The Indian Removal Policy

Arguments over land, restrictions, and laws were common amongst the Indians

and whites. It got to a point where the state of Georgia wanted the Indians off their land.

Georgia complained to President Andrew Jackson, and he proposed the Indian Removal

Policy. This policy was intended to be a peacemaker, but was really a threat to the

Cherokee culture.

Through the American eyes the removal of the Indians meant more land which in

turn meant more power and resources. Since the Indians were leaving, the resources

would be in abundance to the whites. The government ( gov’t ) of the United states has

been longing to introduce the arts of civilization, and it was the perfect time. Some of the

members of the Southern tribes attempted to leave their savage ways, and in using what

they learn they wanted to set up a gov’t they can call their own. If they were given

permission to.. it would mean finally escaping the American laws.

The removal policy that started out as a voluntary request, progressed into a

forced demand. The year that followed Andrew Jackson’s message to Congress, the U.S

Army marched the Indian to their marked land. Thousands died along the way from lack

of food and so forth. This path became known as the Trail of Tears. The Indians arrived

on their territory, they soon realized their crops could not grown properly. The land they

were on was bad soil, once again the Indians were given the short end of the stick, and

faced with a difficult decision to stay, or to leave? Black Hawk’s tribe was one of the

tribe who was asked to relocate to Iowa, and like the others found living conditions

unbearable. Black Hawk took a stand, and fought the U.S troops this conflict became known as “ Black Hawk War”. Black hawk was thrown in jail.