Indians in the Curriculum:
20 Handouts for Middle and High School
History and Social Studies
By Kerry Dunne

Handout 4 Activities: President Jackson's Statement, 1829

Background:

President Andrew Jackson made this statement on December 8, 1829, one year before the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced most Indians in the Southeastern states to relocate in Oklahoma. In James D. Richardson, compiler, Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 1789-1907, Bureau of National Literature and Art, Washington, D. C., 1897-1908, Volume 2, pp. 458-459, and reprinted in Classroom Activities on Chippewa Treaty Rights, compiled by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 1991.

Study and Discuss:

1.     After reading the first paragraph, do you get the sense that Jackson wants to help or hurt the Indians? Why? Do you think he is being sincere?

2.     What idea does Jackson suggest in the second paragraph? How does he justify this idea?

3.     Jackson says that this removal should be voluntary. Is he sincere?

4.     Read the last sentence. What is Jackson’s end goal for the Indians?

5.     Why is Jackson trying to "sugarcoat" his actual plan?

6.     How does the removal policy affect First Nations?

7.     Should Jackson's picture be on the $20?

Resources 4: President Jackson's Statement, 1829