Question
Directions: Choose ONE of these topics and then use the links within the box to help you research and plan. Your evidence must contain information from at least two sources. Your Facts (Evidence) must be wrote in bold text in your final paper. Below Choose which topic you will be writing on. topic 2 how will history remember andrew jackson Description: “Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson’s election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad.” - Jon Meacham Andrew Jackson is a controversial figure in American history. From the time he spent fighting for independence in the American Revolution to the moment he stepped down as President after his second term in office, Jackson had made a definitive mark in our nation's history. It is up to you to determine how he should be remembered. For this portfolio project, you will explore different fact and event relating to “Old Hickory” Mr. Andrew Jackson. You will then present your findings in a short essay. Your final product will describe your point of view. It should give historically accurate facts. Your portfolio assignment has following steps: Questions to think about: What events did Andrew Jackson take part in? American Revolution Indian Removal Act War of 1812 and Battle of New Orleans Fort Negro Duels Nullification Crisis Compassion for orphans Other (feel free to add something else to this list) How do we view his actions in some or all of the events listed above? Explain how in your opinion, Andrew Jackson is a hero, villain, or something else? Final draft Tips Decide on a claim One way or the other is the focus, not both sides of the argument (You will acknowledge the counterclaim & refute it, but the major focus is on the claim you’re making on your topic. Length: Five (5) paragraph essay (introduction, 2 reasons to support your argument from your research, acknowledge a counterclaim & refute it with evidence, conclusion) Use the outline area to plan. Formal writing Write all paragraphs using Third Person (Don’t use “I,” “you,” “we,” “me,” “us,” or similar pronouns). Video: write in third person This is a formal essay, so your writing should be formal.
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**Outline for Essay on Andrew Jackson's Legacy**
**I. Introduction**
- Present Andrew Jackson as a complex figure in American history, known for both his democratic ideals and his controversial actions.
- Thesis Statement: Although Andrew Jackson is often regarded as a polarizing figure, his contributions to the era of democracy and his role in shaping modern American politics firmly establish him as a pivotal character in American history.
**II. Contribution to Democracy**
- Support Point 1: Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 marked a significant shift towards greater political participation by the common man, reflecting his belief in populism.
- **Evidence: Jackson's presidency symbolized the rise of the "common man" in American politics and a departure from the elitist politics of previous administrations. He expanded suffrage, allowing more white males to vote, thereby increasing public engagement in government.** (Source: Meacham, Jon. "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House.")
- Support Point 2: Jackson's implementation of the spoils system further democratized government by giving ordinary citizens the opportunity to participate in politics.
- **Evidence: By replacing many federal officials with his supporters, Jackson reinforced the idea that government should be responsive to its constituents, ultimately paving the way for future political accountability.** (Source: Remini, Robert V. "Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Empire.")
**III. Acknowledge a Counterclaim & Refutation**
- Counterclaim: Critics argue that Jackson's policies, particularly the Indian Removal Act, were deeply destructive and exemplify his role as a villain in American history.
- **Evidence: The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, resulting in immense suffering and loss of life, particularly during the Trail of Tears.**
- Refutation: While Jackson's actions during this period were indeed tragic and devastating, they must be understood within the broader context of the era's prevailing attitudes towards Native Americans and westward expansion.
- **Evidence: Many leaders of the time shared similar views, and Jackson’s policies, while harmful, reflected the nation’s prevailing belief in Manifest Destiny and expansionism, which many Americans believed was necessary for the growth and prosperity of the nation.** (Source: Prucha, Francis Paul. "The Great Father: The United States Government and the American Indians.")
**IV. Conclusion**
- Summarize how Andrew Jackson's dual legacy as a champion of democracy and a controversial figure due to his treatment of Native Americans creates a complex narrative of his impact.
- Conclude that history remembers Jackson not as a clear-cut hero or villain but as a significant, albeit flawed, architect of modern American democracy who embodied the struggles and triumphs of his time.
---
**Draft of Essay on Andrew Jackson's Legacy**
Andrew Jackson remains one of the most polarizing figures in American history. As a champion of democracy and a pivotal character in the evolution of American politics, he has left an indelible mark that continues to invoke debate and discussion. Although Andrew Jackson is often regarded as a polarizing figure, **his contributions to the era of democracy and his role in shaping modern American politics firmly establish him as a pivotal character in American history.**
One of Andrew Jackson's most significant contributions was his promotion of greater political participation among the common people. **Jackson's presidency symbolized the rise of the "common man" in American politics and a departure from the elitist politics of previous administrations. He expanded suffrage, allowing more white males to vote, thereby increasing public engagement in government.** This shift in political power represented a redefinition of democracy in the United States, placing authority back in the hands of the populace. Furthermore, Jackson’s implementation of the spoils system, which involved replacing many federal officials with his loyal supporters, democratized government. **By replacing many federal officials with his supporters, Jackson reinforced the idea that government should be responsive to its constituents, ultimately paving the way for future political accountability.** This focus on populism and involvement laid down the groundwork for democratic reforms in subsequent decades.
However, not all aspects of Jackson's presidency are viewed positively; critics often focus on his role in the Indian Removal Act as evidence of his villainous legacy. **The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, resulting in immense suffering and loss of life, particularly during the Trail of Tears.** This brutal policy has drawn significant criticism, painting Jackson as an emblem of oppression rather than a champion of the people. Yet, it is essential to examine this issue within the broader context of the time. While Jackson's actions were undoubtedly tragic, **many leaders of the time shared similar views, and Jackson’s policies, while harmful, reflected the nation’s prevailing belief in Manifest Destiny and expansionism, which many Americans believed was necessary for the growth and prosperity of the nation.** Thus, Jackson’s actions can be seen as a reflection of his era, albeit a misguided one.
In conclusion, Andrew Jackson’s legacy is shaped by both his dedication to expanding democracy and the controversial outcomes of his policies, particularly concerning Native Americans. **History remembers Jackson not as a clear-cut hero or villain, but as a significant, albeit flawed, architect of modern American democracy who embodied the struggles and triumphs of his time.** His dual legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the definition of democracy and the historical figures who continue to shape it.
---
### References
- Meacham, Jon. "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House."
- Remini, Robert V. "Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Empire."
- Prucha, Francis Paul. "The Great Father: The United States Government and the American Indians."
**I. Introduction**
- Present Andrew Jackson as a complex figure in American history, known for both his democratic ideals and his controversial actions.
- Thesis Statement: Although Andrew Jackson is often regarded as a polarizing figure, his contributions to the era of democracy and his role in shaping modern American politics firmly establish him as a pivotal character in American history.
**II. Contribution to Democracy**
- Support Point 1: Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 marked a significant shift towards greater political participation by the common man, reflecting his belief in populism.
- **Evidence: Jackson's presidency symbolized the rise of the "common man" in American politics and a departure from the elitist politics of previous administrations. He expanded suffrage, allowing more white males to vote, thereby increasing public engagement in government.** (Source: Meacham, Jon. "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House.")
- Support Point 2: Jackson's implementation of the spoils system further democratized government by giving ordinary citizens the opportunity to participate in politics.
- **Evidence: By replacing many federal officials with his supporters, Jackson reinforced the idea that government should be responsive to its constituents, ultimately paving the way for future political accountability.** (Source: Remini, Robert V. "Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Empire.")
**III. Acknowledge a Counterclaim & Refutation**
- Counterclaim: Critics argue that Jackson's policies, particularly the Indian Removal Act, were deeply destructive and exemplify his role as a villain in American history.
- **Evidence: The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, resulting in immense suffering and loss of life, particularly during the Trail of Tears.**
- Refutation: While Jackson's actions during this period were indeed tragic and devastating, they must be understood within the broader context of the era's prevailing attitudes towards Native Americans and westward expansion.
- **Evidence: Many leaders of the time shared similar views, and Jackson’s policies, while harmful, reflected the nation’s prevailing belief in Manifest Destiny and expansionism, which many Americans believed was necessary for the growth and prosperity of the nation.** (Source: Prucha, Francis Paul. "The Great Father: The United States Government and the American Indians.")
**IV. Conclusion**
- Summarize how Andrew Jackson's dual legacy as a champion of democracy and a controversial figure due to his treatment of Native Americans creates a complex narrative of his impact.
- Conclude that history remembers Jackson not as a clear-cut hero or villain but as a significant, albeit flawed, architect of modern American democracy who embodied the struggles and triumphs of his time.
---
**Draft of Essay on Andrew Jackson's Legacy**
Andrew Jackson remains one of the most polarizing figures in American history. As a champion of democracy and a pivotal character in the evolution of American politics, he has left an indelible mark that continues to invoke debate and discussion. Although Andrew Jackson is often regarded as a polarizing figure, **his contributions to the era of democracy and his role in shaping modern American politics firmly establish him as a pivotal character in American history.**
One of Andrew Jackson's most significant contributions was his promotion of greater political participation among the common people. **Jackson's presidency symbolized the rise of the "common man" in American politics and a departure from the elitist politics of previous administrations. He expanded suffrage, allowing more white males to vote, thereby increasing public engagement in government.** This shift in political power represented a redefinition of democracy in the United States, placing authority back in the hands of the populace. Furthermore, Jackson’s implementation of the spoils system, which involved replacing many federal officials with his loyal supporters, democratized government. **By replacing many federal officials with his supporters, Jackson reinforced the idea that government should be responsive to its constituents, ultimately paving the way for future political accountability.** This focus on populism and involvement laid down the groundwork for democratic reforms in subsequent decades.
However, not all aspects of Jackson's presidency are viewed positively; critics often focus on his role in the Indian Removal Act as evidence of his villainous legacy. **The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, resulting in immense suffering and loss of life, particularly during the Trail of Tears.** This brutal policy has drawn significant criticism, painting Jackson as an emblem of oppression rather than a champion of the people. Yet, it is essential to examine this issue within the broader context of the time. While Jackson's actions were undoubtedly tragic, **many leaders of the time shared similar views, and Jackson’s policies, while harmful, reflected the nation’s prevailing belief in Manifest Destiny and expansionism, which many Americans believed was necessary for the growth and prosperity of the nation.** Thus, Jackson’s actions can be seen as a reflection of his era, albeit a misguided one.
In conclusion, Andrew Jackson’s legacy is shaped by both his dedication to expanding democracy and the controversial outcomes of his policies, particularly concerning Native Americans. **History remembers Jackson not as a clear-cut hero or villain, but as a significant, albeit flawed, architect of modern American democracy who embodied the struggles and triumphs of his time.** His dual legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the definition of democracy and the historical figures who continue to shape it.
---
### References
- Meacham, Jon. "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House."
- Remini, Robert V. "Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Empire."
- Prucha, Francis Paul. "The Great Father: The United States Government and the American Indians."
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