Development of Political Parties in the United States

Overview

• Presentation focuses on how political parties developed in the U.S. from 1824 to 2016.
• Utilizes an interactive electoral college map to show states' voting patterns during presidential election years.

Key Historical Developments

Early Political Landscape

• 1824: No Democratic or Republican parties existed yet.
  • Democratic Party officially formed in 1828.
  • Republican Party officially formed in 1854.
• Early elections involved parties such as the National Republican Party and the Whig Party.

Democrat and Whig Parties (1828-1856)

• 1828: Democrats emerge as a major party.
  • Andrew Jackson becomes the first Democratic President.
• 1830s: Whig Party becomes a major competitor to Democrats.
  • Whig Party eventually splits due to slavery issues.

Rise of the Republican Party

• 1856: Republican Party rises, focusing on abolitionism.
  • Formed by former Whigs and abolitionists, including Abraham Lincoln.
• 1860: Lincoln elected as the first Republican President.
  • Southern Democrats opposed to Republican anti-slavery stance.

Civil War and Reconstruction (1860-1877)

• Civil War seen as a conflict between Democrat-controlled South and Republican-controlled North.
• Reconstruction Era: Efforts to reintegrate Southern states and abolish slavery.
  • Key Amendments: 13th (1865), 14th (1868), 15th (1870).

Post-Reconstruction Political Shifts

• Democrats regain control in Southern states post-Reconstruction.
• Country expands westward: new states like Oregon, Colorado emerge.

The Great Depression and New Deal Era (1930s)

• 1929: Stock market crash undermines Republican confidence.
• 1930s: Democrats gain strength under New Deal policies.
  • Growth of federal government and economy-focused policies.

Mid-20th Century Politics (1940s-1970s)

• World War II: Industrial efforts revive economy, ending Great Depression.
• 1948: Democrat Party splinters over states' rights vs. national governance.
• 1952: Texas starts shifting towards Republican Party.
  • Driven by social changes (women’s liberation, gay rights) and Cold War dynamics.

Late 20th Century to Present

• 1976: Last time Texas voted Democrat.
• Post-1976: Southern states predominantly Republican due to social and economic shifts.

Conclusion

• Political allegiance in the U.S. oscillates between parties due to economic, social, and political factors.
• The two-party system has dominated U.S. politics since the mid-19th century, with various realignments and shifts in party dominance.

Key Concepts

• Realignment: Shift in political coalitions and voter bases.
• Two-Party System: Dominance of two major parties with minor parties having limited influence.
• States' Rights vs. Federal Power: Continual debate influencing party dynamics and voter allegiance.

Important Figures

• Andrew Jackson: First Democratic President.
• Abraham Lincoln: First Republican President, pivotal figure in anti-slavery movement.

Historical Amendments

• 13th Amendment (1865): Abolished slavery.
• 14th Amendment (1868): Defined citizenship, equal protection.
• 15th Amendment (1870): Voting rights regardless of race.