Member-only story

Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times

Craig Carter

·15.6k Followers· Follow

Published in H W Brands

5 min read · 2 weeks before

301 View Claps

37 Respond

Save

Listen

Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the United States. He is best known for his military victories in the War of 1812 and his populist policies. Jackson was a controversial figure, but he was also a popular one. He was known for his strong personality and his determination to protect the interests of the common man.

Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times

by H. W. Brands

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4621 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	656 pages

Early Life and Career

Andrew Jackson was born on March 15, 1767, in Waxhaw, South Carolina. He was the son of Irish immigrants. Jackson's father died when he was three years old, and his mother died when he was 14. Jackson was raised by his relatives, and he had a difficult childhood. He was often in fights, and he was known for his temper.

Despite his difficult childhood, Jackson was a successful student. He attended Waxhaw Academy, and he was later admitted to the College of William and Mary. However, Jackson did not graduate from college. He left in 1788 to join the army.

Jackson fought in the American Revolutionary War, and he later served in the Tennessee militia. He was a brave and skilled soldier, and he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1801, Jackson was elected to the Tennessee Senate. He served in the Senate for four years, and he was then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The War of 1812

In 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. Jackson was appointed to command the Tennessee militia, and he led his troops to victory in several battles. Jackson's most famous victory was the Battle of New Orleans, which was fought in January 1815. Jackson's victory at New Orleans helped to end the war, and it made him a national hero.

The Presidency

After the War of 1812, Jackson was elected to the U.S. Senate. He served in the Senate for two years, and he was then elected president of the United States in 1828. Jackson was a popular president, and he was re-elected in 1832.

As president, Jackson vetoed many bills that were passed by Congress. He also used his veto power to kill the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson believed that the bank was a monopoly, and he was determined to destroy it.

Jackson's presidency was also marked by the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This act authorized the federal government to remove Native Americans from their lands in the East and relocate them to the West. The Indian Removal Act was a controversial policy, and it led to the Trail of Tears, which was a forced march of Native Americans from their homes in the East to their new homes in the West.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office, Jackson retired to his home in Tennessee. He died on June 8, 1845, at the age of 78. Jackson is buried in the Hermitage, which is his home in Tennessee.

Andrew Jackson was a controversial figure, but he was also a popular one. He was known for his strong personality and his determination to protect the interests of the common man. Jackson's legacy is a mixed one. He is remembered for his military victories, his populist policies, and his controversial Indian Removal Act.