### Evolution of US Presidential Elections and Voting Rights

The evolving voting landscape in the U.S. reflects deep societal changes and ongoing political polarization throughout history.

### The Evolution of U.S. Presidential Elections: From 1789 to 2024
* 🗳 The U.S. presidential election landscape has transformed significantly since George Washington was elected in 1789, with only **1.3% of the population casting votes**, primarily **white male property owners**.
* 📜 Over the years, voting rights have expanded, with **free people of color allowed to vote** in certain states, and the emergence of the **two-party system** featuring Federalists and Democratic-Republicans shaping political dynamics.
* 📈 The election of Andrew Jackson in 1828 marked a turning point with **increased voter participation** due to the **elimination of property requirements**, leading to a **surge in white working-class voters**.
* ⚔ The Civil War and the subsequent election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 highlighted the **deep divisions in the country**, as 11 Southern states **seceded from the Union**, leading to significant changes in voting rights with the passage of the **15th Amendment**.
* 🏛 The post-war era saw the rise of **Jim Crow laws** that disenfranchised African Americans, while the Republican Party gained strength in the North, culminating in significant victories for figures like **Ulysses S. Grant**.
* 🌍 Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency marked a shift in voter demographics, as he garnered support from **African Americans and immigrants**, while the New Deal programs began to **reshape party alignments**.
* 📺 The 1960s brought civil rights to the forefront, with landmark legislation like the **Civil Rights Act of 1964** and the **Voting Rights Act of 1965**, although this alienated many white Southerners who shifted their allegiance to the **Republican Party**.
* 🔄 The 21st century has seen **increasing polarization in American politics**, with Donald Trump's election in 2016 and Joe Biden's victory in 2020 culminating in dramatic events, including the **storming of the Capitol** and a contentious 2024 election that saw Trump return to power as a **convicted felon**.

How The US Voted In Every Election, From George Washington To Donald Trump | Business Insider

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Early US Presidential Elections and the Evolution of Voting Rights

Early maps show a predominantly red (Republican) center and blue (Democrat) edges, but this has changed over time due to new parties, state expansions, and shifts in voter demographics.

George Washington's election in 1789; only about 1.3% of the population voted, mostly white male property owners.

Some states allowed free people of color to vote, regardless of property ownership.

Emergence of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans; Jefferson's election in 1800.

Andrew Jackson's election in 1828; property requirements eliminated in many states, leading to increased voter participation.

The Rise of the Republican Party and the Civil War Era

The Whig party emerges, opposing the expansion of slavery; slavery becomes a major determinant of voting patterns.

The Whig party collapses; the Republican party emerges, opposing slavery and advocating for economic reform.

Republicans gain popularity in the North and attempt to attract Black voters in the South.

Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860; the South secedes, leading to the Civil War.

Ulysses S. Grant's election in 1868; the 15th Amendment grants voting rights to all male citizens, excluding Native Americans.

Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the Expansion of Suffrage

The Compromise of 1877 ends Reconstruction; Jim Crow laws restrict African-American voting rights.

Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Party; focus on women's suffrage and social reforms.

The 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote in 1920.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency; the Great Depression and World War II shift voter demographics and party alignment.

The Post-War Era and the Civil Rights Movement

Harry S. Truman's election in 1948; continuation of the New Deal.

Dwight D. Eisenhower's election in 1952; end of 20 years of Democratic rule.

John F. Kennedy's election in 1960; the impact of television on political campaigns and the Civil Rights Movement.

Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency; passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Richard Nixon's election in 1968; a shift towards conservatism.

Ronald Reagan's election in 1980; revitalization of the conservative movement.

Bill Clinton's election in 1992; appeal to moderate voters.

George W. Bush's election in 2000; the contested election and the 9/11 attacks.

Barack Obama's election in 2008; the first Black president.

Donald Trump's election in 2016; appeal to racially resentful white voters.

Hillary Clinton's loss in 2016; Trump's victory despite losing the popular vote.

Joe Biden's election in 2020; victory over Trump amidst a global pandemic.

The 2024 election; Trump's return to the White House.