History of the Republican Party
Pilgrims Arrive
Pilgrims migrate to North America on the Mayflower ship fleeing religious persecution of Britain.
Britain Imposes Taxes
Following the French and Indian War, an increased number of Britain soldiers resided in North America. Britain sought to impose taxes and duties on North American colonies to house British troops and tax them to offset the costs of war, creating conflict between Britain and the North American colonies.
Boycott British Goods
The first Continental Congress meets and agrees to boycott British goods.
American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary war begins between the British Empire and North American colonies.
Declaration of Independence
The United States of America was birthed when 56 delegates of the Continental Congress met to strategize the colonies’ response to the war and subsequently signed the Declaration of Independence from Britain.
U.S. Constitution
The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights adopted the first 10 (ten) amendments to the United States Constitution, codifying amendments found in earlier documents including the Virginia Declaration of Rights passed in 1776 and the English Bill of Rights passed in 1689.
"Republican" Term Used
Thomas Jefferson supporters who favor decentralized government with limited power adopt the term “Republican”.
Republican Party Formed
The Republican Party formed out of the Whig Party over the issue of slavery. The Republican Party emphatically opposed slavery in all territories.
Civil War
Civil war over slavery between America’s northern and southern states.
Emancipation Proclamation
Republican President, Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation Executive Order.
Republican Presidency
The Republican Party won the presidency via William McKinley and control of both houses of Congress.
President McKinley Assassinated
President William McKinley was assassinated. President McKinley was the 25th President of the United States of America and served from March 4, 1897 until his assassination on September 14, 1901.
Great Depression
Stock market crash and onset of the Great Depression. Republicans commitment to small government and not bailing out the economy lost them the presidential election in 1932.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Republican Party nominee, Dwight D. Eisenhower wins the presidential election on a platform of smaller government and lower taxes.
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act passes with 80% Republican support and only 63% Democrat support.
President Ronald Reagan
Republican Party nominee, Ronald Reagan won the presidency. President Reagan introduced deep tax cuts, necessary buildup of America’s military forces, and paved a road for American’s economic recovery.
President Donald J. Trump
The Republican party won the presidency via Donald Trump and control of both houses of Congress. Although President Trump was initially an unlikely candidate for the presidency, his platform of religious freedom, sanctity of human life, small government, and America-first policies won him the presidency.