Positions on the Key Issues WHIGSWHIGS DEMOCRATSDEMOCRATS Less concerned about the widening gap between rich and poor. Opposed “liberal capitalism” because they believed it would lead to economic chaos. Strong national govt. to coordinate the expanding economy was critical. Opposes Indian removal. Favored tariffs. Supported a National Bank. Felt the widening gap between rich and poor was alarming. Believed that bankers, merchants, and speculators were “non-producers” who used their govt. connections to line their own pockets. Govt. should have a hands-off approach to the economy to allow the little guy a chance to prosper. For Indian removal. Oppose tariffs. States’ rights. Oppose federal support for internal improvements. Opposed the National Bank.

The 1836 Election Results Martin Van Buren “Old Kinderhook” [O. K.]

Election of 1836 Martin van Buren (DEM) won the election against the newly formed Whig party (anti-Jacksons) --Sec of State/VP under Jackson 1 st president born a citizen of the U.S. Term “OK” in reference to Old Kinderhook

Noteworthy Events Trail of Tears Panic of 1837 –Land values dropped, investments declined, banks failed –Although laissez-faire, he had Congress establish a federal treasury for government funds –Blamed for depression (Martin Van Ruin)

Noteworthy Events Amistad Crisis (1839) –Slave Revolt (53 African natives sold to Spanish slave trade bound for Cuba) We seized the ship and “cargo” charging slaves with murder –JQA support in HOR

DEMS  Martin Van Buren ELECTION OF 1840 WHIGS  William Henry Harrison (PRESIDENT) WHIGS  John Tyler(VP)

“Tippecanoe, and Tyler, Too!”

1840 Election Results

“Log Cabin” Campaign Pin, 1840

William Henry Harrison Campaign Song “Tip and Ty” “Tip and Ty” (Words and Music by "A member of the Fifth Ward Club“, published 1840) What has caus'd this great com-mo-tion, mo-tion, mot-ion our coun-try through, It is the ball that's rol-ling on, For Tip-pi-ca-noe, and Ty-ler too, For Tip-pi-ca-noe, and Ty-ler too, And with them we'll beat lit-tle Van, Van, Van is a us'd up man, And with them we'll beat lit-tle Van.

Election of 1840 With the country still in a depression, the Whigs hoped to beat Van Buren Candidate was WHH and his running mate, John Tyler (“Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”) Campaigned as a “log-cabin boy” because aristocrats were out of fashion Longest inaugural speech (2 hrs) in cold weather –Died 30 days later from pneumonia –“Prophet’s Curse”

Election of 1840 “His Accidency” “Hail to the Chief” began to be played for Presidents Tyler took over the presidency and backed states’ rights and vetoed Whig- sponsored bills Most cabinet members resigned He was expelled from the Whig party

Photo of Andrew Jackson in 1844 (one year before his death)