What prompted the US gov to begin an Indian removal policy?

Answer 1

Vast differences existed between the European (and thus American) views on land and the first nation's (or the people's) outlook. If you studied any history of Europe, you know how war was a primary factor in determining who lived where. The people did not believe in ownership as it is a ridiculous concept. (Just think about those who have gone through earthquakes, floods, fires, soil erosion, hurricanes and tornadoes to see why ownership is seen as ridiculous. In a governmental sense, if you do not pay your taxes, the government seizes your land and sells it... so who privately owns anything?)

So the Americans did not understand the concept of sharing land, only ownership. The people did not understand the concept of ownership, only sharing. If the people were on land that the government wanted, they had to go, alive or dead. The Cherokee had been removed once and adapted, becoming farmers and being successful. However, when the Americans wanted that land, President Jackson ordered the Cherokee marched west. Those who died on this Trail of Tears were left behind.

Eventually, they drove the people to the most unhabitable land in the country. This policy continues to this day. The Republicans recently balked at the thought that the people could prosecute those who come onto the reservation and commit crimes. (remember, the reservations are the people's land, not the government's) Promises made to the different nations continue to be broken. However, the current President has done much to end these policies and try to make some amends... the first ever in US history.