Andrew Jackson: Hero or Villain?


Lesson Plan

Andrew Jackson

8th Grade Language Arts Common Core Standards

-RI.8.6. Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.



-SL.8.1 Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.

-SL.8.1 Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.

-SL.8.1 Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.

-W.8.1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.



-W.8.1. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

-W.8.1. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

-W.8.1. Establish and maintain a formal style.

-W.8.1. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

8th Grade Social Studies Common Core Standards

Theme: U.S. Studies from 1492-1877: Exploration through Reconstruction

-Explain how cultural biases, stereotypes and prejudices had social, political and economic consequences for minority groups and the population as a whole.

-Using examples, explain how media and communication technology influence public opinion.

Duration of Lesson:

4 (50 minute) class periods

Learning Objectives:

-Students will compare/contrast the information in their textbook about Andrew Jackson to political cartoons of the era.

-Students will identify symbols, allusions and stereotypes used in these cartoons

-Students will infer the intended message and tone of the Jackson era cartoons

-Students will identify any biases in the cartoons and check for historical accuracy

-Students will use the information in their textbook, along with the political cartoons in order to formulate their own opinion about the Jackson Administration

-Students will write an opinion essay that articulates their personal stance on Andrew Jackson’s character, using proper writing conventions


The purpose of this lesson is to compare history textbooks to editorial cartoons of the Jackson Era in order to illustrate varying opinions on the character of Andrew Jackson. Students must evaluate the cartoons, determine historical accurateness, and identify any biases. Then, they must juxtapose the information in their textbooks to the cartoons and formulate their own opinions about Jackson. Those opinions will then be expressed in an opinion essay, using their findings as details to support their ideas.


This is an integrated unit between language arts and social studies classes. Prior to the lesson, the students will have already learned about symbolism, allusions and stereotyping in their language arts class. In social studies class, they will have already read and learned about Andrew Jackson as he his portrayed in history books. Have them list Jackson’s presidential accomplishments. (Side note: our district’s textbook portrays Jackson in a more heroic light, barely mentioning The Trail of Tears. If your text is different, the twenty dollar bill is a good resource/argument that Jackson is considered a hero in American History.)


-The Opper Project’s Reading an Editorial Cartoon handout

-An editorial cartoon that is not relevant to the lesson. I use Ben Franklin’s Join or Die cartoon because it is familiar to the students

-Editorial cartoons 1-4 with publishing information (for students) and accompanying transparencies (for teacher)

-Cartoon Jigsaw Handout (one for each student, as well as 1 transparency for each group)

-History Textbook and/or twenty-dollar bill

Instructional Steps:

-Day One: Using The Opper Project’s Reading an Editorial Cartoon handout and Ben Franklin’s Join or Die cartoon, demonstrate to students how to read, critique and understand a political editorial cartoon.

-Day Two: Divide the class into 4 groups. Assign each group one of the Jackson Era cartoons. Using yesterday’s Reading an Editorial Cartoon handout and the Cartoon Jigsaw handout, have each group analyze their assigned cartoon. Then,

when each group is finished with their portion, have them share their findings with the class. As each group shares, the rest of the class can be filling in the information in their graphic organizers.

-Day Three: Students go to library and/or computer lab to research the topics reflected in the political cartoons. (Trail of Tears, U.S. Banks, etc.)

-Day Four: As a class, create a T-Chart of the pros and cons of Jackson’s presidency, based on their research. Then, assign the opinion essay. Be sure to thoroughly review the rubric and expectations.

Post Assessment:

-Personal Essay Question: In your opinion, was Andrew Jackson a hero or a villain? Use at least three historically accurate details to formulate your opinion. Use the rubric to guide you.

Extension Activities:

-Students who believe that Jackson is a hero can create their own editorial cartoon, depicting him the way they feel he should be perceived.

-Put Jackson “on trial,” having the students prosecute or defend his character.

Editorial Cartoons Used in this Lesson:

1. Creator: Benjamin Franklin

Title: “Join or Die”

Publication: Unknown

Publication Date: May 1754

Summary/Description of cartoon or source: French and Indian War

2. Creator:

Title: “King Andrew I”

Publication: Unknown

Publication Date: 1834

Summary/Description of cartoon or source: Andrew Jackson is portrayed as a tyrant.

3. Creator: D.C. Johnston

Title: “ Symptoms of Locked Jaw”

Publication: Unknown

Publication Date: 1834

Summary/Description of cartoon or source: Henry Clay is sewing Andrew Jackson’s mouth shut.

4. Creator: Unknown

Title: “The Attack on the Bank: Altar of Reform”

Publication: Unknown

Publication Date: Unknown

Summary/Description of cartoon or source: Cabinet “rats” are scurrying off.

5. Creator: Unknown

Title: “Jackson is to be president and you will be hanged.”

Publication: Unknown

Publication: 1828

Summary/Description of cartoon or source: Jackson is hanging a man from a tree.