Roleplay as a Geogia Landowner Arguing for the Explusion of the Cherokee from Georgia
Summary:
A role-play exercise in which a Georgia landowner argues for the expulsion of the Cherokee Indians from Georgia through forced removal.
Ever since Europeans set foot set foot on North America, the tension between the Native Americans and immigrants grew. The organized Indian nation of the Cherokee had a vast amount of land within Georgia's boundaries. Especially with the discovery of gold on Cherokee land, Georgian people were eager to get rid of the Natives. The US had signed two separate agreements, one with Georgia and the other with the Cherokee tribe. One granted the Cherokee ownership of their lands in America. The other agreement gave Georgia's western lands to the federal government in exchange for $1,250,000 as long as the government would move the Cherokees off Georgia's land. My name is Henry Sickle, and I am a southern plantation owner pleading my solution to this problem. I am against the Natives and do not believe they work well with our society. Expelling the Cherokees from Georgia is the most apparent and best option for the good of Georgia and the country as a whole.
There are many options to consider when dealing with this situation. The United States could do whatever it takes for the Cherokee to sell their lands in exchange for new lands west of the Mississippi. In that way, the Cherokee would loose all their land and claims in Georgia. Even Though, this option unethically forces them off their lands, I believe that this is a good option for both sides. The Georgians would threaten them, steal/cheat, impose immoral laws that would diminish their rights in Georgia, and more. This action may force the Indians to sign treaties and move to lands they might not be able to survive in.
The next option the United States has is to send federal troops to regulate and protect the Indians' rights. This can help prevent Georgian invasions, but it has more cons than pros. This option is very costly to enforce, and probably will be ineffective if chosen. A small amount of uniformed soldiers cannot guard a huge area of land owned by the Cherokees. It would be very hard to enforce and most likely will not stop the anxious citizens from expanding and settling in this gold-found land.
Another considerable option that can be done to help solve the situation involves cooperation and agreement. The US can negotiate with Georgia and try to seek accommodation between the Cherokee and the state. Although this may seem like a good idea, many risks are involved. If the two disputing groups do not reach an agreement, rebellions and killings may occur. The last thing we as Georgians need is bloodshed over trying to resolve a situation. On top of that, stubborn Georgians may continue to impose on Cherokee land regardless of what is achieved. From what I see, our people have grown to hate the Native Americans, and will do anything to get their way.
Finally, out of all the options presented above, the best resolution to the disputes would be to expel the Cherokees from Georgia through forced removal (if necessary). This option can be justified through its many benefits. The US would honor their agreement with the Georgian citizens, instead of the Natives that are not even part of our Union. Removing them gets rid of the problem fast, and will help the country expand and will boost Georgia's economy. If the Cherokee were to stay in their lands, they would suffer under unfair Georgian laws intended to hurt them. Unfair laws that allow robbing/cheating the Natives. If they were moved out of Georgia farther west, they can start a new peaceful life, away from the Europeans who do not mix well and don't have the same intentions as the Natives. Far away from the Native's intruders, forceful citizens would not be able to disrupt the ways of the Cherokee and there, the fighting would stop. It is the best solution to this problem that has been causing trouble for a long time.
In conclusion, expelling the Cherokee from Georgia through forced removal is the best for the good of Georgia along with the safety and well-being of the Native Americans. It's important to preserve their culture and it would not be disrupted if they were away from the Europeans. The best interests of both groups could be carried on without disruptions. Although this removal may be tedious, in the end it will be proven as the best solution. If the Natives are out of our way, they can live peacefully and the economy and interests in our country can grow to much greater extents.
This is the complete article, containing 751 words
(approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page).
