Parties > Party 117
About the Readjuster Party
The Readjuster Party was a local Virginia party in opposition to the Democratic Party during the post-Reconstruction history. Readjusters were largely reform-minded Democrats who supported readjustment (lowering) of debt owed to Northern creditors so that Virginia would be free to invest in infrastructure development, pay for public schools, and end poll taxes. Readjusters were ultimately defeated in state and federal races in Virginia by pro-Jim Crow Democrats.
"Readjuster Democrat" is a specific label given to John Paul (VA-07) and Abram Fulkerson (VA-09). The historical record makes it difficult to identify authoritatively their exact party labels. Voteview.com follows the convention of Martis, Ken. The Historical Atlas of Political Parties in the United States Congress, 1789-1989, who deems them "Readjuster Democrats" because "(1) the Readjuster movement at that point in time was still comprised primarily of Democrats; (2) the Readjuster movement supported Democrat Hancock for president in the same election; (3) [Paul and Fulkerson]... considered the Readjusters as a faction of the Democratic Party." (Martis 45)
Party 117 ideology over time reset
Party 117 geographic control over time Animate
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