Bryan defeats McKinley, 1896!

[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.

[TommyC1776]

Great timeline

thanks.

[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:

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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.

[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.

[TommyC1776]

Election Day, 1916:

William J Bryan-red
Teddy Roosevelt-blue
Bob LaFollette-green

PV%: Bryan 44% Roosevelt 37% LaFollette 14% Debs 5%

Senator William J Bryan wins the election.  Roosevelt couldn't believe he lost but sent his congratulations to the Senator.  LaFollette was glad that Roosevelt wasn't going to be in the White House.

Bryan makes his victory speech that night: "Tonight I have won the Presidency."  (loud cheers go out to the Senator)  "I won with your help.  It's great to win an election especially a Presidential race.  Now let's get ready for March 1917 when we can make a difference."

House and Senate results soon.

[TommyC1776]

House results, 1916: 251 Dems, 178 Reps, 4 Prog, 2 Soc.
Senate results, 1916: 56 Dems, 36 Reps, 3 Prog., 1 Soc.

The Democrats have gained more seats in both Houses as predicted.

Leaders of the House:
Speaker of the House: John W. Davis
House Majority Leader: William R Hearst
House Republican Leader: George Norris

Leaders of the Senate:
Senate Majority Leader: James M. Cox (just elected)
Senate Republican Leader: Robert T. Lincoln

Both Houses recess until January now.

Once Bryan was inaugurated he would have a Democratic Congress to work with.

[TommyC1776]

In December 1916 David Lloyd George becomes Prime Minister of Great Britain.

World War I: Turkey has declared Independence from Europe's suzerainty.  About a month later Germany resumes USW.  Then the US distroys the diplomatic ties with Germany.

In February 1917 President Roosevelt addresses Congress about the war and the ties being broken.  He states "We really must do something now and we must declare war on Germany.  It's a must at this point.  I plan to meet with Senator Bryan and Speaker Clark as well as Senate Republican Leader Robert Lincoln."

A few weeks later Britain sends the US a telegram that Mexico might side with the Germans (and against the US).  At this point, Roosevelt can't do much about it as his term is almost up.  Therefore the decision to go to war will rest upon Bryan's shoulders.

On March 4, 1917 Senator Bryan is inaugurated President of the United States and Speaker Clark is inaugurated Vice President of the United States.

The first issue on Bryan's desk is the war and what to do.  He plans to meet with members of Congress to discuss the war.

[TommyC1776]

President Bryan and most Democrats and some Republicans feel he should consider going to war.

President Bryan addresses Congress: "Members of Congress I address you today to say that I am not going to declare war at this point.  Peace is still a reasonable solution.  We can however aid our friends in this war.  I plan to meet with Britain's Prime Minister George to discuss what the U.S. can do."

While the war is still on his mind Bryan asks Congress to make up another Act that would prohibit discrimination of German Americans.

Speaker John W Davis schedules a vote on the issue at the beginning of April.  It will be called the Civil Rights Act of 1917.  In April the House vote is 259-172.  Then it is sent to the Senate where Senate Leader James Cox will bring it up soon.

[TommyC1776]

The Senate votes 57-37 on the Civil Rights Act of 1917.  The next day President Bryan signs it into law.

In May President Bryan again meets with the VP, Speaker Davis and Senate Leader James Cox about declaring war.  This meeting results in the President considering taking action in the war.  Vice President Clark states "We may go to war if we have to.  It looks like we may."

President Bryan states he won't go to war yet but may soon as the Vice President said.

Some people are starting to call the President a "flip-flopper."  Senate Minority Leader states "First the President is against the war but now he is considering going to war.  What do you call a person like that?  A flip-flopper."

President Bryan makes a statement to the press "We won't go to war.  Remember I said that.  We won't go."

President Bryan urges Congress to pass an act to give some aid to Britain in the war.  The House passes the War Aid Act by a good margin and the Senate passes it by a big margin too.

After a month recess the US and Britain pass a law called the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , which protects birds that are going extinct.

Speaker Davis states the vote will take place in August.

Former President Roosevelt tells Americans to vote Republican in the 1918 elections.  He goes around the country citing the need for war.  The former President is the frontrunner for the 1920 GOP nod.

[TommyC1776]

1918 begins with the Allies winning the war.  Former President Roosevelt starts stumping for Republicans in the fall.  The former President is considered as a potential GOP candidate in 1920.  He states he will make his decision after the elections.

Some Senators and Congressman are still furious that President Bryan never went to war especially after that Mexico incident.

Republicans and some Democrats urge House Speaker John Davis to vote on the war.  The vote is scheduled for March.  The House votes 240-193 against the war.  The President states "I am glad there was another vote against going to war."

During the same month there began to be a flu pandemic throughout the US.  People got sick and  died.  Some got better but had relapses.

President Bryan ordered that some federal money be sent to Scientists to solve this crisis.

Meanwhile, throughout the summer the war seemed like it was coming to an end as the Central Powers kept suffering defeat.

As the midterm elections approached Republicans campaigned hard to win more seats.  The Farmer Labor Party was created as an Anti-War Party and to help farmers.

Congress takes up Prohibition.  The vote in the House is 225-210.  They decide to prohibit alcohol's use in America.  It's a close vote and it barely passes.  It then goes to the Senate the next couple days and they vote 54-42 in favor of the Amendment.  President Bryan signed it into law.

Then it is sent to the States for ratification.

[TommyC1776]

Midterm Elections, 1918:
House: 237 Dems, 193, 4 Prog, 1 FL.
Senate: 52 Dems, 41 Reps, 3 Prog.

The leaders are still the same in each House.  The Republicans won 15 more House seats and 5 more Senate seats.  Former President Roosevelt states he might be a candidate for President in 1920.

Now as 1918 winds down the Senate and House are out on recess.

A few weeks after the midterm elections the war is over.  The Allies won.  President Bryan issued a statement "America, the war is over and so there will be no more debate about it.  We stood with peace and it did us good."

Then comes sad news as at the beginning of January 1919 former President Roosevelt dies in his sleep.  President Bryan issues this statement "We have lost a great man.  He was rough most of the time and a great campaigner.  He deserves to be remembered.  America,we should all pray tonight for his family.  I stand here today and say that he really was a champion of equal rights, child labor laws and other things too.  Mr. President we will miss you.  God Bless President Roosevelt."

Henry Ford makes a nice eulogy too "He was a great man and I will miss him. Even though we disagreed on some issues he still was a great man.  God Bless President Roosevelt."

March 4, 1919 the 66th Congress starts.

[TommyC1776]

Speaker of the House John W Davis declares that the Child Labor Law Act of 1919 will be brought up.  The House debates this issue and in the end the vote is 249-180.  It is now sent to the Senate where Senator James Cox schedules it for a couple weeks later.  This act would make the work week shorter for children.

At the end of March the Senate brings the issue up.  The vote in the Senate is 57-39.  Now the next day President Bryan signs it into law.  The 2 Houses go into another recess.

On April 2nd, 1919 Henry Ford declares he's interested in the GOP nod in 1920 but won't decide for certain until August or September.

About a week later President Bryan states "I will not be running for another term as your President.  I have decided to retire from politics after I am done being President.  It's been fun but someone else needs a turn.  I have served 2 terms as President and that seems fair.  Thank you all who supported me throughout the years and continuing to support me."

This leaves the door open for Vice President Clark if he wants to run to which he says "I'd consider it."

Potential candidates, 1920:

Potential Republicans:
Henry Ford
Gov. Warren Harding
Charles Hughes

Potential Democrats:
Vice President Champ Clark
Senator James Cox
Thomas Marshall

Potential Progressives:
Former VP LaFollette
William Borah
Hiram Johnson
Rep George Norris

[TommyC1776]

As April progresses the "Red Scare" comes into play as alot of Americans become wary of Communism.  First the Mayor of Seattle, WA gets a bomb from someone.  It ends up with a NYC policeman getting killed by a bomb.

The President addresses the nation "Americans, we must find a way to stop Communism as it seems to be spreading."  As things settle down the US doesn't really do much.

On August 10th Henry Ford announces his candidacy for the GOP nomination for President in 1920.

Later that month Vice President Clark announces his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for President in 1920.

As 1919 goes on more candidates jump in.  On the GOP side there's Representative George Norris, Former Representative Jesse R Grant, Ohio Governor Warren Harding and Charles Hughes, who jump in.
On the Democratic side there's Thomas Marshall and Senator James Cox, who jump in.

As 1920 gets near that means one thing: primaries.

[TommyC1776]

(Note: again I will do estimate delegates for the primaries)

Ford campaigns hard in New Hampshire.  He hopes to win there.  Ford wins the endorsement of New Hampshire's Governor John Bartlett.  Bartlett calls Ford "A real leader."

New Hampshire: March 9th

Republicans: 21 delegates
Ford 51%-11 delegates
Hughes 43%-10 delegates
Grant 5%
Harding 1%.

Ford states "It's great to win a primary.  I want to thank all my supporters as well as the Governor of this nice state."

Democrats: 22 delegates
Clark 52%-11 delegates
Cox 45%-11 delegates
Marshall 3%.

Clark's victory speech "I couldn't have done this without you.  You made this come true.  Thank you all.  Let's go on and win more.  Onto the west, which is my territory."

Cox tells his supporters "We're still going on from here."  Thomas Marshall decides to stick with it for awhile.

up next: North Dakota.

[TommyC1776]

Representative George Norris is ready for North Dakota as well as South Dakota the week after.  He figures with these 2 primaries a week a part he can become the GOP frontrunner.

North Dakota: March 16th

Republicans: 24 delegates
Ford 52%-13 delegate
Hughes 44%-11 delegates
Grant 3%
Harding 1%.

Democrats: 21 delegates
Clark 59%-12 delegates
Cox 39%-9 delegates
Marshall 2%.

Clark is the Democratic frontrunner now.  Clark says "Ford or Hughes, we'll have a good fight but we will win with me as the nominee."

South Dakota: March 23rd

Republicans: 19 delegates
Ford 53%-10 delegates.
Hughes 45%-9 delegates.
Grant 1%
Harding 1%

Warren Harding decides to drop out of the race now and endorse Henry Ford.

Democrats: 20 delegates
Clark 57%-11 delegates
Cox 40%-9 delegates
Marshall 3%.

Senator Cox states "Let's go on and beat Speaker Clark in the Michigan primary in about 2 weeks."

Total delegates so far:

Republicans:
Ford-34 delegates
Hughes-30 delegates

Democrats:
Clark-34 delegates
Cox-29 delegates.

[TommyC1776]

President Bryan starts campaigning hard for the Vice President.  He tells Michigan voters that Champ Clark is their candidate.  Senator Cox is expected to win Michigan.

On the Republican side, Henry Ford is expected to win Michigan handily.  He campaigns there a little bit and people are cheering "Ford, Ford, Ford."  Ford concentrates alot of his time in New York and Wisconsin.  He tells voters in those states "Vote for the best person who can lead our party.  I believe I am that man.  Let's go on and win Michigan, New York and Wisconsin."


Finally Michigan's primary gets here.

Michigan: April 5th

Republicans: 30 delegates
Ford 68%-20 delegates
Hughes 27%-10 delegates
Grant 5%.

Democrats: 34 delegates
Cox 54%-18 delegates
Clark 43%- 16 delegates
Marshall 3%

Thomas Marshall decides to drop out and endorse James Cox.

New York: April 6th

Republicans: 91 delegates
Ford 56%-51 delegates
Hughes 41%-40 delegates
Grant 3%.

Democrats: 94 delegates
Cox 58%-55 delegates
Clark 42%-39 delegates

Wisconsin: April 6th

Republicans: 31 delegates
Ford 55%-17 delegates
Hughes 41%-14 delegates
Grant 4%

Jesse R Grant decides to drop out of the race and endorse Henry Ford.

Democrats: 34 delegates
Cox 53%-18 delegates
Clark 47%-16 delegates.

Total delegates so far:

Republican:
Ford-121 delegates
Hughes-94 delegates.

Henry Ford is the ultimate frontrunner at this point.

Democrats:
Cox-120 delegates
Clark-105 delegates.

[TommyC1776]

Illinois: April 13th

Republicans: 51 delegates
Hughes 51%-26 delegates
Ford 49%-25 delegates.

Democrats: 53 delegates
Cox 52%-28 delegates
Clark 48%-25 delegates.

On the Democratic side, Champ Clark is getting ready for Nebraska which votes the following week.

Nebraska: April 20th

Republicans: 23 delegates
Ford 54%-12 delegates
Hughes 45%-11 delegates
Other 1%

Democrats: 24 delegates
Clark 54%-13 delegates
Cox 46%-11 delegates

Montana: April 23rd

Republicans: 13 delegates
Ford 52%-7 delegates
Hughes 48%-6 delegates.

Democrats: 11 delegates
Clark 55%-6 delegates
Cox 45%-5 delegates.

Total delegates so far:

Republicans:
Ford-165 delegates
Hughes-137 delegates.

Democrats:
Cox-164 delegates
Clark-149 delegates.

Three primaries coming up on April 27th: Massachusetts, Ohio and New Jersey.  Get excited.

[TommyC1776]

Potential candidates, 1920:

Potential Republicans:
Henry Ford
Rep. George Norris
Gov. Warren Harding
Charles Hughes

If there is a Progressive Party in 1920, then George Norris of Nebraska would be apart of it, thus in my personal opinion it is likely that George Norris would be considered a potential candidate for the 1920 Progressive Party nomination instead of the 1920 Republican Party nomination. Just trying to help Tommy.

Thanks.  i kept thinking he changed in the mid 1920's.