Democratic Party Timeline

  • Party Created

    Democratic Party is created- technically not called that yet though. Andrew Jackson becomes first Democratic President
  • Period: to

    On a Roll

    Democrats win all but two elections during this time
  • Strain over Slavery

    In the 40s and 50s, Democrat party had differing ideas over slavery. Created "Northern" and "Southern" Democrats.
  • Official Democrats

    Officially named Democratic Party
  • Two Nominations, one Techical Party

    "Northern" and "Southern" Democrats nominated different candidates for office. Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln won the election. This election is considered one of the most critical, b/c it establishes America's two-party system.
  • Grover Cleveland 1st term

  • Grover Cleveland 2nd term

    America goes into a depression during this and it affects how Democratic party is viewed
  • Critical Election 2

    The party split over their candidate, William Jennings Bryan, because of "free-silver" and his Populist ideas.
  • Woodrow Wilson Holds office

    He holds office for two terms, and led America into WWI.
  • 3rd Critical Election

    Franklin Roosevelt gains presidency, and thus power for Democrats.
    They retain presidency until the 50s, and Congress control until mid-90s.
  • Power Regain

    John F. Kennedy defeats Nixon for office.
    Truman and Lyndon Johnson followed.
  • Republican Control Again

    Nixon beats the Democratic candidate, Humphrey in electoral college.
  • Period: to

    Congress Control

    controlled Congress through most of this period
  • Quick Regain and Loss of Power

    Watergate Scandal enables Jimmy Carter to beat Republican candidate.
    - Camp David Accords and a bad economy came with this presidency
    - quickly lost power again
  • First Female Candidate

    Geraldine A. Ferraro was first female candidate from a major party. Woo
  • Repowered!

    Bill Clinton wins presidency for two terms, but loses it when he's impeached for his relationship with an intern.
  • Congress Regain

    Democrats gain majority in both houses once again.
  • Obama's in the House

  • Current Primary Campaigns