Cherokees

Definition

The Cherokees are a Native American tribe originally from the Southeastern United States, known for their rich culture and sophisticated social structure. Their history is particularly significant during the era of Andrew Jackson, where federal policies, such as the Indian Removal Act, led to their forced relocation, commonly referred to as the Trail of Tears, which profoundly impacted their community and sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cherokee Nation was one of the most politically advanced tribes in the U.S., adopting a written constitution and creating a syllabary for their language.
2. Andrew Jackson's administration strongly supported westward expansion, which led to increasing pressure on Native American lands, particularly affecting the Cherokees.
3. In 1832, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Worcester v. Georgia that Cherokee lands were sovereign and could not be violated by state laws, but this decision was largely ignored by Jackson.
4. The removal of the Cherokees resulted in a significant cultural loss and demographic decline, with thousands perishing from disease, exposure, and starvation during the relocation.
5. Despite the hardships faced during removal, the Cherokees have since rebuilt their community and maintain a vibrant cultural identity today.

Review Questions

• How did the political advancements of the Cherokees influence their relationship with the federal government during Andrew Jackson's presidency?
  • The Cherokees developed a sophisticated political structure that included a written constitution and legal system, which highlighted their efforts to coexist with the U.S. government. This progress aimed to gain recognition and respect from federal authorities. However, despite these advancements, Andrew Jackson's administration prioritized land acquisition over diplomatic relations, leading to significant conflict and ultimately resulting in their forced removal.
• Assess the implications of Worcester v. Georgia on Cherokee sovereignty and how it reflected tensions between state and federal authority.
  • Worcester v. Georgia was a landmark case that recognized Cherokee sovereignty, declaring that only the federal government had authority over Native American nations. This ruling highlighted the ongoing tension between state laws and federal power regarding Native American rights. However, President Jackson's refusal to enforce the decision demonstrated how state interests often undermined federal judicial authority, further complicating Cherokee relations with both state and federal entities.
• Evaluate how the experiences of the Cherokees during the Indian Removal Act have shaped contemporary discussions on Native American rights and identity.
  • The experiences of the Cherokees during the Indian Removal Act and the subsequent Trail of Tears have had lasting effects on Native American rights and identity. These events serve as powerful reminders of historical injustices faced by indigenous peoples in America. In contemporary discussions, they highlight ongoing struggles for sovereignty, recognition, and reparative justice as Native communities advocate for their rights while working to preserve their cultural heritage against a backdrop of systemic challenges.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act:

A federal law enacted in 1830 that authorized the removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River.

Trail of Tears:

The forced relocation of the Cherokees and other tribes in the 1830s, resulting in the deaths of thousands due to harsh conditions during the journey.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; for Native American tribes, this term refers to their right to self-governance and maintain their own legal systems.