nov 4, 1828 - Election of 1828
Description:
An election in which Tennessee Democrat Andrew Jackson defeated incumbent Massachusetts National Republican John Quincy Adams and became the 7th president. Fuming after his defeat in the 1824 election, Jackson formed his own party, the Democrats. Meanwhile, Adams, along with Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, formed the National Republican Party to counter Jackson. Despite John C. Calhoun being Adams' vice president, he decided to run under the Demorcatic Party with Jackson instead, leaving Adams to run with Richard Rush. Despite his victory in the previous election, Adams was hampered in 1828 by the Tariff of Abominations abhorred by the South. Jackson used this against Adams to gather overwhelming support from the region. Like many prior elections, this one was filled with insults and accusations. Adams' supporters accused Andrew and Rachel Jackson's marriage to be illegitamate, a topic the nominee was highly sensitve about, even previously deuling another man over it. Rachel Jackson, already suffering from a weak heart, died soon after the election, leading Andrew Jackson to blame the National Repbublicans for contributing to her death with their constant slander. Adams, a strong abolitionist, criticized Jackson for partaking in the slave trade. A notable difference between the two candidates was that Adams focused on his opinion on particular issues, while Jackson ran on his personality, history as a war hero, and opposition to Adams. Thomas Jefferson endorsed Jackson, adding to his popularity. Adams, popular in New England, swept the area, along with Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. Jackson carried the South and West, along with the key states of Pennsylvania and most of New York, securing his victory. Described as the Revolution of 1828, it was seen by many as an end to the aristocracy in power. Jackson came from humble origins, while Adams was the latest in a long line of elites. Because of he was a "common man," Jackson pledged to remove the property qualification for voting, ushering in an era of universal white male suffrage, an important milestone in American democracy. Jackson also used his "corrupt bargain" theory against Adams during the campaign, and when he won, it was seen as Americans starting to hold corruption in politics accountable.
Main issues: Tariffs
Voter turnout: 57.6% (record)
Significance: First election under the Second American Party System
First election in which the victor was neither from Virginia nor Massachusetts
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