Andrew Jackson and an “American Braveheart” (A Don’t Know Much About® Minute)

We don’t celebrate Andrew Jackson’s birthday today on March 15. But the ATMs we use spit out a lot of $20 bills with his portrait.

The question really is, does Andrew Jackson deserve his place on the twenty? Jackson was the dominant political force in American in the early 19th century. But he was also an unapologetic slaveholder and ruthless in his treatment of the Native American nations– both as a soldier and as president. Just ask William Weatherford.

Do you know the name William Weatherford? You should. He was a charismatic leader of his people who wanted freedom and to protect his land. Just like “Braveheart,” or William Wallace of Mel Gibson fame.

Only William Weatherford, also known as Red Eagle, wasn’t fighting a cruel King. He was at war with the United States government. And Andrew Jackson.

You can read more about William Weatherford, Andrew Jackson, and Jackson’s role in American history in A NATION RISING

PBS also offers a good look at the different sides of Andrew Jackson