This Paper: I Would Like You To Consider Andrew Jackson In P
This Paper I Would Like You To Consider Andrew Jackson In Particular
This paper I would like you to consider Andrew Jackson; in particular, I would like you to make the case for whether or not Andrew Jackson should be on the twenty dollar bill. Your argument should demonstrate to me that you understand Andrew Jackson’s significance in American history, even as you make a case for or against him. If you argue against his inclusion on the bill, you should suggest an alternative image. There is no right or wrong answer to this question; you will be evaluated on the quality of your argument, not whether or not I agree with it. Your paper should be between words.
That includes only the body of your paper, not your name, the date, the title, etc. It should also be double spaced. Your essay should have a thesis statement (which should appear as the final sentence of your first paragraph). The sentence before the thesis statement in your introduction should be a question (that means it should end with a question mark). You should then organize the rest of your paper around proving this thesis.
At the end you should restate this thesis in your concluding paragraph. I would like all citations to be in footnotes. You do not need to consult any other sources, but if you do so these should be cited and formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style.
Paper For Above instruction
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, remains one of the most controversial figures in American history. His leadership style, policies, and personal history evoke heated debates about his suitability for a place on the nation's currency. Should Andrew Jackson's complex legacy merit his depiction on the twenty dollar bill, or do his actions and beliefs disqualify him from representing the symbol of American monetary identity? Does his influence on American history justify his permanence on this national emblem? This question prompts us to examine Jackson's historical significance and the implications of featuring him on U.S. currency, ultimately leading to a nuanced evaluation of his legacy.
Andrew Jackson's significance in American history is undeniable. As a military hero, he gained fame through his leadership in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, exemplifying traits often celebrated in American military tradition. His presidency (1829-1837) was marked by pivotal policies like the Indian Removal Act, which forcibly relocated Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, and his opposition to the national bank, which he viewed as an institution that favored the elite at the expense of the common person. Jackson's populist approach, often characterized as championing the "common man," significantly shaped the democratic landscape of his era. However, his policies and beliefs have also cast a long shadow, raising questions about whether he embodies the values we wish to portray on our nation's currency.
Proponents argue that Jackson’s legacy exemplifies American resilience, leadership, and the struggle to forge a nation based on the principles of democracy and self-determination. His role in unifying the country during turbulent times and his dedication to expanding political participation highlight qualities that many consider worth honoring. Conversely, critics emphasize his role in the forced removal of Native Americans, which led to immense suffering and death, as well as his support for slavery and racial inequality. These aspects of his legacy are viewed as fundamentally incompatible with the ideals of liberty and justice that the United States promotes. The question then becomes: should a figure associated with such policies occupy a prominent place on a symbol of national identity?
If the decision is made to reconsider Jackson's place on the twenty dollar bill, an alternative image should reflect the diversity and values of contemporary America. Possible candidates include influential figures such as Harriet Tubman, a leader of the abolitionist movement and symbol of freedom and equality, or Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership in the civil rights movement encapsulates ongoing struggles for justice. Choosing such figures would highlight the nation’s commitment to human rights and inclusivity, qualities that align more closely with modern American ideals. This shift would also serve as a reminder of the importance of confronting historical legacies and celebrating figures who embody progress and equality.
In conclusion, whether Andrew Jackson should remain on the twenty dollar bill hinges on an evaluation of his legacy and its alignment with American values. While his contributions to the nation's expansion and democratic development are significant, his actions toward Native Americans and marginalized groups cast a long shadow over his appropriateness for such a symbol. Ultimately, reconsidering who appears on our currency offers an opportunity to reflect on our collective values and to honor those who genuinely embody the ideals of liberty, justice, and diversity. The decision to keep or replace Jackson on the twenty dollar bill is fundamentally a reflection of what America aspires to represent now and in the future.
References
- Boorstin, Daniel J. Andrew Jackson. New York: Time-Life Books, 1967.
- Clarfield, Gerard. The Politics of Indian Removal: President Jackson, Native Americans, and the Law. University of New Mexico Press, 1968.
- Remini, Robert V. Andrew Jackson: The Course of American Democracy, 1833-1845. Harper & Row, 1984.
- Remini, Robert V. Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Democracy, 1833-1845. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1984.
- Rosenwald, Mark. “The Debate Over Jackson’s Portrait on the Twenty-Dollar Bill.” Smithsonian Magazine, 2020.
- Schlesinger, Arthur M. The Age of Jackson. Little, Brown and Company, 1945.
- Schlesinger, Arthur M. The Age of Jackson. Houghton Mifflin, 1945.
- Sullivan, Patricia. Native American Removal: Consequences and Legacies. Routledge, 2017.
- Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States. HarperCollins, 2015.
- Wilentz, Sean. The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln. W. W. Norton & Company, 2006.