Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
United States presidential election of 1840
Table of Contents
References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images
The election results of 1840 William Henry Harrison Martin Van Buren Harrison, William Henry Presidential campaign of 1840 political cartoon American presidential election, 1840
Quizzes
Washington Monument. Washington Monument and fireworks, Washington DC. The Monument was built as an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall to commemorate the first U.S. president, General George Washington.
All-American History Quiz
The White House in Washington, D.C., USA. The north portico which faces Pennsylvania Avenue.
U.S. Presidential History Quiz
Related Questions
Read Next
Close up of a hand placing a ballot in a ballot box. Election vote voter voting
Have Any U.S. Presidents Decided Not to Run For a Second Term?
United States elections portal page linking to each election interactive
A History of U.S. Presidential Elections in Maps
Artwork for themes for Pro-Con articles.
Pro and Con: Voting Machines
United States Presidential Election of 2012. Mitt Romney. Official portrait of President Barack Obama in the Oval Office, Dec. 6, 2012 after his reelection Nov. 6, 2012. Official portrait Obama
10 Democrats Who Made History
The United States Supreme Court building, Washington, D.C.
14 Questions About Government in the United States Answered
Discover
King Cobra snake in Malaysia. (reptile)
9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes
Colorful winter sunset
What's the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?
Stylish light blue jeans on wooden background, closeup of inset pocket
Why Do Jeans Have That Tiny Pocket?
Orange basketball on black background and with low key lighting. Homepage 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society
The 10 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time
Four year old boy with grandfather and father lighting Hanukkah menorah. Photo taken on: December 21st, 2009
Which Is Correct: Hanukkah or Chanukah?
Close-up of ostriches (Struthio camelus) necks and heads; location unknown.
6 of the World's Most Dangerous Birds
Nativity Scene, Adoration of the Magi, Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, Montenegro
Why Is Christmas in December?
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison U.S. Pres. William Henry Harrison, oil on canvas by Albert Gallatin Hoit, 1840; in the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.

United States presidential election of 1840

United States government
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Article History
Quick Facts
Date:
1840

United States presidential election of 1840, American presidential election held in 1840, in which Whig candidate William Henry Harrison defeated incumbent Democratic Pres. Martin Van Buren. By the election of 1840 the two-party system had become firmly entrenched in United States politics, with the Whigs trying to unseat the incumbent Democrats, who had controlled the White House since the election of 1828. The first Whig national convention, held in December 1839, had chosen Harrison over Sen. Henry Clay of Kentucky largely because of Harrison’s military record. In Harrison the Whigs believed they had found a new Andrew Jackson, attractive as ...(100 of 455 words)

Access the full article
Help support true facts by becoming a member.