Government of Milwaukee facts for kids
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a really interesting political history! For a long time, it's been known for supporting ideas that help people and communities. This started way back when many German immigrants came to the city.
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Milwaukee's Political Journey
Early Days: From Republicans to Socialists
Milwaukee was a strong supporter of the Republican Party during the American Civil War. Later, like many big cities, it faced a time when politics was controlled by powerful groups, often called "political machines." This changed in 1910 when people in Milwaukee elected their first Socialist mayor.
What is "Sewer Socialism"?
Milwaukee's unique type of Socialism was often called "Sewer Socialism." This wasn't about big revolutions. Instead, it focused on making the government honest and improving the city for everyone. This included building important things like sewers, parks, and schools. It also meant expanding the city by adding nearby communities. These Socialist leaders wanted to make sure the city worked well for its citizens.
Milwaukee's Shift to the Democratic Party
Since the 1960s, Milwaukee has mostly supported the Democratic Party. This means that most people in the city vote for Democratic leaders in local and national elections. Even though it's a Democratic area, different groups within the party sometimes have different ideas.
The Black Panther Party in Milwaukee
In the 1970s, Milwaukee had an active group of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. This group worked hard for civil rights and helped bring about many important changes. They also started community programs that are still helping people today, like the Hunger Task Force, which helps feed those in need.
Why Republicans Pay Attention to Milwaukee
Even though Milwaukee is a Democratic stronghold, the Republican Party still pays a lot of attention to it during elections. This is because Wisconsin is often a "pivot state," meaning it can swing either way in national elections. Milwaukee is also close to some of Wisconsin's biggest Republican areas, like Mequon and Waukesha.
Third Parties and Their Impact
Besides the main Republican and Democratic parties, other political groups, called "third parties," have also been important in Milwaukee. Even though city leaders are now elected without officially belonging to a party, Milwaukee has a history of electing Socialist mayors and city council members. The last Socialist mayor, Frank Zeidler, served from 1948 to 1960. In recent years, Milwaukee has even hosted big meetings for national third parties like the Socialist Party USA, the Communist Party USA, and the Green Party of the United States.
