In: Economics
What is the Indian Removal Act? Explain how the Indian Removal Act was justified by President Andrew Jackson
ANSWER: On May 28, 1830 President Andrew Jackson signed Indian Removal Act which authorized the federal government the power for granting unsettled lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders. Jackson justified the act by promising Native Americans compensation for their land. They were promised food, supplies and money in exchange for giving up their land. The attitude of Jackson toward Native Americans was patronizing and paternalistic as he described them as children who need his guidance; and it will protect Indian people from the depredations of whites, and assist them to resettle an area where they could peacefully govern themselves. Moreover removal was supposed to be peaceful and voluntary, and it was in an approach for the tribes that agreed to the conditions. Though in actual they were to be compensated; however it was not done fairly and in few cases resulted to the further destruction of several already diminishing numbers of several of the eastern tribes.