1808 Election

This Day in History

Feb 9

Presidential

William Henry Harrison is born, 1773

On this day in 1773, future President William Henry Harrison is born on the Berkeley Plantation in Virginia. Harrison went on to serve as the ninth U.S.…

Recommended Articles

  • 1804 Election

    The 1804 presidential election was a landslide victory for the incumbent Thomas Jefferson.

  • Election 1824

    The Republican party broke apart in the 1824 election.

  • 1848 Election

    The election of 1848 underscored the increasingly important role of slavery in national politics.

  • 1812 Election

    In the 1812 contest James Madison was reelected president by the narrowest margin of any election since the Republican party had come to power in 1800.

Republican James Madison was elevated to the presidency in the election of 1808. Madison won 122 electoral votes to Federalist Charles C. Pinckney's 47 votes. Vice President George Clinton received 6 electoral votes for president from his native New York, but easily defeated Federalist Rufus King for vice president, 113-47, with scattered vice-presidential votes for Madison, James Monroe, and John Langdon of New Hampshire. In the early stages of the election campaign, Madison also faced challenges from within his own party by Monroe and Clinton.

The main issue of the election was the Embargo Act of 1807. The banning of exports had hurt merchants and other commercial interests, although ironically it encouraged domestic manufactures. These economic difficulties revived the Federalist opposition, especially in trade-dependent New England.

The Reader's Companion to American History. Eric Foner and John A. Garraty, Editors. Copyright © 1991 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

Advertisement

Shop HISTORY

  • The President's Book of Secrets DVD

    The President's Book of Secrets DVD

    What secrets have been passed down to each United States president? HISTORYâ„¢ uncovers the fascinating truths behind some of the most confidential secrets in American history.

    $19.95

  • The American Civil War DVD Set

    The American Civil War DVD Set

    Experience for yourself the historical and personal impact of the Civil War.

    $99.95

  • Get It Here First

    Get It Here First

    Swamp People Season 2 DVD Set now available for Pre-Order!

    $19.99

Classroom Study Guides