Policies Toward Native Americans

I. Andrew Jackson’s attitude on Native Americans A.His commitment to democracy did not benefit everyone. B.Shared the same view of many westerners at that time. C.Fought the Creek and Seminole people in Georgia and Florida. D.In his inaugural address he declared his intention to move all Native Americans to the Great Plains.

II. Indian Removal Act A.Idea of Native American movement had been gaining support since the Louisiana Purchase. B.John C. Calhoun 1.Secretary of War 2.Formally proposed idea in 1823 C.General thoughts about the Great Plains 1.It was a wasteland that would never be settled 2.Moving the Native Americans to this region would resolve any conflicts. D.Indian Removal Act 1.In 1830, Jackson pushed through Congress 2.Provided money for relocating Native Americans

III. The Cherokee A.Worcester v. Georgia 1.The Cherokee hired lawyers to sue the state of Georgia. 2.The Cherokee challenged the state’s attempt to extend its authority over the Cherokee’s lands. B.Supreme Court 1.In 1832, Chief Justice John Marshall ordered state officials to honor Cherokee property rights. 2.Jackson refused to support the decision.

IV. Trail of Tears A Most Cherokee resisted 2.President Martin Van Buren a.Successor to Jackson b.Sent in the army to end the conflict B.Forced march 1.Army forced the remaining people from their homes and marched them to what is now Oklahoma. a.About 2,000 Cherokee died in camps while waiting for relocation to begin b.Roughly 2,000 more died of starvation, disease, and exposure on the journey 2.Journey became known as the Trail of Tears.

What is the main idea of this presentation?  During Andrew Jackson’s administration Native American groups were forced to relocate onto western reservations. What was the Trail of Tears?  The name given to the forced relocation route of the Cherokee from Georgia to Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. 1.2