California Republican Assembly: Key Moments in GOP History

At the February, 2017 California Republican Party Convention--held in Sacramento--the California Republican Assembly passed out a great flyer outlining the numerous successes of the Republican Party.

Some of the historical firsts and features of the GOP are all too little-known.

I just wanted to share this post to further correct the record, and demonstrate to the reading public that the Republican Party has served as the true leader on civil rights as well as limited government and individual liberty and accountability.

1. The Republican Party was formed on March 20, 1854 in Ripon, Wisconsin.

The party formed from disaffected factions in the previous opposition party among other key interest groups with widespread support.

Two key platforms of the Republican Party:

a. Abolition of slavery
b. End to polygamy

2. 1856, 1860

Nascent Republican Party becomes major opposition party with two years, then wins the presidency for years later.

3. July 1, 1863

Republican President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring slaves in rebellious states forever free.

4. July 31, 1865

Republican-controlled Congress passes legislation to amend the Constitution, ending slavery forever.

(The same Republican Congress would pass the first of several Civil Rights Legislation packages)

5. January 13, 1866

Unanimous Republican Congress--with token Democratic support--passes 14th Amendment granted full citizenship to former slaves.

Young Republicans

6. March 1, 1872

Republicans establish the first National Park at Yellowstone

7. December 9, 1872

First African-American governor, Republican from Louisiana, elected.

8. February 27, 1875 – December 9, 1875

Romualdo Pacheco, first Hispanic governor for a state--California!

9.  April 2, 1917,

First woman, Jeannette Rankin, Republican from Montana, elected.

10. May 21, 1919

Republican Congress passes legislation to amendment for women's suffrage

(Who says that the Republican Party launched the War on Women? Democrats, and only Democrats)

11. June 2, 1924

Republican Congress and President pass legislation to ensure citizenship for American Indians

12. December 7, 1928

First Hispanic US Senator, Republican from New Mexico, Octoviano Larrazolo.

13. September 9, 1957

Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs 1957 Civil Rights Act

14, September 25, 1981

President Ronald Reagan appoints the first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor.

15. June 12, 1987

President Reagan urges Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev at the Berlin Brandenburge Gate: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

Are there any key events missing in the stories history of the Republican Party?

Leave a comment below!