The founding event of the Republican Party is a matter of some dispute. Some point to a mass meeting in Ripon,
Wisconsin in March 1854; others cite a later gathering in Jackson, Michigan. In any event, there appeared to be a
spontaneous outpouring of anger following passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Large public meetings were held
in numerous Northern communities, some of which used the term “Republican.”
The ranks of the emerging Republican Party were filled by the following:
Repeal of the Kansas-Nebraska Act—the Republican opposition to the extension of slavery was based more on
economic concerns than moral ones
Support of the central route for the construction of the transcontinental railroad
Support of a Homestead Act, which would ease the process for settlers to own western lands
Support of high protective tariffs and liberal immigration laws—both were attractive to Northern manufacturers.
Importantly, the Republicans were the party of free working white men; they were opposed to the spread of slavery
because they did not want to compete against unpaid labor in the lands opening in the West. They were no
particular friends of the blacks, slave or free. Further, the Republicans were purely a sectional party; they did not
attempt to run candidates in the slave states. Their plan was to gain complete political control in the North; if they
did, they would have sufficient electoral strength to elect a president.
The Fundamental Principles of the Republican Party
Blacks Rethink Democratic Party
Black Folks and The Republican Party
Black History and The Effects of Reconstruction
Brief History of North Carolina Republican Party
National Black Republican Associations (NBRA) History Test
Grand Old Party: Blacks might be surprised to compare Republican history with the Democrats’
Wisconsin in March 1854; others cite a later gathering in Jackson, Michigan. In any event, there appeared to be a
spontaneous outpouring of anger following passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Large public meetings were held
in numerous Northern communities, some of which used the term “Republican.”
The ranks of the emerging Republican Party were filled by the following:
- Northern Whigs united in their opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, but leaderless following the deaths of
Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, both in 1852.
- The Free-Soil Party, which had played a spoiler role in several presidential elections, but now was bereft of
effective leadership
- The Know-Nothing movement, whose roots lay in the fear of immigrants in general and Roman Catholics in
particular Northern Democrats who deserted their Southern cousins over the slavery issue.
- The new party experienced almost overnight success, winning control of the House of Representatives in the
fall of 1854. Issues that brought the Republicans together included:
Repeal of the Kansas-Nebraska Act—the Republican opposition to the extension of slavery was based more on
economic concerns than moral ones
Support of the central route for the construction of the transcontinental railroad
Support of a Homestead Act, which would ease the process for settlers to own western lands
Support of high protective tariffs and liberal immigration laws—both were attractive to Northern manufacturers.
Importantly, the Republicans were the party of free working white men; they were opposed to the spread of slavery
because they did not want to compete against unpaid labor in the lands opening in the West. They were no
particular friends of the blacks, slave or free. Further, the Republicans were purely a sectional party; they did not
attempt to run candidates in the slave states. Their plan was to gain complete political control in the North; if they
did, they would have sufficient electoral strength to elect a president.
The Fundamental Principles of the Republican Party
- I believe that the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability
and responsibility must be honored.
- I believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or
disability.
- I believe in free enterprise and that encouraging individual initiative will continue to bring this nation
opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.
- I believe government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they
earn.
- I believe the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be
performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least.
- I believe the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.
- I believe America must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative
ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.
- I believe in American values and that we should preserve our national strength and pride while working to
extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.
- Finally, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and
successful principles of government.
Blacks Rethink Democratic Party
Black Folks and The Republican Party
Black History and The Effects of Reconstruction
Brief History of North Carolina Republican Party
National Black Republican Associations (NBRA) History Test
Grand Old Party: Blacks might be surprised to compare Republican history with the Democrats’
| Universities Started By Republicans Shaw University 1865 Raleigh, NC Fisk University 1866 Nashville, TN Atlanta University 1867 Atlanta, GA Howard University 1867 Washington, DC Meharry Medical College 1867 Nashville, TN Morgan College 1867 Baltimore, MD Morehouse College 1867 Atlanta, GA Talladega College 1867 Talladega, AL Straight University 1869 New Orleans, LA Clark University 1870 Atlanta, GA New Orleans University 1873 New Orleans LA Spelman College 1881 Atlanta, GA Philander Smith College 1883 Little Rock AR Rust College 1883 Holy Spring MS Virginia Union University 1899 Richmond, VA Samuel Houston College 1900 Austin, TX |
| Copyright 2012. All content and rights are reserved by The Frederick Douglass Foundation, Inc. |
The
Frederick Douglass Foundation
Frederick Douglass Foundation
"Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy
to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe." - Frederick Douglass -
to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe." - Frederick Douglass -
| The Core Pillars of the Foundation |
| "Devoted Christians - Proud Americans - Active Republicans" |
| WE BELIEVE IN THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE AND THE PROTECTION OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| FOLLOW US |
