Trail of Tears

Definition

The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, primarily the Cherokee, from their ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River during the 1830s. This tragic event is a critical aspect of territorial expansion and highlights the impact of Manifest Destiny, as it exemplifies the consequences of U.S. policies under the presidency that prioritized westward expansion over the rights of indigenous peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Trail of Tears took place between 1830 and 1850, with the most infamous march occurring in 1838-1839 when approximately 15,000 Cherokee were forced to relocate.
2. During the journey, an estimated 4,000 Cherokee died from disease, exposure, and starvation due to the harsh conditions.
3. The U.S. government used military force and coercive tactics to carry out the relocation, which was part of a broader policy of Indian removal championed by President Andrew Jackson.
4. The term 'Trail of Tears' specifically describes the suffering experienced by the Cherokee but also applies to other tribes subjected to similar forced relocations.
5. The legacy of the Trail of Tears continues to resonate today, symbolizing the injustices faced by Native Americans and raising awareness about their history and rights.

Review Questions

• How did the Indian Removal Act lead to the events known as the Trail of Tears?
  • The Indian Removal Act was a pivotal piece of legislation that laid the groundwork for the Trail of Tears. It allowed for the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their homelands in the southeastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River. The act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson and facilitated the systematic removal of tribes like the Cherokee, who were coerced into leaving despite their attempts at legal resistance and adaptation to European-American ways.
• Discuss the significance of Manifest Destiny in relation to the Trail of Tears and its impact on Native American populations.
  • Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in justifying the policies that led to the Trail of Tears. This belief in American expansionism viewed it as a divine right and destiny for settlers to spread across North America. Consequently, it fostered a mindset that dismissed Native American rights and facilitated their displacement. The impact on Native American populations was devastating, as they faced not only loss of land but also cultural disintegration and significant loss of life during forced relocations.
• Evaluate how the events surrounding the Trail of Tears reflect broader themes of democracy and power during Andrew Jackson's presidency.
  • The events surrounding the Trail of Tears reflect complex themes related to democracy and power during Andrew Jackson's presidency. While Jackson promoted a vision of expanding democracy for white American settlers, this vision came at a grave cost to Native American tribes, whose rights were systematically undermined. The use of federal power to enact Indian removal policies demonstrates a contradiction within Jacksonian democracy—advancing one group’s interests while severely oppressing another. This conflict highlights ongoing struggles over equality, sovereignty, and justice that continue to influence discussions around democracy in America.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act: A law passed in 1830 that authorized the federal government to negotiate treaties to relocate Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River to lands in the west.

Cherokee Nation: A Native American tribe that originally inhabited parts of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama, known for their attempts to adopt European-American cultural practices before their forced removal.

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century belief that American settlers were destined to expand across North America, often used to justify the removal of Native Americans from their lands.