Essay: President Jackson: Friend or Foe?

“For many years I have been acquainted with your people, and under all variety of circumstances, in peace and war. Your fathers were well known to me, and the regard which I cherished for them has caused me to feel great solicitude for your situation.”- Andrew Jackson. Jackson viewed himself as a friend to the Cherokee people. Because of the Natives’ contribution to America, he valued and respected them. Andrew Jackson believed that he was a friend to the Indians because he enabled them to pursue happiness, unite and prosper with their people, and to live safely, protected by his rule.
Andrew Jackson established guidelines for the tribe allowing for a peaceful and happy lifestyle. According to Andrew Jackson’s Second Annual Message, it states, “It will separate the Indians from immediate contact with settlements of whites; free them from the power of the States; enable them to pursue happiness…” This depicts Jackson’s goal for the civilization to thrive and prosper under their own beliefs. The President’s wish that the natives should be free and happy lead to his thought that he was a friend to the Native American tribe.
The Cherokee tribe was sent by Jackson to the West in order for them to prosper and unite within their people. This further created a friend-like relationship between the two nations. Andrew Jackson further elaborated on this idea when he said, “ Circumstances that cannot be controlled, and which are beyond the reach of human laws, render it impossible that you can flourish in the midst of a civilized community… And that is, to remove to the West and join your countrymen, who are already established there, “(Doc 4). This demonstrates Jackson’s care for the Cherokee people and his wishes for them to grow and live freely. He respected the natives and strove to help them while making sure that the Americas stayed strong and united.
The President also often thought of himself as a leader and nurturer to the natives. In Document 6, it illustrates Andrew Jackson portrayed as a father figure, helping and giving insight to the Native people. When gold was discovered on foreign land, Andrew Jackson took in consideration the feelings of the land owners, the natives, as well as the Americans and how more land would benefit them. Due to his contributions to the tribe, Jackson thought of himself as one who remained at peace with the Natives.
Although some may believe that Andrew Jackson was greedy and neglectful to the Native Americans, he highly respected them and wished for them to live a tranquil life. Since gold was discovered on the Indian territory Jackson had become interested in the land. Many believe that Jackson seized the land and disregarded the Natives living on it when his reality was much different. President Jackson truly believed in their relationship and wished the best for them; he taught them everything he knew and protected them throughout his presidency.
President Andrew Jackson believed that he was friends with the Cherokee Indian tribe because he wished for their happiness, for a harmony and unity among their people, and for them to see him as their role model. The relationship between these nations, friendly or not, will change the course of History.
Works Cited
Doc 1: Andrew Jackson’s Second Annual Message
Doc 4: “To the Cherokee Tribe of Indians East of the Mississippi River” March 16, 1835
Doc 6: “The Great White Father” Published Circa 1835
“To the Cherokee Tribe of Indians” cherokee-tribe-indians-jackson