Author’s Note: I apologize for this entry coming a day or so later than scheduled. The American Collapse scenario is laid out in timeline format over two individual parts. The first will highlight incidents and events that brought about the spark which led to the collapse. For intent and purpose, consider this entry to be a prologue.  Part II will post on Wednesday or Thursday and examine the first 1-2 years of the American Collapse era.

American Collapse Scenario- Hypothetical

• Political polarization and social strife have brought about a period of deep incivility as the US presidential election enters its general election season. Political violence flares in isolated incidents.

• Common ground between the Riught and Left has evaporated. Distrust rises more with every passing day that leads to Election Day.

• In late October 202X riots break out in Cleveland, spurred by the death of a minority civilian at the hands of police. In the coming days, riots and demonstrations break out in multiple cities across the United States.

• Election Day arrives and departs. By early Wednesday morning no winner has been declared despite the Republican candidate being ahead by considerable margins in many states. Races in battleground states are not being called. As the morning goes on, the Democratic candidate refuses to accept the results as they progress, even as the electoral count surpasses 270 in the Republican’s favor.

• Vote counting stopped nationwide on Wednesday afternoon due to evidence of ‘discrepancies in the voting returns’ appearing in four major battleground states. The FBI takes charge of the investigation. In states led by Democrat governors, National Guards are called up to bolster law enforcement numbers dealing with the urban riots and also to protect voting centers as the investigation commences and a recount is imminent.

• Four days after the election FBI spokespeople announced that over 3 million votes could be declared illegal and removed. This would bring about a nationwide recount almost assuredly. In Washington DC Republican politicians and lawmakers express collective outrage. Lawsuits are filed by Republicans and Democrats as it becomes clear that the election result will inevitably be determined by the Supreme Court.

• ‘Pro-Democracy’ riots grow and escalate on the heels of ‘voter fraud’ claims and rumors. Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and other major and mid-sized cities deal with urban violence. Concurrently, demonstrations by Republicans and supporters of their presidential candidate take place. Liberal supporters in the media waste no time labeling these as ‘Anti-Democracy Riots’ that border on insurgency.

• By the middle of November, it’s clear the FBI’s investigation is not about to uncover evidence of voter fraud. At the direction of the FBI Director, the investigation will continue.

• It is becoming evident the Republican candidate is the winner of the election, despite the Democrats refusal to accept the results of the election. The White House has been strangely silent in recent days concerning all things election related. Still, around the United States there is a feeling among a growing number of citizens that this situation will not end peacefully or civilly no matter who is declared the winner. 

• On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at 8:32 AM, an explosive device detonated at the US Supreme Court. One Justice was killed and another injured, but the remaining members had yet to enter the building. Within minutes, numerous claims of responsibility from right wing or conservative groups appear on social and legacy medias. Without proof the media is assessing blame on Republican supporters and the Republican presidential candidate. When it becomes public knowledge that the deceased Justice was one of the more liberal members of the Court, the lame duck current President of the United States releases a statement at 5:30 PM Eastern Standard Time announcing that a national state of emergency and curfew will go into effect at 11 PM EST that evening.