1) Read the two provided YAWP readings.
Cherokee Petition Protesting Removal, 1836 | The American Yawp Reader
John O’Sullivan Declares America’s Manifest Destiny, 1845 | The American Yawp Reader
2) Read pages 256 – 261 and page 436 – 438 of the US History online text. (Attached below)
3) Watch the videos provided.
Westward: America—The Story of Us – Video – Films On Demand (oclc.org)
4) Review the article provided.
From The Doctrine of Discovery, 1493. https://www.gilderlehrman.org/content/doctrine-discovery-1493
“The Papal Bull “Inter Caetera,” issued by Pope Alexander VI on May 4, 1493, played a central role in the Spanish conquest of the New World….The Bull stated that any land not inhabited by Christians was available to be “discovered,” claimed, and exploited by Christian rulers and declared that “the Catholic faith and the Christian religion be exalted and be everywhere increased and spread, that the health of souls be cared for and that barbarous nations be overthrown and brought to the faith itself.” This “Doctrine of Discovery” became the basis of all European claims in the Americas as well as the foundation for the United States’ western expansion. In the US Supreme Court in the 1823 case Johnson v. McIntosh, Chief Justice John Marshall’s opinion in the unanimous decision held “that the principle of discovery gave European nations an absolute right to New World lands.” In essence, American Indians had only a right of occupancy, which could be abolished.”
This week, we will discuss Jacksonian Democracy. Using the resources above, create a conversation-style post.
From the discovery of the Americas and the Native Americans, we know that the Natives had to overcome many obstacles to keep important aspects of their culture, such as their religious practices and other traditions specific to their tribe. The YAWP readings teach us that the Native culture is in danger once again.
How did the Cherokee people assimilate into American Culture? Did they change their culture and practices on purpose? What is the significance of the Trail of Tears? Many believe that the Trail of Tears was an act of genocide. What do you think? What makes the Doctrine of Discovery important to THIS period of time? Andrew Jackson made a decision regarding the Trail of Tears, how did his decision impact Native Americans? What did you learn that surprised you the most or that you didn’t know before?
Use these questions as examples to create your own thesis (main idea). Make sure to read and utilize all the resources provided to create an informed and engaging conversation with the class. If you utilize a source, please cite it.
This is not meant to be a question-and-answer assignment. Give real reactions to the material and give educated opinions based on the sources. 260 words minimum