How Did White Settlers Affect The Cherokee Culture

The Cherokee nation is one of the many North American native cultures directly affected by the European white settlers. Even in ancient times, they were a very civilized and progressive people. Their culture was mainly agrarian, but focused around ceremonies, music, art, and games. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, “the Cherokee history was passed down orally from generation to generation” (The Cherokee Nation). They adapted to the white settlers by embracing their “formal education, developing a written language, adopting a constitution, and building a capitol city” (Maddox 105). Regardless of their efforts to blend in with the newfound American culture, preconceived notions and stereotypes prevented the Cherokee from becoming fully embraced by the white settlers into their society. Another contribution to the hostility shown towards the Cherokee was
After they were faced with the prospect of Georgia taking their land, the Cherokee took the matter to the Supreme Court. “The Court’s rulings in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia and Worcester v. Georgia supported the tribe’s contention that the state had no authority to negotiate with tribal representatives” (Brinkley 208). Their victory was short lived when “the Removal Act of 1830 was ratified by Congress and signed into law by President Andrew Jackson” (History & Culture). The Cherokee’s attempts to postpone the relocation were made in vain. In 1835, “Jackson had lost his patience,” and offered them $5 million dollars and the promise permanent residence on the new land without interference, but they were given two years to leave (Maddox 108). After John Ross, the principal chief of the Cherokee, signed the Treaty of New Echota, the Cherokee were then uprooted from their homes and forced to relocate to less hospitable lands in “Indian Territory,” which is known as Oklahoma