American Experience

GAYLE ROSS

They followed the law. They followed this policy of a government-to-government relationship. And the Supreme Court decision was a complete vindication.

WEAVER

Now, finally, this is their victory. Now they'll have some protection.

NARRATOR

John Ridge was still in Washington when he got word that the state of Georgia was refusing to recognize the Supreme Court decision or the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation.

WEAVER

He goes to the White House and gets an audience with President Jackson. He asked him bluntly if he will force Georgia to comply with the Supreme Court's order, and Jackson says he will not.

GAYLE ROSS

Andrew Jackson, the only president in the history of the United States to openly defy a Supreme Court order. He is said to have remarked that Chief Justice Marshall made his decision, let him enforce it. And to the Georgians he said, "Light a fire under them. They'll move."