Andrew Jackson rose from humble beginnings to become the seventh president of the United States in 1828. Jackson's rise in popularity and power coincided with the prevailing rise of democracy in America. Although President Jackson was one of the most influential presidents in history, he remains one of the most controversial. During Jackson's administration he supported the will of the people, yet he neglected the minority and abused his power as president. President Andrew Jackson has been appropriately designated as the “People's President” because he personifies the conflicted history of American democracy. There were a number of social and economic changes that occurred in the Union in the 1800s that created the ideal environment for Andrew Jackson's rise to power. The new market economy was “producing a more stratified and unequal society, at the same time national politics was becoming more democratic.” (Davidson p.207) The Panic of 1819 led to America's first great depression. (Davidson p.201) Many Americans believed that the depression was caused by policies and corruption in the federal government and the national bank. In turn, Americans called for equal opportunity and “agreed that one of the primary objectives of government was to safeguard opportunity.” (Davidson p.207) Therefore the new market economy and the demand for equal opportunities led to greater democracy and voter participation. The 1824 election only further fueled public suspicions of government corruption. The House of Representatives had decided the 1824 election because no candidate had a majority in the electoral college, even though Jackson had won the popular vote. When Henry Clay, Speaker of the House of Representatives, used his political influence and declared... in the middle of the paper... the timing of his presidency, the increase of democracy and his beliefs shared by the American people who elevated him to “People's President”. One could argue that Jackson did not deserve the title because he failed to serve “all people.” America exists thanks to the sacrifices of all peoples, of Native Americans, of African slaves; all white European settlers played a significant role in the development of the nation. During the Jackson administration, discrimination against blacks and Indians deepened and increased. The number of slaves grew and the Indians were once again forced to leave their lands. All these actions of Jackson in reflection are horrible crimes against humanity but they also contributed to the development of the nation, as it exists today. History has shaped America, we cannot change the past, let's hope we can learn from it.