United States of America
The United States, officially known as the United States of America, is a federal republic composed of 48 states, a federal district (Washington, D.C.), and several territories. It borders Canada to the North, and Mexico to the south located in North America. A Federal Republic and a Liberal Democratic State ruled by the Republican Party, the US is considered as the uncontested dominant force of the world with far-reaching political and economic influence on almost all continents. The United States controls a vast amount of overseas territories with territorial holdings in the Caribbean and plentiful in the Pacific. The United States and it's 48 Constitutional States lies between Canada in the North and Mexico to the south.
Between the late 19th and early 20th century, The United States became an infamous world power that put an end to the fragile global power balance and political turmoil. By the time the Great War began, the US economy boomed due to one-way war trade to European powers. Raw and finished goods, including cotton, wheat, brass, rubber, automobiles, machinery were exported to Allied powers. The United States is seen as a beacon and an example of a true democratic state up until today. At least that what it looks on the outside.
Historical Background
OTL History
The History of the United States predates back to 15,000 BC when nomadic hunters of northeast Asia migrated over the Bering Strait land bridge into North America estimated during the last glacial period (11,500–30,000 years ago). Fast forwarding a millennium, Christopher Columbus made his first voyage to the Americas in 1492, opening the way for European exploration and colonization. This marked a new age and helped shape the United States. In 1775 during the American Revolution, George Washington and the Founding Fathers declared independence from Britain and formed the United States of America. The U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1787, and George Washington was inaugurated as the first President in 1789 marking the beginning of a potential superpower.
RFTL History
World War One
By the time when the Great War erupted in 1913 after a dispute about Bulgarian Concessions in the Balkans escalated into a World War, the United States declared a policy of neutrality. President Woodrow Wilson aimed to keep the US. out of the conflict in Europe. Although officially neutral, the United States had strong economic ties to the Allied Powers (which included France, the United Kingdom, and Russia). American businesses supplied the Allies with goods and loans. Germany's use of unrestricted submarine warfare, particularly the sinking of the British ocean liner Lusitania in 1915, which had American passengers on board further persuaded the American Opinion to Join the War.
Interwar Era
After the World War fizzled out around 1920, the situation in the world isn't looking too nice. The French were in Shambles after the Germans defeated the French Army. But however they were also in shambles after Russia defeated the German Army. Also not to mention, Russia collapsed due to a hotbed of instability and radical totalitarian factions notably the Bolsheviks and Liberals rebelling against Kolchak's Regime. The British which are in shambles after fighting a devastating war since 1913 causing Famines and Diseases and an Economic Depression. All that said and done, The US remained the same. Until the Roaring Twenties approached.
The Roaring Twenties
The 1920s were a period of economic prosperity, technological innovation, and cultural change. The United States experienced a significant economic boom, with the rise of consumer culture, increased industrial production, and the growth of the automobile industry. Prohibition, which began in 1920, led to the illegal production and distribution of alcohol, giving rise to organized crime and paved way for more Radical, Authoritarian, and Totalitarian Factions. The decade saw the emergence of the "Roaring Twenties" culture, marked by jazz music, the "Flapper" lifestyle, and the Harlem Renaissance.
When all and said done, the United States remained an economic superpower. That is until the Great Depression began.
The Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe and prolonged economic crisis that occurred in the United States and around the world during the 1930s. It is considered one of the most devastating economic events the world has ever faced.
During this event, Artaud and his clique in France rallied the people and initiated an all out assault on the Republic to overthrow the government and seize power, which culminated in Artaud famously tearing apart the constitution of the French Fourth Republic, throwing it into the Seine, and proclaiming the renaming of Paris to Le Soleil in 1934.
The US has been struggling with economic troubles since the London Stock Market Crash in 1931, and the 1934 New York Crash destroyed the American economy. Unemployment is high, the economy is struggling to recover, and the situation has only worsened due to President Andrew Mellon's refusal to intervene. Meanwhile, organised crime has boomed, and the government has had only moderate success in dealing with them.
Only time will tell if America can save themselves on a sinking ship before it's too late.
Content
Starter Spirits
National Focus Tree
Events
Politics
American electoral politics have been dominated by two major political parties since shortly after its founding, and since the end of the American Civil War in 1865 the two dominant parties have been the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. However, the instability of the Great Depression has lead to the rise of several different parties.
Classical Liberalism - Republican Party (GOP)
The Republican Party has been generally dominant in national politics since the end of the Civil War. The Republican Party is currently led by Andrew Mellon, the most hated person in the United States due to his mismanagement of the Great Depression. Mellon deals with the Great Depression by refusing to intervene in the economy, believing that it will recover by itself, but in practice only worsening the situation. Bronson Murray Cutting is also another candidate for the 1936 election.
Social Conservatism - American Party
The American Party, having shaken off the initial teething pains of a new party, are preparing to bring down the Republican establishment in 1936. It wants to prove it can be more than just tired Wilsonian progressivism or staunch Dixie revanchism. Huey Long, having been building his national profile and control over the populist wing of the party by founding the Share Our Wealth Society, is a favored candidate for the primary, but other sons of the New South have plans, like Texas Governor Dan Moody.
Jobless Progressive Party
The Jobless Progressive Party would be formally founded in 1933, with Father Cox heading an organization of his supporters, the Progressives, the SPA, and the SDF. Midterm election results have been promising in the north, and an ally of the party has been elected the Governor of California. He intends to run again in 1936, and few seem to want to risk denying one of the few men who can hold the coalition together.
Technocracy- Technocracy Inc.
Technocracy Inc. is a massive movement in North America, originating during the Great Depression and gaining attention in the 1930s. Currently led by Howard Scott, the movement is heavily based on Technocracy. Scott's policies include replacing currency exchange with energy accounting, creating a scientific board to oversee goods exchange, and creating a North American Technate. He also implements factory farming, jumpstarts public transportation, and makes higher education free for all citizens. Elections are halted due to Scott's rigging, making him a dictator. The United States will rebrand itself as the United Technates of America. Scott maintains essential services 24/7, revolutionizes education standards, and builds amusement parks to boost morale. Despite being corrupt and borderline-authoritarian, Scott believes America needs technocracy for its own benefit. He plans to institute coups in countries to put Technocracies in charge, such as the Phillipines. His extreme, heavy-handed economic approach ended the Depression and revolutionized American growth, making him a valid candidate for the movement.
Political Advisors
Laws
Diplomacy
The US initially has minimal political impact in the world due to debts, lack of trade, political issues, prohibition, and the mafia. The election is unspectacular when not playing the US, as most parties focus on rebuilding the country. If a conflict arises, the US may seek Britain's aid.
Geography and Industry
Geography
The United States is a diverse country with a wide range of landscapes, climates, and physical features. The eastern part is characterized by the Appalachian Mountains, bordering Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The Atlantic Coastal Plain stretches along the eastern seaboard, while the central part includes the Great Plains, known as the "Heartland." The Mississippi River, along with its tributaries, provides natural resources to the population along the river. The Midwest includes states like Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska, known for their fertile farmland. The western part is home to the Rocky Mountains, stretching from New Mexico to Montana, offering stunning mountain scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. The West Coast includes California, Oregon, and Washington, characterized by a rugged coastline, Cascade Range mountains, and the fertile Central Valley. Alaska, the largest state in the U.S., features vast wilderness areas, glaciers, and a rugged coastline. Hawaii, an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, is known for its volcanic islands, lush tropical vegetation, and beautiful beaches. The Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, is known for its massive freshwater lakes and their influence on the climate and economy. The southern coastal region along the Gulf of Mexico is known for its warm climate, swamps, and wetlands, but is also prone to hurricanes. The eastern states along the Atlantic coast have diverse landscapes, while the more mountainous, geographically beautiful, and elevated terraneous states include Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, known for high plateaus, canyons, and the Colorado Plateau, famous for the Rocky Mountains and the beginning of the Gold Rush. The U.S. shares a long border with Canada, featuring large bodies of water like the Great Lakes and diverse landscapes. The United States itself is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. This proved extremely useful as Foreign Powers would have to send their navy through the harsh conditions of the Atlantic Ocean making it costly for the enemy to mount an eastern or west invasion of the United States.
Industry
By 1936, the United States was on the path to recovery, but many industries were still operating below their pre-Depression levels. The administration of President Andrew Mellon had implemented various New Deal programs aimed at stimulating economic growth and providing relief to those affected by the Depression. These programs included initiatives to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and regulate industries. Manufacturing was a significant part of American industry in 1936. Factories were producing a wide range of goods, including automobiles, steel, textiles, and consumer products. The manufacturing sector saw some improvement during this period, but it had not fully recovered. The automobile industry was a major driver of the American economy. Companies like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler continued to produce cars, but the industry was still grappling with the effects of the Depression. The development of innovative models, like the streamlined "Art Deco" cars, was one attempt to boost sales.
Agriculture
Agriculture was a crucial part of American industry, especially in rural areas. The Dust Bowl, a severe drought and soil erosion crisis in the Midwest, had a devastating impact on agriculture during the 1930s. Government programs like the Soil Conservation Service were initiated to address these issues.
Technology
The 1930s saw significant technological advancements, particularly in the fields of aviation and electronics. The introduction of commercial air travel and the growth of radio broadcasting were notable developments. The 1930s saw significant technological advancements, particularly in the fields of aviation and electronics. The introduction of commercial air travel and the growth of radio broadcasting were notable developments.
The Labor Unions
Labor unions played a significant role in American industry. The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) was founded in 1935 and sought to organize industrial workers in various sectors. Labor strikes and disputes were common as workers fought for better working conditions and wages. The 1930s were a challenging period for workers and labor organizations due to widespread unemployment, economic hardship, and the need to respond to the economic crisis. The Great Depression created a fertile ground for labor activism as workers faced job insecurity, wage cuts, and poor working conditions. The economic hardship and the perception of unfair labor practices fueled discontent among the workforce. During the Great Depression, new unions emerged to address the needs of workers in specific industries. One of the most notable new unions was the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), founded in 1935. The CIO was more inclusive and aimed to organize industrial workers, including those in steel, automotive, and manufacturing. Strikes and labor disputes became more common during the Great Depression as workers sought to secure their rights and improve their working conditions.
Financial Sector
The financial sector and banking were subject to increased regulation as a response to the stock market crash of 1929. The Glass-Steagall Act, for example, aimed to separate commercial and investment banking activities. The Great Depression had a severe impact on the banking sector. Thousands of banks had failed in the early 1930s, leading to a crisis of confidence in the U.S. banking system. Many people had lost their savings when banks closed. The stock market crash of 1929 had a lasting impact on the securities market, and the subsequent decade saw significant volatility. While the stock market had started to recover from its lows, it had not yet returned to its pre-crash levels by 1936. The housing and mortgage markets were severely impacted by the economic downturn. High foreclosure rates and a lack of access to credit for potential homeowners were common issues. In 1933, the U.S. abandoned the gold standard, which had tied the value of the U.S. dollar to a fixed amount of gold. This allowed for greater flexibility in monetary policy and helped address deflationary pressures.
International Trade
The 1930s saw a significant rise in protectionism, as countries, including the United States, implemented trade barriers to protect domestic industries and jobs. American agriculture was particularly affected by the decline in international trade. Agricultural exports, which were a crucial part of the U.S. economy, decreased sharply as trading partners imposed tariffs and import quotas. The Dust Bowl crisis in the Midwest further devastated the agricultural sector. Economic nationalism was a prevalent ideology during the 1930s, emphasizing self-sufficiency and national economic interests over international cooperation. This sentiment influenced trade policies and reduced the willingness of countries to engage in international trade agreements. While global trade declined overall, the United States continued to trade with certain nations. The U.S. maintained trade relationships with Canada, Latin American countries, and some Asian nations during this period.
Military
Army
The U.S. Army was a small, ill-equipped force, primarily focused on foot infantry, with limited mechanization and outdated equipment. It was organized into divisions and regiments, with the standard infantry weapon being the Springfield M1903 bolt-action rifle. The doctrine and tactics were based on previous war experiences, such as the Spanish-American War. Training and readiness levels varied across units, and there was a lack of standardized programs. The focus was on individual marksmanship and traditional infantry skills. New equipment, such as the M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle, replaced older weapons, and the army experimented with mechanized and armored units. The primary mission was defense, with no large-scale expeditionary forces.
Air Force
The U.S. Navy was a powerful and large force, consisting of both older and modern warships. It had a significant number of cruisers and destroyers, crucial for fleet protection and anti-submarine warfare. Battleships, including older ones dating back to the early 20th century and modern ones like the North Carolina-class, were a significant component of the fleet. Submarines were a part of the force structure, but were relatively few and not technologically advanced. The Navy had naval bases along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, with Hawaii being the most important. However, budget constraints during the Great Depression affected the Navy's ability to build new ships and develop advanced technologies.
Military Staff
Strategies and guides
Constituent States and Territories
In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity. The US consists of 48 states and two territories, each with its own government, laws, and constitution. The states are part of a federal system, where they share powers with the federal government based in Washington, D.C. Under U.S. constitutional law, the 48 individual states and the United States as a whole are each sovereign jurisdictions. Each of the 48 states reserves the right to organize its individual government in any way. Each of the 48 have the right to inaugurate all necessary laws for the welfare of its people.
References
2: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/RedFloodUnitedStates
3: (8) What's up with the US in Red Flood? : RedFloodMod (reddit.com)
5: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state
6: https://www.reddit.com/r/RedFloodMod/comments/poi21n/progress_report_32_usa_lore_and_philosophy/