Andrew Jackson and His Indian Wars

by Robert V. Remini

Book Overview

The expulsion of Native Americans from the eastern half of the continent to the Indian Territory beyond the Mississippi River remains one of the most notorious events in US history, and the man most... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670910252
• ISBN13: 9780670910250
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 317 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Best treatment of an oft-ignored topic

This is one of the best studies of any of the American Indian wars in itself but also provides a unique glimpse at the complex character of Andrew Jackson. His faults and failures are not ignored but placed in the proper context of time and circumstances. Included is a fascinating study of his relationship with and great admiration for several Indian leaders. Biographies can become one-sided at times and tend to avoid contradictory behaviour in the individual. Not so in this book where Jackson is one moment compassionate and forgiving and the next cruel and vengeful. All the while, the author is careful to manage the apparent inconsistencies as different aspects of the same inner firey character. It is, at the same time, a bit of obscure American history - perhaps because we would prefer to forget our own inconsistent behaviour as a people with respect to the Native Americans. This book provides a balanced view of two peoples locked in what seems an inevitable cultural war and ignoring the avenues of escape that seem now, in hindsight, all to open to them. It is a sobering story of some great American heroes, Andrew Jackson in particular but others as well from both sides of those wars. Very well done, easy to read, thorough in coverage, addictive in reading.

Biography at its best

This is a magnificent look at Andrew Jackson's war with the Native Americans. So many biographers bury their subject and forget that most readers what to know who their subject *was*, not merely what they *did.* Remini doesn't fall into this trap. He gives the reader a well-grounded and detailed look at Andrew Jackson as a man: his foibles, passions and prejudices, as well as his extreme ambition and vacillating brilliance.Remini strikes a beautiful balance when examining Jackson's private life and military/political life. His examination of the Trail of Tears is absolutely riveting, and he weaves Jackson in and out of the narrative with rare poise and skill. The reader can actually picture Jackson in the midst of this conflict, feel his emotions and understand the decisions he made. When a biographer can paint such a vivid picture, the reader will always be rewarded.This is an excellent book for the entire spectrum of people interested in Jackson. Whether you are a neophyte or an established Jacksonian historian, there is much to enjoy, as well as new material. The footnotes and bibliography are excellent resources and lead to additional sources for the reader. The minute I finished this, I bought the second volume, "Andrew Jackson: The Course of American Freedom, 1822-1832," also available here. This volume is truly an outstanding book

Excellent history

Remini is a terrific writer and scholar. This is an intriguing account of a now-obscure epoch in American history. The author brings to life the discomfort and apprehension suffered by the settlers with hostile and violent tribes as their neighbors and the sometimes tragic way the conflict was resolved. Sometimes the parleys Jackson held with the Indians blur together into one big similar meeting, but this is a minor fault. Just as good as Remini's study of the Battle of New Orleans.

An Interesting Historical Account

Robert Remini has written an interesting historical account of Andrew Jackson's attitude towards the Indian tribes. Remini brings out the point that one has to place Jackson's attitude, in the historical context of those times, where the white man was considered superior to his Indian counterparts. This is a controversial issue that Remini presents whether one can be accountable for the racial biases that occur between people during certain historical times.

an educational study of jackson and us southeast indians

This concise and highly interesting book covers a period of history that was important to the development of the American continent. Unfortunately, the United States' gain was achieved at the great expense of the Indians who inhabited the southeast. Although I thought I knew something about American history, this book showed me how little I knew about this important (and heartbreaking) era when a clash of cultures resulted in Indians being removed from their homes in the woods primarly to the State where I live, Oklahoma, which was created by Congress in 1834, and designated as Indian territory.Remini gives a direct and fascinating look at Jackson and his relentless attacks upon the southeast and southern Indians. Yet Remini shows that Jackson understood the only way that the tribes of southeastern America could survive the interactions with whites (who murdered the Indians and took their land and property) was by removal to Indian territory west of the Mississippi. This policy was made possible, of course, by the Louisiana Purchase. Thomas Jefferson also advocated the removal of Indians to the land that he had acquired by this Purchase.Remini points out that Jackson's fame and ultimate rise to the Presidency resulted from public recognition of his military success and genius, first with regard to the Creeks, then the British, and then the Seminoles and Cherokees. For better or worse, Jackson was the most important figure responsible for the Southeast America that we know today.In this book, when Remini finishes his story, he stops, making this book a treasure. Not a word is wasted, and every page is appreciated. I gained much from reading it.David W. Lee leelawok@mmcable.com