Election of William Henry Harrison (John Tyler)

Definition

The Election of William Henry Harrison in 1840 marked a significant political shift in the United States, as it was the first election where a candidate effectively used modern campaign techniques, leading to Harrison's victory over incumbent Martin Van Buren. This election showcased the rise of the Whig Party and was characterized by a focus on appealing to the common man, with slogans and rallies that energized voters. Harrison’s presidency was cut short by his untimely death just weeks after his inauguration, leading to John Tyler assuming the presidency and setting precedents for presidential succession.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harrison's campaign emphasized his military heroism from the War of 1812, portraying him as a man of the people.
2. The election resulted in one of the highest voter turnout rates at the time, showcasing increased public engagement in politics.
3. Harrison won the election with a significant electoral vote majority, but his presidency lasted only 31 days due to his death from pneumonia.
4. Tyler's ascension to the presidency after Harrison's death established important precedents regarding presidential succession that were not formally codified until later.
5. The election marked the decline of Jacksonian democracy and highlighted the growing importance of political parties in American politics.

Review Questions

• How did the strategies used in the Election of 1840 differ from previous elections?
  • The Election of 1840 saw innovative campaign strategies that had not been utilized in previous elections. The Whig Party effectively employed techniques such as mass rallies, catchy slogans, and imagery that portrayed Harrison as a relatable figure, which significantly increased voter engagement. This marked a departure from earlier methods focused more on elite political maneuvers and less on direct appeals to the electorate.
• Discuss the implications of Harrison’s short presidency for future presidential successions in the United States.
  • Harrison's death shortly after taking office had profound implications for how presidential successions were viewed and executed in America. John Tyler, who assumed the presidency, faced challenges regarding whether he should be considered a full president or merely an acting one. This situation led to Tyler asserting his authority as president, laying groundwork for clearer succession protocols that would later be formalized in the 25th Amendment.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Election of 1840 on American political parties and voter participation.
  • The Election of 1840 significantly altered the landscape of American politics by strengthening party organization and increasing voter participation. The Whig Party's success demonstrated the effectiveness of appealing directly to voters, influencing how future campaigns were conducted. Additionally, this election saw a remarkable rise in voter turnout, which laid the groundwork for more inclusive political engagement in subsequent elections, marking a shift towards modern democratic practices.

Related terms

Whig Party:

A political party formed in the 1830s that opposed President Andrew Jackson and promoted a strong legislative branch.

Log Cabin Campaign: A campaign strategy used by Harrison's supporters emphasizing his humble origins and appealing to voters through imagery of log cabins and hard cider.

Presidential Succession: The process by which a new president is determined in case of vacancy due to death, resignation, or removal from office.