Sounds to me as if the crux of the problem lied in the disarray of the nation.
Truly, the greater a nation subscribes to providence, the greater its lack of discord shall be. And thus success comes its way.
It is simply said that one must only be cordial with all, and while being cordial, speak softly and carry a big stick.
It's really quite a shame that one must continue to wield the big stick, but one never knows when a friend may fall by the wayside and allow their lesser natures to gain hold of themselves.