Indian Removal Act Dbq Analysis
John L. O’Sullivan had said, “‘... our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.’” (www.britanica.com) During Andrew Jackson’s term, America had set its sights on the untamed West - which, inconveniently, happened to be the Indians’ territory. President Jackson decided to create a controversial treaty that would allow America to exchange the Indians’ land for a large piece of land in the Louisiana Territory. It was created on May 28, 1830 and sparked much criticism and support throughout the nation. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was justified because the Indians were enemies of America, they were given good land, and they were offered the government’s protection.
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The Indian Removal Act was justified because the Indians were enemies of America.
In “Move the Cherokee to Indian Territory” by Jack Andrews, it states, “We should also remember that these Indians have waged war on America since 1775.” This quote shows that the Americans and the Indians have been enemies since 1775. The article also says, “In 1776 the Cherokees ravaged American settlements in North and South Carolina, killing men, women and children. In many cases their victims were scalped alive and even burned at the stake.” This shows that the Americans are justified for the seeing the Indians as enemies because of the way that the Indians have treated them in the past. It would be madness to invite someone who had kidnapped and murdered a friend to stay at one’s home. The opposing side might argue that Americans have treated the Indians badly as well by cheating them during trading and breaking agreements. However, if the Indians were to move away to the Indian Territory, they would be free to govern themselves and would not have to deal with any or all Americans ever
again. In addition, the territory given to the Indians is very good land. In the article by Jack Andrews, it states, “It set aside more than 70,000 square miles of land in Louisiana Territory for Indians. This is bigger than the entire state of Georgia, It is estimated that there are no more than 50,000 Indians in the southwest, which represents more than one square mile per person. And, it is good land, on the banks of two major rivers that join the Mississippi River.” This quote explains that the territory is large, fertile, and has enough room for the next Indian generations. Also, the article says, “Not only were they given the land in Indian Territory for free, but they were also given $5 million.” This quote shows that the Indians who sign the removal act will not only get large, fertile land, but will also receive $5 million. No one would refuse an extra $5 million. The opposing side would say that the Supreme Court ruled against forcing the Indians to move. The truth is, however, that the American government is not forcing the Indians to move. In fact, the Indians are allowed to stay in Georgia as long as they obey Georgia’s laws. Finally, the Indians will gain the American government’s protection forever. In the Legends of America website, it states, “... the United States will forever secure and guaranty to them, and their heirs or successors, the country so exchanged with them; and if they prefer it, that the United States will cause a patent or grant to be made and executed to them for the same… “ This quote means that if the Indians sign the act, they will always be protected by the government and will even have a document showing that they are protected. The opposing side would say that the Indians do not need to be protected. Contrarily, if the Indians were to stay in Georgia without signing the treaty, they would be many riots and they would likely be harassed by the Georgians living there. Although it may be savage and brutal, the Georgians greatly outnumber the Indians, and because the Indians declared themselves a sovereign nation (www.pbs.org), the government would not be able to protect them. However, if the Indians were to sign the treaty they would be protected regardless of whether they decide to move or to stay. In conclusion, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was completely justified. The Indians had been at war with the Americans since 1775 and had captured and killed many innocents. They were offered large, fertile land and $5 million in the treaty. Also, they were offered the American government’s protection for themselves and their children forever. In conclusion, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was justified and fair, regardless of the opposing side’s opinions.
Works Cited
PBS. PBS. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.
"History and Text of The Indian Removal Act of 1830." History and Text of The Indian Removal Act of 1830. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.
The Indian Removal Act was justified because the Indians were enemies of America.
In “Move the Cherokee to Indian Territory” by Jack Andrews, it states, “We should also remember that these Indians have waged war on America since 1775.” This quote shows that the Americans and the Indians have been enemies since 1775. The article also says, “In 1776 the Cherokees ravaged American settlements in North and South Carolina, killing men, women and children. In many cases their victims were scalped alive and even burned at the stake.” This shows that the Americans are justified for the seeing the Indians as enemies because of the way that the Indians have treated them in the past. It would be madness to invite someone who had kidnapped and murdered a friend to stay at one’s home. The opposing side might argue that Americans have treated the Indians badly as well by cheating them during trading and breaking agreements. However, if the Indians were to move away to the Indian Territory, they would be free to govern themselves and would not have to deal with any or all Americans ever
again. In addition, the territory given to the Indians is very good land. In the article by Jack Andrews, it states, “It set aside more than 70,000 square miles of land in Louisiana Territory for Indians. This is bigger than the entire state of Georgia, It is estimated that there are no more than 50,000 Indians in the southwest, which represents more than one square mile per person. And, it is good land, on the banks of two major rivers that join the Mississippi River.” This quote explains that the territory is large, fertile, and has enough room for the next Indian generations. Also, the article says, “Not only were they given the land in Indian Territory for free, but they were also given $5 million.” This quote shows that the Indians who sign the removal act will not only get large, fertile land, but will also receive $5 million. No one would refuse an extra $5 million. The opposing side would say that the Supreme Court ruled against forcing the Indians to move. The truth is, however, that the American government is not forcing the Indians to move. In fact, the Indians are allowed to stay in Georgia as long as they obey Georgia’s laws. Finally, the Indians will gain the American government’s protection forever. In the Legends of America website, it states, “... the United States will forever secure and guaranty to them, and their heirs or successors, the country so exchanged with them; and if they prefer it, that the United States will cause a patent or grant to be made and executed to them for the same… “ This quote means that if the Indians sign the act, they will always be protected by the government and will even have a document showing that they are protected. The opposing side would say that the Indians do not need to be protected. Contrarily, if the Indians were to stay in Georgia without signing the treaty, they would be many riots and they would likely be harassed by the Georgians living there. Although it may be savage and brutal, the Georgians greatly outnumber the Indians, and because the Indians declared themselves a sovereign nation (www.pbs.org), the government would not be able to protect them. However, if the Indians were to sign the treaty they would be protected regardless of whether they decide to move or to stay. In conclusion, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was completely justified. The Indians had been at war with the Americans since 1775 and had captured and killed many innocents. They were offered large, fertile land and $5 million in the treaty. Also, they were offered the American government’s protection for themselves and their children forever. In conclusion, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was justified and fair, regardless of the opposing side’s opinions.
Works Cited
PBS. PBS. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.
"History and Text of The Indian Removal Act of 1830." History and Text of The Indian Removal Act of 1830. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.