American Elections: Wicked Game

Jackson and the Democrats battle to defend Jackson’s presidency from Henry Clay and an onslaught of personal and political attacks. The death of his wife Rachel fuels Jackson’s desire for revenge and sets the table for a showdown between the Washington establishment and the common man.  *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com...

In the 1828 contest, the party label of “Democratic-Republican” splits in half, giving birth to two new political factions: the Democrats and the National Republicans. General Andrew Jackson rides a populist wave all the way to the White House, depriving President John Quincy Adams a second term.  *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at Into...

As America’s regions battle over their disparate interests, five presidential candidates emerge. The 1824 election signals the end of the Era of Good Feelings, the crumbling of the old political establishment, and a new era of American politics.  *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just...

In the last uncontested election in US history, President James Monroe presides over the “Era of Good Feelings.” With the nearly extinct Federalist party on the ropes, in order to win a second term, Monroe fights through a devastating economic depression, a moral crisis over the issue of slavery and a deeply divided Republican party. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and...

In his country’s hour of need, President Madison puts his hopes in Secretary of State James Monroe. Monroe’s heroic actions in the War of 1812 help save the country, bolster his national reputation and define the landscape of the 1816 election. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcasts made just f...

During Madison’s first term, US neutrality in the ongoing conflict between France and Britain is put to the test. Madison has no choice but to defend his country against British oppression; and to defend his presidency against a threat growing within the ranks of his own party; a rising political star from New York named DeWitt Clinton. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now...

James Madison is Thomas Jefferson’s heir apparent. To win the presidency, Madison will have to deal with a growing threat inside his own party: the Tertium Quids. Upset by Madison’s actions as Jefferson’s Secretary of State, the Quids turn their back on Madison and embrace another political powerhouse from the state of Virginia: James Monroe. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—righ...

To maintain his grip on power and win the election of 1804, Thomas Jefferson, the so called “Man of the People”, will have to survive brutal attacks in the press, ideological pushback from his own party and a violent scandal that plagues his administration. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel of history podcast...

As Thomas Jefferson and John Adams part ways over the issue of France, history sets the stage for one of America’s oldest, and bloodiest political rivalries: Burr versus Hamilton. These two foes go to war in New York in one of the wildest elections in American history; an election that will ultimately be decided in the House of Representatives and that will end in bloodshed.  *** To listen to the...

In the 1796 election, two political forces of nature collide: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. As the supporters of Adams and Jefferson vie for their candidate, the machinery of America’s nascent political parties is unleashed in the first contested election in American history. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a chan...

As President Washington grapples with the idea of a second term, Vice President John Adams gears up for a fight to keep the vice presidency. Adams will find help from an unlikely ally, the very man who conspired to deny him votes in the election of 1789: Alexander Hamilton. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a channel o...

As the fate of the nation hangs in the balance, General George Washington struggles with his personal desire to retire from public life and the duty he feels to save his country in its hour of need. Ultimately, Washington rises to the occasion to become America’s first president. *** To listen to the entire series—all 59 episodes—right now and ad-free, become a subscriber at IntoHistory.com, a cha...

*** All 59 episodes are available ad-free on IntoHistory.com For Americans who lived through the 2020 presidential election, most thought it was the worst they’d ever seen. With disputed results, the violence of January 6th, and the continued drumbeat of 'fake news' and 'rigged elections,' we witnessed a presidential contest unlike any seen before. But now we face another. On Tuesday, November 7th...

On February 10th, 1796, Vice President John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, lamenting the state of discourse in the country. The election was nearing—and becoming heated. Newspapers screamed, factions warred, and John Adams was dismayed with what he called “the wicked Game.” Americans in 2023 can relate. They still have to endure months of shouting, outrage, and the worst sort of political rancor...