Indian Removal Dbq

During the early to mid-1800s, the relationship between Americans and Native Americans became severely strained. Many Americans believed the western land was completely their own through the devastating concept of manifest destiny. Among the people carefully observing this issue were not just people who were supportive of forcefully taking Indian land, but also those who were opposed to it. This clashing conflict between the two groups intensified as their differences developed. Americans believed the Indians absolutely could not become assimilated and civilized instead than savage. Native Americans would no longer be idle and acquiesce to the treaties forced upon them, nor would they meekly accept the abuse. A notable supporter of Indian Removal
Jackson’s plans of removal were favored by many because he continued to promote the idea that it was in the best interest for Native Americans. These cruel ideas did not appear in the mindset of Americans when Jackson was elected. Moreover, he simply carried out things in what he believed to be a “milder process”. The idea of removal had been an issue for awhile, but as Americans got closer, action had to be taken. “Rightly considered, the policy of the General Government toward the red man is not only liberal, but generous.”, wrote Jackson, expressing his belief that Americans were generously providing Indians with blessings. Jackson stated that he had given them many incentives to leave. He arrogantly refers to these motives as “obvious advantages”. In addition, giving Native Americans motivation to move was necessary because “they can not live in contact with a civilized community and prosper”. He specified these incentives in an imperious statement, “The General Government kindly offers him a new home, and proposes to pay the whole expense of his removal and settlement”. It is important to note that Jackson wrote about the Government’s offer and called it kind because he surely believed they were imparting benevolence on Native Americans. Native Americans would be “furnished gratuitously with provisions for the period of a year after their arrival
Among them was Chief Ross of the Cherokee Nation. Despite the practicality in the perspective of the Americans, removal of Native Americans was absolutely illegal. The Treaty of New Echota was a strong point in Ross’s argument. An incident occurred where false deputies who did not have the right to represent the Cherokee Nation signed the treaty itself. Therefore, after receiving word of this fraudulent occurrence, the treaty should have been voided. Yet, the government did not. Ross desperately stated, “We are stripped of every attribute of freedom and eligibility for legal self-defense.” It is important to remember that translators were scarce and that exploitation of Native Americans was vital in the plans of Americans to cede western land. So, Ross solemnly expresses his disdain with the illegal treaty and exploitations as he wrote, “and our acquiescence in its requirements demanded (...) and the threat of summary compulsion in case of refusal”. Ross woefully described the forcefulness of Americans onto them. This meant that if Native Americans did not accept the treaty and move, they would be painfully forced off their dear land in due time. Additionally, Ross fervently wrote more about the exploitation of his people. “And we are constrained solemnly to declare, that we cannot but contemplate the enforcement of the