Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson rose from humble beginnings to become the seventh President of the United States in 1828. Jackson’s rise in popularity and power coincided with the prevailing rise of democracy in America. While President Jackson was one of the most influential presidents in history he remains one of the most controversial. During Jackson’s administration he supported the will of the people, however he neglected the minority and abused his power as president. President Andrew Jackson was appropriately designated as the “People’s President” as he personifies America’s conflicted history of democracy.

There were a number of social and economic changes occurring in the Union in the 1800s that produced the ideal environment for Andrew Jackson’s rise to power. The new market economy was “producing a more stratified, unequal society, at the same time the nations politics were becoming more democratic.” (Davidson p.207) The Panic of 1819 led to America’s first major depression. (Davidson p.201) Many Americans believed that the depression was caused by the policies and corruption in the federal government and the national bank. In turn, Americans called for equal opportunity and “agreed that one primary objective of government was to safeguard opportunity.” (Davidson p.207) Thus the new market economy and call for equal opportunity led to increased democracy and voter participation.

The 1824 election only fueled the public suspicions of government corruption further. The House of Representatives had decided the 1824 election since no candidate had a majority in the Electoral College, despite Jackson having won the popular vote. When Henry Clay, Speaker of the House of Representatives used his political influence and declare...

... middle of paper ...

...the timing of his presidency, the increase of democracy and his beliefs that were shared by the American peoples that elevated him to the “People’s President.”

One could argue that Jackson did not deserve the title because he failed to serve “all people”. America exists because of the sacrifices by all the people, the Native Americans, the African slaves; the European white settler all played a significant part to the development of the nation. During the Jackson administration discrimination against blacks and Indian deepened and increased. The numbers of slaves grew and the Indians were forced from their lands, again. All these actions by Jackson in reflection are horrific crimes against humanity but they also contributed to developing the nation, as it exists today. History has shaped America, we can not change the past we can hopefully learn from it.