Jackson, Andrew (1767–1845)

7th president of the USA 1829–37, a Democrat. A major general in the War of 1812, he defeated a British force in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 and was involved in the war that led to the purchase of Florida in 1819. The political organization he built as president, with his secretary of state Martin Van Buren (1782–1862), was the basis for the modern Democratic Party.

After an unsuccessful attempt in 1824, he was elected president in 1828, becoming the first president from west of the Appalachian Mountains. This was the first election in which electors were chosen directly by voters rather than state legislators. Jackson's association with a movement for increased popular participation in government made him become known as a champion of the people. He demanded and received absolute loyalty from his cabinet members and made wide use of his executive powers. In 1832 he vetoed the renewal of the US bank charter and was re-elected, whereupon he continued his struggle against the power of finance. Historians use the term ‘Jacksonian Democracy’ to describe the period of reforms beginning with his presidency.

Jackson was born in South Carolina, spent his early life in poverty, and was orphaned at the age of 14. Despite his youth, he fought in the American Revolution, and was captured by the British in 1781. He studied law in Salisbury, North Carolina, then migrated to the ‘West’ (later the state of Tennessee), where he was, by turns, public prosecutor, planter, storekeeper, judge, and member of Congress.

In the War of 1812 he led the Tennessee troops, and defeated the Creek people at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend (1814) and was promoted to major general. After his defeat of the British at New Orleans Jackson became a national hero, and the country turned to Jackson in 1818 when the Seminole raided American territory from the safety of Florida (then a Spanish possession). He not only defeated the Seminoles but, against orders, invaded Florida, and as a result of his action Spain sold Florida to the USA and Jackson became its governor. In 1823 Jackson was chosen senator for Tennessee.