7025831 - We Shall Remain: Trail of Tears PDF

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In 1827, John Ross authored a Cherokee constitution with the aim of creating equality of self-rule that was evident in the Whites form of government. The new law written by John Ross was focused on enabling the Cherokees to understand the provisions of a democratically elected government through the...

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Running head: WE SHALL REMAIN: TRAIL OF TEARS

We Shall Remain: Trail of Tears Student Name: Institutional Affiliation:

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WE SHALL REMAIN: TRAIL OF TEARS

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"We Shall Remain: Trail of Tears," tells about the history of the Native Americans dating back to the 17th century. In the 1820s, the government of the United States came up with a “civilization” policy. The purpose of the initiative was to urge the Cherokees to abandon their primitive ways of life such as the practice of hunting and subsistence farming. The Cherokee land was owned in common by the tribe while warfare was more prevalent among the Cherokee. The US government wanted the Cherokee tribe to adopt livelihoods of the white citizens and setters. For instance, adopting regular meals a day and not just eating when one gets hungry. The “civilization” policy was explained to the Cherokees through missionaries who had been sent in the Indian region to teach them the English language and how to dress similar to the American way. In 1827, John Ross authored a Cherokee constitution with the aim of creating equality of self-rule that was evident in the Whites form of government. The new law written by John Ross was focused on enabling the Cherokees to understand the provisions of a democratically elected government through the creation of a judiciary, executive, and legislature. Moreover, a council was established to ensure the protection of the Cherokee land. When President Andrew Jackson rose in power in 1829, he initiated the removal of Cherokees in their ancestral land in exchange for cash and an offer of land in the west of Mississippi if they agreed to move peacefully. However, some of the Cherokees were reluctant to give away their land thus creating a division in the tribe. John Ross filed a case with the Supreme Court with the aim of setting it clear what end of federal and self-rule meant. On the other hand, the ridges were aristocrats and did not object the decision to leave the land. A rift began to emerge between the Ridge family and John Ross considering they were friends but sailing in different ideas. Finally, the split between both sides led to arguments.

WE SHALL REMAIN: TRAIL OF TEARS Although the only option left for the Cherokees was to relocate to the new granted land,the majority of Cherokee would not leave their property after the removal deadline passed. As a result, the white settlers surrounded the Cherokees in readiness to wipe them out. Three days after the removal deadline, Georgia and US troops were forced out of their ancestral land.

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