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Santos Rivera-reply to Jolianna Bliesener

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Santos Rivera-reply to Jolianna Bliesener

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I agree with your discussion of the ad targeting Andrew Jackson, especially your point about how it positions him as violent and dangerous. I think that you did a good job indicating how the ad would appeal more to elite and moderate voters who were uneasy about Jackson's history. To expand on your idea, I’d add that Jackson’s image as a “military chieftain” wasn’t just political rhetoric—it was grounded in real actions, like his decision to execute soldiers and invade Spanish Florida without orders during the First Seminole War. As The American Past points out in Chapter 6, Jackson’s critics used these events to frame him as a threat to democratic government. Thus, although the ad did not switch the minds of his firm supporters, it did successfully capitalize on broad apprehensions about military excesses and dictatorship, particularly among voters worried about maintaining civilian dominance of the presidency.

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This political poster, also called the Coffin Handbill, demonizes Andrew Jackson and was created by the supporters of John Quincy Adams during the Election of 1828. The poster labels Jackson a cruel and unfit leader by showing coffins representing soldiers who he allegedly executed during his time in the military. It portrays him as a cold-blooded individual rather than a national hero. This type of ad was designed to scare voters and smear Jackson's reputation. While it may have convinced some voters, especially those concerned with morality and justice, it also backfired on Jackson supporters, who considered him a strong man and decisive leader. According to the textbook, the 1828 election was replete with such personal attacks as this, which was indicative of how campaigns began to focus more on character instead of actual political concerns.

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Giles Alva - reply to Jolianna Bliesener

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Giles Alva - reply to Jolianna Bliesener

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I like the points you make about what is going on and how this could impact the elections, as well the evidence you have. I definitely agree with what you had to say about Jackson being viewed as a tyrant by opponents, and how they were willing to do anything to ruin his image. However, looking at some of the images from the lectures and the textbook. I believe this picture actually depicts Henry Clay silencing Andrew Jackson. This could be in response to how he convinced the House to elect John Quincy Adams instead of Jackson. Overall, I definitely agree with the general negative image some politicians were trying to feed to the public.

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Who do you believe this ad shows?

This ad shows Andrew Jackson hanging John C. Calhoun as he had promised to do. This was a result of what was known as the Nullification Crisis; Calhoun proposed that South Carolina nullify the tariffs on imports. This enraged Andrew Jackson and according to the American Yawp chapter 9 section 5; "Vowing to hang Calhoun and any other nullifier who defied federal power, he persuaded Congress to pass a Force Bill that authorized him to send the military to enforce the tariffs".

What do you believe the ad is trying to say about the election of 1828?

I believe that the ad is trying to portray Jackson as someone who utilizes violence to assert himself. This further establishes the claim that he is more of a King than a President, which is aimed at ruining the image he had in the eyes of the public. The ad also potentially is hinting at how America would not be a democracy under Jackson, thus suggesting that he is not a worthy candidate.

How effective you think the ad would be to the voters of the 1820s?

It would've been slightly effective, but given that the age of good feelings had come to an end and Jackson was generally viewed as a great leader, I don't believe it would have changed too much about people's position on supporting him. It could've maybe caused those who oppose him to feel great enmity towards him and maybe some of his supporters to question his intentions.

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1. Who do you believe the ad shows and who it is in support of?
The ad shows Andrew Jackson as the violent man attacking another figure, who likely represents one of his political critics or perhaps John Quincy Adams himself. The ad is against Jackson and therefore supports John Quincy Adams. It portrays Jackson as aggressive, dangerous, and unfit for the presidency.

2. What do you believe the ad is trying to say about the election of 1828?
The ad suggests that Jackson is mentally unstable and violently unqualified to lead the country. The title, “Symptoms of a Locked Jaw,” alludes to tetanus, implying that Jackson’s violence is a dangerous disease that could infect the nation if he becomes president. It warns voters that electing him would bring chaos and authoritarian rule.

3. How effective do you think the ad would be to voters of the 1820s?
The ad likely would have been very effective among elite and moderate voters who feared Jackson’s reputation for violence and dueling. As discussed in lecture, Jackson had a controversial military background—including executing British citizens during the Seminole War—and critics often used that to portray him as a tyrant-in-waiting. However, his supporters might have seen this same behavior as a sign of strength, so the ad’s effectiveness would have depended on the audience.

4. Include evidence from the textbook or lecture:
According to The American Past (Vol. II, Chapter 6), the election of 1828 was one of the most vicious and personal in U.S. history. The textbook explains that Jackson’s opponents called him a “military chieftain” with “kingly ambitions,” and this cartoon fits that exact portrayal. The lecture “War and Politics in the Early 1800s” also emphasizes how Jackson’s military violence, such as during the First Seminole War, was used against him to show he lacked the temperament for civilian leadership.

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After watching "War and Politics in the Early 1800s" part 1 and looking at the 1828 election ads make TWO posts:

ONE: Choose one of the political ads and create a post including:

-         A screenshot of your chosen ad

-         Who you believe the ad shows and who it supports

-         What you believe the ad is trying to say about the election of 1828

-         How effective you think the ad would be to the voters of the 1820s

-         Be sure to include some piece of evidence from the textbook or lecture

(Each cartoon may be used by only one group member)

TWO: Make a substantive reply to another group member’s post. You may agree, disagree or expand on what they say. Like all posts, however, remember to tie it directly to evidence from the documents.

Be sure to put your name in the title of both of your posts!