WI Andrew Jackson

What if Andrew Jackson, claimed by legend to have beaten his would-be assassin down with a cane, had beaten Lawrence to death instead of being restrained? How would this have effected his presidency if it even continues?


Bacs,

Don't assume your 21st Century mores will be at work in the 19th Century.

Jackson had fought dozens of duels and even killed one man in a duel before being elected President. That "murder" in our eyes was seen as nothing of the sort by Jackson's contemporaries, so Jackson killing a man who was trying to kill him would be seen as heroic if nothing else.

FWIW, Jackson was attacked twice during his Presidency. In the first, the attacker, a discharged naval officer, only tried to beat Jackson before being driven off by bystanders. Jackson refused to press charges and the matter was dropped. Imagine, if you can, that happening in 2009.

In the assassination attempt you refer to, Lawrence was not tried at all, but was declared insane and institutionalized. Again, try imagining that happening in 2009.


Bill
 
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Oh I didn't assume ;), I knew Jackson had been in duels and killed a man, and Jackson wasn't the first to fire. Jackson was hit in the chest and basically wasn't even affected by the wound. I also did do some research and found out about the first attack by the naval officer. But the topic at hand, I believe, would have had an effect on his presidency, whether good or bad, and thus that is the question. Heroic......that would feed his ego. :D
 
But the topic at hand, I believe, would have had an effect on his presidency, whether good or bad, and thus that is the question


Bacs,

That's at odds with what you actually wrote in your original post:

"How would this have effected his presidency if it even continues?" (emphasis mine)

That "even if it continues" implies that you believe he might be removed from office or otherwise been reduced in stature because he killed Lawrence. something that is totally at odds with the mores of the period.

Heroic......that would feed his ego. :D

He'd been a hero since the War of 1812. Killing an assassin wouldn't add any more luster to that status in either his eyes or the eyes of anyone else.


Bill
 
Jackson would be even more of a polarizing figure because of this incident. Those who loved him before would love him still more because he gave the knave what he deserved. Those who hated him before would hate him still more as a cruel and sadistic bully. I vote for all of the above;)
 
Alternate history can play out in several ways. One possibility that I thought of as I was making my post was impeachment. Whether the impeachment movement would be successful or not I doubt it. But that is certainly one possibility thus the inclusion of "if it even continues." Another possibility (but a rather slight chance I believe) would be Jackson going to trial.

That could be my fault though as I have a tendency to word sentences differently than what I intend for it to actually mean.
 
He goes down as even more awesome. If that can happen. Quick, don't talk naymore about this AH, for it is so awesome, the Universe may impl-BOOM!
 
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