1888 United States presidential election
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| 1888 United States presidential election | |
|---|---|
 SteveSims · Public domain · source | |
| Election name | 1888 United States presidential election |
| Country | United States |
| Type | presidential |
| Turnout | 79.3% |
| Previous election | 1884 United States presidential election |
| Previous year | 1884 |
| Next election | 1892 United States presidential election |
| Next year | 1892 |
| Winner name | Benjamin Harrison |
| Winner party | Republican Party (United States) |
| Nominee1 | Benjamin Harrison |
| Nominee2 | Grover Cleveland |
1888 United States presidential election The 1888 United States presidential election was held on November 6, 1888. Benjamin Harrison of the Republican Party (United States) defeated Grover Cleveland, the Democratic incumbent President of the United States, despite losing the popular vote. Harrison's victory marked the first time a Republican had won the presidency since Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876. The election was influenced by protectionism and tariffs, with Harrison supporting the Tariff Act of 1890, also known as the McKinley Tariff.
Background
In the years leading up to the election, the United States was experiencing significant economic growth, but also faced challenges such as inflation and unemployment. The Republican Party (United States) and Democratic Party (United States) were the two dominant parties, with the Republicans supporting protectionism and the Democrats advocating for free trade. Grover Cleveland, the incumbent President of the United States, was a strong supporter of free trade and had vetoed several tariff bills during his presidency.
Nominations
The Republican Party (United States) nominated Benjamin Harrison, a U.S. Senator from Indiana, as their candidate for president. Harrison was a strong supporter of protectionism and had been a key player in the development of the Republican Party (United States). The Democratic Party (United States) renominated Grover Cleveland, the incumbent President of the United States, as their candidate for president. Cleveland was a popular leader, but faced opposition from within his own party due to his support for free trade.
General election
The general election was marked by a fierce campaign between Harrison and Cleveland. Harrison focused on the issue of protectionism, arguing that a tariff was necessary to protect American industry. Cleveland, on the other hand, argued that a tariff would lead to inflation and unemployment. The election was also notable for the use of campaign advertising, with both candidates using posters and pamphlets to promote their campaigns.
Results
Benjamin Harrison won the electoral college with 233 votes to Grover Cleveland's 168 votes. However, Cleveland won the popular vote, receiving 5,534,488 votes to Harrison's 5,443,393 votes. The election was close, with Harrison winning several key swing states, including New York and Pennsylvania.
Aftermath
The 1888 United States presidential election marked a significant shift in American politics, with the Republican Party (United States) gaining control of the presidency and Congress. Benjamin Harrison went on to serve as President of the United States from 1889 to 1893, during which time he signed several significant laws, including the Sherman Antitrust Act and the McKinley Tariff. The election also marked the beginning of a new era of partisan politics in the United States, with the Republicans and Democrats engaging in a series of intense elections that would shape the course of American history. William McKinley, who would go on to win the 1896 United States presidential election, played a key role in Harrison's campaign and later became a prominent figure in the Republican Party (United States).