Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson

Early Life

Born on NC/SC border – at various times will claim origin from NC, SC, and TN.

Revolutionary War

• Joins local militia as courier at age 13.• Eldest brother, Hugh, dies in battle.• Jackson and

brother Robert are captured by British.

• Struggles: starvation, small pox, cholera – then orphaned

• Struck by sword of British officer after refusing to clean officer’s boots.

Self-Made Man

• Teaches school for one year in NC.• Moves to TN to practice

law. Due to background, prospers based on merits – Frontier law. After several years, becomes Judge. • Uses funds to purchase plantation known as

The Hermitage – becomes successful planter. Primary crop: Cotton.

War Hero

• “Old Hickory”

• War of 1812• Battle of Horseshoe Bend• Battle of New Orleans

• Seminole War• Adams-Onis Treaty

Politics

• Loses Presidential Election of 1824• Corrupt Bargain

• Victorious in Election of 1828• Higher Voter Turnout: less

restrictive requirements• Common-Man President• First Western President

• Re-elected in 1832• First use of National Convention

Jackson’s Presidency

• Creation of Spoils System

• Greater Democracy

• “The Great Silence”

Nullification Crisis

• Debate over high tariffs• Tariff of Abominations

• John C. Calhoun

• Theory of nullification• Calhoun’s “S.C. Exposition and Protest”S.C. threatens secession

• Jackson threatens the use of force

• Henry Clay organizes a compromise

Indian Policies

• Different views about Indian policy

• Indian Removal Act, 1830

• Cherokee takes the issue to the Supreme Court and wins• Worchester v. Georgia

• Jackson ignores the court and orders removal

• Trail of Tears, 1838

National Bank

• Jackson disliked the Bank of the U.S.

• Thought it an abuse of power and served the wealthy first

• Thought it lacked the constitutional ability to exist

• Jackson vetoed the new charter for the bank and withdrew all gov’t funds• “Pet Banks”