Andrew Jackson Tyrant Essay

Andrew Jackson is one of the most controversial US presidents. Some say that his use of his powerful position and his actions for the common man make him a hero. Others say that his abuse of the presidency and role in Indian Removal make him a despot. As James Parton (a biographer of the president) wrote in 1859, Jackson was an “urbane savage”, meaning that he was refined, yet uncontrolled at the same time (PBS). However, “savage” more closely describes Jackson’s actual reign over America, as he abused his presidential position. Andrew Jackson should be remembered as a president turned tyrant due to the Spoils System, Nullification Crisis, and Indian Removal. To begin with, Jackson was a tyrant because of the Spoils System, which worked the

The Indian Removal Act was signed in 1830 and gave the government the power to move thousands of Native Americans (specifically the Cherokee) east of the Mississippi to the West. This lead to what is known as the Trail of Tears, where Native Americans were forced to march to the new land. Along the way, many were faced with harsh conditions, limited provisions, and death. An estimated 2,000-8,000 Cherokee members died on the Trail of Tears. This is imperious because Jackson had no right to force the Cherokee out of their homeland, and his lack of thought towards the repercussions of such actions was lackadaisical. Some current-day supporters of Andrew Jackson claim that the Trail of Tears is not his fault because he was not president. However, it was his actions (signing the Indian Removal Act) that lead to the Trail of Tears in the first place. Without the Indian Removal Act, there would likely be no Trail of Tears. The US Supreme Court case Worcester vs. Georgia further cements the fact that the Cherokee could not legally be moved without their consent. Samuel Worcester was a missionary who lived and helped the Cherokee, but Georgia passed a law forbidding white persons to consort with Native Americans. Worcester tried to change the law, as he was very helpful politically with the Cherokee. The ruling on the

The Spoils System was his first act of oppression. By hiring only dutiful supporters, Jackson increased his clout by eliminating any potential antimony. Secondly, he denied states the right to nullify in the Nullification Crisis. He also threatened war if South Carolina did not overturn their nullification of the Tariff of 1828. Finally, Andrew Jackson is a tyrant because of his role in Indian Removal. His lack of foresight into potential consequences and disregard for the suffering and loss of the Native Americans is irresponsible. Some people claim that Jackson could still be considered a hero because he was not actually president during the Trail of Tears, however, it was actions (signing the Indian Removal Act) that lead to the deaths of thousands. After looking at all the evidence showing that Jackson is a tyrant, why do some still consider him a hero? Andrew Jackson is a part of the dark section of American history and should not be worshipped as the best president for his