Final Research:

Andrew Jackson and the National Debt

Bailey Austerman

HIST 501: Historical Research

April 4, 2021
2

Introduction

Throughout American History, one of the main topics of political debate has been the

presence of the national debt and the impact that it has on economic standing. Andrew Jackson,

the first of the U. S. Presidents to be born outside of Massachusetts and Virginia, was also the

first and only president to completely pay off the national debt. This significant action set a

precedent for economic prosperity that has yet to be replicated by another Commander in Chief.

When the American Revolution ended, the new country of America began its first days as a

nation indebted to other countries.

The irony that a nation who fought for independence from a governing body now must

work to repay others was not lost on people like Andrew Jackson. A man who fought for

everything that he had obtained, believed that his nation should do likewise. Jackson’s personal

experience of love, loss, war, and peace had formed his character into a strong and impassioned

champion for the common man. Throughout his life, Jackson took a stand for controversial

topics that often led to him losing allies and becoming a foe to so many. During his presidency,

Jackson’s fight to end the national debt was an intrinsic motivation that he fought for despite the

“fool” he seemed to many of his colleagues in the political world. Notwithstanding all this,

Jackson fought on. In 1835, he accomplished his goal of completely paying off the national debt.

Andrew Jackson’s personal experience and interactions in politics motivated him to seek

eliminating federal debt. While many would argue that his actions placed the nation in a financial

crisis, the impact of this financial decision set an unforgettable standard. Despite the lack of

support, Jackson was so motivated and fought passionately in the political and economic realm

to demonstrate his patriotism to his country.

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Jackson’s Motivation to Financial Freedom

Andrew Jackson was born to Andrew and Elizabeth Jackson on March 15, 1767 in South

Carolina. Having emigrated from Ireland, the Jacksons had been living near the border of North

and South Carolina for about two years.1 Jackson’s early life was impacted greatly by the various

battles of the American Revolution. As war raged throughout the Carolina territories, the eldest

Jackson boys enlisted to join the war effort. The example they set for their younger brother

would be impactful as he would go on to join the war at the age of thirteen.2 Andrew Jackson

was a unique young man “known for his fiery temper, fearlessness, playful personality and

daring spirit” far from the character of a Presbyterian minister that his mother had hoped he

would become.3

Andrew Jackson’s career in the public arena began only four years after fighting the

British. In 1784, Jackson was seventeen years old and began an apprenticeship with lawyers in

the area. Soon after, he began to travel the Carolina country practicing law.4 Jackson became

well known for his character. Engaging in numerous duels and heated discussions with those he

came into contact with, Jackson was not one that could subtly slip in and out of any place. In

fact, Jackson’s persistent personality even motivated him to call out certain individuals in

correspondence. In 1788, Waightstill Avery, a lawyer in North Carolina and fellow veteran of

the Revolutionary War, was called out by Jackson in a letter. Jackson’s words were blunt and

purposed as he wrote “When a man’s feelings and character are injured he ought to seek a

speedy redress; you recorded a few lines from me yesterday and undoubtedly you understand

me. My character have you injured; and further you have insulted me in the presence of a court
1
Mullin, Marsha, Chief Curator. “Andrew Jackson's Hermitage: Visit in Nashville, TN.”
The Hermitage. Last modified February 4, 2021. [Link]
2
Mullin, The Hermitage.
3
Mullin, The Hermitage.
4
Mullin, The Hermitage.
4

and a large audience. I therefore call upon you as a gentleman to give me satisfaction for the

same.” 5 Jackson would not tolerate being attacked without an opportunity to defend himself.

Likewise, he was not one to let his own opinion be hid. His personality was determined to call

out cowards and expose intimidators. Any recipient of a letter or conversation with Jackson

never needed to question his stance.

Jackson zealously pursued a life dedicated to his country, countrymen, and family. Even

in instances where he was not able to directly intervene, Jackson made clear his passion for duty

and country. In a letter to his wife, Rachel Jackson, he outlined his experiences from Fort

Strother on December 29, 1813. Jackson stated that he “felt the pangs of an affectionate parent,

compelled from duty, to chastise his child—to prevent him from destruction & disgrace and it

being his duty he shrunk not from it—even when he knew death might ensue” after preparing

dispatches for the Major General Pinckney.6 Jackson was tore up inside to witness this and

recounted “but it is still more painful, to hear of their disorderly, and disgraceful conduct on their

return.”7 Jackson held himself to a high standard and longed to see others uphold the same duty

he believed in completely.

From the moment that Andrew Jackson took his first step towards the presidency of the

United States, Jackson’s opposition increased. However, so did his popularity. James Buchanan

in a letter to Andrew Jackson in 1825 stated that “In my opinion your popularity in this state

[Pennsylvania] is now more firmly established than ever. Many persons who heretofore

supported your election did it chiefly from a sense of gratitude, & because they thought it would

be disgraceful to the people not to elevate that candidate to the Presidential chair who had been
5
Jackson Andrew; Bassett, John Spencer, Editor. Correspondence of Andrew Jackson to
Waighstill Avery. August 12, 1788. Washington, Carnegie Institution of Washington.
6
Feller, Daniel, ed. Andrew Jackson Papers: Letter to Rachel, 29 December 1813.
Washington DC: Library of Congress, 1770-1883.
7
Feller, Daniel, ed. Andrew Jackson Papers: Letter to Rachel, 29 December 1813.
5

so great a benefactor to the country. The slanders which your enemies had so industriously

circulated against your character had notwithstanding produced some effect. Although none of

your friends here ever doubted either your ability or patriotism.”8 While Buchanan did express

some concern towards Jackson’s temper—to which he was not the only one with the concern—

the overall tone of the letter was that of complete favor towards Jackson in Pennsylvania and

well wishes “until the period shall again arrive when the sovereign people shall have the power

of electing another President.”9 Buchanan outlined emotions that many Americans embodied

when selecting Jackson as the candidate for president. Jackson was a personality for the ages and

was not easy to engage with. Nevertheless, Jackson persisted with one major goal in mind for his

nation: the elimination of the national debt.

Living in a state of debt to another was a great source of restlessness for Jackson. On

April 24, 1828, Jackson wrote a letter to John Coffee, a militia general in Tennessee with a

similar heritage to Jackson. Within the pages of the letter, Jackson outlines the grievances he has

with those who harbor debt and continue to collect it. Jackson noted to Coffee that he needed to

clear the debts on the estate in discussion as soon as possible because he “cannot sleep in

debted.”10 This personal conviction carried over to Jackson’s political career as he worked to

eliminate debt for a nation that he fought for. Jackson surrounded himself with men, like Martin

Van Buren, who believed like himself that the “influence which the necessity of creating a new

debt and the fear of doing so would have upon the economy of the Government must be obvious

to all.”11 In his rough draft of his 1829 inauguration speech, Jackson presented his plans for the

8
Feller, Daniel, ed. Andrew Jackson Papers: Letter from James Buchanan, 29 May 1825.
Washington DC: Library of Congress, 1770-1883.
9
Feller, Daniel, ed. Letter from James Buchanan.
10
Feller, Daniel, ed. Andrew Jackson Papers: Letter to John Coffee, 24 April 1828.
11
Feller, Daniel, ed. Andrew Jackson Papers: Letter from Martin Van Buren, 20 February
1832. Washington DC: Library of Congress, 1770-1883.
6

next four years in an authoritative tone but also in a manner that presents his understanding that

his power was given to him by the people of the nation. His diction also expresses the burden he

feels to do right by his fellow countrymen. Jackson outlines with “deep and heartfelt gratitude”

to the position he has been placed in that he will fulfill the financial goal that “all the states are

equal in sovereignty” and it is reasonable “that the expenditures should be distributed regard

being paid first to the national debt.”12

In 1830, Jackson confirmed his stance to his close friend and colleague, Van Buren, who

was the Secretary of State at the time. Jackson was determined to fulfill the expectation of the

people to “reform retrenchment and economy in the administration of this Government. This was

the cry from Maine to Louisiana, and instead of these the great object of Congress, it would

seem, is to make mine one of the most extravagant administrations since the commencement of

the Government. This must not be; The Federal Constitution must be obeyed, State-rights

preserved, our national debt must be paid, direct taxes and loans avoided and the Federal union

preserved.”13 Jackson proclaimed that “these are the objects I have in view, and regardless of all

consequences, will carry into effect.”14

Andrew Jackson was seen by many to be a representative of the common man “against

the educated elite and powerful bankers”.15 As a result, his embrace from the average uneducated

American citizen was often criticized and mocked. This became increasingly common when

12
Jackson, Andrew. Andrew Jackson, March 4. March 4, 1829. Manuscript/Mixed
Material. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <[Link]/item/maj011575/>.
13
Feller, Daniel, ed. Andrew Jackson Papers: Letter from Martin Van Buren, 15 May
1830.
14
Feller, Daniel, ed. Andrew Jackson Papers: Letter from Martin Van Buren, 15 May 1830.
15
Kanefield, Teri. Andrew Jackson: The Making of America #2. Cork: Abrams, 2018.
Accessed February 27, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central.
7

Jackson vetoed the charter for the Bank of the United States. Political cartoons often

demonstrated the disrespect that was hurled at Jackson due to his distrust of banks and holding

debt. Ezra Bisbee in 1834 depicted Jackson playing a fiddle and wearing the crown jewels. In the

background, the burning Capitol building and tombstone for “Dame Freedom” depicted Bisbee’s

dissatisfaction of Jackson’s policies.16 The cartoon also mocks the immigrants and US born

citizens that supported the veto. Additionally, the cartoon makes clear that Jackson’s opponents

felt very strongly that he was violating his constitutional authority and as a result murdered

“Dame Freedom”. Bisbee perceives Jackson to be a power-hungry, backwoods leader, without

the intelligence needed to keep the nation running properly.

Andrew Jackson’s fiery temper would always be his Achilles heel in the attempt to free

the nation from financial bondage. Jackson’s views against the Bank of the United States and its

root in the debt problem would lead to Jackson taking dramatic actions towards William Duane,

Treasury Secretary. Jackson fired Duane when he refused to take action against the bank and

installed Roger B. Taney in hopes of terminating the bank.17 This was not the first time that

Jackson’s temper caused him to respond hastily or rashly and it would not be the last time.

Whether in a heated argument or a sharply worded letter, Jackson was always quick to come to

the defense of himself, his beliefs, or his family. Jackson’s reputation of heated responses, like

that of engaging in a duel with Charles Dickinson over remarks made about Rachel Jackson,

would carry into his political career.18 Jackson often found himself in difficult situations and

16
Bisbee, Ezra. The Vision. Political Hydrophobia, Shewing the Comfort of Crowns, and
How To Obtain Them., 1834. New-York: Published by E. Bisbee. Photograph.
17
Ho, James C. "Misunderstood Precedent: Andrew Jackson and the Real Case Against
Censure." Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy 24, no. 1 (Fall, 2000): 283-307.
18
Johnson, L. Famous Kentucky Tragedies and Trials. Cleveland, Ohio: The Baldwin Law
Publishing company, 1922.
8

found his time in Washington to be challenging due to his “black-and-white view of things”.19 J.

M. Opal catalogs that he often faced difficulty identifying “friend from foe” and “the ambiguous

hierarchies and incessant scheming of Washington made him angry and suspicious.”20

Despite attacks such as the political cartoon from Bisbee and numerous other political

slanders like John Binns personal attacks on Jackson’s military history, Jackson continued in his

efforts.21 Jackson “went so far as to call the public debt ‘a national curse’” and fought against it

with conviction.22 Robert Wright, in One Nation Under Debt: Hamilton, Jefferson, and the

History of What We Owe, catalogs the various spending that led to the accumulated debt. From

the founding of the nation to the Jackson administration, the debt of the nation had become ever

present. Jackson’s predecessor, James Monroe, had attempted to include the national debt on his

political agenda but did not obtain the motivation required. Carl Lane argues in The Elimination

of the National Debt in 1835 and the Meaning of Jacksonian Democracy, that “Jacksonians

believed that achieving national debt freedom would transform the entire nation into the image of

Jefferson’s proverbial farmer and would achieve an objective which had eluded the founders”.23

On January 1, 1835, Andrew Jackson saw his dream fulfilled when the Department of the

Treasury made the last payment towards the national debt. The day was “celebrated…in a style

of splendor which altogether surpassed all former occasions of a like character”.24 The whole of
19
Opal, J. M. Avenging the People: Andrew Jackson, the Rule of Law, and the American
Nation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central.
20
Opal, J. M. Avenging the People.
21
Binns, John. Some Account of Some of the Bloody Deeds of General Jackson. United
States Tennessee Nashville, 1828. [Philadelphia] Photograph.
[Link]
22
Wright, Robert E. One Nation Under Debt: Hamilton, Jefferson, and the History of
What We Owe. McGraw-Hill, 2008.
23
Lane, Carl. "The Elimination of the National Debt in 1835 and the Meaning of
Jacksonian Democracy." Essays in Economic and Business History 25, no. 1 (2007).
24
National Republican Party. Proceedings at the Republican Celebration, at Washington,
of the Extinguishment of the National Debt and the Victory at New Orleans. Washington
[D.C.]: Printed by Blair & Rives, 1835. Sabin Americana: History of the Americas, 1500-
9

“Jackson’s policies aimed at assuring no new debt would be contracted” and the nation continued

on the debt free path for a total of two years before falling to debt again.25

The culmination of experiences from early childhood, to the time served as general, and

then as president, had Jackson moving full speed ahead protecting his values and fighting for the

country that he loved so dearly. Jackson believed that his nation was full of great men that

needed to accept the call to defend the freedoms and liberties within her borders. No greater

example can be seen of this, than that of Jackson’s last will and testament. Within the pages of

Jackson’s will was written a challenge to his son Andrew Jackson Jr. Jackson had recruited his

son to bestow one of his possessions, a gold box, to the New Yorker who has been “adjudged by

his countrymen…to have been the most valiant in defense of his country and our country’s

rights.”26 Robert Cray in The Most Valiant in Defense of His Country, catalogs how the vague

instructions within the will leads Andrew Jackson Jr. to embark on a journey of expressing his

father’s final requests. Jackson’s own character is highlighted in this wish. His dedication to his

country and desire to see others uphold the same is evident within the search of the “most valiant

in defense of his country.”27 Cray discusses the various avenues that Jackson Jr. takes in order to

find the right person worthy of such admiration. President Jackson’s ideas of valor are outlined

within his life’s story and after death, his valor is revived in his son’s adoption of the same

determination. While not a direct factor in the elimination of the national debt, these final wishes

speak to Jackson’s ability to see beyond the present and plan for the nation’s future. Actions that

1926 (accessed March 29, 2021).

25
Lane, Carl. "The Elimination of the National Debt in 1835 and the Meaning of
Jacksonian Democracy." (67-68).
26
Cray, Robert. “‘The Most Valiant in Defense of His Country’: Andrew Jackson’s
Bequest and the Politics of Courage, 1819–1857.” Journal of the Early Republic 38, no. 2
(2018): 231–260.
27
Cray, Robert. “‘The Most Valiant in Defense of His Country’: Andrew Jackson’s
Bequest and the Politics of Courage, 1819–1857.”
10

he took were demonstrative of his desire to see his nation and countrymen improve with each

passing generation. Even in death, Jackson challenged a future generation to be “valiant in

defense of [their] country” no matter the cost.28 For Andrew Jackson, his valiant dedication, was

in establishing the financial freedom and independence for a nation that he loved so completely.

Bibliography

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Balance. United States, 1828. Photograph. [Link]

Binns, John. Some Account of Some of the Bloody Deeds of General Jackson. United States
Tennessee Nashville, 1828. [Philadelphia] Photograph.
[Link]

Bisbee, Ezra. The Vision. Political Hydrophobia, Shewing the Comfort of Crowns, and How To
Obtain Them., 1834. New-York: Published by E. Bisbee. Photograph.
[Link]

28
Cray, Robert. “‘The Most Valiant in Defense of His Country’: Andrew Jackson’s
Bequest and the Politics of Courage, 1819–1857.”
11

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the Politics of Courage, 1819–1857.” Journal of the Early Republic 38, no. 2 (2018):
231–260.

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Publishing company, 1922.

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February 27, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central.

Lane, Carl. "The Elimination of the National Debt in 1835 and the Meaning of Jacksonian
Democracy." Essays in Economic and Business History 25, no. 1 (2007).

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Hermitage. Last modified February 4, 2021. [Link]

National Republican Party. Proceedings at the Republican Celebration, at Washington, of the

Extinguishment of the National Debt and the Victory at New Orleans. Washington
[D.C.]: Printed by Blair & Rives, 1835. Sabin Americana: History of the Americas, 1500-
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