Major Ridge Argumentative Essay
There were many events that led up to the removal of the Eastern Cherokee in the early-to-mid 19th century. However, it all really begins in 1830. Major Ridge was discussing treaties regarding selling land to the U.S. Government. The Cherokee believed that lived in their own sanctuary, their paradise, and that their ancestors had always lived here. Major Ridge felt if he could die to preserve his people land’s he would gladly do so. The Cherokee picked the wrong side during the American Revolution which caused American soldiers to desecrate Cherokee lands. He did not wish that same tragedy amongst his people. President Jefferson believed that eventually through cultural assimilation the Indian people and Americans would become one and we would
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Major Ridge believe that with the mixed bloods they could provide the best interests for the Cherokee nation and outsmart the U.S. Government. John Ridge, Major Ridge’s son, aspired to be that person to change the nation for the better good. John Ridge attended a Christian school in Connecticut with his cousin Elias Boudinot. John was very talented in his school work and learned about the bible and the U.S. Constitution. Although he was almost one thousand miles from home, John Ridge never showed any weaknesses. However, John suffered from a disease that made it hard for him to walk, so he often stayed in his room, especially in the Winters. It was there that he met Sarah Bird Northrup. Both John and Sarah begun to fall in love with each other, so when Sarah’s parents found out they sent her away. John managed to convince her parents to let them marry. Many people frowned upon the marriage which would later cause John to see the whites in a different way. Even educated Native Americans were seen as the scum of the earth. Meanwhile John Ross was now a young man. John sold goods to Cherokee and travelers like his father. Because of Ross’s interests in politics Ridge took Ross under his wing in Cherokee diplomacy. Strong leaders like the Ridges and Ross would help the Cherokee nation stand against the U.S. government. However, many other tribes begun to take offers of land in the west. Soon the Cherokee were completely surrounded by the United States. The Cherokee had only 10 million acres of
Major Ridge believe that with the mixed bloods they could provide the best interests for the Cherokee nation and outsmart the U.S. Government. John Ridge, Major Ridge’s son, aspired to be that person to change the nation for the better good. John Ridge attended a Christian school in Connecticut with his cousin Elias Boudinot. John was very talented in his school work and learned about the bible and the U.S. Constitution. Although he was almost one thousand miles from home, John Ridge never showed any weaknesses. However, John suffered from a disease that made it hard for him to walk, so he often stayed in his room, especially in the Winters. It was there that he met Sarah Bird Northrup. Both John and Sarah begun to fall in love with each other, so when Sarah’s parents found out they sent her away. John managed to convince her parents to let them marry. Many people frowned upon the marriage which would later cause John to see the whites in a different way. Even educated Native Americans were seen as the scum of the earth. Meanwhile John Ross was now a young man. John sold goods to Cherokee and travelers like his father. Because of Ross’s interests in politics Ridge took Ross under his wing in Cherokee diplomacy. Strong leaders like the Ridges and Ross would help the Cherokee nation stand against the U.S. government. However, many other tribes begun to take offers of land in the west. Soon the Cherokee were completely surrounded by the United States. The Cherokee had only 10 million acres of