New Political Parties and Campaign Tactics
Trace how Andrew Jackson's supporters formed the Democratic Party after the corrupt bargain of 1824 and used new campaign tactics to reach ordinary voters in Grade 8 history.
Key Concepts
The bitter 1824 election split the old Democratic Republican party. Andrew Jackson's supporters formed the new Democratic Party , which appealed to farmers, workers, and the "common man." Supporters of John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay organized as the National Republicans , who favored a stronger federal government and economic development.
This split introduced a new, aggressive style of campaigning for the 1828 election. For the first time, parties used rallies, slogans, and parades to reach a wider audience of voters. They also engaged in mudslinging , using personal attacks and insults to damage their opponent's reputation.
Common Questions
How did the Democratic Party form?
After Andrew Jackson lost the 1824 election despite winning the popular vote, his supporters formed the new Democratic Party appealing to farmers, workers, and the common man.
What new campaign tactics emerged in the Jackson era?
Campaigns used rallies, parades, and party newspapers to reach ordinary voters, replacing the earlier style of elite gentlemen appealing only to educated property owners.
What was the corrupt bargain of 1824?
Jackson accused John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay of a corrupt bargain after Clay helped Adams win the House vote in exchange for becoming Secretary of State.