A Dialogue between Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay Research Paper

A Dialogue between Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay - Research Paper Example Before embarking upon the dialogue, it would be advisable to present a brief introduction of both the personalities under discussion. Andrew Jackson serves as one of the most influential statesmen the USA has ever produced. By dint of his talent, wisdom and foresight, he achieved the height of triumphs against his political opponents and was elected to be the seventh and eighth President of America. Jackson adopted courageous strategic policies and combated with several internal and external challenges in a successful manner. However, his economic policies are aptly criticized by the opponents to be inadequate ones. Similarly, Henry Clay is also regarded to be a considerable personality in the early history of America, who served as senator, speaker of the House of Representatives and US Secretary of State, who demonstrated his diplomatic skills while serving at the same position. He entered into conflict with President Jackson, and was among the most dominant personalities laying th e foundation stone of a new political group under the title Whig Party in 1833, which was to become an important political faction against the Jacksonian Democracy. The Dialogue: Jackson: As you know it very well sir that I had won the popular votes during 1824 elections, though I had not obtained majority votes (Nye & Morpurgo, 1955: 214). However, instead of supporting me on bagging electoral votes, you put your weight in favor of John Adam, who was not a popular leader, you see. You just gave him support for personal gains, as President Adams would appoint you as the secretary of state in order to return your favor subsequently. Clay: Mr. Jackson! It is right that I had voted in favor of President Adams, which was my right actually to let the candidate elected which I considered to be the most apposite one for this key position. However, I did not cast my vote for personal gains; rather, my appointment as the secretary of state was actually the acknowledgement of my talent and se rvices as statesman. It is therefore there appeared many diplomatic achievements in my career as secretary. I voted against you due to your unauthorized invasion on Spanish West Florida in 1818, during which you exercised cruelty and even did not hesitate to set the houses of the British and Spanish to fire as you thought that both these groups were involved into providing the Indians with financial and moral aid (Watson, 1998:31). Thus, targeting me by applying false allegations of selling my political position for personal benefits does not appear to be an appropriate way of criticism altogether. Jackson: Invasion on Spanish Florida was not my personal decision; rather President Monroe had appointed me as military governor in order to crush the revolt raised by the traitor Indians and slaves of Florida backed by the British and Spanish enemies of the country. I had the powers to crush the revolt that could put the solidarity of my country at grave jeopardy. It is therefore I appli ed all the methods that I felt inevitable for purifying the region from traitors and foes at large (Remini, 1999: 286). Since no serious revolt launched by the enemies of the country could be tarnished by applying kind and considerate measures, use of force and some cruelty was essential for gaining control over the area. Had I not dealt with this challenge in a rational manner, the USA could have lost the entire area subsequent to the revolt, you see.