What was the overall outcome of the 1938 United States House of Representatives elections?

The 1938 United States House of Representatives elections resulted in a significant shift in power, with the Democratic Party losing a net of 72 seats to the Republican Party. Despite these losses, the Democrats maintained a majority in the House.

What was the political context of the 1938 House elections in relation to the President?

These elections occurred in the middle of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term, and the results reflected a mid-term backlash against his administration and the New Deal policies.

How many seats did the Democratic Party lose to the Republican Party in the 1938 House elections?

The Democratic Party lost a net total of 72 seats to the Republican Party during these elections.

Despite the losses, did the Democratic Party retain control of the House of Representatives after the 1938 elections?

Yes, the Democratic Party retained control of the House of Representatives, holding 262 seats, although their majority was reduced.

How many seats did the Republican Party gain in the 1938 House elections?

The Republican Party gained 81 seats in the 1938 House elections, marking a significant resurgence.

What was the total number of seats in the United States House of Representatives contested in the 1938 elections?

All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives were contested in the 1938 elections.

How many seats were needed to secure a majority in the House of Representatives during the 1938 elections?

A total of 218 seats were required to achieve a majority in the House of Representatives.

What were the primary reasons cited for the Democratic Party's decline in the 1938 House elections?

Key factors contributing to the Democratic decline included the Recession of 1937, which undermined claims that the New Deal had ended the Great Depression, internal party divisions, particularly over Roosevelt's "Court Packing" plan, and backlash against Roosevelt's intervention in primary elections.

How did the Recession of 1937 impact the Democratic Party's performance in the 1938 elections?

The recession led to soaring unemployment, which weakened the Democrats' argument that the New Deal had successfully ended the Great Depression, thereby hurting their electoral prospects.

What role did internal Democratic divisions play in the 1938 election outcomes?

Internal divisions, such as disagreements over President Roosevelt's Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937 (often called the "Court Packing" plan), created friction within the party and contributed to voter dissatisfaction.

How did President Roosevelt's intervention in Democratic primaries affect the election results?

Roosevelt's attempt to purge conservative Democrats from their seats in primary elections angered many within his own party, including conservative Democrats, and contributed to the backlash seen in the general election.

Which prominent Southern Democrats were targeted by President Roosevelt in primary elections, and what was the outcome for most of them?

President Roosevelt targeted Senators Walter F. George of Georgia, Millard Tydings of Maryland, and Ellison Smith of South Carolina, along with House Rules Committee Chairman John J. O'Connor of New York. All of these targeted individuals, except for O'Connor, were re-elected in their primaries.

How did the Republican Party's position change leading up to the 1938 elections?

The Republican Party had been shedding its weaker members through a series of defeats since 1930, allowing them to regroup and focus on strong new candidates, which contributed to their resurgence in 1938.

Name some of the prominent Republican candidates who gained prominence around the 1938 elections.

Key figures included Robert A. Taft from Ohio, Earl Warren from California (who later became Chief Justice), and Thomas Dewey from New York.

What percentage of the popular vote did the Republican Party secure outside the South in the 1938 elections?

The Republican Party secured 50% of the popular vote in areas outside the Southern United States, which boosted their confidence for the upcoming 1940 presidential election.

What were the total popular vote percentages for the Democratic and Republican parties nationwide in the 1938 House elections?

The Democratic Party received 48.7% of the popular vote, while the Republican Party received 47.5% of the popular vote nationwide.

How did the popular vote percentages translate into seat changes for the Democrats and Republicans?

Despite a close popular vote, the Democrats lost 72 seats, while Republicans gained 81 seats, illustrating how popular vote shifts can disproportionately affect seat distribution in elections.

What was the performance of the Progressive Party in the 1938 House elections?

The Progressive Party won 2 seats but lost 6 seats compared to the previous election, indicating a decline in their representation.

What was the outcome for the Farmer-Labor Party in the 1938 House elections?

The Farmer-Labor Party won 1 seat but lost 4 seats, also showing a decrease in their congressional presence.

Did the American Labor Party gain or lose seats in the 1938 House elections?

The American Labor Party gained 1 seat, bringing their total to 1 seat, indicating a minor increase in their representation.

What was the total popular vote count for all parties in the 1938 House elections?

The total popular vote across all parties in the 1938 House elections was 36,359,419.

How did the 'swing' in percentage points affect the Democratic and Republican parties in terms of popular vote?

The popular vote showed a swing of 7.23 percentage points against the Democrats and a gain of 7.83 percentage points for the Republicans, indicating a significant shift in voter preference.

In which region of the country did the Democrats experience most of their seat losses in the 1938 elections?

The majority of the Democratic seat losses occurred in the North, while the South maintained its role as a Democratic base in Congress.

Did any Republican incumbents lose their reelection bids in the 1938 House elections?

No, the article states that none of the Republican incumbents lost their reelection bids in the 1938 House elections.

What was the result in Kentucky's 8th congressional district special election?

In Kentucky's 8th district, incumbent Fred M. Vinson resigned, and the special election resulted in a Democratic hold, with Joe B. Bates winning the seat.

Who won the special election for Alabama's 2nd congressional district after the incumbent resigned?

J. Lister Hill resigned from Alabama's 2nd congressional district to become a U.S. senator. George M. Grant of the Democratic Party won the subsequent special election, securing a Democratic hold.

What happened in South Carolina's 6th congressional district regarding its representative?

The incumbent, Allard H. Gasque, died, leading to a special election. Elizabeth H. Gasque, also a Democrat, won the seat, maintaining the Democratic hold.

Which district saw a Republican gain in a special election due to the incumbent's resignation?

In Ohio's 4th congressional district, incumbent Frank L. Kloeb resigned to take a judgeship. The special election resulted in a Republican gain, with Walter H. Albaugh winning the seat.

How many seats did the Democratic Party hold after the 1938 elections?

Following the 1938 elections, the Democratic Party held 262 seats in the House of Representatives.

How many seats did the Republican Party hold after the 1938 elections?

The Republican Party secured 169 seats in the House of Representatives after the 1938 elections.

What was the total number of seats won by minor parties in the 1938 House elections?

Minor parties, including the Progressive Party, Farmer-Labor Party, and American Labor Party, won a combined total of 3 seats.

What was the date of the House elections in Maine in 1938?

The House elections in Maine were held on September 12, 1938, which was earlier than the primary election date for most other states.

How did the Southern Democrats' voting patterns compare to those in the North during the 1938 elections?

The article notes that the Democratic seat losses were concentrated in the North, while the South maintained its role as a Democratic base in Congress, indicating regional differences in voting behavior.

Which specific New Deal policy was mentioned as a source of internal Democratic division leading up to the 1938 elections?

President Roosevelt's "Court Packing" plan, officially known as the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937, was a significant point of contention within the Democratic Party.

How many seats did the Democratic Party lose in the 1938 elections, and what was their final seat count?

The Democratic Party lost 72 seats, bringing their total in the House of Representatives to 262 seats.

What was the overall popular vote percentage for the Progressive Party in the 1938 elections?

The Progressive Party received 1.0% of the popular vote nationwide.

What was the popular vote percentage for the Farmer-Labor Party in the 1938 elections?

The Farmer-Labor Party secured 0.9% of the popular vote nationwide.

What was the popular vote percentage for the American Labor Party in the 1938 elections?

The American Labor Party received 0.7% of the popular vote nationwide.

Which states saw significant Republican gains in the 1938 House elections?

States like Connecticut, Michigan, and Ohio experienced notable Republican gains, reflecting the broader national trend of Democratic losses.

What was the significance of the 1938 elections for the Republican Party's future prospects?

The Republican resurgence in 1938, particularly their success outside the South, provided the party with renewed optimism and a stronger base for the upcoming 1940 presidential election.

Who was the Speaker of the House before the 1938 elections, and did they retain their position?

William Bankhead was the Speaker of the House before the 1938 elections, and he was re-elected as Speaker for the 76th Congress.

How many seats did the Democrats win in the 1938 elections?

The Democratic Party won 262 seats in the 1938 House elections.

How many seats did the Republicans win in the 1938 elections?

The Republican Party won 169 seats in the House of Representatives after the 1938 elections.

What was the outcome for the incumbent in California's 8th congressional district?

The incumbent, John J. McGrath (Democratic), lost his re-election, resulting in a Republican gain in California's 8th congressional district, with Jack Z. Anderson winning the seat.

Which state saw its incumbent in the 11th congressional district retire to run for Governor, leading to a party gain?

In California's 11th congressional district, incumbent John S. McGroarty retired to run for Secretary of State, and the seat was gained by the Republican Party.

What was the result in Connecticut's 1st congressional district, and which party gained the seat?

The incumbent, Herman P. Kopplemann (Democratic), lost his re-election, and the Republican Party gained the seat in Connecticut's 1st congressional district, with William J. Miller winning.

In which district did the American Labor Party gain a seat in the 1938 House elections?

The American Labor Party gained a seat in New York's 20th congressional district, with Vito Marcantonio winning the election.

What was the outcome in Michigan's 11th congressional district, and which party gained the seat?

The incumbent, John F. Luecke (Democratic), lost his re-election, and the Republican Party gained the seat in Michigan's 11th congressional district, with Frederick Van Ness Bradley winning.

Which party gained seats in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district, and from whom?

The Republican Party gained a seat in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district from the incumbent Henry Teigan, who was from the Farmer-Labor Party.

1938 United States House Of Representatives Elections Wiki: The Shifting Tides: America's 1938 Congressional Elections

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Election Overview

Context and Timing

The 1938 United States House of Representatives elections determined the composition of the 76th United States Congress. These elections occurred on November 8, 1938, with some states holding them on September 12, marking a significant point during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term.

Democratic Decline

These midterm elections witnessed a substantial setback for President Roosevelt's Democratic Party. They experienced a net loss of 72 seats to the Republican Party. This shift significantly altered the balance of power within the House of Representatives.

Republican Resurgence

The Republican Party achieved considerable gains, winning 81 seats. This resurgence demonstrated a growing opposition to the New Deal policies and provided the GOP with renewed momentum, setting the stage for future electoral contests.

Factors Influencing Outcomes

Economic Headwinds

A primary driver of the Democratic losses was the Recession of 1937. This economic downturn undermined public confidence in the New Deal's efficacy in ending the Great Depression, creating an opening for Republican gains.

Internal Party Strife

Internal divisions within the Democratic Party played a crucial role. Disagreements over President Roosevelt's controversial "Court Packing" plan and his intervention in Democratic primary elections alienated conservative Democrats, weakening party cohesion.

Labor Union Dynamics

The burgeoning labor movement, a key component of the New Deal Coalition, experienced significant internal conflict. The rivalry between the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) led to a split that affected voter mobilization and political alignment.

Republican Strategy

The Republican Party, having shed weaker elements in previous elections, presented a more unified front. They fielded strong candidates in key states, including future prominent figures like Robert A. Taft, Earl Warren, and Thomas Dewey, capitalizing on the Democratic Party's vulnerabilities.

Electoral Results Summary

Seat Distribution

The election resulted in a significant shift in the House's partisan composition:

Party	Seats Won	Change	Seat Percentage
Democratic	262	▼ 72	60.2%
Republican	169	▲ 81	38.9%
Progressive	2	▼ 6	0.5%
Farmer–Labor	1	▼ 4	0.2%
American Labor	1	▲ 1	0.2%

Popular Vote

The popular vote reflected the close contest and the Republican gains:

Party	Popular Vote	Percentage
Democratic	17,715,450	48.7%
Republican	17,274,585	47.5%
Progressive	350,346	1.0%
Farmer–Labor	342,530	0.9%
American Labor	250,796	0.7%

Special Elections

Vacancies and Replacements

Several special elections were held to fill vacancies created by resignations or deaths. These often confirmed existing party control but sometimes resulted in party shifts, as seen in Ohio's 4th district.

Key special elections included:

Kentucky 8th District: Following the resignation of Fred M. Vinson, Joe B. Bates (Democratic) secured the seat, holding it for his party.
Alabama 2nd District: J. Lister Hill resigned to become a U.S. Senator; George M. Grant (Democratic) was elected unopposed, maintaining Democratic control.
South Carolina 6th District: Allard H. Gasque's death led to the election of Elizabeth H. Gasque (Democratic), who won with a substantial majority.
Ohio 4th District: Frank L. Kloeb's resignation resulted in a Republican gain, with Walter H. Albaugh winning the seat.

State-Level Analysis

Regional Trends

The Republican gains were predominantly concentrated in the Northern states, while the Democratic Party maintained strongholds in the South. This pattern reflected existing regional political alignments.

Key State Outcomes:

California: Republicans made significant inroads, flipping several Democratic seats, including California's 8th and 14th districts.
Illinois: While Democrats held most seats, the Republican Party demonstrated strength, particularly in districts previously held by Democrats.
Connecticut: This state saw a notable Republican sweep, with the GOP gaining seats in Districts 1, 2, 4, and the at-large seat, reflecting a broader trend of Democratic losses in the Northeast.
Colorado: Democrats largely maintained their positions, with incumbents winning re-election across most districts.
New York: The state was a focal point for Republican resurgence, with strong performances by figures like Thomas Dewey contributing to the party's national gains.

Note: A comprehensive state-by-state breakdown is available in the full source data, detailing individual district results and candidate information.

Historical Significance

Impact on Congress

The 1938 elections marked a significant turning point, signaling a potential end to the Democratic dominance established in 1932. The Republican gains bolstered the opposition in Congress, creating a more balanced legislative environment and influencing policy debates for the remainder of Roosevelt's presidency.

Electoral Forecasting

The results provided valuable insights into voter sentiment and the effectiveness of New Deal policies. The Republican Party's success offered a preview of potential shifts in national political power, impacting strategies for the upcoming 1940 presidential election.

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References

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Important Considerations

This document has been generated by an AI, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for educational and analytical purposes only.

This is not political commentary or advice. The information presented reflects historical electoral data and analysis derived from the source. It does not constitute endorsement of any political party or ideology, nor does it offer predictive insights into future political events. Users should consult primary sources and diverse academic perspectives for a comprehensive understanding of historical political contexts.

The creators are not liable for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Shifting Tides

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Election Overview ℹ️

🗓️ Context and Timing

📉 Democratic Decline

📈 Republican Resurgence

Factors Influencing Outcomes 🧐

💸 Economic Headwinds

⚖️ Internal Party Strife

🤝 Labor Union Dynamics

⭐ Republican Strategy

Electoral Results Summary 📊

🏛️ Seat Distribution

🗳️ Popular Vote

Special Elections ⭐

➡️ Vacancies and Replacements

State-Level Analysis 🗺️

🇺🇸 Regional Trends

Historical Significance 📜

🏛️ Impact on Congress

🔮 Electoral Forecasting

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📚 Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Election Overview

Context and Timing

Democratic Decline

Republican Resurgence

Factors Influencing Outcomes

Economic Headwinds

Internal Party Strife

Labor Union Dynamics

Republican Strategy

Electoral Results Summary

Seat Distribution

Popular Vote

Special Elections

Vacancies and Replacements

State-Level Analysis

Regional Trends

Historical Significance

Impact on Congress

Electoral Forecasting

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations