Cherokee

Definition

The Cherokee are a Native American tribe originally from the Southeastern United States, known for their rich culture, advanced agricultural practices, and complex social structures. Their history is marked by significant interactions with European settlers, leading to both cooperation and conflict as they navigated the challenges of encroachment on their lands and sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cherokee were one of the 'Five Civilized Tribes,' known for adopting many aspects of European-American culture while maintaining their own identity.
2. The Cherokee developed a written language created by Sequoyah, which helped preserve their culture and allowed for greater communication and education within the tribe.
3. During the 18th century, the Cherokee engaged in trade with European settlers, which initially fostered positive relations but later led to conflicts over land and resources.
4. The discovery of gold on Cherokee lands in Georgia intensified tensions, leading to increased pressure from settlers and ultimately the U.S. government's forced removal policies.
5. Cherokee resistance to removal included legal battles, most notably in Worcester v. Georgia (1832), where the U.S. Supreme Court recognized their sovereignty, though this decision was largely ignored by the federal government.

Review Questions

• How did the Cherokee adapt to European influences while maintaining their cultural identity?
  • The Cherokee adapted to European influences through cultural assimilation, adopting agricultural practices, education systems, and governmental structures similar to those of European settlers. They developed a written language created by Sequoyah, which enabled them to record their history and traditions while also facilitating communication with outsiders. This blend of adaptation and preservation allowed them to navigate a changing landscape without losing their unique cultural identity.
• Discuss the role that treaties played in shaping Cherokee experiences with European settlers and the U.S. government.
  • Treaties were pivotal in shaping the Cherokee experience, as they often represented both attempts at diplomacy and sources of conflict. The Treaty of New Echota is a key example, where a minority faction agreed to cede Cherokee lands in exchange for compensation. However, this treaty was widely opposed by many Cherokee leaders and led to the brutal forced removal known as the Trail of Tears. Treaties generally reflected unequal power dynamics, often resulting in loss of land and sovereignty for the Cherokee.
• Evaluate the impact of the Trail of Tears on Cherokee society and its long-term consequences for Native American tribes in general.
  • The Trail of Tears had a devastating impact on Cherokee society, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives during the forced relocation to Indian Territory. This traumatic event not only shattered families but also disrupted traditional ways of life and governance within the tribe. The long-term consequences extended beyond the Cherokee; it set a precedent for how Native American tribes would be treated by the U.S. government, leading to further displacement and attempts at assimilation across various tribes. The legacy of such events continues to influence Native American rights and identity today.

Related terms

Trail of Tears: The forced relocation of the Cherokee people from their ancestral homelands to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma, resulting in the death of thousands due to harsh conditions.

Cultural Assimilation: The process by which the Cherokee adopted various European customs, including farming techniques, education systems, and forms of government in response to pressures from settlers.

Treaty of New Echota: An 1835 agreement between the U.S. government and a minority faction of the Cherokee that ceded Cherokee lands in exchange for compensation, which led to the Trail of Tears.