Rise of mass politics & popular democracy

1. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy The “corrupt bargain” of 1824 Monroe finished second term – last of Vir. Dynasty 4 candidates towered above the rest: John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts – highly intelligent, experienced, and aloof Henry Clay of Kentucky – the gamy and gallant “Harry of the West” William H. Crawford of Georgia, able though ailing Andrew Jackson of Tennessee – gaunt and gusty hero of New Orleans

2. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy The “corrupt bargain” of 1824 All four professed to be “Republicans” Well organized parties had not yet emerged John C. Calhoun appeared as the vice-presidential candidate on both the Adams and the Jackson tickets

3. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy The “corrupt bargain” of 1824 Results were confusing Jackson, the war hero, strongest personal appeal, especially in the west. Campaigned against the forces of corruption and privilege in government. won almost as many popular votes as his next two opponents together, but failed to win a majority of electoral votes

4. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy The “corrupt bargain” of 1824 Results were confusing The House of Representatives was to break deadlock (12th amend.) Must choose among the top three candidates Clay was eliminated Clay was Speaker of the House, therefore he presided over the very chamber that had to pick the winner.

5. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy The “corrupt bargain” of 1824 Clay reached decision by elimination Crawford had stroke and was then out of the race Clay hated Jackson. Jackson was his rival for allegiance of the West. Jackson resented Clay’s public denunciation of his Florida foray in 1818.

6. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy The “corrupt bargain” of 1824 John Quincy Adams was left. A free living gambler and duelist had no personal relations with Clay. The two had much in common politically. Both were fervid nationalists Advocates of the American system Shortly before balloting Clay met with Adams and assured him of his support.

7. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy The “corrupt bargain” of 1824 Early 1825 Decision day Some members of the House were carried in on stretchers to be able to vote. Adams won on the first ballot A few days later the victor announced that Clay would be his new secretary of state. Much desired office 3 of the last four office holders had become president Bribe put the people’s second choice in office before the first

8. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy The “corrupt bargain” of 1824 Masses of angry Jacksonians raised a protest against the “corrupt bargain”. Continued for almost four years Jackson condemned Clay as “Judas” of the west If there was a bargain, there is no proof. Was it really corrupt or was Clay truly qualified for the job?

9. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy A Yankee Misfit in the White House John Quincy Adams Brilliant, irritable, and sarcastic Brilliant record in statecraft, especially foreign affairs, One of the most successful secretaries of state Puritanical honor, but not remembered as a great president His political allies wished that he would strike a few more “corrupt bargains”

10. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy A Yankee Misfit in the White House John Quincy Adams He refused to oust efficient office holders in order to create vacancies for his supporters. (only 12 were removed during his term in office) If he would not reward loyalty, why should they labor? Adams / Nationalistic issues Nation turning from post-Ghent nationalism and toward states’ rights and sectionalism.

11. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy A Yankee Misfit in the White House Adams / Nationalistic issues Nation turning from post-Ghent nationalism and toward states’ rights and sectionalism. 1st annual message he urged congress for the construction of roads and canals. Renewed Washington’s call for national university Advocated federal support for an astronomical observatory (angered the south) Tried to curb feverish speculation in the public domain. (angered westerners) Tried to protect the Cherokee – backed down to GA’s governors threat to use arms

12. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy Going “Whole Hog” for Jackson in 1828 Jackson’s campaign began February 9, 1825, the day of Adams election. Republicans had split into two camps: National Republicans – Adams Democratic Republicans – Jackson Adams contingent – described Jackson’s mother as a prostitute and his wife as an adulteress Recounted his numerous duel and brawls and trumpeting his hanging of six mutinous militiamen with black-boardered handbills shaped like coffins

13. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy Going “Whole Hog” for Jackson in 1828 Jackson supporters presented him as a frontiersman and champion of the common man. He was actually a wealthy planter And Adams was probably too moral for the job

14. Rise of mass politics & popular democracy Going “Whole Hog” for Jackson in 1828 Voting Day electorate split along sectional lines. Jackson strongest support came from the South and West Middle states and the Old Northwest were divided Adams won the backing of his own New England and propertied “better elements” of the Northeast. Popular converted to electorate Jackson’s victory could not be denied. Votes for Jackson had been gained by political machines by power was shifting away from the conservative eastern seaboard and to the emerging states in the west