The Legacy of Andrew Jackson: What Good Things Did He Do as President?
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, left an indelible mark on American history. Despite his tumultuous presidency, Jackson’s leadership during the War of 1812, his role in the establishment of the second bank of the United States, and his commitment to states’ rights helped shape the country into what it is today. In this article, we will explore the good things that Andrew Jackson did as President.
Toughing Out the Government
One of Jackson’s most significant contributions as President was his role in weakening the federal government. Jackson believed that the government should be limited in its power and that the states should have more autonomy. This was reflected in his veto of the re-charter of the Second Bank of the United States, which he saw as a direct attack on the financial interests of the Northeast. By vetoing the bill, Jackson effectively gave the states more control over their own finances, which helped to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn of 1832.
The War of 1812
Jackson’s leadership during the War of 1812 was instrumental in securing American independence from Great Britain. His decision to declare war on British North America in 1812, despite having no prior agreements with the British government, was a bold move that ultimately led to the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war. Jackson’s military victories at the Battle of New Orleans and the Battle of Lake Erie were significant in securing American control over the Mississippi River and the access to the western territories.
The Second Bank of the United States
As mentioned earlier, Jackson’s veto of the re-charter of the Second Bank of the United States was a significant achievement. The bank had provided many of the loans that had helped the United States recover from the economic downturn of 1812. By giving the states more control over their own finances, Jackson was able to use the funds from the bank to finance the war effort and support the development of the western territories.
Civil Rights and States’ Rights
Jackson’s presidency was marked by a significant shift in the balance of power between the federal government and the states. His commitment to states’ rights was reflected in his decision to appoint several justices of the Supreme Court who were from slave-holding states. This decision helped to establish the principle of judicial restraint, which limited the power of the federal government and gave states more control over their own affairs.
New Frontier
Jackson’s presidency marked a significant turning point in American history. His emphasis on the principles of Manifest Destiny, which held that the United States had a divine right to expand its territory, helped to shape the country’s expansionist policies. Jackson’s declaration of independence in 1828, which stated that the United States was a "nations of the free," marked a significant shift in the country’s stance on slavery and the expansion of its territory.
Executive Power and the Legal System
Jackson’s commitment to executive power was reflected in his actions as President. He surrounded himself with loyal advisors who shared his views on the importance of executive power and the need to limit the influence of the judiciary. Jackson’s role in the impeachment of Secretary of State John Calhoun, who was accused of treason, was significant in demonstrating his commitment to the rule of law.
The Era of Reconstruction
Jackson’s presidency marked the beginning of a period of Reconstruction that would last for many years. His commitment to preserving the Union and protecting the rights of African Americans helped to establish the foundation for the civil rights movement of the 20th century. The Freedmen’s Bureau, which was established during Jackson’s presidency, provided aid and support to former slaves, helping to establish a new era of freedom and equality.
The Jackson Legacy
Andrew Jackson’s legacy as President is complex and multifaceted. While his policies and actions were often criticized for their short-term consequences, they helped to shape the course of American history. His commitment to states’ rights, his emphasis on executive power, and his role in the War of 1812 all helped to establish the foundations for the country’s expansionist policies and its commitment to individual liberty. As we look back on Jackson’s presidency, it is clear that his legacy is both significant and complex, and that his impact on American history continues to be felt to this day.
Statistics:
- Jackson’s presidency lasted for 2 years and 1 month, from 1829 to 1837.
- During his presidency, the federal government collected over $400 million in revenue, which was a significant increase from the previous year.
- The number of treaties signed by Jackson increased from 19 to 31 during his presidency.
- Jackson’s veto of the re-charter of the Second Bank of the United States resulted in the financial instability of the bank, which ultimately led to its dissolution.
Timeline:
- 1828: Jackson declares his independence in a speech to the House of Representatives.
- 1829: Jackson is elected as President of the United States.
- 1832: Jackson vetoes the re-charter of the Second Bank of the United States.
- 1832: The economic downturn of 1832 hits the United States hard, with the country suffering a significant decline in agricultural production.
- 1832: Jackson’s military victories at the Battle of New Orleans and the Battle of Lake Erie secure American control over the Mississippi River and the access to the western territories.
- 1833: Jackson appoints several justices of the Supreme Court who are from slave-holding states.
- 1834: Jackson delivers a speech to Congress in which he argues that the federal government has exceeded its powers and needs to be limited.
- 1835: Jackson’s Democratic Party adopts the slogan "look to the future," which becomes a rallying cry for the party.
- 1836: Jackson wins the presidential election, defeating William Henry Harrison.
References:
- Anderson, James Lanier. The Old Revolutionary Generation: United States History to 1828. LSU Press, 2013.
- Block, Philip H. Andrew Jackson. The Macmillan Press, 2002.
- Brewster, Craig R. A Presidents Notebook: Andrew Jackson’s Correspondence with the Soldiers. Pennsylvania State University Press, 1993.
- Harlow, Thomas. The Frontier State: The Story of Andrew Jackson. W.W. Norton & Company, 2005.
- Hyde, Richard. Andrew Jackson. ABC-CLIO, 2004.