Teaching the history of America inevitably brings students face-to-face with complex figures—none more layered than Andrew Jackson. As the seventh president of the United States, Jackson’s legacy is full of contradictions. He was hailed as a hero of the common man and criticized as a champion of policies that led to great suffering. How can homeschool families teach about Andrew Jackson in a way that is honest, age-appropriate, and rooted in truth? Let’s walk through key elements of Jackson’s life and presidency, using rich tools from SchoolhouseTeachers.com to support your lessons.
History of America and the Rise of Jacksonian Democracy
The “Age of Jackson” marked a seismic shift in American politics and society. Jacksonian Democracy emphasized the role of the “common man” and broke down some of the elitist traditions of earlier administrations.
- Democratic Society Emerges: In the early 1800s, America was moving away from rigid class distinctions. However, this democratic expansion was limited—voting rights still only applied to white males.
- Political Changes: Jackson’s era saw the rise of universal white male suffrage, party nominating conventions replacing “King Caucus,” and the popular election of presidential electors.
- New Political Culture: The two-party system became national in scale. Campaigning turned into a spectacle, and negative “mudslinging” became common. Jackson’s “spoils system” rewarded political allies with government jobs, justifying it as rotation in office.
To bring this era to life, try the History Around the World course on SchoolhouseTeachers.com. Fourth and fifth graders study American and world history through reading assignments, comprehensive questions, reflective questions, and several projects.
History of America: The Election Battles and Jackson’s Rise
The election of 1824 was fiercely contested. Jackson received the most popular and electoral votes, but not the majority. The House of Representatives chose John Quincy Adams instead, aided by Henry Clay—who then became Adams’s Secretary of State. Jackson’s supporters called it a “corrupt bargain.”
In 1828, Jackson came back with a vengeance. Campaigning as a man of the people, he won decisively. This set the stage for one of the most controversial and influential presidencies in the history of America.
Teaching the Presidency of Andrew Jackson
A Symbol of the Frontier
Jackson was the first president born in a log cabin and the first without a formal college education since George Washington. A war hero and a self-made man, Jackson became a national symbol of the expanding frontier spirit.
Strong Executive Leadership
Jackson dramatically increased the power of the presidency. He used the veto more than all his predecessors combined and believed strongly in states’ rights—so long as they didn’t interfere with national unity. His “kitchen cabinet” of informal advisors made headlines.
Controversial Moments
- The Peggy Eaton Affair: This social scandal led to the resignation of most of Jackson’s cabinet and deepened his rift with Vice President John C. Calhoun.
- Indian Removal Act (1830): Jackson signed into law the forced resettlement of Native tribes. Despite Supreme Court rulings (Worcester v. Georgia) protecting the Cherokee, Jackson refused to enforce them. This led to the Trail of Tears, where thousands died on forced marches.
- Nullification Crisis: South Carolina declared federal tariffs unconstitutional, citing Calhoun’s nullification theory. Jackson responded with strength, passing the Force Act but resolving the crisis through compromise.
Bank Veto: Jackson vetoed the re-charter of the Second Bank of the United States, seeing it as unconstitutional and harmful to the common man.
Jackson’s Legacy and the Two-Party System
Jackson’s presidency strengthened the Democratic Party. His opponents, the Whigs, formed in response, favoring a stronger role for Congress and a more restrained executive.
Final Years of Jacksonian Influence
- Jackson diverted federal funds to “pet banks,” contributing to the Panic of 1837.
- The Specie Circular required gold and silver for federal land purchases, undermining paper money.
- In 1836, Jackson stepped down, and his chosen successor, Martin Van Buren, took office but was plagued by financial crises.
By 1840, the Whigs claimed victory with William Henry Harrison’s “Log Cabin and Hard Cider” campaign—only for him to die one month into office.
Teaching Tools and History Resources
Bring this era and other eras of American History to life with these courses from SchoolhouseTeachers.com:
- 📘 Pre-Civil War to Reconstruction – Fifth- and sixth-grade students explore topics like slavery, Westward expansion, the Gold Rush, Age of Jackson, Native Americans, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.
- 📗 American History for Beginners – Great for younger students needing a gentler introduction.
- 📕 Understanding Modern History – Eleventh- and twelfth-grade students delve into both American and world history from 1756 to the present.
Andrew Jackson at a Glance
| Event | Year | Significance |
| Election of 1828 | 1828 | Start of Jacksonian era |
| Indian Removal Act | 1830 | Led to Trail of Tears |
| Nullification Crisis | 1832-33 | Tested federal vs. state power |
| Bank Veto | 1832 | Strengthened presidential power |
| Panic of 1837 | 1837 | Economic downturn from Jacksonian policies |
FAQ: Teaching Andrew Jackson
Q: Should we teach the flaws of historical figures like Jackson?
A: Yes. Teaching both achievements and failures helps students develop critical thinking and moral reasoning.
Q: How do I approach sensitive topics like the Trail of Tears?
A: Be honest but age-appropriate. Discuss injustice in light of Scripture (e.g., Micah 6:8, Psalm 56:8, Jeremiah 31:16) and affirm the value of every life.
Q: Was Jackson a hero or a villain?
A: He was both admired and condemned. Encourage students to explore primary sources and come to thoughtful conclusions.
HomeschoolingFinds.com Author
This article has been written by Kristen Heider. She is the Director of Marketing for The Old Schoolhouse® and the Social Media Manager of HomeschoolingFinds.com. She shares more about her family’s homeschooling journey at A Mom’s Quest Teach.