Andrew Jackson The 7th President of the United States Born: 1767 Died: 1845 Served: 1829 to 1837
Jackson built a mansion — the Hermitage – near Nashville — and became the first man from Tennessee to be elected to the House of Representatives. He also briefly served in the Senate. A major general in the War of 1812, Jackson earned national hero status when he defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1814-1815.
Major Policy
Hailed as “Old Hickory” for his easygoing, of-the-people demeanor, Andrew Jackson would became a national hero. He is most known for founding the Democratic party, advocating for individual liberty and earning a reputation as the people’s president.
Before He Was President
Jackson became an expert lawyer at a young age, overcoming a modest upbringing in the Carolinas with sporadic educational opportunities. Even though he was refined in his understanding of the law, he also was known as hot tempered and quick to fight, even reportedly killing a man in a duel after his wife, Rachel, was disrespected. 8 | FEBRUARY 16, 2022 | ANACORTES AMERICAN
As Jackson took over the presidency, major differences were forming in the conversation of neutrality in national politics. Two parties grew out of the old Republican Party, one of which was the Jackson-led Democrats. The National Republicans (or Whigs) opposed his policy, ideas and stance on how to effectively run a government. Jackson was depicted as King Andrew I in cartoons and proclaimed an unfit leader by his opposition. Their claims centered on accusations of Jackson using his power of the veto and party leadership to make unilateral decisions without obeying checks and balances. One of those actions came in 1833 when Jackson announced that the government would no longer use the Second Bank for the United States — the country’s national bank. He used his executive power to remove all federal funds from the bank. His actions and dissension thereafter became known as the Bank War. “Old Hickory” retired to the Hermitage, where he died in June 1845. go ana c or te s .c om