Question

Read this excerpt from President Andrew Jackson's Message to Congress

"On Indian Removal":
It gives me pleasure to announce to Congress that the
benevolent policy of the Government, steadily pursued for
nearly thirty years, in relation to the removal of the Indians
beyond the white settlements is approaching to a happy
consummation. Two important tribes have accepted the
provision made for their removal at the last session of
Congress, and it is believed that their example will induce
the remaining tribes also to seek the same obvious
advantages.
What is suggested by this excerpt?
A. The removal of the American Indians was reached by mutual
agreement.
B. The removal of the American Indians is sad but necessary step.

Answer 1

The excerpt from Andrew Jackson's message suggests a benevolent and mutual agreement toward Indian removal, but historical context reveals a forced relocation that resulted in the Trail of Tears. Jackson's communication downplays the suffering and deaths of Native Americans caused by the Indian Removal Act and portrays the removal as advantageous to the tribes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from President Andrew Jackson's Message to Congress on Indian Removal suggests a benevolent and mutual agreement toward the removal of Native Americans beyond white settlements. Jackson refers to the Policies of the Government as 'benevolent' and states that it has been 'steadily pursued for nearly thirty years,' indicating a long-standing intention of his administration. He also reports that 'two important tribes have accepted the provision made for their removal,' which suggests that the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was participated in by some tribes under the guise of mutual benefit.

However, the historical context provides a much darker reality. The removal was far from benevolent; it resulted in the forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans suffered and many perished during the harsh journey to designated lands in the west. While Jackson frames the policy as seeking the 'obvious advantages' for the tribes, the Indian Removal Act was primarily geared towards opening up Native lands to white settlement and exploitation.Jackson's presidency and his policies towards Native Americans, including the Indian Removal Act and the resulting Trail of Tears, are critical to understanding the US government's historical treatment of indigenous peoples.