Set 1 — Elections of 1824 and 1828

Corrupt Bargain (Election of 1824)

An election with four Republican candidates: Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and William Crawford. Jackson won the most popular votes but did not win a majority of electoral votes, so the House of Representatives decided the election.

Why did the House of Representatives decide the election of 1824?

No candidate received a majority of electoral votes, so the House had to choose among the top three candidates.

Why was Andrew Jackson popular in 1824?

He was a war hero from the War of 1812, especially the Battle of New Orleans, and appealed strongly to ordinary voters.

What role did Henry Clay play in the election of 1824?

Clay was eliminated from the presidential contest but remained Speaker of the House, giving him influence over the House's decision.

Why did Henry Clay support John Quincy Adams?

Clay opposed Jackson and supported Adams. After Adams became president, Clay was appointed secretary of state, leading Jackson's supporters to accuse them of making a corrupt bargain.

Why was the election of 1824 called the Corrupt Bargain?

Jackson's supporters believed Clay had used his influence to help Adams win in exchange for the secretary of state position.

Who became president after the election of 1824?

John Quincy Adams.

John Quincy Adams's domestic goals

He supported nationalism and wanted the federal government to fund roads, canals, and other internal improvements to develop the nation.

Why did John Quincy Adams struggle as president?

His proposals for national improvements faced opposition, and many Jackson supporters believed he had won unfairly. He also refused to replace qualified officeholders simply to reward his own supporters.

National Republicans

Supporters of John Quincy Adams who favored a stronger national government and economic development through policies such as internal improvements.

Democratic-Republicans supporting Jackson

The political group that supported Andrew Jackson and increasingly emphasized popular democracy, the interests of ordinary white men, and opposition to entrenched political elites.

How did the election of 1824 affect American politics?

It divided the old Republican coalition and helped create new political parties centered on Adams and Jackson.

Election of 1828

Jackson defeated Adams after a bitter campaign, winning the popular vote by a significant margin and building support in the West and South.

How did the election of 1828 divide regionally?

Jackson was strongest in the West and South, Adams was strongest in New England and the Northeast, and the middle states were divided.

How did Adams's and Jackson's supporters campaign in 1828?

They attacked and criticized each other, making the campaign highly personal and bitter.

Why did Jackson's victory in 1828 matter?

It marked the rise of Jacksonian democracy and a political style that appealed more directly to ordinary white male voters.

Jackson's inauguration in 1829

Many ordinary people traveled to Washington to celebrate Jackson's victory. The large crowd entered the White House reception, creating a chaotic scene that traditionalists compared to a mob.

What did Jackson's inauguration symbolize to supporters?

They saw it as a celebration of ordinary people gaining a greater role in national politics.