HIS 405 Week 3 Case Study- The Indian Removal Act of 1830

HIS 405 Week 3 Case Study- The Indian Removal Act of 1830

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Chamberlain University

HIS-405 US History

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Date

Introduction

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 marked a significant and tragic period in American history. For many Native Americans, the land is more than just a place of residence or a source of livelihood. The land holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, connecting them to their ancestors and their way of life. It is essential to recognize and uphold human rights, especially the rights of indigenous populations who have inhabited their lands for centuries. However, between 1830 and 1850, the U.S. government took drastic actions against Native American communities. Using treaties, armed forces, and private contractors, approximately 100,000 Native Americans were forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands in the eastern United States to territories west of the Mississippi River (OpenStax, 2019).

Jackson’s Rationale for Removing Natives

On May 28, 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, displacing over 46,000 Native Americans during his presidency, which spanned from 1829 to 1837. This Act authorized Jackson to sever ties with Native American tribes residing east of the Mississippi River, affecting areas such as Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina (OpenStax, 2019). Many northern tribes were forced to relocate to the western territories, which were often deemed undesirable. Jackson believed that the removal of Native Americans would boost the nation’s wealth, increase population, and fortify the frontier (OpenStax, 2019). The Cherokee tribe, in particular, faced intense pressure to relocate. Following the War of 1812, they established a police force to protect their property rights and created laws to address social and economic issues. Despite these efforts, they were forcibly moved to the Indian Territory in 1838-1839, a journey that resulted in the deaths of approximately 4,000 Cherokees due to starvation and disease (OpenStax, 2019). By the 1840s, the Indian Removal Act had achieved its objective, with most tribes resettled west of the Mississippi River (OpenStax, 2019).

Presidential Responsibilities under the Indian Removal Act of 1830

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 granted President Jackson the authority to negotiate with Native American tribes to cede their lands in the southeast and relocate to the western territories. This forced relocation impacted several tribes, with many compelled to walk long distances to their designated Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) (OpenStax, 2019). Despite a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court declaring the Act unconstitutional, Jackson defied the Court’s decision and deployed military forces to enforce his policies (Edward, 2022).

Comparison Between Jackson’s Speech and the Trail of Tears

In President Andrew Jackson’s speeches, he portrayed his role in implementing the Indian Removal Act as a necessary duty. While some Cherokees initially resisted relocation, the U.S. government continued with its plans, leading to the infamous Trail of Tears, during which Native American tribes were forced to walk approximately 1,000 miles to their new territory (Edward, 2022). Though the government provided wagons and horses, the journey was perilous. Harsh weather conditions made it difficult for the wagons, and many elderly, women, and children were forced to walk the snowy paths between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers (Edward, 2022).

Violation of Principles of the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, established in 1776, aimed to create a democratic government that upheld equality, liberty, and happiness for all citizens. However, the forced removal of Native Americans under the Indian Removal Act contradicted these principles, as it violated the unalienable rights of the indigenous populations (Indian Removal Act- May 28, 1830, 2022). Native Americans were coerced into giving up 25 million acres of fertile farmland, which held deep ancestral significance, in exchange for lands that were often less valuable (Indian Removal Act- May 28, 1830, 2022). President Jackson’s actions ignored the treaties and agreements made with Native tribes, further infringing on their rights.

Conclusion

President Jackson’s implementation of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was driven by his desire to expand the southern territories and strengthen the U.S. economy. While this expansion eventually contributed to the growth of cotton production in the South, it came at a great cost to Native American communities. Despite promises of food, supplies, and monetary compensation, Native Americans were forced to leave behind their ancestral lands, which they had cultivated and developed with schools and communities. Ultimately, the Act caused untold suffering and violated the core principles of human rights and equality.

Table

References

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2022). Indian Removal Act. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Removal-Act

Edward, L. (2022). Indian Removal Act (1830) | Constitution Center. National Constitution Center. https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historic-document-library/detail/indian-removal-act-1830

HIS 405 Week 3 Case Study- The Indian Removal Act of 1830

Indian Removal Act- May 28, 1830. (2022). National Geographic Society. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/indian-removal-act/

OpenStax. (2019). U.S. history. OpenStax CNX. https://cnx.org/contents/p7ovuIkl@6.18:gMXC1GEM@7/