Andrew Jackson, First Annual Message to Congress (1829)
By: Mike • Essay • 1,003 Words • November 27, 2009 • 1,890 Views
Essay title: Andrew Jackson, First Annual Message to Congress (1829)
One of the many controversial issues of the early nineteenth century was the
removal of the numerous indian tribes from there native land. Andrew jackson, “A
former frontiersman and Indian fighter,” was a major catalyst in the removal of the
Native Americans. Perhaps in response to the controversy surrounding Jackson’s
actions concerning the removal of the Indian, and obviously to justify his and the
United States’ conduct towards the Native American people, jackson delivered a
message to congress. The message is displayed in the message and papers of
the presidents in a book titled “ Andrew Jackson, First Annual Message to Congress”
(1829) The message simply stresses the choice to continue to remove the indians
from their natural endowment.
One of Jackson’s justifications is that america’s intentions have always been to
help the natives. He says, “ professing a desire to civilize and settle them, we have
at the same time lost no opportunity to purchase their lands and thrust them farther
into the wilderness.” He is declaring that America’s attempt to rob the natives of their
land happened inevitably. This is a description of manifest destiny. Jackson States
that the fate of the indians losing their land surly awaits them if they remain within the
limits of the state and does not admit of a doubt. Humanity and national honor
demand that every effort should be made to avert so great a calamity. With this
Jackson was basically warning the natives about not cooperating with America’s
manifest destiny. the indians should just cooperate peacefully or be subject to
(America’s) laws.
The despora of the native americans, a major issue of the early nineteenth
century, is one that still touches the hearts of many, even today. Any literature
developed during the time era referring to the removal of the indians some of which
were illustrated Caucasian perspectives, one that is mainly in favor of removing the
natives. In order to encourage the civilization of the Native Americans the washington
administration developed a policy (“Memorial”) The Native Americans codified their
own legal system, printed their own news papers and even owned slaves. finally
literature was published that depicted the perspective of the Native Americans and
their struggle. in one article “Memorial of the Cherokee Nation” (1830), an emotional
account of the indians opposing perspective is eloquently portrayed, despite their
obvious acceptance of the indians opposing perspective is eloquently portrayed,
despite their obvious acceptance of the policy made by the washington
administration.
In contradiction of the popular opinion of the era, the Arthur immediately
declares that the natives, particularly the cherokee, are definitely against the removal.
the arthur states, “our people universally think otherwise. we wish to remain on the l
and of our fathers . he rightfully attest that the indians have natural obligations to the
land they originally occupied. He states, “ we have a perfect and original right to
remain without interruption