The Indian removal period, just like the just and lawful wars fought against native tribes, was yet another attempt to acquire immense wealth and power over the American territories. Although this was much humane than the eradication of Indian populations, the removal in itself, both as a legal concept and its implementation, is debatable. It is unfair to take away or limit the Indians’ right to their property, as well as their way of life.
The implementation of the Indian removal was based on fraudulent and fabricated assumptions and assertions regarding the tribes. It was baseless, and it steps on the culture and the traditions of the Indian tribes. The Indian removal was a way for the U. S. government to anchor the accomplishment of their goals for expansion and acquisition of natural wealth and resources, mostly concentrated in Indian territories. Moreover, Americans used the Indians as slaves, without some of them even knowing it.
This is mainly due to the Indians’ loss of power to decide freely, for they were only given choices, and both were agreeable to the U. S. government. The Indian removal was implemented by the U. S. government because it is less risky when it comes to considering the predisposition of uprising. Perhaps the Americans wanted to avoid aggressive and forceful reactions from the Indian tribes; therefore, they initiated treaties with the tribes.
The Indian population would also serve them purpose in order to achieve their goals, in terms of toil and labor. The Indian removal was successful in its efforts because most of the lands and territories were yielded to the government. Although the land and territorial exchange also provided for the demands of the tribe members, the result of the trade was more agreeable to the Americans because it paved way to the realization of their goals and objectives.
The Essay on Indian Removal Act of 1830: Native American Perspective
The year was 1838; more than six hundred wagons loaded with Cherokee Indians were hauled into the west in the cold October rain. They were forced to leave their homes and everything they held dear and were accustomed to their entire lives. The removal of Native Americans from their lands by the Indian Removal Act of 1830 violated their political, legal, and human rights.Taking away freedom and ...
For the Indians, the Indian removal cost them their land, their culture, and their identity. Indians who agreed to join the government suffered greatly as slaves or laborers without being provided rightful compensation. They were stripped off their right to become a valuable, notable, and contributory part of society. For those who entered the Indian country, they were not recognized nor respected as landowners. Either way, the Indians were cheated, persecuted, and tormented by the U. S. government.
