The GOP

A History of the Republican Party

07.15.16

Donald Trump has clinched the Republican party presidential nomination, and some political pundits wonder if his nomination represents a watershed for the GOP. On this episode of BackStory, we unpack the origins, evolution, and reinvention of the Grand Old Party. From its birth in 1854 by anti-slavery activists in the North, to the party of small government and low taxes, we look at how the Republican party has reinvented itself at various points in its history.

Republican party; party politics; policial parties

Open Episode Transcript as PDF

Segments

Where Are You From?

According to the Republican National Committee, the first formal meeting of the new Republican Party was held in Jackson, Michigan on July 6, 1854. Some other American towns, however, beg to differ. Peter, Ed and Brian talk to Barbara Rimkunis and Brian Reilly about the birth of the GOP.

Republican party; origin stories; policial parties

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See You At The Crossroads

The hosts talk about how Republicans are once again facing change and circle back to Barbara Rimkunis to explore her idea that the Republican Party was born in multiple places simultaneously.

Republican party; origin stories; policial parties

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Meet Mr. Republican

In 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower was certain he would clench the GOP nomination. That is until Senator Robert Taft, a formidable opponent known as “Mr. Republican” threw his hat into the race. Brian talks to historian William Hitchcock about this particular election and how Taft got that nickname.

Dwight Eisenhower; Republican party; election of 1952; factions; party politics

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What’s In A Name?

The hosts talk about where the name Grand Old Party comes from and what it meant when the party was formed. Political scientist Saladin Ambar contributes to this discussion.

Republican party; names; origin stories; policial parties

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Campaign Song Sing-A-Long

The hosts listened to some campaign songs with guest Stuart Schimler.

Republican party; political campaigns; slogans; songwriting

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Whose Party Is This?

Historian Leah Wright Rigueur talks to the hosts about how Jackie Robinson, after years of supporting the GOP, had a very public change of heart in the early 1960s.

Jackie Robinson; Republican party; party loyalty

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Praise The Lord And Pass The Ballot

The hosts ask pollster Robert P. Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, about how and when evangelical Christians became a reliable Republican voting bloc.

Republican party; evangelicalism; religious right

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Mark Hanna - Podcast Only

Mark Hanna was the Karl Rove of his day. Through his work on William McKinley’s campaign, he is often credited with “making” McKinley and in the process, he created a new kind of politics. The hosts talk some more with Saladin Ambar about Hanna.

Mark Hanna; Republican party; William McKinley; election of 1896; party poltics

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