The Trail of Tears was a result of the Indian Removal Act, which as enacted by President Andrew Jackson. The stipulation of the act was that the United States government would negotiate with the Native tribes for their land and reward them with reasonable compensation. However, the circumstances were not ideal, things did not go as planned and eventually things went out of hand. President Jackson dispatched General Winfield Scott and seven thousand US Army soldiers were sent to forcibly remove the Natives from their land. They placed the resisting natives in holding pins “like cattle” and marched them towards the west 8,000 miles from what was their land. The conditions on the road were horrible, food supplies were not efficient and nearly a third of the thousands being escorted either fell to disease, starvation and exposure from the harsh conditions. Those who died were buried along the trail of what is now known as The Trail of Tears.
The author of the video is justified in labeling this event as “one of the most shameful periods” in American history. From the President’s dismissal of the plight of the natives to the inhumane conditions and brutality of the removal plan it should be considered a blatant disregard of human rights.
…show more content…
He states that the democratic party of the 19th century believed that the United States government should have limited control and regulation on society and the economy, thus allowing individuals to strive based on their self-determination and individual action. They also held no interest in dictating to individuals what was morally right or wrong. The Whigs on the other hand believed that a more authoritative and powerful form of government was necessary and that “freedom could be enhanced and promoted by governmental action”. Also unlike the democrats, they believed that the government should have a say in the personal behavior of