1828: The Worst Election in History

Mudslinging, questionable political tactics, divorce, intrigue, defamation of character—all the makings of a modern day soap opera!

The story of the 1828 election begins four years earlier with a face-off between Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams in 1824. Adams won that election but only after supposedly reaching a "corrupt bargain" with Henry Clay in exchange for the position of Secretary of State.

Jackson and Adams would confront each other again, four years later. With Jackson's supporters looking for revenge this time around, the tactics used in 1828 would make history. If you thought elections were bad now, think again.

Presenter Donna Tressler is a reference and instructional librarian and history adjunct professor at Ivy Tech Community College. She has a master's degree in history from Cleveland State University and a master's degree in library and information science from Kent State University.

This presentation may be video recorded for future broadcast.