The Indian Removal Act and The Trail of Tears

Questions to Ponder Did Andrew Jackson sign the Indian Removal Act to protect the Native Americans? or Did he sign the document because he felt that the United States would have the best chance to expand now that “common man” has privileges and the Native Americans would not be there to interfere?

Regardless of Jackson’s intentions, the end result was catastrophic for thousands of Native Americans.

In 1828, Gold was discovered in north western Georgia In 1828, Gold was discovered in north western Georgia. This encouraged more white settlers to move to the region. Treaties had been signed between the United States government and the Cherokee Nation which had guaranteed the Cherokees rights to their land. But, with the discovery of gold, the situation between settlers and Cherokee became increasingly violent, and the treaties no longer seemed to hold their legal value. The discovery of gold caused the population of settlers in Georgia to grow rapidly. Despite the assimilation of the Cherokee into white man’s culture, the ability to retain possession of their land grew dim. John Quincy Adams knew that Indian relocation would be necessary, but he could not compel himself to do it. Then came the presidency of Andrew Jackson.

Andrew Jackson Presidential Term: March 4, 1829- March 4, 1837

Andrew Jackson’s First Annual Message to Congress, December 8, 1829 in a Nutshell It has been a policy of our Government to introduce the arts of Civilization to the Native American people. Along with our desire to civilize these people from their savage ways, we have also taken every opportunity to purchase their lands.

I understand that we have already persuaded, and even forced, many these Native Americans to move farther and farther west and in doing so, have allowed some tribes to become extinct or become close to facing extinction.

Every Effort must be made to avoid further tragedy.

I suggest that you consider the idea that we set aside land west of the Mississippi River for Native American tribes to govern themselves without interference of the United States Government. Of course, asking them to move would be voluntary.

On May 28, 1830, The Indian Removal Act Was Signed

Excerpts from Andrew Jackson’s Second Annual Message to Congress, December 6, 1830 “It gives me pleasure to announce to Congress that the benevolent [act good will or kindness] policy of the Government, steadily pursued [the act of trying to accomplish something] for nearly thirty years, in relation to the removal of the Indians beyond white settlements is approaching to a happy consummation [conclusion or ending]. Two important tribes [the Choctaw and the Chickasaw tribes] have accepted the provision [supplying something; in this case, land west of the Mississippi] made for their removal at the last session of Congress, and it is believed that their example will induce [coax] the remaining tribes also to seek the same obvious advantages.”

“…The policy of the General Government toward the red man is not only liberal, but generous. He [Native Americans] is unwilling to submit to the laws of the States and mingle with their population [white settlers]. To save him from this alternative, or perhaps utter annihilation [extinction], the General Government kindly offers him [Native Americans] a new home, and proposes to play the whole expense of his removal and settlement…”

Click to View the Time Line of the Final Relocation Time Line of Final Relocation