Andrew Jackson, the seventh President and democratic member, can be seen in many ways, according to his actions from the Bank War to the Removal of Indians. According to you, Kayla, he was not a man worthy of appreciation, but to Danell up above in the comments, Jackson can be pardoned for a few of things because it led to positive outcomes. To answer your question Kayla, I have mixed opinion. I don’t believe Andrew Jacksons actions were kind at times, especially when talking about the Indian removal act.
I think he was thinking about how to aid his country, and not thinking about the painful, lasting effects on others. At the same time, these acts gave America what we have today: land and mostly financial stability. I just wish others from the 1800s did not have to go through horrible years to finally achieve this.
On May 28, 1830, Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, which basically said to the Native Americans, “If you don’t move where we want you to, we will move you there ourselves.” This was quite harsh, especially since White people and the Native Americans were respecting each other, and all had been on good terms. Some tribes protested, with few treaties made. Most Cherokee Indians were forced to start what was known as the Trail of Tears. In 1838-1839, 13,000 Indians were moved on a brutal six-month journey to Oklahoma against their will. “Food was scarce during the journey, limited to dried corn and salt pork.
The weather was harsh, and shelter limited to canvas tents. Access to clean water was nearly nonexistent. Disease ran rampant. Infants, young children, and the elderly were the most likely to die on the long journey west.” (Andrew Jackson Signs the Indian Removal Act) Sadly an estimated 4,000 Indians died along this trek. Greif and anger were surely an occurring emotion, along with sadness. The Native Americans were not even allowed to bring belongings. This put Andrew Jackson in the role of a heartless leader.
Aside from the horrible forced journey of the Indians, American people were facing problems of their own, mostly financial. With the Second Bank of American being blamed for the Panic of 1819, Andrew Jackson was determined to bring it down. Through many struggles, Jackson found ways around rules, including how he, when unauthorized, moved the money of the Bank to the smaller, less influential banks.
When the depression and panic of 1837 came, Jackson was certainly the one that many people blamed because he was the one to end the Second bank. What Jackson did leave many Americans questioning him. “This action led to accusations that Jackson was using his powers arbitrarily and acting contrary to the Constitution. On March 28, 1834, the U.S. Senate formally voted to censure Jackson for his actions.” (Bank War)
A lot of the things Andrew Jackson did could be described as heartless, unthought out and more, but it also could be said that it helped future America. What are some positive things that Jackson did to help his country during the 1800s?
