03243nam a2200301u  4500001001100000003000700011005001700018007000300035008004100038010001500079020003100094035002100125040001800146043001200164050002000176082002200196100001800218245007100236260003800307300005400345504006600399520225100465600003202716600005602748600004002804650004202844651005502886212855253 OCoLC 20250701163118.0ta090129s2008    nyuaf    b    001 0beng d  a2008023466  a9781400063253 (alk. paper)  a(OCoLC)212855253  aDLCcDLCdAJM  an-us---00aE382b.M43 200800a973.5/6092aB2221 aMeacham, Jon.10aAmerican lion :bAndrew Jackson in the White House /cJon Meacham.  aNew York :bRandom House,cc2008.  axxiv, 483 p., [32] p. of plates :bill. ;c24 cm.  aIncludes bibliographical references (p. [449]-462) and index.  aThe definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington forever Andrew Jackson, his intimate circle of friends, and his tumultuous times are at the heart of this remarkable book about the man who rose from nothing to create the modern presidency. Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson's election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad. To tell the saga of Jackson's presidency, acclaimed author Jon Meacham goes inside the Jackson White House. Drawing on newly discovered family letters and papers, he details the human drama-the family, the women, and the inner circle of advisers- that shaped Jackson's private world through years of storm and victory. One of our most significant yet dimly recalled presidents, Jackson was a battle-hardened warrior, the founder of the Democratic Party, and the architect of the presidency as we know it. His story is one of violence, sex, courage, and tragedy. With his powerful persona, his evident bravery, and his mystical connection to the people, Jackson moved the White House from the periphery of government to the center of national action, articulating a vision of change that challenged entrenched interests to heed the popular will- or face his formidable wrath. The greatest of the presidents who have followed Jackson in the White House-from Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt to FDR to Truman-have found inspiration in his example, and virtue in his vision. Jackson was the most contradictory of men. The architect of the removal of Indians from their native lands, he was warmly sentimental and risked everything to give more power to ordinary citizens. He was, in short, a lot like his country: alternately kind and vicious, brilliant and blind; and a man who fought a lifelong war to keep the republic safe-no matter what it took.10aJackson, Andrew, 1767-1845.10aJackson, Andrew, 1767-1845xFriends and associates.10aJackson, Andrew, 1767-1845xFamily. 0aPresidentszUnited StatesvBiography. 0aUnited StatesxPolitics and governmenty1829-1837.