The removal of the Cherokee Nation from its homeland in the Southeast to a new territory beyond the Mississippi remains a compelling and controversial event in United States history. The Cherokee, more than any other Nation American people, tried to adopt Anglo-American culture. In a remarkably short time, they transformed their society and modified their traditional culture in order to conform to United States policy, to fulfill the expectations of white politicians and philanthropists, and most importantly, to preserve tribal integrity. On the eve of Cherokee removal, many white Americans considered them to be the most "civilized" of all native peoples. Why then were the Cherokees removed? Was it inevitable?

Although most people are familiar with how the Native Americans adopted white man's culture and became "Americanized," many are not aware of what we borrowed from the Indians. They affected virtually every aspect of our lives today including language, government, literature, recreation, medicine, hygiene, and food. European impact on Cherokee culture was most devastating to nature, Europeans influenced Cherokee politics and society and threatened their entire belief system. Their influence also brought dramatic changes in population size, settlement patterns and men's and women's traditional roles. Although some European influences were positive, most were negative, and much of Cherokee culture is lost forever.

Requirements for Programs: lectern