The Battle For The Cherokees Land essays

The Battle For The Cherokees Land essays (Rough Draft on History of Cherokee Indians) On August 23rd, 1838, the first of thirteen parties of Cherokee Indians began their forced march to the west, toward the land that was designated as Indian Territory. The forced removal of the Indians began as early as the first day the Pilgrims arrived in the New World. As the population of whites grew, so did the need for land; this began the removal of the Cherokees. There were as many people in favor of the removal of the Indians as those opposed. This paper will examine each side and present a discussion of the decisions made. Andrew Jackson became president of the United States in the year of 1829. His view was that the Native Americans should be removed from the land on which they lived to make room for the new white settlers. The Cherokees lifestyle before the first settlement arrived was one of peace. They were divided into three major groups: the Lower Towns, along the upper Savannah River in South Carolina, the Middle Towns along the Little Tennessee River and in western North Carolina, and the Overhill towns in eastern Tennessee and extreme western North Carolina (120, Chapter 6). Women were very active in helping with farm duties such as planting and gathering crops, while the men hunted and caught fish. The Cherokees built their towns around extended families and lands were passed down on the mothers side. There were no leaders, save for the older adults who led by example. The Cherokee women were allowed to voice their opinion in town matters. The Cherokees government was more advanced in democracy as this point in history than some European societies. This soon would change. Upon their arrival in the New Land, the Europeans brought with them the diseases of measles and smallpox; to which the Cherokee had no immunity. The European goods were things the Indians could trade for, such as fabrics, tools, firearms and alcohol. Unfortunately, in ...