Andrew_Jackson_Biography

The Age of Jackson Andrew Jackson’s presidency brought about great democratic change. His policies appealed to the common man. Lower and middle class participation in politics soared during the Jacksonian Era. With many positive changes during his presidency, Jackson also contributed to corruption and controversy. President Andrew Jackson brought about major political and social changes within the lower and middle class. Andrew Jackson was born on March 15th, 1767 along the border connecting North and South Carolina. As a child, Jackson received a good quality education by private tutors. Hardship soon pressed the young boy when his mother died and he became an orphan. At the age of seventeen, Jackson went on to study law. Jackson became an exceptional lawyer in Tennessee. Through the 1790s, Jackson participated in the Tennessee Constitutional Convention, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Later in his life, Jackson participated in the War of 1812 as a general of American armed forces. In the battle of New Orleans, Jackson successfully defeated British armed forces. Although he did this after the treaty to end the war had been signed, be became one of America’s great war heroes. Jackson’s name as a great war hero aided in his win as America’s 7th president. Unlike other presidents of the time, Jackson appealed to the common man. Jackson appealed to the common man so much so that his presidency is now called the “Age of the Common Man”. During his presidency, the democratic attitude of Americans skyrocketed. Peoples of all classes were seen together at hotel tables; both poor and rich Americans had no need for separation on stagecoaches and steamboats. European visitors had trouble picking out the upper class from the lower class citizen based on apparel. Equality among white Americans began taking a turn as Jackson rose to power. Too add to the rise of democratic society, politics of the common man began transforming. From 1824 to 1840 politics shifted to lower and middle class white males as opposed to the upper class male. Jackson’s presidency also brought a number of political reforms in the United States. Firstly, all white males could vote no matter what religion or social status. Political offices could also be held by the lower and middle classes. Too add, a large number of state and local officials were elected to office instead of prearranged. Popular campaigning became a widespread event for Americans as well. Candidates for office began changing their campaigns better to fit the interests of the common people. Popular campaigning became a form of entertainment with parades, floats, marching bands and free food for voters. Although the Jacksonian Era brought forth many positive changes, it also included a number of controversial occurrences. Jackson’s Spoils System was one aspect of his presidency that critics believe to be corrupt. Jackson believed in appointing people to government offices based on their political stance. Any previous politician who was not a Democrat was fired and replaced with a faithful Democrat. Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet consisted of a group of unofficial advisers close to him. Jackson focused a lot of attention on moving wet an America expansion. The term frontier began during his presidency. Jackson’s decision to enforce the Indian removal Act caused massive devastation and relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their homelands. Jackson was also a slaveholder and showed no attention toward the equality of African Americans and women. Andrew Jackson died on June 8, 1845 at the age of 78. His legacy includes his connection to the common man. Although his presidency included corruption with the spoils system and devastation for thousand of Natives, Andrew Jackson provided America with long lasting positive changes.