Mistreatment

Worksheet Description

This worksheet addresses specific historical events and policies related to the mistreatment of Native Americans. It lists four items: the term “five ‘civilized’ tribes,” the Supreme Court case Worcester v. Georgia, the Indian Removal Act, and the Trail of Tears. Students are prompted to explain how each of these represents a form of mistreatment of Native Americans. The worksheet provides space for students to write their responses, thus requiring them to reflect on and articulate the impacts of these events and policies.

The worksheet is teaching students about the historical injustices faced by Native American tribes, particularly during the 19th century. It encourages critical thinking about how the term “civilized tribes” was used in a derogatory manner, the legal struggle for tribal sovereignty in Worcester v. Georgia, the forced relocation sanctioned by the Indian Removal Act, and the suffering caused by the Trail of Tears. By exploring these topics, students learn about the challenges to Native American rights and autonomy and the long-term consequences of these actions. The activity also serves to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of American history from the perspective of indigenous peoples.