Trail Of Tears - The Trail of Tears refers to the forceful relocation

Trail Of Tears

CAPSTONE ASSIGNMENT: Students write an essay demonstrating their understanding of the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears.

The Trail of Tears refers to the forceful relocation and eventual movement of the Native American communities from the Southeastern regions of the U.S. as a result of the enactment of the Indian Removal Act in the year 1830. Students will write an essay discussing the forced removal of Native Americans called the Trail of Tears?

1. How did the concept of land ownership differ on Cherokee land from white settlers’ lands?

2. Why was it more difficult for Native Americans to move from their traditional homelands than for many other Americans who regularly moved west looking for opportunity? Did the Cherokees have any particular or special ties with their homelands that discouraged their removal? What were these ties?

3. The conflict between Chief Justice Marshall and Andrew Jackson over Worcester v Georgia and its enforcement illustrates one of the unique characteristics (separation of powers) about the structure of the federal government in the U.S. What is that characteristic and how does this court case exemplify it?

4. Where was the Cherokee Nation located and how did the physical environment (particularly land) play a role in the clash between Cherokee and European Americans?

5. What is the legacy of the Trail of Tears? How can this event serve as a lesson to present-day Americans? Do you see contemporary parallels between land use, acquisition, and the removal of inhabitants?

6. Could another removal of an ethnic group happen in the present-day United States? What about another country? Is this the only time an ethnic group has been forced out of their homes? ”