1. Unit 8: Lecture 2 – The Age of Jackson (Part II) Mr. Smith 8 th grade U.S. History December 6 th & 7 th, 2012

2. The Five Civilized Tribes While the majority of the Indians moved the west as the settlers pushed westward, some adopted many aspects of white culture and stayed where they were The Five Civilized Tribes –Cherokee (Georgia) –Chickasaw (Mississippi) –Choctaw (Mississippi) –Creek (Alabama) –Seminole (Florida)

3. The Cherokee Nation The Cherokee adopted white culture more than any other group –Looked like whites with the exception of their skin color –Owned farms and cattle ranches –Some even owned slaves 1827 – Cherokees drafted up their own constitution 1828 – gold was discovered on their land. –Settlers had long wanted Cherokee land. Now, miners wanted this pristine land as well

4. Jackson’s Removal Policy Jackson supported moving Indians to lands west of the Mississippi He believed the govt had the right to regulate where N.A. could live He believed N.A. had two choices –1. Adopt white culture and become U.S. citizens –2. Move into western territories –3. THEY COULD NOT have their own government though

5. Jackson’s Removal Policy (CONT) Jackson asked Congress to pass legislation to force Indians to move west Much heated debate occurred 1830 – Congress passed the Indian Removal Act –Law forcing N.A. to relocate to the west

6. The Trail of Tears N.A. tribes were being forced to relocate to Oklahoma The Cherokees took their case to the Supreme Court The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cherokees, but both Jackson and Georgia ignored the ruling –Jackson, “John Marshall has made his decision…Now let him enforce it.” Trail of Tears – 16,000 Cherokees are forced to march from Georgia to Oklahoma in the cold, rain, and snow. Over 4,000 died along the way.