American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

“‘I was born for a storm,’ Jackson once said, ‘and a calm does not suit me.’”

This quote shows Jackson’s readiness to face challenges directly. His life included numerous personal and political battles, from his rough childhood and participation in duels to his contentious presidency. Jackson’s actions during crises, such as the Nullification Crisis and his opposition to the Bank of the United States, demonstrate his tendency to engage actively in conflict rather than avoid it, which relates to the broader theme of the Impact of Personal Character on Public Duty. The passage also shows Jackson’s self-awareness regarding his own nature. He recognized his inclination toward engaging with conflict and took pride in his ability to navigate turbulent situations.

“Wrestling was a common pastime, and a contemporary who squared off against Jackson recalled, ‘I could throw him 3 times out of 4, but he would never stay throwed.’”

Jackson’s determination to get back up signifies his relentless spirit and unwillingness to accept defeat. The anecdote also reflects Jackson’s physical and mental toughness. Wrestling, which requires both physical strength and mental resilience, serves as a metaphor for the challenges Jackson encountered.

“Citizens who visit the President must not fall into the egregious error of supposing that they may treat him as the Farmer of Tennessee, or the unpretending republican.”

This quote shows the duality of Andrew Jackson’s public identity. On one hand, he was the self-made man from Tennessee, a symbol of the common people’s aspirations and values. On the other, as president, he was expected to embody the nation’s highest office with all its associated gravitas and formality.