American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House is a Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of President Andrew Jackson written in 2008 by historian Jon Meacham. The book focuses on Jackson’s transformative and often controversial time in the White House, exploring themes of democracy, the Expansion of Executive Power, leadership, and the interaction of the personal and public, including the Impact of Personal Character on Public Duty and the Intersection of Private Lives and Public Roles. Meacham presents a complex portrait of Andrew Jackson, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of his presidency and the lasting impact of his leadership on the nation.

This guide uses the 2008 Random House print edition.

Content Warning: The book includes historical descriptions and language that reflect the attitudes and perspectives of the early 19th century, including discussions of slavery, Indigenous American displacement and genocide, and political violence.

Summary

American Lion opens with a detailed account of Andrew Jackson’s early life, providing background on the experiences that shaped his character and political philosophy. Born into poverty on the frontier, Jackson faced numerous personal hardships, including the loss of his family during the American Revolution. These formative experiences imbued him with a fierce independence and a sense of resilience. The book also covers his rise to national prominence through his military victories, most notably the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. These experiences set the stage for Jackson’s tenacity and his commitment to defending the “common man.”

The next chapters focus on Jackson’s election to the presidency in 1828, a contentious campaign that signaled a shift in American politics and a victory for average citizens over the established political elite. His presidency transformed the executive role, as the president transitioned from a chief executive for Congress to a representative of the broader populace. Jackson’s inauguration was a demonstration of his populist appeal, featuring unprecedented public celebration and a chaotic reception at the White House.

Jackson’s battle with the Second Bank of the United States, which dominated much of his presidency, is also a major focus of the book. Jackson viewed the Bank as a symbol of elite privilege and corruption, and his efforts to dismantle it were driven by his commitment to a more egalitarian economic system.

Another major event during Jackson’s presidency was the Nullification Crisis, which posed a threat to the Union. Jackson faced off against South Carolina, which declared it had the right to nullify federal tariffs. His response to the crisis reinforced the power of the presidency and demonstrated his dedication to preserving national unity, setting a precedent for future executive actions. A key figure in this conflict was John C. Calhoun, Jackson’s vice president, who was a staunch advocate for states’ rights and played a crucial role in the crisis that highlighted the political and personal rift between him and Jackson. The resolution of this crisis reinforced the power of the presidency and set important precedents for future executive actions.

The book also describes the controversial policy of Indigenous displacement, which led to the forced relocation of Indigenous Americans and the Trail of Tears. Jackson’s belief in the necessity of westward expansion and his paternalistic view of Indigenous Americans drove this policy. Jackson viewed the displacement as beneficial, thinking it would prevent conflicts between Indigenous Americans and white settlers and provide opportunities for expansion into fertile lands. However, the implementation of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the subsequent forced relocations resulted in immense suffering and death for thousands of Indigenous Americans. This policy of displacement exposed the stark contradictions in Jackson’s character and presidency, where his vision for America often came at a great human cost.

Interwoven with these major political battles is the Eaton Affair, a scandal involving the social ostracism of Margaret Eaton, the wife of Jackson’s secretary of war, John Eaton. This personal scandal had political repercussions, leading to Cabinet resignations and a reorganization of Jackson’s administration. The Eaton Affair exemplifies how personal relationships and social dynamics intersected with public roles during Jackson’s presidency, impacting his ability to govern effectively. The influence of Andrew and Emily Donelson, Jackson’s nephew and niece-in-law, respectively, was pivotal during this time. Andrew Donelson served as Jackson’s private secretary, while Emily acted as the White House hostess, both playing crucial roles in managing the social and political fallout from the scandal.

The book concludes with a reflection on Jackson’s legacy and the transformative impact of his presidency. Jackson’s presidency set important precedents for future leaders, illustrating both the potential and the perils of a strong executive.