Andrew Jackson
1. Introduction
Born in poverty, Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) had become a wealthy Tennessee lawyer and rising young
politician by 1812, when war broke out between the United States and Britain. His leadership in that
conflict earned Jackson national fame as a military hero, and he would become America’s most
influential–and polarizing–political figure during the 1820s and 1830s. After narrowly losing to John
Quincy Adams in the contentious (controversial) 1824 presidential election, Jackson returned four years
later to win redemption, soundly defeating Adams and becoming the nation’s seventh president (1829-
1837). As America’s political party system developed, Jackson became the leader of the new Democratic
Party. He was described as “Old Hickory”.
a) Rise of Democratic Society
The peoples who traveled from Europe to America (like Alexis de Tocqueville, French Aristocrat) were
amazed to see the informal and democratic attitude of Americans. As the rich and poor use to dress in
the same manner, they normally travel in the same busses and trains and sits on the same tables in
hotels. The principle of equality among the white men in America was widespread belief.
b) Politics of Common Man
In 1830‘s and 1840‘s the politics of America moved out from the fine homes of rich aristocrats to the
lower and middles class society. This was the time when these classes were given the right to vote and
the number of vote for president increase from 350,000 in 1824 to 2.4 million in 1840.
c) Universal male suffrage
All the white men in America were given the right to vote regardless of their class or religion. This
increased the voting ration in America from 37% to 57.6%. The political offices now could also be held by
the lower and middle ranks of the society.
d) Party Nomination Convention
In past days, a nomination for appointment of a candidate to an office was made by the caucus. The
common peoples had no opportunity to participate. In 1830‘s the caucuses were replaced by
nominating convention. The politicians and voters would gather in a large hall to nominate the party
candidate.
e) Maximum Use of Veto Power
Andrew Jackson used the veto power more than any other Americans president in the history. He was
the President who enjoyed all the powers of being the president.
f) Rise of Political Parties
Andrew Jackson realized the importance of political parties. There were only two parties by that time,
the democrats and the Whigs. Jackson allows many other parties during his time. Anti-Masonic and
Workingmen Party emerged during his tenure and the common man got a chance to be involved in
politics.
g) More Elected offices
During the Jacksonian era much larger number of states and locals officials were elected, rather than
appointed, as in the past. This increased the interest of voters to participate in elections.
h) Popular Campaigning
Candidates for offices directed their election campaign to the interest of the common people. Politics
also became a form of local entertainment. Campaigns of 1830‘s and 1840 have featured marching
bands and large rallies in which voters were treated with free drinks and food.
i) Spoilt System
Winning government jobs became lifeblood of political parties. Jackson believed in appointing peoples
to federal post strictly according to whether they have campaigned for Democratic Party. Jackson
believed in system of rotation in office to make maximum number of democrats to hold office. Spoil
system was criticized as it promoted government corruption.
j) Kitchen Cabinet
Kitchen Cabinet is normally the consultative and advisory body of the president, but Andrew Jackson
started the practice of consulting the informal group of advisers mostly his friends including Major
Lewis, Isaac Hill and General Duff.
k) Peggy Eaton Affair
The champion of common men also went to the wellbeing of common women at least in the case of
Peggy Eaton. She was the wife of Jackson Secretary of war. She by that time was the target of malicious
gossips by the other women who avoided inviting her to their private parties. When Jackson insisted to
invite Peggy Eaton socially most of his cabinet including Vice President: John Calhoun resigned.
l) Indian Removal Act 1830
Jackson concept of democracy did not extents to the natives Americans. He was of the view that the
natives should leave their tradition and customs and resettle west of Mississippi. In the presidency of
eight years Jackson had 94 treaties with the Red Indian and ultimately used military to drive them out
across the Mississippi. The hardship on the “trails of tears” was so great that 4000 Cherokees died on
the tragic westward trek.
m) Re-chartering of Bank of USA
Jackson was of the view that central bank is abusing its powers and is serving the interest of wealthy
peoples. His suspicion increases to the arrogant personality of Nicholas Biddle the President of Bank.
Henry Clay opposition member was in support of Bank and challenged Jackson on bank issue by
persuading majority in congress on bank re-charter bill. Jackson vetoed the bill and overhauled the
banking system in America.
n) Foreign Policy
He managed a balanced and friendly foreign policy with friendly relations with France, Britain and other
Europeans Countries maintaining better trade relations and cordial policies in political, economic and
social relations. He settled the claims of France in North America which were pending since 1815.
