In Politicking: A 19th Century Campaign Series, we travel back to some of America’s earliest presidential contests to illustrate how the country’s electoral politics today continue to be reflections of its nascent attempts at democracy. Each of the five videos is accompanied by a lesson plan and activity.
Mud-Slinging and Deadly Duels: How Negative Campaigning Evolved
Negative campaigning is a longstanding tradition in U.S. presidential elections, from the first contested race in 1796 to modern times. Clashes between early political figures like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr set the stage for the intense, divisive campaigns we see today.
Picking a Partner: The V.P. Relationship
Personal conflicts have played a significant role in shaping U.S. political history. Almost 200 years before the falling out between President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, the American public was captivated by a scandal in Washington society and a feud over states’ rights that led to a bitter split between Andrew Jackson and John Calhoun.
Charm Offensive: Why Politicians Reach for ‘Relatable’
William Henry Harrison’s 1840 campaign for the presidency set the stage for modern-day political campaigning. Harrison flipped the script, turning an insult into a winning strategy with parades, songs, and a log cabin image. These early tactics mirror today’s campaigns, where image and public appeal can have an outsize impact.
The Culture Question: How Hot-Button Issues Divide Us
To trace the roots of America’s culture wars, we look back at the 1856 election, where issues of slavery, gender, and religion fueled political conflict. John Frémont was the first presidential candidate nominated by the new Republican Party. As the campaign unfolded, he and his wife became lightning rods for cultural debate. Explore how the aftershocks from that period continue to shape American politics.
Campaign Missteps: Gaffes on the Trail
Gaffes have cast a shadow on many U.S. elections, from the tense final days of the battle between Grover Cleveland and James G. Blaine in 1884 to modern-day missteps that spread like wildfire across the Internet. Amid our ever-changing media environment, discover how a single phrase or blunder can end up dominating our political discourse, from the 19th century to today.
