Chapter 11-2

1. Indian Removal Act

1.1. Because the area west of the Mississippi was dry and couldn't be used for farming, the settlers' wanted to take the land from the Native Americans. This act, passed in 1830, allowed the government to bribe the Natives into moving west, and most complied.

2. The Cherokee Nation

2.1. The Cherokees refused to give up their land. The Cherokee sued Georgia for not recognizing their laws and won. President Jackson took matter into his own hands when he disagreed with the court's ruling and gave General Winfield Scott permission to take the land.

3. The Trail of Tears

3.1. The Cherokee wrote a protest letter to the government telling them to leave them alone. General Winfield Scott, threatened the Cherokee that if they didn't leave, he would use force. Reluctantly, the Indians left their homes for the West. Harsh weather claimed many of the Cherokee lives and their walk was known as the trail of tears.

4. Native American Resistance

4.1. The Seminole people were the only people to successfully resist removal. Led by Seminole chief Osceola, the people used guerrilla tactics, making surprise attacks and retreating, to their advantage. In the end, the Seminole had cost over 1,500 American lives and when the war was over, they were very weak.

5. Andrew Jackson