Changing The Face Of The 20 Dollar Bill
The New Face of the 20 Dollar Bill
In 2016, the United States Treasury announced a plan to replace the portrait of Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill with that of Harriet Tubman, a former slave and abolitionist. This decision was met with both praise and criticism, as it represented a significant shift in the representation of women and minorities on U.S. currency.
The Legacy of Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. While he is often celebrated for his military victories and populist rhetoric, his legacy is also marked by his support of slavery and his role in the forced removal of Native Americans from their lands.
The Life of Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s. After escaping to freedom in 1849, she became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping to lead other slaves to freedom in the North. Tubman also served as a spy and nurse during the Civil War, and was a vocal advocate for women's suffrage later in life.
The Importance of Representation
The decision to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is significant because it represents a break from the tradition of featuring only white men on U.S. currency. It also highlights the contributions of women and minorities to American history, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States.
Other Changes to U.S. Currency
The plan to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill is not the only change to U.S. currency in recent years. In 2020, the United States Mint released a new quarter design featuring the image of a prominent American woman on the back of each coin. Additionally, the new $10 bill will feature portraits of suffragists and other leaders of the women's rights movement.
Conclusion
The decision to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill represents a significant shift in the representation of women and minorities on U.S. currency. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States, and highlights the contributions of women and minorities to American history. While there is still much work to be done, these changes to U.S. currency are a step in the right direction.