President Infinity 1816 Election

1816 US Election

*This scenario was greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission on July 19, 2017 and again on February 8, 2018. Version 3.0 can be downloaded here: United States – 1816Final

Background:This election follows the end of the War of 1812, a stalemate which was spun as a victory, since Andrew Jackson won the last battle of the war. Pres. James Madison and his administration realized that the Jeffersonian theory of government was at odds with a modernizing world. As such, Madison evolved to support several Federalist programs, such as a high tariff and a national bank.

Meanwhile, the Federalist Party was rapidly losing support, as its Pro-British tendencies were tantamount to treason. As such, they couldn’t expect to win.

Heading into the election, Madison’s Secretary of War, James Monroe, was heir apparent. However, Northern Republicans tiring of Virginians running the country, drafted Georgian William H. Crawford as an alternate candidate, hoping that he would get Southern and Northern support. Two other potentially strong candidates, Daniel Tompkins and Simon Snyder, withdrew before the nomination caucus.

What Really Happened?

Crawford nearly defeated Monroe for the nomination, despite refusing to exert himself. Crawford neither personally campaigned against Monroe, but he also didn’t prevent supporters from campaigning on his behalf. Monroe later made Crawford his Secretary of State, and Crawford assumed he would be Monroe’s heir in eight years.

Federalist were so disorganized that they failed to hold a convention, but Rufus King, through his own effort, emerged as the candidate of their party.

As could be expected, Monroe won in a landslide. Only Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware voted for King.

This election includes the following candidates:
ON Republicans:
Sec. of State James Monroe
Sec. of War William Crawford
Gov. Daniel Tompkins of NY
Gov. Simon Snyder of PA
OFF Republicans
Gen. Andrew Jackson
Speaker Henry Clay of KY
Rep. John Randolph of VA
Gen. William Henry Harrison
Amb. John Quincy Adams
Pres. James Madison
Fmr Pres. Thomas Jefferson
Mayor DeWitt Clinton of NYC
Fmr VP Aaron Burr
ON Federalists
Sen. Rufus King of NY
OFF Federalist Party
Rep. Daniel Webster of NH
Chief Justice John Marshall
Fmr Gov. John Jay
Fmr Rep. Harrison Gray Otis
Fmr Sec. Alexander Hamilton
Rep. Timothy Pickering of MA
ON Pennsylvania Unpledged Federalists
Sec. of War William Crawford w/ Federalist VP

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