1880 Republican National Convention

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1880 Republican National Convention

The 1880 Republican National Convention was a significant political event in the history of the United States. It was held at the Exposition Hall in Chicago, Illinois, from June 2 to June 8, 1880. The convention was convened to select the Republican Party's candidates for President and Vice President for the upcoming 1880 United States presidential election.

Background

The political landscape leading up to the 1880 convention was marked by intense factionalism within the Republican Party. The main factions were the Stalwarts, led by Roscoe Conkling, and the Half-Breeds, led by James G. Blaine. The Stalwarts were staunch supporters of the Grant administration and favored a third term for former President Ulysses S. Grant, while the Half-Breeds sought civil service reform and opposed Grant's renomination.

Candidates

The primary candidates for the presidential nomination were:

• Ulysses S. Grant - Former President of the United States
• James G. Blaine - U.S. Senator from Maine
• John Sherman - U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
• James A. Garfield - U.S. Representative from Ohio

Convention Proceedings

The convention was notable for its dramatic and contentious proceedings. The balloting process was prolonged, with 36 ballots cast before a nominee was chosen. Initially, Grant and Blaine were the leading contenders, but neither could secure the necessary majority.

On the 34th ballot, a compromise candidate, James A. Garfield, began to gain traction. Garfield, who had not actively sought the nomination, was a respected figure and a unifying choice for the divided party. On the 36th ballot, Garfield secured the nomination with 399 votes.

For the vice-presidential nomination, the convention selected Chester A. Arthur, a Stalwart and former Collector of the Port of New York City.

Outcome

The ticket of James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur went on to win the 1880 United States presidential election, defeating the Democratic candidates Winfield Scott Hancock and William Hayden English.

Legacy

The 1880 Republican National Convention is remembered for its intense factionalism and the eventual compromise that led to Garfield's nomination. It highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party and set the stage for future political developments.

Related Pages

• Republican Party (United States)
• James A. Garfield
• Chester A. Arthur
• 1880 United States presidential election
• Ulysses S. Grant
• James G. Blaine
• John Sherman