The Jackson Era, running from around 1820 to 1845, was a time of rampant growth and regional diversification. Worldviews and ways of living changed as quickly as in the 20th century. Transportation was revolutionized and the foundation of a manufacturing economy was laid.
The Election of 1824 clearly showed that the "era of good feelings" had come to an end. All the candidates were Democratic-Republicans, but personal and sectional interests outweighed political orthodoxy. When results were tallied it was evident that Clay had siphoned-off enough votes from Adams to deny him an electoral majority. Adams finished with eighty-four votes, Jackson ninety-nine, Crawford forty-one and Clay thirty-seven. Jackson clearly expected to win, figuring that the House would act to authenticate his strong showing.
However, Clay, as Speaker of the House, used his authority to sway the vote to Adams. …
