If there is any president of the United States that I have both disgust and intrigue for, it is Andrew Jackson, the southern president who completely changed the face of the presidency from upper class elite to “man of the people.” A president who approved and carried out the first of many Native American relocation (an early government-approved genocide). What was his presidency actually like? Who was he, as a man? How did he rise to the presidency, and what are the modern-day implications of his policies?
In American Lion by Jon Meecham, Andrew Jackson’s presidency is described for the curious, and biography of the widower is shared for the modern understanding. Jackson was unique in his approach to the presidency, and his new approach did change politics in the USA for ever. Since I feel last night’s election is likewise ushering in a new type of president, it seems appropriate to finally write my thoughts about Meecham’s biography of Jackson, which I read half a year ago.