A Brief History Of The Trail of Tears

Summary

The 'Trail of Tears' recounts the forced relocation of the 'Five Civilized Tribes' in the 19th century, leading to the deaths of thousands. This dark chapter in American history saw tribes like the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole endure the loss of their lands and forced assimilation. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, under President Andrew Jackson, initiated their westward expulsion, resulting in a devastating trail of suffering and death, now remembered as a near-genocidal event.

Takeaways

• 😢 The Trail of Tears was a forced relocation of Native Americans, including the Five Civilized Tribes, from their ancestral lands to designated 'Indian Territory' between 1830 and 1850.
• 🏡 The Five Civilized Tribes, comprising the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole, were forcibly displaced, leading to the deaths of thousands from exposure, disease, and starvation.
• 🏞️ The U.S. government's policy of 'civilization' and 'assimilation' pressured these tribes to adopt European-American customs, including Christianity and centralized governance, to avoid further conflict.
• 🤝 Some tribes, in an effort to maintain peace, even owned African-American slaves and adopted European practices, but this did not prevent their eventual displacement.
• 🗣️ President Andrew Jackson was a key figure in the implementation of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which facilitated the forced relocation and is seen as a dark chapter in U.S. history.
• 📜 The Choctaw tribe was the first to be removed, enduring harsh conditions and significant loss of life, with an estimated 2,500 to 6,000 deaths during their removal.
• 🛡️ The Seminole tribe resisted relocation the longest, engaging in conflict with the U.S. government from 1835 to 1842, and are the only federally recognized tribe that never signed a peace treaty with the U.S.
• 🏘️ The Muscogee Creek tribe faced land fraud and were forcibly relocated, with over 3,500 deaths during their journey, known as the Creek Trail of Tears.
• 💸 The Chickasaw tribe negotiated financial compensation for their removal, but received the agreed-upon funds long after their relocation, with over 3,500 deaths during their journey.
• 🏔️ The Cherokee tribe, despite some voluntary relocation, faced forced removal in a harsh winter, resulting in approximately 4,000 deaths, nearly a third of their population.

Q & A

What is the 'Trail of Tears'?

The 'Trail of Tears' refers to the forced displacement of Native Americans, specifically the Five Civilized Tribes, from their homes to land designated as 'Indian Territory' by the U.S. government between 1830 and 1850. This resulted in the death of countless Native Americans from exposure, disease, and starvation.

Which tribes are referred to as the 'Five Civilized Tribes'?

The 'Five Civilized Tribes' refers to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole tribes, who were major Native American nations that originally lived in America's deep south.

What was the role of President George Washington in the treatment of Native Americans?

President George Washington deemed American natives as biologically equal but with an inferior society. He encouraged the process of civilization, which was continued by Thomas Jefferson, leading to some tribes assimilating into European culture.

What was the Indian Removal Act, and what did it allow?

The Indian Removal Act, signed by President Andrew Jackson in 1830, allowed the negotiation with tribes for their removal to land west of the Mississippi River. It removed any claim Native Americans had to their own land and supported relocation funded by the U.S. government.

Which tribe was the first to experience the Trail of Tears, and what were the conditions they faced?

The Choctaw tribe was the first to experience the Trail of Tears. They faced freezing temperatures, flooded rivers, and extreme food shortages, with an estimated 2,500 to 6,000 tribe members dying from disease and mishaps along the way.

What was the stance of the Seminole tribe regarding relocation, and what was the outcome?

The Seminole tribe resisted relocation, leading to nearly seven years of fighting. Despite the U.S. government's efforts, around 500 Seminoles escaped to the Everglades and were left in peace, making them the only federally recognized tribe that never signed a peace treaty with the U.S.

What was the outcome of the Muscogee Creek tribe's resistance to the forced relocation?

The Muscogee Creek tribe faced an uprising and were forcibly relocated by soldiers, with over 3,500 men, women, and children dying on the journey known as the Creek Trail of Tears. It's estimated that the death toll could go up as high as 8,000.

How did the Chickasaw tribe negotiate their removal, and what was the outcome?

The Chickasaw tribe held out for financial compensation from the U.S. government, signing a treaty and eventually paying the Choctaw tribe for access to parts of their territory. Over 3,500 died during their removal along the Trail of Tears.

What happened to the Cherokee tribe during their forced removal, and what was the impact?

Approximately 4,000 Cherokee died during their forced removal, which was a one thousand-mile walk during an extremely harsh winter. Many died of disease, malnutrition, and exposure, with the event being described as one of the cruelest acts in American history.

How is the Trail of Tears viewed today, and what is its significance?

The Trail of Tears is viewed today as a near-genocidal event and a dark chapter in American history. It highlights the injustices and atrocities faced by Native American tribes during the period of European American expansion.

Outlines

00:00

😢 The Trail of Tears: Forced Relocation and Suffering of Native Americans

The Trail of Tears was a catastrophic event between 1830 and 1850, where approximately 60,000 to 100,000 Native Americans from the Five Civilized Tribes were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands by the U.S. government. This displacement led to the death of countless individuals due to exposure, disease, and starvation. The Five Civilized Tribes, comprising the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole, initially resisted European colonization but later attempted assimilation to avoid further conflict. Despite their efforts, they became victims of the settlers' land greed, culminating in the Indian Removal Act of 1830 under President Andrew Jackson. This act initiated the forced relocation west of the Mississippi River, leading to immense suffering and loss of life. The Choctaw tribe was the first to endure this tragic journey, with an estimated 2,500 to 6,000 deaths during their removal.

05:02

🔥 Resistance and Aftermath of the Trail of Tears

The Seminole tribe resisted relocation, leading to a prolonged conflict from 1835 to 1842. Despite their resistance, they were forcibly relocated, resulting in an estimated 700 to 1,000 deaths. The Muscogee Creek tribe, despite an early treaty, faced fraud and land theft, leading to an uprising and subsequent forced relocation with over 3,500 deaths. The Chickasaw tribe negotiated financial compensation, but their removal still resulted in over 3,500 deaths. The Cherokee tribe, despite some voluntary relocation, faced forced removal in a harsh winter, with approximately 4,000 deaths. The Trail of Tears is a dark chapter in American history, reflecting the near-genocidal treatment of Native Americans and the relentless pursuit of land by European Americans, leaving a lasting impact on the affected tribes and the nation's conscience.

Keywords

💡Trail of Tears

The 'Trail of Tears' refers to the forced relocation and displacement of Native American tribes, particularly the Five Civilized Tribes, from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River. This event, which occurred between 1830 and 1850, resulted in the death of thousands due to exposure, disease, and starvation. The term is deeply tied to the video's theme as it symbolizes a tragic period of Native American history and a near-genocidal event, as mentioned in the script where it is described as 'a trail of tears and death'.

💡Five Civilized Tribes

The 'Five Civilized Tribes' is a term used by white American colonizers to refer to the major Native American nations that originally lived in the deep south of the United States: the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole tribes. These tribes are central to the video's narrative as they were the primary groups affected by the forced relocations and the subsequent Trail of Tears. The script discusses their initial resistance, attempts at assimilation, and the eventual forced removals.

💡Assimilation

Assimilation, in the context of the video, refers to the process by which some Native American tribes, including the Five Civilized Tribes, adopted aspects of European culture, such as Christianity, centralized governments, and English literacy. This was often a forced process aimed at erasing their natural culture to avoid further conflict and violence with European Americans. The script illustrates this with examples of cross-cultural marriages and the adoption of written constitutions.

💡Indian Removal Act

The 'Indian Removal Act' of 1830 is a key piece of legislation signed by President Andrew Jackson that facilitated the forced relocation of Native American tribes. It is a significant concept in the video as it marks the formalization of the Trail of Tears. The Act allowed for the negotiation and removal of tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River, effectively removing their claims to their ancestral lands.

💡Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, is a central figure in the video's narrative due to his strong advocacy for the removal of Native Americans from their lands. His signing of the Indian Removal Act in 1830 and his aggressive pursuit of this policy led to the suffering and death of thousands of Native Americans. The script describes his actions as contributing to a near-genocidal event.

💡Land Speculators

Land speculators are individuals who buy land with the intent of selling it at a profit, often by taking advantage of situations such as the forced relocation of Native American tribes. In the video, they are depicted as playing a nefarious role in the Trail of Tears by defrauding and stealing from the Muscogee Creek tribe, contributing to the tribe's suffering and the overall context of land dispossession.

💡Concentration Camps

Concentration camps, as mentioned in the video, refer to the areas where Native Americans were forcibly relocated and confined, often under harsh conditions. These camps were part of the U.S. government's strategy to control and manage the displaced tribes. The script describes the suffering within these camps, including rape, enslavement, and murder, highlighting the extreme measures taken during the Trail of Tears.

💡Chickasaw Tribe

The Chickasaw Tribe is one of the Five Civilized Tribes discussed in the video. They were the first to be forcibly removed along the Trail of Tears. The script provides a detailed account of their suffering, including the harsh conditions they faced during the removal and the significant loss of life, with estimates ranging from 2,500 to 6,000 deaths.

💡Seminole Tribe

The Seminole Tribe is highlighted in the video for their resistance to relocation, which led to a prolonged conflict known as the Seminole Wars. The tribe's refusal to sign a peace treaty with the U.S. government and their successful defense in the Everglades due to the challenging terrain and climate is a significant aspect of the video's narrative, showcasing their resilience.

💡Muskego Creek Tribe

The Muscogee Creek Tribe is another of the Five Civilized Tribes that experienced the horrors of the Trail of Tears. The video describes their forced relocation and the fraudulent practices by land speculators that led to their uprising and subsequent brutal suppression. The script mentions the high death toll during their removal, with estimates suggesting over 3,500 deaths.

💡Cherokee Tribe

The Cherokee Tribe is depicted in the video as one of the tribes that faced extreme hardship during the Trail of Tears. Despite some voluntary relocation, the U.S. government's intervention led to forced removals and a devastating loss of life. The script recounts the tragic story of their journey, including the harsh winter conditions and the high death toll, which is estimated to be around 4,000.

Highlights

The Trail of Tears was a forced displacement of Native Americans, including the Five Civilized Tribes, from 1830 to 1850.

Around 60,000 to 100,000 Native Americans were displaced, resulting in countless deaths from exposure, disease, and starvation.

The Five Civilized Tribes were the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, and Seminole tribes, originally from the deep South.

Early European colonization led to high tensions and conflicts with the Native Americans over land rights.

President George Washington encouraged the 'civilization' process for Native Americans, which Thomas Jefferson continued.

Some tribes assimilated into European culture, adopting Christianity, centralized governments, and owning African-American slaves.

The Five Civilized Tribes were targeted for removal despite their efforts to integrate with European Americans.

Andrew Jackson, a proponent of Native American removal, signed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, enabling forced relocation.

The Choctaw tribe was the first to be removed, enduring harsh conditions and significant loss of life during their removal.

The Seminole tribe resisted relocation, leading to a long and costly conflict with the U.S. government.

The Muscogee Creek tribe faced land fraud and were forcibly removed, with over 3,500 dying during their journey.

The Chickasaw tribe negotiated financial compensation before their removal, which resulted in a high death toll.

The Cherokee tribe was forcibly removed during a harsh winter, with approximately 4,000 dying on the Trail of Tears.

The Trail of Tears is viewed as a near-genocidal event in American history, with long-lasting impacts on Native American tribes.

The Seminole tribe remains the only federally recognized tribe that never signed a peace treaty with the U.S.

The Trail of Tears highlights the brutal treatment of Native Americans during the expansion of European Americans.

Transcripts

the trail of tears refers to the forced

displacement of what white american

colonizers called the five civilized

tribes

over 20 years between 1830 and 1850

somewhere around 60 000 to 100 000

native americans were forced from their

homes into land the new government had

decided would be indian territory during

their removal countless died from

exposure disease and starvation

their unnecessary deaths are now seen as

a near genocidal event and the route

they walked and died upon is forever

more known as the trail of tears

the five civilized tribes refers to the

major native american nations that

originally lived in america's deep south

these were the cherokee chickasaw

choctaw muskegee creek and seminole

tribes

in the early days of european

colonization tensions between the

europeans and the merciless indians as

they were called were high the native

americans understandably fought hard to

keep their land

which the invaders didn't particularly

like as they felt they were entitled to

it

later president george washington deemed

american natives as biologically equal

but with an inferior society he

encouraged the process of civilization

that thomas jefferson continued in his

tenure

what followed was some tribes

assimilating somewhat into european

culture with cross-cultural marriages

even taking place in some instances

although more often than not this was

forced assimilation and erasure of their

natural culture in order to avoid more

deaths at the hands of european

americans

the five tribes we've already mentioned

were the ones to do this

converting to christianity and

developing centralized governments

english literacy written constitutions

and even owned their own

african-american slaves like the white

colonizers

this uneasy peace was maintained until

the white americans kicked things up a

notch

it wasn't sufficient that they had

invaded another culture's territory and

brought diseases that ran rampant

they now decided they deserved all the

land for themselves as their settlements

grew and people became

greedier even the five tribes who had

shown a willingness to integrate with

the european americans became victims of

their desire to own everything

in 1829 andrew jackson became president

he had been a strong proponent for

removal of native americans for at least

a decade already and now that he was in

power he was determined to accomplish

this goal

and he didn't waste any time on may 28

1830 less than a year into his

presidency jackson signed what was

called the indian removal act

the act allowed jackson to negotiate

with the tribes for their removal to

land the european americans had decided

was more appropriate for them west of

the mississippi river in other words the

settlers wanted to expand and weren't

going to let the native citizens of

america get in their way

the act removed any claim the native

americans had to their own land and

supported relocation funded by the us

government and although the law stated

that president couldn't move the tribes

without a mutually agreed treaty jackson

was not about to let that stand in his

way should negotiations fail

jackson continued to somewhat work with

tribal leaders to negotiate their

removal west but history does not look

favorably upon his treatment of native

american tribes and his aggressive

pursuit of their removal

the first treaty was signed that first

year with the choctaw tribe after years

of land loss and hardships for them

their feelings can be summed up by their

leader george w hawkins who wrote we as

choctaws rather chose to suffer and be

free than live under the degrading

influence of laws which our voice could

not be heard in their formation

the choctaw tribe were the first victims

of the trail of tears

between 1821 and 1833 all but

approximately five to six thousand

choctaw had been moved to the west

during their removal they endured

freezing temperatures flooded rivers and

extreme food shortages one group was

completely lost in the lake providence

swamps while those who completed the

journey experienced heavy losses of

their family and friends along the way

all in all it's predicted anywhere

between 2 500 and 6 000 choctaw tribe

members died on the trail of tears from

disease and mishaps along the way

prompting one chief to refer to the

experience as a trail of tears and death

those who remained endured no better

victim to frequent harassment

intimidation destruction of their

properties and in some cases murdered by

the european americans who resented

their presence

although the seven chiefs of the seminal

tribe had signed a treaty agreeing to

move west upon returning home from

scouting the land most immediately

renounced the statement claiming they

had been forced into signing given the

general attitude of jackson and his

government this is most likely true

what followed was nearly seven years of

fighting starting in 1835 and ending in

1842 it was the longest and most costly

of all the indian conflicts can't say we

feel too sorry for the us government

there as the seminal resisted relocation

florida and the u.s government sent

troops and equipment to help the army

force the tribe over the river they were

successful and it's predicted they

forcibly relocated somewhere between

three to four thousand seminole tribes

people the number of seminal who died in

the war is uncertain but it's likely

between 700 to 1 000 members of the

tribe

around 500 seminoles did escape to the

everglades whom the government after

much fighting left in peace realizing

they would not be able to subjugate them

easily because of the terrain and

climate of the region they remain the

only federally recognized tribe which

never signed a peace treaty with the u.s

the muskego creek tribe had been working

with the u.s government and andrew

jackson before his inauguration as

president although the muskegee signed a

treaty with the u.s government the

treaty of cassette in 1832 whites moved

into their territory before everything

was settled and land speculators

deliberately defrauded and stole from

the lands of the muskego creeks

by 1836 there was an uprising from the

tribe's people protecting their land

from the fraudulent and invasive

practices of the whites the uprising

ended abruptly when soldiers began

rounding up creek people and forcibly

extracting them to the indian territory

of fort gibson over the next year more

than fifteen thousand muskegee creeks

were forced from their homes with

nothing more than the clothes they were

wearing with the army in tow they made

their way along the 750 mile route now

known as the creek trail of tears it's

estimated over 3500

men women and children died on the

journey

and that's not to mention those that

were forced into concentration camps for

their safety but who actually found

themselves raped enslaved and murdered

overall some numbers estimating the

total creek trail of tears death toll go

up as high as 8 000 more than half of

the tribe's entire number the chickasaw

tribe was the only one to hold out for

financial compensation from the u.s

government they signed the treaty of

pontotoc creek in 1832 but held out

until 1837 for their agreed upon 3

million

unsurprisingly they didn't receive this

money until nearly 30 years later

despite their removal beginning in 1837.

in the meantime they negotiated with the

choctaw tribe eventually paying them 530

000 for access to parts of their indian

territory

once they agreed the chickasaw gathered

at tennessee with their belongings and

african-american slaves to cross the

mississippi river to their new homes

along the trail of tears of the 3100 who

took part in the first movement 500 died

from dysentery and smallpox by the end

of their removals over 3500 had died

it wasn't until the 20th century that

they were once again federally

recognized as an independent government

although approximately 2 000 cherokee

had relocated voluntarily to indian

territory this wasn't sufficient or fast

enough for the us government and by 1838

they stepped in to forcibly remove other

members of the tribe

it was a one thousand mile walk from the

homes of the approximately thirteen

thousand cherokee tribes people to their

newly provided indian territory during

an extremely harsh winter on the way

their numbers quickly began to fall as

many died of disease malnutrition and

exposure

one of the most tragic moments for the

tribe came when they reached berry's

ferry a ferry they needed to cross the

ohio river the journey usually cost

around 12 cents the cherokee tribe

members were charged one dollar each

many died huddled under the mantle rock

waiting for the ferry to allow them to

cross

a volunteer soldier even wrote of their

removal i fought through the american

civil war and have seen men shot to

pieces and slaughtered by thousands but

the cherokee removal was the cruelest

work i ever knew

approximately 4 000 cherokee died on the

trail of tears almost a third of their

total number

how european americans treated native

americans during their years of

expansion and since has long been looked

upon with disapproval and disgust but

few outside know the true horrors of the

trail of tears and the unfathomable

circumstances of the tribe's route to

their new homes that resulted in a near

genocide of the native american people

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