#18 Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States. He was the first president to create the spoil system which meant that when he was elected he fired most of the staff and hired many of his friends. He felt this promoted democracy. During his term as president, Andrew Jackson issued the Indian removal act which forced the Cherokee Indians to move out of Georgia. This inspired a law suit which made its way all the way to the Supreme Court and though they ruled the Indians should not have to move, Andrew Jackson ignored their ruling and sent troops to Georgia to have them removed from the land. This became known as the Trail of Tears. His nickname was Old Hickory became he was noted to be very tough and had been in several duals. Later on in his life there was an assignation attempt where the assassin missed and Andrew Jackson proceeded to beat him with his cane. Andrew Jackson, during his presidential campaign was called a Jack Ass. He liked the phrase so much he decided to keep the symbol as the official mascot of the Democratic Party.