The election of 1848 was the first presidential election held on the same day across all states, a standard that continues today. It was a three-way contest between General Zachary Taylor, Michigan Senator Lewis Cass, and former Democratic President Martin Van Buren. With that said, let’s dive into the details.
The Fallout of James K. Polk’s Presidency
James K. Polk’s presidency was notably successful compared to many of his one-term predecessors. Polk, a former Speaker of the House turned president, achieved significant accomplishments during his term. He established an Independent Treasury to manage government funds, enacted the ‘Walker Tariff’ to lower high tariffs and boost trade, and negotiated with Britain to secure the Oregon Territory as free states.
The most significant achievement of Polk’s presidency was the acquisition of Texas and California from Mexico. However, this was fraught with controversy. Polk claimed Mexican forces attacked American soldiers near the Rio Grande, an assertion disputed by Mexican officials. This led to the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the U.S. acquiring Texas and California after a treaty ended the conflict. Polk honored his campaign promise to serve only one term and did not seek re-election. He died from cholera at age 53 just months after leaving office.
Cracks Within the Democratic Party
With Polk stepping down and his VP, George Dallas, uninterested in running, the field was open for several Democratic candidates. Despite initial support for Martin Van Buren, he failed to secure enough delegate votes, especially from the pro-slavery wing of the party.
The Democratic nominee in 1848 was Lewis Cass, a former Secretary of War and Michigan Senator. Cass, despite being from the North, supported “Popular Sovereignty,” allowing states to decide on the issue of slavery independently. Cass’s running mate was William Orlando Butler, a Kentucky war hero from the Mexican-American War.
The Birth of the Free Soil Party
After losing the Democratic nomination, Martin Van Buren, along with notable politicians like Salmon P. Chase and Henry Wilson, founded the Free Soil Party. The party’s platform supported the Wilmot Proviso, which aimed to prevent the expansion of slavery into western territories.
Van Buren ran for president on the Free Soil Party ticket with Charles Francis Adams, a former Massachusetts state senator and the son of John Quincy Adams. Although the Free Soil Party’s influence was limited to a few states, Van Buren’s candidacy was intended to act as a spoiler and rally anti-slavery Northerners.
The Whigs and Their Candidate
The Whig Party, despite its initial opposition to the Mexican-American War, embraced General Zachary Taylor, a popular figure from the war. Taylor, known as ‘Old Rough and Ready,’ had never voted in an election, making him an appealing candidate. The Whigs nominated Taylor, defeating other prominent figures like Winfield Scott and Henry Clay.
Taylor’s running mate was Millard Fillmore, New York State Comptroller, after Daniel Webster declined the position.
The Campaigns
In this election, both the Whigs and Democrats avoided the issue of slavery. The Whigs focused on Taylor’s military success, while the Democrats highlighted Cass’s support for Popular Sovereignty. The Free Soil Party, with its limited state presence, sought to energize abolitionists and prevent Cass from winning.
Election of 1848 Results
With the addition of four new states (Florida, Wisconsin, Texas, and Iowa), a candidate needed 146 electoral votes to win. Zachary Taylor won the election, becoming the 12th president of the United States. Taylor received 163 electoral votes and 47.3% of the popular vote. Lewis Cass finished second with 127 electoral votes and 42.5% of the popular vote. Martin Van Buren, running for the Free Soil Party, garnered 10.1% of the popular vote but no electoral votes. His campaign effectively prevented Cass from winning in crucial states like New York.
Atchison – President for a Day
Inauguration Day, March 4, 1849, fell on a Sunday, and Zachary Taylor, a devout man, refused to take the oath of office on that day. Consequently, David Rice Atchison, a pro-slavery senator and next in line, assumed the role of acting president for that day. Atchison is remembered by some as “The Man Who Was President for a Day,” a title inscribed on his tombstone after his death in 1886. The Election of 1848 saw the Whigs reclaim the White House with another war hero, Zachary Taylor. The impact of Taylor’s presidency and its implications for the country will be explored in the next election of 1852.
