Andrew Jackson and his policies strengthened the new American
nationalism. Through his actions during his presidency, he changed the
nation into a more nationalistic country. Jackson was a man of the
people, and he strongly felt that the common man was the power behind
government. There were many different aspects that mirrored Jackson
and American nationalism. Many factors, including his personality, his
policies, his actions, and the way he mirrored American nationalism
changed America into what become less of an aristocracy and more of a
democracy to benefit the common man. Jackson was a man of humble
background. In his time, a man that was born in a cabin was looked
upon highly, and some of those with more noble upbringings actually
apologized for not being born in more humble surroundings. Jackson was
a brash, strong-willed man. He first got his fame in 1815 when he
defeated the British Army at New Orleans with his untrained militia.
Then in 1818, he violated Spanish territory without any authorization
and hung 2 Spanish subjects for supposedly aiding some of the Indians
that were being hunted. He lost the election for presidency in 1824,
and claimed it was done so by a "corrupt bargain: between Adams and
Clay. He finally got his presidency in 1828. Most of his votes came
from the West and South. When he was in office, he made it clear that
he would get his way. He was labeled "King Jackson the First" by some
and he expanded the power of the President. He supported a strong
national government and used his power to get what he wanted. He
vetoed 12 times in his 2 terms in office. His presidency was one of
violence, and a sort of monarchy rule.
The second main point that Jackson strengthened nationalism is
his policies while in office. Jackson firmly believed that the
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