1. Indian Removal and the Treaty of New Echota
Not a good time for America.

2. Let’s rewind….
The majority of the Cherokee population lived in Georgia at this point in history (1820’s, 1830’s).
They had adopted many “white” cultural aspects, like farming and Christianity.

3. Georgia wants them out
Georgia was a growing colony and wanted the Cherokee’s land.
They ask President John Quincy Adams to do something.
He doesn’t.

4. Next Comes Andrew Jackson
He was a big proponent of Indian Removal.
As a general, he fought in many battles against Indians to remove them from lands.
He becomes President in 1828.

5. Jackson’s Actions
In 1829 gold was discovered on the Cherokee land and Jackson began trying to get the Cherokee to leave peacefully.
In 1830 Congress passed the Indian Removal Act which set aside land west of the Mississippi for Native Americans to move to.

6. Georgia’s Response
Georgia passed a series of laws to limit the rights of the Cherokee.
They were forbidden to dig for gold, and they could not testify against whites in court.

7. See You in Court!
The Cherokee sued Georgia and the case went all the way to the Supreme Court.
The Court ruled in favor of the CHEROKEE! They found Georgia’s laws unconstitutional.

8. Jackson’s Response
“John Marshall has made his ruling. Now let him enforce it.”
Basically says that he, as Executive, will do nothing to enforce this decision.

9. Things Keep Getting Worse
John Ridge was a member of the Cherokee tribe and was a delegate to Washington DC.
He meets with Andrew Jackson and Jackson urges him to convince the Cherokee to move West.

10. John Ross
John Ross was a chief in the Cherokee tribe and he did not want to move West.
He was the leader of the Cherokee National Council, and was basically in charge of all Cherokee decisions.

11. Treaty Negotiations
John Ridge formed his own group, known as the “Treaty Party.”
The “Treaty Party” started negotiating with the Federal Government about removal from Georgia.

12. John Ross
John Ross is furious at this, and decides he needs to negotiate better terms for the Cherokee.
He asks that they be able to give up their land, but stay. Federal Government says no.

13. Finalizing a treaty
John Ridge negotiates an agreement that will pay the Cherokee 5 million bucks in exchange for them leaving.
The federal government signs this treaty, even though John Ridge did not have authority to make it.

14. Treaty of New Echota. The Treaty was signed in 1836.
Two years later the Cherokee would embark on the Trial of Tears.

15. Andrew Jackson was looking out for everyone!
The Indian Removal Act says that the President is responsible for all the moving of the Native Americans.
People move away all the time, usually have to do it all by themselves!
America greatly expanded East during the time of Indian Removal.

16. The Cherokee were forced to leave their home.
Why he was not…
The Cherokee were forced to leave their home.
John Ross is saying that this is NOT what they wanted.
Sure, America expanded, but at what cost??