Today we are going to explore the beginnings of Native American removal. There is a great deal to consider when we talk about this. On the surface, when we look back, this is a time that most Americans don't look upon with pride. In the current era, most agree that how Native Americans were treated was not right, just, or humane. That said, we have to look at the context of the time period to understand why this happened and what alternatives the leaders of the time may have or may not have considered. This lesson will create context to understand (not necessarily agree with) the decisions made regarding Native Americans, their culture, and their lands.
Please read the following secondary source text. If you would like to read in pairs, that is okay. Keep the following questions in mind. (You don't have to write answers, but be thinking about these as we're going to discuss them later.)
1. Where were Native Americans located prior to the arrival of white settlers?
2. Where are they being moved to during the early 1800's?
3. Why does the U.S. government want to move them?
4. Is there any way that Native Americans and white settlers could live together in the same spaces?
5. What causes this class of cultures?
https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=2&psid=3545
You only have to read the article about Indian Removal
Then, in your partnerships, take a look at this video from Khan Academy. It will help answer #5.
Pres. Monroe's Justification Why He Supports Indian Removal
What reasons does Pres. Monroe give to justify the removal of Native American populations from their homelands?
He implies that it is to protect Native Americans. How does this document suggest Native Americans will be protected and from what?
President Jackson's Justification for Indian Removal
Jackson opens by talking about civilization and civility. What is he implying about the Native Americans?
What words does Jackson use to describe the Native Americans? What does that tell us about Jackson's feelings towards them?
Edward Everett, Expressing His Feelings on Indian Removal in Congress
What does Everett feel will happen with future generations in regards to Indian Removal?
Do you feel he is correct?
Be prepared to have a discussion as a class.