“The Trail Where They Cried” Removal of the Cherokee Nation

The background… White Southern Settlers run into the native nations of the South… Andrew Jackson, remember the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812? He negotiated 9 of 11 treaties that divested Native Americans from the control of their land Supreme Court says they have the “right of occupancy” but that can’t interfere America’s “right to discovery”

Andrew Jackson… a “people’s” President? Indian Removal Act of 1830 Negotiate treaties with tribes east of the Missississippi for lands in the west. His attitude was paternalistic and patronizing White people didn’t care, because they never thought we would extend beyond the MS river.

The Cherokee Assimilation

The Cherokee Treaty of New Echota was illegitimate, but approved by the S.C. By 1838, only 2000 had migrated voluntarily, 16,000 remained on the land. Jackson sent in 7000 troops to round them up and force them into stockades at bayonet point. Thus begins their march to Indian Territory… “The trail on which they cried”

The costs No time to gather belongings Whites looted their homes 4000 people died of cold, hunger, and disease on their way By 1837, Jackson had removed 46,000 Native Americans west of the MS river.

Homework: On what central issue regarding the Indian Removal Act did Jackson and Native tribes disagree? Explain your opinion of the act.