or many years I have been acquainted with your people, and under all variety of circumstances, in peace and war. Your fathers were well known to me, and the regard which I cherished for them has caused me to feel great solicitude for your situation.”- Andrew Jackson. Jackson viewed himself as a friend to the Cherokee people. Because of the Natives’ contribution to America, he valued and respected them. Andrew Jackson believed that he was a friend to the Indians because he enabled them to pursue happiness, unite and prosper with their people, and to live safely, protected by his rule.

Andrew Jackson established guidelines for the tribe allowing for a peaceful and happy lifestyle. According to Andrew Jackson’s Second Annual Message, it states, “It will separate the Indians from immediate contact with settlements of whites; free them from the power of the States; enable them to pursue happiness…” This depicts Jackson’s goal for the civilization to thrive and prosper under their own beliefs. The President’s wish that the natives should be free and happy lead to his thought that he was a friend to the Native American tribe.

The Cherokee tribe was sent by Jackson to the West in order for them to prosper and unite within their people. This further created a friend-like relationship between the two nations. Andrew Jackson further elaborated on this idea when he said, “ Circumstances that cannot be controlled, and which are beyond the reach of human laws, render it impossible that you can flourish in the midst of a civilized community… And that is, to remove to the West and join your countrymen, who are already established there, “(Doc 4). This demonstrates Jackson’s care for the Cherokee people and his wishes for them to grow and live freely. He respected the natives and strove to help them while making