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Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold

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Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold

by Ross Benes

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Nebraska is a state with a long and storied history. It was once a Democratic stronghold, but in recent decades has become a Republican bastion. This transformation is a fascinating story of rural rebellion and the changing demographics of the state.

The Early Years

Nebraska was founded in 1854 as a territory. It became a state in 1867. In the early years of statehood, Nebraska was a Democratic stronghold. The state's farmers and ranchers were drawn to the party's support for agriculture and westward expansion.

However, the state's demographics began to change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Immigrants from Germany, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe began to settle in Nebraska. These immigrants were more likely to vote Republican than Democratic.

The Rise of the Republican Party

The Republican Party began to gain ground in Nebraska in the early 20th century. The party's support for business and industry appealed to the state's growing urban areas. The party also benefited from the influx of Republican voters from other states.

By the 1920s, the Republican Party had become the dominant party in Nebraska. The party's candidates won most of the state's elections for governor, senator, and congressman.

The Rural Rebellion

The Republican Party's dominance of Nebraska continued for decades. However, in the 1980s, a rural rebellion began to take shape. Farmers and ranchers were unhappy with the party's support for free trade and other policies that they believed were harming their livelihoods.

The rural rebellion led to a surge in support for Democratic candidates in rural Nebraska. In 1986, Democrat Bob Kerrey was elected to the Senate. In 1990, Democrat Ben Nelson was elected governor.

The Changing Demographics of Nebraska

The rural rebellion was not the only factor that contributed to the Republican Party's decline in Nebraska. The state's demographics also continued to change. The urban areas of the state were growing, while the rural areas were declining.

The changing demographics of Nebraska favored the Democratic Party. Urban voters are more likely to vote Democratic than rural voters. As the state's population became more urban, the Democratic Party became more competitive.

The Republican Revival

The Republican Party has made a comeback in Nebraska in recent years. The party's candidates have won most of the state's elections since 2000. The party's success is due in part to the growing Hispanic population of the state. Hispanic voters are more likely to vote Republican than white voters.

The Republican Party's revival in Nebraska is a sign of the changing demographics of the state. The state is becoming more urban and more Hispanic. These changes are likely to continue to favor the Republican Party in the years to come.

Nebraska's transformation from a Democratic stronghold to a Republican bastion is a fascinating story of rural rebellion and the changing demographics of the state. The Republican Party's dominance of the state is likely to continue in the years to come as the state's population becomes more urban and more Hispanic.

Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold

by Ross Benes

4.4 out of 5