Unit 4 Worksheet: Georgia’s Land Expansion
Unit 4 Lesson 1: Georgia’s Land Expansion
Founding of the University of Georgia
Who was involved?
The founding of the University of Georgia involved several key figures and groups, including:
- John Milledge: A prominent politician who was instrumental in designating funds for the establishment of the university.
- General Assembly of Georgia: The legislative body that authorized the creation of the university.
- Citizens of Georgia: Those who viewed education as essential for progress and development in the state.
- James Madison: As a national leader during this era, his ideas on education influenced many state establishments, including Georgia’s.
What happened? Summarize the event!
In 1785, the University of Georgia was established as the first state-chartered university in America. The General Assembly of Georgia enacted legislation to create a public university, aiming to promote education and cultivate an educated citizenry in the post-Revolutionary War period. John Milledge donated land for the university, and it opened its doors to students in 1801, becoming a pivotal institution for higher education in the state.
Where did the event take place?
The event took place in Athens, Georgia.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
- Piedmont
When did the event take place?
The university was established in 1785 and opened its doors in 1801.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The founding of the University of Georgia is significant for several reasons:
- It marked the establishment of the first public university in the United States, setting a precedent for higher education across the nation.
- The university played a crucial role in fostering educational opportunities in the state, contributing to Georgia's development and the growth of a literate populace.
- It has been influential in the cultural, economic, and political development of Georgia, serving as a center for research, public policy, and civic engagement for over two centuries. The university continues to be a leading educational institution in the state and the Southeast, showcasing the enduring importance of education in shaping Georgia's future.
Yazoo Land Fraud
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
- Georgia Legislators: Those who participated in the sale of the land.
- Federal Government: Oversaw the legitimacy of the land transactions.
- Land Speculators: Individuals and companies that sought to profit from the land sales.
- Common Citizens: Many Georgians were outraged by the corruption and felt cheated by the scheme.
What happened? Summarize the event!
The Yazoo Land Fraud was a controversial land deal enacted by the Georgia legislature in 1795, where large tracts of land were sold at very low prices to a group of land speculators. It was later revealed that the sale had been marred by corruption and bribery. This prompted widespread outrage among the citizens of Georgia and resulted in a repeal of the law in 1796. The scandal ultimately led to a significant legal and political backlash.
Where did the event take place?
The event took place primarily in the area that would become parts of present-day Alabama and Mississippi.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
- Piedmont
When did the event take place?
The fraudulent land sale occurred in 1795, and it led to the repeal of the legislation in 1796.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The Yazoo Land Fraud is significant because it highlighted the corruption in state politics and led to demands for reforms. It also set a precedent for future land policies and the governance structure in Georgia. The fallout from the incident influenced the state’s relationship with the federal government and established a legacy of skepticism towards political dealings.
Unit 4 Lesson 3: The War of 1812 and Indian Removal
William McIntosh and the Treaties of Indian Springs
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
- William McIntosh: A Creek leader who signed the treaties.
- Creek Nation: The Native American group affected by the treaties.
- U.S. Government: Facilitated the treaties that dispossessed the Creek.
- Georgia State Government: Supported the removal of the Creeks from their lands.
What happened? Summarize the event!
William McIntosh signed the Treaties of Indian Springs in 1825, which ceded Creek lands in Georgia to the U.S. government. This was highly controversial within the Creek Nation, as many members opposed the treaty. McIntosh was viewed as a traitor for negotiating the treaty without broader consent. His actions ultimately led to internal conflict and his assassination.
Where did the event take place?
The event took place in present-day Georgia.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
- Piedmont
When did the event take place?
The treaties were signed in 1825.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
This event is crucial as it exemplifies the tensions between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. It showcases the betrayal of Native American leaders and the consequences of forced removals that were part of U.S. expansion policies. The division it caused within the Creek Nation also represents the broader struggle of Native Americans during this era.
Dahlonega Gold Rush
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
- Gold Seekers: Thousands of prospectors flocked to Dahlonega in search of fortune.
- Cherokee Nation: The indigenous people whose lands were taken for gold mining.
- Georgia State Government: Encouraged and facilitated the extraction of gold to boost the economy.
- Miners: Individuals who worked in the gold mines, both local and from other states.
What happened? Summarize the event!
The Dahlonega Gold Rush began in 1828 when gold was discovered in the North Georgia region. This discovery led to a massive influx of miners and settlers, resulting in the rapid exploitation of gold in the area. The Gold Rush intensified pressures on Native American lands, especially impacting the Cherokee Nation, and ultimately contributed to their removal from Georgia.
Where did the event take place?
The event took place in Dahlonega, Georgia.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
- Blue Ridge
When did the event take place?
The Gold Rush began in 1828.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The Dahlonega Gold Rush was significant as it marked the first major gold rush in the United States, predating the California Gold Rush. It accelerated the displacement of Native Americans from their lands and set a precedent for the exploitation of natural resources in the state. This event helped to shape the demographic and economic landscape of Georgia.
Worcester v. Georgia
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
- Samuel Worcester: An evangelist who lived among the Cherokee and was arrested for violating state law.
- Cherokee Nation: The indigenous nation fighting for its rights and governance.
- State of Georgia: The governmental authority enforcing state laws against the Cherokee.
- U.S. Supreme Court: The judicial body that ultimately ruled on the case.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Worcester v. Georgia (1832) was a landmark Supreme Court case in which the Court ruled that the state of Georgia could not enforce its laws within Cherokee territory, affirming the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. The case arose after Samuel Worcester was convicted for residing in Cherokee territory without a state permit. The state ignored the ruling, leading to further conflict.
Where did the event take place?
The case originated in Georgia, particularly in Cherokee territories.
When did the event take place?
The ruling occurred in 1832.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The case is significant as it established a legal precedent regarding the relationship between Native American nations and state governments. It underscored the sovereignty of Native American tribes and highlighted the struggle for their rights against state encroachment. However, despite the ruling, the state of Georgia continued to pursue its agenda of Indian removal, showing the limits of judicial power.
The Trail of Tears
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
- Cherokee Nation: The primary group forcibly removed from their lands.
- U.S. Government: Enforced the Indian Removal Act, leading to the forced relocation.
- President Andrew Jackson: Advocate for removal policies.
- Soldiers and Enforcement Officers: Carried out the removals against the will of the Cherokee.
What happened? Summarize the event!
The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma during the late 1830s. The journey was marked by severe hardship, suffering, and high mortality rates among the Cherokee people due to exposure, disease, and starvation.
Where did the event take place?
The event primarily took place from various locations in the southeastern U.S. to Indian Territory, primarily in Oklahoma.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
- Piedmont
- Coastal Plain
When did the event take place?
The forced removal occurred between 1838 and 1839.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The Trail of Tears is a critical chapter in Georgia’s history as it exemplifies the harsh realities of U.S. policies towards Native Americans during the 19th century. It signifies the loss of Native American homelands and culture due to aggressive expansion and is a poignant reminder of the injustices faced by indigenous peoples. The Trail of Tears represents the broader consequences of imperialism and cultural assimilation that characterized U.S. expansionism.