In an 1829 address, President Andrew Jackson said: “It will be my sincere and constant desire to observe...

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In an 1829 address, President Andrew Jackson said: “It will be my sincere and constant desire to observe toward the Indian tribes within our limits a just and liberal policy, and to give that humane and considerate attention to their rights and their wants which is consistent with the habits of our Government and the feelings of our people.” Take the perspective of a member of the Cherokee Nation and argue that the actions of the United States and Georgia are inconsistent with (or violate) this statement. Cite evidence in your response.

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As a member of the Cherokee Nation, I argue that the United States and Georgia violated President Jackson’s promise of justice and respect for our rights. Federal treaties recognized our lands, yet Georgia extended its laws over our territory, undermined our government, and distributed Cherokee land through lotteries. In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), the Supreme Court ruled that Georgia’s laws had no force within Cherokee territory, but neither Georgia nor Jackson’s administration ensured that this protection was respected.

Instead, Jackson supported the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The United States then used the Treaty of New Echota (1835), signed by a small minority without authorization from our national government, to justify our removal despite widespread Cherokee opposition. In 1838–1839, under President Martin Van Buren, federal troops forced our people west on the Trail of Tears, during which thousands died from disease, exposure, and hunger. Taking our homeland and forcing us to leave against our will was neither humane nor consistent with respect for our rights.

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In an 1829 address, President Andrew Jackson said: “It will be my sincere and constant desire to observe...

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