Date of Award
1987
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. W. Harrison Daniel
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine how the 1856 presidential election campaign was conducted in Virginia. The paper specifically investigates how Virginia newspapers interpreted the events of the campaign. The role played by the political leadership of Virginia in the 1856 election is also examined.
The paper is based on contemporary newspaper editorials and political speeches. The manuscripts of prominent Virginia politicians during the period are also utilized.
The paper illustrates how Democratic newspaper editorials in Virginia used scare tactics to convince readers that Virginia Know-Nothings were abolitionists. Know-Nothing editorials responded by emphasizing support for the Union and repudiating Democratic calls for secession. The paper compares how Democratic and Know-Nothing political leaders in Virginia participated in the 1856 campaign.
Recommended Citation
Moore, R. Randall, "The 1856 presidential campaign in Virginia" (1987). Master's Theses. 745.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/745