Bryan defeats McKinley, 1896!

[TommyC1776]

Henry Ford decides to challenge the President in the Republican primaries in 1916 as an anti-war candidate.  He says "I can beat the President.  I know I can especially with your help." telling supporters.

When the President hears this he is shocked.  The former VP LaFollette starts getting people to form the Progressive Party of America and make sure their party is on the ballot all across the US.

The Progressive Party's convention is scheduled for June 2nd, 1916.  Former VP LaFollette chooses to run with Senator Charles Hughes.  He tells Americans he's the progressive candidate in the race and not the President.

Now here's declared candidates:

Republicans:
President Teddy Roosevelt
Mr. Henry Ford

Democrats:
Rep. Woodrow Wilson
Rep. Champ Clark
Senator William J Bryan
Rep. William R Hearst

PPA:
Robert LaFollette and Charles Hughes.

Senate Leader Bryan decides not to run for re-election to the Senate so he can run for the Democratic nomination in 1916.  He says "1916 feels like my year."

[TommyC1776]

(Note: I am going to include estimated delegates for each primary for the 1916 election.)

House Minority Leader Jesse R Grant says he's going to run for the GOP nod in 1916 against the President and Henry Ford.  President Roosevelt isn't worried about either of the challenges.

In early 1916 the Democrats adopt that woman's suffrage will be on their platform.  Senate Leader Bryan states "Woman's rights will be brought up again this year. I am commited to fighting for woman's rights."

ok now with the primaries.

Indiana:

Republicans: 31 delegates
Roosevelt 54%- 17 delegates
Ford 41%- 14 delegates.
Grant 5%.

Henry Ford states "Thanks to all those who voted for me.  Now, off to Minnesota and hopefully we can win there."  The crowd goes "Ford, Ford, Ford" for 5 minutes.

Democrats: 36 delegates
Bryan 46%- 18 delegates
Wilson 42%- 16 delegates
Clark 10%- 2 delegates
Hearst 2%.

William R Hearst decides to drop out and endorse Bryan.  He says "Bryan is the best man who can beat Roosevelt."

[TommyC1776]

Meanwhile in the House Champ Clark schedules a vote on March 9th for the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1916.  The act prohibits discrimination of German Americans.

The House votes 232-199 on it.  Right after he votes for it, Clark goes back on the campaign trail to Minnesota.

Then Senate Leader William J Bryan schedules a vote on it after the Minnesota and New Hampshire Primaries.

[TommyC1776]

Minnesota Primary: March 14th

Republicans: 25 delegates
Ford 50%- 13 delegates
Roosevelt 48%- 12 delegates
Grant 2%.

Henry Ford is happy he won a primary.  He tells supporters "We did it.  We've won a primary.  Let's go on and win more after this."

Democrats: 27 delegates
Bryan 49%- 14 delegates
Wilson 44%- 12 delegates
Clark 7%- 1 delegate.

Senator Bryan is now the Democratic frontrunner.

Total delegates for each party:
Republicans total (so far)
Roosevelt-29 delegates
Ford-27 delegates.

Democrats total (so far)
Bryan-32 delegates
Wilson-28 delegates
Clark-3 delegates.

[TommyC1776]

New Hampshire: March 14th

Republicans: 12 delegates
Roosevelt 55%-7 delegates
Ford 44%-5 delegates
Grant 1%.

Jesse R Grant states he's withdrawing from the race and endorsing Henry Ford.

Democrats: 10 delegates
Wilson 52%-6 delegates
Bryan 46%-4 delegates
Clark 2%.

Wilson says "Yes, we won one.  Let's go on from here and win more."  Speaker Champ Clark drops out and endorses Senator Bryan.

[TommyC1776]

North Dakota: March 21st

Republicans: 11 delegates
Roosevelt 56%- 6 delegates
Ford 44%- 5 delegates

Democrats: 12 delegates
Bryan 67%- 8 delegates
Wilson 33%- 4 delegates.

Total delegates for each party:
Republicans total (so far)
Roosevelt-42 delegates
Ford-37 delegates

Democrats total (so far)
Bryan-49 delegates (all 3 of Clark's delegates were added here too.)
Wilson-36 delegates

On the Republican side, Henry Ford looks forward to a Michigan win which he hopes will make him the frontrunner.

Back in the Senate they vote on the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1916.  The Senate votes 54-39.  The President threatens to veto this.

President Roosevelt does just that a few days later.

Progressive candidate LaFollette says "This is another reason we need to get Mr. Roosevelt out of the White House."

[TommyC1776]

Getting to the war for a few:  the German's and the French were fighting in the Battle of Verdun.  The German's had advanced and captured the Bois des Caures.  The French had been pushed back to Samogneux, Beaumont and Ornes.

The French fighters were saved by the XX Corps under General Balfourier.

President Roosevelt still reiterated his call for war.  Senate Majority Leader (and Presidential candidate) William J Bryan would NOT set up a vote on that.

Senator (and Presidential candidate) Bryan called the President a "warmonger."

Henry Ford made a speech in Michigan:

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President Roosevelt heard this and just said "That automaker is crazy."

In Michigan's Republican Primary Henry Ford is expected to win big.  Ford had stated that his decision to stay in depends on Michigan.  "If I can win Michigan big then I will know my message is being recieved well." said Ford.

[TommyC1776]

Two days before the MI primary Ford is campaigning in Wisconsin, as they have their primary the day after MI.

Michigan: April 3rd

Republicans: 34 delegates
Ford 60%-20 delegates
Roosevelt 40%-14 delegates.

Democrats: 31 delegates
Bryan 53%-16 delegates
Wilson 47%-15 delegates.

Henry Ford states to his followers "We have won Michigan very handily.  Our message is spreading and spreading.  I plan to keep on going.  Tonight I am officially the frontrunner for the GOP in 1916."  (cheers to this go on for a few minutes)  "Let's go on and win the rest of the primaries and the nomination."  The next day Ford is expected to meet voters in NY but he doesn't expect to win.

Roosevelt isn't that worried as NY is on the 4th.   But WI is also that day and Ford is expected to win in WI.

April 4th is here.  Ford's last words in NY are "Remember warmonger when you vote."

On the Democratic side Bryan is expected to win in Wisconsin and possibly in New York.

While the primaries are going on, Progressive candidate LaFollete is going around meeting with voters telling them to vote for him as an alternative to the Republicans and Democrats.

LaFollette states he may reconsider his VP choice.  His first choice is Charles Hughes but he also considers House Minority Leader Jesse R Grant.

Former Speaker of the House Joe Cannon endorses Roosevelt at this time while Senate Minority Leader Robert Lincoln endorses Robert LaFollette.

New York: April 4th

Republicans: 85 delegates
Roosevelt 63%-54 delegates
Ford 37%-31 delegates.

Democrats: 86 delegates
Bryan 54%-46 delegates
Wilson 46%-40 delegates

Wisconsin: April 4th

Republicans: 29 delegates
Ford 56%-16 delegates
Roosevelt 44%-13 delegates

Democrats: 28 delegates
Bryan 53%-15 delegates
Wilson 47%-13 delegates.

[TommyC1776]

Total delegates for each party:
Republicans total (so far)
Roosevelt-110 delegates
Ford-104 delegates.

Democrats total (so far)
Bryan-126 delegates
Wilson-104 delegates.

Democrat candidate (and House Majority Leader) Woodrow Wilson considers dropping out but wants to wait until Illinois votes.  Republican candidate Henry Ford is going to stay in as long as he can.  He believes he can win in Illinois and maybe do well in Nebraska after that.

[TommyC1776]

Illinois: April 11th

Republicans: 54 delegates
Ford 55%-30 delegates
Roosevelt 45%-24 delegates

Democrats: 51 delegates
Bryan 53%-27 delegates
Wilson 47%-24 delegates

House Majority Leader Woodrow Wilson declares he is dropping out of the race for the Dem nomination.  He says "Thank you all for supporting me.  Now lets go on and beat the Republicans in the fall with William Jennings Bryan at the top."

Senator Bryan states "I can proclaim that I am the presumtive Democratic nominee now.  Congressman Wilson, who ran a great race, has dropped out."

On the Republican side, it's a different story, the race is still close.  At this point both Republicans (Ford and Roosevelt) are tied with 134 delegates.  The President is a little worried at this point but tries to brush it off.

Henry Ford, on the other hand, is happy that he is very competative in the race.  He states "Americans, I want to thank you all for still supporting me.  We will keep going as we are getting more and more momentum.  There's really an anti-President vote out there and their supporting me.  Now back to the campaign trail.  Nebraska here we come."

Former Speaker of the House Joe Cannon goes to Nebraska to campaign hard for the President.  He says to the Nebraskans "Vote for the President in the primary. He, at least has had leadership experience while Mr. Ford hasn't."

When Ford hears this he responds "First, I am a business leader and I know how to run things.  Second, the former Speaker is just a bunch of hot air who no one really listens to anymore. He, too is a warmonger."

Senate Minority Leader Robert Lincoln states "I hope the President knows that the Republicans lost seats in 1914 because of his stance on the war and he can't win a race just concentrating on the war.  There's other issues too.  Unless the President changes his tune he will lose the election."

Eugene Debs is running again as a Socialist with Allan Benson as his running mate.

At this point, Progressive candidate Bob LaFollette states "I will drop out of the race if Henry Ford is the Republican nominee. Otherwise, I am in to win and stop President Roosevelt from winning a 2nd term."  Even some Republican bosses see Ford as a better candidate than the President.

Senate Majority Leader Bryan schedules another vote on the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1916 in a few weeks.

[TommyC1776]

Nebraska: April 18th

Republicans: 32 delegates
Ford 53%-17 delegates
Roosevelt 47%-15 delegates.

Henry Ford is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination now.  Ford states "Americans, Republicans from Nebraska chose me in the primary.  I am now the frontrunner for the Republican nomination."  to which people cheer.

Speaker of the House Champ Clark brings up the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1916, again.  He puts it to a vote on April 20th.

The House votes 241-194 on it.  The President threatens to veto it.  A few days later a vote is scheduled in the Senate.

Montana: April 21st

Republicans: 25 delegates
Ford 54%-14 delegates
Roosevelt 46%-11 delegates

Total delegates for the Republicans:
Ford-165 delegates
Roosevelt-160 delegates.

Next primaries coming up: April 25th will have Iowa, New Jersey, Ohio and Massachusetts.

[TommyC1776]

Iowa: April 25th

Republicans: 29 delegates
Ford 52%-15 delegates
Roosevelt 48%-14 delegates.

Massachusetts: April 25th

Republicans: 37 delegates
Roosevelt 56%-21 delegates
Ford 44%-16 delegates.

New Jersey: April 25th

Republicans: 32 delegates
Roosevelt 58%-19 delegates
Ford 42%-13 delegates.

Ohio: April 25th

Republicans: 44 delegates
Ford 54%-24 delegates
Roosevelt 46%-20 delegates.

Total delegates for the Republicans:
Roosevelt-234 delegates
Ford-233 delegates.

The race still is close and Ford won't back down.  He states he will wait until California votes in a week to see where things go.

a map will be done shortly.

[TommyC1776]

Republican primaries 1916:

Roosevelt-blue
Ford-red.
primary coming up-dark green.
no primary-light green

[TommyC1776]

Senate Leader (and Democratic nominee for President) William J Bryan starts the vote on the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1916.  The Senate debates it and votes 56-37 on it.

President Roosevelt doesn't say whether he will sign it into law at this point since there are a few more primaries and he doesn't want to make anymore enemies.  He states he will make his decision after the CA primary.

Bryan states "The President isn't doing anything with the bill because he wants to do well in the primary in California next week.  He is just hiding his answer for political purposes.  Last time this was brought up as a vote he vetoed it.  He probably will veto it again."

Bryan schedules a vote on an Amendment for woman's rights at the end of September right after Speaker Clark schedules one at the beginning of September.

President Roosevelt states "America we must go help our allies in the war.  Urge your Congressman and Senators to vote for war."

Speaker Clark and Senate Leader Bryan tell the President "No."  Bryan states "We have a warmonger in the White House.  He has to lose this fall."

Campaigning in California, Henry Ford states "Californians, please vote for peace when you vote on May 2nd.  Look at how the President is still concentrating on the war and how he doesn't want to sign the Anti-Discrimination Act until after the primary.  Vote for me on May 2nd.  Together we will show this administration a thing or two.  Thanks all."

[TommyC1776]

The California Primary is coming up and the President states "I hope to win California and win it big.  I will need your help to win California.  We must win and beat Henry Ford."

Progressive candidate Bob LaFollette is getting ready for his party's convention at the beginning of June.  He tells everyone "We can beat the Republicans and Democrats this fall with your help."

Democratic presumtive nominee William J Bryan is campaigning all across the country slamming the President.  "We must support a candidate who stands with the people and not against the people." says Bryan.

Eugene Debs (Socialist candidate) is campaigning hard too saying "What really has the 2 parties ever done for you?  They really are just thinking about themselves more than anything.  And as far as former VP and current Progressive Presidential candidate, Bob LaFollette, he doesn't represent change since he was part of it all when he was a Republican. I'm your only true choice this election."

California: May 2nd

Republicans: 32 delegates
Ford 55%-18 delegates
Roosevelt 45%-14 delegates.

Henry Ford ends up winning the CA primary and this makes him the frontrunner again.  Ford tells supporters "Thanks. This really means alot."

Roosevelt privately says "It seems everytime I do well Ford comes back and slaps me in the face."

Some Republican bosses start to see Ford as a compromise candidate.  With the convention about a month away, the Republicans may have a brokered convention.

Henry Ford is happy to be the frontrunner again.

A few days later Germans sign an agreement not to sink merchant ships but add this isn't permanent.  When the President hears this he again asks for declaration of war.

[TommyC1776]

Henry Ford now is on his way to PA and VT to try and win those primaries.  He doen't think he has a chance in Pennsylvania as it is right next door to Roosevelt's homestate.

The President doesn't do much campaigning as he feels he can win both.  Ford spends as much time as possible in both states.

Speaker Clark and Senator Bryan decide to take a recess in the House and Senate for a month.  This way Bryan can concentrate more on the campaign trail.  At this point there's speculation that Clark may be Bryan's pick for Vice President.

One newspaper reporter in PA asked Ford if he would take a Vice Presidential slot on Roosevelt's ticket and Ford gave the reporter a straight answer "NO."  Ford is speculated that if he doesn't win the GOP nod that he might attend the Progressive Party's convention.

On May 16th both PA and VT citizens go to the polls.

Pennsylvania: May 16th.

Republicans: 63 delegates
Roosevelt 60%-38 delegates.
Ford 40%-25 delegates.

Vermont: May 16th.

Republicans: 14 delegates
Roosevelt 52%-7 delegates.
Ford 48%-7 delegates.

Total delegates for the Republicans:
Roosevelt-293 delegates
Ford-283 delegates.

Henry Ford declares that he will be dropping out of the Republican race for President the next day.

On May 17th Ford makes his speech from Dearborn, MI:

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Senator Bryan sends Ford a letter stating "Mr. Ford I am sorry to hear of your loss.  You did a great job challenging an incumbent President.  Even though were from different parties, I respect that you ran and challenged President Roosevelt."

Now onto the conventions in a few weeks.

[TommyC1776]

Republican Convention: June 7-10, 1916

At the 1916 Republican Convention, President Roosevelt is renominated on the 2nd ballot with Charles Fairbanks as his running mate.
 
Former rival Henry Ford doesn't even show up to the convention.  He does send a message to the delegates "Vote for who you want to be President.  Also, remember everything from the primaries that happened.  I did the best I could but I will be back delegates."

2nd ballot:
Roosevelt, 685 delegates
Ford, 301 delegates

President Roosevelt told the delegates "We must be a unified party.  Mr. Ford ran a great race against me.  When you vote, remember who wants to help our allies in the war.  We must go over and help Europe through this mess.  Go and vote for me and Charles Fairbanks in November."   Ford delegates bolted the convention at this time.


Progressive Party Convention: June 11-12, 1916

Former VP LaFollette is nominated on the first ballot for President.  LaFollette chooses William Borah of Idaho as his running mate.

LaFollette states: "Delegates, we will beat the Republicans and Democrats this election.  I plan to do well this election and to grow this party to become a national party like the Democrats and Republicans.  Both parties have ruined the system.  Elect me President in November."

Henry Ford makes a speech at the convention stating "We must defeat President Roosevelt this fall.  I almost did in the primaries.  I come to you all today to tell you to vote against Roosevelt this fall."  Most of his Republican delegates came to this convention.

Democratic Convention: June 14-16, 1916

Bryan is nominated on the 1st ballot.  He chooses Champ Clark as his running mate.

Bryan's speech goes like this:
"Americans, we have a chance to defeat an incumbent President in this election.  He's unpopular with alot of you and even some members of his own party.  We must go on and defeat the Roosevelt/Fairbanks ticket.  Remember that a vote for Bryan/Clark is a vote for you and your family.  I plan to help Democrats get more seats in the House and Senate this fall too.  Vote Democratic this fall as it's the only party for you.  Thanks."

Now onto the campaign.   It's Roosevelt/Fairbanks vs. Bryan/Clark vs. LaFollette/Borah vs. Debs/Benson.

[Hash]

Great timeline

[TommyC1776]

Great timeline

thanks.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

This is a pretty good timeline Tommy .

I am curious though as to why Charles Evans Hughes was selected by Robert La Follette as his running mate in 1916? I doubt that La Follette would have selected Hughes. He would have alienated alot of La Follette's progressive supporter base, due to concerns that Hughes' connections to big business.

If La Follette was to run in 1916 as a Progressive, as stated in your timeline, I would imagine that La Follette would select somebody such as Idaho Senator William Borah or Nebraska Senator George Norris. Just trying to help.

Continue the good work Tommy.

[TommyC1776]

This is a pretty good timeline Tommy .

I am curious though as to why Charles Evans Hughes was selected by Robert La Follette as his running mate in 1916? I doubt that La Follette would have selected Hughes. He would have alienated alot of La Follette's progressive supporter base, due to concerns that Hughes' connections to big business.

If La Follette was to run in 1916 as a Progressive, as stated in your timeline, I would imagine that La Follette would select somebody such as Idaho Senator William Borah or Nebraska Senator George Norris. Just trying to help.

Continue the good work Tommy.

Thanks for the input.  I appreciate it.

[TommyC1776]

Getting to the war:  The Battle of Somme starts on July 1st and 60,000 British troops end up dying mostly within the first hour of the Battle.

President Roosevelt makes a major speech in NY about this:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Senator Bryan and Speaker Clark tell the President a plain answer: NO Mr. President.

Senator Bryan states "This President will find anything and make it a reason to go to war.  This is not the time nor the place to go to war."

Senate Republican Leader Robert Lincoln states "Mr. President, you can't win by just talking about war.  As I've emphasized before there's other issues too."

Back to the war: Towards the end of August Romania declares war on the Central Powers.  Hindeburg and Ludendorff replace Falkenhyn, who had been a failure at Verdun.

By September as promised an Amendment for Woman's rights comes up in the House.  Speaker (and Dem VP nominee) Clark had a vote on it.  The vote was 243-187.  The Amendment now goes to the Senate which is scheduled for a few weeks later.

President Roosevelt declares he will sign this when it gets to his desk.

Coming up: more campaigning.

[PBrunsel]

Continues to be a great read. This is an excellent timeline.

[TommyC1776]

Continues to be a great read. This is an excellent timeline.

Thanks.

[TommyC1776]

Bryan schedules a vote in the Senate on woman's right to vote.  The Senate passes it 57-38.   The next day President Roosevelt signs it into law where now it will go to the states to approve it.

As the election gets closer it looks as if the Democrats might gain more seats in both Houses.

At this point Bryan is campaigning hard in New York and other North Eastern states hoping to do real well their.  He tells voters again and again "Vote for me as I am concerned with your needs while the President isn't.  What has he done to help the poor and what has he done about child labor laws?  I could go on and on."

Indiana Senator (Minority Whip) Charles Hughes comes out for Roosevelt and states "This man is the man who needs to lead us over the next four years."  He also says "I plan to help him win and win big.  Bryan isn't the candidate we need at this time.  Vote for President Roosevelt."

Progressive candidate Bob LaFollette is campaigning hard in the West..  Henry Ford plans to go to Michigan to campaign hard for LaFollette.  Ford tells people "Bob LaFollette is our only hope at this point."

Election Day is almost here.