In 1856, the Republican Party organized marching clubs across the North. These had a variety of names, including "Rocky Mountain Clubs", "Wide Awakes", "Freedom Clubs", and "Bear Clubs".
The term "Wide Awakes" became popular in the 1860 campaign. In Chicago on October 3, 1860, 10,000 Wide Awakes marched in a three-mile procession. The story of this rally occupied eight columns of the Chicago Tribune.
In Indiana, as one historian reported:
1860 was the most colorful in the memory of the Hoosier electorate. "Speeches, day and night, torch-light processions, and all kinds of noise and confusion are the go, with all parties," commented the "independent" Indianapolis Locomotive. Congressman Julian too was impressed by the "contrivance and spectacular display" which prevailed in the current canvass. Each party took unusual pains to mobilize its followers in disciplined political clubs, but the most remarkable of these were the Lincoln "Rail Maulers" and "Wide Awakes," whose organizations extended throughout the state. Clad in gaudy uniforms the members of these quasi-military bands participated in all Republican demonstrations. The "Wide Awakes" in particular were well drilled and served as political police in escorting party speakers and in preserving order at public meetings. Party emulation made every political rally the occasion for carefully arranged parades through banner-bedecked streets, torchlight processions, elaborate floats and transparencies, blaring bands, and fireworks.
In September 1860, The New York Herald estimated that there were over 400,000 drilled and uniformed Wide Awakes, nationwide. In spite of their large numbers and training, historians have not found any examples of their engaging in violent or threatening behaviour. (source: Wikipedia)
Today, the Republican Party and Western Civilisation are passing through a time of peril. Once more, the Wide Awakes should arise, to stand up for core Republican values, and to do so with decency, honor, integrity and civility.
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