Martin Van Buren

John C. Calhoun gave his support to Jackson for the 1828 election in June 1826, solidifying the Jacksonian coalition's leadership.

Jacksonians bolstered their numbers in Congress, with Andrew Stevenson becoming Speaker in 1827, signaling the party's organizational growth before the 1828 election.

Jackson's campaign launch on January 8, 1828, is most often cited as the Democratic Party's birth, though historians debate the founding date.

The Tariff of 1828, called the "Tariff of Abominations," eroded Adams's Southern support and aided Jackson's campaign.

Presidential elections were held from October 31 to December 2, 1828, with Jackson winning a landslide victory.

Adams refused to attend Jackson's inauguration on March 4, 1829, embittered by his defeat.

Andrew Jackson was sworn in for his second term as President of the United States on March 4, 1833, in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol.

Andrew Jackson declined to seek another term, ensuring Van Buren's succession and influence over the Democratic Party.

Van Buren was sworn in as the eighth U.S. President on March 4, 1837, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Van Buren defeated Harrison in the 1836 election, held between November 3 and December 7, 1836. Harrison finished second in both popular and electoral votes.

General Scott ordered the forced relocation of Cherokees in May 1838, beginning in Georgia on May 26.

Multiple detachments departed in October 1838, arriving in Indian Territory in early 1839.

Tahlequah was established as the Cherokee capital in 1839, with the government seat officially moved there by mid-1840.

The 1839 Whig National Convention nominated William Henry Harrison over Henry Clay and Winfield Scott, setting the stage for the 1840 election.

Martin Van Buren secured renomination at the 1840 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, despite facing a difficult election landscape.

Distinct campaign slogans emerged, with 'OK' supporting Van Buren and 'Tippecanoe and Tyler Too' promoting Harrison.

William Henry Harrison defeated incumbent Martin Van Buren in the general election held between October and December 1840.

The Boston Morning Post published the earliest known use of "O.K." on March 23, 1839, as part of a local abbreviation fad.

Expansionist Southern Democrats blocked Van Buren's nomination at the 1844 Democratic National Convention, leading to Polk's emergence as a compromise candidate.

Henry Clay won the Whig presidential nomination unanimously, positioning himself as the leading contender against the Democrats.

Clay released the Alabama Letter on July 27, 1844, addressing Texas annexation and slavery expansion.

Polk defeated Clay in the general election, with voting occurring between November 1 and December 4, 1844.

The Whig Party nominated Zachary Taylor for president, defeating Henry Clay and Winfield Scott, despite Taylor's initial reluctance.

Lewis Cass was nominated after Martin Van Buren withdrew, causing a party split over popular sovereignty.

Voting occurred on November 7, 1848, marking the first time all states voted on the same day.