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How Democrats and Republicans Became Donkeys and Elephants

In ‘This Week in History,’ we discover the long and winding illustrated road of America’s two political party symbols.
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How Democrats and Republicans Became Donkeys and Elephants
The symbols of the Democratic (donkey) and Republican (elephant) parties are seen on display in Washington on Aug. 25, 2008. KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images
Dustin Bass
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The opponents of Andrew Jackson had a nickname for him: “Jack-ass.” Perhaps it was a play on words from his last name or maybe it was simply as crude as one could get without being obscene. Either way, the name stuck throughout his presidency from 1829 to 1837.

"Let Every One Take Care of Himself" is a political satire of Andrew Jackson, whose face is shown on the jackass's head. Library of Congress. (Public Domain)
"Let Every One Take Care of Himself" is a political satire of Andrew Jackson, whose face is shown on the jackass's head. Library of Congress. Public Domain
Dustin Bass
Dustin Bass
Author
Dustin Bass is the creator and host of the American Tales podcast, and co-founder of The Sons of History. He writes two weekly series for The Epoch Times: Profiles in History and This Week in History. He is also an author.