Andrew Jackson’s democracy was based upon the common man and limited government. However one policy is particular was blatantly racist, this was his Indian policy.
On May 28th, 1830 the Indian Removal Act was signed by President Jackson. This act granted him the power to give land west of the Missipppi River in exchange for Indian land. (Primary Documents) When the Cherokee Indians refused to relocate, the United States government forcibly removed them. After approximately 4,000 Indians died on this forced march, it was aptly named “The Trail of Tears”. (Primary Documents) One of Jackson’s main goals during his presidency was western expansion. The Cherokee lived on land that was suitable for growing cotton. His Indian policy was to simply move the Indians out of the way so whites could take control of the land. He saw Indians as savages because they lived in the wild. (Book page 255) This was a cruel and inconsiderate policy that cost the Cherokee Indian tribe greatly. …show more content…
He was a military hero who ran for president as a commoner. A spoils system was put into place when he was President. This system rewarded those who helped him and it featured rotating officeholders. The officeholders were everyday people who never had received a change to be a part of the ruling government. (Book) The goal of this system was to eliminate corruption and to bring change upon the nation. Out of all his policies, he was the strictest on the idea of a limited federal government. This is best shown on his adamant fight against the second Bank of the United States. He saw the bank as a dangerous monopoly for a handful of rich men to make millions of dollars. Jackson even vetoed the charter for the bank in July 1832. (Book page
On May 28th, 1830 the Indian Removal Act was signed by President Jackson. This act granted him the power to give land west of the Missipppi River in exchange for Indian land. (Primary Documents) When the Cherokee Indians refused to relocate, the United States government forcibly removed them. After approximately 4,000 Indians died on this forced march, it was aptly named “The Trail of Tears”. (Primary Documents) One of Jackson’s main goals during his presidency was western expansion. The Cherokee lived on land that was suitable for growing cotton. His Indian policy was to simply move the Indians out of the way so whites could take control of the land. He saw Indians as savages because they lived in the wild. (Book page 255) This was a cruel and inconsiderate policy that cost the Cherokee Indian tribe greatly. …show more content…
He was a military hero who ran for president as a commoner. A spoils system was put into place when he was President. This system rewarded those who helped him and it featured rotating officeholders. The officeholders were everyday people who never had received a change to be a part of the ruling government. (Book) The goal of this system was to eliminate corruption and to bring change upon the nation. Out of all his policies, he was the strictest on the idea of a limited federal government. This is best shown on his adamant fight against the second Bank of the United States. He saw the bank as a dangerous monopoly for a handful of rich men to make millions of dollars. Jackson even vetoed the charter for the bank in July 1832. (Book page