Elections of 1892 and 1896
1896, significance?
1896 campaign is often considered to be a realigning election that ended the old Third Party System and began the Fourth Party System; sharp division in society between urban and rural interests.It is seen to be the beginning of a new era in American politics, or a 'realignment' election, highlighting the changes that were occurring in American society at the turn of the 19th century. This was the last election in which a candidate tried to win the White House with mostly agrarian votes
1892, significance?
Cleveland also became the first Democrat to be nominated by his party three consecutive times, although William Jennings Bryan was nominated for a third time in 1908 it was not consecutive with his two other nominations in 1896 and 1900.
1892, Who?
Former Democratic President Grover Cleveland and incumbent Republican President Benjamin Harrison both ran for re-election to a second term.
1892, What?
It witnessed a re-match of the closely contested presidential election in 1888.
1896, who?
Republican candidate William McKinley defeated Democrat William Jennings Bryan in one of the most dramatic and complex races in American history.
1896, what?
climaxed an intensely heated contest