Protesters want #AndrewJackson's statue removed because he ordered the removal of an estimated 100,000 #indigenous people from eastern states. 15,000 died along the #TrailOfTears headed west. #native / thread britannica.com/event/Trail-of…
In Dec 1830, #AndrewJackson told Congress "Indian removal" was approaching its "happy consummation," moving "savages" west, freeing land between TN & LA for white settlement, & "reliev[ing]" Miss & western Alabama of "Indian occupancy." 
"What good man would prefer" forests & "savages" to "our extensive Republic" occupied by 12 million "happy people" & filled w/ the "blessings of liberty, civilization & religion?" Jackson asked Congress in 1830.
The white supremacist's portrait hangs in the Oval Office.
The white supremacist's portrait hangs in the Oval Office.
#AndrewJackson noted his administration's policies were a "continuation" of earlier efforts: "The tribes which occupied the countries now constituting the Eastern States were annihilated or have melted away to make room for the whites."
#AndrewJackson told Congress the policy wasn't "cruel" since thousands of whites would feel "gratitude & joy" if the gov't gave them "a new & extensive territory," paid the expense of their "removal," & supported them for 1 year in their "new abode."
We know that #slavery has always been regarded as wrong because in all times & places, people with power make it illegal to enslave people like them.
We know #AndrewJackson realized the #TrailOfTears was "cruel" because he devotes 43% of the speech to refuting the charge.
We know #AndrewJackson realized the #TrailOfTears was "cruel" because he devotes 43% of the speech to refuting the charge.
Trump described himself as a "big fan" of #AndrewJackson when he visited his TN plantation to lay a wreath on his grave. Trump often echoes Jackson, who insisted that "Rightly considered, the policy of the General Government toward the red man is not only liberal, but generous."
#AndrewJackson's 1830 Congressional address ends on an upbeat note: the government "kindly offers" as many as 100,000 people #native to the land "a new home" & "proposes to pay the whole expense of [their] removal & settlement."
Heck of a job, Brownie.
Heck of a job, Brownie.
The enforced march of #indigenous people known as the #TrailOfTears is more than 5,043 miles long and covers 9 states. An estimated 15,000 people died before reaching what's now #Oklahoma.
Full transcript of Jackson's 1830 speech: ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=…
Full transcript of Jackson's 1830 speech: ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=…
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