Book Review-Andrew Jackson
...from the Virginia dynasty or were named Adams, Jackson was from the west. His
Early life was controversial, as demonstrated by his marriage to Rachel Donelson Robards. At the
Time of their marriage, she was still married to her first husband. Jackson's devotion to his wife
Led to many confrontations, some of them deadly. He despised the abuse of power by Thomas
Jefferson as President when he authorized the embargo prohibiting trade with European nations.
He saw the personal ambitions of Aaron Burr and James Wilkinson as threats to the union. As a
Military commander, Jackson demonstrated his independent nature by marching his troops to the
Sound of the guns and disregarding the orders of Secretary of War John Armstrong. It was a bold
Move that earned Jackson glory at the battle of New Orleans, even though the War of 1812 had
Ended. A few years later, leading an expedition into Florida in pursuit of a band of Seminoles,
Jackson ordered the execution of two British officials he believed to be inciting the Indians. Even
Though some in the government wanted Jackson prosecuted, he was named the first governor of
The new territory of Florida.
Jackson's popularity and fame earned him a bid for the presidency. The election of 1824 proved
One of the most controversial. The lack of a majority in the Electoral College forced the decision
Into the US House of Representatives and resulted in the election of John Quincy Adams. The
Corrupt bargain between Adams and the Speaker of the House, Henry Clay, generated the
Momentum to elect Jackson four years later and resulted in the formation of the Democratic
Party. Equally important, opposition to Jackson led to the resumption of party politics in the
United States with the creation of the Whigs. As the first popularly elected chief executive,
Jackson presided over one of the most tumultuous...
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