**1908 United States presidential election in Delaware**
**Definition:**
The 1908 United States presidential election in Delaware was the segment of the nationwide presidential election held on November 3, 1908, in which Delaware voters selected three electors to the Electoral College. These electors then voted for president and vice president as part of the broader national election.
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## 1908 United States Presidential Election in Delaware
The 1908 United States presidential election in Delaware was held on November 3, 1908, as part of the 31st quadrennial presidential election. Delaware voters participated in choosing the president and vice president by selecting three electors to represent the state in the Electoral College. The election featured Republican nominee William Howard Taft, then Secretary of War, and Democratic nominee William Jennings Bryan, a former U.S. Representative and two-time presidential candidate. Taft won the state by a narrow margin, continuing Delaware’s trend of supporting Republican candidates during this era.
### Background
The 1908 election occurred during a period of significant political and social change in the United States. The incumbent president, Theodore Roosevelt, a Republican, had decided not to seek a third term and instead endorsed William Howard Taft as his successor. Roosevelt’s progressive policies and popularity had helped solidify Republican dominance in many states, including Delaware.
William Jennings Bryan, the Democratic nominee, was a prominent figure in American politics, known for his populist and progressive stances. Bryan had previously run for president in 1896 and 1900 but was unsuccessful both times. His 1908 campaign focused on issues such as trust-busting, tariff reform, and opposition to monopolies, aiming to appeal to working-class voters and farmers.
Delaware, a small state with a diverse economy including agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping, had a history of competitive elections. While it leaned Republican in the early 20th century, the margins were often close, reflecting the state’s mixed political composition.
### Candidates
– **William Howard Taft (Republican Party)**
Taft was the Secretary of War under President Theodore Roosevelt and was seen as Roosevelt’s chosen successor. His campaign emphasized continuing Roosevelt’s progressive reforms while maintaining stability and economic growth.
– **William Jennings Bryan (Democratic Party)**
Bryan was a three-time Democratic presidential nominee known for his oratory skills and advocacy for populist causes. His 1908 platform included calls for tariff reduction, anti-trust legislation, and support for labor rights.
– **Other Candidates**
While the main contest was between Taft and Bryan, other minor party candidates also appeared on the ballot, including Eugene V. Debs of the Socialist Party. However, these candidates had minimal impact on the overall results in Delaware.
### Campaign in Delaware
The campaign in Delaware reflected national themes but was also influenced by local concerns. Economic issues such as tariffs were particularly relevant, given Delaware’s manufacturing sector. The Republican Party’s association with economic growth and stability appealed to many voters, while Bryan’s progressive message resonated with laborers and farmers.
Political organizations in Delaware actively campaigned for their candidates, holding rallies, distributing literature, and engaging in debates. Newspapers in the state provided extensive coverage of the election, often endorsing candidates and shaping public opinion.
### Election Results
On November 3, 1908, Delaware voters cast their ballots. The results were as follows:
| Candidate | Party | Popular Vote | Percentage |
|———————–|————-|————–|————|
| William Howard Taft | Republican | 25,014 | 51.67% |
| William Jennings Bryan| Democratic | 22,507 | 46.48% |
| Others | Various | ~1,000 | ~1.85% |
Taft won Delaware’s three electoral votes by a margin of approximately 5 percentage points. The relatively close result underscored Delaware’s status as a competitive state, though the Republican Party maintained its advantage.
### Analysis
Taft’s victory in Delaware was consistent with the broader national trend, where he succeeded Roosevelt and won the presidency. The state’s support for Taft reflected confidence in the Republican Party’s economic policies and Roosevelt’s legacy. However, Bryan’s strong showing indicated that Democratic appeals to reform and labor issues had significant resonance.
The election also demonstrated the limited impact of third-party candidates in Delaware, as the Socialist and other minor parties failed to gain substantial support. The two-party system remained dominant.
### Aftermath
Following the election, William Howard Taft became the 27th President of the United States. Delaware’s electoral votes contributed to his overall victory. The state continued to be politically competitive in subsequent elections, with both parties vying for influence.
Taft’s presidency would later face challenges, including divisions within the Republican Party and the rise of progressive opposition. Meanwhile, Bryan remained an influential figure in Democratic politics until his death in 1925.
### Historical Significance
The 1908 election in Delaware is notable for illustrating the political dynamics of a small but strategically important state during the Progressive Era. It highlights the interplay between national issues and local concerns, as well as the evolving nature of American political parties.
Delaware’s support for Taft helped secure the Republican hold on the presidency during a period of relative economic prosperity and reform. The election also foreshadowed the political realignments and debates that would shape the United States in the early 20th century.
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## See Also
– United States presidential elections in Delaware
– 1908 United States presidential election
– William Howard Taft
– William Jennings Bryan
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## References
*Note: This article is based on historical election data and general knowledge of the 1908 United States presidential election.*
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 1908 United States presidential election in Delaware saw Republican William Howard Taft narrowly defeat Democrat William Jennings Bryan, reflecting the state’s competitive political landscape during the Progressive Era. This election contributed to Taft’s overall victory in the national race.