History of Andrew Jackson in Timeline
Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president (1829-1837), was a prominent figure in American history. Prior to his presidency, he served as a U.S. Army general and held positions in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. A champion of the common man, he is also recognized for his efforts to maintain national unity. However, Jackson's legacy is complex and includes criticism of his policies towards Native Americans, particularly the Indian Removal Act, which led to the Trail of Tears.
1945: Jackson's Legacy Redefined
In 1945, Jackson's rise was linked to the "common man" ideal, rejecting social elites. Schlesinger's "Age of Jackson" further framed Jackson's legacy within the context of Roosevelt's New Deal, portraying the common man as a working-class individual fighting against exploitation.
1948: Jackson's Legacy and the Progressive Party
In 1948, the Progressive Party viewed themselves as successors to Jackson's legacy.
1955: End of the Progressive Party
In 1955, the Progressive Party, which considered itself heir to Jackson's legacy, ceased to exist.
2009: Jackson's Ranking in C-SPAN Historian Poll
A 2009 C-SPAN poll of historians ranked Jackson as the 13th best president.
2014: Jackson's Ranking in Political Scientist Survey
A 2014 survey of political scientists ranked Jackson as the ninth-highest rated president, but also the third-most polarizing and overrated.
2016: Removal of Jackson's Portrait from the $20 Bill
In 2016, the Obama administration initiated the process of replacing Jackson's portrait on the $20 bill with Harriet Tubman's.
2017: Jackson's Ranking in C-SPAN Historian Poll
In 2017, a C-SPAN historian poll ranked Jackson 18th.
2021: Biden Administration Resumes Removal of Jackson from $20 Bill
In 2021, the Biden administration revived the plan to replace Jackson's image on the $20 bill with that of Harriet Tubman, after a pause during Trump's presidency.
2021: Jackson's C-SPAN Ranking
In a 2021 C-SPAN poll, Jackson was ranked as the 22nd best president by historians.
2023: Jackson's Handling of Spoliation Claims
In 2023, Jackson addressed spoliation claims, successfully settling them with Denmark, Portugal, and Spain. France, however, resisted payment, leading to a near conflict. Jackson refused to apologize for his firm stance, but ultimately France agreed to pay $5,000,000 to settle the claims.
2023: Jackson's Challenge to the Bank
In 2023, Jackson openly questioned the constitutionality and financial soundness of the Bank, leading to allegations of preferential loans and bribery. Biddle, in response, defended the Bank's reputation and importance to prosperity, spending over $250,000 on lobbying and public relations.
2023: Jackson's Investigations into Executive Departments
In 2023, investigations initiated by Jackson into executive departments uncovered $280,000 in stolen funds from the Treasury, led to cost reductions in the Department of the Navy saving $1 million, and prompted Jackson to urge Congress for stricter laws on embezzlement and tax evasion and an improved government accounting system.