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Rating: 
Summary: The "Corrupt Bargain" and its Affects
Review: During the course of writing these volumes Remini became more and more convinced of the centrality of Jackson's life in the development of this country. Each of his volumes takes this theme and developes the argument in a different way. In volume 1, Remini focused his attention on how Jackson's early military and political career resulted in the vast expansion of the American territory. In this volume, Remini is focusing on how Jackson's first Presidency can be seen as both a renaissance and a remodeling of the republican values that inspired the revolutionary generation to their acts of rebellion and to the founding of a new government.
Those of you who have read my review of the first volume know of my personal dislike for Jackson as a racist and as a violent bully. During the period covered in this book, Jackson comes off better as a person and more efficient as a racist. I am not going to go on too much about Jackson's treatment of the Indians. Remini gives you all the details and has recently written another book focused only on this part of Jackson's life. This is one of the few areas of interpretation that I disagree with Remini. He is a little too willing to write what happened off as inevitable and the product of the time. I will only suggest that there will be many Germans who at some point in time will start to say the same thing. At what point does the passage of time start to imply inevitability and to act as an excuse? Enough on this.
On to the good stuff. This volume is a brilliant work that combines the terse lucid synthesis of the work of other great historians with Remini's own patient and detailed research. I cannot tell you how much I have underlined parts of this book or copied passages into my commonplace book.
In the opening chapters, he lays out the evidence for his thesis that the era of Monroe's presidency was rife with corruption. Jackson became convinced that the government was devolving into a system of patronage, bribery and influence. It seemed as if the President was starting to be able to appoint his successor in that the Secretary of State had usually become the next President. At this time there was no opposing party to the Republican party.
Jackson became the most important single factor in the development of the Democratic Party and indeed bears much of the responsibility for the way the two party system operates today. During the course of his presidency Jackson made major strides in turning this country over from being a republican form of government to a democratic one.
One does not have to read any of the founding fathers very deeply to realize that the original Revolutionary generation had an abiding fear that the people would gain too much power and initiate a form of tyranny especially threatening to the moneyed classes. A good deal of the origin of the electoral college can be traced back to this fear. We couldn't have the people just electing anybody to the Presidency- there had to be a way that more responsible and sober citizens could brake runaway democracy.
Jackson worked to reverse much of this during his tenure in office. He offered several constitutional amendments to eliminate the electoral college. He felt it had been used to subvert the will of the people in 1824 and that it would be again. While running for his second term he encouraged the use of a national nominating convention with freely elected representatives voting on the choices for the Vice Presidency. This was the first time this had been done.
He allowed the working and lower classes into the White House and listened to their complaints and requests. He felt his role was to be their living embodiment. There is no denying that Jackson was a patrician (he owned 150 slaves) but he seemed to feel a remarkable identity with the commoner sort of people in our country.
Jackson is also remarkable for the way that he expanded the power of the presidency during his administration. He used the veto power more times than all of his predecessors combined. He was the first President to use the pocket veto and the first to initiate legislation.
All of the wonderful and bizarre complexity of the man is on display in these volumes. Remini gives wonderfully written and detailed explanations of the inside politics of the administration, the Bank War, the Nullification Crisis, his Indian Removal policy and Jackson's personal life. He hasn't changed my mind about the personal quality of the man but he has made me appreciate many of accomplishments of the man.
This is truly an extraordinary historical work- one of the best biographies I have ever read. If you feel intimidated by the three volumes there is a one volume condensation available. But if you love American history go for the full work. These books will reward the time and effort spent absorbing them.
Rating:
Summary: The "Corrupt Bargain" and its Aftermath
Review: In this, the second (and shortest) installation of three volumes on the life of Andrew Jackson, Robert Remini covers the decade between Jackson�s ostensible retirement from public life after serving a short � and miserable � term as governor of the newly acquired Florida territory to the culmination of his first presidential term. The central issue covered in this volume � indeed, the central issue in Jackson�s political life, as Remini later concludes in Volume III � is the presidential election of 1824 and the so-called �corrupt bargain� between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay to deprive Jackson of the presidency despite his commanding lead in the popular vote. For Jackson, it was conspiracy of the wealthy elites against a commoner, and it proved that the American republic itself was in mortal jeopardy. The defeat served as a catalyst for Jackson�s passionate, almost obsessive commitment to �reform and retrenchment,� which Remini weaves together with the character developed in Volume I. It was his quest to avenge the loss of 1824 (and the honor of the American people who had been swindled) and sweep the �augean stables� of corruption and graft in Washington that led to the great democratic movement that bears his name. (It should be noted that Harry Ammon and other leading historians of the Monroe and Adams administrations stridently contest Remini�s assertion that the Era of Good Feelings was actually the �Era of Corruption.�) For those of you who puzzled over Washington�s obsession with the Monica Lewinsky affair, you will be amused to read that the dominating issue of Jackson�s first term was the reportedly lascivious nature of Peggy Eaton, the wife of Jackson's old friend and secretary of war. This so-called �Petticoat War,� which saw the wives of other cabinet members and senior officials � mostly notably vice president Calhoun�s wife, Floride � shunning social interaction with Peggy, literally ripped the cabinet asunder and very nearly toppled the government. Remini tells the story with verve and wit, which at times reads more like a Sidney Sheldon novel than a volume in a definitive presidential biography.
Rating: 
Summary: A Detailed Look at Jackson's First Term
Review: Remini gives a very detailed account of Andrew Jackson's first run at the Presidency and his subsequent first term. Remini does an excellent showing the famed temper of Jackson along with his suspicions of conspiracies against him. To his credit, Remini displays the worst and best of Jackson;s characteristics. This volume only covers a 10 year period so it is able to go into great depth of both elections during that time and Jackson's first term as President. Jackson shows unfailing loyalty to those he considers friends even to a point that hurts him politically. This second volume provides some facts that have been often overlooked in history. Remini has definitely researched his subject very well.
Rating: 
Summary: Middle volume of a magisterial trilogy
Review: The second volume of Remini's celebrated biography is inevitably rather less intriguing than the first. While it's predecessor was largely about military campaigns and duels, this volume is more focussed on such dynamic topics as debt repayment and, especially, the controversy over renewing the charter of the US Bank. The controversial election of 1824 is covered in detail and well explained. Remini also shows how the aftermath of that election reshaped American politics - the parties became far more organized. Although the Democratic Party is spoken of as having been created by Jefferson, Jefferson was the leader of a group or faction more than a true party. In a real sense it was created as a party when Calhoun and Van Buren agreed to unite their factions behind Jackson for the election of 1828. The new era of national parties was illustrated in 1831-32, when, for the first time, national conventions were held to nominate presidential candidates. (The Democrats were so firmly Jackson's party that they didn't bother to formally nominate him, meeting mainly to ratify his desire that Van Buren replace Calhoun as the Vice Presidential candidate.) Also covered at length is the bizarre 'War of the Petticoats', when Jackson's cabinet was torn apart over the fact that some officials and their wives, spreading lascivious rumors about Peggy Eaton, wife of the Secretary of War, refused to appear at social events to which the Eatons were invited. However absurd the incident sounds, the consequences were significant. Along the way, I learned quite a few things ranging from remarkable to trivial. For instance, I had never suspected that Jackson was the first President to veto a bill with a veto message that centered on what he believed to be the faults of the bill. All prior vetos (there were only a few over 40 years) had been based on arguments that the bills vetoed were unconstitutional. Vetoing partially on the merits (Jacvkson also thought the bill unconstitutional) was considered at the time a shocking extension of executive power. I also learned that Jackson had the first 'kitchen cabinet', a term that dates from the tensions in the cabinet over the Petticoat War. The kitchen cabinet, those friends who Jackson trusted more than many of the men in his official cabinet (also called the 'parlor cabinet' at the time) was so called because they supposedly used a back staircase from the White House kitchen to meet Jackson in his study. Overall, a strong history with clear writing, a remarkable central character, and intriguing glimpses at the period covered.
Rating:
Summary: Middle volume of a magisterial trilogy
Review: The second volume of Remini's celebrated biography is inevitably rather less intriguing than the first. While it's predecessor was largely about military campaigns and duels, this volume is more focussed on such dynamic topics as debt repayment and, especially, the controversy over renewing the charter of the US Bank. The controversial election of 1824 is covered in detail and well explained. Remini also shows how the aftermath of that election reshaped American politics - the parties became far more organized. Although the Democratic Party is spoken of as having been created by Jefferson, Jefferson was the leader of a group or faction more than a true party. In a real sense it was created as a party when Calhoun and Van Buren agreed to unite their factions behind Jackson for the election of 1828. The new era of national parties was illustrated in 1831-32, when, for the first time, national conventions were held to nominate presidential candidates. (The Democrats were so firmly Jackson's party that they didn't bother to formally nominate him, meeting mainly to ratify his desire that Van Buren replace Calhoun as the Vice Presidential candidate.) Also covered at length is the bizarre 'War of the Petticoats', when Jackson's cabinet was torn apart over the fact that some officials and their wives, spreading lascivious rumors about Peggy Eaton, wife of the Secretary of War, refused to appear at social events to which the Eatons were invited. However absurd the incident sounds, the consequences were significant. Along the way, I learned quite a few things ranging from remarkable to trivial. For instance, I had never suspected that Jackson was the first President to veto a bill with a veto message that centered on what he believed to be the faults of the bill. All prior vetos (there were only a few over 40 years) had been based on arguments that the bills vetoed were unconstitutional. Vetoing partially on the merits (Jacvkson also thought the bill unconstitutional) was considered at the time a shocking extension of executive power. I also learned that Jackson had the first 'kitchen cabinet', a term that dates from the tensions in the cabinet over the Petticoat War. The kitchen cabinet, those friends who Jackson trusted more than many of the men in his official cabinet (also called the 'parlor cabinet' at the time) was so called because they supposedly used a back staircase from the White House kitchen to meet Jackson in his study. Overall, a strong history with clear writing, a remarkable central character, and intriguing glimpses at the period covered.
Rating:
Summary: Detailed and in-depth examination
Review: This is the second book in Remini's trilogy and it's an extremely detailed, well-researched book. 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 Jackson's personal life is exceptional, 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 his political battles, 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. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent second volume.
Review: This is the second volume of a three volume biography of Andrew Jackson. The first volume took us from Jackson's birth through his tenure as territorial Govorner of Florida; this volume takes us from there through his first term a president and his successful bid for re-election. Volume three runs from the beginning of his second term to his death. The marvellous thing about this book, as with the first volume in the set, is that Remini provides the reader with sufficient information that it is possible, with nothing but the information he provides, for the reader to disagree with his apparent opinion of his subject. There are times when I feel that he gives Jackson too much credit, and others when it seems to me that he is too harsh in his judgement, but the important thing is, he gives me enough information to MAKE those judgements. Excellent for anyone interested in a very in-depth and well-balanced look at a very complex and interesting figure in American history.
Rating:
Summary: Jackson's back!
Review: When we last left Andrew Jackson, he had just quit his job as governor of the Florida territory. Having built his reputation on his military actions against Indians and his rout over the British in the Battle of New Orleans, Jackson now had two goals: first, recovering his precarious health, and second, becoming president. In this second volume of Remini's biography of the seventh president, Jackson rises to the pinnacle of his power, though it is by no means easy. First, there is his health: having abused his body over the years in war and duels, Jackson was not in good shape and probably spent the last decades of his life in constant pain which only his vast willpower could overcome. In 1824, Jackson ran for president and despite getting a plurality of the popular and electoral votes, wound up losing to John Quincy Adams that makes the 2000 election seem non-controversial in comparison. Getting cheated (as many felt) would lead to a second, successful campaign in 1828, but even this had a high price, as the slander he was subjected to due to the dubious circumstances of his marriage would emotionally wreck and eventually lead to the death of his wife. The second half of the book focuses on Jackson's first presidential term, ending with his election to a second term. In many ways the first populist president, Jackson redefined the role of the presidency by expanding the power of the veto (rarely used previously and only in limited circumstances) and attempted to clean up the corruption left over from the so-called "Era of Good Feelings." Remini is a great biographer and this book is every bit as great as the first volume. He holds back few punches when it comes to Jackson's negatives, especially his treatment of Indians and his tendency to dwell incessantly on little things (such as the Eaton affair). Nonetheless, this is a generally positive biography, as Remini demonstrates that despite the view that Jackson was an ignorant backwoodsman manipulated by his aides such as Van Buren, Jackson was both intelligent and independent. This is the definitive biography of Jackson. If you want to learn of the man or the era, this is a must-read.
Rating:
Summary: Jackson's back!
Review: When we last left Andrew Jackson, he had just quit his job as governor of the Florida territory. Having built his reputation on his military actions against Indians and his rout over the British in the Battle of New Orleans, Jackson now had two goals: first, recovering his precarious health, and second, becoming president. In this second volume of Remini's biography of the seventh president, Jackson rises to the pinnacle of his power, though it is by no means easy. First, there is his health: having abused his body over the years in war and duels, Jackson was not in good shape and probably spent the last decades of his life in constant pain which only his vast willpower could overcome. In 1824, Jackson ran for president and despite getting a plurality of the popular and electoral votes, wound up losing to John Quincy Adams that makes the 2000 election seem non-controversial in comparison. Getting cheated (as many felt) would lead to a second, successful campaign in 1828, but even this had a high price, as the slander he was subjected to due to the dubious circumstances of his marriage would emotionally wreck and eventually lead to the death of his wife. The second half of the book focuses on Jackson's first presidential term, ending with his election to a second term. In many ways the first populist president, Jackson redefined the role of the presidency by expanding the power of the veto (rarely used previously and only in limited circumstances) and attempted to clean up the corruption left over from the so-called "Era of Good Feelings." Remini is a great biographer and this book is every bit as great as the first volume. He holds back few punches when it comes to Jackson's negatives, especially his treatment of Indians and his tendency to dwell incessantly on little things (such as the Eaton affair). Nonetheless, this is a generally positive biography, as Remini demonstrates that despite the view that Jackson was an ignorant backwoodsman manipulated by his aides such as Van Buren, Jackson was both intelligent and independent. This is the definitive biography of Jackson. If you want to learn of the man or the era, this is a must-read.
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