The Treatment of Native Americans left a “Trail of T.E.A.R.S.
T. Trial of Tears (to OK) In 1838, the Cherokee Nation forced to move from Georgia to Oklahoma Indian Territory More than one-quarter died on the trek
E. Early U.S. belief: “Manifest Destiny” Belief that it was America’s “destiny” to stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific This created more violent conflict with Natives
A. Army forced Indians to reservations Reservations were set up in “Indian Territory” Forced removal of natives continues throughout 1800s
R. Rarely do Indians win Settlers have superior numbers and weapons Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 (“Custer’s Last Stand”) was a rare Indian victory
S. Settlers continue to take land As settlers move west in wagon trains, Indian land is taken In several instances, former Indian reserves are opened up to settlers