Was President Abraham Lincoln an advocate for the passage of the Indian Removal Act?

President Abraham Lincoln is indeed recognized as being against the Indian Removal Act, which aimed to relocate Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States to designated "Indian Territory" west of the Mississippi River. This act, passed during the presidency of Andrew Jackson in 1830, had devastating consequences for Native Americans, leading to significant displacement, suffering, and death, exemplified by the infamous Trail of Tears.

Lincoln's broader policies regarding Native Americans emphasized rights and justice rather than removal and displacement. He recognized the need for treaties that honored the rights and dignity of Native American tribes rather than forcing them off their land. Lincoln's approach included measures to promote the assimilation and welfare of Indigenous populations, reflecting a more progressive stance compared to the harsh removal policies of previous administrations.

In summary, Lincoln’s opposition to the principles underlying the Indian Removal Act demonstrated his commitment to a more humane approach to Native American affairs, which distinguishes him from those who fully endorsed the act.