Andrew Jackson and Indian Removal Objective 2.01

Goal 2 Expansion and Reform (1801 – 1850) – The learner will assess the competing forces of expansionism, nationalism, and sectionalism.

Objective 2.01 Analyze the effects of territorial expansion and the admission of new states to the Union 1801 – 1850.

Removal of Native Americans Why did so many white settlers want them gone? White miners wanted land White planters wanted land Cotton gin

Jackson did not believe that the Indians could stay Thought only solution was removal Would have required too many troops to keep areas free of white settlers

Indian Removal Act of 1830 Congress passes law in which federal gov’t provides funds for negotiation of treaties that would move Indians west. – map p. 227

Treaties About 90 signed Jackson thought policy was generous Sauk, Fox, and Chickasaw forcibly moved.

Cherokee Many talented leaders Sequoyah – est. a written version of his language to help spread literacy among the Cherokee tribe

Cherokees resist removal in court John Marshall refused to hear first case on grounds that Cherokee were neither a foreign nation nor a state, but a “domestic dependent nation”

Samuel Worcester assists Missionary jailed for teaching Indians w/o a license

Worcester v. Georgia (1832) Cherokee nation won recognition as a distinct political entity Court ruled that Ga. Was not entitled to regulate the Cherokee nor to invade their lands.

Jackson’s response “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.” Is this the job of the executive branch?

Removal Some Cherokee favored relocation (minority) Fed. Gov’t made the Treaty of New Echota with these Indians Gave up land for: $5 million Land “west of the Mississippi”

Van Buren orders removal 1838 – Martin Van Buren orders remaining 20,000 Cherokee in the East moved by the U.S. Army Trail of Tears – 800 mile trip from Southeastern US to Western Indian Territories.