Indian Removal Act Essay

Known as having adopted an Indian child as his son, Andrew Jackson was quite fond of the Indian race; however, with pressure to expand westward, he needed to transfer the Indians farther west and soon became their worst enemy. Andrew Jackson’s Indian Policy was to move the Indians westward as peacefully as possible, for the tribes that stayed in the East Coast were annihilated. Also, moving them West will help them live longer, and there is a fair exchange for the tribes moving. Another important component is the gain of Western lands and the addition of American power; this will add on to America’s size and increase America’s authority. Jackson validates his actions by saying he will pay for the land the Indians inhabit, pay for their long journey West, also known as the Trail of Tears, and support them a little while their settling in. President Jackson also said if they move west, they will enjoy sovereignty forever. Jackson made the point that with the Indians gone there will be less conflict between them and state governments, it will allow for prosperous populations and cities to flourish, and the free land will add another line of defense for America. President Jackson’s attitude toward the Indians in his speech reveals that he wants the Indians gone so America can gain land and grow stronger. He uses words like â€Å"Red Men† and â€Å"Savages† to describe them, so they seem like outcasts. He makes it sounds like the Indians are a nuisance and if they move, they will prosper as a people. Jackson says, â€Å"†¦perhaps cause them gradually†¦to cast off their savage habits and become an interesting, civilized, and Christian community.† Overall, Jackson wants the Indians gone for his own benefit. He refers to them as uncivilized, uninteresting, and having savage habits, and was proving that he is just looking for a gain for his country, not the native people who have lived there forever.