I'm working on understanding Andrew Jackson a little bit better because he was such a controversial figure. We know that he was mainly elected on the basis of representing the "common man".
I'm looking for ways that Jackson increased the power of the President's office and how at the time, he contradicted the common man image.
Thanks
2006-11-12 07:21:09 · 3 answers · asked by doubledian 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Jackson was considered a hero by the people for fighting off the British at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 and for fighting off violent attacks by Native Americans in the frontier.
However, hindsight is 20/20. Jackson is also responsible for the Trail of Tears and the deaths of thousands of Cherokees. He actually went above his presidential power by sending these Natives west. The Supreme Court had already ruled that the land they were living on was rightfully the property of the Cherokee tribe due to a previous peace treaty. Jackson didn't care and ignored America's system of checks and balances, acting as a dictator or a monarch, instead of a president.
2006-11-12 10:08:45 · answer #1 · answered by ammecalo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First, he wasn't a common man. Most people in his day lived in a cabin of some sorts while he on the other hand had a grand home, you could even call it a plantation with lots of land and very grand house. Still beautiful today.
2006-11-12 15:31:56 · answer #2 · answered by ruthie 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
His background was common. Scot-Irish frontier backcountry. That is what got him elected twice. He is considered a man of the people because he expanded voting to the people..war hero too
2006-11-12 15:51:06 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋