Sunday, August 20, 2017

Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears Lesson Plan

This engaging lesson plan on the Indian Removal Act is an awesome way to get students thinking critically, analyzing primary sources, and working together!


The complete lesson features directions for the teacher to set up multiple activities in one class period. There's a warm up question, introduction, link to a short video, and discussion points before leading into the primary source analysis activity.

There are 10 short excerpts from various speeches or documents related to the Indian Removal Act. These include words of:

  • President Andrew Jackson
  • Cherokee Chief John Ross
  • Alexis de Tocqueville
  • Soldiers who participated in the forced Indian Removal
  • Native American voices
  • ... and more! 

Each helps students gain a clearer image of the divergent views regarding the removal of the Cherokee and other Native American groups from the southeast.

Students record their own analysis of each on a chart then move on to a longer primary source speech to analyze. A worksheet is included for this speech to help students focus on the key points.

Answer keys for each are included for your convenience along with ideas for extension activities.

You can download this great lesson for your students here. Or, you can also get this resources along with 50 more on Early America as part of my Complete Early American History Unit Plan.

Thank you for stopping by!

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