Hillary Clinton has claimed the Democratic White House nod in a historic moment for America - the first woman to win the presidential nomination of a major US political party.

Her triumph came after former rival Bernie Sanders asked delegates at the party's national convention in Philadelphia to nominate her by acclamation, in a dramatic end to the roll call of states.

READ MORE: Calls to boost post-Brexit economy after fall in UK wages matched only by bankrupt Greece

Mr Sanders told the convention that he wanted the procedural rules to be suspended and that Mrs Clinton be selected as the party's nominee.

Former secretary of state, New York senator and first lady Mrs Clinton wants to be the first woman president in US history and to do that she will have to beat Republican Donald Trump in the general election in November.

Delegates erupted in cheers as Mr Sanders helped make it official when the roll call got to his home state of Vermont - an important show of unity for a party trying to heal deep divisions.

"I move that Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee of the Democratic Party for president of the United States," he declared, asking that it be by acclamation.

It was a striking parallel to the role Mrs Clinton played eight years ago when she stepped to the microphone on the convention floor in support of her former rival Barack Obama.

For Democrats, it was a jubilant start to a night that was to include former president Bill Clinton taking the convention stage to deliver a personal validation for his wife.

The roll call of states was one more opportunity for Sanders supporters to voice their fierce loyalty to the Vermont senator, who sat in the arena soaking up the cheers and waving to the crowd.

But the convention belonged to Mrs Clinton, who will take on Mr Trump in November.

Her landmark achievement saturated the roll call with emotion and symbols of women's long struggle to break through political barriers. A 102-year-old woman, born before women had the right to vote, cast the ballots for Arizona.

Martha McKenna, a Clinton delegate from Maryland, said the night felt like a celebration for Sanders' campaign as well as Mrs Clinton's. But the mother of two young girls said she was most excited to see Mrs Clinton officially named.

"The idea that I'm going to be here when the first woman president is nominated is overwhelming," she said.

READ MORE: Calls to boost post-Brexit economy after fall in UK wages matched only by bankrupt Greece

Mrs Clinton's campaign hoped the night of achievement, personal stories and praise could chip away at the deep distrust of her many voters, including some Democrats, have.

Much of the convention's second night was being devoted to introducing voters to Mrs Clinton anew, including three hours of speakers highlighting issues she has championed for years, including health care and advocacy for children and families.

"Tonight we will make history, about 100 years in the making," said Karen Finney, a senior adviser for Mrs Clinton's campaign. "What we're really going to focus on tonight is telling that story, and telling her story, talking about the fights of her life."

The stories were being told by a long list of politicians, celebrities and advocates. Among those pledging support for Mrs Clinton were the "mothers of the movement" - several black women whose children were victims of gun violence.

Clinton aides believe a focus on policy is another way to rally Mr Sanders' supporters, especially those who threatened to stay home or vote for Mr Trump. While the opening night was interrupted by boos and chants of "Bernie" there were fewer signs of discord on Tuesday.

Mr Sanders had implored his supporters to not protest during the convention. Still, several hundred people gathered at Philadelphia's City Hall under a blazing sun on Tuesday chanting "Bernie or bust."

Mr Trump cheered the disruptions from the campaign trail. In North Carolina, he told a convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars that, "our politicians have totally failed you".

When he mentioned Mrs Clinton's name, the group answered with shouts of "Lock her up!" - an echo of the chants at last week's Republican convention.

Mr Trump has been a frequent target at the Democratic gathering, where several videos featured his comments about women and the disabled, and tried to discredit the real estate mogul's business record.

First lady Michelle Obama was a star of the opening night, making an impassioned case for Mrs Clinton as the only candidate in the presidential race worthy of being a role model for the nation's children.

READ MORE: Calls to boost post-Brexit economy after fall in UK wages matched only by bankrupt Greece

Barack Obama and US vice president Joe Biden will speak on Wednesday, along with Virginia senator Tim Kaine, Mrs Clinton's new running mate.