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.