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Introduction
America is among a few countries founded on ideas. The American system of governance is based on the notion of political freedom. This means that every human being is born free and must enjoy equal rights. All American presidents had a unique relationship with these founding ideas. Andrew Jackson is a typical example of presidents whose reign upheld and digressed from these thoughts. Jackson exercised a philosophy of democratic equality.[1] This meant that his government did not play favorites, but provided equal protection.
His presidency was also an indication that social equality was a reality in the US as he was the first democratically elected president from non-elite family. In addition, his capture of key states from the Spaniards and the Britons played a pivotal role in the expansion of the US. Nonetheless, his government outright racial prejudice and his support for slave trade was a departure from the US ideals. This paper gives a critical analysis of Andrew Jackson’s achievements and his role in the evolution of America’s founding ideas.
Expansion of the US Territory
Jackson took a pivotal role in the extension of the US boundaries. He was raised up when the American Revolution was at its peak. As a thirteen year old, he had already joined his two brothers in the army. He rose to the rank of a commander. His most important contribution as a commander came when he triumphed against the Spaniards to acquire Florida in 1818.[2]
Although his troops withdrew from Florida afterwards, the US retook it after signing the transcontinental treaty in 1919 with Spain.[3] America is defined by an expansive geographical area endowed with resources. States such as Florida are part of the US since our founding fathers gathered enough courage to snatch them from colonial masters. For that reason, they should receive credit for their role in reshaping the American map.
Promotion of Social Equality
As more people began to participate actively in political activities, the issue of social equality took center stage. Most common Americans associated themselves with Jackson.[4] They found more refuge in him than the elite leaders from wealthy families. Jackson’s presidency is likened to a coup against the rich by most average Americans as he was the first American president from a humble background. Giving all citizens an equal chance to succeed is part of the American dream.
Moreover, rising from ‘a nobody to a somebody’ is what most Americans cherish. From a humble beginning, Jackson forced his way up the American political ladder. His achievement is an example of results generated by tenacity and will to succeed. Americas’ economic system provides an individual with limitless possibilities. It is upon a person to exploit the opportunities given to the maximum. President Obama and other non-elite presidents should thank their predecessor for laying a firm foundation for them.
A New Political Culture
Jackson became an instant military hero when he led the US to victory against the Britons and the Spaniards. These events later catapulted him into America’s most polarizing and dominant political figure. He was first elected to state house in 1828 and his error came with a number of political changes. Voting restrictions were eased and, thus, more people made their voice known through the ballot.[5] This period also saw the mushrooming of formal political parties.
Developments seen in the political arena were an indication that the US’ democracy was maturing. Jackson, thus, made an important contribution in transforming the US into one of the most democratic countries in the world. Furthermore, he believed in a democratic process that promoted equality. This meant that the ability of all citizens to govern themselves started to be acknowledged. Moreover, their civil liberties and ideals of a popular government were respected.
Racial prejudice in Jackson’s Error
Immigration has seen virtually all ethnic groups to settle in the US. For that reason, the US is a home for the Whites, Asians, Hispanics and Africans.
Nonetheless, certain races have often been perceived as socially inferior while others as superior. This is the root cause of racism and ethnic stratification in the US. Racism has been used to justify the different forms of prejudices in the US. Ethnic minorities are more prone to prejudice and discrimination than the majority ethnic groups in the US. President Jackson’s administration entertained racial profiling and discrimination.
“Many of the same social factors and economic forces that promoted democratization of the political process during the 1820s also led democrats, North and South, to justify white supremacy, slavery and subjugation of Indians and women.[6]” Jackson’s government sponsored a motion that led to the Congress approving the Indian Removal Act in 1830. Subsequently, all Indians were forcefully moved to the plains west of the Mississippi river. According to Remini, defenseless Indians were killed following this act.[7]
Africans were denied civil liberties and lived in deplorable conditions under his reign. One of the most heinous acts associated with him occurred when government officials ordered all blacks to leave Ohio. Jackson will be remembered as one of the most racially-inclined presidents America has ever produced.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that Andrew Jackson is one of the US esteemed presidents. He beat all odds to become the first American president from an average background. Therefore, he is credited with breaking the elite jinx initially associated with the US presidency.
Most importantly, Jackson believed in giving the poor a say and worked hard in reducing the concentration of power on wealthy individuals. Expansion of the democratic space and formalization of political parties also forms part of his legacy. Additionally, one cannot talk about the expansion of the US territory without talking about Jackson’s presidency.
States such as Florida forms part of the US map due to his aggressiveness as a commander during the American Revolution. Nonetheless, he is one of the greatest contributors of racial profiling and discrimination in the US. His administration showed less regard to the Indians and the Blacks. To date, most Americans are yet to agree that these ethnic groups are entitled to the same rights as Whites. In view of that, President Andrew Jackson partly killed the American dream.
Bibliography
Remini, Robert V. The Legacy of Andrew Jackson: Essay on Democracy, Indian Removal and Slavery. Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 1988.
Tindall, George Brown, David Emory Shi, and Thomas Lee Pearcy. The Essential America. Volumes 1&2. Newyork: W.W. Norton & Company, 2001.
Footnotes
- Robert V. Remini, The Legacy of Andrew Jackson: Essay on Democracy , Indian Removal and Slavery (Louisiana : Louisiana State University Press,1998)
- George Brown Tindall, David Emory Shi, and Thomas Lee Pearcy, The Essential America. Volumes 1&2 (Newyork: W.W. Norton & Company 2001).
- Tindall and others, The Essential America, 151.
- Tindall and others, The Essential America, 157.
- Tindall and others, The Essential America, 151
- Tindall and others, The Essential America, 151.
- Remini, The Legacy of Andrew Jackson, 45
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