Political Science

Introduction

The Republican Party evolved during the 1850's when the issue of slavery forced divisions within the existing Whig and Democratic Republican parties. Faced with political turmoil, a new party -- dedicated to states rights and a restricted role of government in economic and social life -- began making history. Alan Earl Bovay, one of the founders of the Republican Party, believed that a new party should be formed to represent the interests of the North and the abolitionists. He decided to call that party "Republican" because it was a simple, yet significant word synonymous with equality. Moreover, Thomas Jefferson had earlier chosen "Republican" to refer to his party, which gave the name respect borne of historical significance.

A New Century

Promising a national rebuilding effort and sound money policies, the party regained the presidency with William McKinley in 1896. Republican leadership continued through four successive presidential terms: McKinley (1896-1901); Theodore Roosevelt (1 901 -1908); and William Taft (1908-1912). Under these Republican Administrations, America adopted the gold standard, won the Spanish-American War, introduced the open-door policy with China, purchased and resumed construction of the Panama Canal, and established the United States as a world military power. Americans welcomed Teddy Roosevelt's strong stand on protecting wildlife and public lands, accepted his creation of the Department of Labor, and applauded his legal action against corporate trusts. America's foreign policy was accurately portrayed by his motto: "Speak softly and carry a big stick."

Discord struck the Republican Party in the 1912 election as Teddy Roosevelt led his supporters on the "Bull Moose" ticket against President Taft. Playing to the advantage of a split Republican vote, the Democrats won the election with Woodrow Wilson, who promised to keep the U.S. out of World War 1. Shortly after his re-election in 1916 the U.S. entered the war. By ...