Final answer:
The 1932 election dramatically shifted American politics, creating a new Democratic coalition that focused on change and intervention to address the Great Depression. This realignment established the Democrats as the majority party for decades and sparked ongoing ideological debates over government's role in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1932 Realigning Election and Its Impact on Politics
The realigning election of 1932 was a pivotal moment in American politics, marked by a massive shift in voter allegiance and the political landscape. Franklin Delano Roosevelt won the presidency with a promise of assistance to those most affected by the Great Depression, radically altering the Democratic Party's coalition. This election saw the Democrats emerge as the party favoring economic change and active government intervention, drawing support from various groups including African Americans, urban dwellers, and the working class.
Following the election, the Democratic Party won five consecutive presidential elections and established a powerful political machine, maintaining a majority in the House for decades. These shifts were reflective of broader societal changes, as the Republican Party was increasingly associated with stability and the status quo, facing criticism for their response to the Great Depression. The realignment was further entrenched by conflicts within the Democratic Party over social issues, leading some Democrats to eventually join the Republican Party, favoring states' rights and smaller government.
The 1932 election redefined American political parties and set the stage for future ideological battles over the role of government, economic policy, and social issues, with the New Deal serving as a cornerstone for the Democrats' platform for many years to come. However, shifts in ideology and party allegiance have continued to evolve, with the election of 1994 marking another significant turning point.