Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, known as the seventh president of the U.S., founded the Democratic Party and supported individual liberty. Andrew Jackson was born on March 15th, 1767, in the region of Waxhaw which is found between North Carolina and South Carolina. Jackson had an erratic education. At the age of 13, Andrew Jackson even served as a courier in the Revolutionary War. Captured by the British, Robert, his brother, died. Afterwards, his mother died of cholera, and at the age of 14, Andrew was an orphan. He was raised by his uncles and began to study law in Salisbury from North Carolina. Later, in 1787, he became a lawyer.

• Political Success

In 1798, Jackson was elected as judge as part of the Tennessee Supreme Court and he preserved that position till 1804. He also had military success and he was appointed major general. After the defeat of the British, in New Orleans, Jackson was considered a national hero. In 1822, Andrew Jackson was elected in the U.S. Senate, and in 1824, he was nominated for the U.S. presidency. Thus, Andrew Jackson became president in 1828. Jackson was the first president who invited the public to be present at the inauguration ball at the White House. At that time, he was a very popular personality. He had the name of ‘people’s president’ as he gave the power to the American people to elect their president. In spite of his popularity and success, Jackson had some controversies. A troubling aspect was his dealing with Native Americans, as the historians lay blame on him.

• Towards the End

After the second term in the White House, Jackson went back to the Hermitage, where he passed away at the age of 78. The cause of his death was the lead poisoning which was caused by two bullets that remained in his chest over the years. Jackson is considered one of the most influential presidents in the U.S. history, being at the same time extremely controversial. He offered support to the concept of individual liberty that supported both political and governmental change which included major policies. Andrew Jackson is more relevant today than other presidents in the 19th century. He modernized his nation and his term of office was defined as the mini-Enlightenment which is nowadays known as Jacksonian America. Jackson was the inspiration to Americans during his eight years as a president. His message to the Americans was fully comprehended.