life
Early political career
Jackson was involved in politics from a young age. He was a member of the convention that drafted the constitution for the state of Tennessee in 1796, was the state's first U.S. representative, later served as U.S. senator
Presidential firsts
Was the first president born in a log cabin and the first to pay off the entire national debt.
Native American policy
He began his administration's policy of Indian removal, advising the Creek Indians to move west of the Mississippi River
Democratic Convention
The first-ever Democratic presidential nominating convention was held in 1832, where the party formally nominated Jackson for a second term and Martin Van Buren as his running mate.
Old Hickory
His nickname was earned during the War of 1812, when soldiers described him as being as tough as hickory wood.
Plantation owner
He bought a plantation, the Hermitage, near Nashville, and became a wealthy planter who used the forced labor of hundreds of enslaved people.
Battle of New Orleans
Led American forces to a decisive victory against the British in 1815 during the War of 1812
Corruption and reform
Upon entering office, Jackson launched investigations into federal corruption, but also embraced the "spoils system," where government jobs were given to supporters, leading to rapid turnover of officials
Bank War
Jackson continued fighting against the Second Bank of the United States, vetoing the bill to re-charter and viewing it as a corrupt institution that threatened democracy. The bank charter expired 1836, and Jackson's actions are seen by many as central to Jacksonian Democracy
Survived an assassination attempt
In 1835, a man named Richard Lawrence attempted to shoot Jackson, but both of his pistols misfired. Jackson reportedly hit him with his cane.
education
Military campaigns
His campaigns, including those during the Creek and Seminole Wars, helped acquire Florida for the United States
Inauguration
His inauguration was massive, celebratory event, with thousands of people flooding the White House, though some critics viewed it as an unruly mob
Nullification Crisis
Jackson opposed the nullification of federal tariffs by South Carolina, arguing for indivisibility of the Union. He threatened military force to ensure federal law was upheld, which helped resolve the crisis
Survived a duel with a bullet in his chest
In 1806, Jackson was shot in the chest during a duel with Charles Dickinson. Jackson shot and killed Dickinson, and the bullet remained in his chest for the rest of his life
childhood
Born in 1767 he was orphaned during the Revolutionary War after his family members died or were captured by the British
Democratic Party
Founded the modern Democratic Party, establishing a two-party system that remains today.
States' rights
his first annual message to Congress, he advocated for states' rights, suggesting limits the term of office to encourage rotation in government positions
National Debt
A major goal of Jackson's second term was to eliminate the national debt, a feat he accomplished in 1835, making him the last president to do so
Pet parrot
Jackson owned a pet parrot named Poll that had to be removed from his funeral for swearing
Political beginnings
Jackson served as Tennessee's first congressman and later as a U.S. Senator, and was also a justice on the Tennessee Superior Court
Populist appeal
Championed populist ideals, which helped him gain a strong following and empowered the executive branch
Electoral College
He recommended eliminating the Electoral College, which had been a factor his loss to John Quincy Adams in the 1824 election
Indian Removal
His aggressive Indian removal policy continued during this term
gambling
He was a notorious gambler who once gambled away his inheritance on a trip to Charleston