Question

Andrew Jackson appealed to many "common" Americans in the early 19th century because A) he represented the aristocratic ideal they wished to attain. B) he had once been poor and was distrustful of elite politicians. C) people wanted a President who was neither Democrat nor Republican. D) industrialists believed his economic plan would boost American businesses.

Answer 1

I think the answer is B) he had once been poor and was distrustful of elite politicians.

Answer 2

B) He had once been poor and was distrustful of elite politicians.

Andrew Jackson's reputation of "self-made man", his different ways of doing things, his skepticism against people of wealth and elite politicians and reliance on his "kitchen cabinet" instead, made him gain popularity and admiration of a lot of people.

Unlike any other president, Jackson was born poor, in the backwoods settlement of the "Californias", and went through difficult times during his youth, and even though he eventually became a wealthy Tennessee lawyer and rising young politician, he kept the skepticism against wealthy people and elite politicians.

In 1829, he became the first man to be elected president through a direct appeal to the mass of the voters rather than through the support of a recognized political organization. He wasn't a master politician when he entered the White House, however, his determination, energy, and his "kitchen cabinet" (a group of associates and politicians that helped him make politic decisions), made him be remembered as one of the most skilfull leaders of that generation.