Some History, in Case You Think Andrew Jackson Belongs on Our $20

U.S. leaders used a variety of dishonest, manipulative, and violent methods to remove American Indians from their ancestral lands. In many instances, American Indians were forcibly removed from their homes, placed in internment camps, and relocated (without their belongings) to other lands, by foot. Many would die along such journeys. Estimates suggest that 20% of Choctaws died on such a journey and many Cherokees died along the Trail of Tears. Americans would often “negotiate” purchases from land-owning American Indians, knowing that their agreements were manipulative. Andrew Jackson acquired land in such ways. State governments violated treaties and Andrew Jackson, then president, feigned helplessness over state governments and refused to enforce Supreme Court rulings which sided with American Indians.

While the oppression of American Indians and African Americans share common themes (European-American “civilization” vs. “savagery” of communities of color) and similar predatory lending practices that would operate as methods of keeping communities of color in continuous debt, it seems that the ways that European Americans approached each community had to do with power differentials. American Indians were initially given more respect and autonomy (in some ways) than African Americans, perhaps because when Europeans came to the U.S. and encountered American Indians, they often needed their assistance in order to survive.

As time went on and Europeans adapted to their new situation and became the dominant, more weaponized group, they no longer gave American Indians due respect and proceeded to (in more up-front ways) displace American Indian communities and take their land, culminating in the 1871 Indian Appropriation Act, which ceased recognition of Indian government. However, African Americans were brought to the United States (for the most part) with a clear goal of subordination and position as property. While both groups were regarded as “savage” and “less than,” American Indians were free when they first encountered white settlers, whereas African Americans were brought to the U.S. in bondage. This led to Europeans initially treating American Indians as though they had more authority (or, more accurately in most situations, manipulating American Indians into subordinate positions by taking advantage of their trust and unfamiliarity with European language and customs).

People like Andrew Jackson were major players in the disenfranchisement, genocide, and enslavement of Americans.  Celebrating him by singling him out as one of few presidents who deserves placement on currency celebrates the wrong elements of our American history.  Harriet Tubman is someone we should celebrate-- she risked her life time and again to liberate people from enslavement; Andrew Jackson was a racist, genocidal slave-holder who refused to respect the laws of our country in favor of theft and genocide.  He ran the first mud-slinging political campaign, which he won by making up lies about his opponent.  Andrew Jackson was not an honorable man.  He was power-hungry, hateful, and had no problem murdering and stealing from "little people" to get his way.  He had no respect for the authority of our supreme court and is an all-around poo.  Get him off my currency.