United States elections, 1896

The 1896 United States general election elected the 53rd United States Congress. Republicans won control of the Presidency and maintained control of both houses of Congress. The election marked the end of the Third Party System and the start of the Fourth Party System, as Republicans would generally dominate politics until the 1930 elections. Political scientists such as V.O. Key, Jr. argue that this election was a realigning election, while James Reichley argues against this idea on the basis that the Republican victory in this election merely continued the party's post-Civil War dominance.[1]

In the Presidential election, Republican former Governor William McKinley of Ohio defeated Democratic former Representative William Jennings Bryan of Nebraska.[2]

Democrats won major gains in the House, but Republicans continued to command a large majority in the chamber. The Populists also won several seats, holding more seats in the House than any third party since the Civil War.[3]

In the Senate, the Republicans maintained their plurality, keeping control of the same number of seats. The Democrats lost several seats, while the Silver Republicans established themselves for the first time with five seats.[4] Republican William P. Frye won election as President pro tempore.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Reichley, A. James (2000). The Life of the Parties (Paperback ed.). Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 8–12.
  2. ↑ "1896 Presidential Election". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  3. ↑ "Party Divisions of the House of Representatives". United States House of Representatives. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  4. ↑ "Party Division in the Senate, 1789-Present". United States Senate. Retrieved 25 June 2014.