Rail of Tears, an Historical Perspective

Running Head: Trail of Tears, a Historical Perspective Trail of Tears, a Historical Perspective Student`s name Instructor`s name Course title Date of submission Trail of Tears, a Historical Perspective The states of Georgia and the United States of America chose to relocate the Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, Chickasaw, Seminole, and Choctaw Indians from what was known as Indian territories then. By 1828, the Cherokee were civilized people since they had acquired most the western culture. Their women wore gowns, in addition to the Cherokees having a system of government. Moreover, they had built roads in their territories to show that they were ready to govern themselves. The people had decided that the land was theirs and as result, they had started to develop. They had quit their way of life and adopted western life such as farming and cattle ranching. However, despite their efforts the US government considered them as strangers who did not merit living in Georgia. Although some Cherokees like Major Ridge supported the removal, it is important to note that this was against the American constitution, which gives everyone equal rights. The US senate passed the "Indian Removal Act" in 1830 despite the fact that many people were against it. Davy Crockett, the Tennessee congressman at that time was very outspoken against the act. A suit in the Supreme Court was ruled in favor of the Cherokee but they were eventually removed through a treaty. The court was able to realize that it was illegal to remove the Cherokee but some of their members thought otherwise. The ...