Top 10 Significant Presidential Elections in American History Guide Picks From Martin Kelly,Your Guide to American History. Some say the 2004 presidential election is one of the most significant presidential elections in US history. However, it is impossible to judge the importance of this presidential election until time has passed. The 2004 election will then have to demonstrate its impact on the nation. In order to be included in this list of the top ten presidential elections, a significant event had to impact the elections outcome or the election needed to result in a significant shift in party or policy. 1) Election of 1800 This presidential election is the most significant in US history because of its far reaching impact on electoral policies. The electoral college system from the Constitution broke down allowing Burr, the VP candidate to be in contention for the presidency against Jefferson. It was decided in the House after 26 ballots. Significance: The 12th Amendment was added changing the electoral process. Further, a peaceful exchange of political power occurred (Federalists out, Democratic-Republicans in.) 2) Election of 1860 The presidential election of 1860 demonstrated the necessity of taking a side on the slavery issue. The newly formed Republican party adopted an anti-slavery platform that led to a narrow victory of arguably the greatest president in US history and also set the die for secession. Individuals who once associated with the Democratic or Whig parties yet who were anti-slavery realigned to join the Republicans. Those who were pro-slavery from the other noncommittal parties joined the Democrats. 3) Election of 1932 Another shift in political parties occurred with the presidential election of 1932. Roosevelts Democratic Party came to power by forming the New Deal coalition that united groups that previously had not been associated with the same party. These included urban workers, northern African-Americans, Southern whites, and Jewish voters. Todays Democratic Party is still largely comprised of this coalition. 4) Election of 1896 The presidential election of 1896 demonstrated a sharp division in society between urban and rural interests. William Jennings Bryan (Democrat) was able to form a coalition that answered the call of progressive groups and rural interests including the indebted farmers and those arguing against the gold standard. McKinleys victory was significant because it highlights the shift from America as an agrarian nation to one of urban interests. 5) Election of 1828 The presidential election of 1828 is often pointed to as the rise of the common man. It has been called the Revolution of 1828. After the Corrupt Bargain of 1824 when Andrew Jackson was defeated, an upwelling of support arose against backroom deals and candidates chosen by caucus. At this point in American history, the nominating of candidates became more democratic as conventions replaced caucuses. Another significance: Andrew Jackson was the first president not born of privilege. 6) Election of 1876 This election ranks higher than other disputed elections because it is set against the backdrop of Reconstruction. Tilden led in popular and electoral votes but was one shy of the necessary votes to win. The existence of disputed electoral votes led to the Compromise of 1877. A commission was formed and voted along party lines, awarding Hayes(Republican) the presidency. It is believed that Hayes agreed to end Reconstruction and recall all troops from the South in exchange for the presidency. 7) Election of 1824 The Election of 1824 is known as the Corrupt Bargain. The lack of an electoral majority resulted in the election being decided in the House. It is believed that a deal was made giving the office to John Quincy Adams in exchange for Henry Clay becoming Secretary of State. Significance: Jackson had won the popular vote, but lost because of this bargain. The backlash from this election catapulted Jackson to the presidency in 1828. Further, the Democratic-Republican Party split in two. 8) Election of 1912 The reason why the presidential election of 1912 is included here is to show the impact that a third party can have on the outcome of an election. When Theodore Roosevelt broke from the Republicans to form the Bull Moose Party, he hoped to win back the presidency. His presence on the ballot split the Republican vote resulting in a win for the Democrat, Woodrow Wilson. This would be significant because Wilson led the nation during World War I and staunchly fought for the League of Nations. 9) Election of 2000 The Election of 2000 came down to the electoral college and specifically the vote in Florida. Because of the controversy over the recount in Florida, the Gore campaign sued to have a manual recount. This was significant because it was the first time the Supreme Court got involved in an electoral decision. It decided that the votes should stand as counted and the electoral votes for the state were awarded to George W. Bush. He won the presidency without winning the popular vote. 10) Election of 1796 The presidential election of 1796 is included here because once George Washington retired, there was no unanimous choice for the presidency. This election demonstrated that the fledgling democracy could work. One man stepped aside, and a peaceful election occurred resulting in a new President, John Adams. One side effect of this election which would become more significant in 1800 was that due to the electoral process, archrival Jefferson became Adams Vice President.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 05:51:59 +0000
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