rise of republicans

Question 1

background of republicans

Answer 1

The Republican party was formed in the spring and summer of 1854 when a number of anti-slavery coalitions were formed (especially in the Midwestern states). In Michigan and Wisconsin, they called themselves the Republicans.

Question 2

Republican ideologies

Answer 2

Free labour – Eric Forner believed that Republicans shared a desire to protect the Free Labour system by blocking slavery.

Anti-Democrat – Republicans were against the Democrats due to their issuing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

Opposition to the slave power conspiracy – Willaim Gienapp argues that majority of Republicans believed that the slave power conspiracy threatened Republican liberty, equality and self-interest.

Some opposed slavery – some were concerned about the welfare of African Americans. Most leading abolitionists voted for Republicans and some supported equal rights. However, most Republicans were against the immediate abolition of slavery in the South, and few believed that Congress had the right to interfere with slavery.

Sectional economic interests – Charles Beard argues that they were motivated by sectional economic interests.

Divided on nativist issue – Salmon Chase wanted to appeal to anti-slavery and anti-Catholic forces whereas Seward and Lincoln wanted no concession to Nativism.

Question 3

william gienapp view on republicans

Answer 3

Willaim Gienapp argues that majority of Republicans believed that the slave power conspiracy threatened Republican liberty, equality and self-interest.

Question 4

Farmer view on republicans

Answer 4

Farmer argues that the Republican party had many different views which appealed to various groups in the USA.