Impact of Westward Expansion on Native Americans
As the United States acquired more land forcefully and diplomatically, the Native Americans were severely affected. Manifest destiny was a phrase first used by a journalist, John O'Sullivan, to say that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its borders as far as possible. Americans embraced this idea, though it virtually ignored the Native Americans. Andrew Jackson seized many acres of land that the Native Americans settled in. Over time five groups of Native Americans were removed from their homes using force.
A long time ago this land belonged to our fathers; but when I go up to the river I see camps of soldiers here on its bank. These soldiers cut down my timber; they kill my buffalo; and when I see that, my heart feels like bursting; I feel sorry."
- Santana, Chief of the Kiowas
A long time ago this land belonged to our fathers; but when I go up to the river I see camps of soldiers here on its bank. These soldiers cut down my timber; they kill my buffalo; and when I see that, my heart feels like bursting; I feel sorry."
- Santana, Chief of the Kiowas
indian Removal ACt
Jackson prompted Congress to pass the Indian Removal Act. The Indian Removal Acts was passed in 1830 and allowed the President to trade with the Indians for their land in the East for land in the western plains. Groups of Indians that would not leave by their own accord were moved out their land by force. However not all groups were willing to be moved out.
The Sac and Fox Indians from Illinois, lead by their chief, Black Hawk, rebelled against their land being taken away by force. The conflict ended with most of his warriors dead; this became known as the Black Hawk's War.
The Sac and Fox Indians from Illinois, lead by their chief, Black Hawk, rebelled against their land being taken away by force. The conflict ended with most of his warriors dead; this became known as the Black Hawk's War.
The trail of tears
In the winter 1838 in to 1839, 17,000 Cherokees were forced from their home in Georgia under President Martin Van Buren. The terrible journey resulted in the death of 4,000 Cherokee Indians. They were moved to the west.