Category: 1816

Background:This election follows the end of the War of 1812, a stalemate which was spun as a victory, since Andrew Jackson won the last battle of the war. Pres. James Madison and his administration realized that the Jeffersonian theory of government was at odds with a modernizing world. As such, Madison evolved to support several Federalist programs, such as a high tariff and a national bank.

Meanwhile, the Federalist Party was rapidly losing support, as its Pro-British tendencies were tantamount to treason. As such, they couldn’t expect to win.

Heading into the election, Madison’s Secretary of War, James Monroe, was heir apparent. However, Northern Republicans tiring of Virginians running the country, drafted Georgian William H. Crawford as an alternate candidate, hoping that he would get Southern and Northern support. Two other potentially strong candidates, Daniel Tompkins and Simon Snyder, withdrew before the nomination caucus.

What Really Happened?

Crawford nearly defeated Monroe for the nomination, despite refusing to exert himself. Crawford neither personally campaigned against Monroe, but he also didn’t prevent supporters from campaigning on his behalf. Monroe later made Crawford his Secretary of State, and Crawford assumed he would be Monroe’s heir in eight years.

Federalist were so disorganized that they failed to hold a convention, but Rufus King, through his own effort, emerged as the candidate of their party.

As could be expected, Monroe won in a landslide. Only Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware voted for King.

ON Pennsylvania Unpledged Federalists

Sec. of War William Crawford w/ Federalist VP