How States Voted In Every Presidential Election, From George Washington To Donald Trump

Insider News・2 minutes read

The US presidential election history highlights the evolution of voting rights, emergence of political parties, and significant amendments granting suffrage to women and non-white citizens, leading to a diverse electorate today facing challenges of voter turnout and mail-in voting. The historical context of elections traces the progression towards inclusivity, with ongoing uncertainties surrounding the handling of mail-in votes and timing of announcing a winner amidst a divided electorate.

Insights

  • The US presidential election history has evolved from exclusive white male property owners voting to a more inclusive system, marked by key milestones such as the 15th and 19th Amendments granting voting rights to all male citizens and women, respectively.
  • Significant historical events like the Civil War, the Progressive Party's influence, and demographic shifts during FDR's presidency have shaped party alignments and voter demographics, highlighting the dynamic nature of American politics over time.

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Recent questions

  • What is the history of the US presidential election?

    The US presidential election history dates back to 1789, with George Washington elected as the first president. Initially, only white men who owned property could vote, with the emergence of the two-party system in the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Over the years, various events such as Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 and Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 shaped the electoral landscape, leading to significant changes like the collapse of the Whig party and the emergence of the Republican Party opposing slavery. Subsequent amendments like the 15th and 19th Amendments expanded voting rights, with shifts in party alignments and demographics over time.

  • Who was the first president of the US?

    George Washington

  • What led to the rise of the Republican Party?

    The collapse of the Whig party

  • When did women gain the right to vote in the US?

    1920

  • What amendments expanded voting rights in the US?

    The 15th and 19th Amendments

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Summary

00:00

US Presidential Election History: From Washington to Roosevelt

  • The US presidential election history dates back to 1789, with George Washington elected as the first president, with only 1.3% of the population voting.
  • Initially, only white men who owned property could vote, with some exceptions for free people of color in certain states.
  • The two-party system emerged with Federalists favoring financial interests and Democratic-Republicans favoring farmers.
  • Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 saw increased voter participation, rallying white working-class voters against elitism.
  • The Whig party opposed slavery expansion, leading to its collapse in 1856, with the emergence of the Republican Party opposing slavery.
  • Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 led to Southern states seceding, starting the Civil War.
  • Ulysses S. Grant's presidency saw the 15th Amendment granting all male citizens the right to vote, except Native Americans.
  • The Hayes-Tilden compromise in 1877 ended Reconstruction, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws.
  • The Progressive Party in 1912 attracted women suffragists, leading to the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in 1920.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency during the Great Depression and World War II shifted party alignments and demographics, with Democrats gaining support from immigrants and Black voters.

14:52

Election Challenges Amid Pandemic and Unrest

  • Global pandemic and civil unrest have divided the diverse electorate along party lines.
  • One-third of eligible voters are nonwhite, with a rise in the Hispanic population.
  • Uncertainty surrounds voter turnout, mail-in vote handling by states, and the timing of announcing a winner.
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