The Democratic Party platform of 1864 was primarily shaped by opposition to the Civil War and President Abraham Lincoln’s handling of it. At the time, the Democratic Party was divided into two factions:
War Democrats – Those who supported continuing the war to restore the Union.
Peace Democrats (Copperheads) – Those who wanted an immediate peace settlement with the Confederacy, even if it meant recognizing Confederate independence.
The 1864 Democratic National Convention, held in Chicago, nominated George B. McClellan (a War Democrat) for president and George H. Pendleton (a Peace Democrat) for vice president, attempting to appeal to both factions. However, their platform leaned heavily toward the Peace Democrats.
Key Points of the 1864 Democratic Party Platform:
Immediate End to the War – The platform declared that after four years of war, the Union could not be restored through military force. Instead, it called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to restore peace.
Condemnation of Lincoln’s Administration – The platform attacked Lincoln’s handling of the war, accusing him of “usurpation of power, violations of the Constitution, and suppression of civil liberties.” This was largely in response to Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus and the expansion of executive authority during the war.
Rejection of Emancipation – While it did not explicitly endorse slavery, the platform did not support the abolition of slavery and was highly critical of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation (1863). Many Democrats, especially in the North, were opposed to freeing enslaved people, fearing economic and social upheaval.
States’ Rights – The platform reaffirmed the belief that individual states had rights and powers that the federal government should not override, which was an indirect criticism of Lincoln’s wartime policies.
Restoration of the Union – While advocating for an end to the war, the platform still claimed to support Union restoration, but through negotiation rather than continued conflict. This was contradictory because the Confederacy demanded recognition of its independence as a precondition for peace talks.
Criticism of Military Conscription – The Democrats opposed the draft (instituted by Lincoln in 1863), calling it unfair and disproportionately harmful to poor Americans. Wealthier individuals could pay a fee to avoid military service, which further fueled resentment.
The Problem with the 1864 Platform
- The platform was deeply unpopular with Union war supporters, as it seemed to suggest surrendering to the Confederacy.
- McClellan himself disagreed with the peace plank and had to distance himself from it, causing division within the party.
- By the time of the election, Union victories (such as Sherman’s capture of Atlanta) had boosted morale and made Lincoln’s war strategy seem more successful, weakening Democratic support.
Outcome
Lincoln overwhelmingly defeated McClellan in the 1864 election, securing 212 electoral votes to McClellan’s 21. The Democratic platform’s call for an immediate peace settlement was seen as defeatist and out of touch with the war’s changing tide.
In short, the 1864 Democratic Party platform prioritized ending the war over preserving the Union, which contributed to its electoral failure.
