Tips, Advice, and Some Guidance

Today you were all assigned to one of the following groups: Cherokee, Jackson Administration, Plantation Owners/Farmers, Missionaries and Reformers, and Black Seminole.

   If you are a Plantation Owner, or a member of the Jackson Administration you are for the Indian Removal Act and you want the Senate to pass it.  The Missionaries, Cherokees, and Seminole are all trying to have the Bill killed as soon as possible.  Each group feels that they are right, and are fighting for the protection of their homes and rights.

   One Tuesday, February 10th, all groups will begin the Senate Hearing on the issue of Indian Removal.  Each group will be responsible for presenting the Senate with facts and data that will persuade each of the voters.  Every group will have to defend their position as well as questioning the opposition. 

   Starting today you began researching general information for your debate.  The handout from Wednesday contains a wealth of information that you are encouraged to use.  The links from the previous post will also provide you with background information that will help build your case in class.

   Some tips that might help you in your research:

Cherokee: 

Give the Senate examples of how well you have assimilated.  Maybe present yourself as an American name instead of your Cherokee name. (Address the crown as Nicholas instead of Sequoia)

1. Treaty of Hopewell when was it signed?  What did it promise?

2. You have a Constitution, are you American citizens?  Would America do this to Canada?

3. How much have you assimilated?  Who asked you to assimilate?

4. Have you ever been West of the Mississippi?

Jackson's Administration.

Your boss is very passionate about this particular issue.  He has ordered you to address the Senate about the urgent need to get this Bill passed.

1. When were the treaties signed?

2. Who can use this land?

3. How will the nation benefit?

4. Are any tribes a threat to the security of the nation?

Plantation Owners.

1. Poor farmers and yeomen will also be able to use this land

2. This land has already been developed.  (there are crops and fields)

3. The land belongs to the state of Georgia

4. Indians are getting their own new land with taxpayers money

5. Seminole have been attacking your farms and plantations for years

6. Florida could be vital land

Missionaries.

For years some of you have been living and working with the Cherokee of Georgia.  Your goal is to prove to the Senate that they have assimilated and are not a threat to the people of Georgia.

1. How well have they assimilated to the American culture?

2. Has white culture been promoted?

3. Has religion spread?*

*To an American in the 1830s the baptism of a Native American was vital to their soul.  The spread of Protestant beliefs was widely encouraged during this timer period.  "The Second Great Awakening"

Seminole.

Your argument is very similar to the Cherokees.

1. Focus on legal issues

2. How long have you lived there?

3. What will happen to your culture

Ladies and Gentleman this assignment can be outstanding and the highlight of the year, it has potential.  The more work you put into this, the more you will get out of it.

email if you have questions or agada