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How Democratic Was Andrew Jackson Dbq

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Although Andrew Jackson fought to represent the common man he was not a democratic president towards Native Americans as he forced them to perform unbearable acts, Jackson also put the rich and poor communities against each other. Jackson rose to power by expressing his thoughts on representing the middle class. During this election time the US was in debt and by representing the common man Jackson was able to form a group of supporters. People in America were looking for someone to look up to and trust, Jackson portrayed himself as the perfect candidate. Despite the fact Jackson was not very democratic, his actions show that he was democratic towards certain classes, such as the middle class. Andrew Jackson worked to give the common man more …show more content…

In document 2 it states, “Jackson’s victory accelerated the transfer of national power from the country house to the farmhouse, from the East to the West, from the snobs to the mobs.” This statement shows that Jackson worked to get more power for the middle class rather than any other class and succeeded in getting a more power to the people government. Additionally, overtime the white males rights increased. Document 2 proves Jackson was democratic towards certain genders such as males and races such as caucasians. “By 1840 more than 90% of white males could vote… although voting was democratized for white men, restrictions on free African Americans male voters grew tighter, women excluded completely.” By getting more rights for the common white man Jackson portrays himself as a democratic person, the map shows he was for his kind, not others. Furthermore, Andrew …show more content…

The Cherokee natives wanted to keep the land they knew and have lived on, they don’t want the land Jackson’s providing and strongly disagree. Although the natives owned the land first and did nothing wrong Jackson forced them to move killing thousands. In document 9 from the Memorial of the Cherokee Nation the natives state, “We wish to remain on the land of our fathers. We have a perfect and original right to remain without interruption or molestation...On the soil which contains the ashes of our beloved men we wish to live- on this soil we wish to die…” Jackson took the natives homeland, the only place most have known without a care showing he is not democratic. Similarly, the map from document 10 shows the minimal amount of land Jackson gave the natives after forcing them off their home land. This map is from the Indian Removal Act in the 1830’s where Jackson did not compromise or try at all to preserve the natives land. Andrew Jackson could have prevented the Trail of Tears but instead refused to listen to their complaints or compromise with them. Finally, Daniel Webster’s Reply to Jackson’s Bank Veto is a message that questions Jackson and his beliefs. Document 5 states Jackson has too much power and because he is unknown he is dangerous and shouldn’t be trusted. He is also turning social classes against each other creating mass issues. “It manifestly

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