I have mixed views when it comes to Andrew Jackson. I believe he wanted to do the right thing but his methods weren't always the best. He was definitely an effective president because he transformed American politics to what still exists today. His popularity and background became his strength. Jackson grew up during the Revolution. When Jackson was young his family was killed by the British. His hatred for the British sparked the fight in him. Jackson lacked education but had experience with law and government. Jackson took his first opportunity to get back at the British by joining the military. Jackson led a successful army which won the Creek War, Battle of Horseshoe Blend, and Battle of New Orleans. This is how he gained respect from Southerners …show more content…
Jackson refused to get rid of the Tariffs of 1828. "This import tax provided protection for northern manufacturing interests by raising the prices of European products in America. Southerners, however, blamed the tariff for a massive transfer of wealth. It forced them to purchase goods from the North’s manufacturers at higher prices, and it provoked European countries to retaliate with high tariffs of their own, reducing foreign purchases of the South’s raw materials." (The American Yawp) Jackson loss his vice president John C Calhoun behind his decision. Tensions between Jackson and Calhoun grew very tense which started the Nullification Crisis. Calhoun along with the state of South Carolina fought Jackson over the national tax policy. Jackson fought back with the threats to remove South Carolina from the union. In result "Privately, however, Jackson supported the idea of compromise and allowed his political enemy Henry Clay to broker a solution with Calhoun. Congress passed a compromise bill that slowly lowered federal tariff rates. South Carolina rescinded nullification for the tariffs but nullified the Force Bill." (The American Yawp) I felt like this was Jacksons weakness. This whole conflict could have been avoided. He turned his back on those who supported him. In the end he really agreed with them. I think all he really wanted was to