President Andrew Jackson (PT 2) “Bad Andy”

“The Destruction of the snake of South Carolina” A quick review In part one, we discussed the reasons why many people like Andrew Jackson. He helped open up voting rights to the common people He held the country together through the Nullification Crisis. “The Destruction of the snake of South Carolina”

But. . . There are some who consider Jackson’s presidency to be a very dark time in America’s history.

The Five Civilized Tribes Five native tribes, who lived east of the Mississippi, had adopted many aspects of white culture. One of them, the Cherokee, lived in Georgia

The Cherokee In 1827, the Cherokee adopted a constitution based on the US Constitution. Though there was always pressure from whites to give up their land, something changed in 1828

GOLD!!! In 1828, gold was discovered on Cherokee lands in Georgia.

Jackson’s Native Policy During his inauguration, Jackson said: “It will be my sincere and constant desire to observe toward the Indian tribes within our (borders) a just and liberal policy, and to give humane and considerate attention to their rights and their wants, which is consistent with the habits of our Government and the feelings of our people.”

Jackson’s Native Policy However, he felt Indian tribes were conquered subjects and the US could determine where they live.

The Indian Removal Act In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act to force the natives to move west of the Mississippi River. Some tribes were moved immediately.

The Cherokee Citing treaties with the US Government, the Cherokee appealed to the US Supreme Court to keep their land. They Won!

Jackson’s response “John Marshall (Chief Justice of the S.C.) has made his decision. . . . Now let him enforce it.”

The Trail of Tears Some Cherokee gave in, and signed the treaty to move west. Many did not. In 1838, the army came to enforce the Indian Removal Act.

The Trail of Tears 16,000 Cherokee were forced into camps

The Trail of Tears Over the winter of 1838-1839, the Cherokee were forced to march to their new home.

The Trail of Tears Today, native tribes refer to this march as the Trail of Tears. ¼ (about 4,000) did not survive to see their new home.

The Trail of Tears – Writing Assignment You will now hear a primary resource from the Trail of Tears. Using this, and the images to follow, you will create your own primary resource from the Trail of Tears Your best grammar is expected This is to be no shorter than one page (front only) in length.