1. Warm Up:
Between 1801 and 1861, people from the United States migrated to western parts of North America. What happened to the Native Americans who lived there?

2. Today’s Question:
What impact did westward expansion have on Native American tribes of the southeast ?

3. Agenda: Class discussion: What is “Indian Removal?”
Simulation: How do Native peoples feel about this policy?
Read article/look at paintings: Trail of Tears
Legends
Begin “memorial” assignment

4. 1830: Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act
The year is There is a bill before the United States Congress that would provide funds ($500,000) to move all Indians now living east of the Mississippi River to “Indian Territory” (Oklahoma) west of the Mississippi River. The Indians would be given permanent title to this land. The money would pay the Indians for any improvements made on the land in the East where they’re now living. It would also cover the expenses of their transportation and for a year in their new homes in Indian Territory. The U.S. Congress has decided to hold hearings on this bill and you are invited to give testimony and to question other individuals who will give testimony.

5. What will these tribes think?

6. Cherokee and Seminole:

7. You are either a Cherokee or a Seminole
Questions to consider:
Do you support the Indian Removal Bill? Why or why not?
How will you feel if Congress decides to remove Native Americans? How will you feel if Congress decides not to remove Native Americans?

8. Welcome to Congress, 1830 President Andrew Jackson is about to tell you about his plan for Indian Removal.

9. Trail of Tears

13. Legends:
Read the legend either quietly or out loud with your table group and discuss the following questions. Be prepared to tell the class about your legend!
What happened in this legend?
What does this legend tell you about what it was like for Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears?

14. Memorial Assignment:
Using your knowledge of the Trail of Tears, create a monument, poster, or other creative piece that memorializes the dead and gives hope to those who survived.