Andrew Jackson: Hero Or Villain?

Andrew Jackson was one of the most popular presidents in the history of the United States. He was born on the border between North and South Carolina in 1767, and was a tough kid that never backed away from a fight. At the age of 17, Jackson began studying the law. In 1824, Jackson ran for president, but lost to John Quincy Adams. Finally, in the year of 1828, he was elected the 7th president of the United States. Jackson was reelected in 1832 (BGE). The question constantly debated is “Andrew Jackson: Hero or Villain?” Andrew Jackson was more of a villain than a hero, because he was a slaveholder and he gave the Native Americans new territory that was unhealthy and not fertile. One reason Andrew Jackson was a villain was because he was a slaveholder. The graph of Slaveholdings of Andrew Jackson by Robert Remini from the Life of Andrew Jackson in 1988 illustrates that future president Andrew Jackson was a villain. The graph conveys that before his presidency, he …show more content…
A newspaper advertisement by Andrew Jackson from H. Eaton, A Treatise on the Intellectual Character and Civil and Political Condition of the Colored People of the United States, 1837 observes that Jackson created all soldiers equal. Andrew Jackson writes, “To every noble hearted free man of color [...] there will be paid the same bounty in money and lands now received by the white soldiers of the United States [...] you will, undivided, receive the applause and gratitude of your countrymen” (Doc. N). This reveals that Jackson was giving each soldier the same amount of money and land no matter the color of the skin. He was also adding that the country would honor all the soldiers who volunteered and they would receive the people’s applause and thanks. This reinforces the idea that President Andrew Jackson was creating all races equal as an example to the