Jackson and the Cherokee (Trail of Tears): A Role Play In this discussion you will look at a historical situation—Indian Removal, one of the most dramatic events in American history—from the participants’ perspective. This activity will allow you to “think historically” about the challenges faced by the Cherokee people as they grappled with the U.S. government’s Indian removal policy. The purpose of this discussion is to help you analyze the trials faced by one cultural group in American society and recognize the role of cultural diversity in American life.
Focus Questions: 1. What specific points does Jackson make about why the Indians should be ‘removed’ to the Indian Territory (Oklahoma)? What points do the Indians make as to why they should not be so removed? 2. What laws/Supreme Court cases were important in the messages of either Jackson (or Marshall). What does John Ross say about the Treaty of Holston? How were these same laws and Supreme Court decisions used by the Indians to support their arguments? What was Worcester v. Georgia?
3. In what ways are the arguments of Jackson reflective of racial prejudice? 4. Why were the Cherokee considered among the ‘civilized’ tribes?
