Andrew Jackson

American General
7th US President
1767-1845

Certainly one of the shining military stars of the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson had a dislike for the British that stemmed from what he saw as a child in the struggle for independence.

He was quarrelsome, fought duels and criticised the American government for declaring war on Britain.

However, with the die cast, he volunteered his Tennessee militia for active service.

During 1813 and 1814, Jackson fought the Creek Indians and finally defeated them, then illegally occupied a Spanish base at Pensacola, Florida.

His next military operation was probably his most famous and he was sent to prepare the defences of New Orleans in case of British attack.

His planning worked perfectly and a British move against that city was thrown back at the bloody battle of New Orleans.

A lawyer by profession, Jackson then returned to politics and he became the seventh President of the United States in 1828.