Political Developments: Problems in the Democratic Party in the 1900s Flashcards
Why did divisions in the Democratic Party increase in 1904?
There were divisions over if William Jennings Bryan or Grover Cleveland should be nominated for the election
Who was chosen to be the Democratic Party candidate in the 1904 election?
Alton Parker
What was the issue with Alton Parker being nominated to be the Democratic Candidate?
His own party barely even knew him
How can it be seen that Alton Parker was not very well known?
He was the only man to run for President who never had a biography about him published.
Who was the Democratic Nominee in the 1908 election?
William Jennings Bryan
How had William Jennings Bryan’s 1908 Campaign changed from his 1896 election campaign?
He no longer supported the Free Silver Movement
Why did William Jennings Bryan no longer support the Free Silver Movement?
To make the Democrats more appealing to big businesses.
Why did William Jennings Bryan no longer supporting the Free Silver Movement cause divisions?
Poorer farmers in the South still supported this movement
What was the result of the 1908 Election for the Democrats? Which region of the USA did WJB not get any votes in?
He lost and did not get any votes in the North East
What else was significant about Bryan losing the 1908 election in terms of how many elections he had run in?
He was the only Presidential candidate to run 3 times and lose 3 times
Why is William Jennings Bryan running and losing in 1896, 1904 and 1908 significant to show the weakness of the Democratic Party?
Because he was the most unsuccessful Presidential candidate at the time.
