Andrew Jackson Military Career and Presidency - Free Essay Example

Andrew Jackson had many accomplishments throughout his life. He was successful both before he was elected as well as during the presidency. Jackson had a career in military, law, politics, and then became president. Many of his successes influenced the way the United States is today. Before Jacksons life as president of the United States he served in the army to fight against the British in the Revolutionary War. After the Revolutionary War Jackson was appointed colonel of the Tennessee Militia and then major general leading the troops in the War of 1812. He successfully led the United States forces in the Creek War against the Native Americans. The natives that were fought against were supported by the British therefore the war of 1812 was considered a war between the United States and Great Britain. Andrew Jackson led his troops to victory in 1814 effectively ending the Creek war. Before the presidency, as major general, Jackson led troops to fight in his most famous contribution to the War of 1812. After the Creek War Jackson marched his troops and fought in The Battle of New Orleans. He marched with his 5,000 soldiers and and fought against an invading British force of 7,500 soldiers. During the war he vowed to protect his men and earned the respect of his troops. Jackson handed a crushing defeat to the British at the Battle of New Orleans. The Battle of New Orleans was the greatest defeat and the last major battle of the War of 1812. Andrew Jackson was president of the United states from 1829 until 1837. He had many accomplishments in that time frame of which he led the country. One of his biggest accomplishments was being the main founder of the modern democratic party. Jackson was the first democratic president of the United states. Due to Jacksons political movements and dedication the party is the oldest party in the world and remains as one of the two major parties. He is credited for spreading political power which was a vital movement in American democracy. Jackson also played a huge role in all males being granted the right to vote. Before Jackson became president the only people allowed to vote were white male property owners or taxpayers. Jacksons democracy led to the changing in favor of granting the right to vote to all white males. By the 1850s the requirements to own property and pay taxes to vote were dropped. Due to the changes started by Jackson there was a better representation of poor people voting in the United States. Another accomplishment of President Andrew Jackson was also resolving the nullification crisis. During the presidency of John Quincy Adams, the Tariff of 1828 was passed, southerners believed that it benefited northern industrialists at the expense of southern farmers. Jackson signed into the law but it could not appease all southern states. It escalated to a major crisis with the threat of secession from South Carolina. Jackson signed both a bill to authorize the use of military force as well as compromise to reduce the rates following southerners objections. The crisis was resolved by the Compromise and there was no need for military force. South Carolina met and rescinded its nullification ordinance. In conclusion, Andrew Jackson was very successful throughout his life. He had many accomplishments before his presidency as well as during it. Before his presidency he had major accomplishments involving his lead in the military. During the presidency his accomplishments include the formation of the modern democracy, all males being able to vote and resolving the nullification crisis to keep the country together. All of these accomplishments had major influences in modern America.