Andrew Jackson: The People’s President
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was an instrumental figure in American history. He is often praised as the advocate of the common man and the founder of the present-day Democratic Party.
Jackson was born in Waxhaw, a disputed territory on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina, on March 15, 1767. His childhood was filled with difficulties and marked by hardship and self-reliance. Orphaned at a young age, he achieved fame due to his military exploits. In fact, he became so tough and showed such great stamina that people started calling him “Old Hickory,” especially after he participated in the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Andrew Jackson |
| Spouse Name | Rachel Donelson Robards |
| Birth Place | Waxhaw area, North Carolina/South Carolina border |
| State Run For Presidency | Tennessee |
| Time in Office | 8 years (1829-1837) |
| Terms | 2 terms |
| Party | Democrat |
| Age at Death | 78 (1767-1845) |
Jackson married Rachel Donelson Robards in August 1791, but due to a legal technicality, a second ceremony had to be done in 1794. Their marriage was a source of both support and controversy throughout his life.
Andrew Jackson represented Tennessee politically, first as a member of the House of Representatives, then the Senate, all before his presidential bids.
His presidency lasted two full terms, eight years in total, from 1829 to 1837.
Jackson’s 1828 election was a landslide, marking the beginning of a new era in American politics with more voter participation and the rise of popular democracy. As a committed Democrat, he was a strong advocate of a limited government, favored states’ rights, and looked out for the interests of the agrarian South and West.
During his administration, several events of historical importance took place, such as the “Bank War” with the Second Bank of the United States, the Nullification Crisis, and the Indian Removal Act, which was highly controversial and resulted in the forced migration of Native American tribes.
During Jackson’s presidency, the role and influence of the executive branch were significantly increased, and he also changed politics at the national level. He was a very forceful man who would often get into fights with Congress and the Supreme Court, as he considered himself to be the voice of the American people.
Andrew Jackson passed away on June 8, 1845, at the age of 78. The place of his death was his home, The Hermitage, located in Nashville, Tennessee. His heritage is quite complicated, as on the one hand, he is praised for his democratic spirit and outstanding leadership and on the other hand, he is blamed for his treatment of Native Americans and his dictatorial behavior.