Rallys and Riots By 1860, political campaigns were well established as a public spectacle. Supporters of every stripe displayed ribbons and campaign tokens declaring their loyalty to a political party, a candidate, or even a platform issue. Citizens enthusiastically joined in rallies and parades, sang campaign songs, and gathered to applaud the oratorical skills of politicians. Progressive Party march down Michigan Avenue in 1912. (CHS, ICHi-20664) The late 1800s convention hall, filled with American flags and party emblems, colorfully displayed loyalty to both party and nation. Like fans at a baseball game, the delegates and spectators cheered wildly and waved banners, handkerchiefs, and hats in the air at the speakers' patriotic declarations. Many wore elaborate ribbons displaying support for a favorite candidate, membership in a political club, or their delegate credentials. Ribbon worn by a William Taft supporter and a delegate's medal from the 1908 Republican Convention. (CHS) But not all conventions went smoothly. In 1912, supporters of incumbent William H. Taft and former president Theodore Roosevelt split the Republican party. In 1968 protesters took over the city's parks and streets while inside the convention intense debates erupted over the Democratic platform plank on Vietnam.

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Al Capone - Chicago Black Sox - A Century of Progress - Chicago Fire
The World's Columbian Exposition - Parades, Protests and Politics
The Pullman Era - The Stockyards
Fort Dearborn (Coming Soon!)

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