The Trail of Tears

Imagine that the United States government came to your home and forced you to move to another state, with only a few possessions, and start all over again. How would you feel, and what are the things that you would miss the most? This is what happened to thousands of Native Americans during the Jacksonian era.

During your Webquest, you will analyze the Indian Removal Act and the effects of the Trail of Tears. Remember that there are two (or more) sides to every story. Consider both sides and be prepared to provide insight into both.

The Task

Answer the following questions, in complete sentences, using the resources provided and your text book.

2. Who was President of the United States that signed the Removal Act?

3. What were the five major Native American groups affected by the law?

4. Where were these Native Americans located originally?

5. What was the name of the treaty which gave all Cherokee territory east of the Mississippi River to the U.S.? What did they get in return? Why was the treaty considered illegal by the Cherokees?

6. What were the two reasons that the Native Americans were removed from their homelands?

7. How many Native Americans were relocated as a result of the trail of tears?

8. Who was Samuel Cloud, and list three things he endured during his journey.

9. What were some of the hardships that Native Americans experienced after relocating?

10. Why do you think it was called "The Trail of Tears" or "On the Trail Where They Cried?"

Resources

Chief John Ross

•National Historic Trail

•Trail of Tears Account

•Trail Of Tears

•Trail of Tears Timeline

The Process

A. Cooperative Learning

B. Independent Project

Evaluation

You will be evaluated using the following rubric:

Questions-----50 points

Visual-----50 points

accuracy---25 points
task commitment---10 points
creativity---10 points
neatness---5 points

Documentation

For instructions on documenting Internet sources, refer to Citation Maker.