Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States of America and a man of great controversy. While he is often remembered for his outward enthusiasm for democracy and the common people, his legacy is also sprinkled with issues of slavery, oppression of Native Americans, and cronyism. Jackson was a divisive figure, with many praising his vision of America while others condemn his actions.
Early Years
Andrew Jackson was born on March 15th, 1767, in the Carolinas. His father died before he was born and his mother died in 1781 when he was only 14. To support himself he worked as a boy in a saddle-maker shop.
During his youth, Jackson served as a courier for the Patriot forces in the Revolutionary War. He found success as an attorney in the Supreme Court of Tennessee. He was then elected to the House of Representatives and at 36 years old he was elected as the first senator from Tennessee.
Military Career
Jackson’s involvement in the military began in earnest in 1812 when the United States declared war against Great Britain. He accepted a commission from President James Madison and was made a major general. He quickly rose to the rank of major general and through his actions in the Battle of New Orleans, Jackson gained the nickname “Old Hickory”.
Jackson’s influence in the War of 1812 was so great that Jackson received a Congressional Medal of Honor in recognition of his efforts.
Presidency and Accomplishments
In 1828, Andrew Jackson was elected as the seventh president of the United States. He campaigned on a platform of equality, advocating for the common man. He was an avid defender of the Union and of state’s rights. After taking office, Jackson took several steps to strengthen the Union, including the removal of federal deposits from the Bank of the United States and the establishment of a new banking system.
However, despite the economic reforms he implemented, his time in office was mired in controversy regarding his stance on slavery and the Native Americans who were forced off their lands under the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
The Nullification Crisis
During the Nullification Crisis of 1832, it was Jackson’s belief that the state of South Carolina had no right to nullify a federal law. As a defense to maintain the Union, he asked for congressional authority to use military force and threatened to hang those who opposed him. The crisis was resolved, but Jackson’s stance received mixed reactions.
The Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears was the forced relocation of Native American tribes from southeast to the West of the Mississippi. This was done to make way for the expansion of white settlers. It is estimated that almost 4,000 Native Americans died during this forced march.
Jackson supported the Indian Removal Act, but he also publicly opposed aspects of it. He also claimed that being forced to leave was in the Native Americans’ best interests and that they were given the opportunity to voluntarily move and be granted land in the West.
Legacy
Andrew Jackson is a figure of great controversy. His legacy cannot be easily defined. Despite his accomplishments in national economic policy and his role in the defense of the Union, his policies toward slavery and Native Americans have overshadowed his tenure as president.
His policies toward Native Americans are seen as some of the most oppressive in American history and his support for slavery is generally condemned. Yet, Andrew Jackson does have his supporters who look toward his vision of an America where the common people had a voice and there was a sense of greater equality.
Andrew Jackson was a complex figure. His polarizing vision of America and his actions toward slavery and Native Americans have forever colored his legacy. While his views were progressive and he championed the common person, Jackson is remembered more today for the ethical issues he brought with him. Jackson will always be remembered as one of the most controversial figures in American history.