The Presidential Election of 1828 was Andrew Jackson's retribution.
After losing the election in Congress despite having won the electoral and popular vote, Jackson wanted revenge on his opponents. He and his constituents split the Democratic-Republicans in half and formed the Democratic party.
John Quincy Adams not only was not as popular as Jackson but had struggled to do much in his first term except make a few enemies.
The Candidates were as follows:
- National Republicans: John Quincy Adams and Vice President Richard Rush
- Democratic: Andrew Jackson and Vice President John C. Calhoun
Presidential Election of 1828: Platforms
The Platforms of each party were not the main tactic used for campaigning. Instead of campaigning on issues, the two engaged in mudslinging with serious personal attacks.
National Republicans: The National Republicans took aim at Jackson's character. He and his wife were accused of bigamy when they got married, thinking she was divorced, but it was not final. He was also attacked for owning and trading slaves, and finally, he was attacked for his rough lifestyle of shooting deserters, his court-martial, and the duels her participated in.
Democratic: Andrew Jackson did not articulate much on issues but used his charisma and popularity to draw large crowds and was seen as the candidate for every man. He successfully made Adams look like a professional politician who did not care about the people as much as the system.
Presidential Election of 1828: Outcome
Andrew Jackson got his revenge when he easily defeated John Quincy Adams for the presidency.
However, the campaign took its toll on Andrew Jackson's wife as the scandal became national news it put her into a depression. Rachel Jackson died in December 1828, just before Andrew Jackson went to Washington.
Jackson is on the record saying, "May God forgive her murderers. I never can"