Jackson’s Successors
How did Jackson’s legacy impact the future of politics in the United States?
What is the most important legacy of the Jacksonian Era?
Election of 1832
• Democratic candidate Andrew Jackson• National-Republican candidate Henry Clay
• Third party enters the election– Anti-Masonic Party- anti-Jackson; egalitarian
• Jackson wins a second term due to large support from common man
The Birth of the Whigs
• National-Republicans adopted name of Whigs in 1834– Adopted from 18th century British and American
political party opposed to monarchy, due to Jackson’s ironfisted presidential power
• Favored government programs• A coalition of bankers, merchants, southern planters• Absorbed Anti-Masonic Party• Blunted Democratic appeal to the common man
Election of 1836
• Democratic candidate Martin Van Buren– New Yorker– Secretary of State & Vice President during Jackson
Administration– First choice of Andrew Jackson• Many believed Jackson supported Van Buren so he
could serve a third term through “yes man” Van Buren
• Whig frontrunner William Henry Harrison• Van Buren won the race by a small margin!
Activity
• With a partner refer to pages 273-275 & 280-285, and complete the chart on Jackson’s successors
• Be ready to discuss as a class
Martin Van Buren 1837-1841
• Rebellion in Canada stirred problems near border
• Texas annexed in 1838• Panic of 1837
William Henry Harrison
• Honest hard cider and log cabins• Died from pneumonia after 4 weeks in the
white house• VP John Tyler assumes presidency & conflicts
with the Whig Party