Bourbon Democrat

Bourbon Democrat was a term used in the United States in the late 19th century and early 20th century term for politicians from the Democratic Party, the followers of conservatism or more of classical liberalism were. The name was derived from the bourbon whiskey from Kentucky or the Bourbon dynasty, which had ruled much of the southern states. The politicians so designated differed from the Republicans by advocating free trade, while the Republicans were in favor of protectionism. Also they rejected imperialism and called for greater efforts to combat corruption.

At this important wing of the Democrats were both reactionary southerners, as well as business-friendly Northerners. This supported the interests of the wealthy and were against government help for the poor. If the Democrat nominee was not a Bourbon, he regularly received only one-third of funds for the election campaign. The Bourbon Democrats led for decades at a party rule in the southern states, the electoral success were guaranteed by racial segregation and denial of voting rights for African Americans.

Known representatives

• Samuel J. Tilden, Governor of the State of New York and presidential candidate of 1876, which he lost to Rutherford B. Hayes.
• Grover Cleveland 22nd and 24th President of the United States was the largest strike in U.S. history, which became known as the Pullman Strike ended by the military in 1894.
• Alton B. Parker, presidential candidate of 1904, he lost to Theodore Roosevelt.