Trail of tears

The Trail of Tears

By ehaughn12

  • An exchange is offered

    An exchange is offered
    Senator Hugh White from the center of Indian Affairs reports a bill to provide for an exchange of lands with the Indians residing in any of the states or territories, and their removal west of the Missouri River.

  • Senate Vote

    Senate Vote
    The Senate voted 28 to 19 to pass the Indian Removal Act

  • House of Representatives Vote

    House of Representatives Vote
    The House of Representatives voted 102 to 97 to pass the Indian Removal Act.

  • The Signing

    The Signing
    • The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson.
    • The Bill authorized the president to grant unsettled lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders.
    • A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the relocation policy

  • Jackson's Second Annual Message to Congress

    Jackson's Second Annual Message to Congress
    • Jackson outlined his Indian Removal policy stating:
    "Two important tribes have accepted the provision made for their removal at the last session of Congress, and it is believed that their example will induce the remaining tribes also to seek the same obvious advantages."

  • Worcester v. Georgia

    Worcester v. Georgia
    • Cherokees went to court to defend their rights as a sovereign nation after Georgia claimed the rights to make laws for them.
    • Cheif Justice John Marshall ruled in favor of the Cherokees stating that Georgias actions were uncostitutional and that Native Americans were protected by the United States Constitution.
    • President Jackson refused to enforce the courts decision stating "John Marshall has made his decision. Now let him enforce it."

  • Treaty of Echota

    Treaty of Echota
    • Granted American Indians two years to move off their land before forced removal.
    • Few Indians left. Keeping with their promises, the US government began moving American Indians west in May of 1838.[

  • Trail of Tears

    Trail of Tears
    • In 1838, President Andrew Jackson had the United States Army dragged more than 15,000 Cherokees from their homes and moved them westward to a land they had never seen.
    • The Cherokees traveled hundreds of miles over several months with little food or shelter.
    • Thousands perished during the trek, mainly children and the elderly. In all, about one fourth of the Native Americans dies during the march.