Andrew Jackson is the 7th President of the United States of America. Before being a President, he was known for his extraordinary skills in warfare. Andrew Jackson is the controversial personality due to some of his decisions. Some people call him a hero, while for some of them, he is a villain. For Jackson's critics, he was like American Hitler, who ruled like a dictator throughout his Presidency. He was a villain in the eyes of some of the people because; during his presidency he took many selfish decisions. They also think that he drove away those people whom he didn't like. Jackson is notorious for the Indian Removal Act of 1830. For the settlement of white people he removed the original tribes from their land in Oklahoma. This act was the consent to the forceful removal of the original local Americans from their own land. This unconstitutional act led the death of thousands of people.
Though for some of them, he was a villain, personally I feel that Andrew Jackson is a war hero. It is because of his contribution in the war. He was very determined and passionate war hero. Once he took a decision, he relentlessly pursued it and he used to stick with his decision irrespective of anything happened. This is one of the characteristics which make Andrew Jackson the hero of American Revolution. Jackson fought several wars. He was a colonel of the Tennessee militia in the American Revolution War in 1912. He had to face many obstacles. Many troubles were there in the path of success. Despite all hazards and obstacles, he led his troop towards the success. Due to his success in the war, he was named as “Old Hickory.” The title was given to Andrew Jackson as he was as hard and rough as the bark on the hickory tree. He has an immense patriotism and a strong will to defeat British force. While appreciating the warrior's qualities in Jackson Roosevelt said, By acting decisively to forestall a civil war over slavery during the 1830s, Jackson demonstrated a "rugged, courageous spirit," (Weinberg)
He was no doubt a brave soldier. In the battle of Orleans nearly 2000 British soldiers were hurt or killed and the American lost just six men. (Gunderson 19) This is what made Jackson a War hero. After the success of the war with British soldier, he was sent to fight and capture the land from the Seminole people in Florida. Jackson, with the help of his troop, defeated the Seminole and took control on the region. During the battle, a bullet plunged into his lung. He must be appreciated by his leadership qualities which brought the victory in American Revolution.
After this incident, he had to live his entire life with pains. His physical condition was totally spoiled. He also suffered from cough, stomach pains and tuberculosis. He never complained about it and carrying these ailments he performed his presidential duty honestly. Andrew Jackson was the first president who belonged to the low social position and still his popularity was out of question. Due to his popularity, he was also known as the “People's President.”
I also appreciate Jackson for his strong commitment while enforcing the laws and fighting against secession threats from the South. He was not only an excellent warrior but also a shrewd politician. During his presidency, he paid off the national debt. His foreign policy also was very effective. 'Andrew Jackson was obsessed with personal vindication and he was a shrewd, calculating political operator who, even in retirement and close to death wielded tremendous political power (Warshauer.3) Though he was condemned by his autocratic leadership, I personally think that he was a thoughtful politician and he took decision which were for the welfare of America.
One of the best decisions, Andrew Jackson took was that he vowed to pay the national debt and took initiative which helped his country from getting destroyed. In 1935, the national debt was lowered to $33,733.05
He was the real hero of America because he always listened to the voice of common man. He heard the voice of his nation and strove hard for the betterment of the citizens of his country.
The review of Andrew's qualities and drawbacks, I think the qualities are overlapping his drawbacks. It should never been forgotten that after all his contribution in the independent America cannot be denied. He fought for his motherland and so I call him a staunch patriotic.
Considering all the facets of his personality, I appealed Jackson's leadership qualities, his bravery, his shrewdness, and his patriotism which according to me made him a hero. He should be certainly considered as a hero for these qualities.
References
Gunderson, Megan A. Andrew Jackson. N.p.: ABDO Publishing Company, 2010. Print.
Warshauer, Matthew. Andrew Jackson and the Politics of Martial Law: Nationalism, Civil Liberties, and Partisanship. N.p.: University of Tennessee Press, 2006. Print.
Weinberg, Steve. “American Lion” Examines the life and Leadership of Andrew Jackson. The Seattle Times Company, 2008. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://seattletimes.com/html/books/2008440729_br30jackson.html>.
