The Jackson Era

From Adams to Jackson

Chapter 11, Section 1 1824-1845

From 1816 to 1824 the United States had only one political partythe Jeffersonian Republicans. However, within the party differences arose among various groups with their own views and interests. Surprise, surprise. When James Monroe finished his second term as president, he decided not to run again.

The Election of 1824

William H. Crawforda former congressman from Georgia, he called for limited federal government and strong state powers. He also defended slavery.
He was in poor health which weakened him as a candidate.

The Nominees

The other three Republicans in the presidential race were favorite son candidates, meaning they received the backing of their home states rather than that of the national party.
Two of these were Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay.

John Quincy Adams (Who was he during Monroes presidency?) was the son of former president John Adams. He believed federal government should actively help the nation shift from an economy based on farming to one based on manufacturing. He won the election.

Andrew Jackson tried again for the presidency. He ran against John Quincy Adams in a bitter election campaign. In 1824, all four presidential candidates had run as Republicans. By the time of the election of 1828, the party had divided into two separate parties: the DemocraticRepublicans, who supported Jackson, and the National Republicans, who supported Adams.

Lets Fast Forward to 1828

Jacksons Democratic-Republicans, or Democrats, favored states rights and mistrusted strong central government. Many Democrats were individualists from the frontier, immigrants, or laborers in big cities.

Democratic-Republicans (Jackson)

The National Republicans wanted a strong central government. They supported federal measures, such as road building and the Bank of the United States that would shape the nations economy. Many were merchants or successful farmers.

The National Republicans (Adams)

Much like campaigns of today, both parties resorted to mudslinging or attempts to ruin their opponents reputation with insults. This was a new element to elections introduced in 1828. Also, election slogans, rallies, buttons, etc were used really for the first time.

A Vicious Campaign

Why, Andrew Jackson, of course!

Jackson won in a landslide, or overwhelming victory with 56 percent of the popular vote and 178 electoral votes.

The Winner?

Compare and Contrast the DemocraticRepublicans and the National Republicans.

Homework