Indian Tribes in the Eastern United States.

¶ … Indian tribes in the Eastern United States. At the time, the nation was expanding westward and there were concerns that the Indians could begin attacking civilized areas. After the end of the Black Hawk War, is when these worries increased exponentially. As a result, different states began to pass laws that restricted and limited the power of Indian tribes. (Remini, n.d., pp. 107 -- 119)

Once this occurred, is when the Cherokee became worried about being forced westward. This was problematic, as they had adopted civilized practices including: establishing a functioning democracy, they had their own language, newspaper and Constitution. These areas led many to believe that the Cherokee would remain in the region. As they were not: a threat to society and believed they had the support of the American people. (Remini, n.d., pp. 107 -- 119)

Moreover, the Cherokee were able to win two favorable Supreme Court decisions that: declared state laws unconstitutional and allowed them to remain on their land. The problem is that Andrew Jackson did not acknowledge these decisions and renegotiated their agreement with the federal government (in the Treaty of New Echota). Under these provisions, they were paid $4.5 million and had to vacate all lands east of Mississippi River (within two years). (Remini, n.d., pp. 107 -- 119)

When Jackson left office, this new agreement was enforced with the military moving the Cherokee over 800 miles to modern day Oklahoma. The new President (Martin Van Buren) enforced these provisions. This resulted in the Cherokees losing: their land, cattle, personal belongings and they were treated inhumanely during the process. Once the Cherokees arrived in Oklahoma is when they would continue with their past traditions, which are currently being practiced today. (Remini, n.d., pp. 107 -- 119)

What does author argue?

The author argues that the removal of the Cherokees was one of the incidents that allowed the Indian tribe to survive. This is because they were more civilized and had practices that could be reinstituted. Unlike many Indian tribes, this gave them a strategic advantage in avoiding annihilation by not directly fighting the government with physical violence. (Remini, n.d., pp. 107 -- 119)

However, the author also believes that these actions were unjustified and inhumane. This is because there was a Supreme Court ruling declaring the action unconstitutional. Yet, President Jackson was able to circumvent these provisions and renegotiated a new treaty. This effectively allowed the government to continue with its policy despite legal challenges and issues. (Remini, n.d., pp. 107 -- 119)

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