Chapter 14 Section 14.3 From Frontier to White House By: Rachel Darling, Christina Veverica, Julia Hulbert, Lucy Yahr, and Kelli Sharples!!!
Before the Presidency Andrew Jackson was the first self-made president. But before he was president he was known as the most roaring, rollicking, game-cocking, horse racing, card playing, mischievous fellow in town. Though his childhood was cut short because of the revolutionary war he enjoyed sports and had a hot temper. He would also pick a fight at the drop of a hat, and HE would drop the hat!
Prisoner of War The American Revolution ruined his childhood. When he was 13 he joined the militia force in his town but was captured by the British. While he was a prisoner there a British officer ordered Jackson to polish his boots. In reply he said " Sir, I am a prisoner of war and demand to be treated as such." The outraged officer attacked Jackson and sliced his head and hand. Jackson carried the scars to his grave.
From Mischievous to Lawyer Many people were surprised when Jackson left the war to be a lawyer. As stated before he was known as the most roaring, rollicking, game-cocking, horse racing, card playing, mischievous fellow in town. These words usually don't come to mind when we think of a lawyer. It was a wonder that he learned any law at all. In 1788 He headed to Nashville, Tennessee, to practice law. Nashville, then, was just a small clump of cabins and tents next to the Cumberland River. The town Quickly grew. Jackson soon earned enough money to but land and slaves and to set himself up as a Gentlemen planter.
Slave Trading and Shooting Despite how successful he became Andrew Jackson never out grew his hot temper. A slave trader named Charles Dickinson found this out the hard way. He called Jackson a worthless scoundrel and insulted his wife. Outraged Jackson declared a duel with pistols even though Dickinson was said to be the best shot in Tennessee. During this time period duels were a way to settle disputes between gentlemen. Dickinson shot Jackson first hitting him in the chest. Jackson stiffened raised his pistol and fired and shot once; Dickinson fell dead to the ground. A friend examined Jackson's wound and exclaimed " My God, he missed your heart by only and inch." In fact the slave traders bullet was so close to Jackson's heart that the doctors could not remove it. "I would of hit him," replied Jackson, "if he had shot me through the brain!"
The People's Choice Andrew Jackson came into politics in Tennessee, where he served in both The House and The Senate. He wasn't widely known until the battle of New Orleans. during the War of 1812. His amazing defense of the city gave him the name " Old Hickory" and and made him a national hero. In 1812 Jackson ran for president against his 3 other candidates: Henrey Clay, William Crawford, and John Quincy Adams though Jackson won the most popular votes and the most electoral votes he did not have enough electoral votes for a majority. Clay had his supporters vote for Adams because they had many of the same goals, and Adams put clay in his cabinet. Jackson supproters were outraged and acused Adam and Clay of making a "corrupt bargain" to rob Jackson of he rightful election. They swore revenge in 1828! Jackson's supporters worked exuberently to build a new party, the Democratic Party, the name of this party is still used today. They also worked hurriedly to build up new voters. Besides trashing Adams they organized huge parades, rallies, and picnics. The result was a great victory for Jackson and gave people the idea that they should control their government. this idea became known as the Jacksonian Democracy.
Definitions- Self Made- Achieving wealth or influenced through ones owns effort rather than being born to a privileged family Duel and Legality-Duels were thought of as a way of settling disputes between gentlemen. Jacksonian Democracy-The idea that the common people should control their government.