Recently in class, we have been learning about Andrew Jackson’s presidency, which began with his election in 1829. In learning about Andrew Jackson as a leader, we answered the question, “Is Andrew Jackson’s long-standing reputation as “the people’s president” deserved?”. Our class was split into three groups, and each group focused on one of three specific aspects of his presidency: the Bank War, Spoils System and Indian Removal Act. Jackson started the Bank War by vetoing against the Second National Bank. In doing what he did, Jackson believed that he was protecting the average man from being taken advantage of, as he thought the bank favored the upper classes. However, this ended in economic collapse, with even his supporters against his decision. In addition to the Bank War, Jackson also made the decision to choose his government officials in a Spoils System, favoring those who supported him over those with ability. He fired 919 officials, opening positions for those whom he thought had more loyalty. This system backfired when Samuel Swartwout, one of Jackson’s supporters/officials, stole 1.2 million dollars from the government. This system was also unjust and unfair, due to political views being taken into account for positions that should be given to those with actual competence. Lastly, Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, which is the topic our group focused on. He wanted to expand the country west, and in order to do this, he would encroach on Cherokee territory. The Cherokee tribe did not want to move west, due to the fact that they lived on the land of their ancestors. Also, they believed they would not fit in the west with the other tribes, who had lived there for many years. However, Andrew Jackson informed the tribe that they would be forced to abide by the same laws as the rest of the United States, due to the fact that they would be residing in their territory. Due to this, the tribe was forced to leave, and their journey west is known as the “trail of tears”. In moving, up to 10,000 Cherokee indians died. Due to all of these things, Andrew Jackson should not be known as a people’s president. He was too focused on helping his supporters and those of lower classes, compromising the rights of the upper classes and the indians. Even though they were more independent and not as needy of governmental support, the members of the upper class and the Cherokee tribe were people too, something Andrew Jackson did not take into account.
With the information we gathered about the Indian Removal Act, our group decided to perform a skit for the class. In our skit, we decided to focus on the motivation for and initial reactions of the Indian Removal Act. The script is below.
Narrator: In a nation, Andrew Jackson wants to expand the United States, but the Cherokee Indians are in his path. Looks into the distance.
Andrew Jackson rides his mighty steed into the scene.
Indians are mid powwow. (http://youtu.be/ZNuNsKwG1RI)
Indian chief: Hello, Jacksana.
Andrew Jackson: What does that mean?
Indian chief: Devil.
A: Why do you refer to me as such?
I: You try to take our land, demolish our people and move us west, yet before you were loyal to us. Why do you do this?
A: We wish to expand our territory. You shall move voluntarily, or you will be subject to the laws of the United States.
I: We wish to remain on the land of our fathers. We have a perfect and original right to remain without interruption or molestation.
A: Then we will have to use force.
I: The west is a mysterious place. There are other tribes there, who speak different languages. We will not fit in. If staying means dying, then so be it.
A: That is your choice.
I: We are an independent nation, we do not have to abide by your laws.
A: Yes you do.
Andrew Jackson turns to leave, rides away on horse.
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