Jackson

Many factors during the 1830's contributed to the political and social climate of the United States. Slavery, westward expansion, and government corruption were just a few of the key issues of the times. At this time, the President of the United States was Andrew Jackson, a man who came from a poor background and was orphaned at a very young age. President Jackson was a great example of the common man who worked hard to become successful. It was this quality that probably made him seem like a hero to the common man. However, in the name of promoting democracy and government of the people, Jackson became more of a tyrant as he bullied his opponents and abused his executive powers to accomplish his goals.

Jackson implemented many theories and policies that would make some consider him a champion of the people. One of the early premises that Andrew Jackson put into action during his presidency was the Spoils system. He touted the Spoils System as democracy in action, where new people and ideas would be brought into government, giving many citizens the chance to hold office. Another policy implemented by Jackson for the good of the people was the Indian Removal policy. He was convinced that moving the Indians from their home lands would benefit the Indians by introducing them to civilization, benefit white settlers who wanted to expand westward, and benefit the nation, in growing its borders and increases its wealth. Finally, with his veto of the charter for the National Bank, Jackson began a war against wealthy, corrupt and powerful institutions which ultimately hurt the common man. He viewed the bank as a monster with immense power, but because it was not accountable to the government, it was also not accountable to the people. These and other policies under the Jackson administration made him, to some, a hero to the common man.

It was these same policies which solidify the idea that Andrew Jackson was actually a tyrant, who, in many cases, hurt the common man more than he helped them. The Spoils system, which was supposed to open up the government to the common man and rid it of corruption, had the opposite effect. The Spoils system was used to reward those who made large contributions