The election of 1828 was seminal election in American history. It was the first election which was to be decided by popular vote. It was an election which pitted Andrew Jackson, who projected an image of a populist, against President Adams, who was a member of the "ruling class".
Once again the election included many personal attacks on each of the candidates. Adams was attacked for living in "kingly pomp and splendor". He was attacked for traveling on Sunday and having premarital relations with his wife. Jackson was attacked as being uneducated and reckless. They also attacked Jackson as a murderer for executing deserters. His marriage to his wife was also attacked as due to a technicality his wife was and adulter when she was initially with him.
Beyond personalities there were actual policy differences between the two candidates. Edemas supported the National Bank, wanted high tariffs and supported federal funds for internal improvements. Jackson opposed the bank, wanted lower tariffs and was for only limited federal support for internal improvements.
Jackson won the southern and western states which were enough to insure his victory. Adams maintained his support in New England.
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