Biography of Andrew Jackson

In the 1820-1830’s, Andrew Jacksonian Democrats boasted their glorious actions to defend the American people. Andrew Jackson claimed to be “the common man,” but some of actions seemed more like a king. Andrew Jackson’s opponents tried to exploit his overassertion of authority. Some of Andrew Jackson’s actions and policies promoted the common people, while his other actions exploited the people and created an ineffective democracy.

Andrew Jackson claimed to be the defender of the common man and some of his actions and policies proved that he was a guardian of individual rights. Andrew Jackson despised the Bank of the United States, stating it was not fair to the common people and denounced it as unconstitutional. He believed it only benefitted the richest people and growing up in the backwoods of Tennessee made him sympathetic for the lower class thus causing his amnesty towards the rich. (D-B) People from around the world started to take notice at the equal opportunities Jackson provided to even the poorest of people. Harriet Martineau, a British author, praised Jackson’s efforts to make America the land of opportunity for even the lowest classes. She noted that all people own land, the common people have knowledge, and people have the power to choose their own candidates. This way of life was highly advanced and progressive compared to how other nations functioned around the world at that time. (D-D) Jackson also protected people’s rights by allowing capitalism to flourish throughout America. Andrew Jackson believed that through hard work and perseverance, anyone could better themselves. Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge proved that America is not a monopolistic society and anyone has the right to start their own business wi...

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...he people. South Carolina did not want mailed postal service from the North because it may promote propaganda for the slaves to revolt. However, Jackson made it a federal law that the southern states had to receive mail from the North. This action elevated tensions that would eventually result in the succession of the South. (D-F) Jackson created an ineffective democracy that resulted in the clashing of American citizens.

Andrew Jackson’s actions could be interpreted both as a defender of the common man or as a powerful ruler that exploited the rights and wills of the people. Throughout this time while America was finding its identity, many people disagreed with the way Jackson was governing the new nation. Some of Jackson’s actions supported the common man, while his other actions manipulated the people’s rights and created a democracy against the people’s will.