Question

The United Nations has declared ethnic cleansing a crime against humanity and defined ethnic cleansing as "... a purposeful policy designed by

pne ethnic group to remove by violent and terror inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic group from certain geographic areas.
Should the Indian Removal Act be considered an example of ethnic cleansing? Why or why not?

Answer 1

yes it should. the Indian removal act was a way to rid the "civilized"land of the United States. instead of embracing the culture of the Native Americans, the government wanted to rid the United States of them. they were forced to give up their lands and move across the country, missionaries tried to convert them to Christianity, not speak their native language or wear their clothing. If the tribes did not leave the land peacefully the Army would come in and forcefully move the tribes. hence the trail of tears