The Trail of Tears...
What was it?
What are You Talking About?
The Trail of Tears was when the Cherokee Indians were forcibly removed from their homes to make room for American settlers.
Was it Really That Bad?
Yes, it was. The Cherokee population decreased by a third, that means that at least 4,000 innocent people (mostly the elders and babies) died. Also, this was an unconstitutional act by president Andrew Jackson.
The Trail of Tears: They Knew It Was Wrong
Who's Andrew Jackson?
Andrew Jackson was, at the time, a hero, he won a battle in the War of 1812 that seemed impossible, sounds good, but the battle was fought after the War of 1812 was over! This victory probably helped him become president. He is now thought by most as a cruel and horrible man.
Additional Information and Links
-13 trips were actually made.
-Congress recognized the Cherokee as their own nation.
-People supported the Indian Removal Act by saying the Cherokee wouldn't adapt to the American lifestyle, but the truth was that most Indians had ALREADY done just that.
-It is said that everywhere a tear fell, a flower grew to reclaim the land the Cherokee had lost.