1860’s Politics: Campaign Ads for Television?
I was bored one morning and needed some history humor. So…I searched “1860 political” on YouTube. The results were amazing!
There were serious lectures and informational videos. And then there were political ads, likely created by students as part of their U.S. History class. Here are my favorites for the four candidates of the 1860 Presidential Election.Keep in mind that political ads like this reveal only the best about their candidates and tend to bash the other contenders. Also, you may find some interesting perspectives on the candidates – perhaps the students are using information gleaned with hindsight rather than the actual 1860 platforms?
All videos are less than two minutes! Watch them and let us know in the comments who you’d vote for (based on the videos).
Abraham Lincoln Campaign Ad
Stephen Douglas Campaign Ad
John Breckinridge Campaign Ad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL1vuoiCgm0
John Bell Campaign Ad
These ads were quite mild in reference to history. With hindsight I would vote for Lincoln. However, if this is all I would know I may choose Bell.
Ms. Bierle, A bit of fun there! I admire the teacher who guided their students into this project. How tame and positive these ads seem, when compared to the apocalyptic warnings, the racist cant, and the character assassination practiced at the time by public media and surrogate speakers.
At least then, the candidates did not actively campaign and Americans did not have to hear them rant and rut about in the same way.
Enjoyed the campaign ads of 1860. I would cast my ballot for John Bell.
THANK YOU AND HATS OFF TO A GOOD TEACHER , PERHAPS OUR CANDIDATES TODAY NEED TO WATCH . BASED ON THE ADS I WOULD OF VOTED FOR DOUGLAS
The Bell message misspelt the word “independence..”
Yep, my editor eye noticed the misspelling – but I can’t change it! 😉