Like other states, Tennessee has experienced malicious wars: the War of 1812 and the Mexican War (1846-1848). Yet Tennessee today is one of the richest and most exceptional states of the United States of America. There must be one or more distinctive characteristics that led to the state's success. A study of Tennessee's secret would be beneficial not only to individuals but also to developing and even developed countries.

The nationalistic mentality was one of the most indispensable factors in converting a traumatized Tennessee to one of the more prosperous states of the United States. If you were born in the 1800s, you would be impressed by the courage of the citizens who devoted their lives to protecting the territory and to bringing affluence to the inhabitants. Andrew Jackson, whom I call the warrior prince, played an important role in the War of 1812. Due to his leadership spirit and achievements, exceptionally large numbers of men voluntarily enlisted to serve the needs of the state. Because of this willingness to serve, Tennessee is referred to as "The Volunteer State." How could we have today's Tennessee without the self-motivation of warrior prince Andrew Jackson and the large number of volunteer soldiers?

Other countries, both developed and underdeveloped, can learn from Tennessee's dramatic past. Leading a country/state/municipality is dependent not only on education, experiences, and intelligence, but also on courage, commitment, determination, good judgment, interpersonal skills, character, and self-motivation.

Many countries around the world that have frequently faced failures lack some of the qualities of Tennessee's leaders. A series of wars in Cambodia, in which the government forced young men to serve in the army, resulted in grave consequences. Imagine! How could those soldiers and their generals successfully fight in war without the necessary skills and mental strength? A patriotic heart is indispensable. Because reluctant soldiers were enlisted, Cambodia was nicknamed "the land of tears," but the willing spirit of its soldiers and leaders make Tennessee "The Volunteer State."

In a nutshell, Tennessee is lucky because it had such patriotic leaders as Andrew Jackson along with self-motivated soldiers with nationalistic mentality. Together, they helped to build Tennessee. Leadership spirit is one of the most important qualities that makes the United States of America different from other countries around the world.