Social Rights of Native Americans Essay Example

In the 1800s many events took place such as the war of 1812, the American System, Mexican American War, and many more. In the United States during the 1860s, Native Americans had limited social rights when compared to white men of that time because the government treated them less than white men

"Letter to the Cherokee Nation" by President Andrew Jackson shows a treaty addressed to the tribe. It explains why they are being forced out of their land. “Listen to me while I tell you that you cannot remain where you now are. You have but one remedy within reach, and that is to move west soon and join your countrymen who are already established there”. Their only option is to move out even if they don't want to. “Your people will get schools, agricultural instruments, domestic animals, and help from Christians who will teach you and support your orphans. May the Great Spirit teach you how to choose. The fate of your people depends upon you. You cannot survive in your present residence. Every year will increase your difficulties”. The quote shows how the president attempts to bribe and convince the tribe to move out of their land. Because the president wanted the Cherokee's land, he tried to convince and force them to move out of their homes by pretending to be their friends. “Cherokee Nation of Indians, letter to Congress” by Cherokee to Congress shows a letter to congress that protested the treaty of New Echota. They knew that they were being treated badly, but they decided to let it not affect them. “The president will not stop the actions called for in the treaty. The letter says we will be horribly punished if we refuse to go along with the treaty.” This quote shows that the Cherokee knew if they didn't cooperate something bad would happen and their lives could be in danger. The Cherokee talked then decided that they were outnumbered. They decided that they had to listen if they wanted to be safe. The document “The Trail of Tears” by Robert Linux is a painting that shows the hard and long journey that the Cherokee went through. Most of the people in this painting had to walk on foot which would be tiring especially because of how long of the journey it was. Due to walking on foot it would be very difficult and tiring especially because of how long of a walk it was. “Out of the 15,000 people over 4,000 died during the trial." This shows how the trial drove them to the point of death.

In conclusion, this essay shows how Native Americans had very few social rights. It also shows how the government viewed them as less than everyone else. At the time, Native Americans were not treated equally. White men had many rights and could do whatever they wanted. While the Native Americans had many restrictions and very few rights. The Native Americans were forced to obey government laws. If they didn't obey the government, they would face consequences. At the time, there was a lot of discrimination against Native Americans.