Andrew Jackson: A Controversial Figure In American Politics
Andrew Jackson was an impactful president whose strategies and actions transformed the country. He was a controversial figure in American politics, due to both his empowerment of the “common” American man, his ruining of the economy, and his deplorable acts he subjected the American Indians to.
Andrew Jackson believed in having a smaller federal government. His decision to not renew the charter of the National Bank triggered the economic collapse that lasted for more than 20 years. He disapproved of the American system that provided federal money to build roads and/or infrastructure. His determination to stop and stall these developments added further damage to the economy.
Jackson’s desire for reduced government and uplifting the “common”
person led him to make very divisive choices. Jackson directly spoke to the “common man”, which led to him making many controversial decisions. For example, the “common” white man wanted more land of good quality to be able to farm from, so he, against the Supreme Court’s counseling, pushed forward the Indian Removal Act, commonly known as the trail of tears. This act shattered the American Indian’s way of life forever, and thousands of them ended up dying.
The effects of Jackson’s choices deface his legacy, to the point of where he will soon be replaced on the front $20 bill by Harriet Tubman, though he will still stay on the back. However, some people continue to defend and even love some of his policies to this day. I can see some of the good qualities of his policies, but I have too many qualms and moral issues with not only his leadership, but even him as a person, to support his leadership and what he did to this country.
Andrew Jackson believed in having a smaller federal government. His decision to not renew the charter of the National Bank triggered the economic collapse that lasted for more than 20 years. He disapproved of the American system that provided federal money to build roads and/or infrastructure. His determination to stop and stall these developments added further damage to the economy.
Jackson’s desire for reduced government and uplifting the “common”
person led him to make very divisive choices. Jackson directly spoke to the “common man”, which led to him making many controversial decisions. For example, the “common” white man wanted more land of good quality to be able to farm from, so he, against the Supreme Court’s counseling, pushed forward the Indian Removal Act, commonly known as the trail of tears. This act shattered the American Indian’s way of life forever, and thousands of them ended up dying.
The effects of Jackson’s choices deface his legacy, to the point of where he will soon be replaced on the front $20 bill by Harriet Tubman, though he will still stay on the back. However, some people continue to defend and even love some of his policies to this day. I can see some of the good qualities of his policies, but I have too many qualms and moral issues with not only his leadership, but even him as a person, to support his leadership and what he did to this country.