Senator Burton Wheeler (P-MT), already a critic, decries the War as the “greatest foreign policy blunder in American history.”  Senator Robert Taft (R-OH), declares, “We have allowed the Soviets to enslave all of Eastern Europe, for nothing!”  President Roosevelt, however, in unconcerned with the criticism.

In February, 1944, Senator Wheeler of Montana announces that he will seek the Progressive nomination for President.  He blasts Roosevelt, stating that “In a Wheeler Presidency, no American boys will be sent to die in foreign wars!”

The 1944 Presidential Election

As the Progressive Primaries being on March 7, Senator Wheeler is the only candidate running, and has the nomination locked up.  President Roosevelt is likewise unopposed; only the Republicans have a multi candidate field.

The 1944 Progressive National Convention

With Senator Wheeler as the only candidate, he unanimously nominated.  He selects Senator Robert LaFollette Jr. of Wisconsin as his running mate.

The 1944 Democratic National Convention

There is no opposition to Roosevelt, although Vice President Bankhead declines to seek another term.  In his place, Roosevelt selects Claude Pepper of Florida to be his new running mate.

The 1944 Republican National Convention

Despite repeated efforts to draft Senator Taft of Ohio, two candidates declare for the race: 1940 VP nominee Warren Austin of Vermont, and Dwight H. Green of Illinois.  After ten ballots, Green is nominated.  He selects Governor Raymond E. Baldwin of Connecticut as his running mate.

The 1944 Presidential Election

Despite President Roosevelt’s popularity, the election is expected to be close.  A poll by Time Magazine in July shows the 57% of voters are tired of the War in Europe, despite a poll showing 91% of Americans want an Allied victory.  On election day, however, Roosevelt wins, although by a narrower margin than in 1936 and 1940.

Franklin Roosevelt/Claude Pepper: 38% PV, 284 EV
Burton Wheeler/Robert LaFollette Jr.: 34% PV, 126 EV
Dwight Green/Raymond Baldwin: 28% PV, 121 EV

The 1944 Congressional Elections

With the first close election in years, Congressional turnout is way up.  This plays to the advantage of the Democrats, who are able to stop the bleeding in Congressional races, holding their majority firm.

House Results:
Democrats: 232 (+1)
Progressives: 112 (+12)
Republicans: 70 (+10)
Farmer-Labor: 21 (-23)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 55 (-)
Progressives: 30 (+1)
Republicans: 5 (-)
Populist: 4 (-1)
Farmer-Labor: 2 (+1)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Fourth Term on Franklin Roosevelt

In his Inaugural Address, Roosevelt spends the entire speech justifying continued US involvement in Europe.  “This world, as I have said again, and again, and again, must be made safe for democracy, not just for our generation, but for generations to come!”  Despite his forceful words, onlookers  are shocked at the President’s appearance.  The President, despite being just 63 years old, looks like a man on the verge of death.  His once vigorous step falters, and he is supported by his son James, now a Democratic Congressman from California.  It is whispered that the President will not survive his term.

On April 1, 1945, Justice Julian Mack dies of a stroke.  President Roosevelt appoints Henry White Edgerton to replace him.

On April 30, 1945, the nation of China, led by Chiang Kai-shek, officially enters the war on the Allied side.  In return, Roosevelt sends General Douglas McArthur to help defeat the Chinese Communists.  The entry of China is welcomed by all the Allies, who had recently suffered a series of setbacks, including the entry of Turkey on the Axis side.  In a letter to Roosevelt dated May 3, 1945, General Eisenhower comments, “You will need to find some final solution, one fell swoop, in order to end this war.  The Soviets are resolved, and the Fuehrer continues to elude capture.”

On June 19, 1945, Justice John Warren Davis retires from the Supreme Court.  Roosevelt appoints Peter Woodbury to replace him.

By late July, things begin to turn around in Europe.  On July 19, 1945, General Eisenhower, along with a significant number of troops from Kai-shek, break through in Austria, and on August 3, President Roosevelt announces that the country of Austria has fallen to the Allies, although Hitler appears to have escaped again, most likely ending up in Czechoslovakia, although it is possible that he has reached the USSR, and has been taken in by Stalin.

On August 18, in Hyde Park, New York, President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and Generalissimo Kai-shek meet to discuss the post war rebuilding of Europe.  Both Churchill and Kai-shek push for aggressive warfare against the USSR, although Roosevelt has other ideas.  He thinks it would be foolish to fight the USSR separately, after fighting Germany.  Instead, the Troika decide to fight to fronts at once: a front in Western Europe, as far east as Turkey, commanded by General Eisenhower, and another front in Eastern Europe, starting in Poland, and continuing as far north as Estonia and into the USSR, commanded by Kai-shek.  The plan is agreed to, and General Eisenhower, when informed, agrees that this is the best possible plan for a quick victory.

On December 25, while celebrating Christmas with his family, President Roosevelt suffers a fairly severe stroke.  By the time he gets to the hospital, he is in a coma, although alive.  Vice President Pepper is informed, and is told that he will be acting as President until the President can recover.  On January 7, after 13 days, President Roosevelt wakes up from the coma, and asks for the Vice President.  In an address broadcast live on national radio, Roosevelt says that “My good friend Claude will be temporarily taking over, while I recover from this minor roadblock.  I can assure you, though, that I will be back and messing things up in no time.”

The next day, Pepper calls Congress into special session, and submits a Constitutional Amendment to them, clarifying exactly what his role is.  The Amendment is passed quickly, and on May 9, it is ratified by the necessary states to become law.

On January 30, 1946, President Roosevelt makes his first appearance since his stroke.  He is in a wheelchair, and gives his State of the Union sitting down.  However, he is in good spirits, and announces that he will return to work on February 1, 1946.  He thanks Pepper for his good work, and says that Pepper will make a great President someday.

On March 3, 1946, the Troika meet again in Hyde Park.  Eisenhower has informed them that the Western Front is almost won; his forces have taken everywhere except for Turkey, where he is making significant progress, and expects to have taken Turkey by June.

Kai-shek, meanwhile, is enjoying similar progress.  He has taken Poland, and has decided to invade the heart of the USSR.  He hopes to have taken Stalingrad by mid July, although he is also asking for a potential bombing campaign.  The Troika decide against bombing, at least for the moment.

On June 2, 1946, Chief Justice McReynolds dies of a stroke.  President Roosevelt elevates Justice Black to the Chief Justice position, and appoints Sherman Minton to replace Black’s seat.

On July 1, 1946, the Kai-shek asks again for a bombing campaign on Russia, declaring that it is necessary in order to win.  However, Roosevelt and Churchill refuse, and Kai-shek drops the idea.  On July 10, Eisenhower invades Ankara, and is shocked to discover Adolf Hitler hiding in the Hacı Bayram Mosque, where he had apparently been hiding for months.  Eisenhower phones President Roosevelt, who is delighted to hear the news, despite it being 3 AM in Washington.

The next day, the nation of Austria-Germany officially surrenders.  Hitler is then extradited to London, where he will be tried for war crimes.

However, the war on the Eastern Front is still going on, with no signs of stopping.

The 1946 Congressional Elections

As always happens in the last 2 years of an Administration, the Democrats were expected to lose seats.  However, Hitler’s capture and the end of the War in the West seem to stop the bleeding, and the Democrats lose only 2 seats in the House, and 1 in the Senate.  In the Senate, however, things even out, as James Roosevelt, son of the President, is elected to the Senate.

House Results:
Democrats: 230 (-2)
Progressives: 114 (+2)
Republicans: 73 (+3)
Farmer-Labor: 18 (-3)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 55 (-)
Progressives: 30 (-)
Republicans: 5 (-)
Populist: 4 (-)
Farmer-Labor: 2 (+)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

On January 8, 1947, in a nationally broadcast speech on the radio, President Roosevelt announces that, on January 13, Adolf Hitler will be put on trial in London, for war crimes.  Roosevelt announces that each of the major Allies, the US, UK, France, and China, will send 1 prosecutor, 1 Alternate, and 1 Judge.

On January 14, 61 year old Francis Biddle begins the prosecution for the Allied Powers.  He charges that Hitler conspired with Chancellor Göring to wage a war of aggression against the free world, and when Göring refused, Hitler had him assassinated.  Biddle also charges that Hitler violated numerous treaties with his conduct of the war, and that he tortured POW’s captured during the war, killing them if they refused to answer him, or after their knowledge had been taken.  After making his initial case, Biddle and his fellow prosecutors take questions from the Judges.

On February 7, 1947, Hitler’s defence begins.  Hitler chooses to defend himself, which turns out to be a poor decision.  Hitler is not a lawyer, and that becomes painfully obvious, as he whines about being persecuted because he is German.  On February 12, he gets into a shouting match with Biddle, and has to be restrained from punching him.

On March 1, the Judges remove themselves to a secluded home for deliberations.  Less than 12 hours later, they return a guilty verdict on charges of war crimes, participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of crime against peace, and crimes against humanity.  He is sentenced to death by hanging.

When a guard goes to accompany Hitler to his execution the next morning, Hitler is found dead in his room, having apparently taken a cyanide capsule during the night.  He is buried in an unmarked grave in London, which to this day remains hidden.

Despite the trial, on the Eastern Front, things are going poorly.  In China, there is a continued revolution, and, despite the US troops, the Communists are gaining ground.  On July 17, 1947, Kai-shek decides to withdraw almost 80% of his troops to focus on defeating the Communists.

With the Chinese no longer in significant numbers, the Allies are unable to continue the Eastern War, and withdraw.  The USSR is then able to set up puppet governments, despite calls from anti-Communists to keep fighting.  However, President Roosevelt ends all resistance in his State of the Union on January 17, 1948, when he declares that it would take an invasion of the USSR to continue the war.

On February 20, 1948, President Roosevelt announces that he will not seek a fourth term as President.  This throws the Presidential race wide open.

On March 8, the troika of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Charles de Gaulle of France meet in Paris to discuss post-war Europe.  It is decided that they will not occupy any countries, as that led to disaster.  Instead, they will allow the countries to rebuild themselves, although they will give economic aid.  The plan is agreed to, and the war torn European nations begin the process of rebuilding.

The 1948 Presidential Election

Without President Roosevelt, there are multiple candidates in every race.

The 1948 Progressive National Convention

On February 5, 1948, Senator Robert LaFollette Jr. of Wisconsin announces for the Presidency.  The next day, Governor Henry Wallace of Iowa also declares for the race.

1948 Progressive Primaries:

March 12th (Wisconsin)
Wisconsin: LaFollette 86%, Wallace 14%

March 19th (Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Oklahoma)
Alabama: LaFollette 53%, Wallace 47%
Arkansas: Wallace 52%, LaFollette 48%
Iowa: Wallace 95%, LaFollette 5%
Maine: Wallace 56%, LaFollette 44%
New Hampshire: LaFollette 58%, Wallace 42%
New Jersey: Wallace 51%, LaFollette 49%
Oklahoma: Wallace 50%, LaFollette 50%

March 26th  (Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Virginia, Texas)
Arizona: Wallace 54%, LaFollette 46%
California: Wallace 68%, LaFollette 32%
Colorado: Wallace 55%, LaFollette 45%
Delaware: Wallace 57%, LaFollette 43%
Florida: Wallace 53%, LaFollette 47%
Georgia: Wallace 71%, LaFollette 29%
Massachusetts: Wallace 51%, LaFollette 49%
Virginia: Wallace 66%, LaFollette 34%
Texas: LaFollette 51%, Wallace 49%

With party elders asking him to drop out, LaFollette drops out on March 27th and endorses Wallace.  Wallace selects Senator Glen Taylor of Idaho as his running mate.

The 1948 Democratic National Convention

Entering the Convention, it is clear that Roosevelt wants Vice President Pepper to be the nominee, and he is given the nomination, selecting Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney of Wyoming to be his running mate.

The 1948 Republican National Convention

After refusing to be drafted in 1944, Senator Taft, son of the President, decides to run for President.  He selects Senator Chan Gurney of South Dakota as his running mate.

The 1948 Presidential Election

From day 1, the election is set to be close.  A poll on September 8th, shows Pepper at 31%, Wallace at 28%, Taft at 27%, and 14% undecided.  However, with a week to go, Roosevelt does intensive campaigning in key states, and narrowly swings the election to Pepper.  For the first time since 1908, the GOP finishes 2nd in a 3 way race.

Claude Pepper/ Joseph C. O'Mahoney : 35% PV, 298 EV
Robert Taft/Chan Gurney: 33% PV, 153 EV
Henry Wallace/Glen Taylor: 32% PV, 80 EV

The 1948 Congressional Elections

Despite the close election, the Democrats make big gains in Congress.

House Results:
Democrats: 258 (+28)
Progressives: 80 (-34)
Republicans: 80 (+7)
Farmer-Labor: 17 (-1)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 61 (+6)
Progressives: 20 (-10)
Republicans: 10 (+5)
Populist: 3 (-1)
Farmer-Labor: 2 (-)