#205 Indian removal: role play preparation

Depiction of Cherokee eviction in 1838 by Max Stanley (left) and map of Indian removal routes from south to present-day Oklahoma and Kansas (right).

Introduction:

Together, we have examined multiple dimensions of the “democratic” visions of Presidents Jefferson and Jackson, noting who was included and excluded from holding a firm stake in the new American republic. Most recently, we have turned our focus to the question of Indian removal, looking to understand the competing perspectives of President Jackson and the Cherokees.

For our unit assessment, we will join many of these threads as we discuss a key question from the perspective of September 1832 (this is after the Worcester v. Georgia decision and before the 1832 presidential election). We will stick to this timeframe as much as is practical, but comments based on information shortly afterward (up to 1840) can still be incorporated into the discussion. Our question:

• “Does the federal government have the power to forcibly remove the Cherokee Indians?”

Additional setup procedure:

• Select roles by grabbing a slip of paper (See this Google Doc template)
• Explain homework (#206)
• Conduct guided research with Mr. Hall
• Conduct individual research

Guided research:

• All together, we will start by locating information using the following two resources:
  • First, look for a mention of the individual (by last name!) or document you have been assigned in the index of Foner, starting with the earliest mention you can find.
  • Second, conduct a “quick search” to locate information about the individual or document using digital tools from the Ford Library. Start with a search focused on your subject’s name and then adjust the search terms to include keywords like “Indian removal” or “Worcester v. Georgia.”

Independent research:

• Each role will have a slightly different research path ahead depending on your role. Here is how I would recommend proceeding:
  • Before jumping to a Google search, see if Wikipedia has a well-developed page on your research subject.
  • Pay special attention to the following resources:
    • Previously examined class materials, especially from your Course Reader.
    • Library of Congress page on Indian Removal
    • Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History page on Indian Removal (note the resource links after the essay)
  • Other items to consider:
    • 1830 Indian Removal Act
    • Supreme Court decisions, particularly Worcester v. Georgia (1832)
    • treaties, and
    • other relevant secondary sources available in your textbook and online.

Homework: Assignment #206