By Jason Newell (UPDATED 2/2016):
Social media has become an excellent medium for people to express their political views – the feeling of anonymity, however, has compelled historical revisionists to unabashedly disseminate fabricated political material. There are countless myths making the rounds, but one in particular annoys me: the belief that the contemporary Republican Party, from an ideological standpoint, mirrors the Party of Lincoln. While this is a true from a technical standpoint, i.e., the GOP party label is the same, the ideological makeup of the Party has changed drastically. The contemporary Republican Party has become a bastion of staunchly conservative ideals, but this wasn’t the case during Lincoln’s presidency as Republican Radicals (the progressive faction) had an enormous influence on the Party’s desire to abolish slavery. Without progressive thought the Party of Lincoln, which included Radical Republicans (known as progressives before joining) and Abolitionists, the institution of slavery may have existed much longer.
The inspiration behind the Republican Party’s formation was largely based in an anti-slavery philosophy, exemplified by the first Republican nominee, John C. Fremont, slogan “Free soil, free silver, free men.” This rhetoric was adopted by the Republican nominee for President Abraham Lincoln:
“I have always hated slavery, I think as much as any Abolitionist.”
–July 10, 1858 Speech at Chicago
“Now I confess myself as belonging to that class in the country who contemplate slavery as a moral, social and political evil…”
–October 7, 1858 Debate at Galesburg, Illinois
“He [Stephen Douglas] is blowing out the moral lights around us, when he contends that whoever wants slaves has a right to hold them; that he is penetrating, so far as lies in his power, the human soul, and eradicating the light of reason and the love of liberty, when he is in every possible way preparing the public mind, by his vast influence, for making the institution of slavery perpetual and national.”
–October 7, 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debate at Galesburg, Illinois
One thing was clear: regardless of the motivation behind Lincoln’s presidential run, whether it be keeping the Union intact or channeling Northern resentment based on the South’s economic paradigm, Lincoln abhorred the institution of slavery on a personal level. To claim otherwise is false. On the other hand, the Democrat faction representing the Southern States epitomized conservatism as the faction seceded to preserve an immoral system. And this is precisely the area of history that Stupidparty disciples like to narrow in on – but it’s a misleading tactic due to Southern Democrats encompassing an entirely different political philosophy when compared to contemporary Democrats. They can’t seem to grasp the concept of ideological realignment. Remember, party politics aren’t static; progressivism was ultimately responsible for the abolition of slavery, not conservatism. (Some examples of progressive legislation implemented by the Republican Party during the Civil War were the development of America’s infrastructure [railroads], the creation of a national bank system, and a temporary income tax.)
About fifty years later, the Party experienced an ideological schism that saw the progressive faction leave the party. Prior to the ideological split, Teddy Roosevelt, one of the most idolized presidents of all time, confronted the industrialists and financiers with trust busting and he also strengthened regulations.
Roosevelt was unquestionably a big government progressive. Leading up to the Presidential Election of 1912, tariffs became the hot button issue – it was the issue that contributed to a rift forming between President Taft and former President Roosevelt; and of course, Taft’s shift to more conservative ideals contributed to it as well. The 1912 Republican Convention was chaotic: feeling slighted by the delegates favoring Taft, Roosevelt—in his bid for a third term—walked out with the progressive delegates and formed the Bull Moose Party.
The move was significant in party realignment because the progressive faction that left was a powerful and influential faction within the Republican Party since the Civil War. Nonetheless, the Bull Moose Party dissolved after four years, leaving many progressives without a party affiliation, even though some reluctantly remained in the Republican Party, which became dominated by conservatives. Eventually, most progressives joined the predominately Democratic New Deal coalition—at the same time, the majority of Democratic conservatives joined the Republican Party—and the remaining Republican Party progressives left in the 1940s. The realignment was crucial to understanding the contemporary makeup of the Republican and Democratic Parties.
Incidentally, I suspect that some readers are wondering about the evolution of the Southern Democratic Party – the faction that conservatives typically highlight in their attempt to label the contemporary Democratic Party as still being racist. Let me explain: while the Southern Democratic coalition was responsible for Jim Crow, their motivation stemmed from conservative ideals. In addition, many Southern Democrats in the 1960s felt betrayed by the Party’s acceptance of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society and switched to the Republican Party. In the 1970s, the remaining Southern Democrats, angered with Carter’s presidency, ended up supporting Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. As of now, the Southern Republican Party is made up of ex-conservative Democrats.
Rather than accepting Stupidparty arguments relating to the contemporary Republican Party—from an ideological perspective—being responsible for the abolition of slavery, it’s better to analyze historical facts in order to paint an accurate picture. The historical revisionists are crafty, but they’re not the sharpest tools in the shed. It’s crucial to note: the progressive faction that was responsible for the abolition of slavery no longer exists in the Republican Party, therefore, taking credit, as a political entity, for the dismantling of slavery is an outright sham – in reality, the contemporary Republican Party caters to the demands of bigots and racists. The previous notion is bolstered by Trump’s ascendancy, which is largely being fueled by xenophobia and arbitrary hate. The Party that once fought for progressive values has disappointingly devolved into a paranoid propaganda machine, intent on restricting the vote; deporting 11 million people; and denying the existence of institutional and systemic racism. To my astonishment, there are even those who defend the Southern institution of slavery under the transparent guise of state’s rights.
Now, the Democratic Party’s history is not immune to criticism, the Southern Democratic faction in particular, but ideological schisms transformed the Party’s ideological underpinnings to that of progressive ideals, analogous to what the Republican Party once was. So please, if you come across an individual trying to pin the abolition of slavery to conservative ideals, remember to invoke the role that progressive thought had on toppling conservative tyranny. Hopefully, once presented with these facts, they’ll dispose of this false notion and understand that the contemporary Republican Party has become the antithesis of the Party’s founding philosophy.
Clemente turner says
Americans PLEASE STOP LETTING TRASH ASS REPUBLICANS SET THE DEBATE TONE W/NON ISSUES, CREATED FALSE CRISIS AND 1935 – 1945 WORLD WAR ll NAZI TACTICS AND LIES. GERIMANDERING. STOP REPUBLICANS MISUSE OF ALL OUR TAX DOLLARS WITH WITCH HUNTS, BULLSHIT LAWSUITS. CALL PEOPLE LIKE TRUMP OUT! DON’T LET THEM MAKE YOU ARGUE OVER THEIR LIES: BECAUSE THEY HAVE “NOT ONE GODDAMNED ISSUE TO STAND ON!” CALL THEM OUT ON THE VOTES THEY TAKE, AND WHY. MAKE THEM EXPLAIN THEIR RECORDS OF LYING TO THE VERY PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT THEM. THEY ARE DOING THE EXACT SAME THINGS THE NAZI’S DID IN 1935 – 1945. LIE TO AND RILE-UP! THE PEOPLE ABOUT AND AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF COLOR. LASTLY. STOP PRETENDING ITS NOT HAPPENING AGAIN! EXTREME RIGHT WINGERS ARE THE BIGGEST THREAT TO DEMOCRACY AND THE UNITED STATES IN THE WORLD TODAY! TERRORISTS DO WHAT THEY DO BECAUSE REPUBLICANS MAKE IT POSSIBLE BY GOING AGAINST OUR COUNTRYS OWN PRESIDENT BECAUSE HE’S BLACK. AND THEY NEED A BOOGIEMAN; SO THE MAIN STRATEGY IS TO USE PEOPLE OF COLOR, WOMEN, THE NOT SO EDUCATED, THE JOBLESS- BY REFUSING TO CREAT JOBS, spewing RACIST IDEOLOGY AGAINST ALL THE PEOPLES OF AMERICA WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR ALL! AND EVEN PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO ENSURE THE FREEDOM WE REAL AMERICANS HAVE HELPED EACH OTHER TO BUILD! YOU PUT THE TOP MAZI LEADERS IN A GROUP PHOTO… AND I BET YOU CAN ASIGN JUST ABOUT EVERY REPUBLICAN LEADER TO THE ROLL EACH NAZI LEADER PLAYED. LIKE PAUL RYANS LIES SCAPGOATING THE MENTALLY ILL ON CBS THIS MORNING – RIGHT NOW ON CBS THIS MORNING! ALWAYS WAIT WAIT WAIT! AND IF CONGRESS ISNT TOP LAW ENFORCEMENT. THEN WHO THE FUCK IS!! REMEMBER, THE PEOPLES OF GERMANY, AND THE UNITED STATES ALMOST WAITED TOO LATE. NWALAH! WORLD WAR ll. So what say you AMERICANS. WE ARE ON THE WRONG TRACK BE CAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE PAUL RAYAN. ARE YOU AS AMERICANS READY TO STOP THIS BULLSHIT! YOU HAVE YOUR CHANCE TO NOVEMBER 2016. IF YOU DON’T. THEN I SEE THAT ALL THE CIVILIANS AND SOLDIERS WHO DIED FOR OUR COUNTRY… DIED IN VAIN. AND EXSTREMISTS FINALY WIN THE WAR THEY’VE BEEN WAGING SINCE THE 1860’S. GOT IT!
Patrick Andendall says
It might be a good idea to rewrite and not use capitals – I have not read your comment, for that reason. It is OK occasionally use capitals for emphasis or a short scream. It is a shame because I think you are trying to say something interesting, important You might want to consider a calmer opening sentence or two and if you want to get rightfully angry -build up to it. if you do this I will remove this comment -just trying to help you.
Xtina says
Well done
Clemente turner says
Note: My previous comment is not a rant… It is historical, political fact. So before you decide to argue…. Check the history: state and federal archive’s. You will learn that today’s Republican party aka; stupid party, henceforth (SP) is FACIST under the name conservative. And I thank you for your time and consideration.
Xtina says
He wasn’t arguing, he was pointing out stylistic issues that might keep a reader from reading and taking seriously what you have to say.
Marie says
This post is exactly what I was looking for as the antidote to my conservative relatives’ smug FB posts claiming that their Republican party is the “party of Lincoln.” The ignorance is astounding. Would be great if there were a brief bio of Jason Newell– would help lend credibility.
Jason Newell says
Here’s my bio my friend:
“Jason is 28-years-old, a dual citizen (of both the U.S. and Peru), and he currently resides in Seattle, WA. He received his B.A. from the University of Oregon, where he majored in Political Science. (At Oregon, he was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society.) After graduating, Jason completed one year of law school at Whittier and then successfully transferred into Lewis & Clark Law School. (At Whittier, he received a CALI Award [Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction] in Legal Writing [i.e. top of the class] and finished on the dean’s list and honor roll.) However, his interests changed and he transferred to George Washington University in order to receive a graduate degree in political management and PhD in political philsophy. Recently, Jason opened an educational company with a good friend from college. His company creates course curriculum, tutors students, and will eventually provide a global marketplace where students can bid on educational assistance.”
Marie says
Thanks so much! I appreciate you taking the time to do this.
Jason Newell says
You’re so welcome!