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The Federalists
Those who wanted a strong national/federal government, including Alexander Hamilton, came together and called themselves the Federalists. It was the first U.S. political party. Businessmen, bankers, merchants, etc. were on this side, and they sided with England in foreign affairs. -
Parties or Not?
After he retired, George Washington didn't want the government in separated parties. On the other hand, James Madison could see how parties could do well, but he wasn't sure if we should have them. Alexander Hamilton was completely against parties, and thought we should fight against them. -
Democratic-Republicans
Those who were against Federalism (anti-Federalists) grouped with Thomas Jefferson and called themselves Democratic-Republicans. This party was made up of planters, small farmers, and artisans. They wanted small, local government, and they sided with Revolutionary France in foreign affairs. -
The Civil War
Political life was changed by vast differences in opinion between sections of the country. The South, West, and North all wanted different actions from the government. The South would secede in 1861, starting the war, and ripping the nation apart. -
Democrats
Andrew Jackson was elected president, supported by the South and West. He changed the Democratic-Republicans to just Democrats. Federalists became National Republicans, and were also known as Whigs. -
Republicans
Antislavery and Free Soil forces created the Republican party. In 1856, they ran their first presidential candidate, John C. Frémont. Voters had the choice of Northern Democrat, Southern Democrat, Republican, and the Constitutional-Union Party by 1860. -
Third Parties
While the Republicans and Democrats are the two main parties, there are other minor, or third, parties. For example, in 1912, a party called the Progressive party, or "Bull Moose" party formed. This was because of a disagreement between Republicans, but the party quickly died out during an election, and came back in the 1920's. -
The Great Depression
Franklin Roosevelt was elected as president, and along with him came the New Deal programs to fight the Great Depression. The Democrats liked this, but the Republicans thought the government was taking too much power. During this time, the Progressive party had its peak in strength.
