The Presidency Of Frank Knox
1937-1941
Frank Knox was elected by a sense that maybe the Republicans could heal the nation. The various small parties certainly didn't help Garner's chances and the worsening world events like the ascension of the Nazis and the growing popularity of fascism, an event not impermeable to America. The Union Party, led by virulent radio preacher Father Charles Coughlin captured two percent of the vote in 1936 and won a representative from North Dakota. Coupled with the grassroots movement for the Communist Party led by Earl Browder, many Americans hoped that a path of moderation could be cut with Knox. They were not proven wholly correct. The Knox Administration did to its credit enact some legislation, but all around was manly controlled by the conservatives that had controlled the party for a time by now. Now the Depression began to plateau, but this mattered none to the poor, homeless and hungry that remained ever present. Knox's popularity fell as quickly as it appeared and Landon openly disagreed with polices with him. By the midterms people had lost faith in the two party system, 32 representatives, 9 senators, and 4 governors were of a party not Democratic or Republican. Many became openly saying that Norman Thomas should become the next president, not just the fringes. Then, from the radios and streets, came a voice of power. A voice that advocated that Americans ought to stop bowing to conservatives and extremists. The voice of Senator Huey P Long. Long had spent the last few years slowly built up a network and cooperative politicians, like Burton K. Wheeler, William Borah and others. There was a wild furry of support for Long, as the people were riled up. The election soon inched on and war devoured Europe, (although Japan remained quiet as it had for the last few years[1]), all parties were making a stance with the Republicans and isolationist democrats saying that it was Europe's war and the hawk Democrats, Socialists and Union Partiests demanding intervention(The Union Party never said which side though...). The Republicans renominated Knox and Landon while the Socialists renominated the popular Thomas, The Union Party Father Coughlin and the Communist Party Earl Browder. The Democrats were sharply divided between Long and Al Smith, but after lengthy demonstrations and rallies, the delegates gave up and nominated Huey Long. The Farmer Laborers did not run a candidate, (Rumors were that Long promised them political power in return for not fielding a candidate.) The election soon became less Long versus Knox and more Long versus Thomas. The two left wing populists faced off with the Union Party supporters screaming in third place. In the end, the fate of the nation, was sealed...
[1] Due to butterflies the Japanese do not invade China in 1937, this will prove pivotal later on.
