How the USA Colonized the USA, Mapped

Summary

This video script narrates the historical injustices faced by Native American tribes during the formation and expansion of the United States. It details the Louisiana Purchase, where the US acquired imperial rights but not actual land ownership, leading to forced treaties and displacement. The script highlights the broken promises, violence, and manipulation used to seize tribal lands, including the infamous Trail of Tears. It also touches on the impact of cotton farming and the role of figures like Andrew Jackson in this dark chapter of American history.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States for $15 million, but it was more about acquiring imperial rights to North America rather than land ownership.
• 🤝 The U.S. aimed to acquire land from native tribes through treaties and compensation, reflecting ideals of justice and humanity as stated by George Washington.
• 📜 The U.S. government initially offered food, farming equipment, cash, and other services in exchange for land from native tribes.
• 🔄 However, as the U.S. population grew, the government and settlers began to use coercion and force to acquire native lands, contradicting initial ideals.
• 🏰 The U.S. often broke treaties and used underhanded tactics such as intoxicating tribal leaders or appointing false tribal leaders to sign away lands.
• 🚫 The Indian Removal Act of 1830, championed by Andrew Jackson, formalized the forced relocation of native tribes, leading to the infamous Trail of Tears.
• 📉 The Cherokee Nation's legal victory in the Supreme Court was undermined by the executive branch's refusal to enforce the ruling, demonstrating the government's hypocrisy.
• 📉 The Trail of Tears between 1831 and 1838 involved the forced relocation of nearly 100,000 native people, resulting in thousands of deaths.
• 💼 The U.S. government, military, and private companies were all complicit in the systematic ethnic cleansing of native tribes to make way for settlers and economic expansion.
• 📈 The economic growth of the U.S., particularly in the cotton industry, was directly linked to the displacement and suffering of native tribes.

Q & A

What significant event is referred to as the Louisiana Purchase?

The Louisiana Purchase was a real estate deal in 1803 where the United States doubled its size by acquiring a vast territory from France for $15 million.

What did the United States actually buy from France in the Louisiana Purchase?

The United States bought the imperial rights to the land, which meant France would not interfere with the U.S. colonizing the territory.

How did the United States plan to acquire land from the native tribes?

The U.S. intended to negotiate and sign formal treaties with the native tribes, then pay them fairly for their land.

What was George Washington's stance on the administration of Indian affairs?

George Washington was determined that the U.S. government's administration of Indian affairs would be directed by the principles of justice and humanity.

How did the initial peaceful transactions between the U.S. and native tribes change over time?

As the U.S. became more powerful and needed more land for its growing population, the government and settlers started using coercion, fraud, and violence to force tribes to give up their land.

What was the impact of the westward movement on native tribes?

The westward movement led to native tribes being forced to sign treaties and cede their lands, often through deceit and military force, resulting in displacement and violence.

What was the Black Belt Prairie and why was it desirable to cotton farmers?

The Black Belt Prairie was a strip of land particularly fertile for cotton farming. It was desirable because cotton was a lucrative cash crop.

What was the Cherokee Nation's response to Georgia's attempt to abolish their government and claim their land?

The Cherokee Nation fought back by taking Georgia to court, and they won the case in the Supreme Court, which upheld their rights to the land.

What was Andrew Jackson's role in the forced relocation of native tribes, known as the Trail of Tears?

Andrew Jackson ignored the Supreme Court ruling that supported the Cherokee's land rights and instead pushed for the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which led to the forced relocation and suffering of many native tribes.

What was the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and what was its effect on native tribes?

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was a law that authorized the U.S. government to negotiate treaties for the relocation of native tribes to designated 'Indian Territory.' It resulted in the forced removal and suffering of many tribes, including the infamous Trail of Tears.

How did the United States government and settlers justify their actions towards native tribes?

The U.S. government and settlers justified their actions through a facade of legal documents, treaties, and payments, which they claimed were just and fair, despite the actual violence and coercion involved.