The expulsion of Native Americans from the eastern half of the continent to the Indian Territory beyond the Mississippi River remains one of the most notorious events in U.S. history, and the man most responsible and most widely blamed for their removal is Andrew Jackson. Robert Remini now provides an analysis of this single most controversial aspect of Jackson's long career. Capturing Jackson's flaws and limitations as well as his heroism, Remini contends that, despite the injustice and atrocities that accompanied the removal, Jackson in fact ensured the tribes' survival.

Unabridged.

Preface -- Chronology -- Making of an Indian fighter -- Fighting Cherokees, Chickasaws, and Creeks -- Old Hickory -- Creek war -- Sharp Knife -- Brothers, listen ... I am your friend and brother -- Indian commissioner -- To seize Florida -- First Seminole war -- Despoiling the Chickasaws -- Despoiling the Choctaws -- Making of a president -- Indian Removal Act -- Remove and be happy -- Andrew Jackson versus the Cherokee nation -- Second Seminole war -- Jackson's Indian legacy.