Throughout his political career, Andrew Jackson was both loved and hated for his actions and policies. Some regard him as a hero and a champion of the people, others denounce him for his autocratic behavior and sometimes cruel methods. While he had many controversial views, Jackson prioritized the American people and their safety over anything else. During Jackson's presidency, westward expansion and the issues of slavery, secession, and Native Americans were growing. His response to these issues are widely debated but warranted and boosted morale and prevented secession, keeping the Union together.
Although criticized for his slave holdings and harsh Indian removal policy, Andrew Jackson and his presidency transformed and redefined American …show more content…
Jackson became a national sensation after commanding the American army at the Battle of New Orleans, the biggest American victory of the War of 1812. In his farewell address of 1837, Jackson stated that he worked on behalf of “the farmer, the mechanic, and the laboring classes of society.” While other politicians focused their attention on the wealthy and influential people in the east, Jackson appealed to the common people. Consequently, his greatest accomplishment was keeping the Union together and maintaining the hope of progress. Many historians criticize Jackson’s handling of the Nullification crisis, however, while Jackson supported states rights, he also believed that in order for America to become a great empire, allegiance to a federal system was necessary (Robert V. Remini). When South Carolina nullified the federal tariff and threatened to secede the union by force, Jackson was forced use military in an attempt to preserve the union and its liberties, “Fellow citizens, the momentous case is before you. On your undivided support of your government depends the decision of the great question it involves-whether your sacred union will be preserved and the blessing it secures to us as one people shall be perpetuated.” (Nullification Proclamation). Jackson’s defiant nationalism in his proclamation later served as a precedent to Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act of 1830 is often cited as one of his most horrific acts as president. However, it wasn’t his intention to harm them nor was he the only President who believed removal was the only policy to protect Indians from annihilation. During the presidency of John Quincy Adams, it was apparent to the federal government that a policy of removal would have to be enacted to protect the Indians from impending attacks of the states. However, Adams was unable to
Although criticized for his slave holdings and harsh Indian removal policy, Andrew Jackson and his presidency transformed and redefined American …show more content…
Jackson became a national sensation after commanding the American army at the Battle of New Orleans, the biggest American victory of the War of 1812. In his farewell address of 1837, Jackson stated that he worked on behalf of “the farmer, the mechanic, and the laboring classes of society.” While other politicians focused their attention on the wealthy and influential people in the east, Jackson appealed to the common people. Consequently, his greatest accomplishment was keeping the Union together and maintaining the hope of progress. Many historians criticize Jackson’s handling of the Nullification crisis, however, while Jackson supported states rights, he also believed that in order for America to become a great empire, allegiance to a federal system was necessary (Robert V. Remini). When South Carolina nullified the federal tariff and threatened to secede the union by force, Jackson was forced use military in an attempt to preserve the union and its liberties, “Fellow citizens, the momentous case is before you. On your undivided support of your government depends the decision of the great question it involves-whether your sacred union will be preserved and the blessing it secures to us as one people shall be perpetuated.” (Nullification Proclamation). Jackson’s defiant nationalism in his proclamation later served as a precedent to Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act of 1830 is often cited as one of his most horrific acts as president. However, it wasn’t his intention to harm them nor was he the only President who believed removal was the only policy to protect Indians from annihilation. During the presidency of John Quincy Adams, it was apparent to the federal government that a policy of removal would have to be enacted to protect the Indians from impending attacks of the states. However, Adams was unable to