To answer these questions correctly, students must explain how the document is connected to the Trail of Tears and the abolition movement. Students must first explain that the women from Burlington, New Jersey, were petitioning Congress to express their opposition to the Indian Removal Act, which was signed into law in 1830 and led to the Trail of Tears in 1838. Students must also link the petitioners’ demands to the abolition movement. The 1829-1830 campaign against the policy of Indian Removal was the first time American women organized nationally to petition the United States Congress. Though their campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, American women who opposed removal later relied on the experience to successfully campaign to end slavery.
Level: Proficient
Question 1: Student identifies and explains a relevant connection between the document and the Trail of Tears.
Question 2: Student identifies and explains a relevant connection between the document and the abolition movement.
Level: Emergent
Question 1: Student identifies and explains a relevant connection between the document and the Trail of Tears but does not provide a complete explanation of that connection.
Question 2: Student identifies and explains a relevant connection between the document and the abolition movement but does not provide a complete explanation of that connection.
Level: Basic
Question 1: Student does not provide a reasonable explanation for how the document is connected to the Trail of Tears.
Question 2: Student does not provide a reasonable explanation for how the document is connected to the abolition movement.
