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History of the Democratic Party (United States)

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Portrait of President John F. Kennedy with his brothers Robert and Edward Kennedy at the White House in 1963.

The Democratic Party

The Democratic Party is one of the two big political parties in the United States. It started in 1828 and is the oldest party in the world. People know it for standing up for ordinary people, workers, and helping the country grow.

Early Days

The Democratic Party began from groups that once were part of the Democratic-Republican Party. Thomas Jefferson helped form this earlier party because he did not agree with the Federalist Party. Martin Van Buren helped create the Democratic Party to support Andrew Jackson from Tennessee in his run for president. By the mid-1830s, state Democratic parties looked quite similar.

Important Leaders

Early leaders like Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, and James K. Polk helped the party win elections. Andrew Jackson was the first president the Democrats elected. He believed the government should not be too powerful and often helped rich people more than others. He did not trust banks or paper money.

Big Changes

Big changes came with Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. Because of the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression, the Democrats made new programs to help families and improve the economy. This time, called the New Deal era, helped the party win many elections. Leaders like Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson kept this work going.

Recent Presidents

In recent years, Democrats have won several presidential elections. Bill Clinton served from 1993 to 2001, Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017, and Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025. Barack Obama was the first African American president of the United States. Joe Biden chose Kamala Harris as his vice president, who became the first woman, first African American, and first person of South Asian descent to hold that role.

What They Believe

The Democratic Party has helped shape the history and policies of the United States. They believe in helping workers, supporting social welfare, and making rules for businesses. They also care about civil rights and helping farmers. The party has many different groups, including big city leaders, Southern states, and labor unions.

The Democratic Party is known for its blue donkey symbol. It continues to play an important role in American politics today.

Images

William Jennings Bryan, a presidential candidate from 1896, standing on stage next to an American flag.
Portrait of President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1969.
Portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from 1933.
Portrait of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, taken in 1845.
Portrait of Martin Van Buren, the 8th President of the United States.
Portrait of August Belmont, a historical figure, captured in a daguerreotype photograph.
A 1893 political cartoon showing President Grover Cleveland using a typewriter to represent his influence on the Democratic Party.
Portrait of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson from 1919.
A 1952 campaign poster for Adlai Stevenson, a Democratic Party presidential candidate.
Eleanor Roosevelt attending the 1956 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Historical poster showing the Democratic Party ticket from the 1860 US presidential election in Virginia

Related articles

United States
Thomas Jefferson
James K. Polk
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Great Depression
John F. Kennedy

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