Indian Removal Dbq

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Pages: 5

QUESTION 1

1. Did the Indian removal policy, and the conflicts waged in order to implement it, meet the criteria of a just war by Aquinas’ standards?

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830. While Jackson’s specific reasoning’s sounded benevolent, the clear intent was the removal of Native American’s regardless the monetary cost or potential loss of life. The Indian Removal Act was highly contested throughout the months preceding its eventual signing into law. The Senate debated the topic for 7 sessions prior to receiving a passing vote of 28 to 19 and the House debated for a total of 5 sessions and narrowly passed with a vote of 102 to 97. Jackson rallied support by guaranteeing all parties would benefit from the Act. He stated “This emigration should be voluntary, for it would be as cruel as unjust to compel the aborigines to abandon the graves of their fathers, and seek a home in a distinct land.”

Prior to 1830, the Trade and Intercourse Act of 1802 had outlined the details concerning white settlers’ interactions with Native American’s. The Act allowed for normal trade and commerce, described the purchasing of lands, and included penalties for violations. Additionally,
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Did it violate or satisfy St. Augustine’s additional criteria for a just war?

The Indian Removal Act did not fully satisfy St. Augustine’s additional criteria for a just war. While a purpose was established, the peaceful and voluntary emigration of Native Americans westward, the purpose was morally wrong. Also, peaceful agreements had already been established in the Trade and Intercourse Act. The U.S. government voting in favor of the Indian Removal Act showed the international community that the U.S. had a willingness to reverse acts when it seemed necessary or of convenience.

QUESTION 4

4. Was the U.S. government’s argument a valid and ethical one? What would have been a reasonable and ethical policy, in your