Discussion 5: Election Of 1828
Discussion 5: Election of 1828 Textbook:Openstax.org/ US history After R
Discussion 5: Election of 1828 Textbook:Openstax.org/ US history After reading about the Election of 1828 and watching the video on the election please discuss the election and the tactics used by each side. Were you surprised by the tone of this election? How does this compare to elections in modern times? To receive full credit for this assignment your post must: · Address the questions asked in the paragraph above in at least a 300-word post and cite all outside sources appropriately. · In your initial post, include at least one interesting question the readings raised for you. · Be thorough in your post. · MLA FORMAT
Paper For Above instruction
The United States presidential election of 1828 marked a pivotal moment in American political history, characterized by intense rivalry, colorful campaigning, and a shift in political tactics. This election, which saw Andrew Jackson defeat incumbent John Quincy Adams, is often regarded as the emergence of modern political campaigning—featuring personal attacks, mudslinging, and efforts to appeal directly to the common voter. Both sides employed various tactics to garner support, with Jackson's supporters mobilizing a grassroots campaign emphasizing his humble origins and reputation as a war hero, while Adams' supporters relied on traditional political channels and more restrained campaigning.
The tone of the 1828 election was notably bitter and personal. Campaign slogans and advertisements before the election often attacked the character and morals of the opposition, with Jackson's supporters ridiculing Adams’ alleged corruption and monarchist sympathies. Conversely, Adams’ campaign targeted Jackson's character flaws, including accusations related to his military conduct and personal life. The level of hostility, name-calling, and emotional appeals was unprecedented at the time and contrasted sharply with earlier elections, which were more about policy and less about personal denomination. The election’s aggressive tone surprised many, with some commentators noting that it marked the beginning of a more populist and emotionally charged era in American politics.
Compared to modern elections, the tone and tactics of 1828 seem remarkably familiar. Contemporary campaigns often involve personal attacks, divisive rhetoric, and appeals to identity politics—tools that were similarly employed during the 1828 election. While the specific issues and media have evolved, the underlying strategies of mobilizing support through emotional appeals and personal vilification remain constant. Political campaigns today continue to use attack ads, social media manipulation, and emotional appeals, echoing the tactics from the early 19th century.
An interesting question raised by the readings is whether the intense, personal nature of early American electoral politics has contributed to a more polarized and emotionally driven political landscape today. Does the legacy of 1828’s tactics influence our current political climate, and if so, how might future campaigns shift towards a more issue-oriented approach? This question underscores the importance of understanding historical campaign strategies to better navigate and hopefully improve modern political discourse.
The election of 1828 ultimately reshaped American political campaigning, establishing patterns and tactics that persist in contemporary elections. It reflected broader societal changes, including increased voter participation and the rise of political party identity as a powerful mobilizing force. Recognizing these historical methods helps us better understand the dynamics of modern political campaigns and the importance of fostering informed, civil discourse.
References
- Brands, H. W. The Age of Jackson. HarperCollins, 2005.
- Hofstadter, Richard. The Age of Reform: From Bryan to FDR. Vintage Books, 1955.
- McCormick, Richard P. “The Campaign of 1828.” The Journal of American History, vol. 23, no. 3, 1939, pp. 442–454.
- Remini, Robert V. Andrew Jackson. HarperCollins, 2001.
- Schlesinger, Arthur M. The Age of Jackson. Little, Brown, 1945.
- Meacham, Jon. American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. Random House, 2008.
- Greene, Jack P. “The Campaign of 1828 and the Rise of Political Mudslinging.” Historian, vol. 58, no. 2, 1996, pp. 265–284.
- Jackson, Andrew. President Jackson's Papers. Library of Congress, 1828.
- Tippett, Karen. A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide. Basic Books, 2011.
- Zinn, Howard. A People’s History of the United States. Harper Collins, 2003.