In which year did political parties begin to develop in the United States?

Political parties began to develop in the United States during the late 18th century, with significant milestones occurring by 1796. This was the year when the first presidential election that clearly involved political parties took place. George Washington had been elected as the first president in 1789 without formal political party affiliations, but by the time of the 1796 election, the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties had established themselves. Key figures such as John Adams represented the Federalist Party, while Thomas Jefferson was aligned with the Democratic-Republicans.

The development of these parties was a reaction to differing political philosophies concerning the role of the federal government, economics, and foreign policy. As the nation navigated early governance and political challenges, divisions formed, leading to the emergence of these organized groups that significantly influenced the political landscape.

The subsequent years saw further evolution of the party system, but the foundation laid by the events and context of the 1796 election marks it as a crucial turning point in the formation of political parties in the United States.