Andrew Jackson (1767 - 1845) was an American soldier and statesman who served as the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837 and was the founder of the Democratic Party. This biography chronicles his family's humble beginnings from their arrival in the United States to Andrew Jackson's retirement from public life. Before being elected to the presidency, Jackson served in Congress and gained fame as a general in the United States Army. As president, Jackson sought to advance the rights of the "common man" against a "corrupt aristocracy, " and also endeavored to preserve the Union.