Scenario
 

Wagon Train

Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library

Attacking a Wagon Train

Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library

To 19th century Americans, land represented wealth, self-reliance and freedom.  In an era characterized by rapid population growth and plagued by economic depression, the pull to move west was strong in white settlers who hoped for a better life.  This desire to move west was soon characterized as our national "destiny."  Americans would move west and "extend the boundaries of freedom."

The presence of Native American tribes on western land hampered this "destiny."  U.S. Government policy moved first to assimilate the Native Americans into white culture, then to remove Native Americans from their land and relocate them to land set aside for them further west.  Enforcement of these policies led to violence and destruction.

In 1830, Congress passed the "Indian Removal Act," which would allow the government to relocate eastern tribes to lands west of the Mississippi.  Click here to read more on Indian Removal, 1814-1858.  

After reading, begin to consider:

Task and Product

Inauguration of Andrew Jackson

Your task is to prepare for a debate on 19th century policies regarding the treatment of Native Americans.  You will be researching the theories and policies of assimilation (the cultural absorption of a minority group into the main cultural body) and relocation (moving a minority group to another area).  

Product:  Following the debate you will use your research to write your own policy concerning Native Americans and United States westward expansion.

The debate will be performed using the Tag Team Debate Strategy

Assessments

United States, 1830

Student Self Assessment of Research Process

Teacher Assessment Rubric for Student Research Model

Tag Team Debate Rubric

Policy Rubric

Question

John Ross, Cherokee Chief

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [reproduction number, e.g., LC-USZ62-110212]

Subsidiary questions

• What were the advantages and disadvantages of the policy of assimilation of Native Americans into white culture?
• Evaluate the impact of removal and resettlement on Native Americans in the 5 Civilized Tribes.  
• How did removal and resettlement of the Native Americans impact white settlers? 
• How is it possible to sustain a culture under these circumstances?

Gather and Sort

Gather information about from a variety of sources.

Sort your research findings using a graphic organizer or note cards. Be sure to avoid plagiarism and keep track of your resources for a bibliography.

Organize

Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library

Analyze your completed graphic organizer.  

Synthesize your findings by

• creating note cards on important points for your debate topic

Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task.

• Have you gathered sufficient details about the the consequences of government policies toward Native Americans in order to 1) state your position in the debate and 2) create your own policy?
• Is your research reflected in your debate notes?  In your policy?

Conclusion

Mission School at Mus-ko-gee Indian Territory

Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library

Reflection

• Do you believe that the United States government acted justly or unjustly in their treatment of the Native Americans? Explain your answer.