November 5, 2025

Presidential Election of 1836

  • Context and Background

    • 1836 is a presidential election year.

    • The Whig Party, officially organized in 1834, is set to nominate its first presidential candidate.

    • The Democratic Party nominates Martin Van Buren, who served as Jackson's Secretary of State and Vice President.

  • Martin Van Buren's Political Journey

    • Established tradition of two-term presidents voluntarily stepping down.

    • Andrew Jackson endorses Van Buren as his successor.

  • Challenges for the Whig Party

    • The Whig Party is a relatively new entity and lacks a significant candidate against Van Buren.

    • They recognize the uphill battle against an established politician like Van Buren.

  • Whig Party Strategy for Election

    • Instead of nominating a single candidate, the Whigs choose multiple candidates to split the vote.

    • Their aim is to prevent Van Buren from achieving a majority in the Electoral College.

    • If Van Buren fails to secure a majority, the election goes to the House of Representatives (reference to the election of 1824).

  • Outcome of the Election

    • Martin Van Buren wins the presidency, securing a comfortable majority of electoral votes.

    • Despite the Whig strategy, they fail to prevent Van Buren's majority in popular votes.

Martin Van Buren as Eighth President

  • Description of Van Buren's Political Persona

    • Known as the "Little Magician" for his political savvy and ability to achieve surprising victories.

    • His effectiveness is attributed to understanding political timing and networking.

    • Nicknamed the "Red Fox" due to his appearance and cleverness.

  • Luck in Politics

    • Highlighted that luck plays a crucial role alongside intelligence and hard work in achieving success.

    • Van Buren's political career has largely been characterized by fortuitous timing.

    • Discussion centered on how his luck appears to wane as he enters his presidency.

Economic Crisis during Van Buren’s Presidency

  • Panic of 1837

    • The onset of a significant economic crisis that envelops the nation soon after Van Buren’s inauguration.

    • Caused by factors like the bank war, high-risk loans from pet banks, and the specie circular (policy mandating gold and silver for land payments).

    • Wealthy investors hoard currency, leading to a scarcity of money circulating in the economy.

  • Consequences of the Panic

    • Major shutdowns of banks leading to widespread financial instability.

    • No deposit insurance existing at the time causes severe losses for individuals with deposits in failing banks.

    • Unemployment rates soar to 33%, surpassing the unemployment rates during the Great Depression.

    • Significant wage cuts and soaring food prices exacerbate the crisis.

  • Government Response

    • The federal government adopts a stance of non-interventionism, expecting the economy to recover organically without assistance.

    • Discussion on the social impact, particularly on the poor, who suffer greatly due to lack of support.

    • Highlight that despite recovery occurring, many will suffer extensive hardships beforehand.

The Whig Party’s Opportunities and Election of 1840

  • Context for the 1840 Election

    • Economic downturn opens new opportunities for the Whig Party.

    • Martin Van Buren is perceived as responsible for the economic crisis, creating political leverage for the Whigs.

  • Whig Candidate Strategy

    • Decision made to nominate a war hero to appeal to the electorate (similar to Jackson).

    • William Henry Harrison ("Tippecanoe") is selected.

    • Running mate John Tyler is chosen to gain southern support.

  • Campaign Tactics

    • The election is characterized by a significant amount of campaign spectacle (hoopla).

    • Emphasis on catchy slogans and images rather than political discourse.

    • Harrison's campaign slogan, "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," proves effective.

  • Media Backlash and Response

    • Democratic newspaper ridicule of Harrison for being out of touch was repurposed by the Whigs.

    • Whigs present Harrison as a humble, patriotic figure willing to sacrifice comfort for the country’s needs.

    • Imagery of log cabins utilized to solidify the identity of Harrison as a common man despite his aristocratic background.

  • Voter Engagement

    • The 1840 election sees the largest voter turnout (about 80%), dramatically increased from previous elections.

    • Van Buren becomes closely associated with elitism and the recent economic hardships, enhancing Whig chances.

Transition to Harrison's Presidency

  • Description of Harrison's Election Impact

    • Harrison's campaign strategically capitalizes on sentiments surrounding the economic struggles facing Americans.

  • Next Steps

    • A pause in political discussion to transition into sociocultural topics in future outlines of the curriculum.