Editorial |
Emma Elliott & Brandon Smith
The Presidents of Tennessee On Presidents Day, the typical focus is on Washington and Lincoln, which is understandable given the historic role these two presidents played in our national history. Tennesseans, however, should use the holiday to recount the contributions of our fellow statesmen who have served as President of the United States: Andrew Jackson, James Polk, and Andrew Johnson. These individuals each have a record of accomplishment—including the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tennessee history is our history. Ignoring or rewriting our past is a disservice to future generations who will seek to grapple with some of the same societal and ethical issues that faced our three Tennessee presidents. In looking at these three men, we can preserve their memory, and hopefully learn from their actions and their failures. The Bad: Andrew Jackson (1829-1837) Serving as the 7th president, Andrew Jackson was the first Tennessean to occupy the White House, besting John Quincy Adams in a contentious election. Jackson’s record and accomplishments as president are a mixed bag, at
best—this attorney, planter, slave-owner, land speculator, soldier, senator, and then finally president definitely made his mark. Starting on a high note, giving Jackson credit for what is likely his greatest accomplishment: defending the Gulf coast in the final days of the War of 1812. The British were attempting one last maneuver to defeat the newly established US and landed a large army with the goal of taking New Orleans. Jackson, undermanned and unprepared, made deals with local pirates, enlisted black soldiers, and battled the British up the Mississippi River. Though the Treaty of Ghent was already signed, Jackson helped achieve this final important victory against the British. While recovering from his battle wounds in 1822, Jackson began to follow national politics once again, and criticized the Monroe administration and the Second Bank of the US as corrupt. Then, he rejoined the US Senate and relaunched his political career. His views were embraced with populist fervor as he railed against the corrupt elites running Washington. In 1828, Jackson supporters coalesced around (continued on page 14)
FEB/MAR 2020 | NASHVILLE BAR JOURNAL
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