1. Jackson’s Policy Towards Native Americans
12.2

2. Native Americans in the Southeast
In early 1800s, many Native Americans remain east
Some whites hope Native Americans can adapt to their way of life
Others want Native Americans to move out
Five Civilized Tribes: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Seminole:
called civilized because they have adopted some white culture
Tribes hold large areas of land

3. The Cherokee Nation
Cherokee adopt white customs more than any other Southeastern tribe
Own farms, cattle ranches, acquire written language
Cherokee Sequoya invents Cherokee writing system
Draw up constitution based on U.S. Constitution, found Cherokee Nation
Gold is discovered on their lands, many whites demand Cherokee move

4. Jackson’s Removal Policy
Andrew Jackson wants to move Native Americans west of Mississippi
As Indian treaty commissioner, he makes treaties with southeast tribes
As a result, U.S. government gains large amounts of land
Jackson believes Native Americans have one of two choices:
adopt white culture, become U.S. citizens
move into Western territories

5. Jackson’s Removal Policy
Gold found in Georgia, Southern states give whites right to Cherokee land
Cherokee protest, President Andrew Jackson supports states
Congress passes Indian Removal Act (1830) which:
requires Native Americans to relocate west
Policy forever changes relations between whites, Native Americans

6. The Trail of Tears Whites invade Native American homelands
Many Native Americans feel they have no choice but to sign treaties
Treaties require tribes to move to Indian Territory
Indian Territory— what is now Oklahoma, parts of Kansas, Nebraska

7. The Trail of Tears
Beginning in 1831, Southeast tribes relocate to Indian Territory
Cherokee appeal decision to U.S. Supreme Court, to protect land
Court upholds appeal, Andrew Jackson ignores it
U.S. troops force Cherokee to march west, fall, winter of 1838–1839
Without adequate clothing, one-fourth of Cherokees die
Harsh journey of the Cherokee, known as the Trail of Tears

8. Native American Resistance
Soldiers round up Cherokee named Tsali, his family
On way to stockade, they fight, soldier killed
Tsali, family flee to North Carolina, meet other Cherokees
Agrees to surrender if Cherokee allowed to remain on their land
Surrenders, he, sons (except youngest) shot, some Cherokee remain

9. Native American Resistance
Seminole refuse to leave Florida (1835), leads to Second Seminole War
Seminole leader Osceola, followers use surprise attacks on U.S. army
Osceola is tricked into capture, dies in prison
Some Seminole continue to fight in the Everglades, others move west
Sauk chief Black Hawk leads Sauk, Fox back to their lands in Illinois
During the Black Hawk War, U.S. troops crush Black Hawk’s uprising