As president, Jackson sought to advance the rights of the 'common man' against a 'corrupt aristocracy' and to preserve the Union. Coming in the waning days of the war, Jackson's victory made him a national hero, as the country celebrated the end of what many called the 'Second American Revolution' against the British. By a Congressional resolution on February 27, 1815, Jackson was given the Thanks of Congress and awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.Alexis de Tocqueville ('underwhelmed' by Jackson according to a 2001 commentator) later wrote in Democracy in America that Jackson 'was raised to the Presidency, and has been maintained there, solely by the recollection of a victory which he gained, twenty years ago, under the walls of New Orleans.' Some have claimed that, because the war was already ended by the preliminary signing of the Treaty of Ghent, Jackson's victory at New Orleans was without importance aside from making him a celebrated figure.
Congressional Gold Medal.Alexis Thanks of Congress|Congressional Gold Medal.Alexis
Congressional Gold Medal.Alexis Thanks of Congress|Congressional Gold Medal.Alexis