$20 and the Indian Removal Act

What do the above items have to do with each other? 

Andrew Jackson.

​7th President of the United States.

Hero of the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.

President of the "Common Man" 

Leader of the war against "big banks" 

... and law maker of the "Indian Removal Act". 

So, how should Americans remember the 7th president of the United States of America? 

Well, my middle schoolers can tell you ... but they don't all agree ... And that makes my teacher heart very happy :) 

This week, studied the Cherokee "Trail of Tears" which embodies the Indian Removal Act at work. Students came to their personal conclusions about how to remember Andrew Jackson after analyzing different sources including Andrew Jackson's speech to Congress concerning the "Indian Problem", the true testimony of a soldier, John Burnett, who assisted in the actual removal, and a non-fiction "textbook-like" factual source. 

Students summarized their sources views, illustrated the Trail of Tears, and summarized the event objectively. 

Finally, they wrote 5 paragraph, persuasive essays, debating whether Jackson should or should not remain on the $20 dollar bill. Click HERE For my 5 paragraph essay packet on TPT.