Sharp Knife: Andrew Jackson and the American Indians

Drawing on a wide range of sources, this book exposes Andrew Jackson's failure to honor and enforce federal laws and treaties protecting Indian rights, describing how the Indian policies of "Old Hickory" were those of a racist imperialist, in stark contrast to how his followers characterized him, believing him to be a champion of democracy. • Offers a chronological account of the life of Andrew Jackson, with particular attention to his interactions with Native American peoples as he advanced through various positions of power • Provides an extremely detailed look at Andrew Jackson's abuse of power in dealing with Native Americans and at the underlying racist ideology that, in Jackson's mind, justified his denial of the rights they had previously been guaranteed under federal law • Presents fascinating factual information that will interest general readers, in particular individuals concerned with the origins and impact of racism in American history; with the U.S. presidency; and with the abuse of presidential power