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What was the significance of the slogans "Ma, Ma, Where's My Pa?" and "Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion" in the election campaign of 1884?

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Final answer:

The 1884 election slogans "Ma, Ma, Where's My Pa?" and "Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion" were used to attack Grover Cleveland's character and Democratic loyalties, respectively. While the first taunted Cleveland over personal scandal, the latter backfired by offending Irish-Catholic voters, possibly influencing the election's outcome.

Step-by-step explanation:

The slogans "Ma, Ma, Where's My Pa?" and "Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion" played significant roles in the election campaign of 1884. "Ma, Ma, Where's My Pa?" was used by supporters of Republican candidate James G. Blaine to taunt Democratic candidate Grover Cleveland about a paternity scandal. The slogan aimed to cast doubt on Cleveland's moral character. Conversely, "Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion" was a phrase used by a Republican clergyman who supported Blaine, reflecting anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant, and anti-Democratic sentiments. This phrase was meant to appeal to Protestant and nativist voters but ended up alienating the Irish-Catholic voting bloc and may have contributed to Cleveland's victory.

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