Was Andrew Jackson Successful

The necessity to prevent hostilities between the white settlers and the Indian tribes inspired Major General Andrew Jackson’s conduct during the Creek War of 1813 to1814. Although it was often contentious and violent, the war was successful because of Jackson’s steadfast leadership and grit. As a General Major in the military, it was Jackson’s responsibility to protect the white settlers and enable westward expansion. The leadership that Jackson demonstrated during the Creek War not only rendered victory at the Battle of New Orleans but also ensured his victory in the 1828 Presidential election. Andrew Jackson faced some unique challenges from the time of his youth and throughout his adulthood. Andrew Jackson’s family was not well-off. His …show more content…
The Creek Indians dwelt on lands in Georgia and Alabama. They were part of the Five Civilized Tribes. Many of the Creek Indians readily adopted the lifestyle of the white settlers. There was a group of Creeks who menacingly wielded painted red war sticks, so they were called the Red Sticks. The Red Sticks refused to adopt the lifestyle of the white settlers. Instead, they were inspired by chief Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa who despised the white settlers. When Tecumseh visited and spoke before Chief Big Warrior and the grand council of the Creek Nation in Alabama in 1811, he demanded, “Burn their dwellings—destroy their stock—slay their wives and children, that the very breed may perish.” He was angry because of the invasion of the white settlers on Indian lands. Chief Big Warrior and most of the Creek Indians were not inspired by Tecumseh to go to war. The Red Sticks did not like the way the grand council continually accommodated the expansion of white settlers on their lands or Benjamin Hawkins, an American Indian agent who interfered in their tribal activities. They attacked Creek villages that were united with Hawkins and they trapped Big Warrior at Tookabatcha but Hawkins rescued him. Tecumseh did inspire the Red Stick to fight for their lands and their traditions, and thus they began their war with the United …show more content…
Shortly after, he exemplified his excellent leadership in the Battle of New Orleans. In his book Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle That Shaped America's Destiny, Brian Kilmeade writes, “By order and by example, in every way he knew how, Jackson had readied his army, in mind and body, to defend New Orleans.” The British attacked New Orleans but they did not withstand Jackson’s defensive forces. Jackson’s military abilities and tenacious leadership ensured America’s victory. In the 1828 Presidential election, Andrew Jackson was the only person running for office who had fought for his country. His military experience set him apart, so he won the people’s vote in the 1828 election. In his book The Jacksonian Era, Robert V. Remini writes, “Because of this colossal victory the American people could deny Jackson nothing—including the presidency.” Andrew Jackson served as the 7th President of the United States for two terms from 1829 to 1837. During his presidency, Andrew Jackson signed The Indian Removal Act of 1830 which eventually forced the Indians to leave their homes and travel west to the Indian Territory. Many Indians died along the way on the Trail of Tears. Remini writes, “A twentieth-century historian of the Native Americans, Francis Paul Prucha, has suggested that the American government had little choice in its