Democrats were Republicans and Republicans were Democrats

Democrats were Republicans and Republicans were Democrats.

And they were both Democratic-Republicans.

No, this is not a Dr. Seuss book!

Out of curiosity, I looked up a few things on the Internet regarding our two major political parties. I found it to be fascinating. Now I’m not a stickler for dates and such, but here’s a bit of a timeline for our two parties.

First came the Federalists who were pro-government.

In opposition were the Jefferson Republicans, later referred to as Democratic-Republicans who were against having a monarch.

The Federalists fell by the wayside.

When James Monroe was re-elected to the Presidency, he ran unopposed because the Democratic-Republicans were the only party in town.

Soon, though, there came to be a split and the Democrats and Republicans were born.

Democrats trace their roots back to 1792 and the Jefferson Republicans.

They were primarily based in the south and were, therefore, largely pro-slavery.

Interestingly, they were also advocates of small Federal government.

Republicans, on the other hand, trace their roots to the Abraham Lincoln era who was their first candidate to win a presidential election.

They were primarily in the north and were anti-slavery.

They were also, strange as it may be, fans of big government.

I’m so confused!

I feel like I’m stuck in an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” (For those of you who don’t know what the Twilight Zone is, Google it.)

How did we get to where we are today? 

      Democrats                         Republicans

      Liberal                               Conservative

      Big Government                 Small Government

      Left                                    Right

      Pro-Choice                        Pro-Life

      Pro Gun Control                Pro Right to Bear Arms

I have no idea. There was some sort of flip flop around the New Deal of the 1930’s. It’s bizarre.

And, yes, I know this is a very simplistic view of the two parties. I just think it’s interesting that they have basically switched places over the years. Who knew?!