A History Primer for the American Steampunk
In Honor of President’s Day, February 21, 2011.
Copyright Brandon Herren (herrenmedia)
The generic definition of Steampunk appears to be “Victorian Science Fiction.” This is fine as a brief explanation when you are asked what you are all about but don’t want to take the time for a full discussion of Alternative History, World History, and Technological Progression. Some people have coined the term “GeoVicWardian” to categorize and expand the time period generally associated with Steampunk to include the Georgian (Geo), Victorian (Vic), and Edwardian (Wardian) periods of English history.
M is, however, getting somewhat tired of Steampunk always being referenced according to British history. I know, I know, that is the easiest way to explain it to the non-punks, but I am American and proud of it! So, as a primer for myself (admittedly my historical knowledge is sketchy at best) and anyone else who is interested, here is a list of the American Presidents that led OUR great nation during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). Pick one, learn a little about the many interesting things going on in the United States in that time period, and share some smarts with your fellow punks! Viva la Revolution!
1829-1837 Andrew Jackson
1837-1841 Martin Van Buren
1841-1841 William Henry Harrison (only served a month, died in office of pneumonia contracted during his swearing in ceremony.) *
1841-1845 John Tyler
1845-1849 James K Polk
1849-1850 Zachary Taylor (died after only 16 months in office, supposedly of gastroenteritis)
1850-1853 Millard Fillmore
1853-1857 Franklin Pierce
1857-1861 James Buchanan
1861-1865 Abraham Lincoln (assassinated)
1865-1869 Andrew Johnson
1869-1877 Ulysses S Grant *
1877-1881 Rutherford B. Hayes *
1881-1881 James A. Garfield (assassinated) *
1881-1885 Chester A. Arthur
1885-1889 Grover Cleveland
1889-1893 Benjamin Harrison
1893-1897 Grover Cleveland (second term was non-consecutive)
1897-1901 William McKinley *
After searching and compiling this information, M realizes it would be incredibly unwieldy to call the Steampunk historical background the “JackBurHarTyPoTayFillPieBuchLinJohnGraHayGarArCleveHarrMcKinleyan Era.” It does still bear recognizing the amazing and rapid changes the 
“infant nation” of the time was undergoing. Hopefully you enjoyed this brief history lesson and think about it for a minute on this holiday celebrating the past leaders of the United States of America! It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it!
* Presidents from Ohio, the frenzygals’ home state –Represent!
- M of the frenzygals
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:43 am
just posted this article on facebook account. it is an interesting read for all.
February 27th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Mr. McLeod (my eldest son) wrote a couple of stories of this ilk:
http://www.americannonfiction.com/2009/05/adventures-confederate-corps/2990/
http://www.americannonfiction.com/2010/06/impossibly-impish-imbroglio-ii/6292/
It was faboo meeting you this weekend. Hope the cigar boxes serve you well!
March 15th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
It was lovely meeting you as well! We still aren’t sure what we are going to do with those boxes, but I am sure we will come up with something cool! Hope to see you out and about at other conventions.
November 17th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Thank you for sharing your opinion here. I really like it.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Okay, one of my favorite Presidents Teddy Roosevelt didn’t become President until 9 months after Victoria’s death. But teddy was very Steampunk, in dress and style, (How about that monocle?) He was forward thinking young and vibrant. Don’t forget the Great White Fleet, Speak softly carry a big stick.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Ah, see, and here you bring up the problem with defining the timeline for Steampunk simply in terms of ruler reigns. The early 20th century is a hard era to define in the Steampunk vs. Dieselpunk dichotomy.