AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Antebellum Whig Party (Day 102/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Antebellum Whig Party in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

U.S. presidential election results from 1828 to 1852. Darker shades of blue indicate states that generally voted for the Democratic Party, while darker shades of yellow/brown indicate states that generally voted for the Whig or National Republican Party. Wikimedia Commons

The election of 1824 brought the end of the one-party system. Two distinct parties emerged that disagreed about the role and powers of the federal government and issues such as the national bank, tariffs, and federally funded internal improvements.

Henry Clay, Wikimedia Commons

The Whig Party, primarily led by Henry Clay, was supported by New England and mid-Atlantic states and by urban professionals. Whigs favored a strong federal government with power held by the rich and elite. They believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution and implied powers.

Clay Campaign Ribbon, Filson Historical Society

Domestically, Whigs supported the American System and were concerned by crime associated with immigrants and federal support for Indian removal. They favored the expansion of public schools and efforts at moral reform including temperance and abolitionism.

Election Results 1836-1848, 270towin

Similar to the Federalists, antebellum Whigs maintained an ideology of industrialization and urbanization that was favored by many northerners and business elite.

In the antebellum period, Whigs were characterized by support for a strong national government, the American System, and social reforms. 

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Nullification Crisis in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!