Cherokee

Definition

The Cherokee are a Native American tribe originally from the southeastern United States, specifically areas that include present-day North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. They are one of the largest tribes in the U.S. and have a rich cultural heritage that includes a complex social structure, a written language developed by Sequoyah, and a history marked by both adaptation and resistance to European colonization and forced relocation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cherokee originally lived in the southeastern United States and were known for their agriculture, hunting, and sophisticated social structures.
2. During the 1830s, the U.S. government enforced the Indian Removal Act, leading to the tragic Trail of Tears where thousands of Cherokees were forcibly removed from their lands.
3. The Cherokee developed a written language, created by Sequoyah in the early 19th century, which greatly increased literacy rates among their people.
4. Cherokee society traditionally had a matrilineal structure, with lineage and inheritance passed through the mother’s side, which influenced their social organization and roles.
5. Despite historical challenges, including removal and assimilation policies, the Cherokee Nation today is one of the most prominent and successful tribes in the U.S., with a strong cultural identity.

Review Questions

• How did the social structure of the Cherokee influence their community organization and governance?
  • The social structure of the Cherokee was matrilineal, meaning that lineage and inheritance were traced through women. This shaped their community organization by placing women in significant roles regarding family decisions and property ownership. Furthermore, this structure contributed to governance as leaders often emerged from clans led by women, reinforcing the importance of female influence within political processes and societal norms.
• Discuss the implications of the Trail of Tears on Cherokee society and how it has shaped their historical narrative.
  • The Trail of Tears had devastating implications for Cherokee society as it involved forced removal from their ancestral lands, resulting in significant loss of life and culture. This traumatic experience has shaped their historical narrative as a symbol of resilience against oppression. The memories of suffering during this period have influenced contemporary Cherokee identity and their ongoing fight for rights, recognition, and cultural preservation in modern America.
• Evaluate how Sequoyah's creation of the Cherokee syllabary impacted literacy rates among Cherokees and their interactions with European settlers.
  • Sequoyah's development of the Cherokee syllabary significantly increased literacy rates among the Cherokee people by providing them with a written form of their language. This innovation not only empowered them to record their history and culture but also facilitated communication with European settlers. The ability to read and write allowed Cherokees to engage more effectively in negotiations and advocate for their rights during periods of conflict over land and sovereignty, thus enhancing their presence in diplomatic relations with settlers.

Related terms

Trail of Tears:

The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation in the 1830s, resulting in the death of thousands due to harsh conditions during the journey to designated Indian Territory.

Cherokee Nation:

The federally recognized tribal government of the Cherokee people, which oversees the affairs of its citizens and manages programs related to health, education, and economic development.

Sequoyah: A Cherokee silversmith who created the Cherokee syllabary, allowing for a written form of the Cherokee language and significantly contributing to literacy among the tribe.