AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Early 20th Century Political Realignments (Day 244/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Early 20th Century Political Realignments as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

History of Political Parties, Kathleen Kowal

The Great Depression of the 1930s triggered significant political realignments as the economic crisis discredited traditional laissez-faire Republican ideologies, leading to a shift towards more activist government policies. 

Reelect Roosevelt Poster, Southern Methodist University

FDR's election in 1932 marked a turning point as the Democratic Party embraced a voting coalition of labor unions, blue-collar workers, racial and religious minorities, liberal white Southerners, and intellectuals. This New Deal coalition sought to address economic hardships through extensive government intervention and social welfare programs. 

FDR’s Black Cabinet, Wikimedia Commons

The Republican Party faced internal divisions, with conservative Republicans resisting the move towards increased government involvement. Many African Americans who had long supported the “party of Lincoln,” now shifted allegiance to the Democrats.

Major Electoral Changes after Decennial Census, Maps from 270 to Win, Image by apushladyboss

The realignment was not only ideological but also regional, as demographic changes and migration patterns contributed to the loss of electoral votes in many midwestern states and the increase in electoral votes in California and more urban northeastern states.

As a result of the Great Depression, party platforms changed, voter bases were realigned, and there was a transfer of political power within American regions.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Interwar Foreign Policy in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!