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

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

Student Name

Chamberlain University

HIS-405 US History

Prof. Name:

Date

Introduction

The connection to the land holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Native Americans. For them, the land is not merely a source of livelihood but an integral part of their identity and heritage. Recognizing and upholding human rights is essential for all, including government authorities. However, between 1830 and 1850, the U.S. government acted against these principles. Using treaties, military force, and private contractors, the government forcibly displaced approximately 100,000 Native Americans from their ancestral lands in the East 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 from 1829 to 1837. The Act enabled the President to dissolve ties with tribes located east of the Mississippi River, including in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina (OpenStax, 2019). Northern tribes were relocated to lands deemed undesirable in the West. Jackson argued that this displacement would strengthen the frontier, increase the nation’s population, and contribute to economic growth (OpenStax, 2019). Despite efforts by tribes like the Cherokee to protect their land and establish governance, they were forcibly moved in 1838-1839, with around 4,000 losing their lives during the journey (OpenStax, 2019). By 1840, the objectives of the Indian Removal Act were largely accomplished.

Responsibilities Under the Indian Removal Act of 1830

The Act authorized President Jackson to negotiate with Native American tribes for the surrender of their ancestral lands. This often resulted in forced relocation to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. Although the U.S. Supreme Court deemed the Act unconstitutional, Jackson disregarded the ruling and deployed military forces to execute his plans (Edward, 2022).

Table: Key Aspects of the Indian Removal Act

Violation of the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, crafted in 1776, was meant to ensure equality, liberty, and happiness for all. However, the forced removal of Native Americans under the Indian Removal Act directly violated these principles. By taking away 25 million acres of fertile land and uprooting Native Americans from their ancestral homes, the government undermined the unalienable rights promised to all individuals (Indian Removal Act – May 28, 1830, 2022). Such actions disregarded the treaties established with tribes and dishonored the founding ideals of democracy and fairness.

Conclusion

President Andrew Jackson’s implementation of the Indian Removal Act reflected his commitment to advancing the economic and territorial interests of white settlers at the expense of Native Americans. While southern expansion fueled agricultural and economic growth, it left Native Americans displaced and stripped of their heritage. Despite promises of food, supplies, and compensation, the Native Americans faced harsh conditions as they were forced to leave behind the schools, communities, and lands they had built over generations.

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). National Constitution Center. https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historicdocument-library/detail/indian-removal-act-1830

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

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

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