Introduction
The Trail of Tears is a phrase used to describe the forced relocation of Native Americans from their ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. This relocation was ordered by the United States government in 1830 as part of the Indian Removal Act. The Trail of Tears refers specifically to the journey taken by the Cherokee Nation, although it also applies to other Native American nations that were relocated.
Historically, the Trail of Tears is remembered as a dark chapter in the history of the United States, as it represents the displacement of an entire people from their land and culture. It is estimated that around 16,000 Cherokees were removed from their homes, with over 4,000 dying along the way. This article will examine the historical context of the Trail of Tears, the experiences of those who traveled the trail, the impact on the Cherokee Nation, the role of the US government, and the legacy of the Trail of Tears today.
Historical Account of the Cherokees on the Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears began in 1838, when the US government ordered the removal of all Native American tribes east of the Mississippi River to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). The Cherokee Nation, which had been living in the southeastern United States for centuries, was one of the tribes affected. The Cherokee had established a thriving society, with a written language, a system of laws, and a successful agricultural economy. They had also sought to maintain friendly relations with the US government and had even adopted aspects of Euro-American culture, such as Christianity and private property ownership. Despite this, they were still seen as a barrier to white settlement and were forcibly removed from their land.
The causes of the Trail of Tears can be traced back to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which authorized the President of the United States to negotiate treaties with Native American tribes in the southeastern United States for their removal to lands west of the Mississippi River. This act was largely motivated by the desire of white settlers for the land occupied by Native Americans, and was seen as a way to “civilize” them by forcing them to adopt Euro-American culture. The US government also saw the removal of Native Americans as a way to reduce the cost of maintaining frontier military posts and Indian agents.
The events leading up to the Trail of Tears began in 1835, when the US government negotiated a treaty with the Cherokee Nation, in which the tribe agreed to cede its lands in exchange for $5 million and new lands in Indian Territory. However, many Cherokees refused to sign the treaty and instead formed a new government known as the “National Council”. The US government responded by passing the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which authorized the President to use military force if necessary to remove any remaining Native Americans from their lands. In 1838, the US Army began the process of rounding up the remaining Cherokees and marching them to Indian Territory.
The journey itself was arduous and dangerous. Thousands died along the way due to disease, exposure, and starvation. According to John Burnett, a soldier accompanying the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears, “We buried from three to six every day…I do not think I ever saw so much suffering in so short a space.” The Cherokees were housed in makeshift camps and given meager rations, and were often subjected to abuse from soldiers and civilians alike. It is estimated that around 4,000 Cherokees died during the journey.
Personal Stories from Survivors of the Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears has left a deep scar on the collective memory of the Cherokee Nation. Personal accounts from survivors of the Trail of Tears paint a vivid picture of the suffering endured by the Cherokee people. One survivor, James Vann, described his experience on the trail: “We had to travel through rain and snow, and we were so crowded together there was no chance to get away from the cold. We were hungry and sick, and some of us died on the way.” Another survivor, John Ross, recalled: “We have traveled more than 1,200 miles, half of which was on foot, living on food we gathered by the way…Our people are now scattered like lost sheep, without a shepherd.”
The trauma of the Trail of Tears was felt not only by those who traveled the trail, but also by their families. One survivor, Nancy Ward, spoke of her experience being separated from her family: “My heart was broken when I heard my mother cry out, ‘My child! My child!’ I felt like I was going to die. I could not bear the thought of leaving my home, my family, and my friends.”
Analysis of the Impact of the Trail of Tears on Cherokee Nation
The Trail of Tears had a profound physical and psychological impact on the Cherokee Nation. Physically, the Trail of Tears resulted in the death of thousands of Cherokees, the destruction of their villages, and the loss of their ancestral homeland. Psychologically, the Cherokee experienced a deep sense of grief, loss, and trauma that continues to reverberate in the community today. Many survivors experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety as a result of their experiences on the Trail of Tears.
The impact of the Trail of Tears on the Cherokee Nation was further compounded by the fact that the US government did not provide adequate compensation for the loss of their land and resources. Nor did the US government provide assistance with resettlement or guarantee the safety of the Cherokee in their new home. As a result, many Cherokee found themselves living in poverty and facing discrimination and violence in their new communities.
Examination of the Role of the US Government in the Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears was a direct result of the actions of the US government. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 enabled the US government to forcibly remove Native Americans from their ancestral lands and relocate them to Indian Territory. Although the US government argued that the removal would “civilize” the Native Americans, it was primarily motivated by political and economic interests. The US government wanted to expand its territory and gain access to valuable resources, such as timber and minerals.
The US government also failed to protect the rights of the Cherokee during the relocation process. Instead, the US government used military force to enforce the relocation, allowed white settlers to loot Cherokee property, and provided inadequate provisions for the Cherokee on their journey. In addition, the US government provided no assistance with resettlement or protection of the Cherokee in their new home.
Investigation into the Legacy of the Trail of Tears Today
Today, the legacy of the Trail of Tears lives on in the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation has made great strides in rebuilding their nation, but they still face challenges as a result of the Trail of Tears. Poverty and unemployment are still major issues in the Cherokee Nation, as is the lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and education. In addition, many Cherokee still struggle with the psychological trauma of the Trail of Tears and its legacy of displacement and loss.
Despite these challenges, the Cherokee Nation has persevered and is now one of the most successful and prosperous Native American nations in the United States. The Cherokee Nation has its own government, language, and culture, and has developed a successful tourism industry. The Cherokee Nation is also actively working to preserve its traditional culture and values, and to ensure that its history and legacy are never forgotten.
Conclusion
The Trail of Tears was a dark chapter in American history, and its legacy is still felt in the Cherokee Nation today. The Trail of Tears resulted in the displacement of an entire people from their ancestral homeland, the death of thousands of Cherokees, and the destruction of their villages and culture. The US government’s actions during the Trail of Tears were motivated by political and economic interests, and the Cherokee were not provided with adequate compensation or assistance with resettlement. Despite these challenges, the Cherokee Nation has persevered and is now a thriving and prosperous nation. The legacy of the Trail of Tears must never be forgotten, and we must continue to work towards ensuring that Native American rights and cultures are respected and protected.
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