AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: American Indian Removal (Day 104/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the American Indian Removal in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

King Andrew The First, Wikimedia Commons

While Andrew Jackson had campaigned as a representative of the “common man,” he eventually was called “King Andrew” due to his expansion of executive authority. 

American Indian Removal, National Geographic

In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act to force the migration of American Indians west of the Mississippi River. The Cherokee successfully sued for the right to maintain their territory in the Supreme Court case Worcester v. Georgia. 

Worcester v. Georgia, Oyez

However, Jackson had long sympathized with “land-hungry” Americans and fought against American Indians in the Seminole Wars. He refused to enforce the Supreme Court decision and mocked the lack of power of Chief Justice John Marshall.

Trail of Tears, National Park Service

As a result, the U.S. Army was used to force approximately 16,000 Cherokee west on the Trail of Tears. Around ¼ of the Cherokee died while on the forced march.

Andrew Jackson expanded the power of the executive branch in his refusal to adhere to the Supreme Court decision in Worcester v. Georgia. Instead of rightfully maintaining their land claims, the Cherokee were forced west on the deadly Trail of Tears.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Bank War in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!