On March 15, 1767, in a backwoods settlement in the Carolinas, Andrew Jackson was born into poverty, but eventually rose to become a wealthy and successful lawyer and politician. He was a brawler and viewed himself as the direct representative of common man in politics. During the War of 1812, Jackson served as a major general and became a national war hero. This popularity eventually led to him defeating John Q. Adams in the presidential election of 1828.
During his two terms as president, Jackson enacted several controversial policies, including the closing of the Bank of the United States and the Indian Removal Act, which eventually led to the Trail of Tears. Whether you love him or hate him, Andrew Jackson was one of the most influential presidents of his day. Take a closer look at “Old Hickory” and his impact on American history.