America has been part ofSid Meier’s Civilizationsince its beginning, appearing as a playable faction in every main game of the series. Like other civilizations,they are led by a playable historical figure. Some of them have even included multiple options for American leaders, to the point of making it possible to have two different Americas in one game. Naturally, this has led to a number of famous leaders, often but not alwaysone of America’s 45 presidents, making appearances over the course of the series. Abraham Lincoln has appeared in all six games (although only playable for one scenario in5). Other notable leaders included were George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
RELATED:Why Civilization 7 Should Skip Some of the Franchise’s Most Popular Leaders
WithCivilization 7now in development, it is likely players will see a new set of leaders. Presumably, America will return as a playable civilization but is going to need a leader. While the game could conceivably bring back Lincoln, Washington, and/or either Roosevelt, there are still some interesting options that have not yet been explored.
5Alexander Hamilton
Most have heard the story, thanks in large partto the hit musical that took Alexander Hamilton from one of the most obscure founding fathers to one of the most famous. Alexander Hamilton went from living in poverty in the Caribbean to becoming a key player in forming America. Hamilton famously helped to produce the American Constitution, a task that required agreement by representatives of several states with conflicting ideas about how to build a government. This was accomplished in part through the Federalist Papers, a series of essays about the value of a centralized government, most of which were written by Hamilton himself. His biggest contribution, however, was setting up the economy.
There are a few ways Hamilton’s achievements could be translated into gameplay forCivilization. The most logical direction to take him would be a leader suited to a play style focused on economic growth and trade, possibly with the Bank of America (which he founded) as a unique building. His role in developing America’s laws could be translated into a bonus towards learning civics or unique policies. Finally, he could have a “Federalist Papers” ability that increases loyalty pressure on nearby free cities, making them more likely to join America willingly.
4Aaron Burr
In his day, Aaron Burr was a controversial figure who was often villainized by his contemporaries and remained one of the more obscure Founding Fathers until the musicalHamiltonbrought him to mainstream attention. Today, however, historians have a more nuanced view of him. For all his faults, Burr was a progressive leader who advocated for the rights of women and Native Americans and wanted to end slavery. He also developed the modern voting system and strategies for electoral campaigns still used today. Unfortunately, he was also responsible for the duel that killed Alexander Hamilton, a moment that would destroy his political career and reputation for over two centuries.
RELATED:Historical Figures that Would Not Make Good Leaders for Civilization
Aaron Burr would have to be set up for a play style that prioritizes building and establishing a government. The logical way to do this would be to focus on mechanics related to developing a political structure. Burr could have an advantage in unlocking new types of government or obtaining governors. He could also receive a bonus towards construction in the government plaza district, allowing him to produce political buildings in a much shorter time than other civilizations.
His controversial status could also be incorporated if other American leaders are also in the game, especially leaders of his era such as George Washington or Alexander Hamilton. This would likely come in the formof a penalty towards diplomatic relations, and a tendency to produce more grievances.
3Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was already a renowned war hero by the time he took office, considering he was the commanding officer in charge of D-Day in World War 2. When he was elected in 1953, Eisenhower’s first task was to clean up the mess left by his predecessor Harry S. Truman in Korea. His presidency would include laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights act and efforts at desegregation, once going as far as deploying the national guard to keep a school from denying black students entry. On the flip side, he also ran a policy of deterrence against the Soviet Union and started the practice of using the CIA to covertly overthrow rival governments.
Eisenhower would clearly have to be a more militaristic leader compared to other presidents, with some advantages towards espionage. He could have a unique variation of the spy unit for infiltrating and destabilizing other civilizations, maybe with an added ability to remove governors. His gameplay style would logically be based on building large armies but using them as deterrence rather than directly attacking, and responding aggressively if war is declared.
2John F. Kennedy
After an impressive career that included being a decorated soldier in World War 2 and helping to oust the infamous senator Joseph McCarthy, Kennedy was elected president in 1961. His presidential term only lasted three years before it was abruptly cut off by his assassination in 1963, but in that time he made enough of an impact that he is still remembered as one of America’s greatest presidents. Arguably, his two best-known achievements are setting the Apollo Missions into motion and advancing Civil Rights. Although he would not live to see it happen, Kennedy’s policies would ultimately put several men on the moon, the first of which did indeed happen before the end of the decade as he promised.
RELATED:Civilization 6: Ptolemaic Cleopatra Guide
Because of his role in starting the Apollo Missions, Kennedy wouldhave to be tailored for players interested in a science victory. This could come in the form of bonuses to researching technology, allowing it to be developed faster than other civilizations. He could also have an advantage in recruiting great scientists, much like how the actual space program made use of scientists from a variety of backgrounds. Naturally, it would also make sense to have Cape Canaveral, a rocket launching site still used today, as a unique district.
1Lyndon B. Johnson
After the Assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, vice president Lyndon B. Johnson was left to pick up the pieces and continue his legacy. He was not the greatest person behind the scenes: Johnson had a reputation as a bully. He wasn’t above engaging in dirty politics and mistreating staff, among other controversial things. But for all his faults, Johnson was able to finally end Jim Crow segregation laws in America and, upon being re-elected, began reviving Roosevelt’s new deal with policies centered around improved infrastructure. Unfortunately, those accomplishments would be overshadowed when he made the mistake ofentering the Vietnam War, a decision that backfired horrendously.
Johnson’s contributions to Civil Rights and infrastructure could be represented by a bonus to researching Civics, as well as faster construction times for some buildings and districts. This would mean a playstyle focused heavily on improving existing cities rather than trying to expand and build new ones. However, his involvement with the Vietnam War also lends itself to a possible downside. Johnson’s advantages to advancing Civics could be balanced with a penalty towards military units, making him less effective in wars against other civilizations, perhaps with a stronger military penalty when fighting against Vietnam.
MORE:Civilization 7 Could Give Firaxis the Opportunity to Revisit an Out-of-This-World Concept
