History of the United States (1829-1865)

*For other eras, see History of PSUS*

### Early Policies

An act overturning the Roman Act, which was implemented under Miyles Times, was easily passed in Congress. Johnston signed the bill, proclaiming that the Roman Act was "traitorous and tyrannical", and "a disgraceful remnant of a darker time." This, combined with his support for universal male suffrage, quickly boosted his approval rating.

He later created an Agrarian Party, splitting from the Democrats. The party was based around Johnston's populist and Hamptonian ideas.

### Specie Circular

As the United States gain large areas of land as a result of wars and purchases, the practice of land speculation became more and more popular. Paper money was often used to purchase public land in the West, but these paper notes are often not backed by gold or silver. Paper money also became difficult to regulate, since the Central Bank was abolished under Elbridge Gerr. Therefore, Johnston issued an executive order, named the Specie Circular, which required payment for public land to be in gold or silver only.

Public reaction was split. One of the main critics of this executive order was Cornelius Vanderbilt, a business magnate. He created the Paperback Party, a party that focuses on overturning the Specie Circular, and declared his candidacy for the 1832 Presidential Election under the party.

### End of the Great American War

American forces finally entered Austin, Texas in 1830. On the morning of July 17th, seeing that their chances of victory are minimal, Texan troops stationed across the border let down their arms and surrendered. The 7-year war between Texas and the United States, two strong republics, have finally ended.

A peace treaty was negotiated between the United States, Mexico, and Texas. Mexico was invited because there were fears that a full Texan annexation could lead to a war with Mexico, a war that the United States cannot win. The Eastern portions of Texas, mainly populated by English speakers, was annexed into the United States as the State of Texas. The Western portions of Texas was turned into an occupation zone, which was jointly occupied by Mexico and the United States.

### Panic of 1831

Vice President Hood introduced several welfare programs meant to assist the poor. However, these programs drastically increased the spending of the federal government. As a result, the government was forced to print money in order to pay for the programs. This resulted in hyperinflation, destroying the United States economy. This, combined with the damages of wars and rebellions, allowed Mexico's GDP per Capita to surpass the United States.

Abraham Johnston tasked Treasury Secretary Martin Van Buren to write an executive order that could help resolve the crisis. The following order was then issued by Johnston.

1. A Gold Standard shall be established; the money supply shall be linked with gold in order to prevent inflation.
2. A fixed conversion rate of $80 per ounce of gold shall be established, reflecting the lack in supply of gold.
3. Trading in silver is possible, it's conversion rate will be 15 = 1 gold
4. The money supply shall remain mostly constant; printing money without backing it with gold shall be prohibited.
5. The previous welfare programs shall be abolished. It shall be replaced with a basic income of $10 per Month for the Bottom 5%.

This was met with both praise and criticism from various politicians. Some members of Johnston's own party, the Agrarian Party, also expressed disapproval of the order for its perceived abuse of executive order powers.

## 1832 Election

### Campaigning

The Johnston campaign focused on his achievements in his term, stressing his protection of the interests of the common man, and his plans on continuing protections on people's freedoms and the Constitution. Meanwhile, Monroe claimed that he was the true man of the people.

Negative campaigning was prevalent in this election. Monroe claimed that Johnston had lied about the war, and criticized him for causing the Panic of 1831. Meanwhile, the Johnston campaign labelled Monroe as a power-hungry DC bureaucrat. The Vanderbilt campaign also heavily criticized Johnston for the Specie Circular.

### Results

Monroe and Johnston remained neck-and-neck, even on the last days of the campaign trail. In the end, due to Vanderbilt's sudden rise in popularity after the Panic of 1831, no candidate received a majority of the electoral votes.

Monroe received 102, Johnston received 95, Vanderbilt received 70, and Clay received 48. A contingent election for the President and Vice President had to be held.

The results are as follows:

 Party
 States carried

 Party
 Electoral vote

### Vice Presidential Election

The Senate was dominated by the Agrarian and Democratic parties, and the Agrarian Party had a clear majority. However, a few Agrarian senators opposed Patrick D. Hood, and voted for John Floyd, the Democratic nominee, instead. In the end, Patrick D. Hood received a majority of the Senate vote, meaning that he has successfully been nominated as Vice President.

### The "Corrupt Deal"

Henry Clay, having long been unsuccessful in becoming President, wished for the position of Secretary of State, because Elbridge Gerr, a highly respected former President, had previously served as Secretary of State under Jason S. Hobbs. Thus, Clay awarded his delegate votes to Vanderbilt, in exchange for the position of Secretary of State.

Meanwhile, most Agrarian Representatives in the House who opposed Johnston's use of executive order voted for Cornelius Vanderbilt, since they perceived Monroe to be a power-hungry corrupt politician. With a coalition of Whigs, Paperbacks, and Anti-Johnston Agrarians, Vanderbilt narrowly won a plurality of the state delegates.

## Vanderbilt Administration (1833-1837)

Vanderbilt, having only received 70 electoral votes and 16.97% of the popular vote, was already unpopular when he took office. He only had support of Paperback Party supporters and a portion of the Whigs. As promised, Vanderbilt revoked the *Specie Circular* as his first act as President, an act that enraged many.

### Admission of Alabama and Colorado

A bill was passed in Congress, which formed the State of Alabama, named after the Alabama River, from the Western counties of Georgia. Vanderbilt signed this bill. However, Vanderbilt failed to propose the admission of a Northern state immediately after the admission of Georgia. Months later, Vanderbilt proposed to split Texas into two. The Southeastern portions would remain in Texas, while the Northwestern portions would become the State of Colorado. He also suggested that Colorado should become a free state.

This enraged Southerners, since a free state was being formed in the South. The act narrowly passed in the Senate. In a controversial decision, Vanderbilt decided to sign this act. His approval rating in the South plummeted to 8%.

### Collapse of the Native Republic

By the time Vanderbilt took office, the Native Republic had been gradually weakened. The United States stopped much of its aid to the Native Republic that were implemented under Elbridge Gerr. The Great American War also led to a general neglect towards the Native Republic. Furthermore, British resistance fighters assassinated the President of the Native Republic. With ever-increasing British and French resistance, the local governments in the republic started to fall apart.

The central government fled the capital as this went on, prompting a civil war. The government forces, who were Pro-American, were pushed back to Saskatchewan. Despite pleas from the natives for an American intervention, Vanderbilt barely responded to the situation. He ultimately decided to abandon the Native Republic, stating "I am surrendering Saskatchewan to the British. No need for that land". Saskatchewan fell weeks later.

This move by Vanderbilt was very unpopular, and contributed to a further decline in support for Vanderbilt.

### Anti-Sedition Policies

As Vanderbilt became more and more unpopular, he began to be perceived as a "clown". His approval rating was rapidly falling, even reaching 8% at one time. Therefore, he introduced multiple voting restriction laws via executive order, meaning that only White people above the age of 30 who own land are allowed to vote. Congress immediately held a vote on overturning the restrictions. The overturn passed, with a supermajority.

He even signed executive orders that would outlaw mentions of the word "clown". However, this order was rarely enforced.

### Appealing the South

In order to appeal to Southerners, Vanderbilt fired Vice President Hood, and selected Jefferson Davis to be his running mate. This angered citizens of Williamson (formerly Slavetonne), and Williamson was one of the only states in which Vanderbilt was generally approved of. His support in the North further declined as a result.

### "Vanderbiltism" and Reduction of Territories

In Early 1836, Vanderbilt signed an executive order that removed Colorado from the Union, renaming it into the "Territory of Vanderbilt". A move that surprised many, the Senate immediately voted on re-admitting Colorado into the Union. However, this act narrowly failed. Soon afterwards, Vanderbilt announced the complete removal of American influence from the jointly shared Deseret territory in the west, stating *“There is no need for this desert. We will let the Mexicans have complete and total control of the area.”* Vanderbilt later explained that these policies were a part of his foreign policy doctrine, known as "Vanderbiltism". This doctrine advocates for the removal of "unnecessary" territories. Henry Clay, enraged by this, resigned as Secretary of State. He even leaked to the press that Vanderbilt plans to give away Oregon and Texas.

### Coma

Vanderbilt suddenly fell into a coma in Mid-1836. Doctors suspect that a large brain tumour suspected to have developed in 1827, meaning that Vanderbilt had this tumour for about nine years. This tumour has caused damage to his frontal lobe, severely impacting his ability to make rational decisions. After a successful removal, Vanderbilt continued to work as President.

He later claimed that he regretted many of the policies that he implemented. He proposed acts that would begin secret funding to Yucatan in order to provoke a revolt, making an invasion of Deseret less difficult. He also started construction of railroads across the United States. Lastly, he proposed an act that reaffirms the freedom of speech, nullifying his executive orders that prohibited mentions of "clowns".

## 1836 Election

 Party
 States carried

 Party
 States carried

*\*The percentage if Posey and Austin's votes were combined.*

America under Vanderbilt's administration was turbulent. The economy further declined under his administration, and inflation further increased as Vanderbilt allowed the use of paper money once again. The Native Republic, a United States puppet, fell to the British. Mexico took over a jointly occupied zone in modern-day Southwestern US. By election season, Vanderbilt's popularity had drastically fell.

### The Candidates

President Cornelius Vanderbilt, even though he is generally unpopular, still wanted to run for a second term. He was easily nominated by the Paperback Party, which was created by himself. He ran on a platform of maintaining the status quo, and continuing the path of his first term. He also advocates for building two railways that would stretch across the United States. His running mate was Patrick D. Hood, the incumbent Vice President who was generally regarded as a war hero.

The Agrarian Party nominated Senator Julius Pope. Pope is a populist who campaigned on a big-tent platform of reform and quick economic recovery. A supporter of the growth in both agrarian economies and industrial economies, he promised to provide a lot of new jobs to the people. He also supports the laissez-faire and Classical Liberal elements of the Agrarian Party.

The Democratic Party nominated Thomas Posey, who ran as a moderate. His support is relatively small. He ran as a centrist who was a moderate on most issues. He is seen as an alternative opposition candidate to Cornelius Vanderbilt, for people who disliked populism. Meanwhile, Stephen F. Austin was pardoned of most charges as a part of the negotiations of the Great American War. Austin is now running with the Texan Bloc for the Presidential election, a party that focuses on Texan interests.

### Results

Julius Pope won the popular vote by a significant margin - he won 36.6%, while the runner-up only received 26.7%. Weeks before election day, Thomas Posey agreed to form a coalition with Stephen F. Austin. However, he did not win the electoral vote outright. Pope received 153 electoral votes - just shy of a majority, which was 157 votes. Thomas Posey also agreed to form an electoral coalition with Austin, allowing Austin to get a total of 81 electoral votes on the day of the certification of the votes.

As per the First Amendment, a contingent election was held.

### Contingent Election

Pope easily won the contingent presidential election - he received 16 House Delegate votes, Vanderbilt received 10, and Austin received 2. However, the Vice Presidential vote was not as clear-cut. Stephen Austin, who was listed as Pope's running mate, only received 1 delegate vote. Thomas Posey, who was listed as Austin's running mate, received 2 votes.

The majority of senators wrote-in a candidate. John Livingston received 4 votes, Huego Avalyn received 2 votes, and Abraham Johnston received 1 vote. As a result, John Livingston, an abolitionist, was elected Vice President, a disappointing and surprising result for many.

## Pope Administration (1837)

### The Cabinet

* Vice President - *(L) John Livingston, 1837*
* Secretary of State - *(D) John C. Calhoun, 1837,*
* Secretary of the Treasury - *(A) Abraham Johnston, Mar.-Jun. 1837, (A) Fredrick Hampton, Jun.-Dec. 1837*
* Secretary of War - *(D) Huego Avalyn, 1837*
* Manager of Immigration - *(A) George W. Grant, 1837*

### Economic Policy

Pope supported the National Recovery Act of 1837, built off of the Union Recovery Act which was vetoed by President Vanderbilt in 1834. The Act bailed out larger corporations along with cutting taxes and creating new industrial jobs in northern factories. The act is attributed to the “Purge of 1837”, in where thousands of smaller businesses were bought out or destroyed by larger counterparts.

This act caught the attention of the Supreme Court, who ruled on May 14th the act violated the 4th Amendment as it called for the seizure of private factories by the government for public use.

In June, Pope supported another economic act known as the Economic Rehabilitation Act of 1837, a successor to the National Recovery Act. This act instead bailed out large businesses and encouraged these companies to open their own factories. The Michigan and Ohio area saw a significant boom in industrial jobs and factories, with near-monopoly sized companies having control over entire cities worth of factories. This once again attributed to the Purge of 1837. An estimated 45% of small businesses in the North were either bought out or put out of business by these monopoly sized companies. In the south, Pope pushed for the idea of “Industrial Slavery”, which called for the industrialization of the southern states and employment of slaves in new factories. Goods produced would be exported to the world. The final part of the act lowered tariff rates on many products.

The Railroad Act of 1836 was expanded on by Pope in the Railroad Amendment Act of 1837. This amendment created a government loan program to companies willing to employ working men for constructing a “Continental Railroad” which would stretch from Virginia to Missouri.

### Slavery Policy

Pope was an advocate for slavery and supported the practice. Opposed to the “Slave Act of 1800” (which established the 100$ Clause, a way for a slave to be legally freed). Pope brought the Slave Act of 1800 to the Supreme Court with the argument it took away the legal property of a man, as his administration recognized slaves as property of their masters. Surprisingly, the Supreme Court sided with Pope, ruling that the Slave Act of 1800 violated a mans property rights. A protest rebellion was organized in a free-slave settlement in the state of Williamson, with Pope responding by sending in armed forces into the area. Pope also supported the "Fugitive Slave Act", which would legalize hunting escaped slaves.

### A Term Cut Short

After an argument against Governor of Delaware and Former Vice President, Patrick D. Hood over slavery and the President's actions against the slave revolt, Pope and Hood engaged in a duel which ended with Pope hospitalized and presumed death. As it turns out, Pope was alive, and later defected to the Southern Republic in 1838.

Pope's situation was always unclear, even after his presumed death. As a result, John Livingston was never inaugurated as a full President. Instead, he only acted as President. He became the first Acting President in United States History.

## Livingston as Acting President (1837)

    John Livingston, who had been elected as Vice President in 1840 by the Senate, took over the office of President. The radical abolitionist moved to declare the illegality of Slavery, and morphed the Free Soil Party into a radical abolitionist group. With a new abolitionist cabinet (with the exception of the Secretary of State) and movements from President Livingston to abolish slavery, the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Georgia threatened secession to the union, threats Livingston ignored.

Finally, after Livingston announced he would be declaring black slaves “5/5ths of a Person” the 4 states officially seceded from the Union, forming the Southern Republic. Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and 2 western territories joined this new republic. A civil war had begun.

However, Livingston still failed to properly militarily prepare for the civil war, leading to his impeachment. With no Vice President, a succession crisis emerged. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court, with the court naming Secretary of State John C. Calhoun as acting President, and suggesting that an amendment be put in place for future occasions of a simultaneous Presidential and Vice Presidential vacancy.

### Civil War under Livingston

The first months of the war saw early victories for the South, with a failed naval landing at New Orleans by General Patrick Hood and a rapid seizure of much of western Williamson. A southern attack on Illinois met defeat on the banks of the Ohio River at the Battle of Round Knob, where the Union's Army of the Ohio repelled 10,000 men of the Confederacy's Western Theater Command.

## Calhoun as Acting President (1837-1840)

Calhoun was chosen as Acting President during the Civil War, the second in American history. A states' rights advocate, many expected Calhoun to be secretly supportive of the Confederacy. However, this was likely not the case. He detained Livingston for "engaging in insurrectionist activities", as well as "personally dismantling the Union", and suspended Habeas Corpus. The Supreme Court made no comment on its suspension.

### Attempts at Diplomacy

Calhoun attempted to negotiate with the Confederacy in the beginning stages of the war. In a proclamation, he stated that *"the Union will offer to make peace with the Southern states and allow then reentry into the Union, letting them rejoin on the condition that the states that allow slavery are not to have that right infringed in the immediate future, and that all new states north of the southern border of Missouri are to be admitted as free states, while those south are admitted as slave states."*

He also held a peace conference with Confederate President George W. Grant. In the negotiations, Grant suggested the policy of popular sovereignty, which allows each state to decide whether or not slavery should be legal via referendum. This was rejected by Calhoun, and the conference ultimately failed to end the war.

### Civil War, 1837 to 1840

By April, four clear fronts have developed in the war. There was the Maryland-Virginia Front, in which the Union tried to capture Richmond. There was also the Kentucky Front, in which the Army of the Ohio tried to capture Kentucky and reconnect with Williamson. Union forces fought in the Williamson forces, mainly on hills, trying to prevent a Confederate capture of Williamson. Meanwhile, the West Virginia front developed due to a Confederate offensive.

Union troops entered Baltimore on July 3rd, taking control of the weakening city. This may have been due to the Mayor surrendering, but one reason was that of the horrible disease which spread rapidly in the city. Union troops entered the city, with almost no fight after a day long bombardment from the Naval forces. The troops quickly put the city under a quarantine, and continued their advance towards Richmond.

In early March, Union forces used Confederate confusion to make an advance to Richmond. The Confederate troops payed little attention, requiring the direct force of V.P Pope to stop Union forces. The Union was stopped around Richmond but small skirmishes would began to take place, but each side feared a major battle.

### Recess Appointments

Many Senators and Congressmen were heavily involved in the military during the civil war, leading to frequent recesses in Congress. Thus, Calhoun used this opportunity to make various recess appointments. He appointed Abraham Lincoln as Secretary of State, Martin Van Buren as Vice President, and Aurelius P. Harrison as President Pro Tempore.

## 1840 Election

### Candidates

President John C. Calhoun, the incumbent President, ran for a full term. He based his campaign around ending the civil war. Since he begun his term, Missouri and Kentucky have surrendered to rejoin the union, and major advancements in Virginia are taking place. He claims a change in leadership will prove detrimental to the country at this stage. The D-A platform also focuses on rebuilding the country and encouraging thousands of immigrants to the country, after thousands left for Mexican California after the outbreak of the war.

Amos Ellmaker is the former Attorney General of Pennsylvania and the parties 1832 Vice Presidential Nominee. After a tough primary with Thurlow Weed, he emerged as the parties nominee on the third ballot. He stands to rebuild the nation and end the civil war, along with supporting the construction of a continental railroad from Virginia to Texas. He opposes the Specie Circular and stands to remove all restrictions on purchasing only with Gold or Silver.

Alexander Wilmington is a Senator from Pennsylvania who doesn’t have a clear position on many issues. His party is also blamed for starting the civil war, and he has been victim to hatred on the campaign trail.

### Results

Calhoun won in a landslide, gathering 124 out of 172 electoral votes. This is was likely because Livingston permanently stained the image of the Free Soil Party. The Paperback Party has also been slowly losing popularity, and suffered a dramatic loss in this election. With the successful readmission of Kentucky and Missouri, the general public was also extremely supportive of continuing the civil war.

## First Calhoun Administration (1841-1845)

### The Emancipation Proclamation of 1841

On the 22nd of September, 1841, as a civil war measure, President John C. Calhoun declared that all enslaved persons in Arkansas, Texas, most of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia are recognized as free. However, this proclamation did not apply to slaves in the North.

### End of the Civil War

Near the end of the civil war, a massive slave uprising called the Freedman's Uprising erupted. This revolt successfully took over parts of the Deep South, turning the Confederate government into disarray. Mexico also invaded Texas and the Vanderbilt Territory from the Southwest. With the leaders of the Confederacy either surrendering or going missing, the American Civil War is finally over. The territory that the Union forces advance into is, by-the-large, ruined ash, with the Confederate high command issuing the order to have the entire country burned and salted to ensure it would never be usable again.

### Abolition

In 1842, the senate voted in favor of abolishing the practice of slavery within the United States in a supermajority. John C. Calhoun, seeking to put the issue of slavery behind him, reluctantly signed the act. This was met by sizable opposition by members of the Democratic-Agrarian Party, but the decision was still well-received in general. However, an amendment for this would not be added until 1849.

### Reconstruction

States formerly in rebellion, as well as the State of Williamson, were turned into military districts immediately after the end of the civil war, for reconstruction.

The Military District of the Mississippi consisted of the territory of Wichita, and the states of Arkansas and Louisiana.

The Military District of the Tennessee, governed by General Martin Van Buren, consisted of the State of Williamson.

The Military District of the Gulf consisted of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.

The Military District of Appalachia consisted of Virginia (excluding West Virginia), North Carolina, and South Carolina.

West Virginia was also admitted as an official state to the Union.

### Demobilization

Calhoun also demobilized the US military after the civil war, with the standing army being reduced to just a little over 100,000 men, with active duty soldiers either being shuffled into the reserves or discharged.

## The Van Buren Interruption

President Calhoun made an official announcement, indicating that he wanted to "quit" in 1837. The meaning of this was ambiguous, but many assumed that he had resigned. Van Buren took the oath of office, and became President on December 7th, 1844. However, a day later, Calhoun would argue against Van Buren in the court case "Calhoun v. Van Buren, 1844". The Supreme Court ultimately decided that Calhoun did not resign, forcing Van Buren to step down, only 2 days after he took office.

## 1844 Election

### Candidates

John C. Calhoun decided to run for a second full term. He was nominated by the Democratic-Agrarian Party. He was supportive of a free market and the gold standard, and he was a populist. He was also Pro-Segregation, Pro-Manifest Destiny, and expansionist. He wishes to retake Texas and the Vanderbilt Territory some day. He stressed on the importance of the common man, and how the government should be accessible to even the poor farmer.

Gerrit Smith, a Federal-Republican, was supportive of civil rights. He stressed on the importance of the “Negro Veteran”. He also supports a national bank, expansionism, homestead legislation, and a national railroad. His support is mostly concentrated in New England. He is also the incumbent Governor of New York.

Andrew Richards is also a Federal-Republican. The Governor of Williamson, Richards supports radical reconstruction and is the main leader of the Anti-Slavery wing of the Federal-Republicans. However, due to the outlawing of slavery, he has seen a significant decrease in support.

The newly formed Constitutional Whig Party failed to nominate a single candidate. Instead, two candidates ran under the party, Thaddeus Stevens and Marcus Pope. Both were supportive of expansionism and states rights. Stevens was Pro-Silver, Pope was Pro-Gold. Marcus Pope was also the son of a former President, and the brother of another former President, Julius Pope, who fled to the South during the civil war.

The national convention of the Paperback Party nominated Samuel F. Vinton. He, Thurlow Weed, and William Henry Vanderbilt were the major competitors for the nomination. He supported a national railroad, and opposed expansionism.

## First Van Buren Administration (1847-1848)

Calhoun formally resigned on October 1847 due to his declining health. Van Buren took office, and signed an executive order as his first act, that ended federal enforcement of segregation. Unbeknownst to him, this move was extremely controversial among the South. Half of the Democratic-Agarians left the party and formed the Unitary Democratic Party, a radical Southern party that advocates for federal segregation.

During the Democratic National Convention of 1848, prominent members of the Unitary Democratic Party suddenly rejoined the party, suddenly making James K. Polk of North Carolina the likely nominee. Van Buren expelled various members of the party as a response, leading to Polk leaving the party. After this incident, Van Buren began to work with Federalist Republicans and Independents, a move that seemed surprising.

In Early 1848, Van Buren pushed for the confirmation of former Federalist Republican Thomas Ferry as Supreme Court justice. This move was favored by many, and Ferry was successfully confirmed. He also signed the America-Choson Treaty of 1848, which strengthened the relations between the two countries.

His first administration also coincided with the California Gold Rush. He passed an act that built a railway that linked the Gerr Line with California, called the Burr Line. This drastically improved transportation to California, allowing the economy to rapidly grow.

## 1848 Election

### Candidates

 Party
 Home state
 Running mate
 Electoral vote
 Percentage

Martin Van Buren, the incumbent President, decided to run for a second term. He is the Democratic-Agrarian candidate, running in support of the complete purchase of the Baja territory from Mexico and the removal of regulation on gold mining in the California Territory. He is apart of the "Pro Privates" wing of the Democratic-Agrarians, who support the private mining of gold. His running mate is Franklin Pierce, a former U.S Senator from New Hampshire.

John C. Calhoun, angry with the decisions Van Buren had made about segregation, formed a new party - the Unitary Democratic Party. He died before the election, and was replaced by James K. Polk of North Carolina. He calls for major expansion into the west, preserving of Southern history after the civil war, and the end of the Reconstruction in the south. His running mate is John Tyler, a Senator from Virginia.

Marcus Pope is the son of former President Julius Pope and grandson of former President Miyles Times. Pope calls for "A Union of the People, Not a Union of the Elites" and runs under the "People's Union" party ticket. Pope is a Senator from Ohio who supports Private Gold Mining and opposes the Baja purchase. His running mate is James H. Long, a senator from Missouri.

Aurelius P. Harrison is a U.S Senator from Ohio who supports the national railway, opposes the Baja purchase, and supports Federal mining of gold in the California territory. He runs under the Joint Republican Ticket, winning both the Federalist-Republican and Republican nominations for President. His running mate is Abraham Lincoln, the Secretary of War.

Charles Sumner is a U.S Senator from Massachusetts and an independent candidate. He calls for civil rights for newly freed slaves and the private mining of gold in California Territory. He opposes the Baja purchase. His running mate is Paladin J. Knight, Governor of Rhode Island. He died in the campaign trail, and Knight replaced him as the candidate.

### Results of the First Round

Van Buren, who narrowly got into the second round, would run again James K. Polk in the second round. The former partners, who were both Democratic-Agrarians at one time, ran a hard campaign against each other.

### The Second Round

According to the Fifth Amendment, electors would re-convene on the 7th of December to vote between the top two candidates, Polk and Van Buren. The main issue which divided the nation heading into the runoff was of segregation of minorities. Polk called for federally mandated segregation, enforcing complete separation of freed slaves in all aspects of life. Meanwhile, Van Buren supported giving the right to decide segregation laws to the states themselves.

Van Buren appealed to other parties, and formed a loose Anti-Polk coalition. This allowed him to easily sail to victory with a landslide. Polk requested Van Buren to select him as his running mate once it was apparent that Van Buren was the presumptive winner. Van Buren accepted, citing the importance of national unity. The results of the second round are as follows:

**Second Round:** December 7, 1848

## Second Van Buren Administration (1849)

The second Van Buren administration began with a rocky start, with a massive Federalist-Republican sweep in the house bringing the join Democratic Unitary-Agrarian coalition to just 77/199 seats. The coalition narrowly edged out a victory in the Senate.

Van Buren signed an executive order in 1849, pulling back federal troops stationed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina intended for reconstruction. A few months later, he pulled back troops from South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, officially ending reconstruction.

He also signed an act that admitted California into the union as a state, and signed the Enforcement Act. This act punished groups that inflicted violence, or groups that blocked people from voting. This reduced the size of the growing KKK.

## 1849 Special Election

Despite the deal between Van Buren and Polk, Polk remained adamant there was fraud present in the 1848 election. Through his months as Vice President, he began looking into the 1848 election, suspecting fraud due to "Inconsistent Voting". In July, 1849, he filed litigation. The main argument Polk presented centered around the state of Pennsylvania, for which Polk won with 49.3% of the vote to Van Buren's 48.4% in the first round. Polk argued Van Buren cheated his way to victory by offering cabinet positions to high level members of the Rose Party in exchange for votes, along with cooperating with the Governor of Pennsylvania in order to forge Van Buren ballots and remove Polk ballots.

The Supreme Court, in a surprise ruling, sided with Polk, using powers granted to them under President Burr to recall the 1848 election. The top 3 candidates in the 1848 general election (Van Buren, Polk, and Harrison) were able to compete in the 1849 election.

Incumbent Van Buren, who argued against Polk in the Supreme Court, ran in the election. He ran on a platform of boosting the economy by deregulating the mining of gold in the California territory. His running mate is once again Franklin Pierce, who has rejoined the ticket.

James K. Polk is the Unitary Democratic nominee and incumbent Vice President of the United States. He runs on a platform of federal segregation of former slaves, retaining and expanding western territory, an interventionist policy, universal pardons to former Southern soldiers (with the exception of Government officials), the preserving of southern heritage and history, a low tariff, an independent treasury, and the mending of Mexican-American relations. His running mate is John Tyler, Governor of Virginia.

Aurelius P. Harrison is a U.S senator from Ohio who came third in the 1848 general election, narrowly behind Van Buren by 4 electoral votes. He runs on a platform of the creation of a national railway, being pro States-Rights on the issue of segregation and civil rights, restoring our international prestige, protecting our industry, and the preservation of the union. He runs with Abraham Lincoln, former Secretary of War.

## Harrison Administration (1849-1853)

It went by so quickly nothing was don before 1852

## 1852 Election

 Party
 Home state
 Running mate
 Electoral vote
 Percentage

### Democratic National Convention

By the 1852 National Convention, former President Van Buren and presidential candidate James Polk, who each represented the Democratic-Agrarian and Unitary Democratic parties, have came into good terms again. The two parties were merged into the re-formed Democratic Party, which was deliberately moderate on civil rights issues. When Polk attempted to run for the nomination, Van Buren gave his support to him, allowing him to win unopposed. Meanwhile, John Tyler was renominated for Vice President.

### Federal Populist Nomination

Aurelius P. Harrison, the incumbent 60 year old President of the United States, ran on the same platform he ran on in 1848 and 1849 for his reelection bid. He was unanimously renominated. The construction of a national railway, moderate positions on segregation laws, preservation of the union, and regulation of industry combined with high tariffs. He is a part of the Federalist-Populist Party. His running mate is incumbent Vice President Abraham Lincoln.

### Second Round

According to a new amendment to the Constitution, successive rounds of electoral college voting would be held until a candidate could reach a majority. The candidates were tied in the first round. After the second round, Polk had gained a lead against Harrison by 2 electoral votes, winning the Presidency. Many accuse the Democrats and the Federalist-Republicans of corruption, but the two parties have rejected these claims.

## Polk Administration (1853-1857)

huh this happened lol. Polk Baby raged after someone said a slur.

## 1856 Election

### Federal-Republican National Convention

The Federal-Populist Union renamed themselves back into the Federalist-Republicans after the merger of the Republican Party into the union. Prominent contestants for the nomination include Abraham Lincoln, a former Vice President and a former Secretary of War; William F. Havemeyer, the Governor of New York; Gregory Anderson, a Senator from Connecticut; and Charles Steen, the Governor of Omaha.

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### Democratic National Convention

After President Polk’s narrow victory in the 1852 election, he declined the option to seek a second term. This created a power vacuum in the Democratic Party and left many wondering who would replace Polk as the next leader of the Party. William Rockefeller, the former Governor of Illinois and Ambassador to Britain, faced off against Senator John Pierre and a draft movement to nominate Alexander Pope, the grandson of President Julius Pope and Great Grandson of Miyles Times.

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 Alexander Pope

### Paperback National Convention

After the reformation of the party by the late President Vanderbilt, the party has adopted most of their old beliefs. Opposed to the war, they hope to deadlock the electoral college. William Henry Vanderbilt emerged as an early contender, receiving 48 delegates on the first ballot, just 3 delegates shy of a majority. However, many in the party feared he would be too closely associated with Cornelius Vanderbilt, who remained a controversial figure 19 years after the end of his Presidency. By the 7th and final ballot, W.H.V had 1 delegate, Fremont had 52, and Weed had 47. Fremont accepted the nomination, with Weed as his running mate.

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### Results

Abraham Lincoln of Illinois won with an electoral landslide, receiving 141 electoral votes. William Rockefeller gained 85, a relatively bad showing for the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, John C. Fremont of the Paperback Party gained 40 electoral votes, a surprisingly good result for a party that was considered "minor" prior to this election. Although Lincoln won a large share of the popular vote, many border states were still split between him and Fremont, allowing Rockefeller to win some border states.

## First Lincoln Administration (1857-1861)

War in canada and thats it basically it lol.

## 1860 Election

### Federal-Republican National Convention

Popular incumbent Abraham Lincoln is seeking renomination from his party. He remains popular for the Federal-Republicans. However, he had some opposition - the Senator from Omaha, Charles Steen, and the Governor of New York, William F. Havemeyer. Lincoln was able to win a majority of the delegates, however, and won the nomination on the first ballot.

Meanwhile, Vice President William F. Sarge unanimously won the Vice Presidential nomination.

for President
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### Democratic National Convention

Although the Democrats lost badly in the 1856 election, then-nominee William Rockefeller remained popular within the party. When he ran for the nomination, he had little opposition, besides Senator Charles Francis Adams and Representative Muhammad Ali. He easily won nomination on the first ballot. He belonged to the "Gerryist" faction of the party, a faction that advocated for increased civil rights for women and Indians, and economic freedom.

Meanwhile, the Vice Presidential nomination was more contested. Three contenders ran for the Vice Presidential nomination - Senator Charles F. Adams, Senator Alexander Pope, and Senator G. Petrol Uperson. Before the second ballot, Pope dropped out and endorsed Adams after a compromise. Adams was nominated for VP as a result.

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 Charles F. Adams
 Muhammad Ali

### Paperback National Convention

John C. Fremont had become a well-respected member of the Paperback Party establishment after his candidacy in 1856. He was easily renominated in 1860 with little opposition, and the Paperbacks hoped to deadlock the electoral college, or even win, with their ever-increasing influence. His running mate is John Scott Harrison, a U.S Representative and nephew of President Aurelius P. Harrison. The Paperbacks hoped to capture the Anti-Lincoln Federalist Republican vote with this pick.

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### Results

Abraham Lincoln of Illinois won with an electoral landslide, receiving 141 electoral votes. William Rockefeller gained 85, a relatively bad showing for the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, John C. Fremont of the Paperback Party gained 40 electoral votes, a surprisingly good result for a party that was considered "minor" prior to this election. Although Lincoln won a large share of the popular vote, many border states were still split between him and Fremont, allowing Rockefeller to win some border states.

## Second Lincoln Administration (1861-1865)

Before Lincoln's second inauguration, he was shot, causing him to enter a coma. William F. Sarge, the Vice President, was accused of attempting to murder Lincoln, and was held in detainment. Therefore, John Burr, Senate majority leader, became Acting President for two weeks, until Sarge was freed and dismissed of all charges.

## 1864 Election

### Federal-Republican National Convention

William F. Sarge, the 59-year-old incumbent Vice President of the United States, serving in his position since the election of 1856, was nominated for President. He easily won the nomination off of the back of President Lincoln, who remains popular in the Federalist Republican party despite his nation-wide disapproval. He runs in support of westward expansion, judicial reform, and a high tariff. He has received heavy criticism for kicking popular Former Governor of New York William Havemeyer out of the party following Havemeyer's support of a third party candidate, with opponents of Sarge calling his actions "dictatorial". His running mate is Governor Charles Steen of Omaha.

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 Johnston Hood

### Democratic National Convention

John D. Rockefeller, Governor of Illinois and son of the previous nominee William Rockefeller, was nominated by a bare majority of the delegates in the first ballot. A moderate Democrat, Rockefeller advocates for a low tariff on businesses, supporting of farmers, the settlement of the west, rebuilding relations with Britain and Mexico, and opposes further war with Canada. He is the leader of the "Pro-Inclusion" wing of the Democratic party, who oppose segregation. His running mate is Charles F. Adams, a US Senator from Massachusetts, who had been previously nominated as Vice President in 1860.

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### Cardinal Party Nomination

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Thomas Ferry entered the 1864 race as an independent, with a grassroots campaign. Due to restrictions on ballot access, Ferry and his supporters created the Cardinal Party, a party based on Ferry's political positions. Ferry was unanimously nominated for President on the first ballot.

### Paperback Party Nomination

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After negotiating with Thomas Ferry of the Cardinal Party, John C. Fremont, a well-known leader of the Paperback Party, officially endorsed him for the nomination in accordance to Ferry's proposal. Fremont's popularity allowed Ferry to win nomination in the second ballot, with William Henry Vanderbilt trailing distantly behind. John C. Fremont was unanimously nominated as the Vice Presidential nominee.

### Results

No candidate received a majority of the electoral votes in the first round. As a result, the electoral college convention immediately held another vote for President. Many Ferry electors, seeing that Ferry has little chance of victory, opted to vote for William F. Sarge instead. Some Rockefeller electors also switched their votes to Sarge, since they are no longer bound by their state's popular vote.

At last, Sarge won a majority of the votes in the second round, becoming the President-elect.