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Andrew Jackson. American Lion. “I was born for a storm and calm does not suit me.” Andrew Jackson. Born without a father (he died right before Andrew was born) – Jackson’s mother was a servant for her relatives in exchange for a place to live for her and her three sons.
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Andrew Jackson American Lion
“I was born for a storm and calm does not suit me.” Andrew Jackson • Born without a father (he died right before Andrew was born) – Jackson’s mother was a servant for her relatives in exchange for a place to live for her and her three sons. • His parents immigrated from Ireland. • First president to be born in a log cabin (in South Carolina).
Revolutionary War • When Jackson was 12 his oldest brother, Hugh, was killed in battle • At 14, he and his other brother, Robert, were taken prisoner by the British • After refusing to clean the officer’s boots, the officer slashed him with his sword, giving Jackson a scar on his face and fingers. • The officer struck Robert over the head when he also refused to clean his boots
Revolutionary War cont. • Being treated horribly in the prison camp, Robert became very sick. • Their mother was able to get them released, but Robert died shortly afterward, and she died just a few months later caring for her cousin’s children. • Jackson harbored a hatred for the British the rest of his life!
Jackson the Professional • Although he had limited formal schooling, he devoted himself to legal studies and became a lawyer at age 20. • He served as a public prosecutor in North Carolina • He served as Tennessee’s first Representative in Congress • He also served in the Senate • He served as a Justice of the Tennessee Superior Court • And he was Major General of the Tennessee Militia
Jackson the Protector • Jackson was married to Rachel Donelson, who was originally married to Capt. Lewis Robards – he was a cruel, jealous man. • Jackson & Rachel fell in love and married, believing that Robards had divorced Rachel. • They lived together for about 2 years until they found out that Robards had not officially divorced Rachel. They re-married but Jackson’s political opponents accused him of stealing another man’s wife and called her an adulterous.
Jackson the Protector cont. • Protecting Rachel’s reputation was extremely important to him, and if any one dare say anything against Rachel, Jackson was ready to duel and defend her honor. • Jackson was involved in 13 duels • Jackson vs. Charles Dickinson – Jackson took a bullet in the chest, but killed Dickinson! The bullet stayed in his chest the rest of his life!! • Jackson took a bullet in the arm while defending a friend in an argument. • He was wounded so many times in his duels that it was said he “rattled like a bag of marbles” and some called him “Old Piggy Bank.”
Jackson the General • Jackson defeated the Creek Indians after they had perpetrated the largest massacre of American settlers at Fort Mims, Missouri Territory. • Jackson defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 – became a national hero. • Jackson was instrumental in obtaining Florida from Spain after he defeated the Seminole Indians and overthrew the Spanish governor. • Jackson was known as “Old Hickory” for his determination and strength because he was as “tough as hickory”
Jackson the Politician • Jackson ran for President in 1824 against John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay • Jackson won the popular votes and 99 electoral votes, but there was no majority so the House of Representatives chose the president – AGAIN! • With Clay’s lobbying, Adams won the Presidency. • When Adams appointed Clay as Secretary of State, Jackson claimed it was a “corrupt bargain.”
Jackson the President • 1828 Election – Jackson and John Quincy Adams face off again • Jackson was seen as the “Man of the People” – born poor and rose to success by his own hard work • Vicious mudslinging – Jackson was portrayed as an ignorant barbarian who was “covered with the blood of helpless Indians, and countless victims of dueling pistols.”
Jackson the President cont. • Jackson was again accused of stealing another man’s wife and Rachel was portrayed as an adulterous and a bigamist. • Jackson won the election with 178 electoral votes to Adams’ 83 votes. • However!! The cruel things that the politicians said about Rachel was more than she could bear and she died of a broken heart shortly before Jackson took office.
Andrew Jackson – Life Facts • The first president to ride on a railroad train • The first president to be nominated by a political party – Democrats *That’s where we get the Donkey symbol! • He survived the first attempt to assassinate a president • Known historically for creating a strong executive branch • Jacksonian Democracy