Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 353 President's Resignation
As the second half of the year progressed, the American Civil War essentially entered a state of peace talks. However, the two sides could not reach an agreement, with one demanding independence and the other insisting on remaining within the Union.

Lincoln's terms included the option for the South to retain slavery and the reduction of tariffs on some products. However, the South had only one demand: independence.

With both sides unable to reach an agreement, France seized the opportunity to intervene. It directly demanded that the United States cede the territory currently occupied by France, which in later times included California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. This area comprised one-fifth of the current total area of ​​the United States, especially California, the most important economic center on the West Coast.

Lincoln naturally disagreed and offered an explanation for the 80 billion francs compensation demanded by France, saying that the transaction between the two parties was very fair at the time, so why should it be overturned after only a few decades?

But France objected, claiming that the US had defrauded them of these gains. France hadn't pursued the matter before out of friendship with the US, but now that France wanted them back, how could that be considered going back on their word? This is called the legitimate recovery of ill-gotten gains.

Britain also joined in, demanding £1 million in compensation from the United States. Don't ask why; it's simply compensation for the victims of the War of 1812.

Talking to the South meant defeat for the North, and European countries would tear off pieces of the United States whenever they could. Conscripted troops were sent to various states to suppress separatist movements, but this drew protests from various countries, who saw it as a trampling of free will and demanded that the United States immediately cease such policies.

Russia also spoke out, feeling that European countries were being too harsh on the United States. But as a single country, it didn't have much of a voice, unless it could regain its footing on the battlefield.

"This is taking advantage of someone's misfortune! This is outrageous! This is robbery!"

Seward reported the progress of the negotiations to the president, and Lincoln, like all the cabinet members, was furious. If they signed the treaty, how could they face Washington and the other founding fathers?

“That won’t do. Tell the representatives of the Allied countries that we are willing to provide 2000 million in funding and 3000 million in interest-free loans to help them resume production. As long as we can negotiate, the Europeans can’t stop us.”

This was already considered quite good for the Southern government, at least in Lincoln's opinion. In fact, the Confederate peace talks were largely influenced by European policy, not only for the sake of having their own market for cotton, but also because various countries had significant investments in their countries.

In railway investment, over 80% of the funds came from abroad. They controlled almost all industry, and the Allied Powers imported more goods from Europe than they purchased from the Northern governments. It could be said that the Allied economies were controlled by foreign capital.

This year also saw congressional elections, with the pro-foreign and pro-slavery Democratic Party winning a landslide victory, sweeping two-thirds of the seats in Congress. They are also the most eager for independence, and therefore have been insisting on including independence clauses in peace talks.

"I'm afraid that won't work. Our finances can't sustain such a large outflow of funds. Even if we go to bankers in New York to borrow, we probably won't be able to borrow much."

Treasury Secretary Chase objected, arguing that besides the massive U.S. government debt, the issue of New York State's independence was already too entrenched to be ignored. Under pressure from the state legislature, the governor was forced to announce an independence referendum. Meanwhile, the referendum in New York City had already taken place, with 77% of voters supporting independence. The mayor announced the establishment of a Venetian-style city-state, which was immediately recognized by Britain.

Now things are really messed up. Without New York, the North's economy will lose more than half its strength. What are we going to do next? "President!" The communications officer stumbled in. "Richmond has sent an ultimatum!" The document, personally signed by Confederate President Davis, included a suffocating clause: in addition to recognizing Southern independence, the Confederate states of Kentucky and Missouri must be ceded.

Lincoln's pen finally fell, leaving a deep crack in the paper. He suddenly noticed his reflection in the inkwell—his face had become the humiliating image blacked out by British soldiers on the portraits of the Founding Fathers.

Three days after declaring independence, the New York Stock Exchange closed permanently. As British Royal Marines landed in Manhattan, Wall Street bankers were transferring gold bars in armored trucks. When the first British soldier kicked open the doors of Morgan Bank, managers were shoving the last batch of bond stubs—war bonds issued by the federal government—into a shredder with trembling hands.

At this point, Britain wanted even more, demanding that the Northwest Territories and New England be incorporated into Canada. Lincoln faced the greatest crisis in his history; he didn't know what to do next and could only try his best to resolve it.

These past few days, so many members of Congress have been criticizing him that they've had to restrict their driving. His pressure is mounting. He feels no warmth even at home; his wife, Mary, is known for her fierce personality. They argued even when he was a lawyer, and Mary always ended up giving in.

Despite being president, he still faced attacks from Mary at home. The death of their youngest son had brought their relationship to a breaking point. Coupled with attacks from Congress, Lincoln was heartbroken. He didn't know what he had been striving for in his long political career.

When questioned again by members of Congress, Lincoln made a decision that was unprecedented and would never be repeated: he would resign.

At the new cabinet meeting, Lincoln announced the decision. The Attorney General's pen clattered to the floor. The Treasury Secretary jumped to his feet, his knee knocking over his coffee cup. Dark brown liquid smeared across the copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, resembling dried blood.

“Mr. President!” War Secretary Stanton’s wig was askew. “The Union is currently in—”

“I know it’s on the verge of collapse.” Lincoln pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his breast pocket. On it was a note Mary had left yesterday: “You couldn’t even protect Willie (their deceased young son), how can you protect this country?” There were obvious tear stains on the edges of the note.

“This is my resignation letter.” Lincoln pushed a brown paper bag to the center of the table. “According to the constitutional amendment, Vice President Hamlin will succeed me. I have made the arrangements. God bless you.”

After saying this, Lincoln left the office, leaving the staff looking at each other in bewilderment. He then announced his decision at a special session of Congress. This was followed by even more criticism, with accusations of irresponsibility and a plan to walk away.

Whatever the reason, Lincoln knew his political career was over. Fortunately, he owned a house and land in Illinois, where he could now enjoy a leisurely life as a farmer.

On July 30, 1862, Abraham Lincoln announced his resignation as President of the United States, and Vice President Hamlin succeeded him. A man who could have been remembered for his heroism in upholding national unity and abolishing slavery thus left the political stage.

(End of this chapter)