Old Hickory: An Evening With Andrew Jackson

Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson was the subject of a History International biography last night.  My fascination with Andrew Jackson was spawned way back in fourth grade.  As a fourth-grade student, we were only taught of Jackson’s military exploits including his thwarting of the British Army at New Orleans in 1815.  I would learn of Jackson’s political legacy and his involvement in western expansion later in life, which would further cement his place as one of my favorite presidents. 

Mr. Johnson, i.e. my fourth-grade teacher, was a war buff.  He ate, slept, and breathed war stories.  It’s no surprise that other than reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and Penrod, the only thing I remember from fourth grade is Mr. Johnson’s war maps.  Everyday after returning from lunch, Mr. Johnson would have a battlefield drawn on the blackboard and would direct us through the battles of the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and so on up to and through the Civil War.  By the way, these were not your run-of-the-mill drawings either.  Most of them spanned the length of two full-sized chalk boards.  They were color-coded and even shaded to distinguish changes in elevation.  There were casualty indicators which signified the concentration of lives lost at a given position on the battlefield.  There were specific details of the movements of the troops, commander strategy, etc.  Fourth grade was the first time I remember actually being excited about learning.  This may have been because I had the coolest Trapper Keeper EVER!! Just Kidding.  Thank you, Mr. Johnson. 

What I love most about Andrew Jackson is his respect for the American people.  The 1820s brought in a new era as eligible citizens were able to vote for their electors, rather than state legislator choosing them.  “The Hero,” as Jackson was dubbed after the Battle of New Orleans, became wildly popular after his victory against the greatest military force in the world.  He was often billed as the second coming of George Washington.  In 1824, he had no intention of running for president, however after a public plea; he allowed his name to be considered for nomination.  Even after his wife passed away weeks before his inauguration in 1828, his dedication to the American people transcended his person grief. 

Although Jackson is widely blamed for the Trail of Tears, where Indians were force out off of their lands and forced westward, leading to the deaths of thousands of Native Americans, it is important to recognize the positive accomplishments as well.  There are many of Jackson’s political stances that could have positive, widespread effects on our nation today.  As aforementioned, Jackson was a people’s president and he lead accordingly.  Almost single-handedly, he was able to dismantle the Bank of the United States and furthermore accomplish something that no president, past or present has been able to, pay off the national debt.  Jackson believed in a minimalist government that gave power to the states rather than a controlling, centralized government.  Jackson was unable to accomplish was the abolition of the Electoral College or remove term limits, Jackson chose the Washington model, resigning after two terms.   

Andrew Jackson is a polarizing character.  He was known to many as liar, a murderer (from a duel in which he killed a man), and a brawler, but he always go the job done.  His militia didn’t name him “Old Hickory” for nothing.  He was tough as nails on the battlefield and that same flinty demeanor translated to the political pulpit, once telling South Carolina’s official that he would hang them all if they dare secede from the Union.  They believed him.  More importantly, he was a devout Christian later in his life, a loving husband, a great politician, and surely worthy of the distinction, “American Badass.”

Cool Facts: The donkey that Democrats use today as their mascot harkens back to Andrew Jackson.  His opponent referred to him as Andrew “Jackass.”  Deriving humor from this, Jackson used the symbol and later it was depicted by a cartoonist.

Andrew Jackson’s last words, were “I want all to prepare to meet me in heaven…Christ has no respect for color” According to the documentary, A witness turned to his housekeeper and asked “Do you think Andrew is actually going to heaven?” The housekeeper replied, “If Mr. Jackson wants to go to heaven, who’s going to stop him?”