Book Notes: Andrew Jackson

Early Life and Origins

Waxhaws Woe – Dad Dead, War Orphaned

Born March 15, 1767, in the Waxhaws region (on the border of North and South Carolina) to Scotch-Irish immigrant parents. His father died shortly before his birth, and he was orphaned at 14 during the Revolutionary War, where he served as a courier and was captured by the British.

Move to Tennessee and Personal Life

Nashville Law, Rachel Raw

In 1788, Jackson moved to Nashville, Tennessee (then part of North Carolina), studied law, and became a prosecutor. In 1791, he began living with Rachel Donelson Robards; they married in 1794 after her divorce, a union that drew controversy due to legal irregularities and fueled attacks on his character throughout his career.

Early political rise

Judge, Jabs, and Jackson’s Juice

By the early 1800s, Jackson served as a Tennessee judge, U.S. congressman, and senator. He built a plantation, The Hermitage, and became a prominent frontier leader, earning a reputation as a duelist and hot-tempered advocate for the common man.

Hero to war of 1812

Bend It, Beat Brits Late”

As a major general in the War of 1812, Jackson defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814, securing much of Alabama and Georgia for the U.S. He then famously won the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815 against the British—after the war had officially ended—making him a national hero.

Invasion of Florida and expansion

Seminole Sneak, Brit Beheads, Florida Freed

In 1818, Jackson led an unauthorized invasion of Spanish Florida to pursue Seminole raiders, executing two British subjects and sparking an international crisis. This bold action pressured Spain to cede Florida to the U.S. in 1819; Jackson briefly served as its territorial governor in 1821.

The corrupt bargain election of 1824

Pop Plurality, House Hijack

Jackson won the popular vote and a plurality of electoral votes in the 1824 presidential election but lost in the House of Representatives to John Quincy Adams, who appointed Henry Clay as Secretary of State (who helped secure needed votes to win in the house). Jackson’s supporters called it a “corrupt bargain,” fueling his comeback narrative.

Election of 1828 and rise to power

Populist Punch, Spoils Surge, Veto Vigor

Campaigning as a populist champion against elite corruption, Jackson won the 1828 election decisively, becoming the first president from west of the Appalachians and the first “self-made man” in the White House. He introduced the “spoils system,” replacing officials with loyalists, and expanded executive power through frequent vetoes.

Nullification crisis

Tariff Tantrum, Troops Tame

In 1832, South Carolina nullified federal tariffs, threatening secession. Jackson issued a forceful proclamation upholding federal supremacy, sent troops, and supported a compromise tariff in 1833, averting crisis and reinforcing national unity under his strong leadership.

Indian removal policy

Act ’30 Force, Court Cry Ignored, Tears Trail

Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, forcing southeastern tribes like the Cherokee westward. Despite Supreme Court rulings in their favor, his administration enforced the policy, leading to the tragic Trail of Tears (1838–39), where thousands died during forced marches.

Later years and Legacy

Re-Reign, Retire, Rant, Rest

Reelected in 1832, Jackson handpicked successor Martin Van Buren. He retired to The Hermitage in 1837, warning in his Farewell Address against sectionalism and paper money. He died on June 8, 1845, leaving a legacy as a democratic expander and controversial figure for his authoritarian style and Native American policies.

how did Andrew Jackson expand the power of the presidency using the veto?

Jackson vetoed the second bank of America Bank’s recharter in 1832, calling it unconstitutional and undemocratic. He used the veto as a political tool to defend the “common man” against the wealthy elite—expanding presidential power by asserting that the president represented the people, not just Congress. Before this, the veto was used only on constitutional grounds. Now it was used as a “political mandate“ for the people.

How was the Second Bank of the United States seen as a tool to oppress the common people?

It concentrated wealth and power in the hands of the elite, restricted credit to farmers and workers, influenced politics through money, and made local economies dependent on distant bankers—hurting ordinary Americans while benefiting the rich.