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The American Presidents #7
Andrew Jackson
The towering figure who remade American politics—the champion of the ordinary citizen and the scourge of entrenched privilege
The Founding Fathers espoused a republican government, but they were distrustful of the common people, having designed a constitutional system that would temper popular passions. But as the revolutionary generation passed from the scene in the 1820s, a new movement, based on the principle of broader democracy, gathered force and united behind Andrew Jackson, the charismatic general who had defeated the British at New Orleans and who embodied the hopes of ordinary Americans. Raising his voice against the artificial inequalities fostered by birth, station, monied power, and political privilege, Jackson brought American politics into a new age.
Sean Wilentz, one of America's leading historians of the nineteenth century, recounts the fiery career of this larger-than-life figure, a man whose high ideals were matched in equal measure by his failures and moral blind spots, a man who is remembered for the accomplishments of his eight years in office and for the bitter enemies he made. It was in Jackson's time that the great conflicts of American politics—urban versus rural, federal versus state, free versus slave—crystallized, and Jackson was not shy about taking a vigorous stand. It was under Jackson that modern American politics began, and his legacy continues to inform our debates to the present day.
The Founding Fathers espoused a republican government, but they were distrustful of the common people, having designed a constitutional system that would temper popular passions. But as the revolutionary generation passed from the scene in the 1820s, a new movement, based on the principle of broader democracy, gathered force and united behind Andrew Jackson, the charismatic general who had defeated the British at New Orleans and who embodied the hopes of ordinary Americans. Raising his voice against the artificial inequalities fostered by birth, station, monied power, and political privilege, Jackson brought American politics into a new age.
Sean Wilentz, one of America's leading historians of the nineteenth century, recounts the fiery career of this larger-than-life figure, a man whose high ideals were matched in equal measure by his failures and moral blind spots, a man who is remembered for the accomplishments of his eight years in office and for the bitter enemies he made. It was in Jackson's time that the great conflicts of American politics—urban versus rural, federal versus state, free versus slave—crystallized, and Jackson was not shy about taking a vigorous stand. It was under Jackson that modern American politics began, and his legacy continues to inform our debates to the present day.
156 pages, Hardcover
First published December 27, 2005
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620 people want to read
About the author
Sean Wilentz
72 books84 followersSean Wilentz is the George Henry Davis 1886 Professor of American History at Princeton University. His many books include The Politicians and the Egalitarians: The Hidden History of American Politics (2016); Bob Dylan in America (2010); and The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974–2008 (2008). The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln (2005) was awarded the Bancroft Prize, and he has received two Grammy nominations for his writings on music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 26, 2020
One of the first things Donald Trump did after his inauguration was to direct that a portrait of Jackson be hung in the Oval Office. “An amazing figure in American history,” the president declared, “very unique in so many ways.”
It is easy to see why Trump likes Jackson (or why Bannon or somebody told Trump he was supposed to like Jackson). Not only was he was an unapologetic defender of American slavery and the principal advocate for “Indian Removal” (the disastrous system which eventually led to “the Trail of Tears”), but he was also a man of fiery, undisciplined temper—a duelist and brawler in his younger days, easily offended and quick to hold grudges—who took policy disagreements personally, thus transforming men who might have been merely opponents into his lifelong enemies.
Sean Wilentz, in this book, does what any good biographer and historian should do: place his subject squarely within the context of his time. He reveals to us a man “fearless, principled, and damaged” who emerged as a boy prisoner from the Revolutionary War virtually without any family, and marked with a “permanent trench in [his] skull” (a sabre-blow punishment for “insolence” by the British officer who captured him), a man self-reliant to a fault, uncompromising in his principles, and fierce in his hatreds (particularly of the British).
As for slavery, Wilentz argues that “the president’s primary political objective lay not in promoting slavery but in abiding by the spirit of the Missouri Compromise and keeping the divisive slavery issue out of national politics.” He sought a middle way between the abolitionists (a small Northern minority at the time) and the pro-slavery South Carolina “nullifiers” who were prepared to defy Federal law to protect their “peculiar institution.” Wilents acknowledges, however, that “the more Jackson adhered to [his] democratic vision, the more he took actions that aggravated the sectional divisions he wished to contain.”
As far as Native Americans were concerned, Wilentz describes Jackson as a “sincere if unsentimental paternalist” who sought to put the “indians” under federal protection so that they might live—in Jackson’s words—“free from the mercenary influence of White men.” (I might add that, if Jackson was a “paternalist,” he was, as president, a neglectful and miserly father to his “children”: he tried to do Indian Removal on the cheap, and privatized it, thus setting the stage for the genocidal “Trail of Tears.”)
Wilentz is also very good on other events of Jackson’s life and presidency, particularly the Battle of New Orleans, his three elections (including his loss to J.Q. Adams), “nullification”, and his two battles with the National Bank. But the most important thing about this book is that, after reading it, I feel I understand Jackson a little better than before. I still consider him a bully, a hothead, and a man of limited vision, but I must acknowledge—unlike the current occupant of the Oval Office—that the man had principles too.
December 23, 2025
Andrew Jackson And American Democracy
The 2008 Presidential race is in full swing, and interest in the contest runs high. In order to keep my own bearings, I wanted to try to take a short but broader view of our Presidents and our nation's history. One way to do this is by reading some of the volumes in the recent "American Presidents" series edited by the late Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Each volume in this series offers, in short compass, the life and accomplishments of an American president together with an evaluation of his achievement.
I chose Sean Wilentz' biography of Andrew Jackson (1767 -- 1845) because of our seventh President's role in broadening the basis of American democracy and because of the controversy he inspired and continues to inspire. Jackson was a flamboyant, larger-than-life figure with great virtues and as many faults. He was orphaned at an early age and bore for life the physical and emotional scars inflicted upon him by a sword gash to the head by a British officer during the Revolutionary War. Jackson fought off poverty and his own impulsive nature to serve an early term in Congress and in the Senate before the 19th century. He became a lawyer, a judge and a large plantation owner of the Hermitage in Tennessee. He became famous as an Indian fighter in wars against the Southeast Tribes such as the Creeks and Cherokees and against the Florida Seminoles. Jackson won a great victory against the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, (the War of 1812 was officially over at the time) which secured his fame.
Jackson ran for President in 1824 but, following a close election, he was denied the presidency in the House of Representatives as a result of what he claimed was a "corrupt bargain" between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay. In 1828, Jackson defeated Adams, inaugurating what he and many American people believed was a new age for American democracy. Wilentz describes the themes of Jackson's presidency as including:
"robust nationalism on constitutional issues tempered by a restraint on federal support for economic development and a strict construction; a distrust of what Jackson called the corrupted power of 'associated wealth'; and a celebration of what one pro-Jackson newspaper called 'the democratic theory that the people's voice is the supreme law." (p. 112)
In his biography, Wllentz reminds the reader that Jackson's age was not our own. Thus, the issues Jackson faced cannot be transferred directly to our current situation with the label of "liberal" or "conservative". Jackson was an enemy of big government. But in Jackson's time, this position made him a foe to the power of wealthy and powerful people and businesses who had a close relationship to the government and who, Jackson, believed, were gaining too much privilege at the expense of the people. Thus, a major activity of Jackson's presidency was his destruction of the Second Bank of the United States, a private bank which had been chartered by Congress and which exercised strong power over the American economy.
Jackson thought that American government up to his time had been the province of the leisured and elite. His avowed goal was to make the government responsive to the will of the majority and to expand the basis of democracy. He did so, in part, and at a terrible cost. Jackson's democracy was formed by a coalition between Southern planters and northerners. This coalition inevitably led to compromises with slavery and to sectional tension. Jackson censored the mails to prevent anti-slavery tracts from flooding the South and opposed attempts to curtail slavery.
In his younger days, Jackson had been a cruel Indian fighter, and in his Presidency he set in motion the removal of the Southeastern Tribes across the Mississippi over what became known as the "Trail of Tears." Wilentz, together with many other scholars, has some sympathy for the goals of the removal policy, but he emphasizes the cruelty and carelessness with which it was carried out, resulting in the death of thousands of Indian people.
Jackson was a strong, even autocratic, executive. Perhaps his finest hour was in defusing, with a mixture of strength, compromise, and cunning, the "nullification controversy" resulting from South Carolina's attempt to set aside a Federal tariff with which it disagreed. Jackson was also an expansionist president who foresaw the acquisition of Texas and the West even though no new territory was added to the United States during his two terms.
Wilentz praises Jackson for his democratic vision and for his early version of egalitarianism even while he recognizes that, in its treatment of Indians, African Americans, and women it was quite different from our own ideals. Wilentz is favorably disposed towards Jackson's economic policies, including his war on the Bank. Many historians have different, less favorable views of Jackson. Those readers wanting an in-depth view of the period might want to compare two lengthy studies: Wilentz' own "The Rise of American Democracy" (2005) with the more recent study by Daniel Walker Howe "What hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848", which takes a less favorable view of Jackson and a more positive view of his predecessor in the presidency, John Quincy Adams, and of Jackson's opponents, the Whigs.
Those readers wanting to reflect upon the history of our country and on where it may be going during this election year will enjoy reading this short study of Andrew Jackson and its companions in the American Presidents series.
Robin Friedman
The 2008 Presidential race is in full swing, and interest in the contest runs high. In order to keep my own bearings, I wanted to try to take a short but broader view of our Presidents and our nation's history. One way to do this is by reading some of the volumes in the recent "American Presidents" series edited by the late Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Each volume in this series offers, in short compass, the life and accomplishments of an American president together with an evaluation of his achievement.
I chose Sean Wilentz' biography of Andrew Jackson (1767 -- 1845) because of our seventh President's role in broadening the basis of American democracy and because of the controversy he inspired and continues to inspire. Jackson was a flamboyant, larger-than-life figure with great virtues and as many faults. He was orphaned at an early age and bore for life the physical and emotional scars inflicted upon him by a sword gash to the head by a British officer during the Revolutionary War. Jackson fought off poverty and his own impulsive nature to serve an early term in Congress and in the Senate before the 19th century. He became a lawyer, a judge and a large plantation owner of the Hermitage in Tennessee. He became famous as an Indian fighter in wars against the Southeast Tribes such as the Creeks and Cherokees and against the Florida Seminoles. Jackson won a great victory against the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, (the War of 1812 was officially over at the time) which secured his fame.
Jackson ran for President in 1824 but, following a close election, he was denied the presidency in the House of Representatives as a result of what he claimed was a "corrupt bargain" between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay. In 1828, Jackson defeated Adams, inaugurating what he and many American people believed was a new age for American democracy. Wilentz describes the themes of Jackson's presidency as including:
"robust nationalism on constitutional issues tempered by a restraint on federal support for economic development and a strict construction; a distrust of what Jackson called the corrupted power of 'associated wealth'; and a celebration of what one pro-Jackson newspaper called 'the democratic theory that the people's voice is the supreme law." (p. 112)
In his biography, Wllentz reminds the reader that Jackson's age was not our own. Thus, the issues Jackson faced cannot be transferred directly to our current situation with the label of "liberal" or "conservative". Jackson was an enemy of big government. But in Jackson's time, this position made him a foe to the power of wealthy and powerful people and businesses who had a close relationship to the government and who, Jackson, believed, were gaining too much privilege at the expense of the people. Thus, a major activity of Jackson's presidency was his destruction of the Second Bank of the United States, a private bank which had been chartered by Congress and which exercised strong power over the American economy.
Jackson thought that American government up to his time had been the province of the leisured and elite. His avowed goal was to make the government responsive to the will of the majority and to expand the basis of democracy. He did so, in part, and at a terrible cost. Jackson's democracy was formed by a coalition between Southern planters and northerners. This coalition inevitably led to compromises with slavery and to sectional tension. Jackson censored the mails to prevent anti-slavery tracts from flooding the South and opposed attempts to curtail slavery.
In his younger days, Jackson had been a cruel Indian fighter, and in his Presidency he set in motion the removal of the Southeastern Tribes across the Mississippi over what became known as the "Trail of Tears." Wilentz, together with many other scholars, has some sympathy for the goals of the removal policy, but he emphasizes the cruelty and carelessness with which it was carried out, resulting in the death of thousands of Indian people.
Jackson was a strong, even autocratic, executive. Perhaps his finest hour was in defusing, with a mixture of strength, compromise, and cunning, the "nullification controversy" resulting from South Carolina's attempt to set aside a Federal tariff with which it disagreed. Jackson was also an expansionist president who foresaw the acquisition of Texas and the West even though no new territory was added to the United States during his two terms.
Wilentz praises Jackson for his democratic vision and for his early version of egalitarianism even while he recognizes that, in its treatment of Indians, African Americans, and women it was quite different from our own ideals. Wilentz is favorably disposed towards Jackson's economic policies, including his war on the Bank. Many historians have different, less favorable views of Jackson. Those readers wanting an in-depth view of the period might want to compare two lengthy studies: Wilentz' own "The Rise of American Democracy" (2005) with the more recent study by Daniel Walker Howe "What hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848", which takes a less favorable view of Jackson and a more positive view of his predecessor in the presidency, John Quincy Adams, and of Jackson's opponents, the Whigs.
Those readers wanting to reflect upon the history of our country and on where it may be going during this election year will enjoy reading this short study of Andrew Jackson and its companions in the American Presidents series.
Robin Friedman
February 4, 2021
The purposes of this book is to explain why Andrew Jackson is important, what his most important decisions were, and why he made them. Rather than attacking or defending Jackson, Wilentz tries to show readers Jackson's perspective while at the same time discussing what went wrong.
Why is Jackson important? For two reasons. First, Jackson was the first President to win an election by creating a mass political party, as opposed to one targeted to a few upper-class decisionmakers. Second, by preventing South Carolina from nullifying federal legislation, Jackson established a tradition of federal supremacy that enabled a strong national government.
The major blot on Jackson's record was the Indian Removal Act, which allowed the federal government to bribe and coerce Southern Native Americans to move west. Wilentz explains that one of Jackson's core beliefs was that an independent nation or state near the U.S. "would prove easy prey for manipulation by hostile foreign powers." This assumption motivated both his opposition to nullification (which would, if Jackson had tolerated it, have made states de facto nations) and his opposition to an independent Native nation within the South. And because white Southerners and Natives were in a state of on-and-off warfare, Jackson did not really believe that many Natives could coexist peaceably as part of the Southern states. However, Wilentz does not defend Jackson; although Jackson apparently thought that the Natives could be bribed into leaving peacefully, this policy was more coercive and violent in practice than Jackson may have intended.
Why is Jackson important? For two reasons. First, Jackson was the first President to win an election by creating a mass political party, as opposed to one targeted to a few upper-class decisionmakers. Second, by preventing South Carolina from nullifying federal legislation, Jackson established a tradition of federal supremacy that enabled a strong national government.
The major blot on Jackson's record was the Indian Removal Act, which allowed the federal government to bribe and coerce Southern Native Americans to move west. Wilentz explains that one of Jackson's core beliefs was that an independent nation or state near the U.S. "would prove easy prey for manipulation by hostile foreign powers." This assumption motivated both his opposition to nullification (which would, if Jackson had tolerated it, have made states de facto nations) and his opposition to an independent Native nation within the South. And because white Southerners and Natives were in a state of on-and-off warfare, Jackson did not really believe that many Natives could coexist peaceably as part of the Southern states. However, Wilentz does not defend Jackson; although Jackson apparently thought that the Natives could be bribed into leaving peacefully, this policy was more coercive and violent in practice than Jackson may have intended.
July 11, 2015
This is the second of the American Presidents series which I've read (the first was George McGovern writing about Abraham Lincoln). By design, these books are short and general, which can be good for a reader that is interested in learning the outlines of a presidency, but also means that they were limited in the depth in which they can explore their subjects.
Wilentz is a well-known liberal and I was interested to hear his views on Jackson, a president that has seen his level of admiration drop ever lower over the years. Wilentz seems to go out of his way not to be too critical, however. There is a heavy emphasis on psychological explanations for Jackson's behavior, and Jackson is repeatedly framed as a poor boy who both wants to be accepted into genteel society but also is constantly feeling rejected and desiring to strike back at aristocratic figures.
There is scant treatment of Jackson's abominable treatment of native peoples. We do get more extended looks at a proto sex scandal involving one of Jackson's cabinet members, the political battle over the Bank of the United States, and Jackson's fight with would-be nullifiers.
Wilentz is a good writer, and it is hardly his fault that he didn't have room to expand on his subject given the limitations of this book series. Still, if a person is going to go to the trouble of reading an entire biography on a president, I can't help but feel like you might as well seek out one that gives the fullest possible picture. This series of books, as well as this specific one, are always going to be a little short on details and historical context. They are a sort of Wikipedia of presidential biographies.
Wilentz is a well-known liberal and I was interested to hear his views on Jackson, a president that has seen his level of admiration drop ever lower over the years. Wilentz seems to go out of his way not to be too critical, however. There is a heavy emphasis on psychological explanations for Jackson's behavior, and Jackson is repeatedly framed as a poor boy who both wants to be accepted into genteel society but also is constantly feeling rejected and desiring to strike back at aristocratic figures.
There is scant treatment of Jackson's abominable treatment of native peoples. We do get more extended looks at a proto sex scandal involving one of Jackson's cabinet members, the political battle over the Bank of the United States, and Jackson's fight with would-be nullifiers.
Wilentz is a good writer, and it is hardly his fault that he didn't have room to expand on his subject given the limitations of this book series. Still, if a person is going to go to the trouble of reading an entire biography on a president, I can't help but feel like you might as well seek out one that gives the fullest possible picture. This series of books, as well as this specific one, are always going to be a little short on details and historical context. They are a sort of Wikipedia of presidential biographies.
September 23, 2022
it's a recent life goal of mine to read a biography for every POTUS and this one was assigned for my class. All in all, well written and engaging but like really put Jackson up on a pedestal. Yeah, he did some good things for the economy and the democratic system but he was still a slaveholder anti-abolitionist politician who systemically removed indigenous people from their land. 🤭❤️
February 11, 2011
Sean Wilentz has penned an admirable brief biography of Andrew Jackson. This thin volume is part of The American Presidents series of books. They are brief and accessible to a larger readership. Do you want a detailed picture of Jackson? This isn't for you (try Brands' biography for example). Do you want a quick and accessible introduction? Then this book would be useful.
One of the factors making this a good book is its realistic view of Jackson. He had great accomplishments; he also was flawed. His record in engaging in duels speaks to a pretty edgy personality. Wilentz, for instance, notes that some of his demons in how he viewed political foes was not so dissimilar from Richard Nixon and his "enemies' list." He observes Jackson's views toward removal of Indian nations from their lands and his hard core pro-slavery stance.
But this is also balanced by its appreciation of some of Jackson's great achievements. His efforts to democratize politics surely are worthy of note. His stand for a strong national sensibility against John Calhoun's flirtation with nullification is noteworthy (one may disagree with Jackson, but he clearly took a stand on the basis of principle).
The book discusses major political battles fought by Jackson, such as his effort to eliminate the Second Bank of the United States.
Early, the book examines why he became as he was, from his awful experience during the Revolutionary War to his loss of family early on to his hardscrabble life. The work also traces his advancement through military daring and leadership (and also his sometimes careless behavior that created problems for his troops).
In short, a nicely nuanced and realistic view of one of the most important of American presidents.
One of the factors making this a good book is its realistic view of Jackson. He had great accomplishments; he also was flawed. His record in engaging in duels speaks to a pretty edgy personality. Wilentz, for instance, notes that some of his demons in how he viewed political foes was not so dissimilar from Richard Nixon and his "enemies' list." He observes Jackson's views toward removal of Indian nations from their lands and his hard core pro-slavery stance.
But this is also balanced by its appreciation of some of Jackson's great achievements. His efforts to democratize politics surely are worthy of note. His stand for a strong national sensibility against John Calhoun's flirtation with nullification is noteworthy (one may disagree with Jackson, but he clearly took a stand on the basis of principle).
The book discusses major political battles fought by Jackson, such as his effort to eliminate the Second Bank of the United States.
Early, the book examines why he became as he was, from his awful experience during the Revolutionary War to his loss of family early on to his hardscrabble life. The work also traces his advancement through military daring and leadership (and also his sometimes careless behavior that created problems for his troops).
In short, a nicely nuanced and realistic view of one of the most important of American presidents.
August 2, 2022
This installment of the Presidents Series is a succinct portrait of the complex 7th President with thought provoking insights. Very much worthwhile.
January 27, 2021
Wilentz writes primarily about Jackson's rise to prominence as a general, and then as president. He touches a bit on Jackson's youth and briefly on Jackson's life post-presidency.
Continuing on with my reading a biography of each US President. I chose this book because of its brevity -- a mere 166 pages, not including the notes afterward. Let me tell you, despite its length, this book was dull. I was hoping for another "beach read" like the John Quincy Adams book that I read that was very interesting. This book was not that. But I do feel like I got a measured look at Jackson as a person and his ethos as he led his troops and the nation. I found it interesting that Jackson's desire was to make the government more-so "of the people," instead of the monied elite in the country. It's simply devastating, however, that the "people" Jackson regarded as important would be the white male laborer, and not women or any person of color. However, there was a good line in the book that mentioned that this was more radical than society generally tolerated in that moment and maybe a half-way point or a step in the direction in order to get to the Civil War, to open up the government to millions of people of color. And I also found it interesting that Jackson genuinely believed he was preserving the American Indians as he relocated many tribes, thinking that they would instead be massacred by the white landowners. It seems, through this biography, that Jackson made a lot of poor decisions that initially were at least trying to resolve problems in what was thought to be a "good" way. I suppose that's how it always is -- humanity thinks that it's acting in the best interest, only to discover later there is thoughtlessness or racist or inhumane intentions underlying those actions. Overall, I had a poor impression of Jackson before beginning this book and, although I still think he wasn't a good president, I have a better understanding about him and the decisions he made during his leadership.
Continuing on with my reading a biography of each US President. I chose this book because of its brevity -- a mere 166 pages, not including the notes afterward. Let me tell you, despite its length, this book was dull. I was hoping for another "beach read" like the John Quincy Adams book that I read that was very interesting. This book was not that. But I do feel like I got a measured look at Jackson as a person and his ethos as he led his troops and the nation. I found it interesting that Jackson's desire was to make the government more-so "of the people," instead of the monied elite in the country. It's simply devastating, however, that the "people" Jackson regarded as important would be the white male laborer, and not women or any person of color. However, there was a good line in the book that mentioned that this was more radical than society generally tolerated in that moment and maybe a half-way point or a step in the direction in order to get to the Civil War, to open up the government to millions of people of color. And I also found it interesting that Jackson genuinely believed he was preserving the American Indians as he relocated many tribes, thinking that they would instead be massacred by the white landowners. It seems, through this biography, that Jackson made a lot of poor decisions that initially were at least trying to resolve problems in what was thought to be a "good" way. I suppose that's how it always is -- humanity thinks that it's acting in the best interest, only to discover later there is thoughtlessness or racist or inhumane intentions underlying those actions. Overall, I had a poor impression of Jackson before beginning this book and, although I still think he wasn't a good president, I have a better understanding about him and the decisions he made during his leadership.
January 28, 2024
Strong short look at Jackson. There is plenty to compare and contrast here with today’s volatile political landscape and a former president who is one of those love him or hate, no in-between characters. Trump was no Jackson, but Trumpism and Jacksonian politics have a lot in common. Both are anti-elitist while being quite wealthy; both have parties behind them that are noisy and explosive. Jackson was suspicious, easily offended, and revengeful, all similar to the immediate past president. I wonder what would have happened if you put Trump and Jackson in the same room? (Perhaps a fun party game). Wilentz’s book bogs a little in the middle, but overall a good book.
Read
July 23, 2024Read for a work presentation. This guy sure was president.
March 5, 2017
The American Presidents series turns in another interesting, well-written installment!
In this book, written by Sean Wilentz, all the relevent areas of Andrew Jackson (U.S. President #7) as both man and political figure are touched on, including:
-His somewhat unsteady value system that championed the rights of the "little man" yet saw little problem looking the other way (like all Presidents before him) when it came to confronting the practice of slavery.
-His epic battles against the National Banks, which will give the yeoman economist a much better understanding of the American currency system thanks to Wilentz's easy explanation of rather complicated events.
-His exploits in the military, where he made a name for himself (and quite an explosive reputation as well).
-Also, three other major issues that cropped up during (or as a result of) his administration: the nullifiers uprising, slavery, and America's westward expansion.
You truly don't have to be a Presidential expert to enjoy this book, as it perfectly walks that fine line between thorough, easy explanation and information pertinent enough to actually learn about Jackson and his time period. After reading, it makes me want to continue on my journey through the Presidents!
In this book, written by Sean Wilentz, all the relevent areas of Andrew Jackson (U.S. President #7) as both man and political figure are touched on, including:
-His somewhat unsteady value system that championed the rights of the "little man" yet saw little problem looking the other way (like all Presidents before him) when it came to confronting the practice of slavery.
-His epic battles against the National Banks, which will give the yeoman economist a much better understanding of the American currency system thanks to Wilentz's easy explanation of rather complicated events.
-His exploits in the military, where he made a name for himself (and quite an explosive reputation as well).
-Also, three other major issues that cropped up during (or as a result of) his administration: the nullifiers uprising, slavery, and America's westward expansion.
You truly don't have to be a Presidential expert to enjoy this book, as it perfectly walks that fine line between thorough, easy explanation and information pertinent enough to actually learn about Jackson and his time period. After reading, it makes me want to continue on my journey through the Presidents!
December 28, 2014
He's on most lists of our best presidents as well as our $20 bill. Democrats hail him as a founder. After reading this book, and attempting a few others, it's still hard to understand why Jackson has been accorded such respect.
I started both the Brand and Remini bios. Through them I came to understand his childhood and how the American Revolution shaped his character and views. The psychological toll of losing his nuclear family at a young age had to be enormous. His mother's heroic search and rescue of him in a very abusive British POW camp illustrates the love and family loyalty he lost.
Wilentz quickly outlines the child/youth/military and plunges into the presidency, which was what I was seeking when I started reading the others.
Wilentz cleary states the complicated facts of Jackson's war on the bank. To Jackson it was a war on the aristrocracy. It is not within the scope of Wilentz's book to editorialize, but were Biddle and his cronies really controling the US economy? Could the land issues have been settled with (Lincolnesque) homestead acts, which undoubtedly would have been very popular? Could he have fought for legislative mini-changes (Clintonesque) to curb certain powers, such as bidding out government banking needs. Jackson and Biddle were clearly obstinate equals, but as Pres, it would seem that there were other paths to take leadership on this since he deemed it important. How necessary and/or effective was this bank war? Did it really save the "little guy" in the short or long run?
In his tooth and nail fight on nullification, Jackson may have been as instrumental as Lincoln in holding the union together. Jackson's stand against nullification not only solidified the sentiment for his day, but also built precedent for future times. This and stopping the British in New Orleans, may be worthy of his stature among historians, Democrats and currency commemoration but, they don't explain the genesis of the phrase "Jacksonian Democracy".
From admittedly limited knowledge, I still don't see enough to assign this man's name as an adjective to democracy. The author alludes to the changing of executive staff and to a future unfolding of more direct elections of public officials. I assume, in the nature of things, appointment prerogative would have evolved, but where is the chapter on how AJ worked on behalf of more direct election? Are not the Trail of Tears and his actions on behalf of those supporting slavery anti-democratic endeavors? I still don't see how the war on the bank, which admittedly has "little guy" overtones, balances all this out.
I started both the Brand and Remini bios. Through them I came to understand his childhood and how the American Revolution shaped his character and views. The psychological toll of losing his nuclear family at a young age had to be enormous. His mother's heroic search and rescue of him in a very abusive British POW camp illustrates the love and family loyalty he lost.
Wilentz quickly outlines the child/youth/military and plunges into the presidency, which was what I was seeking when I started reading the others.
Wilentz cleary states the complicated facts of Jackson's war on the bank. To Jackson it was a war on the aristrocracy. It is not within the scope of Wilentz's book to editorialize, but were Biddle and his cronies really controling the US economy? Could the land issues have been settled with (Lincolnesque) homestead acts, which undoubtedly would have been very popular? Could he have fought for legislative mini-changes (Clintonesque) to curb certain powers, such as bidding out government banking needs. Jackson and Biddle were clearly obstinate equals, but as Pres, it would seem that there were other paths to take leadership on this since he deemed it important. How necessary and/or effective was this bank war? Did it really save the "little guy" in the short or long run?
In his tooth and nail fight on nullification, Jackson may have been as instrumental as Lincoln in holding the union together. Jackson's stand against nullification not only solidified the sentiment for his day, but also built precedent for future times. This and stopping the British in New Orleans, may be worthy of his stature among historians, Democrats and currency commemoration but, they don't explain the genesis of the phrase "Jacksonian Democracy".
From admittedly limited knowledge, I still don't see enough to assign this man's name as an adjective to democracy. The author alludes to the changing of executive staff and to a future unfolding of more direct elections of public officials. I assume, in the nature of things, appointment prerogative would have evolved, but where is the chapter on how AJ worked on behalf of more direct election? Are not the Trail of Tears and his actions on behalf of those supporting slavery anti-democratic endeavors? I still don't see how the war on the bank, which admittedly has "little guy" overtones, balances all this out.
June 21, 2013
With the proliferation of exhaustive/exhausting, lengthy biographies, this less-imposing length yet still intelligent biography was well worth the effort. I appreciated that the strictures on size didn't seem to inhibit the even-handed approach to various issues during Jackson's time (slavery and southern nullification, political perspectives, etc.)
When length is limited it is not possible to delve deeply into recreating the personality and go into detail on various important episodes in the subject's life. But the book covered as well as I desired the major aspects of Jackson's life. It didn't avoid discussion of historical perspectives, and explained in sufficient detail some of the arcane subjects with which Jackson dealt (2nd National Bank, "spoils" system, party politics, etc.)
There are probably better books for those wishing to get to know everything about Andrew Jackson, but for someone wanting to improve their understanding of the man and his time this is a good read.
When length is limited it is not possible to delve deeply into recreating the personality and go into detail on various important episodes in the subject's life. But the book covered as well as I desired the major aspects of Jackson's life. It didn't avoid discussion of historical perspectives, and explained in sufficient detail some of the arcane subjects with which Jackson dealt (2nd National Bank, "spoils" system, party politics, etc.)
There are probably better books for those wishing to get to know everything about Andrew Jackson, but for someone wanting to improve their understanding of the man and his time this is a good read.
September 30, 2023
An excellent short, concise biography of Jackson by a master historian.
While Jackson was and remains one of our most controversial presidents, Wilentz shines a favorable light on the 7th President. Wilentz is especially good in explaining complex constitutional and political issues.
Jackson is one of our most important presidents—for good and bad reasons. His war against the Bank of the United States remains one of the most important constitutional controversies in all of American history.
An excellent introduction to a complicated man.
While Jackson was and remains one of our most controversial presidents, Wilentz shines a favorable light on the 7th President. Wilentz is especially good in explaining complex constitutional and political issues.
Jackson is one of our most important presidents—for good and bad reasons. His war against the Bank of the United States remains one of the most important constitutional controversies in all of American history.
An excellent introduction to a complicated man.
February 28, 2014
Only two stars, but not the author's fault. This is one of a series on the American Presidents, and each rather slim book is the same approximate length. There were so many significant events in Jackson's life and presidency that there was simply not enough room to cover them all in the depth they deserve. Still, it is hard to understand why this book is 29 pages shorter than the book on Warren G. Harding, from the same series.
March 9, 2012
Definitely one of the most well-done biographies of this series. Wilentz provides a fair and balanced look at our seventh president, one of the more divisive figures of American history. I recommend this biography to anyone looking for a quick look at Jackson's life and presidency.
August 15, 2015
This is a short little book in the presidential series. I was attracted to it (and others in the series because the authors are great historians). It is a well written little volume. If I have any criticism it is that Wilenz, in my opinion, goes a bit easy on Jackson. It is still worth reading.
March 28, 2020
Reading a book about Andrew Jackson in 2020 is a bit surreal because it is impossible to avoid drawing countless comparisons to today's political climate, and specifically to our current President, Donald Trump. That said, despite their many similarities, Jackson and Trump are not duplicates. While they likely would have found areas of common ground, there are many reasons to think that Jackson would not have liked our current President.
Jackson was born with basically nothing and rose far above his station to become a lawyer, a famous general, a wildly popular politician, and eventualy our seventh President. He basically founded the Democratic Party (though it's important to note that the party in those days was a very different thing than it is today). His campaigns against John Quincy Adams in 1824 and 1828 were among the dirtiest in history (on both his and JQA's side). He put together coalitions of people fom across the nation who previously had not been allied and brought out more popular votes than ever before.
He was seen by his supporters as a savior of democracy and by his detractors as a dangerous autocrat and racist. To be sure, he was absolutely committed to egalitarian democratic rule by the people and opposed to the domination of government by big money and aristocrats - as long as you limit your definition of "the people" to White men. Jackson was a racist, and though his intentions to harm are often overstated, his lack of respect for non-Whites as equal led to disasterous consequences for people of color in his time. On the other hand, it is Jackson who deserves credit for transforming our democracy into one that truly gives power to the common man, instead of resting power mostly in the hands of representatives.
Jackson was a fiery man who held grudges and was quick to be offended. He often seemed to contradict himself, though a measured look at his policies, as shown in this book, reveals him to be governed by a relatively consistent philosophy. Jackson was also a stubborn man of principal, and while some of those principals were regrettably awful, others were admirable.
I do not come away from this book liking Jackson or thinking of him as a great President. I do, however, feel like I have a greater understanding of his important place in history, who he was as a person, and how the echoes of today are both extremely similar and yet also notably different. As someone (Mark Twain?) once said, history does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Perhaps understanding Jackson, and the nation he grew up in/presided over, can give us a few pointers about how to look at and respond to our own world, even if the details aren't all harmonious.
Jackson was born with basically nothing and rose far above his station to become a lawyer, a famous general, a wildly popular politician, and eventualy our seventh President. He basically founded the Democratic Party (though it's important to note that the party in those days was a very different thing than it is today). His campaigns against John Quincy Adams in 1824 and 1828 were among the dirtiest in history (on both his and JQA's side). He put together coalitions of people fom across the nation who previously had not been allied and brought out more popular votes than ever before.
He was seen by his supporters as a savior of democracy and by his detractors as a dangerous autocrat and racist. To be sure, he was absolutely committed to egalitarian democratic rule by the people and opposed to the domination of government by big money and aristocrats - as long as you limit your definition of "the people" to White men. Jackson was a racist, and though his intentions to harm are often overstated, his lack of respect for non-Whites as equal led to disasterous consequences for people of color in his time. On the other hand, it is Jackson who deserves credit for transforming our democracy into one that truly gives power to the common man, instead of resting power mostly in the hands of representatives.
Jackson was a fiery man who held grudges and was quick to be offended. He often seemed to contradict himself, though a measured look at his policies, as shown in this book, reveals him to be governed by a relatively consistent philosophy. Jackson was also a stubborn man of principal, and while some of those principals were regrettably awful, others were admirable.
I do not come away from this book liking Jackson or thinking of him as a great President. I do, however, feel like I have a greater understanding of his important place in history, who he was as a person, and how the echoes of today are both extremely similar and yet also notably different. As someone (Mark Twain?) once said, history does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Perhaps understanding Jackson, and the nation he grew up in/presided over, can give us a few pointers about how to look at and respond to our own world, even if the details aren't all harmonious.
December 13, 2018
Andrew Jackson is the seventh book in The American Presidents series – a biographical series chronicling the Presidents of the United States. Sean Wilentz wrote this particular installment and edited by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
Andrew Jackson was an American soldier and political leader who served as the seventh president of the United States from 1829–1837. Before being elected to the presidency, Jackson gained fame as a General in the United States Army and served in both Houses of Congress. As president, Jackson sought to advance the rights of the "common man" against a "corrupt aristocracy" and to preserve the Union.
This biography shows that the complicated seventh president was a central figure in the development of American democracy. Wilentz gives Jackson's early years their due, discussing his storied military accomplishments, especially in routing the British in the War of 1812, and rehearsing the central crises of Jackson's presidential administration.
However, the most significant interpretations concern Indian policy and slavery. With constitutional and security concerns, Jackson's support for removal of Indians from their lands was not very malevolent, but destructive for the First Nation people. Even more strongly, Wilentz condemns the seventh president insufficiently in antislavery – his main aim was not to promote slavery, but to keep the divisive issue out of national politics.
All in all, Andrew Jackson is a wonderfully written biography of the seventh president and it was a rather good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series of presidential biographies, which I plan to read in the very near future.
Andrew Jackson was an American soldier and political leader who served as the seventh president of the United States from 1829–1837. Before being elected to the presidency, Jackson gained fame as a General in the United States Army and served in both Houses of Congress. As president, Jackson sought to advance the rights of the "common man" against a "corrupt aristocracy" and to preserve the Union.
This biography shows that the complicated seventh president was a central figure in the development of American democracy. Wilentz gives Jackson's early years their due, discussing his storied military accomplishments, especially in routing the British in the War of 1812, and rehearsing the central crises of Jackson's presidential administration.
However, the most significant interpretations concern Indian policy and slavery. With constitutional and security concerns, Jackson's support for removal of Indians from their lands was not very malevolent, but destructive for the First Nation people. Even more strongly, Wilentz condemns the seventh president insufficiently in antislavery – his main aim was not to promote slavery, but to keep the divisive issue out of national politics.
All in all, Andrew Jackson is a wonderfully written biography of the seventh president and it was a rather good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series of presidential biographies, which I plan to read in the very near future.
April 8, 2025
3.5/5 stars.
Not my favorite from the "The American Presidents" series, but "Andrew Jackson" is still a more than a serviceable biography of the 7th president! This volume is by Sean Wilentz, a top-notch Princeton historian.
All the Jackson highlights are here: his battle with the 2nd Bank of the US (could have been more concise but still good), Indian Removal, career in the military, rise to political power as a man of the people, his political party "the Democracy" (catchier than the "Democratic Party"?)), the Nullification Crisis (South Carolina wanted to choose which federal laws and taxes to follow and threatened secession), the issue of slavery, characters like Martin Van Buren, John Calhoun, Henry Clay, and more.
How good of a president was Jackson? That is a tougher call, and he was in many ways a product of his time with controversial issues like slavery (saw it as an increasing threat and mostly shied away from taking a big stance) and Native American relations (thought that Indian Removal was inevitable), but regardless of how he is ranked, he was 110% committed to the idea of the USA, he was a patriot, he was concerned about the common person, and he believed in democratic government.
Not my favorite from the "The American Presidents" series, but "Andrew Jackson" is still a more than a serviceable biography of the 7th president! This volume is by Sean Wilentz, a top-notch Princeton historian.
All the Jackson highlights are here: his battle with the 2nd Bank of the US (could have been more concise but still good), Indian Removal, career in the military, rise to political power as a man of the people, his political party "the Democracy" (catchier than the "Democratic Party"?)), the Nullification Crisis (South Carolina wanted to choose which federal laws and taxes to follow and threatened secession), the issue of slavery, characters like Martin Van Buren, John Calhoun, Henry Clay, and more.
How good of a president was Jackson? That is a tougher call, and he was in many ways a product of his time with controversial issues like slavery (saw it as an increasing threat and mostly shied away from taking a big stance) and Native American relations (thought that Indian Removal was inevitable), but regardless of how he is ranked, he was 110% committed to the idea of the USA, he was a patriot, he was concerned about the common person, and he believed in democratic government.
August 21, 2025
No mood to write a review but I left a quote from James Parton for you to reflect about Andrew Jackson. Just to add, Andrew Jackson the Old Hickory was an ill-tempered and pugnacious man. He often gets into brawls and involved in at least two dueling incidents, one of which resulted in the death of his opponent, Charles Dickinson, in 1806. I read somewhere that Donald Trump hung a portrait of Andrew Jackson in the Oval Office. Trump has frequently expressed admiration for Andrew Jackson, viewing him as a strong leader who challenged the status quo. Anyway, here is the James Parton's judgment about Andrew Jackson:
“Andrew Jackson, I am given to understand, was a patriot and a traitor. He was one of the greatest of generals, and wholly ignorant of the art of war. A writer brilliant, elegant, eloquent, and without being able to compose a correct sentence, or spell words of four syllables. The first of statesmen, he never devised, he never framed a measure. He was the most candid of men and was capable of the profoundest dissimulation. A most law-defying, law-obeying citizen. A stickler for discipline, he never hesitated to disobey his superior. A democratic aristocrat. An urbane savage. An atrocious saint.”
“Andrew Jackson, I am given to understand, was a patriot and a traitor. He was one of the greatest of generals, and wholly ignorant of the art of war. A writer brilliant, elegant, eloquent, and without being able to compose a correct sentence, or spell words of four syllables. The first of statesmen, he never devised, he never framed a measure. He was the most candid of men and was capable of the profoundest dissimulation. A most law-defying, law-obeying citizen. A stickler for discipline, he never hesitated to disobey his superior. A democratic aristocrat. An urbane savage. An atrocious saint.”
May 28, 2018
A concise look at this piece of American History viewing the multi-faceted challenges facing the nation. Most specifically frustrating on a personal level, not with regard to the writing but the actual history, were the challenges against aristocratic power and human rights which were somehow placed at odds, not by the author but by America at the time. In my view the correct courses would be a denial of the aristocratic desires, Jackson's view, and the empowerment of individuals without harm to any persons regardless of status of citizenship, Jackson's goal if given full and altruistic control. History, however, showed politics denied an opportunity for, what I perceive as Jackson's view with assistance of the author's report, as appropriate courses to develop. Instead these and other positions were constantly pit into a charade of compromises, few of which should have been held in conflict. Many reasons were cited (from the time) to prevent direct courses of action, one of which was fear of authoritarianism. Ethics in most areas did not win over personal values and our virtues, as a nation, were shown lacking in the most frustrating and extreme ways.
December 26, 2025
Exactly how a presidential biography should be written: an unbiased perspective detailing the triumphs and shortcomings of Jackson’s presidency within the context of his era.
Jackson was the first president who was not born into wealth and status. His primary goal as president was to reform the government to be more "for the working class and laborers." This philosophy resulted in the first democratic form of government in a young America, as Jackson oversaw the decline of the elitist order established by the Founding Fathers.
Jackson has become quite a polarizing figure in modern scholarship. Wilentz is a gifted historian, connecting Jackson's mindset and policies with global events of the era and providing insightful historical analysis. Jackson's philosophy, ethics, hypocrisy, and character—including both his strengths and his flaws—are well conveyed in this book.
Jackson was the first president who was not born into wealth and status. His primary goal as president was to reform the government to be more "for the working class and laborers." This philosophy resulted in the first democratic form of government in a young America, as Jackson oversaw the decline of the elitist order established by the Founding Fathers.
Jackson has become quite a polarizing figure in modern scholarship. Wilentz is a gifted historian, connecting Jackson's mindset and policies with global events of the era and providing insightful historical analysis. Jackson's philosophy, ethics, hypocrisy, and character—including both his strengths and his flaws—are well conveyed in this book.
August 9, 2017
This book was a bit dry in the middle. I really could not get into the administration changes or the scuffles over a second national bank. However, this book gave me insight on one of America's most controversial presidents. I didn't realize that Jackson was a founder of the democratic party, and while it has changed drastically from what it is today, it is worth noting that Jackson was a "people's president". He despised aristocracy and this may have influenced his aversion to a national bank.
His military career prior to the presidency turned the tide of the war of 1812, earning him the nickname "Old Hickory". He was a fiery character who was the first president to have an assassination attempt. After the pistol reportedly misfired, he proceeded to beat his attacker with a cane.
His military career prior to the presidency turned the tide of the war of 1812, earning him the nickname "Old Hickory". He was a fiery character who was the first president to have an assassination attempt. After the pistol reportedly misfired, he proceeded to beat his attacker with a cane.
April 18, 2020
Good overview of the Jackson presidency
Overall I enjoyed this book, and felt it was balanced in the assessment of Jackson. On the one hand it acknowledged some of the terrible things that happened under his presidency, yet also pointed out ways his presidency redefined democracy in America in very positive ways. Jackson is a complicated figure, and had a very important presidency. Because of this it's important students of history study books like this to better understand him.
Overall I enjoyed this book, and felt it was balanced in the assessment of Jackson. On the one hand it acknowledged some of the terrible things that happened under his presidency, yet also pointed out ways his presidency redefined democracy in America in very positive ways. Jackson is a complicated figure, and had a very important presidency. Because of this it's important students of history study books like this to better understand him.
March 10, 2022
Read for grade school class for my Masters in American History and Government.
This series is all short, general biographies and as such, they don't give a broad view of the Presidents.
It is difficult for me to distance my dislike of Jackson from my review of this book. He was an unapologetic defender of slavery and pushed for the removal of Native Americans from their ancestral land. His battle with the president of the National Bank led to an economic mess.
The author does not defend or attack him but just lays out his actions.
This series is all short, general biographies and as such, they don't give a broad view of the Presidents.
It is difficult for me to distance my dislike of Jackson from my review of this book. He was an unapologetic defender of slavery and pushed for the removal of Native Americans from their ancestral land. His battle with the president of the National Bank led to an economic mess.
The author does not defend or attack him but just lays out his actions.
September 19, 2017
Andrew Jackson was quite a character for a man on his time. Rank definitely for the common man in opposing the monied people and the aristocractic attitudes of those with wealth and breaking up of the Second Bank that thought they are above the government. They could use someone of that calibur today in fighting for the common people and breaking up monopolies and big businesses and those with wealth who are walking over the lowly born and treating them as slaves in their enterprise.
December 14, 2017
Great read! Wilentz can be a little bombastic at times, but steps back and gives a great view of the big picture. Does a good job of showing Jackson's commitment to government by the common man. Doesn't fail prey to the trivial. On a par with longer biographies by Brands and Meacham. On to Remini's 3 volume work...
January 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book. At first I had my doubts. However, it gave me an insight to the President, who’s home I’ve visited many times in my life, that I hadn’t had previously. He was a critical thinker who looked at the bigger picture...knowing that was not always the popular route. Leaders don’t always take the easy road, followers do.
February 24, 2025
Of the American Presidents series, I found this one (of the initial 7 Presidents I’ve read) to be stylistically engaging and kept my attention. Given the current state of US politics I find it interesting that some themes such as a strong and energetic executive branch to be echoed here and wonder why I don’t hear anyone making any parallels with Jackson’s presidency.
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