Jackson’s father Andrew died working their new land before his birth.
As a boy, deprived of education, supervision, standard of living, self-esteem.
At 13 fought the British in the Revolutionary War and was taken prisoner after a defiant show, and after seeing British destroy his caretaker’s home.
His mother died after getting him home from British and trying to extricate his cousins.
Got inheritance from a Scotch relative, which he parlayed into studying law at 18, though his immaturity still showed.
Probably eloped with Rachel before her divorce had been finalized.
Worked as North Carolina’s Western solicitor (in nascent Tennessee).
Started trading land and slaves in the 1790s.
Attended Tennessee’s constitutional convention and had a hand in the state’s naming.
Served as Tennessee’s first and only representative until joining the Senate.
Cheered on Napoleon and despised John Adams and the Federalists.
Thomas Jefferson later said Jackson was unfit for presidency due to his passions.
While state judge, he sought major general of militia, tying in votes with Sevier; Jackson insisted the vote go to the governor, who was a friend.
Friends with Aaron Burr after duel, though not after secession plot.
Called as witness in Burr trial; Jefferson pushed hard for conviction, but Marshall got acquittal.
Got shot in a duel over a horse-racing fracas; survived the shot and killed the guy Dickerson.
Andrew and Rachel adopted one of the Donelson newborn twin boys as their own.
Led militia to Natchez but didn’t fight, so let them back on his own dime.
Got into another fight/duel, with Thomas Hart Benton.
Became major general of Army and negotiated surrender of Creeks.
Kept the British at bay from New Orleans and slaughtered them again to end it.
Suffered constantly from intestinal diseases and chronic pain (bullet).
Subdued the Seminoles in Florida under questionable Constitutional orders.
After Florida fracas went back to Tennessee to retire, but duty called him.
Election decision went to House; hated Henry Clay because he thought there was a bargain for the Secretary of State position in exchange for votes for Adams.
Rachel died of heart attack two months before inauguration.
Defended Eaton’s new wife Peggy against attacks from Calhouns and others.
Jackson’s “second son” Donelson’s wife wouldn’t associate with Peg, so Jackson kept her, and therefore him, from the White House.
Houston was the Tennessee heir apparent, but his marriage quickly collapsed and he fled.
John Calhoun secretly authored South Carolina nullification document that caused stirs.
Clay and Biddle plotted when would be best for Bank’s recharter, vis a vis Jackson’s reelection; they opted to apply before it and risk a veto.
Strong response to South Carolina’s secession talk; put forth simultaneous bills authorizing force and modifying troublesome tariff when averted fighting.
Withdrew funds from Bank unto state banks to challenge Biddle and Bank’s stronghold; economy stumbled but recovered.
Two pistols misfired in assassination attempt by Lawrence.
Houston returned from self-imposed exile and re-earned Jackson’s support.
James Polk the Jacksonian eclipsed Martin Van Buren with his stronger pro-annexation of Texas in 1844.