Hard Graft is an election game on AlternateHistory.com created and ran by the user Charcolt. Beginning in 1844 and currently in the 1860s, it centers around the United States and the figures that shape it.
Hard Graft contains examples of:
- Blood on the Debate Floor - The American Congress is prone to violence in the 1850s. Like in OTL, Charles Sumner is beaten by Preston Brooks, and in response Brooks is caned to death by abolitionist Congressmen. It peaks at an actual Battle of Congress, which is the opening to the Civil War.
- Civil War - Despite the efforts of many characters to prevent it, the Civil War breaks out in 1856, and lasts until 1858.
- Expanded States of America - By 1865, the United States has ownership over Alaska, British Columbia, Northern Mexico, Cuba, the Yucatan, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
- Our Presidents Are Different - One of the main focuses of the game.
- Take a Third Option - The Constitutional Union Party narrowly wins the presidential election of 1852 (it has to be thrown to the House) over the Democrats and the Whigs.
