preview

Andrew Jackson Indian Removal Analysis

Decent Essays

As the U.S. population began to expand into the west, they came into increased contact with the Indian tribes. The issue of American expansion and opposition from Indian tribes had always been a constant topic of debate in the U.S. congress. Some men adopted the Jeffersonian idea and argued that tribes that became "civilized" could be assimilated into the nation. Others urged for the complete removal of Indian tribes from U.S. territory. The conflict came to the front stage when Andrew Jackson assumed office. Jackson's vision for the future of the nation, and that of democracy had no room for Native Americans in U.S. territory, and thus believed that the best course of action for the country was for the forceful relocation of Natives west of …show more content…

Jackson believed that Indian sovereignty threatened the nation. For example, the Cherokee Nation attempted to establish an independent government in Georgia and Alabama. Jackson saw this as a complete violation of the Constitution's statement that "no new State shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other State (Norton Mix, 140)." In addition, Jackson claimed that if the Natives remained in the country, this would result in nonstop warfare, which would lead to the inevitable desecration of the remaining tribes. He then argues that the nation's sense of "humanity and national honor demand that every effort should be made to avert so great a calamity (Norton Mix, 141)." By stating this argument, Jackson takes on a sympathetic approach, in an attempt to justify the removal of the Indian tribes to the west of the Mississippi River where they "may be secured in the enjoyment of governments of their own choice (Norton Mix, 141)." With this speech, Jackson is able to persuade a divided congress to pass the Indian Removal Act of 1830, calling for the voluntary removal of Indians from their

Get Access