7.2 Major Realigning Elections in U.S. History
2 min read•july 25, 2024
Realigning elections reshape American politics, transforming party systems and voter coalitions. These pivotal moments, like Jackson's 1828 win and FDR's 1932 victory, stem from major social and economic shifts, expanding democracy and redefining government's role.
These elections impact party structures, policy agendas, and voting patterns. They create new political landscapes, from the rise of to the , reflecting changing national priorities and voter alignments.
Realigning Elections in U.S. History
Key Elections and Their Causes
Key realigning elections in U.S. history
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- 1828 Election pitted against marked rise of Jacksonian Democracy expanded political participation
- 1860 Election saw 's victory led to Southern secession and reshaped American politics
- 1896 Election featured vs centered on monetary policy and industrialization (gold standard vs free silver)
- 1932 Election brought to power ushered in New Deal era transformed role of federal government
Factors behind realigning elections
- 1828 Factors expanded voting rights to non-property-owning white males fueled populist sentiment highlighted conflict between agrarian and industrial interests
- 1860 Factors intensified debate over slavery exacerbated sectional tensions between North and South led to collapse of Second Party System (Whigs)
- 1896 Factors stemmed from economic depression of 1893 saw rise of focused on monetary policy debate (gold standard vs bimetallism)
- 1932 Factors triggered by stock market crash of 1929 caused widespread unemployment and economic hardship exposed failures of Hoover administration's response
Impact and Shifts in Voting Patterns
Impact of realigning elections
- Party System Changes reshaped political landscape:
- 1828: Emergence of Democratic Party
- 1860: Rise of Republican Party
- 1896: Solidification of two-party system
- 1932: Creation of New Deal Coalition
- Policy Agenda Shifts redefined national priorities:
- 1828: Expanded democracy limited federal power (Indian Removal Act)
- 1860: Preserved Union addressed slavery ()
- 1896: Debated progressive reforms vs pro-business policies (antitrust legislation)
- 1932: Implemented large-scale federal economic interventions ()
- Electoral Coalition Realignments reconfigured voter blocs:
- 1828: Jacksonian Democrats vs National Republicans
- 1860: Free-soil Republicans vs Southern Democrats
- 1896: Urban industrialists vs rural agrarians
- 1932: New Deal Coalition vs conservative opposition
Shifts in voting patterns
- 1828 Shifts increased participation from Western and Southern states boosted Democratic support among working-class voters
- 1860 Shifts created North-South divide in voting patterns saw free states supporting Republicans slave states backing Southern Democrats or Constitutional Union Party
- 1896 Shifts highlighted urban-rural divide in voting preferences Northeastern and industrial Midwest supporting Republicans agricultural South and West favoring Democrats and Populists
- 1932 Shifts realigned African American voters towards Democrats increased Democratic support in urban areas shifted progressive Republicans to Democratic Party
Key Terms to Review (25)
Abraham Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He is most known for leading the nation through the Civil War and for his efforts to abolish slavery, which played a crucial role in reshaping American political parties during a time of intense conflict and division.
Andrew Jackson: Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837, and is known for his role in shaping American politics during a pivotal period. His presidency marked a significant shift toward populism and the expansion of democracy, often referred to as the 'Jacksonian Era.' His influence extended beyond just policies; he transformed the Democratic Party and set the stage for major realigning elections in U.S. history.
Civil War: The Civil War was a pivotal conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865, primarily between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states that seceded to form the Confederacy. It centered around issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic disparities, ultimately leading to a transformation in the political landscape of the nation and the emergence of new political alignments and parties.
Critical elections: Critical elections are significant political events that lead to a major and lasting shift in the political landscape, often resulting in a realignment of party support and voter coalitions. These elections typically emerge during times of national crisis or social upheaval, prompting voters to re-evaluate their allegiances and policies. The outcomes of critical elections not only redefine party platforms but can also reshape the entire party system for years to come.
Election of 1828: The Election of 1828 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States that marked the emergence of a more populist political style and solidified the dominance of the Democratic Party under Andrew Jackson. This election was characterized by intense personal attacks and mudslinging between the candidates, especially targeting Jackson's opponent, John Quincy Adams. The outcome not only resulted in Jackson's victory but also represented a significant shift in American politics towards greater participation by the common man.
Election of 1860: The Election of 1860 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States that resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th president. This election is often cited as a major realigning event because it highlighted and intensified the sectional divisions between the North and South, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Civil War. The unique circumstances and candidates of this election reshaped the political landscape and set the stage for significant changes in American politics.
Election of 1896: The election of 1896 was a pivotal presidential contest in the United States that marked a significant turning point in American politics. It saw the clash between Republican candidate William McKinley, who championed the gold standard and industrial interests, and Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan, who advocated for free silver and support for farmers. This election fundamentally reshaped the political landscape and highlighted the economic struggles of the time, establishing the Republicans as the dominant party for the next few decades.
Election of 1932: The election of 1932 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States, marked by the contest between incumbent President Herbert Hoover and Democratic challenger Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. This election is considered a major realigning event, as it fundamentally shifted political power from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party and reshaped the American political landscape for decades to come.
Electoral realignment: Electoral realignment refers to a significant shift in the political landscape, characterized by a substantial change in the voting patterns of the electorate and the emergence or decline of political parties. This process often occurs during pivotal elections and can lead to a reorganization of party systems, reshaping the priorities and coalitions that define political competition. Understanding electoral realignment is essential for grasping how American political parties have evolved and adapted over time, particularly during key historical moments.
Emancipation Proclamation: The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declaring the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory during the Civil War. This landmark decision not only aimed to weaken the Confederacy but also redefined the purpose of the war, aligning it with the broader goals of liberty and human rights, setting a precedent for future civil rights advancements in America.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945, and is best known for leading the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal policies transformed the role of the federal government in American life and marked a significant ideological shift toward liberalism, altering party dynamics and contributing to the emergence of the New Deal Coalition.
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by significant declines in industrial production, widespread unemployment, and devastating impacts on both the American economy and society. This era not only reshaped economic policies but also influenced the development of political parties and realignments in the U.S. political landscape.
Green Party: The Green Party is a political party in the United States that emphasizes environmental issues, social justice, grassroots democracy, and nonviolence. It is part of the global Green movement, advocating for policies that address climate change and promote sustainability, which connects it to various political dynamics and electoral contexts.
Jacksonian Democracy: Jacksonian Democracy refers to the political philosophy and movement associated with President Andrew Jackson, emphasizing greater democracy for the common man and expanding suffrage, particularly among white males. It marked a shift in American political culture, promoting the idea that ordinary citizens should have a greater voice in government and that elites should be challenged.
John Quincy Adams: John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States, serving from 1825 to 1829. He is notable for his role in a major realigning election in 1824, which resulted in a contentious outcome and set the stage for the emergence of new political alignments in American politics.
New Deal Coalition: The New Deal Coalition refers to the diverse group of voters and interest groups that united behind Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies in the 1930s, significantly reshaping American politics and establishing the Democratic Party as the dominant force during the Fifth Party System. This coalition brought together various demographics, including urban workers, African Americans, farmers, and intellectuals, fostering a new political alignment that would influence U.S. electoral outcomes for decades.
Populist movement: The populist movement was a political effort in the late 19th century that sought to represent the interests of ordinary people, especially farmers and laborers, against the established elite. This movement emerged in response to economic hardships and aimed to address issues like monetary reform, corporate power, and social inequality, influencing major political alignments and elections in U.S. history.
Social media influence: Social media influence refers to the way in which platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others shape public opinion, behavior, and political engagement. It plays a significant role in how information is disseminated and how voters interact with political parties and candidates, especially during key electoral moments. This influence can alter traditional campaign strategies, mobilize supporters, and even change the outcome of elections.
Social Security Act: The Social Security Act, enacted in 1935, was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at providing financial support to the elderly, unemployed, and disabled individuals in the United States. This act established a social insurance program that required workers to pay into a system, which would then provide benefits in their retirement years or during periods of unemployment. The Social Security Act played a significant role in reshaping the relationship between the government and American citizens, contributing to the formation of a new political coalition and influencing future elections.
Southern Strategy: The Southern Strategy was a political strategy employed by the Republican Party starting in the late 1960s aimed at gaining political support in the Southern United States by appealing to disaffected white voters. It involved a shift in party ideology and outreach that capitalized on racial tensions and the civil rights movement's consequences, reflecting broader changes in the two-party system and leading to significant electoral outcomes.
Tea Party: The Tea Party is a conservative political movement in the United States that emerged in the late 2000s, primarily focusing on limited government, fiscal conservatism, and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. This movement has played a significant role in reshaping party competition and polarization, influencing the Republican Party's platform and candidate selection while also affecting the dynamics of major realigning elections.
Television's role: Television's role in U.S. politics refers to its significant influence on public opinion, political communication, and electoral processes, especially during major realigning elections. It serves as a primary source of information for voters, shapes political narratives, and allows candidates to connect with the electorate in unprecedented ways. The rise of television has transformed how campaigns are run and how messages are delivered to the public, impacting voter perceptions and behaviors during critical electoral moments.
Voting Rights Act: The Voting Rights Act is a landmark piece of federal legislation passed in 1965 aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment. It is significant for its provisions that sought to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race, had equal access to the electoral process. The Act led to increased voter registration and participation among African Americans and played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape during the New Deal Coalition and Fifth Party System.
William Jennings Bryan: William Jennings Bryan was a prominent American politician and orator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his advocacy of populism and progressive reforms. His most famous moment came during the 1896 presidential campaign, where he championed the cause of free silver, which appealed to farmers and working-class citizens. Bryan's influence played a significant role in reshaping political alliances and party ideologies during a period of significant change in American politics.
William McKinley: William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. His presidency is notable for its economic policies, especially the promotion of protective tariffs and the gold standard, which helped to shape the Republican Party's platform during a critical period in American history marked by significant economic and political change.