This paper is a brief overview of Andrew Jackson's presidency, and some of the negative effects it brought to our nation...
Andrew Jackson's Presidency
Upon entering the White House in 1829 the seventh Andrew Jackson had become a very firm and experienced man. Being one of the most successful war heroes of the time and up to this day, Jackson had certainly seen many sides to the young nation. However, there were still many people questioning old Hickory’s ability to lead America as president. Although many Democrats were extremely happy to get one of their own into office, it was still unclear how this “Man of the People” would lead. To this day, people have split opinions whether Jackson was really able to benefit our nation through his leadership. Due to his strong opinions and uncompromising actions, I believe that he didn’t portray a democratic government as well as he should have. Although he may have made big decisions for our nation, he also made some big mistakes that are still remembered by many historians to this day.
As Andrew Jackson was voted into office, many were surprised about how indifferent he was from the normal people of the area. He didn’t have an extremely large background for wealth or high ranking relatives, he was said to be just the average American fighting for each individuals rights in government. Some characteristics that Jackson had as a boy and through his time as president was a firm opinion on many matters. This comes out in a story which he was beaten by a British officer after refusing to clean his boots. Just like the scars of the British sword were present on his hands and face, his hatred of the British stayed deep in his thoughts. Also, being brought up in the south he encouraged slavery and southern expansion. Before becoming president Jackson was well known for his appearance as a war general. In the War of 1812 and many others he had fought long and hard against Indian natives as well as the British and French. With his extreme success as a leader, and bravery in these tough situations he had a good name when he ran for office against John Quincy Adams. Although he lost this election for possibly very unfair reasons, he still had his turn to run in the following election. His run for election against Adams was one of the steps to separating America into separate parties. He was a strong man, and it was clear he’d make many changes during his years of presidency.
Unfortunately not all these changes were for the better. One of his first actions on becoming president was the spoils system. He told his followers that it was his attempt to make the government more open to the public instead of closed off by an elite few. However, this isn’t the only thing his new system did. By the end of his presidency he left roughly 9 percent of all government employees without work, and replaced them with his friends. Another big thing Andrew Jackson did was lead the national bank to its doom. He had never liked the national bank. He considered it a monster that only makes the rich grow richer and finally he decided to do something about it. Because its inability to spread the wealth to more than a select few citizens, its great control over the congress and government, and its favoritism of the northern states instead of southern, he vetoed the re-charter by congress and withdrew all the U.S. funds from it. It was a big decision, and angered many of his opponents. However, American people still voted him back into office in 1833. One final action that Jackson made in his presidency that personally irritated me, was his actions towards the Indians and there removal from western soil. He was in favor of forcefully moving the Indians from their home lands once again to help the growing nation seek westward land. These actions resulted in the death of many Indians and a hurtful relationship between those of the Americans and their neighboring natives. On the Trail of Tears alone roughly 4,000 Cherokee Indians died. It was forceful and inappropriate actions like these that Jackson is remembered for. Had he looked out for those Indians he could have gone about he situations more peacefully and saved many lives.
As you can see, Andrew Jackson was a very firm man. He stuck to what he believed, and some of his actions were very hurtful to America and the Natives. This is why he got his nickname “King Andrew,” because many thought he acted like a ruler over the American people more so than a president. Although he might have done what he thought was best, part of being president is listening to the people and doing the best thing for others. I think that’s what Jackson failed to do during his presidency.
