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The Generals
Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander
Orphan. Frontiersman. President. The rise of Andrew Jackson to the highest office in America has become a legend of leadership, perseverance, and ambition. Central to Jackson's historic climb ? long before the White House―was his military service. Scarred permanently as a child by the sword of a British soldier, Jackson grew into an unwavering leader, a general whose charisma and sheer force of personality called to mind those of George Washington a generation earlier. As commander of the Tennessee militia in the War of 1812, Jackson became "Old Hickory," the indomitable spearhead in a series of bloody conflicts with Creek Indians on the southwest frontier. Slight of frame with silver hair that seemed to stand on command, Jackson once stood down a mutinous brigade as an army of one. Then came New Orleans. Author Paul Vickery chronicles Jackson's defining battle and the decisions a single, impassioned commander made to ensure a growing nation could, once and for all, be free of British might. The hero of New Orleans infused America, for the first time, with a sense of nationalism. Jackson was decisive and unforgiving, a commander firmly in his element. In his own words, "One man with courage makes a majority." The lessons of one extraordinary general endure.
235 pages, Hardcover
First published July 10, 2012
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July 31, 2019
If all you know about the seventh president of the United States is that his is the long, chiseled face and mass of white hair on the twenty dollar bill, you’ve been missing out.
This excellent biography begins with a prologue covering the rabble-rousing ruckus that was Jackson’s inauguration on March 4, 1829. Jackson was a new kind of candidate—unlike his six predecessors in this still-new nation, he was a “man of the people.” In no way an insider, this rugged frontiersman who broke the mold of presidents coming from Massachusetts or Virginia had strong beliefs and was never afraid to defend or act on them. The outgoing president, John Quincy Adams, refused to attend.
Not unlike Alexander Hamilton, Jackson was a “willful boy with a chip on his shoulder” (6) and a mess of contradictions—a daily lifelong reader of scripture, he was also known for his ability to swear with the best of them. He and his brothers fought in the American Revolution, starting Jackson’s complex relationship with death and loss and his ability to carry on despite being wounded. Also like Hamilton, he had a penchant for duels. He had at least three, the second of which resulted in his being wounded in the torso and his killing his opponent, and the third resulting in his carrying a bullet in his body for years after. While taking his law degree, Jackson solidified his reputation as a “roaring, rollicking, game-cocking, horse-racing, card-playing, mischievous fellow” (15).
A great deal of Jackson’s controversy stems from an innocent clerical error. The love of his life, Rachel, had been in a terrible marriage. Leaving her abusive husband she fell in love with and married Jackson, although she was technically not divorced. Jackson’s enemies—and they were considerable—would use this against him, raising his ire as they portrayed the innocent Rachel as a bigamist and unwholesome woman.
True to his style, he defended her to the end.
In addition to the perceptions of his marriage, another aspect of Jackson’s life that cannot be ignored is his fierce actions as an Indian fighter. The controversial stage musical Bloody Andrew Jackson a decade ago brought all of this back to life and at least two productions of the award-winning musical have been canceled in the last few years because of protests by Native Americans. Jackson was given the title of “Long Knife” by his Indian allies for bravery, although it took on dark connotations as he fought against the Indians allied with the Spanish and British.
His growing popularity in the newly formed state of Tennessee led to his election to Congress in 1796, where he was once again seen as a brash outsider. He returned the next term as a senator, but politics did not suit him as well as the military, and by 1802 he was a major general in the Tennessee militia.
Jackson’s role in and around New Orleans is the core focus of his life and legacy. He was one player on an international stage that involved the Spanish, Napoleon, Jefferson, and the Louisiana Purchase. There were also a slew of nefarious personalities like Aaron Burr, who had ironically killed Hamilton in a duel, and General James Wilkinson, an agent provocateur if ever there was one. In the treason trial that was to come, implicating Burr and others, Jackson took Burr’s side, going so far as to go to Richmond, VA to testify on his behalf.
This is a fascinating time in American history, worthy of the cinema and the stage and Vickery does an excellent job of offering a primer and context to the larger story while focusing on Jackson.
On the heels of these events came the Creek War. On the strength of his continuing bravery, Jackson had a new nickname—Old Hickory. With America currently at a crossroads in how it talks about and moves forward from its history of repression and genocide again the Indians, books like this provide crucial context for the campaigns against and removal of Indians. In the case of Jackson, he believed he had a duty to defend the United States and, at times, this led to censure by commanders, threats of mutiny by his men, and dangers to his often fragile health. But Old Hickory would not be daunted, and his actions earned him a commission in the US Regular Army. He was not afraid to carry out executions to maintain discipline and he amassed essential victories in the southern campaigns of the War of 1812.
I have read a lot of military history in the past quarter century and can say without reservation that the chapters on the lead-up and waging of the Battle of New Orleans are some of the best I have read. Vickery deftly handles the role of pirates and privateers like Jean Lafitte, the shifting alliances with the Native Americans, the intricacies of the maneuvers of the armies, and even the post-battle burial and housekeeping practices without letting the dramatic pace of the sights and sounds die in the details.
Following the battle, in which Jackson was the acknowledged hero, his persistent drive to secure the spoils of victory and answer the so-called Indian Question caused friction with the locals and his superiors, but Jackson never slowed. His efforts culminated in the First Seminole War, which resulted in America wresting control of Florida (with the exception of the fort at St. Augustine) from the Spanish in 1818. Jackson encouraged President Monroe to allow him to go on to take the fort and Cuba, although he was literally spitting blood from the fatigues of battle.
Riding his military popularity and displacement of the Indians, Jackson became president, but not without more controversy. In his first campaign, he lost to John Quincy Adams, although Jackson had won both the popular and electoral votes. In the Electoral College, the firebrand Henry Clay supported Adams and then became his Secretary of State. Amazing how nothing changes on Capitol Hill. The result of the outcome was the start of the Democratic Party. In a “vitriolic and personal campaign” (193) Jackson got his revenge on Adams, his camp even accusing the sitting president of “pimp[ing] for the czar [of Russia] and provid[ing] sex slaves.”
You see… things really haven’t changed.
A casualty of the vicious election was Jackson’s beloved Rebecca, who died before he could take office. An office she wished he hadn’t sought.
In another parallel with modern presidential history, Jackson was quick to use the Veto and believed in cycling his Cabinet to keep them “sharp and compliant.” He didn’t want their opinions. He demanded their unwavering support. And his controversies continued. He made sure the Bank of the United States wasn’t re-chartered and oversaw the General Removal Act, which led to the Trail of Tears under Van Buren and other atrocities against Native American tribes.
The heart of history is the complexity of those who were involved in the events that shaped the world. Vickery, a professor of History at Oral Roberts University and accomplished living history presenter, does an excellent job of balancing his assessments of both Jackson’s strengths and his weaknesses. This is one of three things we can demand of our historians. The other two are getting the facts straight and being a talented enough writer that reading their books isn’t like chewing hay and sawdust. Vickery excels at all three.
Jackson: The Iron Willed Commander is part of “The Generals” series, edited by the noted author Stephen Mansfield. I will be reviewing Vickery’s book on George Washington in the months to come. I am very much looking forward to it.
This excellent biography begins with a prologue covering the rabble-rousing ruckus that was Jackson’s inauguration on March 4, 1829. Jackson was a new kind of candidate—unlike his six predecessors in this still-new nation, he was a “man of the people.” In no way an insider, this rugged frontiersman who broke the mold of presidents coming from Massachusetts or Virginia had strong beliefs and was never afraid to defend or act on them. The outgoing president, John Quincy Adams, refused to attend.
Not unlike Alexander Hamilton, Jackson was a “willful boy with a chip on his shoulder” (6) and a mess of contradictions—a daily lifelong reader of scripture, he was also known for his ability to swear with the best of them. He and his brothers fought in the American Revolution, starting Jackson’s complex relationship with death and loss and his ability to carry on despite being wounded. Also like Hamilton, he had a penchant for duels. He had at least three, the second of which resulted in his being wounded in the torso and his killing his opponent, and the third resulting in his carrying a bullet in his body for years after. While taking his law degree, Jackson solidified his reputation as a “roaring, rollicking, game-cocking, horse-racing, card-playing, mischievous fellow” (15).
A great deal of Jackson’s controversy stems from an innocent clerical error. The love of his life, Rachel, had been in a terrible marriage. Leaving her abusive husband she fell in love with and married Jackson, although she was technically not divorced. Jackson’s enemies—and they were considerable—would use this against him, raising his ire as they portrayed the innocent Rachel as a bigamist and unwholesome woman.
True to his style, he defended her to the end.
In addition to the perceptions of his marriage, another aspect of Jackson’s life that cannot be ignored is his fierce actions as an Indian fighter. The controversial stage musical Bloody Andrew Jackson a decade ago brought all of this back to life and at least two productions of the award-winning musical have been canceled in the last few years because of protests by Native Americans. Jackson was given the title of “Long Knife” by his Indian allies for bravery, although it took on dark connotations as he fought against the Indians allied with the Spanish and British.
His growing popularity in the newly formed state of Tennessee led to his election to Congress in 1796, where he was once again seen as a brash outsider. He returned the next term as a senator, but politics did not suit him as well as the military, and by 1802 he was a major general in the Tennessee militia.
Jackson’s role in and around New Orleans is the core focus of his life and legacy. He was one player on an international stage that involved the Spanish, Napoleon, Jefferson, and the Louisiana Purchase. There were also a slew of nefarious personalities like Aaron Burr, who had ironically killed Hamilton in a duel, and General James Wilkinson, an agent provocateur if ever there was one. In the treason trial that was to come, implicating Burr and others, Jackson took Burr’s side, going so far as to go to Richmond, VA to testify on his behalf.
This is a fascinating time in American history, worthy of the cinema and the stage and Vickery does an excellent job of offering a primer and context to the larger story while focusing on Jackson.
On the heels of these events came the Creek War. On the strength of his continuing bravery, Jackson had a new nickname—Old Hickory. With America currently at a crossroads in how it talks about and moves forward from its history of repression and genocide again the Indians, books like this provide crucial context for the campaigns against and removal of Indians. In the case of Jackson, he believed he had a duty to defend the United States and, at times, this led to censure by commanders, threats of mutiny by his men, and dangers to his often fragile health. But Old Hickory would not be daunted, and his actions earned him a commission in the US Regular Army. He was not afraid to carry out executions to maintain discipline and he amassed essential victories in the southern campaigns of the War of 1812.
I have read a lot of military history in the past quarter century and can say without reservation that the chapters on the lead-up and waging of the Battle of New Orleans are some of the best I have read. Vickery deftly handles the role of pirates and privateers like Jean Lafitte, the shifting alliances with the Native Americans, the intricacies of the maneuvers of the armies, and even the post-battle burial and housekeeping practices without letting the dramatic pace of the sights and sounds die in the details.
Following the battle, in which Jackson was the acknowledged hero, his persistent drive to secure the spoils of victory and answer the so-called Indian Question caused friction with the locals and his superiors, but Jackson never slowed. His efforts culminated in the First Seminole War, which resulted in America wresting control of Florida (with the exception of the fort at St. Augustine) from the Spanish in 1818. Jackson encouraged President Monroe to allow him to go on to take the fort and Cuba, although he was literally spitting blood from the fatigues of battle.
Riding his military popularity and displacement of the Indians, Jackson became president, but not without more controversy. In his first campaign, he lost to John Quincy Adams, although Jackson had won both the popular and electoral votes. In the Electoral College, the firebrand Henry Clay supported Adams and then became his Secretary of State. Amazing how nothing changes on Capitol Hill. The result of the outcome was the start of the Democratic Party. In a “vitriolic and personal campaign” (193) Jackson got his revenge on Adams, his camp even accusing the sitting president of “pimp[ing] for the czar [of Russia] and provid[ing] sex slaves.”
You see… things really haven’t changed.
A casualty of the vicious election was Jackson’s beloved Rebecca, who died before he could take office. An office she wished he hadn’t sought.
In another parallel with modern presidential history, Jackson was quick to use the Veto and believed in cycling his Cabinet to keep them “sharp and compliant.” He didn’t want their opinions. He demanded their unwavering support. And his controversies continued. He made sure the Bank of the United States wasn’t re-chartered and oversaw the General Removal Act, which led to the Trail of Tears under Van Buren and other atrocities against Native American tribes.
The heart of history is the complexity of those who were involved in the events that shaped the world. Vickery, a professor of History at Oral Roberts University and accomplished living history presenter, does an excellent job of balancing his assessments of both Jackson’s strengths and his weaknesses. This is one of three things we can demand of our historians. The other two are getting the facts straight and being a talented enough writer that reading their books isn’t like chewing hay and sawdust. Vickery excels at all three.
Jackson: The Iron Willed Commander is part of “The Generals” series, edited by the noted author Stephen Mansfield. I will be reviewing Vickery’s book on George Washington in the months to come. I am very much looking forward to it.
August 29, 2023
Continuing my goal of reading at least one book on each of our nation's presidents this tale of our seventh president adds another check in that box. Andrew Jackson is probably one of the least revered of our first ten men to hold this position and in many areas it continues today as fall out from the Trail of Tears.
August 8, 2012
A biography of the controversial Andrew Jackson. As you might expect from a book in a series called The Generals, the author focuses primarily on Jackson's military adventures, particularly his encounters with the Creeks, the Seminoles, and the British.
Allow me to start off by saying that I know nothing about Andrew Jackson beyond what I read about him in a Cracked article (here's another one, though for those new to Cracked, a heads up: much profanity is contained therein). Now, having read this book, I know more--why Jackson is called 'Old Hickory', that he really for real loved his wife, that apparently you can bully illness into submission using the power of the will, and that if you were fighting against Jackson, you were pretty much hosed. This goes for his opponents in military engagements and the ones he dueled. Apparently, he dueled a lot.
I definitely enjoyed learning more about this guy. He sounds incredible unpleasant and terrifying and yet completely and totally necessary to the future of the United States. The author treats him as a man with many shortcomings and with more than a few objectionable ideas, but whose sharp edges and unbending will carried the day when his country needed him. In that sense, his biography reads a bit like a classic Western--a strange and possibly dangerous man emerges onto the national military scene. He has a chequered past and a nasty temper. But when the country faces difficult situations, a dangerous man is precisely what is needed. While we may bemoan some of the things he did, there is no denying that, had he not done them, the United States, if it even existed, would be a very different place indeed.
In particular, Jackson's conflict and negotiations with--and treatment of--the native population of the South was, in hindsight (and probably even in then-sight), harsh and unjust. However, as with many similar issues (most notably the elephant of slavery that haunts the rooms of every founding-era 'hero'), he was a product of his times and was most certainly not alone in his attitudes and ideas. Not that the cultural and political backdrop of his actions absolves him of responsibility therefor. Like every man, woman, or child since the dawn of time, Jackson was responsible for his actions and must answer for those actions to his Creator.
You will note that my review thus far has focused solely on the content of the book--the factual, historical details of Jackson's life. The substance, if you will. I will now comment on the form: It's not very good. Leaving aside the editing errors and typos (including one in the editor's Note--ouch!), the author has a habit of awkwardly structuring his sentences, giving away the punch line in the opening phrase before providing buildup or explaining the context. This tendency also works itself out in his paragraphs: one sentence will sum up an entire episode in a conclusory way, and then next will begin to expound on the episode from the beginning, as if the opening sentence did not exist. He tells us things before telling us why we should care. It is, perhaps, difficult to explain what I mean. However, it made for rather jarring--and occasionally confusing--reading.
Not that the writing was all bad: the Prologue, which sets the stage by describing Jackson's first inauguration (including the unrestrained ardor and enthusiasm of the attendees and the scathing remarks of detractors and critics), was by far the best section of the book. I found myself intrigued by this 'man of the people', and I was excited to learn more about who he was and how he got to the White House. The Prologue made me want to read the book. So, well done there.
The author was also admirably restrained in his portrayal of Jackson's religious life. Although this series is not explicitly 'religious' in focus, it is published by Thomas Nelson, and I was worried it would be yet another sparkling account of how obviously every founding-era leader was a devout evangelical Christian (despite the fact that there is ample evidence that this is not the case). While this book probably focuses more on Jackson's religious life than another biographer might, the tone is significantly more objective than I expected. He does not paint Jackson as a Man of Faith. Instead, he is portrayed as an incredibly tough individual who also had a religious life of sorts and we don't really know what that looked like for him. Which was a wise choice--casting this iron-willed duel veteran as a deeply religious man would be a tough sell.
At the end of the day, I did enjoy the book to some degree, but it was the content, not the writing, that I enjoyed. The credit thus belongs less to the author than to Jackson himself, whose adventures could invigorate even the shoddiest writing. There are probably better biographies out there--though, at just over 200 pages, there may not be shorter biographies. So, you know, there's that.
Allow me to start off by saying that I know nothing about Andrew Jackson beyond what I read about him in a Cracked article (here's another one, though for those new to Cracked, a heads up: much profanity is contained therein). Now, having read this book, I know more--why Jackson is called 'Old Hickory', that he really for real loved his wife, that apparently you can bully illness into submission using the power of the will, and that if you were fighting against Jackson, you were pretty much hosed. This goes for his opponents in military engagements and the ones he dueled. Apparently, he dueled a lot.
I definitely enjoyed learning more about this guy. He sounds incredible unpleasant and terrifying and yet completely and totally necessary to the future of the United States. The author treats him as a man with many shortcomings and with more than a few objectionable ideas, but whose sharp edges and unbending will carried the day when his country needed him. In that sense, his biography reads a bit like a classic Western--a strange and possibly dangerous man emerges onto the national military scene. He has a chequered past and a nasty temper. But when the country faces difficult situations, a dangerous man is precisely what is needed. While we may bemoan some of the things he did, there is no denying that, had he not done them, the United States, if it even existed, would be a very different place indeed.
In particular, Jackson's conflict and negotiations with--and treatment of--the native population of the South was, in hindsight (and probably even in then-sight), harsh and unjust. However, as with many similar issues (most notably the elephant of slavery that haunts the rooms of every founding-era 'hero'), he was a product of his times and was most certainly not alone in his attitudes and ideas. Not that the cultural and political backdrop of his actions absolves him of responsibility therefor. Like every man, woman, or child since the dawn of time, Jackson was responsible for his actions and must answer for those actions to his Creator.
You will note that my review thus far has focused solely on the content of the book--the factual, historical details of Jackson's life. The substance, if you will. I will now comment on the form: It's not very good. Leaving aside the editing errors and typos (including one in the editor's Note--ouch!), the author has a habit of awkwardly structuring his sentences, giving away the punch line in the opening phrase before providing buildup or explaining the context. This tendency also works itself out in his paragraphs: one sentence will sum up an entire episode in a conclusory way, and then next will begin to expound on the episode from the beginning, as if the opening sentence did not exist. He tells us things before telling us why we should care. It is, perhaps, difficult to explain what I mean. However, it made for rather jarring--and occasionally confusing--reading.
Not that the writing was all bad: the Prologue, which sets the stage by describing Jackson's first inauguration (including the unrestrained ardor and enthusiasm of the attendees and the scathing remarks of detractors and critics), was by far the best section of the book. I found myself intrigued by this 'man of the people', and I was excited to learn more about who he was and how he got to the White House. The Prologue made me want to read the book. So, well done there.
The author was also admirably restrained in his portrayal of Jackson's religious life. Although this series is not explicitly 'religious' in focus, it is published by Thomas Nelson, and I was worried it would be yet another sparkling account of how obviously every founding-era leader was a devout evangelical Christian (despite the fact that there is ample evidence that this is not the case). While this book probably focuses more on Jackson's religious life than another biographer might, the tone is significantly more objective than I expected. He does not paint Jackson as a Man of Faith. Instead, he is portrayed as an incredibly tough individual who also had a religious life of sorts and we don't really know what that looked like for him. Which was a wise choice--casting this iron-willed duel veteran as a deeply religious man would be a tough sell.
At the end of the day, I did enjoy the book to some degree, but it was the content, not the writing, that I enjoyed. The credit thus belongs less to the author than to Jackson himself, whose adventures could invigorate even the shoddiest writing. There are probably better biographies out there--though, at just over 200 pages, there may not be shorter biographies. So, you know, there's that.
July 24, 2012
Jackson-The Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery was just published this week by Thomas Nelson Publishing. Vickery opens with Jackson’s inauguration on March 4, 1829. The scene he portrays is a tumultuous one, with the rough and tumble Jackson and his like-minded followers “invading” Washington’s elite society. It is an appropriate opening to this short biographical sketch of a man best know for his bold, everyman approach to life. The rest of the book proceeds as flashback to his childhood and military career.
Paul Vickery, Professor of History at Oral Roberts University, has written what can best be termed a short primer on Andrew Jackson’s military career, with the greatest emphasis placed on his defining battle in New Orleans at the close of the War of 1812. The 19 short chapters can be grouped together roughly as follows. 1-4 deal with his childhood as an orphan and his growth into turbulent manhood. He is presented as likable troublemaker who is quick to defend his honor with a duel. In chapters 5-11 we see his development into a leader of men and a competent military man. 12-17 deal with the build up, conflict, and aftermath of The Battle New Orleans, which took place on January 8, 1815. Finally, the last two chapters discuss his elevation to the presidency and his legacy.
In Jackson, Vickery strives to present his subject as a tough as nails, bold and decisive leader. “Scarred permanently as a child by the sword of a British soldier, Jackson grew into an unwavering leader, a general whose charisma and sheer force of personality called to mind those of George Washington a generation earlier.” The author wants to extend the aura of greatness that enshrouds the Founding Fathers over this next generation leader.
Vickery is clearly enamored with his subject, repeatedly using a variety of epithets such as “iron willed”, Old Hickory”, “inspiring” and “indomitable” . His Homerian tendencies make clear his wish that the reader recognize Jackson’s toughness and independence. He seems to equate this strength of character to America herself, as if Jackson was a metaphor for the maturing country. The general is not shown not so much as a tactical genius, but as someone whose own force of personality willed his armies to victory. The author regularly eschews details battle plans for anecdotes of Jackson’s individual acts of bravery and inspiration.
The current tendency in some quarters of American society to look at elders, the elite, or intellectual class with suspicion, and to celebrate both the young and the rough-and-ready everyman, has apparently influenced this author as well. Jackson seems a cipher for that mythological, self-sufficient American ideal. One can almost read this as the Founding Father’s giving birth to a nation and Jackson as the embodiment of it’s adolescent character. As such there are times when we wince at Jackson’s stubbornness, and rush to action; yet Vickery tends to downplay these occurrences as a parent might overlook the indiscretions of youth.
The author’s proclivity to minimize Jackson’s flaws may be appropriate when your teenager breaks curfew; it is less so when the subject in question is the head of the entire southern military of the United States. Because of this, the book reads less like an objective history and more like a well meaning propaganda piece. The reader understands that Jackson was a famously successful military leader. But one also knows he was a man, with flaws and faults. If the author chose to make his subject a bit more human, he would have become more sympathetic. Additionally, his writing style lacks subtlety. He continuously hits the reader over the head with his main thesis to the point where this reads more like a young adult history textbook from the early 20th century than a modern biography of an admittedly complex historical figure.
In the end, I found this book to be informative in terms of the history of the early United states, and I actually learned quite a bit about The Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812. However, I don’t feel I know who Andrew Jackson was any more than I did before reading this book.
Paul Vickery, Professor of History at Oral Roberts University, has written what can best be termed a short primer on Andrew Jackson’s military career, with the greatest emphasis placed on his defining battle in New Orleans at the close of the War of 1812. The 19 short chapters can be grouped together roughly as follows. 1-4 deal with his childhood as an orphan and his growth into turbulent manhood. He is presented as likable troublemaker who is quick to defend his honor with a duel. In chapters 5-11 we see his development into a leader of men and a competent military man. 12-17 deal with the build up, conflict, and aftermath of The Battle New Orleans, which took place on January 8, 1815. Finally, the last two chapters discuss his elevation to the presidency and his legacy.
In Jackson, Vickery strives to present his subject as a tough as nails, bold and decisive leader. “Scarred permanently as a child by the sword of a British soldier, Jackson grew into an unwavering leader, a general whose charisma and sheer force of personality called to mind those of George Washington a generation earlier.” The author wants to extend the aura of greatness that enshrouds the Founding Fathers over this next generation leader.
Vickery is clearly enamored with his subject, repeatedly using a variety of epithets such as “iron willed”, Old Hickory”, “inspiring” and “indomitable” . His Homerian tendencies make clear his wish that the reader recognize Jackson’s toughness and independence. He seems to equate this strength of character to America herself, as if Jackson was a metaphor for the maturing country. The general is not shown not so much as a tactical genius, but as someone whose own force of personality willed his armies to victory. The author regularly eschews details battle plans for anecdotes of Jackson’s individual acts of bravery and inspiration.
The current tendency in some quarters of American society to look at elders, the elite, or intellectual class with suspicion, and to celebrate both the young and the rough-and-ready everyman, has apparently influenced this author as well. Jackson seems a cipher for that mythological, self-sufficient American ideal. One can almost read this as the Founding Father’s giving birth to a nation and Jackson as the embodiment of it’s adolescent character. As such there are times when we wince at Jackson’s stubbornness, and rush to action; yet Vickery tends to downplay these occurrences as a parent might overlook the indiscretions of youth.
The author’s proclivity to minimize Jackson’s flaws may be appropriate when your teenager breaks curfew; it is less so when the subject in question is the head of the entire southern military of the United States. Because of this, the book reads less like an objective history and more like a well meaning propaganda piece. The reader understands that Jackson was a famously successful military leader. But one also knows he was a man, with flaws and faults. If the author chose to make his subject a bit more human, he would have become more sympathetic. Additionally, his writing style lacks subtlety. He continuously hits the reader over the head with his main thesis to the point where this reads more like a young adult history textbook from the early 20th century than a modern biography of an admittedly complex historical figure.
In the end, I found this book to be informative in terms of the history of the early United states, and I actually learned quite a bit about The Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812. However, I don’t feel I know who Andrew Jackson was any more than I did before reading this book.
December 7, 2012
Jackson-The Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery
The book begin with the inauguration of Andrew Jackson as a seventh President of the United States on March 4, 1829. It then goes back to Andrew Jackson as a youth, his meeting with Rachel, his duels, the Battle of New Orleans and his death.
I am listing the chapters for the review because they define the book:
A Note From the Author
Prologue
Chapter One: A Boy Becomes a Man
Chapter Two: A Lawyer is Born
Chapter Three: Rachel and Nashville
Chapter Four: The Dueling Judge
Chapter Five: Hostility with the Creeks
Chapter Six: Old Hickory
Chapter Seven: The Creek War Begins
Chapter Eight: Old Hickory Faces Mutiny
Chapter Nine: The Battle of Horseshoe Bend
Chapter Ten: The Creek War Ends: The Treaty of Fort Jackson
Chapter Eleven: Fort Bowyer and Pensacola
Chapter Twelve: New Orleans: Preparation for Battle
Chapter Thirteen: The Battle of New Orleans: Beginnings
Chapter Fourteen: New Orleans: The Battle of January 8, 1815
Chapter Fifteen: The Hero of New Orleans
Chapter Sixteen: The Indian Question
Chapter Seventeen: The First Seminole War
Chapter Eighteen: Jackson as President
Chapter Nineteen: Legacy
Notes
Bibliography
I think there is a good lesson in the history of the United States of America and the many encounters with war, Indians, politics and people. One might not agree in how things were done but Andrew Jackson did believe what he did was for the good. "This was classic Jackson. We may disagree with his policies, but we must at least grant he was consistent". (page 168)
Some notes I took were:
1. John Quincy Adams did not attend the inauguration of Andrew Jackson because of the disagreement they had when Jackson believed Adams spread slander about Rachel.
2. The Louisiana Purchase: "Jefferson's vision of having independent farmers as the backbone of the nation now seemed feasible, and America had access to the Gulf of Mexico". The problem was France had never taken possession from Spain (page 44).
3. Florida: Jackson wanted a reason to invade Florida. (page 173 and chapter 17).
4. New Orleans Battle was " the boost in morale to the national spirit brought by the victory in New Orleans cannot be overstated". (page 157).
5. Names of historical figures are throughout the book: Sam Houston, Davey Crockett, Napoleon and Jean Lafitte for some.
6. Songs: Yankee Doodle, Hail Columbia and some written about Jackson but not named in this book.
7. Rachel and his love for her. Jackson was always writing her letters. Her remarks when he won the presidency was :"Well, for Mr. Jackson's sake", she quietly whispered, "I am glad; for my part I never wished it". (page 194). Their adopted son Andrew, Jr, is also in the book.
8. The wars with the Indians continued with Jackson. The Trail of Tears (page 201); the relocation of the Cherokee nation to Oklahoma (page 201), Seminole War (page 179) and the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.(page 91- chapter 9) for some. The Cherokees called Jackson Sharp Knife.
9. Burr wrote to Governor Claiborne in New Orleans "I fear there's something rotten in the State Denmark"' (page 46). (( I had to check the saying and it was in the play Hamlet by Shakespeare in 1602.))
10. How Andrew Jackson got the name Old Hickory. (page 62).
I give this a five star because of the history and so many facts. It made me as a reader want to read more of this time period. I remember my mother took me to see "The President's Lady" and I remember how I cried. As a parent, read this book and have your child read it and then discuss it. Especially since this is a time of elections in 2012, it is a great learning tool. I found it more of a military book and Jackson as a General but there are so many more facts.
I received a complimentary copy of Jackson- The Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery to read and review from booksneeze. The opinions are my own.
This is a Thomas Nelson Publisher book; ISBN:978-1-59555-454-3; published 2012.
July 9, 2012
Life for the young Andrew Jackson was not easy. Life was hard for most people during this time period, but especially for poor Irish immigrants carving out a place in a new world. Andrew Jackson lost both father and mother and was orphaned early. By the age of 13 he was with the military.
He was impulsive and quick to exercise the common means of setting disputes for his time - dueling. Chronically ill and slight of frame throughout his life, he endured various illnesses, wound, deprivations, and hardships as he forged ahead in his quest to succeed. His goal - the settlement of America. With a high sense of nationalism and impassioned as a commander of the military, he was a strong leader in the growing nation and its struggle to expand its borders. He commanded the Tennessee militia in the War of 1812, led the struggle of the young nation in the bloody Creek Indian conflict, and other battles in the areas now known as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama.
Jackson was known to friend and foe by two names - "Old Hickory" and "Long Knife." He earned them by his determined hard leadership and his ability to strike with force the enemy.
The Indians, the French, the Spanish, and the British were all opponents in Andrew Jackson's journey to grow a great nation. As an Indian fighter, Long Knife (Jackson) was unequaled and greatly respected and feared. As a general, his strong decisions, courage, and firm leadership moved the army forward to victory and Jackson closer to the White House.
His wife of many years was the beloved Rachel whom he loved until the day he died. She was in an abusive marriage when Andrew Jackson began to love her. Though Andrew Jackson and Rachel married after her divorce, there was no scandal involving Jackson.
In 1828, Andrew Jackson became the seventh President of the United States of America.
Paul Vickey has written a short, yet thorough biography revealing much about the boy, the man, the politician, the general, and the President that was Andrew Jackson. The book is a good read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and to school libraries. I gleaned bits of historical information from this read hitherto unknown to me. Were they in my history texts while in school? I don't know. However, I found it quite informative.
"One Man with courage makes a majority."
--Andrew Jackson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: July 17, 2012
ISBN: 9781595554543
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander by BookSneeze on behalf of the publisher Thomas Nelson and author in exchange or my honest review.
He was impulsive and quick to exercise the common means of setting disputes for his time - dueling. Chronically ill and slight of frame throughout his life, he endured various illnesses, wound, deprivations, and hardships as he forged ahead in his quest to succeed. His goal - the settlement of America. With a high sense of nationalism and impassioned as a commander of the military, he was a strong leader in the growing nation and its struggle to expand its borders. He commanded the Tennessee militia in the War of 1812, led the struggle of the young nation in the bloody Creek Indian conflict, and other battles in the areas now known as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama.
Jackson was known to friend and foe by two names - "Old Hickory" and "Long Knife." He earned them by his determined hard leadership and his ability to strike with force the enemy.
The Indians, the French, the Spanish, and the British were all opponents in Andrew Jackson's journey to grow a great nation. As an Indian fighter, Long Knife (Jackson) was unequaled and greatly respected and feared. As a general, his strong decisions, courage, and firm leadership moved the army forward to victory and Jackson closer to the White House.
His wife of many years was the beloved Rachel whom he loved until the day he died. She was in an abusive marriage when Andrew Jackson began to love her. Though Andrew Jackson and Rachel married after her divorce, there was no scandal involving Jackson.
In 1828, Andrew Jackson became the seventh President of the United States of America.
Paul Vickey has written a short, yet thorough biography revealing much about the boy, the man, the politician, the general, and the President that was Andrew Jackson. The book is a good read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and to school libraries. I gleaned bits of historical information from this read hitherto unknown to me. Were they in my history texts while in school? I don't know. However, I found it quite informative.
"One Man with courage makes a majority."
--Andrew Jackson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: July 17, 2012
ISBN: 9781595554543
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander by BookSneeze on behalf of the publisher Thomas Nelson and author in exchange or my honest review.
July 24, 2012
A Nifty Little Biography
Published by Thomas Nelson in 2012.
Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander is a welcome addition to a larger series called The Generals that offers relatively short biographies (about 200 pages) of America's better-known generals. This book is by no means the definitive biography of Andrew Jackson, but it is great introduction to this controversial man.
Andrew Jackson lived most of his life on the American frontier. His most famous battle was, of course, the Battle of New Orleans in the last moments of the War of 1812 (technically, it took place after the treaty was signed) but by that time Jackson was a veteran of many battles. He had already fought the British in two wars, skirmished with the Spanish several times and was involved in multiple frontier wars with Native Americans. Throw in Jackson's willingness to duel and one quickly realizes that Jackson thrived on action and danger. A great deal of his life seems to be consumed by organizing for a campaign, going out on a military campaign, recovering from injury sustained in a battle or a duel or recovering from an illness he contracted while on a campaign. His wife, Rachel, must have been a very patient woman...
Read more (including what I think this book does best) by clicking here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2012/...
To see all of my reviews of books in this series click here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
Published by Thomas Nelson in 2012.
Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander is a welcome addition to a larger series called The Generals that offers relatively short biographies (about 200 pages) of America's better-known generals. This book is by no means the definitive biography of Andrew Jackson, but it is great introduction to this controversial man.
Andrew Jackson lived most of his life on the American frontier. His most famous battle was, of course, the Battle of New Orleans in the last moments of the War of 1812 (technically, it took place after the treaty was signed) but by that time Jackson was a veteran of many battles. He had already fought the British in two wars, skirmished with the Spanish several times and was involved in multiple frontier wars with Native Americans. Throw in Jackson's willingness to duel and one quickly realizes that Jackson thrived on action and danger. A great deal of his life seems to be consumed by organizing for a campaign, going out on a military campaign, recovering from injury sustained in a battle or a duel or recovering from an illness he contracted while on a campaign. His wife, Rachel, must have been a very patient woman...
Read more (including what I think this book does best) by clicking here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2012/...
To see all of my reviews of books in this series click here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
August 24, 2012
I start many books and leave them perpetually "open" as I get distracted by other things, but seldom do I intentionally give up on one. Unfortunately, this book was one of those, due to the abysmal writing quality. Passive voice, cliched phrases, typographical and grammatical errors, and juvenile analysis riddle the text. It reads like a high school student's valiant but lackluster attempt at a research paper.
Stephen Mansfield, whose book The Search for God and Guinness I reviewed in 2010, is the editor of the series this book belongs to, and it was immediately obvious. Had I known this beforehand I never would have started it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” On a side note, with regard to their authority, the FTC can go jump in a lake.
Stephen Mansfield, whose book The Search for God and Guinness I reviewed in 2010, is the editor of the series this book belongs to, and it was immediately obvious. Had I known this beforehand I never would have started it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” On a side note, with regard to their authority, the FTC can go jump in a lake.
September 27, 2012
Very balanced and accessable biography of this controversial leader.
August 17, 2014
Great read. Not dry at all. Presents Jackson with little bias. Just right.
December 15, 2018
Jackson-The Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery was just published this week by Thomas Nelson Publishing. Vickery opens with Jackson’s inauguration on March 4, 1829. The scene he portrays is a tumultuous one, with the rough and tumble Jackson and his like-minded followers “invading” Washington’s elite society. It is an appropriate opening to this short biographical sketch of a man best know for his bold, everyman approach to life. The rest of the book proceeds as flashback to his childhood and military career.
Paul Vickery, Professor of History at Oral Roberts University, has written what can best be termed a short primer on Andrew Jackson’s military career, with the greatest emphasis placed on his defining battle in New Orleans at the close of the War of 1812. The 19 short chapters can be grouped together roughly as follows. 1-4 deal with his childhood as an orphan and his growth into turbulent manhood. He is presented as likable troublemaker who is quick to defend his honor with a duel. In chapters 5-11 we see his development into a leader of men and a competent military man. 12-17 deal with the build up, conflict, and aftermath of The Battle New Orleans, which took place on January 8, 1815. Finally, the last two chapters discuss his elevation to the presidency and his legacy.
In Jackson, Vickery strives to present his subject as a tough as nails, bold and decisive leader. “Scarred permanently as a child by the sword of a British soldier, Jackson grew into an unwavering leader, a general whose charisma and sheer force of personality called to mind those of George Washington a generation earlier.” The author wants to extend the aura of greatness that enshrouds the Founding Fathers over this next generation leader.
Vickery is clearly enamored with his subject, repeatedly using a variety of epithets such as “iron willed”, Old Hickory”, “inspiring” and “indomitable” . His Homerian tendencies make clear his wish that the reader recognize Jackson’s toughness and independence. He seems to equate this strength of character to America herself, as if Jackson was a metaphor for the maturing country. The general is not shown not so much as a tactical genius, but as someone whose own force of personality willed his armies to victory. The author regularly eschews details battle plans for anecdotes of Jackson’s individual acts of bravery and inspiration.
The current tendency in some quarters of American society to look at elders, the elite, or intellectual class with suspicion, and to celebrate both the young and the rough-and-ready everyman, has apparently influenced this author as well. Jackson seems a cipher for that mythological, self-sufficient American ideal. One can almost read this as the Founding Father’s giving birth to a nation and Jackson as the embodiment of it’s adolescent character. As such there are times when we wince at Jackson’s stubbornness, and rush to action; yet Vickery tends to downplay these occurrences as a parent might overlook the indiscretions of youth.
The author’s proclivity to minimize Jackson’s flaws may be appropriate when your teenager breaks curfew; it is less so when the subject in question is the head of the entire southern military of the United States. Because of this, the book reads less like an objective history and more like a well meaning propaganda piece. The reader understands that Jackson was a famously successful military leader. But one also knows he was a man, with flaws and faults. If the author chose to make his subject a bit more human, he would have become more sympathetic. Additionally, his writing style lacks subtlety. He continuously hits the reader over the head with his main thesis to the point where this reads more like a young adult history textbook from the early 20th century than a modern biography of an admittedly complex historical figure.
In the end, I found this book to be informative in terms of the history of the early United states, and I actually learned quite a bit about The Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812. However, I don’t feel I know who Andrew Jackson was any more than I did before reading this book.
Paul Vickery, Professor of History at Oral Roberts University, has written what can best be termed a short primer on Andrew Jackson’s military career, with the greatest emphasis placed on his defining battle in New Orleans at the close of the War of 1812. The 19 short chapters can be grouped together roughly as follows. 1-4 deal with his childhood as an orphan and his growth into turbulent manhood. He is presented as likable troublemaker who is quick to defend his honor with a duel. In chapters 5-11 we see his development into a leader of men and a competent military man. 12-17 deal with the build up, conflict, and aftermath of The Battle New Orleans, which took place on January 8, 1815. Finally, the last two chapters discuss his elevation to the presidency and his legacy.
In Jackson, Vickery strives to present his subject as a tough as nails, bold and decisive leader. “Scarred permanently as a child by the sword of a British soldier, Jackson grew into an unwavering leader, a general whose charisma and sheer force of personality called to mind those of George Washington a generation earlier.” The author wants to extend the aura of greatness that enshrouds the Founding Fathers over this next generation leader.
Vickery is clearly enamored with his subject, repeatedly using a variety of epithets such as “iron willed”, Old Hickory”, “inspiring” and “indomitable” . His Homerian tendencies make clear his wish that the reader recognize Jackson’s toughness and independence. He seems to equate this strength of character to America herself, as if Jackson was a metaphor for the maturing country. The general is not shown not so much as a tactical genius, but as someone whose own force of personality willed his armies to victory. The author regularly eschews details battle plans for anecdotes of Jackson’s individual acts of bravery and inspiration.
The current tendency in some quarters of American society to look at elders, the elite, or intellectual class with suspicion, and to celebrate both the young and the rough-and-ready everyman, has apparently influenced this author as well. Jackson seems a cipher for that mythological, self-sufficient American ideal. One can almost read this as the Founding Father’s giving birth to a nation and Jackson as the embodiment of it’s adolescent character. As such there are times when we wince at Jackson’s stubbornness, and rush to action; yet Vickery tends to downplay these occurrences as a parent might overlook the indiscretions of youth.
The author’s proclivity to minimize Jackson’s flaws may be appropriate when your teenager breaks curfew; it is less so when the subject in question is the head of the entire southern military of the United States. Because of this, the book reads less like an objective history and more like a well meaning propaganda piece. The reader understands that Jackson was a famously successful military leader. But one also knows he was a man, with flaws and faults. If the author chose to make his subject a bit more human, he would have become more sympathetic. Additionally, his writing style lacks subtlety. He continuously hits the reader over the head with his main thesis to the point where this reads more like a young adult history textbook from the early 20th century than a modern biography of an admittedly complex historical figure.
In the end, I found this book to be informative in terms of the history of the early United states, and I actually learned quite a bit about The Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812. However, I don’t feel I know who Andrew Jackson was any more than I did before reading this book.
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