Gernsback-9

Gernsback is an alternate universe (Quantum 7) described in GURPS Infinite Worlds, written by Kenneth Hite, Steve Jackson and John M. Ford. It is also described in greater detail in Alternate Earths, written by Kenneth Hite, Craig Neumeier, and Mchael S. Schiffer.

Introduction

GURPS Dark Jazz takes place on Gernsback-2, an analog of the Gernsback described in Infinite Worlds (which I will refer to as Gernsback-1). The version of Gernsback described in that text is set in the year 1965, as well as the more detailed description found in Alternate Earths, so a large portion of that description does not apply. One should not assume that the description of Gernsback-1 will act as a future-history for Dark Jazz or Gernsback-2.

As described in the official record:

The history of Gernsback diverges from Homeline with the marriage of Nikola Tesla, the last of the mad scientists, to the daughter of J.P. Morgan, the last of the robber barons. In Homeline history, Tesla and Anne Morgan became good friends, but Tesla died a bankrupt bachelor, the majority of his inventions remaining in his head or sketched in his notebooks. On Gernsback, Tesla’s marriage stabilized him both emotionally and financially, and he went on to revolutionize virtually every aspect of modern life. In 1902, the Morgan-Tesla Radio Company began global radio broadcasts from Wardenclyffe, Long Island. The immense success of global radio freed Tesla to concentrate on his lifelong goal: broadcasting electrical power without wires. (GURPS Infinite Worlds, 4th edition, p. 126)

As of 1924, Tesla is still developing his system for broadcasting electrical power at Wardenclyffe, Long Island. He is rumored to have short-range transmission working, but is facing serious obstacles with effective long-range transmission.

1920s Gernsback: Notable Historical Differences

Tesla did not only blazed a new path for technology; his influence also resulted in economic and political changes. Innovations in energy production, transmission and storage allowed electrical power to be extended throughout America. Engineering advances led to improved production techniques in all industries, and increased products created greater revenues, which led to a more robust American labor force. Unemployment is maintained at around 5% and job creation enjoys a steady and stable growth. The changes in labor and capitol result in a number of differences between our history and that of Gernsback-2.

The Red Scare did not occur in the United States. Certain events associated with that period, such as the Seattle Labor Riots of 1919, did occur on Gernsback, but often with different outcomes than in our history. The Seattle conflict, for example, was ended through peaceful negotiation rather than violence.

Nearly a third of the voting public self-identifies as either Communist or Socialist. The Socialist Labor Party has the largest membership and has elected five Senators and several Congressmen. The party has yet to mount a national candidate. Several state governors and legislators are members of the party. Their influence on the national economy is not insignificant, as worker's rights and other labor reforms are at the top of the socialist agenda. Labor unions are widespread and enjoy great influence with socialist politicians.

As a result of the prevalence of leftist thought in American culture, a greater emphasis is placed on the rights of individuals. Several states pass laws that prohibit discrimination against women, blacks, and other ethnic minorities. In 1924 Congress takes up legislation proposing an additional Constitutional amendment guaranteeing equality for women, blacks, and other minorities. These additional guarantees are to be extended only to citizens; foreign nationals and non-naturalized immigrants do not enjoy the same rights as citizens.

Many of the national developments that result from President Roosevelt's New Deal and works programs in our 1930s, such as the electrification of rural areas, occur in or before 1920s Gernsback. The technological boom results in material prosperity that offsets the ill effects of the destructive world war. American banks and investors, rather than turning their back on Europe, invest heavily in the war-damaged states, especially Germany.

The singular popularity of Tesla and his inventions has resulted in an engineering boom. The engineering professions have become widely respected; young boys dream of growing up and inventing great things. Engineering programs are formed at major universities. By 1924 it is the third most regarded profession in America, placing behind the traditional doctor and lawyer, but ahead of banker and policeman.

1924 Gernsback

Government

President: James M. Cox
Vice-President: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Candidates in 1924 Election

Democratic Party: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Republican Party: Calvin Coolidge