The Indian Removal Act: unchecked expansionism and disregard for the rule of law
https://www.economist.com/essay/2026/02/02/the-indian-removal-act-unchecked-expansionism-and-disregard-for-the-rule-of-law
IN 1817, GENERAL Andrew Jackson invaded Florida, claimed by the Spanish empire but inhabited mostly by Seminole people. Jackson and his troops used scorched-earth tactics: destroying villages, burning cornfields and sacking storehouses, in the hope that terror and hunger would drive Seminoles to surrender. They killed warriors and civilians alike, and captured the Native leaders Hillis Harjo and Homathle Micco as well as Alexander Arbuthnot and Robert Ambrister, two British citizens who had aided the indigenous communities. Jackson executed them all without proper due process.
https://www.economist.com/essay/2026/02/02/the-indian-removal-act-unchecked-expansionism-and-disregard-for-the-rule-of-law
IN 1817, GENERAL Andrew Jackson invaded Florida, claimed by the Spanish empire but inhabited mostly by Seminole people. Jackson and his troops used scorched-earth tactics: destroying villages, burning cornfields and sacking storehouses, in the hope that terror and hunger would drive Seminoles to surrender. They killed warriors and civilians alike, and captured the Native leaders Hillis Harjo and Homathle Micco as well as Alexander Arbuthnot and Robert Ambrister, two British citizens who had aided the indigenous communities. Jackson executed them all without proper due process.