The Five Civilized Tribes of southeastern United States experienced the harsh realities of America's new empire of liberty -- one that focused on settling the western lands on which thousands of Indians resided. Thomas Jefferson advocated assimilating Native Americans into American society by teaching them to farm and cultivate the land on which they lived. For Jefferson, the yeoman farmer represented the ideal citizen of the republic: strong, independent and productive. Assimilation meant that Indian society experienced profound changes, with women being replaced by men in food cultivation and the keeping of black slaves.

Investigate the source using the zoom and navigational tools in the Flash player and then answer the questions below.

1			Read Thomas Jefferson's address carefully. What does he advocate to the Choctaws? Provide details.
2			How does he advocate the "civilization" of the Choctaws?
3			What is the reasoning behind Jefferson's argument?
4			How does Jefferson view Native Americans? Please give details.