Hopefully you've heard about the movement to replace Andrew Jackson on the 20 dollar bill. Maybe some of you have heard about it, but don't know the details. Well I'm here to help!
First of all, there are no women on any of our paper money, which is a big reason why there is a movement to put one on there. But why Jackson? Let me tell you, this year I took 'Jacksonian America' - a three hour seminar, so I've got a lot to say. Don't worry, I'll keep it brief. Jackson is accredited with some big things, mainly the Bank of the US, and balancing the federal debt. However, what is frequently overlooked is Jackson's role in the genocide of thousands of native Americans. Before Jackson, the US government had designated specific lands to the Native Americans living in US territory. As president, Jackson decide to remove those Native Americans from the land that had been given them, and forced them to travel across the country to new, smaller land. This route is known as the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans died as a result of Jackson issuing the Indian Removal Act, which was issued because Jackson did not want the natives to assimilate into American culture.
Politicians tried to make Jackson see other options, but he was set on removal. Because of this, he is responsible for this historic genocide. Yes, it is considered genocide. So why remove Jackson? Well, why would honor someone responsible for so much bad, when we could honor one of the brilliant women in American history.
Another good reason is because the number 20 is a symbol for women's rights. 1920 was the year that women finally gained the right to vote- so the 20 dollar bill would be a perfect match.
...Also, Jackson opposed paper money, so isn't it a bit ironic that he's on a bill at all?
So, what do you guys think?
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