I am a history buff. I love reading history, biographies, and historical novels, especially those covering early American times, from colonial to the westward expansion.
I also love reading the history of the locality where I call home. In this case, the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Over the past few days, I’ve read through Paul Vickery’s biography of Andrew Jackson. It’s called Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander, and is part of the Thomas Nelson series The Generals. I’ve read and reviewed a couple of other biographies in this series as well, covering the lives of Generals William Tecumseh Sherman and Robert E. Lee. Fascinating lives, all of them.
Jackson is just as well written as the others were. In fact, I was especially intrigued with the portions of Andrew Jackson’s military career that brought him to Florida. I don’t think he came anywhere near where we now live; that all happened north of my location. But I found it fascinating nonetheless.
Jackson was born into a poor family and was orphaned at the age of fifteen. With no family or social standing to rely on, Jackson was truly a self-made man. As a military commander, he instilled discipline and strength in all of those under his command, expecting nothing from them that he didn’t also expect from himself. In fact, he pushed himself to the limits of his health and strength, and beyond, in order to serve and lead his men.
Jackson inspired the men under his command. In response to his strength of character, they bestowed upon him the nickname of “Old Hickory,” which lasted throughout his lifetime, and even to today.
Because of Andrew Jackson, America gained and held onto much of the south, and he defeated the British at New Orleans in the War of 1812. He expelled the Spanish from their holdings in Florida. And he quelled violent uprisings from parts of the Creek and Cherokee tribes, called the Red Sticks.
As a military commander, Jackson was decisive and inspiring. And as a President, he gave us a taste of nationalism for the very first time.
Despite controversy surrounding his policies on Native Americans and his military exploits, Jackson was one of our nation’s strongest leaders, at a time when strength was extremely necessary.
I loved reading Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander, and if you are a student of American history, I’m sure you will as well. I suggest you grab a copy.
While Jackson was an impressive leader, he’s not my favorite President. Both Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan hold that place for me. Who is your favorite American leader? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
If you are interested in reading Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander, by Paul Vickery, you can purchase it at Amazon.com in both print and for the Kindle.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.“