how did Andrew Jackson respond to the supreme court decision in Worcester v Georgia
To understand how Andrew Jackson responded to the Supreme Court decision in Worcester v. Georgia, I need to explain the background and steps involved in the process.
1. Background: Worcester v. Georgia was a landmark case in 1832 that involved the Cherokee Nation and the state of Georgia. The Cherokees sought to prevent Georgia from enforcing state laws that encroached upon their territory.
2. The Supreme Court Decision: The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled in favor of the Cherokee Nation. The court held that the Cherokee Nation was a sovereign entity and that Georgia's laws did not apply to them. This decision established the principle that Indian tribes were separate political communities with their own rights and powers.
Now, let's focus on Andrew Jackson's response to this decision:
3. Jackson's Attitude: Jackson was a strong advocate for westward expansion and the assimilation of Native American tribes. He held the belief that Native Americans should be removed from their ancestral lands to make way for white settlers.
4. Famous Quote: Jackson is often attributed with saying, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." This quote reflects his defiance and opposition to the Supreme Court's ruling.
5. Non-Enforcement: To put it simply, Jackson did not enforce the Supreme Court's decision. He supported Georgia's efforts to remove the Cherokee Nation from their lands and allowed the state to continue with its policies.
6. The Trail of Tears: Following Jackson's refusal to enforce the Worcester v. Georgia decision, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was implemented. This act resulted in the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, including the Cherokee, in what became known as the Trail of Tears.
In summary, Andrew Jackson responded to the Supreme Court decision in Worcester v. Georgia by refusing to enforce it and supporting the state of Georgia's efforts to forcibly remove the Cherokee Nation from their lands. This response ultimately led to the tragic displacement of thousands of Native Americans.