This unit is designed for students to explore and examine America's Indian policies of the early 19th century, including the policies of assimilation and removal and the effects US policies have had on Native Americans. Students will also research the Native Americans' fight for recognized sovereignty. Students will engage in an inquiry in order to respond to the central question “Was the forced removal of Native Americans necessary for white Americans to move westward?” Through this inquiry, students will learn about US relations with Native Americans, the various perspectives, cultural conflicts, and historical consequences of early US Indian policies. Students will develop questions, collect evidence, and draw conclusions in response to the central question.