Andrew Jackson: Hero or Villain?

My 8th Grade Historians are continuing their analysis of Andrew Jackson this week. Students will be examining the issues surrounding his life and presidency including his military victory during the War of 1812, the aftermath of the Missouri Compromise, the Bank Panic of 1837, the Indian Removal Act, and the perspectives of various groups in American society in both the North and the South in the early 1800s. They will culminate their learning by writing an essay taking a stand on whether they believe Jackson was a hero or a villain. The discussions have already proven to be interesting--I am blown away by their ideas and insights.

I have honed this culminating project over the last few years and each year students have, in fairly equal numbers, proven him to be both. I enjoy reading why they think what they think and how they use the evidence presented in class to justify their viewpoints.

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