Manifest Destiny and Its Critics.pdf - Mr. Mermelstein's classes

Student ActivitySource Analysis: Primary Source Document 3Part of Andrew Jackson’s Second Annual Message to Congress, December 6, 1830,justifying his Indian removal policy.ContextualizingJackson justifies Indian removal in theSoutheastern states by saying it “willplace a dense and civilized population inlarge tracts of country now occupied by afew savage hunters.” What do you knowabout the tribes he forced to move west ofthe Mississippi? Based on what you know,assess the accuracy of Jackson’s descriptionhere of what removal would mean.Interpreting meaningsJackson says of the tribes he wants toforce out, “Doubtless it will be painful toleave the graves of their fathers; but what dothey more than our ancestors did or than ourchildren are now doing?” Do you think this isa fair comparison? Why or why not?Jackson says that “waves of population andcivilization are rolling to the westward.” Laterhe speaks of Indians made discontent by“events which it [the government] can notcontrol.” What point does Jackson seem tomake about westward settlement with thesephrases? Do you think he is right, or is hejust making excuses?Point of viewAt a number of points, Jackson seemsto express real concerns about theNative American tribes he is removing.Do you think he was sincere about this?What was his point of view about NativeAmericans and their cultures?Manifest Destiny and Its Critics | The Historian’s Apprentice 21