The Presidential Election of 1824: The Republican Contenders FROM THE LECTURE SERIES: The History of the United States, 2nd Edition Why was the election of 1824 considered a watershed moment in the history of America? Who were the Republican contenders for this election, what were their credentials, and how did it change the political framework of the country? Read on to find the answers to these questions. Andrew Jackson, known as the Hero of New Orleans, had little administrative experience compared to his rivals. (Image: Everett Collection/Shutterstock) In 1824, the Republican supremacy that had been in force since the 1800s continued to dominate, and the Republicans were the only active party during these times. The Hartford Convention had been a political suicide committed by the Federalists which isolated them and brought an end to their political dominance.