### The History of U.S. Elections: Winners and Key Milestones
The story of U.S. elections is a fascinating journey through time, reflecting the evolving political landscape of our nation. Since the very first presidential election in 1788, the United States has seen a myriad of elections, the rise and fall of political parties, and shifts in voter participation that tell us much about who we are as a country.
#### Early Elections (1788-1824)
1. **1788-89: George Washington (Independent)**
George Washington was unanimously elected as the first president, a remarkable feat that remains unmatched—he received 100% of the electoral votes.
2. **1792: George Washington (Independent)**
Washington continued to lead, setting important precedents for the presidency and establishing norms that would guide future leaders.
3. **1796: John Adams (Federalist)**
This election was the first contested one in American history, marking the emergence of political parties.
4. **1800: Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican)**
Jefferson’s victory led to a peaceful transfer of power, a significant moment dubbed the "Revolution of 1800."
5. **1804: Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican)**
Re-elected, Jefferson oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the nation.
6. **1808: James Madison (Democratic-Republican)**
Madison took office during the War of 1812, a challenging period for the young nation.
7. **1812: James Madison (Democratic-Republican)**
Madison was re-elected amidst the ongoing war, which tested the nation's resolve.
8. **1816: James Monroe (Democratic-Republican)**
Monroe's presidency was marked by a lack of political opposition, known as the "Era of Good Feelings."
9. **1820: James Monroe (Democratic-Republican)**
Monroe was almost unanimously re-elected, with just one electoral vote against him—a testament to his popularity.
#### The Rise of Political Parties (1824-1860)
10. **1824: John Quincy Adams (Democratic-Republican)**
This election was controversial, with Adams winning in a decision made by the House of Representatives.
11. **1828: Andrew Jackson (Democrat)**
Jackson's election marked the rise of the Democratic Party and was notable for his humble beginnings.
12. **1832: Andrew Jackson (Democrat)**
Jackson faced opposition from the Whig Party but secured re-election.
13. **1836: Martin Van Buren (Democrat)**
Van Buren continued Jackson's policies, facing economic challenges during his term.
14. **1840: William Henry Harrison (Whig)**
Harrison's presidency was cut short by his death shortly after taking office; his campaign was characterized by its populist appeal.
15. **1844: James K. Polk (Democrat)**
Polk was a strong advocate for territorial expansion under the idea of Manifest Destiny.
16. **1848: Zachary Taylor (Whig)**
Taylor won against Lewis Cass but passed away shortly into his presidency.
17. **1852: Franklin Pierce (Democrat)**
Pierce’s administration was marked by increasing tensions over the issue of slavery.
18. **1856: James Buchanan (Democrat)**
Elected during rising sectional tensions, Buchanan’s presidency preceded the Civil War.
#### The Civil War and Reconstruction (1860-1880)
19. **1860: Abraham Lincoln (Republican)**
Lincoln’s election led to the secession of Southern states, setting the stage for the Civil War.
20. **1864: Abraham Lincoln (Republican)**
Re-elected during the Civil War, Lincoln focused on preserving the Union.
21. **1868: Ulysses S. Grant (Republican)**
Grant’s presidency came amid Reconstruction efforts following the Civil War.
22. **1872: Ulysses S. Grant (Republican)**
He won re-election despite facing scandals in his administration.
23. **1876: Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican)**
Hayes triumphed in a disputed election, marking the end of Reconstruction.
#### The Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1880-1920)
24. **1880: James A. Garfield (Republican)**
Garfield's presidency was tragically cut short by assassination shortly after he took office.
25. **1884: Grover Cleveland (Democrat)**
Cleveland became the first Democrat elected after the Civil War, known for his reform-minded approach.
26. **1888: Benjamin Harrison (Republican)**
Harrison won despite losing the popular vote to Cleveland.
27. **1892: Grover Cleveland (Democrat)**
In a rare occurrence, Cleveland was elected for a non-consecutive second term.
28. **1896: William McKinley (Republican)**
McKinley advocated for the gold standard and economic growth.
29. **1900: William McKinley (Republican)**
Re-elected, McKinley was assassinated the following year.
30. **1904: Theodore Roosevelt (Republican)**
Taking over after McKinley’s assassination, Roosevelt is celebrated for his progressive reforms.
31. **1908: William Howard Taft (Republican)**
Taft continued Roosevelt’s policies but faced criticism for not being progressive enough.
32. **1912: Woodrow Wilson (Democrat)**
Wilson won during a split Republican Party, pushing for significant progressive reforms.
33. **1916: Woodrow Wilson (Democrat)**
Re-elected during World War I, he focused on maintaining U.S. neutrality.
#### The Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression (1920-1940)
34. **1920: Warren G. Harding (Republican)**
Harding's election came amid post-war disillusionment, and his administration faced numerous scandals.
35. **1924: Calvin Coolidge (Republican)**
Coolidge emphasized economic growth and limited government intervention.
36. **1928: Herbert Hoover (Republican)**
Hoover’s election preceded the Great Depression, setting the stage for severe economic turmoil.
37. **1932: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat)**
Roosevelt was elected during the Great Depression and introduced the New Deal, aimed at economic recovery.
38. **1936: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat)**
He won re-election by a landslide, continuing to implement extensive social and economic reforms.
39. **1940: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat)**
Roosevelt broke tradition by winning a third term, a testament to his leadership during challenging times.
#### Post-War America (1944-Present)
40. **1944: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat)**
He was elected for a fourth term but sadly passed away in office in 1945.
41. **1945: Harry S. Truman (Democrat)**
Truman assumed the presidency after FDR's death and was later elected in 1948.
42. **1952: Dwight D. Eisenhower (Republican)**
A popular war hero, Eisenhower emphasized peace and prosperity during his presidency.
43. **1960: John F. Kennedy (Democrat)**
Kennedy became the first Catholic president, navigating significant challenges like the Cuban Missile Crisis.
44. **1963: Lyndon B. Johnson (Democrat)**
Johnson took office after JFK's assassination, focusing on civil rights and social programs.
45. **1968: Richard Nixon (Republican)**
Nixon was elected during a tumultuous period, prioritizing law and order.
46. **1972: Richard Nixon (Republican)**
He won re-election amid the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to his resignation.
47. **1974: Gerald Ford (Republican)**
Ford took office following Nixon’s resignation, aiming to heal the nation.
48. **1976: Jimmy Carter (Democrat)**
Carter faced economic challenges during his term and emphasized human rights.
49. **1980: Ronald Reagan (Republican)**
Reagan’s presidency marked a shift towards conservative values and economic growth.
50. **1984: Ronald Reagan (Republican)**
He was re-elected in a landslide victory, enjoying widespread popularity.
51. **1988: George H.W. Bush (Republican)**
Bush continued Reagan’s policies, focusing on foreign relations.
52. **1992: Bill Clinton (Democrat)**
Clinton was elected amid economic concerns and the rise of a third-party candidate.
53. **1996: Bill Clinton (Democrat)**
He won re-election, emphasizing a strong economy and social issues.
54. **2000: George W. Bush (Republican)**
Bush’s election was highly contentious, culminating in a Supreme Court decision.
55. **2004: George W. Bush (Republican)**
He was re-elected during the ongoing War on Terror.
56. **2008: Barack Obama (Democrat)**
Obama made history as the first African American president, focusing on healthcare reform and economic recovery.
57. **2012: Barack Obama (Democrat)**
He was re-elected, continuing his focus on economic issues and healthcare.
58. **2016: Donald Trump (Republican)**
Trump’s election was notable for its divisiveness, emphasizing nationalism and immigration control.
59. **2020: Joe Biden (Democrat)**
Biden was elected amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a national conversation on racial justice.
### Conclusion
The history of U.S