How do I stop my 1 yr old from throwing fits?

My 1 yr old son recently wants me and only me. he constantly cries for me and follows me around. he wants me to pick him up and when i dont (because i dont want him spoiled) he throws a fit. i try to ignore it and do pretty good at it but once he gets started it get progressively worse. if i dont give him what he wants, picking him up, he'll even hit my leg or whatever he's got a hold of in anger. i try to devert his attention by giving him a toy or setting him down to play with him but if he doesn't want the toy he'll wave his arms angrily and hit it away. I don't know what to do? do i just set him down and let him screem, which i'm fine with if i know it's gonna work? how do i get him to know it's NOT okay to hit at this early age? And, did i do something to make him this angry all of a sudden? he's had fits before but they were always managable. he is teething but i dont want to use that as an excuse? help !! I dont want a bratty child, i will NOT go for it.