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Andrew Jackson : True American

Andrew Jackson was the first "peoples president". His humble frontier heritage and heroic title won support throughout the nation. Jackson was in touch with the common man and had respect for him. This for once, allowed the "people" to have a more dominant role in government, which is something that America prides itself upon today. His Presidency was plagued with controversy, but President Jackson used his power as President to unite a sometimes-divided nation and establish a precedent of power for future American leaders. States' rights, the nullification crisis, the spoils system, Indian removal and banking policies were all controversies which brought forth strong rivalry and resentment throughout his years as president, but Jackson's strong will and assertiveness got our country through these times. President Andrew Jackson did not overstep the boundaries of the executive branch of government; he only strengthened these boundaries which were already in place.
Andrew Jackson had a heroic military past. In 1810 Jackson was named Major General in the Tennessee Militia. Here Jackson became famous for his victories over the rebel Creek Indians. These victories impressed leaders in Washington and Jackson was put in charge of the defense of New Orleans in the war of 1812. Jackson was able to lead his troops to victory and solidify himself as a dominant figure in the US armed forces. This show of American strength made Americans feel proud after a war filled with many military defeats. This sense of nationalism lead to a time known as "the era of good feelings. Jackson was given the nickname "Old Hickory", and was treated as a national hero.
In 1817 he was ordered against the Seminole Indians. He pushed them back into Spanish Florida and continued to take the rest of the land from the Spanish. Many to this day claim Andrew Jackson was not authorized to do so, but in reality he was. He and President Monroe both realized the acquisition of Spanish lands...

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