Book Review Of Andrew Jackson By Robert V. Remini

In the book, Andrew Jackson by Robert V. Remini, Remini attempts to present Jackson in a positive light with a biography. He starts with Jackson’s early life before describing his first careers as a soldier, schoolteacher, and finally, a lawyer. Through his actions as a lawyer is how he began his ascent to from average westerner to powerful politician. The first office he held was that of attorney-general of the Southwest Territory’s Mero district. He went on to hold many other offices before beginning a military career as major-general of the militia.

While in the military, Jackson became a war hero, winning victories against the natives, The British, and The Spainish. He became governor of Florida, which he annexed himself. After his short

After Jackson removed deposits from the Bank of the United States, “Delegations of businessmen from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, and other leading cities caught in Biddle’s squeeze pleaded with Jackson to save them from Bankruptcy… He staged a volcanic rage for their benefit.” P.161 Jackson created a display of anger to scare these men away simply so he would not have to listen to their argument. While he may have been in the right, any man of reason would at least listen to the other side. Jackson, however, is not a man of reason. He does only what he feels is right at the time, making no attempt to determine what is truly

During his time as a lawyer, a debtor, displeased with Jackson, intentionally stepped on his foot. “Without batting an eye, Jackson turned around, picked up a piece of wood, and calmly knocked the man out cold.” P.29 During one case, a lawyer named Waightstill Avery angered Jackson with his sarcasm. “The trigger-tempered Jackson, in a rage, tore out the leaf of a law book, scribbled a few lines on it, and hurled it at Avery.” P.27 Jackson later challenged Avery to a duel. Later, when John Sevier lost the office of attorney-general of the militia to Jackson, the conflict between them escalated to a brawl in Knoxville. “Before a general riot could begin the two combatants were borne away by their friends. Jackson immediately challenged Sevier.” P.41 Yet another duel occurred between Jackson and Charles Dickinson over incendiary words and gambling debts. Unlike the previous duels, Dickinson did not survive this one. Finally, General Jackson assailed Jesse Benton and Colonel Thomas Hart Benton over harsh words spoken publicly about Jackson. Violent behavior such as this is not the mark of a respectable