Presidential election
1840 presidential election
William Henry Harrison defeated Martin Van Buren, winning 234 of 294 electoral votes and 52.9% of the popular vote.
Results
80.2%
Turnout rate
2.4M
Total votes cast
2.9M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 42 | WhigHarrison | +3.6% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 30 | WhigHarrison | +0.3% |
| Ohio(OH) | 21 | WhigHarrison | +8.2% |
| Virginia(VA) | 23 | WhigHarrison | +1.2% |
| South Carolina(SC) | 11 | DemocraticVan Buren | 0% |
Candidates
Party
WhigRunning mate
John Tyler
Home state
Ohio
Age at election
67
Previous position
Minister to Colombia, General (War of 1812)
Campaign slogan
"Tippecanoe and Tyler Too"
Popular vote
1.3M
(52.9%)
Electoral votes
234
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Richard M. Johnson
Home state
New York
Age at election
57
Previous position
8th President of the United States (Incumbent)
Popular vote
1.1M
(46.8%)
Electoral votes
60
Northern States
Harrison
53%
Southern States
Harrison
52%
Key events
Whig Convention
Harrison chosen as 'available' candidate over Clay
Log Cabin Campaign
First modern political campaign with rallies, songs, merchandise
Issues & context
First modern presidential campaign with mass rallies, parades, and political merchandising. Whigs borrowed Democratic populist tactics. 'Log Cabin and Hard Cider' campaign portrayed aristocratic Harrison as common man.
Severe depression following Panic of 1837. Banks failing. Unemployment high. Van Buren blamed for economic hardship. Credit system in crisis.
Van Buren deeply unpopular due to depression. Called 'Martin Van Ruin.' Whigs attacked his supposed luxury and elitism despite his humble origins.
Harrison died 31 days into term - shortest presidency. Tyler (VP) established succession precedent. First truly modern campaign transformed American politics. Whig Party's greatest triumph.
Did you know?
- 1.Most famous campaign slogan in American history: 'Tippecanoe and Tyler Too'
- 2.Harrison gave longest inaugural address (1 hour 45 minutes) in cold weather
- 3.Harrison died of pneumonia 31 days later - shortest presidency
- 4.First use of campaign songs, buttons, and mass rallies
- 5.Highest turnout (80.2%) until 1860