Objective: To examine the life and presidency of Andrew Jackson.

Jackson and the Frontier of Tennessee (6:40) The Early Years Andrew Jackson was born in a log cabin in the backwoods of the Carolinas in 1767. Jackson joined the Patriots during the American Revolution at the age of 13. Jackson’s Early Years (4:44) (click on the second square, entitled “Early Years”) At the age of twenty, Jackson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he eventually becomes a wealthy attorney. Jackson and the Frontier of Tennessee (6:40) (click on the third square, entitled “Tennessee”)

Entering Public Service Jackson became the first person from Tennessee to serve in the House of Representatives and he also served as Senator before becoming President in 1828. Young Congressman Jackson (1:40) (click on the fourth square, entitled “Young Congressman Jackson”) As a young general in the army, President James Monroe sent Jackson to protect the border of Florida against the Seminole and Creek Indians. After defeating the Creeks battle, they began to refer to Jackson as “Sharp Knife” after Jackson forced them to give up lands that had been guaranteed to them in earlier treaties with the U.S. Florida Invasion (2:16) (click on the eighth square, entitled “Florida Invasion”)

Andrew Jackson: Hero of New Orleans (3:41) Jackson also gained fame for his military achievements during the War of 1812 leading American forces to victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson earned the nickname, “Old Hickory” after a soldier said that he was “tough as hickory.” Andrew Jackson: Hero of New Orleans (3:41)

Elections of 1824 and 1828 Choosing from the top three vote getters, the House of Representatives selected John Quincy Adams to be the sixth president of the United States. However, Jackson easily defeated Adams in the election of 1828 to become the first President from a western state. While earning the most popular votes in the presidential election of 1824, Jackson did not receive enough electoral votes to secure the victory. Presidential Candidate Electoral Votes Popular Votes John Quincy Adams  84 108,740 Andrew Jackson 99 153,544 Henry Clay 37   47,531 William H. Crawford 41   40,856 + Q: How many electoral votes were needed to win the election? Q: How many electoral votes were needed to win the election? A: 131 electoral votes were needed to win the election. = 261 total electoral votes 1 3 5 . 2 26 1 1

Jackson's Personality and Legacy (3:37) Jacksonian Democracy Jackson was extremely popular with the “common man”, which he considered to be farmers, factory workers and western frontiersmen. Jackson's Personality and Legacy (3:37) Jackson’s belief in shifting the political power from the wealthy and educated elite to the “common man” was part of what became known as Jacksonian democracy. However, Jackson’s critics viewed his popularity as a danger sign that his presidency was coming to resemble that of a king.

As a result, Jackson earned yet another nickname As a result, Jackson earned yet another nickname. His opponents called him “King Andrew”, fearing Jackson’s intentions of strengthening the powers of the presidency.

The Spoils System Upon assuming the Presidency, Jackson fired over 200 government workers and replaced them with his own Democratic supporters. A supporter of Jackson’s replied to criticism of the president by stating, “To the victor belong the spoils.” Spoils system – practice of rewarding supporters with government jobs

Jackson appointed some of his most dedicated supporters with jobs within his Cabinet, although few of them were qualified for the job. Instead of relying on his Cabinet for advice, Jackson relied on a small group of unofficial advisors known as the “kitchen cabinet” since Jackson frequently met with them in the White House kitchen.

The Bank War Jackson believed that the Bank of the United States had too much power and served the needs of the rich over those of average Americans. For example, the Bank of the United States had the ability to limit the amount of money state banks were allowed to lend to small business owners such as farmers and merchants. Jackson felt particular anger towards the bank’s president, Nicolas Biddle.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to THE BANK WAR! Henry Clay Daniel Webster Nicholas Biddle In the corner to my right, coming in with a combined total of 500 pounds, are… and Nicholas Biddle! Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to THE BANK WAR! Henry Clay… Daniel Webster…

Henry Clay Andrew Jackson Daniel Webster Nicholas Biddle HEY! Introduce me already or I’ll fight you, too! and “King Andrew” to his detractors. Coming in at a lean, mean 155 pounds, may I introduce to you… And, in the corner to my left, the man known as “Sharp Knife” to the Creeks… “Old Hickory” to his admirers… the man who inspired the Democratic donkey… No, that’s okay. Introducing President Andrew Jackson! the man who… the pride of the common man…

Hello, gentlemen. I came as quickly as I could! Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, political enemies of Jackson, devised a plan to exploit Jackson’s hatred of the Bank of the United States to help weaken him before the 1832 presidential election. Hello, gentlemen. I came as quickly as I could! Hey, Daniel, I’ve got a plan that’s certain to hurt Jackson in 1832 and finally bring the Whig party into power! Well, first we need to get the president of the Bank of the United States, Nicholas Biddle in here. He’ll help us. He and Jackson hate each other! Okay, what have you got? Henry Clay Daniel Webster Nicholas Biddle

Yeah, the current charter isn’t even set to expire soon! Clay and Webster convinced Nicholas Biddle to submit his application to renew the charter for the Bank of the United States earlier than required. Yeah, the current charter isn’t even set to expire soon! Yes, thank you for coming. Mr. Biddle, I would like you to submit an application to renew the charter for the Bank of the United States. What would that prove? Henry Clay Daniel Webster Nicholas Biddle

I’m sure that’s exactly what he’ll do. I don’t know. Veto it? Don’t be so short sighted! What do you think Jackson will do when you apply to renew the charter? I’m sure that’s exactly what he’ll do. Henry Clay Daniel Webster Nicholas Biddle

By golly, I think it’ll work!! Clay, Webster and Biddle predicted that Jackson would veto the charter application, angering so many Americans that he would eventually lose his bid for reelection in 1832. Precisely! The American people will be furious with him. He’ll never win reelection in 1832! (By the way, did I mention that I’m going to run for president in 1832?) Brilliant!! By golly, I think it’ll work!! Henry Clay Daniel Webster Nicholas Biddle

Oh, really? Fat chance! Bring it on, Clay! Henry Clay Andrew Jackson Daniel Webster VETO! Yes! He fell for it! BANK CHARTER Nicholas Biddle Oh, really? Fat chance! Bring it on, Clay! Yes! The people will be furious and Jackson will never win reelection! Ha ha ha ha….(evil laugh) Oh, Mr. President! Here’s the application to renew the charter for the Bank of the United States! Fools! You know very well that I will never accept this! So, let me make sure not to disappoint you! Bank War Summary (4:24)

Jackson fights the Bank in 1832 (1833 print) It turns out that Clay, Webster and Biddle underestimated Jackson’s popularity. Jackson defeated Clay in the election of 1832. Jackson also succeeded in destroying the Bank of the United States by having it shut down in 1836. Jackson fights the Bank in 1832 (1833 print)

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