M Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson (1767–1845), the seventh President (1829–1837), was a populist leader and war hero of the Battle of New Orleans. He ushered in the era of “Jacksonian Democracy,” expanding voting rights for the common man. His presidency was marked by his strong use of the veto, the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears, and opposition to the national bank.

Interesting anecdote: Jackson had a pet parrot named Polly that reportedly had to be removed from his funeral because it kept loudly swearing. This colorful story underscores Jackson’s fiery personality – even his parrot had a feisty vocabulary.