Q: Andrew Jackson – Professor Mark Cheathem:

A: 

• Inspired by professor of Jackson

• Fascinated by contradictions

• Support of Union versus State Rights

• Worked at the Hermitage

Q: What were the early influences that shaped Jackson?

A: 

• Father died when he was born

• Mother & siblings died when he was young

• Tried to create his own new family

• Born in Waxhaws region

• Witnessed much violence

• Battles with Native Indians & Revolutionary War

Q: Why is Jackson an “Elite Southern Gentleman?”

A:

• Image of a populist frontiersman

• Lived in Charleston, SC and Charlotte, NC

• Arrives in Nashville at age 21

• Slave Owner

• Fights in a duel

• Hallmark of a Southerner – plantation, slaves

• Nashville elite were southern Virginians

• Populism often rhetoric to further ambitions

Q: How does being a Southerner impact Jackson’s Presidency?

A: 

• Policies reflective of white southern men

• Fought against Native Americans

• Even during War of 1812

• Opening up land in west

• Supporter of slavery

• Prevents Abolitionist activity

Q: Andrew Jackson: Pro Union or States Rights?

A:

• Favored extension if slavery

• Believer in Manifest Destiny

• But against Nullification in 1832

• What If: Civil War?

• Strong Union leanings

• Strong supporter of slavery

Q:  de Tocqueville: Jackson wins presidency solely by memory of New Orleans

A:

• Battle of New Orleans 1815

• British troops more experienced

• Tremendous victory

• Propels Jackson onto national stage

• Leverages 1824 loss to 1828 presidency

• Claims Adams and Clay robbed the people

Q: Why does Jackson fight against the Bank of USA?

A: 

• Pivotal episode in Jackson’s 2nd term

• Bank War – fight against corruption

• Nicholas Biddle, bank head

• Claim that bank a separate branch of government

• Jackson extends scope of presidency

• Senate censors Jackson

Q: Was Jackson familiar with the Bible?

A:

• Spiritual side to Jackson

• Knew the Bible

• Influenced by Presbyterian mother and wife

• But against public prayer

• Strong proponent, separation Church and state

Q:  Did Jackson’s religious tolerance extend to non-Christians?

A:

• Definitely tolerant to all Christians

• Letter to Ellen Hansan

• Hard to say regarding non-Christians

• Religious tolerance based on constitution

Q: What is Jackson’s Legacy?

A:

• Strong believer on Union

• Slave owner, land owner

• Expulsion of Native Americans

• Populist rhetoric

• Used by Donald Trump

• One of the “people”

Q: Did Martin Van Buren follow Jacksonian policies?

A:

• Generally speaking, yes

• Van Buren was architect of 1828 election

• Believer in two party system

• Implemented removal of Cherokees

• 2nd Seminole War

• Supporter of slavery

• Modified economic policies

Q:  How did Van Buren react to the Damascus Blood Libel?

A:

• Still putting together Van Buren papers

• Strong position

• Instructed Secretary of State

• Protest to consul