jan 1, 1801 - Jefferson's "Civilizing Program"

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Indian presence would be an "obstacle" and no political organization of the westard expansion before the 1840s-1850s -> At the time, still idea that the republic could fail on such extended territory.

Still Indian presence on the huge territories they owned east of the Mississippi, especially in the southwest raised question for the government -> Obstacle on the way of economic and territorial growth.

Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws and Creeks.

As a consequence, the federal policy regarding Indian affairs evolved. = idea: to have Indians let go of their lands by "civilizing" them, that is to say, make them "farmers" of Jefferson's agrarian republic.

Idea suggested by Henry Knox, Secretary of War under Washington's presidency ut it now defined the federal Indian policy.

Federal agents were sent among the Indian nations to teach them how the cultivate the land the Euro-American way, to provide for agricultural tools and utensils (plough, spinning wheels, etc.) and introduced new methods and fashions (cattle, culture of cotton, etc.) + missionaries to inject Christianity and convert Indians.

Southeastern nations (especially the Cherokees) proved to be particularly receptive to the "Civilization Program" -> Striking acculturation phenomenon (adaptation for survival).

BUT there was also strong resistance to this acculturation process and land cessions = The Shawnee Tecumseh ad his brother, Tenskawatawa, The Prophet founded Prophetstown in 1808 (Indian Territory) that became the beacon of Indian resistance against the American territorial and cultural expansion.
Tecumseh toured throughout the southeast to have Indians from all nations join his panindian movement.

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