Gernsback-9

Introduction

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. As described in the official record:

The history of official GURPS Gernsback (Gernsback-1) diverges from actual history with the marriage of Nikola Tesla to the daughter of J.P. Morgan. In actual 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 to Anne Morgan stabilized him both emotionally and financially, and he went on to revolutionize virtually every aspect of modern life. (GURPS Infinite Worlds, 4th edition, p. 126)

The Dark Jazz Universe

For the purposes of categorization within the Infinite Worlds schema, GURPS Dark Jazz is placed on Gernsback-9, an analog of the Gernsback parallel explored by Infinity Patrol. The presence of magic or mana on Gernsback-9 is the most significant difference, but political and social history differ slightly. Technological developments on Gernsback-9 may exceed those described on Gernsback-1.

Major Historical Divergences

• 1888 - Tesla meets Westinghouse and forms a successful partnership.

• 1893 - Nikola Tesla meets Anne Morgan and the two become correspondents and close friends.

• 1894 - Tesla secures patent to radio transmitter and receiver

• 1902 - Tesla and Westinghouse begin commercial radio broadcasting.

• 1926 - High-speed electrified railroads laid across North America.

See the Dark Jazz Timeline for more details.

United States

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-9.

• The Red Scare does not occur in the United States. Certain events associated with that period, such as the Seattle General Strike of 1919, do occur on Gernsback-9, but often with different outcomes than in our history. The Seattle incident, for example, ended through peaceful negotiation rather than violence. In Los Angeles, the 1923 longshoremen strike occurs, but is ended peacefully when the courts overturned the LAPD ban on public meetings.

• 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.

• Beginning in 1920, Vice-President Roosevelt leads the way in negotiating war reparations in Europe. He also organizes an international European committee to oversee the post-war reconstruction of the continent. By 1924 reconstruction is well underway and a number of American companies have invested in Germany and other nations. This significant divergence from our history relieves the economic conditions which eventually lead to World War II.

• Domestically, President Cox institutes a Jobs and Works Program, designed to provide full employment for returning veterans. It was this campaign promise that got Cox and Roosevelt elected. By 1924 the jobs program has reduced unemployment to a mere 5%, and the works program has resulted in the construction of hydroelectric dams and the electrification of rural areas.

• 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.

Europe

In 1920, Vice-President Roosevelt initiates the negotiation of war reparations in Europe. During this process he also organizes an international European committee to oversee the post-war reconstruction of the continent. This committee is overseen by the League of Nations. By 1924 reconstruction of Europe is well underway and a number of American companies have invested in Germany and other nations. This significant divergence from our history relieves the economic conditions which would eventually lead to World War II.

All is not well in Europe however. Lenin dies and Stalin begins his purges. Fascist secure their grip on Italy while fomenting street rebellion in Germany. Any hitch in reconstruction could lead to trouble for the Weimar Republic.

1924 Gernsback

Government

• President: James M. Cox
• Vice-President: Franklin D. Roosevelt
• U.S. Senate (California): Hiram Johnson, Samuel Shortridge

Candidates in 1924 Presidential Election

• Democratic Party: Franklin Roosevelt, James McAdoo, Al Smith. Convention: June 24, 1924. Nominee: Roosevelt, with Smith as running-mate.
• Republican Party: Calvin Coolidge, Hiram Johnson, Robert M. La Follette. Convention: June 10, 1924. Nominee: Coolidge, with Johnson as running-mate.
• Progressive Party: Robert M. La Follette, with Montana Senator Burton Wheeler as running-mate.

Some key campaign issues:

Foreign Relations: Roosevelt and McAdoo favor full involvement in the League of Nations. Coolidge and other Republicans are reluctant because of questions about national sovereignty.

Prohibition: Roosevelt favors the repeal of prohibition. McAdoo says the law needs to be revisited. Coolidge and other Republicans favor Prohibition.

Progressive Party: La Follette's platform calls for government ownership of the railroads and electric utilities, cheap credit for farmers, the outlawing of child labor, stronger laws to help labor unions, more protection of civil liberties, an end to American imperialism in Latin America, and a referendum before any president could again lead the nation into war.

1965 Gernsback

League of Nations

• Secretary General:
• US Ambassador: Adlai Stevenson
• League Council:

Permanent members: Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United States.

Additional members (5-year terms, year elected in parenthesis): Chinese Republic (1961), Brazil (1962), Egypt (1963), Persia (1964), Russia (1965).

Key Issues: Full re-entry of Russia as a diplomatic player is controversial, particularly among European nations who lost many lives in the war. Border disputes among Tibet, China, and India have begun to draw attention within the League Council.

US Government

• President: Richard M. Nixon
• Vice-President: Nelson D. Rockefeller
• U.S. Senate (California): Earl Warren (R), Ronald Reagan (D)
• Governor of California: Edmund Gerald "Pat" Brown, Sr. (D)
• Mayor of Los Angeles: Samuel William "Sam" Yorty (D)

Key Issues: The advance of women and racial minorities into all segments of American social life continues to cause some problems, particularly in the Midwest. Early resistance to Nixon's "Great Society" plan threatens to create conservative Republican backlash throughout the South. Major advances in transistor technology drive increasing miniaturization as well as more powerful electronic technology.