The year is 1856. The citizens of the United States are seeing that, with compromise no longer...
Since I must join in on this.The year is 1856. The citizens of the United States are seeing that, with compromise no longer possible, their republic has begun to divide into factions that, in turn, have become armed camps. Several reasons could be given for the conflict, but many agree it began with a failure of the Gadsen Purchase. An agreement had already been reached between American diplomats and the Mexican government for the territory south of the Gila. However, when word reached the military and Mexican elite of the agreement, the military acted quickly to remove President Santa Ana from power before the treaty could be signed. In the United States, most of the northern Senators in the U.S. Senate were against the purchase, and the vote on the treaty was a close one. However, with Mexico not signing it, the territory was not gained. Also occurring in 1853 were two separate conflicts along the Mexican-American border. The first was Walker's expedition into Sonora, which Mexico took as an act of aggression. It also brought about a clash in southern New Mexico when the American territorial governor tried to force the issue of the disputed land with his counterpart of Chihuahua. No losses were taken in that battle, and public opinion in the north was that the south was trying to start another war.
Soon after those events occurred, in 1854, Congress debated the Kansas-Nebraska act. In a very close vote, the act was approved, to the dislike of most northern members of Congress. Several abolitionists rallied their supporters, and expressed their discontent in two important ways. First, beginning a conflict in both territories over the issue of them being slave states. This began what is considered as the first conflicts of what became a larger civil war. The second step taken by the abolitionists was to influence the election of 1854. The new Republican party, which had a radical view towards slavery in the country, won several races throughout the north, including seats to Congress. This, together with ineffective leadership from the President, let slave and free states drift apart throughout 1855.
By the beginning of 1856, the conflict in Kansas, and to a lesser extent, Nebraska remained national news. Besides pro-slave and anti-slave militia fighting each other, most of the tribes of those territories had refused to move further south, which added to the conflict. The issue of federal power, and of slavery, were main issues leading towards the presidential election. The Democratic party unified behind James Buchanan, the north behind Republican John Fremont, and a few of the border states behind American party candidate Willard Fillmore. The Whig's, having maintained some power in the previous Congressional elections, made a deal with the American party to further bolster its strength. However, many in the north felt that the south would make sure Fremont would not take office, and calls for a military solution increased. While in the south, most felt assured Buchanan would win, but that the north would find a way to take the presidency. As a result, before any election occurred, both sides moved towards conflict. President Pierce tried to make both sides compromise, and when that failed, mobilize the army. However, few military units came, and the President abandoned Washington D.C., which was largely viewed as a resignation. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate, a southerner, and the Speaker of the House, a northerner, both claimed the presidency in the interim. However, war had already began between the north and the south over the direction America should take.
Gameplay
The situation of slave and free states in 1856
This game will be slightly different to a regular nation game. This will be like a regional nation game in that it will include only North America, and possibly the Caribbean. Primarily though, this will be a strategy game, where some players will primarily be in control of armies as opposed to governments. The purpose will be to work together to achieve an overall goal. When the war ends, and if there is interest, we can turn this into a regular nation game with all nations playable.
Factions
Note: The game begins in November 1856. Open war has not begun, but clashes have already occurred, and most of the border states are contested. The first turn will be to settle the issue of which side are those states on, along with for control of Washington. You get to choose your command structure, and by pm, I send you the strength of the forces you command. We are doing a standard three claims rule.
North
(also known as anti-slave, but not all on this side are abolitionists)
Army of the Patomic (by default, the northern head of government controls this force)
Army of the West (organized in Kentucky to support its pro-north government)
California (by default controls Oregon, Washington and the Pacific squadron)
Kansas-Nebraska (the territorial governments have largely collapsed, but remains anti-slavery)
South
Army of Virginia (by default, the southern head of government controls this force)
Army of the South (based in Louisiana)
Army of Tennessee (considered an occupation force, as the state government is actually pro-north)
Wildcards
(These have not fully chosen a side, and are considered independent actors)
Texas (While pro-slavery, its leadership is against the drastic actions and secessionist attitude of the south)
California (Generally against slavery, however, supported Buchanan instead of Fremont)
U.S. Navy (The leadership is divided, and it is to whoever can unite the captains that decides which side it will fight on)
Utah Territory (The Mormons know the north would seek to reduce their territory, and some consider independence)
Civilized Tribes (Pick one of the major tribes of the Indian Territory)
Comanches
Apaches (Pick one of the major groups which they are divided into)
Foreign Nations
(These can intervene, but in a limited way)
Mexico
Canada
Note: A proper map that can be edited will be added after the initial moves are made by all sides.
Yeah, I actually was editing it already.
Sure, as I said, pick anything from the list. If you want to join as a Native American tribe, just say which tribe.Count me in on this. Could be fun. I assume there are still spots open for the Union?
Kansas-Nebraska
Texas
U.S. Navy
Not too knowledgeable about US history but isn't Lee in Texas at this time?
You need to realize, this is an actual civil war, and not a war of succession. Politics determined the divisions. Half of the country believes a southerner is currently the President, the other half thinks its a northerner. With that said, slavery was a major issue for which side most states chose.A few things:
First, the Texan planter class and population was fairly pro-slavery, and Texas's delegates to Montgomery were second only to South Carolina in terms of radicalism. The only reason it was late to secede OTL was because the governor, Sam Houston, was opposed to it
Second, Tenmesse was very pro-slavery. If the CSA was occupying any states, it would be Kentucky or northern Missouri, not Tennessee.
Third, Kentucky would remain neutral at this time until one side actually invaded it, political machinations behind the scenes or until one side won some victories.
Fourth, the USN was overwhelmingly pro Union, as most of the sailors and captains hailed from New England.
You can have Texas. You have several notable commanders stationed there.
Utah Territory, which is a good faction to take for your first nation game.Admittedly this is my first real nation game, so I hope this is acceptable.
- Utah Territory
- Army of the West
- Army of Virginia
Army of the West, although you can choose to call it the army of Ohio or the army of Kentucky.Lets do this.
- Army of the West
- Army of the South
- Army of Tennessee
The US Navy for you. As I said already, either way you will take desertions, but it does depend on ultimately who you choose to support.
Army of the Potomac. This also means your official leader is Speaker of the House Nathaniel Banks, while unofficially, is John Fremont. You also have General Winfield Scott, official commander of the army.
You get the command of the army of Virginia. Which also means, Jesse Bright, as acting President, is your political leader. Most of the cabinet, including Secretary of War Davis, is also on your side. Buchanan might not accept the presidency, which means you could go with his Vice President, Breckenridge, or with someone else.CSA national government/army of Virginia
Army of Tennessee
Army of the South
You get California. To make things simple, you also command the regulars stationed in the Oregon and Washington Territories.
You get California. To make things simple, you also command the regulars stationed in the Oregon and Washington Territories.
Also quick question, after the civil war ends would this game be expanded into a global game?
When the war ends, and if there is interest, we can turn this into a regular nation game with all nations playable.
You get the Comanche, along with their allies, the Kiowa.
You can take Mexico. Its current leader is General Juan Alvarez, he is working together with other liberal reformers.
You got Canada. As that was your only claim, I did not include it on the list.