Sud666's Reviews > American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

"Jackson had many faults, but he was devotedly attached to the Union, and he had no thought of fear when it came to defending his country....With the exception of Washinton and Lincoln, no man left a deeper mark on American history; and though there is much in his career to condemn, yet all true lovers of America can unite in paying hearty respect to a man who was a true American, who served his country valiantly on the field of battle against a foreign foe, and who upheld with the most staunch devotion the cause of the great Federal Union.."
-Teddy Roosevelt

Teddy Roosevelt's summation of Andrew Jackson is truly a superb encapsulation of his life. At once admirable, yet capable of some acts that are anything but. Andrew Jackson had grown up poor. He rose to prominence during his battle for New Orleans. During his Presidency, he left an office far more powerful and, yet, more responsive to the mood of the people. President Jackson was a very strong advocate of the Union and of the common citizens. Yet, he supported Slavery and was responsible for the Cherokee Trail of Tears. As with most people, a complex man.

Jon Meacham's excellent biography details all these aspects of President Jackson. It is also full of interesting politics that I was unaware of, such as the diplomatic conflict over the Eaton family and how that affected his Cabinet choices.

Jackson's time saw the American nation grow in power and expand into new areas. While he was for American expansion, he was opposed to the concept of a central US bank. His epic political showdowns with Henry Clay and John Calhoun are also excellently described.

A complex and hardly perfect, Meacham's balanced history is an excellent read for anyone interested in this most important President who did so much to establish the modern United States.