How could a President sign The Indian Removal Act of 1830 – which forced the Native Americans tomove away from their homeland intoIndian Territory?

Who was

Andrew Jackson?

Early Background

• Parents were

immigrants from Ireland

• Born in a log cabin in South Carolina on March 17, 1767

• Father died shortly before Jackson was born

Teenage Years

• Known for his quick temper

• Known to be very strong

and determined

• At age 13, he and his brother

joined the Patriots during the American Revolution

• Both were captured by the British

Jailed at 13!

• While Jackson was a

prisoner, he was ordered

to shine a British officer’s boots. When he refused, the officer slashed Jackson across the face and hand with a sword. He had the scars for the rest of his life.

Mom Helped Out

• In jail, the two contracted

smallpox. Their mother

arranged for a prisoner

exchange and they were released.

• Robert died, but Andrew survived.

• Their mother died later from diseases contracted while caring for the soldiers.

• Andrew was raised by a wealthy uncle.

Young Adult

• 1787-Now 20, he

became a lawyer

• 1788-He was appointed attorney general for the Tennessee territory and moved to Nashville

• Made majority of his money from land speculations

• Held several key government jobs

Influence in the Tennessee Territory

• He helped to create the state out of the western lands of North Carolina and helped to write the constitution of TN when it became a state.

• 1796 - TN was admitted into the union and became a state.

Jackson-Dickinson Duel

• 1806-Jackson became involved in a dispute over a horse. Dickinson challenged Jackson to a duel. Although Dickinson shot first, sending a bullet into Jackson’s chest, Jackson shot next and last - killing Dickinson.

                   

The bullet was never removed

This contributed to his health problems later in his life.

Becoming a

War Hero

• Early 1800s - He was appointed major general of the Tennessee militia

• February 1813 - He and 1,500 troops were sent to New Orleans for a British

invasion.* The invasion never transpired, so he

was ordered back to Nashville (no one received pay).

No action

No pay

Jackson was furious

Earning the Nickname “Old Hickory”

• First, he refused to disband.• Short on money and supplies, he

walked along side of his men the entire 500 miles of wilderness back to Nashville.

• His courage and determination earned him his nickname from his men.

Called to duty again

• Over the next few years, Jackson was able to see action.

• He had several victories over the Indians and the British throughout the south.

A Softer Side of Jackson

• After a victory over the Creek Indians, a small infant was

found on the battle field. • Jackson wrote to Rachel, asked her to

care for him as their own because it reminded him of his own situation when younger.

The Big Victory

• Jackson won against the British in the Battle of New Orleans• British 2,000+died, only 13

Americans• Jackson was an overnight war hero• War of 1812 ended and Jackson

returned home to the Hermitage

After the War of 1812

• He was called upon to negotiate treaties with the Cherokees, Chickasaws, and

Choctaw

Andrew Jackson as President

• Continued to keep the nickname Old Hickory (some gave him a new one of King Andrew 1)

• Other presidents had wanted to move the Indians but Jackson was successful

• Jackson signed the Removal Act which eventually forced the Indians to move west to Indian Territory