On Monday, Biden’s Press Secretary, Jen Psaki said that the Biden Administration will restart the campaign to put Harriet Tubman, the famed abolitionist on the $20 bill, therefore replacing Andrew Jackson. If it succeed’s she will be the first woman in more than a century to appear on a bill. Before her, Martha Washington appeared on a $1 bill in the 1890s and Pocahontas was featured on the $20 bill, according to reuters. Since Tubman may be replacing Jackson on the $20 bill we think that it will be interesting to compare the two’s credentials and then make a decision.
Andrew Jackson
Jackson is now a quite controversial figure, to say the least. He was a very racist president. He owned slaves, profited from them, and greatly supported the practice. Under the Indian removal act he forced 50000 Native Americans out of their native lands. More than 10,000 Native Americans died during such forced displacements like the Trail of Tears.
Harriet Tubman
Tubman is mostly known for being a conductor of the underground railroad, where she risked her life on every trip to rescue slaves. By the end of her life she rescued more than 300 people from slavery in the 19 trips she made into the south. She also served as a spy and nurse for the Union during the Civil War.
Our Take
We here at the blog think that Harriet Tubman should be on the $20 bill because she helped slaves in every way possible. Meanwhile Jackson was a racist who supported slavery. We think that this contrast alone should give her the honor. In all, Tubman was a patriot who deserves to be recognized for her endeavors.