Digital History
Digital History: The Breakdown of the Party System
As the Whig Party collapsed and the new Republican Party was forming, there was a flash-in-the pan party, the Know Nothing Party, that filled the void for a few years. Read about the success of the party in electing legislation, and find...
Vassar College
Vassar: 1896: The Presidential Campaign: Cartoons and Commentary
This extensive site from the Vassar College on the 1896 presidential election includes links to cartoons, parties and platforms, leaders, campaign themes, and special features.
Vassar College
1896: The Republican Party
From the comprehensive Vassar College project about the politics of 1896, this article relates the state of the Republican Party in that year and its party platform for the election of 1896.
Vassar College
1896: Hanna, the Republicans, and Labor
Mark Hanna, William McKinley's campaign manager in the campaign of 1896, was an enigmatic political figure. Read about his supposed support of the working man, contrasted with his appeal to prominent businessmen in soliciting their...
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Lesson Plan: The Presidential Nominating System
This lesson plan may be used to introduce students to the system of primaries and caucuses by which candidates for U.S. president are nominated by their parties. After completing this lesson plan, students will understand the process by...
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Redeemers (Post Reconstruction)
Read about the so-called Redeemers, whose actions returned the Democratic Party to power in the southern states at the end of Reconstruction. Find out how they rolled back the legislation put into effect by the Republicans as a result of...
The History Place
The History Place: Abraham Lincoln: "House Divided" Speech
This site from The History Place provides Abraham Lincoln's famous speach given at the close of the republican state convention - "A House Divided". It is the full text of the speech.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Mark Hanna
A brief biography of Republican Party "kingmaker," Mark Hanna, who was primarily responsible for the candidacy of William McKinley in the election of 1896.
Other
A Brief History of American Major Parties
A good, brief history of the two party system in the United States.
Library of Congress
Loc: Our Place in the Politics of the Country
Although the 15th amendment gave the freedom to vote to African Americans, little was done to enforce it. 90% of African-Americans living in the South were not able to vote, and in the North where voting was easier, the African American...
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Lesson: The Presidential Nominating System
This instructional activity may be used to introduce students to the system of primaries and caucuses by which candidates for U.S. president are nominated by their parties. After completing this instructional activity, students will...
Other
John Kasich
The official website for the John Kasich for president campaign 2016 offers news and issues about what this candidate stands for.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: William Howard Taft
A great in-depth biography of William Howard Taft. Topics include: his life before the presidency, campaigns and elections, domestic affairs, foreign affairs, and life after the presidency. Links to the first lady, his Cabinet members,...
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Marcus A. Hanna
Read this interesting biography of Marcus Hanna, successful Ohio businessman, Repbublican Party supporter, and close friend of President William McKinley.
The White House
The White House: Presidents: Ronald Reagan
A biography of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. The biography contains a picture as well as a link to the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James A. Garfield: American Franchise
A very interesting explanation of the make-up of voters in the election of 1880. The country was evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. Find out about the policies of each during the 1870s and 1880s.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Franklin Pierce: The American Franchise
Read about the political party leanings of immigrants in the 1850s and the backlash against immigrants as reflected in political platforms.
Other
Library Company of Philadelphia: Genesis of Republicanism
Exhibition documents the birth and growth of the Grand Old Party during the period from 1854-72. Includes information about the party's early character and issues of consequence that affected its development, including Lincoln's...
Other
Copernicus Election Watch: History of the Parties
This site has a great timeline that tracks the history of the Democratic, Republican, and some Independent Third Parties. Also some excellent links at the bottom of the page.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: William Howard Taft
Provides a biography about the life of the 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft.
Digital History
Digital History: The Election of 1856
A brief account of the election of 1856, the first in which the new Republican Party put forth a presidential candidate. See how the election split down regional lines.
Other
A Brief History of the Two Party System
This site is a web-article on the brief history of the two party system.
USA Today
Usa Today: Washington Politics
Resource provides the top news in U.S. Politics in brief. Content includes a focus on the president, senate, house, state governors, legislatures, and initiatives.