During the 1840 presidential campaign, William Henry Harrison was nominated by the Whig party, and he ran against the incumbent president, Martin Van Buren, who was Democratic. The campaign became a contest of personality, as the Democrats kept attacking Harrison's age and background.

The Whigs also used personality and developed the slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,” which helped Harrison win the campaign. During the campaign, Harrison became known as “Old Tippecanoe,” which refers back to the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 when Harrison led a small army of American troops to defeat Indian warriors that attacked them. This victory led Harrison to become a general in the War of 1812, followed by a senator and then a presidential nominee. The other part of the slogan “and Tyler too” refers to his running mate for vice president, John Tyler. The slogan became popular and effective, as it reminded the citizens of Harrison’s successes to get where he is today. The successful slogan also helped him defeat his running mate and secure the presidency.