The Influence Of Andrew Jackson On The Trail Of Tears

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Prior to Jackson taking office, the Washington socialites refused Margaret Timberlake; Jackson demanded she be accepted after Margaret’s husband strongly defended Jackson’s wife in the election. Following the controversy, Jackson began to favor only those who socialized with the Eatons or displayed loyalty. The occurrence became known as the Eaton Affair. To terminate the dilemma, Jackson cleared his cabinet and brought in new members, famously named the “Kitchen Cabinet”. Jackson’s unofficial cabinet consisted primarily of his most trusted friends and allies (The Hermitage). During his position as presidency, Jackson replaced about ten percent of the government; a substantially high number compared to preceding presidents. Despite his replacements, his officers were deemed unfit for their duties. As a result of his perpetual displacements, he was credited with “the principle of rotation in office”. In addition, Jackson established vetoing legislation as a policy. Arguably his best accomplishment, Jackson paid off …show more content…

Jackson argued that the current Indian removal plan was ruining the natives’ lifestyle and diminishing the tribes. Consequently, Congress passed Jackson’s Indian Removal Act in 1831, allowing him to negotiate treaties with the Natives to remove them. However, the treaties possessed several flaws, permitting the harsh removal of the Indians, harsh being an understatement. As a result of such bitter treatment, a great amount of Natives perished from lack of food and supplies or the procedure itself. The removal gained the title the Trail of Tears for its tremendous effects on the Native population. The Act was conceivably the most controversial act of Jackson’s presidency. In the entirety of American history, very few actions came close to the severity of the Trail of Tears (American

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