📖 Overview
Continuity and Change in Electoral Politics examines the transformation of American voting patterns and political behavior during a pivotal period spanning from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The analysis centers on the realignment of party affiliations and shifting coalitions that emerged between 1893-1928.
The book presents extensive data from voting records and demographic information across multiple regions and election cycles. Through statistical analysis and historical context, Kleppner traces how economic upheaval, immigration, urbanization and other forces impacted electoral outcomes.
The text devotes significant attention to religious and ethnic voting blocs, exploring how cultural identity influenced political allegiances during this era. Key events like the Panic of 1893, World War I, and the emergence of Progressive politics serve as focal points for understanding evolving voter behavior.
This scholarly work contributes to our understanding of how modern American political coalitions formed and stabilized. The patterns of continuity and disruption identified by Kleppner remain relevant for analyzing subsequent shifts in the American electoral landscape.
👀 Reviews
This book appears to have limited reader reviews available online and is primarily discussed in academic contexts rather than consumer review sites.
Readers valued:
- Analysis of voting data from multiple regions
- Documentation of ethnic and religious voting patterns
- Focus on local political machines and grassroots movements
- Statistical methodology for analyzing historical voting trends
Common criticisms:
- Dense academic writing style
- Heavy reliance on statistics and data tables
- Limited discussion of broader social context
- Focus on specific regions may not represent national trends
The book is not listed on Goodreads or Amazon's consumer reviews. It is referenced in academic journal reviews and citations but lacks significant public reader feedback online. Academic reviews note its contributions to understanding voter behavior and political realignment during the Progressive Era, while pointing out its narrow geographic scope.
No numerical ratings could be found from major review platforms or academic sources.
📚 Similar books
The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln by Sean Wilentz
This comprehensive study traces the evolution of democratic politics and voting patterns in America from the early republic through the Civil War era.
The Political Crisis of the 1890s by Robert C. McMath The book examines the critical period of American political realignment through analysis of populist movements, economic upheaval, and electoral shifts.
Democracy in America by Richard Franklin Bensel This work investigates American electoral practices and political behavior during the nineteenth century through examination of voting mechanisms, party structures, and electoral statistics.
The Coming of the New Deal by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. The text documents the transformation of American electoral politics and party alignments during the Great Depression through analysis of voting patterns and political realignments.
Party Ideologies in America, 1828-1996 by John Gerring The book presents a detailed analysis of American political party development and ideological shifts through examination of electoral data and party platforms.
The Political Crisis of the 1890s by Robert C. McMath The book examines the critical period of American political realignment through analysis of populist movements, economic upheaval, and electoral shifts.
Democracy in America by Richard Franklin Bensel This work investigates American electoral practices and political behavior during the nineteenth century through examination of voting mechanisms, party structures, and electoral statistics.
The Coming of the New Deal by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. The text documents the transformation of American electoral politics and party alignments during the Great Depression through analysis of voting patterns and political realignments.
Party Ideologies in America, 1828-1996 by John Gerring The book presents a detailed analysis of American political party development and ideological shifts through examination of electoral data and party platforms.
🤔 Interesting facts
🗳️ Author Paul Kleppner pioneered the "ethnocultural school" of American political history, which examines how ethnic and religious identities shaped voting patterns.
📊 The book reveals that contrary to popular belief, voter turnout remained consistently high (often above 80%) in many areas during this period, challenging the notion of widespread political disengagement.
🏛️ The 1893-1928 era marked a crucial transition from the "party-centered" politics of the Gilded Age to the more candidate-focused campaigns of the modern era.
⚡ The research demonstrates how technological changes like electricity and mass media began transforming political campaigning, with 1928 being the first presidential election where radio played a significant role.
🗽 The book examines how massive European immigration during this period reshaped American electoral politics, particularly in urban areas where new ethnic voting blocs emerged.