Nov 29, 2006
The Trail of Tears as a Turning Point
The story of the Trail of Tears (1838-1839) continues to command attention and remain relevant because, from a variety of perspectives, its represents a turning point in history.
Viewed as an event on the world stage, the Trail of Tears supplies one example of the ongoing phenomenon of ethnic cleansing.
The Trail of Tears was a watershed national event for the United States in two key ways. First, removal signaled a radical departure from previous U.S. policy towards American Indians. Second, the Trail of Tears marked a somewhat uneasy transition in U.S. political thought from Jeffersonianism to Jacksonianism.
Obviously the Trail of Tears marked a turning point for the Cherokee Nation, as it meant the loss of Cherokee lands and many Cherokee lives, and the challenge of creating a new existence and constitution in Indian Territory. But removal also meant political upheaval for the Cherokees, as violent change underscored the conflicts between preexisting factions and their differing conceptions of Cherokee civilization.
FYI, I discuss these issues and others in my new intellectual history of removal, out this week with Greenwood: The Trail of Tears and Indian Removal.
Viewed as an event on the world stage, the Trail of Tears supplies one example of the ongoing phenomenon of ethnic cleansing.
The Trail of Tears was a watershed national event for the United States in two key ways. First, removal signaled a radical departure from previous U.S. policy towards American Indians. Second, the Trail of Tears marked a somewhat uneasy transition in U.S. political thought from Jeffersonianism to Jacksonianism.
Obviously the Trail of Tears marked a turning point for the Cherokee Nation, as it meant the loss of Cherokee lands and many Cherokee lives, and the challenge of creating a new existence and constitution in Indian Territory. But removal also meant political upheaval for the Cherokees, as violent change underscored the conflicts between preexisting factions and their differing conceptions of Cherokee civilization.
FYI, I discuss these issues and others in my new intellectual history of removal, out this week with Greenwood: The Trail of Tears and Indian Removal.