AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Election of 1808 (Day 82/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Election of 1808 in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

1808 Candidates, Wikimedia Commons

Thomas Jefferson, following the precedent of George Washington, declined to run for a third term as president. Instead, James Madison, Jefferson’s Secretary of State, campaigned as the Democratic Republican candidate and faced Charles Pinckney, the Federalist candidate.

1808 Election Results, 270 to Win

Despite the controversy over and opposition to the Embargo Act, Madison won the electoral vote handily. The addition of new western states aided in the victory of the Democratic Republicans.

James Madison, The White House Historical Association

With challenging foreign affairs, Madison’s election demonstrated the country’s commitment to maintaining American neutrality.

Madison Inaugural Address, Library of Congress

Domestically, the economic hardships caused by the Embargo Act fueled increased dissension. Federalists did pick up some congressional seats which led Madison to emphasize national unity, American common interests and the well-being of the nation in his first inaugural address.

In the election of 1808, Democratic Republican James Madison replaced Thomas Jefferson. His administration immediately faced difficult international and domestic issues. 

Join me tomorrow as I explain the War of 1812 in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!