Mr. Pettit
APUSH
CHAPTER 10: THE RISE OF THE WHIGS
Why were they called the Whigs?
-Originated as a British political formed to oppose tyrannical
government.
-U.S. Whigs wanted to remind citizens of the founding fathers and the
foundations of America. (powdered Whigs)
What did the Whigs stand for?
-Lacked a definitive stance on the expansion of slavery.
-Wanted Congressional influence to trump Executive influence.
-Believed in economic projects, infrastructure, and the National Bank
-Were able to attract voters from many backgrounds.
How did they originate?
a.) Martin Van Buren, the election of 1836.
b.) The Panic of 1837.
MARTIN VAN BUREN AND THE ELECTION OF 1836:
-Even with strong opposition from the Whigs, Van Buren wins the
presidency to keep the Democrats in the White House.
-The Whigs could not settle on a single strong candidate due to the
diverse backgrounds of people that supported them.
-Van Buren was a New York aristocrat but loyal to Jackson as his V.P.
THE PANIC OF 1837:
-Major catalyst to Van Buren’s Downfall---gave Whigs a window of
opportunity to take advantage.
-Similar causes to Panic of 1819;
1. Cotton trade with Britain stalled.
2. Jackson’s Bank War.
-Van Buren’s passive response did not sit well with the public (mainly
farmers).
-reality was the Federal government was probably wise to not do
anything, but the recession deepened into 1839.
THE WHIGS WIN THE WHITE HOUSE:
-William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and the “log cabin campaign”
-Whigs were able to portray Harrison as a war hero, self-made
man, and a hands off type presidential candidate.
-portrayed Van Buren as an aristocrat that liked fancy things and
was out of touch with the American people.
-Whigs win easily, however Harrison died 1 month after his inauguration.
-this made Tyler president, who was chosen V.P. to bring the Southern
vote.
-He had Democratic ideals, which hurt the Whig party going
forward.