Whig campaign strategists in the presidential election of 1840 developed new campaign tactics that included widespread use of campaign songs. They used these songs to sing the praises of their own candidate and policies while at the same time attacking the opposing party's candidate and policies. As early as 1842 these songwriters began writing songs in anticipation of the campaign in 1844. Prior to the nomination of candidates in May, 1844, the Whigs had published several songbooks including hundreds of song titles. In addition to supporting the candidacy of Henry Clay as the Whig candidate, the songs ridiculed several potential Democratic candidates including Martin Van Buren, John C. Calhoun, James Buchanan, and others. Whigs also used imagery to support their candidate and attack the foe. Despite extensive efforts to influence the election with campaign songs, no hard evidence exists that documents the effect of campaign songs, either positively or negatively.

Thesis (Honors)--College of William and Mary, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-119). Also available via the World Wide Web.

In the days when the United States of America was struggling to establish itself as a nation, the prevailing type of popular song was naturally patriotic. Walt Whitman in his article “Slang in America” observes that folk songs, like language, are not an abstract construction of the learned, bu something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has their bases broad and low, close to the ground; because the final decisions of folk songs, like those of language, are made by the masses, people nearest the concrete, having most to do with actual land and sea.

During the presidential contest of 1884, Republicans used singing as a campaign tactic at rallies, meetings, and parades. Their songs may be divided into several categories, such as rally songs, songs of praise for the party and its candidate, "bloody shirt" songs, mudslinging songs, and issue-based songs. Songs provide a perspective on the overall tenor of the campaign, while a lack of songs on certain topics, such as temperance, reflects the party's reluctance to alienate voters by taking a strong stand on controversial issues. Although the campaign has often been called one of the dirtiest in American history, this negativity is not reflected in the majority of the songs.

No description available.