The three events that stood out for me in the video, The Trail of Tears are:
Event 1: The Passing and Signing into law of the Indian Removal Act in 1830
Following the growing appetite for Cherokee land by Anglo-American’s and the discovery of gold in their land, there was a growing movement that wanted Native Americans, moved from their lands. This movement was supported by no other than President Andrew Jackson, and it culminated in the legislation of the Indian Removal Act by the United States congress. During the passing of the act, there was only one dissenting voice, and immediately after the passing of the legislation President Jackson signed it into law. The passage of the law is momentous and sets in earnest the events that lead to the removal of the Cherokee from their land.
Event 2: Signing of the Treaty of New Echota
Led by Chief John Ross, the Cherokee people refused to give up their land voluntarily and in the month of December 1835, they travelled to Washington, D.C. for a meeting with President Jackson to discuss the land issue. However, as the meeting was going on a small group of Cherokee led by Major Ridge, met federal negotiators, without the knowledge of the masses and signed a treaty (Treaty of New Echota). In the treaty they agreed to move from their Native land, in exchange for $5 Million Dollars (Pbslearningmedia.org).
Event 3: The forceful removal of the Cherokee from their Land
The Cherokee leaders and a majority of the population defied the Echota Treaty and this prompted the Jackson administration under the leadership of General Winfield Scott, to round up the remaining natives who amounted to 16,000 and forced them to walk from Georgia to now modern day Oklahoma. The march took place during one of the worst winters in the history of the area and led to the death of 4,000 Cherokees, in what is now infamously known as The Trail of Tears.
Prior to watching this video, there are several details I did not know on the forceful removal of the Native Americans from their lands. Watching the video has helped me to understand the historical context and the sequence of activities that led to the removal of the Cherokee’s from their native land in Georgia to the areas west of Mississippi river.
Work Cited
Pbslearningmedia.org,. 'Trail Of Tears | Social Studies | Classroom Resources | PBS Learning Media'. N.p., 2014. Web. 27 Nov. 2014.
