Cherokee Removal: Before and After

Description

In the early 19th century the Cherokees began to adopt broad aspects of Anglo-American culture| establishing schools| abolishing clan revenge| and developing written laws. Despite their general acquiescence to government policies and their efforts to fulfill the expectations of white philanthropists| the Cherokees ultimately fared worse than less acculturated native peoples in similar circumstances. In 1838| two years after the ratification of the fraudulent Treaty of New Echota| Cherokees in Georgia| Tennessee| and North Carolina were forced at gunpoint to abandon their homes| farms| schools| and churches. Their demoralising journey to a reservation in the Oklahoma Territory – during which thousands died or were killed – came to be known as the Trail of Tears.