The election was considered the dirtiest in U.S. history because of the intense personal attacks against both candidates during the electoral campaign.
In the election, John Quincy Adams ran against Andrew Jackson. There were wild stories circulating about the past of both of them, including charges of murder, adultery and procuring of women.
The goal of this smearing campaign was to undermine the character of the opponent. Jackson was accused of taking parts in several duels and killing a man, he was also accused of adultery and running off with another man's wife. Adams on the other hand, was accused of procuring an American girl for the sexual services of the Russian czar ( Adams served as American ambassador to Russia ).
The election was won by Andrew Jackson.