How did the Seminole react differently from the Cherokee and Choctaw when the united stars government wanted them to move west?
The Seminole refused to move west and instead fought against the US government in a series of wars known as the Seminole Wars. The Seminole also adopted a policy of resistance, which included raiding US settlements, burning crops, and destroying infrastructure. The Seminole also adopted a policy of assimilation, which included intermarrying with African Americans and allowing them to become members of their tribe. This was in stark contrast to the Cherokee and Choctaw, who were forced to sign treaties and relocate to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).
To understand how the Seminole, Cherokee, and Choctaw reacted differently to the United States government's relocation efforts, you can follow these steps:
1. Research the historical context: Start by gathering information about the circumstances that led to the relocation policy imposed by the United States government. Specifically, focus on the Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson.
2. Analyze the Cherokee and Choctaw responses: Look into how the Cherokee and Choctaw nations responded to the government's relocation efforts. Consult primary and secondary sources such as historical documents, accounts, and scholarly articles to understand their reactions, negotiations, and eventual removal experiences. Compare and contrast their approaches as well as the outcomes for each tribe.
3. Examine the Seminole response: Similarly, investigate how the Seminole nation reacted to the United States government's relocation policy. Examine primary and secondary sources to gather information on their resistance, political strategies, and the eventual outcome of their interaction with the government.
4. Identify differences in responses: Based on your research, identify the key differences in the reactions of the Seminole, Cherokee, and Choctaw nations to the government's relocation efforts. Take note of any significant factors or circumstances that may have influenced their responses, such as geographic location, prior histories, or leadership dynamics.
By following these steps, you should be able to find historical records and references that explain how the Seminole, Cherokee, and Choctaw reacted differently to the United States government's relocation policies.
The Seminole, Cherokee, and Choctaw were all Native American tribes that encountered forced relocation by the United States government to make way for white settlement. Although they were all impacted by the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and faced similar circumstances, their reactions and responses differed. Let's explore how the Seminole's reaction varied from the Cherokee and Choctaw:
1. Cherokee:
The Cherokee Nation resisted removal by legal means. They fought against the Indian Removal Act in court and won a landmark case in the Supreme Court known as Worcester v. Georgia (1832). The court ruled that the Cherokee Nation was a sovereign nation, and Georgia could not enforce its laws within Cherokee territory. Despite this victory, President Andrew Jackson refused to enforce the court's decision, leading to the forcible removal of the Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears.
2. Choctaw:
The Choctaw Nation, faced with the prospect of removal, entered into the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830, surrendering their lands in Mississippi and agreeing to move to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). This decision divided the Choctaw community, causing some to support the treaty and others to oppose it. Nevertheless, around 15,000 Choctaw people were forced to move west, experiencing significant hardships during the journey.
3. Seminole:
Unlike the Cherokee and Choctaw, the Seminole people did not willingly accept removal. They strongly resisted relocation and fought several wars against the United States government, known as the Seminole Wars (1817-1858). The wars were protracted and caused immense suffering on both sides. The Seminole, with their knowledge of the Florida Everglades, used guerrilla warfare tactics that made them challenging to defeat. Many Seminole people managed to remain in Florida despite efforts to remove them, and a significant number never relocated to Indian Territory.
In summary, while the Cherokee fought against removal through legal means and the Choctaw eventually accepted relocation through a treaty, the Seminole resisted removal forcefully, engaging in prolonged conflicts with the United States government. Ultimately, each tribe's experience with removal varied due to their unique circumstances and responses.