Some Tips, Advice, and Guidance

Happy Snow Day!

In preparing for the debate there is a wealth of information out there causing a major headache: the problem is sifting through all of it to find something that you can use. Here is some advice to help you organize yourself and avoid the sense of being overwhelmed.

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 Friday, February 4th, 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.

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 your own Constitution, are you American citizens? Cite some portions of your Constitution. 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?

5. What was your relationship with Jackson prior to him becoming President.

Jackson's Administration.

Your boss is very passionate about this particular issue. The President knows that he has the support of the American people behind him. 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?

5. What is the job of the American government?

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?*

4. Does this Bill benefit the South?

5. What could happen to the Native Americans once they leave

*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

4. Talk about your relationship with Jackson prior to the Bill

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.

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