Music for the Nation: American Sheet Music, ca. 1820-1860
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Historical Issues Analysis and Decision-Making
In the history of a democracy, elections provide examples of collective decision-making by the citizenry. Each individual who votes is influenced by a variety of factors, including party affiliation, their assessment of the candidates' positions and character, and the values and policies they hope the successful candidate will promote. Voters' perceptions of the candidates may be shaped by the candidates' actions and words, discussion of the candidates and issues with family and friends, and attempts by political parties, candidates, and advocates to influence voters' perceptions. Campaign songs have historically been one technique for influencing voters. Before the advent of mass media, sheet music was one way to get a message out to voters.
In 1840, William Henry Harrison and John Tyler, , ran for president and vice president as Whigs against the Democratic incumbent, Martin Van Buren. Their campaign generated a number of campaign songs, in which the candidate was portrayed as an Indian fighter (he had won a battle against Indians at Tippecanoe) and common man who lived in a log cabin and drank cider. This portrayal of the candidate was designed to appeal to the new voters of the time, white men who did not own property. Examples of Harrison campaign songs include "The invincible old Tippecanoe" and "The Harrison song."
Locate several campaign songs written for William Henry Harrison and consider the following questions:
- What slogan did the campaign use? What does the slogan mean? What voters would it appeal to?
- What techniques did the lyricists use to appeal to voters? What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques you have identified?
- How did the lyricists refer to Harrison's opponent in the race? How might that affect a voter's decision?
- What illustrations were used on the sheet music? How were the illustrations designed to persuade voters?
- Are songs still an important part of political campaigns? What is your evidence?