1301.9c - Elections and a New Generation of Politicians

The Election of 1804 and the Burr-Hamilton Duel00:00:00

Thomas Jefferson won his second term in a landslide against Federalist Charles Pinckney, who lost his home state of South Carolina. More significantly, the Burr-Hamilton duel took place on July 11, 1804, where Vice President Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in New Jersey. This event marked the beginning of the decline of the Federalist Party.

The Election of 1808 and the New Generation00:06:00

James Madison succeeded Jefferson after he declined a third term, again defeating Charles Pinckney despite the unpopular Embargo Act of 1807. As the Federalists declined and the Democratic-Republicans fractured, a new generation of politicians emerged from west of the Appalachians who were eager for growth and war with Britain, known as the Warhawks.

Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun00:08:52

Two key figures of this new generation were Henry Clay of Kentucky and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. Clay, known as the 'Great Compromiser,' served in politics for 46 years and was a nationalist. Calhoun, a powerful Southern politician, evolved from a nationalist into a leading defender of slavery. These two would become bitter rivals despite early partnerships.