Andrew Jackson

Profession: US President and General

Nationality:

Political Party: Democratic-Republican, Democratic
Political Titles: Senator from Tennessee, 1st Territorial Governor of Florida, Member of the United States House of Representatives from Tennessee's At-Large District

Presidential Term: March 4, 1829 - March 4, 1837
Preceded By: John Quincy Adams
Succeeded By: Martin Van Buren

Biography: Nicknamed 'Old Hickory', Jackson served as the 7th President of the United States (1829-1837). The son of Irish immigrants, he was orphaned at the age of 14. Jackson began his career as a lawyer in Tennessee, becoming a land speculator and was one of the 3 founders of the city of Memphis in 1819.

After joining the Tennessee Militia, Jackson rose to become the General in charge. He fought in the War of 1812, defeating the Red Sticks at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814 and the British in The Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

Jackson ran for president in the 1824 election, but the House of Representatives voted in John Quincy Adams as president in the second instance of a contingent election after no candidate won a majority of electoral college votes. Jackson railed against this as a "corrupt bargain" and he and his supporters formed the Democratic Party in response. Jackson was eventually succeeded Adams in 1828 and became the 7th President.

His two terms in office were marked by several important events. Believing that the National Bank was a corrupt institution, he authorized its dismantling, and in 1835 he became the only president to pay off the National Debt. He confronted South Carolina during the Nullification Crisis, eventually ending the dispute by amending controversial tariffs and threatening to use military force. In 1830 he signed the highly controversial Indian Removal Act, which forcibly moved Native Indians to Indian territories, and he also vehemently opposed abolitionism.

Jackson retired from office in 1837, and though his reputation was initially positive it declined during the civil rights movement as a result of his opinions on slavery and his removal of the Indians.

Born: March 15, 1767
Birthplace: Carolinas, USA
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: June 8, 1845 (aged 78)