Andrew Jackson's win over John Quincy Adams in 1828 was a vindication of his loss in 1824. Adams's earlier selection over Jackson was achieved through the "corrupt bargain," in which he was chosen by the House of Representatives. Jackson relentlessly attacked corruption in the Adams administration, which touted its commitment to restore purity in the White House.

In his landslide 1828 win, with 56% of the popular vote, Jackson became the first president elected from west of the Appalachian Mountains. In office, one key issue was his veto of the Bank of the United States charter. His popularity kept climbing, leading to his 1832 re-election.

Beginning in 1830, the federal Indian Removal Act began the relocation process that deprived millions of Native Americans of their land, opening it to white people. The related Trail of Tears, from 1835 to 1838, forced indigenous people to endure a grueling and often fatal march away from their home territories. This is one of Jackson's most barbaric and inhumane legacies.

Jackson is also credited with strengthening the federal government through supporting the Nullification Proclamation. This forbade states from nullifying federal laws, a significant step in the budding conflict that would erupt with the Civil War.

A major crisis that began in Jackson's administration (but was not resolved by Jackson) was Texas declaring independence in 1836, a situation that Jackon's successor, Martin Van Buren, had to handle.

References

• millercenter.org