Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Early Life and Military Career

• Andrew Jackson earned the nickname "Old Hickory" during his military service.

• Key victories include:

  • Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, occurring after the Treaty of Ghent was signed.

  • Defeated the Creek at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

  • Led campaigns during the First and Second Seminole Wars.

Political Ascendancy

• Election of 1824 and the "Corrupt Bargain" with John Quincy Adams.

• Won the presidency in 1828.

Presidency

• Known for policies like the Indian Removal Act, leading to the Trail of Tears.

• Clashed with the Second Bank of the United States, ultimately causing its demise through the Specie Circular and the "Bank War" with Nicholas Biddle.

• Faced the Nullification Crisis, signing the Force Bill to enforce federal laws against state defiance.

Controversies

• The Petticoat Affair affected his cabinet and led to the formation of the "Kitchen Cabinet".

• Involved in the execution of British citizens Arbuthnot and Ambrister during a military campaign.

• Quote attributed to him after Worcester v. Georgia ruling: "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it!"

Legacy

• His presidency set the foundation for the modern Democratic Party and the Second Party System.

• His administration was marked by conflicts with Native Americans, economic crises like the Panic of 1837, and significant political reorganization.

• Jackson remains a controversial figure due to his forceful policies against indigenous tribes and his embodiment of populist style politics.

Key Events and Policies

• Indian Removal Act: Led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes and the Trail of Tears.

• Specie Circular: Required land purchases in hard currency, contributing to the economic downturn in 1837.

• National Debt: Jackson paid off the national debt, setting a precedent that influenced fiscal policy.

• Kitchen Cabinet: Informal group of advisors who influenced Jackson's decisions, especially regarding the Petticoat Affair.

Notable Moments

• Survived an assassination attempt by Richard Lawrence, whose pistols misfired.

• His presidency experienced significant social and political upheaval, influencing American politics for years to come.