How did the Seminole react differently from the Cherokee and Choctaw when the United States government wanted them to move west
When the United States government wanted Native American tribes to relocate to designated areas west of the Mississippi River, such as Oklahoma, during the 19th century, different tribes reacted differently. Let's focus on the Seminole, Cherokee, and Choctaw tribes and their reactions:
1. Seminole:
The Seminole tribe, located in present-day Florida, initially resisted relocation. They had a long history of conflict with the U.S. government and recognized that moving west would disrupt their way of life. The Seminole Wars erupted between 1817 and 1858, as they fiercely resisted forced removal. They used guerrilla warfare tactics and sought refuge in the dense swamps and forests of Florida, making it difficult for the U.S. military to capture or subdue them.
2. Cherokee:
The Cherokee tribe, predominantly residing in the southeastern United States, had developed a more assimilated society than many other tribes. They had their own written language, a constitution, and had successfully adopted elements of European farming practices. In 1830, the U.S. government enacted the Indian Removal Act, which required their relocation. The Cherokee Nation took the case to the Supreme Court in the famous case of Worcester v. Georgia (1832), which ruled in their favor, recognizing their sovereignty. However, President Andrew Jackson ignored the ruling, and during the Trail of Tears (1838-1839), thousands of Cherokee were forcibly removed to Oklahoma. Some Cherokee leaders agreed to voluntary removal to prevent further bloodshed.
3. Choctaw:
The Choctaw tribe, also located in the southeastern United States, faced similar pressures to relocate. In 1830, they signed the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, agreeing to voluntary removal in exchange for financial compensation and land. Around 15,000 Choctaw were forcibly removed in the early 1830s to present-day Oklahoma. They suffered harsh conditions during the journey, resulting in many deaths.
In summary, the Seminole resisted relocation through conflict and guerrilla warfare, while the Cherokee initially sought legal means to prevent their removal but eventually faced forced relocation during the Trail of Tears. The Choctaw, on the other hand, agreed to voluntary removal, though they still suffered greatly during the journey to Oklahoma.