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Events on Thursday 19 June 1856 1
1856Republican Party holds its first national conventionDelegates nominate John C. Fremont for presidentThe newly formed Republican Party held its first national nominating convention in Philadelphia from 17 to 19 June 1856, selecting explorer John C. Fremont as its presidential candidate. The party ran on an antislavery platform opposing the expansion of slavery into new territories. Fremont lost the general election to Democrat James Buchanan, but the party's strong showing established it as a major political force.