Question

What is the purpose of this letter?

Why do you think President Jackson refers to the Seminole as "my children"?
In what ways was Jackson telling the truth?
In what ways was he not telling the Seminole the truth? Explain why the statements are untrue.
How was the Seminole experience during Indian removal similar to and different from that of other Native American groups?

Answer 1

The purpose of the letter was to inform and persuade the Seminole people about the Indian Removal Act. President Jackson referred to the Seminole as 'my children' to assert his authority. He was truthful about his intention to remove Native American groups, but not about the voluntary nature of the removal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of the letter is to inform the Seminole people about the Indian Removal Act and to persuade them to voluntarily relocate west of the Mississippi River. President Jackson refers to the Seminole as 'my children' as a rhetorical device to create a sense of paternalistic authority and to convey his belief that he knows what is best for them.

President Jackson was telling the truth regarding his intention to remove Native American groups living east of the Mississippi River. He also told the truth about the pressure that was applied to these groups to remove. However, he was not telling the truth when he claimed that removal would be voluntary.

The Seminole experience during Indian removal was similar to that of other Native American groups in that they faced tremendous pressure to relocate and many suffered from exposure, disease, and starvation during the journey. However, the Seminole also put up significant resistance and ultimately, some individuals were able to remain in the Everglades.

Answer 2

1. It was intended to relocate all American Indians living in existing states and territories to unpopulated land in the west

2. Jackson starts his speech with the serene and sympathetic phrase "My children" that is both warm and patronizing, as he refers himself as the Indians' father figure, yet his attitude toward them is harsh and cold.

3. Jackson was telling the truth when he said that white people were settling around the Seminoles and the game was disappearing.

4. Jackson lied about the Seminole starving to death if they stayed, depredating white citizens, and being removed by force if they refused to leave. The purpose of these statements was to scare the Seminole to leave their homes.

5. One distinct way in which the Seminoles are different from other Native American groups is evident in their resistance . Unlike so many Native American groups who were forced to leave their lands , the Seminole were quite successful in their attempts , and fought back with a resilience that White settlers had not experienced .