From Andrew Jackson To Harriet Tubman: The Controversy Of The $20 Bill

The United States twenty-dollar bill has been a topic of debate in recent years due to its depiction of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. While Jackson is known for his leadership during the War of 1812, his involvement in the Trail of Tears has sparked controversy over his place on the bill.

The push for Harriet Tubman's image to replace Jackson's has gained traction in recent years, as Tubman played a significant role in the Underground Railroad and the fight against slavery.

This article will explore the history of the twenty-dollar bill, the controversy surrounding Andrew Jackson's portrait, and the push for Harriet Tubman's image to be featured on the bill. By examining the legacy of both Jackson and Tubman, as well as the political and social factors that have contributed to the discussion, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the controversy surrounding the $20 bill.

With the ongoing debate over the importance of representation and historical figures, the discussion surrounding the twenty-dollar bill serves as a microcosm for larger societal discussions.

History of the $20 Bill

The history of the twenty-dollar bill dates back to 1862 when it was first issued featuring the portrait of Salmon P. Chase, who was the Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War.

The design of the bill has undergone several changes since then, with portraits of notable Americans being featured on each redesign.

In 1914, the Federal Reserve notes were issued, which featured portraits of famous Americans, including Andrew Jackson.

The current design of the twenty-dollar bill, featuring Jackson's portrait, was introduced in 1928 and has remained unchanged since then.

However, Jackson's portrait has been a subject of controversy due to his controversial legacy.

Jackson's involvement in the Trail of Tears, which was the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, has been a source of criticism.

Furthermore, Jackson's views on slavery and his opposition to the National Bank have also been questioned.

These controversies have led to calls for his portrait to be replaced with that of Harriet Tubman, a prominent African American abolitionist.

Andrew Jackson's Legacy

One of the key issues surrounding the inclusion of a particular historical figure on US currency is their legacy and the impact they had on American history.

Andrew Jackson's legacy is particularly controversial due to his involvement in the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and forced to march to reservations in Oklahoma. This event is widely regarded as one of the darkest chapters in American history, and many argue that Jackson's actions should disqualify him from being on the twenty-dollar bill.

However, Jackson also had some positive contributions to American history. He was a strong advocate for democracy and expanded voting rights, which helped to strengthen the country's democratic institutions. Additionally, he played a key role in defending the United States during the War of 1812 and pioneered new transportation infrastructure by riding the first train in 1833.

Despite these accomplishments, the controversy surrounding Jackson's legacy highlights the ongoing debate about how the US should remember and honor its historical figures.

More about 934 10 Bill

The Push for Harriet Tubman

Calls to replace the portrait on the twenty-dollar bill with a new historical figure have intensified in recent years. One of the most popular proposed replacements is Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist, women's rights activist, and former slave. Supporters of the change argue that Tubman's contributions to American history and her representation as a black woman would be a powerful symbol of progress and equality.

1. Tubman's image would represent the struggles and triumphs of oppressed communities throughout American history.

2. The inclusion of a woman on a major US currency would be a significant step towards gender equality and representation.

3. Replacing Jackson's portrait, given his controversial legacy, would acknowledge the importance of recognizing and rectifying past injustices.

Despite the widespread support for Tubman's inclusion, the redesign of the twenty-dollar bill has faced significant delays and opposition. Some critics argue that the change is unnecessary or politically motivated, while others argue that other historical figures would be more appropriate.

Nevertheless, the push for Harriet Tubman to be featured on the twenty-dollar bill reflects a larger conversation about the role of representation and historical memory in American society.