Dear Educator,
Although the world is very different today than it was in the past, exploring historical U.S. elections can teach students valuable lessons about issues on the ballot this year. Finding nonpartisan educational content that does this, however, can be tricky.
Good news! This newsletter covers a new historical learning resource that examines four previous U.S. elections and the foreign policy issues facing American voters at the time, all while connecting back to the 2024 election.
The four historical investigations in this resource cover:
- The 1808 Madison vs. Pinckney Election and Isolationism Today
- The 1828 Jackson vs. Adams Election and Tariffs Today
- The 1880 Garfield vs. Hancock Election and Immigration Today
- The 1900 McKinley vs. Bryan Election and U.S. Strategy in the Pacific Today
Read on to learn more about the first case study and how it can help your students understand a key concept in this election cycle by examining lessons from the past.
In November 1808, American voters went to the polls on the heels of President Jefferson’s Embargo Act. The Act was intended to compel European powers to respect U.S. independence. Instead, it might have hurt the U.S. economy.
James Madison, the Democratic-Republican nominee to replace Jefferson, defended the embargo as a means of protecting American sailors and U.S. independence; the Federalists, represented by Charles Pickney, saw the Act and its military enforcement as tyrannical.
Which party, and way of engaging with the world, would prevail?
The Issue Today
The Embargo Act was a strategy for the United States to avoid taking sides in a war already raging in Europe. It signaled a growing debate over the country’s role in the world.
The debate continues today. The chart below shows the current percentage of Americans—by party affiliation—who agree it would be best for the U.S. to take an active part in world affairs.
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Opponents of U.S. involvement are often called “isolationists.» While support for isolationism has fluctuated throughout America’s history, some commentators have been asking if the U.S. is entering a new isolationist era. Use these resources to teach your students about the topic:
- Reading: Isolationism Versus Engagement
- Activity: Help students understand the pros and cons of isolationism in U.S. foreign policy.
- Podcast: The History of U.S. Isolationism
- Reading: How did the United States become a global power?