Introduction to
The Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears Video
Please download the files to the right to print out the lesson materials.
The story of the Trail of Tears reveals one of the most devastating reflections of American history. It uncovers events of injustice, cruelty, oppression but also brings to light acts of humanity and courage. Today we will learn about this event in history. As you may recall from the lesson on Andrew Jackson:
The Trail of Tears was the forced relocation in the 1830s of Native Americans from the southeastern U.S. to Indian Territory in Oklahoma.
The Trail of Tears is often used to describe the movement of the Cherokee tribes in response to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. However, the Trail of Tears includes the experiences of the five tribes who were forcibly moved during this time period, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole tribes.
In today's lesson you will watch a video that will give you an introduction to the Trail of Tears. It is really important when watching videos to take notes about the things you have learned and reflect on what they mean. I would like you to think about the following four questions while you watch the video and take short bullet point notes of evidence from the video that answers these questions.
- What was life like in Cherokee communities before the Indian Removal Act?
- Why did the government and citizens of the United States government want to take Cherokee land and how did they do it?
- How did Cherokee resist the Indian Removal Act and their rights being taken away?
- Is there anything in the video that reminds you about something that is happening in the United States today?
Video Notes
Take Notes on the Questions either in the Word Document or in the columns below! I have provided a few examples for each question. Fill in as many of the bullets as you can using evidence from the video!
Source: New Echota Cherokee Capitol, Pixabay, Porsiel
1. What was life like in Cherokee communities before the Indian Removal Act?
- Stable life
- Land spanned 8 states
- Had a Capitol
Source: Map Route, Trail of Tears, Wikimedia, Nikater
2. Why did the government and citizens of the United States government want to take Cherokee land and how did they do it? Use W for Why and H for How.
- W: Gold was discovered
- H: Georgia Legislature passed laws that took away Cherokee Rights
- H: People moved into Cherokee land
Source: Current Flag of the Cherokee Nation, Wikipedia, Hosmich
3. How did Cherokee resist the Indian Removal Act and their rights being taken away?
- Wrote newspaper articles against the actions
- Took their case to the Supreme Court
- Wrote petitions
4. Is there anything in the video that reminds you about what is happening in the United States today?
- Disease
- Unjust Laws
- Resistance
Lesson Wrap Up
Please choose one of the four questions above and use the evidence you learned from the video to write a paragraph answering the question. Remember to restate the question in the answer. Share your answer with someone who knows nothing about the Trail of Tears!
1. What was life like in Cherokee communities before the Indian Removal Act?
2. Why did the government and citizens of the United States government want to take Cherokee land and how did they do it?
3. How did Cherokee resist the Indian Removal Act and their rights being taken away?
4. Is there anything in the video that reminds you about what is happening in the United States today?