8.47 Indian Removal Act

What was the primary goal of the Indian Removal Act of 1830?

• To protect Native American land rights

• To assimilate Native Americans into European-American culture

• To relocate Native American tribes west of the Mississippi River

• To establish a system of government for Native American tribes

Answer explanation

The primary goal of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was to relocate Native American tribes west of the Mississippi River, allowing for expansion of European-American settlements and reducing conflicts over land.

In Worcester v. Georgia, the Supreme Court ruled that:

• The Cherokee Nation was a sovereign political community

• The state of Georgia had the right to regulate Cherokee affairs

• The U.S. government could force the Cherokee to relocate

• The Treaty of New Echota was valid and enforceable

Answer explanation

In Worcester v. Georgia, the Supreme Court recognized the Cherokee Nation as a sovereign political community, affirming their right to self-governance and rejecting Georgia's authority over Cherokee affairs.

Who signed the Treaty of New Echota, which ceded Cherokee lands in the Southeast?

• John Ross and the majority of the Cherokee people

• President Andrew Jackson and the U.S. Congress

• A small faction of Cherokee leaders known as the Treaty Party

• The Supreme Court of the United States

Answer explanation

The Treaty of New Echota was signed by a small faction of Cherokee leaders known as the Treaty Party, not by John Ross or the majority of the Cherokee people, nor by President Andrew Jackson or the Supreme Court.

Approximately how many Cherokee died during the Trail of Tears?

• 500

• 1,000

• 2,000

• 4,000

Answer explanation

Approximately 4,000 Cherokee died during the Trail of Tears due to harsh conditions, disease, and starvation. This tragic event highlights the severe impact of forced relocation on Native American communities.

The removal of the Cherokee and other Native American tribes in the Southeast had what impact on the United States?

• It opened up land for white settlement and fueled the expansion of slavery

• It led to a decline in the cotton economy of the Deep South

• It strengthened the sovereignty and land rights of Native American tribes

• It improved relations between the U.S. government and Native American communities

Answer explanation

The removal of the Cherokee and other tribes opened land for white settlers, facilitating westward expansion and increasing the demand for slave labor in agriculture, particularly in the cotton economy.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of New Echota for the Cherokee Nation?

• It secured their land rights in the Southeast

• It led to the forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears

• It established a new government for the Cherokee

• It resulted in a peaceful coexistence with settlers

Answer explanation

The Treaty of New Echota resulted in the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation, known as the Trail of Tears, where thousands were removed from their ancestral lands, leading to significant suffering and loss.

Which U.S. President was responsible for enforcing the Indian Removal Act?

• James Monroe

• Martin Van Buren

• Thomas Jefferson

• Andrew Jackson

Answer explanation

Andrew Jackson was the U.S. President who enforced the Indian Removal Act in 1830, leading to the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands.

What was a significant consequence of the Indian Removal Act on Native American tribes?

• Increased autonomy and self-governance

• Loss of ancestral homelands and cultural disruption

• Improved relations with the U.S. government

• Economic prosperity and development

Answer explanation

The Indian Removal Act led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, resulting in the loss of their ancestral lands and significant cultural disruption, making this the most significant consequence.

What was the primary reason for the U.S. government to implement the Indian Removal Act?

• To acquire land for agricultural expansion and settlement

• To establish trade routes with Native American tribes

• To protect Native American tribes from European settlers

• To promote cultural exchange between Native Americans and settlers

Answer explanation

The primary reason for the Indian Removal Act was to acquire land for agricultural expansion and settlement, as the U.S. sought to increase its territory for farming and development, often at the expense of Native American lands.

Which Native American tribe was primarily affected by the Trail of Tears?

• Apache

• Navajo

• Sioux

• Cherokee

Answer explanation

The Trail of Tears primarily affected the Cherokee tribe, who were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in the 1830s. This tragic event led to significant suffering and loss of life among the Cherokee people.