Here is the Tennessean editorial I wrote on the change to the $20 bill. Comments on the Jacksonian American Facebook page already reflect exactly what I was arguing against: We Americans can't seem to find a way to understand our nation's past without either vilifying or valorizing those who lived in it.
The $20 Bill and Jacksonian Mythology
I've watched with keen interest the discussion about the $20 bill that has taken place over the last week or so. Most commentators seem to support the decision to move Andrew Jackson to the back of the bill and place Harriet Tubman on the front. I may have a published piece on this topic coming … Continue reading The $20 Bill and Jacksonian Mythology
Andrew Jackson’s Otherworldly Regrets
Betsy Phillips at the Nashville Scene has written an interesting piece on nineteenth-century Spiritualism's treatment of Andrew Jackson. In particular, she noted the claims by Isaac and Amy Post, in their 1852 Voices from the Spirit World, that Jackson told them that he "was wrong in almost every thing" that he did during his lifetime. If you're like me, you probably … Continue reading Andrew Jackson’s Otherworldly Regrets
Donald Trump: A Modern-Day Andrew Jackson?
In a recent Minnesota Star Tribune editorial, Stephen B. Young, global executive director of the Caux Round Table, calls Donald Trump a modern-day Andrew Jackson. His argument centers on an understanding of both men as populist tribal leaders defending the middle class against "the effete elite." Some of Young's analysis rings true, but he repeats some … Continue reading Donald Trump: A Modern-Day Andrew Jackson?
Library of Congress Digitizes Andrew Jackson Papers
The Library of Congress has digitized its collection of Andrew Jackson's papers. You can find a description of the collection's organization at the link. While the papers have been digitized, they have not been transcribed or annotated. Still, this project opens up enormous possibilities for those who study Jackson's personal life and political career. The … Continue reading Library of Congress Digitizes Andrew Jackson Papers
New Book Series on Jacksonian America
Beth Salerno and I are co-editing a new book series at Vanderbilt University Press (VUP). Entitled New Perspectives on Jacksonian America, the series will examine the period from 1812-1861, which generally spans the decades when Andrew Jackson was a significant figure in life and death. The chronological definition of the series recognizes the importance of the War … Continue reading New Book Series on Jacksonian America
Should Harriet Tubman Replace Andrew Jackson on the $20?
As I've written about previously, the push to remove Andrew Jackson from the $20 continues. The Women on 20s website announced that Harriet Tubman was the choice of those who voted in its poll. The campaign has gained a lot of media attention and has led to the introduction of a bill in the U.S. House … Continue reading Should Harriet Tubman Replace Andrew Jackson on the $20?
Paperback Edition of Andrew Jackson, Southerner Out in September
If you're looking to assign a Jackson biography for next year's courses, LSU Press will be releasing the paperback edition of Andrew Jackson, Southerner on September 28. You can read some of the reviews of it here and here.
248 Years Later, Andrew Jackson Remains Controversial
Today commemorates Andrew Jackson's 248th birthday, and it's safe to say that he remains controversial. Today's Nashville Tennessean editorial page shows the divide. Howard Kittell, CEO of the newly named Andrew Jackson Foundation (previously the Ladies' Hermitage Association), makes the case that the new exhibit at The Hermitage seeks "to present Jackson in a truthful … Continue reading 248 Years Later, Andrew Jackson Remains Controversial
Remembering Monty Pope
When I wrote the dedication to my first book, I thanked six educators who had invested in me, from elementary school through graduate school. All of them were significant in their own way, but Monty Pope was without a doubt the most influential person in setting the course of my career. He mentored me throughout … Continue reading Remembering Monty Pope
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 