Trial of Tears (dialogue)

Dialogue: Trial of Tears

One afternoon, Derek came by this history teacher’s room to learn a little bit extra for fun. The conversation focused mainly on the Trial of Tears. He had heard information about these events in previous history classes, but didn’t fully understand.

Derek: Hey Mr. Smith, I know Andrew Jackson was a president, but what did he do during the Trials of Tears?

Mr. Smith: He was full of contradiction and paradox. Jackson’s officials were directed to negotiate a removal treaty with complaint minority factors of the Cherokees.

Derek: What was the Indian Removal?

Mr. Smith: It was a voluntary exchange of eastern lands for western lands.

Derek: Did Jackson do anything about the Cherokee National party?

Mr. Smith: Yes, he barred the party. This prevented them from holding meeting to discuss the treaty or alternative courses of action.

Derek: Oh, I see. What was a major event that happened in 1832?

Mr. Smith: In Worcester v. Georgia, chief Justice John Marshall declared Georgia’s persecution of the Indians unconstitutional.

Derek: I’ve heard rumors of something else happening in 1832. I think it was sometime in May.

Mr. Smith: Ah yes, May 9, 1832. Faced with annihilation, Seminole