United States 1836

Synopsis

On 15 September 1836, 93 delegates from throughout the state of New York convened in the western town of Utica and unanimously resolved "to institute a political party separate and distinct from all existing parties or factions in this State." With this declaration, the Equal Rights Party proclaimed its independent political existence. The party proceeded to ratify a Declaration of Rights enunciating its views on several key issues of political economy and nominated candidates for governor and lieutenant governor for the upcoming election. The Utica convention concluded by issuing an "Address to the People" of New York, which echoed the sentiments of the Declaration of Rights and outlined the party's positions on several specific issues particularly salient for the state's working classes. With these actions, the Equal Rights Party—for its brief period of existence—became the political instrument by which a significant portion...