what is the whig party? a look at a short-lived 19 th century political party…
TRANSCRIPT
What is the Whig Party?
A Look at a short-lived 19th century political party…
Their origins…
A party made up of the leading Americans who hated Andrew Jackson
Many were formerly Democrats within Jackson’s political party
Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John Quincy Adams
Supported Clay’s “American System”, tariffs, and federal control of banking & currency
1. William Henry Harrison
Beats Martin Van Buren’s re-election bid in the Election of 1840
Runs on campaign slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!”
Whigs publicize him as “war hero” and “a common man” (He was from wealthy aristocratic family.)
Gives Inauguration Speech on cold rainy day with no jacket…dies in 1 month.
Loser….
2. John Tyler
Ran as Harrison’s Vice President Not expected to be president, just get
Southern votes for Harrison Reversed and vetoed many Whig
economic policies, angering his own party
Nicknamed “His Accidency” The Whigs soon kicked him out of the
party
3. Zachary Taylor
“Old Rough and Ready” Won Presidency as a war hero from the
Mexican War Died 16 months into office Speculation into whether or not he was
poisoned led to a 1990’s historical study; his remains were examined but the results were inconclusive…
4. Millard Fillmore
Took over for Taylor when he died suddenly
Went easy on slavery just 7 years before the nation would split into Civil War
Seen as failure for doing nothing to stop growing conflict
Loser…
The Legacy of the Whigs…
Party grew split over slavery issue Reputation for being old, fussy, white
dudes The 4 Whig presidents are all ranked in
the top 15 worst presidents of the 42.
The Whig Party may yet return again one day……………
WHIGS FOREVA
!!!!
Knowledge Checkpoint
Would the Whigs have any success today? Why or why not?
Why do you think these presidents are generally ranked so low when comparing all presidents?