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Andrew Jackson March 15, 1767 – June 8, 1845 Democratic-Republican 1829-1837 Vice President: John C. Calhoun 1829-1832, Martin Van Buren 1833-1837 My hatred for Jackson is well known. However, I shall be kind and give him a D, for some of his actions did not totally fail. His treatment of the Native Americans was cruel and inhumane, his refusal to listen to the opinions of those who disagreed with him immature and, frankly, stupid. His only redeeeming act is the reduction of the national debt, and it is for this that he does not recieve an F.

Jackson was primarily concerned with expansion, reforming the bank, and holding the country together. He presided over the country during the nullification crisis in the south. The southern farmers suffered at the hands of the "Tariff of Abominations", causing South Carolina to claim the right to nullify the law. The south was on the brink of seccession, not for the last time. It almost came to blows at this time, but the crisis was settled with a lower tariff. His hatred of the national bank was well documented. During his presidency, he worked to rescind its charter. Technically, he did destroy the bank, but caused the Panic of 1837. He helped foster western expansion by admitting two new states to the union, Arkansas and Michigan, and supposrting settlers rights.

Jackson had a horrendous relationship with Congress. He was the Federalist party's Anti-christ and successfully alienated his own vice president, a leading voice of the time. The National Bank was a serious point of contention. His veto was not welcomed by congress leaders. He passed the Indian Removal Act, but his reputation as a hothead turned off most congressmen.

Jackson's one good action was somehow, miraculously, lowering the national debt. He brought it down to its lowest since 1791 in 1835. However, this was followed by the panic of 1837 and therefore does not count for much.

Jackson's very worst action was signing the Indian Removal Act. This act forced Native Americans off of land white farmers had no right to. The Cherokee, who refused to vacate their lands, were marched westward at gunpoint on what is now known as the trail of tears. This heinous act killed thousands of innocents and gave federal backing to racism.

The Compromise Tariff is perhaps the most far-reaching bill signed by Jackson. This tariff ended the Nullification crisis and soothed the South. Seccession was staved of for a few more decades with this act. Eight presidents did not have a Civil War to deal with thanks to this act.

Though Jackson did some good for the country, his racist actions against Native Americans are inexcusable. He was never meant to be President and won two terms only because he appealed to the uneducated rabble. His policy of responding to those who criticized him with a presidential "Make me, punk" revealed the temperment of a man who never should have left the battle field.

"Andrew Jackson." __Wikipedia__. 27 Mar 2009. Wikimedia Inc. 27 Mar 2009 .