The Trail of Tears One of the most shameful moments in our American history is the story of the Trail of Tears. It is the story of how we treated the Native Americans who we forced to move west into reservations. As we listen to the famous song by Billy Ray Cyrus (yes, that is Miley Cyrus’ dad!), read the lyrics and imagine what it was like to be a Native American during this time in our history. http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=f42O7BqK5Pg

Today’s Notes We will analyze the causes and effects of President Jackson’s Indian Removal Act—the law that forced Natives to move west into reservations! Fill in your guided notes.

CAUSES of the Indian Removal Act At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Cherokee Nation occupied and owned land in the Appalachian valleys of Georgia and the Carolinas. At the same time, white immigrant communities were encroaching (spreading into this area) and voicing increasing resentment (anger) toward the Cherokee natives who lived there. Pressure increased when a gold strike occurred in northern Georgia. Many whites decided that it was time for the Indians to leave their farms, homes, and lands so that white Americans could expand into that region.

Check your Understanding Why did white Americans want to remove the natives from their land?

The Indian Removal Act In 1802, Thomas Jefferson indicated (showed) his support for removal of Indians to western territories. Following President James Monroe's recommendation in his final address to Congress, President Andrew Jackson signed the 1830 Indian Removal Act. Opposition protests came from Senators Daniel Webster and Henry Clay and othsers. Reverend Samuel Worcester, a missionary to the Cherokees, challenged in court Georgia's attempt to abolish (destroy) Indian ownership over the land.

Supreme Court Protects Natives. Jackson Does Not. The Worcester vs. Georgia (1832) case went to the Supreme Court and argued the constitutionality of the Removal Act. Worcester won this court battle and Cherokee's rights of land ownership were upheld (protected by the Court); however, Jackson and the US Government continued efforts for their removal.

Check your Understanding What did the Supreme Court say about the Indian Removal Act?

The Treaty of Echota In 1835, Americans convinced a group of 100 Cherokees to sign the Treaty of New Echota. In this agreement, Cherokees gave up all claim to lands east of the Mississippi River in exchange for land in the Indian Territory in Oklahoma and the future promise of money, livestock, tools, and other support.

The Treaty Divides the Cherokees This treaty signing and the removal of natives from their land led to bitter factionalism within the Cherokee Nation and the eventual deaths of many of the Treaty Party leaders. Regardless of the opposition and disagreements of the Cherokee, Georgia and the US Government's viewpoint won out—the New Echota treaty was used to justify (give reason for) the removal of natives from their land.

Check your Understanding What did the Treaty of New Echota do to the Natives? What did Americans promise to give to the natives?

The Trail of Tears In the summer of 1838, the US Army began enforcement of the Removal Act. Cherokees were rounded up and temporarily held in prisons. 3,000 Cherokees were loaded onto boats to travel the Tennessee, Ohio, Mississippi Rivers, and on to the Arkansas into Indian Territory. Over 14,000 other Cherokee remained in the prison camps until the winter of 1838.

Trail of Tears Then they were marched 1,200 miles through Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas to their new home. The Cherokee endured (survived) torrential (pouring) rains and other inclement (harsh) weather conditions, inadequate food and water, and lacked proper clothing. It is estimated that at least 4,000 died of starvation, exposure, and disease.

Check your Understanding Why was this event in history known as the “Trail of Tears”?

Video Clip! America Story of Us Westward (38:30 to 41:00)