Andrew Jackson always thought he was destined for greater things. Nicknamed Old Hickory by his constituents in Tennessee, the mentor to President Polk saw his star outshone by Polk’s successful presidency. Jackson turned to drink, and died in a saloon outside of the Tennessee statehouse, friendless and penniless.
1849, Washington DC
The death of Jackson was little remarked in Washington. Instead, focus was on the incoming King administration, which was facing a showdown with Britain over the Oregon territory. The public called for “54’40” or fight,” pushing for maximal expansion of the borders of Oregon territory into Canada. It would take substantial effort on the behalf of the State Department to achieve an agreement on the 54th parallel, but it might be possible to compromise with Britain on the 49th parallel.
Oregon Treaty is a difficulty 6 or 4 issue for the Secretary of State and Congress.
Manifest Destiny! Fifty-four forty or fight!Option 1
William Rufus King accepts the issue, and his radiant young wife hosts an elegant and yet raucous and rowdy reception at former President Dallas’ small estate in Virginia.
Many luminaries are invited who speak of Oregon’s wondrous potential benefits to the nation. Apples and Apple cider, celebrity Mountain Man Fur Trappers, and feasts of Salmon regale the partygoers. President King and stout fellow and long-time friend, James Buchanan (@Cuthbert), are there wearing Beaver coats that match. Former President Dallas was seen trying a new brand of Apple Jack hard cider and was spotted singing “Oregon Trail” to an amused crowd, while he sported a pair of gen-ew-ine Elk-skin Boots (Give 1 Personal IP for difficulty).
I delegate this issue to Vice President Fillmore (@Ironsight) .
VP Fillmore accepts in order to keep the government running while everyone else is partying. He appoints Thaddeus Stevens as Secretary of State and urges him to guide this important treaty through Congress. @Panzeh to accept and work out the remaining influence needed for this difficult (6) issue.
Thanks to the influence of the Fillmore-Clintonian faction, with a timely assist from former president Dallas, the Americans are able to persuade the British that the 54th parallel is the proper border for Mega-Oregon.
The next issue that President King would have to address is preventing the Kansas-Nebraska Act, a bill that would give the two states “popular sovereignty” to decide on issues of slavery, ending the Missouri Compromise.
Prevent Kansas-Nebraska Act is a difficulty 5 issue for the President and Congress. If resolved, 3 IP to Conservative Party leader. If failed/ignored, 1 IP to Conservative Party leader, -2 popularity.
@Navaronegun, how will President King handle this issue?
The Seminole Tribe in Florida just won’t quit. President Dallas’s old nemesis returned to trouble the good people of Florida in 1851, potentially triggering a second Seminole war.
Second Seminole War is a difficulty 4 issue for the General. If resolved, 1IP to conservative leader, public support 1 to Liberal party, Reserves -40, popularity +2. If ignored, place in next deck. If failed, -2 popularity, place in next deck.
@Navaronegun, will President King refer this issue to General Grant or ignore it?
