Westward Expansion and American Indians in Georgia

1. SS8H4 Explain significant factors that affected westward expansion in Georgia between 1789 and 1840. Westward Expansion and American Indians in Georgia d. Describe the role of William McIntosh in the removal of the Creek from Georgia. e. Analyze how key people (John Ross, John Marshall, and Andrew Jackson) and events (Dahlonega Gold Rush and Worcester v. Georgia) led to the removal of the Cherokees from Georgia known as the Trail of Tears.

2. The Creek • Fourteen (14) tribes with names such as Yamacraw, Yamasee, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Chiaha, and Apalachicola made up the Creek Confederacy. • The real name for the Creek was Muscogee, and they were known for being brave and carrying on the ways of their fathers. William McIntosh was a chief of the Creek Nation.

3. William McIntosh • Leader of Lower Creek, paid a bribe to cede the last lands in Georgia to the Federal Government – Treaty of Indian Springs • Creek groups were upset with McIntosh. They went to his home and executed him. • In 1828, Andrew Jacksonwas elected President of the United States. He knew white voters wanted American Indians removed from the southern states. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act that called for all American Indians to be moved to the western territories. In 1837, all land given up & Creeks were forced to Oklahoma Territory

4. The Cherokee • Considered the most advanced tribe • Changes began after American Revolution – Cherokee fought against Americans; Britain no longer there to help Cherokee • Moved to northern GA – Cherokee Nation – New Echota • Needed to be “civilized” – change of dress, follow written code of law, read & write English – Cherokee resisted Christianity, but accepted education, tools and training

5. Cherokee Nation Support Civilization • Adapting to the white man’s culture was the best way to survive they thought. • Sequoyah (George Gist) created written language (syllabary – a group of symbols that stand for whole syllables 85 characters, 1 for each syllable). Name meant “lonely lame one”. • 1st step toward learning how to read • 1828, CherokeePhoenix – newspaper printed nation’s law, local & world news, human interest & ads

6. Cherokee Leaders & Law • Cherokee Nation divided into 8 districts which sent representatives to the Council. Council tells U.S. they will cede no more land. • Cherokee Constitution – Like U.S. • composed of written code of law to help protect their property rights • defined boundaries of Cherokee Nation • land belonged to all & decisions about land needed tribal approval.

7. John Ross – leader of Cherokee Nation John Ross took a petitionto Congress with 15,000 signatures, 90% of the Cherokee, to protest Indian Removal He wanted Cherokee protected & the terms of pasttreaties honored John Ross the Cherokee Boss

8. Cherokee Forced from Georgia • Gold discovered in Dahlonega – name means “golden” - 1829Dahlonega Gold Rush • Cherokee knew there was gold, Benjamin Parks found gold while hunting • GA Legislature passed law that placed Cherokee land under state control • Declared Cherokee law null and void. • 2nd law passed refusing Cherokee rights to gold.

9. Cherokee Forced from Georgia • Worcester v. Georgia– Supreme Court rules Georgia laws not valid • Involved missionaries living with Cherokee • ordered to take oath of allegiance to Georgia or leave – some refuse • Those that refused were sentenced 4 years in prison • SamuelWorcester named in lawsuit • John Marshall, chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, ruled Cherokee Nation did not have to follow Georgia laws • President Andrew Jacksontells Georgia to ignore court ruling.

10. Some U.S. leaderstried to help Cherokee maintain their land • U.S. troops forcibly removed Cherokee • Georgia to Oklahoma known as the “Trail of Tears” 4,000 Cherokee die from cold, sickness, or starvation