acksonian Democracy
Like many who admired him, Jackson was born in a log cabin on the frontier. His parents had left Ireland to settle in the Carolinas. Both died before Jackson was 15. Jackson had to grow up quickly.
Although he was lean, he was a strong fighter. A friend who wrestled with him recalled, “I could throw him three times out of four, but he would never stay throwed.”
Always determined, Jackson showed his toughness at 13 when he joined the Patriots during the American Revolution. He was captured by the British while carrying messages for the Patriots. When a British officer ordered the young prisoner to clean his boots, Jackson refused. The officer took a sword and slashed the boy's hand and face.Over time he became very wealthy by buying and selling land in Georgia and Alabama. While still in his twenties, he was elected to Congress. He served for just a few years before becoming a judge and a major general in the Tennessee militia.
Jackson won national fame for his achievements during the War of 1812. He led American forces to a major victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans. He was also known for his leadership during the Creek War. A group of Creeks, angered in part by white settlers moving onto their land, began to attack settlers. These Creeks massacred at least 250 people, including soldiers and their families, at Fort Mims, in present-day Alabama. Commanding an army sent to stop the attacks, Jackson's victory at Horseshoe Bend forced the Creeks to give up vast amounts of land in what are now Georgia and Alabama.After the Revolution, Jackson studied law in North Carolina. He later moved to Tennessee and set up a successful law practice.Andrew Jackson was a complex person. He had led a violent and adventurous life. He was quick to lose his temper, and he dealt with his enemies harshly. When he became president, his opponents sarcastically called him “King Andrew.” Jackson intended to be a strong president by expanding the powers of the presidency. At the same time, Jackson's supporters admired his ability to inspire and lead others. They considered him a man of his word and a champion of the common people.
As Jackson traveled to Washington to be inaugurated, large crowds cheered him along the way. For the first time, thousands of ordinary people flooded the capital to watch the President take the oath of office. After Jackson was sworn in, the crowd followed the new president to a reception at the White House. One onlooker described the scene with amazement:
Country men, farmers, gentlemen, mounted and dismounted, boys, women and children, black and white. Carriages, wagons, and carts all pursuing [Jackson] to the President's house.—Margaret Bayard Smith, The First Forty Years of Washington Society The crowds were so huge, the observer continued, that the President was “almost suffocated and torn to pieces by the people in their eagerness to shake hands.” Jackson's critics said the scene showed that “King Mob” was ruling the nation. Amos Kendall, a loyal Jackson supporter, viewed the inauguration celebration in a more positive way: “It was a proud day for the people. General Jackson is their own President.”is election suggested that westerners and other ordinary citizens would have a voice.
The Rise of Jacksonian Democracy Andrew Jackson was elected in 1828 largely because white men without property could now vote. He drew much of his support from these people. In return, he promised to help less wealthy white men, and especially small farmers on the western frontier. The spread of political power to more people was part of what became known as Jacksonian democracy.The Impact of Jacksonian Democracy Jackson was the first westerner to occupy the White House. His election marked a shift of political power to the West. He was seen as a daring individualist. His image helped shape an American consciousness focused on individual freedom and daring.
Another effect of Jacksonian democracy was the growth in political parties and in citizen participation in the political process. It was one thing to make it legal for nearly all white men to vote. It was another thing to convince them to vote.
Jackson's Democratic Party introduced political campaigns that appealed to common people and their concerns. These campaigns motivated white men to cast their vote for the Democrats.
The Spoils System
One of the biggest effects of Jacksonian politics was the development of the spoils system. After taking office, Jackson fired many government employees. He replaced those employees with his supporters. Most other presidents had done the same, but Jackson did it on a much larger scale.Critics accused Jackson of rewarding his supporters instead of choosing The Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion qualified men. Jackson replied that giving government jobs to ordinary men would prevent a small group of wealthy men from controlling the government. He felt that most Americans could fill government jobs.
“The duties of all public officers are … so plain and simple that men of intelligence may readily qualify themselves for their performance,” he said.
A Jackson supporter explained the system another way. “To the victor belong the spoils,” he declared. Spoils are loot. The practice of giving supporters government jobs became known as the spoils system.
By reading, answer Analyze Jackson’s early style of government and its lasting impact
Jackson's early style of government was characterized by his determination and toughness. He was a strong fighter and a leader who was willing to stand up against British officers and defend his principles. He showed this same determination and toughness during his political career, as he fought for the rights of ordinary citizens and sought to expand the powers of the presidency.
Jackson's style of government had a lasting impact on American politics. He introduced the concept of Jacksonian democracy, which emphasized the spread of political power to more people, particularly white men without property. This led to an increase in citizen participation in the political process and the growth of political parties.
One of the major effects of Jackson's style of government was the development of the spoils system. By rewarding his supporters with government jobs, Jackson sought to prevent a small group of wealthy men from controlling the government. While this system was controversial and criticized by some, it became a standard practice in American politics.
Overall, Jackson's early style of government had a lasting impact on American politics, shaping the concept of democracy and increasing citizen participation. His determination and toughness as a leader continue to be admired and emulated by many.
did you get your answer from the text
Yes, the answer is based on information provided in the text. The text discusses Jackson's style of government, his focus on expanding the powers of the presidency, and his role in introducing Jacksonian democracy and the spoils system.
now put your answer in small bullet points
- Jackson's early style of government was characterized by his determination and toughness
- He was a strong fighter and leader who defended his principles
- Jackson introduced the concept of Jacksonian democracy, emphasizing the spread of political power to more people, particularly white men without property
- His style of government led to increased citizen participation in the political process and the growth of political parties
- Jackson implemented the spoils system, giving government jobs to his supporters, to prevent a small group of wealthy men from controlling the government
- Jackson's style of government had a lasting impact on American politics, shaping the concept of democracy and increasing citizen participation.
smaller for kids to understand and not be able write that on sheet of paper that long
- Jackson's early government style was tough and determined.
- He fought for what he believed in and stood up against British officers.
- Jackson wanted more people to have a say in government, especially white men without property.
- He introduced the spoils system, giving government jobs to his supporters.
- This made more people get involved in politics.
- Jackson's style of government had a lasting impact on America, making democracy more accessible and encouraging citizens to participate.
Andrew Jackson was a dominant figure in American politics for many years beginning in 1824, when he first ran for president. He was so influential that his name is used to describe the period of time (the Age of Jackson), a particular style of governance (Jacksonian Democracy), and a particular set of political traits (Jacksonian Democrat). A man of humble beginnings (he was the first president to have been born in a log cabin), Jackson rose through the ranks of the military and society to distinguish himself as a formidable leader while keeping his image as a man of the people. This image was one that would both help him and hurt him in his time as president.
shorten this text to where i a 13 teen-year-old would understand