Essay Conclusions : How did the Cherokee Removal shape the future of Native American tribes?

Essay Conclusions #1

In conclusion, the Cherokee Removal had a profound and lasting impact on the future of Native American tribes. The forced relocation to the Indian Territory significantly disrupted Cherokee society, leading to the loss of land, cultural practices, and traditional ways of life. The removal also set a precedent for the federal government's treatment of Native American tribes, establishing a pattern of coercion, assimilation, and displacement. The legacy of the Cherokee Removal continues to shape the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States, highlighting the complex and often tragic history of Native American rights and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of the enduring challenges faced by Native American tribes in the ongoing struggle for recognition, self-determination, and the preservation of cultural identity.

Sources:

• Wilma Mankiller, Chief of the Cherokee Nation, 1985-1995
• The Trail of Tears: The Cherokee Removal, 1838-1839, by John Ehle
• The Cherokee Removal: A Brief History, by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
• The Indian Removal Act and the Cherokee, by the National Archives and Records Administration

Essay Conclusions #2

The Cherokee Removal, also known as the Trail of Tears, was a dark chapter in American history that had far-reaching consequences for Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee people. The removal of the Cherokee from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, the destruction of communities, and the displacement of a proud and resilient people. The impact of this forced relocation was profound and had lasting effects on the future of Native American tribes across the country.

One of the most significant ways in which the Cherokee Removal shaped the future of Native American tribes was by setting a precedent for the federal governments policies towards indigenous peoples. The Removal Act of 1830, which paved the way for the forced relocation of the Cherokee and several other tribes, demonstrated the governments willingness to use military force and coercion to achieve its goals of westward expansion. This policy of removal would be repeated with other tribes in the years that followed, leading to further displacements and dispossessions.

The Cherokee Removal also had a profound impact on the Cherokee people themselves, as well as on other Native American tribes who witnessed their plight. The loss of their ancestral lands, the forced march to Indian Territory, and the harsh conditions they faced along the way left scars that would last for generations. Many Cherokee died during the journey, and those who survived arrived in Indian Territory weakened and demoralized. The experience of the Trail of Tears would shape the identity of the Cherokee people and serve as a painful reminder of the injustices they had suffered.

Despite the hardships they faced, the Cherokee people demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in the aftermath of the Removal. They rebuilt their communities, established a new government, and worked to preserve their culture and traditions in their new homeland. The Cherokee Nation thrived in Indian Territory, developing a strong economy and education system that would serve as a model for other Native American tribes. The Cherokee Removal forced the Cherokee people to confront new challenges and forge a new identity, but it also gave them the opportunity to shape their own future on their own terms.

For other Native American tribes, the Trail of Tears served as a sobering reminder of the need for unity and resistance in the face of government policies that sought to undermine their sovereignty and rights. The Cherokee Removal galvanized other tribes to band together and form alliances to protect their lands and cultures from further encroachments. The experience of the Cherokee people inspired other tribes to fight back against the forces of colonization and assimilation, leading to a renewed sense of solidarity and determination among indigenous peoples across the country.

Overall, the Cherokee Removal had a profound and lasting impact on the future of Native American tribes. It set a precedent for the federal governments policies towards indigenous peoples, tested the resilience of the Cherokee people, and inspired unity and resistance among other tribes. The legacy of the Trail of Tears continues to shape the struggles and successes of Native American tribes today, serving as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect and preserve indigenous rights and cultures in the face of ongoing challenges.

Sources

• Trail of Tears. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/trte/index.htm.
• Perdue, Theda, and Michael D. Green. The Cherokee Removal A Brief History with Documents. Bedford/St. Martins, 2015.
• Foreman, Grant. Indian Removal The Emigration of the Five Civilized Tribes of Indians. University of Oklahoma Press, 1989.

The impact of the Cherokee Removal rippled through the future of Native American tribes, influencing not only government policies but also the resilience and unity of indigenous peoples. The Trail of Tears served as a dark reminder of the injustices faced by Native American tribes and the need for solidarity in the face of colonization and assimilation efforts. Despite the hardships endured, the Cherokee people persevered and established a thriving community in Indian Territory, setting an example for other tribes to follow. The legacy of the Cherokee Removal continues to shape the struggles and successes of Native American tribes today, highlighting the ongoing need to protect indigenous rights and cultures in a changing world.