Name:

Andrew Jackson: “Old Hickory”, or the Common Man

SWBAT identify Andrew Jackson’s importance in history starting with the Battle of New Orleans.

Part 1: BrainPop, Reading, and Questions

Section1: Beginnings of Greatness

Andrew Jackson was one of the most controversial leaders in American history. He was an orphan by the age of fourteen, and due to his resiliency he became a lawyer and wealthy landowner in Nashville by his twenties. He served as both a Congressman and senator, but it was his military career that made him a national hero. He conducted major military operations while he was a General in the War of 1812, and became a hero when he won the Battle of New Orleans for the Americans in 1815. After the battle his status was considered similar to that of George Washington.

During the war he led his troops against the Creek Indians where he was extremely successful. After his battles, he was allowed to negotiate the treaty between the Americans and the Creeks, where he took away half of their land in the United States, including a lot of it for himself and his friends.

  1. What battle did he win during the War of 1812 that made him a war hero? ______
  2. What did Jackson do to the land of the Creeks? ______

Section 2: Jackson Becomes President

In 1828, Jackson became the seventh President of the United States. His forceful personality and uncompromising political leadership greatly influenced the times in which he lived. “Jacksonian Democracy” is a term that historians use to describe his politicization of the government, and his championing of the “common man” against the rich. Jackson was also one of the oldest men to become president so far, earning him the nickname “Old Hickory” due to his age and his strength as a leader.

On May 28, 1830, he signed the Indian Removal Act, which paved the way for the removal of Native American communities that blocked expansion of white settlements. During his presidency nearly 50,000 Native Americans were forced to relocate west of the Mississippi River. This came to be known as the “Trail of Tears”.

  1. In 1828 Jackson became what? ______
  2. What was Jackson’s nickname and why was he given it? ______
  3. What was the name of the Act that Jackson signed that removed the Native Americans? ______

Part 2: Graphic Organizer

Identify the role that each term has to do with Andrew Jackson.

Theme / Definition / Picture
War of 1812
Presidency
“Old Hickory”
Indian Removal Act

Part 3: Identify, Identify, Identify

Which one of the following does NOT describe Andrew Jackson? (Cross out the incorrect answer)

A. known as “Old Hickory”

B. served as the 7th President of the United States

C. President during the War of 1812

D. served as a General at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812

E. helped create the Indian Removal Act in 1830