DBQ: WHY WERE THE CHEROKEE REMOVED?

The forced removal of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States in the 1830s is a somber and regrettable chapter in American history. This tragic event, known as the Trail of Tears, was the culmination of a series of policies and actions by the United States government that sought to dispossess the Cherokee of their territory and forcibly relocate them to lands west of the Mississippi River.

In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the complex factors that led to the Cherokee removal, shedding light on the historical context, motivations of the US government, the devastating impact on the Cherokee people, and the enduring legacy of this forced relocation.

Historical Context: A Clash of Civilizations

The Cherokee people, a Native American tribe with a rich history and culture, had occupied their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States for centuries. However, the arrival of European settlers in the region brought about a gradual encroachment on Cherokee territory. As the United States expanded westward, the desire for more land for agriculture, settlement, and the extraction of natural resources grew.

The Cherokee, recognizing the threat to their lands and way of life, attempted to adapt to the changing circumstances. They adopted aspects of European-American culture, such as farming and Christianity, in an effort to coexist peacefully. However, these efforts were met with resistance from both the federal government and neighboring states, who saw the Cherokee as an obstacle to their expansionist goals.

Motivations of the US Government: Greed, Expansion, and Manifest Destiny

The primary motivation behind the US government's decision to forcibly remove the Cherokee was the desire for more land. The Cherokee lands were seen as valuable due to their fertile soil and abundant natural resources, particularly gold. The discovery of gold in the Cherokee territory in the 1820s further intensified the pressure on the government to acquire these lands.

Additionally, the ideology of Manifest Destiny, which held that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent, provided justification for the removal of the Cherokee. This belief, rooted in nationalism and expansionism, saw the Cherokee as an impediment to the nation's progress and growth.

The Indian Removal Act: A Legal Pretext for Forced Relocation

In 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law. This act authorized the federal government to negotiate treaties with Native American tribes for the exchange of their lands east of the Mississippi River for lands west of the river. The Cherokee, along with other tribes, were pressured to sign these treaties under duress, often facing threats and intimidation.

The Cherokee, led by their chief John Ross, initially resisted the forced removal, arguing that they had a right to their ancestral lands. However, the Supreme Court, in the landmark case Worcester v. Georgia, ruled that the Cherokee were a "domestic dependent nation" and were subject to the laws of the United States. This decision effectively stripped the Cherokee of their sovereignty and paved the way for their removal.

The Trail of Tears: A Journey of Sorrow and Loss

In 1838, the US government forcibly removed the Cherokee from their lands and began the infamous Trail of Tears. Approximately 16,000 Cherokee were forced to leave their homes and embark on a grueling journey to present-day Oklahoma. The conditions along the trail were harsh, with many Cherokee dying from disease, starvation, and exposure.

The Trail of Tears was a horrific tragedy that resulted in the loss of lives, the destruction of a culture, and the displacement of an entire people. It is a stark reminder of the dark chapter in American history marked by forced removal, broken promises, and the violation of human rights.

The Legacy of the Cherokee Removal: Resilience, Survival, and Sovereignty

Despite the trauma and suffering endured during the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee people persevered. They rebuilt their lives in Oklahoma and eventually established a new tribal government. The Cherokee Nation is now a federally recognized sovereign nation with a thriving culture, economy, and government.

The Trail of Tears serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Cherokee people. It is a testament to their ability to overcome adversity and reclaim their identity and sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Why were the Cherokee specifically targeted for removal?

A: The Cherokee were targeted for removal primarily due to the value of their lands, particularly the discovery of gold in their territory. Additionally, their resistance to assimilation and their efforts to maintain their sovereignty posed a challenge to the US government's expansionist goals.

Q2: How did the Cherokee resist the forced removal?

A: The Cherokee initially resisted the forced removal through legal challenges and diplomatic efforts. They argued their case in courts and appealed to the federal government for fair treatment. However, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the removal.

Q3: What were the consequences of the Trail of Tears?

A: The Trail of Tears resulted in the deaths of thousands of Cherokee due to disease, starvation, and exposure. It also led to the destruction of their culture and the displacement of an entire people. The Cherokee were forced to abandon their ancestral lands and start anew in an unfamiliar and often hostile environment.

Q4: How did the Cherokee rebuild their lives after the Trail of Tears?

A: After the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee regrouped and eventually established a new tribal government in Oklahoma. They worked to rebuild their economy and culture, and they eventually achieved federal recognition as a sovereign nation. The Cherokee Nation now has a thriving government, economy, and culture.

Q5: What is the legacy of the Trail of Tears?

A: The Trail of Tears is a reminder of the dark chapter in American history marked by forced removal, broken promises, and the violation of human rights. It serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Cherokee people, who overcame adversity and reclaimed their identity and sovereignty. The Trail of Tears also stands as a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples.