How did the Republican party turn from the party of Lincoln to the party of Trump? (Essay Sample)

The History of the Republican Party
Name
Institutional Affiliation
The History of the Republican Party
Abstract
Political parties in the United States are usually built around ideologies. Since independence, the two major political vehicles that the country has had include the Republican and the Democrats Parties. The Republican Party came much later as an outfit that fought against the institution of slavery. During Abraham Lincoln's time, it was associated with positive reforms in slavery and other vital aspects of national interest. However, throughout history, it has experienced ideological changes that have seen the contemporary party representing the opposite of what the party stood for during its inception. The Trump's party is more concerned with the interests of the majority whites and has been accused of the racial outburst. The focus of the discussion will revolve around the transformation in ideology and principles that the Republic Party has experienced between the time of Lincoln and Trump.
Introduction
President Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States due to the widespread support he received from the white voters. Considering the history of the US, this can be regarded as a turn of events especially when significant consideration is placed on how the Republican Party came to existence. Following the American Revolution and the subsequent acquisition of independence, the Republican Party established itself as a political outfit that vehemently fought against the expansion of slavery. Over the past 100 years, the part of Abraham Lincoln has faced an ideological turnaround that could never have been envisioned. During its initial days, the part was known for its racially progressive policies. Today, it some of its least supporters in the country are the nonwhite voters. Conversely, during the initial days, the party received support mainly from the Northern US. However, a majority of its support emanates from the South. During his campaign days, Trump was heavily criticized for causing racial tensions especially with his remarks, something that goes against the very foundations on which the party was built. Over the past 100 years, the Republican Party has undergone a tremendous shifts from the party of Lincoln to the party of Trump due to ideological changes.
From Lincoln to Trump
The Republican Party also referred to as the Grand Old Party (GOP) remains one of the two major political parties in the US. Its historical rival is the Democratic Party. The Republican Party was formed in 1854, seven years before the Civil War. Prior to its formation, America had two main political parties that included the Whigs and the Democratic. During this period, there was an intense debate on whether or not slavery should be expanded (Gelman, 2014). The Democratic Part enjoyed more support in the South and due to its emphasis on an agricultural-based economy; the party was obliged to support the institution of slavery. The Whigs, on the other hand, had a majority of their support on the Northern states meaning that they were divided on their support for the institution. In 1854, there was a significant debate on whether the territories of Kansas and Nebraska should allow slavery. Since the Whigs cannot agree, the party collapses leading to the formation of a political party that would wholeheartedly disallow the further expansion of slavery (Philpot, 2009). The outfit was named the Republican Party. The party became so dominant in the North that a little known politician such as Abraham Lincoln used it as a vehicle to ascend to the presidency.