Andrew Jackson: Prior to presidency, involved in the removal of American Indians from Alabama, Georgia, and Florida in the 1810s.
First Message to Congress (1829): Proposed voluntary relocation of Indians west of the Mississippi, echoing President James Monroe's earlier proposals.
Emphasized voluntary migration to avoid cruelty and injustice.
Suggested Indians remaining in the East should assimilate into American society.
The Indian Removal Act
Passed in 1830: Jackson pushed this through Congress.
Purpose: Allowed President to negotiate treaties to exchange lands east of the Mississippi for western lands.
Benefits Proposed by Jackson:
States to grow in population, wealth, and power.
Indian tribes to find freedom and the chance to become civilized and Christianized.
Public Opinion: Popular amongst white Americans, especially in the South due to potential gains from land settlement and resources.
Opposition: Figures like Davy Crockett and groups such as the Ladies of Steubenville, Ohio, opposed on moral and natural rights grounds.
Supreme Court Decisions
Worcester v. Georgia (1831):
Ruled Georgia laws had no force on Cherokee lands.
Cherokee Nation recognized as a distinct community.
Chief Justice John Marshall emphasized federal jurisdiction over Indian affairs.
Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831):
Denied Cherokee status as a foreign nation under the Constitution.
Described Cherokee as "domestic dependent nations."
Cherokee lacked standing to sue in federal court.
Georgia's Response: Ignored Supreme Court rulings, continued regulatory actions.
Jackson's Response: Did not enforce the Supreme Court's decision against Georgia.
Treaty of New Echota
Negotiated in 1835: With minority Cherokee representatives, against wishes of majority and Chief John Ross.
Terms:
Exchanged eastern Cherokee lands for $5 million and lands west of the Mississippi.
Provided for voluntary relocation within two years.
Chief Ross's Opposition: Declared the treaty fraudulent and urged Senate not to ratify.
Senate Ratification: Treaty approved and signed by Jackson.
Trail of Tears
Enforced by President Van Buren (1838-1839):
14,000 Cherokee forcibly removed to Oklahoma.
4,000 died, leading to the event being termed "Trail of Tears."
Regarded as a disgraceful chapter in American history.
Critical Thinking Questions
What was the Indian Removal Act?
Meaning of "undoubted natural right" by the Ladies of Steubenville?
Significance of Worcester v. Georgia and Cherokee Nation v. Georgia?
Cherokee objections to the Treaty of New Echota and their validity?
Jackson's constitutional duty in enforcing the law on Indian Removal?