By the time Jackson came to power, the nation had been drastically changed by the Industrial Revolution. The simple, pastoral, agricultural lifestyle was being replaced by the manufacturing world, of cities and factories. Politically, the nation was in great turmoil. There was still an everlasting debate among men in power, over what should prevail, the rights of the states, or the rights of the Federal Government. If not for several personal reasons, Jackson would have been a staunch advocator of states rights. The right to vote was still a major issue, the middle class feeling robbed of power in governmental decisions, the upper-class feeling threatened

Jackson did not have the characteristics of a great president. First of all, he was notorious for being to rash and impetuous. As a military leader, he often disobeyed direct orders (Florida campaign), and acted on instinct rather than reason. He also had many enemies among colleagues, including John Calhoun, John Quincy Adams, etc. All of these things were detrimental to being a good leader. However, it was his way with the common people that led him to greatness. He knew what the people wanted, and gave them just enough to appease them.

Jackson, uneducated as he was, was a very shrewd man. Using the spoils system, he all but totally replaced the cabinet from the previous administration. By rewarding the men who had helped him reach his current state, he made it clear that the middleclass could improve their condition. The cabinet was no longer filled with wealthy men of status, but instead of more every day people.

To conclude, this novel was very informative. It was very successful in detailing the transition from Jeffersonian to Jacksonian democracy, as well as outlining the significance of Jackson’s administration. Andrew Jackson was a pivotal figure in the foundation of our modern political system. His notions of equality, and empathy for the lower class, led to the power of political decision being granted to the masses, and the downfall of old, aristocratic ways that still plagued the government

Some topics in this essay:
Federal Government, Jackson United, Andrew Jackson, National Bank, Starting Jefferson, Industrial Revolution, Quincy Adams, Florida Spanish, Jeffersonian Jacksonian, Arthur Schlesinger, national bank, middle lower classes, jackson’s life, single mother, lower class, andrew jackson, lower classes, power jackson, middleclass jackson, middle lower, american society,