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The Cherokee Nation and Trail of Tears
Oct 30, 2024
Lecture Notes: The Cherokee Nation and the Trail of Tears
Introduction
The lecture covers the history of the Cherokee Nation and the events leading to the Trail of Tears.
Focus on the transformation of the Cherokee Nation, the impact of European settlers, and the Trail of Tears.
Early Cherokee Society
By 1828, the Cherokee people had adapted to a stable life in the southeast United States.
Lived in cabins, farmed, spun cotton, built schools, and churches.
Embraced European ways while maintaining traditional practices.
The Cherokee territory once spanned eight states in the southern Appalachians.
From 1721 to 1819, they lost over 90% of their land to the United States.
Endured smallpox epidemics and wars with colonists during the 1700s.
Governance and Culture
The Cherokee rebuilt and transformed, establishing a formal government with a police force and court system.
In 1827, they wrote a constitution and held national elections in 1828.
Unique among tribes, they developed their own written language, invented by Sequoyah.
Published the first Indian newspaper in both English and Cherokee.
Conflict with Georgia and Andrew Jackson
Neighbors in Georgia sought Cherokee land for expansion.
Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 shifted the legal landscape, leading to the removal policies.
Georgia passed laws stripping Cherokees of civil rights, making their government illegal.
Discovery of gold on Cherokee land exacerbated tensions.
In 1829, the Indian Removal Act was introduced, aiming to relocate southern tribes westward.
Legal Battles and Removal
The Cherokee Nation fought removal legally, ultimately winning Worcester v. Georgia in the Supreme Court.
The court recognized Cherokee sovereignty over their land.
Andrew Jackson ignored the ruling, pushing for removal.
In 1830, the Indian Removal Act passed narrowly in Congress.
The Treaty of New Echota and Forced Removal
A minority faction of Cherokee leaders signed the Treaty of New Echota in 1835, against the wishes of the majority.
In 1838, U.S. troops forcibly removed Cherokees, leading to the Trail of Tears.
16,000 Cherokees were taken captive.
Many died due to the harsh conditions and journey.
The Trail of Tears
Cherokees were moved west in harsh conditions, many dying from exposure, disease, and exhaustion.
Over 800 miles were traversed, and about 4,000 Cherokees died during the removal.
The Trail of Tears reflects broader Native American displacement histories.
Aftermath and Legacy
Despite hardships, the Cherokee rebuilt in new lands; they remain a vibrant community today.
The Trail of Tears is a reminder of American historical injustices and the resilience of the Cherokee people.
The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail was established to preserve this history.
Closing Thoughts
The story of the Trail of Tears highlights oppression but also resilience and courage.
The Cherokee Nation's story is not only one of suffering but also of renewal and perseverance.
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