In the United States, paper currency, commonly referred to as bills or notes, has been a legal tender since 1861, replacing earlier issues of banknotes by state-chartered banks and private banks. The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the United States and its territories. The history of paper money in the United States dates back to the colonial era. The first paper money, known as "bills of credit," was issued by the Continental Congress in 1775 to finance the American Revolutionary War. These bills were not backed by gold or silver, and they quickly lost their value due to inflation.
In 1785, the Confederation Congress established the Board of Treasury, which was responsible for issuing paper money. The Board of Treasury issued two types of paper money: "continental currency" and "loan certificates." Continental currency was not backed by anything and quickly became worthless. Loan certificates were backed by government bonds and were more stable in value than continental currency. However, the government struggled to pay off its debts, and the value of loan certificates declined over time.
The modern $20 bill, which has been in circulation since 1928, features the image of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States.
Who on a 20 Dollar Bill
The $20 bill features the image of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States.
- Andrew Jackson
- Seventh President
- 1829-1837
- "Old Hickory"
- Indian Removal Act
- Nullification Crisis
- Bank War
- Spoils System
- Democratic Party
Andrew Jackson was a controversial figure, but he was also a popular and influential President. His presidency marked a turning point in American history, and he is still remembered today as one of the most important presidents in U.S. history.
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, is featured on the $20 bill. He served from 1829 to 1837 and is considered one of the most important presidents in U.S. history.
Jackson was born in 1767 in South Carolina. He grew up in poverty and had little formal education. However, he was a natural leader and quickly rose to prominence in the military. He fought in the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and he was known for his courage and determination.
In 1828, Jackson was elected President of the United States. He was a strong supporter of democracy and individual liberty. He also believed in the importance of a strong national government. During his presidency, Jackson vetoed more bills than any other president in history. He also signed into law the Indian Removal Act, which forced Native Americans to relocate from their ancestral lands in the East to Indian Territory in the West.
Jackson was a controversial figure, but he was also a popular and influential president. He is still remembered today as one of the most important presidents in U.S. history.
Jackson's legacy is complex and contested. He was a strong leader who expanded the power of the presidency, but he also made decisions that had devastating consequences for Native Americans. He is a reminder that even the most powerful presidents are not above the law and that their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Seventh President
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States. He served from 1829 to 1837. Jackson was a controversial figure, but he was also a popular and influential president. He is considered one of the most important presidents in U.S. history.
Jackson's presidency marked a turning point in American history. He was the first president from the West, and he represented a new generation of leaders who were not part of the Founding Fathers. Jackson's presidency also saw the rise of the Democratic Party, which would become one of the two major political parties in the United States.
During his presidency, Jackson vetoed more bills than any other president in history. He also signed into law the Indian Removal Act, which forced Native Americans to relocate from their ancestral lands in the East to Indian Territory in the West. The Indian Removal Act was a major tragedy for Native Americans, and it is considered one of the darkest chapters in American history.
Despite his controversial legacy, Jackson remains a popular figure in American history. He is remembered as a strong leader who expanded the power of the presidency and who helped to shape the United States into the nation it is today.
Jackson's presidency was a time of great change and upheaval. He was a strong leader who made some difficult decisions, but he also helped to lay the foundation for the modern United States. He is a reminder that even the most powerful presidents are not above the law and that their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
1829-1837
Andrew Jackson served as the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837. His presidency was a time of great change and upheaval. He was a strong leader who made some difficult decisions, but he also helped to lay the foundation for the modern United States.
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Indian Removal Act (1830)
The Indian Removal Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1830 that forced Native Americans to relocate from their ancestral lands in the East to Indian Territory in the West. The Indian Removal Act was a major tragedy for Native Americans, and it is considered one of the darkest chapters in American history.
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Nullification Crisis (1832-1833)
The Nullification Crisis was a political crisis that occurred in the United States in 1832-1833. The crisis was caused by the refusal of South Carolina to pay tariffs that had been imposed by the federal government. South Carolina argued that the tariffs were unconstitutional and that it had the right to nullify them. President Jackson threatened to use military force to enforce the tariffs, and the crisis was eventually resolved.
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Bank War (1832-1836)
The Bank War was a political battle between President Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson believed that the bank was too powerful and that it was a threat to the independence of the United States. He vetoed a bill to renew the bank's charter, and he eventually succeeded in closing the bank.
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Spoils System
The spoils system is a system of patronage in which government officials reward their supporters with jobs and other favors. Jackson was a strong supporter of the spoils system, and he used it to build a loyal following of supporters. The spoils system was eventually replaced by a system of merit-based appointments.
Jackson's presidency was a time of great change and upheaval. He was a strong leader who made some difficult decisions, but he also helped to lay the foundation for the modern United States. He is a reminder that even the most powerful presidents are not above the law and that their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
"Old Hickory"
Andrew Jackson was nicknamed "Old Hickory" because of his toughness and resilience. The nickname was first given to him by his soldiers during the War of 1812. Jackson was known for his ability to withstand pain and hardship, and he was never afraid to stand up for what he believed in.
The nickname "Old Hickory" also reflected Jackson's character. He was a strong and determined leader who was not afraid to make tough decisions. He was also a man of integrity who was always willing to fight for what he believed was right.
Jackson's nickname "Old Hickory" is a reminder of his strength, resilience, and integrity. He was a true American hero who helped to shape the United States into the nation it is today.
Jackson's nickname "Old Hickory" is a fitting tribute to his character and accomplishments. He was a tough and resilient leader who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. He was also a man of integrity who was always willing to fight for what he believed was right. Jackson is a reminder that even the most powerful presidents are not above the law and that their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1830 that forced Native Americans to relocate from their ancestral lands in the East to Indian Territory in the West. The Indian Removal Act was a major tragedy for Native Americans, and it is considered one of the darkest chapters in American history.
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Background
In the early 1800s, the United States government began to expand westward. As settlers moved into new territories, they came into conflict with Native Americans who were already living there. The government's solution to this conflict was to force Native Americans to relocate to Indian Territory, which was located west of the Mississippi River.
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The Law
The Indian Removal Act was passed by Congress in 1830. The law authorized the president to negotiate treaties with Native American tribes to exchange their lands in the East for lands in Indian Territory. The law also provided for the use of military force to remove Native Americans who refused to relocate.
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Implementation
The Indian Removal Act was implemented over the next several years. The government negotiated treaties with many Native American tribes, and some tribes agreed to relocate peacefully. However, other tribes resisted removal, and the government was forced to use military force to remove them. The forced removal of Native Americans was a brutal and traumatic experience. Many Native Americans died along the way, and those who survived were forced to start over in a new and unfamiliar land.
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Consequences
The Indian Removal Act had a devastating impact on Native Americans. The forced removal from their ancestral lands led to widespread death and suffering. The Native Americans who were forced to relocate to Indian Territory faced many challenges, including poverty, disease, and discrimination. The Indian Removal Act is a reminder of the dark side of American history, and it is a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of all people.
The Indian Removal Act was a tragic chapter in American history. It was a violation of the rights of Native Americans, and it had a devastating impact on their lives. The Indian Removal Act is a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of all people, and it is a reminder of the consequences of racism and discrimination.
Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis was a political crisis that occurred in the United States in 1832-1833. The crisis was caused by the refusal of South Carolina to pay tariffs that had been imposed by the federal government. South Carolina argued that the tariffs were unconstitutional and that it had the right to nullify them. President Jackson threatened to use military force to enforce the tariffs, and the crisis was eventually resolved.
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Background
In the early 1800s, the United States was a young and growing nation. The federal government was still weak, and the states had a great deal of power. This led to tensions between the federal government and the states, especially over the issue of tariffs.
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The Tariff of 1832
In 1832, Congress passed a tariff that was very unpopular in the South. The tariff raised the prices of goods that were imported from Europe, and it hurt the Southern economy. South Carolina, which was a major exporter of cotton, was particularly hard hit by the tariff.
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Nullification
In response to the Tariff of 1832, South Carolina passed a law that nullified the tariff. This meant that the state would not collect the tariff, and it would not allow the federal government to collect the tariff within its borders.
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Jackson's Response
President Jackson was furious when he heard about South Carolina's nullification law. He issued a proclamation in which he denounced the law and threatened to use military force to enforce the tariff. He also sent troops to South Carolina to show that he was serious.
The Nullification Crisis was a serious challenge to the authority of the federal government. However, Jackson's strong response prevented South Carolina from seceding from the Union. The crisis was eventually resolved through a compromise that lowered the tariff and gave the states more say in the tariff-making process.
Bank War
The Bank War was a political battle between President Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson believed that the bank was too powerful and that it was a threat to the independence of the United States. He vetoed a bill to renew the bank's charter, and he eventually succeeded in closing the bank.
The Bank War began in 1832, when Jackson vetoed a bill to renew the charter of the Second Bank of the United States. The bank was a private institution, but it had been granted a monopoly on banking by the federal government. Jackson believed that the bank was too powerful and that it was a threat to the independence of the United States.
Jackson's veto of the bank's charter was a major political battle. The bank's supporters, who were known as Whigs, accused Jackson of being a tyrant. Jackson's supporters, who were known as Democrats, accused the bank of being a monopoly that was controlled by wealthy elites.
The Bank War ended in 1836, when Jackson succeeded in closing the bank. The bank's closure had a negative impact on the economy, but it also helped to strengthen the power of the federal government.
The Bank War was a significant event in American history. It was a battle between two powerful forces: the federal government and the private sector. Jackson's victory in the Bank War helped to strengthen the power of the federal government and to lay the foundation for the modern American economy.
Spoils System
The spoils system is a system of patronage in which government officials reward their supporters with jobs and other favors. Jackson was a strong supporter of the spoils system, and he used it to build a loyal following of supporters.
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Background
The spoils system has its roots in the early days of the United States. In the early 1800s, government jobs were often given to people who were friends or family members of the president or other powerful politicians. This system was seen as a way to reward political supporters and to build a loyal following.
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Jackson's Use of the Spoils System
Jackson was a strong supporter of the spoils system. He believed that it was the best way to reward his supporters and to build a loyal following. Jackson used the spoils system to appoint his friends and supporters to government jobs, even if they were not qualified for the job.
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Criticism of the Spoils System
The spoils system was widely criticized, even in Jackson's own time. Critics argued that the spoils system led to corruption and inefficiency in government. They also argued that the spoils system made it difficult for qualified people to get government jobs.
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End of the Spoils System
The spoils system was eventually replaced by a system of merit-based appointments. This system was based on the idea that government jobs should be given to people who are qualified for the job, regardless of their political affiliation.
The spoils system was a controversial practice that was eventually replaced by a system of merit-based appointments. However, the spoils system remains a part of American political culture, and it is still used by some politicians today.
Democratic Party
Andrew Jackson is considered to be the founder of the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. The party was founded in 1828, and it has been in existence ever since.
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Background
The Democratic Party was founded in opposition to the Federalist Party, which was the party of Alexander Hamilton. The Federalists were in favor of a strong central government, while the Democrats were in favor of states' rights.
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Jackson's Role
Andrew Jackson was a strong supporter of states' rights, and he was a natural leader for the Democratic Party. Jackson was elected President in 1828, and he served two terms in office. During his presidency, Jackson vetoed more bills than any other president in history. He also signed into law the Indian Removal Act, which forced Native Americans to relocate from their ancestral lands in the East to Indian Territory in the West.
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The Democratic Party Today
The Democratic Party has changed a lot since Jackson's time. Today, the party is more centrist than it was in the past. The party's platform includes support for social welfare programs, environmental protection, and gun control.
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The Democratic Party and the Presidency
The Democratic Party has won the presidency 16 times, more than any other party. Some of the most famous Democratic presidents include Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama.
The Democratic Party is a major force in American politics. The party has a long and storied history, and it continues to play an important role in shaping the future of the United States.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States:
Question 1: Why is Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill?
Answer: Andrew Jackson is on the $20 bill because he was a popular and influential president who is considered to be one of the most important presidents in U.S. history.
Question 2: What were some of Andrew Jackson's accomplishments?
Answer: Andrew Jackson's accomplishments include defeating the British at the Battle of New Orleans, signing the Indian Removal Act, and vetoing more bills than any other president in history.
Question 3: What were some of Andrew Jackson's controversies?
Answer: Andrew Jackson's controversies include his use of the spoils system, his support for the Indian Removal Act, and his veto of the bill to renew the charter of the Second Bank of the United States.
Question 4: What is Andrew Jackson's legacy?
Answer: Andrew Jackson's legacy is complex and contested. He was a strong leader who expanded the power of the presidency, but he also made decisions that had devastating consequences for Native Americans. He is a reminder that even the most powerful presidents are not above the law and that their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Question 5: Why is Andrew Jackson considered to be a controversial figure?
Answer: Andrew Jackson is considered to be a controversial figure because of his support for the Indian Removal Act, his use of the spoils system, and his veto of the bill to renew the charter of the Second Bank of the United States.
Question 6: What is Andrew Jackson's nickname, and why did he get it?
Answer: Andrew Jackson's nickname is "Old Hickory." He got this nickname because of his toughness and resilience.
Question 7: What was the Democratic Party like when Andrew Jackson was president?
Answer: When Andrew Jackson was president, the Democratic Party was more decentralized and less unified than it is today. The party was also more focused on states' rights and individual liberty than it is today.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Andrew Jackson. He was a complex and controversial figure who left a lasting legacy on the United States.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for learning more about Andrew Jackson:
Tips
Here are some tips for learning more about Andrew Jackson:
Tip 1: Visit the Hermitage.
The Hermitage is Andrew Jackson's home in Nashville, Tennessee. It is now a museum that is open to the public. You can tour the house and learn about Jackson's life and career.
Tip 2: Read a biography of Andrew Jackson.
There are many biographies of Andrew Jackson available. Some popular biographies include "Andrew Jackson" by H.W. Brands and "Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Freedom" by Robert V. Remini.
Tip 3: Watch a documentary about Andrew Jackson.
There are also a number of documentaries about Andrew Jackson available. Some popular documentaries include "Andrew Jackson" by the History Channel and "Andrew Jackson: Good, Evil, and the Presidency" by PBS.
Tip 4: Visit the Andrew Jackson Museum.
The Andrew Jackson Museum is located in Washington, D.C. The museum has a collection of artifacts related to Jackson's life and career. You can also learn about Jackson's role in the War of 1812 and the presidency.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
These are just a few tips for learning more about Andrew Jackson. He was a complex and controversial figure who left a lasting legacy on the United States. By following these tips, you can learn more about his life and career.
In conclusion, Andrew Jackson was a significant figure in American history. He was a strong leader who made some difficult decisions, but he also helped to lay the foundation for the modern United States. He is a reminder that even the most powerful presidents are not above the law and that their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Conclusion
Andrew Jackson was a complex and controversial figure who left a lasting legacy on the United States. He was a strong leader who made some difficult decisions, but he also helped to lay the foundation for the modern United States.
Jackson's presidency was a time of great change and upheaval. He was the first president from the West, and he represented a new generation of leaders who were not part of the Founding Fathers. Jackson's presidency also saw the rise of the Democratic Party, which would become one of the two major political parties in the United States.
Jackson's legacy is complex and contested. He was a strong leader who expanded the power of the presidency, but he also made decisions that had devastating consequences for Native Americans. He is a reminder that even the most powerful presidents are not above the law and that their actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Closing Message
Andrew Jackson was a significant figure in American history. He was a strong leader who made some difficult decisions, but he also helped to lay the foundation for the modern United States. His legacy is complex and contested, but he remains one of the most important presidents in U.S. history.