Andrew Jackson On 20 Dollar Bill

The $20 bill is one of the most widely used denominations in the United States, and its design has undergone several changes over the years. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of Andrew Jackson's portrait on the bill in 1928. Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was a controversial figure in American history, and his inclusion on the $20 bill has been the subject of much debate. In this article, we will delve into the history of Andrew Jackson's portrait on the $20 bill, explore the reasons behind his selection, and examine the controversy surrounding his legacy.

Andrew Jackson was a pivotal figure in American history, known for his populist policies and his role in the expansion of the United States. He was a strong advocate for the common man and was elected as President in 1828, serving two terms until 1837. Jackson's presidency was marked by significant events, including the forced relocation of Native American tribes, known as the Trail of Tears, and the veto of the re-charter of the Second Bank of the United States. Despite his controversial legacy, Jackson remained a popular figure in American politics, and his portrait was introduced on the $20 bill in 1928, as part of a broader effort to standardize the design of US currency.

Introduction of Andrew Jackson on the $20 Bill

The introduction of Andrew Jackson's portrait on the $20 bill was a significant event in American history, marking a new era in the design of US currency. The decision to feature Jackson on the bill was made by the US Treasury Department, which sought to honor the President's legacy and his contributions to American history. The design of the bill featured a portrait of Jackson on the obverse, with a vignette of the White House on the reverse. The bill was designed by the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which worked closely with the Treasury Department to create a design that would be both aesthetically pleasing and secure.

Reasons Behind the Selection of Andrew Jackson

The selection of Andrew Jackson for the $20 bill was based on a variety of factors, including his historical significance, his popularity among the American public, and his role in shaping the country's economy. Jackson was a strong advocate for the common man, and his policies were designed to promote economic growth and development. He was also a key figure in the expansion of the United States, and his presidency was marked by significant events, including the annexation of Florida and the forced relocation of Native American tribes. The Treasury Department believed that Jackson's legacy and contributions to American history made him an ideal candidate for the $20 bill.

Controversy Surrounding Andrew Jackson's Legacy

Despite his significant contributions to American history, Andrew Jackson's legacy has been the subject of much controversy. His role in the forced relocation of Native American tribes, known as the Trail of Tears, has been widely criticized, and his policies have been seen as discriminatory and oppressive. Many have argued that Jackson's legacy is not worthy of celebration, and that his inclusion on the $20 bill is a testament to the country's ongoing struggle with issues of racism and inequality. In recent years, there have been calls to remove Jackson's portrait from the $20 bill, and to replace it with a new design that better reflects the country's values and history.

Alternative Designs for the $20 Bill

In response to the controversy surrounding Andrew Jackson's legacy, there have been several alternative designs proposed for the $20 bill. One of the most popular alternatives is a design featuring Harriet Tubman, a former slave and prominent abolitionist who played a key role in the Underground Railroad. Tubman's legacy is widely seen as a testament to the country's ongoing struggle for freedom and equality, and her inclusion on the $20 bill would be a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusion. Other alternative designs have also been proposed, including a design featuring Wilma Mankiller, a Cherokee Nation politician and community developer, and a design featuring Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist who played a key role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Impact of Andrew Jackson's Portrait on the $20 Bill

The impact of Andrew Jackson's portrait on the $20 bill has been significant, with many arguing that it has helped to promote a negative and discriminatory image of the United States. The bill has been seen as a symbol of the country's ongoing struggle with issues of racism and inequality, and its design has been criticized for failing to reflect the country's diversity and history. Despite these criticisms, the $20 bill remains one of the most widely used denominations in the United States, and its design continues to be an important part of the country's cultural and economic landscape.

Future of the $20 Bill

The future of the $20 bill is uncertain, with many calling for a new design that better reflects the country's values and history. In 2020, the US Treasury Department announced plans to release a new $20 bill featuring Harriet Tubman, which is expected to be released in 2026. The new design will feature a portrait of Tubman on the obverse, with a vignette of the White House on the reverse. The design is expected to be a significant improvement over the current design, which has been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusivity.

Gallery of Andrew Jackson and the $20 Bill

Andrew Jackson $20 Bill Image Gallery

In conclusion, the inclusion of Andrew Jackson's portrait on the $20 bill has been a subject of controversy and debate. While Jackson's legacy is complex and multifaceted, his role in American history is undeniable. As the country continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to consider the impact of our cultural and economic symbols, including the design of our currency. By exploring alternative designs and promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society. We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on the design of the $20 bill and the legacy of Andrew Jackson. What do you think about the current design, and do you have any suggestions for alternative designs? Share your comments and join the conversation.