Assignment
"The Papal Bull "Inter Caetera," issued by Pope Alexander VI on May 4, 1493, played a central role in the Spanish conquest of the New World....The Bull stated that any land not inhabited by Christians was available to be "discovered," claimed, and exploited by Christian rulers and declared that "the Catholic faith and the Christian religion be exalted and be everywhere increased and spread, that the health of souls be cared for and that barbarous nations be overthrown and brought to the faith itself." This "Doctrine of Discovery" became the basis of all European claims in the Americas as well as the foundation for the United States' western expansion. In the US Supreme Court in the 1823 case Johnson v. McIntosh, Chief Justice John Marshall's opinion in the unanimous decision held "that the principle of discovery gave European nations an absolute right to New World lands." In essence, American Indians had only a right of occupancy, which could be abolished."
From the discovery of the Americas and the Native Americans, we know that the Natives had to overcome many obstacles to keep important aspects of their culture, such as their religious practices and other traditions specific to their tribe. The YAWP readings teach us that the Native culture is in danger once again.
o How did the Cherokee people assimilate into American Culture?
o Did they change their culture and practices on purpose?
o What is the significance of the Trail of Tears?
o Many believe that the Trail of Tears was an act of genocide. What do you think?
o What makes the Doctrine of Discovery important to THIS period of time?
o Andrew Jackson made a decision regarding the Trail of Tears, how did his decision impact Native Americans?
o What did you learn that surprised you the most or that you didn't know before?
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.