Did Andrew Jackson Truly Serve The Common Man Analysis

Essential Question Before the 1800s, life for those that were not white, male, landowners was relegated to subservient, oppressed, and immoral positions. As the early 19th century played out rights were expanded to non-land owning white, males. However, slaves and women still held roles of intense pain, degradation, and suffering. That is until the Antebellum reform movement gained momentum. This movement spread intense passion among abolitionists and women's’ rights activists across the country. During this time period many women began to speak out against their “masters” in the form of husbands and the second class treatment they received. Educated abolitionists and slaves, such as Frederick Douglass made their voice heard and considered

During Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the Antebellum reform was in full swing. While that particular movement was a display of true Mass Democracy, what Andrew Jackson’s presidency stood for was not. He spread his imperialist, oppressive ideals, and passed one of the most egregious acts in America’s history, The Indian Removal Act. He also abused excessive presidential power over the courts and foreign nation he was meant to serve. Lastly, his irrational fiscal policy lead to a massive economic depression, further marginalizing the population he was supposed to serve. While Jackson may have served the needs of the white, males, Jackson did not allow any Democracy or rights among the Indians that have been so long oppressed in the American system. The refusal to abide by official treaties and the blatant defiance to the Supreme Court’s decision to make the Cherokees a sovereign nation. Additionally the mass suffering experienced by men, women, and children alike on the Trail of Tears is not something that even crossed Andrew Jackson’s mind. “”Many of the aged Indians were suffering extremely from the fatigue of the journey...several were quite ill. Even aged females, apparently nearly ready to drop into the grave””. (Trail of Tears). This cruel, forced journey just to gain land for the country is a dictator-like action that disregards basic human rights. An era of “Mass Democracy”

His consistent vetoes, such as vetoing the 2nd Bank of the United States, proved he that he did not care for the voices of the people he represented or for the democratic process the country had put in place. The spoils system that Jackson utilized only further proves the irony in his one-sided logic. He rewarded those that blindly supported him and shut out the representation of those against him. He also brutishly disregarded key Supreme Court Rulings that were meant to regulate and interpret Federal law. Worcester v Georgia fairly decided that the United States should recognize the Cherokee Nation as sovereign nation due to its signed treaties, however Jackson directly rejected this notion and immediately sent the Cherokee Nation out of Georgia and onto the cruel Trail of