In this Grade 7 lesson from History of A Free Nation, students examine the election of 1828, analyzing the mudslinging campaign tactics used by the National Republicans and Democratic Republicans and how Andrew Jackson's appeal to the "common man" led to his decisive electoral victory. Students also learn how the expansion of voting rights in the early 1800s — including the elimination of property ownership as a voting qualification — drove a dramatic surge in voter participation and reshaped American democracy. The lesson connects these developments to the broader rise of Jacksonian democracy and its impact on the political landscape of the United States.
Section 1
📘 Growth of Democracy
This lesson explores how the spirit of democracy, championed by Andrew Jackson, grew to overshadow sectional rivalries, transforming American politics, elections, and government itself.
Andrew Jackson
• Describe the unique campaign methods, including personal attacks and mudslinging, used by political parties in the heated election of 1828.
Section 2
Parties Attack Candidates in the 1828 Election
In the election of 1828, both the National Republicans and the Democratic Republicans (or Democrats) feared that taking strong positions on issues would alienate voters.
Instead, they resorted to mudslinging, a campaign of personal attacks. Adams's supporters called Jackson a barbarian, while Jackson's followers attacked Adams for alleged corruption.
This strategy created a bitter and disgraceful campaign, which included vicious and untrue attacks against Jackson’s wife, Rachel Jackson, causing her great suffering.
Section 3
New Voters Propel Andrew Jackson to Victory
The ideals of democracy and the growth of a non-landowning working class led many states to remove property ownership as a voting requirement by the 1820s.
This change extended the franchise to most adult white men, tripling the number of voters. As a result of this, Andrew Jackson's supporters successfully presented him as a “common man.”
This appeal to new voters gave Jackson a decisive victory in 1828, signaling a shift in political power to the West.
Section 4
Parties Develop New Ways to Attract Voters
Because the number of voters had dramatically increased, political parties needed new ways to mobilize them.
Parties began organizing large public rallies with parades and speeches. They also printed their own ballots, or “tickets,” which were aggressively pushed on voters at the polls, as there was no secret ballot.
Pay special attention to this: while these methods increased participation, they also led to voter harassment and the potential for widespread fraud, shaping future campaigns.
Section 5
Andrew Jackson's Life Embodies the American Dream
Andrew Jackson came from a very different background than previous presidents, having been born in a log cabin and orphaned at a young age.
Through his strong will, he became a lawyer, politician, and celebrated general in the War of 1812. His early life was marked by violent personal quarrels and duels.
His rise from poverty to the presidency made him a powerful symbol of the American dream and the ideal of the self-made “common man.”
Section 6
A Grieving Jackson Enters the White House
The vicious mudslinging during the 1828 campaign deeply distressed Andrew Jackson's wife, Rachel Jackson.
Tragically, she died from a heart attack shortly after the election, a loss Jackson blamed on his political enemies for the rest of his life. He entered office at age 62 while grieving and suffering from chronic illnesses.
Despite this personal tragedy and physical pain, Jackson's inner toughness allowed him to assume the presidency with firm resolve and dignity.
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Section 1
📘 Growth of Democracy
This lesson explores how the spirit of democracy, championed by Andrew Jackson, grew to overshadow sectional rivalries, transforming American politics, elections, and government itself.
Andrew Jackson
• Describe the unique campaign methods, including personal attacks and mudslinging, used by political parties in the heated election of 1828.
Section 2
Parties Attack Candidates in the 1828 Election
In the election of 1828, both the National Republicans and the Democratic Republicans (or Democrats) feared that taking strong positions on issues would alienate voters.
Instead, they resorted to mudslinging, a campaign of personal attacks. Adams's supporters called Jackson a barbarian, while Jackson's followers attacked Adams for alleged corruption.
This strategy created a bitter and disgraceful campaign, which included vicious and untrue attacks against Jackson’s wife, Rachel Jackson, causing her great suffering.
Section 3
New Voters Propel Andrew Jackson to Victory
The ideals of democracy and the growth of a non-landowning working class led many states to remove property ownership as a voting requirement by the 1820s.
This change extended the franchise to most adult white men, tripling the number of voters. As a result of this, Andrew Jackson's supporters successfully presented him as a “common man.”
This appeal to new voters gave Jackson a decisive victory in 1828, signaling a shift in political power to the West.
Section 4
Parties Develop New Ways to Attract Voters
Because the number of voters had dramatically increased, political parties needed new ways to mobilize them.
Parties began organizing large public rallies with parades and speeches. They also printed their own ballots, or “tickets,” which were aggressively pushed on voters at the polls, as there was no secret ballot.
Pay special attention to this: while these methods increased participation, they also led to voter harassment and the potential for widespread fraud, shaping future campaigns.
Section 5
Andrew Jackson's Life Embodies the American Dream
Andrew Jackson came from a very different background than previous presidents, having been born in a log cabin and orphaned at a young age.
Through his strong will, he became a lawyer, politician, and celebrated general in the War of 1812. His early life was marked by violent personal quarrels and duels.
His rise from poverty to the presidency made him a powerful symbol of the American dream and the ideal of the self-made “common man.”
Section 6
A Grieving Jackson Enters the White House
The vicious mudslinging during the 1828 campaign deeply distressed Andrew Jackson's wife, Rachel Jackson.
Tragically, she died from a heart attack shortly after the election, a loss Jackson blamed on his political enemies for the rest of his life. He entered office at age 62 while grieving and suffering from chronic illnesses.
Despite this personal tragedy and physical pain, Jackson's inner toughness allowed him to assume the presidency with firm resolve and dignity.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter