Timeline of Political Parties in America

Works Cited

http://www.history.com/topics/federalist-party

http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h139.html

http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/political-parties-throughout-american-history-1792-2012

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/socialist-party.html

http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm

Whig Party 1830

Republican Party 1854

Federalist Party 1792

Communist Party 1919

Socialist Party 1901

During the Jeffersonian era, the Whig party was the opposition to the Democratic Party. Most members of the Whig party opposed Jackson, and advocated a diverse range of ideals such as states' rights, industrialization, and internal improvements, such as road building. When the issue of Slavery arose, the group split, some joining the Democratic Party, and others dispersing into various other parties.

The Federalist Party followed the views of Alexander Hamilton, and were more of a faction than an actual political party. They supported a strong National Government and favored commercial and diplomatic peace with Great Britain. After Thomas Jefferson was elected in 1804 for his second term, the Federalist population declined, and then disappeared altogether.

Founded in August of 1901, the Socialist Party's primary goal was to promote public control of production and distribution. As far as elections went, the Socialist Party was did not have very much electoral support until 1910 when their candidates started winning elections. The Socialist Party changed its name in 1972 to the Social Democratic Party, which is still around today.

The Communist Party was founded in 1919, and is still active today. They advocate women's rights and labor, and played a major part in the issue of ending legalized segregation during the civil rights movement. Sharing many views with the Socialist Party, the Communist Party differed in that they supported the Russian Revolution, and the Socialist Party was strongly opposed to the idea.

Almost strictly conservative, the Republican Party was the successor of failed conservative parties of the past. They believed that the Union and the Constitution must be preserved, they were against slavery, and that Kansas should be admitted as a free state. Today, Republicans are against Abortion, they believe strongly in preserving our 2nd Amendment rights, and they are against Universal Healthcare.

Free Soil Party 1848

Democratic Party 1792

American Independent Party 1967

Prohibition Party 1869

Progressive Party 1912

As a party who strongly supported the abolition movement, the Free Soil Party formed in 1848 when Slavery was a prevalent issue. In addition to abolition, the Free Soil Party advocated for cheap postage, free lands for settlers, the abolition of unnecessary offices and salaries, and improvements for rivers and harbors. This political party dissipated when the Republican Party formed, as most of is members joined them.

Led by Thomas Jefferson, the Democratic Party, formerly known as the Democratic-Republican Party, advocated more rights for the middle class, and supported States Rights. Members of this party believe that the Federal Government should have as little power as possible, and it is the oldest remaining political party in the United States.

During the Prohibition era, when alcohol was deemed illegal, the Prohibition Party emerged, advocating for Temperance. Their main goal was the banning of all alcoholic products in the United States, and as of today, their members are strongly anti-gay, and they oppose abortion.

Also referred to as the Bull Moose party, the Progressive Party supported Theodore Roosevelt in is 1912 presidential campaign. They were strong supporters of women's rights, and advocated for social programs such as insurance and minimum wage/maximum hours regulations, as well as the joining of trusts and labor unions. This party eventually died out in 1955

Founded in 1967 by George Wallace, the American Independent Party ran on a fiery populist, right-wing, anti-Washington, anti-racial integration, anti-communist platform. Their founder was also their first presidential candidate in 1968, winning 5 Southern states, and 14% of the popular vote. Although Wallace ended up joining the Democratic Party in 1970, the American Independent Party carried on his legacy until it affiliated itself with the American Party in 2008.