Transcript Why were the Republicans so dominant from 1896 – 1912?

Why were the Republicans so
dominant from 1896 – 1912?
Republican History
• Formed 1854, anti-slavery.
• Led by Abraham Lincoln.
• After 1865 gradually moved away from liberal
traditions.
• Not united, but kept divisions hidden.
• Local interests most important.
Democrats History
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Claims to be oldest party, 1796.
Defeated in Civil War 1861 - 1865.
Deep divisions.
Dependant on resentment of white
Southerners.
Republican Strengths
• Growth of conservative, big business influence
• Mark Hanna
– Coal, iron, shipping and banking.
– Invested own money and raised huge sums.
– Anti TR.
• Reformist wing, TR, anti-trust, social justice
conservation.
Democratic Weakness
• Divided.
• Lost support of Unions following 1894
Pullman Strike.
• Long run of defeats.
• Rising influence of progressivism.
• Depression in 1893.