Jackson is known in history as a strong president and was even dubbed ‘King Andrew.’ The politician pursued his political course: he shook the state apparatus and blocked or even ‘vetoed’ unacceptable decisions of the Congress, despite fierce resistance from the financial elite and the Whigs. He facilitated access to the western lands for ordinary Americans. Jackson upheld the principle of equal economic opportunity, demanding that the government equally patronize everyone. He invariably sought to create the image of a ‘people’s president’ who received a mandate from the whole nation and therefore had the right to impose his will on all authorities – from state to federal (Ellis, 2018). Moreover, he remained an expansionist, convincing everyone that expansion embodies the highest advantage for personalities and the nation.
Indian Treaties and the Removal Act of 1830
On May 28, 1830, the Southeastern Indian Removal Act went into effect. Indians were deprived of all their civil and property rights and freedoms. The Act authorized the President to negotiate with South Indian tribes to relocate them west of the Mississippi River in exchange for white settlement on their ancestral lands (Rogin, 2017). In fact, the Act meant the forced deportation of the most civilized Indians to the uninhabited lands. They were to leave their homeland and march thousands of miles west to their allotted ‘Indian Territory.’Typhus, whooping cough, dysentery, cholera, and starvation were rampant among the settlers. Historians estimate that between 5,000 and 15,000 people died as a result, and the journey became known as the Trail of Tears.
Second National Bank of the United States as an Element of Presidential Financial Policy
Jackson demanded changes in the Second Bank of the United States, which had failed to create a single and strong currency. That is why in July 1832, he vetoed a bill to re-register the Bank, which he called a monopoly of power, privileges, and benefits (Ellis, 2018). In September 1833, Jackson withdrew the deposits of the federal government, citing the Bank’s ability to resort to anti-democratic ways of interfering with the election process and influencing public opinion. In his initial criticism, Jackson had the support of conservative Democrats. Many of them had a stake in state banks that competed with the Second Bank or saw in the President’s move an opportunity to obtain government loans.
Jackson’s Popularity before the Presidency
Jackson owned a cotton factory and distillery. A successful businessman and a politician, he declared his criticism of the administration. The politician was later elected a member of Justice of the State of Tennessee. A new period began in Jackson’s life – he did not hesitate to bet on a military career. The general did not stay in the post of governor of Florida for long, but he managed to leave a memory of himself (Parton, 1863). This time, he discovered a commitment to democratic political principles. Jackson said there should be no distinction between rich and poor and rejected property qualifications.
References
Ellis, R. J. (2018). The development of the American Presidency. Routledge.
Parton, J. (1863). Life of Andrew Jackson. Mason brothers.
Rogin, M. P. (2017). Fathers and children: Andrew Jackson and the subjugation of the American Indian. Routledge.