The Revolutionary Age of Andrew Jackson Essay Example

between the people and the government.

According to Remini (150), it was Andrew Jackson and his administration that marked the beginning of true popular government in America, which also signaled the start of modern political campaigning. Political figures began to employ various tactics to gain the interest of the masses. Remini (50) noted that this proved to be effective as seen in the increasing number of voters and the election of popularly chosen candidates. The emergence of popular government was largely influenced by a select group of men including Martin Van Buren, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Thomas Harton Benton, and John C. Calhoun.

In his book titled “Issues and Answers,” Remini explicates his purpose and delves into numerous political issues plaguing America at the time. These issues include making America truly democratic, preserving the Union amidst slavery, handling Indian affairs, and resolving power struggles between Congress and the President. Remini also sheds light on how Jackson's actions shaped American life. Jackson advocated for rotation in office to prevent corruption and believed that government jobs belonged to everyone, leading to a more democratic system. (Remini, i)

According to Remini (135), the average citizen felt that they had taken hold of their government. The actual presence of democracy in America may be questionable, but what is important is that the general population believed in its existence. During the time leading up to the Civil War, Americans longingly reminisced about the Age of Jackson and remembered how their leader, with his notable leadership, had steered the country away from secession and the ensuing violence (Remini, 84). He had a strong desire to preserve the Union.

During the Jacksonian era, there was a

dispute over states’ rights between Calhoun and Jackson. While Calhoun supported the South's rights, Jackson worked towards finding a compromise to avoid armed conflict and preserve the union. As stated by Remini (103), the Compromise Tariff of 1833 was successful in attaining this goal. However, the Indian issue challenged the democratic ideals of the time. Some believed that Indians impeded white progress, but Jackson recognized their notable advancements. He initiated their relocation west of the Mississippi for their own preservation of life and culture. (Remini, 105)

According to Remini (113), the Indian problem was apparently solved by the democratic government that was freely elected by the people. The irony, however, is that a powerful democratic nation solved the problem through the near extinction of an entire race of people - a terrible contradiction indeed. Despite the severity and cruelty of the issue, Jackson's actions were possibly the only option available given the explosive fervor for land and expansion and the threat posed to the Indians. As Remini (120) notes, Jackson had effectively removed them from harm's way and beyond reach of oppression. Book III, entitled "The Growth of Presidential Power," highlights the struggle between the President and Congress.

The Bank War, which was a major issue during Jackson's presidency, is a predominant topic discussed in The Revolutionary Age of Andrew Jackson. In fact, Henry Clay once described it as a "revolution... tending towards a total change of the... character of the Government" (Remini, 124). The Bank of the United States had accumulated a significant amount of power, overseeing all financial transactions in the country. However, these privileges were considered to go against the democratic values of

the era (Remini, 128). Consequently, Jackson deemed the Bank to be a threat to the government's stability and composed a veto message that he presented to Congress in 1832.

Remini (134) notes that Jackson's interpretation of the powers of the President resulted in a significant alteration to their fundamental power. Prior administrations only utilized vetoes when bills were found unconstitutional, but Jackson believed he could veto bills that might harm the nation. This redefined the relationship between the legislative and executive branches. In 1832, Americans had an opportunity to make a crucial decision during the Presidential Election for the first time (Remini, 140). Furthermore, candidates were chosen in a more democratic fashion than ever before.

Remini (151) asserts that the election signaled both the downfall of the Bank of the United States and the democratization of electoral procedures. The Jacksonian era fostered a new atmosphere of appreciation for popular sovereignty, which was a major achievement. Jackson's proclamation that "The President is the direct representative of the American people" revolutionized traditional presidential practices and philosophies, reshaping government to favor the executive branch.

According to Remini (165), notable individuals like Calhoun and Clay challenged the President, accusing him of ruling with an iron fist. Nonetheless, after his theory gained approval, Jackson transformed the fundamental nature of the presidency, making the President the authentic leader of the government. Finally, in the last chapter of his book, Remini offers a conclusive ending.

Remini (178) commends Jackson for increasing participation of ordinary individuals in government operations, demonstrating unprecedented leadership skills, and redefining the presidency's relationship with Congress and the public. The Jacksonian Era introduced a new type of politician who advocated popular

rule, marking the birth of modern American politics. The author's thesis declares that Andrew Jackson's Age revolutionized American society, creating fundamental political practices and patterns that set the stage for the contemporary America we know today.

According to Remini's book (ii), Jackson spoke, acted, and represented the people as their President, and his beliefs were instrumental in revolutionizing American politics and changing the country forever. Jackson's leadership fostered a truly popular government in essence, with Americans consistently showing their support for him since his enthusiastic first election.

An increase in voter turnout and scrutiny of candidates occurred, while the rotation system allowed for a greater representation of the public in government. Additionally, heightened political party involvement contributed to the progress of democracy in the country. Ultimately, Andrew Jackson facilitated a stronger connection between the government and its citizens.

According to Remini (66), the time period was known as the era of "Jacksonian Democracy" due to the leadership of Andrew Jackson, who set a precedent for future presidents. His determination to "save the Union" was successful during a time when slavery was becoming a national issue, and his handling of these challenges was unparalleled, as evidenced by the failure to avoid the Civil War years later (Remini, 84). As a president who had taken an oath to uphold the Constitution and enforce federal laws, Jackson did not tolerate resistance to the national government, utilizing military force when necessary.

(Remini, 102-103) Jackson's extensive use of vetoes after the Bank War demonstrated an increase in presidential power. The war also caused a significant shift in the government's structure. As Remini (123) explains, even if Congress deems a bill constitutional, Jackson

believed that it didn't have to be signed if he believed it to be unconstitutional.

According to Remini (136), all individuals have an equal right to legal protection. During the age of Jackson, the political system underwent important changes. The process involved a wider range of individuals, representing different sections, states, classes, economic interests, and political beliefs across the nation. This resulted in successful elections and served the purpose of democracy. Jackson's leadership caused a shift in government, eliminating the traditional notion that voting was exclusively for the affluent. He marked a new beginning in American politics by asserting that the President is directly accountable to and elected by the people.

"The revolutionary philosophy of Andrew Jackson, as highlighted by Remini in his book, altered the trajectory of presidential history, particularly in terms of its relationship with Congress and the American people. This innovative era laid the foundation for future practices and marked the political dawn of modern America," states Robert V. in critique.

Despite retiring from teaching humanities and history at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Remini still holds the esteemed title of professor. He is a respected author with expertise in the Jacksonian Era evident in his numerous novels about the time. Renowned for his qualifications as a consultant for "The Papers of Andrew Jackson," a project dedicated to publishing all important documents and correspondence from Jackson's life, and as Historian of the United States House of Representatives charged with studying and recording its history, Remini is highly regarded by many. Even visiting Politics Professor at Coastal Carolina University, Christina Jeffrey, affirms that he is undoubtedly superbly qualified for the role of Historian of the

House of Representatives (Goodman, 2).

According to Goodman (4), Remini is considered "one of our greatest living American Historians." In The Revolutionary Age of Andrew Jackson, Remini includes many quotations from documents of the Jacksonian Age, giving the book a more narrative tone and offering proof for Remini's arguments. Remini cites various prominent individuals, including historical figures, travelers, and foreign visitors of the time, to describe the changes in American society. For example, Daniel Webster's words suggest that the Jacksonian Age differed "wholly [sic] of a different character from the past," while an Englishman noted that the continent "present[ed] a scene of scrambling and roars with greedy hurry" (Remini, 5). To describe Rachel Jackson's death, instead of simply stating facts, Remini uses vivid language. He notes that Jackson spent the night by Rachel's side grieving, looking deeply into her face and feeling her pulse because he was utterly devoted to her.

According to Remini's work (28), a presentation's effectiveness is not only improved by genuine pieces of hard evidence, but also by the author's writing style. Remini presents a thesis with ample proof to support his claims about the Jacksonian Era, which largely comes from dialogues of significant figures and common people, elevating the book's credibility since American life changes can't be confirmed without direct quotes from that time. The author has expertly arranged all of this evidence to bring the Age of Andrew Jackson to life in political, economic, and social aspects. Remini’s comprehensive and fair-minded explanations of each area help bring out the essence of this time in history.

Richard Norton Smith praises Remini's "impeccable" research and masterful storytelling in his book The Revolutionary Age

of Andrew Jackson. Remini portrays Jackson as a protagonist and the other figures as antagonists, highlighting the undeniable change sparked by the Age of Jackson in modern day government. Overall, the book proves to be an interesting exploration of this pivotal historical period.

According to Remini (102), Jackson made an oath to uphold the Constitution and execute the laws of the US, characterizing his opponents like Nicholas Biddle as "arrogant" with questionable integrity. This book is an essential read for comprehending modern US government and is lauded for its innovative approach to history. Although both The Revolutionary Age of Andrew Jackson and The American Pageant arrive at the same conclusion, they present contrasting perspectives on Jackson's career, with the latter engendering a more pessimistic mood toward the man compared to Robert V. Remini.

While the spoils system was discussed in different ways, Remini's book presents it as a "rotation" system and a democratic tool that created a closer relationship between the government and its people. The American Pageant acknowledges its importance in the emerging two-party order, but focuses on negative aspects, such as the one million dollars extracted by Samuel Swartwout in a scandalous manner from the Washington government. In contrast, The Revolutionary Age of Andrew Jackson provides a more positive portrayal. Similarly, the nullification crisis of the 1830s was also approached differently by different sources.

According to the textbook, Calhoun was viewed as the savior of the country, preventing armed conflict. The book also criticizes Jackson, referring to him as a contentious leader who warned states against seceding. This sentiment is echoed in the book Revolutionary Age of Andrew Jackson, which praises the president for his

commitment to upholding the Constitution. Both books agree that should the "nullies" and the Union clash again, finding a compromise would be even more challenging. (Pageant, 265; Remini, 102)

Differing presentations of the Native American problem have been presented. In The American Pageant, Jackson's comment, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it," along with his callous remark about the Congress defending the Indians was noted (Pageant, 267). However, Remini argues that Jackson's actions were motivated by concern for the well-being and civilization of the Native Americans, which contradicts the previous portrayal (Remini, 111). Regardless, the outcome remains that the Native Americans were relocated to reservations after efforts to assimilate them into white culture failed.

The American Pageant gives a brief account of President Andrew Jackson and lacks the detail found in Remini's The Revolutionary Age of Jackson. The divergent perspectives on Jackson are intriguing, as some view him as highly controversial while Remini presents a differing viewpoint. While The American Pageant provides factual information, The Revolutionary Age of Andrew Jackson offers an engaging narrative that celebrates the victories of a former icon of American democracy.