Andrew Jackson. War hero. People’s President.
History has proven that the Age of Jackson brought with it reform to the power of the Presidency, as well as the suffering of hundreds of thousands of Native Americans with Jackson’s Indian Removal Act of 1830, however, the question is still asked, who was Jackson before he became the revered “People’s President” of his day?
Early Life
Andrew Jackson was the son of two Scots-Irish immigrants and was born somewhere between North Carolina and South Carolina. Apparently, state lines hadn’t been completely settled yet at the time so his exact birthplace is unknown. His father died at the age of 29 just weeks after he was born.
However, Jackson’s childhood was not one of simplicity. Born in 1767, the Revolution drew near and only at age 13 did Jackson join his first militia. Eventually, he was captured by the British and when forced to polish the officer's shoes, Jackson permanently earned a scar on his face and hand for his refusal. Not long after that, both his brother and mother died leaving Jackson an orphan at age 14. Undoubtedly, Jackson’s traumatic childhood could have led him to be the feared President he later became.
Later Years and Military Career
Andrew Jackson was known to have to lead the Americans to victory at the Battle of New Orleans… after the Treaty of Ghent was signed. However, Jackson himself did not have much military experience at all. Yet still, even though he lacked experience, he was appointed major general of the Tennessee militia. A ruthless leader, Jackson saw immediate victories as well as the deaths of hundreds of Indians. Jackson’s many successes eventually led to him being appointed to major general which then led him to his victory in New Orleans.
Jackson’s ruthless policies such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830 undoubtedly resulted from the hardship Jackson endured at a young age during the peak of the Revolution and the War of 1812.
In the end, however, Jackson’s policies left behind a legacy in the United States. Jackson was the leader of the new Democratic Party, Jacksonian Democracy and his hatred of Native Americans left behind death and hatred in the minds of the Cherokee Indians amongst other tribes for many years to come. While it can be argued that Jackson helped progress the United States and increased the power of the President, Jackson, an orphan and military hero left behind a legacy of hatred and anger for many.
Source:
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt was so interesting learning about Jackson in a context that isn't solely political. There are a few episodes on Comedy Central's television series Drunk History that have actors enact a narrator's anecdotes and lip sync their dialogue that give more humorous insight into Jackon's life. http://www.cc.com/shows/drunk-history
ReplyDeleteTry season 3 episode 21 and 34!
I had not thought about Jackson's backstory or where he was coming from with such ruthless policies throughout his presidency. I like how you connected his time spent in the militia and as war general to his hatred against Native Americans. Even so, his actions such as the Trail of Tears (as you mention) was inexcusable, as the Supreme Court ruled such an action unjust. This was one of his ways he expanded the presidency's power; not enforcing the judiciary branch, and over ruling their decision. For further insight on Andrew Jackson's personality and history, try: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/andrewjackson
ReplyDelete