The Industrial Revolution and The Indian Removal Act

The Declaration of Independence changed the image of America forever. The New-comers wanted to came and experience the diversity it offered, the unique freedom of life they yet to experience in Europe. It was like a breath of fresh air. However it was also an expensive one.

The land was beautiful but less and less available, it became scarce in some of the regions, not surprisingly the fights and skirmishes over the most lucrative pieces were on daily basis. The territories between the Appalachian Mountains and Mississippi River were finally granted to America due to Treaty of Paris in 1783. The landscape was stunning, the nature hostile, the land had its price. Notwithstanding the odds people wanted to settle in. Armed with axes, guns and plenty of self-confidence they raided the mountains to make a new start, to give onset to their farms, and small towns which expressed their unique personality and exceptional difference. What made them so eager to try? The wilderness, I presume.

Many new-comers chose the land in the vicinity of Ohio river, the Native Americans who lived there since the beginning of time perceived them as thieves, the fights were unavoidable, it broke out over the hunting grounds. To ease the tension and dispel the anger the government announced and implemented a new law in 1787 – it was called Northwest Ordinance. It declared:

"... lands and property shall never been taken from them [Native Americans] without their consent, it is their property, rights and liberty they never shall be invaded or disturbed ..."

The President James Monroe did what he could to guarantee the equal right for everyone, yet, One can't have all One wants. In case of Native Americans and their lands it was as just follows – they have to move aside and give more space to white settlers, it was inferior, it was outrageous and unfair. Yet it happened – in 1830 the president approved and signed the Indian Removal Act. The Indians tribes were about to be moved to a place called Indian Territory – which lied beyond Mississippi River. The Cherokees suffered the most, however, the resettling imposed some changes on them, eventually, they became more and more civilized. Deprived of their land they felt grief and anger all time long.

The Trail of Tears was the most shameful act the new American government could do to its first and only true American citizens. To understand it we have to go back to the presidential election. As it is known first six American presidents were members of rich and influential families, these people weren't poor and didn't know the notion of poverty whatsoever. The change came in 1828 when Andrew Jackson became a president of America. He was not an outstanding figure with his rich family at the background. He was ordinary, yet, people truly wanted to believe he really is. He was one of founders of Democratic Party, according to his belief the government he represents should benefit "the farmer, the mechanic, and the laborer". He was elected twice in 1828 ans 1832. He didn't spread a careless whispers – and rewarded his voters for choosing the second time. He exactly knew what people wanted the most – there were – cheap money, cheap goods and cheap land. He provided cheap money by encouraging banks to give cheap and affordable loans, He provided cheap manufactured goods by reducing import duties and what was the most important He provided the cheap land by forcing Cherokees and other eastern Native Americans to move west of the Mississippi, simply to move out! The motives are so tingled among the Cabinet decisions, it is difficult to determine which were good and right and which were not. The money stands behind it all. His approach was called "Jacksonian Democracy". Does it really prove The United States became a more genuinely democratic country? I leave the judgement to You.

In 1838 the winter struck, it was very cold and windy, nonetheless, a troop of soldiers gathered thousands of Cherokees together, they were forced to leave their whereabouts. They were driven west.

The landscape of the small towns and villages changed, the new houses had much more European style, there were big houses with brick walls. Christianity predominated the way of life, Sunday was a compulsory day to go to the Church, to prize the Lord. The church was a congregation place – where One felt the member of the whole community.

The industrial revolution hit the American market like a tornado, in 1790 the first American factory was opened, the increase of production and palatable financial profit encouraged the British entrepreneurship to steam their ideas to America. This huge land appeared as plentiful of profits. This 'absurd' idea was taken to America by the British businessman Samuel Slater. With the help and business agreement with Moses Brown – the first mill was opened, it was first factory to spin cotton. Slater built the parts of the machine from memory, namely, he took it out from Britain where it was strictly forbidden, and made a huge profit in America where it was welcome. Rhode Island started gradually changing and became a manufacturing region.

The political upheaval was noticeable between Britain and France, both countries wanted to control and monitor the American trade, American merchant ships. In 1812 the Congress declared war with Britain, American attempt to invade the British-ruled ports in Canada ended in total disaster. The fights were fierce, Washington was demolished – it was a new capital of America. In December 1814 United States and Britain signed the Peace Treaty. New Orleans fought back the attacks of British soldiers, American troops led by General Andrew Jackson celebrated their victory. The won war meant a lot – it showed that America and its government grew stronger and much better organized. It started being a democratic union of equals. Thomas Jefferson was an antagonist and perceived the industrial revolution as an evil of all evils, not only he said 'No' to imported European goods but also to any foreign innovation that sailed across the Atlantic. The war changed his perception, in one of his speeches he agreed "... We now must place a manufacturer by the site of the agriculturist ..."

The Industrial Revolution didn't mean extinction of local shops and local jobs, local business in general. It may give more jobs and job opportunities in a long run. The merchant ships and own control over the market made America conscious how beneficial their land became. It was worth any change that will come in the future.

Bibliography:

1. The Norton Anthology of American Literature.
2. A History of American Literature, A. Grey
3. An Outline of American History.
4. An Illustrated History of the USA.