Civics

Era 3: Expansion and Reform (1801–1861) - Article

Cherokee Resistance and Removal

Summary: There are two excellent approaches offered to explore this issue. In both, students will be invited into the debate authorizing the 1830 Indian Removal Act and eventual relocation of Native populations to land west of the Mississippi. A document based lesson offered by iCivics looks at the responses of the Cherokee and how they tried to maintain their6.1.12.HistoryUP.3.a: Determine how expansion created opportunities for some and hardships for others by considering multiple perspectives over different time periods (e.g. Native American/European, Native American/White settlers, American/Latin American, American/Asian).sovereignty and independence. Primary sources include speeches made by members of the Cherokee, as well as a petition to the U.S. Congress disputing the Treaty of New Echota. The Conflict Resolution curriculum offers extensive historical background of the issue and profiles of eight key influential historical figures. The lesson engages students in a role playing a Mock Negotiations activity. A Mock Congressional Hearing is offered as an alternative activity.

Overarching Questions:

  • CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
  • CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
  • CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?

NJ Student Learning Standards for Students for Social Studies:

  • 6.1.12.CivicsDP.3.b: Judge the fairness of government treaties, policies, and actions that resulted in Native American migration and removal.
  • 6.1.12.HistoryUP.3.a: Determine how expansion created opportunities for some and hardships for others by considering multiple perspectives over different time periods (e.g. Native American/European, Native American/White settlers, American/Latin American, American/Asian)

Link to Lessons: