Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson

My paper discusses the challenges faced by Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson, as well as their unique approaches to overcoming them. It also examines the differences and similarities between the two, and delves into the views they held.

Just like every president, Thomas Jefferson faced challenges and made significant achievements. He won the 1800 election against John Adams and aspired for the people to see him as one of their own. However, just before leaving office, John Adams filled the court with as many Federalists as possible, making it difficult for Jefferson to pass legislative measures. I found this to be a highly unfair practice.

Andrew Jackson, too, encountered challenges and triumphed with impressive achievements similar to Thomas Jefferson. Although he won the popular vote, he did not succeed in winning the Electoral College election. Consequently, Andrew Jackson accused John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay of strikes a corrupt bargain. This led to the Democratic-Republicans splitting in two, with Jackson's supporters identifying as Democrats and his opponents named as Whigs.

Despite these challenges, Thomas Jefferson had significant achievements. His first notable act was spearheading the Revolution of 1800 without inciting any violence. Jefferson's second achievement was facilitating the Louisiana Purchase. In my opinion, this was a smart move as it expanded U.S. territory, allowed more opportunities for exploration, and gave Americans control of the Mississippi River. His third major accomplishment was the creation of the Embargo Act. When Britain and France were at war, both countries attacked American ships. In response, Jefferson established an embargo that restricted American ships from trading with European nations to avoid the U.S. entering the war. I regard this as an astute decision.

Similar to Jefferson, Andrew Jackson also achieved multiple feats during his presidency. His first achievement was introducing different campaign strategies such as popular rallies, parades, and nominating conventions. He also transformed voting rights by not requiring white men to own any land. His third notable accomplishment was leading the United States forces in the Creek War against the Native Americans.

Thomas Jefferson faced multiple challenges but managed to find solutions for them. One obstacle was being a Democratic-Republican in a court dominated by Federalists, which led to the rejection of many of his ideas. Another difficulty was during the war between Britain and France, when neither nation wanted to trade with the United States, prompting him to quickly create the Embargo Act. Another challenge occurred when he instructed the Secretary of State, James Madison, not to deliver the commissions to William Marbury.

Like Jefferson, Andrew Jackson also faced numerous challenges. He was confronted with the tariff issue of 1828 when South Carolina declared it unconstitutional, leading to Jackson's nullification. Another difficulty was his decision to abolish the national bank, which was perceived to solely benefit the wealthy. The third considerable challenge was his enforcement of the Cherokee Indians' displacement, known as the Trail of Tears. His justification was a fear that the Cherokee Indians would ally with the United States' enemies.

Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson faced very different challenges. Jefferson grappled with issues such as the Embargo Act, while Jackson found himself dealing with the relocation of the Cherokee Indians. However, their approaches differed sharply; Jefferson opted for peace, while Jackson was more aggressive. During his term, Jefferson faced another challenge as the courts were filled with Federalists. Jackson, on the other hand, contended with abolishing the national bank. Jefferson, despite his ideas being constantly denied, merely tolerated it. Jackson didn’t approve of the national bank and took decisive action to eliminate it. Jefferson was challenged when he failed to deliver papers to William, whereas Jackson confronted the issue of nullification. Jefferson took such a step to help him navigate his predicament with the courts, while Jackson used nullification to aid others.

Even though both Jefferson and Jackson aimed to improve the United States, I believe Thomas Jefferson was the most successful president. His success can be attributed to accomplishments like the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the nation, according to the book. In my opinion, this was an impressive feat that greatly benefited the United States.

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