The Democratic Party:
The World's Oldest, Most Successful Political Party
Official History of the Democratic Party
The Democratic Party was founded in 1792 by Thomas Jefferson as a coalition in Congress to counter the elitist Federalist Party. Jefferson had a vision of a nation ruled not by aristocrats, but by the common man - a place where the simplist among us can find happiness, success, and freedom. The Party, then known as the Democratic-Republicans, was successful from the start - Jefferson was elected as our first Democratic president in 1800.
Jefferson's unparalleled leadership, and his wise guidance of the new nation through its youth, sparked an era of Democratic presidents. He was followed directly by James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams, before the Party took its next leap forward.
Andrew Jackson - who along with Jefferson is seen as the true founder of our party - was elected president in 1828, and is known to history as our most egalitarian leader. Jackson developed the Party's internal workings, created the concept of a party platform, and changed our name - we were now the Democratic Party.
Democrats' populist message was developed further throughout the 19th century, entering the 20th century as the only party fighting for agrarian reform, women's suffrage, progressive taxation, transportation improvements, health and safety standards, union rights, and direct election of senators. We became the party of immigrants, workers, and farmers.
The 20th century was filled with Democratic leaders who made "America's Century" a reality. Woodrow Wilson guided the nation through the World War I, passionately pursued world peace, and modernized our economy. Franklin Delano Roosevelt saw us through the Great Depression and World War II - he helped to lift our nation out of despair and into the greatest military triumph the world has ever known. His New Deal for America created the government of hope and opportunity that we needed, and secured a prosperous future for generations to come.
Harry Truman pushed for universal healthcare, brought racial barriers crashing down, and lifted our allies around the world out of the destruction of the Second World War. John F. Kennedy inspired generations, confidently fought the Cold War, and brought America to new heights - together reaching beyond the heavens on mankind's voyage to the moon. Lyndon Johnson continued Kennedy's fight for equal opportunity, passing the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, and creating the modern systems that help America's poorest citizens.
Jimmy Carter made us believe again in the goodness of government, brought real progress to Middle East peace, and made human rights an issue around the world. Bill Clinton reversed the worst economic downturn in more than half-a-century, putting more people to work, more families in homes, and more children in quality schools than ever before. America became safer, more prosperous, and more fiscally responsible. When Bill Clinton left office in 2001 the nation's budget had the largest surplus in history.
Today the Democratic Party is the oldest political party on the planet. From Jefferson and Jackson, to Roosevelt and Clinton, the Democratic Party has consistently been the party for all Americans. We are the party that believes in the America Dream and has consistently made it a reality. We believe in hard work and progress. We believe in families, safety, security, and progress. We believe that America is best when we see what is wrong and work together to fix it. We believe that Americans have more in common with each other than we have uncommon, and that our strength and true and honest greatness, lies within our history of opportunity, community, and constant desire for self-improvement.
Two Centuries of Strength and Progress
Our Record in Brief:
The Democratic Presidents:
*Dickinson College Class of 1809
