Elections

Presidential elections that realigned American politics, exposed the fault lines of their era, or settled questions that defined what came next.

Election of 1800

Jefferson's "Revolution of 1800" — America's first peaceful transfer of power between parties

Election of 1828

Andrew Jackson's populist landslide reshapes American democracy

Election of 1860

The presidential election that dissolved the Union before the winner took office

Election of 1876

The disputed election that ended Reconstruction and handed the White House to Hayes

Election of 1896

McKinley vs. Bryan — gold, silver, and the soul of American capitalism

Election of 1932

FDR's landslide gives the New Deal its mandate

Election of 1968

Nixon's narrow victory amid assassination, riots, and the collapse of the New Deal coalition

Election of 2000

Bush v. Gore and the 36-day Florida recount that decided the presidency

Election of 2008

Barack Obama defeats John McCain to become the first Black president

Election of 2016

Donald Trump's upset of Hillary Clinton remakes American politics

Election of 2020

Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump in a pandemic election