The Cherokee Nation’s response to colonization is an illustrative example for the Indigenous Responses to State Expansion topic in Unit 6 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.
The Cherokee Nation, one of the most prominent Native American tribes in the southeastern United States, has a rich history that spans centuries. From their ancient origins in the Appalachian Mountains to their forced removal and subsequent struggle for sovereignty, the Cherokee people’s story is one of resilience, cultural preservation, and adaptation in the face of colonization and adversity.
Before the arrival of European colonizers, the Cherokee Nation thrived in the southeastern region of North America. The Cherokee people, renowned for their complex social structure and advanced agricultural practices, established thriving communities based on a matrilineal kinship system. They cultivated maize, beans, and squash and engaged in trade networks with neighboring tribes. Cherokee society was governed by a council of elders and spiritual leaders who upheld traditional customs and rituals, emphasizing harmony with nature and communal well-being.
European contact brought significant changes to Cherokee society, as trade relations and alliances with European settlers shifted the balance of power in the region. However, the influx of European settlers also brought conflict and displacement as colonial powers sought to expand their territories. The signing of treaties, such as the Treaty of New Echota, led to the cession of Cherokee lands and the erosion of tribal sovereignty. Despite efforts to adapt to changing geopolitical realities, the Cherokee faced increasing encroachment on their traditional homelands.
The passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 marked a dark chapter in Cherokee history, as the tribe was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States. The infamous Trail of Tears saw thousands of Cherokee men, women, and children endure hardship and suffering as they were forcibly relocated to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). The journey, marked by disease, hunger, and death, left an indelible mark on Cherokee culture and identity, highlighting the devastating impact of colonization on indigenous peoples.
Despite the trauma of forced removal, the Cherokee Nation persevered, rebuilding their communities and institutions in Indian Territory. Under the leadership of Principal Chief John Ross, the Cherokee established a new capital at Tahlequah and developed a constitution modeled on the principles of democracy and self-governance. The Cherokee Nation also established schools, newspapers, and businesses, fostering a sense of resilience and cultural revitalization in the face of adversity.
Free Printable Reading Passage on Cherokee Nation
Want to watch a video about the Cherokee Nation?
Indigenous Responses to State Expansion
Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization
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