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