Life for the young Andrew Jackson was not easy. Life was hard for most people during this time period, but especially for poor Irish immigrants carving out a place in a new world. Andrew Jackson lost both father and mother and was orphaned early. By the age of 13 he was with the military.
He was impulsive and quick to exercise the common means of setting disputes for his time - dueling. Chronically ill and slight of frame throughout his life, he endured various illnesses, wounds, deprivations, and hardships as he forged ahead in his quest to succeed. His goal - the settlement of America. With a high sense of nationalism and impassioned as a commander of the military, he was a strong leader in the growing nation and its struggle to expand its borders. He commanded the Tennessee militia in the War of 1812, led the struggle of the young nation in the bloody Creek Indian conflict, and other battles in the areas now known as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama.
Jackson was known to friend and foe by two names - "Old Hickory" and "Long Knife." He earned them by his determined hard leadership and his ability to strike with force the enemy.
The Indians, the French, the Spanish, and the British were all opponents in Andrew Jackson's journey to grow a great nation. As an Indian fighter, Long Knife (Jackson) was unequaled and greatly respected and feared. As a general, his strong decisions, courage, and firm leadership moved the army forward to victory and Jackson closer to the White House.
His wife of many years was the beloved Rachel whom he loved until the day he died. She was in an abusive marriage when Andrew Jackson began to love her. Though Andrew Jackson and Rachel married after her divorce, there was no scandal involving Jackson.
In 1828, Andrew Jackson became the seventh President of the United States of America.
Paul Vickey has written a short, yet thorough biography revealing much about the boy, the man, the politician, the general, and the President that was Andrew Jackson. The book is a good read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and to school libraries. I gleaned bits of historical information from this read hitherto unknown to me. Were they in my history texts while in school? I don't know. However, I found it quite informative.
"One Man with courage makes a majority."
--Andrew Jackson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: July 17, 2012
ISBN: 9781595554543
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander by BookSneeze on behalf of the publisher Thomas Nelson and author in exchange or my honest review.
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