From Historical Precedents to Contemporary Policies: The U.S. Government's Involvement in Ethnic Cleansing, from Indigenous Peoples to Palestinian Displacement
Introduction The United States has a complex history concerning the displacement and mistreatment of various ethnic groups. From the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 19th century to recent proposals affecting Palestinians, the patterns of ethnic cleansing raise significant ethical and political questions. This article delves into these historical and contemporary instances, analyzing the motivations, implementations, and repercussions of such policies. Historical Context: Ethnic Cleansing in the United States Ethnic cleansing involves the deliberate removal of an ethnic or religious group from a specific area by a more dominant group, aiming to create a homogenous region. In U.S. history, several events exemplify this practice: Indian Removal Act of 1830: Signed by President Andrew Jackson, this act led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated territories west of the Mississip...