Political Parties

Progressivism/Liberalism

Advocates positive change and supports government intervention for societal progress.

Conservatism

Upholds traditional values and favors limited government intervention in societal affairs.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported the Constitution and were considered liberal, while Anti-Federalists backed the Bill of Rights and were seen as conservative.

Isolationism

Advocates for states' rights, strict interpretation of laws, and opposes a national bank, often associated with France supporters.

First Political Parties

Democratic-Republican (Republican) led by Jefferson, focused on Southern interests and isolationism, while Federalists led by Hamilton supported loose interpretation, a National Bank, and were aligned with Britain.

Death of the Federalists

Occurred after the War of 1812, marked by the Hartford Convention and the decline of Federalist influence.

“Era of Good Feelings”

Period following the War of 1812 characterized by political unity and dominance of the Republican Party.

Election of 1824

John Quincy Adams (National Republican and Liberal) vs. Andrew Jackson (Democrat), marked by the Corrupt Bargain.

Whig Party

Formed in opposition to Jackson, fought over the Second National Bank, and eventually dissolved.

Reconstruction

Democrats remained conservative, Republicans were progressive, and Radical Republicans pushed for further progressivism.

The Gilded Age

Marked by political and economic conservatism, with Democrats and Republicans both leaning conservative.

Populist Party

Emerged to represent working-class and farmer interests during the Gilded Age but did not win elections.

The Progressive Era

Characterized by political and economic progressivism, with leaders like Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

Roaring Twenties

Saw a return to conservatism under Harding, Republican dominance, and the onset of the Great Depression in 1929.

New Deal

Initiated by Franklin Roosevelt, ushered in the Liberal Era (1932-1965) with Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson as key figures.

Rise of Conservatism (1980-2008)

Period marked by conservative presidents like Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush, with Clinton being the lone Democrat.

Obama Presidency (2008)

Attempted to embody true progressivism in response to the preceding conservative era.