Jackson’s Advocacy for Indian Removal- An Examination of His Supporting Arguments

How does Jackson support his views on Indian removal?

Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, is often remembered for his controversial stance on Indian removal. His views were rooted in a combination of expansionist ideals, a belief in Manifest Destiny, and a desire to secure land for white settlers. This article explores how Jackson supported his views on Indian removal, highlighting key policies and actions during his presidency.

Firstly, Jackson’s support for Indian removal was evident in his implementation of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This act, signed into law by Jackson, authorized the federal government to negotiate with Native American tribes for their land in the southeastern United States, in exchange for land west of the Mississippi River. The act was a significant step towards the forced relocation of Native Americans, as it provided the legal framework for the removal process.

Secondly, Jackson’s administration actively pursued the removal of Native Americans through the use of federal troops. One of the most infamous examples of this is the Trail of Tears, which occurred during his presidency. In 1838, Jackson ordered the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from Georgia to Oklahoma. This resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans due to harsh conditions, disease, and violence. Jackson’s support for this policy demonstrated his commitment to the removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands.

Furthermore, Jackson’s views on Indian removal were also supported by his belief in Manifest Destiny. This was the 19th-century doctrine that the United States was destined to expand across the continent. Jackson saw Native Americans as obstacles to this expansion and believed that their removal was necessary for the progress and prosperity of the nation. In his annual message to Congress in 1830, Jackson declared, “It is, indeed, in conformity with the true spirit of the laws of this land, and with the great principles of humanity, to provide, by an act of Congress, for the removal of the Indians beyond the white settlements of our country.”

Lastly, Jackson’s support for Indian removal was rooted in his desire to secure land for white settlers. He believed that Native Americans were hindering the westward expansion of the United States and that their removal would open up valuable land for white settlers to cultivate and develop. This perspective was shared by many of his contemporaries and was a driving force behind his policies on Indian removal.

In conclusion, Andrew Jackson supported his views on Indian removal through the implementation of the Indian Removal Act, the use of federal troops to enforce removal policies, his belief in Manifest Destiny, and his desire to secure land for white settlers. His presidency is marked by the tragic consequences of these policies, which resulted in the forced relocation and suffering of thousands of Native Americans. Understanding how Jackson supported his views on Indian removal is crucial for comprehending the complex history of Native American relations in the United States.