Francescia OliverMay 3, 2014History 1301Mr. WithersAndrew Jackson, hero or villain? Enemy of the enemy? Brave or cowardly? Good or bad? Hero or villain? What category does our beloved seventh President Andrew Jackson fall into? Has it done more good or harm for our country? Has he made efforts to move America forward or simply push us backwards? Many will fully support both sides. However, with major contributions such as winning the Battle of New Orleans, the Indian Removal Act, and saving our country from the national debt. These few things, along with many others, mark (I believe) Andrew Jackson as a HERO of his time, a just and sincere man. Jackson came from nothing, he wasn't born with fame or money, yet he built a lifestyle despite the difficulties. the fact of being born in poverty. At just 13 years old he joined the army. This in itself is a sign of early courage. At the age of 14 he was left without parents, an orphan and had to grow up independently and grow up quickly. Having said that and dealing with those few tribulations at such a young age instilled strong-willed and unpredictable ways in him as a man. He had a "don't mess with me" nature. With a negative view of the British already within him due to a time in his youth when he refused to clean a British officer's boot, he became a prisoner of war (PBS "A War Hero") along with the officer, physically harming and scarring Jackson for life. That moment in his life changed his attitude towards the English. Therefore any “revenge” he was able to seek was justified. In 1814, when the British attacked and burned much of the city of Washington, as it was called at the time, motivated Jackson. His first plan of attack was to capture Flo... in the middle of a sheet of paper... on a hero. In the end, what Americans need to understand is that yes, Andrew Jackson made multiple decisions that served America well. Did he make some unfavorable decisions? Yes, what is important is that more good is done to benefit us as a nation. Brinkley Eve stated that Jackson was strongly committed to preserving that union and so he was. If we take a step back and place ourselves in that time frame, it is inevitable that Jackson was doing everything he could to make our country better and to help the common man. Even in the 18th century. Of course those decisions when viewed from today's perspective would paint him as a villain, but overall what he did for our country was what the people wanted and what he needed to do, he did, comparing him to some of our recent leaders of today. Andrew Jackson Good, brave, hero after all.