An Adolescent Nation’s Partisan Divide Explodes.
The 19th century saw a raucous political culture characterized by hard cider bribery, polling place brawls, and consequently…very high voter turnout. In cities, armed gangs provided muscle for party bosses. The Bowery Boys, associated with New York’s firefighters and the nativist American Party, marched in intimidating election-eve midnight parades that sometimes ransacked rival headquarters. Outside the cities, political parties threw co-ed barbecues, balls, and parades featuring big bands and fireworks. The most entertainment many people would see all year was tied to politics. Often, the most enthusiastic participants in campaigning were struggling young citizens who found identity and maturity in civic engagement. Exuberant young people and scheming party bosses relied on each other. In the fraught years leading up to the 1860 election, American democracy featured an astonishing number of assassination attempts. The liberal founder of the Republican Party survived no fewer than three assassination attempts. In early 1860, his visit to Hartford was the talk of the town.