The Trail of Tears

Learn about the Trail of Tears and its impact on Native Americans.

President Andrew Jackson passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830. This allowed him to move all Native people from their homes and into reservations. Thousands of Native Americans followed the new rule, but one group, the Cherokee of Georgia, refused. They instead sued the US government. Their case, titled Worcester v. Georgia, made it all the way to the Supreme Court! The chief justice ruled that the Cherokee had the right to stay on their land. President Jackson didn't care. He sent the United States Army in to force them from their home and into reservations in Oklahoma. Approximately 4,000 died on this journey. It is referred to as the Trail of Tears. Match the following: president of the United States Andrew Jackson group that sued the United States government to keep their home Cherokee of Georgia location of reservation Oklahoma branch of government that said Cherokee could stay in their homes Supreme Court forced removal of the Cherokee from their homes into reservations Trail of Tears How does this treatment of the Native Americans compare to other American citizens in the United States during westward expansion? In what ways is this treatment as equals? In what ways were they treated as less than equal? Move each phrase to the correct column. Equal Treatment Allowed to sue in court Won their court case Less Than Equal Treatment Forced from their homes Not granted the same rights as others What important concept did President Jackson violate when he disobeyed the Supreme Court ruling? checks and balances (balance among government branches) treason (going against your own country) freedom of speech ability to declare war It is ever ok for a President to act against a Supreme Court ruling? Was it ok in this situation? Explain.