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Presidential Campaigns and Elections of the 1800s

Presidential Campaigns of the 1800s
Were American Presidents Always Inaugurated Outdoors?
Were American presidents always inaugurated outdoors? No, outdoor inaugurations were rare until the tradition of holding inaugurations on the steps of the US Capitol began in 1829.
Five Best Inaugural Addresses of the 19th Century
Some of the best inaugural addresses in American history were delivered in the 19th century, as new presidents endeavored to steer the nation in new directions. Read about the five best inaugural addresses of the 1800s, some of which were spoken by unlikely presidents.
The Five Worst Inaugural Addresses of the 19th Century
American presidents delivered brilliant inaugural addresses in the 1800s, but some presidents stand out for having delivered the worst. Herewith the five worst inaugural address of the 19th century.
Inauguration Ceremonies Throughout the 19th Century
In the early 1800s, the President of the United States was inaugurated in the Senate chamber of the US Capitol. But the tradition changed for the inauguration of Andrew Jackson, when the ceremony was moved outdoors and became a public event. This gallery shows with vivid images some of the historic inaugurations of the 1800s.
Why Is Election Day on a Tuesday In November?
The tradition of holding America's presidential election on a Tuesday in November began in the 1800s, and was established in law in the 1840s.
The Election of 1884 Was Marked by Personal Scandals
The election of 1884 was notable for mudslinging, as one candidate was accused of fathering a child out of wedlock and the other was suspected of being involved in stock market scandals. Grover Cleveland eventually defeated James G. Blaine, becoming the first Democrat to win a presidential election in more than a quarter-century.
Election of 1800 Was Significant and Highly Controversial
The election of 1800s was significant and controversial, and was ultimately decided in the House of Representatives when Thomas Jefferson defeated Aaron Burr.
The Election of 1824 Was Decided in the House of Representatives
The election of 1824 was decided in the US House of Representatives, and when John Quincy Adams won, defeating Andrew Jackson, the entire affair was denounced as "The Corrupt Bargain." It was, until the disputed election of 2000, the most controversial American election.
The Election of 1828 Was Marked By Dirty Tactics
The election of 1828 was one of the dirtiest in American history, and by the time Andrew Jackson won the elecion, charges and accusations had tarnished the reputation of both Jackson and the incumbent he ran against, John Quincy Adams.
The 1840 Log Cabin and Hard Cider Campaign
The 1840 American presidential campaign waged by William Henry Harrison and Martin Van Buren employed songs and slogans and was the precursor of the modern political campaign. It produced the immortal slogan "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" as well as a president who only served a month in office.
The Election of 1860 Brings Abraham Lincoln to the White House
The election of 1860 is one of the most important in American history, as it came at a time of national crisis and brought Abraham Lincoln to the White House.
The Election of 1876
The election of 1876 was close and controversial, and the winner of the popular vote was denied the White House. In a deal made with a congressional commission, Rutherford B. Hayes wound up defeating Samuel J. Tilden, who had probably won the election.
The First American Political Conventions
The first national political conventions in America took place prior to the presidential election of 1832. And the distinction of holding the first political party convention actually belongs to a long-forgotten political movement in America, the Anti-Masonic Party, which convened in Baltimore in late 1831.
Extinct Political Parties of the 1800s
The 19th century gave birth to today's political parties, but it also saw the emergence and extinction of a number of other parties. Some were the parties of presidents, and some seemed to have been doomed for failure and obscurity.

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