Presidential Campaigns The Election of 1840

Election of 1840 historians have described the Election of 1840 as the first modern political campaign Harrison campaigned actively for President, something that in the past candidates never did – they let their supporters campaign for them Vs. William Henry Harrison Martin van Buren

Campaign Ribbon Campaign ribbons were used to show support for candidates this ribbon is made of white silk and is decorated with images of William Henry Harrison, a ship, and a log cabin What does the ship represent? Notice the date – Sept. 10, 1813 What does the log cabin represent? What is it supposed to say to the people?

Harrison Snuffbox this snuffbox, painted with William Henry Harrison’s portrait, was part of his campaign promotional material the box was used to hold powdered tobacco, popular in the Nineteenth Century

Other campaign items Campaign poster – Who are Tip and Ty?Cream pitcher – It says “Harrison & Reform”

Who are the Tippecanoe Boys? What is a log cabin raising? What word is associated with Harrison in many of his campaign materials?

What image was Harrison trying to portray in the campaign? How do you know?

Assignment With a partner, prepare an outline of how you would present William Henry Harrison's political image if you were serving as his campaign manager in a modern election. What slogan would you use? What current memorabilia give-aways would you offer? How would you take advantage of media opportunities available to Harrison? Your work should include At least one slogan at least two giveaways with sketches of each create a script for a commercial for Harrison’s campaign