Indian Removal Act - Primary Sources

Indian Removal Act - Primary Sources

​​Document A: Andrew Jackson (Modified)

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the benevolent policy of Indian removal has almost been achieved. We have cried for natives of this country, as one by one, many Indian tribes have disappeared from the earth. However, we must accept this the way we accept when an older generation dies and makes room for the younger.

 

The policy of the Government towards the red man is generous. The Indian is unwilling to follow the laws of the United States and wants no part in our way of life. To save the Indians from dying out, the Government kindly offers them a new home, and offer to pay the whole price of removal and settlement.

 

I have no reason, my friends, to deceive you. I honestly want what is best for you. Listen to me, therefore, while I tell you that you cannot remain where you now are.

Poll

Does the author support or oppose the Indian Removal Act?

• Support

• Oppose

Open Ended

What reasons does the author give for his support of Indian Removal?

Document B: Letter by Cherokee Leader, Elias Boudinot (Modified)

We have lost our ways as a people. How can we fix this? A bright future is being offered to us. Removal is the only choice. Our people may finally rise up and be a great people once again. I would say to my fellow Cherokee, let us agree to terms the United States are offering.

 

What other choices do we have? None, I say. You want the Cherokee to live according the laws of the United States, no matter how unfair they are to us? We have the opportunity to live on our own away from the laws of the United States. If we stay here, we will suffer. Take my word. It is the sure end of our race if we do not accept this offer. There will come a time when there will be few of us left as reminders of this brave and noble race. May God protect us all.

Multiple Choice

Does the author support or oppose the Indian Removal Act?

• Support

• Oppose

Open Ended

What reasons does the author give for his support of Indian Removal?

Document B: Letter by Cherokee Leader, Elias Boudinot (Modified)

We wish to remain on the land of our fathers. We have the right to remain without worry about being bothered. The treaties we have signed with the United States guarantee our safety on this land. We only wish you uphold your end of the agreement. If we are forced to leave, it will be terrible for us. We do not know any other land but our homes. There are already other tribes living out there. Do you think we will be welcomed? These tribes are very violent and are always at war. We are a peaceful people. They will see us as easy targets.

​

 We make this final appeal to the good American people. We appeal to your compassion and sympathy. We have lived in perfect peace with you for over 40 years. We never went to war with you. What makes you think we cannot live together? This land contains the blood and bodies of our ancestors. This land is holy to us. We believe in the people of the United States to uphold our most basic rights as humans and not to invade the home of this peace-loving people.

Multiple Choice

Does the author support or oppose the Indian Removal Act?

• Support

• Oppose

Open Ended

What reasons does the author give for his opposition of Indian Removal?