U.S. presidential election, 1896

Summary

The election of 1896 is often considered a realigning election. Democrat nominee William Jennings Bryan was running against William McKinley, but the McKinley ended up winning, getting an endorsement from many big businesses. The Democrats would not win another presidency until 1912, making Grover Cleveland the only Democratic president from 1860 to 1912.

Republican convention

As they did in 1876 and 1880, the Republicans dipped into the talent pool that was the Governor's office of Ohio to nominate William McKinley of Niles for President, and New Jersey's Garret Hobart for Vice President. McKinley campaign manager Mark Hanna raised a staggering $ 3,500,000 for the campaign, outspending the Democrats by a 10-to-1 margin.

Democratic convention

Incumbent President Grover Cleveland's declaration that he would not seek a third term left a wide open Democratic National Convention, and at just 36 years old, Nebraska's William Jennings Bryan filled the void, attracting widespread support after delivering his famous "Cross of Gold" speech prior to delegate balloting. Bryan's stance unified splintered Democrats and earned him the nomination, defeating Seymour F. Norton by a 3-to-1 margin.

Other parties

The Republicans and Democrats were joined by more "third party" candidates than ever before in 1896, with the Socialist Labor, Prohibition, National Prohibition and National Democratic parties each offering tickets for President and Vice President. The Populist Party took a page from the Democrats, joining them in supporting William Jennings Bryan's candidacy, but offering their own Vice Presidential choice, Thomas Edward Watson.

Election results

See also: President of the United States, U.S. presidential election, 1896, History of the United States (1865-1918)

Other elections