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Revision as of 10:02, 22 August 2002 by Modemac (talk | contribs) (Added mention of the spoils system)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Rank: | 7th (1829-1837) |
Followed: | John Quincy Adams |
Succeeded by: | Martin Van Buren |
Date of Birth | March 15, 1767 |
Place of Birth: | Waxhaw, South Carolina |
Date of Death: | June 8, 1845 |
Place of Death: | The Hermitage, Nashville, Tennessee |
First Lady: | Rachel Donelson Robards |
Occupation: | lawyer, soldier |
Political Party: | Democrat |
Vice President: |
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Andrew Jackson was the 7th (1829-1837) president of the United States
Responsible for Indian Removal and thus The Trail of Tears, in an unconstitutional defiance of a Supreme Court ruling.
Jackson was the first U.S. president who was outside the original Revolutionary circle. Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison were notable figures in the War of Independence and the formation of the U.S. Constitution. James Monroe fought in the Revolutionary War. John Quincy Adams was the son of John Adams. Jackson's election represented a significant break from that past.
Jackson is remembered for introducing the "spoils system" to American politics. Upon his election as President, a sizable number of people holding positions in Washington, DC offices found that they had suddenly been replaced by supporters of Jackson, who had worked to ensure his election. This practice has endured in political circles in the United States ever since.
As President, Jackson worked to dismantle the United States Bank, which had been instrumental in the growth of the U.S. economy but was then seen by some as favoring privileged sectors of the economy over farmers and laborers. The absence of a central bank, however, did not impair economic growth.
His wife died prior to him taking office as President.
Jackson was wounded in a duel as a young man.
Jackson's portrait appears on the U.S. $20 bill.