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Andrew Jackson Essay

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Andrew Jackson

No one can argue that as a president, Jackson made no mistakes; however, they in no way disqualify him from having a place on the U.S. twenty dollar bill. Jackson made every decision according to the will of the American people, even the more unsavory ones. He was a war hero that exemplified the strength and tenacity by which America has defined itself over the generations. He acted in all ways with concern for the growth of the American nation, both at home and overseas. Even his now unquestionably negative actions, such as the Indian Removal Act, were done at the time not only in the interest of the citizens of the united states , but in regard (however misguided) to the survival of the Indian nations. It is this …show more content…

Although Jackson made many decisions with regard to the Native American population that are, with today's more broad interpretation of "all men", considered immoral, he acted according the sentiment of the voting populace: that being "the Indians are on our land".

Jackson had a war record that makes him, even today, and example of the strength and tenacity of the United States . Jackson served in many campaigns, both on behalf of the militia of his home state, Tennessee , and the U.S. military. It is with the U.S. military in the War of 1812 that Jackson received his most famous victory; the Battle of New Orleans. There, on January 8, 1815 Jackson defended a British charge that resulted in only 6 American deaths, but over 2,000 British deaths and injuries (Tregle). Jackson , and this battle in particular, became a symbol of the "distinctive American strength" (Tregle) that we still prize today.

Jackson made every decision, not for personal gain, but in what he felt was the best interest of the United States . The ideals of westward expansion (Manifest Destiny) did not begin with Jackson , nor did they die with him; as a result, Jackson cannot be held solely responsible for actions taken in the furthering of this goal. Jackson did much to expand the power of the United States , at home and overseas. He settled disputes with Spain that lead to the acquisition of what is now Florida . He opened the British

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